Friday-Kori styled.

"Imagine...you're walking into a coffee shop one morning to meet your friend, as you do every Saturday morning. He is already seated and has ordered you your favorite drink (grande vanilla chai latte, soy milk, extra hot.) The conversation begins, and the two of you talk about the latest news, that funny thing you did yesterday, and your plans now that you have finally finished university...

Suddenly, you wake up, in a daze, and completely disoriented. Instead of a cozy coffee shop, you are in a dark room, somewhere in an unfamiliar city. For 5 days you are held captive, repeatedly raped, and starved. You are so tired, and emotionally drained; you don't even have the will to resist. You have lost track of how many men have come into the small room, how many times you have been used, abused, and then left alone....yet, the time to think on such things is limited as the next client is already entering the room. You are a victim of human trafficking, sold by a "friend", and left without hope."

When we take action, people notice.
When a group of teenagers that are "supposed" to be out partying and doing things that teenagers do are actually out serving and making a difference in the world, a lot of people take notice.

And, see, I've noticed that many friends of mine are taking action. Being on the offensive, and doing. Not just watching and observing.

So, after a lovely meeting with two friends, I've decided to take to here to tell you all, [and by that I mean the world.] about this thing called the A21 campaign. For those of you that went to Catalyst, [sorry girls. Me and the guys went.] then you should remember a woman by the name of Christine Caine. She was the Australian? The one that couldn't stop moving? The one that had us all ready to beat up any one we ever met that had to do with selling people to Human Trafficking.

Yeah, her. Well, she's in charge of this ministry called A21. Abolishing slavery int he 21st century.
It still happens. It's the worst thing in the world, and it happens.

So, dear friend, fellow interns, lend me your ears.

We are making an impact on this world. But, let's make sure we help others do it also.

Get it, Got it, Good.

Hello Interns, it's Friday.

One of my favorite books is about becoming a nun.

It's true. It's called Forever and Ever, Amen and it was written by Sister Karol Jackowski. The entire book is written about the seven years it takes to become a fully professed sister.
The unusual thing about this book is that it takes place in the late '60s/early '70s. Around the time that Vatican II came about.

Vatican II was the papal decree that the Catholic church needed to change. Mass in English. No alter rails. And even the life of a nun would change.

The thing I like is that Karol is so animated about everything that happened. And how she dealt with communal life.
To read about the struggles and joys that grieved and celebrated together makes me yearn for a more communal life.

Doesn't the bible tell us we should go through life together?
That we should help one another, and rejoice when they do. Grieve when they do.

Now, I ask of you, my fellow interns. Let's be communal. I'm not saying I want you all moving into my room, because, frankly it's tiny.

And my parents would be angry.

But, let's be together. Whether or not in person, in spirit. Be there for one another emotionally.

Yeah, that'd be cool.

Not On My Specified Day, But It'll Do: Drew!

Just wanted to say something about today!

It was raining all day, and I was on my way back from classes at GCC and I had to drive extra slow because I could barely see; though, going this slow got me thinking about how freaking awesome our world is! I was stunned by the rain, how amazing is it that SO much rain could collect and stay suspended above our heads?! Then, by a simple change in temperature or humidity it can all fall down, pouring over a range of locations, cities or even states! It reminds me that there is no way it's a coincidence that our world is located JUST so. A few measurements in any direction and our world would freeze or burn. How amazing is that? The seasonal tree's leaves falling, and coming back to life half a year later, and how fantastic it is that we live in a place where we can just go out and enjoy that everyday? I know it probably sounds elementary, but I think i've taken for granted the world we live in. Being still, has showed me just how superb our world is! I love it! I guess the moral that I learned from today is maybe to slow things down from my everyday life, and just stop. Take a breather, and just absorb all God has given us. I plan to fit this into my schedule and make time to be silent and still. It's nice to have that kind of down time.

--- Drew!

This is a test post

Yellow everybody!

Turtles are cool.

I am in college and have nothing to do right now.

So I'm doing this. with lots of typos. and not caps.

Then I ended this post.

All my love,
Sadie

(this has been a test post of the fairview internship. enjoy it. not that it is all over. the end. end.)

*end*

Friday.

Just, so we have an update from any of the intern, I'm here. Hi guys, it's Friday. I'm Kori.

Since Sunday is Halloween, half the teachers at my school dressed up. My Algebra teacher was a Sith. And he and two other math teachers had a lightsaber battle in the middle of class. Including Mr. Baker leaping over the chairs and "killing" my friend Jazmyn.

I have to say Halloween is the best holiday out there. You can create and become something different than yourself for one night.

And it's awesome.

-Kori.

It's Not My Day

But, since today was our last official intern meeting, I feel like there is something that needs to be said.

To Sadie, from us interns.

So, I took the liberty of doing what I do.

And, I wrote a poem.

For Sadie.

[I know it's horrible. It's supposed to be.]

Late night car rides,
Living what's on the inside.
Random texts of bible verses,
And multiple winces.
"Kick you in the face."
Words carved from fate.

You changed my life,
At IHOP at midnight.
Chick fil a meetings,
Car ride singing.
Our greasy Five Guys
Burgers and Fries.
You know our hearts,
And we'll miss you
When we're all apart.

Snapshots of our lives.
With or without a camera,
We'll never forget.

So, Sadie. That is for you. And also, a not-parting-but-still-kinda-even-though-it's-not-really-leaving gift for you.



And, a part of 1st Chronicles 29:9

⁹ The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD...

all i got is four minutes

Actually, i have...uh...21 minutes (i had to do some serious math just then, and at 11:39 serious math does not compute) to update this blog on time.

Kori technically already updated it for me, but i'ma do it anyways. (this is Elizabeth, by the by)

thats a good song by the way...Believe by Martina McBride...or whatever it's called. i don't remember the exact name...and i would look it up, but then i would be tempted to listen to it, and that would defeat the whole purpose of the fasting.

SO.

i'ma just leave that bit alone.

but the fasting has gone well...i suppose...i will say that it's wierd not having listened to any music nearly for almost 48 hours...this from the girl who averages about 8 or 9 a day what with the radio or itunes up...but the silence has been good for me i think...

My dad has been trying for ages to get me to turn all my electronics and stuff off and my music and just havee silence so that i can think and stuff. and i've never really listened to him...because music has always been kind of like...a conductor to my thinking. i can think while listening, multi-tasking and what not. so i never bothered, but having silence is really bizzare...

i was sitting in my room today, and it was just pressing in on me. the silence was almost palpable...and then i started thinking i heard this ringing...but i think that is just tenitis....which is bascially when your ears are so jacked up from loud noises and what not. apparently factory workers have that a lot.

and there is some cream that can make your tenitis go away. But that is one of those "as seen on tv'' products, so it prolly doesn't even work.

but anywho, i'm just sayin' that the silence i'm beginning to finally get used to is nice...ish...i know that the point of fasting is to get closer to God and what not, and i think the whole silence thing is really ideal for hearing his voice.

ok. last bit. this song 'the alarming sound of a still small voice' by Saosin reminds me of that concept...because...sometimes gods voice is rather alarming, and it's not necissarily like "ASLKDKFAFAJF' sometimes it's more like "skasljfaslf'' but a lot smaller. and then your like "whoah!" and your alarmed.

and thats the whole concept.

but the band is actually secular...so...yeah, but i still think it's a good song, and is sort of applicable...and the first verse is retarded and really emoish, and it gets on my nerves, but the rest is still pretty good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv1CcXZ0Zdg

have a luverly...er...wednesday since there is only a couple minutes in tuesday!!!

I'm Really Studying Right Now

I promise...

Okay, so since I missed the last Intern excursion to Subway on Sunday, what did I miss?

I figured somebody other than the wonderful Sadie Smith should update this.

So, I thought I'd leave you with a slightly hilarious and a slightly less than appropriate video.



It's hilarious. And you have to watch it while you listen. So. Funny.

I apologize. That was uncalled for.

But still.

Okay, so since we're church kids, I should make this into a better post. Um. Lemme see.

Did everyone already begin their fastings? Because I didn't.

Yet...

Psalm 32:10

Many are the woes of the wicked,

but the LORD's unfailing love

surrounds the man who trusts in him.

Trusting? I'm trying. Are you?

Fasting 'N Things

Hello everyone!

First of all, thanks to those of you who came to the sleepover. I hear it only got better after I left (*cough* Frankie *cough*... or should I say "*snore*" ;)) I so appreciate your prayers for my health, I think the sinus infection is finally on the downhill... in time for my exams, yay!

If you have NOT met with a leader, will you please text me so we can get that going?! I want y'all to have the experience of having to do conversation with someone older and wiser (=not me) and seeing that this older generation of ours cares for us way more than we give them credit for.

Finally, I'm going to let y'all read the e-mail Matt sent me on fasting and ask that you continue to consider what you might give up for *at least* one week beginning this Friday (or you could start once you come up with it...). Please spend some time thinking about this.

Question: "Christian fasting - what does the Bible say?"

Answer: Scripture does not command Christians to fast. God does not require or demand it of Christians. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.

Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when fasting from food. Extended periods of time without eating can be harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to God. Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” either. The purpose of a biblical fast is not to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example). Everyone can temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to God.

By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ. Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want. Fasting changes us, not God. Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude.Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Dakota, do you have any information on that one day service project so we can begin trying to coordinate? Thanks!

Alrighty,everyone. I will see y'all Friday at 7:30 p.m. In the meantime, you have my prayers. and my heart.

I'm kidding.

Only kind of.

Just A Small Town Girl

"Living in a lonely world, took the midnight train going anywhere."

Where would you go? Like, seriously. Anywhere for you I can guarantee is different than from me.

We're all different and that's what I love about you guys. [And I'm listening to the Glee version of Don't Stop Believin'.]

Oh.
So, you know that question, why do men have nipples? It's because in the beginning all babies follow the female genetic path.

But!

Since God created Adam, and he wasn't actually born, did Adam have nipples?

This question has honestly been bugging me for a long time.

Intern sleep over at Matt's house Friday at eight. You in?

"But if I say, "I will not mention him
or speak any more in his name,"
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot. " Jeremiah 20:9

Since today's Wednesday,

it's my day to postttttt. (:


Well, I'm reading this book that Sadie gave me called 'I Will Carry You' - Angie Smith.
It's the book from the movie of the baby we watched Sunday. It's getting really sad, because it's telling about how she had miscarriages before she had her twins, and then, it's talking about how she found out she was pregnant with Audry. It's getting really good though.


:D PROM'S COMING UP!
I hope everyone's going to go. Massaponax Prom is May 22, at 8pm at Riverside theater. I can't wait!

text meeee 540-419-0737

Erin Dillonnnnnn,

Hey everyone, (:
I really hope you all had a great spring break. I really didn't do anything, but it was still fun. (:

I stayed out at my aunts house for a few days, talked to some old friends, oh, and went on a break with my boyfriend. /:
but other than that it was good. (:

listen to this song, <3

Today Was A Patronus.

Hello there interns, Kori here.

Hopefully, by now, most of you know I'm kinda obsessed with Harry Potter. (Only kinda.)

So, for those of you who don't know Harry Potter. *ahem*Sadie*ahem* A patronus is a superbly good memory that someone uses to fight away dementors. (The soul sucking demontype things. They're not good. Fyi.)
Well, today I had Chipotle. Making today a very good day. Hence, the title. As well as I had breath in my lungs. My family around me. A house. A life.

I was pretty dandy today. And here's a pretty dandy song that I'm not sure many of you know.



So, have any of the rest of you lot kept up with your quiet time? Listening to your songs? Reading your bibles? I started out reading Luke two nights ago.

(It's quite good.)

But, one of the verses jumped out at me. Mainly because of our topic of discussion last 180. (So long ago...)

And that verse was Luke 6:37.

" ³⁷Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"

We have to forgive to be forgiven.

Basically, I see it like this: We've all screwed up pretty badly at one point in time. Whether it's in our own eyes, the eyes of our friends, the eyes of our family. Or the eyes that matter most.

Gods eyes.

He is what matters most.

Psalm 73:26:
²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

But, just because we've screwed up doesn't mean we shouldn't be forgiven. At least, in Gods eyes.

He offers forgiveness. We must remember to take it. Relish in the forgiveness and grace brought down on us.

John 1:16

¹⁶From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

Can we do that? Can we relish in grace?

I'mma try. How about ya'll try with me?

Fail.

Hey, hey everybody!

Long time, no see. I miss y'all, crazily enough. :)

I do hope each of you had an awesome Easter heading into this break. Use it well, y'all. Get your rest.

(still don't know what I mean by that-- rest? Seriously there is a free coffee and an open mind ready to hear your thoughts and help you think it out. the ability to rest before God is absolutely crucial to you learning anything about what it means to be an effective leader. So let's talk if you need to!)

I have a couple of things for y'all to know--

a. we will be meeting this Sunday (the 11th) at 5

b. we will each be giving a 3-5 minute testimony this Sunday (the 11th) at 180. Yes, all of us. Including me. Including you. It will be crucial to Matt's message, so there is zero chance of him cancelling or postponing us. It doesn't have to be all you talking-- you might want to include a bit of video or song or pictures along with your -who I was -what God did -who I am today.

If you need help, see the above parentheses-- it is my job to offer it to you. So I guess I'd be open to talking. ;)

c. i need each of you to either leave a comment on this post (with your name in comment, as every one of us will show up as the same commenter), send me an e-mail or a text to let me know if you are on spring break this week AND what the results of your survey during our last meeting were (are you prophet, apostle, evangelist, pastor or teacher?) you know, just for my FYI. and once I have that information I will coordinate it. Since, you know, it is my job ;)

d. speaking of job, where are my posts, interns? Okay, it's really not that serious. Like at all. But. I would like to hear from you Eric and Frankie. Because I value your thoughts. That sounds scripted, but I mean it. In a "Frankie, I need your humor to be immortalized on this blog and Eric, I know you have some sort of deep word to share up on here" kind of way.

Kori, what day do you want this week?

e. We are planning the very first (annual? ;)) Matt's House Sleepover for April 16. Dunkin Donuts will be in order for very early Saturday morning and a great time will be had by all. So ALL better be there ;)

f. I go to a bible study on the UMW campus that meets every monday night at 7:30 and you are all cordially invited to see what Christianity on a secular campus looks like. Mike Dudley is the pastor and he is eager to meet y'all and act as a resource to you-- he knows all sorts of student pastors all over the country, and especially in Virginia. I am always willing to pick any or all of you up or have you meet at my apartment to walk on over to the study. I promise it is worth your time.

Speaking of worth your time, can I just say one more time how grateful I am for each of you being a part of this program. Do you feel like you're getting what you want/need from it or from me? Yes, no, maybe so, don't know? Tell me.

The program and I can only meet your expectations if you express them. And I'll have you know that you have a God who loves you enough to want to exceed your expectations. Let's get to know Him. Okay? He has uniquely gifted each of you-- don't be satisfied with so-so!

I am praying for each of you, today specifically, that God would speak to you somehow and that you would be ready to hear Him.

After all, our motto is What is God saying and what are you going to do about it?

You can't fail this internship, y'all.

But you'll feel like a failure in a lot of things if you don't focus on getting that down first. If you don't know God as your portion.

Feeling like a failure today? Not feeling much of anything today?

Don't.

Your life is much too precious for that. Don't believe me?

Go read the Easter story one more time.

Ryans Videos posting

Whats up Fellow Internal injuries and viewers. Okay so we all wonder when we hear or learn something in Church how can we compare in to something in life. Well luckily i did it for you here some videos of topics we have went over at 180.

To start off check out some videos on movements. some show oneperson making a difference others may just join in cuz others are doing it check them out. :)

1.



Ha who knew dancing was so fun!
now for number two

2.



See some times it takes many to get a point across like this one on its view on the attack o Iran.
Now number three my personal favorite

3.



Ha see when you do something trust me someone will believe it and join in!

Now lets get in on the topic of betrayal
are first video is about how a cat cheated on another cat...

1.



I know its harsh poor cat never saw it coming. now are second is when you may stand up a friend on dig a activity. Such as picking up Girls but your friend rather do something else!

2.



Now the next set of videos is my way of uplifting your day. so here they are enjoy.

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI
2.


i hope you liked those now i will give two people video shout outs starting with........DRUM ROLL PLEASE............ FRANKIE here you go we talked about it during a meeting now here are your videos of the week

1.



2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4I2vA9tzsQ

Aha ha and of course i cant leave out Sadie here are two videos i knew you would love

1.



2.



3.



i hope yall liked them . I love yall its great to have multiple personalities under one roof see yall soon. :)

I want everyone to know, (:

That this program is the best thing to happen to me in a long time.

You guys are all so nice, and I feel totally comfortable around all of you. You guys treat me like family, almost, and it's so great to actually have you guys in my life.
My at home life isn't the greatest, so having people that care about me is a great feeling.

Matt Paxson- You have got to be the best youth group leader I have ever met. You teach me so much every sunday, but not only then, every time I talk to you. You have such a way with teenagers, and I really need someone like you in my life. Thank you so much for everything you do for me.
Sadie- you're one of the coolest people I have ever met. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this life changing intern program. You've really helped me with a lot of things at home, and with my mom. I want to thank you so much for giving me a spot in this program, because it really is something that will benefit me in the long run.
Kori- you make me laugh so much. You're such a great person, so never change.
Elizabeth- you're hilarious too, (: I love singing with you in the back of Sadie's car.
Frankie- you're an incredible person, and I hope you'll stay in my life after this internship.
Dakota- I've known you for so long, and I'm so glad we're becoming closer than before. I hope I never lose you.
Ryan- well, you're hardly ever at our meetings, but we forgive you. (: You're a really great person too, and I'm glad I'm finally getting to know you.
Eric- you sure are something special. You give THE best hugs, I have ever gotten, and I really hope that after this internship we stay close. I love being able to talk to you about anything that's on my mind, and you helping me whenever I need it. I'm glad I'm getting way closer to you, and getting to really know who you are.

EVERYONE- I love you guys more and more every day. Thank you all so much for everything you have done to help me.

-Erin Dillon <3

Yesterday Is Gone So Say Goodbye

I'm using this font Trebuchet, becuase I think a trebuchete is something like a giant catapult, and it makes me think of Monty Python and the holy grail when they are flinging diseased farm animals over the castle wall. But i don't actually know what it looks like because i'm writing in that little box thingy, and the font is not changing. so...it may turn out to be completly unreadable. But I really hope that this is not so. =D

There are so many things that I could talk about I can't decide...hm...

A song that i've been listening to again lately is "I will not be moved" by Natalie Grant. Here's a link to it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wu8YM-XDvs

She's just got such a strong voice, very assertive and what not, and if you listen to the song it really shows through with the lyrics and the instrumental aspects of it as well.

I will stumble

I will fall down

But I will not be moved

I will make mistakes

I will face heartache

But I will not be moved

On Christs' solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

I will not be moved


I've always listened to this song when I feel really worn out spiritually, and it always is kind of a kick in the face and it gets me back to where i need to be, and if not where i need to be, it reminds me.

Because thats always been my problem; I become lazy and tired and i just stop trying to live for God and I stop striving to be a better person. i just sorta say "oh...well...i know i shouldn't do this, but it's okay, it's just this one time." and it snow balls in to something rather big, and then it takes far more than a song lyric or too to get me out of the funk.

Revelation 3: 15-16

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!

So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth

It's kind of like Tea. (Lipton tea that is) It makes really yummy hot tea, and awesome iced tea, but the inbetween is just plain nasty. i dunno why, it just is.

God doesn't particularly care for grey areas or in-betweeners, and i don't really blame him.

Have you had any lukewarm tea lately? It ain't exactly a fanfare for your tastebuds.

-Elizabeth

Whatcha Know Good

The best part of my week.

I don't have to show you

you were there.

you saw it.

You are it.

(coincidentally, I do have a life, despite evidence to the contrary)

True.

You are all awesome.

Your jokes, laughs, above average ability to scarf down some food, below average capacity to complete a survey (I tease... sort of), thoughts, and bond delight me.

But.

What makes y'all the best part of my week

is knowing that with you is where I am supposed to be.

Despite how unequipped I sometimes feel. Probably because of how unequipped I feel.

It means God has to take my passion

and interject some purpose.

(Otherwise, we would simply be a few lost college-ish-aged kids confused by score sheets.)

And there in the intersection of those two

lies joy.

So.

The best part of my week is there. Where my passion meets God's purpose.

(Unless, of course, I get too caught up in my own inability or interest to let Him in on it)

I wish

I had the words

to tell each of you how fervently I pray for you to find that place.

To find that peace.

In the meantime, it

thrills

me that this internship is something "you know good" in your week.

Here's my blanket challenge for you this week.

At church,

we act like Christians.

And this is all well and good.

After all, shouldn't Christians act like Christians?

sure.

But. It easily becomes an act.

Like how Kori acted like Satan yesterday.

(like how Dakota acts like he has a bad knee...) (that is a joke) (hope you enjoyed our message)

(we love you)

what does it take to react like a Christian?

how we respond to situations that we

can't plan for

is what reveals the most about us.

Let God be in your rest

and he will show up in the work.

In your interactions. In your needs.

I know you're busy.

Me too.

"Come to me, all you who are weary

and burdened,

and I

will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you

and learn from me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and

my burden is light."

(Matthew 11:28)

...

"I am the vine; you are the branches.

If a man remains in me

and I in him,

he will bear much fruit;

apart from me

you can do nothing."

(John 15:5)

I don't know what your quiet time needs to look like

and I can't shove you in a closet

and tell you that you'll know God better if you read this book

or listen to that song.

But if you get still

He will meet you there.

God as He is

wants you where you are.

That

is what I know good.

The challenge: write "react" somewhere on your hand.

"A man who lacks

judgment

derides his neighbor,

but a man of understanding

holds his tongue."

(Proverbs 11:12)

Use the note on your hand

to remind you

to look for situations

that could use a little less of your lip

and a little more of God's

grace.

If you need an example

check Jesus out.

Mark 14-16.

A little less us

a lot more God.

There you have it.

Easter.

Spend some time really deciding what Easter means

to you and for

your reactions.

God wants you to know some good.

Midweek Madness (in which I use too many parentheses)

Hey everybody! (yeah, yeah, Mom, hey is for horses)

(my mom does not read this blog)

(Matt might, but good grammar is probably the least of his worries concerning me at this point)

First of all, I have to thank you so very much for being there Sunday and for your willingness to take some challenges regarding your spiritual life. I had so much fun getting bonded on Saturday, but the coolest thing about becoming closer is that we're able to be more intimate (Frankie a little more literally, what with all the cuddling...) and honest with our struggles-- and more personal in our discussion of the ways we want to see God work in our lives and through this internship. So let's don't get closer for the sake of being all "group-y" and what not (I really don't forsee this as an issue). Can we make the bonding for a) the sake of cohesion in our pursuit of God and b) openness to challenging each other? (and then c) for the fun inevitably involved!)

From what I've seen so far, y'all are game (especially our resident Rev with the peer counseling ;))

(And that makes me pumped more than you could possibly know)

I have some practical things coming up to assign you to as interns (in the grunt work meaning of the term). There are two events on the horizon that Matt needs assistance with. Each of you needs to commit to at least one:

behind door number 1:

Friday night (3-26-10) is the middle school lock in at the field house a couple of miles from the church. Registration starts at 9:30 p.m. and the most amount of help will be needed until about midnight as students stroll into the event. SO, those of you choosing this option would need to be there around 9:15 to do basic crowd control. I will going at this time, so if you need a ride, shoot me a text!

door number 2:

Next Wednesday (3-31-10) will be the church's Seder Supper, which is a passover week dinner served with lessons on the importance of certain passover tradition. Here you would be responsible for helping to serve the food (not prepare it or anything) and generally being an extra set of hands for Matt. You could also keep kids downstairs during the event if you feel so inclined. This is at 6:30, so you'd need to be there by 6:15 and stay until no later than 8. I have class during this, so I will NOT be able to do rides for you.

*SO, pick one of these things to do (or both if you're feeling ambitious or want a few extra intern points) and let me know which one you're planning on. Thank you for your willingness to get some grunt work done! (you can let me know by leaving a comment on this post, if you'd like)

*Another announcement! I will be leaving Fredericksburg around 1:30 p.m. this Saturday (3-27-10) to get to DC and do the 4:30 NCC service again. Because it was AWESOME, right?! If you'd like to come, let me know, I'm happy to have you along for the ride! Free Ebenezer's might be involved ;)

*We will be meeting this Sunday at 5. Get excited!

Alright, friends, that's it in terms of announcements.

Those of you able to hang around for this past Sunday's meeting, how are the challenges going? (again, you can leave a comment on this post if you'd like to share)

I'm writing this post today because I know by this point the week has a tendency of getting pretty mad and busy and the excitement of the weekend has worn out. BUT, I'm here to encourage you to keep going with them. Given that the basis of each of your challenges is to take time off to rest, think of it as a really good excuse to escape from the escalating madness of the midweek. God wants to know it all. So whether or not you've been keeping up with the "assignment" I gave you up to this point, be sure to take time today to rest from the work. To abide with God and ask Him to show up amongst the madness. To make you fruitful. This internship will only work off of the fruit you develop from having spent this time alone and honest before the Lord we seek to know and serve.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing... This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." -John 15:5, 8

That's Jesus talking there. Assuring you that the time spent alone with God is well worth it. Essential, even. I am praying for you all as you get away for just a bit and thank Him for each of your beautiful faces i mean hearts.

(your faces are beautiful, though)

(see?)

(who else is missing Ryan's beautiful face?) (you can leave your love for him in the comments section, too ;))

(Elizabeth, I don't know how to make your face be not cut out of the picture :-/)

A Full Day With No Other Interns.

And, it's kinda odd now. Good afternoon fellow Injuries. It's Kori here, just hoping today went well, and you all lasted through it. I know I had a nice battle with Geometry and the simple fact that letter and numbers should stay separate, but that's a different story.

But, all today, I couldn't help but think of this past weekend. Mainly because it was so awesome. I don't know about ya'll, but, that's what I have to say.

I had a scripture I wanted to show ya'll. We all had our assignments, and I know I followed through with mine. [Except for the quiet time. That's after I finish this.] I wrote a full page of scriptures and barely squeezed Revelation 21:4 on to the last line.

And that's the scripture I want ya'll to see. When we were at NCC, the pastor talked about a whole slew of scriptures, but Revelation 21:4 kinda stuck out to me. Because when he introduced it to us, he said that it was the promise.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

That seems, to me, the greatest promise I could ever hear. No more death. No mourning. No Crying. No pain.

Pretty sweet, right?
Right. I'd have to agree.

I even kinda starred that passage on my paper. It was just so amazing. This great and wonderful guy named Jesus wants me to not be hurt. He wants to wipe away every tear from my eyes. And from your eyes too. I can't get over how amazing that fact is.

We have a great God. And I so long for Him to be My portion. Not just a portion of my life. But my whole, entire, complete portion.

That line, "The Lord is my portion,therefore I will wait for Him." now has it's own little note card in my wallet. Just a reminder. And, I know He isn't quite my full portion, just yet. [Unfortunately.] But, I'm working on that. And I know I have a great God willing to help me, and great people to hold me accountable for that. *ahem* You guys. *ahem*

[Side note: Does anyone else think that 'Come Thou Fount' sound slightly Scottish? I'm not complaining, but, it surprised me.]

Well, I'm off to my closet. I have some alone time I have to spend with a very special God now.

Hope you're all well.
-Kori.

Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces

Hey Gang!

This is the song Matt wants us to use in the upcoming "Betrayal" message he's doing:

I wanted to put it on here for easy access (which is basically what this blog is for-- easy access to shared resources and/or thoughts) and as I grabbed the video, I noticed that it is from Seether's album entitled "Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces."

It sounded conspicuously like the sermon we heard last night, and I just had to point it out. Speaking of last night, a.) Ryan, we missed you like whoa and b.) I jotted down some of the "main" verses in case you wanted to revisit them.

(for the record, the scratch and sniff still doesn't work... I had to try one more time)

Psalm 115:1--

"Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness."

Philippians 4:8--

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things."

Lamentations 3:17-24--

"I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, 'My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.' I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.

I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."

Y'all. Notice how Jeremiah is saying to himself. I mean we know from context that Jeremiah really did know the Lord as his portion. But here he says it to himself. I know we've all expressed our intent and our desire to know the Lord as our portions. As our leader. As sovereign. And as we struggle to know what that looks like, we know that it's not necessarily where we are.

This week, perhaps knowing God as our portion begins with saying to ourselves, "God is my portion."

Here's my challenge to all of us. A blanket challenge, if you will.

Before you leave your room every day this week, say to yourself "God is my portion, therefore I wait for Him." You can put it on a notecard to remember if you have to. What circumstances are you waiting for Him to change? What negatives in your life keep you from finding His beauty and knowing Him as your portion?

Don't focus on them. (easier said than done, I am so very more than aware)

Do you want to yell back? Do you want things to be made right? Think you know how to protect yourself? Holding a grudge? Want your own revenge? Feeling discouraged?

Here's what I get from the Lamentations passage-- God's redemption, the way He makes right the wrongs in our life, is so much better than our own revenge. "therefore I will wait for Him...". So he may not avenge the situations the way we want, but He has the power to make our hearts patient as we wait for His redemption of the situation.

It's in the waiting for God that we begin to find the beauty in all the negative spaces around us. And knowing that peace begins with saying we believe God when He says He'll bring it.

So say it. At least once in the morning. And as it becomes your focus, I'm willing to bet the thought will come up again during the day... "The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for Him."

All That I Can Say

If you're reading this, you're probably hearing David Crowder Band's "All That I Can Say" through your speakers.

If you aren't, then the references to the song won't make sense much, will they?

The truth is (and by now, if you were at Thursday's meeting, you all know I'm all for the cold, hard, gory truth) that what we're getting at here with this internship program is far beyond what I am capable of doing for you. Spiritual growth, y'all, is not something I can do for you. And that is what this internship is about.

Is it the free food and the hang time and the resume building and the record appealing and opportunity giving experience we advertised? Certainly. I can't wait to help you get plugged in. For those of you wanting to do music, I guess I mean that literally. But for the most part, I'm getting more involved in this church with you, not for you. Both the physical service and the honest spiritual growth are relatively new to me, too.

So if for some reason you feel behind, don't.

If for some reason you don't really feel like you measure up to the job, stop.

If you think that the parts when I sit and talk about God are the times to check out because He is just to far away, tune in.

If you don't really even know what spiritual growth looks like or how in the world it's going to happen in your life, join the club.

Is your testimony not impressive enough, too rough, embarrassing, humbling, raw, deep, complicated, too good, too bad, too short, too long? Do you not know what to say? Do you hurt because when I say our motto is "what is God telling me and what am I going to do about it?" you don't know how to hear God, much less what He is telling you?

You. are. not. alone. Your self-proclaimed little "fearless leader" here treads beside you. And it scares me that I am somehow entrusted with your spiritual wellbeing when I have not even scratched the surface of what it is to know and love God, to want Him in my life for myself. Much less to lead you there. But I would not be here, writing this, leading you, if I did not feel absolutely certain that this is what I am supposed to be doing.

I am scared because I know I'm not who you want to become like. Trust me. I feel uncool and inadequate more than you could possibly know. But I am confident because I know that God is who you're going to want to become like. Even if you don't feel that now, I am sure it is what we're all searching for in having joined this program. Everything that is wrong in our lives and in this world is because way back when we as people decided to quit trying to be like God and started trying to compete with Him. In competition for control, for joy, for fulfillment.

We'll take our control and we'll be perfectly happy with it, thank Him very much.

He'll see.

Who needs patience, or humility, or gentleness? I'll go looking for and find my own validation. Just sit back and watch how it's done, God.

(there's never a good way to denote sarcasm in the written word, but I hope you picked up on it over the past few lines).

Meanwhile, we ignore the part of us that knows in all of this competition with God, we'll never really be Him. We'll always wonder why bad things happen to good people, why bad people don't get what they deserve, why we have so much when have nots go starving on the streets at night. And if we allow ourselves, we visit that hole and realize that we'll never know the answer. That as much as we want to and as hard as we try, we will never be as good as other people expect us to be, as we want to be, or as we could be if we're working in our own strength, with our own thoughts, in our own ways. Sometimes revisiting that hole in my own life, the ways in which I don't measure up, is downright overwhelming. And I can't make you go there in your own life.

Only you can make that choice. To admit to God that you don't have the answers and that you feel out of control. Lonely. Inadequate. Cheapened. Guilty. Maybe you don't even feel like you feel burdened enough by how really sinful you are (and I am right there with you). And then I can't make you ask God to begin to reveal it to you. The tough thing about pride is that you don't really see it until it hits you, and then it slams you (those of you at the meeting tonight know that I know a little something about that, too!) I can tell you that we're all prideful. That wanting to believe we've got it under control, we don't have to pay attention to the God part of the internship-- this life, even-- it's pride. But. I can't convict you of it. I can't tell you where and how it rears its ugly head in your life. You have to find it. You have to want to change it.

I know because if I had a piece of paper tonight during my quiet time (that coincidentally (or not?) takes place on my closet floor, where my jeans from, well, you know, still sit balled up in the very far corner) that told me to lie face down on the ground and cry sincerely before God because I feel so not good enough, because I feel so burdened by the things I know y'all are struggling with (things that I don't even know in full), it would not have worked.

But I did do it.

Not because someone told me to, but because I felt it. With my heart I want you to know I'd give up the money from this job in a heartbeat to take away just a bit of the pain and stress you deal with.

But I can't. No money, no thing, no service act I help you coordinate will take away the pain or the stress. It might make you happy for a while, but the joy would still be missing. Take it from the girl who was raised with plenty, in want of very little, who did her best to dutifully serve the church from day 1-- the joy can still be missing.

I'd love to take the pain and stress away from you so that you could feel like you have the "Step 3: Who I am today" in your testimony mastered. But the truth is that you and I? We're works in progress. And that can be your Step 3. You can be sure that when you ask God to do something, He will bring about progress. You just have to be ready to look for it.

The pain and the stress? They are not of God. He never wanted to watch you struggle with it. He so badly wants to take it away from you that He sent His Son to die on a cross so that you could give it over. The pain and the stress and the feelings of inadequacy, I so wish I could take from you (and from myself). But then you'd miss it, and I'd miss it. What it is actually like to watch God work with it. To see Him use our lives despite us.

If you learn anything from me, if you grow at all in the next seven weeks, it will have been despite me. And it will have been despite yourselves.

Don't be humiliated by that you don't feel your story glorifies you.

Be humbled by that your story, despite yourself, can glorify God.

You have to want to let it.

Sometimes there is nothing to say before God. Sometimes you just have to go there and rest. Take yourself and all your problems, and put them before God. Tell Him you have nothing else to offer but this seemingly incomplete, inadequate life. Tell God you feel distant if you feel distant from Him. Tell Him you don't know how to serve or where to serve but that you want the heart of a servant because you're having a hard time striking it rich on your own. And don't wait to be rich to feel like God hears you. Don't wait until your knee feels fine again or your team wins or you get that A or that boy likes you or your family has their act together to believe that God hears you or is holding you. He doesn't need you to have your act together. He doesn't need to see you perfectly perched on that chair, He knows you're peeing in your chair (you know, metaphorically). Will you look crazy, imperfect, humiliated by getting up and showing Him the stains?

To anyone else you might. But is it worth swallowing your pride and showing Him the stains anyway to get a change of clothes?

He doesn't need you to look perfect. God knows that He is perfect and knows you aren't. The pressure is off there. The challenge is believing Him enough to expose our stains and trust Him to get the glory. He is willing to share it. He'll give you a change of clothes, a change of heart.

Do we want it?

Listen to the song again.

"Lord I'm tired

So tired from walking

And Lord I'm so alone

And Lord the dark

Is creeping in

Creeping up

To swallow me

I think I'll stop

Rest here a while

And didn't You see me cry'n?

And didn't You hear me call Your name?

Wasn't it You I gave my heart to?

I wish You'd remember

Where you sat it down

Chorus:

And this is all that I can say right now

i know it's not much

And this is all that I can give

yeah that's my everything

Bridge:

I didn't notice You were standing here

I didn't know that

That was You holding me

I didn't notice You were cry'n too

I didn't know that

That was You washing my feet"

For what it's worth (and I think it's worth a lot or I wouldn't be doing it), I am praying for each of you by name. Your concerns are neither too big nor too small for me to care. But what I hope you're getting is that they are neither too big nor too small for God to care. So I pray to Him on your behalf, that He'd begin to show you what and how to lay down in front of Him.

Also for what it's worth (and my salary says it's worth at least a couple thousand of dollars), I'm here for you. Call me ((501) 247-9067), text me, e-mail me (ssmith8@mail.umw.edu), yell my name from across the room if you need to talk or have an idea.