Christmas Time Is Here

Should my blog post titles reflect the last month.. or the month to come? It would make sense for it to correspond to the last month, the one that I'm writing about. But at the same time, I also like writing about the present and the future. So here we are.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving (whether socially distanced, quarantined, or celebrated like any other year) that helped you take this year into perspective. Despite the current mess we're in, there is still so much to be thankful for! Family, friends, jobs, marriages and babies. Loves, likes, the clothes we wear, and shelter from the weather. The list can go on! I encourage you to comment with something that you've been thinking of recently that you're thankful for!

Personal Updates:

I started pre-engagement counseling with my girlfriend, Stephanie! Pre-engagement counseling consists of working through a 10 lesson 'course' with a couple that has been married for at least 5 years in our church; the lessons help us think through a multitude of things - aspects in relationships, ranging from familial background to communication and budgeting - that we may not have thought about much before and help us bring weaknesses (and strengths) to light. I'm excited for what the future holds for my relationship and hope to bring y'all some good news next year. (But you know, if it isn't in God's plan...)

I'm also taking a class on the Holy Spirit with the apprentices. We're reading through the book, Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God by Gordon Fee. And let me ask you this: WHAT? That's all. All of these classes just illuminate how much I have yet to learn and experience and I'm ready for it.. just give me a second to wrap my brain around everything first.

Ministry Updates:

I just wanted to update y'all on our Keep FOCUS Growing annual fundraiser. After all was accounted for, we raised $104,748! Thank you all so much for your contributions, for your support, prayers, and for helping us continue our work of bringing Jesus-loving communities to college campuses in the DFW area. God has blessed us, despite the uncertainties of the world around us; His promise remains!

If you would, please pray about the following:

- That our students go home filled with the Spirit, being salt and light to those around them. That the fear of the virus will not hide their love for Christ!

- That this season will remind people of the hope that is in Jesus. Hope in the life to come and confidence in His word.

- As cases begin to rise again, pray for the health and wellbeing of the vulnerable and marginalized.

SMU had an outdoor Thanksgiving dinner. This ministry has doubled since last year and God is doing something special on this campus! The stories that I hear from our leaders on SMU about these students express a longing for community and a real relationship with God.

A behind-the-scenes look at UTD's Friday night Deep Dive service! A huge shout-out to the students and ministers that come early to set this up for the students so that they have a place to gather and listen to the word.

My brother built a wood fire pit in the backyard which has been a neat addition during this colder weather! The Internet reaches that space so I can work while freezing my tail off (and heating my face off).

Richland had their Christmas party the other day (their last gathering of the year). What a blessing these ministers and students have been in my life! I'm so thankful that God has called them to be faithful to this ministry and for their faithfulness in coming every week.