Looking back at the semester in review:
1. I'm terrible at blogging frequently.
2. A little goes a long way. Amazing how much a phone call to check in on someone or a facebook message can encourage someone. People are desperate to know they are loved, and God's love is often most tangible when it comes through people. That is why Jesus narrowed the entire Law down to two simple instructions: love Him, love people.
3. Comparison tends to steer us towards insecurity (jealousy, powerlessness, or disconnectedness) or arrogance.
4. God is a God of restoration: Of hope, of joy, of peace, of passion, of discouragements of every sort. His heart is for our fullness.
5. Love and honor always move us towards people. Everyone has barriers that keep them from both giving and receiving love.
6. Ministry is not for spiritual All-Stars, because there are none. Everyone has their imperfections and mistakes, but are perfect in Christ. The calling of ministry is inseparable from the belief and faith in Jesus.
7. I'm getting older, slower, and weaker, but it's because of laziness. When I purpose to, I can still hang with those in their athletic primes - which is a great way to build relationships in ministry.
8. We must never stop learning, never become complacent, and settle. One of Satan's greatest lies is that every new step we take is "good enough."
9. Leading two small groups (one of freshmen, the other small group leaders), discipling four student leaders, co leading a group or around 120 student leaders, and helping lead a ministry around 350 people, I've made excuses far too often of not having enough time, lacked intentionality, and have yet to change a culture of the next generation of Christians - this is a glass is half full mentality. Thank you Jesus for an amazing semester. Where we know He is taking us and not being there yet should never keep us from celebrating that which He has done now. Lives have been changed, friendships built, and eyes opened to the Good News. People have been freed from spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical prisons. God is good.
