Tulsa Oklahoma

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Training for a dream

I received my class schedule and ID badge. Classes start on Monday!

Pastor Hagin spoke to us via video on passing the baton. He encouraged us to dream big and really use our time at Rhema to prepare for that dream. 

The excitement has been building all week, so now I just can’t wait to get into my classes. 

I walked away from orientation more determined than ever to spend time dreaming and writing out goals. 

I also walked away with a strong desire to be an encouragement to my fellow classmates by offering my prayers and my support concerning their dreams. 

We’re all in the same family, right? 

It’s important to encourage each other in our dreams because those dreams spread the gospel and advance the Kingdom of God. 

Let the training begin!

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Focus is key

Ms. Lynette Hagin talked with us today about focus. (Well, we listened to her message via video, but it seemed like she was in the room.)

All Rhema students in the US and Canada must move to Tulsa, which is a big move to make. 

What is our intention in doing so?

To study the Bible, to focus our attention on the various areas of ministry God is leading us to pursue for His name and His glory. 

There’s that word again: focus.

The level of intentionality and proximity to Spirit filled teaching and training promoted here at Rhema requires a great deal of focus. 

As Ms. Lynette said in her message, “The annointing is more caught than taught.”

You can’t catch anything if you’re not paying attention. 

I’m going to spend the rest of this week writing out my list of focus areas. (I wrote out goals before I moved, but it can’t hurt to do it again.)

When classes start on Monday, I will have my catcher’s mit on!

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Assurance vs. Control

  I had an opportunity to interpret tonight! 

It was my first time at Victory Christian Church and my interpreter friend allowed me to help her out during a small group Bible study. 

Sign language is such a part of my life now. Meeting some deaf friends and getting involved in deaf ministry is an important aspect in my move to Tulsa. 

My first priority is being a student at Rhema, of course, but I can’t imagine not signing…

God is faithful, though, and He knows what He’s doing. 

Whenever you’re in a transition period, trust that God is working on your behalf and leading you to the right people and the right places. 

Sure, my involvement in deaf ministry looks nothing like it did back in Birmingham. 

And that’s okay because:

  • God knows my heart. 
  • God knows my gifts. 
  • God has a plan and a place for me. 

This is all the assurance I need.  

Interpreting tonight was fun because God opened the door. 

The biggest lesson I’ve learned since moving is that I like control way too much. 

Just call me a recovering control freak…

My 5th and final goal for 2016 is to stop seeking control over every detail. I don’t have to be a micro manager. 

Being in control is not my job –it’s God’s job. 

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A training culture 

Moving to a new place definitely changes your perspective. 

I visited Tulsa back in October, but it wasn’t my city yet. I was merely a visitor. 

Now I’m a resident and there’s an increased eagerness to really pay attention to stores and directions and the culture. 

I think the same can be said of any new adventure in life. 

Eagerness and curiosity will help you learn more because both are great motivators.

Great things are happening here. I’m excited to see how I can contribute. 

There’s so much to learn, so much to do and I really want to soak it all up. Many have told me that the lessons learned at Rhema are more caught than taught. 

The school wants you to learn, yes, but more importantly they want you to put into practice what you’re learning. 

I can’t wait for classes to start! January 19th can’t come fast enough. 

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The fun has arrived

I made it to Tulsa!

It took me about 9 1/2 hours to get here. 

I drove for 5 straight hours, bought some gas, and then finished up the trip. 

Now to rest…

I’m looking forward to my first weekend in town and getting situated in my room. 

Did I mention that I had a companion?

  Meet Strawberry Goonhild. 
She was a gift from Savanna, which makes her the best road buddy. 

Here she is basking in the Arkansas sun:

  Strawberry likes classic rock and ’60s music. One time she wanted us to listen to hip hop, but that’s where I draw the line. 

There are several things ahead of me in the coming week. Right now, though, I’m just going to relax and thank God for getting me here.  

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Saying goodbye

I saw a sign today at Chick-fil-A:

Goodbyes are never easy…

It was followed by a mourning of (and recipe for) their cole slaw. 

Now, I’m not a serving of cole slaw–and neither are my friends and family–but Chick-fil-A got it right about goodbyes. 

I want to take everyone with me. I really do. Maybe it’s time for the entirety of Alabama to relocate….?

I am genuinely excited about the future. 

If I didn’t see you before I left, no worries. I will be back for visits. 

All of my contact information–minus my address–is the same. 

Let me know if you want my address. I love getting mail!

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3 days and counting 

My posts will probably be short this week. 

I spent today packing for my move and visiting with friends. 

My car is ready for pick up in the morning, so I’m all set for my Friday morning departure date. 

Things are falling into place…

I still need to find a bank and a car insurance company, but those things won’t be hard to do once I arrive in Tulsa. 

It’s hard to believe that I’m leaving Alabama for a second time….

The adventure of following God will take you places that are beyond your wildest dreams. 

I’m entering 2016 by accomplishing something that’s been on my heart for about 5 years: going to Rhema!

Never underestimate what you can do with help from the Lord. He will order your steps.