STINT 2011 Lessons!

So I have been reflecting back on this year and came up with a list of over 150 things I have learned about God, myself, things I struggle with, and so much more. It was crazy, but I have shortened it down a bit and organized it into 6 different lists. I hope you enjoy!

God Lessons:
1. God has a bigger plan: Everything happens for a reason.
2. Resting in God is important: Take time to listen to Him.
3. Power of Prayer: When you call, He listens and answers.
4. We are dependent on God: I need Him.
5. When I spend time with God in the morning my day is always better.
6. Pray through life at all times even when it is difficult.
7. Process the hard stuff at some point: God will help you through.
8. We live in order to grow God's Kingdom.
9. Dates with Jesus are necessary to life.
10. We are in battle: Take up our armour each day.
11. God knows how much we can handle.
12. God loves to bless His children.
13. The importance of child like faith.
14. God uses me in His plan.
15. God's Word is alive: He speaks to us.

Campus/Work Lessons
1. God is already at work, it is our job to join Him.
2. Fasting draws you closer to God: Hunger for Him.
3. People are open to the Gospel: They want to know who Jesus is.
4. Some people have never heard the name of Jesus.
5. How to communicate the Gospel through my life story.
6. Discipling Girls: Living life with them and caring for them.
7. People are ready and willing to accept Christ.
8. The Christian community draws people to it: God's love shines through authentic community.
9. Initiating conversations with people. Evangelism is truly a way of life.
10. When we are weak, God is strong and can/will still use us.
11. People are hurting: They want someone to listen and care for them.

Personal Lessons
1. I care about people a lot.
2. I need time in order to process through questions or thoughts.
3. I love having people over for dinner...outreaching to the community and sharing a meal together.
4. I matter: I have an impact on people good or bad.
5. Quality time is a way I feel loved by people.
6. I like doing admin/secretary stuff.
7. I like making others feel special and surprising them.
8. Verbally processing is good for me.
9. I need nights as down time: After 9 PM it is hard to focus.
10. I really like art, painting, playing guitar, and worshiping God in different ways. 

Personal Struggle Lessons
1. Self Esteem: Always wanting to do more or think I let people down.
2. Wearing masks: Not wanting to let people into my heart.
3. Burn out is something I can easily fall into.
4. Withdrawing from people.
5. Worry a lot about future, what others think of me, everything.
6. I need to say no: Can't do everything.

Life Lessons
1. Rest: It is important to rest well to avoid burn out. 
2. People will hurt us: We all mess up.
3. Pain and suffering: Entering into it is hard, but good in the end.
4. Live in community: People challenge, encourage, and spur you on in life.
5. Laughing is the best medicine.
6. You can choose your attitude in situations.
7. Hold tight to relationships/friendships: Don't let them go. Fight for them.
8. Give generously in everything.
9. Experiences bond people together.
10. Grace: People will hurt us, but don't hold grudges.
11. Words have deep impact on people. Be weary of what you say.
12. Don't let fear be a reason not to do something.
13. Ask: Can't say yes or no until the question is asked.
14. Resolve conflict: It might be hard, but worth it in the end.
15. Forgiveness is hard but key to life.
16. Be vulnerable.
17. Asking questions is a good way to get to know people.
18. Take chances in life.

Fun Lessons
1. Getting up for sunrise is worth it!
2. Worship at the beach with friends!
3. Dance every once in a while: Turn the music up in your living room and dance!
4. Cry: It is important!
5. Jumping and running through the waves is fun! Day or Night.
6. Rolling down hills is good for the soul.
7. Running in the rain and jumping in puddles is just fun.
8. Have fun. Be a kid. Laugh. Explore
9. Long lasting memories come from shared experience with long lasting friends.