Happy Holidaysss...upon days...upon days...

Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Yay for January! ...that about covers it I think.

I know it has been quite some time since I've been on here to share all that is going on in this life of mine, and for all of you who like to read this regularly (Hi mom!), I am very sorry. I can assure you that I have not run away, moved to another country, or taken up residence under a rock. I had every intention of writing blogs for Thanksgiving and Christmas, sharing all that the Lord was doing in and around that time. Things to be reminded of, things to treasure. I'm sure most, if not all of you can relate when I say that this season is just plain busy. But, alas, here I am to share a couple of important things with you...

First order of business: One of my reasons for the silence is actually because I've been in some serious thought and prayer over the true purpose of this blog. As I trek on this awe-some journey that the Lord has for me, I realize that I will have kind of a lot to share. There are two main categories to this: what I am doing and what I am learning. While I cannot possibly tell of what I am doing without also sharing how the Lord used this in my heart and in the lives of others, this year is also filled with a ton of processing and growth--sometimes almost completely separate to what I am physically doing during the day. I have discovered that I have two audiences: some that greatly enjoy pictures and stories of the Lord's work in and around me, and those that (for some reason) enjoy reading the words that the Lord presses on my heart in this daily adventurous fight. Because of this, I have been hesitant on posting either of these, not knowing which would be most enjoyed and fruitful (a little people-pleasing of me, I know). All going to say, I have officially decided to create a second blog, or some avenue in which these thoughts and musings will be shared. The details of this will be figured out soon, but for now, this blog will remain with more of a focus on my partners; those of you who selflessly give of yourselves through prayers and/or financial support to this ministry I am a part of.

Second, (drum roll please...) here's a little update on what these past few months have entailed...

Sunday mornings are always an experience, getting to meet and talk with people coming through the doors of the church. Even though they typically start at the crack of dawn, these mornings have become one of my favorite aspects of this internship. This is where the process of becoming authentic Christ followers often starts, and I am honored to be a witness of this. A big part of my week is specifically devoted to dreaming up the vision, based on the mission of Connections, and creating the environment that gives those that walk through the doors a chance to feel loved and invited into what God's doing in their lives and in the life of this church. West campus is unique in that it is one of the smallest (and newest) campuses, yet because of its location, serves some of the most financially affluent people in the city of Austin. I have seen in my own life just how powerful money can be...to bring us before the Lord or pull us away. This is a lifelong battle for a lot of the people of West, but it is incredible to see the God of all possessions and finances show up, bring conviction, and the ripples created. Your prayers would be so appreciated for the people of this campus, that they would not give into the lie that fleeting comfort is better than the joy that comes with laying everything in their Creator's hands, jumping headfirst into a body that will challenge their sin but love them in ways they've never experienced.

 




A glimpse of a missional community leader gathering this semester. This was a rich time of training others to lead the body well, as well as a fun time to plan and enjoy some fellowship with those in leadership of our campus.

This is Lady Bird Lake (also known as Town lake) one of my favorite places to run in Austin. Many weekends are started off with escaping to this place of solitude, yet surrounded with the passionate people of this city that I love to be around. Zilker park is also right near here where we often unwind from the busy weeks, and not to mention there's always some live music playing within an earshot of this place!

 

Thunderbird: One of my favorite coffee shops in town, it has provided lots of time for thinking, processing, and digging into my view of God and this world He's put me in. A ton of sin and heart examining takes place here, as well as refreshing conversations with new friends that never leave me the same when I leave.

These are just a couple of shots from a women's event that I got the opportunity to be a part of this fall. Seeing hundreds of women from across all campuses of the Austin Stone come together to acknowledge and confess sin or mistake that has weighed them down, repent, and walk in the freedom that Christ desires. The teaching was mainly out of Hebrews 12, and spoke so clearly to the heart of what so many women struggle with most in their stories, and what ultimately holds them back from living this life fully in the light of what their Creator has designed for them. 

You can check out the Women at Austin Stone  to hear more of what they're all about. 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." -Hebrews 12:1-2

 The first ever Austin Stone Worship Conference was another exciting part of this fall! I was honored to help lead in such a unique, but fruitful gathering of over 800 worship leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, pastors, and anyone pursuing worship from all over this country. To hear these guys actually worship!! A picture of Heaven is what that is. Getting to sit under the leadership of this event and not only learn through experience what it looks like to logistically make something of this capacity run, but being fed spiritually by these men and women that are not only musically talented, but theologically sound was an experience I will never forget. Hundreds of men and women gathering together in Austin Music Hall and then being spread out all over the city to bars, coffee shops, the roof of Whole Foods and other restaurants to get to connect personally with those the Lord currently using in big ways was a unique experience to witness and help coordinate.

I was blessed in October to lead a team down to a place that is very near and dear to my heart, Texas A&M (A-WHOOP!), to talk to and recruit future interns and residents for this program that I am so passionate about, the Austin Stone Institute. To experience the start-to-finish planning and execution of a recruiting trip, making on-campus meeting announcements, and having conversations with current students might've been more of a blessing to me than it was to the students I encountered. I felt the tables turn as I spoke from the overflow of my heart in what I've seen, experienced, and learned in this short time I've been in Austin. Sitting down with girls that are sitting in the same lecture halls, leading in the same organizations, and hearing the call of God on their lives in the same place I did (and not so long ago) hit some special heart strings that day. I am so thankful to be a part of an organization that entrusts me with such a task and encourages me to grow as a person and leader through it all. Plans are already being put in place for more trips this spring! Pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of those He may be calling to take this next year to be developed as a person for whatever vocation He lead them to.


Of course we had to make a quick stop at Breakaway, a Tuesday night Bible study for the college students of A&M and Blinn college. Some of the most impactful moments and favorite memories of college came from this organization. That specific week it met on the front lawn of the university (it normally meets in our basketball arena), which was so special. Seeing college students worship the Creator of the stars under the stars has to be one of my favorite things in the world!


Among the difficult parts of this season was the loss of a brother in Christ, Ronnie Smith. He gave his life for what he believed in. He loved God's people more than anything on this earth, even his own life. Ronnie has taught me, and this church, to wake up and remember that this is a fight. This life is not just about seeking our own happiness and joy (all under the title of ministry), but fighting to make His gospel known, and remembering that we are not made for this world. I have spent countless hours thinking, praying, and journaling over this one man's impact, and always enjoy sitting down and talking about it. I will never be the same. If you want to know more about what He stood for and even hear him teach it, please check out The History of Redemption.

 Christmas season was a perfect ending to this year. From staff Christmas party with this family I've come to know and love, to all of the fun holiday celebrations around Austin. What I truly came to see was just how incredibly rich we are in His good gifts to us. I was so thankful to get to celebrate the birth of our Savior alongside of the people that are constantly pointing me to Him every day.










My missional community (minus Sarah!). Different stories, walks of life, passions, and gifts. But the same God, the same mission, the same love for each other's growth and seeing His gospel be made known.

These are but a few of the moments that became highlights in the past five months. I am thankful for this season, with all of its great challenges and little victories. The biggest victory, I would say, is that of my heart in His. Never in my life have I gone through more questioning, conviction, doubt, sharpening, surrender, and ultimately deep change. Every day is a lesson in His faithfulness and my trust in Him. I am reading in Philippians right now and found this this morning to be the perfect banner over this season... 

"For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh...But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:2, 7-14 (added emphasis)

Thank you for your love and support, through prayers and other means. As you can see, as a partner, you are part of an incredible ministry and the Lord is doing mighty things. If you ever want more updates, stories, or ways you can be praying, please feel free to contact me. I love nothing more than getting to share what God's doing. 

Until the whole world hears, 

Callie