Times flies....

when you are having fun. And fun was certainly had in teaching a discovery class at Gordon...not that it has been over for almost a month now, I've finally gotten around to some highlights!

The girls asked to have a small group after the class was over and we started last week....what a treat!

Newsflash

It is expected to snow at 4am-8am tomorrow.....ugh....it's October and I'm pulling out the ugg boots!

Discovery - final!

Hey friends....I just finished up instructing my group of 12 freshman out at the ropes course and out on a camping trip in the wilderness. In order to put the finishing touches on our class, each student prepared to share an appreciation, challenge, an exhortation to each other classmate. So, as we gathered for a meal, each student was put on the hot seat and received these thoughts from their fellow classmates. Jared (my TA) and I were included in this and it was such a moving time to watch a community share with one another, showing encouragement and challenges for them as they grow in their relationships with God and in their character. I just finished reading their reflection papers and I was moved by the processes that they went through this semester. One girl in particular has experienced a great deal of social healing through this class and the group of students that formed a community with her. In her reflections she shared that she has overcome being fearful of groups but is encouraged to share more of her story with others, pursuing new relationships, and trusting that God will carry her through. She wrote, "I will not hold back, because He never lets go". Amazing!! I am moved by her beautiful spirit. Here's a great pic of them in action in New Hampshire!Psalm 23:5 - You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Ray LaMontagne!!

So friends...after a fantastic weekend with college students out in the wilderness I had the privilege of heading to the Boston Opera House downtown for a little concert. One of my favorites Ray LaMontagne was playing and it was quite a show. My friend Beth came along and we had a grand ol time! Here's a little sampling:


P.S. You should all go get his new album....so fun!

Discovery!

As most of you know, I'm instructing a class at Gordon college teaching spiritual, character, and group development using outdoor education elements. In this course, participants are on a ropes course two days a week and then we take a camping trip somewhere within our class time. Well, this past weekend we had the joy of heading up to New Hampshire to see how the leaves had changed and to try to stay warm while camping in the 30-40 degree weather. We hiked some wonderful trails and admired some truly amazing and colorful trees. The leaves had changed up north and we were in for a treat. Click on this link for some pictorial highlights - you won't regret it!


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054569&l=865d7&id=68600710

Did I mention how excited I am for.....Austin City Limits!

It's been forever!

Well friends,
It's been too long! August went by in a flash and I just completed my first day back in classes for the fall semester. I'm in my third and final year at seminary and it's wonderful to see the end in sight! However, while I was on a blog hiatus I did a few fun things I thought I would share. We took my dad to the state fair for his birthday while I was home for a visit. Then, upon return to Massachusetts a friend and I took a day trip down to Newport, Rhode Island (only an hour and a half away) and enjoyed seeing the beautiful mansions from the 1600's. Finally, I am instructing a class at Gordon College with incoming freshman. I facilitate a group of 12 freshman as they work through ropes course elements and team initiatives as a way to develop in character and in their relationships with God, both together and individually. The course is right up my alley and I look forward to finishing it out by taking them camping in New Hampshire in October! I'll keep you updated! Here are a few photos that highlight the past month.

That one's for you Dad!! (mom made him put them on...I made him take the picture ;)

Who knew they had Alpaca's at the fair!

Jill and Me walking along the cliff walk with all the mansions on the sea!

My class...putting themselves in order from youngest to oldest while remaining on the log and being told they couldn't speak...they did a great job!