coming to the cross

this past Wednesday i led my youth group in a night focused around bringing our shame and or guilt to the feet of Jesus. we began by watching a Nooma video titled "Lump."  here is a little preview of its message. 

after watching the video i then proceeded to explain what we would be doing next. we transitioned by moving into the sanctuary. music was playing. the lights were off. a candle, a wooden cross, nails, and a hammer were placed at the front of the sanctuary. i encouraged each person to write down on a piece of paper something that they wanted to lay at the foot of the cross. as a way of giving it to Him and understanding that we are in need of giving our burdens to Him. it was a powerful evening. i had been planning for this night for about a month. it was evident to me that God was working through me. waking me up in the night to write down some thoughts. speaking to me through my mentor Holly. although i didn't talk with everyone who took part in this evening, i had a sense it was a meaningful evening for most everyone. 

thanks to my parents i have gotten to know someone i deeply respect now, her name is Brene Brown. she has done much research on the power of vulnerability as well as shame and guilt. one of my favorite quotes of hers is, "You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging." 

i want to share with you her talk, titled "Listening to Shame." it is an eye-opening and powerful talk. 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"To become strong in the broken places in our lives demands that
we do two things, 'hang in there' and 'let go.' To somehow dig
up the courage to keep going is the very courage that allows us
to scoop up the broken pieces of our lives and lay them all at the
feet of the One who would do more in us than just get us through the
storm."
 James Mean

peace. 

what to do...

a photographer. a teacher. a pastor. a youth pastor. a journalist. a counselor. a missionary. a nurse. an interior designer. a chef. throughout my life so far each one of these professions have come to mind as i have thought about what i want to do with my life. at times i have felt very strongly about one idea but then as i have begun to learn more about myself and become exposed to different possibilities my ideas have changed numerous times. it is fun for me to think about what i could see myself doing. i have been so incredibly blessed to have felt  and been given so many different forms of affirmation from many different people in my life so far. i look forward to seeing where God leads me. i believe He will take me to numerous places. i look forward to meeting new people and forming relationships with those i meet. speaking of going somewhere new, i have begun thinking about where God is calling me to. last year if you would've asked me what i was thinking of doing after high school i would've definitely said, "well not college!" at that time i was leaning towards the idea of taking a year off and possibly doing service somewhere. but something has changed. i have felt more of a motivation to do well in my school work this year, and ive begun to feel as though i do have a purpose and a calling. sure, i dont know what that is exactly but i trust that God will provide. as of now Hesston College has been calling my name. a small mennonite college in Kansas, 2 year college, family-like atmosphere, and consists of a great Bible program. so as of now i am considering majoring in Bible and Ministry at Hesston. i believe it will give me a good base to whatever i choose to do next. i say all this with the realization that it all could change, and im completely fine with that. i also realize i am one of the few in my age group who actually feels like they know what they want to do. i feel so blessed. after Hesston, i am considering Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg. whether i major in social work or psychology. who knows but God. well these are my thoughts for now. take care.