put up with each other and love it in the mean time!

Community.
A word that we hear from such a young age and in so many different facets that it loses its value in our lives.  I didn't really understand when I was reading about F.L.I. on their website or after I had gotten accepted and received the handbook in the mail why they kept stressing this concept SO much.  It seemed like the set up would be like any other college arrangement - living in apartments, going to class...what was the big deal about this COMMUNITY thing they kept harping on?
I don't know how they figured it out, but somehow they've gotten it right.  If we could grasp the importance of having a Christ-centered community in our lives, you can't imagine how different things would be.  We need each other - there's no way around it.  God made us to coexist, to build each other up....not to tear each other down, and we've gotten that so backwards out in the real world.
One of the most refreshing things about being here is how healthy the conversations are.  I don't hear my friends whispering behind each others backs, but covering it with a smile - somehow making it look sweet and "Christian"?  And I don't have to wonder or assume that they're doing the same about me when I'm not around.  Comments tearing other people down aren't used as conversation starters...or fillers.  It's sweet not be faced with those things right now.  I know it's only for a short time and the real world is approaching again quickly, but at least we have these months to rest and grow.
Don't get me wrong, we aren't prancing around in some fluffy world where everything is easy and wonderful.  I've been tested, mad, frustrated, and stretched much further than I care to be ALREADY and we're just getting started.  But it's part of it.  Having people I can go to and have an honest conversation with - be real and raw around - totally trust, that's what makes the not so fun times ok.
As Christians, having a Christ-centered community shouldn't be something we find ourselves saying "oh, that would be nice to be a part of" it's something we should make a priority in our lives.  It enhances our own relationship with Christ, helps hold us accountable, helps us live lives reflecting more of our creator, and in turn brings more glory to his kingdom.

You're an average of the 5 people you spend the most time with (your community) what does YOURS look like?

So here is a picture of a few of the communities of my life....haha. pretty much people who have contributed to making me who I am today in some way or another over the years.  Some people probably don't even know it - and there are MANY people whom I didn't have a picture for.  I need about 5 more of these boards!!

do it right

When I found out I was coming to Focus, I knew it was going to be an exceptional experience – but I can honestly say after one week and one day that I couldn’t even begin to imagine the journey I was about to embark upon.

Sitting in class, my mind has a natural tendency to wander as doodles fill up the margins of my paper.  But here, I catch myself zoning in because I sincerely WANT to hear what Dr. Leland or Dr. Tackett has to say.  It’s not just another “leadership workshop” but a curriculum designed to really mold us.  It’s not just notes for my test next Tuesday, but TRUTHS that are so imperative for my life.  

The people are different here than I thought.  I imagined something similar to freshman year at Ole Miss walking into my Chancellors Leadership Class.  Granted -most, if not all, of the people here would probably be qualified for that class – it’s just a different dynamic.  It’s not about our resume’s, or how accomplished we’ve been or haven’t been.  One thing about us….we’re broken.  Broken families, relationships, friendships, struggles – we have them all, and in one short week, we’ve already grown tight enough to help each other limp along.  With roommates that already feel like sisters, and classmates that seem to have been around forever…or at least longer than 10 days – community begins to take on a whole different meaning.  The institute stresses it from day one and I’m beginning to see why.  When done right, it’s such a beautiful thing…but sadly, our world seems to have lost this concept...

the girls in apartment #1022!