Reformation Day Eve

Yesterday was a long day...good, but long. I stayed on campus after classes to attend the bi-weekly prayer meeting. Besides going with Carol to the mall, I spent the entire time on campus. I took a blanket to the seminary lawn where I tried to sleep but couldn't (even though I was very tired) so I read 1 John instead. It was a nice time with the Lord amidst His beautiful creation. When the temperature dropped I went inside to the cafe (which I found to be one of the warmest placest on campus) to read some more. I also talked on the phone to a job prospect, my local church pastor about membership, and my beautiful sister. The prayer meeting was very edifying and much needed for me personally. A whole hour dedicated to talking to and thinking about God is a wonderful training tool for my mind to focus my thoughts on God rather than the distractions of life. My wandering mind could use some discipline and I am making a prayerful effort to whip it into shape.

Sad news: my blow dryer died yesterday morning.

I'm touched...

Today I received a package from my mom. In it was a stuffed toy pumpkin with candy, Halloween cookies, and mini-Snicker bars (mmm...my favorite!). There was also a Halloween card that stated that she missed me "a lot." I love my mom. She is so sweet. :)

Randomness

THINGS TO PONDER

Facebook: Before I began seminary I only got on Facebook occassionally, but now I get on it daily. It has become sort of my lifeline to friends back home and to friends at Southern. Mainly, though, I think I use it as a distraction from schoolwork. I usually get on my computer to do my homework which means that I am connected to the Internet which means that I should check my email and Facebook and delay the reason I got on the computer to begin with.

Blogging: I was thinking the other day that it is interesting that I blog. I am a very reserved person, so why do I share my thoughts with anybody who cares to read? Blogging, to an extent, allows me to express myself which I have so much trouble doing with others. I also tend to forget that people can and do read my blog.

NASCAR: I have only met one person who likes NASCAR. She works at St. Jude so I don't see her anymore. Where are the NASCAR fans??

Mostaccioli: I made this for my small group this evening. Most people I have talked to around here have never heard of it. I have been told it is a Missouri thing. Who knew? I thought it was an Italian thing. :) These people are missing out.

Chapel: Thursday's chapel last week was excellent. The speaker preached on going to undesirable places from 2 Timothy 4:9-18. Very good and very thought-provoking. He challenged us to pray to have the attitude and boldness of Paul. He also reminded us that Jesus is our ultimate example of going to the most undesirable place when He emptied Himself, took on flesh, and came to earth.

Hillcrest: Sarah and I went to Hillcrest Street yesterday to look at the Halloween decorated houses. These people go all out. It was crazy. I didn't know that people got into Halloween like that. I don't particularly care for Halloween myself. It's kinda morbid. Nonetheless, if you haven't seen it, I would recommend checking it out.

Shadow of the Almighty

I just finished a wonderful book about the life of Jim Elliot. This book was very edifying for me and, at times, personal. I could relate to many of Jim's desires and struggles. He wanted so much to know God and be consumed by Him and to live a life that reflected Christ. The book is composed entirely of his journal entries and the letters he wrote to his family and friends. It is an awesome look into the heart and mind of a very godly man. I long for a heart that is as consumed by God as his was...I want and pray for God to be my sole satisfaction.

I cannot, however, forget the work that God has already done in me. I am a living product of God's grace. This semester God has caused me to realize the love He has given me for the local church and healthy church growth. This is a wonder in itself since before I accepted Christ six years ago, I wanted nothing to do with church. Even after I became a Christian, God worked on me for several years to make me understand the importance and necessity of the local church. Now the mystery of the church tugs forcefully at my heart. This quote is taken from my lecture notes in Dr. Lawless's Evangelism and Church Growth class: "Legitimate church growth recognizes that the church, by its very nature, is not only an organization to grow—it is a divinely established mystery to behold. Our responsibility is to understand that the church is something beyond us. God somehow puts His divinely local bodies together to carry out His plan. We are divinely privileged to be a part of the church. Don’t ever get over the church. It is in our unity that the world knows that the Father sent the Son."

God has also developed in me an interest in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Romania. I am not sure what that means or how that will play out in the future, but I am at the Lord's disposal.

Side note: I have had four job interviews over the past week. They all went well. I am praying for direction...His will be done.

Divorce

I hate divorce. My cousin called me and told me he is getting remarried (I am actually talking to him right now). I thought he meant that he was getting back with his ex-wife. I was wrong (I guess that is what I get for failing to keep in touch). I am happy for him and everything, but I am so saddened by the brokeness of their family (he has a son).

Hope in God

Tonight is very stormy. We are under a tornado watch. At work, they had us cram into the inner hallway for about 30 minutes when we were under a tornado warning. I have heard that there has been a lot of damage. One guy from the seminary was on the news because a tree fell on his car (while driving I believe). He was giving glory to God for his safety. :)
Despite all this I am very thankful for this much needed rain.

Last Tuesday I went to a bi-weekly prayer meeting at school. We worshiped through singing to begin with then spent the rest of the time praying for believers serving around the world. It was wonderful. It was very powerful for me personally in focusing my attention to where it needed it to be. Afterwards, my soul was very troubled. I walked around campus for a while talking to God and then finally broke before Him as I was reminded of my utter wretchedness and the people He has placed in my life that are spiritually dead. Oh, how I want them to be born again! I get so frustrated with myself. I see the need and want so much to speak to them of Jesus but the words do not come and neither does the courage. Please pray that I may be bold for Christ!

I have been very frustrated with myself lately. I am having trouble focusing on God and slaying wayward thoughts. I want so much to dwell on Christ and His heart for the nations, but I find my mind occupied with other less worthy things.

The music of David Crowder Band (Kristi, you are going to be so pleased with this) has been ministering to me lately. The words of their songs have expressed the inner groanings of my soul like nothing else could.

This quote from Louie Giglio has played over and over again in my head today: "I have great hope in God tonight." I am not sure why this is stuck in my head. I do feel a great hope and trust in God right now-maybe more than any other time in my life. Or I am having Louie withdrawals from Passion '07. ;) My sister is going to Passion this weekend in Chicago by the way. Please pray that the Lord will protect her and draw her intimately closer to Him.

One last thing: God is doing a great work at my home church. Check out our Director of Creative Arts blog to learn more and to see the Imagine Campaign video (under the Oct. 11th post). Please pray, if you will, these things for Meadow Heights:
1. that the leaders and members would be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Col. 1:9) and would humbly seek His face in every decision
2. Christ would be magnified and lives saved
3. protection and strength to stand against the schemes/attacks of the devil as they advance the Kingdom.
Maybe someday God will allow me to rejoin the work at MH.

Hope thou in God oh my soul for He is supreme.

Gross

Jeff Gordon just won a NASCAR race for the second week in a row and he leads the points. I am not sure how much more I can take.

Ah, Fall.

I have really enjoyed these crisp mornings. The air is so clear and fresh. They do remind me, though, that winter is coming. Soon I won't be able to run/walk in the mornings which saddens me. :( I am not sure what I will do for fitness when that time comes, but I guess I will worry about that when the time comes.

Next week is G. C. week at the seminary which is exciting. I will miss most of the events because of work though. :( I have been contemplating a new job. Phone sales is not really my cup of tea, but most of all, I hate misses the events at school (which is the reason I am here). St. Jude does offer great benefits (namely tuition reimbursement), but they are not flexible. I must continue to pray about this to make sure I am following the Lord rather than my own selfish desires. "Not my will, but Your will Father."

I am aslo still struggling as to where God would have me go to church. I have been attending one for a few weeks but He hasn't confirmed (or unconfirmed) anything so far. I going to attend membership class there tomorrow. Hopefully, the Lord will be pleased to confirm if that is where He wants me or not. I think that the fact that I miss my home church so much is clouding my discernment.

Today, while I was working, I was pondering God's heart for the nations. It is such a beautiful thing. My primary focus was on His creation of the nations. What an awesome experience in heaven it will be when all peoples come together in unison to worship the Living God. I don't always reflect and yearn for that day as I should, but I am longing for it today. Jesus is infintely glorious and oh I want to experience Him in all His fulness.

Pobre Computadora!

This post is dedicated to my Dell Inspiron 2650 which I have had for six years. Over the past few years, cracks and chips have raised their ugly heads on the surface of its lid. A bottom corner broke off and then eventually the other bottom corner broke off. Last night something horrible happened...the lid almost came completely off! It is attached by one hinge now. I called the Geek Squad at Best Buy but they said they would need to send it off with a $140 deposit (Bad News). Ouch! I then got out my trusted Crazy Glue and electrical tape to see what I could do, but they failed me (more Bad News). I searched Dell's website for hardware and found the part that I thought I needed (Good News). I then chatted online with a Dell Rep and then on the phone to make sure that it was the right part. An hour and a half and $38 later (Bad News), I purchased the part with next day shipping. Hurray, my laptop is going to open and close properly again (Great News)!

So far Fall Break has been pretty productive. I have done one paper, finished a book, and done lots of reading. This last part of the week though I am dedicating to friends rather than books. :) Last night I visited one friend while he was working at Starbucks. Either tonight or tomorrow night I am going to get ice cream (YUM) with another friend. On Saturday I may be hanging out with yet another friend. Fun times.

I miss my roommate.