Photo courtesy of Bippity Boppity Boo.
Greetings from Indy and goooo Hoosiers! I'm back to the LC grind after a good Christmas break and even better weekend. You see, my head is reeling after this weekend's Passion 2011. I am a huge supporter of the mission of the Passion conferences, and though they're TECHNICALLY aimed at college students, I know I'm a coupla months out (I promise I was still allowed to go) yet absolutely immersed in the colleges of our nation. In Christ's church that spans those schools. And in the unbelievers at those schools.
Maybe it was all the STUFF (and by stuff, I would like to use a stronger word, ha. It was that bad.) I struggled with in college until I finally realized there is nothing better than living in His love to glorify His name. Nothing better. Nothing sweeter. Maybe it's my job as a sorority consultant. Whatever it is, I love this age. And I sure love my Savior.
Random art hanging up in Atlanta this weekend.
And worshiping with 22,000 people in one place all weekend is just a cool glimpse of a tiny, baby, microscopic sliver of heaven. It's such a blessing...
Notes from sermons by John Piper, David Platt, Francis Chan, Beth Moore, Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, and more spill over pages of my journals alongside prayers and praise. Because with my earthly words I always somehow try to describe a Being who made galaxies. I'm strung out, overwhelmed, and completely thrilled about what God is doing with his church among 18-25 year old people. Strung out, overwhelmed, and completely thrilled that a HUGE, ferocious God looks down and sees this little girl from Alabama that stands 5'8" and has brown hair and a recovering shopping problem and unwavering Sour Patch Kids problem and says:
"Hey you. My love. I'm gonna use you, too. Like I used Paul, Esther, Mary, C.S. Lewis, Beth Moore, your mama, and so many more of my children. I will also use you to tell about me. I tell you to go to ___, let's go. If I tell you to give away all this stuff you think is so necessary to breathe, do it. Follow me. ME. Jesus Christ. This is all for my glory. Your citizenship is in heaven with me now. Forever."
Jesus. Is. SO. Good. He demands so much. We have no right to ask "why" or to cut out the standards we don't like. When you make your own universe, you kinda get to come up with your own rules. But the rewards are going to be so heavily dripping off of us when we are made raidant in heaven and look at His face...
I'll post more as soon as the whirlpool that is my brain settles. See? I can't even write.... Sheesh. That usually comes easy as breathing.
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go."
Genesis 28:15
Hello, Indiana.
Blog post title: "Awake My Soul" by Mumford and Sons. Get on it.
Perfect post. I didn't get to go but followed along online. Have a fabulous week :)
ReplyDeleteWOW is all I have to say. That is EVERYTHING I needed. I recently moved home from Alabama (UA, Roll Tide) back into my parents house and I am doing a bit of soul-searching. I didn't graduate... and I'm in therapy for some major depression and personality stuff that I want to make right about myself. The only thing that has endured in this painful, and sometimes full of joy, process - is the Lord Almighty.
ReplyDeleteI told my Mom just the other day that I need that "summer camp" or "mission trip" high and on fire for Christ feeling that dwells inside of me and is just bursting to come out! It seems that YOU have found that high, that only God can bring. Passion Conference is such an amzing tool to get these college students on fire for Christ. I wish I would have been more involved when Iwas at school in Tuscaloosa. Thanks for sharing the links - I'm serious, I will be checking them out - taking notes, listening, and learning... I need it oh so bad.
Thanks for giving me something to start my year off with. It's been fun reading about you via your blog - you seem like an amazing person!
xoxo, Baily
pickingwildflowersblog.blogspot.com
Sounds like you had a great weekend! I have to admit, I am a little jealous that you got to see Beth Moore in person, I love her bible studies. I think it is so awesome to hear someone so on fire for the Lord! I know what you mean, when I know that I am going to have some quiet time to read my bible, I almost feel a physical pull in my chest to bible. It is so awesome. God bless you! And blees everyone who testifies for the Lord!
ReplyDeleteHi Ashlyn,
ReplyDeleteI've been following you for a bit. As a fellow sorority woman and Greek HQ staff member I find joy in your writings, but this one definitely spoke to me. Its really what I needed to hear this morning. Keep doing what you are doing, being a follower of Christ and an example of what a sorority woman should be.
Gretchen
Ashlyn, I love your passion! Let's GO... Where ever He calls us and forsake whatever we have to for His glory!
ReplyDeleteCheers to 2011 and living it in the fullness of Him!
Caroline
Wow, Ash, I'm sad I didn't get to go with you, but the hospital couldn't go without their little intern! It's so awesome to hear what the Lord is doing in your life, and it is such a great reminder for me. I love you dearly Peanut. Can't wait to see your face!
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