Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Seattle, and more...

Highlights from this summer:  

Since a picture is worth 1,000 words, I'm being lazy with my blog, AND I realize people don't care THAT much about my life; just a few pictures and summer take-aways at the end.

3 weeks of travels in Mexico:

Destination 1: Acapulco... music festivals, parties, great food, pool, beach...

Destination 2: Zihuatanejo... pool, beach, markets, neighbors...

My family's former place of residency:

Destination 3: Troncones... pool, beach, sea shell collecting, pool, beach, sea shell collecting...

The most beautiful beach I'd ever seen with every kind of sea shell imaginable:

4 weeks in Seattle/Gig Harbor

Seattle's best kept secret: their summers are BEAUTIFUL.

Summer Playlist:
These songs will forever take me back to Summer of '13!

"Blurred Lines"- Robin Thicke

"Can't Hold Us"- Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

"Cups"- Anna Kendrick

"Radio Active"- Imagine Dragons

"We Can't Stop"- Miley Cyrus

"Get Lucky"- Daft Punk

"Red Hands"- Walk off the Earth

"Counting Stars"- One Republic

"We Are Young"- Fun

"Some Nights"- Fun

"Learn to Love Again"- Pink

"Treasure"- Bruno Mars

(and everything Bon Iver because
that was all my Uncle listened to)

 A summer of life lessons:

1. "Grab life by the balls."
   If you're in your 20's this is the time (out of any) you should be enjoying and taking ownership of your life.  DO what you want to do, LIVE where you want to live, and spend your time with the people you care to spend your time with.  Life is going on with or without you.  Don't waste your time worrying about if you're doing all the right things the right way so as to miss the point and life altogether.  Ecc. 3:12,13 says, "I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to BE joyful and to DO good as long as they live, also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil-- this is God's gift to man."  Enjoy God (first and foremost), pursue holiness, work, and enjoy God's gifts.  We over complicate life; don't. What kind of Christians are we being/displaying if we can't even enjoy and be where we are.  We have every reason to be content.
2. Going off of the above:
   Life is not a calculated formula you can manipulate to create the timeline you have set up in your mind- most likely shaped by your surrounding culture.  Everything happens in its appointed time.  Everything has been made beautiful in its time (Ecc.3:11): or appropriate, excellent, good; in its time.  You cannot hurry this, bring it to happen, or even try to stop or delay it but you can trust that it's already been made to be BEAUTIFUL and that it will happen.  It already has happened, according to God's transcendent understanding of time.  "It" being whatever great and amazing things God has purposed in this life, and yours specifically.  This encourages me to chill out.
3.  I am beautiful.
   I, AND EVERY OTHER WOMAN, is stunning.  We don't believe this; none of us.  But you are.  So own it.  Not because you just happen to be having a great hair day or have a glowing complexion from summer but simply because you have the XX chromosome make up, you were created at the pinnacle of God's creation, his most complex creature, your hair smells nice, you giggle, you're intelligent and thoughtful, you have a higher pitched voice, aesthetically pleasing curves, and the physique to populate the world with more babies.  You are a necessity in this world.  If a guy thinks otherwise, he's a fool (or scared) and not worth your time. Great friends, brothers, and dads are great to remind you of this (I hope you have many of them in your life!)
   Fellas: you can never tell the ladies in your life this enough!
4.  You are a different woman at 30 than in your 20's.- advice from my Aunt.  With my limited life experiences: though tempted to think I know a lot about life as the product of my education: I'm learning that I know VERY LITTLE... about ANYTHING.  She suggests not getting married until 30.  I, myself, may not take it quite that far; though I see how a lot of conflict could be avoided in following this advice.  I do also realize how much maturity happens in these years and how far I have to go; excited for life's journey.
5. Lastly, I was advised that men also have not reached a competent level of maturity until 30+years of age (some, later).  That explains a lot!  I was cautioned to not take anyone seriously below 30 and I can see how, as a general principle, that, too, would be wise given today's cultural timeline. 

Learning JOY... in Macon

I believe you could say this was the season I fell in love with Macon.  Maybe it was cherry blossom festival, Ginger opening (awesome stir fry restaurant), the annual church picnic, my favorite season beginning (spring), and/or all of it together!

Reasons I <3 Macon (not exhaustive):  

1. Macon is BEAUTiful this time of year which means driving with top down AND I don't have seasonal allergies #boom
2. Continuing to learn that GOD PROVIDES:(never let's me down #faithful) A quote I recently read and like: "To those who love God, nothing unredeemable can happen to them." -Dallas Willard. Something similar could also be found in Romans 8.
3. Loving Macon friends and families: DANTZLERS (indebted from their generosity towards me) Lesleins, Rios, Iris Archer, all the women in my Bible Study, Kathleen Collins (who's words of wisdom come close to the inspired word of God) -she would hate that I just said that;) and all the people that have made Macon home- just a few shout outs.
4. Freedom in singleness: Growing to love where I am and God's GREAT purposes for it- Taking advantage of serving Christ in all the ways I can as a single woman that I may never get as a married mother: a favorite... girly SLEEPOVERS!! which may involve nail polish, movies, girl-talks and most likely laughing spells. "The gospel of Ruth" by Carolyn Custis James greatly encouraged this contentment.  Ephesians 2:10 
5. Church picnic: my heart sings watching families and all ages playing and hanging out together as one.

CrayCray family:  

They teach me the reality (joys and challenges)
of raising a family in Christ. 

Sunrise in Macon:

My friend Thomas has this really cool discipline of watching the sunrise every morning which has inspired me to enjoy it as well...great way to start a day!

Wesleyan with Angela

Cherry Blossom

EASTER:

both a sobering and powerful reminder of why the Father, Son, and Spirit are my delight, <3 Him. 

Picnic Fun:

The Heartbeat of First Presbyterian Church

Lauren Wetherbee   *   March 15, 2013   *   Macon Fellows Paper

First Presbyterian Church of Macon (FPC) is a church located in the heart of Macon, downtown Macon at 682 Mulberry Street.  It originated just three years after the city of Macon was chartered and became a church June 18, 1826.  It has withstood the ratification of states, battles and wars, 50 different U.S. presidents, and great economic depressions.  Having been established so early in U.S. history, it has lived through major cultural and developmental changes but one binding trait has never left its foundation.  Through interviewing elders and being involved in almost every aspect of the church today through the Fellows Program I have seen and encountered the same God that has been the cornerstone of the church since it began.

       Even in recent church-history First Presbyterian has undergone immense change both physically, in the church building, and among the people themselves: spiritually, culturally, ministry endeavors.  Since 1956 large and small renovation projects have taken place.  The Fellowship Hall, Nurseries, and Children’s ministry classrooms connecting through to the Youth building (Education Building) have all been built.  Many of those have been renovated since their original development.  

       These physical changes have only been reflective of the internal changes that have taken place among the people that make it up.  Generations of people have come and gone.  The old has passed and the new has come.  These have brought great cultural shifts affecting how worship is carried out.  An elder I spoke with, Don Hall, emphasized the change in instruments used.  The introduction of guitar and drums being included in worship was unheard of in earlier times.  Chuck Duggan described worship as being slightly more “spiritually led” and not merely liturgical and/or a planned production.  He praised the choir and its new leadership that has brought a feel of worshiping with the chorus as opposed to solely watching a musical production.  Though the worship feels relatively formal compared to contemporary churches today, it has made significant adjustments from how it was once carried out.

       Duggan also described the church as having always been a “giving” church.  However, it has most recently been moving towards a people more willing to move outside of its comfort and into broken places with a vision and desire to restore needs in the city and throughout the world.  Hall recalled the beginnings of many ministry programs recently started by visionary individuals from the church with the support of FPC: Campus Clubs, Strong Tower Fellowship, First Presbyterian Day School, and Covenant Care Services to name a few.   He also recognized the organization of both short and long-term mission trips becoming a more prevalent option and opportunity for church members to participate in.  Along with these shifts and new ministry endeavors, the loss of older generations has brought the church to a financial deficit, losing major donors.  Duggan brought to my attention the need for the younger generation to be one who also gives in large financially towards the forwarding of God’s Kingdom in the world through the church.  

       The church has also seen many leadership and staff worker shifts that have influenced the overall direction of the church.  Hall shared with me how each pastor brought varying leadership styles and emphases.  Some had strong organizational and preaching skills while others were most gifted in “hands-on” ministry and shepherding/loving the “flock.”  FPC has seen increases and declines in church membership throughout the different ministries at varying times.  New church plants, changes in leadership, doctrinal confrontations, and other factors have been involved in these changes.  Hall highlighted that, while leadership and pastors contributed different emphases and skills, they have always maintained one unifying goal.

       The binding truth that has never wavered throughout FPC history has been the inherency and authority of the Word of God as found in the Christian Bible and displayed through the gospel.  Through all and any cultural, governmental, and economic transitions the church has never compromised its beliefs and has stayed true to the living and abiding Word of God in the way the church is governed, carries out the sacraments, moral beliefs, mission to disciple, centrality of divine grace, teaching and in many more aspects.  The gospel and Jesus Himself is the church’s cornerstone and its Word their standard for worship, church government, ministry, and life altogether.

       Through the Fellows Program, intensive involvement in the church and its partnering ministries, and speaking with elders I have come to learn in a deeper sense what my contribution to God’s Kingdom involves in connection with the church.  I desire to always be an active leader in maintaining what has always been protected, the inherency of Scripture and centrality of the gospel of Jesus Christ while moving in a healthy way with the culture and changing people God has created in His image.  Through engaging in ministry and the life of the church I have learned what specific gifts I have been given to contribute to the church: teaching children, artistic talents, relational and interpersonal evangelism, hospitality, and discipleship.  Apart from my time and efforts I also desire to give financially to the church, stewarding all that God has entrusted me with.  In these ways I can participate in God’s Kingdom-work, joining the church throughout the world and, more specifically, in FPC-Macon that has been carrying out God’s purposes since 1826.  The result of this good work that began eternally before the establishment of the church and will carry on eternally after is a sure victory and reclaiming of all that is Christ Jesus’. 

Ho, Hey... Fellows Update!

CHRISTMAS:

Angela's first Christmas party
(a new friend from China!)  

She loved it.
And is enjoying learning about Christ
and wanting to serve Him with her life
#reallycool.

Christmas at HOME:

Love home. family.

AND Spencer.  :)

Christmas in FLORIDA:

None of us thought it would be the last time we would see our Uncle Andrew.
With the highest honor to you and your life, we miss you.

NEW YEARS:

brought in the New Year with dancing and new Macon friends!

LAURLI

 JENNIFER & DETCHON

and MANY more...

FUN WORK PROJECT!

Father/Daughter photo backdrop

FPC FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE:

(PRINCESS THEMED)

Mary puts on QUITE the production!
I'm glad to have gotten to learn from/see/be a part of it all.

SEMINARY:

This semester we are studying the Pauline Epistles by TH.D Knox Chamblin.  I am enjoying understanding the New Testament better as it's exposed through Greek/Hebrew translations.  Apparently our professor is one of the most skilled in translating Greek. #score!  This is also furthering my conviction of the absolute relevancy of Jesus' ways and teachings in my life and ministry.  Talking with a friend, he referred to seminary as "mind therapy."  I couldn't agree more!

SANCTIFICATION:  

Yep, this definitely happens in a team of "Fellows"...It is, in the moment, an unpleasant and undesirable exposure of yourself to, maybe others (but we all hope no one else notices), most likely yourself (if you do indeed see it), and most unavoidably towards the one and holy God.  Dr. Robertson defined it as the process of becoming convinced that we are, have, and bring NOTHING.  We offer nothing to God (that He hasn't already given us) but unworthiness.  Only those that have that "agape" kinda love for you: derived by God Himself- the bend over backwards/rub your calloused feet/give you the last snickerdoodle cookie kinda love- can see your flaws and still be your friend- even after you just told their most sworn secret or LIED (no one likes liars).  Boy, am I thankful for those.

The product of such stripping:
FREEDOM.  DEEPER trust.  and LIFE more abundant.

#winning

CRIEFF:

= the most refreshing time with God and others that you can imagine. 

FPC YOUTH SKI TRIP:

• enjoyed getting to know & hang with both girls in my d-group and new friends!
• made a fool of myself in skits and dances with the other Fellows. #tothegloryofGod

BIBLE STUDY:

I am also in a Bible study with women all one or two generations ahead of me.  These women are BALLIN!  Seriously.  They offer so much life-wisdom from their life in Christ.

JOSH GARRELS CONCERT:

Josh and the band are BRILLIANT.  I thought he very tastefully/genuinely shared many gospel truths and his personal testimony through his film and music throughout the night!
I'm a fan.

MegMel & I at concert:

LIFE IN GENERAL:

I'm learning that God IS who He says He is; despite what I feel like my circumstances are telling me.  I can trust that He is good and provides; working all things together for my good and His glory. He sees and hears my cries- even the selfish ones.

I'll end on this note...

 Dr. Robertson brought this song by Alison Krauss to my attention.  

In this world I walk alone with no place to call my home
But there's One who holds my hand
The rugged road through barren lands
The way is dark, the road is steep
But He's become my eyes to see
The strength to climb, my griefs to bear
This Savior lives inside me there

In Your love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to thee

In these trials of life I find
Another Voice inside my mind
He comforts me and bids me live
Inside the love the Father gives

In your love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to thee
take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to thee

The Fight for Beauty

Beauty.
What is it?... in the eyes of the beholder, culturally defined, of symmetrical value, aesthetically pleasing, charm, long flowing hair, height, an inward demeanor? Who can obtain it?   Where does it come from? What is its value?  If you are a young, single woman as myself any of these words may come to mind:  insecurity, pride, unobtainable, overwhelming, receives attention, empty, skin, physique, fashion, vanity.  Since freshmen year of high school these had been central to my value in life and have been a battle since my new life with Christ and I don't believe that I'm alone. 

In a nation of comfort, success, and prosperity we have the privilege to know beauty: beauty in our homes, cosmetic beauty, beauty in art, landscaping and architecture, nature and parks that are well kept, and graphic design.  In Gen 1 God Himself created life and called it good and made it all to be revealing of His glory as it is filled, subdued and cultivated by His representative image bearers, humans.  Out of Zion He has shone forth the perfection of beauty (Ps 50:2).  Beauty shines through God's city and can be perfect; meaning, also imperfect.  It can be gazed into and sought out in the Lord (Ps 27:4).  God has beauty yet he has no physical stature; He is a spirit. Satan was the most beautiful angel yet pride in his beauty and power led to his damnation.  Esther's beauty was used by God to redeem an entire nation through which our precious Savior Jesus later came through.  Beauty is also described as fleeting and Jesus redefines it as an inward reality of a gentle and quiet spirit which is pleasing to the Lord (1 Pet 3:3-4). The Hebrew language defines it as lovely/pleasant.  Dictionary.com describes it as "the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest)."  From all of this you might say beauty is the "whole package:" inward, outward, good, bad, desirable, pleasant.  It is displayed through and created by God and His plan in Christ's life, death, and resurrection with purposes both revealed and yet to come.  

God Himself is the fullness and abundance of life, joy, and satisfaction.  He is set apart from everything; "holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory."  As created in God's image, a woman's inclination is to desire to be appreciated as such; to be given an undivided attention, to be strongly desirable and appreciated, noticed, sought after and mesmerizing in a unique way set apart from the way any other woman is desired.  When every bit of this is due and deserving towards my God alone how can I take this desire, coupled with how God has designed me, to glorify Him? 

I want to rest in what Christ has accomplished for me on the cross, knowing that my value is completely redefined in this new identity.  I am not beautiful in my heart of hearts.  I am utterly stained and defiled in regards to my offense to this holy God and deserving of judgement that I can't even fathom.  Yet, God has designed me in such a way that may or may not appear to be "beautiful" in regards to my mind, soul, personality, outward appearance, quarks.  How do I, or anyone, take this entirely and offer it to our LORD who has offered Himself entirely to us?  I hope to discover this increasingly more with my life in Christ; to be an Esther that uses her beauty unto the glory of God.  Beauty is not measured by how many "likes" I get on a Facebook picture, the attention I do or don't receive from single men, the reflection I see in a mirror, or the compliments I receive from women.  It can only come from me being confident and still in the love that God has for me in my status in Christ and the fullness of life that I receive only from that relationship perfected.  Thankfully, the LORD has already accomplished this battle.  He is making us new from one degree of glory to another and will make it complete and perfectly beautiful in His timing
(Ecc 3:11).  

Jesus, please help others and myself to remain humbly confident by your Spirit; to not destruct, devalue and cheapen ourselves or each other. Set our gaze on you and captivate our hearts.
You are holy. 

Seminary Responses: (a mere glimpse for those friends that were curious about Seminary :)

(The only pic I have from seminary :])

(DISCLAIMER: After each weekend of lectures we turn in a reflection from what most impacted us and how it impacts our ministry.  These are just my reflections and do not include much scripture nor a lot of the content from the lectures.)

Weekend 3:

Lecture 7 over the book of Exodus had to be the most encouraging over the weekend through seeing the theme of the whole book and it's sequential pattern: one, beginning with the rescue of God's people, two, the outworking’s of that redemption and what it is leading us towards (a relationship with God from which His presence is the reward) and three, His blessings and abundant life that are the eventual outcome of that intimate relationship.  This sequence sets the framework by which we live as Christians; which moves from "Being" (who we are declared to be in unity with Christ) to "Doing" (our actions being compelled by the grace we've received) and "Having" (all the blessings that are ours in Christ.)  With this framework (Be>Do>Have), we cannot "miss" the gospel by putting something before our Savior and Bridegroom but we see that He, Himself, is our very abundance of life and our greatest reward. Our nature is so inclined to move from do>have>be which is very contrary to this message from Exodus and the centrality of the Bible. 

It also allows and frees us to properly enjoy and use our blessings (future and present) to the glory of our Father.  We can enjoy these blessings (spiritual, physical, mental, etc.) as we completely render them to the service of our Savior. All of these blessings, especially these, come from the empowerment of my Father who is abundant and full in all of them, the very source.  Relatively, I feel very fortunate with how He's blessed me and a part of me felt guilty for receiving any sort of gifts.  However, seeing as they are from God to enjoy Him and to bring Him glory in my worship to Him was very freeing for me. With the proper view of blessings, as an outflow from our extraordinary God, we can properly enjoy them as that rather than as a comfort and joy in themselves. From whom they come is my comfort and joy as I offer them completely to the service of my LORD; to give Him the glory for every bit that I receive (or lose) because it came from Him and was given (or taken away) for the most significant purpose: God's glory which is joined with our joy.  For now, we have the anticipation of these "blessings" that will fully manifest themselves one day in the 'new heaven' and 'new earth.' This left me with more questions.  How, as a young, single girl, can I practically offer those things to the LORD to bring glory to His name? Thankfully, He gives us the Spirit and His Word to help answer those questions.

Knowing these key theological principals, in its proper sequence, helps me to have Christ at the center of my life and my ministry.  I hope to replicate this theme and emphasis to all those I disciple in my youth ministry group, friends, and all other future relationships.  

Weekend 2:

Learning about the three ways in which to view scientific and theological discoveries was helpful for me to be more at peace in my conscience with the study of the Word as it relates with or, rather, differentiates from the study of the world.  Realizing that they both answer different questions about the same thing (Science: answering 'how' and 'what'; Theology: answering 'from whom' and why') helped me to separate them in a complementary way that does not undermine one study over the other yet leaves you humbly accepting that there is an excess of information we are unaware of in both the theological and scientific realms. It is a constant process of discovery with the goal of reaching closer and closer to the truth.  Knowing that God is sovereign over both realms (scientific and theological) gave me freedom to pursue knowledge and wisdom in both.  It also gives me a passion to share these insights with friends and family that seek to oppose scripture with scientific evidence.  Given the context of scripture and its purpose towards its ancient audience completely transforms how one should approach God’s written word and I hope to be a part of redeeming and reforming the misconstrued approach that Christians started out with at the onset of new scientific discoveries.

 I am leading eight youth girls from my church in a discipleship group and for my next formal gathering I intend to challenge them with what they believe about science and its discoveries as it relates to the theological concepts of God's Word.  I plan to introduce to them these three different approaches and to especially emphasize the questions that each answer.  My hopes are that they would develop a deeper love for God's Word as they grow a deeper conviction of its infallibility.  It excites me to get to share some of the things I am learning in seminary with these middle/upper class girls that will be influential in the rising generation.   

Weekend 1:

After sitting in my first seminary class ever, I left wondering how I ever studied the Bible before!  Professor gave very insightful information about the Bible regarding its cultural, geographical, archaeological, theological context while connecting it with how it impacts scripture.  I loved this.  My favorite example of this was Friday night’s lecture where God’s blueprint for His sanctuary was laid out.  From the beginning to the end we saw the common thread that runs throughout God’s inspired Word.  The orientation of His sanctuary was always faced in such a way to receive His blessing, it was decorated with the most beautiful floral arrangements and precious gems, and it was guarded by fierce cherubim or angels.  I enjoyed watching how God’s sanctuary progressed through time from a building that indwelt His presence, to as it’s seen in nature, and now within His very own people.   Earlier God was visibly present to His people through a cloud or sanctuary.  Now, the abundance of life we have in God’s presence is within us.  As the temple has the specific orientation towards the East, we have a specific orientation in Jesus.  Even in having His very own Spirit within us, there is more to look forward to.  We will one day raise with Christ in glorification when God reigns once again; fully dwelling with us and reigning on earth. 

I walked away knowing God (as seen in His trinity) greater!  As this truth penetrates and impacts me, it works outward to impact my relationships and ministry.  I am inviting others to join in this abundance that is God Himself.  My ministry is not a list of “how to’s” or “what not’s” but a gift of life itself; the most abundant and fulfilling life that one can possibly experience that comes through faith in His Son.  It is so abundant that  it fills and outflows to produce beautiful fruit.  It becomes adorned with beauty, is in a proper orientation for God’s blessing (this proper orientation is found only in the status of righteousness in His Son), and is guarded by Christ in the hand of God forever. 

OCTOBER

FAIR WITH FRIENDS

Meet Lindsey Crosby (dancing man)...

The CLAW! (above)

OFFICE REVAMP

My amazing boss let/helped me redo this office!

VISIT FROM BRODER...

AND HIS GIRL :)

CHILDREN'S CHOIR 

PREPARING
FOR THE HOLIDAYS

#PRECIOUS

SEMINARY:

STILL BEING AMAZED AT THE INFALLIBILITY

OF THE BIBLE BOTH IN MIND AND HEART.

FUN & PRANKS:

 (or rather, FRANKS,bahaha!)

Must I mention his extreme repulsion

towards hot dogs...

AUGUSTA VISIT:

BOY DO I LOVE HOME

AND FRIENDS...

(Halloween)

ANSWERED PRAYER:

HEALING OF MOTHER

EVANGELISTIC OPPORTUNITY AT STARBUCKS

GREAT FRIENDS

& OTHER JOYS IN DISCIPLESHIP

#PTL!