Welcome to Tactical Team

On Monday, the house was looking pretty amazing! The girls did a great job cleaning. That evening was pretty small as far as house dinner, but we still had a great time together with fun conversation! On Tuesday, Deon spoke about kingdom responsibility at all team. We also played a sort of "bingo" game with common Deon sayings, which was tons of fun! On Wednesday morning,

Nicole came over and we had a brief house meeting with the girls, during which we addressed the tone of our words and how we an be more intentional about addressing each other in a loving way. The majority of the girls took it really well! A few of them even spoke up during the meeting asking the others to keep them accountable in this regard, which was encouraging to see. I also went to Bible with the girls that morning and heard Deon teach on biblical numerology!

On Thursday, Deon spoke a bit more on kingdom responsibility at all team. Friday was a pretty busy day for me, so I wasn't around much, but Saturday was Nicole's baby shower! It was so sweet! Brighten, Sage, and I were all able to attend, and Grace was also able to stop by for a little bit! It was such a blessing to be able to celebrate Nicole, Brandon, and baby Haley! On Sunday, a few of us (Hope, Emily, Alyssa, and myself) performed in Colin's play "A Pickleball Carol." It was HILARIOUS! Throughout the week, there has been a lot of fun connect over movies and shows in the living room! I love to see it! This is also week two of the kitchen cleaning schedule that I set up! I asked the girls for feedback over the weekend and am now waiting to hear back from a few of them! So far, the kitchen has been looking way cleaner!

Praying for stress free packing/planning and safe travels for for Savannah and the rest of C8 as they prepare for their Europe trip!

This week has been full of change. C8 is wrapping up their dossiers, hours, and travel preparations for Europe. They have a lot to finish between today and Friday. C9 finished the core (what?!) and had their last Monday morning meeting today concerning phase 2 practicum. Most of us have our practicums decided. C10 is finishing mathematics and are oriented to start physics. They aren't ready to move past being the youngest and having "another sibling" (lol).

Johanna and Gilby moved off campus this Friday and Saturday. The gals have been going through the process of saying goodbye--me included. It was a very hard but beautiful thing to do, the joy of being able to send off close friends off well. After Thursday All-Team, Johanna and Gilby had a last hangout with the house and other close friends. We spent the time cracking jokes, chilling, and even doing a inverted hear-me-out (actually kind of a sweet game, lol). Johanna continued pouring out love in being generous with her time and gifts, and gave us really good hot chocolate. I'm very glad that we were able to just spend the time lightheartedly with joy and laughter while also allowing time for heartache and bittersweet farewells.

Last night (Sunday), I was sitting on the couch with Anna and thanked her for being there for me. Whether it was during class, hanging out in the house, or on my way to work, she was there to cheer me up and give me big hugs. Together, we explored the telos of goodbyes. Since even our time is finite, and there's a season for everything and a time for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1), I'm glad that God gives us opportunity for everything by making room through goodbyes. Even Jesus physically departed so the Holy Spirit could dwell in us. C.S. Lewis talks about how God purposed life in seasons, and how the Enemy tempts us to desire total uniformity (i.e., "the horror of the Same Old Thing," Screwtape Letters)--where would newness and restoration belong? Anna has such a beautiful perspective of this season, and she's open-hearted to growth according to God's will.

Anna, Norah, and I have been watching Haven, a mystery/drama show. Having these evenings together reminds me of home; hopefully I could keep some evenings throughout practicum. It's been really relaxing to unwind with these two fun gals.

Also, people have been anonymously giving the house sweets--thanks to these people!

Hi, Abba. Thank you for the ways that You've loved me, in the sunset that beautifies and contours the trees from angled light (contextualized in interior design), the traffic lights that changeable complements the painted sky (fine art), the people that display aspects of your beautiful self (Anthropology), and the soft wind that touches me and makes me feel like I'm flying (biology). All of those things are you gently and mercifully telling me and the people I live with that you love us unconditionally and perfectly. Thank you for having life be lived in the changing seasons, so that I may remember that "...in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years" (Abraham Lincoln). And that "the hard goodbyes mean that you did your job of Christlike love for them" (Shannon). This is such a beautiful life; thank you for giving me every good and perfect gift to be received in all my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

On Monday, we had burger tacos, which is always a huge hit for house dinners! Tuesday, Deon spoke, and I heard a number of women make reference to the teaching, and that it was really good. Wednesday, I was at the Leadership Master's class, so I wasn't at house dinner. Thursday was Deon again, and Emily Gilbert's last All Team. She was showered with letters and well-wishes throughout the week, and left campus Saturday, to move to Colorado. Saturday was Nicole's baby shower, and Aaliyah, Rachael McNary, Jocelyn, Makana, and I were there. Sunday evening, there was a play put on by a number of students and that was fun to see! Then after that, we watched Top Gun: Maverick in the Great Room!

• Sleep
• Health
• Safe Travels for break, and Europe!

Engaged with the guys in a more accountable and straight forward manner this week. I he’s a house meeting where I practically sat them down and talked them through what it REALLY means to find manhood. To grow out of “thinking like a child/acting like a child” as scripture states. Finding what it is to be a man in Christ! Not some other “manly or masculine” role model or ideology. But simply and truly in Jesus Christ and participation in his personhood. Honestly, I’ve been so proud of the way that some of these men step up to challenge and correction. Some individuals I’ll list in high fives below.

There are specific ways the enemy twists the hearts of the men and husbands we were called to be. May we be strengthened and quick to call upon Jesus, receiving those who are hands and feet with the lights fully on. May grace abound! Amen

The house seems to be doing well. I am super proud of the guys for finishing phase 1 well. Over the past few weeks, I have been spending more time with Enoch. He's awesome and way more of a deep intellectual thinker than I had previously believed. He has taken me out for coffee two weeks in a row, which I have very much enjoyed. Last Tuesday, after all team, Owen led some of the guys in communion and then into a time of reflection and gratitude. Owen is definitely an atmosphere setter. I am excited to see what he does with the house while I'm gone. Hopefully, he doesn't burn it down. I'm sure someone won't find that comment funny.

Father in Heaven. Thank you for the precious gift of life. If there is anyone living in loneliness or isolation, or anyone living in the dark, bring them to the light. Let your light shine through me and allow me to see you in the guys in my house. I pray for a relaxing and restful break for all the men in my house.

Amen

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Freedom house is beginning a season of transition. Seth is moving out tomorrow and some leadership change will be occurring in short order as well. We celebrated Seth on Sunday night by watching Project Hail Mary all together as a house. Nate Jenkins' girlfriend, Clancy, has been coming over to the house a good deal this past week which has been fun as well!

Thank you Jesus for all that you have taught us in this past season. Thank you for your love in us that has only grown for you and one another. Help us to use this break week well for rest and ready us for this next season. In Jesus' name, Amen.