ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?

we are doing a project on a comprehensive story line of the bible... and it is RIDICULOUS!!! 

[and i mean that in a good way]

God is rocking my world with His goodness and faithfulness.

It is incredible to see how everything fits together -

How He is the God of Promise - - 

- who gave His promise to Abraham that He would BLESS him with a descendant who would be a blessing to all 

- who sustained this promise to Abraham's family by bringing them OUT OF  slavery and into their own land

- who again promised the HOPE of a coming descendent who would bless the world

- who taught his people [Abraham's family] what it looks like to seek the Lord ONLY by giving them laws

- who punished his people when they disobeyed so they would see how much they NEEDED him

- who gave HOPE and the promise of HEALING with every punishment 

- who used unexpected people to bring his message of RESTORATION 

- who constantly REMINDED his people they NEEDED him for breath, true life, and atonement for their sin

- who promised he would ALWAYS come after his people

- who promise he would NEVER fail them

- who promised he would always seek their GOOD, even when they couldn't understand the situation 

- who proved himself FAITHFUL to them time and time again, RESCUING, RESTORING, AND RENEWING

- who is the SAME God we serve today....

He is STILL faithful to his promises.... He still LONGS to restore us and renew us. to make us right with Him, through the Cross of Jesus Christ. 

I encourage you if you never have to read Isaiah... 

it is phenomenal 

[a little context for the book  -- Israel (God's people) has turned away from God and no longer loves Him, God CRAVES for his people to turn back to him, he has sent all these messengers to say "Hey, come back to me because I love you!" but they won't listen. So to teach them a lesson in the consequences of choosing to serve other things [like money, sex, and philosophy] He lets them be captured by their enemies the Babylonians... BUT NOT WITHOUT OFFERING THEM A PROMISE - -  that He will bring them home, restore them, heal them, and show them his LOVE!]  

Ok... It’s been a month here on the Island of Kauai. 

Wow… what a month!

I can’t put in a short blog all that’s been happening [but I’ll try]

 

First off  - how God had answered some of my worries- -

Q: Who are these people??

A: they are incredible, diverse, fun, weird, encouraging men and women of God. Yes, it sounds cheesy, but I really feel like we are a family. Already we have gone through some rough things – disappointment, discouragement, and a death. But it’s been really neat to see everyone pull together and just love. The only word I can think of is community. These people REALLY care. It’s incredible.

 

Q: What will it be like to be a college student in a dorm again?

A: as a 25 year old, I was a bit worried. But it’s been fun to be a student again. It’s nice only having to clean the kitchen once a week, when it’s my duty. It’s fun to get to fall asleep having girl talk or walk to the room next door to pray with a friend. It’s great not to have to drive!

 

Q: Can I handle ALL this class/internship/homework - Will I have the time?

A: I don’t have time, that’s true… but God is teaching me how to make time. I will never have time for everything so He’s also teaching me how to set limits and boundaries. I’m learning a LOT about time management and how in different seasons of life we have different schedules. I want to make the most of my time here.

 

Ok… that’s a quick recap of my lessons.

 

Next… topics we’ve been talking about in class.

 

Today was Science and how to use ration, logic, data, and stats to argue to the Bible, not use just the Bible to prove your point. So basically we had science class – and how scientific evidence supports the Bible. It was REALLY cool. [yes, I’m somewhat nerdy]

 

This past week was Marriage and Family Week – interesting talks on why we want to get married and where our hearts are now unmarried. We talked a lot about conflict resolution and the different communication styles of males and females.

 

The spiritual disciplines we’ve been focusing on are scripture memory and thankfulness. It’s really cool to be held accountable to put more of God in your heart and to cultivate a heart of gratitude. We are so blessed and it’s a bit overwhelming when you stop to appreciate it.

 

All His love,

Brittan

 a few more pictures just to bring you a smile...

My roommate Laura and I as Homecoming Queens 2009 

[at the Homecoming Dance!!]

A lovely pic of some of us girls right before our Salsa dance lessons! fun times. 

Party at the Branson Landing to celebrate my birthday

Branson: here I am

Hello wonderful friends and family!

In case you haven't heard, I am now living in Branson, MO. I am attending the Kanakuk Institute [http://www.kanakukinstitute.com/] where I will be working towards a Masters in Ministry, emphasis in Counseling. 

The program is designed to focus on discipleship and preparing young leaders to take a confident stand for Biblical truths. That sounds all technical and stuff but what it breaks down to is:

- 70 students

- 6 hours of class a day

- over 15 books read

- dozens of verses memorized

- a ministry internship

- a work/study job

- a massive oral thesis on what we believe and why

- and a community of faith and friendship 

This will be the beginning of many posts chronicling my adventures as a Bransonite. I will try to keep it short and sweet [for me, that may be quite a challenge]. I also will try and post pictures and do current prayer requests. 

For those of you who've asked ... here is my mailing address:

833 Lakeshore Drive

Branson, MO 65616

Prayer Requests:

- Community and friendships here as we all get to know each other

- Authenticity and transparency - that we won't try to be the better, more "godly" Christian

- Finances - that God will meet the needs of my tuition costs and that I will submit all spending to Him

- My internship as a K-Life worker [youth group like ministry] 

I look forward to sharing my heart with each of you and hearing of yours. 

Love Always,

Brittan 

This is my campus [for those familiar with Kanakuk camps, this is K-Kauai Family Camp]

These are the ladies in our class. 

These are the guys in our class. 

This is my wonderful roommate, Laura, from Austin, TX.