There are times in your life when it seems that fastballs are being thrown at you left and right, in front and behind, as if you had a target sign on your person.
The first ball comes at your head, so you quickly duck in time to just feel the streak of wind ruffle your hair. You straighten up, breathing a sigh of relief, when you see the second ball comes out of your peripheral vision coming from left field. In a split second, your mind runs through your options. "Ducking won't suffice for this low curve ball. Obviously, the pitcher has changed his tactics. Jumping at precisely the right moment and right height seems improbable. That may be a good last resort. Should I run for it?" The ball is feet away, bringing with it a force that is sure to cause pain if it hits you. In a moment of clarity and desparation, you stumble backwards and fall. You've avoided the hit, but now you are on the ground covered in dirt and feeling sore from the fall.
You wonder, for the first time, where you are and where the balls are coming from. Looking around, you realize that you are not in a baseball stadium like you first thought. In fact, the more closely you look, the clearer your surrounding become. You are surrounded by people walking about. A few people smile and wave. With a look of utter bewilderment slapped across your face, you slowly raise your hand and move it from side to side. A closer look at their faces reveal features that ar enot unfamiliar. These are your friends. And that building in the background is your apartment. And just to the right is your car. This must be your life.
A minute ago, you thought you were alone in an unfamiliar baseball stadium, when, in actuality, you were completely surrounded by the familiar. And just as you pick yourself up off the ground and dust yourself off...BAM! A third ball hits you square in the back and knocks you down flat. That was almost as unexpected as the first ball. People here and there are complaining of the injustice. You hear glimpses of conversations, "...came from behind." "how could it..." "...just unfair." You consider just staying down on the ground and letting any other balls just fly over you while you take notice of the hard ground beneath you.
An open and inviting hand is all you see. Looking up toward the sunlit sky, you squint to see this Person's face. Almost reluctantly, you offer your hand in return. With a gentle pull, you are on your feet again. Though you are unsteady, His hands hold you upright. He smiles and gives you a bat. Instinctively, you know another ball is soaring in your direction, but you swing His bat and like magnetic force, the ball collides with it and is sent in another direction. A smile slides across your mouth. As you begin to offer His bat back to Him, He throws His hands up in protest and says, "Keep it. I want my daughter to be prepared for the next game. I'll be in the dugout if you need me."
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Would You Consider Supporting Me?
Summertime brings with it sun-stricken days followed by warm, clear nights. It brings with it a quite literally burning desire for smoothies and ice cream cones. It brings with it fireworks and Vacation Bible School and water activities. It also brings with it the work of fundraising for the year ahead.
In this time of humble trust in the Lord's provisions, I ask you again to consider supporting me financially as I work to raise $30,000 by August 2009 for the second year of my internship. My goal is to have 5 people support me for $100/month, 25 people for $50/month, 30 people for $25/month, and some one-time gifts. All gifts are tax-deductible.
If you want to know more about the ministry, my internship, the support-raising process, or anything else, I would love to speak with you! Just send me your contact information and I will get in touch with you soon!
Thank you for considering to support me whether prayerfully, financially, or both!
HOW TO GIVE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFTS:
PLEDGES:
To make a pledge, you send an e-mail with your name, address, and pledge amount to BStandridge@pcanet.org or you can call 678-825-1070. Pledges count towards my goal, even if the money is not physically there yet.
CHECKS:
Write checks out to "Reformed University Fellowship" with “Christina Rodriguez support” on the memo line. You will receive a receipt and an envelope for your next gift.You can mail checks to:
Reformed University Fellowship
1700 North Brown Road, Suite 104
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
ONLINE DONATIONS:
This is only for one-time donations using credit cards. Pledges or automatically recurring donations cannot be made through our website. If you would prefer to give online, visit www.ruf.org. Click on the “donate online” button on the middle of the page. After you are prompted to fill out your personal information, you will be asked to specify where you want your donation to go. Under "Staff Member" scroll down to find "Rodriguez, Christina - KSU Intern" and select.
ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER or CREDIT CARD:
The easiest way to set this is up is to call the RUF Office at 678-825-1070.
Reformed University Ministries will process EFT donations in the same manner as we do other types of donations, including issuing a monthly receipt. EFT is cost free and hassle free. You have total control over your gift. You can stop or change your gift at any time by notifying Reformed University Ministries.It’s easy to begin:1. Write a note to the office address (see address above) expressing your wish monthly drafts to your account and your name and address to include with your check as well as the name of the staff member you wish to support (Christina Rodriguez).2. Attach a check for the first month’s donation or a voided check3. Mail the check and the authorization form or note to Reformed University MinistriesYour confirmation letter will include the date the first transfer will be made.
In this time of humble trust in the Lord's provisions, I ask you again to consider supporting me financially as I work to raise $30,000 by August 2009 for the second year of my internship. My goal is to have 5 people support me for $100/month, 25 people for $50/month, 30 people for $25/month, and some one-time gifts. All gifts are tax-deductible.
If you want to know more about the ministry, my internship, the support-raising process, or anything else, I would love to speak with you! Just send me your contact information and I will get in touch with you soon!
Thank you for considering to support me whether prayerfully, financially, or both!
HOW TO GIVE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFTS:
PLEDGES:
To make a pledge, you send an e-mail with your name, address, and pledge amount to BStandridge@pcanet.org or you can call 678-825-1070. Pledges count towards my goal, even if the money is not physically there yet.
CHECKS:
Write checks out to "Reformed University Fellowship" with “Christina Rodriguez support” on the memo line. You will receive a receipt and an envelope for your next gift.You can mail checks to:
Reformed University Fellowship
1700 North Brown Road, Suite 104
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
ONLINE DONATIONS:
This is only for one-time donations using credit cards. Pledges or automatically recurring donations cannot be made through our website. If you would prefer to give online, visit www.ruf.org. Click on the “donate online” button on the middle of the page. After you are prompted to fill out your personal information, you will be asked to specify where you want your donation to go. Under "Staff Member" scroll down to find "Rodriguez, Christina - KSU Intern" and select.
ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER or CREDIT CARD:
The easiest way to set this is up is to call the RUF Office at 678-825-1070.
Reformed University Ministries will process EFT donations in the same manner as we do other types of donations, including issuing a monthly receipt. EFT is cost free and hassle free. You have total control over your gift. You can stop or change your gift at any time by notifying Reformed University Ministries.It’s easy to begin:1. Write a note to the office address (see address above) expressing your wish monthly drafts to your account and your name and address to include with your check as well as the name of the staff member you wish to support (Christina Rodriguez).2. Attach a check for the first month’s donation or a voided check3. Mail the check and the authorization form or note to Reformed University MinistriesYour confirmation letter will include the date the first transfer will be made.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wherever You Are, HE was there first
What do you think of when you hear the word "unity?" Is it tolerance? Is it peace? Is it possible? Is it necessary? No. Not necessarily. Yes. Most definitely.
There are many avenues that lead to growth in faith and love for our Lord. There are Sunday school classes, sermons, books, Bible studies, and community groups to name a few. There are at least two common denominators. 1)God and 2)His people.
The Bible is God's story of redeeming His people. It all points to Jesus and it all involves people. Countless times we are exhorted to encourage our brother in one way or another. Yes. You are your brother's keeper. Yes. Your brothers are your keeper. The question I always asked was "why?" "Isn't Jesus enough?"
So often, I lean my head back so that my eyes face the stars and I beg God to come and just hold me for a minute. Times when I wish I could feel His presence in a tangible way. I tell Him that I know He's more than enough for me, but I walk away still hoping for more.
Lately, He has been showing me all the ways in which He has been trying to hold me. He need not point out the many more ways in which I disregard His attempts. I can see them clearly. He has blessed me with people who stand by me with arms at the ready. And there I am, looking past these friends and "looking for God."
Where are you looking for God? Where do you find Him? Let me assure you that wherever you are, He was there first, waiting for you.
There are many avenues that lead to growth in faith and love for our Lord. There are Sunday school classes, sermons, books, Bible studies, and community groups to name a few. There are at least two common denominators. 1)God and 2)His people.
The Bible is God's story of redeeming His people. It all points to Jesus and it all involves people. Countless times we are exhorted to encourage our brother in one way or another. Yes. You are your brother's keeper. Yes. Your brothers are your keeper. The question I always asked was "why?" "Isn't Jesus enough?"
So often, I lean my head back so that my eyes face the stars and I beg God to come and just hold me for a minute. Times when I wish I could feel His presence in a tangible way. I tell Him that I know He's more than enough for me, but I walk away still hoping for more.
Lately, He has been showing me all the ways in which He has been trying to hold me. He need not point out the many more ways in which I disregard His attempts. I can see them clearly. He has blessed me with people who stand by me with arms at the ready. And there I am, looking past these friends and "looking for God."
Where are you looking for God? Where do you find Him? Let me assure you that wherever you are, He was there first, waiting for you.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
How Sweet It Is
It has been a gorgeous past couple of days in Kennesaw. Overzealous dogwood trees are masking their branches behind bouquets of white flowers. The air is a cool, refreshing treat for sun-covered skin. Bees and other insects are enjoying their freedom, zipping from flower to flower. Students are walking around campus wearing shorts and flip-flops. Yes. Spring is here.
Even though spring officially started at the vernal equinox (March 20), spring semester is winding down. Kennesaw students have five weeks left of classes. RUF's Summer Conference is quickly approaching. We are already starting to talk about plans for fall semester. Despite the fact that our days are getting longer, it seems like they are going by faster. Perhaps it's the anticipation of the summer.
While I am very excited to get together with the other interns at Summer Conference, I am not ready for the semester to end. My relationships are blossoming just as beautifully as the springtime flowers. The thought of putting those relationships on hold while everyone goes away for the summer is saddening. I know that because our foundation is built on Christ, we can weather the seasons and continue to grow. It has been a remarkable experience to look back and see where the girls have grown, where I have grown. It's a testimony to the work of the Spirit in our lives. I can't wait to see more of His glory revealed. How sweet it is.
Still, there is the very real possibility that I will not be back in the fall depending on how support-raising goes over the next several months. Don't get me wrong. I have every intention and desire to continue as an RUF Intern at KSU, so long as the Lord wants me here. There is a comfort in knowing He will have me where He wants me. I just hope that this is where He wants me.
Even though spring officially started at the vernal equinox (March 20), spring semester is winding down. Kennesaw students have five weeks left of classes. RUF's Summer Conference is quickly approaching. We are already starting to talk about plans for fall semester. Despite the fact that our days are getting longer, it seems like they are going by faster. Perhaps it's the anticipation of the summer.
While I am very excited to get together with the other interns at Summer Conference, I am not ready for the semester to end. My relationships are blossoming just as beautifully as the springtime flowers. The thought of putting those relationships on hold while everyone goes away for the summer is saddening. I know that because our foundation is built on Christ, we can weather the seasons and continue to grow. It has been a remarkable experience to look back and see where the girls have grown, where I have grown. It's a testimony to the work of the Spirit in our lives. I can't wait to see more of His glory revealed. How sweet it is.
Still, there is the very real possibility that I will not be back in the fall depending on how support-raising goes over the next several months. Don't get me wrong. I have every intention and desire to continue as an RUF Intern at KSU, so long as the Lord wants me here. There is a comfort in knowing He will have me where He wants me. I just hope that this is where He wants me.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Spent
It's been a rough couple of weeks for us. I'm not sure if it's that everything is happening now or if it's only now that I'm hearing about all of it. Many of our students are going through some very real situations evoking very real emotions.
I sit across the table from one girl and I want desparately to alleviate her pain. An hour later, I find myself sitting across from another girl who is going through something altogether different, but just as painful. All I can do is offer them the love of Christ and pray that they turn to Him in difficult times. My heart longs for them to see and understand the riches, joy, and hope they have in Jesus. Riches that are great, a joy that is everlasting, and a hope that is certain.
I don't know if God is calling me to do more than listen. Sometimes, we need to get to a point so low that we can only turn to God. Thus, I am weary of my desire to take away their pain...the same pain that drove ME to Him. I go home exhausted with my heart heavy. I am emotionally spent.
I have to remind myself that when I am emotionally spent and have little to give, He can and will take care of us all. "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
I sit across the table from one girl and I want desparately to alleviate her pain. An hour later, I find myself sitting across from another girl who is going through something altogether different, but just as painful. All I can do is offer them the love of Christ and pray that they turn to Him in difficult times. My heart longs for them to see and understand the riches, joy, and hope they have in Jesus. Riches that are great, a joy that is everlasting, and a hope that is certain.
I don't know if God is calling me to do more than listen. Sometimes, we need to get to a point so low that we can only turn to God. Thus, I am weary of my desire to take away their pain...the same pain that drove ME to Him. I go home exhausted with my heart heavy. I am emotionally spent.
I have to remind myself that when I am emotionally spent and have little to give, He can and will take care of us all. "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Signed in Blood
Okay, so I don't even know where to begin... In the past month or so, I have been beginning to slip into robot mode in my relationship with the Lord. I read my Bible for our study program; I read theological books; I pray for the girls I meet with. That's all good, but much sinfulness can be disguised by "good" things. I have let Christ become my work and not my treasure. My relationship with Him is like that of a married couple who takes each other's love for granted and never says "I love you" anymore or shows love and appreciation...except that Christ still does all those things for me and I'm indifferent. How awful! I want to want to read and bask in God's Word. I want to want to have heart-to-hearts with Him. Instead, I just find myself clicking on facebook profiles or changing the channel when I have free time. It's most frustrating to know the solution is to rest in Christ and run to Him when things come up, but to not do it. Rah!
Today, my freshmen girls and I started our Bible study of Ephesians. "In love, he predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves." (Ephesians 1:5-6) Predestination was a fun topic to prepare for. Heh. Anyway, we got to the word adoption and started talking about the legal process of adoption. The thing that makes it all final is the signature. Christ didn't just sign the papers. He signed my papers, our papers in His blood! And not just the blood he drew from a single needle prick in His arm, but the blood that was drawn from raw whip-slashes, thornes, weapons, and the like! After all that I've done to Him, he still grabs the metaphorical pen, signs my papers, gives me fine clothes in exchange for my filthy rags, and beckons me to run into His open arms!
I knew all this, but, somewhere along the way, I lost sight of Him. The power of the Word just hit me like a jumbo jet at full speed today in the middle of "work." Isn't that a picture of us all? We need to be continually reminded of the Gospel day in and day out. And even then, we don't "get it" completely.
Today, my freshmen girls and I started our Bible study of Ephesians. "In love, he predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves." (Ephesians 1:5-6) Predestination was a fun topic to prepare for. Heh. Anyway, we got to the word adoption and started talking about the legal process of adoption. The thing that makes it all final is the signature. Christ didn't just sign the papers. He signed my papers, our papers in His blood! And not just the blood he drew from a single needle prick in His arm, but the blood that was drawn from raw whip-slashes, thornes, weapons, and the like! After all that I've done to Him, he still grabs the metaphorical pen, signs my papers, gives me fine clothes in exchange for my filthy rags, and beckons me to run into His open arms!
I knew all this, but, somewhere along the way, I lost sight of Him. The power of the Word just hit me like a jumbo jet at full speed today in the middle of "work." Isn't that a picture of us all? We need to be continually reminded of the Gospel day in and day out. And even then, we don't "get it" completely.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Because of Who He is
It's late. I'm lying on my couch in comfy flanel pj's and drinking hot chocolate that has become lukewarm chocolate over the last 20 minutes. My living room is still decorated as if Christmas has not already passed. The lights that illuminate the room, aside from the light of my laptop, are "icicle lights" draped across the sliding glass door that separates me from the frigid air outside. The only sound in the room is the low murmur of the air conditioner, broken only by the clicks of my keyboard.
And yet, despite the atmosphere, I can't seem to focus on anything. My thoughts most closely resemble the movement of a Mexican jumping bean. I've never seen a Mexican jumping bean in action, but I imagine its movement is sporadic and haphazard. I'm bouncing around in my head all the events of the week, my personal thoughts, the conversations I had, my emotions, and the various things I've read. Just as jumping beans eventually lose their jump and settle into a a state of motionlessness, I'm hoping my thoughts will do the same.
One of my biggest struggles at the moment is my casual attitude toward the pursuit of holiness. It's a fairly recent development, at least I think it is. Let me explain. The Christian life, according to Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, is a balanced life between the mind, heart, and will. It's not only something you "know" or "feel" or "want," but a delicate combination of the three. You have to know what you are feeling in order to want it. My casual attitude is a result of my heart.
I know the Gospel message. I desire for my will to be aligned with God's will. But I am not loving the Lord. He is not my treasure because if He were, I would be shouting His name from the rooftops. None of love Him as we should. We are all sinners, undeserving of His grace. That's the beauty of grace. He saves us from ourselves because of Who He is, not because of who we are or what we do. And we do not "continue in sin that grace may abound," (Romans 6:1) but live unto righteousness because we "have been crucified with Christ and no longer live, but Christ lives in [us]." (Galatians 2:20)
I am not perfect, nor am I a slave to sin. This liberates and motivates me to pursue holiness in light of what Christ has done.
And yet, despite the atmosphere, I can't seem to focus on anything. My thoughts most closely resemble the movement of a Mexican jumping bean. I've never seen a Mexican jumping bean in action, but I imagine its movement is sporadic and haphazard. I'm bouncing around in my head all the events of the week, my personal thoughts, the conversations I had, my emotions, and the various things I've read. Just as jumping beans eventually lose their jump and settle into a a state of motionlessness, I'm hoping my thoughts will do the same.
One of my biggest struggles at the moment is my casual attitude toward the pursuit of holiness. It's a fairly recent development, at least I think it is. Let me explain. The Christian life, according to Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, is a balanced life between the mind, heart, and will. It's not only something you "know" or "feel" or "want," but a delicate combination of the three. You have to know what you are feeling in order to want it. My casual attitude is a result of my heart.
I know the Gospel message. I desire for my will to be aligned with God's will. But I am not loving the Lord. He is not my treasure because if He were, I would be shouting His name from the rooftops. None of love Him as we should. We are all sinners, undeserving of His grace. That's the beauty of grace. He saves us from ourselves because of Who He is, not because of who we are or what we do. And we do not "continue in sin that grace may abound," (Romans 6:1) but live unto righteousness because we "have been crucified with Christ and no longer live, but Christ lives in [us]." (Galatians 2:20)
I am not perfect, nor am I a slave to sin. This liberates and motivates me to pursue holiness in light of what Christ has done.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Come and Gone
Another year has passed away. Looking back, I see the years start to blend together with a few time markers her and there. This year is marked by a college graduation and my first year of working with Reformed University Fellowship.
I'm looking at 2009 as yet another God-given opportunity to make a difference in this world. With every coming of a new year, we see find a chance for a fresh start or various changes. January 1 marks the beginning of a new calendar year. We, myself included, forget that everyday is the beginning of a new year.
I'm ready to dive deeper into relationships with the young girls at KSU. I'm ready to step outside of my comfort zone and into a social circle. I'm hoping to succeed and learning to fail.
Happy New Year 2009!
I'm looking at 2009 as yet another God-given opportunity to make a difference in this world. With every coming of a new year, we see find a chance for a fresh start or various changes. January 1 marks the beginning of a new calendar year. We, myself included, forget that everyday is the beginning of a new year.
I'm ready to dive deeper into relationships with the young girls at KSU. I'm ready to step outside of my comfort zone and into a social circle. I'm hoping to succeed and learning to fail.
Happy New Year 2009!
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