Super important things I learned (or some jokes to procrastinate)

I'm going back to Illinois in a few days for winter break, and I am so excited! I absolutely love everything in New Jersey. But, I'm really looking forward to seeing my people, being lazy, and not thinking that 56 chapters in the Hebrew Bible is a light reading week. (Can you tell that I'm exhausted?)

I have one assignment remaining before I go. Just one. And I'm not sure that I have the stamina to complete it because life just feels like a dumpster fire until I can finish it.

(It took way too many tries for me to get this into the blog.) (My tech skills are lacking when it comes to this piece of the internet.) (I'll just keep making excuses until I figure out how to link it correctly.)

Anyway, with my semester coming to a close and my procrastination at an all time high while I dramatically put off this final assignment, I would love to share some super important (read: very much trivial) things I learned this semester.

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1. An undergrad degree in mass communication is worthwhile! I can make memes to share with friends! I make funny memes of things that friends say and serious memes of inspiring words from professors and pointless memes about finals and acquaintances and such. I'm obviously very productive.

2. I still don't cook. Yay for me! I make pasta quite rarely, and I made some baked goods for church one time. The microwave and I have a bond, and it is #truelove. Cooking is not a skill that I foresee acquiring in the near future.

3. Laundry day is relative. I mean, it should happen weekly. Or every two weeks. But, really, it happens when I run out of clean socks or jeans. Note to self: buy more socks so I can try to make it three weeks without doing laundry. Don't say I haven't made goals for next semester.

4. It's fun to make new friends! Who knew?! I was so terrified upon moving that I would not make any friends and I would be alone to watch TLC or Disney Channel constantly like I did in undergrad. NOPE. I have a community of great people around me. In the townhouse with the largest community space, everyone is here all of the time (like last night when my roommates and I hosted Friendstivus) which is so fun.

5. Cafeteria food is deemed worthy of a recommendation if it is "kind of good." How was the pasta? Eh. How was the rice? Dry. How was the chicken pot pie? Um...kind of good. Let's be honest, the food at catered university events is great, and the food at the food court is mostly all friend. But, the Commons where there is a cafeteria? It's...cafeteria food.

6. I can be as weird as I want, and no one minds. Seriously. It's not exactly typical for anyone at any life stage to go to theological school, so we are all a bunch of weirdos wandering around until we figure out what's next. And I really love it.

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I promise that I have learned actual theological ideas and biblical understandings this semester, but my brain is so full that I can't handle another moment of it (except, you know, I will finish this last assignment...hopefully). If I see you in Illinois within the next few weeks, it's totally great to ask how school is. I would love to talk about it, but don't expect too much intense insight because the brain of a learning religious leader is going to be on vacation.

(I think I linked this one correctly. I'm a work in progress...and hopefully not melting away like Olaf.)

"Come sit at the table, come taste the grace"

So, here's the thing about going to theological school, being active in a church, and being a lifelong Jesusy person: I took communion four times within the past week.

I know, right, it's like probably excessive. Probably. But it doesn't really feel that way.

To recap my life in last week's busyness, I attended a lecture at school on Monday which concluded with a chapel service that offered communion. On Thursday, I attended our regular chapel service which always has communion, a fact that I love. On Sunday morning, my church celebrated communion as part of our service. On Sunday evening, I was with the group of high school girls who I co-lead where we had a church service including communion with all of the the high school students from across the church's six campuses.

Therefore, four times to take communion in less than a week. Love it.

I guess there's probably a lot wrapped into the idea of Communion / Lord's Supper / Eucharist / whatever your tradition chooses to call it. This sacrament is celebrated in various ways between different faith communities.

From those with whom I have experience or knowledge, some communities open the table to anyone who is interested in a relationship with God, some people believe that communion should only be offered to people who are baptized believers of Christ, and some churches offer communion only to the official members of their community who proclaim Christ as Savior.

Similarly, some practice it every time they are together as a church body, some practice it monthly, and some practice it at various times throughout the year. Even further, some believe that only ordained or consecrated religious leaders should serve communion, some think it is acceptable for anyone with a calling to share it, and then some say anyone can break the bread and serve the juice to commune.

It can be a lot of church wordiness, tbh. And, because of my personal draw toward inclusiveness, I tend to think that the experience of communion should be open to all believers and anyone who is seeking to take the next step toward faith. As a former pastor of mine has said repeatedly, "We do the setting [of the table], and He [God] does the inviting."

While there is such a lack of commonality of practice over this common practice, I still find it to be the most welcoming and most basic and most easily attainable and most shareable sacrament of all. Baptism, confirmation, ordination, and other such sacraments (literally meaning sacred moments) all seem like such rites of passage to me, whereas sharing a meal together is simple and holy in its premise. (Info for reference supplied by The Upper Room / Chrysalis / God's Gift to You)

The first time that I was asked to help serve communion was such an unexpected yet pivotal moment in my life as a Christian and likely in my journey toward becoming a religious leader in whatever capacity it shall be (because lol let's be honest, I still don't know what my "calling" is...and that word is in quotes because it freaks me out).

In October of 2015, just barely over two years ago, I was serving as the lay leader of a Chrysalis RUSH worship service with a very small crowd. Upon realizing that the clergy leading the time of communion was the only clergyperson in the room, I became the next in command by a process of elimination. I was asked to help serve the communion juice, and it was such a holy, awe-striking experience that I could not explain.

Not too long before moving this fall, I shared some things at my home church in Illinois about preparing for seminary, and my church family prayed for me as I prepared to embark on this courageous journey. A going away party-but-not-party was planned for me later in the day, but we shared communion to close the service. I was asked to assist in serving that day, and it was - again - such an experience of honor and grace.

My view of communion changed from a ritual to a truly sacred moment on that first Saturday in October two years ago. I still catch myself partaking methodically at times rather than participating fully, and then I remember those moments when I was asked to share in the serving of commemorating Jesus' final meal before his crucifixion. Such powerful yet simple moments stand out to me, and they are marked with such powerful yet simple words in scripture.

"During the meal, Jesus took and blessed the bread, broke it, and gave it to his disciples:
Take, eat.
This is my body.
Taking the cup and thanking God, he gave it to them:
Drink this, all of you.
This is my blood,
God's new covenant poured out for many people for the forgiveness of sins."
Matthew 26:26-28 MSG

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If you are part of a faith community, I encourage you to not worry about the differences in how the Eucharist is shared or who is exclusive to celebrating the Lord's Supper. Rather, I invite you to treasure the moment each time when you observe the symbolism of Christ's body broken for you and Christ's blood that was shed for you.

If you are not part of a faith community or not sure of where you fit into all of this church lingo, I encourage you to dialogue or read into the scripture about this seemingly simple and possibly odd tradition that has such great meaning and personal invitation to the love of Jesus.

I pray that as we worry about the stress of life and the struggles of our literal earth and the causes for hurt brought by the people in our world, that we would remember the openness to the table with anyone to be calm, to lead with grace, and to love.

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Lyrics in title from "Come as You are" by Crowder

There's no place like home

"There's no place like home," Dorothy Gale repeats as her mantra while clicking the heels of her red ruby slippers in the 1939 MGM film, The Wizard of Oz.

Yo, Dorothy with the good hair, I feel you.

If you have been around me for more than four seconds or you have followed me on any social media platforms for an extended period of time, you have probably heard me fangirl over anything about Oz. The lovely movie has become a mainstream pop culture phenomenon. I loved reading the 1900 book (originally titled The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) by L. Frank Baum in junior high. I performed in The Wizard of Oz in community theatre where I met many great friends. I fell in love with Wicked's 2003 original Broadway cast recording in high school. And, Wicked has become my absolute favorite musical which I have seen seven times.

I'm so extra when it comes to Oz stuff. I did reports and speeches over the books and musicals while growing up in school, and I directed a straight play adaptation during my stint as Drama Club Director. The most easy gifts for friends to give to me are pieces of Oz memorabilia, and I absolutely love each of them! One of my favorite emojis is the green heart because I use it when tweeting about Wicked and The Wizard of Oz. Further proof of high levels of being an Oz nerd: I did not have to look up any info for this post. Also, the slippers in the original book were silver, not red.

Imagine my joy upon realizing that I hear at least one Oz reference at school each week. (Eek!!! What is this life?? I literally cannot even.)

Last Wednesday, I had a mini-project in class in which my group talked about the dangers of seeing life through Emerald City glasses. The next day, I had a professor trying to sing Popular. It was hilarious to see him impersonating the sparkly character...and he acknowledged that it is Galinda...with a Ga. Back to back Oz references with other topics concerning Broadway musicals = happy KT.

My professor's point and cause for singing Popular was not to fulfill my weekly quota of Wizard of Oz references, though it certainly didn't hurt. We were discussing the power of a transformative story: one that changes over time and evolves as we grow and (hopefully) mature.

Seeing the characters through the tradition lens of The Wizard of Oz changes when experiencing the contemporary musical Wicked. We get to know the reason why Elphaba becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the West. In the same view, the way in which we have read scripture, experienced truth, and understood theology changes while studying in theological school with a shift, an adjustment, a transformation.

Two months into school, I feel like I am in a constant state of change with little to no solid consistency. Things are good most days, but I feel a tug between where I call home. I love my little hometown and this mess of a region that I grew up in and chose to live in for the past few years. I love the people from home dearly and so deeply. On the other hand, I am quickly loving the life of suburbia, of making new friends, and of becoming a new version of me. "There's no place like home," strikes images of Illinois and New Jersey, of a place where I have lived for years and a place where I have lived for months.

I'm certainly in a season of life reconstruction. I have been cautious to do anything too big or too drastic that could happen too quickly as I settle in. While I may never feel settled in New Jersey or anywhere else that life may take me, I have to recognize that I have uncomfortable, unsettled feelings in Illinois as well. I'm living in and leaning into the gray areas, into the questions, into the still uncomfortable and always unsettled parts of life regardless of my physical location.

Where has your yellow brick road taken you lately? What encourages you to lean into the tension and discomfort for this season of life?

Onward through this quest and FAQ

Since moving from southernmost Illinois to suburban New Jersey, I feel like I have a list of frequently asked questions. It's not a fault of those around me - I would rather be asked questions to engage in conversation than be ignored - though there is certainly a repetitive nature.

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FAQ #1: Why did you choose Drew?
Answer #1: As I was looking at theological schools in NYC and the surrounding area, Drew came up from either a Google or Wikipedia search. I looked into it and loved the focus on social justice. When I visited the campus in February, I fell in love. The cute, eclectic downtown atmosphere is similar to the downtown area of the small city where I did my undergrad. The campus is known as "The Forest," and my hometown is literally in the middle of a national forest. As cliche as it is, everything felt like home when I got to campus, and it has become my home base for the next few years.

FAQ #2: Why did you move here?
Answer #2: I have loved my travels to NYC in the past, and I knew that if I would move from home, I would want to be near this city. My home of southern Illinois is directly between Nashville, Tennessee and St. Louis, Missouri. I knew I would end up back at home if I moved to one of those locations, so it was really go big or go home. I was already home, so I thought I might as well go big. I've always loved Broadway, and it's great to be this close to superb theatrical experiences.

FAQ #3: What is your experience working with youth?
Answer #3: I have worked in a public school for the past six years in after-school clubs. I started as a volunteer and was later hired as part-time staff in addition to substitute teaching. I loved working with my students in academic and performance-based clubs. I have worked with a youth retreat for the past couple of years. (I leave out the details of all of the work that I have done with Chrysalis because it's too much to fit into a sound bite.) For about a year and a half, I worked with the youth in my church in Illinois as a Sunday school teacher. It's a small church, so I often only had one or two in my class. We got to know each other really well.

FAQ #4: What part of Illinois are you from?
Answer #4: I'm from the very bottom part of the state, closer to Kentucky or Missouri than anything else.
Q: *references being in Chicago once for a trip or going there for college*
A: Oh, I love Chicago. Fun times. I'm a lot further south, though.
Q: So like Carbondale?
A: Even further south, but yea, close enough.

FAQ #5: What's your church background?
Answer #5: I grew up in the Church of the Nazarene as a pastor's kid. For the past five years, I have gone to a church that is now non-denominational. I like the structure of a denomination, but I'm not sure where I align exactly. I'm Wesleyan-ish.

FAQ #6: You're getting an MDiv? What made you want to do that?
Answer #6: I know the normal thing with this degree is to want to preach, but that's really not my thing. I would love to do youth ministry and writing at some point. I have a 20 year plan to run a youth organization and publish a book, but I don't know what the steps are to get there at this point. I want the knowledge from a Master of Divinity to apply that later to what I'm doing.

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I have these answers basically down to a science when I'm asked at school, at church events, or in interviews. I really don't mind that people are getting to know me because it's nice to make connections and friends with people in the area, but yesterday I was called out for reciting one of my answers as if I was reading a resume. Haha oops.

One of my professors has stated over the past few weeks that the Old Testament exiles were experiencing much more of a quest than a journey. They didn't know where their paths would end up, but they were going forward anyway. I can relate to this; I'm out of my comfort zone and taking up new challenges. I don't know what's at the end of the road for me. I am on this quest anyway.

I have been reading the book of Matthew lately, and I got to verse 5:48 last night in The Message paraphrase. "Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."

That is the direction toward which I aspire to live. I felt as if I had virtually no identity at the beginning of the month, but as I journey through this quest, I am picking myself back up and God is putting me back together.

Friend.
Reader.
High school girls' mentor.
Observer.
Book launcher.
Family member.
Social media enthusiast.
Student.
Christ-follower.

Onward through this quest.

What quests are you going through at the moment? Do you foresee your ending, or is it open to the mystery of what may be in store?

Jokes and reading and more jokes and more reading

Today begins week four of classes at seminary. Good news: I no longer feel like vomiting or hyperventilating when I say that I'm in theological school. Bad news: I finish a week of my studies and get a break from reading for about four seconds, and then the next week of classes begins. Good news: I love reading. Bad news: It never ends.

The cycles of unending reading are broken up by classes and chapel services on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays as well as spending time with friends and attending church on the weekends. I have some great professors (and I could write #fangirlyourfriends posts about all of them and those who I don't even have this semester!), and they say some funny things.

Rather than a serious post, here's a collection of funny pull-out quotes from professors:

1) I have a professor who begins each class period with a devotional reflection time. She got to class one day and said, "Does anybody have a Bible in here? It's Jesus school, and I forgot mine." I think only the TA had a Bible because the rest of us pulled out our phones. :)

2) My pastoral formation class is very informal and experience-oriented. We were discussing boundaries, and my professor said, "Sometimes, you have to set up boundaries as a religious leader. I had to change grocery stores because I would get stopped six times in the produce section, and I just wanted my apples!" Humorous in the moment (and boundaries are for real, so it has life applicability, too).

3) One professor was beginning class by saying, "We're going to start by..." when a student's phone GPS randomly turned on and said, "Go to the left." The professor included it in her opening and said, "We could start by going to the left, but I'm already pretty far there, so I'm not sure I could go any further." Her statement caused a good laugh for an early morning before a full day of class.

4) I have a professor who likes to make wordplay jokes. THESE ARE DIRECT WAYS TO KNOW HOW MY BRAIN AND MY HEART FUNCTION. I was literally laughing out loud today in class and had trouble controlling myself because I think he is absolutely hilarious. The joke that caused uncontrollable laughter: "You could find that on Google or Bing...Bing..They pay me to say that. I always mess it up with Bling." Gosh, so funny in the moment. I'm a mess who can't stop laughing at theoretically sponsored search-engine jokes. Bring me to your next comedy stand-up night because you'll have at least one audience member who laughs at the bad jokes. You're welcome. 

5) Same prof. Same puns. "You already have the tree and the roots. Now, you're adding truncation. It's not what you take with you on vacation."

6) One last one. Because we're at theo school and we like jokes. "Catalogs are often like the trinity. There are mysteries, but Augustine did not write on them [catalogs]."

You could say I'm having a good time. You could also say that I didn't leave my apartment for 28 hours (after only being gone for half an hour) because I'm reading constantly. Both statements are equally true.

Moving, exploring, and gaining new identities

Once upon a time, there was a 24 year old who decided to move across the country to go to school for something that she never saw herself doing but she is loving the experience thus far.

Hey, what's up, hello (shoutout to my boy, Fetty Wap). That 24 year old is me

A lot went into this move. I know I started thinking about it sometime last summer, I toured the school in February, I was accepted in April, I told immediate family in May, and then I resigned from all of my positions at the end of June before sharing everything via social media on July 2nd. Fast forward to September 4th, and I am writing in my bedroom in my apartment in New Jersey where I have been for two weeks as of tomorrow.

The story of all of the pieces moving together to get here is for another day. I find it necessary to acknowledge that I wouldn't be here without the support of friends and family at home, and I wouldn't have considered the possibility of all of this without the encouragement from the For the Love launch team Facebook group, brought together two and a half years ago. Thanks, J-Hat, but really, thanks, God.

Genuinely, I am loving it. I worried that I wouldn't because I am the worst at change unless I can completely control it. Lol life.

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This semester at Drew Theological School, I am taking theological writing and research, introduction to educational ministries, pastoral formation, and a hybrid biblical literature / preaching. I love the readings for educational ministries, everything about my pastoral formation class seems wonderful, and biblical literature is already opening my mind to things I never would have considered before. It's cool.

As my mind is being opened and my knowledge is being deepened, I am encouraged to ask more questions about the text rather than accept the stories as they previously have been presented to me. One professor was speaking about this topic and brought up the parable (aka a Bible word for stories that Jesus told to make a point) of the prodigal son (check out Luke 15:11-32 to read all of it). I am extremely familiar with this story because it is read at every Chrysalis Flight, so I have heard it approximately 80,000 times.

The professor, still, had a new perspective. The story opens with a man and his two sons which should already bring questions to mind. "A man doesn't just get two sons. Where is his wife? His girlfriend? His baby momma?"

So that was hilarious.

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Despite my introversion, I think I am doing well at stepping out and making new friends. I am getting over a respiratory infection which has limited my friend time a bit, but I am taking opportunities as they come (and as they balance with all of this reading that I get to do) and being adventurous, courageous, and brave.

The hardest part, really, is the lack of identity. In June, I could have identified myself as so many things. Beta Club Sponsor of the best club in Illinois. Drama Club Director of a small but talented group of kids. Chrysalis Community Lay Director, a pretentious thing for a 20-something to run a non-profit biannual youth camp, but a position that I loved and respected. Sunday school teacher to a tiny group of girls who want to learn more about the Bible, how to help others, and how to achieve their goals in life. Worship band guitar player. Sometimes community theatre participant but frequent theatrical patron. Person surrounded by numerous special friend groups with an always busy schedule from all of her commitments that she loved.

Now, a few less titles: Student seeking a Master of Divinity. New Jersey transplant. Sister, daughter, friend from afar. Jesus follower.

In Luke 22:25-26 MSG, Jesus says, "People in authority like to give themselves fancy titles. It's not going to be that way with you. Let the senior among you become the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant."

And that's hard. When we have done class introductions, mine goes something like this, "Hi, I'm Kirsten, like CURSE-ten. I just moved here from Illinois. I want to do youth ministry / non-profit work and write a book at some point, and I'm happy to be here."

It's all new. It's all happening. And I like it.

2016 in Review

For the last few years, I have done a year in review blog post in which I talk about books and movies and music and such that I was really into. I have summarized the year, my thoughts, my successes, and my struggles. I have talked about the previous year's one word hashtag, and I have gotten pumped about the current year's one word hashtag.


In 2016, it was the year of #2016adventure. And while it is true that I took adventure, it was much more a year of bravery and of rest. For the first time in my adult life, I haven't changed jobs in a year. I moved from an apartment alone to a house with a friend in my hometown at the end of January 2016, but I kept the year consistent afterward.


It is nice to take up the moments of rest and of growth and of finding new passions within myself; it is also difficult to be complacent, to be open, to be still. I wish I could say that it was easy to rest in my life, but it's not. I'd much rather be telling people about everything new. It wasn't the year for that.


In 2017, I expect big changes. Also, I expect big things to stay the same. I am terrible at predicting anything, but I am giving away my fear and placing my trust in God, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith," (Hebrews 12:2 NASB).


So, here we go, #2017courage. I'm as ready for it as I'll ever be.


Before I get ahead of myself too much, let's wrap up some great things from last year.


Movie of the year: Bad Moms. Oh, dang, I'm not a mom, but I could watch this every day (which is why I bought it on DVD the minute it was released). While there are obviously questionable parts to the movie, I just love how the "bad moms" became comfortable as imperfect leaders. They accepted that they aren't polished, but they want what is right for their kids and for the school. It's a layered movie with a great cast, and I *maybe* saw it in theaters twice because I am obsessed with it.


Animated movie of the year: Ok, so it's a toss up between Zootopia and Moana. I didn't know what to expect with Zootopia, and because I'm not an animal-loving type of person, I assumed I would have to pretend to like it when I watched it. Nope. I loved every second of that justice-loving, truth-seeking little rabbit's life. Also, Moana gets all the heart emojis. I knew I would love the music because it was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, but I also loved the story. Let's not agree to send pre-teens on a solo adventure across the sea in real life, though I'm totally ok with Moana going to find her way, meet Maui and soften his arrogant heart, and personifying the ocean. Such a cool idea. Mad props to the crazy grandma because I think that's me in 50 years.


In 2017, I need to start listing tv shows that I watch. I know I got through Gilmore Girls (love!), 30 Rock (funny but not always attention-capturing), Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (love but confusing at times...and the ending...whoa), and of course Glee (because it's Glee).


Musical theater album of the year: Umm, I don't think I bought one. Seriously. All year. Because I listen to Hamilton every.single.day. I'm still drinking the Kool-Aid on that. #Hamilobsessedwitheverything


Professional musical theatre performances I saw this year: Wicked (6th time), Beauty and the Beast, If / Then (2nd time), and If / Then (3rd time). The first three shows were at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, and the final show was at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville. I am limiting myself to only seeing Wicked once per year, so it was really sad that I couldn't justify going to see the show at distant cities over the summer because I had already watched my favorite musical of all time on January 2nd. After seeing If / Then on Broadway in the summer of 2014, it was so cool to see the visual changes to the show while on tour. I had not intended to see If / Then in Nashville until I found out that LaChanze, part of the original Broadway cast, was rejoining the tour for that stop, so *of course* I had to go.


I saw some really great local theatre as well this year. Two of my favorites included Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Children of Eden. Both shows were performed at a local university, and I am wondering who is obsessed with the Old Testament in the musical theatre department. Regardless, I loved both musicals that are new to me.


In 2015, I really neglected traveling, so I was intentional about taking as many trips as possible. As always, I went to Springfield, IL in March for Beta Club state convention with my students. In May, I went to Ft. Walton Beach, FL for a weekend with my family. I came back before the rest of the family, and driving back alone was brutal, though I felt extremely accomplished (and tired) upon arrival at home. I traveled with my students in June to Beta Club national convention in New Orleans, LA. It was neat to get to experience such a different culture within our country with some phenomenal students. In September / October, I traveled with a friend to Texas. I had never visited the state, but I put it on my list of things to accomplish in 2016. We went to Dallas for the Belong Tour, and I met some of my friends who I had made from non-fiction book launching. Then, we went to Austin where we accidentally ate Chicago-style pizza (because we couldn't find the bbq place I was looking for and got frustrated) and then worshipped with Austin New Church which was started by some of my favorite authors, Jen and Brandon Hatmaker. Most of my trips were really short, but each one packs great memories.


In 2016, I vowed not to read any fiction books. It was such a change after loving fiction and exclusively reading it until a few years ago to now cutting myself off from it intentionally, thought I didn't really miss it. I read some fiction when I helped my sister with homework, and I considered reading a few Shakespearean plays, but I mainly stuck with non-fiction, and it was awesome.


Narrowing down my favorite books I read in 2016 may be the most difficult part of my day, and I'm ok with that. I could talk about books all day, er'ry day (throwback to 2009 me for existing).
In the non-Christian non-fiction genre, I think #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso was my favorite. I haven't worked at an art gallery just for the health insurance (though it's not a bad idea...) and I won't be building a fashion empire like Nasty Gal, but I love her desire to stick with her creative skills while also balancing her administrative capabilities and responsibilities, something for which I strive to find balance. I also liked Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman. I know it's typical #litnerd of me to say that I like the book better than the tv show, but it's true. While I did enjoy the first season of OITNB, the book is a much more honest portrayal of Piper's real experiences in prison. The book opened my eyes to the difficulties of the prison system (but Netflix's documentary, 13th, is much more in depth about this).


In the Christian non-fiction genre, I have picked a few books, though I could go on and on about the great things I read. I did a lot of launch teams (basically I got a free book in exchange for writing an honest review and doing promotions) in 2015 and the start of 2016, and I slowed down the second half of the year. I was leaning into my rest and enjoying the words rather than forcing myself to read faster so I could get content out quicker.


Honorable mention: Create vs. Copy by Ken Wytsma (launch team). I love how Ken write that we are all meant to be creative because God created us. It was such a profound idea at the time of reading it, and it put words to the thoughts I had.


Third place: Giddy Up, Eunice by Sophie Hudson (launch team). Sadly, I didn't know much about Sophie before I was chosen for this team, but I'm so glad I get to know her now. I love her wisdom,  her humor, her kindness, and her love for Christ and for others. Sophie writes about the power of multi-generational friendships which is a big part of my life, and I deeply connected with the parallels of biblical examples in the book. Also, my roommate created an alternate title for the book (you would have to ask her what it is), and my mom and sister asked if the book is about horses. Lol no.


Second place: Let's All Be Brave by Annie F. Downs. This book came out a few years ago, but I just got my hands on it this past year. I was hoping to find some answers and commonalities in the book about bravery since my adventure to bravery year was going so strong, and I got more than I asked for. God affirmed some ideas I had through Annie's stories about following where Jesus leads her, whether it is expected and desired or completely unknown. I'm still learning what this means in my life, and I'm thankful that Annie was willing to share her experiences.


First place: Doing Good is Simple by Chris Marlow (launch team). I have been familiar with the work of Help One Now (a non-profit which Chris started) through the work of Jen and Brandon Hatmaker, Sarah Bessey, Jamie Ivey, and others. I loved reading where Chris came from and what inspired the start of HON. As one who has friends who have all gone on typical and atypical mission trips and learned their good and bad things from afar, I just feel like Chris gets it. I see the work of HON to empower sustainable projects to support families staying together, and it makes sense to me. Help One Now seems to help others so well, and I try to model that in my life.


That was it for movies and music and books, 2016. You exceeded expectations in some areas, and you failed in others; I think that's ok. I took risks, I sought wisdom, I opened myself to vulnerability and emotions, and I took adventures. I only hope I can do the same and more through #2017courage.


"Be strong. Be courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you. he will never leave you or forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6