An 8 Wonder of Kansas

We went to the Underground Salt Museum this afternoon. Very cool! okay so, actually the constant underground temperature is 68 degrees and a humidity of about 41%. If you want to know more, check out their website: http://www.undergroundmuseum.org/index.php
Just the homepage slide show gives a pretty good idea what it's about. They also store a bunch of stuff for the Underground Vaults and Storage in another part of the mine. On the website (http://undergroundvaults.com/) all the boxes on shelves would be in places like this salt mine. If you are ever touring the country near Hutchinson, KS, I would highly recommend seeing this.

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

God sent His Son to us. God incarnate. Jesus was 100% man and 100% God. Jesus truly was Emmanuel: "God with us." The advent sermons where I have been attending here in Hutch have been based on this passage:

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)

For those, who like me, are fans of Handel's Messiah, this verse immediately brings to mind a particular tune. But, stop......think.....reread those words by the prophet Isaiah. Who was He? Who is He?

Several years ago, while I was in high school youth group, our youth pastor asked us to think about what the best gift we had ever received was. He gave a few minutes to think about it. Then, when he asked us to share what that gift was with the group, I squirmed a bit in my chair (silly thing was too big for me...yes, I am that short), so he looked at me and told me to go first. I simply said, "The best gift I have ever received was forgiveness." Referring to the gift Jesus gave me when He came to earth, lived as a man, taught His disciples, was killed, rose again!, and now is in heaven preparing a place in heaven for all who truly believe in and live for Him.

What was the best gift you ever received? Did you give anything in return? I cannot repay the debt of love I owe, but I have given what I could: my whole self. Even with all my failings, that is exactly what God wants in return.
What hope, joy, peace, and love we can experience from truly knowing Him!!

Back in Kansas!

Well, I'm back in Kansas for the Christmas break. I finished finals last Wednesday, worked all day Thursday, hung out and made dinner for friends on Friday, then ushered for fall graduation on Saturday, and got here before too late Saturday night. Oh, and I will be able to post pictures when I go to Uganda next semester (as well as now) because the wonderful Sarah let me borrow her digital camera (which she says she doesn't use anymore) to take as I go world trotting! So, here is the first picture I've used it to take:
my room at the Hawthorne's. ^_^

I am so very much exceedingly blessed!! Even in the tough times, I know God gives me exactly what I need. Right now, though, I've more than than enough. How could I ask for more comfort, joy, rest, etc. God has once more proved to me His desire for my delight in Him, whether the delight comes from watching the little birds outside my window, eating warm home-made food, laughing with friends (who are like family to me), or simply sleeping in a very comfortable bed for as long as I like. :)

Why is God so good to me? Why does He pour so much grace into my life? I can't begin to imagine th depth, height, and width of God's love for me. I once more stop in amazement.

So Much

The past week has been rather crazy, but very fun (for the most part). I just got back to the house about 30 minutes ago from Hutchinson, Kansas.
~1060 miles.
21 college/just post-college kids.
2 adopted parents.
1 house.
3 days.
so much fun!! ^_^
not enough sleep....


and I'm 21 now....
(do I really have to be responsible now?)

research

For all of you who don't know: I do not like to write papers. I like researching, finding new things, discovering different perspectives, and learning of connections between things. But I don't like writing papers....at all. So, you ask, how can I stand to write all the time? That, Watson, is an excellent question. Only by God's grace can I be in this major, where writing papers, reports, reflections, etc are a extremely common thing.
Back to the point....I just read and took notes on portions from two rather fascinating books: The Concise Encyclopedia of Islam and Encyclopedia of Hinduism. I like encyclopedias, they tell you what you what to know and make you curious about other things you didn't know you wanted to know, without adding tons of other information or wordiness to get in the way of the point. ^_^ I guess that is why i like dictionaries too.
Yep, I'm a nerd. hehehe....

Dedicated to Benjamin

I wrote a research paper this past weekend/week for my Church History class on John Knox and the Scottish Reformation. I wanted to do something I knew a little something about already, while the assignment required the paper be on a "major turning point in the history of Christianity." Thank you my older brother, Benjamin! You talked Scottish history enough I found out I actually learned something after all this time! Yes, I listened to many of his monologues on the history he was so fascinated with for so long. YaY, for having a family who liked learning so much as to make it a pass time, and I just listened and learned without putting forth any effort. WoW......so, I was like a nerd from the beginning....and didn't even realize it.....of course then I was also born a Francis.....yes, this is you reading my train of thought...while I sit here in a room on my brother floor listening to them plan their class schedules for next semester. I&M lab.... dynamics.... engineering design technology..... engineering project management.... crazy engineers!
Yes, I have grown up around nerds of some sort all my life. I so far prefer to hear them argue over whether C++ or Java is better, discuss the inter-workings of the muscles in a human knee, or explain the proof to why a straight line is in fact the shortest distance between two points than put up with the giggly small talk of girls with boyfriends......I like it when guys will just be your friend or adopted brother for the duration of college. For any guy who falls in that category, Thank you!
Okay, so I'm going to stop now...this blog is long enough..... ^_^

Friends, Food, and Singing

I wish I had a picture to post of all eleven of us gathered in the music room singing hymns. I hosted a dinner for my good friends from school: Paco, Grey, Panic, Pebble, Dozer, Copper, Synk, Tiana, Rene, Chung, and Jon (left early). After everyone had eaten their fill, Copper graciously played the piano for us as we sang for about two and half hours. ^_^ At first the animals just peeked around corners, but by the end all the cats had a lap and two of the dogs were relaxing by feet (Satey is afraid of boys, so she stayed in the other room). When throats got too tired and a couple people had already headed back to school, the guys bade far-well, and soon after, us three girls went to bed.
This morning was beautiful! Breakfast and some homework time with a couple friends, instead of the usual of being alone, was most up lifting. God pours so many blessing on me!! In Christ's love, I simply stop......unable to express how overwhelmingly grateful I am. I am once more left speechless by Him.

reflection

What do people see when a small glimpse of me strays by the edge of their vision?

Today has been one of most, extremely wonderfully exciting news! I found out I am accepted to the Program in Uganda for next semester I applied to!! I also talked on the phone with the States side director of the orphanage in South Africa where I am looking into helping at next summer, and she was happy to tell me all they hope I can do when I come!! Today was also full of reflecting for me: where is God leading me? where has God brought me from this past couple years? what am I doing at LeTourneau? what am I supposed to be focused on anyway? Earlier today I contemplated all the joyous parts that God granted my memory, which I rejoice in singing to recall. This evening after being alone at the house for a couple hours, I went back and read some old emails and letters saved on my computer, and sunk into deep ponderings of the less than up lifting memories I have tried to suppress. Complicated life I lead! So much to pray about!!

Business!!

I meant to write and send out the Laura's Lines for October already, and I should have already written my first blog entry this month. According to my paper writing schedule for myself I'm also a 1.5 weeks behind.....ahhhhh!!! Writing is everywhere in my life! I'm trying to keep up and sorta stay enough ahead I don't die the last couple weeks of this semester, but right now that's looking really hard. I only wanted to have to write one small paper over Thanksgiving Break and be able to enjoy the rest with friends and adopted family up in Kansas, but if the behindness of papers continues on this downward spiral.....I may just have to stick around the house and write all break....
Today was a bit crazy with all the Biblical Studies profs and several students over for supper. One of the profs I have now saw me trying to finish reading a book for a paper of summary/critique for his class....and he told me he didn't want me to write the paper early (it's due Oct 31). Now, I'd just like to say that totally killed my motivation to finish writing it tonight, like I had planned. In one of my classes Friday, my prof (a different one) told us in more detail what he wanted in a paper due Monday (tomorrow). I had already completed this paper, so to hear him say he was so certain no one had yet thought about the paper.....well, not what I needed to hear.......why do profs encourage students to work at the last minute? I must get some done early, so getting everything done will be possible.
Please, please, pray for my motivation level, content competence, and desire for excellence.

Heart Sick

I've been sick the past few days. Friday it started, but Sunday and Monday were the hardest days. Being sick is no fun, obviously, but that wasn't what really perturbed me those two days particularly. I didn't go to church because I didn't want to spread the yuck around anymore, so I didn't go to Prayer & Praise that evening either, then Monday I completely lost my voice for most of the day. I couldn't sing at all for two days straight! I wanted to lift up the songs that came into my mind, but if I tried, the coughing would force me to stop. Being rather isolated in my room all day Sunday and not being able to talk to much of anyone at school Monday hurt. However, the biggest struggle this sickness brought came on hard while I was in chapel. Starting with singing, the praise band lead songs I knew in chapel. I stood up initially with everyone else, but sat down within the first verse in an effort to suppress a cough. I sat, hunched over in my seat wishing I could stand and sing. I wanted it for myself. Then I realized. I was completely focused on my singing, not on lifting God up in praise, giving Him glory and honor. As those around me continued singing, I wrestled with my thoughts: why did I keep focusing on myself? why couldn't I give my voice to God, even when I had no control over it? where was my heart of worship? worship is from the heart, not the mouth. why couldn't I worship God without singing?
The conclusion of the matter was my realization of my complete selfishness, even in what I had supposed was worship to God; a renewed desire for God to control ever part of me thoroughly, wholly; and a simple plea to God to humble me more for His glory.

Weathering the Weekend

Check this out: http://www.stormpulse.com/hurricane-ike-2008 note: Longview is closest to the 32.4 N, 95.3 W location
Yep, I just saw a tropical storm up close and personal. ^_^ Formally known as Hurricane Ike, the storm was blowing and pouring on us most of Saturday. Knocked out our power at the house from about 2pm until 8pm Sunday. Unlike most big storms though, which I'm more experienced with, tropical storms are warm. So, you go walking through the rain and your don't feel cold until you go into the air conditioned buildings....silly waste of energy.... All in all, the storm was rather exciting and really not very damaging around here; just enough branches and trees down to put out power in several places, but classes were in full swing today. The result of Ike is beautiful, fall-like weather! I very much enjoyed waking up to sub-70 temperature, and it still is under 75 degrees (at 2pm)!
Besides the physical weather, I finished researching and started writing my first theology paper for Christian Doctrines 1 class. The topic is on whether or not general revelation is sufficient for salvation. Most interesting topic, and one I have contemplated significantly. Trudging through the writing is a struggle for me, but I'm glad it is on a topic which I am curious about.
I know many prayers went up for all of us down here in Texas during Ike, and on behalf of all of us who felt those, Thank you!! May God's grace abound all the more to you as well!

God did it.

So, I'm just a little curious here...how many people who read my blog did not receive my September Update today? I almost want to blog on this past weekend, but that would be rather pointless for anyone to read who already knows what God did the past few days in my life. Well, so that you didn't come to look at this post in vain....how about a picture of God's creation? I never come to an end of appreciation for the beauty God has created.

Back to College

Yep, I'm back. Classes start tomorrow.
I'm living off-campus (for anyone who doesn't already know) with one of my Bible profs, Dr. Woodring. His wife is a high school music teacher, who is thrilled to have some one else around. They have four cats, three dogs, two geckos, a hamster, and a mouse to keep the house from being boring. I have never had so much space to myself before! Bedroom, bathroom, and a "extra room" (a den sort of room).
Well, I think I'm going to buy books before the line gets too long. Please, keep praying for me. Please, please, let me know how I can be praying for any of you.
God bless!

Backpacking!

I figured it out...I've been on only seven backpacking trips in my lifetime. The latest one being this past week with my Dad, two youngest brothers, and two of their friends. We hiked a total of 28 miles during a three-day and two-night trip in the Great Smokey Mountains. Yes, it rained, but only after we had gotten to the shelter at Laurel Gap where we spent the first night. Basically, God gave us the perfect weather in which to enjoy His beautiful creation. Even though I went to the mountains with with a group, I still was blessed with time alone to contemplate, reflect, and talk to God. I truly am most blessed! God, the awesome artist, wise sustainer, and gentle protector, is my Father who loves me!!! God desires me to delight in Him no matter where I am, and as I look forward to this next year, that is exactly what I hope will happen. I will be living off-campus for this fall semester at LeTU, then spend Christmas break in Kansas. After that, well....God has yet to reveal the details of His plan, but as things are heading now, I will go to Uganda for the spring semester to study. Please, keep praying for me.

FYI, I plan to start writing and sending out a prayer letter every month, beginning in September. If you or anyone you know would like to be included on my list, please let me know. The letters will mostly be sent via email.

True Joy and Brothers

I really, truly enjoyed the past few days! Monday afternoon, my adopted brother, Benaiah, came to visit. On Tuesday, Benaiah went with Samuel, Philip, and I on an adventure to the Linville Gorge. We hiked down to and climbed around on Babel Tower, then down to Linville River at the bottom of the gorge where we swam. Of course, this kind of swimming includes sliding down a waterfall, splashing through rapids, and jumping off big rocks. ^_^ We picked and ate blackberries along the way. (they were splendid!) In spite of some scrapes, bruises, and sunburn, we had more than a fabulous day! After hiking back up to the car, we walked out to Wise Man's View, then drove back down the rode to where we got out and strolled down to see Linville Falls. I rather like running on hiking trails, and certainly did some, but by the end of the day.....well, let me just say, Sam and Phil ran the last stretch without me. ^_^
Wednesday, Benaiah and I drove down to JAARS to visit Adam. We had a good time hanging out and laughing together. I had my first gyro at the restaurant where we ate lunch in Waxhaw; it was quite delicious! Adam gave us a tour around JAARS, with highest concentration in the area he knows best: the airplane hanger. We saw a couple Helios, a C206, KingAirs, and three Robinson Helicopters in the maintenance hanger. Meeting a few of the mechanics was most interesting; they always have something fascinating to share. The man who heads up the research and development department showed us one of the projects currently in the works: a cargo carrier shaped like a extra fuel tank which can be attached under the wings. I very much enjoyed being immersed in an aviation environment again, even for the little time we were there. I would like to add that Adam's parents are some of the best humored people I have been around in quite a while; laughter was never so freely flowing among sober, good-natured Christians.
Well, Benaiah left this morning, and life here went back to normal. I am very glad he visited, for I needed a reminder of the joys God blesses me with when simply enjoying His creation and the company of His children. God has blessed me so very abundantly with Christian friends, many of whom are like family.....I suppose they are though! My family in Christ!! Thank you Jesus!!!

Seeking the Way

God has called all His saints to live according to His commands.
Obedience.
God has called all His spirit-indwelling ones to shine His light.
Kindness.
God has called all His dearly beloved to reach out to His world.
Mercy.
God has called all His followers to walk in His footsteps.
Faithfulness.
God has called all His sheep to listen intently to His voice.
Humility.
God has called all His ministers to rejoice in all His promises.
Joy.
God has called all His children to proclaim His truth.
Constancy.
God has called all His servants to stand for His name.
Fearless.
God has called all His disciples to learn His way.
Diligence.
God has called all His redeemed to show His face.
Love.


Is Jesus Christ truly your Lord and Savior?
Has your Heavenly Father given you His Holy Spirit?
If so, all of these are your callings for your life on this earth.

Alex, Brett, and William

The Harris twins, Alex and Brett, have recently written the book Do Hard Things. (http://www.therebelution.com/dohardthings/) I finished reading this book yesterday. This evening I watched (for the first time) the movie about the work of William Wilburforce, called "Amazing Grace." (http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/) I could not help jumping to my feet after this movie and yelling, "Why aren't we doing anything NOW for the slaves around the world!?!?!!" This is something that NEEDS to change!! Too many people, especially children, are kidnapped and/or sold into slavery today and being forced to be, among other things, sex slaves. What is our world coming to!? We, the US as a society, are far too concerned about our personally comfort and convenience than about the GREAT SUFFERING around the globe!!! Why don't we wake up and do something!? I am a college sophmore majoring in Biblical Studies and, as Wilburforce says in the movie, I too often prefer to meditate on God; why is that? Because just meditating is easy. Doing something with the Truth is far more difficult. I have also been helping out some at the local Pregnancy Care Center this summer. To hear a few of the stories of the lives of these women and girls...it would break your heart. Yes, some are the stario typical dumb teen who gave her boyfriend too much one night, but many aren't. I can't tell any details for legal confidence sake, but they make me want to cry (and if you know me at all, me crying is significant). Abortion. Have you ever really considered how truly gruesome and terrible it is. A baby can't talk, but they have all the other functions which we use everyday. Why are we letting them be MASS MURDERED everyday!!??!!

Why does the world not value life above a payable price? Why does the US care more about its economy than its people? Why do we only meditate on God and what He has told us? Why have I not done anything?

Lord God! Show us what battles we should be fighting! Show me how I am supposed to respond to this enormous burden on my heart!! Lord Jesus, may all that I do be to Your glory! May Your will be done! Father God, I pray this in Jesus name.

Camp Site 41

This past weekend, I went camping! Elijah, his sister, Lydia, and my brother, Daniel were my companions. We meet at Kings Mountain National Military Park and camped Saturday night at Kings Mountain State Park. Walking/hiking around, playing frisbee, playing cards, attending the campground chapel service, singing accompanied by Daniel on the guitar, and engaging in various conversations filled our time. I had a wonderfully refreshing and enjoyable weekend! Praise God for all His awesome, amazing blessings!!!
The Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780 was a major turning point in the American Revolution. The British forces had put Col. Patrick Ferguson in charge of recruiting colonist loyal to the British Crown. The battle that occurred at Kings Mtn was fought between 1,000 of these Loyalist and 910 "Overmountain men." The Overmountain men came from what was called the backwoods of Virginia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, which essentailly was made up of the areas west of most the colonial settlements. The different forces of Overmountain men rallied together at three locations: Sycamore Shoals, in present day Carter County, TN (where I was born); Quaker Meadows, the easte of the McDowell family in present day Burke County, NC (where my family now lives); and Cowpens, SC. These untrained, rugged mountain men came in answer to Ferguson's proclamtion that if they would not “desist from their opposition to the British army, and take protection under his standard, he would march his army over the mountains, hang their leaders, and lay their country waste with fire and sword.” The Battle at Kings Mtn lasted only about an hour, but the Loyalist forces were totally defeated and Col. Ferguson was among those killed.
Walking around on Kings Mtn gave me an extra thrill because this was more to me than just another battle fought a long time ago; one of my ancesters, Thomas Francis, and his relative, Henry Francis, Jr, were among those who came down with Col. William Campbell and charged the hill that day. Yes, I am an US American right through. I must admit, however, that I struggle to be proud of what this nation has become. One of the best conversations I had with Elijah and Lydia this weekend concerned the US church today and our personal life callings. Are we going to be loyal to that which appears safest, strongest, and most promising as the British Empire did in 1780? Or are we going to stick out our necks, stand for what is right, and fight against all odds for the glory of God as the American patriots from "over the mountains"?

What about you? Where will you pledge your aliegence and stand when the fighting comes?

Look Up from the Grime

Have you ever had a job or duty given which was hard physically and mentally? and the longer you worked at it, the harder it got?
My job(s) have been rather like that recently. I seem to work at cleaning, painting, and general helping at church and home to no avail. The other day, much to my shame, I let some of the depressing thoughts on my mind spill out. I always feel bad for whomever is around when this happens; this time it was my mother. I have been getting caught up in looking and thinking about my current situation from a prespective of comparing myself to others. Forgetting that God's standard and what He has called me to do is all that matters and counts. Thank God for a mother who reads who Bible!! The next morning while I was getting ready for work, she comes to me and reads Isaiah 43:10-19.
Walking to work and all day I kept thinking about what it said and two songs came to mind which I also rolled around several times. The songs "How Great Thou Art" and "God Will Make a Way" continued to run through my head the rest of the week, enabling me to do my work with a smile. I would like to share one song with you here, that other I would encourage you to go look it up, as well as the verses.

God will make a way,
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way.

By a roadway in the wilderness,
He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today.

God will make a way,
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way

Words and music by Don Moen

Be Thou My Vision

I often have songs which get stuck in my head when I work or take walks. When the song stays a significant while or comes at a particularly noteworthy moment, I can't help but wonder as to their purpose. As one of the songs I've had drifting through my head recently, I thought I would share it with you, for it has been a great encouragement and comfort to me for several days now.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

by Dal­lan For­gaill (translated from the Irish by
Ma­ry E. Byrne, Versified by El­ea­nor H. Hull)

Work

So, I have work. Well, actually I have had work. (yay for the English language :-) Cleaning, cooking, painting, more cleaning, washing dishes, etc are among my duties at my church. Yes, I am paid, for the staff understand I need it. (silly money) I can't begin to express how thankful I am to God for providing!!!!! I will admit, however, that when I asked God for paying work this summer I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Be careful what you ask God for; He may just give you what you ask for. From week to week I have not known how much or what kind of jobs I would be doing. In general, I knew mostly cleaning would be involved and the painting assignment will take several weeks, but details are always subject to change. ^_^ When working for God's money which is to fund an education for the purpose of preparing to do a lifetime of work dedicated to God, living daily by faith for everything becomes increasingly important. Yes, it is hard many times, but none the less essential. Please, pray for me as I struggle in striving to "simply trust and obey" everyday moment of my life.

Rain Showers and Toads

Simply can't resist a pleasant jaunt in the summer rain shower...... my brother found a plump toad also out in the gutter beside the road enjoying itself. Beside a bit stuffy on a few days, weather in this part of the US, in my humble opinion, lends better to my preferred lifestyle of spending much time out of doors than my other recent homes. I have significantly appreciated the need to walk to and from work this summer (due to a lack of car of my own), for it allows a whole extra hour of my day to be spent out under the sky as a necessity, not only for the obvious purpose of transportation, but also for the sake of my retaining of sanity and promoting of health.
Praise God for all His blessings!!! Please, pray this simple attitude of deep appreciation and joy, for what might so easily be an annoyance, continue, no matter the surrounding circumstances. May God bless each of you exceedingly as well!

Geometry Problem

I feel rather silly now....
One of my brothers asked me to solve a simple geometry problem today, and I knew tan(x) was needed, but beyond that I couldn't remember. I like math! I like geometry! I like trig and calc! but the path I'm headed down right now in life doesn't allow for much math.....I don't understand! God has given me some enjoyments and, what I once thought were talents, which I no longer use. I'm a liberal arts major who transfered in all the math credit required, so I don't get to take math in college......I know I've said this before, but.......I don't understand, and, honestly, it kinda makes me sad.....

Dear God, please, make me joyful in exactly where You have put me and with exactly what You have given me. Thank You for being so patient with me. Thank You for always being faithful.

Summer time!

I'm home in NC now....and I'm back in my beautiful mountains! Yep, we went hiking today. Such a gorgeous day and so clear....we could see Mt Mitchell, Mt Pisgah, Hump Mtn, and Balsam Knob, among others. The small variety of rhododendron was in bloom leaving pink splashes across the slopes. However, summer has begun with temperatures well into the 70s. Oh well, the sweat makes the hiking seem more fulfilling. ^_^

Ponding myself

yes, I jumped into the campus pond voluntarily.....with Benaiah, Elijah, and Nolan (taking the picture). It was fun and very wet and dirty. ^_^

Paper and Presentation

The last slide of my power point presentation.

I turned in my term paper and gave a presentation on it today in Religions of the World class. The assignment was to discuss the influence of religion on the economic, political, and general culture of a particular country of my choice. Originally, I choose Uzbekistan. (if you don't know where it is, educate yourself: ) The trouble with picking a country that has only been independent for 17 years and prefers to keep to itself, would obviously be the challenge of finding information. Less than a week before it was due, I realized I could not write the paper with what information I had available to me. So.......what country would be interesting, not one someone else picked, and I could come up with enough information for this paper in less than a week? Well, I settled on Swaziland. Yep, once again, I used my experience from that trip and the pictures from Matthew an Jena to complete a class assignment. ^_^ I truly enjoy attending a Christian university!

In the Rough

The past couple weeks and the upcoming few weeks are very challenging for me. Please pray for me: better attitude, patient endurance, efficient concentration, and correct focus = Jesus. With big papers and important projects, on top of regular homework, the limits of my academic abilities are being pushed more than ever before. I think I've said that at the end of every semester of college, but it is still true. I am stretched almost to the point of ripping and splintering, then I end up growing and becoming stronger....kinda like getting mild shin-splits.....

By the way, this is a picture from just one of the many azalea bushes on campus. God has given me flowers again this spring!! ^_^

Fresnillo, Zachatcus!!

The city and state in Mexico where I went over Spring Break. God blessed us sooo far above and beyond anything I could have imagined!
In this picture, Seongmi and I are working on the steel bar reinforcements which go in the concrete walls. The shovels to the left are in a pile of concrete awaiting toe mixed with water. Behind Seongmi are the rocks we used for the foundation and the cement blocks for part of the walls. I had never done anything besides sidewalks with cement or concrete. The new experience was exciting! I love serving through hard work, interacting in other cultures, and bonding with my Christian family!!! God is awesome, and He works in mighty ways in and through His people, despite our flaws. Praise God for all He has done!!!

He is Risen!!!

What a glorious Easter Sunday! Beautiful weather, Christian friends, hardly laughter, truly worshipful praise, encouraging testimonies, and all sorts of simple joys from my Lord and Savior!!! This afternoon I ate lunch with several guys whom I would called my friends (mostly from my brother floor) and got to listen in on one of their conversations where they forget I'm there. ^_^ Made me happy to hear them so enthusiastic. My two roommates and I cooked supper for a group of what ended up being 13 of our friends. It was so much fun! Rene made salad and toasted bread; Andy baked three pies and directed the making of asparagus; and I got to cook the the chicken and put together a sheet of hymns which we sang between eating the main part of the meal and dessert. Twas so much of a blessing to spend those hours with my roommates working on food to share with our splendid friends! God blesses me so amazingly! Another unexpected, yet wonderful blessing I had today was with my voice. My voice has been coming and going randomly for about two weeks now and singing has been almost completely out of the question. Wednesday night as floor devotions I tried to sing and ended up totally killing my voice for the rest of the night. This morning, while getting ready for church, I was saddened by the thought of not being able to sing praises to my Savior on Resurrection Sunday. However, when the congregation began singing, I tried my voice........and it worked just fine!! I was so surprised and happy!!! ^_^ God is so completely, perfectly good. YaY GOD!!!!!!

Time Flies when...

...when you're Crazy Busy!!! It's March and this is only my first post......

To All True Nerds

This morning in Sunday School (as usual) I sat between two guys from my brother floor and counted the number of college students in attendance: seventeen guys and me. Please, don't worry, I am entirely used to it and for the majority of the time, rather enjoy it because I get the privileged of observing a group of Christian, nerdy guys interact with each other and God's Word as if there were no girls around. My biggest regret is when they remember I'm in their mist and feel obligated to apologize for being so much themselves. Conversations become most interesting in the large van on the way back from church. Although not all the topics which they discuss are to my personal taste or particularly edifying, I appreciate the nerdiness that is free of crude and otherwise inappropriate remarks. I enjoy listening! Please, guys don't stop being yourselves because a girl is in your company. I will admit that on some occasions I wish I knew enough to join the conversation, but therein lies one reason I like listening to nerds so much: I learn while being entertained.
I really don't know who all reads my blog, but if any of the splendid nerds I hang out with happen to read this, please know you don't need to apologize for being yourself. ^_^ I'm very thankful God put me amongst so many Christian nerds like you!!

Perseverance in Trials

For most everyone who has seen/talked to me within the past week know how rough my path has been. I've been struggling uphill with several things spiritual and a bunch of stuff mentally, while trying to keep up with schoolwork at the same time. I know the Deceiver has been attaching me, because of my renewed dedication (see previous post). He certainly knows just how to work doubt and fear into all my little weak spots. But I'm here to tell you that JESUS is the VICTORY!!!! He has overcome!! He is the conquering King! He has washed me in the blood of the spotless Lamb! He has given me confidence in His powerful grace! He has covered me in His infinite love! He is the First and Last! the Almighty! the perfect One!

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!
He who was and is and is to come!

As a follower of Christ, I am not expected to be perfect, only to strive to be so. As a follower of Christ, all focus is to be on Him alone! He is all my hope, peace, joy, and love! No more will I let depression and guilt weight me down. Rejoicing in suffering! Blessed in persecuion! Seeking to be the glove on His hand to do always, only all for my Lord!

I need help. If any of you who ever read these posts see/talk to me, keep me accountable to this commitment. I can't be what God wants me to be if I'm always focused on my short comings. Those of you whom I don't have regular contact with, please, pray for me. Thank you all!

Overflow!

Time for a little catching up: this past week was Missions Emphasis Week here at school, five days for missionaries and mission organizations to come and talk to students. Th majority of the student body a LeTourneau are interested in missions on some level, whether a kid of missionary, training to live out the call to go over seas later, considering being a 'tent-maker,' or just preparing to enter the business world and be one of the many vital supporters. I personally very much enjoy the many opportunities presented throughout the week to converse with enthusiastic missionaries and share the excitement of what God is doing all around the world with my brothers and sisters in the faith! I spoke with a couple who spent 23 years in Kenya with AIM, a lady who had worked on translating the Bible for 14 years in PNG with Wycliffe, a couple who had lived in Rwanda, Liberia, and Congo and now both their children are missionaries in Jordon with WEC, a young lady who recently came back from two years in India teaching One Story, and a man who told me about all sorts of intern ship opportunities over the summer with World Team. Wednesday evening a lady with Gospel for Asia lead our floor devotion time. On Thursday evening a variety of seminars were held; I attended one about the work of JAARS, an information/testimony time from a couple with Cross World, and an update of Wycliffe's 2025 vision.
One of our guest chapel speakers, a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and works closely with CAM International, preached from 2 Corinthians 4 and 5. The theme for the week was 'Redeemed 2 Reconcile,' taken from 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Thursday morning, he ended his sermon on chapter 4 by asking us to recommit to do whatever God had put on our hearts, no matter the consequences. I had been struggling to make sense of my current place the past few weeks, but I realized I was exactly where God put me and I needed to refocus on what He wants me to do now without being caught up in worry about what I can't control. During Friday morning chapel, he shared an arousing message from 2 Corinthians 5, concluding with an alter call for anyone who heard God's call to the mission field in any capacity, anyone who wanted to give themselves whole-heartedly to the mission work anywhere God would direct. I practically leapt out of my seat! After being in the humdrums of life for several months, God's strong call pulled me down front, and with a great joy nearly overwhelming me, I once more gave God both reigns. Such a wonderful peace flooded me. I felt so weak, yet so very strong because I knew He was holding me. Trying to speak a comprehensible sentence was totally out of the question as I thanked God for calling me and all those near me who had also answered the call. Leaving chapel, and for the rest of the day, I couldn't stop grinning and singing praise to God!
My Father God is amazingly, mightily, wonderfully, justly, awesomely, incomprehensibly, incomparably faithful, gracious, merciful, and loving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and I love HIM!!!!!

Wonderful Friends

Here are the three ladies who made my day! ^_^

I'm definitely going to miss two of them as they go off to Amsterdam and Korea for the rest of the semester......and guess who got an internship at Cessna for this summer!?!!
Thank you God for sending such wonderful friends into my life!!!!!

The Great Shema

Deuteronomy 6:4 says, "Hear O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!"

Today I've the following song playing through my head. After reading the beginning of my textbook for World Religions class, this song comes as a welcome reminder of who my God is. I am so glad He choose to love me!


YOU ARE GOD ALONE
by Phillips, Craig, and Dean

You are not a god
Created by human hands
You are not a god
Dependant on any mortal man
You are not a god
In need of anything we can give
By Your plan, thats just the way it is

Chorus:
You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
You are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne

You are God alone

Youre the only God
Whose power none can contend
Youre the only God
Whose name and praise will never end
Youre the only God
Whos worthy of everything we can give
You are God
And thats just the way it is

Bridge:
Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
Thats what You are

Joy of Books

Yes, I like books.......quite a bit actually. Just ask my roommate. I like to read them, organize them, build/support things with them, and even smell them (are you scared yet?). Over Christmas break I read four and liked them all. ^_^ Today, when I went to buy books for classes, I could even fake being sad about getting books to put on my shelf, which I will read (for class, but still) and potentially keep for years to come. The amount of books passing through my room this weekend is amazing! and I like it! Books and the knowledge they impart are the real reason I can't get truly upset about taking Greek; I am learning to read another language and to understand the deeper levels of grammar I encounter when digging in the texts.
I may be crazy. I may be a nerd. I may need counseling. But at least I enjoy where God has put me right now, namely, at LeTourneau University. I know far too often I take it all for granted, and mostly of the time during the semester, I do not seem to reflect this attitude. God is still working on me. I'm so glad He is and I know it!!
Praise God for being faithful!!!!!