Jan 2021 Update

 Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a great start February (what?!) 2021. January in Orlando is beautiful, and I wanted to share a couple pictures :) The sky and waters are still one of my favorite things here. 

Virtual Winter Conference!

In the past, Cru hosted Winter Conferences all over the US during Christmas break, where thousands of students gather in person to hear dynamic messages and worship together. Because of COVID, Cru will be hosting its first National Virtual Winter Conference this weekend, February 5-6. Students will pause and sit in the presence of Jesus, hear inspiring messages from God’s Word, join the body of Christ in passionate worship, and have a little fun! Even though this is nothing like a normal Winter Conference, I’m excited for the unexpected ways God will be moving throughout the event.

Since this event is virtual, you can also participate! Check out details on the website (that I helped build): https://winterconference.org/

 Praise God that over 5,000 college students have registered for Winter Conference! Because of your prayer and support, these students are able to hear the message of Christ and participate in this conference. Please pray that students will experience the Lord in new and intimate ways, no matter where they will be participating.

Lessons from a Labyrinth

As a Cru employee, I have the privilege of taking a half day with the Lord every month. For me, it’s typically an afternoon where I read Scripture, pray, and journal, sometimes by a lake or nature-y location. This month, a Cru staff named Jenny recommended spending time at San Pedro Center, a retreat destination half an hour away.

There is a labyrinth at San Pedro, and Jenny said it would be a good exercise to pray while walking to the center and back out again. It’s like following God’s will, she added. So I did. After all, I am in the process of figuring out God's plan for me after this internship ends in May. As I reflect on my prayer walk, here are some things I learned:

• Patience. I was about three-quarters of the way to the center when I threw my hands up in exasperation: “God, this is taking forever!!” I didn’t know that walking to the center could take so long. But perhaps through the journey, God is shaping my character, teaching me perseverance, patience, and humility.
• Progress. The labyrinth weaves in and out; I’d feel close to the center, but the path leads me away. At one point, I was very close to the starting spot, but I had been walking for awhile. Progress looks deceiving, and following God is not necessarily a straight path (ugh, why not).
• One step at a time. Even though I could see the entire labyrinth, it was too confusing to map out the windy path with my eyes. Instead, I focused on taking one step at a time, knowing that each step led me closer to the center. If I can trust the designer of the labyrinth to lead me to the center, how much more can I trust the Designer of my life to lead me in His plan for my life?

Even the sermon this weekend reminded me that God doesn’t show us the entire plan; rather, He reveals the next step to build our faith. I'm learning not to look for God's five year plan, but to live in His Spirit and strength day by day, one step at a time. 

What has God been teaching you lately? I'd love to hear how God is speaking to you!

Thank you for your prayer and support. It is a privilege to partner with you in reaching students for the Lord.