Too good not to share!

Today's GirlTalk blog packs a great deal of encouragement into a brief reminder. It definitely touched an area of my heart that's grown weary recently.

Part of Something Bigger

2010 at 11:46 am | by Nicole Whitacre
Filed under Biblical Womanhood

On Saturday I attended the out-of-town wedding of my sister-in-law. We drove home on Sunday, and I arrived just in time to witness the birth of a dear friend’s baby girl on Monday. It has been an exhausting and exhilarating week.

But now I have suitcases to unpack (still!), laundry to do, and week-old emails to answer. The adrenalin has drained away, and the days ahead seem downright dull.

These words from John Piper on the book of Ruth place my recent past and immediate future in proper perspective:

“God’s purposes for his people is to connect us to something far greater than ourselves. God wants us to know that when we follow him, our lives always mean more than we think they do. Naomi had no idea in the land of Moab that God was making her the ancestor of the Messiah. For the Christian there is always a connection between ordinary events of life and the stupendous work of God in history.

Everything we do in obedience to God, no matter how small, is significant. It is part of a cosmic mosaic that God is painting to display the greatness of his powers and kingdom to the world and to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 3:10). A deep satisfaction of the Christian life is that we are not given over to trifles. Serving a widowed mother in law, gleaning in a field, falling in love, having a baby—for the Christian these things are connected to eternity. They are part of something so much bigger than they seem" (p. 121).

Thank God—as Christians, “We are not given over to trifles!” The ordinary events of life and the extraordinary ones are all “part of something so much bigger than they seem." And everything we do in obedience to God is significant.

Kind of changes how I think about unpacking my suitcases.

Reunion

Two friends from college, Izzy and Katie and I recently reunited for a few days of vacation together! Of course, we returned to Clemson but we also visited Greenville and even spent a day in Columbia! We have not seen each other since we graduated two years ago so this was a long overdue trip! What made it even more special was that Izzy and I surprised Katie with the entire trip for her birthday! We worked together with her parents to make sure she had no idea we were coming! Here are some pictures of our time together!


For our first full day, we spent some time on campus and enjoyed Pendleton Cafe for lunch before driving up to Caesar's Head State Park for some hiking. We stopped at Bald Rock on the way to take in the beautiful views of the Blue Ridge.


Our second day was a day trip to Columbia. We went to the state house, a park on Lake Murray and of course, shopping! (and our other favorite activity, great food!--this was a continuing activity!)

Our third day together was Katie's birthday so we took a slightly slower pace and enjoyed some time in Greenville and Clemson. We walked Falls Park, shopped and ate in Downtown Greenville then went to Clemson for pedicures and a bit more campus time. (Izzy and Katie had two years of campus time to make up!) We were so blessed with great weather throughout our trip! We only changed plans once as we thought the baseball game would be rained out. It ended up played as planned but we preferred our pampering time! It was my first pedicure experience so I especially had fun!

Our last half day was taken by church, lunch at Pot Belly Deli and painting pottery at Glazed in Clemson. We definitely enjoyed this fun, creative experience together.


Though our trip ended all too quickly, we certainly packed our time full of lots of great activities.
It was a very sweet time to catch up on each others lives and share some of our favorite things from college (and a few new things as well!)

Homecoming

The weekend of April 25, I had the privilege to join Crosspoint Church in Clemson for their Student Appreciation Service and Lake Fellowship baptism service. Student Appreciation commissions the graduating seniors as well as those participating in summer missions all over the world. It was a blessing to see so many friends sent out by the church body. Commissioning services are always needed reminders of the Great Commission not just for those being sent for a specific purpose but for the entire body to live every day on mission. Crosspoint's College Pastor, Jeremy Chasteen, gave a great message on discipleship referencing Matthew 28:16-17. The message focused on the need and command to make disciples as part of the Great Commission. Among other convicting reminders, he spoke of the call to make disciples as a call to do so intentionally. Making disciples involves going- actively determining and serving your Jerusalem (local), Judea and Samaria (state, country), and ultimately, the ends of the earth. The Great Commission is given to every believer. The only real question is: am I faithfully carrying out my Commission?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Crosspoint family. The main reason for my visit, however, was to see a good friend of mine, Becky, baptized at the Lake Fellowship. Held at Y-Beach on Lake Hartwell, this is the same service in which I was baptized almost three years ago! It was wonderful to be there for such a big occasion in her life. I spoke with a friend, Ashley, one of Crosspoint's staff, during the fellowship. She said one of her favorite parts of Lake Fellowships is that it feels like homecoming for church members who have graduated or otherwise moved away. It definitely was so for me! One of Becky's friends since childhood Madison, whom I became friends with as we all attended Crosspoint in college, was able to make the trip and we surprised Becky with Emma and her husband, Stephen. It was a sweet reunion with college friends.

My baptism in August of 2007 (it was raining so I got "sprinkled and dunked" haha)



Becky's Baptism April 2010


Madison, Becky, Tracey, Emma, Emma's niece, Reese and our cameraman accidentally lost half of Susan!

Going Heart Deep

April 11 was ECBC's new Young Adult Pastor's first week in class with us. Steve and his wife, Suzanne, formally met the class and gave us the vision for the ministry. I really love Steve's plans! I was practically bursting inside because it so matched what I had been praying for. Steve's focus is a Biblical worldview; not only growing in knowledge but having this knowledge go "heart-deep". This is something I very much need to cultivate!
During my time at Crosspoint in Clemson, I was exposed to so much Biblical wisdom it was like drinking from a fire hose! I have really missed the college ministry at Crosspoint Church in Clemson since leaving almost two years ago. One of the things I've missed most is discipleship. I love the Biblical concept of not only growing in knowledge but doing life together; accountability. I am thrilled that our new pastor holds the progression of wisdom and knowledge from head to heart so highly.
A big part of Steve's testimony is from his time in seminary. While he was most excited about the great theological teaching to which he'd be exposed, God had other objectives. Steve said he learned that God had brought him to seminary for a degree but more importantly for his own spiritual growth. God stripped him of his love even for good things (such as biblical knowledge and service) that had taken the place of God in his heart. God taught him how to take theology to heart so that it affected his life not just his thinking. He pointed out that we easily fall into trying to manipulate our lives by doing things "faithfully" so that our lives would turn out as we want them to. God is after our hearts - to shape what we love. Steve defined spiritual maturity as the sanctification of our loves.
Our new pastor told us that he wants to help us grow in this area as well; not just having a "Bible verse to throw at a situation" but being led by a heart that is fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit's leading. His outline for ministry is to help us follow God's mission for us: that our love of Him would transcend our lives (our love for the Lord would always be held more highly and defended more strongly than anything else).
I am truly excited for what the next few months will bring. I am starting to see the unfolding of God's purposes for me being here. I believe one of the biggest reasons is to be a part of this ministry at ECBC. Still very much looking forward to God revealing more of His plan for my life. I wonder what it will entail and where He has designed for me to serve....
Lord, please let "heart deep" and "from the inside out" be my focus as I run after You! This walk is so much more than absorbing and reproducing knowledge... I want to not only love Your word but to be consumed with its author! Take me deeper to know and love You more. Releasing all else including control and my plans may be a frightening leap of faith but its entirely worth it!

A Purpose in Every Season

There was an absence of God's voice and presence (about 400 years if I remember correctly) following the return from exile.... Generations must have begun to believe they'd been forgotten by God. Talk about hope deferred! Being in a season of waiting on God for next steps can be so frustrating. Even a child of God can struggle with perception of abandonment! Believers are never meant to feel settled in our temporary home and lets face it, this walk with the Lord is often full of twists and turns we never see coming!
Although God's been making it clear to me that He's very much still by my side, I'll admit I'm getting a bit anxious for some direction and long-range goals! Thankfully, by His grace, as I've been seeking the Lord about next steps He's been so faithful in gently speaking to my heart: not yet, be at rest, stop striving...comforting yet difficult to accept for a planner!
Some sermons and (as always) music have really ministered to me in this time. Podcasts are such a great companion for roadtrips and sometimes the daily commute or errands. What a blessing God's given in some technology! I love being able to redeem this time to set my thoughts on greater things.
Here's a few snippets from sermons that have ministered to me in this season of uncertainty (somehow I feel as though a bit of uncertainty is meant to be a constant in this walk....) At Passion, Beth Moore pointed out that a believers primary call is to the Savior. He'll reveal the rest in time. Louie Giglio spoke on "Twenty-something or Twenty-someONE" and "Left-turns, detours and the Sovereignty of God" from Passion City Church. Louie brought out the truth that God cares more about my character than my calling. Jon Ludavina at Midtown spoke on singleness as a grace gift. These messages have uplifted me with the truth that I am where I am for a reason.
This season of my life is an amazing opportunity to pour out everything I am for Christ. I have more resources: time, money and flexibility than I will never have in any other season..."Twenty somethings" are creations and tools of God. My generation could make a huge impact for the kingdom if we accept this calling. That starts with individual surrendered hearts.
There's so much talk in the Christian community about a call to go.....what about a call to stay and have an impact in a place you don't necessarily feel attached or drawn to? I don't know if this is a long or short term assignment....either way I want this time to be characterized by an increasingly intimate walk with the Lord.

Global Impact 2010 Missions Conference

The weekend of Feb 26-28, my church held its annual missions conference: Global Impact 2010. This was my first year attending the conference.
The church as a whole is very missions-oriented. Our senior pastor and his family travel to various churches overseas over the holidays each year to personally encourage our partners there. Pastor Buster does his best to keep the body informed of what God is doing through our brothers and sisters serving the ends of the earth. I love that my church leadership has such a heart for missions and believes it important to share as much as possible with the congregation. However, there is really nothing like speaking with our missionaries themselves! I thankfully had Friday off so I was able to spend time with members of my church family preparing for the opening of the conference. The head chef at the church is wonderful! He's such a joy to serve with and so generous to his volunteers! Chef Bob invited us to take a lunch break at the Missions Luncheon. We were given the opportunity to have lunch with the visiting missionaries and the pastoral staff. When I came in, I joined my community group leader another of the girls from the Young Single Adults who are on staff at the church. They were already speaking with a missionary from Afghanistan. It was so refreshing to hear his first-hand account of the mission field. The conversation was very encouraging and eye-opening. Laborers are very wise with resources. I'm looking forward to the growth of this ministry!
Following the banquet on Friday evening, the church gathered for the opening session of the conference. Our main speaker gave us a challenge: put your "yes" on the altar before the Lord. Even before the Lord asks, tell Him that you will follow wherever He leads. It's easy to quickly say yes and dismiss the concept a part of the Christian walk. The speaker encouraged us to take the appropriate time to consider and understand what this entails. If possible, he encouraged taking a day to get alone with the Lord to find out what we may need to say no to in order to say yes to God. This also includes the possibility of saying yes to overseas service.
On Sunday, the Young Single Adults class was blessed to have a missionary from Thailand. He and his family are such examples of God's grace. When he first approached his wife about full time missions in Thailand he found that God had already been preparing her heart to say yes! They adopted a baby boy about 9 years ago finding that they couldn't have children naturally. Around 6 years ago, however, God blessed them with a brother for their oldest son. It was certainly a sweet surprise when a Buddhist nurse told them that God must be involved because she was pregnant!
I very much enjoyed hearing of the college ministry in Thailand. It's such an encouragement that their team now includes so many nationals.
Later that evening, the YSA class again had the opportunity to spend time with the missionaries. We heard from a couple who had served in Bosnia and Croatia. They describe the opportunity as one of the best seasons of their lives. I hope I view opportunities God presents to serve Him as such a great privilege and blessing.
We closed the conference on Sunday as a church body. Pastor Buster told us that our church family would be focusing more resources including laborers to India!! I feel such a personal connection to India knowing friends who are currently serving there or are currently making plans to serve there. I'm looking forward to how God uses this commitment from our church leadership.
During the conference worship sessions, our worship leader lead a song I was introduced to at the Restore Conference in Clemson last year. I love the lyrics as they relate to missions

Lord, let us pray Kingdom Come prayers and live with a Kingdom mindset!

Let Your Kingdom Come

Words and music by Bob Kauflin
As recorded on Valley of Vision

Your glorious cause, O God, engages our hearts
May Jesus Christ be known wherever we are
We ask not for ourselves, but for Your renown
The cross has saved us so we pray
Your kingdom come

Let Your kingdom come
Let Your will be done
So that everyone might know Your Name
Let Your song be heard everywhere on earth
Till Your sovereign work on earth is done
Let Your kingdom come

Give us Your strength, O God, and courage to speak
Perform Your wondrous deeds through those who are weak
Lord use us as You want, whatever the test
By grace we’ll preach Your gospel
Till our dying breath

© 2006 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).

Birthday Week

With each passing birthday, I value memories more. Memories with those I love have become some of my favorite gifts. My birthday this year was very low-key but I enjoyed it as such! I had several opportunities throughout my "birthday week" to spend quality time with wonderful friends who have blessed my life over the last few years.
One of the many things my discipler, Tara, taught me my senior year of college was to "embrace the birthday week". For me, this has meant a weekend trip the last couple of years to celebrate with dear friends. Last weekend, I had my first experience driving through the snow at night! I was definitely thankful to be in Columbia after a 4 hr drive that usually takes 2! I thankfully got there safely and spent the evening with Meredith and her roommates watching the Olympic opening ceremonies. One of Meredith's roommates and I were in a small group Bible study together our Sr yr of college. One of the other girls from that group also lives in Columbia. She spent the night as well so the next morning was a lot of fun spending time with everyone!
The next morning, we woke up to a white blanket still largely intact. A group of us walked down to the State House and built a snowman there!




I left Columbia around noon and headed up to Clemson (where I'd intended originally to be Fri night but I loved the detour!) I had dinner with 3 other girls from college. We all have birthdays within two weeks of each other; 3 of us within a week!


It was great to catch up and just spend some quality time with ladies I respect and love so much. We went to Fatz cafe and of course loaded up on the awesome rolls and all sorts of yummy birthday food. The waitress even brought each of us a strawberry shortcake for dessert!


After dinner, we went back to their townhouse and had a couple other girls over. We ended up chatting and watching the Olympics. I really wanted my birthday to be kinda low key surrounded by friends so I loved it! After church at my old Clemson home church, I had lunch with one of the girls from my Passion family group! She's a sophomore at Clemson. It was so good to catch up with her in person! I usually end up making my way back home slowly visiting friends along the way so of course for my birthday trip I had to as well! I had coffee with one of my Summerlink roommates on my way through Greenville then stopped back in Columbia to go to church with Meredith. Her church meets at night and they were starting a new series she wanted me to visit for. I got back around 10ish pretty tired but thankful for a great trip.
The birthday celebration continued on Wed with my community group! They were so sweet in "changing the venue" for our usual meeting time to go out to dinner. We went to a little restaurant downtown that we all really enjoy. It was wonderful to have some time to just catch up on each others lives and enjoy some great fellowship!


On my actual birthday, I enjoyed a relaxing morning before going to work in the afternoon. I had the following day off which I spent relaxing, running a few errands and spending time with my roommates.
My birthday is just one of many days that I'm so blessed by family and friends who consistently remind me of how much I'm loved.