A Time of Transition

  February went by in a flash and still managed to contain several major events!  Melissa organized our Valentathalon celebration this year and it was a huge success.  If you have never heard of this event all I can say is love and athletic competition meets work out attire and formal wear.  Melissa's blog has some great pictures to help you get the idea!  Our parent night was a huge success. Several parents and students shared about FOCUS and the impact that the community has had on their lives. Just like winter camp I felt that I had the best view in the house that night.  Pregnancy has me always in the back ready for a restroom escape, but at the same time getting to see the full picture of worship team, parents, students, visiting staff, and supporters.  A huge thank you to all of you who made that night so meaningful. It was especially meaningful since it was the last UNT FOCUS event that I will be able to attend this semester.

Parent Night 2013

Next year's interns are already applying and will be interviewed and selected in the coming weeks.  This year 11 students have decided that the best way they can spend this next school year is to dedicate it to studying God's word and loving His people on our college campuses.  I am especially excited to see that several of the applicants are coming from our campus this year.  God has really moved in the hearts of our students thanks to their open hearts and your continued prayers.  Keep 'em coming!

As I mentioned briefly last month I was starting to transition my role at UNT due to the much awaited arrival of my twins.  Sooner than expected this month I had to stop commuting to Denton entirely. I now meet with all of my girls and other leaders by phone.  The past month has been both exciting and very difficult.  I find myself on the outside looking in at some of our ministry events since my inability to commute has kept me at home.  Please pray for Matt and Melissa as they transition into a two person team to finish out this semester.  Melissa will be stepping up as the lone woman on staff at UNT, but I couldn't be more excited for her and the amazing job I know she will do.  She has grown so much through the internship this year and preached an outstanding sermon this past month!  This will be my last blog for the semester, but I encourage you to continue reading about the great things God is doing in the other staff blogs.  Thank you for the support that you have shown me this year.

34 Weeks Pregnant!

My dog Barkley already protecting his little brother and sister :)

Growing up in Christ

The Kingdom of God is Here! Over 350 students gathered to hear this message over MLK weekend.  As I mentioned last month, guest speaker Geoff Mummley came to share the message of the kingdom with us at camp.  As the resident pregnant lady seated in the back of our meeting space (near restrooms,water, and snacks) I got to soak in the big picture of hundreds of students hanging on every word of scripture read and returning each session eager for more!  You would have loved to see the spirit move so powerfully in the lives of so many young people.  At our last session you would have seen groups of students excitedly planning how they were going to show others the kingdom in their chosen careers.  Teachers, photojournalists, music majors and more, all brainstorming how they will use their gifts to bring the kingdom to others. Matt and Melissa, who are far more tech savvy than myself, have posted a link to the camp talks on their blog pages. I encourage you to check them out...I am sure they will bless you as they have me. Here are a few pictures of the awesome students you are impacting with your prayers and support.

FOCUS Winter Camp 2013 All 4 Campuses!

UNT @ FOCUS Winter Camp 2013!

You would have been challenged to grow up in Christ last Friday night as Matt introduced the first sermon of the semester. He challenged us to remember what God has done for us and that he has called us to a ministry of reconciliation.  We can't fulfill His mission if we are still infants needing milk instead of growing up and eating solid food.  I preached my last sermon of the semester last night continuing on that theme and adding what it looks like to experience our new life daily.  We were challenged to develop spiritual disciplines, participate in the work God is doing in us, and participate in what God is doing in those around us.  How are you working with God in your life?

Our annual Parent Night/Open House is coming up soon!  Our community would love to see you there. We will hear from students and parents about their experience in the ministry. I guarantee you won't want to miss it!

 

Personally this is a bittersweet time for me. As I eagerly await becoming a parent I must also begin to transition my role at UNT. I have already started making more phone appointments as travel is getting more difficult.  Please continue to pray that the babies will not make their debut until late March!  

Thank you for all that you do!

Happy "Everything New" Year!

Hopefully you have had a blessed Christmas and an exciting New Year! I know I have been blessed beyond what I could have hoped for this last year. Thank you for partnering with me in support and prayer to make that possible.

We just returned from our FOCUS staff retreat on Saturday and I wish you could have been there!  You would have enjoyed a front row seat to the beauty of God's creation.  Garrett, one of our Collin College ministers, was able to allow us the use of his uncle's lake house in Scroggins,Texas this weekend.  It's just hard to deny God's majesty when you are staring out at the nature He created.  What a joy to have three days in beautiful place with 12 radical disciples for Christ sharing their visions for the new year. One of the things you would have enjoyed the most was a short video we watched from Bill Hybels, pastor at Willow Creek, about sowing more seed.  Based on the parable of the sower, and taking into account that of the four types of soil only one produces fruit...he suggests we have a lot more sowing to do to overcome that ratio.  We spent discussion time brainstorming new ideas, evaluating old practices and encouraging one another. New year--new seeds to sow.

 As you know our theme for this school year has been "Everything New" out of Revelation 21:5

     ⁵ He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new."

You have heard our staff share about the sermons challenging our ministry to think like new creations. You've seen new lives dedicated to Christ in baptism.  What will this next semester hold?

Classes will begin shortly and students have already started trickling back into Denton to get settled back into their apartments and routines. You might be surprised at how many students come back excited to start the new semester. No complaining about new classes or schedules, but instead eager to encounter new opportunities. The fact that FOCUS winter camp is the way they get to finish their first week back probably doesn't hurt either. :) As a student at winter camp you get to fellowship with not only your own campus but all four FOCUS ministries! What better way to see in person the way God is moving across the campuses. It is always a highlight of the year. You can bet this year will be no exception.To give you an idea of how much our students are impacted by camp I wanted to share a quick story. One of our students just recently celebrated a birthday complete with fun, cake, and friends as birthdays should be.  The only thing missing was presents.  Instead of presents this student requested that people donate money towards helping students who can't afford to attend camp. She didn't want any student to miss this amazing opportunity. This year Guest speaker Geoff Mummley is visiting from a ministry in Washington state to share with us the message of the new kingdom--a six part series focusing on Jesus and reminding us the kingdom of God is here! That is just a little taste of what is to come :)

Please check out the other staff blogs this month!  I know you will want to see and  hear about all the exciting baptisms going on throughout the ministry!

Personally I want to thank you for all your prayers for me and the little ones.  So far everyone is healthy and doing fine. Here is a little holiday entertainment for you :)

My dog had to find a new place to sit due to the twins being in his way.