This evening was amazing. We had a commissioning 'party' for the Barnabas Team 07-08. Not only did we nervous newbies get some questions answered, but we were really blessed by the graciousness of the old team. They were so eager for us to take on this new role, and demonstrated this through a footwashing. I've had a few footwashings in my life, but this one is certainly one of the most memorable. There was a real sense of unity present, which was overwhelmingly wonderful.
And then Woody Dixion, who had proposed to his girlfriend recently, got thrown into the sem pond. Hi-larious.
After all that, I simply couldn't just sit down and do britlit. So Eric and I walked to the bridge over the beltline and watched the lightning for a bit. Truly beautiful. And intense. Just like my year next fall will be! :)
Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness...
bets
Monday, April 30, 2007
Organizational skills (or lack thereof)
I'm a talented procrastinator. Sometimes I write it off by claiming a "need for pressure" (you know, working best at midnight rather than 3pm?) but we all know that's a pretty lame excuse.
Today, for some unknown reason, I had a burst of determination or something. Somehow after math class at 8, I managed to print a paper off, shower, eat breakfast, my start laundry(!) and made plans to drop off books off at the library on the way to Classics. Then (oh no, it doesn't stop there!) I came back after class and read my chapter for Education (Debbi, my roommate, knows that this in itself is an accomplishment, since I rarely get those assignments done ahead of time) and put my laundry in the dryers.
Speaking of laundry, I ought to fetch it. (See how productive I am?)
Anyway, it's a bit suprising to me how relaxed I feel despite how much I've been getting done. Is this what a life of discipline is like? It's not quite a feeling of "success," although there is an element of it, such as getting a paper done. It certainly is a good feeling, whatever it is.
I spent some time talking to Emily and Debbi about schedules for next year. Mine is looking quite superb at the moment--
The mornings are filled by my education class and teacher aide placement. On Mondays and Wednesdays I'm taking a world languages pedagogy class which will go towards my minor in ESL. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my Oral Rhetoric (Speech) class and Geography. It adds up for a total of 17 credits, so it's really nice how it's only 4 classes. Hopefully it leaves me plenty of time for being a quality Barnabas! :)
I'm hoping that by taking a conscious step towards organizing my time and being intentional about both my studies and my free time that I can find more rest. Of course, I do need the reminder that my real peace is in Him, but I also believe that God intends for our relationship to be practical as well as spiritual. He wants me to take care of myself, too, and part of that is being organized and healthy!
So, on that note, I'm going to finish my homework for tomorrow and HOPEFULLY get ahead for the rest of the week... it's going to be brutal!
Then, tonight, is my commissioning service for Barnabas. Yay!
Loves.
bjv
Today, for some unknown reason, I had a burst of determination or something. Somehow after math class at 8, I managed to print a paper off, shower, eat breakfast, my start laundry(!) and made plans to drop off books off at the library on the way to Classics. Then (oh no, it doesn't stop there!) I came back after class and read my chapter for Education (Debbi, my roommate, knows that this in itself is an accomplishment, since I rarely get those assignments done ahead of time) and put my laundry in the dryers.
Speaking of laundry, I ought to fetch it. (See how productive I am?)
Anyway, it's a bit suprising to me how relaxed I feel despite how much I've been getting done. Is this what a life of discipline is like? It's not quite a feeling of "success," although there is an element of it, such as getting a paper done. It certainly is a good feeling, whatever it is.
I spent some time talking to Emily and Debbi about schedules for next year. Mine is looking quite superb at the moment--
The mornings are filled by my education class and teacher aide placement. On Mondays and Wednesdays I'm taking a world languages pedagogy class which will go towards my minor in ESL. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my Oral Rhetoric (Speech) class and Geography. It adds up for a total of 17 credits, so it's really nice how it's only 4 classes. Hopefully it leaves me plenty of time for being a quality Barnabas! :)
I'm hoping that by taking a conscious step towards organizing my time and being intentional about both my studies and my free time that I can find more rest. Of course, I do need the reminder that my real peace is in Him, but I also believe that God intends for our relationship to be practical as well as spiritual. He wants me to take care of myself, too, and part of that is being organized and healthy!
So, on that note, I'm going to finish my homework for tomorrow and HOPEFULLY get ahead for the rest of the week... it's going to be brutal!
Then, tonight, is my commissioning service for Barnabas. Yay!
Loves.
bjv
Saturday, April 28, 2007
things are looking up
FIRST, the weather outside is GORGEOUS!! wow! :D It definitely set the tone for a great day with campus leadership for the '07-'08 school year. I got to know my future dorm a little better, plus the Barnabas meeting was fun and encouraging. I already know I'm going to love my team so much.
Now comes a Herculean task-- getting academics done. I think I'm also going to get a dent in cleaning. I desperately need a better workspace. My roomate won't mind, that's fo'sho. It'll also satisfy my urge to plan for next year. If I clean up around here for a bit, it'll make things feel like they're happening.
Love.
bjv
Now comes a Herculean task-- getting academics done. I think I'm also going to get a dent in cleaning. I desperately need a better workspace. My roomate won't mind, that's fo'sho. It'll also satisfy my urge to plan for next year. If I clean up around here for a bit, it'll make things feel like they're happening.
Love.
bjv
Friday, April 27, 2007
conflict of emotions
I wish that, now that I'm introduced as KH's new Barnabas, I could say that I'm beside myself with excitement. But I woke up with a weird(?) feeling this morning, and I hadn't been able to put my finger on it. I just felt... blah. wearied. out of it.
At first I was really confused, partly because I want to feel really excited about this (and I believe that somewhere in my heart, I truly am) and I've just mostly been overwhelmed. Naturally, I know. But when I got up from lunch with tears in my eyes, I knew that this was a bigger deal than I was accepting.
So, I'll admit it. I'm stressed. I'm feeling sad because I'm going to miss RVD. Being a Barnabas in KH is intimidating.
I've always been able to detach easily, but it's not always something I want to do. I thrive on change, new adventures, challenges. Living in KH next year is going to be amazing. Being a leader there will be a big change, an adventure, and a challenge. I really can't wait to get started. But after visiting, I got back to RVD at about 11:30 and walking into the lobby I instantly felt a huge relief. It was where a concept of "home" has been for me, and the familiarity soothed me right away. Yep. I'm definitely going to miss it. But I'm also looking forward to the day that I move into 301 Kals and make that dorm my home.
Thanks for listening.
Betsy
At first I was really confused, partly because I want to feel really excited about this (and I believe that somewhere in my heart, I truly am) and I've just mostly been overwhelmed. Naturally, I know. But when I got up from lunch with tears in my eyes, I knew that this was a bigger deal than I was accepting.
So, I'll admit it. I'm stressed. I'm feeling sad because I'm going to miss RVD. Being a Barnabas in KH is intimidating.
I've always been able to detach easily, but it's not always something I want to do. I thrive on change, new adventures, challenges. Living in KH next year is going to be amazing. Being a leader there will be a big change, an adventure, and a challenge. I really can't wait to get started. But after visiting, I got back to RVD at about 11:30 and walking into the lobby I instantly felt a huge relief. It was where a concept of "home" has been for me, and the familiarity soothed me right away. Yep. I'm definitely going to miss it. But I'm also looking forward to the day that I move into 301 Kals and make that dorm my home.
Thanks for listening.
Betsy
Thursday, April 26, 2007
a season of preparation transitions to a season of humility.
So.
I had my official debut as the female Barnabas of Kalsbeek-Huizenga tonight. It was definitely humbling. I realized that the title of this blog is more appropriate than ever for what I'm getting myself into: it really is out of my hands now.
It's pretty intimidating to walk into a dorm and hope to serve as a leader when everyone else knows so much more than you about what KH and the Mosaic floor is. I'm so grateful that Sarah, the current Barnabas, was welcoming and encouraging. She gave me "a whirlwind tour" of the building (I'll admit I felt a little lost, it's a big dorm!) and introduced me to some of the freshmen.
Steve Staggs was my freshman history teacher in high school. I only had one semester with him, but I think both of us would agree that it felt like more. I'll never forget the extra credit I did for that class-- I actually read and annotated part of Calvin's Institutes. Yeah. I was what, 14? :) It's a bit disappointing that he won't be my RD next year, but it was encouraging that he wanted me in his dorm from what he already knew about me.
Seth, my partner, seems to be a nice guy. I think another intimidating factor is that a couple of the RAs and Seth are already a part of the KH community. I feel a bit like an 'outsider' at this point, but I know that in the future I'll be grateful for the connections. :)
I feel more than ever that I need to be rooted in my own identity. I'm proud of the things I've accomplished, and I know that I am a strong person. God has been bringing me through each stage of my life in preparation for the next. 2006 was my year of preparation for leadership--this was something I identified early on, as early on as February 06, even, but was extremely clear by that summer. Here I am at the end of all this, standing ready. All of the questioning is culminating into an answer. Now, I suppose, it is my duty to listen carefully for His next instructions. I must remind myself that this is no coincidence. Some things are meant for us.
Love.
Betsy Joy
I had my official debut as the female Barnabas of Kalsbeek-Huizenga tonight. It was definitely humbling. I realized that the title of this blog is more appropriate than ever for what I'm getting myself into: it really is out of my hands now.
It's pretty intimidating to walk into a dorm and hope to serve as a leader when everyone else knows so much more than you about what KH and the Mosaic floor is. I'm so grateful that Sarah, the current Barnabas, was welcoming and encouraging. She gave me "a whirlwind tour" of the building (I'll admit I felt a little lost, it's a big dorm!) and introduced me to some of the freshmen.
Steve Staggs was my freshman history teacher in high school. I only had one semester with him, but I think both of us would agree that it felt like more. I'll never forget the extra credit I did for that class-- I actually read and annotated part of Calvin's Institutes. Yeah. I was what, 14? :) It's a bit disappointing that he won't be my RD next year, but it was encouraging that he wanted me in his dorm from what he already knew about me.
Seth, my partner, seems to be a nice guy. I think another intimidating factor is that a couple of the RAs and Seth are already a part of the KH community. I feel a bit like an 'outsider' at this point, but I know that in the future I'll be grateful for the connections. :)
I feel more than ever that I need to be rooted in my own identity. I'm proud of the things I've accomplished, and I know that I am a strong person. God has been bringing me through each stage of my life in preparation for the next. 2006 was my year of preparation for leadership--this was something I identified early on, as early on as February 06, even, but was extremely clear by that summer. Here I am at the end of all this, standing ready. All of the questioning is culminating into an answer. Now, I suppose, it is my duty to listen carefully for His next instructions. I must remind myself that this is no coincidence. Some things are meant for us.
Love.
Betsy Joy
Zimbabwe Pastor's Prayer
I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
The die has been cast.
I have stepped over the line.
The descision has been made.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I'm finished and done with low living,
sight-walking, small planning, smooth knees,
colorless dreams, tame visions,
mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven,
my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few,
my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up
until I've preached up, prayed up,
paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.
I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.
And when He comes, He will have no problem recognizing me:
My banner will be clear.
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ."
The die has been cast.
I have stepped over the line.
The descision has been made.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I'm finished and done with low living,
sight-walking, small planning, smooth knees,
colorless dreams, tame visions,
mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven,
my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few,
my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up
until I've preached up, prayed up,
paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.
I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.
And when He comes, He will have no problem recognizing me:
My banner will be clear.
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ."
redundant? probably. but a new blog nonetheless.
Alright, folks. Here's me, again, with yet another blog. Bear with me.
Actually, it's meant to mirror one I already have, but more accessible for the non-xangan world and more selective. If you are a subscribing xangaziser, maybe you'd rather check things out over at www.xanga.com/betsyjoy, but for now, this will do.
I had started my original "betsyjoy" identity online almost exactly three years ago this month (wow! that's longer than I thought!) as a place to journal more intentionally about my internal life than my external "social" xanga. It's been wonderful. Going back to past entries has revealed that God certainly is weaving a beautiful tapestry with my life, Himself as the master thread, with many themes and developments growing out of itself.
I choose to blog online for a couple of reasons. First, it's incredibly practical for a writer like myself. I'm never sure when my next muse will be, and it's wonderful to be able to access my journal from anywhere in the world(!) and know it's not going to get lost or misplaced or damaged somehow.
Second, I enjoy "publishing" the things that I write: I express things in my writing similar to how I express myself in worship with you all on Sunday morning. It's a communal thing. I want to share my heart because we are a body of people who care about each other. Some of you I've never met, or have rarely talked to, while others are dear friends who know how to read between the lines. :)
Third, I'm starting this blog particularly because I am entering a new chapter of my life that I hope you'll enjoy following. I'm a Barnabas Team Leader next fall-- (no clue what that is? Check out at Calvin's website) and just yesterday I found out which dorm I've been placed in: Kalsbeek-Huizenga. This dorm is unique from the others because it is intentionally diverse, with students from all over the world with many different backgrounds. I'm honored and priviledged to be chosen to act in a central role of bringing together this community. Things are starting to really get moving, so I'd appreciate prayers as I anticipate a few orientation sessions while juggling end-of-semester assignments. It can be pretty stressful!
I have a lot of hopes, expectations, and curiousity. There is a lot of uncertainty, yet-- even with questions answered, there's always a dozen more questions that follow. But I say that remembering a message I gave while in Yellowstone National Park last summer-- God is able to work most creatively in uncertainty. What He comes up with is more than enough, and far greater than I could ever dream of :)
[betsy and eric at the beach last weekend!]
Actually, it's meant to mirror one I already have, but more accessible for the non-xangan world and more selective. If you are a subscribing xangaziser, maybe you'd rather check things out over at www.xanga.com/betsyjoy, but for now, this will do.
I had started my original "betsyjoy" identity online almost exactly three years ago this month (wow! that's longer than I thought!) as a place to journal more intentionally about my internal life than my external "social" xanga. It's been wonderful. Going back to past entries has revealed that God certainly is weaving a beautiful tapestry with my life, Himself as the master thread, with many themes and developments growing out of itself.
I choose to blog online for a couple of reasons. First, it's incredibly practical for a writer like myself. I'm never sure when my next muse will be, and it's wonderful to be able to access my journal from anywhere in the world(!) and know it's not going to get lost or misplaced or damaged somehow.
Second, I enjoy "publishing" the things that I write: I express things in my writing similar to how I express myself in worship with you all on Sunday morning. It's a communal thing. I want to share my heart because we are a body of people who care about each other. Some of you I've never met, or have rarely talked to, while others are dear friends who know how to read between the lines. :)
Third, I'm starting this blog particularly because I am entering a new chapter of my life that I hope you'll enjoy following. I'm a Barnabas Team Leader next fall-- (no clue what that is? Check out at Calvin's website) and just yesterday I found out which dorm I've been placed in: Kalsbeek-Huizenga. This dorm is unique from the others because it is intentionally diverse, with students from all over the world with many different backgrounds. I'm honored and priviledged to be chosen to act in a central role of bringing together this community. Things are starting to really get moving, so I'd appreciate prayers as I anticipate a few orientation sessions while juggling end-of-semester assignments. It can be pretty stressful!
I have a lot of hopes, expectations, and curiousity. There is a lot of uncertainty, yet-- even with questions answered, there's always a dozen more questions that follow. But I say that remembering a message I gave while in Yellowstone National Park last summer-- God is able to work most creatively in uncertainty. What He comes up with is more than enough, and far greater than I could ever dream of :)
[betsy and eric at the beach last weekend!]
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