Join me!

It's been almost a year since I graduated from Iowa State & came on staff with the Salt Company -- I can hardly believe it! In reflecting upon my time as a student, I find nothing more valuable than the growth in my relationship with God & His transforming work in my life. I'll never regret the time & energy I spent seeking the Lord, getting into the Word & pursuing Godly friendships. It's cool to look back over the years & find tangible change... God making me more & more like Himself!

I can remember the feelings of anticipation in approaching a Christmas/Summer break... the relief that comes from classes wrapping up, excitement for life to slow down a bit, having time to reconnect with family & friends... the list goes on & on! I can also remember feeling a bit nervous... wondering what would happen to my faith & relationship with God over break. Would I stay in the Word? Would I give in to temptation and fall into old sin patterns? I've found over the years that breaks either catapult me towards the Lord & refresh my spirit or stunt my growth & leave me feeling discouraged. Becoming a learner of myself, I've found that I MUST think ahead!

What about you? How was your Thanksgiving break? Maybe you found yourself energized by your time in the Word & relationship with the Lord over break. Maybe you feel defeated... you fell into old sin or gave up an opportunity to share your faith with a friend. Maybe you just feel complacent... you didn't even think about God, let alone spend time in the Word. Think ahead! How do you want to spend your Christmas break? How can you set yourself up to stay in the Word, keep yourself accountable & remain in fellowship?

Consider reading the book Practical Theology for Women by Wendy Alsup over Christmas break with me & other freshmen girls!!

From the back cover -- Have you ever wanted to understand the deep things of the Word but been put off by the intimidating vocabulary of theologians? Have you assumed that studying the attributes of God is for seminary students only? Or maybe "just for men"? Have heavy doctrinal themes felt beyond you and your everyday world? If so -- if you've ever thought theology was too deep, too impractical, or too irrelevant for your life as a woman -- this book is for you. As Wendy Alsup explores fundamental theological issues you've always wondered about -- minus the daunting vocabulary & complex sentence structure of academic tomes (had to look that one up! Ha!) -- she brings them into real life... into your world... and reveals the heart of true theology.

I read Practical Theology for Women this summer... I was confronted, encouraged, inspired, equipped, & drawn into a more clear understanding of the character of God & how knowing God affects my everyday life. I want to lead & implore you to let God do a similar work in your life! You can follow this blog as you read... I'll share what I'm learning, ask questions, & whatever else comes up (you never know!). 

Interested? Email me, kendragustafson@gmail.com. 
I've ordered books & can get you a copy for $10.  You can also purchase it online, click here.