We’ll be in Colorado before we know it! For some of us it is a great time of spending time outdoors, getting poured into from great teaching, and connecting with friends. For other staff it’s a time of feeling lost in the crowd or a time when Satan attacks our weaknesses. Are you aware that some staff REALLY STRUGGLE during this time?
As believers together we are a family of faith. A family that cares for one another, encourages one another, prays for one another. I would like to invite you to do just that in the coming days. Look for others who may need an invitation to hike or play disc golf. Look for others who may need a ride to an event or activity or an invitation to join your group for dinner.
Maybe you could take time today to call your newer staff who have never been to a CSU Conference and give them a heads up about a few things... Most dorms don't have A/C, dress for the conference is casual, maybe suggest renting a car or getting a bike from the bike library. I remember arriving at CSU the very first time, only knowing a handful of staff, and wishing someone had shared tips like these.
I know that we care for one another and desire to help others in times of need. Many of us do just that! At the same time I think that many of us miss opportunities to serve others because we are distracted and busy with our own plans. Let's put some of those things aside and really love each other like a family!!!
I am praying for the Lord to open your eyes to be aware of the needs of others around you. For you to open your heart to make others feel more comfortable and included. I am praying for you to live out the following verses:
24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
1 Corinthians 10:24
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[e] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 Andthey were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6
2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4
I look forward to seeing many of you in Colorado and I look forward to seeing how the Lord can use us to encourage one another!
Looking for someone’s cell number or info about the conference, check this website https://csu2013.cru.org/ It has info on the speakers, schedule, and even a tab to “Find-a-Friend.”
Erin Mullis
Cru Staff serving on the MidSouth Regional Team
