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?