Oasis Semester

Life at Elim. Where to start?

If I were to write a poem about my life here at Elim thus far, I think it would go something like this:

Oasis that has brought me in

From a hard good desert walk,

Whose water’s source, the nourishment;

the Word’s of One I love.

Whose palms are like His palms,

A rest from weariness.

The sun is dancing truer now

and joy comes like a kiss.

Ever since the first chapel meeting, I have not stopped basking in the joy and love of my Papa. God has progressively been showing me how just how much he loves me. He has been revealing Himself to me and thus revealing my own self to me…because I am in Him and in His love. I am His child and He wants me to understand just how much that means. I feel more free to be who I am created to be and less pressured to play the part of any sort of person. Pleasing God is becoming more important than pleasing man (Rom. 2:29b) and being honest with God about who I am—mind, body, emotions, spirit—has led me to be more honest with myself. It’s all a crazy ride of God-discovery and self-discovery. On top of that, I am discovering God’s great heart for others. Others in my life and the entire sum of “others” here on earth. He has had a mission from the begin to redeem man to himself and restore a perfect kingdom under Jesus forever. I want to be a part of that plan- I am!!

There is so much more to say in terms of what God is working out in my heart, but just know that it is good and if you would, keep me in your prayers.

Some cool facts:

• The cafeteria food changed here and went from a large company into the hands of one of the students here at Elim! It is therefore much healthier and I am able to get along on my diet (still along the basic guidelines of the Candida diet for my fibromyalgia) quite well, only supplementing meals with millet bread products and other healthy snacks (thanks mom and dad)!
• The people here are fantastic. I wasn’t sure about what issues I would be facing socially, but as of now there are no biggies. My brothers and sisters are full of the love of Christ and are working towards humility and selflessness. It’s an encouragement to be surrounded by such people…though none of us are very good at it, for sure, but by the grace of God. I hope to make good friends here that will sharpen me and pour into my life.
• There are so many worship dancers here! Just this morning we had our first 1hr 30min meeting and the 6 of us who made it (more are on the way!) are excited about the future. We are putting together a piece for the talent show & it’s gonna be wonderful and fully for Jesus! We are using "I Need You to Love Me" by Barlow Girl and "In the Sanctuary" by Kurt Carr.
• The classes are awesome! I am not only mentally challenged by the material and workload, but I am spiritually challenged by the example of my professors and the content of my studies. What could be better than a class or an essay that brings you to your knees? Thank you, Lord!
• I have been blessed by God and was given my own dorm room. I am so grateful for this space.
• My student ministry is kicking off next week—I and three others will be leading up a kids/youth group for a nearby ministry that reaches those who wouldn’t feel comfortable in a church, but are interested in weekly Bible study. Please pray for us and the ministry. (loveminstriesonline.com)
• My SOS here, or student service, is 2hrs a week cleaning up and running the little café in our student lounge. It keeps tuition down to have student give 2hrs a week to helping out around campus. I’m all for it and rather enjoy the time.
• Wednesday mornings a group of us are holding an hour long prayer meeting from 6-7am and it’s been lovely. We use the Bible to direct our prayers and focus them on this campus. God is working!
• Getting back here from my winter break last week, it felt like I was coming home. Now mom and dad, you will always be my home, but it was just such a blessing to really know that I am settled here and right in the center of God’s will for my life.
• As this semester reaches the halfway point, sign ups for the Fall semester are right around the bend. I was extremely blessed by so many of you this semester—in prayers and financial support—and was able to pay tuition in full. The Lord surely wants me here, so I know he will provide for the next semester as he wills. I can’t stress the power of prayer in this area. Please do pray if you would, and then give or withhold financially as the Lord directs.
• My love goes out to everyone I know and I am glad you get to hear about the wonderful fruit God is producing in my life. There are hard times ahead, but they are joyful. Phillipians 1.

He is good!