Monday, May 30, 2011

Rembering a legacy

Being Memorial Day weekend we hear a lot of talk of heroism, those who sacrifice much--sometimes even their own lives to defend their country, and fight for what they believe in. Just a passing thought as I watched the flag folding ceremony at church yesterday and a collage of military memories, while I felt grateful for all that these men & women have done for us, I couldn't help but wonder why it's somewhat common and generally applauded when people commit to defend their country (and it should be), but it seems much rarer for one to sacrifice to the same extent for the Creator and King of the universe. Shouldn't that be the highest honor?
I've been hearing and reading a lot about Hudson Taylor this last semester. I definitely recommend looking him up. What a profound legacy he left, he gave up so much but what he accomplished for eternal purposes was so much greater. What a great example of discipline, obedience & faith...look him up.
Thank you veterans & current servicemen & women who have dedicated/are dedicating your lives to defending liberty & justice. Thank you missionaries, ministers and those of you who are dedicating your lives to making God's name known. You are a motivation to many!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Summer in the...South!

It took awhile for me to know for sure where I was going to spend this summer. But now I'm here and it's going to be good.
I'm super excited to be able to have some bonus time with my family. Jenny's graduating from high school already! It kinda makes me sad every time one of my siblings reaches a major milestone like this because it just reminds me that we all have to grow up and move on. I know it's good, it's just bittersweet not knowing how things will change and realizing that we'll not be able to be together forever.

I drove here by myself (not my first choice nor my favorite way to spend 2 days of my life), but it wasn't all bad. Had some good conversations with God, Grandma and the drivers around me. Don't worry I'm not one of those people who get's road rage. Sometimes I just offer (respectful) constructive criticism! :) I enjoyed the scenery and was surprised at how much flooding there was along the way and how dry it is here in South Texas.

I start my new job next week so I'm a little nervous/excited for that.

I'm going to get to see my nieces and foster nephew tomorrow! I'm always afraid they're going to forget me and I'll become that mysterious aunt that no one really ever sees--I guess eventually I'll become that anyways if I move overseas...but that's besides the point.

One good thing about the drive was that I got to see my dear friend Simi who was one of my best friends in college. Simi's from Nigeria and attended Hiram college. She interned with Student venture and got her Master's degree from Dallas Baptist University where she now teaches.
(Dallas Baptist University).
We met in Campus Crusade for Christ and have been fast friends ever since. Simi is an amazing woman and she encourages/challenges/entertains me like no one else!
It was impeccable timing as she was leaving the next day for London. So I stayed at her place and to prepare for her trip to the UK we watched the Royal wedding...well I might have accidentally fallen asleep partway through! I did dream about it though and woke up thinking about how beautiful our reunion in Heaven will be. The Bride of Christ, royalty, loved by Him, right? Sooo much better than a wedding of a duke & duchess! (huh...never thought I'd write a blog about the royal wedding!)

I Peter 2:9-10 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.

Speaking of Bolivia...(okay, so I wasn't but you know that it was only a matter of time until I did!)...January is when I'm looking to take the next trip/team. Pray about it and please get back to me if you're interested. I'd like to pray for you and help you be able to make an informed decision! There's also a VIDEO up of our last trip here!

Anyways, classes this semester were so good. I think I have to say that Acts was my personal favorite. That should be required summer reading for everyone. So get to it!

Chau for now!