Deutschkirche

This morning I attended church in German. I might not be able to understand everything, but it is wonderful to participate in worshiping God in another language.

I understand just enough to know that we are praising the King of this world and that. I find such delight in having enough comprehension to be able to follow along with well-known passages from the gospels.

Like when I studied Spanish, learning German makes me think about the greatness of the God I serve. He overcomes language barriers and understands any tongue. Worshiping God is not reserved for any one language or people-group.

Ich glaube an Gott den Vater, den Allmächtigen, Schöpfer Himmels und der Erden.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. - from the Apostles' Creed

Capern-versary

One year ago today I embarked upon a grand adventure.

Searching for my seat, lyrics ran through my head: "I'm leaving on a jet plane; don't know when I'll be back again." The words were literal. Untold hours later, I had flown across a continent and an ocean. I was in England.

I spent the next nine months studying at Capernwray Hall Bible School, learning, building friendships, growing, traveling, and having adventures. How can I express in words all that occurred during those nine months?

Today, another group of students will have arrived at the castle, jet-lagged but excited. What a year they have ahead.

"Remember the wondrous works that He has done..." -Psalm 105:5.

German Time

Because every time I see a clock tower, I think of my cousin.

Heidelberg

Friedrichshafen

Konstanz

Lindau

Neckarwestheim

[plus a few more]

Happy Thanksgiving Back

Thanksgiving is a different sort of celebration this year. I am in a foreign land that doesn’t observe the American holiday. I am apart from my family. Many of the traditions will not take place today. Lectures took place as normal. In many ways, it feels just like another day.
This divergence from my usual festivity is difficult, but it is also good. The change and lack of traditions makes me think more about the reason to celebrate. I have so many reasons to be thankful.
Especially this reason:

Student Visa

As you probably know, I'm attending Bible School in England this year. Because I am going to be studying in the UK for an extended period of time, I need a Student Visa.

After sending in my Visa application around three weeks ago, I received an email from the British Consulate last Thursday stating that it had been received. They said the application had been entered into their system, but that it might be ten business days before it was assessed--due to the high volume of applications, it might be longer. Ten business days from last Thursday is the day my flight leaves for England.

Needless to say, I've been praying about it for the past several days and seeking to trust Him in the midst of my worries.

On Sunday, the elders at church and several friends joined me in prayer about my Visa. One prayed that it would come "tomorrow" (Monday), but I don't actually need it until the 24th and didn't expect it. Upon arriving home from work yesterday, however, I discovered another email from the British Consulate. They said that my Visa had been issued and would be sent to me directly. This evening, I opened a package with my approved Student Visa.

"Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!" - Psalm 34:3

Hopes and Dreams

In stories, a girl should be careful about which boy she hates, because she'll probably end up falling in love with him. That's the way it worked for Anne Shirley. Miss Elizabeth Bennet was not too fond of Mr. Darcy at first either.

I occasionally encounter people who imply that God always works in the same manner. A girl seems to think that because she wants to become a missionary in China, God will send her to Chile [which, by the way, is where you should start if you want to dig to China]. She hopes to do one thing, so expects God will have her do something else. It is almost as if God is "out to get her."

Certainly, at times God has us do things we would not at first want. We grow through such opportunities. He can change our hearts and give us new desires.

This is not, however, always the way God works.

Sometimes God fulfills our dreams. He may use us in areas of service for which we have long hoped. God has satisfied a number of my desires of late. From traveling to Texas, to serving with Worldview Academy, to the anticipation of school in England, God is granting my wishes.

In some stories, the girl falls in love with...well, the boy she has always been in love with.

A mí me gusta español

For a translation in English, see below.
En enero, empecé estudiar español. Aprendiendo español me da una vista más grande de Dios.
El Dios yo sirvio es el Dios del mundo todo. Entiende cada idioma nosotros hablamos en esta tierra. Aunque leo las palabras de él en inglés, Jesús no habló inglés cuando vivó en la tierra. Pero ahora, él comprende cuando hablo en inglés. Comprende cuando hablo español también.
A veces, me gusta rezar en español. Generalmente, digo solamente, «Gracias para mi familia o esta comida.» Todavía, pienso lo a él le gusta.
---
Para una traducción en español, vea arriba.
In January, I began to study Spanish. Learning Spanish is giving me a bigger view of God.
The God I serve is the God of the whole world. He understands every language we speak on this earth. Although I read His words in English, Jesus did not speak English when He lived on earth. But now, He understands when I speak English. He understands when I speak Spanish as well.
Sometimes, I like to pray in Spanish. Generally, I only say, "Thank You for my family or this food." Still, I think it is pleasing to Him.

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

   Of late, I have been coming more fully to the realization that God is God of the whole earth. He is not just a local deity; rather, Jesus "ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9).

   Next year I am going to go to a school in a different country full of people from all over the world. We may be from various continents, but we have something in common: Jesus. And ultimately, our citizenship is in the same country: Heaven.

The History of an Old Rock

“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock” (Isaiah 26:4).

As I meditated on Isaiah’s words this morning, I thought about the ancient rocks I saw on my trip to Europe.

In March of this year, I visited an old rock known as the Areopagus or Mars Hill.

This rock is the location of several well-known events. As recounted in Acts 17, the apostle Paul addressed the Athenians from Mars Hill in around 50 A.D. Hundreds of years earlier (in 399 B.C.), the philosopher Socrates’ trial took place on this same rock. In addition, Aeschylus, the Greek playwright who lived from 525-456 B.C., sets a portion of his drama The Furies on the Areopagus. The tragedy details the trial of Orestes on this rock shortly after the Trojan War ended in 1184 B.C.

Rocks last a long time. They do not, however, last forever. Near the Areopagus is the Odeon of Herodes (which is not nearly as old, having been built in only the second century B.C.). After more than 2000 years in use, this theater is showing evidence of wear—mainly from the stiletto heels of many visitors.

Although millions of feet are wearing away the rocks of Greece, God is the rock that will never erode.