I remember the first time I got to swim in a public pool. It was one of the most joyous moments in my life as a child, and also, one of the scariest. I remember being oblivious about the deep end...

College graduates are often finding that they are unable to pursue ministry or the perfect job. Furthermore, more and more graduates are returning home to live with parents or delaying marriage. UNDERSTANDING THE “BUSINESS OF COLLEGE” Danielle was a top...

On a recent Sunday morning bike ride around Town Lake in Austin, Texas, I was lost in thought about recent events, that saw a new President elected in the United States and an eruption of shocking reactive acts.  Never has...

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”  Acts 10:38 God’s goodness overwhelmed me at the...

I have always been fascinated by the Saints of the Church, sometimes with skepticism and sometimes with admiration.  What is a saint? Often the perception of who truly deserves such a designation is in dispute, depending upon one’s view of...

One of my favorite spots in Texas is Pedernales Falls State Park with its falls and rushing water.  I have always been fascinated by flowing water, the sound of it thrashing through crevices or smoothly flowing around a small obstruction. ...

It is weird knowing that next year the NBA landscape will be different as Kobe Bryant, one of the players that has defined my generation, has hung up his sneakers. In his last game at the Staples Center, Bryant dazzled...

College Ministry Discouragement I walked back to my car from across campus, discouraged and lonely. It was a long day trying to meet new students and build relationships with them. As I sat down to drive home I could just...

There Goes Thomas Asking Questions Again! The Gospel reading for the Fourth Friday of the Easter season has one of my favorite disciples in it: our friend, doubting Thomas. Now, this is still earlier in the Gospel of John, so...

Different Individuals, Same Body of Christ During Rez Week at The University of Texas at Austin, for an hour in the prayer tent, we broke up into groups and prayed with people from different ministries. As I sat and listened...

“Here, I’ll hold the football and you run up and kick it.” “Okay here I go,” a small boy starts running, and as he is about to kick the football, it’s pulled right before he’s able to kick it. He’s...

Every Monday at 5pm, Christian student leaders at The University of Texas at Austin meet together for prayer. This meeting, known as “Fusion” at UT, or what Campus Renewal calls a Leader Connect Group, serves as a physical representation of...

Last week, I was reminded of the most rewarding part of being in campus ministry.  It came at a good time too, because I have been discouraged lately, wondering if my ministry is really making a difference on campus and in...

On a dreary Thursday afternoon in New York, I was sitting with a student in New York University’s Kimmel Center.  We began with small talk and a few jokes here and there, but the conversation soon picked up steam. A lot...

I was in Bible Study with some of my friends from Agape Christian Fellowship, and we were going through the book of Jonah. When we think of Jonah, we think of a big fish and a raging storm. We think...

For as long as I can remember, my family and I have had the unique opportunity of serving in music ministry together.  Because of this, at a relatively young age, I felt called to be a worship leader. My mom,...

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Annie Downs.  We talked about college ministry, books, football, Nashville, and bravery in our everyday lives.  Downs is bright, funny, considerate, thoughtful, tough and smart.  She is the author of three...

What is the biggest thing you’ve asked God for today?  This year?  In your life?   Do you believe God is stronger than you?  That he has more time on his hands?  That he knows better what you and everyone...

I want to open up with a question.  What is your calling?  For college students this is a very common question.  What am I, who am I, and what is God calling me to do?  In college I think we...

It was Wednesday when I questioned God’s goodness.  This isn’t what you want to hear from your ministers, your community leaders and your campus ministry instructors.  I’m learning, though, that being in ministry doesn’t mean you don’t feel angry with...

My local rugby team here in Austin runs a “chat” thread on Facebook..  The other day, one of my mates raised the question: “Is Easter Over?”  I must confess that this is not the typical type of posting that ends...

It was Colby’s, my husband, birthday this past Saturday. As the butcher paper card stamped with a bold “38” listing 38 reasons why we love this man hung a bit crooked on our living room wall, we celebrated a day of being...

Hoop Dreams When I was a kid, I was obsessed with basketball.  It was all I talked about.  I didn’t just talk about it, though.  I did it!  I played every day after school, every weekend and every spare moment...