Next week is the final week of the lecture phase of DTS. We've had many topics, many speakers, many laughs and surprisingly, a decent amount of tears. I arrogantly came into DTS knowing I would learn some trivial things. Little did I know these 8+ weeks would leave such a lasting impact on me.
My understanding of the Gospel has been refined. My identity in Christ has given me overwhelming peace. My desire in my soul to continue growing and drawing closer to the Lord has multiplied.
Next week is our final week of the lecture phase of DTS. The following week, we will be working full-time to launch Stone in Shoe. It's been difficult trying to focus on Stone in Shoe only in the afternoons (as the lectures were in the mornings). I'm looking forward to putting all my focus and energy on launching this business. The key would be to not let go of the things I've learned through DTS in this transition. I don't want it to be an emotional experience in which the impact loses its taste as DTS retreats further into my past.
I want the Gospel to continue to be real and tangible in my life. I want to continue to find peace and rest in my identity in Christ. I don't want to mistake my hunger for the Lord as merely an appetite.
So how will I keep hold of my experience in DTS throughout my life? I think it boils down to a daily intimate relationship with Jesus (which was a theme from today's lecture). It may sound cheesy. It may sound awkward. It may sound stupid. I don't think it's any of that. I think there is beauty in relishing the gorgeous outdoors and acknowledging the creativity of God in nature. I think there is power in the hope we receive through the Word. I think there is rest in the faith I place in prayer. I think there is great comfort in genuine, vulnerable and fun (I love fun) fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Not that I can do any of these perfectly. I need discipline. I need accountability. Above all, I need grace from God.
I'm excited for our next chapter in Thailand. I'll try to keep you updated in our daily super fun times journey through this blog.
If you have any thoughts/comments/questions, comment on this post/email me/message me.
- Alex
ps: We got a TLK (tiny little kitten) from the Rathmells. The mom cat abandoned the TLK, so we're nurturing him to keep him alive. I've never seen such little cats. Super cute. Jess is a great mama. I took these photos. I'm becoming a crazy cat person.
My understanding of the Gospel has been refined. My identity in Christ has given me overwhelming peace. My desire in my soul to continue growing and drawing closer to the Lord has multiplied.
Next week is our final week of the lecture phase of DTS. The following week, we will be working full-time to launch Stone in Shoe. It's been difficult trying to focus on Stone in Shoe only in the afternoons (as the lectures were in the mornings). I'm looking forward to putting all my focus and energy on launching this business. The key would be to not let go of the things I've learned through DTS in this transition. I don't want it to be an emotional experience in which the impact loses its taste as DTS retreats further into my past.
I want the Gospel to continue to be real and tangible in my life. I want to continue to find peace and rest in my identity in Christ. I don't want to mistake my hunger for the Lord as merely an appetite.
So how will I keep hold of my experience in DTS throughout my life? I think it boils down to a daily intimate relationship with Jesus (which was a theme from today's lecture). It may sound cheesy. It may sound awkward. It may sound stupid. I don't think it's any of that. I think there is beauty in relishing the gorgeous outdoors and acknowledging the creativity of God in nature. I think there is power in the hope we receive through the Word. I think there is rest in the faith I place in prayer. I think there is great comfort in genuine, vulnerable and fun (I love fun) fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Not that I can do any of these perfectly. I need discipline. I need accountability. Above all, I need grace from God.
I'm excited for our next chapter in Thailand. I'll try to keep you updated in our daily super fun times journey through this blog.
If you have any thoughts/comments/questions, comment on this post/email me/message me.
- Alex
ps: We got a TLK (tiny little kitten) from the Rathmells. The mom cat abandoned the TLK, so we're nurturing him to keep him alive. I've never seen such little cats. Super cute. Jess is a great mama. I took these photos. I'm becoming a crazy cat person.