Amazing Co-Workers

So I had told one of my co-workers a little bit about Urbana and some of the fund raising that we are working on and when I came in to work tonight I found that not only had she told the others in the office about it but they had decided to help out. They started a swear jar and labeled it "Martha's Profanity Jar." If you knew these people you would know that this might be what gets us to Urbana. Just kidding! LOL Seriously...I thought it was a very sweet gesture. I am very grateful that God has given me such an amazing place to work and such kind, generous people to work with.

An Amazing Weekend

I got to see one of my very good friends this weekend. Jen and I met Chrissy when we all lived and worked at MBC about 3 summers ago. We haven't seen each other much since then but when we get back together it is like no time has passed at all. We all have a lot in common but we are able to respect each other for our differences. we can talk about things that matter or nothingat all. For the most part we decided on the nothing at all option this weekend. We sat around and watched movies and played games and did our nails and ate A LOT! We did venture out into the world a few times. For food mostly. Ate some great wings and Wild Wings. Went for a midnight milk run. Who doesn't need milk at 12:30 am? As it turns out we didn't need mild at 12:30 am. We had enough milk at the apartment but it was still a good mini adventure. It reminded us of the kind of stupid thing we would do at MBC. We had to make a couple of WalMart runs.. And the big outing was going to see FAME. That was a really really good movie. I loved it!

This is a very random and pointless entry but I have been told I need to blog more. I guess for the sake of having some kind of point I will say that I was reminded what an amazing gift good friends are. God has given me a few people that I can totally be myself with and feel safe.

So after that fantastic weekend it is time to jump into another busy week. and speaking of jumping...the Saturday is the skip-a-thon. One of our fundraisers for Urbana. We have lots to do to get ready. Please pray that it goes well and we are able to take a chunk out of the money we need to get the team to St. Louis.

God is Good

Looking back...looking forward

How many things can you remember in detail three years after they happen? Probably not that many. That is most definitely the case for me. But I remember the time I spent at Urbana between Christmas and New Years in 2006. It was an amazing experience that still has an effect on me. I remember some amazing seminars that changed me and my views and passions. I learned about people that are used and mistreated by our world. And those that aren't using them simply look the other way. I also heard unbelievable speakers that challenged me. Not only do I remember these speakers but I still often quote my favourite. (My family and friends just love it when I do that! lol) I talked to some organizations that made me think about what God might want me to do. I got closer to the group of people that I went with. God put us through an experience that brought us closer to Him and closer to each other. I believe that these relationships are still strong today because of the time we spent in St Louis. I remember bringing in the new year by singing praise songs with a stadium full of people that love God. Let me tell you that there is no better way to start a new year or end an old one. I remember sitting in that stadium in tears singing about having a calling and just wanting so badly to know what it is.

I remember a lot about Urbana 06 but how much did it change my life? Did the things that affected me then stay with me and change how I am living today and how I am planning my future? Probably not nearly as much as it should have. I was deeply affected by the people I heard about but I haven't done anything besides think. I often quote a speaker who told us all not to settle but to strive after God's will for our lives but I still have a tendency to settle for what is comfortable. I have not pursued any of the organizations that I talked with last time I went. When I really think about it a lot about my life has not changed since the last time I was in St Louis. But some things have. I am three years older and have had three years of God working on me and putting people and situations in my life to grow me and direct me.

I am so blessed because I have a second chance. I get to go to Urbana again this year. I get to go hear speakers and talk to missions and organizations and go to seminars. I get to get close to another amazing group of people. I get to sing and worship and paise God. But I am starting to realize that the important thing isn't that I get to go to Urbana again...it's that I get to come home from Urbana again. Please pray with me that it will change me forever this time.