The Question

I graduate from Southern one month from today. It's crazy to think about, but it's true. This fact has prompted the inevitable question, "What are you going to do next?" First, I am going to read at my leisure and for the sheer pleasure of reading in and of itself. Then, maybe I will write all those blog posts I have swimming around in my head...

The real answer to the question is that I simply don't know. The Lord has not been pleased thus far to reveal to me the next step. I know that I ultimately want to serve the Lord overseas among the poor - telling them about the hope that is found solely in Jesus Christ. Before that happens, though, I need to take care of these pesky student loans. Whether that means staying where I am at Papers Unique or taking up a new job somewhere else, I don't know. I have know doubt that the Lord will reveal to me in His perfect timing what's next. I am fairly confident, though, that I am to remain in Louisville and I am for certain I am to minister to people here on behalf of Christ. Now that school is almost out of the way, I can devote more of my time to building relationships and to ministry.

The end of my time at Southern has proven to be bittersweet. I am more than ready to kiss homework goodbye, but I love to learn (especially about Jesus) and I will miss the class lectures and chapel services that God has used so much to shape and grow me. Now, most of you know that pursuing a Master's degree was not my favorite idea. I didn't see my need for theological study...I mean, couldn't I just get my theology from my own personal study of the Bible? Through my time here, however, I have learned how much I needed theological correction and direction. I have learned how to study God's Word and have, in the process, discovered God's grand plan that fills it pages from cover to cover. My time here has been nothing but a blessing and has been filled with numerous lessons from the Lord (both in and out of the classroom). Even though the coursework will soon be finished, I know I won't stop learning. I serve a God whose infinite nature will keep me hungry to know more of Him for the rest of my life.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)

Across the Midwest

I returned this evening from mine and Katelyn's trek to Oklahoma. We had such a good time and it was a good break away from the routine of every day life. We worshipped the Lord, laughed a lot, teased each other and discussed current events in our lives. The Lord blessed us with beautiful driving weather for which we are very thankful. He also provided (food, coupons, etc) and protected (we were run off the road almost twice by some crazies) in more ways than we probably even realize. We broke up the trip on the way there by stopping by my parents' house for the night but drive the whole way back today. We took a few pit stops along the way to stretch and have a little fun by visiting the Russell Stover Candies store and Cheese Outlet (which provided free samples!) in Lebanon, MO on the way there and stopping by the arch in St. Louis on the way back. It was Katelyn's first time in St. Louis, so I played, as she likes to say, "tour guide Barbie."

The wedding was the most unique and by far the most fun and laid back that I have attended. It was South Asian in fashion but American in ceremony, which means lots of color and lights, saris and pujabis with a thoroughly Christian focus. Katelyn and I were involved behind the scenes in a number of ways...including doing the bride's mehindi (henna). I even made up a song for the bride in Bangla while I was waiting in the reception line. She appreciated it. :)

The End is in Sight!

It's amazing the difference one week can make. Last week, I was overwhelmed with the amount of school work that had to be done and the seemingly little time I had to do it. The Lord was so gracious to give me much motivation and extra time (or maybe just time management) so that I now only have 3 assignments left:
1. Finish reading my last ethics book and write a paper interacting with it
2. Final systematic paper
3. Community development strategy paper
Besides 2 finals, that is it! I feel like so much weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I am so thankful for such a productive week!

I have come to the sad realization that I am going to have to retire my favorite pair of blue jeans. The knees have been patched for a while, but now the material is really starting to thin and holes are developing in other areas. This is sad on two accounts. First, they are so comfortable, which is why I like them so much. Second, I do not like shopping, especially jean shopping. It ranks right up there with sitting in traffic and eating peas. In fact, I don't know which is worse - shopping for jeans or sitting in rush hour. ;) But, the Lord in His grace and provision, just provided me with 2 new pair from my boss. I was lamented the fact that I would have to depart with the before-mentioned beloved pair when she told me she had several new pairs she was looking to get rid off. She gave me four to try on. While they were all big for me, two of them were just a little baggy, nothing a belt couldn't handle (even though they were all almost the same size, which is why I particularly dislike shopping for blue jeans). So now I can delay that dreaded trip to the mall for a little longer. :) Plus there are probably still a few more wearings left in the disintegrating pair mentioned above...

Tomorrow, Katelyn and I are heading out on a road trip to Oklahoma. On the way, we are stopping by F'town to pick up my car (yay!). Our friend and former South Asian roommate is getting married. It will be like a mini - very mini - South Asian reunion. :)

R1, R2 and KG

Jesus is My Life

This is my new favorite song (click here to listen to it). It reminds me of the abundant grace that Jesus Christ has poured into, and thereby transformed, my life:

"All I Have Is Christ"

I once was lost in darkest night

Yet thought I knew the way.

The sin that promised joy and life

Had led me to the grave.

I had no hope that You would own

A rebel to Your will.

And if You had not loved me first

I would refuse You still.

But as I ran my hell-bound race

Indifferent to the cost

You looked upon my helpless state

And led me to the cross.

And I beheld God’s love displayed

You suffered in my place

You bore the wrath reserved for me

Now all I know is grace.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ

Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone

And live so all might see

The strength to follow Your commands

Could never come from me.

Oh Father, use my ransomed life

In any way You choose.

And let my song forever be
My only boast is You.

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin

Jesus, You are my life.



Coffee Jitters

I can tell it is the end of the semester. I am sleeping less and drinking coffee more. I just finished writing two papers. I am almost entirely done with two of my classes, but I feel like I am just getting started in my third one. There is so much to do between now and Thanksgiving.

This evening I had to make an emergency run to Walmart for staples. I bought 500 for exactly $1. That should last me for the rest of my life. :)

Today, there was a tornado warning in Louisville. The sirens went off on campus. Southern usually tests them on Tuesdays, so I ignored them. Then a message echoed through the intercom system to retreat to the locker room because of reported tornadic activity. It made for an interesting afternoon...

I have been teaching an Indian friend how to drive. She is doing well, but it has been interesting. She keeps wanting to drive on the left side of the road (which is what they do in India). This is a habit I am going to have to break. :) Soon we will be practicing parallel parking...

I cannot believe this is the last week in October and that there are only two months left in 2010. Where has the year gone?

Lessons from the Lord: trust, trust, trust in many areas of my life where He is indeed stretching me; the unfathomable grace of Jesus Christ; biblical ethics; contentment; patience; daily dependence on His provision

Back in L'ville

I made it back safely to Louisville by God's grace. I am so blown away by the Lord's providential and loving care. For the next few weeks I am driving my dad's car as mine had a cracked radiator. My dad could not believe it made it as long as it did (especially the trip to MO). I could. :) Many people were praying for my car and for the trip back to MO. I knew that the Lord was sustaining it for the last few weeks and when my dad looked at it, I found out just how much He protected and provided. I know He will provide for the financial aspect of this as well.

I had a good time at home. My dad and I had some really good (and deep) conversations. I also got to see some people from MH that I haven't seen in a very long time. Furthermore, the Lord used a message on finances to speak to a different area of my life in regards to trusting Him and evaluating my heart.

Speaking of finances, the Lord continues to grow and stretch me in this area. Besides a new radiator, I have a few other upcoming expenses that I cannot afford...but I have the peace that God will provide as He always does (Philippians 4:6-8). Usually I would be a little stressed about the circumstances, but I have learned from the previous years of financial tension that Jesus Christ is faithful (I am not at all saying I have victory in this area). One of these expenses is a road trip to Oklahoma to see my former South Asian roommate/friend get married. I am so excited to see her again and to witness her marriage, which is going to have a South Asian flare to it. :)

Kristi is gone now since I took her back last weekend and my roommate is in South Africa, which makes for a very quiet apartment. Though I do miss them, the solitude will force me to focus on my studies more. This is especially needed this week because I have a lot to do before Thursday: finish my Systematic project, write a position paper on miraculous gifts in the church and read, read, read. The project I am doing (along with a friend) is a photo book that has pictures of people from all of the world with Scripture verses that describe God's heart to redeem the nations. The goal of the project is to show how God from Genesis to Revelation is taking a people for Himself from every people group on the planet. There were so many verses/passages to choose from that it was difficult to narrow them down. As I read the Bible each day, I keep running across more and more. I was already in complete agreement with the purpose of our project, but I am so even more now as I keep running across verse after verse about God's desire for the nations to worship Him. And what's more is that He allows and invites us to be a part of His great plan of redeeming the nations!

Today at Wal-Mart (or is it Walmart?), a random guy asked me out in the shampoo aisle. Unexpected and akward (I was wondering what he was doing looking at feminine hair care), but I have to give the guy credit for boldness Just in case you are wondering, I said no. ;)

The Lord is still doing a work in my heart that I cannot explain. He has made me realize recently how much of our culture has influenced certain areas of my life and the way I think about some things. Now that He has made me aware, He is transforming my mind (Romans 12:1-2) through His Word and through other believers. I am in awe at the way the Lord weaves His lessons together through so many facets of my life. He is definitely not a haphazard Teacher for which I am so very thankful. His lessons are always relevant, intentional, necessary and purposeful (and sometimes very difficult), and by His grace, I will learn from them.

Watching for Where God is at Work

These past few weeks have been filled with many lessons from the Lord and countless activities. Last week was Fall Break/Reading Days. As usual, I had lofty homework goals...most of which did not come to fruition. Instead, I took advantage of several ministry opportunities that the Lord sent my way. Time management is like walking a fine line and it is easy to stray to one side (forsake school work) or the other (make school work top priority). Last weekend I went to a funeral where I was reminded that my life (as well as those around me) is a vapor. There are many good things that I could be doing, but what is important is to be about what the Lord has planned for me. I have been trying to be sensitive to His leading and submit myself to His plans daily. One such instance of this happened last week. I knew the plans I had for the day, but laid them at the feet of Christ, acknowledging that my plans are not always His. After I had met with my prayer partner and then with a friend to do homework, I went to pick up my sister from an Indian friend's house. When I arrived, they told me that they were going to the Hindu temple and that we (Kristi and I) were going with them. So we went. As this Hindu family were worshiping their many gods (and thereby breaking my heart), my sister and I prayed for them. The Lord gave me the opportunity to pray in Jesus' name with one of them as she waited for the priest to become available. These are the opportunities that I do not want to miss because I am on my own agenda.

This week is my sister's last week in Louisville. I am going to take her back to Missouri this weekend. The Lord has used her in such great ways while she has been here and I am so proud of the way she took advantage of every opportunity He gave her. Most of her new friends are looking forward to her return in January when she comes to Southern...and so am I.

Lessons from the Lord: Jesus Christ alone is my Portion and my Refuge; patience; trust; humble submission; selflessness; the faithfulness of God and His nearness