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.