meow.

elfyourself is back! i noticed this last week when i went to the office max website to see if i could email them something to print for me. it was one of those days that there was much to do in a time frame not nearly long enough to accomplish it all. so it would not have been wise for me to click on the link for elfyourself. i gathered together all the self control i could find that morning to not go there.


crisis averted.


i did not elf myself or elf anyone else that day. i actually still have yet to do that but i'm sure i will soon. if you have never been elfed before, this is your year - i can feel it. check out www.elfyourself.com and treat yourself to a good laugh.


anyway - i had a really great week at regional staff conference. it was refreshing. and i needed that. these past couple of months have been full...full of a lot of things. lots of thoughts, questions, decisions, campus work, investment, processing transition, frustrations, tears, growth, joys and more...


near the end of september i started asking some bigger questions about where i'm at right now. i had a strong sense that God was stirring things up inside, but didn't really understand what that all meant. but i did know a few things - that i've struggled working in the twin ports without a staff team to partner with. i've struggled to be a "planter" and "builder" on campus. and even beyond the campus realm i've struggled to find my place fully here in duluth. i really started to wonder if this all was the best fit for me and through that have struggled to know my place in ministry as i've been discovering more of my giftings, passions, strengths and growth areas. 


i have to say that this time of seeking has been one of drawing nearer to the Lord and for that i'm so thankful. i can and do go through dry spells in my faith life. foolish choices, lack of discipline and my own sinful heart has caused it's fair share distance in my relationship with God. but these past months have been amazing. not easy, i should say. but absolutely amazing. the goodness and grace of Jesus overwhelms me as i've been growing in delighting in the Lord. (psalm 37)


after seeking much counsel and direction from God, my supervisor and many other mentors & friends in my life, i sensed that transition was near. again, i didn't know exactly what that meant right away. and truthfully, i still don't what it all means. but at least some next steps have been uncovered and i have decided to make a transition. i will be continuing to serve through the ministry of intervarsity and investing in college students but i will be changing location. beginning next semester i will be working on staff at my alma mater, bemidji state university. i am incredibly excited to work closely with a staff team there. and having spent four years there as a student, i truly have a heart for that campus and city. i'm am anticipating the ways God will work through this as i wait for that new season to begin.


while i really am excited about this change, this decision was not easy in many ways. i wrestled a lot. there is much here in duluth that i have come to enjoy and have a heart for - friendships kick off this list, the campuses and students here, rock hill family, amazing sunrises over lake superior, hiking in the many parks are just a few of them.


yet when bemidji was one of the possibilities to transfer to, something inside was drawn to this idea from the get go. and that only grew as the weeks passed until i made the official decision at the end of october. i knew that if i didn't go for this opportunity, i'd totally regret it.


so the recent weeks have been full of many conversations as i've shared this news with friends & family, students, partners and donors. each of these conversations have really affirmed this move. there is a bittersweet element to this all. i'm going to miss duluth and the people here very much. i also anticipate the building of new community and reconnecting with dear friends from my college years in bemidji. as i begin saying my goodbyes here, there are hellos awaiting.


time here in duluth has been so so so purposeful and i believe i was supposed to be here. God had definite purposes for the time here, i'm couldn't believe that more. He has been so faithful.


i've been praying for God to raise up leaders here on campus - for fresh starts in certain areas - for a deepening of the goodness already started in other areas - for God to seriously SWEEP ACROSS THE CAMPUSES AND CITY. oh Father, bring life into dead places here. soften hard hearts. we need You. hear these cries!!!!


*sigh


i know God is working here and that He will continue to be. i have a hope in what's to come here.


i've been waiting to write about this until after certain conversations were had with people and students from both the twin ports and bemidji knew. i was introduced last week at bemidji and welcomed with open arms. i can't wait to actually be there! soon...


well there it is. meow. the cat's out of the bag. :)