Double life...

All of us girls at the Grove Park Inn!

Me & some furman girls at the campus outreach fall retreat!! Jaycelyn (with the thumbs up) is one of the girls in my senior girls Bible study!

Heres the truth- i live a double life. It may not be what youre thinking, but here's the thing:

During the week, I live a pretty scheduled life in Greenville, with 5 other single girls, 4 of which are on staff with campus outreach. I love being there, living with Mary Beth who ministers to girls at Furman University! I love being able to hang out with furman students, go to weekly Bible studies at Mitchell Road Presbyterian church, and lead 3 senior girls! Its somewhat of a slice of what staff life will be like- I can't wait!!! On the other hand, I usually head to Rutherfordton, the town that I'm from, on Friday or saturday, depending on what I have planned. I spend alot of time with my family, and alot of time working on letters, phone calls, and meetings. I love being around my family, and i love getting to share with people about what God has called me to and what He's done in my life. But, I feel emotionally exhausted much of the time. I don't know if my time in south africa, where life was lived at a slower pace and we had plenty of time to spend with God, temporarily lowered my capacity or what, but I definitely feel worn out more easily than ever before.

I'm looking forward to thanksgiving in a couple of weeks! The icy weather lately hasnt been too exciting, because thats about how the weather was in south africa. But, i LOVE the holiday season!! I love the festive things we do as a family around christmas- here are my favorite traditions:

-going to the Nutcracker in Winston Salem!

-going to the candle tea in old salem!

-going to the southern living Christmas show!

ok, I will add more when I write next. If you read this, please pray that I would know what it means to rest in Christ. That i would trust Him to provide my financial support, and for discernment in when to rest and when not to! thank you to anyone who has prayed for me, or who supports me. I'm still in the beginning process of raising my funds, but every single support meeting so far has allowed me to see more of Christ and His big picture-establishing His kingdom here on earth. Please email me if you would like to chat- lowens773@gmail.com

phone calls.

Phone calls.
Thats what Ive been doing all night tonight. And I'm still not done.
So, I know phone calls are a BIG part of the support raising process, but no matter how many times Ive made them, I'm still nervous before I pick up the phone. But, its so refreshing to talk to people who are willing to meet, who are excited about how God is using me, and who offer ideas about what I could do to get the word out!
Right now, Im definitely like a juggler, juggling work, Bible studies, coming home on the weekends, time with God, meetings, etc. Its been cool thoough to see the small things that God has blessed me with, from my friends sending me encouraging emails and contacts to time with my sisters and mom and dad. Ive definitely seen the parental support and love in my parents!
Now, I have to highlight some of the things that I love-
-studying 2 timothy! I can really identify with Timothy...Paul tells him that God did not give us a spirit of timidity, which also means fear. Like Timothy, I can be a fearful, shy disciple lacking in confidence and unsure of my abilities. Its encouraging for me to hear what Paul has to say to Timothy about who we are as God's children.
-leading a Sr Girls bible study!!! It brings joy to my heart. I am really growing to love these girls!
-Mitchell Road Beth Moore study-well, for one, I get to hang out with Wendy who discipled me last year when I go! And to be around women of all ages who are growing in their walks with God
-spending time with Em and Kasey! This wkend, we got to go out to eat and to the Grove park inn, and watch movies. There is nothing like hanging out with them!!

If youre reading this, please continue to pray that God would raise up a team of people who desire to support me! I know God will provide, but the daily ups and downs of asking sometimes get to me. Also, please pray for the girls that I lead-Jaycelyn, Stephanie, and Laura, and of course for my relationship with Christ to be the most important thing in my life!!