Living a Legacy

First Assignment Set

2010-03-21T09:57:00.002-05:00

Advanced Excel 18 has officially made it through the first set of assignments!

Congratulations girls!

As you continue to pray for these girls we thought you might like to take a look at some of their thoughts and ideas as they journey through practicum. On the right side of the blog you will find each of their names linking you to their personal blogs which they will be updating at least once every two weeks.

2010-03-08T10:37:00.001-06:00

Last week of Advanced EXCEL

Wow!

Five weeks have gone by so fast.

We had to give our last speech on Monday, and it was about what God taught each of us through AE.

It was amazing to listen to how God led everyone here, but it was even more exciting to hear how God has worked in each one of our lives through the few weeks.

Phenomenal. Broken boxes. Challenging. Deep. Intense.

Unchangeable. Surprises. Friendship. Leadership. Vision. Super power.

So many words can describe my time here.

I was challenged to think outside my numerous boxes that I have been carrying for many years.

I had to face the deep fears and lies that were holding me back from flying.

For the first time in my life I asked God some questions about me and He answered me.

I discovered some signs of my unique super power in me.

God started a great work in me!

Excited. Scared. Happy and sad. Mommy. Daddy.

New life. Reality. Keep. Challenge. Friends. Prayer. Discipleship.

These are some words that are going through my mind as I think about going back home.

I feel the anxiety and fear that leads me to this question: Can I do well? What if I fall again? Am I going to be able to keep everything I learned here?

However, this connects me to the next thought. It is true that I am weak. I cannot do anything in my own strength, but God can work mightily through my weaknesses. All I need to do is abide in Him. Keep His Word. Trust in Him.

“For I know that thoughts that I think towards you, thoughts of peace and not of evil; to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah29:11)”

It is an indescribably amazing privilege to be a child of God, His beloved princess. I bask in the Truth that my life is in His loving hands.

Lord, thank you so much for the unforgettable five weeks here!

Sarah Kim

2010-03-08T10:35:00.000-06:00

Looking Back

As the first part of Advanced EXCEL is coming to a close, I have been looking back at the last five weeks and seeing what I’ve learned. It’s amazing how much you can learn in five weeks. God has taught me so much; that it’s going to take a while to process it all. I want to share a couple things that He has taught me.

The biggest truth that I have learned is the importance of God’s Word and the need to be in it. All the speakers that have come to AE have radiated God’s love and I know by looking at them and hearing about their lives, that they have a deep and lasting relationship with Him. Every one of them is constantly in God’s Word and you can see it in them.

From the first week with the Davis and all throughout Advanced EXCEL the constant theme has been God’s Word. I have always known that God’s Word was important and that I should be reading, memorizing, and meditating on it, but I never realized that my relationship with God depended on how much I spent in God’s Word. Meditation on the Word is what brings me to a close, deep relationship with God that I want. Meditating is the most important thing that we as Christians should be doing.

Even though it’s important, doesn’t make it easy. Meditation is hard work and a constant battle. We are always meditating on something; it’s just training our minds on what to meditate on that is so hard. It is one of my struggles, my battle with my old nature. For me to have that deep relationship with the Lord I MUST meditate, that’s the only way I’m going to get that relationship. But I cannot do it without God’s grace to help me do it. This is one area of my life that God has been working on me, and by His grace and His alone will I win the battle with my mind.

Another area of my life that God has been pounding on is who I am. I didn’t realize that the person I had made myself to be was a person that was built on lies and fears. I was not who Christ had made me to be, I was someone that was trapped by those lies and fears. It has been a hard, hard struggle working through my fears and lies and asking God to show me who I am, who He made me to be.

It has been a long process that has yet to be completed, but I am know that God will continue to reveal who He made me to be. Actually He is showing me right now, but it’s a slow process that takes a lot of time. It’s something that is not done in one day or hour. It is a matter of trust…trusting that God is doing something in my life, even though I don’t see it. As a plant never can grow in one day, I will not fully know who I am in one day. It’s hard, but, in the end it will be all worth it.

These two things are just a few of what God has taught me. It has been an amazing adventure that is going to continue for the rest of my life. It’s exciting; it’s hard; some days you don’t think that you can go on; but life is a race that we must persevere at. We can’t stop running, or we will loss the glorious prize in the end. Life isn’t easy, God never meant for it to be easy, but with God by our side, we can win! God isn’t watching us run; He is running right along side of us, helping us through every step of the way.

So don’t stop running, keep going, even in the tough times, “looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Through Him we can WIN!

Carissa

2010-03-04T09:08:00.001-06:00

Thank you Father

There are so many mixed feelings and emotions as we begin our last week of AE. Feelings of excitement that we will be seeing our families soon, feelings of sorrow that will be leaving friends that we have draw close to in these last five weeks. There are feelings of anticipation of how our projects during practicum will go and feelings of hopefulness in seeing God work through our weaknesses.

One feeling that I would like to focus on is the feeling of gratefulness. It is overwhelming me. I am grateful for the all that God has showed me in the last few weeks. I'm grateful to Grace for having Life Vision classes that made us dig deeper and find out who we really are and what makes us tick. I am grateful to God for strengthening me to face the fears I'd been believing and to begin trading truths for lies. The feeling of gratefulness swells as I think of all the work that our leadership team has put into making AE 18 a fantastic success. I will enjoy looking back on the memories, and treasure the friendships that have started.

I'm grateful to Chrissy for the writing classes, even if I still don't understand it, I do understand it better than before and I have a new perspective on writing. I look forward to using the newly learned skills for the rest of my life. Thank you Hannah, for encouraging us in our discipleship class. You gave us opportunities to lead wisdom searches and you gave great hints and advice on the discipleship course we'll be leading during practicum. All three of you have been equipping us to go into all the world and make disciples, and I am so grateful to you for that.

My gratefulness continues to summit as I think of the speakers that took time out of their busy lives to invest in our lives and encourage us to walk closer to our Savior. They have be God's anointed tools in opening up our eyes to truths that God has shown them. I'm grateful to God for allowing them to come and mentor us and encourage us to run that race that Christ has set before us...they are right there along side us cheering us upward, cheering us homeward.

I could go on and on, and fill up page after page of the things I'm grateful for. Instead I'd like to close in prayer...Heavenly Father, you orchestrated each and every leader, speaker and student that was to be in AE18 and I want to thank you for allowing me to be part of it. You have taught me so much, I feel full to overflowing. Thank you for your truth that you desire to teach your children, and help us all to be willing students. Open our eyes to more ways that we can show gratefulness and thankfulness for all the blessing you have bestowed on us. We love you, Father! Amen

Soli Deo Gloria

-Katie

2010-02-26T14:23:00.000-06:00

“We need winds and tempest to exercise our faith,

to tear off the rotten bough of self-dependence,

and to root us more firmly in Christ.”

- Morning & Evening

Our Big Sandy trip, last weekend, was incredibly fun, but also challenging. Each activity we did showed us just how much we need each other, and how working as a team gets things done that are otherwise impossible. We also learned more about each of our strengths and weaknesses, and used that knowledge to accomplish the goals set before us.

Mrs. Farr shared with us Thursday night, and something that stood out to me was the idea that we need to “Lift Others Higher.” Philippians 2:3 says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Whether we are mentoring someone else or just wanting to encourage a friend, our goal should be to make them more successful than even ourselves.

In life each of us go through trials and times when we can't do things in our own strength; no matter where we are, God will always make a way for us to move forward. Philippians 4:13 says, “ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” If God is calling us to do something, He is the one who will do it through us.

“Events and things come with the moment;

but God comes with them too.”

– T.C. Upham

2010-02-24T10:20:00.003-06:00

Best weekend ever!

Saturday was the last day of the Big Sandy Camping trip. I feel like an elephant just stepped on me multiple times. And what does that feel like you may be wondering? Pain, and the interesting question of, did that just happen to me?

The Big Sandy trip was most defiantly the most fun I have had since I have been here at Advanced EXCEL. I don't know about you, but I am a big fan of camping and anything that has to do with outdoors, fire, and hiking. They defiantly had us stretching some muscles that I didn't even know I had. Let me tell you, that was an unpleasant feeling.

The first day we got to the ALERT campus we got settled into camp and ate lunch. After that we all headed over to the volleyball field. We played a bunch of games and had an awesome time. That night we went to Mrs. Farr's house, who is the wife of Mr. Farr who runs the Alert cadet program. She challenged us with a really interesting topic: mentoring. This made me think for quite a while. I have just finished EXCEL, where they mentored me. I am going through AE where they are again mentoring me. But Mrs. Farr is talking about me mentoring someone? That was a totally different thing! I had never really thought about it really. I mean, I knew that someday I would be helping other girls, and teaching different classes, but it just never occurred to me that I could start mentoring other girls in the way of the Lord. This was a really simple, but awesome discovery.

Mrs. Farr went through some different points on successfully mentoring girls. We talked about how in the Bible it says, Admonish the unruly, encourage the faint hearted, and help the weak, so in simple terms, when mentoring, I need to correct the wild ones, encourage and push the one who think they are too small or not good enough, and help in whatever way you can the ones that are too weak to help themselves. She also told us when mentoring someone there are five steps. First you show them what to do. Then you teach them how to do it, then you do it with them, then they do it. Then when they can successfully do it on their own, the cycle starts over again, and the person you helped goes on to help someone else. I was really encouraged by all that she had to say and it made me want to get out there and start trying it out!

That night it was really cold, but we managed to all live to see the next morning, and thaw out by the nice warm campfire the ALERT staff made us. They also made us all our meals, which were all very tasty. They were all pretty much amazing.

Some of my favorite activities we did throughout the weekend were the river crossing, and the rope course. They river crossing was where you are in a harness, and they hook you to a rope that goes across the river, and you have to get all the way across by kicking your legs and pulling with your hands. It was cool to look down and see the water a foot under you, but know you’re not going to fall, or probably not going to fall. Anything could happen though, it’s a fifty fifty chance!

The rope course was really challenging for me since I am pretty short, because on a lot of them you have to reach across to grab a rope or your partner, but in my case, me and my partner Chrissy just had to trust each other and fall, knowing that when we leaned on each other the weight of each other would hold us both in place. This was an awesome way to learn teamwork, and trusting your partner! I think we did well for two short girls!

Another one of my favorite things we did was the rope swing. There was a little platform on both sides, and a rope in the middle. You grabbed the rope and swung to the other side. You know, the whole Tarzan and Jane thing? Our team had seven people, six of us girls and an ALERT staff guy. Everyone went by themselves across except one of our leaders, the staff guy, and me. We all went across at the same time. My strategy was to grab the rope as high as you can, curl up in fetal position and hang on for dear life! I am proud to say that we got across successfully every time. It took our whole team sixteen seconds to get across. Yes, we won.

I think all in all everyone had a blast the last three days. We got to do some really intense and fun activities, learned about team work and leadership, and I am pretty sure we all know quite a bit more about each other. Even though I still feel like an elephant trampled on me multiple times, I would gladly do it next weekend again if it meant being able to have a fantastic with all my friends and eat more smores.

-Rebekah

2010-02-24T09:58:00.007-06:00

Bruised Legs, Sore Muscles, Smiling Faces, Unified Team

This past weekend has been my highlight of Advanced Excel. Why? Because we got to be outside the whole time. How? We went camping. We slept in tents, sat around the camp fire, and stretched and pulled more muscles than we thought we had. We were pushed to our limit d beyond. All the while learning about leadership, teamwork and TRUST.

Thursday afternoon we arrived anticipating all that we would be doing this weekend. We played several competitive games of volleyball, and ultimate Frisbee, with trust building games between those sports. Would you trust someone to lead you through “a” frames and around cones while blindfolded? I didn't have a choice. Teamed up with the shortest girl on our team I was praying I wouldn't hit my head on the “a” frame. She did a marvelous job of looking out for me and my head.

Dinner was a lovely four course meal prepared for us by Mrs. Far. It was quite unexpected to be sitting down to a table of china and crystal and we all felt somewhat out of our comfort zone because we were dressed for camping and eating a dinner that you'd eat at a 5 star hotel. After dinner Mrs. Far talked to us about mentoring others and being a wise leader. The thing that stuck with me the most was a mentor will lift others higher than themselves. She gave a picture of children standing on there parents shoulders, being lifted to higher callings, bigger dreams and greater ambitions. ( Thanks mom and dad for lifting me higher, for having confidence in me.) She gave us all food for thought.

Back at the campsite we all got ready to spend our first night sleeping side by side in the biggest camping tent I've ever seen. All eight AE students slept in this tent and our fabulous leadership team (Grace, Chrissy, and Hannah) slept in a separate tent. We layered up and crawled into the sleeping-bags, longing for sleep, needing the rest and eager to see what the next day held for us. Even with the crowded tent the cold snuck in. We woke up Friday morning freezing somewhat sore, and tired, but looking forward to the days events.

We did the climbing wall first. There is one big wall 70 ft high with three separate challenging walls on it. We were all impressed and a little more cautious of Chrissy who was the only one of us to do all three walls. I tired to do all three and managed to make it a little more than half way each time. I was disappointed about this. In looking at the wall it didn't look that hard. I had given myself a false confidence that this wouldn't be to hard. God wanted to use this wall to teach me something about myself. Often God will take our fleshly confidence and grind it to dust until we are willing to put all our confidence in Him and in His strength. God showed me that I can't be good at everything. I thought I was strong enough, tough enough and able enough to conquer that wall. God chose that moment to show me the real truth about myself, and it was rather disappointing.

After lunch we started our Excel Challenge...this challenge pulled us, pushed us, bruised us and came near to defeating us. We pulled, pushed, received the bruises and conquered the challenge. In 4 and half hours we learned how to work as a team, be leaders and willing followers. We learned to trust those that guided us while being lead backwards or blindfolded. We encouraged those who got weary and were encouraged when we got weary. We saw God bond us together in only the way that sweat, dirt and pain can bond people together. I find it amazing that God can use so many different ways to teach us unity. In the 7 challenges we had that afternoon unity was a part of every one of them. Dinner was craved for and sleep was sweet that night. None of us had any trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or staying warm.

Saturday morning dawned and with it 7 surprised girls, the leaders had chosen this time to have a little fun and they collapsed their tent on them...why only 7? Because one of us got up and out of the tent before it happened. That person had a wonderful time taking pictures of the rest of the team in the flattened tent. The girls managed to climb out and set it back up without to much difficulty. It will be a good memory to think back on.

This was the confidence course day, which included more sweat, more pain, and more trust. We also learned the importance of communicating with one another and not being afraid to speak up with solutions to problems.

What could be so hard staying balanced on a log? What if all 11 of you get on and then have to get into alphabetical order without touching the ground? What if then 3 of you fell off at the same time??? U-oh is right. 2 other girls and myself fell off the log in trying to get to our proper places. 1 of us got to hole a basketball to hold and I got blindfolded. All the sudden you have no choice but to rely on the others around you to help you keep your balance and get you to your proper spot. Trusting in others goes up a couple levels when you can't see anything.

What do you do when you have to crawl through 5 rubber tires without touching the ground? You just start doing it until all 11 of you are across. You talk to one another and learn to swing tires at the right time. You work as a team not an individual. I must say, I'll never look at tire swings the same every again.

It was a stretching morning, learning to be patience, using your brain to think up solutions, and being willing to stick your head out with a new idea. Sometimes the ideas worked great, other times they failed. Failing is ok if it doesn't defeat you. We all fail in life its impossible not to. Its how you deal with the failure. Will you jump up and try again and keep trying or will you just lay there be defeated and be a burden to others?

AE 18, learned that unity, communication, and trust are all very important in our walk of life. We can not become dependent on ourselves. God made us human. We are to depend on others not only times of trial, weariness, and pain but also enjoy the times of success, strength, and joy. God not only made us dependent on each other but also on Him. I know that if it wasn't for my Heavenly Father this last weekend would have been a total disaster, but as I put my faith, trust and confidence in my wonderful, merciful Savior, He allowed me to have one of the most unifying, painful yet enjoyable, and trust building weekends of my life! Soli Deo Gloria

Katie Wuerffel

2010-02-22T09:08:00.005-06:00

“One tree can start a forest

One smile begins a friendship

One star can guide a ship

One word can frame a goal

One vote can change a nation

One sunbeam can light a room

One candle wipes out darkness

One laugh will conquer gloom

One step must start each journey

One touch can show you care

Once voice can speak with power

One life can make a difference”

I started and ended my speech on Monday with that quote. I did that because I’ve recently realized how much of an impact just one life can make in the world. It’s amazing to think of how one person influences another and the influenced one influences another, and that continues suit.

The eight of us are here learning how to be that person who makes the difference. In Life Vision class, Grace has been teaching us about how the fears and lies we believe affect the person that we are. Besides having a terrifying fear of snakes, I’ve always thought I was fearless and didn’t believe any lies. My bubble was busted when I found out that wasn’t the truth, but God’s showing me His Truth in so many ways during my date with Him every day.

Saturday, we all discovered our hidden photography skills….or the lack of them. We went out and tried our hand at modeling for each other. Starbucks and laughter was included in the deal, so I was a happy camper.

Miss Stacey Smith has been with us the past two days. Her life is the prime example of a life that’s made a difference. She has an incredible testimony of a life that God’s redeemed and she’s using it to influence countless ladies in prison. She ended her time with us by signing “The Power of the Cross.” It gave the song a whole new meaning when we saw her signing it.

Tomorrow morning, we’re going camping in the rough and rugged wilderness. That’s a slight exaggeration, but it will be intense, I’m sure. Two of the AE girls have never been camping, so it should be an adventure. I’m not much of a camper, but I’m all about the social part of it and the group that I’m with can make anything fun. Our hope is that there won’t be any casualties, so stay tuned for exciting and exhilarating camping stories.

Drink Starbucks, try your hand at photography, go camping, laugh a lot, and make a difference.

-Whitney Hall

2010-02-17T10:50:00.003-06:00

Sarah’s BLOG Entry

Over the weekend my classmates and I were surprised with a special valentines dinner. This was not just any meal, it was specially prepared by our fantastic leaders, Grace, Chrissy and Hannah. We were privileged to reap the benefits of their culinary talent. We clothed our steaming pasta with spicy tomato sauce, dipped our bread in bruschetta, and colored our plates with Caesar Salad all under the candle light of the AE room. In addition, our night was fragrantly topped with Chocolate Lava cakes. The sound of that name makes me hungry all over again. What would Valentines Day be without chocolate?

As I was away from my family on that special day, (I do miss you terribly btw Dad, Mom, and Melissa!!!) I was blessed with the reminder of my Divine Valentine.

Divine Valentine

-A valentine may give you flowers, but God sent you the most beautiful rose of all, Jesus. “I am the Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the valley.” Song of Solomon 2:1

- A valentine may be far away but God is always with you.

“I am with you always” Matthew 28:20

- A valentine may give you something, but God has given you everything.
“God…gives us rightly all thing to enjoy” 1 Timothy 6:17

Sarah Feeny

2010-02-16T09:29:00.007-06:00

Sarah Kim

“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Who hast set thy glory above the heavens. (Psalms8:1)”

‘Photography is the documenting of the magnificent glory of God,’

says our IPS speaker, Sarah Danaher.

Sarah arrived today to teach us and share with us her love for photography.

Seeing the wonderful creation of God through the lens,

sharing His glory with all kinds of people,

sending a special message to this world…

Photography is so much more exciting than I ever thought.

After learning about the important tips of taking great pictures,

we went to the park to produce our own work of photography.

The green trees bravely standing in the midst of the cold weather,

the dim sunlight shining through the clouds,

the rough, brown texture of tree trunks running up and down…

God is truly, a magnificent artist.

The snow made everything more beautiful.

I never expected this much snow in Dallas, Texas but

God gave us girls a special present

to make us smile J

We finished two weeks of Advanced EXCEL

and we are set and ready for the next exciting week.

How time flies!

I marvel at God’s perfect, intricate, and amazing plans He had for this Advanced EXCEL.

Listening to the testimonies of how God led each one of us here,

I was filled with gratefulness.

God called us here together,

in unique ways, with different goals, and for diverse purposes.

He worked in each of our lives, at this point of life,

so that we can be here, right now, right this moment.

God led each of the leaders through

the difficult and startling paths of their lives

and brought them here right now, right this moment.

God equipped them so perfectly

so they can love, encourage and challenge us

with their testimonies and lives.

The God of the impossible,

the God Almighty,

the God that sees,

Intricately planned and guided each one of our lives

So that we would be here today,

as sisters in Christ,

learning more about Him,

and loving each other.

Thank you my Lord!

God knows where I am right now.

He knows where you are too.

Let us stop for a moment and remember His faithfulness.

Then walk today in total trust in the God who will never forsake us.

2010-02-15T10:51:00.016-06:00

It’s been snowing all day, most of us slept in until about six, today’s assignments have been turned in, verses have been said, it’s almost meal time, and we got to pla….work with caulking and compound all day. Yes, that qualifies for a good day. They treat us pretty good here.

This morning, it started snowing and as I’m writing this right now, it’s still snowing heavily. I’ve lived in East Texas my whole life, so this snow is pretty spectacular to me. It’s absolutely gorgeous. After breakfast, we went outside for a group picture, and somehow that turned into a short impromptu snowball fight. My hands were not prepared for that, and I’m pretty sure I lost feeling in them for at least ten minutes afterwards. It was definitely worth the fun, though.

After the exciting time in the snow, we all headed to the sixth floor to get suited up for the day’s class. The sixth floor has a closet full of “precious treasures” in the form of old and paint-stained clothes. We all picked out our lovely attire and quickly got ready so we could start class with Mr. Holdeman.

We got a quick picture before starting work. We made up a pretty good team. L-R Katie (pre-EXCEL student), Myself (Pre-EXCEL Leader), Sarah Feeny (Pre-EXCEL student), Graciela (Pre-EXCEL leader), Carissa (Pre-EXCEL student), Sarah Kim (“Mr. Bell”), Beka (DMC Staff), and Olivia (DMC staff).

Mr. Holdeman started us off teaching us about some plumbing. That was a new experience for several of the girls. Mr. Holdeman was a great teacher and kept us highly entertained with a courtship story which we all loved. He also gave us the chance to unleash anger with tearing out the wall paper. J We had so much fun ripping that off. The poor bathroom’s walls looked horrible when we were done with that part.

After doing all that, it was time for caulking. That was probably by far the most exciting part of the day because it meant we got to get messy. Beka and I had a little too much fun with the caulking. I think we forgot that it’s supposed to go on the wall and not each other’s faces. We did show our support of Advanced EXCEL with putting AE on our cheeks.

As they say, all good things must come to an end, and our good day is following suit and coming to an end.

We made a lot of memories today that will be remember for a long time. I love each and every one of my team members and leaders, and I’m so grateful for God sending me here and putting each of them and all of the speakers in my life. God’s more than good to each of us.

Live life to the fullest. Have unexpected snowball fights. Write with caulking on other people’s faces. Take fun pictures. Change the world.

-Whitney Hall

“Don’t live for the one thing everyone else lives for.” - David Powlison

2010-02-10T16:47:00.006-06:00

We're now halfway into our second week here, and our days are filling up fast. God has blessed us with many opportunities to grow and expand our thinking. This morning Mr. Bell talked about being a leader and how each of us influence those we are around. I'm very thankful for the leadership team he has placed over us, and I thought I'd take a moment to recognize them for all they are doing for us.

Hannah, Chrissy, and Grace have been wonderful examples to me the past week and a half. From specific examples in each of their lives they have shown me more of who God is, and just how much he cares for me. Among other things, they have challenged me to break the boxes that I've put myself in, and too search things out for myself ...instead of believing whatever I hear.

I have loved getting to know these extraordinary girls, and hope that over the next several weeks God will greatly encourage and bless them for their willingness to serve.

Olivia

2010-02-10T10:28:00.002-06:00

Well, yesterday morning started out as usual, I got up at 5:45am, yes mom, I really did it. I went downstairs and did pilates. Did you know that if you do enough thigh teasers that your leg literally lights on fire? Yup, its a fact. So, continuing on to breakfast. We had a nice meal of leftovers! Best days ever! Whitney and I continue to go back for seconds, only because we tend to enjoy our food more than some. But have no worries, we always get some little bit of food for someone else at the table also.

After Breakfast we had "Terrifying Speech Class!" We had been working on our speeches all week. The Topic was, "How God led you to Advanced Excel." It had to be 5-10 minutes long. They started the speeches in Alphabetical order by middle name, therefore, I went first! Actually I was happy about that after I got up there. Since I went first, that meant that I did not have to sit there and be nervous the whole time!

All the speeches were spectacular! I loved each ones individuality and story. Even though many were similar situations, they were all really different and unique! I thought it was neat how alot of them had alot to do with not having enough money and God totally provided every single penny. God truly blesses those that trust in him, and it was so relevent in all the speeches.

We also had a really awesome session with Mr Cantrell. He taught us two really interesting sessions that everyone engoyed alot. He just publish a book called "From the Shop Floor to the Top Floor" purchase one at your local bookstore today!

I would like to tell you also what I have learned today already. We had a class with Grace Gallager on "Life Vision Planning" this subject didn't really thrill or interest me until today. She talked about fear. This has never been a big subject for me, I have never feared death, or anything in extent that much until she asked a question to all of us that hit me really hard, She asked us, "What is your greatest fear?" I had never really thought I had any. But God put a few things ony my heart that just really made me start thinking. My fear was kind of a different kind, not really for me. It was for someone I am really close to that is lost.

During my date with God, I was really struggling with this, and trying to give it to God. I realized that I had never given this person up to God, I would just pray for them, and then try to figure out a way that I could help, in case God decided not to. Ha! that wasn't very clever of me. I decided right then to fully hand over my problem to him. What a relief ! I didn't have to worry about it anymore! Realizing God will handle every problem I have is an incredible feeling. I don't have to fear anything, as long as I have him to hold on to. So, thats a short part of what I have learned so far at Advanced Excel, and this is only the second week! I can't wait to see what God is going to do in my heart, and all the other girls hearts these next four weeks.

~Rebekah Grace

P.S. Happy Birthday Mom, I love you!

2010-02-09T15:34:00.002-06:00

Saturday, February 8, 2010 was an exciting day! The day started out with us being able to sleep in…we were all so happy. As we came out of our rooms the delicious aroma of cinnamon rolls greeted us, causing great joy. Coffee and cinnamon roll…what a great way to start out the day.

After our wonderful brunch we had a session with Grace on food. She talked to us about what basic ingredients we should have in the kitchen. She went to the library and got like 20 cookbooks, which were fun to look at.

We then got to go and cook dinner for the EXCEL girls. We went into the kitchen at 2:00 and started cooking! We made Cajun pasta and garlic flatbread. Since it was Lauren Bell’s birthday, we made cappuccino mousse pie. We all got different jobs and went to work! Some cut up bell peppers, some garlic and onions (poor things), and still others cut up the meat, etc.

I got to make the pie with Stephanie! It was a lot of fun. We had to do the recipe 10 times. The pie took the longest to prepare because we had to make so much. We had chocolate and whipped cream all over our area. I think we made the biggest mess.

When most of the chopping was done, several of the girls went and decorated the food line. They decorated it 50s style. So we had black and white checkered table cloth on the serving line and cute pictures of the wall. It looked really cute. They did a great job.

We finished the day by going outside and play ultimate Frisbee. It was so much fun! It was cold outside, but that didn’t stop the fun. I learned how to play Frisbee here at the DMC and I have loved it ever since.

Saturday was a full, but fun day. I think that we all had a great time together.

Carissa Koehn

Hello to all in the blogger world!

2010-02-05T10:22:00.002-06:00

Although my third day of Advanced Excel is coming to a close, the excitement and anticipation for what God is going to do through this class continues to increase. I’m so glad the gloom and rain from outside this building wasn’t a part of our day today inside the Dallas Ministry Center. I think our laughter last night must have spilled over to brighten this day that God has given us…

One of our assignments this week in speech class was to give 3-5 minute speeches to both our roommates. Well, the speech adventure for room 308 began. I was the first to release my nervousness. Both my roommates discussed a topic to give me. I was given 30 seconds to gather any thoughts, then our impromptu experience begun. After the intense 15 minutes, our laughter quickly banished any nervousness we might have had earlier that evening. I’m thankful for encouraging roommates! Over these next few weeks, I’ll be excited to see how God will pry us out of our comfort zone for us to rely on Him during our public speaking assignments.

Sarah Feeny

2010-02-04T08:46:00.007-06:00

I have been here for less than 36 hours and the God I serve is already blowing my mind away. Arriving here I wasn’t all that nervous. Now I am beginning to wonder what I got myself into. I can tell already that I won’t be going home the same girl.

I am just starting to see what God is the same now and forever means. He did so many amazing things and how dare I put him in this box, limiting what he can do in my life. Well, I am just about super excited to be here and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me, both in Advanced EXCEL and in years to come.

It’s amazing being back at the DMC, reunited with friends. Weird enough, I am in the same room as I was in EXCEL and sleeping in the same bed. For all who know me, I had the pleasure of having baked oatmeal yesterday for breakfast and I still get really excited over food.

Although, it’s a little strange being a part of such a small group I am sure that God will work all that more intensely through us. Several people have commented on my Ice Age watch and I believe that was the most “business professional” watch I could buy at the Dollar Tree. Well, I already know there is more to come so tune in next time to find out what happens to the Advanced Excelables.

Graciela Tineo

2010-02-03T09:39:00.006-06:00

Advanced Excel 18

Ready or not here I come!! As I get ready to begin a new adventure I feel like a small child playing hide-and-seek in the dark. My anticipation builds as the numbers get higher... 97, 98... every muscle strains ready to take off 99... 100!! Ready or not Here I come!!! I shout as I take off running.

Have you ever felt like that? Full of nervous excitement. You have a mission and you know you are in the right place but there is still a measure of uncertainty. God has given you a goal but anything could lie between you and the finish line. This is how I feel about this fantastic class of leaders.

God has given them the goal of Advanced Excel and anything is possible in Him. I look forward to watching them mesh as a team, see their relationship with God strengthened, and their leadership skills sharpened. Their foundation is sure, and their future full of promise. They have a hope and a calling and I can hardly wait to see what God is going to do in and through them during these next few weeks and months.

During these next few weeks we hope to help the girls discover more of who their God is,who He made them to be, and how that translates into everyday life. We desire to share our life experiences with the girls giving practical examples of how God changes people from the inside out and equips them to follow His lead. Through out their time in Dallas they will also have guest speakers each week that will cover topics such as: Leadership and Influence, Basic study skills, being a godly woman in today's world, principles of business, Photography, and much more.

I would encourage you to join me in praying for each of us: leadership, students, and speakers. During the time here in Dallas, practicum at home, and hopefully for the rest of their life as they walk with God.

Living a Legacy,

Advanced Excel 18

2009-03-11T13:05:00.000-05:00

Hi there! My name is Elizabeth Allen and I am here to tell you about our Monday. It was, for the most part, an average Advanced EXCEL Monday here at the DMC. It was our last Monday here and also our last day of speech class. (yay!)

Today, we had our last speech test and gave our last speech until we come back for graduation in June. Our speech topic for this week was Testimony to a Secular Audience and it had to be over 10 minutes long. We had to find a way to share about what God had done in our lives to people who might not know anything about the Bible or God and figure out how to do it without sounding “preachy”. I discovered that it was a whole lot harder than it sounded. I realized that God really is everything and that it is almost impossible to take Him out and still have something left to say. It definitely took some creativity.

When we had all finished our speeches, Emily and Amy gave a surprise performance of Abbott & Costello’s, “Who’s on First?” Emily stood there so seriously proclaiming that Who was on first, while Amy bounded around wearing a baseball cap. It was wonderful to be able to laugh after the stress of giving a speech.

As I said, aside from speeches, it turned out to be a rather uneventful day. I had a nice date with God today discussing how He saw me as opposed to how I saw me, I loved what we had for supper, and we had our weekly openness and honesty sharing time during our team meeting this evening.

Well, only a few more days left here in Dallas, and I am definitely going to miss the time we’ve had here. I can hardly believe we have been together for only six weeks. In some ways in seems so much longer. At the same time though, I am looking forward to getting back home. I am so excited to see what new things I will learn about my awesome and amazing God in the next few months!

To all my family and friends, I love and miss you all!

You Are A Princess

2009-03-06T14:11:00.002-06:00

A princess, that is truly what we are, daughters of the King who have been set apart for His glory. We have all been put here for such a time as this, to influence, encourage and set the example. Think about it for a moment, a princess is always in the spotlight and everyone is watching, waiting to see what her response will be. What she does reflects back on her Father, her King. We do not realize that when others look at us they are really seeing God in us.

What kind of example are we setting? Is what we are doing going to honor Him? We are called to be different and to stand out, this is a time for fourteen princesses to learn these lessons and ask such questions. As well as becoming equipped and trained for future challenges and battles. In all the fairy tales you hear of the wicked schemes and plots against the kingdom. And that is where these “Princess Lessons” come in handy. In knowing the truth, we are able to see these dangers more clearly and stop them before they cause destruction in the kingdom.

Identifying these problems is the first step then we must take them before our King because we know that in our own strength we can do nothing. With His armies, He battles then on our behalf because He loves us and we are His most prized possession. He is seeking our love and that is all He asks in return for everything He does. It is our choice then, what are we going to do with the love that we have been given? Are we going to spend our time kissing frogs and wishing for Prince Charming?

Remember whose you are and do all that you can for Him where He has placed you. Use the abilities that He has blessed you with and build up His kingdom. Realize the position that you have been placed in and do not wish for the things that can hurt you. Your life is a fairy tale and you will have a happily ever after when you learn to be content where He has you and in His love.

Lauren Bell shared this song with us that she wrote and I think it is a perfect example of our happily ever after:

Happily Ever After
Some little girls play dress up from the time they learn to walk,
Describing their own fairy tales from the time they learn to talk.
We don’t need to teach them; it just happens naturally
Across all times and cultures, the longings there you see.

Our fairy tales are echoes of truths that are divine;
Of humble girls, of wicked schemes, of rescues just in time.
These shadows paint a picture that points us to the One
Fighting for His dearly loved ‘til the unseen battle’s won.

One day when we are working and praying for our rescue,
The trump will sound, the sky will part, our Prince ride into view.
With power, grace, and glory, He’ll claim His princess bride
And ride off in the sunset to the land of no more night.

For once upon a time, God loved them and happily ever after started then
Before the founding of the world, His kingdom had no end
The roles were set, His only Son would be the noble prince,
And He would woo and win His bride to share eternal bliss.

It is your choice; will you live for your King? What will your happily ever after be? You are a Princess and your life is a fairy tale, are you making the most of the time that you have now?

-Hannah Coggin

2009-03-05T19:43:00.000-06:00

This has been an interesting week so far. Some of us are still recovering physically from the demands we placed on our bodies during the trip to Big Sandy, and everyone seems a bit tired. But we are excited; only nine more days until we head back home and get to see our families again! While we are eager to return home, we will miss the friendships we have deepened here and all the classes and speakers.

We finished up our sessions with Lauren Bell today. She spent the day talking to us about the blessings of boundaries, full time Christian ministry, when God works outside the box, and treasures of darkness. All of her sessions have been very good and make you think.

In the evening, everyone headed outside for fresh air and volleyball. We played several games of volleyball, some people jogged around the parking lot, others sat and cheered the players on. It was good to get outside and look at the stars and skyline of Dallas.

We have several papers due on Monday and Wednesday, and a speech on Monday. We are also working on memorizing Ephesians 1. Please pray that we would be able to get all our assignments done well to the glory of God.

Continue to pray for us, as we pray for y'all too!

In Christ,

Anna McElmurray

For all the girls of Advanced Excel 17

Picture Update

2009-03-04T09:40:00.018-06:00

Strong, Smart, and Good looking

Team Building

The amazing raft

Two fearless leaders (Lauren and Chrissy)

Allison

Lisa

Kristin

Hannah

Jamie, Emily, and Alaina hanging out

Emily

Jamie

Watching the girls climb

Kristin and Amy

Birthday Party

317 is finished!

DRINK MORE WATER!!!

Sarah, Alaina, and Chrissy at Big Sandy

Chrissy, Kristin, Amy, Rachel, and Sarah at Starbucks

Kristin Young, Lisa, and Amy

Enjoying Cheese Cake on Valentines Day

Julie, Hannah, and Anna

Tornado drill with the EXCEL girls

Allison, Jamie, and Alaina

Getting ready to paint!

Shopping Trip to Salvation Army

Excitement before giving the first speeches

2009-03-02T13:01:00.003-06:00

On Thursday morning we left the DMC for our trip to Big Sandy. On the way, we stopped at the home of Glenda Lauter. Mrs. Lauter, who is one of Lauren’s mentors, very graciously opened up her home to us. She served us a delicious meal and made us feel at home.

It felt very nice to be in a house after almost four weeks of living in a training center! The time we spent at her home was very relaxing for us. Mrs. Lauter, her daughter Julie, and Lauren’s mom all spoke to us during the course of the day.

Julie shared with us part of her testimony, and told us that nothing outside of ourselves can satisfy us, only Jesus. She told us that God designs frustration to push us into His arms. Mrs. Lauter told us that we are all Esthers in our kingdoms, that we are all where we are for a purpose. She also emphasized that God wastes nothing in our lives, and that he uses our “warts” as tools. It may look like we’ve messed up or made the wrong decision, but God uses that. The only thing that we should be concerned about is intimacy with God.

Our day at Mrs. Lauter’s was a huge blessing and encouragement. After we left her house around 4:30, we went to the ALERT campus in Big Sandy. On the way we got slowed down by a traffic jam, and all of us non-Texans saw something we had never seen before. People were using the shoulder as a third lane, and some drivers were even driving on the grass on the side of the road! We eventually made it out of the jam, and arrived in Big Sandy at dusk. We spent the first part of the evening at the home of Mrs. Farr, and she had us play some games to build teamwork. In one of the games we learned how important communication is, and that each person is vital to the team.

Afterwards we all gathered outside to hike to our campsite, in the dark. It turned out that we were going to be camping primitively (no electricity, no bathhouses, and no running water). It was an unexpected turn of events (even for the leaders), but after the first shock (and the arrival of daylight the next morning) things looked a little better.

Our Thursday was quite full; we learned a lot in it.

For all the AE girls,

Lisa Dzimianski

2009-02-26T08:14:00.002-06:00

Greetings from the DMC!
The day began as a typical day in the life of an AE girl, pilates performed at wee hours in the morning, followed by devotions headed up by Lauren. I often wonder if we are all awake or just merely sleep walking, and Lauren is the only one with clarity of thought. One only knows. By breakfast we were all full of jitters and nervous groans, because we knew what was coming next. Panic filled the breakfast table. Only by the dreaded word: speech. AHH!! But with God’s help we did conquer, with flying colors actually. Grace said she was rather impressed and even had lower expectations for us. That was rather encouraging to say the least.

It’s amazing to watch God blossom us into effective communicators, so we can go out and influence others for Him. Leadership, Influence and World Changers: that was the topics for our speeches, as well as the theme of the whole week. Every speech was motivating as we realized that what we do and say does influence, whether for good or bad, whether we want to or not. We are all leaders, influencers and world changers!

Excitement is on the rise this evening as we pack and prepare for our team-building camping trip. We’ll be heading out in the morning right after breakfast. Mr. Bell will be the faithful bus driver. You have to feel sorry for him being trapped in a van load of fourteen girls. Although he did state that he was looking forward to our trip.

Please keep us in your prayers as we go on our big, exciting Adventure.

-Erika Walker

2009-02-25T14:40:00.003-06:00

As I sit and think, my mind is plagued with questions. Deep questions. Hard questions. Questions as thick as molasses. Questions stacked so high, I can't possible reach the answers, even if I had them. Questions so . . . so . . . I don't know! Let me show you what I mean.

Questions of who I am at the very core; questions of the future, questions of the unknown: why am I who I am? Who am I supposed to be? What will I become? Will it be real greatness or just normality? Will I ever get to change the world or must I resort to the small influence of my family at home?

Questions of feelings, questions of unsure emotions; questions of fears: Will I ever see these friends again? Will I ever get to spend time with Chrissy and Grace? Will I get another chance to experience life with them? Will I ever get to laugh with them again? Is this getting close just to fight the battle of separation?

Questions of past hurts, questions of previous failures, questions of possible future disappointments: Why does home scare me? Is this all to be lost upon returning to reality? On arriving home, will it be worse than before? Are all my good times limited to being experienced at the DMC? Will this amazing life continue or flee with the change of the next season? Will this ever happen again? Is this as good as it gets?

Life must continue despite my private crisis. In fact, it will carry on with or without me. But must I always walk with so little confidence and assurance?

I know You have all the answers, but these uncertainties make living life hard. Give me something God, something to know You have heard my questions and that You will keep them until I am ready for their answers. Give me something Lord, anything! A phrase, a song, a deed, a word. Anything, Lord! Just give me something! What is it Lord?

"Trust."

-Amy Young

2009-02-24T13:06:00.000-06:00

Hello Everybody!
Welcome to the AE blog. My name is Rachel, I am 18 years old and I am from Oklahoma.
Well, yesterday was amazing. Mr. Novotny came and talked to us about Dream Teaming. Basically, Dream Teaming is learning how to build an effective team and learning how to communicate with those around me.

Later that night, for team time, we all shared the things that God had taught us the past week. It is so interesting to see how God is working on everyone. Each one of us has a different story to tell but each story has been put together by God. It is absolutely amazing. I can hardly wait to see what god has planned for the future.

2009-02-23T17:35:00.002-06:00

Good day to you all! Thanks for reading the AE 17 blog. If you don’t know who I am, my name is Alaina Butler. I’m 19 years old, from northeastern Oklahoma, and an EXCEL 31 graduate.

Today started off as all Friday’s do with an invigorating round of Pilates. Today Grace upped the usual to include leg-lifts and push-ups. Very fun! Now if only it wasn’t at six in the morning…

At nine o’clock, we started off our adventure into the wonderful world of color, aperture, mega pixels, sharpness settings, ISO, principle of thirds, lines, depth and all around becoming better photographers. Mandy Novotny and Whitney Lindsey teamed up to teach us Prize Winning Photography Lite. It didn’t take very long for most of us to figure out things about our cameras that we didn’t know existed, and how to properly use the many settings our little point-and-shoot’s possessed.

After our date with God time after lunch, we piled into a fifteen-passenger van and Grace’s little four-door and it was off to downtown Dallas to take 25 pictures using the techniques we had learned. We split up and teamed off in order to cover more ground and have some more freedom. It was ‘super cool’ as Mandy would say, and Emily Nicholson and I had heaps of fun photographing all over the place. The only catch was that we could ONLY take 25 pictures, and we couldn’t delete any of the pictures that we had taken… no matter how bad they were! The purpose of that was to make you think before you shot, and especially to analyze the image. Taking into consideration how you wanted it to look, and what you wanted to focus on. It worked really well, you think pretty hard when you know you can’t delete something if you don’t like it.

The other goal of the photo shoot was to have a bit of fun with a ‘contest’. If we wanted to, we could take pictures of something that said ‘grand’, something that said ‘spring’, and then a ‘pic-of-the-day’. After that we headed back to the center for another session before supper. We all learned a lot that would have helped us earlier in the day! We also learned about purposefully blurry pictures and how to take them properly, and how to take stop-motion pictures. The other hands-on project was depth pictures. One picture of an object with the entire picture in focus, and another of the same object when only the object was in focus so that the rest of the picture faded into the background. ‘Super cool!’

After dinner we headed out again, this time to Opening Bell, the coffee shop that’s sort of down the street from us. It’s a favorite AE hangout and we went there to get coffee (of course!) and to review and critique the pictures that we had taken that afternoon. We divided into two groups and we’d look at somebody’s pictures and either Mandy or Whitney would look them over, and tell us what we had done correctly, and what would be improved. We had just gotten started when live music started (Opening Bell has live music every Friday) and we had to go out into the hall so that we could actually hear the critique.

I’m not quite sure where Mandy’s team ended up, but those of us in Whitney’s crew settled down in the basement. It was tons of fun! The concrete floor, walls, and ceiling worked together to make some amazing acoustics! Well, it wasn’t very long before all of our prima donna tendencies came out and we were belting out a miriad of songs at the top of our lungs. Oh my word! It was so much fun!

Today was a really wonderful day, at least for me but I’m pretty sure the other girls were having a good time too. The end of today marked the half-way point of our time at the Dallas Ministry Center. We’ve all learned so much, and come so far. It’s been wonderful, deepening friendships that I already had, and making new ones. We’ve become a team. A unit. We’ve seen each other grow. We’ve laughed, cried, and learned together. As I look around at the amazing young women surrounding me, I am so profoundly grateful that God wrote them into this chapter of my life, and that He placed me here “for such a time as this.”

Blessings all and tons of love to my family!

~Alaina Butler

2009-02-20T17:23:00.004-06:00

Dear Friends of Advanced Excel,
In the general busyness of life our blog posts got a little backed up. There are two posts for today that girls had written slightly earlier in the week. I think we're back on track now but I wanted to make sure you didn't miss a post. Thanks for supporting our girls!
-Advanced Excel

2009-02-20T16:29:00.006-06:00

[Edit: My apologies to our readers and Hannah. This post was written by Hannah Coggin, not Jamie. The name change has been made at the bottom. -Lauren]

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:15-16

Thus the day begins as any other, alarms go off, skirts are donned, and half asleep girls stumble down creaking stairs to face the bitterly cold Thursday morning. Once out of the building everything becomes a blur, sights, sounds and smells engulf us. But not for long, we begin to walk and talk amongst ourselves until gradually the group is split. One by one you see them, walking alone, or so it would seem. But we are not alone, we are all walking and talking with out best friend, the one who has called us and loves us for who we are. One who always listens and is there whenever you need Him. And so our day begins.

Cold hands and red faces emerge back through the doors, and we descend down another narrow set of stairs where the rest of our group waits. Some awake and others asleep but all have gathered for the same reason, to begin the day in the word, and encourage one another. Questions are asked and some are answered, but most are left for you to ask your friend, the friend who was not long ago out in the cold talking with you, and the one who is still standing beside you.

Quietly as possible everyone returns to her room, silently scurrying about to make sure everything is in place for the day. Then they sit down with that trusted friend yet again and spend time just getting to know them. Breakfast comes and goes, verses are quoted and papers are gathered for class, all along your friend never leaves your side.

Continually, I find myself talking to Him throughout the day. Asking Him random questions, or just speaking my mind. Voicing my frustrations when my computer would not cooperate during class, or trying to decide on a layout for a presentation. He brought everything together thoughts, passions and a message to share. Not only did He give the message, He included the skills and channel to share it.

Thankfully, it did not stop there; the day has only become better and better. Again we were reminded of the friendship that we have, and how thankful we are for it. Choruses of voices filled the lowest parts of the building, voices singing praises to their best friend, each expressing love in a different way, through uplifted hands and closed tear filled eyes these words rang out sweet and true.

I love you, Lord
And I lift my voice
To worship You
Oh, my soul rejoice!
Take joy my King
In what You hear
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear

Have you talked to this friend lately? Are you reminded throughout the day of all He has done? When was the last time you thanked Him? Take time today and remember all that He has done for you, spend a few moments with Him. He is waiting; will you go?

- Hannah Coggin

2009-02-20T16:21:00.003-06:00

I am so amazed at the incredible things God is doing in each of our lives. He is truly “busting boxes” wide open! Every Sunday night we have “sharing time”. It’s very rejuvenating to hear the progress of each girl from week to week. It’s also reassuring to see that God is changing and molding us.

As I was writing in my journal during my “date with God” today, I suddenly realized that I had been believing a lie about myself for quite some time. Our Scripture memorization for the last three weeks comes from John 15, where Jesus talks about abiding in him. God used the concept of me abiding in him to conquer that lie. It was very freeing!

In writing class today we learned of the wonderful gift writing is, and how our lives can live on through it and we can impact others even after we have passed. I am so excited and anxious to continue to discover more of God and what He has for my life in the next couple of weeks.

- Erika Walker

2009-02-19T18:51:00.003-06:00

Today, for me, was a rather slow day. Maybe it was because the sky was grey and gloomy that I didn’t really even want to get out of bed but I did. Bright and early at 5:35 to get ready for a morning run before team devotions. The run was enjoyable and did help me to wake up some. Later on in the day we had speech class with Grace Gallagher. We took a quiz…..I don’t like quizzes and then we each gave our speech on How God led us to Advanced Excel.

The speech had to be at least 5 minutes long and no longer than 7 and considering that we are being graded for everything in our speech including having points docked for being under or over I was nervous. But my speech ended up being 10 seconds short of seven minutes! I think I did okay though I am not that thrilled with my concluding statement. I am actually very excited about this class though because even though I do get semi nervous before each speech, once I actually get up there and start talking I love it.

We also had our interior decorating class with Kristin Young again. So once more we threw on our scrub worm attire and headed to room 317 to do some painting. I am excited that the room is FINALLY almost finished!! The walls are this beautiful, soft brownish tan. It almost reminds me of a cappuccino. It doesn’t take much to remind me of coffee though. Anyways so we spent most of the day painting and trying to finish up the room. I also got to experiment a little with Wall Magic. It weird how easy it is to make your walls look like they have depth and texture. I have already taken a ton of before pictures and am going to take a ton of after so maybe by chance we will l get some on here.

This week isn’t really even half over but so far it has been really good. God has been really honing in on key areas of our relationship and just taking me far deeper than I really ever thought I would go during my time at A.E. This past week really hasn’t been about dealing with past hurts or lies; it has just been falling in love with God. Realizing that I can take the small day to day things to him and that he really does care about them. I have noticed that as I have been finding myself falling more in love with God and deepening my belief in commitments that I made a long time ago Satan has been trying to stop this and I have begun to really feel his attack against me these last few days as I draw closer to Christ.

I would encourage anyone reading this to just pray for the girls here. As we surrender areas that we used to cling to over to Christ and start to take back the ground we have let Satan control for so long uproar seems to start. There is a battle going on every day, whether you are aware of it or not. The battle is simply this: Satan hates you because you belong to God, and as you strive to give your life to Jesus and you begin to discover the lies that you have been believing, Satan will try everything within his power to destroy you. Wherever you are weakest he will hit and if that doesn’t work he will keep going down the line until he finds what does.

So please pray for the girls here. We have all been discovering lies we have been believing and also realizing the truths that are and have been setting us free. But with that we are now all, at one point or another, going to face obstacles by the devil and doubts that we will have to overcome. So please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers!! Thank y'all in advance and may God bless you with peace and his unfailing joy.

+ Jamie +

2009-02-19T13:19:00.003-06:00

5:15 am
Beep, beep, beep . . . Loud and distinct, the alarm clock's undeniable voice broke into my sleep reaching my subconscious mind and encouraging me to roll out of bed. The darkness of the pre-dawn sky did not keep me to feel wide awake. However, summoning my body to comply I sat up and began to get ready for the day.

5:55 am Pilates
Out of our room, across the hall, down the elevator, and into the AE (Advanced Excel) room, all seventeen of us went, gathering in the basement for our early morning pilates session. After clams, the hundred, side teasers, and many more exercises our muscles were ready for a break.

6:30 am Wisdom Search
We got encouragement for the day as we read a devotional called On the Anvil. Then, up to my room I scurried for "presto change-o" and prepared for breakfast.

8:00 am Breakfast
From the kitchen the delicious aroma of Apple Cinnamon coffee cake called us to come and delight our senses by enjoying a piece.

9:00 am Remodeling
Into our grubbies we went in order to tackle the rest of the painting and complete the project we started in room #317. Brushes flew, not one person or brush remaining idle, and we made good progress, finishing the first coat of paint on the trim and restoring most of the hardware to its correct location.

12:00 noon
Lunch, our "date with God," a session with Lauren, and we returned to paint the final coat on the trim.

4:30 pm Life Purpose Planning
We ditched our painting clothes and returned to the AE room for a session with Grace Gallagher. Tired and slightly stressed, we attempted to focus our complete attention on her. Then, from behind her chair she brought forth a treat; Strawberry Shortcake and Chocolate icecream bars! Joy! The sweet, refreshing taste brought smiles to our faces and chased all of our cares away. (Temporarily at least!) Relaxed and happy, we were all able to listen attentively.

7:00 pm
Team Time completed our day. We enjoyed making a cornice board for above the window in room #317, and pestering Kristin Young with questions about interior design.

10:00 pm Lights Out
I crawled into bed. The softness of the mattress and the cozyness of the covers felt wonderful as I began to doze. Wrapped in my Heavenly Father's love, I allowed myself to fall deeply asleep.

Thank you, God, for such a wonderful day!

-Sarah Poss
II Corinthians 3:4-5

2009-02-13T21:18:00.001-06:00

Hello!

Well, we’ve been here for 13 days now and I have learned so much I’m not sure where to start. Mrs. Speed came and really seemed to get the ball rolling as far as helping us to break down the walls and become open and broken before God and others.

We’ve also had Mike and Mary Davis from the IMI (International Ministerial Institute) come and teach us this week. They really helped us to expand our vision of who God is and to not just believe everything we hear others say. They taught us to look it up for ourselves in the Bible and ask, “What does the Bible say?” Mr. Davis really helped hit home the fact that Christ lives in us and we live in and through Christ. Without Christ, we can do nothing and through Christ we can do everything.

Today we started interior decorating with Kristin Young. We are fixing up room 317. Painting, sanding, mudding, cleaning, taking off doors, labeling screws for the doors, and taping drop cloths to the floor is what we did today. We’ve definitely been enjoying ourselves!

Please be praying for us as we keep learning about God being open to His work in our lives. Also pray for wisdom and discipline to work on our assignments and for unity of spirit as a team while we grow closer to God and each other.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

-Kristin Stevens

Psalm 147:3

2009-02-13T13:22:00.001-06:00

Today started bright and early (or should I say dark and early?) with optional running/walking at Old City Park across the street from the DMC at 6:00 a.m. Our group was a little smaller this morning. Lack of sleep is really starting to hit everyone.

We had our last sessions with Mr. and Mrs. Davis today. They have really challenged us to search the Bible and prove that what we believe is actually scriptural. They have also stressed to us the importance of meditation. One thing they taught us today (which I thought was really neat) is that without Christ we are alone, but that Christ came to the cross to atone. As Mr. Davis said this, he put a line through the “l” in alone on the marker board, and changed it to a cross, making the word atone. He also told us that the word atone was originally “at one,” so that through Christ we are at one with God.

This afternoon we had another altering class with Miss Amy Elam. Clothes are beginning to change shape under her skillful instruction! When she let us out early everyone was excited because we got time to study. Tonight Grace, Lauren, and Chrissy sent us up to our rooms early from our team meeting so that we can squeeze in a little more study time and get to bed earlier. Our assignment deadlines (Monday and Tuesday) are approaching rapidly.

Tomorrow we get to start remodeling. We’re starting out with painting, but I am sure you will hear all about that later.

In Christ,

Lisa Dzimianski, for all the girls at AE

2009-02-12T22:04:00.003-06:00

Well, we have had quite a week so far. Last night the tornado warning sirens went off when we were all about to go to sleep, so we all (AE, Excel, staff, etc) traipsed down to the basement to await further instructions. Mr. Bell came down after a few minutes and told us that everything was okay and to go back to sleep. We had all just settled down and were almost asleep when the sirens went off yet again. Another trip to the basement, another declaration that everything was okay, and we went back to bed. We somehow managed to do this all with laughter and make jokes about the stories we can tell when we get home. This made it a rather late, exciting, and (thankfully) uneventful night. The AE girls had the option of not doing Pilates at 6 this morning. Several of us took advantage of this to get a few more minutes’ sleep.

Our sessions with Mr. Davis started at nine this morning. We were all very tired today from lack of sleep, but eager to hear the word of truth. Today we talked about covenants. How they were instigated, what happened in the ceremony, and why a blood sacrifice was so important. We then talked about the New Covenant and how we are in a blood covenant with God, sealed with Christ’s blood. We have greatly enjoyed our time with him, and are looking forward to our sessions tomorrow, which include a question and answer time. Mr. Davis definitely challenges you to examine what you believe and be sure that you are basing everything on Scripture.

We also began the altering class with Amy Elam. We mainly discussed what alterations were needed for the garments that we brought. We’ll start the actual work tomorrow afternoon. At lunch and dinner the AE girls sat with the Excel girls, getting to know them and trying to encourage them. After all, we were Excel girls at one time too. We have learned how important it is to cultivate good relationships and that these friendships will last beyond the 8 weeks.

Our homework assignments are also staring us in the face, demanding our attention amidst everything else that is going on. We never seem to have quite enough study time to get everything done that we want to. Please pray for good use of our time and for mental blocks to be eliminated.

I am personally just beginning to see why God had me come here to Advanced Excel. I needed to know, really know, who God is and who I am in Him, before I could even think of doing any ministry opportunities. There is no way that I could counsel someone who was struggling with knowing God or even knowing themselves, if I had a false idea of it all myself. While I can’t say that I am confident in everything yet, I am beginning to understand far more. I am praying that God will reveal himself to me in new and glorious ways during AE.

Please continue to pray for us, as we pray for y'all too!

In Christ,

Anna McElmurray

For all the girls of Advanced Excel 17

2009-02-11T22:10:00.002-06:00

Today was crazy! So much has happened. We had a speaker, Mr. Davis and his wife, come and talk about lies that we as Christians are force fed from a young age and have come to accept as truth. He definitely opened my eyes to some things I may have never thought of before. It was also great to get alone, afterwords, with God and pray to God for discernment and wisdom on everything he talked about. The Lord definitely revealed a lot to me. I am so excited because I am becoming way more aware of God's loving guidance and just how much He love and takes and interest in my life. God is so awesome!

Later on that night, after dinner, we each went back to our rooms to discover a note attached to our door, telling us to grab our money and purses and head downstairs. Everyone rushed about and scurried downstairs to a waiting van. We all piled in and drove to our surprise. A shopping trip! All us girls spent over an hour shopping and laughing our heads off. Oh! And God totally blessed me . . . everything I bought ended up half off! We got pictures and everyone piled once more into the van. We all thought we were going home. Wrong! We headed to Starbucks for a late night yummy, gooey, caramel frappe goodness. So fun!

The excitement didn't end there though. Once we got back we all headed to our rooms and started settling in for the night. Our window was open and my roomy and I glanced at each other confused as a LOUD alarm ring came from somewhere nearby and slowly grew louder. A few seconds later we were told to head to the basement. A tornado warning was in effect. We were in the basement no more than 20 minutes when we were told it was safe to return to our rooms. An hour later, we were once more back in the basement. We were only there for maybe thirty minutes and it was the last time we had to go downstairs. After that we all went back to our rooms to attempt to go to sleep.

All in all, it was a fun and crazy day. I am so excited about what God is doing and about what I'll learn in the next few weeks.
God bless y'all.
-Jamie

2009-02-10T16:58:00.002-06:00

Fear and trembling before impromptu speeches, uproarious laughter in the DMC basement, and tearful sharing of past hurts and present freedoms—our experiences the first week of Advanced EXCEL have been varied and unforgettable.

The evening of our arrival we established our class spirit immediately. At dinner we reminisced about outstanding memories of EXCEL 31 and nearly lost a few amused members to hyperventilation. It was a hilarious meal; for my own part, I laughed so profusely I cried.

The following morning Mr. Bell welcomed us, exhorting us to enjoy ourselves, and to preserve a mature manner (at least when the EXCEL girls are watching). This we have endeavored to carry out. Ask the leadership for results.

Our mornings are early. Several minutes before 6 am, we gather in the DMC basement or back entry, bleary-eyed and bereft of makeup, ready to run, walk, or stretch ourselves into alertness. At breakfast we again appear, unrecognizably beautified, ready for morning sessions. After lunch, we have daily dates with God, afternoon sessions, and study time. Our evenings are relaxing and enjoyable. Studying and homework are banned. We read Hind’s Feet on High Places, discuss the day, and work on handwork projects. Personally, I have used up an astonishing quantity of yarn on my crocheted afghan.

Tuesday and Wednesday we received our first writing and public speaking assignments. Thursday and Friday, Mrs. Speed shared with us about lies, fears, and “openness and brokenness.” Saturday, Mr. Ballmann spoke on personal finances, we visited a local coffee shop, and all of us fixed dinner for the training center (burgers and fries).

Sunday evening we had a time of sharing what God had done that week. As every one of us told what God is doing in our lives, the struggles we are experiencing and the victories He is giving, we were struck by how perfectly God had orchestrated the week to touch each of us.

Today in particular (Monday, Feb. 9), we had our second public speaking class. We learned about audiences and gave impromptu speeches to the rest of the class. Grace Gallagher outdid herself coming up with subjects—from cups to dollar bills, to holidays (my own subject J), to handles! We stumbled, laughed, and clapped through the morning. During one of the breaks, we took pictures in our spiffy suits (in speech class we are graded on appearance) in the gazebo.

Over lunch we discussed the importance and value of St. Patrick’s Day. I had, in my impromptu speech, advocated abolishing such an unnecessary holiday, thereby unintentionally broadsiding the approximately eight people of Irish descent in the room, including Grace, my evaluator. (I haven’t gotten my grade back yet. . .) In all fairness, Grace very magnanimously conceded that I had challenged her to reconsider her presuppositions.

After our dates with God, Chrissy Sanborn taught our second writing class. (Lauren made our afternoon by interrupting with coffee, chai tea, and hot chocolate!) Then we descended to the basement and engaged in an hour-longer-than-expected conversation on our identity in Christ. We had to break off for dinner, but it’s a conversation we’ll continue. Dinner, by the way, was magnificent, and the best part, “in my humble but correct opinion” (as Chrissy says), was that we ate outside in the parking lot.

And now here we are in the basement during team time, reading Hind’s Feet and having “light bulb moments” left and right. Every time we back up a paragraph and start reading again, we have to stop and share new thoughts from the same passage we just read. I (the only one with pen and paper) have already filled up almost a whole page of newly-minted quotes for us to remember.

God is doing great things among us, above what we could ask or think! He has freed us from fears, broken lies, and opened our eyes with “the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Pray that we continue to be sensitive to His voice and obedient to His will.

God bless you all!

Emily Nicholson, for Advanced EXCEL

2008-02-27T14:30:00.002-06:00

Wow! Advanced EXCEL 16 is in its last few days already! We have learned, cried, and laughed so much together that it would be impossible to tell it all. Even if I did it would never compare to being here and experiencing it yourself. It's hard to believe that things are coming to a close.

On Sunday we went to PCPC (Park Cities Presbyterian Church) for the last time, Monday was our last leftovers day and our last speech class. (Some of us were relieved about that part!) Although endings have always made me kinda sad, I look forward to graduation in July when we will be one big happy family again. I'm thankful that even after we leave here, through the friendships we made, the principles we learned, and the ways God revealed Himself to each of us will continue to grow roots into our lives and we will be better people for having come to Advanced EXCEL!

-Dana Trigger

2008-02-26T14:01:00.001-06:00

The days keep going by faster and faster. We can all hardly believe we’re in the last third of our time here, but it’s true. We are still enjoying every moment of being here, but have also started anticipating going home and putting into practice all we’ve been learning.

Today was our “academic day”. We had two tests, one for writing and one for public speaking. Then we each gave a speech on what we learned about teamwork at our time in Big Sandy last weekend. I personally love just sitting and listening to the other girls’ hearts as they speak. We talk a lot, (of course!) but we don’t get to hear from each other for a whole undivided 10 minutes about what God has been showing us except for our weekly speeches. I love how we all open up and share the things that we may not talk about as naturally. But it’s all deep, good stuff about lessons learned and steps taken in our individual journeys. There are some amazing women here. I am so privileged to be a part of this group and this AE.

-Rachel May

Photo Update

2008-02-23T15:28:00.005-06:00

A few images from our recent adventures...
Grace and Lauren prepping the bathroom for the interior design class Paige and Meridian Rachel Christy AE 16 dream team
Chrissy on the low ropes confidence course Team 1 with Major Farr
Team 2 with Mrs. Farr
Dana and Paige
Meredith and Katie Stress hike Lauren the Great Waiting for the organ concert at Park Cities Presbyterian Church to start A day out!

Week 3

2008-02-09T16:44:00.000-06:00

We have had a good, busy week here at AE 16 so far. On Tuesday and Wednesday a lady named Kristen Spilker came and shared with us. She is short, spunky, and endeared herself to us all. We learned from her, in sessions and by example, about being a woman of influence, specifically in the political arena. She also shared on interior design. I enjoyed seeing other girls’ eyes light up as their interest in this subject was renewed. As we looked through design magazines, you could hear “oohs” and “aahs” from all over the room. We had so much fun starting our own file for ideas and finding pictures that perfectly expressed our individual styles.

On Thursday, Mandy Novotny taught us about computers and graphic design. We learned how to use different programs practically in everyday life and also how to have fun with them and create beautiful artwork. She covered so much information and we caught a vision of how to use modern technology with excellence to communicate our message of hope to the world.

For Friday and Saturday, Mandy will be leading us through Prizewinning Photography Lite. There will more than likely be some photos from our course posted here, so be sure to look next week for our favorites. It’s so much fun to learn from Mandy; she is obviously passionate and excited about what she shares.

God had been working in all our lives individually and corporately since we’ve been here in amazing ways. We’ve talked about how God perfectly planned each one of us to be here for specific reasons, and how every one of us is contributing something special to make AE 16 unique. On my part, I have been so blessed to learn from each of the girls here. Our different perspectives give the truths we discuss meaning and depth. Some things are so good, you know only God could have planned them.

One theme that seems to run through this class is brokenness. As each of us share our testimonies, we can all point to a recent time where God has been breaking us, that His power and glory might shine all the brighter through our weaknesses. It reminds me of a quote we have printed on our bulletin board: “God only creates out of nothing. It is only when a man becomes nothing that God can make anything out of him.” We are becoming nothing that God may be shown to be everything. It’s a beautiful process.

That’s a small view of our life here at AE 16. We are learning and growing and changing. God is good.

-Rachel May

Date with God

2008-02-07T09:53:00.001-06:00

Sarah Orne Jewett said, “Don’t try to write about things: write the things themselves just as they are.” Ok!

This afternoon I found myself standing in the food line, my stomach growling and my mouth watering to dig in the delicacies of the food line. I take in the high-frequency giggles and squeals I thought only dogs could hear; the noise level is deafening. If you were here, you would see girls, everywhere. Girls from all different backgrounds and walks of life; some look confident, others shy. Trust me, they can be sugar and spice and everything nice, or your worst nightmare!

There are eight girls on my team—Advanced Excel that is. We are here for a bit of a different purpose than the rest of the girls here. We too come from all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life, but we have all already been through Excel and we have come back for more of the God we savored there.

One of my favorite times of the day is something we call a “Date with God.” This date takes place right after lunch, and it normally lasts for about an hour where we just spend time alone with the Lord. This differs from what is commonly known as a “devotional time” because as is with a date, I am to enjoy myself and enjoy the company of my “significant other” without any pressure to be someone I am not, or do anything at all!

Sometimes I have spent the hour just sitting on the pine green park benches out in the courtyard, watching the sunshine and clouds roll by in the distant blue sky. I might ask God a question that is on my mind that day—any question, not necessarily something deeply spiritual. The other day I found out that one of His favorite colors is pink! Yes, He paints the sky several shades of it almost every evening and we don’t even notice.

I could tell you many more sweet things He has told me, but I won’t. It is our secret. “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him…” Psalm 25:14

I want to know God’s secrets—all of them. But for now I am happy just relaxing, rejuvenating, and thanking God for His gifts to me—this place being a huge one of those.

Cristina Rodriguez

A Well Kept Secret

2008-02-04T11:28:00.000-06:00

Advanced EXCEL has to be the best kept secret in IBLP. After going through EXCEL 21, I didn’t think my path would cross with any EXCEL department ever again. But here I am in AE16 almost five years later, finding that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

The AE program is for serious minded women. It is for those who are either desperately trying to put down a well defined life objective or those who want to better know how to implement their life goals.

From January 21 to February 29, our basic weekly schedule at the Dallas Ministry Center is set, though the routines vary some from day to day. For example, we had afternoon sessions on public speaking during the first week. But during the second week, our afternoon sessions switched from business proposals on Wednesday to remodeling a room through the weekend. Our agenda becomes dependent on the week’s main focus. The morning hours stay pretty regular, however. Exercising, personal devotions, team devotions, and breakfast keep us busy.

I have valued the efforts of the leadership spent on structuring the teaching format in a way that incorporates real time learning. By using all five senses, we begin to grasp the step by step processes of our class topics versus only looking at a handout and wondering how we would take this new found knowledge and apply it back home. Sit-in sessions do take place, but they are usually followed up with field trips and hands on practice. Only last week, we spent three days remodeling a room and then took a field trip to a well known interior design store to spark new ideas.

One of the requirements for coming to Advanced EXCEL is that you complete the original EXCEL program. Incidentally, the two programs occur simultaneously for the first six weeks. They each have two different purposes and goals for their participants, and it’s been interesting to see EXCEL from a different perspective. Each night during team meeting, we pray for the girls and smile as we know exactly what they are going through. Interacting with DMC staff and other EXCELites has proven itself to be just as fun as ever.

For this season in my life, my keyword is --contentment. I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Normally, pressure builds quickly within an intensive course such as this. One that’s designed to hone in on your relationship with God can effectively bring out the worst and the best in you. God has timed the course in such a way that I feel like, over the ensuing six weeks, I have time to privately internalize His lessons before I head into the last hectic three and a half months. I am truly content to be where I am and extremely grateful for my teammates.Abba Father, teach me to be a King David and not a Saul or Absalom. Broken before You and fully content with where You lead. Be my One, All-consuming Thought and Lover.
Dominique Coffing

Advanced EXCEL 16

2008-01-15T16:29:00.000-06:00

“[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to now the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death.” Philippians 3:10

All of Christianity, our struggles, our joys, our purpose, may be summed up in these words. We can do, be, see, talk, pray, sing, and say all the right things, but if we fail to know Christ our good deeds will merely façade an empty soul groping in the darkness.

One of the purposes of Advanced EXCEL is to cause young Christian women to know Christ. Not just to know who He is, and what He did, but to know who He is, His attributes, and to know what is the breadth, length, and height of His love toward them.

Knowing Christ is the springboard from which comes any meaningful ministry or vocation. Without knowing Christ, there can be no vision, and where there is no vision, the people perish.

Take time to know our God, to be still before Him, listen, and enjoy His presence. Make it your determined purpose to know Christ.

Fulfillment in Christ

2007-05-02T10:10:00.000-05:00

Every human has a desire to be fulfilled. For Christians, I believe that their desire is to be "Christ Fulfilled," at least I have come to realize that, this is my desire. After analyzing myself and the different heart felt desires I have, the base or bottom line of it all is the fact that my longing is to be fulfilled.

We, as humans, search out fulfillment in others, possessions, materials, etc. However, when we seek fulfillment in these things, we will not be completely fulfilled! :) Think about it for a moment: A child seeks fulfillment in his/her parents; a teenager begins to seek fulfillment in his/her peers, maybe even the opposite gender; a girl seeks fulfillment in her father; a single person begins to seek fulfillment in the thought of marriage as though it will fill every desire; a married person begins to seek fulfillment in their spouse, and the list continues. You see, we all have that desire to be fulfilled.

Though our natural instinct is to seek this "thought of fulfillment" in those that we admire or can humanly see, we must come face to face with the fact that only true fulfillment comes from Christ. He knows and understands every single desire, passion, and longing. He is the One who desires to fulfill all of our needs. That is what He has set out to do in our relationship with Him.

We must let go of this "thought" of fulfillment and seek it only in Christ. He will not discourage us or fail us! Once we find fulfillment in Christ and nothing else, our act of desiring fulfillment in others will eventually come to nothing. However, because we are humans and are imperfect, just as Christ says to take up our cross daily we too must ask God on a daily basis to fulfill our every need and we need to have that desire to seek it.

"Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matt. 6:30-34

Promote His Kingdom

2007-04-24T17:21:00.000-05:00

Hello from the Advanced EXCEL practicum! My time at home has been busy but full of lessons and blessings from God. Through each assignment, day, and week, the Lord has shown Himself to me in a richer and deeper way.

As I started my discipleship class teaching Spiritual Disciplines, God began to teach me and grow me spiritually. The Lord is using my discipleship classes with the girls at my church to grow me in my relationship with Him. It has been a joy to see His blessings overflow from each class that I teach.

In my first class that I taught, we learned that it is important to discipline ourselves for the purpose of Godliness. Searching God’s Word, each girl read right and wrong motives that they found. We learned that one wrong motive is promoting ourselves rather than God’s Kingdom.

The Lord showed me that I needed to improve in this area of my life. As I went to work during the week, God keep asking me, “ Is this action or service promoting My Kingdom or yourself? ” Each word I said and action I did was echoed by God’s question. I could not resist the Holy Spirit’s conviction, and so I committed my works to promote His Kingdom. As I decided to promote the Lord, God granted me joy as I served in each situation. It was a joy of serving the Lord with my whole heart, motives and actions.

Each one of my discipleship classes opened up areas of learning that God had before me. Therefore, I anticipate my future classes, as I look forward to see what else God will have for me to learn. I encourage you to see if your thoughts, what you say, and what do ultimately promote God’s Kingdom or yourself. You might be surprised at what you find.

In Christ,

Melissa Feeny

God’s Mold for me

2007-04-10T17:20:00.000-05:00

God has really been using my Discipleship lessons in order to “break” me. My most recent lesson covered the topic of worship. Before my class, I purposed to organize and to layout the lesson in a way that we could experience worship. Even though we all worked through a meditation activity and sang a truly worshipful song, the lesson felt somewhat “dead.” Maybe everyone was just tired, or perhaps my lesson plan was extremely monotonous. I couldn’t put my finger on it. When the lesson was over, I felt like a total failure. I began to believe the lies that Satan put into my mind: “I can’t really teach,” and “I don’t think that anyone is getting anything worthwhile out of these lessons; my classes are not doing any good!”

After the lesson, God told me that I needed to spend some time with Him. During my date with God, I told Him all of my frustrations and concerns. As I poured out my heart to Him, God reminded me that in order for Him to make me into something useful, He needed to break me. He needed to break me of my pride, my sinfulness, and my selfish thoughts. These discipleship lessons are just a part of God’s plan to mold me and to make me into what I ought to be. Even if no one else learned anything from the lesson, I certainly did. God taught me a great deal. He revealed to me that the purpose of these struggles is not to cause me to lose hope or to despair over my imperfectness. Instead, I need to realize that God wants to break me so that He can form me into the mold that He has picked out for me.

2007-03-29T17:20:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Sunny Florida!

Life never holds still does it? The past week went by
so quickly but it is a relief that it is over.
Yesterday we turned in our second set of assignments
and today we celebrate!

Our leaders informed us when we left Dallas that each
of us would have a different home experience. Boy,
were they right! This week I learned that family comes
first even when I am stressing over incomplete
assignments. My parents left me in charge for two days
when they went out of town for my Dad’s surgery. My
siblings and I had fun but remembering to feed 7
people can be difficult. No one starved, we all
survived, and my Dad is recovering well.

On Tuesday, I held my first discipleship group. Four
girls arrived and we studied purposes for being
discip;lined and how to study our Bibles. I am not
sure how many girls will come next week. There may be
more or there may be less but I figure each one will
learn what lessons God has for them.

What lesson will you learn this week?

Emily Cook

2007-03-20T16:40:00.000-05:00

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word…” ~Luke 1:38

As I continue to walk through many of life’s “refining fires”, the message of Luke 1:38 frequently comes to mind. Mary’s future, at that time seemed to be unknown, aside from what the Angel told her, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” (Luke 1:30-31) Yet, without complaint or questions asked, she chose to walk in obedience.

When I first read Luke 1:38, I never noticed or paid much attention to verse 37, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” I looked up “nothing” in the Strong’s Concordance, which then showed me, “nothing: all, any, whatsoever, no (-thing), etc.” At that moment, this verse became real to me, “For with God nothing (whatsoever) shall be impossible.”

It stands to reason that, when we allow God to guide our lives, nothing is impossible. When hardships come and our flesh desires to flee, we must choose to stand on the “Solid Rock” of God, for He desires to show Himself strong in our lives. I realize now that God’s grace and mercy flows over me as He leads me through each “refining fire.” Yet even still, I want to know why I must walk through these “fires.” My first requirement will never change, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding but in all of your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I heard an illustration last summer describing the mountains of difficulty that daily impact our lives, the rope of God’s grace given to us as a tool to use in the process of climbing, and God’s mercy as a safety net to catch us if we fall. As I pondered this illustration, God gave me deeper insight and understanding, which lead me to write the following paragraph in my journal.

“God has called each of us to climb our own mountain. He has given us grace as a rope fallen beside us to take hold of to endure the pain of climbing. If we fall, His mercy is there to catch us, brush us off and say, “You can do all things through Christ which strengthens you.” (Phil. 4:13) You look back up the mountain, and see again the “rope of grace”. It is then you are reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:9a “And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness…” At that moment, you decide to take hold of God’s grace. You begin climbing and say, “Not my will but Thine be done,” if you have not already made the decision to walk away.”

My desire, whether God calls me to climb mountains or stay in the valleys of life, is to have the heart of Mary and say, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word” and keep this promise upon my heart, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” ~Ecclesiastes 3:1. God gave us this verse as a promise. Things do come and go out of our lives. Remember, whatever God calls you to in life, He will not give you anything that you cannot accomplish without His strength. I have experienced that it takes only the faith of a mustard seed to move mountains.

May God pour out His richest blessings on you all!

In His Sonshine,

Elisabeth K.

February 27, 2007

2007-02-27T14:38:00.000-06:00

Wow, what an amazing weekend. We were able to leave our skirts and blow dryers back in Dallas, and able to test our strength on 3 different activities.

Our first morning was spent on the water, building “The Dream Team” by working together. We paired up by two, and took out the canoes. We all learned quickly that only one of us could control the canoe. The other person was the power, and only that. We had to communicate with each other so that we could proceed to the opposite side. We all had a blast, enjoying the refreshing water and the vibrant sun. But the day is not over yet… it gets better!

We were all excited to get hooked up and rappel from ALERT’s tower. We did have instructions and demonstrations on how to do it before trying it ourselves. Girsl rappelling—so much fun! We all went up and down too many times to count, laughing and building team work while having fun.

The next morning we drove out to the “Back 40” to learn team building on the rope course—working with each other, trusting each other, because it would never work if we did not. Getting from point A to point B forced us to rely on each other.

Driving back on Saturday night and reflecting on the lessons learned, I realized the important facts of having a dream team, not only with 14 girls at AE, but with believers, family, and my Lord.

April Janowski

April

Melissa, Meagan, Catherine, & Gina

Lauren

Big Sandy Group

February 26, 2007

2007-02-26T18:36:00.000-06:00

AE is back from our team-building weekend at Big Sandy. We all enjoyed the break from indoor mental “stretching” this past weekend. As I walked outdoors, the breeze seems to blow through my mind and clear the build-up of pressure from last week’s assignments. The switch from mental activity to physical activity was good for all of us. The beautiful scenery of the campus soothed my eyes immensely.

However, the rest and rejuvenation wasn’t our sole purpose for the weekend. It was team-building. Our activities were all related in some way to teamwork, partnership, or trust. First, on Friday morning we loaded into canoes on the sparkling, clear lake and practiced the simple exercise of team-work paddling. This is where I learned my first important lesson. You see, my natural inclination as bowman was to prove my own ability so succeed in this position. However, my pride led to difficulties for me when my teammate was blindfolded and I was supposed to know how to direct her with understanding. Basically, it took longer for me to accomplish what others were accomplishing in a faster amount of time. True team building is focusing on your teammate vs. yourself.

That afternoon, the AE girls rappelled. The main focus of team-building in this activity was trust even in the midst of insecure circumstances. It was amazing to see that once the initial launch was taken, every future launch became easier and easier.

On Friday evening Becky Tanner invited us girls to her home for a Mary Kay party. We enjoyed her hospitality, her home décor, and her lavish generosity with make-up. I enjoyed the time of fellowship there.

The next morning, Saturday, dawned rainy and windy with the possibility of canceled plans for our low ropes obstacle course. However, God intervened and blessed us with fair weather. After a short testimony and introduction into the course by Major and Mrs. Farr, we soon headed right into it. Again, the same lessons as the canoe experience rang true here. A good teammate forgot about herself and instead focused on praising, exhorting, and encouraging her team mates onto success. I learned through it, just how much team-building I need to work on in my life.

The day passed quickly and before we knew it, we were on our way back to the DTC. We stopped at Chick-fil-a for dinner, where many of us splurged with milkshakes and ice cream.

Now it’s Monday. New assignments have been assigned, Sunday passed with blessings of resting weary muscles and quite times with the Lord. We even enjoyed a birthday celebration with and for Sarah Danaher last evening. We are now studying, hoping to make the most of our every minute because tomorrow… tomorrow we have public speaking. So, I guess I had better be going.

God bless you all,
Jessica Matlock

Jessica

Canoeing

Rappelling

AE goes down the ALERT Wall

Lauren on the Confidence Course

April & Eileen learning trust

February 21, 2007 | Team Building

2007-02-21T22:38:00.000-06:00

“The strength of the team is each individual member; the strength of each member is the team.”

Focusing on the “partner” role of life, we are shifting the primary emphasis from marriage onto the concept of being a team member. Who of us can honestly say we are not members of a team…be it family, church, school, sports, committees, work, or otherwise? No man is an island; we cannot escape teamwork. Being an effective leader and member is something we must all strive toward.

Again, the concept of banishing mediocrity from among the ranks of today’s young people drives the desire to build a team that strives together for excellence in any situation. So many of Paul’s admonitions to be of “one mind,” “love the brotherhood,” “have unity among the brethren,” come to mind. Successful teamwork is a vignette of how the Body of Christ ought to operate.

Leaders must be especially sensitive when it comes to building and motivating a team. Without an inspired team, a leader cannot accomplish much.

“The leaders who work most effectively, it seems to me, never say "I." And that's not because they have trained themselves not to say "I." They don't think "I." They think "we"; they think "team." They understand their job to be to make the team function. They accept responsibility and don't sidestep it, but "we" gets the credit…. This is what creates trust, what enables you to get the task done.” –Peter Drucker

“Most important, leaders can conceive and articulate goals that lift people out of their petty preoccupations and unite them in pursuit of objectives worthy of their best efforts.” – John Gardner

“I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” –Ralph Nader

So, tomorrow afternoon will find us headed to Big Sandy, Texas where Advanced EXCEL will bust its previous mold—we will participate in an abridged STEP program as part of our team building program. We will rappel, canoe, play volleyball, and master a low-ropes confidence course. These adventures promise fun, fresh challenges, and insight, as diverse individuals work together as a unified team.

Jennifer Smith

The Valentine's Group

Gina, Kristin, Sarah, & Jennifer

February 16, 2007

2007-02-16T23:13:00.001-06:00

This is a brief synopsis of a day in my life as an AE girl.

My heart thumps. I feel a cramp coming in my side and remind myself to take deeper breaths. I hear the pounding of Paige and Emily’s feet. Only five more laps to go and I'll have run a mile and a half. There is fog over Dallas, covering the skyline. The air has a refreshing chill, a great thing for an early morning jog. As I round the last lap, Paige goes sprinting by. She can run her long distance; I'd rather run suicide sprints up and back to the volleyball net. At 6:30 am, we head inside for 15 minutes of power Pilates before Bible study. We keep pushing ourselves, waiting until everyone is down in the AE room. It is painful, but you get that wonderful feeling of sore muscles.

After the Bible study, we all sprint up stairs to do our "presto-chango". Elisabeth tells me of all the excitement I missed when they killed “Frankie” the roach. 45 minutes later, we all look professional and put together, ready to tackle our day. Well, that is after we have breakfast. The first class on our schedule is speech [groan]. To get us all in the mood, Gina encouraged us by showing how she avoids speeches by jumping out of planes. Just kidding! She used the skydiving analogy as an illustration of an adrenaline rush. She explained how it is normal to get a small one while speaking in front of an audience. I would rather jump out of the plane. Our moment finally came, one at a time we would take our place and deliver the 5-10 minute speech on how God brought us to Advanced EXCEL. With sweaty palms and nervous looks we would step up to the podium and …..scream!!! Oh, never mind, that only happened to Sarah. We all survived, did wonderful, and will give another speech on another day.

After lunch is my favorite part of the day- my date with God. If I were to tell you all that I learned, I would fill up page upon page. Today I was getting a hand cramp I was writing so much and so fast. In four verses God was able to answers so many questions. How can I ever doubt Him?

I never thought of my self as a leader, but today I learned I am an influencer. Mr. Bell spoke on the power of influence for our afternoon session. He was able to tell us stories in his own life how others had influenced him through words, actions, and even looks. I am an influencer and I need to embrace that fact. If I want to affect the world, I need to be a woman of influence.

After working on assignments in the afternoon, we met for dinner, then headed off to team meeting- a great time to give back rubs, do nails, and bond with each other. By the time 9:30 pm rolls around I am ready for sleep to surround me. I have to get up and teach Pilates tomorrow at 6 am. I need something creative and challenging. Maybe, some army drills…

Grace Gallagher

February 15, 2007

2007-02-15T14:23:00.000-06:00

Hello from the land of Advanced EXCEL! We are staying busy, but thoroughly enjoying every moment. Even though there are times when we get overwhelmed, God continues to get us strength. He also has given us the best AE directors! Gina, Sarah, and Jennifer are such an inspiration to us and are frequently throwing surprises for us. They are a blessing!

This week Kristin Spilker is speaking to us on the topics of Interior Design, Event Planning, and Political Involvement. She assigned us a fun project to do in the area of Event Planning for different events such as wedding receptions, baby showers, anniversary celebrations, etc., but we have a budget to work with. This weekend we will present our pretend proposals to Kristin as though we were actually doing it for a client. We look forward to see what each of us comes up with.

May the Lord bless you!

Melissa Feeny

Melissa, Katey, & Catherine

February 12, 2007

2007-02-12T21:13:00.000-06:00

Well, Monday has arrived again; however this Monday is no ordinary Monday. Today starts teh first day of the 3rd week, which means that Advanced EXCEL's halfway mark is nearing in sight. Time flies when you are having fun.

Anyways, this morning started out with Pilates! We won't be recognized when we return. Our hard work & longsuffering will have paid off. Wisdom Search followed and we studied the Command of Christ #10- "Love Your Enemies." We had lots of discussion regarding this subject, most of which was encouraging. Breakfast was unique. It was leftover day, so whatever we had last week we saw again this morning.

Jennifer Smith covered the big topic of "Written Communication." Aside from the quiz, it was lots of fun! For our free writing, written in class, we had to stare at an orange construction cone which was in a sad state. While looking at it, we had to figure out what happened to it by making up a story. The true story was revealed once our free-writing was written. Let's just say the story was hillarious and it made us feel for the poor little cone.

This afternoon found us painting two rooms on the third floor. One word to discribe our project woul dhave to be "bonding," in a good way. :-) There is never a dull moment adn lots of memories have been made! Study time was very quiet, of course, with busy minds here at work. Dinner was fabulous! Chicken tenders, french fries, broccoli, salad, and other wonderful delights were on the menu. We are definately spoiled! The best of all, though, was the laughter shared by all of us during dinner. I don't think there is ever a dull moment around here! Laughter has been a blessing that will cary us through the rest of our time here. God is truly amazing!

Elisabeth Tijerina

Elisabeth

February 9, 2007- Pt. II

2007-02-10T01:16:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends and Family (Hi, Mom & Dad!),

My name is Paige Dueck, one of Katey O’s new best friends. Time is going by so fast, and we all can’t believe that the second week is already almost over.

If I had to describe AE in one word it would be “inspiring, stressful, exhilarating, fast-paced, and life-changing.” Our everyday experiences range from exercising, to sitting & listening, to sessions, to painting, to watching Michelle Mann teach Gina how to waltz. The sleep is limited, the food is great, and the fellowship is phenomenal.

One thing that I have really enjoyed doing here is our “Date with God” time from 1—2 pm. It is a time to be alone with Him, to bask in His presence, ask Him questions, talk to Him, or just sit quietly and listen. I think we can all say that after our “date” each day we come away refreshed and ready to face new challenges.

This morning Melisa McKim finished up her sessions by going over some basic accounting skills that will equip us for designing a home business when we get home. We are all blessed by her testimony and practical application of Scripture. I came away from her sessions inspired to be a Proverbs 31 Woman and to glorify God in all that I do, whether it is getting dressed in the morning or running a home business.

Right now I am sitting in Old City Park, located behind the DTC. Due to unforeseen changes in our schedule, the Leadership (bless their hearts) decided to let us spend some time to just “be.” Tonight we are going to have our “Advanced EXCEL Strategy Meeting,” but you’ll have to wait until later to hear about that.

To God be all the glory, great things He hath done!

Until later,

Paige

Elisabeth, April, Michelle, & Paige

The "Strategy Meeting" April, Michelle, Eileen, & Emily

Advanced EXCEL 15

February 9, 2007- Pt. I

2007-02-09T22:12:00.000-06:00

Nearly two weeks have passed as our little band of fourteen world-changers, here at Advanced EXCEL, delve deeper into our academic studies. The atmosphere is congenial, and the classes are inspiring and practical, though at times stressful. The girls make it fun and we laugh quite a lot as we grow closer and discover new quirks about each other.

Today Melisa McKim got into the nitty-gritty of accounting and business planning. Eileen has a vision for a wedding planning business and I’ve really caught on to it. The skills God has given me of PR and writing give me an opportunity to be a part of something fun and helpful. The opportunity to work with people, meet their needs, and let my creative juices run really appeals to me. I will be praying about it and we’ll see how God leads.

As the second week draws to a close, we have been extremely blessed by the fellowship with like-minded young women and teaching. I have shed many tears and prayed many prayers, but dawn has finally torn the cold clutches of darkness from my soul. My dreams and aspirations are within my grasp, at last; I have only to reach out and take them. God’s grace is truly sufficient for all our needs.

Living for Him,

Michelle Mann

Michelle

Michelle, Melisa McKim, Eileen

Catherine & Meagan

February 7, 2007

2007-02-07T21:21:00.000-06:00

Hi my name is Catherine, I’m here at Advanced EXCEL located in the beautiful downtown suburbs of Dallas, Texas. We started off our day with the shrill ring of our beloved alarm clocks at 5:40am, followed by a joyous time of crying out during the time of 6-6:45 am as we attempted to become proficient in the aerobic exercise of Pilates.

We had a smashing wisdom search this morning lead by our very own Katey O. Amidst the loud moans and groans, which were a result of our rigorous excercise, she shared with us the significant importance of the Command of Christ #6.

Our first session was a lot of fun! Melisa McKim spoke with all of us about the importance of truly becoming a Proverbs 31 woman. Melisa was fun to listen to and shared some great points with us.

This afternoon we got to begin our Interior Design course on some of the rooms on the third floor. We had a wonderful time sanding down the base boards, taking the nails out of the doors, taking the draperies down and washing down the walls. Two of our incredibly, awesome, amazing, wonderful, splendid and fabulous leaders Sarah and Jennifer were with us the whole time. All of us had such a blast!

Tonight after a profitable time of studying, we got in line for dinner and then got to go outside to eat.

I am so glad that God has brought me here to Advanced EXCEL! I have already learned so much and have made 16 awesome new best friends. Today was a good day to be alive, I am so glad that I am here! To God be all glory!

All of the above was written by our very own Katy O. She is truly a sweet, hilarious, godly young lady. I'm glad that she is here, along with the 13 other young ladies here at A.E. She found out that I had forgotten to write the first blog for Advanced Excel 15 and knowing how tired I am from all the exercise, sanding, and studying, she took it upon herself to write it for me. She described the day quite well. Please contiune to pray as we prepare our speeches to give on Feb 13th, also that we would continue to do our best in all our studies.

Catherine Nicolls

Jennifer, Gina, & Sarah

Catherine, Elisabeth, & Sarah

Katey O.