You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope

College life wears on you. At least it is starting to wear on me. Working on finding ways to continue to take care of myself in an environment where sleep is so rare and the work load intense. Jesus says, “Come all who are weary and I will give you rest.” That verse is cold water to my thirsty soul. Just proves to show that truly the “things” God calls us to are wondrous adventures, beautiful and full of life. But don't be fooled these adventures are not easy.  But the late nights, the hours of practice, the constantly being pushed to the end of my rope is worth it.

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule” Matthew 5:4 MSG

Most nights I go to bed completely EHAUSTED, but also overflowing with joy and knowing I am blessed beyond measure. When you are living out your passion, it is not work. I am not living this lifestyle on my own strength but I am empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Coffee, tea, Jesus, worship, studying scripture, living in a Christ centered community are all some of the incredible gifts God has given me to give me strength, encouragement, joy and peace to keep going. To not give up. To continue to run the good race. I am reading Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis right now and it is blowing up my mind. Shaking me to the core. I have always loved reading Katie's blog and God has used it in huge ways in my life the past two years. And I know her book is going continue to challenge me to be a doer of the word. (A blogs on what God is moving in my heart in that regards is in the works).

I love to splurge on concerts. I love experiencing music and supporting the arts. I love music. It is a universal language. I honestly love all music. Good music is good music. As a worship leader studying Worship Arts at school; going to an old beautiful, historic music theater in the heart of downtown Seattle to worship and listen to GOOD worship music for 4 solid hours was an enchanting dream come true. By the first song I was wonderstruck in awe of all the musical beauty that was filling my ear drums. God presence was thick and tangible in the room. In this secular theater—God showed up. David Crowder, Gungor, John Mark McMillan, Chris August. I was overwhelmed by so much musical talent with hearts beating for the Lord Jesus Christ in one room.

The highlights of the night, Gungor blew the show away, their cellist played the cello AND beat boxed at the same time. He had a whole band in his mouth. Lisa Gungor is lovely as ever she was wearing a whimsical dress that both Aubrea and I badly want. The dress was a mix between something from Urban Outfitters and Free People. Christ August did his set with just his guitar and that incredible voice of his. He is so, so funny. He had me in stitches. He also talked about some deep theological issues and theories. Which being the theological nerd that I am, I LOVED. John Mark was his usually hipster, casual swagger self. He is one hairy dude. Reminds me of the men in Portland, OR. David Crowder Band played almost two hours and rocked it. I forgot how many famous worship songs that they wrote. What a great gift to the church. 

The most magical powerful moment of the night? Towards the end of the David Crowder Band set they sang How He Loves with John Mark McMillan (who wrote the song), Gungor, and Christ August. Every single hand in that concert hall was raised high and in awesome love for our Father God who loves us so. Wow. A holy moment that I will remember for the rest of my life. I have been blessed to say that I seen many concerts in my short lifetime. This was one of the best concerts I have been too. By far the best Christian Music/Worship concert I have been too. Not only is it worship music, (which though I am biased is my favorite type of music) it was not bad quality music. No lame four chord worship song but complex music bliss. Experimenting and worshiping God through good music.

Anyways, that is my summary of the concert for those who wanted to know how the concert was. I also must share how grateful I am for Jesus protection while we (Aubrea and I) were in downtown. We felt Him with us the entire time and Jesus went way out of His way to make it extremely obvious that we were not walking the streets of Seattle alone that night. From putting it on some of our friends heart to pray for our protection and that God would send an angel to watch over us. From God giving us wisdom for when we need to get off the street and come up with a plan in Macy's, to walking by churches with big light up signs lighting our paths with truths like "Christ is Hope" to walking back to our parking spot after the concert with other Christians who went to the concert too and their was a big guy in front of us in a rainbow tie dyed Cross t-shirt who also parked in the same parking garage as us. So literally we got to follow the cross all the way to our parking spot last night. It was like Jesus himself was leading the way, clearing the way for us. It’s incredible how far Jesus goes to give us peace in our hearts to show us that He is protecting us and watching over us. Answering our prayers. This is the Savior that I so deeply love and serve.

So much more I could share and want to share about my time here at SPU so far. But forced to stop and continue to study for my Spanish and Music Theory midterms.

Till the whole world hears,

Heidi 

The awakening of a beautiful two years.

“I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly. Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye. Out of the darkness and into the sun. I won't forget the place I come from. I gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change and Breakaway. SPU are you READY??!!” ~September 22, 2011

“Seattle Pacific University, is e a dream come true, flawless, mesmerizingly beautiful, charming, and a soul mate! I am very blessed and thankful to be here. Grateful to God for making this possible! God truly does give good gifts to His beloved children!!” ~September 25, 2011

I love overcast, drizzly fall mornings. I broke out my rain boots today. They're pink with a vintage-y floral print. They make me happy. And I can use all the happy thoughts I can get when I have to wake up at 6:45AM Monday-Thursday for my Music Theory and Aural Skills (Music Ear Training) classes. As much as I fight the early mornings, a part of me secretly loves waking up early. The campus that is usually booming with life and chaos is still deep in slumbers until about 9am. Those courageous and daring enough to take early morning classes quietly walk around like ghost around campus.

I have found joy and peace eating breakfast at 7:20 AM in an almost empty cafeteria with my brown sugar and raisin oatmeal with a steamy hot mug of coffee. Most mornings I sit by myself, which oddly I enjoy and look forward too. It is the only time of the day where I can hear my own thoughts. A few minutes where I can be content with just my own presence and God's. I get time to reflect on my schedule for the day and decide early in the morning how I am going to live out my day. To be joyful always, to show grace and love to the students and staff that I encounter today, to make a conscious effort to stop and be thankful for the everyday miracles all around me. My life is very, very full here at SPU.

I was told not to have too high expectations for college. I told myself that I didn't want to be let down. But as the hopelessly over the top dreamer that I am, I couldn’t help myself. I dreamed big! I wanted only the best and most wonderful college experience. And after almost two weeks of being at SPU I have realize my dreams were not that far off. My expectations have been fulfilled. I already feel deeply cared for and loved by the girls on my floor. We are a family. The community here on campus is strong and connected by a common love for Jesus which then reflects itself in a genuine love for others. It is absolutely beautiful. You should come visit and see for yourself. I promise you will be shocked and inspired. I know I have been.

My relationship with God is stronger and more alive and thriving than ever. I am in an environment that is constantly encouraging me to go deeper in the everlasting ocean that is God. To know more, feel more, believe more, accomplish more, and be more and more like the Jesus who loves me so much-for a world that is thirsty for Him. I am discovering everyday more and more about who I am, my calling, my talents and gifts. I am pushed to perfect and nurture the talents that God has entrusted me with. These are exciting days in the Kingdom of God. I am pumped to have a part in what God is doing and moving in the world. It's about time for an Awakening and/or Revival! SPU has a heart for the things that break God's heart. These past few days have been incredible. Every single day I am inspired, encouraged, moved, empowered, and thankful!

Don't be fooled though. It is hard being here too. My professors see my potential and will not let me casually stroll through class on just my natural talent in communications and music like I have been able to get away with in high school. Since I am at a small university the professors invest in each student and really know the gifts and talents and natural ability of each student. They have not let me be lazy and just give enough to get by. They encourage me to pour out everything. To work hard not just to get by, but to go above and beyond. My professors, pastors, and God since I have been at SPU have given me a vision of my ministry potential. They have asked me to consider what I could accomplish for the Kingdom of God, if I devoted myself for the next two years to learn, grow, and constantly step outside my comfort zone. If I think my life is full now, if I think my ministry is alive and good now what could it be if I poured out absolutely everything the Lord has given me?

(Don't worry I have been taking as many breaks as I can for FUN too! There is not shortage of fun on campus)

And so the past two weeks I have been working harder than ever, I study a bunch and practice non stop. I live, breathe, and dream music, communications, and the Bible. There are moments where I hate it. I just want to quit and take the easy and comfortable way out. But I have seen such progress in just a week of school and training that I get empowered to keep on pushing through. If I already see improvement now where will I be after fall quarter? After a year? After two years? The possibilities are endless and exciting. Without a doubt I am called to be at SPU.

I will do my best to continue to keep you all updated on my adventures here! It truly is a set apart adventure. Love you all!

Heidi

The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be SET FREE! And that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. ~Luke 4:18-19