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.