Crossroads '15 Part 1

This was my second Crossroads Conference, but the surprising thing is I was not going in with any specific expectations. I just looking forward to a space for the Lord to speak to me, convict me, give me some inclination as to what my future looks like, and so on. See, not a whole lot of expectations.

I think the interesting thing is that I was not looking for some epiphany, but I was trying to be still and that trend actually began on Thurday night when we did a reflective scripture reading through Matthew 11: 28-30, and this helped me to get the right perspective for the weekend ahead. But of course such a time also is the perfect arena for fellowship, in groups, and one-on-one. We had a chaotic car ride full of delirium, and yet it was so much fun sitting through traffic with my roommates. There aren't any guys I'd rather go through torture with. It was great.

And at the actual conference I got to see family, friends, and family friends. Everything I could want. Last year there were only a few upperclassmen here: three guys and a few girls, but this year we had well over a dozen people from San Diego. It was certainly a different dynamic, but still a lot of fun.

I did some of the things we did last year like waking up early and walking to the coffee shop across the street to have some quiet time, and Psalm 77 really resonated, because once again it reminds me that in hindsight we can see how faithful our Lord has been in our lives. We were also able to grab late night gelato although we wound up at a different location than everyone else.

I heard from a few of my good buddies about their lives, met new friends, and got to reconnect with an old friend who I have not seen for two long years. It even included messages from a few of my friends abroad. Furthermore, there was time over lunch one day to share our collective vision to reach lost peoples, which in my case means the Japanese. I got to talk with folks who have a similar heart and to think through what God has planned for me. Does this mean going abroad in some facet or staying on the home front working with International Students like I'm doing now? I'm not sure. I did however get some practical advice on how to be a good steward of my money and finances as I navigate saving, investing, tithing, and offering.

Also, I do know that this weekend made me continually grateful for the community I have been blessed with the last for years -- the friends and influences that the Lord has raised up for me. In San Diego and all across San Diego. Although there was a lack of sleep, the food was great, and it was all I could asked for. In the interim before thanksgiving it gives me a lot to be thankful for.

My next post will be more specifically about what I learned...

All The Glory to Him,