SEE. YES. YOU. (CSU)

Okay, so it's that time again. Every other summer I get to go to Colorado for Campus Crusade's National Staff Conference. Imagine 6,000 of your closest friends converging on the campus of Colorado State University. CSU (as it is affectionately called) is a mixed bag of emotions. The conference is an introverts nightmare and sometimes utopia for us extroverts. If you were a people watcher this would be idyllic for you. Please know that CSU is a time that we hear from our amazing leaders as they cast vision, pray for us, and try and bring some refreshment to a group of people who are often weary. I'm grateful for our leaders. However, would you allow me to poke some fun at myself and the singles scene you see at CSU?

Weeks ahead of time many women start planning their outfits. We were once told by an older staff guy that conference outfits are crucial. I hope my $5 flip flops and sequined Michael Jackson glove fit the bill. A certain friend of mine packed 20 outfits for 9 days. Several women have fashion shows in our rooms before each session. Accessories? Check. Perfume strength? Check. Any visible lines? Check. We as women must always be prepared and we always must have each others back. There will be no anomalies on any of my friends!!! Thank you boy scouts.

Another reason you would be fascinated by watching singles at this conference is the fact that the guy-girl ratio is about 1:400. We've got women dropping hankies left and right and guys either oblivious or picking the hankie right up or staring at the hankie as it lies on the ground in front of their feet. Fascinating.

My personal favorite conversation to have at CSU always revolves around Henry Cloud. Why do all roads lead back to Henry Cloud? He is an author who came and spoke to the single staff a few years ago about "Dating". Whew!! You would've thought either Mother Theresa or the Unibomber (depending on which side of the road you stand) had spoken with the opinions that surfaced. Henry, will you be there? I'll bring your armor.

As much as I poke fun of myself and my single friends, there truly is no place like CSU. No one on this earth understands my world like the people in big Moby gym for 10 days straight. I can poke fun because these people are extended family and we all poke fun of extended family. I mean, everyone has a Great Aunt Wanda.

Anyway, I'm flying out in a few and I will have an outfit to die for and a purse full of hankies.

Beth

Jesus, I am Resting

I've been listening to this beautiful hymn recently. You can find it on itunes under the Shelly Moore Band.

Jesus I am resting, resting

In the Joy of what Thou art;

I am finding out the greatness

Of Thy loving heart.

Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,

And Thy beauty fills my soul,

For by Thy transforming power

Thou hast made me whole.

O how great Thy loving kindness.

Vaster, broader than the sea!

O how marvellous Thy goodness,Lavished all on me!

Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,

Know Thy certainty of promise,

And have made it mine

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,

I behold Thee as Thou art,

And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,

Satisfies my heart;Satisfies its deepest longings,

Meets supplies its every need,

Compasseth me round with blessings;

Thine is love indeed!

Ever lift Thy face upon me,

As I work and wait for Thee;

Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,

Earth's dark shadows flee.

Brightness of my Father's glory,

Sunshine of my Father's face,

Keep me ever trusting, resting;

Fill me with Thy grace.

I'm so glad to be back in Tennessee. Clearwater Beach is so beautiful and I had some quiet and refreshing moments sitting on the beach...especially with my bible study and Sunday night Prayer and Vision times, but the mountains are the place for me. I suppose it is in my blood. I wish I were one to enjoy the mountains by taking grand and long hikes, but to be honest I prefer riding a tram or doing short treks, but there's something about being outside in the mountains that just brings life.

Speaking of life, I need one. Whew....being back in Knoxville and raising support isn't the most exciting of times, but I am trusting that Jesus is going to meet every need and the need is great. I'm not talking ONLY about monetary need, but spiritual need as well.

When UT starts up again in a little over a month, 5,000 new freshmen will converge on campus looking for a new start, freedom from parents, new identity, or spending a lot of energy making sure everyone knows who they are. The first two weeks of campus are like Christian Rush. Every campus ministry is out in full force trying to gather those students who are interested. We estimate that roughly 1,000 students out of 29,000 or so that attend UT become involved in some type of Chrisitan ministry. Long after "Christian Rush" is over the question that we want to keep asking is, "What about the other 28,000?"

Today as I continue to raise my support would you pray about the spiritual need of the 28,000? That's the real number that is on my heart today.