what's going on...

There's been a lot of sickness going on around here in the past 2-3 weeks and I'm definitely over it! This past weekend it was my turn.... cold and an eye infection that looks super gross. I affectionately call it my "pirate eye sty". Because that's what it is. A sty that is really infected and I think just look weird with a half shut eye, like a pirate. It made me look real nice for the party we had for 50+ people that I've never met on Saturday at our house! What are you going to do? The dessert party was for the freshman's parents who were in town. We wanted to expose them to CRU and show them we are normal people just in case they were wondering who their kids have been hanging out with. We went all out with lots of desserts, cute decorations, rented tables and linens, white lights (it was in our backyard) and heaters (a good last minute decision for the major drop in temp). Anyways, the party went great and we our so thankful for the encouraging responses we had from many parents. Also, we are thankful it is over! Now I can focus on my parents coming this week, and the girls birthday party on Saturday! Get ready for birthday morning pictures tomorrow.

A great evening!

Last night we ( the staff women) had a an appreciation dinner for the women leaders of CRU. To clarify I really didn't have anything do with the planning of the event, I just agreed I wanted to do something to thank this amazing gals. It was all Adrienne and she did a wonderful job. It was such a fun evening and I enjoyed myself so much. There were so many things I loved that I want to share it with you. The atmosphere was quaint and intimate. It was an outside dinner with simple but classic decorations, straight out of Martha Stewart Living magazine. Which by the way I am totally stealing some of these ideas for parties we are having in the near future. The meal was amazing, a new recipe for me...cheese ravioli with butternut squash sauce (stealing the recipe as well). So good! I think what I loved the most was the company of people I was with. We had a short sharing time and during that time God impressed on me that I am a part of somthing really special here. It's a unique feeling to be a part of a group that loves Jesus first and because of that there is a level of authenticity and intimacy that just naturally comes out. I realized again last night it is a privilege to do what I get to do. Even though I'm "on staff" and supposed to be leading them, these girls are amazing examples to me! Thanks girls!

Let The Fall Begin

Our Fall with ministry began 2 weeks ago and it has been going great! We have had many new people get involved from the start. They are getting connected which is very exciting. There is always a new, exciting energy in the Fall. I love it! Brian has been speaking at the weekly meetings (CRU) and doing really good. This whole year as a large group we are going through Romans. Brian started it off last week. He has 2 more talks before we go to Fall Retreat on the 19th and then things will slow down a bit for him.

But....

For me and the kids tomorrow is really go time for us. We are starting many new things this week. Yes, all these things are starting this week...why everything at once?

• a play group with fellow moms of twins
• a women's bible study at church while the kids are in childcare
• our couples small group is starting up again after taking a summer break
• mommy and me gymnastics class with M! So excited. There will definitely be more posts on this in the near future.
• I'm going on campus 2x a week for discipleship with some our women leaders

ok so listing it out like that gets me a little nervous and makes me wonder if I'm a crazy person. But I'm excited about all that it brings...meeting new people, leading others, time away from home, special time with M, fellowship with others, learning about Jesus to be hopefully become a better wife and mom, growing in patience and flexibility and not being in control all the time.

Hope you all have a great week. I'll report back soon with updates.

Destino Conference--From a student's perspective

I (Brian) mentioned in our prayer letter that I would follow up with some more information about the Destino Conference that I oversaw. Because I was both speaking at and directing the conference, it was hard for me to tell how the students were experiencing the conference. I certainly thought it was a great conference, but definitely was biased by my heavy investment in the conference.

Here's some responses from Luis, a student at the University of Florida. It's still so amazing to have a job that enables us to influence students all over the country, not just in California.

What struck you the most about the Destino conference?

The best part of the conference had to be the forge groups. The groups gave us all the opportunity to be encouraged by others and encourage others at the same time. I was able to make great friendships and also be encouraged by people who are going through the same stuff with Destino on their campuses as we are here.

How did the conference serve to unify / give direction to the UF Destino movement?
We were able to be united on the fact that no one is righteous, not even one, no one seeks God, no one does good. It is up to God who is bigger, more powerful, and better than us in every way. He is the one who will bring success to Destino, He is the one who will convict people of His gospel, and He is the one who brings salvation. It is not up to us to work but to allow ourselves to delight in Him and be used by Him. He will bring himself the glory, we just need to let Him use us and rely on His power, not our own. This is His movement and it will move by His Spirit and His will, not ours.

What would you say to the people who contributed money to help your group go
Thank you so much. God used this conference in my life and in the lives of those who went with me. We are now, more than ever, on the same page and ready to really let God work through us so that he might be glorified through Destino. Praise God for he is sovereign and I thank God for providing through those of you who have made this trip possible for us here at UF.

What would you say to someone who is considering going next year?
Do it. It is great experience that you shouldn't miss out on. Go to the conference with no other goal than for God to use it in your life, don't give Him specifics as to how, allow Him to reveal that to you as the time comes. God really used it in my life and it was not just the few days of the conference, it was the days leading up to, during, and after in which he humbled me and taught me a great lesson concerning His sovereignty. Seek God first, the rest will be given to you.