It's been a little less than 2 months into this new year, but I feel like so much is happening and there's hardly time to just sit down and reflect. And even when I do, I don't feel like it's enough time. Okay, I'm going to try and give ya'll an update, but we'll see what I can do ^^ Also, I really like this photo, but I don't want to seem self centered so I'll just post it on my blog instead of social media l o l . okay, here we go!
*warning* this is a semi long post!
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One thing characteristic of this quarter is conferences:
In the first week, I went to a conference called Ambition, which is a Christian conference equipping and encouraging students to pursue missions on college campus, in every corner. I feel God did awesome things that weekend - one thing in particular that gives me joy is how he used me to encourage younger leaders to step out in their faith and calling. I don't really have any photos except the one where I was at a cafe and watching the live stream, so here you go:
In the second week, I went to an ITE student leadership summit in Corvallis, Oregon. I've been to one before and it was almost the same as last year's. I think it's always exciting to go to these conferences and meet students and professionals who are excited about the transportation field. It was also cool to explore Portland in the little time that we had.
In the third week, I went to January Jumpstart, which you can read more about here. It was honestly such a good weekend where God spoke into my life. I also just really love my class:
And if that wasn't enough, there's going to be a conference next week called 'Seeker's Retreat' where people have a space to explore who Jesus is (either for the first time or a re-introduction)! I have kind of been suddenly very involved with the planning, which has taken quite a bit of my time and energy these past two weeks. I will most likely have another post on that sometime!
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A huge blessing in my life are the friends that have been so so supportive. In particular, my leader's team + Maureen. I will write a post about my team at another time, but the ways that I have been able to grow in my friendships with Courtney, Melinda, and Justin has brought a lot of joy. Last week, I was so overwhelmed with my paper + everything happening in my life at once, but the ways that my team checked in and spent time in prayer with me is really what got me through the week. Maureen has always been such a huge support - but this quarter in particular I feel like she has poured a lot of her time and energy into me and it really really means a lot.
In addition to this, I have been pleasantly surprised by the new friendships that have been happening here and there (I'm a senior, but people still want to get to know me??). I'm always touched when someone says, "hey Sheena, let's get a meal sometime!!" and the four magic words: "I can swipe you!!" I've been able to meet with so many wonderful humans beans in our fellowship and even though we don't have very much time left together, I'm enjoying the company of those around me
In addition to that, there is amazing work that God is doing in a particular friendship that brings me a lot of hope. He took an incredibly hopeless situation and has shown me the power He has to soften hearts. This is very vague, but perhaps one day I will be able to share it.
Ooo, I've also been so blessed in my discipleship with Melinda + others(?) !! We had a talk from Ken Zell, who spoke on the topic of how to disciple others. He shared a story of how he "accidentally" discipled his sophomore roommate during his senior year - in spending "shear dumb time" (SDT) with him, he was able to teach his roommate about what it looks like to be a disciple of Christ. And I think that made me realize that I sort of have been discipling some of the folks around me, even though I didn't realize! Which was kind of crazy to think, since I thought of discipleship as a very formal and rigid matter.
Also, I have been able to speak into Melinda's life regarding relationships, which has been really affirming that my mistakes were not in vain and also been able to help her process. I also have been able to learn more about Catholic faith, since that is a huge part of Melinda's faith and how she related to God. I attended mass with Melinda and also her Catholic small group, which has been both exciting and also sometimes nerve wracking (since I'm so unaware).
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One exciting thing that's coming up is a backpacking trip that Michelle and I are embarking on in exactly a month!! With so much luck, we've obtained permits for Havasu Falls during my spring break. I have been training (or at least attempting to..) and honestly, I really love running/jogging.. There is a joy in pushing myself to run a little bit further or bump up the speed on the treadmill just a little bit higher. I have been slacking on this in the past few weeks, but I know that this trip will be so much more enjoyable if I train more..
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These last few months have been such a good and full time in healing and growing deeper in God's Spirit, in the context of post-break up. I won't go into detail, but I just feel that I have so much joy, peace, freedom, and contentment. Of course, there are difficult moments when I crave companionship or suffer through anxiety, but I overall have so much hope. I have been realizing the ways that Linus and I weren't compatible and general dissatisfaction / unhappiness. Of course, I believe that God would have provided a way if we decided to stay together, but I think that I can see fruits of obedience already.
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Alright, this is probably the last thing: This year I committed to sabbath on a regular basis. In January, I had a difficult time because of the conferences (although I feel that God provided me spaces of rest throughout..) But this month, I have been able to commit to sabbathing at least once a week. Generally, I go somewhere outside of UCLA and just spend time to reflect upon the week, usually by journaling. It is definitely a discipline in which I put trust that God will provide, since I am resting and not working. In these last crazy few weeks, I know that the resting I had done prior was absolutely necessary in filling myself with God and His peace. Otherwise, I feel that I would not be in such a good mental state.
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Okay, that was a lot so I'm going to stop here.
bye bye until next time ^
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