Oh, North Central...

Aaron and I did not attend the same college. He went to North Central Bible College (now North Central University) and I went to Bethel College (now Bethel University)...[an aside - think it's sort of funny when schools get fancier names]. Now, looking back I'm quite sure one of the things that saved us was the fact that we were at different schools with different groups of friends, however there was a time when I was seriously contemplating transferring to be closer to him [read: to ensure he was staying away from all the cute girls in the music department].

Throughout our college years I got the change to hang out at NCU a ton. I got to know a ton of Aaron's friends and teachers - and even started bringing my Bethel friends to Wednesday night Praise Gathering even when Aaron was on the road, which became my own thing. For me...there was something about North Central's chapel and the songs that were written and sung out of that place. We sang songs by graduates who I had never met (or had yet to meet), songs by my husband (I'll give anyone a prize who can name the song of Aaron's still sung there), and songs by non-NCU people...but there was just something about the annointed worship within that chapel. Or was it something else. I'm not doubting the fact that God's presence is absolutely there and He moves in great ways through the students and worship there. However, my life at that point - my struggle, my brokenness, my confusion and my utter dependence on God. My loneliness, which drove me into a place of constant conversation with Him...a place of oneness with my Father that hadn't been experienced before or since then. I journaled (writing letters) daily, I sought every opportunity to be in His presence - especially worship settings - that I could and was just SO hungry. I experienced a lot of hurt and joy in those few years, and yet my memories in that chapel are such sweet ones. I feel like sharing this memory should lead somewhere...and there should be some profound 'conclusion' or 'teachable moment' to end this blog, but there isn't. Maybe that makes me shotty writer, maybe that just makes me a real human...but I love that I have a season like that in my life to look back on and know what truly walking with the Lord looked like at that time. I know we are called to always be broken, to always walk with God, yada-yada...however, there's something about being shaken to the core (in this particular instance it was because of a boy...who shall remain nameless :) ) and trying to recover, or even just figure out how to wade through whatever the circumstance that makes that certain season of one's walk with God just a little sweeter. Similarly - my first months as a new mom were that way as well.

Anyway...ALL of the above hit me like a freight train this past Monday night standing in North Central's chapel for Dave Pedde's 'farewell' concert singing...

'we enthrone you with our praises, we enthrone you in our lives, we enthrone you king of the ages, we enthrone you - you are Christ.' [probably my all time favorite Dave Pedde song!]

For the memories and the change over the past 10 years - I am grateful!