Christmas and End of the Semester reflections

 Hello everyone and an early Merry Christmas! I personally can't believe that next week is Christmas! I pray that you all get to celebrate with those you love and experience God's goodness this Christmas season.

Michelle (an SMU student) and I after our Christmas party!

As the semester is coming to a close, I have spent some time reflecting on this past semester and all that God has done. Most of all, God has taught me that despite my narrow vision through trials or hardships, He is doing great things and is changing the lives of college students. 

First, I just couldn't be more proud of our student leaders this semester. In their own ways, they have all had struggles and parts of this semester that have been difficult. But despite that, they have continued to keep their eyes set on Jesus and faithfully serve and love the students that God has put under their care. I have seen our student leader team grow closer this year than I have years past and embody the scripture in Ephesians 2:1-2 where Paul says, 

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

I have seen these student leaders patiently bearing the burdens of life, classes and campus ministry with and for one another and through it, they have only been drawn closer to Jesus and to one another. There was one night after one of our leader meetings where they all crammed onto one couch together and just sat like that for a while, talking and laughing. It may sound silly, but that just capsulated their relationship with one another. They have become a family, sisters in Christ, and it has been a beautiful thing to be a part of, and I couldn't be more honored to stand beside them!

Secondly, at both TWU Dallas and SMU there have been countless student stories that have been so encouraging to reflect on. At SMU specifically, there is a student who has really struggled this semester with being away from home and adjusting to campus life. Despite the hard semester, she has commented recently to me that her highlight was being a part of FOCUS. She said that she normally is a quiet person and tends not to share much with others but this semester, she has shared more of her thoughts and struggles and feels more known by the people in her life through having friendships that are grounded in our community that values knowing one another. This has brought new life for her and even through a difficult semester and being away from family, the friends she has in FOCUS has kept her anchored. It makes me think of another verse in James 5:16 that says this in the MSG translation,

"Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed."

We are called to be people that are known by our Father God but also by one another, and it is through being fully known that we are "whole and healed." Praise God that this student and many others have been able to experience this!

I could tell countless more stories of students who aren't Christians yet studying the bible for the first time, or of students who have struggled with mental health issues finding love and support through Jesus- centered community, but I know that could go on forever! 

Instead, if you have time this next month, I'd love to get a phone call or visit with you in person if you have time this Christmas break!

Lastly, I wanted to share some thoughts on this Christmas advent season with you. I think this season I've been reflecting specifically on the reality that Jesus came to us as a God incarnate, taking on human form and living among us. It is a divine mystery but I've been thinking about how beautifully it encapsulates the nature of our God. He could have stayed in comfort and peace, but instead, came among us in all our mess and squalor and lived and died for us- then rose from the grave! How beautiful is that? Reflecting on this beautiful mystery has brought new light to this Christmas season that I wanted to share in hopes you experience the same! What parts of this advent season has God had you reflect on? Comment below or text me, I'd love to hear.

Thank you all so much for your support in campus ministry! I pray that are blessed this Christmas season and reminded of how good our God is!

Check out some pictures of our events this past month!

TWU Dallas Christmas Party!

This and the following are pictures from our SMU Christmas Party! We had a Core Cup competition where our cores (small groups) competed in 3 different games-Gingerbread house making, Christmas tree wrapping (see below) and a Christmas Song Karaoke competition. It was so much fun!

Our winners of the Christmas Cup!

This is a beautiful art piece that Laura made of a moment her and I had where we both were crying and lifting up prayers of mourning to God. It was beautiful and a humbling moment to just sit at God's feet with her! She is so talented and more importantly, has such a beautiful heart for God. I love her so much!

S'mores event after Thursday Night Fellowship

Emo Night! One our leaders had this idea for one of our Girl's Night! They had so much fun!

We reached our goal on Giving Tuesday! Thank you to all who prayed, shared posts and were able to give! Our God is so good!