May 28, 2010
Thought in a Question #2
How much of getting good grades is about being a "genius", and how much is about formulating a study method for each subject, and figuring out how to work the system of the class or curriculum?
May 12, 2010
Broken Sea Shells: TeenPact Oregon Staff 2010
After many weeks of an intense schedule, I'm back! During these last two weeks I staffed the TeenPact Oregon Classes. Below is a note containing a short explanation of my time at the class and my time with the staff.
In honor of the remarkably inspiring staff: Joe Radcliffe, Brianna Walden, Jonathan Showman, Jimmy Brazell, Quinton Cools, Jennifer Sullivan, Valen Caldwell, and Rachel Aldrich.
Walking into the Oregon 2010 TeenPact classes was a little nerve wracking. Four faceless names were flying in from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Florida. I’d never staffed with any of the other individuals on my team, save for the program director. The two weeks before the class were filled with the NCFCA Regional tournament, a trip to Pensacola Florida, and staffing the Rainmaker’s Apologetics tournament. As I arrived at our host’s house, my condition did not bode well in regards to energy, enthusiasm, and awareness, three absolutely key elements to any TeenPact staffer’s success. Simply put, I was weak.
Jump forward with me to the end of the two weeks of class. We were driving the last out-of-state members of our team to the airport. In the middle of our last half-hour together, Brianna pulled out a paper bag. It was a bag full of broken sea shells. As she circulated the bag from seat to seat, everyone took one of the delicate tokens of her love and insight. She explained, “I went to the beach looking for whole sea shells to give to all of you. But I couldn’t find any, they were all broken. Then I thought, ‘Well, isn’t that a cool picture.’ It signifies our brokenness in the hand of God. Even though we’re not whole in and of ourselves, he can still use us if we let Him.” My broken sea shell sits on my dresser, a constant reminder of the Oregon 2010 TeenPact Classes, causing a consistent recollection of God’s strength being made perfect in my weakness during those two weeks.
Those four faceless names turned out to be some of the coolest people I’ve ever met. Combined with those I already knew were awesome, our staff group turned into the most bonded, encouraging, and functional team I have ever seen. Swift and fluent comradery equipped everyone with peace and excitement and was instrumental in meeting my emptiness and filling me with the joy and strength of Christ. The classes were a resounding success. The students were awesome, the staff was outstanding, and God was glorified. Yes, it was difficult. Yes, it was physically trying. Yes, I got sick the second week. However, cost defines worth. (In this case, at least.) It was difficult because it was quality. It was physically trying because we were committed. I got sick but, by God's grace, still pushed through as if I wasn't. The experience of those two weeks was worth so much, and it wouldn't have been worth as much, if it hadn't cost as much. It's usually the hardest things that are worth the most and are the most encouraging in the end. I was broken and weak, but God still proved Himself strong, and I was given the joy of being used by Him. Praise God.
Keep Smiling,
Lauren
_______________________
In honor of the remarkably inspiring staff: Joe Radcliffe, Brianna Walden, Jonathan Showman, Jimmy Brazell, Quinton Cools, Jennifer Sullivan, Valen Caldwell, and Rachel Aldrich.
Walking into the Oregon 2010 TeenPact classes was a little nerve wracking. Four faceless names were flying in from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Florida. I’d never staffed with any of the other individuals on my team, save for the program director. The two weeks before the class were filled with the NCFCA Regional tournament, a trip to Pensacola Florida, and staffing the Rainmaker’s Apologetics tournament. As I arrived at our host’s house, my condition did not bode well in regards to energy, enthusiasm, and awareness, three absolutely key elements to any TeenPact staffer’s success. Simply put, I was weak.
Jump forward with me to the end of the two weeks of class. We were driving the last out-of-state members of our team to the airport. In the middle of our last half-hour together, Brianna pulled out a paper bag. It was a bag full of broken sea shells. As she circulated the bag from seat to seat, everyone took one of the delicate tokens of her love and insight. She explained, “I went to the beach looking for whole sea shells to give to all of you. But I couldn’t find any, they were all broken. Then I thought, ‘Well, isn’t that a cool picture.’ It signifies our brokenness in the hand of God. Even though we’re not whole in and of ourselves, he can still use us if we let Him.” My broken sea shell sits on my dresser, a constant reminder of the Oregon 2010 TeenPact Classes, causing a consistent recollection of God’s strength being made perfect in my weakness during those two weeks.
Those four faceless names turned out to be some of the coolest people I’ve ever met. Combined with those I already knew were awesome, our staff group turned into the most bonded, encouraging, and functional team I have ever seen. Swift and fluent comradery equipped everyone with peace and excitement and was instrumental in meeting my emptiness and filling me with the joy and strength of Christ. The classes were a resounding success. The students were awesome, the staff was outstanding, and God was glorified. Yes, it was difficult. Yes, it was physically trying. Yes, I got sick the second week. However, cost defines worth. (In this case, at least.) It was difficult because it was quality. It was physically trying because we were committed. I got sick but, by God's grace, still pushed through as if I wasn't. The experience of those two weeks was worth so much, and it wouldn't have been worth as much, if it hadn't cost as much. It's usually the hardest things that are worth the most and are the most encouraging in the end. I was broken and weak, but God still proved Himself strong, and I was given the joy of being used by Him. Praise God.
Keep Smiling,
Lauren
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