[mosaic]

(adj.) composed of a combination of diverse elements

I went to church this Sunday. For the first time in quite a while I can say that it was amazing. I have been very open about my struggle with being a part of a conventional church body. My house church that I was a part of this summer redefined what the body of Christ could look like. I have pined for it the past several weeks and the teaching I received there.

But God has a funny way of providing us with community. For me, it started with a freshman. Here I am, supposed to be ministering in the lives of the freshmen, and one has found a way to minister to my life. All he needed was a ride. But that ride led to my soul be rejuvinated. What is this place all about?

-Mosaic uses a philosophy of ministry that reflects early Christianity

-Mosaic is a church of "people" not just a "place" you go to

-Mosaic is a multi-generational church comprised of people of all ages

-Mosaic is a holistically designed family-based church

-Mosaic desires arts and creativity at its core

-Mosaic strives to clear up misconceptions about Christianity

-Mosaic will be missional

Is Mosaic where I am supposed to plug in on a more permanent basis? I have no idea. But I do know that God has led me back to a fellowship of believers. At least for the season I am in right now. I hope to explore the above values that Mosaic claims in more detail over the coming weeks. Who knows, God may be yanking me in a complete u-turn. I'm pretty sure he's allowed to do that.

the loudness of silence

The beginning of this week was a shock to my system. Anyone who knows me is well aware of the fact that it is very difficult for me to both sit still and be silent. Now, imagine immersing someone like that into twelve hours of silent solitude.

It just doesn't jive...or at least it shouldn't.

But God did some incredible things in my life during the University Ministries Leadership Retreat this week. Over the course of two days, we spent a total of twelve hours in silent solitude, broken into session of three hours at a time.

No distractions. No conversations.

Just you and God.

I have never heard God speak more loudly than in this silence. With the direction of The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg guiding our thoughts, we delved into the quiet, relative unknown of solitude with God. For me, this was a challenge. I virtually spent my summer alone, so the prospect of more alone time was daunting. However, I came to realize that I was not spending time alone but in solitude. There is a profound difference.

In aloneness you are the only one present. In solitude, you are alone with God. There are no barriers left except for the ones that you have built in your heart. God used this time to speak to me about my goals, my hopes, and my desires. He was with me, and I felt Him.

I know that where I am right now in my spiritual walk would be considered by many to be a crisis of faith, but there is no real crisis. I am in a season of life where I am asking more questions than I have ever asked, fully aware that there are fewer answers than I am seeking.

It is beautiful.

I have also gained an INCREDIBLE Christian community through University Ministry Leadership including, but not limited to, my fellow Spiritual Life Assistants (SLA). This retreat allowed me to commune with God, but it also provided opportunities for me to build new friendships with a very diverse population of people. It could not have been more perfect. I look forward to seeing how God is going to impact the multiple ministries on our campus this year.

As RJ might say, "Let's see some revival!!!"