Giving your Life Away

It is Christ's love that compels me, for I am convinced that he died for all, that everyone who lives, should no longer live for themselves but for Christ, who died and gave himself up for everyone. Jesus Christ died for me, that I might be free from the bondage of sin here on earth, and free from eternal separation from God. This grand and unrepeatable act of love is what drives me to give my life away everyday.

EDGE Corps is the current avenue of which I am giving my life to others. To help college students grow in their faith and for me to learn to walk more closely with God has been one of the greatest privileges in my life thus far.

December 14-16 college students and young adults from all over the country gathered at the Glen Eyrie Conference Center for EDGE Preview to hear more about how they can give their lives away while in college, after graduation, and in their careers. At any given moment you'd see students with paper and pen, eyes squinted, searching for God in the pages of his Word.

The Lord also affirmed me in the significance of spending your life on behalf of the Gospel, through encouraging statements of women I have influenced in these past two years. Kari Weiss, a West Texas A&M student who I mentored at a 2007 Summer Training Program in Missouri, stood up and shared how I helped her learn the benefits of daily time with God, and never gave up on her even though she struggled with consistency and early mornings. Coele Stone, a student in my ministry at UCCS shared that I helped her learn how to share her faith and read the Bible with a co-worker. God even let me be used at the conference with Emily Jones of the University of Dayton, by spending some time with her praying over difficulties back home.

Sometimes I don't want to give my life away. Sometimes I want to keep it all to myself and do the things I have my heart set on (like attempting to bake the perfect biscotti, or searching for the perfect winter shoes, or even just laying around). While these things aren't inherently wrong, they can stem from selfishness, a stubborn heart, or even lack of discipline. I can't replace loving others and helping them on behalf of myself all the time. Jesus says those who want to save their lives will lose them.

Remembering what Jesus did for me produces motivation to go and do the same for him. Right now that looks like EDGE Corps, and for many of the students who came to EDGE Preview, the next two years will look similar to them. But for those in the full time work force, student-dom, or professional diaper changing, you too can give your life away right where you're at. Think of Christ and what his love for you accomplished on the cross. Then say, "Jesus, my life is yours, how should I live today?"

He will probably want you to spend time with him, and he will probably give you opportunities to love, serve, give, and share truth with others. Will we take hold of these things? Or will we keep living for ourselves?

Christ's love compels me. . .may it compel you too.

Jamie, Leigh Ann, myself, and Meredith all are serving with EDGE Corps currently. We are grateful for the opportunities to pour ourselves out to colleges students, that they may know Jesus.

What's a Christmas Gram? I want one!

Last Thursday UCCS Navigators had our annual Ministry Team Christmas party complete with a white elephant gift exchange and those a ton of those little smokies.

What a blast to celebrate the reason we live with 19 wonderful students who have chosen to follow Christ and help others do the same.

Jamie, Derrik (my EDGE teammates) and I did our best entertained the troops with a few improv skits. During the white elephant gift exchange, I inherited a 1970's rendition of Jesus and the little children decoupaged on a tree stump. Surprisingly no one wanted this gift after I opened it. Luckily I was able to regift it before the night was over saving me a trip to the Arc. whew.

We finished the night with some Christmas carols and prayer.

I am so thankful for this opportunity with The Navigators!

Me, Coele, and Ashlea really enjoyed the singing part of the night. . .a little too much.

An action shot from some improve (me, Derrik, Jamie).


Shawn gets an awesome owl figurine for his gift!

Kathy cannot seem to open her gift, as it was wrapped about a dozen times.

Ashlea proudly displays her new suit of armor hat.

Pray for the Nations

Today is pray for the world's people who are in darkness day. . .(Day 19 in 31 days of Prayer by Ruth Meyers).

It was so enjoyable and so inspiring, I thought I'd share some of it, that you too, may join me in praying for those who are still prisoners in darkness.

"Thank you that my prayers can help fulfill Your longings to include in Your family people from every tribe and language and people and nation. What a family to belong to! And what an honor to help in this tremendous task through prayer!

Yet how terrible is the destiny of those who ignore Your salvation! Stir in my heart, Lord-and the hearts of countless others-to pray more for those who have heard of You but have not yet responded. And for the millions who are still without the gospel.

Lord, You are the Master of breakthroughs. Bring mighty breakthroughs of the gospel throughout the world. Penetrate Satan's lines of defense. Do this especially among Muslims, among Buddhists, among Hindus, among Jews, as well as among atheists-these great strongholds that the gospel has barely dented. Break through, Lord, to their leaders and to their people. May the reality of Christ and His saving love dawn in their hearts like a brilliant sunrise. And may Your Spirit work with usual power through those who are ministering among them.

You have promised that the ends of the earth will be Your Son's possession. I ask You to accomplish this soon."