What I've learned in February 2019

3/17/2019

February flew by so fast, but in the midst of this month, I got to press into meaningful moments, sweet fellowship, and a perspective of constantly learning. Reflecting back, I thought I'd take this post to share some of those things:
1) what I've learned in February,
2) new things I've started, and
3) what's to come

1) what I've learned:

5 weeks ago, I was invited into a Bible Study by a friend/RA. I've prayed a lot about getting involved in a group that would work with my busy schedule, and it was perfect timing when I ran into KJ at the BLUU (cafeteria), and the time worked perfect.

We started this lesson plan called Precept Upon Precept. It was a 4-week study that guided us through the book of Esther, and discouraged us from commentary. The lesson plan provided the text, the questions, and everything. At first, I hated this idea-I relied on commentary to help me interpret the Bible and better understand it. Four weeks later, here I am, and I confidently say that I've never gotten so much out of a study-wisdom, understanding, and moments of God's presence working in my life. (I did cheat on the commentary a bit though, not gonna lie OOPS).

Each lesson in this plan required about 45 min to 1 hour of time to read the text, go through the questions, and ponder. Last semester Liv, last year Liv, last-20-years-of-life Liv would have NEVER committed to this. But here I am five weeks later to tell you that God pursued me as I pursued him, and every day I looked forward to this time with Him.

learned from study:

~the Lord will give you back your time~

It's hard to comprehend how 45 minutes taken out of your day could actually give you back time to get your errands, studies, and work done...but trust Him. Here's the thing-we have the gift of life BECAUSE of Him; therefore, we should be living for him every second of the day. 45 minutes is nothing, but it is something to give you a perspective in how to encounter every aspect of your life-in how you do things, how you interact with others, how you manage your time, etc, etc, etc. Give time to the Lord, and He will give time back to you.

learned from church:

~remembrance leads to worship~

It is no coincidence that the story chosen to study at my Bible study was also the story chosen to study at my church I started attending recently. It worked perfectly in that I got to immerse myself in the story of Esther for myself, only to take what I've learned, and hear it reiterated by the college pastor at Aardvark. This showed me how the Bible is not subjective as some people say. There is a way to study it, and God intended a purpose in each of the 66 books.

In Esther Chapter 9, Mordecai records all the things that led up to the Jews prospering. He told the people that this day-Purim-should not be forgotten, and letters were sent out to the kingdom about how Purim should be continually celebrated each year. These celebrations include feasting, gladness, and gift-givings as it is a time to remember God's work to their prosperity.

We often forget to do this. We forget who God is when we question his love, goodness, and decisions. Truth is, God doesn't need us. Romans 9 talks about how God is God; he needs no justification to what he does because of who He is. However, even though that is the truth, it can be pretty hard to swallow.

"You will say to me then, 'Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?' But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?' Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? " (Romans 9: 19-21, ESV)

So, I've learned to swallow the flip side which is also true: God is so perfect, but he is so LOVING to include us in the story. Instead of viewing God in an exclusive way, focus on his character to understand Him better. Despite his perfection, he chooses broken people in his kingdom. That is just one example of his unconditional, perfect love.

So in the times when life seems hopeless...
...in the times that are unbearably scary...
...in the times where you don't think you are strong enough...
... in the times where the right choice seems too risky...

sit in what you know-who God is. Remember his character. Remember what He did for us. And remember that he won't give anything you can't handle. And if you don't believe me (which is completely understandable), I highly recommend reading the story of Esther.

learned from mother:

~the process of deadheading ~

Deadheading is very simple. As plants fade out of bloom, pinch or cut off the flower stem below the spent flower and just above the first set of full, healthy leaves. Repeat with all the dead flowers on the plant.

I did not know this was a thing. I started growing flowers, and one of them was NOT looking so hot. When my mom came in town, she started pulling off the tops of my beautiful kalanchoe plant, and I freaked.

She told me that in order to allow room for new to bloom, you need to weed out the bad ones. I think this is so analogous to life in that in order to grow, you need to remove the things in your life that are not growing you in order to make room for the new. This could be people. This could be habits. This could be relationships. Sometimes the right choice isn't always the easy one though.

These dead plants could also be your comfort zone. We like to stay in our comfort zone. In fact, we find ways to protect it, defend it, and compensate for it. "At least I have flowers! They may be dead and dried up, but its better than no flowers!" However, until you step out of your comfortable, you will not grow. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you. Be patient. 3 days later, my kalanchoe plant was fully bloomed with new flowers-alive & well flowers!!!! #proudmommoment

2) New things started:

February Fellowship: Bible Study with RAs, friends, and professors at TCU! I hope we do another lesson plan on a different story.
Strategic Communication Official! Big major switch, but still an educational studies minor! I think that I can use my strategic communication major to advocate for education, which I am so passionate about. Application was approved, and I am ready to start classes that will get me ready for a career!

3) What's to Come:

My college pastor at Aardvark (church I go to ) talked about how his wife created a list that she put up in their home to remind them of how God is working in their lives; a way to worship in remembrance. Decided to make my own!

I am going to be doing a Women's Empowerment Spin Ride on Thursday, March 28th at 6:30pm to commemorate all the strong women in the world during Women's History Month.

Side note: I think it is so cool how I had the opportunity to study Esther at my church and in my bible study in the midst of this season <3.

Book your bike, DM me on instagram: oliviashin13 if you have any questions at all!

Fun Raffle at end: Whoever attends this class will be entered in to win a Lululemon Women's Shirt designed for this special month! 100% of the profit is going to an non-profit organization that combines yoga with activism. For more information about this organization, click this button below! ***Does NOT mean this is an all-women ride at all! If you get chosen in this raffle, you can give it to a strong woman in your life-friend, daughter, wife, etc! I will take your size order at the end of class :)

off the mat

Why Lulu made this shirt:
In honour of International Women’s Day and the 364 days that follow, 100% of the profits from this t-shirt will be donated through our social impact program, Here to Be, to the women-led non-profit, Off the Mat, Into the World. This organization bridges yoga and activism and supports people in becoming conscious and effective community leaders.

Month's Highlights!

teaching my first CycleGiving Ride! Called a "Menstrual Cycle Party" (yes I know, the name is hilarious), as these riders fundraised tampons, pads, and donations for the Womens Resource Center!