In repetition...

Sometimes, when you hear the same advice with the same wording over and over again, you begin to think there's something that the Holy Spirit has to say.

In First Years...

I am incredibly encouraged about the incoming class here at Duke Divinity School.  The people I encountered this past week helping with the BriDDDge program (Building Relationships in Durham [through] Duke Divinity Graduate Education) are quite incredible.  They are blessed to be at DDS, but DDS is also blessed to have them.  The love of Christ radiates from each of them, and renews my own spirit and passion for God's church and God's people.  I look forward to meeting even more over the next few days, weeks, and months.

In the Cupid Shuffle...

I have been participating in a pre-enrollment program at Duke Divinity School called BriDDDge.  The past couple of days have been very difficult days personally for me (just a lot of stuff on the "mind grapes"), and on our schedule tonight was a dance with a ministry called "Reality Ministries".  Reality Ministries is a local organization in Durham that works with groups of people that society has marginalized.  One of those groups is the mentally handicapped.  I had no interest in being extroverted and dancing (especially for ministry), but it was a wonderful time.  For the first time in a while, I was able to let my hair down, and just have fun and be goofy and remember the me that I actually really like.  And it was extremely life-giving to spend time with a group of people who love life and love people and are so willing to share that love.  It was an incredible blessing that was so desperately needed.

In a New Home...

A year ago, I moved to Durham, North Carolina in answer to a call I feel God has put on my life to be in ministry.  It has been a difficult transition at times, and I have resisted the idea of even being here.  So hesitant was I to connect to this place originally that I refused to call where I lived last year "home" (I didn't even label it as "home" on my GPS).  I am now setting down some roots and have moved into a new house with friends.  I painted my bedroom today, and it really is starting to feel like "home".

"Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come.
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will [has] lead [led] me home."

In Excitement for the Future...

I picked up the keys to the new house I'll be staying in this coming school year, and I was genuinely excited about it.  Given that there were times last year when I was dreading this school year, the excitement is a God-send.

In Struggle...

It's no secret at this point that I have dealt with anxiety for a good portion of my life.  This morning, for reasons I couldn't quite understand, my anxiety level was quite high.  It was painful to not feel in control of my emotions.  All I could do at one point was pace around my office, worrying... worrying... worrying... about unimportant things.  But in those moments of weakness, God's strength and provision shines through.  It shines through in moments where I am brought to my knees (or under my desk, as it were) to pray.  It shines through in moments where friends allow me to be me in all of my "craziness" and struggles.  I would like to see God in more enjoyable things, but the pain reminds me of my need for God.

In My Summer Church Family...

Last night, the church that I'm serving this summer (Bethany United Methodist Church, Wanchese, NC) held a potluck in my honor and allowed me to preach one last sermon this summer.  They have been such a blessing and so welcoming this summer.  I will miss the people here quite a bit.