Lifegroup Leader

Don't you love titles? They just give away what I'm writing about. So on to polar bears and penguins:

Yup, me and two other cool people are leading a lifegroup (<- click). What this means: I really have no idea. I figure that's for the best as it leaves more room for Jesus, right?

P.S. There are also a bunch of random words throughout my blog that you can click on...many of which do not appear that way until you mouse over them.

Dallas Outreach

As part of our Equip discipleship school, there are two outreaches that our class goes on. One is to a church plant in the United States, and the second one is to a church plant overseas. This past weekend, we went on our outreach in the United States, to a church called Mercy Place in Dallas. We arrived Friday at 7pm and left that Sunday at 2pm.

Just about everyone in our class saw a first hand healing. I know factually of at least 7 salvations that happened, but I'm also quite confident there were more. You see, we didn't have time to allow everyone to share how Jesus moved that weekend because there were so many stories! Majority of our time was spent treasure hunting and prayer walking, but we also had lunch with patients at a near by mental institution, where the following happened:

A couple of people in our class were talking with one gentleman. He explained to them how he was schizophrenic, always hearing multiple voices. When asked by one guy on our team if the voices were saying anything now, he said, "Yes, they're telling me to run away from you guys." The guy in our class asked this gentleman if he could pray for him, which he responded, "I'd rather you didn't." Our guy was determined, however, and went to one of our class directors asking what to do. Our director told the guy to tell the gentleman with schizophrenia that he was going to pray for him, and to do it. So he did.

As soon as he started praying, tears started flowing from the gentleman. When he finished, he asked the gentleman if anything happened. The gentleman replied, "As soon as you started praying, all of the voices stopped, and one loud voice said, 'Be at peace'." The gentleman was then so overcome with emotion that he ran into his room, locking the door behind him.

Oh, and we also saw someone's leg grow at the Sunday service, healing their scoliosis.

What a weekend!

Holiday Malfunction

Coming from a university where students pride themselves on never going to a football game, it's a bit of a shock moving to a football culture where the outcome of the game dictates the emotional stability of everyone the following day. Imagine my surprise when the city of Norman up and cancels Halloween due to the fact that a game was scheduled the same day.

Halloween to me has always been a holiday dedicated solely to candy. Any way you look at it, it's still a holiday, right? October 31st is/has/continues to be Halloween. You see, when the Sooners played the Kansas State Wildcats, it was a humongous interference. Oklahoma could not deal with this horrible atrocity of something overshadowing football, regardless of the fact that is was a national holiday, so it up and canceled Halloween.

OK! So it wasn't a full on cancellation, but Norman DID switch the days of trick-or-treating to Friday October 30th! No joke! That is how seriously they take football. People are so serious about football that I found a total of 2 articles on the holiday switch. Both of which I can now no longer find.

assaulted by a knight in shining armor

A morning cancellation just about made my day as I was able to sleep in! The fallout to that was being unable to sleep past 9am :( Whatever. I got up.

I headed out of my room in search of some good coffee, reached for my door, opened it, and came face to face with a knight in shining armor! Adrenaline surged through my veins as my three blood curdling screams ricocheted throughout my house. It was at that moment I realized the knight's feet were built into a stand, and I heard my sister's laughter come wafting at me from around the corner.

You see, my roommate the night before reacquired this knight in shining armor statue, exactly 5 feet tall. Why is this important? 5 feet is also my height to a T, so I literally came face to face with it when I woke up. Anyway, she decided the best place for it before the knight went back to its owner was directly outside my bedroom door, mainly to get back at me for all the times I scared her.

It worked.

So for the next two weeks, the knight found itself in many a place to illicit a most terrifying response. It rarely worked. The sad thing about this picture is not where it was taken (my roommate's closet), but the fact that it took her a week to find out it was in there.

Treasure Hunt

As part of my class, we have to share the Gospel at least 3 times a week. I really don't enjoy convicting myself to go up to complete strangers on no urging but my own to share. My solution: Treasure Hunt. You wait on the Lord for peoples names, locations, articles of clothing their wearing, and things they need to be prayed for.

I hadn't done it before, but I wanted to, so I invited a friend of mine from class that hadn't done it either. So we're sitting in my living room before we go, waiting on the Lord. I am so convinced that I'm making up what I'm getting, but I decide to write them down anyway: Wendy's chocolate frosty, Ben, blue shirt, Carrie, left foot, cursive white writing with a red or black background restaurant sign. Also got a white T-shirt and left foot from earlier that I decided to add to my list. My friend got the name Sarah and flowers.

What happened? We started at Wendy's with chocolate frosty's, found no one there contained any of our names, so we moved on. Drove around for an hour stopping at random locations at which EVERY male was wearing a blue shirt, none of them named Ben. We even managed to hit Sonic where all employees wore blue shirts, again with no luck. Frustrated, we paused in a parking lot, asked Dad for more guidance, when my friend got a certain intersection. I got a picture of a building a lot like Walgreens, but discounted it because I was staring at one before I closed my eyes to pray.

At the intersection, I noticed immediately a CVS (which is another type of Walgreens), and eventually we hit it after more unsuccessful stops. We decided not to strive, and just walk around asking people's names. How many guys in that store? At least 5, all of which were wearing blue, and none of which were named Ben. No Sarah's or Carrie's either.

On our way out, we decide to ask the cashier what her name is. Before we could she ducked down behind a blue bin. She pops up, and what's her name? Carrie, who is also wearing a blue shirt. Of course. We struck up a conversation with her, told her about the Treasure Hunt, and that she was our treasure! We then asked her if her foot hurt. "Yes!" she says. "I know," I say to myself. "Which one?" I say outloud. "My left foot," she says. "I know," again to myself.

So we pray, "Holy Spirit come". That's it. "How's it feeling?" We ask. "The pain is gone!" she says. We asked her if she knew Jesus, got into a nice conversation, and left totally filled with faith. Yay Jesus!

EQUIP

Upon moving to Norman, I realized that growth would happen. What I didn't expect was how fast it would happen. With the encouragement/pushing of a wiser woman, I applied for and got accepted to Equip. What is it? It is a 10 month discipleship school meant to "establish a biblical foundation, to live a Kingdom lifestyle and impact the world". OK, so what does that mean?

In pursuit of Jesus, I am actively being discipled, actively looking for someone to disciple, doing weekly scripture memory and reading, spending at least an hour with Him a day, sharing Him at least 3 times a week, and these are but a few. Class started with a retreat September 12th, and already God has revealed himself to me in more intimate ways.

For starters, I am learning to daily hear from God, and look to him as a loving Daddy. I'm not fully there yet, but I will be soon. Just this past week, my friend and I went out to share our faith. She heard the word "Starbucks" and I got a pain in my leg that I haven't had before, so I considered it a word of knowledge. We went in, struck up a conversation with the baristas there, and one said she had pain in her knee, due to the fact that she blew it out. I took her aside and prayed over her knee 3 times. End result: pain free leg that Jesus healed!

It's a Girl!

My sister and I were so lucky this past Thursday: Our other sister was pregnant, due the beginning of October. We both really wanted to be there for the birth of their child, our first niece or nephew (that's right, they decided to not find out what they were having), but we had absolutely no idea when it would happen. We got a call last Tuesday telling us the doctor was going to induce her on Thursday! Yes! This meant we could actually plan to get down there and not miss it! Thank you Jesus!

Everyone got there with perfect timing. Five minutes after my dad walked into the room, the nurse came in, said my sister was dialted 10 inches, and ready to start delivery. Her response? "Nope. No. I can wait a bit. Really. No."

So, we left her and her husband to the care of the doctors around 5:30pm while we chilled in the waiting room, discussing what it would be. Then we waited. And waited. 7pm rolled around, and we are still waiting. Finally, our brother-in-law shows up around 7:10pm (of course the one time none of us were looking at the door) and says, "Oh, sorry guys. I texted my dad already, and I didn't want him to come down here and ruin it for you. It's a girl." An outbreak of cheering erupted, especially from my sister who really did not like the name they picked out for a boy. "Her name is Caylee Grace. I mean, I think Grace, I need to check with [my wife] to see if she likes that as a middle name. She was born around 6:45pm, 5lbs 11oz".

And then we had to wait another hour until we could actually see and hold her.

Is this real life?

Having no sleep the night prior to my flight to Atlantis, caffeine became my constant companion. On the flight to the Bahamas (first class!), the flight attendant comes over, asking what I would like to drink. "I would really love a cup of coffee," I say.

Her jaw dropped. "Your mother lets you drink coffee?!"

I laughed, holding my hands up defensively, "No, no, it's OK, I'm 22." Twas at that precise moment when the mother of the family I was traveling with turned around in her seat and exclaimed, "Is my 16 year old daughter trying to tell you she's 22 again?" So, in answer to the question of male suitors down south, the answer is simply; there was none. Everyone thought I was 12.

Basically, I vacationed for a week. I rode every water-slide at Atlantis, snorkeled with and fed wild sharks and sting rays, snorkeled with 10 feet manta rays, went to a private island, and oh yeah, got lost on a bus. You see, we were trying to get back to the hotel after the private island. Instead, we managed to take an hour bus ride to downtown Nassau. The driver was less than pleased.

Fun in Airports

Starting with my adventure in the Denver International Airport, running like a crazy person to catch my flight (I got on board at 6:58am but was not the last person to board! However, because of our lateness, we delayed the flight another twenty minutes while they loaded our bags), I have been spending a lot of time in airports. I got a marvelous privilege to spend a week with a family at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. More to come on that note.

Taking one look at the DFW airport, I cannot stop myself from thinking how ghetto it is. Surrounding it is a booming metroplex, large population, multi-national headquarters, and yet, ghetto DFW. There is one exception: terminal D, the international terminal. I flew into the international terminal to meet up with the family on the way to the Bahamas (we all know Oklahoma is it's own country), and what's the first thing I see? A castle.

"Well, that's cool!" I'm thinking to myself. "I've got time to kill, I'll go get my coffee, and chill out in the castle." I start walking in the direction of Starbucks, when I am bombarded by cafés galore, advertisements the sizes of buildings, and my personal favorite; vending machines. I know you've seen 'em, the Best Buy and Apple vending machines, but I start giggling at the sight of this one:

Proactiv. I get it, you're on your way to a big business meeting, you're stressed out beyond belief, and so is your face. No worries, just pop in your credit card, and away you go. Oh, what I would have given to see someone purchase that!

Colorado

Upon what Base was fixed the Lath wherein

He turned this Globe, and riggalled it so trim?
Who Laced and Filleted the earth so fine,
With Rivers like green Ribbons Smaragdine?
Who th' Curtain rods made for this Tapestry?
Who hung the twinkling Lanthorns in the Sky?
Who? who did this? or who is He? Why, know
It's Only Might Almighty this did do.
His hand hath made this noble work which Stands
His Glorious Handiwork not made by hands.
~Edward Taylor From God's Determinations: The Preface

I'm pretty sure Edward Taylor was inspired by the mountains of Colorado when writing this. I got to spend a weekend in the mountains of Colorado for one of my childhood friend's wedding. The problem in catching up with old friends, especially during a big event when time is limited means that sleep becomes trivial. A problem indeed, as my brain does not function when sleep is depleted. As they drove me back to the airport (super late I might add: I checked my bags at 6:45am when my flight was at 7am), her husband turned around stating, "This is the quietest I have ever heard you. You must be tired!'"

Since time was short, I was unable to accomplish a few of my goals such as:
1. Visit King Soopers (a grocery-store chain in Colorado)
2. Visit my childhood home
3. Go four-wheeling
4. Go snowboarding

I guess this means I require a second trip.

Middle Eastern Coffee

My sister has a job at Starbucks. This means free coffee, discounted drinks, and a gateway into a coffee-loving atmosphere; however, this does not mean that she makes the morning coffee. Every person that has made me regular at-home coffee that works/worked for Starbucks seems to make VERY STRONG coffee. Don't know why, they just do, and it's hard to compete with a professional when all I want is normal coffee with room for half & half. Thus, when my sister makes it, I have to add water, then half & half. Overall, it's a good thing I make it, even if not to her specifications.

For the past couple of weeks, I just could not get the coffee to taste right. I could not understand why. I mean, 3 Starbucks spoonfuls of coffee (with the Starbucks measuring cup-yeah, that's why only 3), 6 cups of water, and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Admit it, the most amazing coffee recipe period. So what was going wrong?! One morning my sister was in the kitchen during the process: "Did you just add turmeric to the coffee?!" After getting over the initial shock that she could verbally communicate this early, I looked at her disdainfully replying, "No, it's cinnamo-". I glanced down. "oh...", I replied mentally and verbally, "whoops, haha, um, it is turmeric."

In conclusion: I now know how to make "Middle Eastern Coffee". 3 Starbucks spoonfuls of coffee, 6 cups of water, and a sprinkle of turmeric on top. As stated it makes 6 cups of coffee, which we find perfect for two people.

God is on the move!

The community here is phenomenal. No, seriously, it's stinkin' awesome! As unemployment is my new social status, the Body of Christ here has just come along side of me and given me little odd jobs to do that pay the bills. I am finding so much joy and satisfaction in the works of my hands. Antioch is one the first churches I've been a part of that really focus on God the Trinity, and the first I've seen in pursuit of the Acts 2:42-47 church. So many I've been to have focused solely on Jesus and completely cut out the Holy Spirit, and we all know those that only focus on the Holy Spirit...they scare me.

It's impossible to talk about community without writing about the community groups. Last week our young adult group spent our time together in worship and prayer for OU, unity among the churches, the city of Norman, Iran, etc. God met us there in powerful ways: One girl was unable to raise her arm up due to an injured shoulder, so some gathered around to pray for her and Jesus completely healed it! And this is only one such healing! There were breakthroughs in peoples lives and someone even made a decision to follow Christ! God is on the move!

P.S. Kim Walker may just be my new favorite artist. You should totally check her out.

Learning about myself

Aside from learning that I can sleep through a tornado, living with my sister has taught me much about myself. For example, I am unable to start a conversation without an introduction such as, "Hey Rachel" or "So...". Without fail, every conversation is started that way even though we are currently the only two people in the house.

I've also learned of the many traits that I've inherited from my parents, rightly so as I have lived with them the longest. From my dad I've inherited a nitpicking attitude surrounding the appearance of our house and lawn. Although I can remember crying out in my youth, "There are child labor laws, Dad!", I am now so thankful that I know how to mow the lawn, check my tire pressure, and, oh yeah, paint the flippin' walls! The former tenants left many holes in the walls, covered over by a VERY POOR plaster job, covered over again by mismatching paint. What this means: smoothing out the plaster job, spackling up the holes, and repainting our ENTIRE living room and hall. Starting tomorrow that is. And this is only one such repair. No seriously, click on the picture below, this is what EVERY wall looks like.

From my mother, I've picked up many unique phrases like when an ornery child is around, he is "being a Crabby Appleton". I also have to have my hands talking with me at all times, which is especially fun as I often forget the word I am trying to say and thus must act it out. Some common words are "bowl", "lawnmower", and my personal favorite, "coffee grinder". It's especially entertaining when this happens during a phone call leaving awkward silences in the midst of me acting out the word...like they can actually see it.

What an adventure so far!

"Close your eyes and open your mouth". Under normal circumstances, these words pertain to some type of delicious food item. When used by the ingenious pre-planning mindset of a 4 year old boy, the result is a slimy worm in your mouth. That is exactly what Terrance got. Myself and 3 others spent the past weekend watching the kiddos at a leadership retreat for Antioch Community Church Norman. Our weekend was filled with many similar stories, like in the picture above (Terrance, myself, and half the kids) riding Shamu the Whale minutes before it tipped over throwing the kids screaming and crying hysterically in the water. Someone really should have explained to them beforehand that you let go of the whale when it's tipping over....

Having moved to Norman the day before the retreat, and constantly cleaning our house and applying for jobs after returning, I can honestly say that I hit the ground running. However, from the moment I arrived, I've been surrounded by members of Antioch, and consequently, a deep peace has surrounded my heart. There is an overwhelming sense of community, happiness, and passion for Jesus that cannot help but be poured out on others. I truly feel at home here and blessed to be a part of the Bride of Christ.

A New Beginning

It's astounding to me that May is already gone. With its passing comes the realization that I graduated college, had lasik surgery, packed up my apartment, moved out of Denton, but mostly, that I finished another chapter of my life. What better time to graduate than in a booming economy like ours- Oh wait, you say the economy crashed?! Well, at least I have a solid degree in, um...film. Oh, lovely...unemployment. Well, with every ending comes a new beginning, and my new beginning will start in Norman, Oklahoma. I'm finding much truth in the words of the ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, "The only constant is change". With many mistakes behind me, and probably more before me, forward I go. May God give me much laughter.