do justice.

Part of of my job description as Worship and Arts Administrator is working in The Kilns Bookstore one afternoon each week. (http://www.thekilns.com/) I have been in the bookstore twice so far and am absolutely in LOVE with it. They sell a variety of books on culture, philosophy, social issues and theology. And it is filled with clothing, quilts, handmade cards, and many other beautiful works of art that support organizations who train and employ people in third-world nations. The whole idea is "shopping with a purpose," which I couldn't be more in love with. I definitely am looking forward to the afternoons that I will be working in there. I am sure it will feel like I am "working with a purpose" which totally might sound cheesy, but helping in that minute way sounds amazing to me.

In the fall, Ken (the Senior Pastor) will be teaching a class at The Kilns College about Human Rights. We hosted a meeting at the bookstore today that basically outlined what the class will be about. So much of it was information that I have never heard, or had heard and chosen to tune out of my comfortable bubble of a life that I live in. I was moved by how disconnected so many of us are from the reality of what is going on in this world and I hate that I have chosen to be someone like this. We are called, as disciples of Jesus to be more aware, we should desire this awareness and not only that but we should seek to "do justice" in every way that we can. Whether it's buying a scarf from a non-profit company that rescues women from sex-trafficking, being involved with missions or seeking to build this global awareness...there is always a way that even the busiest of us can "be the change that you want to see in the world."

Lord let me be that change...

all is full of love.

Okay so I am terrified of starting a blog. I am way too critical of my own thoughts to have one, but I thought it would be a nice way for you all to have an idea of what I will be doin' this summer. Anyways...for those of you who don't know...I am living in Bend, Oregon until the end of August. It is basically a worship internship with the job description of "Worship and Arts Administrator." (ooooh fancy) I have been here for a few days now...and couldn't be more in love with this town. Everyone at Antioch has been so welcoming and excited to have me here. I haven't moved into my house yet and have been staying at the Lavik's the last few nights...but I couldn't feel more at home. It is a funny feeling, being so far away from everyone and everything that I know and love so much...yet I am pleased to say that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

To think that these people here have a heart for me and the other 16 interns that are complete strangers to them is absolutely incredible. Members of the church have offered to be host families, provided cars, mountain bikes, furniture, kitchen appliances...the list goes on and on. And what makes this so great is that they do it all for the joy of serving others. There are 17 interns here at Antioch this summer...SEVENTEEN...at a church of about 500. This, to me, is how Jesus wants us to live....FOR others. It is about community and making sure that every action has a purpose...to serve and to love...and to do it with a content and selfless heart.

I hope that I can learn to live this way and be more like Him...