...last thursday i turned the big 24. and luckily i don't feel old (except for the other day when i was hanging out with a bunch of 20 year olds and they found out my age and went on and on about how old that was for like 5 mins...i was dying to call my friend, marisa, to just feel the same age as someone else;o). but really...i feel like i've barely even scratched the surface of life. man, the Lord has really blessed me beyond belief and i have so many memories involving tons of people, places, and things...but its given me so many little tastes that leave me wanting more and knowing so much more is out there.
one new thing the Lord has blessed me with (that also seems to be just scratching the surface) is my new spiritual family...what up y'all??? i'm sure you are reading this because you keep bugging me about not blogging enough;o) they have become such an important part of my life...this is what Christ (and Paul) meant by "fellowship with the saints".
i was lucky enough that this years birthday fell on the same night as our bible study together...way lucky. although we spent time exchanging presents (both birthday and christmas) and i loved each one (thank you again!!)...the best present EVER was to follow.
for what seemed like hours, God met with us! i mean...he really met with us....really. i've had times when the Holy Spirit has been in my presence and man was that unbelievable...but usually those times were so fleeting. it would be liek 30 seconds and then i would kind of freak and "lose it". its like i couldn't handle it (i've had many conversations about this with my sister). but thursday night i didn't freak...none of us did. we were there...truly with eachother, ministering to God with eachother...and ministering to eachother through God!! i was unreal. we've been meeting for about 2 months now and this was by far the "best" time. actually...they just keep getting better and better. but i think we really hit it on the money....and it wasn't in any of our control....it was because we focused solely on Christ! the entire time (way to minimize the bunny trails;o).
THANK YOU GOD for the best birthday present!!! and thank you my spiritual family;o) you don't know what you mean to me...and i know that's only going to grow. i love you all so much!!! and i pray that all of you out there that don't have a clue about any of the things i've been describing with experience it first hand...just ask God...He'll meet you wherever you are...don't be afraid....its amazing!!!!!!!
Monday, December 19, 2005
Saturday, December 17, 2005
a pile of scrap...
...I think it's amazing that God chose the career of a carpenter for His walk on earth, Jesus' trade. A carpenter is an expert on building, creating, and also reconstruction. A carpenter can take a pile of scrapwood and create something that is both useful and beautiful.
My dad is a builder. He began as a teenager and learned how to build a house from top to bottom...everything but plumbing. But he also is a packrat. And every year, at least once, my mom is faced with cleaning out my dad's garage...the haven for all left-overs...from nails and screws to saws that don't work and huge rolls of wire. As I helped my mom this last time, we spent days sorting through what we through of as a bunch of junk. I spent an hour just moving piles of scrapwood outside to the driveway. Although I was ready to chunk it all, my mom knew better. She knew that my dad valued that wood.
You see, out of all of that stuff, my dad has a thing for wood. Sure, I love the smell of wood (esp. sawdust...it reminds me of my dad)...but I don't think that's why my dad loves wood. I think that when my dad looks at a pile of scrapwood, he doesn't see pieces that never made it onto a house...he sees pieces ready to become a part of a project. He sees the potential.
Its so amazing to think of how our Heavenly Dad looks at all of the "scrapwood" of our lives and sees how He's going to make it into something both useful and beautiful!
My dad is a builder. He began as a teenager and learned how to build a house from top to bottom...everything but plumbing. But he also is a packrat. And every year, at least once, my mom is faced with cleaning out my dad's garage...the haven for all left-overs...from nails and screws to saws that don't work and huge rolls of wire. As I helped my mom this last time, we spent days sorting through what we through of as a bunch of junk. I spent an hour just moving piles of scrapwood outside to the driveway. Although I was ready to chunk it all, my mom knew better. She knew that my dad valued that wood.
You see, out of all of that stuff, my dad has a thing for wood. Sure, I love the smell of wood (esp. sawdust...it reminds me of my dad)...but I don't think that's why my dad loves wood. I think that when my dad looks at a pile of scrapwood, he doesn't see pieces that never made it onto a house...he sees pieces ready to become a part of a project. He sees the potential.
Its so amazing to think of how our Heavenly Dad looks at all of the "scrapwood" of our lives and sees how He's going to make it into something both useful and beautiful!
Monday, November 14, 2005
partly true...
You Are a Peacemaker Soul |
 You strive to please others and compromise anyway you can. War or conflict bothers you, and you would do anything to keep the peace. You are a good mediator and a true negotiator. Sometimes you do too much, trying so hard to make people happy. While you keep the peace, you tend to be secretly judgmental. You lose respect for people who don't like to both give and take. On the flip side, you've got a graet sense of humor and wit. You're always dimplomatic and able to give good advice. Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul, Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul |
the best dating advice ever...
...ahhh, good ole' tailgating. the usual...lots of walking, bits of food, and TONS of socializing. i had a great time! and of course, there were some memorable moments. this one i had to share.
"eat bbq, talk football and you can get any guy." yes...this is an actual quote. my friend, Tanner, and I and Marisa were chatting over a plate full of bbq...and of course, we were talking about our expectations for the game. a few sentences later, ones that included words like "special teams" and "field position" and i was getting one of the biggest dating tips of my life;o)
well...Tanner...i guess i know what your ideal first date would look like. hey...maybe i'll even try it someday. i'll take a guy to that really sketchy bbq place off of broad street...get it to go of course...bring him back to my apt...on a saturday or sunday and talk it up...i know all kinds of football words to use...maybe like: d-line, holding, rushing yards,touch-back, blitz and maybe i'll even throw in some talk about uga's chances of going to the sec championship...that should really make an impact. guess i'm set.
thanks for the advice...i'll let you know if it works;o)
"eat bbq, talk football and you can get any guy." yes...this is an actual quote. my friend, Tanner, and I and Marisa were chatting over a plate full of bbq...and of course, we were talking about our expectations for the game. a few sentences later, ones that included words like "special teams" and "field position" and i was getting one of the biggest dating tips of my life;o)
well...Tanner...i guess i know what your ideal first date would look like. hey...maybe i'll even try it someday. i'll take a guy to that really sketchy bbq place off of broad street...get it to go of course...bring him back to my apt...on a saturday or sunday and talk it up...i know all kinds of football words to use...maybe like: d-line, holding, rushing yards,touch-back, blitz and maybe i'll even throw in some talk about uga's chances of going to the sec championship...that should really make an impact. guess i'm set.
thanks for the advice...i'll let you know if it works;o)
Friday, November 04, 2005
struggles...
...wow, two blogs in one day...this must be a record for me. actually, its past midnight, so i guess its not technically the same day..darn.
tonight i had the opportunity to finally let out some of my struggles and lean on my brothers and sisters in Christ...my volnerability was welcomed with encouragement, understanding, relating, and some well-spoken advice.
i have struggled with trusting the Lord...and wondering if my desires line up with His...and much more on deeper levels. i thought this struggle would cease when i finally could wrap my arms around the Lord and declare that He satisfies me completely. this past year, He has led me to the point where i had the opportunity to declare that just a couple of weeks ago. i could truly exclaim "i am in love with you, Lord!!!!" i really could scream that from the ROOFTOPS right NOW! then...why am i still struggling?
then...tonight it hit me that this area of struggle is not just going to disappear in one day. although i have found the true answer and my true satisfaction, the lies that have been holding me hostage for so many years, have left scars..and they are still holding onto me..and little by little the Lord is helping me to cut these chains off of me!
so...i will not despair...i will HOPE..because i know that one day i will be completely free from this struggle and i will be free! Christ will always have the ultimate victory!!!!
tonight i had the opportunity to finally let out some of my struggles and lean on my brothers and sisters in Christ...my volnerability was welcomed with encouragement, understanding, relating, and some well-spoken advice.
i have struggled with trusting the Lord...and wondering if my desires line up with His...and much more on deeper levels. i thought this struggle would cease when i finally could wrap my arms around the Lord and declare that He satisfies me completely. this past year, He has led me to the point where i had the opportunity to declare that just a couple of weeks ago. i could truly exclaim "i am in love with you, Lord!!!!" i really could scream that from the ROOFTOPS right NOW! then...why am i still struggling?
then...tonight it hit me that this area of struggle is not just going to disappear in one day. although i have found the true answer and my true satisfaction, the lies that have been holding me hostage for so many years, have left scars..and they are still holding onto me..and little by little the Lord is helping me to cut these chains off of me!
so...i will not despair...i will HOPE..because i know that one day i will be completely free from this struggle and i will be free! Christ will always have the ultimate victory!!!!
Thursday, November 03, 2005
a hurting heart...
...since the beginning of the week, God has been taking me on a journey through my heart, my emotions. on monday, the scriptures opened my eyes to the decietful nature of my heart. i had not realized that i had been believing that if my heart desired something and it seemed good, then it must be the best thing for me. but that is not always true. what IS always true is that God always wants and does what is best for me. that is truth.
i thought my journey had ended with this. but of course the Lord wanted me to dig deeper. since going to a concert on monday night, my heart has been both joyful and heavy. how can i feel both of these things at once...the heart is a complicated thing. i speak of heart as basically my soul (being defined as that which includes my thoughts and emotions...excluding the other two parts of me, my spirit and body). so...feeling both of these emotions proves the point that i can't trust what i am feeling...because i can't even really keep it straight.
so...even today i woke up feeling very weighted down. a lot of times in the past this has been because the Lord was giving me a burden to pray for someone or something. so...i asked Him what or who? but no clear answer has come. what in the world? i have been a bit confused.
then, as i was reading an email from a friend who is serving in Spain as a volunteer missionary, i broke down. i began crying and realized that my burden is the feeling of loss. i feel like i have lost a huge part of me...where my desires were released. the Lord has once again confirmed in my heart that He has given me a desire to do full-time ministry...i long to do it. i don't mind working in the traditional sense...but i just have this huge longing to do ministry as my vocation (not ministry in my vocation).
but as i have just learned...i cannot trust my emotions. so, i'm taking this to the Lord and to the scriptures and trusting that God will continue to be my guide and show me where He wants me, when He wants me. i wait on Your word, Lord...I'm ready when you want me...whoa...i just realized that's a big statement...hold me to it, Jesus, and give me the strength!!!
i thought my journey had ended with this. but of course the Lord wanted me to dig deeper. since going to a concert on monday night, my heart has been both joyful and heavy. how can i feel both of these things at once...the heart is a complicated thing. i speak of heart as basically my soul (being defined as that which includes my thoughts and emotions...excluding the other two parts of me, my spirit and body). so...feeling both of these emotions proves the point that i can't trust what i am feeling...because i can't even really keep it straight.
so...even today i woke up feeling very weighted down. a lot of times in the past this has been because the Lord was giving me a burden to pray for someone or something. so...i asked Him what or who? but no clear answer has come. what in the world? i have been a bit confused.
then, as i was reading an email from a friend who is serving in Spain as a volunteer missionary, i broke down. i began crying and realized that my burden is the feeling of loss. i feel like i have lost a huge part of me...where my desires were released. the Lord has once again confirmed in my heart that He has given me a desire to do full-time ministry...i long to do it. i don't mind working in the traditional sense...but i just have this huge longing to do ministry as my vocation (not ministry in my vocation).
but as i have just learned...i cannot trust my emotions. so, i'm taking this to the Lord and to the scriptures and trusting that God will continue to be my guide and show me where He wants me, when He wants me. i wait on Your word, Lord...I'm ready when you want me...whoa...i just realized that's a big statement...hold me to it, Jesus, and give me the strength!!!
Monday, October 31, 2005
trusting and entrusting...
...why do i have so much trouble with these words?
"I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day." 2 Timothy 1:12
...so much goes along with this...believing, trusting, knowing God.
I pray the prayer of the man with the demon-possessed boy in Matthew..."Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!"
"I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day." 2 Timothy 1:12
...so much goes along with this...believing, trusting, knowing God.
I pray the prayer of the man with the demon-possessed boy in Matthew..."Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!"
Sunday, October 30, 2005
The start of freedom...
...Today was a pivotal day, the start of a new life of freedom in Christ, one that I had already been attempting, but now with the power of the Spirit freeing me from bonds that had been holding me back, actually can live.
"The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord we have an everlasting rock." Isaiah 26:3-4
...This verse had a whole new meaning to me this morning as the Lord began revealing to me my lack of peace resulting from my lack of trust in Him. I trust the Lord on a daily basis with most of my life, but there is one particular area that I have struggled with for at least 6 years...trusting Him in, let's see, what should I call it..."my love life"/"boys"/"who's my husband"/"where's my date"/"will I ever get to the next stage"...all this and more.
So, what changed me today? It wasn't the verse...that was just a helper. Christ revealed to me that I was lacking trust in Him because of a situation in the past. He revealed to me why He allowed that situation to happen...and He showed me at least 4 huge great things that came out of it (so far!). This entire time, I had not come to the conclusion that God wasn't a liar, but that He would control the situation, He didn't know how to handle it. But that was a lie!! He was in control, but I just didn't like what He was allowing to happen...I couldn't see the whole picture.
Now, as He's revealing to me more parts of the entire picture, I am understanding that my trust in Him is only through obedience...daily obedience. And only through this trust will I be able to live a "love" life of peace, first with my true Love, Christ, and then with my "earthly love". Whew...what a day! God is good!!!!
(This moment of release from bondage was helped by the Bible study, Breaking Free, by Beth Moore. I highly recommmend it!)
"The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord we have an everlasting rock." Isaiah 26:3-4
...This verse had a whole new meaning to me this morning as the Lord began revealing to me my lack of peace resulting from my lack of trust in Him. I trust the Lord on a daily basis with most of my life, but there is one particular area that I have struggled with for at least 6 years...trusting Him in, let's see, what should I call it..."my love life"/"boys"/"who's my husband"/"where's my date"/"will I ever get to the next stage"...all this and more.
So, what changed me today? It wasn't the verse...that was just a helper. Christ revealed to me that I was lacking trust in Him because of a situation in the past. He revealed to me why He allowed that situation to happen...and He showed me at least 4 huge great things that came out of it (so far!). This entire time, I had not come to the conclusion that God wasn't a liar, but that He would control the situation, He didn't know how to handle it. But that was a lie!! He was in control, but I just didn't like what He was allowing to happen...I couldn't see the whole picture.
Now, as He's revealing to me more parts of the entire picture, I am understanding that my trust in Him is only through obedience...daily obedience. And only through this trust will I be able to live a "love" life of peace, first with my true Love, Christ, and then with my "earthly love". Whew...what a day! God is good!!!!
(This moment of release from bondage was helped by the Bible study, Breaking Free, by Beth Moore. I highly recommmend it!)
Saturday, September 17, 2005
the plant that i am...
...cornus sanguinea. need i say more? probably. no one know what that stuff means, but its really a name for a plant whose common names are "Winter Beauty" or "Bloodtwig Dogwood" or "Winter Fire". it begins with the name...i mean, i am a winter beauty right? i was born in december:o) but really it all started with this quote i found in a gardening magazine (my dad's) that really struck me: "many plants thrive under regular hard pruning and perform better than they would if left alone." man...that's deep huh? well...this plant was the mascot of that quote and what struck me was its vibrant red colored branches. so, i decided to look the plant up and read more about it. here's what i found...its almost eery...it fits me so well.
Hardiness Zones: 4-7
Habit: Deciduous
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Site Requirements: Sun to partial shade; well drained soil
Texture: Medium
Form: Loose, unkept floppy habit (i don't know about this part so much;o); spreading rounded top; multistemmed ; dense twiggy habit
Height: 6 to 15'
Width: 6 to 15' (hopefully not this so much!!)
Leaf: 1.5 to 3" simple, opposite leaves; blood red fall color
Flower/Fruit: White flowers in May to early June; flat topped cyme; .25" purplish black fruit in fall
Comments: Easy to transplant; fibrous roots; very adoptable; not a good specimen plant; suckers freely; quite adoptable
*i swear i didn't make this up...i copy and pasted it from this nc state webstie. the parts that hit me the most were the white blooms and the comments about adaptability. i hope and pray these describe me the most. for i want my blooms...my fruit...my beauty to be white...pure...and come out in the coldest times!! and i truly hope that i am always easy to transplant knowing that God is my only permanant home and He travels with me.
So....what's your plant??
Hardiness Zones: 4-7
Habit: Deciduous
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Site Requirements: Sun to partial shade; well drained soil
Texture: Medium
Form: Loose, unkept floppy habit (i don't know about this part so much;o); spreading rounded top; multistemmed ; dense twiggy habit
Height: 6 to 15'
Width: 6 to 15' (hopefully not this so much!!)
Leaf: 1.5 to 3" simple, opposite leaves; blood red fall color
Flower/Fruit: White flowers in May to early June; flat topped cyme; .25" purplish black fruit in fall
Comments: Easy to transplant; fibrous roots; very adoptable; not a good specimen plant; suckers freely; quite adoptable
*i swear i didn't make this up...i copy and pasted it from this nc state webstie. the parts that hit me the most were the white blooms and the comments about adaptability. i hope and pray these describe me the most. for i want my blooms...my fruit...my beauty to be white...pure...and come out in the coldest times!! and i truly hope that i am always easy to transplant knowing that God is my only permanant home and He travels with me.
So....what's your plant??
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
An unforgettable visit...
...As I mentioned before, one of my best friends, Stephanie, visited me here in Paris just a while ago. She came all the way from China to spend time with me (and see a little bit of Paris). We had such an amazing time together. She is a wonderful best friend and I know the Lord is blessing our friendship (even while we are thousands and thousands of miles away from eachother). So, this is for you Steph...just some words: the apprentice, dumplings, who are all these people from california?, a springy mattress, some beautiful views of the city, no waffle, breakfast or lunch?, fresh market food, picard & ed, spilled jam, the park with will, a huge salad and little bity brownie, we know how old frieda is!, and what's up with the cold??? I love you girl and it means so much to me that you came so far to see me. The pleasure will be mine next year!!
Soakin' it in...
...Wow...its always toward the end of something that time begins to fly by. The end of my time here in Paris is in sight...a little too close I think. For the past few months, it seemed as though I would be in Paris forever, and then all of the sudden I have less than two weeks left in this city that I have fallen in love with. I beginning to feel the sadness of leaving behind a world that is so different from my old one. I feel as if I have to say goodbye to all of these changes that I have both painfully accepted and warmy welcomed. But I also know that God has blessed me with all of these changes and I am praying that He will help me integrate them into a new life back home...in my old, but new world. Its all a bit fuzzy to me. But I know God will guide me. I am just so incredibly joyful as I look back on this year in Paris and a smile comes over my face and my eyes light up and all of the wonderful experiences, people, and memories come flooding into my head and heart. And I know that I still have two fabulous weeks to soak up even more of the life-changing Paris and take a million more pictures!! Its not goodbye yet!
Saturday, July 02, 2005
ice cream...
| You Are Rocky Road Ice Cream |
 You're also a trendsetter who takes risks with new things. You know about the latest and greatest - and may have invented it. You are most compatible with vanilla ice cream. |
A cooler, calmer summer...
...After a couple of weeks of crazy heat here in Paris, we're finally getting some mild (and a bit chilly) weather. Its a welcomed relief after surviving the "heat wave" without AC. And along with the cooler weather has come a calmer schedule for me. What a drastic difference. Many students have gone home for the summer and the goodbyes have continued...my friends, Joelle and Assia, and my teammates, the Kings, and my roommate, Ashley. Whew. And its expecially been a big change from my busy 10 days I spent at home in the states a couple of weeks ago. I had an amazing visit at home...spending lots of time with college friends, my nephews, my sisters, my parents, and my best friends from high school...and I have my best friend, Valerie, to thank for my visit...she just got married! It was a beautiful wedding that brought glory to God...a wonderful example that I pray to follow. I love you Val and I'm so happy for you!
So...its a bit calmer and with that comes a bit or boredom. But I'm tyring really hard to be productive and not just sit around idle the last month of my time here in Paris. I have some fun things planned for students that are still here and I have my teammates, the Campbells, to spend lots of time with before I leave (and a new addition, Wyatt...when he comes very soon!), and I have also just finished my "Paris To Do" list...all of the places I want to go and things I want to do in Paris before I leave...and its really long...probably too long for just one month left. So...that should keep me busy...and I'm really hoping to have some great time alone with God to read, chat, and just have some good quality time with my favorite companion!
And the best news for the moment is that my best friend and roommate from college, Stephanie, is coming all the way from China to visit me here in Paris!! She'll be here this week and is staying for 5 whole days!!! I can't wait to spend time with her and for us to talk about our year away in foreign countries...lots to talk about...So...as you can see, the Lord has plans for me here in Paris for my last month and I hope to be writing about some amazing things in the next days...keep checking (now that I remembered to write in here:o).
Go Andy!!!! Wish I could be watching.
So...its a bit calmer and with that comes a bit or boredom. But I'm tyring really hard to be productive and not just sit around idle the last month of my time here in Paris. I have some fun things planned for students that are still here and I have my teammates, the Campbells, to spend lots of time with before I leave (and a new addition, Wyatt...when he comes very soon!), and I have also just finished my "Paris To Do" list...all of the places I want to go and things I want to do in Paris before I leave...and its really long...probably too long for just one month left. So...that should keep me busy...and I'm really hoping to have some great time alone with God to read, chat, and just have some good quality time with my favorite companion!
And the best news for the moment is that my best friend and roommate from college, Stephanie, is coming all the way from China to visit me here in Paris!! She'll be here this week and is staying for 5 whole days!!! I can't wait to spend time with her and for us to talk about our year away in foreign countries...lots to talk about...So...as you can see, the Lord has plans for me here in Paris for my last month and I hope to be writing about some amazing things in the next days...keep checking (now that I remembered to write in here:o).
Go Andy!!!! Wish I could be watching.
Monday, May 02, 2005
The fam...
....Whoo hoo!! My family is in town visiting me. Its so great to have family here, experiencing my life here (going grocery shopping with me, meeting my teammates, staying in my apartment, and eating at my favorite restaurants). Its a neat experience to be able to be the native showing them around to all the sights that I've seen multiple times....like the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, Versailles, and more. We've been so lucky to have amazing weather while they've been here...blue skies and temperatures in the 79s and 80s! The hottest its been since I've lived here. Thank you Lord for that. Right now my parents and sister are on a boat ride on the Seine River...seeing all the sights from down on the river...and I'm taking a break from being tourist and getting back to some of the things in my normal schedule, like righting here and my prayer letter. Tonight we have a wonderful dinner at Chez Papa planned...my teammates, Anna and Mentanna, will be joining us for the Southwestern French cuisine. I love this place! Then we'll be doing some more sight seeing and other stuff in the next couple of days before my parents leave. Tomorrow night we are going to Cirque de Soleil...a birthday present to my sister....I'm so excited. Then on Saturday, me and my sister are heading to Belgium and Holland for a few days of European touring. Then I will say goodbye to my sister in a week and a half. Then its only a month until I go home for Valerie's wedding...a little 10-day trip home. So...its going to be a busy next month...but I'm looking forward to the Lord using me this month to do the amazing things He has planned. I'll try to send out some updates on everything!!
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Saying goodbye already...
...In the past week, I've had to say three really hard goodbyes/see you laters.
The first was to my teammates, Rob and Nichole, as they left for the states for four months to raise support to come back here in the fall. I am so thankful to have been able to work with them and am challenged by their motivation and hard work with students here in Paris. Please pray for them while they are in the states!
The second was a sudden one. My friend, Khadija, had to leave Paris and go home to Morocco due to some personal problems. Although this was a very sad goodbye...we had coffee two days before she left and had some amazingly blessed conversation!! Please be praying for her as well.
The third was sudden as well. My roommate, Ali, needed to move apartments. Although I am so sad for losing an amazing roommate, I know this is better for her and I know the Lord has plans in this and is using it. Please pray for her as she goes through these changes.
So...its been a bit of a rollercoaster...but the Lord is sustaining me and I know that He is always with me and He is my true HOME!
The first was to my teammates, Rob and Nichole, as they left for the states for four months to raise support to come back here in the fall. I am so thankful to have been able to work with them and am challenged by their motivation and hard work with students here in Paris. Please pray for them while they are in the states!
The second was a sudden one. My friend, Khadija, had to leave Paris and go home to Morocco due to some personal problems. Although this was a very sad goodbye...we had coffee two days before she left and had some amazingly blessed conversation!! Please be praying for her as well.
The third was sudden as well. My roommate, Ali, needed to move apartments. Although I am so sad for losing an amazing roommate, I know this is better for her and I know the Lord has plans in this and is using it. Please pray for her as she goes through these changes.
So...its been a bit of a rollercoaster...but the Lord is sustaining me and I know that He is always with me and He is my true HOME!
Friday, April 22, 2005
A four letter word...
...KIND. So simple. I read this word everywhere in the Bible, but something hit me the other night in house church: I've never really thought about its meaning. What does the word "kind" mean? Am I "kind"? Do I exhibit kindness?
My first response is no. I don't think of myself as first and foremost a "kind" person. So, what is a kind person? I think I've always thought of someone who just seems to be sweet all the time to everyone. But I think it goes beyond that.
As a group of us discussed it, some good points were shared. Kindness is not just a feeling, but must be manifested into action. You can't just feel kind...you must BE kind. And someone must receive your kindness...you can't be kind into the air, but you can be kind to someONE. Also...kindness entails valuing people. When I think about Jesus and how He displayed kindness, its easy to see that what pushed Him to kind actions was His love for people...He valued them because He saw the potential in everyone.
So...there are some thoughts that have been swimming around in my head the past few days. Hopefully these thoughts will turn into actions as I open myself up to God showing me how to be kind, when, and to whom. Maybe I'll be able to share some cool experiences soon!
I'll leave you with some quotes about kindness:
Eric Hoffer:
Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.
Abraham Joshua Heschel:
When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people; as I grow older, I admire kind people.
Albert Schweitzer:
Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.
http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_kindness.html (for more quotes)
My first response is no. I don't think of myself as first and foremost a "kind" person. So, what is a kind person? I think I've always thought of someone who just seems to be sweet all the time to everyone. But I think it goes beyond that.
As a group of us discussed it, some good points were shared. Kindness is not just a feeling, but must be manifested into action. You can't just feel kind...you must BE kind. And someone must receive your kindness...you can't be kind into the air, but you can be kind to someONE. Also...kindness entails valuing people. When I think about Jesus and how He displayed kindness, its easy to see that what pushed Him to kind actions was His love for people...He valued them because He saw the potential in everyone.
So...there are some thoughts that have been swimming around in my head the past few days. Hopefully these thoughts will turn into actions as I open myself up to God showing me how to be kind, when, and to whom. Maybe I'll be able to share some cool experiences soon!
I'll leave you with some quotes about kindness:
Eric Hoffer:
Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.
Abraham Joshua Heschel:
When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people; as I grow older, I admire kind people.
Albert Schweitzer:
Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.
http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_kindness.html (for more quotes)
Sunday, April 17, 2005
A tech miracle...could it be?...
...I can't believe I'm going to blog yet again about technology. But I have to express the joy I am feeling right now. I truly am in shock about the fact that I am sitting here in my room in my apartment using my own laptop to write this...wireless internet!! Its really a man-made (God-blessed for us) miracle! Some of you have heard me complain for months and months about all our internet troubles...I mean, who hasn't had internet troubles at one point or another. I know I've had my fair share. But for the moment, I am smiling. After many months of saying mean things to our former computer and sighing over and over again around my teammates, Scott from my team blessed our apartment, specifically Ali, with a new computer. Its a Mac that he used to have before he got a new one. So, out with the old and in with the new. This started the process of getting a new modem...one that actually works with computers that aren't as old as who knows what. So...after much patience from Ali, 4 visits to the France telecom store (3 different ones), and a salesman that actually revealed to us a secret plan...we ended up with not only a new modem, but a wireless router...for even cheaper than expected! Amazing. Truly a miracle. And thanks to Scott again, after hooking everthing up for us in our apartment, I am sitting in my room, on my laptop, typing this. Amazing. You can't know what a relief and joy it is to have internet with a computer that will actually work and not have to be restarted an average of 10 times per day! So, thanks again to everyone who was a part of this amazing process that has revolutionized mine and my roommates' lives: Scott, Ali, Paulette, and the salesman at France telecom. I look forward to many more months of emailing more, blogging more, and sending out updates more frequently!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Lots of laughs...
...Although the visit ended with a few tears, it could hardly be classified as a sad or disappointing one. My best friends, Leah and Tatum, came to see me last week and we had sooooooo much fun. Of course, what should else should I expect from the two of them. Anyone who knows them both and has been around them together can testify that life gets pretty silly when both of them are around...you know what I mean! And that's exactly what I needed! I didn't even realize how warn out and tired and serious I had gotten from living in the city for 7 months. As they put it..."you're just more reserved here." That's definitely true and partly because of the culture here...but also partly because I'm just more tired here. I can't explain it, but if you've lived in a big city then you understand. Anyways...they were such a blessing of refreshment for me. I need times of complete silliness to relax and have fun and let go of everything I had been holding onto. This couldn't have been represented more perfectly than by our last night. They invited me to join them in a hotel suite where we ordered pizza in, watched the French version of American Idol (Nouvelle Star), and ate 3/4 of a cake (chocolate with cream cheese icing)!!! Not to mention, Tatum became photo artiste and took about 40 pics with different objects that we aptly names the "box pictures". So...as you can see, silly it was! Thanks for an amazing time girls!! Tatum...you're next...it will be mine and Leah's treat!
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Technology again...
...So, once again I'm amazed at technology and feel as if I've jumped 100 years into the future into come time that I used to watch on television...like on the Back to the Future movie. On Saturday, I talked to my friend, Stephanie, who's in China, through the internet. I sat with a laptop in front of me and a headset on and talked to her as if it were a phone. It was so weird at first. I really felt like I was in a movie. But it was really amazing. To think that I can talk to her when she's so far away so easily (and it was free!). So...thanks technology and all those who are constantly discovering new things!!! And thanks for a fun talk Steph!
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Happy Birthday Caden!
I would like to say Joyeaux Anniversaire to my little nephew, Caden, who is turning 1 !!!! Its his first birthday and I am very sad to miss celebrating it with him...but I heard the party was a blast. My big sis always knows how to throw a good party:o) I love you Caden and I'm giving you a big hug and kiss from Paris!!
Monday, March 28, 2005
Technology continues to amaze me...
...Last night, I watched a video over the internet of Louie Giglio speaking at 7:22. Amazing. I knew that you could do this now...but it still floored me when I clicked on one button and within 30 seconds I was watching a talk that took place a few weeks ago in the states...had I known before, I could probably watch it live. It was so cool to hear some of the new praise songs that were played and to hear Louie again...man is he good or what? He is totally annointed for speaking to our generation. I will say that I believe he might have read Piper's book that I'm reading right now...the talk was very familiar. But I hear Louie is a big Piper fan. Its good though...Piper's ideas are a bit over my head a lot of the time and Louie kind of brings them down closer to my level...and then I can chew on the ideas from there. So...I recommend this to all of you who don't get a chance to go to 7:22 in Alpharetta, Georgia...go to www.webvideocastings.com/722 and listen to some broadcasts...they are truly inspiring.
Pretty in Pink...
...Marisa and I finally made it to the Eiffel Tower...just to take look and some pictures. Thanks for loaning me the sweater Ris! And don't you all love Marisa's hat??
Let's eat some more...
...Elie, Assia, Marisa, and Me eating at this awesome Peruvian restaurant. Although we waited forever for the food (I think they forgot about us for a while), the food was great and we had a great time enjoying eachother's company.
Her first American meal...
...Me, Assia, Jessica and Sarah (both from the Mercer group). Assia joined us for dinner at the American restaurant and enjoyed her very first American meal (aside from McDonald's). She actually like the American mustard too!
Some new friends...
...At the end of the volunteer week, we had a dinner at the American restaurant and invited students to join us. Three girls that Veronica had met joined us and, along with Ali and Sandra, they had a great time getting to know eachother. Ali is hoping to begin meeting with these girls and carry on the new friendship.
A little chit chat...
...On campuses, we use volunteer groups to give surveys. These surveys are great ways to learn about the french student culture and mindset. Here Sandra (from the Mercer group) and Anna King (from our team) are talking with a couple of girls at the university building at Censier. They ended up talking with them for at least an hour!
Cooking lessons with Lulu...
...This was my first lesson in Chinese cooking...given by my teacher, Lulu. Its an exchange of sorts...I give Enlgish lessons and now she's teaching me how to cook real genuine Chinese food. The only problem is that she doesn't know the french or english word for a lot of the ingredients....I think you can only find them in China (or Chinatown, near where I live here in Paris).
The familiar accent group...
...This is the group from Mercer University in the states that came to work with us for a week. From the left its, Sarah, Chris (the leader), Veronica, Jessica, and Sandra.
Discovering new restaurants...
...I love going to ethnic restaurants and discovering foods I've never tasted before. Here, me and Assia are at a Lebonese place with our friend, Elie. He is Lebonese and took us to one of his favorite restaurants. The food was great! We're hoping to make this a weekly event...trying new restaurants with Assia, Elie, and their friends (giving them the chance to practice their English!).
A wonderful day to celebrate...
...After walking the road to the cross....what a day of celebration today is...the day that Christ defied all human laws and rose Himself from the grave!!!
Christ is Risen Indeed!!
Happy Easter everyone!!
Today is an amazing day for Christians. This is the most important day of the year as we reflect on the amazing and free gift Christ gave us...the gift of eternal life through a sacrifice that we could not make ourselves...a sinless sacrifice. I would just like to say a huge thank you to the Lord for this amazing gift...this is my Thanksgiving Day!!!!!
Christ is Risen Indeed!!
Happy Easter everyone!!
Today is an amazing day for Christians. This is the most important day of the year as we reflect on the amazing and free gift Christ gave us...the gift of eternal life through a sacrifice that we could not make ourselves...a sinless sacrifice. I would just like to say a huge thank you to the Lord for this amazing gift...this is my Thanksgiving Day!!!!!
Sunday, March 27, 2005
A walk following the cross...
...This past Friday (Good Friday) I was invited to join my friend, Joelle, and her sister to go to a service at a local catholic church. I was excited to experience something different...and I did. We begun by singing a few chants...remember, this is all in French. Then a priest carried a wooden cross and we all got up and began to follow him...even out the door! So, Joelle filled me in on what was going on. It turned out to be such a cool experience. It was "The Way of the Cross" (some know it as the "stations" of the cross). We walked a block or so, then stopped, a priest would read scripture and pray and then we would sing a chant that went along with the "station." Each station were parts of Jesus' path to the cross...from the acusasations of the sanhedrin to Peter's denial to the crucifixion. It was really moving. Although the standing and walking was very tiring...it was so great to spend three hours reading about Christ's amazing sacrifice and worship Him through prayer and song. It was a great way to spend Good Friday since that it when it all happened. I think I am going to make it a tradition for myself every year...maybe with a few slight (more protestant) changes:o)
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Some familiar accents...
...A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to host a volunteer group from Mercer University. Boy was it fun to hear some nice southern accents and the "correct" pronunciation of Atlanta ("Alana"). They were able to join us for a week. The group was made up of four girls and I loved getting to know all of them. One of my favorite questions to ask all of them was what they had learned about the students here in France throughout the week. So many of them were so surprised to find out that most students don't believe in God and don't think faith is important in our lives through the cultural exchange surveys they conducted. It was exciting to watch their eyes open to a whole new world around them.
On top of learning things themselves, they helped us out with making new contacts through the surveys, prayer walking up a storm!, and helping with English Club sign-ups. There were a few girls that my roommate met through them and is hoping to begin meeting with. Thanks for all the help Mercer Girls...and Chris!! We enjoyed having you all here...keep praying for the students in Paris and I'm looking forward to hearing about the new outreaches you will be doing on your campus!!!!
On top of learning things themselves, they helped us out with making new contacts through the surveys, prayer walking up a storm!, and helping with English Club sign-ups. There were a few girls that my roommate met through them and is hoping to begin meeting with. Thanks for all the help Mercer Girls...and Chris!! We enjoyed having you all here...keep praying for the students in Paris and I'm looking forward to hearing about the new outreaches you will be doing on your campus!!!!
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
By His Grace...
(the Hymn, "By His Grace")
"By His grace I am redeemed, By His blood I am made clean,
And I now can know Him face to face.
By His pow'r I havev been raised, Hidden now in Christ by faith;
I will praise the glory of His grace.
By Your grace I am redeemed, By Your blood I am made clean,
And I now can know You face to face.
By Your pow'r I have been raised, Hidden now in You by faith;
I will praise the glory of Your grace."
"By His grace I am redeemed, By His blood I am made clean,
And I now can know Him face to face.
By His pow'r I havev been raised, Hidden now in Christ by faith;
I will praise the glory of His grace.
By Your grace I am redeemed, By Your blood I am made clean,
And I now can know You face to face.
By Your pow'r I have been raised, Hidden now in You by faith;
I will praise the glory of Your grace."
Sunday, February 20, 2005
The waves and winds still know his voice...
I am currently reading "Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ" by John Piper. In the chapter titled "The Waves and Winds Still Know His Voice" Piper expresses the relationship of God with the earth and all its parts. I was moved by this chapter due to the recent tsunami event in Asia. It really spoke to me. God is completely in control of the earth and what happens with nature...eventhough we may not understand it. Here is a poem from the chapter that Piper wrote...it really moved me and I hope it speaks to you...
God strolled the beach---
Our legs and faces could not bear the piercing, blasting sand.
God stepped ashore---
Palms waved, scattering branches in his path.
God strode inland---
Magnolias, pines, and oaks
Who'd stretched one hundred years toward God,
Fell to the ground before him.
God stood and breathed---
While we--in dark, closed closet--
Feared to face his glory.
God strolled the beach---
Our legs and faces could not bear the piercing, blasting sand.
God stepped ashore---
Palms waved, scattering branches in his path.
God strode inland---
Magnolias, pines, and oaks
Who'd stretched one hundred years toward God,
Fell to the ground before him.
God stood and breathed---
While we--in dark, closed closet--
Feared to face his glory.
Monday, February 14, 2005
All fun and games...
...I've forgotten how much fun I have playing games with friends. Last night I had such a great time over at the King's apartment just playing games. Accompanied by my two roommates, Ali and Heidi, and my friend, Troy, we snacked on my favorite Tex-Mex dish, a layer dip with chips. About thirty chips later we began the real fun. We started off by teaching my roommates one of my favorite games, Speed Scrabble. If you aren't familiar with this game, you should be. Its so much more fun than Scrabble (although I've never actually played regular Scrabble...I just assume that it is a bit boring for me, too slow paced...kind of like my assumption with golf). I won't go into detail about the game, but its called SPEED Scrabble for that very reason. It was fun to watch my roommate, Heidi, come up with new words that I've never seen...she decide to play phonetically. Then we moved on to Nertz. Me and Ali were a team until we got too good and they decided that we needed to be on our own...just because they were all playing indiviually doesn't mean we have to right? Man, it was a competitive bunch. I got in trouble twice for "double handing" it. Who knew that was some unspoken rule? Anyways...one of my favorite parts was hearing what Ali would come up with to say about the number of points she got (she's not a big fan of speed games...she likes regular Scrabble better). When she achieved a positive score, she accredited it to Henry and Henrietta (the two ducks on the deck of card she was using). Another time, she recieved 3 points and said that this was a great number because it was the number of the month of her birthday. She's so funny and creative...always making us laugh...mostly because she's already laughing. So...thanks for having us over Anna and Tom!! We had a blast...next time, we'll host the game night and I'm sure Ali will make us play at least one slower paced game:o) Happy Gamenighting everyone!!!
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Letting go of the rope...
(dedicated to my friend who gives me hope every time I speak with her)
Seeking with hope
A young doctor sees
There is more to this world
More than she’s known
Starting with nothing
Stepping slowly down the path
Asking questions with no fear
Just a mind with all wonders
A journey has commenced
And stories unfold
Of other Christians
And their paths to the One
Change has begun
In her heart, mind and soul
She begins to hear the faint whispers
She sees the power, He’s moving
So what holds her back
From the life-saving choice
To give all control
To the ultimate Love
She says there’s a bridge
She sees the other side
But preventing the next step
Is not letting go of the rope
Seeking with hope
A young doctor sees
There is more to this world
More than she’s known
Starting with nothing
Stepping slowly down the path
Asking questions with no fear
Just a mind with all wonders
A journey has commenced
And stories unfold
Of other Christians
And their paths to the One
Change has begun
In her heart, mind and soul
She begins to hear the faint whispers
She sees the power, He’s moving
So what holds her back
From the life-saving choice
To give all control
To the ultimate Love
She says there’s a bridge
She sees the other side
But preventing the next step
Is not letting go of the rope
Roller coasters...
Bonjour Supporters, Famille, et Amis!!
Hello Supporters, Family, and Friends!!
“Consider the work of God, for who is able to straighten what He has bent? In the day of prosperity be happy, but in the day of adversity consider—God has made the one as well as the other…” Ecclesiastes 7:13-14
The New Year began with fireworks, but little did I know that the Lord had a roller coaster in store for me the first month of the year. The month of January was full of ups and downs…and oh how the “downs” made me appreciate the “ups” so much more. Now, no one worry…I’m fine, I promise.
So…where to begin.
Most memorable moment: Seeing the look on my face in the mirror after getting my first Parisian-style haircut. I adventured into the Jean Louise David school to get my super-cheap haircut (only 4 euro, which is about 6 dollars or so right now). All was going well until I was separated from my roommate, Ali, who was assigned to be my translator for this momentous occasion. Although my understanding of French has grown, my ability to speak has not (unfortunately). But with the help of many hand gestures and a magazine or two…the student began hacking away. Huge chunks of hair were flying around and I suddenly realized that my worst fear might be coming true…I was getting an infamous mullet! After two hours of cutting, and help from the teacher, all was complete and I was officially a part of the group known as South-Georgian Hicks. Now, some might say, “you’re exaggerating Pam!”…well, you are right, I am. Truthfully, it is a very stylish mullet…my stick-straight hair helps in that way. And I have come to really like it and I actually feel like I fit in better now. But, I don’t think I’ll be pointing to that picture next time. And don’t worry Valerie, I’m going to get another haircut to even it all out before your wedding. I don’t think a mullet (no matter how stylish) will go well with a lilac bridesmaid dress.
A sad good-bye: One of my down moments was having to say goodbye to my good friend, Lydia, who was studying here from Germany. She ended up having to leave Paris a month early due to an internship. However, we did get in a whole bunch of fun before she left: shopping, coffee, ice-skating, and dinner at an amazing Ethiopian restaurant. I truly feel blessed to have met Lydia and become friends with her. And I wish her all the happiness in the world in her new marriage that will begin in August! I can’t wait to visit you Lydia!
A big southern-style hello: The third week in January, we welcomed a volunteer mission group from Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina. They were here for 10 days helping out our ministry. This was my first time being on this side of things and it was very interesting. I have a new appreciation. We were blessed to have these students come…their zeal was encouraging, their theological discussions were unforgettable, and I think they walked away from here with a new understanding of reaching post-modern thinkers through relationship evangelism. Thanks for all the help y’all!!
“The end of the matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8
Avec amour,Pamela Simpson
Hello Supporters, Family, and Friends!!
“Consider the work of God, for who is able to straighten what He has bent? In the day of prosperity be happy, but in the day of adversity consider—God has made the one as well as the other…” Ecclesiastes 7:13-14
The New Year began with fireworks, but little did I know that the Lord had a roller coaster in store for me the first month of the year. The month of January was full of ups and downs…and oh how the “downs” made me appreciate the “ups” so much more. Now, no one worry…I’m fine, I promise.
So…where to begin.
Most memorable moment: Seeing the look on my face in the mirror after getting my first Parisian-style haircut. I adventured into the Jean Louise David school to get my super-cheap haircut (only 4 euro, which is about 6 dollars or so right now). All was going well until I was separated from my roommate, Ali, who was assigned to be my translator for this momentous occasion. Although my understanding of French has grown, my ability to speak has not (unfortunately). But with the help of many hand gestures and a magazine or two…the student began hacking away. Huge chunks of hair were flying around and I suddenly realized that my worst fear might be coming true…I was getting an infamous mullet! After two hours of cutting, and help from the teacher, all was complete and I was officially a part of the group known as South-Georgian Hicks. Now, some might say, “you’re exaggerating Pam!”…well, you are right, I am. Truthfully, it is a very stylish mullet…my stick-straight hair helps in that way. And I have come to really like it and I actually feel like I fit in better now. But, I don’t think I’ll be pointing to that picture next time. And don’t worry Valerie, I’m going to get another haircut to even it all out before your wedding. I don’t think a mullet (no matter how stylish) will go well with a lilac bridesmaid dress.
A sad good-bye: One of my down moments was having to say goodbye to my good friend, Lydia, who was studying here from Germany. She ended up having to leave Paris a month early due to an internship. However, we did get in a whole bunch of fun before she left: shopping, coffee, ice-skating, and dinner at an amazing Ethiopian restaurant. I truly feel blessed to have met Lydia and become friends with her. And I wish her all the happiness in the world in her new marriage that will begin in August! I can’t wait to visit you Lydia!
A big southern-style hello: The third week in January, we welcomed a volunteer mission group from Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina. They were here for 10 days helping out our ministry. This was my first time being on this side of things and it was very interesting. I have a new appreciation. We were blessed to have these students come…their zeal was encouraging, their theological discussions were unforgettable, and I think they walked away from here with a new understanding of reaching post-modern thinkers through relationship evangelism. Thanks for all the help y’all!!
“The end of the matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8
Avec amour,Pamela Simpson
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Hey Y'all!
I was so excited to have a group of southerners come and help us out. This is the group from Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina. They joined us for 10 days and their zeal was unforgettable. Thanks for the help!
The moast fashionable mullet I've ever seen:o)
Here's a close-up of my wonderful Parisian haircut that has now famed me with the name Pamullet:o) The best part about it is that you can always see my cool earrings...the worst part...no second-day hair. But for only 4 euros, it was definitely worth it!
The Best Way to Say Goodbye
I think this was the best goodbye dinner I've ever had...no tears, just amazing and different Ethiopian food. I will definitely be going back here. It may not look like much, but we couldn't even finish that plate! Oh...this is Lydia and Me...she had to go back to Germany for an internship...but hopefully I will get to go to Germany to visit her soon.
The Lips
I couldn't believe my eyes...this is the cotemporary art fountain that is in one of my favorite movies, Sabrina! So cool. Its a great meeting spot...no one can miss the lips!
Saturday, January 29, 2005
What you can buy in Paris for 4 euros...
*4 heads of fabulous lettuce at the local market on avenue d'italie
*a really great bottle of wine, at least that's what my friends say
*a starbucks chocolate viennois (a hot chocolate with whip cream and choc. syrup on top)...yep, there are about 10 of them here in Paris and I definitely have been to a few
*the latest trendy haircut at the Jean Louise David school for hair stylists...don't be fooled, its not a mullet (or is it?)
*2 pashmina scarves at the market...its a steal! and everyone wears them here
*either 2 butter and sugar crepes or 1 really loaded banana and nutella crepe (my personal favorite!)
*a big slab of mimolette cheese (possibly my favorite cheese, probably because its like cheddar)
*a cool french cd at a little store near centre pompidou
*8 liters of box milk...its not so bad and really convenient
....So, as you can see, I know where to find the good buys here in Paris...you can get by here with a lot less when you know where to shop.
*a really great bottle of wine, at least that's what my friends say
*a starbucks chocolate viennois (a hot chocolate with whip cream and choc. syrup on top)...yep, there are about 10 of them here in Paris and I definitely have been to a few
*the latest trendy haircut at the Jean Louise David school for hair stylists...don't be fooled, its not a mullet (or is it?)
*2 pashmina scarves at the market...its a steal! and everyone wears them here
*either 2 butter and sugar crepes or 1 really loaded banana and nutella crepe (my personal favorite!)
*a big slab of mimolette cheese (possibly my favorite cheese, probably because its like cheddar)
*a cool french cd at a little store near centre pompidou
*8 liters of box milk...its not so bad and really convenient
....So, as you can see, I know where to find the good buys here in Paris...you can get by here with a lot less when you know where to shop.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
On a different side this time...
...Whew. We made it through our first volunteer team since I've been here. What an amazing experience. I've always been on the other side of things. I've always been the one that is part of a group going abroad. Now, this time...I was on the receiving end...what a difference. The group came from Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina and spent 10 days here with us in Paris. I am thrilled at how fast they jumped into helping us with everything here. We had them meeting students from Day 2 and they made a lot of new contacts for us as well. It was so interesting to listen to what their expectations were when they got here, and see how they changed over the week. I think they all left Paris with a new perspective on the "heartset" (the spiritual place) of the students here. The group got a big dose of teaching on building friendships and being here to sow seeds and trust the Lord with the rest. But I believe they got a lot out of the 10 days they were here.
As far as me...I got a lot out of it too. The seminary students were so great at encouraging me...even when they didn't know they were doing it. I was challenged to make my message to students even clearer and to continue to make sure that prayer is the first and foremost thing I am doing. The biggest lesson I learned, though, was TRUST. Only a few days had passed and I was already a little anxious about having put so much trust in people that I barely knew. I had to trust them with students, my new friends, that I had put so much love, time, and effort into forming bonds with. I found myself doubting their abilities to understand how to interact with the students, afterall, I couldn't tell them every bit of background that has been going on for four months in just a few minutes. So...could I really trust them? Then...it hit me. Oh, what a beautiful illustration of how the Lord trusts us. God has allowed me to be a part of the task of helping students to come one step closer to Him. Am I worthy of that trust? I don't know all of the background on all of these students from the past 18-22 years. I don't know exactly how to interact with all of them. But He entrusts me with the task anyways. Wow. I am floored. Now I see how hard that can be from this side of things.
As far as me...I got a lot out of it too. The seminary students were so great at encouraging me...even when they didn't know they were doing it. I was challenged to make my message to students even clearer and to continue to make sure that prayer is the first and foremost thing I am doing. The biggest lesson I learned, though, was TRUST. Only a few days had passed and I was already a little anxious about having put so much trust in people that I barely knew. I had to trust them with students, my new friends, that I had put so much love, time, and effort into forming bonds with. I found myself doubting their abilities to understand how to interact with the students, afterall, I couldn't tell them every bit of background that has been going on for four months in just a few minutes. So...could I really trust them? Then...it hit me. Oh, what a beautiful illustration of how the Lord trusts us. God has allowed me to be a part of the task of helping students to come one step closer to Him. Am I worthy of that trust? I don't know all of the background on all of these students from the past 18-22 years. I don't know exactly how to interact with all of them. But He entrusts me with the task anyways. Wow. I am floored. Now I see how hard that can be from this side of things.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
A New Year in Paris...
...It's 2005!!! Happy New Year Everyone! Bonne Annee Tout le Monde!!
I can hardly believe that a new year has already begun. I think that time keeps going by faster and faster the older you get. Is that true? Looking back on the year I am amazed. In 2004, I graduated from UGA with a BA in Marketing, watched one of my best friends get married (Brynn), said "i'll miss you" to way to many people as they all moved to different places to begin new jobs and had "i'll miss you" said to me more times than I could count as I packed up two huge suitcases and moved to Paris...I began learning a new language, became part of a new Christian family (my teammates and roommates), learned what it really means to create opportunities for reaching people in any place and at any time, and had my very first train ride and first White Christmas! Whew! What a year.
So...to top it all off, I spent New Year's Eve in Paris. What could be better than ringing in the New Year with my new friends, standing on a bridge over the Seine River, watching the spectacular fireworks shooting into the dark night sky over the Louvre, hearing honks coming from tons of cars on the street, shouting "Bonne Annee" to anyone and everyone, and giving bisous (kisses on the cheeks) to my friends all around me. It was fabulous. And now I'm ready to really begin a new year.
For the new year...2005...I pray that this year would be another year of amazing experiences. I pray for many opportunities to meet new people, for continued learning of French, for the opportunity to see people come to know God in a personal way, for more discipline in my realtionship with the Lord, and for more and more opportunities to learn to become more like Jesus and grow in unity with God. Amen.
I can hardly believe that a new year has already begun. I think that time keeps going by faster and faster the older you get. Is that true? Looking back on the year I am amazed. In 2004, I graduated from UGA with a BA in Marketing, watched one of my best friends get married (Brynn), said "i'll miss you" to way to many people as they all moved to different places to begin new jobs and had "i'll miss you" said to me more times than I could count as I packed up two huge suitcases and moved to Paris...I began learning a new language, became part of a new Christian family (my teammates and roommates), learned what it really means to create opportunities for reaching people in any place and at any time, and had my very first train ride and first White Christmas! Whew! What a year.
So...to top it all off, I spent New Year's Eve in Paris. What could be better than ringing in the New Year with my new friends, standing on a bridge over the Seine River, watching the spectacular fireworks shooting into the dark night sky over the Louvre, hearing honks coming from tons of cars on the street, shouting "Bonne Annee" to anyone and everyone, and giving bisous (kisses on the cheeks) to my friends all around me. It was fabulous. And now I'm ready to really begin a new year.
For the new year...2005...I pray that this year would be another year of amazing experiences. I pray for many opportunities to meet new people, for continued learning of French, for the opportunity to see people come to know God in a personal way, for more discipline in my realtionship with the Lord, and for more and more opportunities to learn to become more like Jesus and grow in unity with God. Amen.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Holiday blessings near perfection...
...I didn't know how my first Christmas away from family and a home I've always known would go...but the Lord did a great job of blessing me during a time that could have been disheartening. It began with my first train ride ever...and in FIRST class...thanks to special student passes. It was so fun to travel with two of my roommates, even if carrying around a ton of luggage around Paris and on and off trains isn't so fun. We stopped through Dijon on our way to St. Amour...and yes, I was a typical tourist and bought mustard! I couldn't resist. Once we arrived in St. Amour, we were greeted with friendly faces at the train station and carried away in our own personal carriage (a fabulous minivan) up to the chateau of our dreams!! I'm not kidding or exaggerating. As we drove up the winding road, our mouths gradually (and not so gracefully) dropped open at the beautiful sight of real grass, tons of trees, beautiful fields, rolling hills, and a beautiful ancient castle a top of a magnificent hill. Was I dreaming? I actually had to pinch myself at least once. Especially as we got the insiders tour of the chateau and were shown ancient furniture, paintings, and amazing stone fireplaces.
The 5 days in St. Amour were spent with families...lots of children all around...baking...Christmas music, a whole table of sweets!!...and so much more. We lead the music at the Christmas Eve service in the freezing cold Chapel that is adjacent to the chateau and played Santa by helping stuff stockings and wrap presents until 2 in the morning. They gave us presents on Christmas, we watched tons of movies, and even saw snow fall on Christmas day...it was my very first White Christmas...I took TONS o pictures...I think it was about 350 over the five days!!! Amazing. Couldn't have asked for more and I was actually quite sad to leave.
But the blessings kept coming.
We made our way on the trains again over to Evian...yep, the place where the water is from. I have now showered in true Evian water! We arrived pretty early for the retreat, so we decided to walk around town a bit. We ate at a cute little restaurant, shopped a bit, and walked around on the streets as it was snowing (yep it snowed again!!!). The retreat was great. The Lord taught me a lot and began showing me parts of me that need to be smoothed over. I felt great intimacy with Him there among the huge Alps Mountain range covered in snow. What an amazing Creator we have!!! So imaginative. I had a great time meeting a lot of new people and hanging out with friends I know from Paris that came along. I also had a chance to improve my understanding of French...since the whole retreat was in French (but luckily I had some really nice personal translators!). One of the highlights of the retreat was on Thursday afternoon. We had the opportunity to spend the afternoon skiing in the Alps! It was so incredible. I still can't believe that we walked fifteen minutes in the snow from our retreat center, rented equipment, and before I knew it I was at the top of a mountain overlooking Lake Geneve, seeing the land of Switzerland and more beautiful mountain tops with snow covered trees than I've ever seen in my life!!...and all for the low price of 21 euros!!! Blessings. Blessings. And more blessings. So...yep...lots of pics (pictures) of those few days as well. I'll try to get some up on my blog asap.
So...now I am back in Paris and getting ready to go out with some friends for New Year's. We are going to hang out at some friends' apartment and then head over to the gardens at the Louvre and watch the spectacular fireworks. They're supposed to be really good to impress everyone because Paris is trying to become the olympic city for 2012. I hope so!! I'm sure I'll have lots of pics of that too!
This holiday season has truly been a time of rest from the Lord. I didn't even realize how badly I needed it until I left the smog city full of darkness and relaxed in the hand of the Lord on top of fresh air, snow covered mountains. Isn't it amazing how perfectly the Lord knows and fulfills our needs. What an amazing, personal, and loving God we have! And we have a relationship with Him because He sent His Son to be born and to be sacrificed. Blessings.
The 5 days in St. Amour were spent with families...lots of children all around...baking...Christmas music, a whole table of sweets!!...and so much more. We lead the music at the Christmas Eve service in the freezing cold Chapel that is adjacent to the chateau and played Santa by helping stuff stockings and wrap presents until 2 in the morning. They gave us presents on Christmas, we watched tons of movies, and even saw snow fall on Christmas day...it was my very first White Christmas...I took TONS o pictures...I think it was about 350 over the five days!!! Amazing. Couldn't have asked for more and I was actually quite sad to leave.
But the blessings kept coming.
We made our way on the trains again over to Evian...yep, the place where the water is from. I have now showered in true Evian water! We arrived pretty early for the retreat, so we decided to walk around town a bit. We ate at a cute little restaurant, shopped a bit, and walked around on the streets as it was snowing (yep it snowed again!!!). The retreat was great. The Lord taught me a lot and began showing me parts of me that need to be smoothed over. I felt great intimacy with Him there among the huge Alps Mountain range covered in snow. What an amazing Creator we have!!! So imaginative. I had a great time meeting a lot of new people and hanging out with friends I know from Paris that came along. I also had a chance to improve my understanding of French...since the whole retreat was in French (but luckily I had some really nice personal translators!). One of the highlights of the retreat was on Thursday afternoon. We had the opportunity to spend the afternoon skiing in the Alps! It was so incredible. I still can't believe that we walked fifteen minutes in the snow from our retreat center, rented equipment, and before I knew it I was at the top of a mountain overlooking Lake Geneve, seeing the land of Switzerland and more beautiful mountain tops with snow covered trees than I've ever seen in my life!!...and all for the low price of 21 euros!!! Blessings. Blessings. And more blessings. So...yep...lots of pics (pictures) of those few days as well. I'll try to get some up on my blog asap.
So...now I am back in Paris and getting ready to go out with some friends for New Year's. We are going to hang out at some friends' apartment and then head over to the gardens at the Louvre and watch the spectacular fireworks. They're supposed to be really good to impress everyone because Paris is trying to become the olympic city for 2012. I hope so!! I'm sure I'll have lots of pics of that too!
This holiday season has truly been a time of rest from the Lord. I didn't even realize how badly I needed it until I left the smog city full of darkness and relaxed in the hand of the Lord on top of fresh air, snow covered mountains. Isn't it amazing how perfectly the Lord knows and fulfills our needs. What an amazing, personal, and loving God we have! And we have a relationship with Him because He sent His Son to be born and to be sacrificed. Blessings.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Black and White
My 23rd birthday was this month and we decided to throw a fabulous party in our apartment. It was themed Black and White...so everyone came dressed in B&W, all of the food and decorations were B&W, and even the pictures I took were all in Black and White. This was a great time for all of my friends that I've met through my different activities to come over to my apartment, mingle with my other friends, meet my roommates, and just have a good time. Its all about being creative and open to new ideas and using every opportunity!!!
Yes...we decorated!
We couldn't let Christmas go by without attempting to decorate our apartment. With the help of some packed up decorations in the cave, a very generous team that gave us a tree, and also thanks to the cheap Bizare stores on the streets near us...we decorated successfully! It's a very festive apartment and made us feel more at home for the holidays. But it still wasn't the same without our families and without all of my mom's traditional decorations!
Me and Violaine
Me and Violaine are outside a museum here in the city. We had a great time hanging out and hopefully we'll have a lot more of these great fun outings. Violaine is from Lyon, France and I met her in the ENPC class that I help out with.
Movie Night
Here are Ashley, Almina, and Nam right before we are going to a movie. We like to see movies a lot...probably about once a week with either our cine club or on our own. Its such a fun, easy, and somewhat cheap thing to do with friends here. They love to go see movies...and so do I!
O Christmas Tree
The Eiffel Tower lit up at night is the most beautiful Christmas tree I've seen. It still takes my breath away.
Pilgrims and Indians!
This was our group that we had over for Thanksgiving dinner. Moms...you would be proud. The four of us cooked some amazing american foods that everyone really liked. This was a great time to have all of our new friends over to meet eachother and have a good time over food.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
My first trip to the train station...
...Well, I'm off to the train station bright and early in the morning with my two fabulous roommates, Ali and Ashley. We're heading to St.Amour, France (Saint Love...how appropriate!) to spend Christmas with an American family they know. I'm so excited about my first train ride...and we're getting to ride first class for almost the same price!!! So..I'm riding in style. We're passing through Dijon and I plan to get come genuine mustard...mmm. I will be there until the 28th and then I'm heading with them to Evian (yep, the water place) for a Christmas Conference with Agape (the organization my roommates work for). I'm pumped about getting out of the hustle and bustle of the city and having NO responsibilities for a week or so!! Yea!! So...I'm off to cleaner air, relaxing times with a family, lots of laughs, and hopefully a lot of snow!!!!!!!! I'll let you know how it all goes in my next blog:o) Merry Christmas/ Joyeux Noel everyone!
Sunday, November 21, 2004
A Birthday Party...
...Last night we hosted a fabulous birthday party at our apartment for our friend, Christina. She's from the states, studying here in Paris for the year. She's an amazing Christian woman and we are so excited to have met her here and to be able to have great fellowship with her. It was an intimate party with around 10 people. We ate pasta (thanks Heidi and Michelle), cookies (way to go cookie team!!), sang Christmas songs with the guitar (thanks Christina), and enjoyed eachother's company. The best part of the whole night (to me) was when we sang the Birthday song. Unfortunately, Christina had to play the guitar for her own birthday song...but she was a good sport. The cool part...we heard it in SEVEN languages: English, Italian, Turkish, Chinese, Spanish, German, and French of course. It almost gave me goose bumps...I'm so lucky to be able to interact with so many people from so many countries and cultures. What an opportunity! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTINA!!!!
The definition of success and significance...
...The job of an internship with the International Board in a foreign county, France, is something very different from what most people think of as a "real job." I have come here with ideas of what a "real job" is...influenced by the Terry College of Business, my family, our American culture in general. It's a 9-5 job...that really requires more time than that...where you recieve a "salary" that seems to tell you that you have "done your job" adequately and bonuses that give you an extra pat on the back and scream SUCCESS!!! Wow...does that really define success and significance in the workplace????
My view has definitely changed.
It's time for me (and others as well) to look at success and significance with eyes looking beyond the short-term. My marketing classes in college always emphasized the importance of looking at customers with a long-term relationship in mind. This was one area of marketing I completely agree with. But are we looking at our "jobs" the same way? What impact am I having in the long-term category? I begin by looking at the relationships I am developing with co-workers...am I in it for the long haul? This is where the significance and success begin...but it goes beyond this.
I want eternal eyes...eternal vision. This sounds kind of weird, so I'll explain a little further. I want to look beyond this world and see what will be when I'm gone from this world. It will be what's eternal that matters. So...its not even just the relationships that I want to be long-term...I want the effects to be long-term. The effects of what I'm doing in my "real job." I want to take advantage of every opportunity to have a truly long-term impact...one that goes beyond our time right now. I want a true light...an eternal love...to shine and flow from me. One that comes from the eternal spirit in me...one that is from God. And I want this action to have lasting effects.
So...forget salaries, bonuses, clocking in and out...that's not a "real job" with significance and success. A "real job" with significance and success can only be defined as that after we see its long-term, eternal impacts and effects. It could take months, years, decades...who knows how long. So...I'll trust that God will look at my job and decide whether its "real" and truly having an impact for the better in this world. I'll trust that He will keep me in line and in check and give me His "bonuses" when I am "successful." In the mean time...I will try to see with eternal eyes all of the opportunities that lye before me...whether they are as an intern in Paris, a businesswoman in Georgia, or wherever else the Lord may want me to go.
My view has definitely changed.
It's time for me (and others as well) to look at success and significance with eyes looking beyond the short-term. My marketing classes in college always emphasized the importance of looking at customers with a long-term relationship in mind. This was one area of marketing I completely agree with. But are we looking at our "jobs" the same way? What impact am I having in the long-term category? I begin by looking at the relationships I am developing with co-workers...am I in it for the long haul? This is where the significance and success begin...but it goes beyond this.
I want eternal eyes...eternal vision. This sounds kind of weird, so I'll explain a little further. I want to look beyond this world and see what will be when I'm gone from this world. It will be what's eternal that matters. So...its not even just the relationships that I want to be long-term...I want the effects to be long-term. The effects of what I'm doing in my "real job." I want to take advantage of every opportunity to have a truly long-term impact...one that goes beyond our time right now. I want a true light...an eternal love...to shine and flow from me. One that comes from the eternal spirit in me...one that is from God. And I want this action to have lasting effects.
So...forget salaries, bonuses, clocking in and out...that's not a "real job" with significance and success. A "real job" with significance and success can only be defined as that after we see its long-term, eternal impacts and effects. It could take months, years, decades...who knows how long. So...I'll trust that God will look at my job and decide whether its "real" and truly having an impact for the better in this world. I'll trust that He will keep me in line and in check and give me His "bonuses" when I am "successful." In the mean time...I will try to see with eternal eyes all of the opportunities that lye before me...whether they are as an intern in Paris, a businesswoman in Georgia, or wherever else the Lord may want me to go.
Friday, November 12, 2004
The Gift of Family and Friends...
...The longer I am over here in Paris, the more I realize the importance of support and love from family and friends back home. Leaving everything behind and moving to a foreign country is a huge change...you are stripped of all of your "norms", "comforts", etc. All of my constants were gone...all except God. God has been my ultimate family and friend while I've been in Paris and I thank Him continually for that. Even beyond that...He has blessed me. He has given me an amazing family and friend network at home (as well as here). The biggest gift that I have felt recently has been all of you at home. I have felt your love, prayers, and support. I have thoroughly enjoyed the emails you have sent me. I savour the phone conversations that I am so lucky to have...its so great that its not expensive. Each letter in the mail brings a great deal of excitement and I can't describe what its like to receive a package!! Its a speechless moment...there's just something about it. Its all of these things put together that are one of the greatest gifts a girl in Paris, away from home, can receive. You all are my connection to home and I love each of you very much. Keep up the good work! God has given me you all to keep me on (somewhat) soild ground.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
The Whole Gang
This is the whole gang that came to the Halloween Party. Most of them experienced this holiday for the first time. We had a big bag of costumes for everyone to choose from and everybody seemed to really get into it. The apartment was a mess by the end of the night...so I guess the party was a success=)
Interesting...
This is Heidi with some friends...Jean, Susan, Seven (the one with the mask), and Nico.
3 Different Nations
Here I am with Almina (from Bosnia) and Troy (from China). They are some of my new friends and are tons of fun to hang out with.
The Rommates
This is me and the roommates at our Halloween Party. We had such a great time hosting it in our apartment. From the left its, Heidi, Me, Ali, and Ashley.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Jack-O-Laterns
These are the beautifully carved pumpkins that our friends carved at our Halloween Party. It was their first time!! Pretty good huh? The left one won the prize for "most creative" and the right one won the prize for "traditional and clean cut". They are beautiful pumpkins that I found all by myself at the market...it was an adventure.
Classical Concert
This was a classical concert at a small cathedral in town. It was a clarinet, cello, violin, and piano. It was a relaxing way to end my day of fun with Lydia.
PUSH
This is a French Christian band that we go to see in concert. They were so great that I bought their cd on the spot. Its so great that good bands like this exist here. It was a really cool concert and pretty high-tech.
Lydia
This is Lydia. Lydia is a Christian from Germany. We love going to fun things on the weekends. This is a picture from the Chocolate Expo...we had bananas covered with melted chocolate. Mmm.
English Club Sign-Ups
We had a table at a local university campus, Censier, for English Club sign-ups. We had a great response...my Monday class has about 10 people and my Thursday has about 5 people. Yea!! This is a great free service to students and a great way to meet people.
Girls' Night
Party at Mentanna's!! Even Gidget had a good time. We ate pizza and brownies, painted nails, and talked...what a great night.
Fun Socks
Can you guess whose feet are whose? (Nichole, Mentanna, Anna, and Pam)Thanks to Anna and Mentanna for the fun socks on our girls night. It was so much fun hanging out with the girls from my team. But the question remains...do the stars go on top or bottom?
The Eiffel Tower with a twist
This Eiffel Tower is about twice as tall as me...and made of chocolate. There were a few at the Chocolate Expo, but this one was the most impressive.
Elephant
This elephant is made completely out of chocolate. It's truly a masterpiece...a work of art. The detailing is incredible. (at the Chocolate Expo)
My Favorite Dress
Talk about a dream dress! This was my favorite dress at the Chocolate Expo...there were quite a few! It's so beautiful and even comes with a lamp-shade umbrella! That's a fasion statement.
A Chocolate Guitar
This full size guitar may not be playable...but it sure is edible!! This one was for you boys, Rob and Hudson! (at the Chocolate Expo)
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
A fruit harvest...
...I am reading this book called Finding Common Ground by Tim Downs and I have come to a very interesting point. When we think about reaping a harvest, what kind of harvest are we thinking of? A wheat harvest or a fruit harvest. The reason it is essential to determine which one we find our selves amidst is that we must reap in different ways...the methods are quite different.
"In a wheat harvest, the grain is harvested in a short period of time. There is a small window of opportunity before weather or blight destroys the crop where it stands...the reaper passes through the fields, the sheaves are bundled, the fields are cleared. A wheat harvest is a thorough, final, consummate event.
But Jesus also spoke of people as though they were a harvest of fruit. A fruit harvest is a very different kind of harvest--a patient, gradual, ongoing process. Though there is a harvest season, th fruit harvest takes place over a much longer period of time. It's no accident that a fruit grower is sometimes known as a "vinedresser." He can't simply walk out into the vineyard with his sickle and mow everything down. The vinedresser always enters the vineyard prepared to do a variety of jobs. He looks first for ripe fruit; where he finds none, he "dresses" the vine. He pulls a weed, fertilizes, cultivates, ties up a sagging branch. Later, a different worker may come behind him. She may find a thick, hardy vine where he tied up a feeble twig. She may find ripe fruit where he found none. No matter. At the harvest celebration, the vinedresser and the reaper will be glad together."
In this book, he is describing America as a Postmodern society. Although he is speaking of America here, he is also speaking of France, as I would classify them as Postmodern as well. So, I believe Paris is a fruit harvest and I am just one vinedresser walking through the vineyard. I need to be prepared to do a variety of jobs, depending on the plant/fruit. And I will be relying on the Spirit to show me what needs to be done.
"...we should enter the vineyard looking for--anticipating--ripe fruit to pick. That, after all, is the final goal. But we'll be careful not to bruise the fruit that's unready to pick. We'll remember that fruit harvesting is a gentle, gradual, ongoing process that requires patience and faith."
"In a wheat harvest, the grain is harvested in a short period of time. There is a small window of opportunity before weather or blight destroys the crop where it stands...the reaper passes through the fields, the sheaves are bundled, the fields are cleared. A wheat harvest is a thorough, final, consummate event.
But Jesus also spoke of people as though they were a harvest of fruit. A fruit harvest is a very different kind of harvest--a patient, gradual, ongoing process. Though there is a harvest season, th fruit harvest takes place over a much longer period of time. It's no accident that a fruit grower is sometimes known as a "vinedresser." He can't simply walk out into the vineyard with his sickle and mow everything down. The vinedresser always enters the vineyard prepared to do a variety of jobs. He looks first for ripe fruit; where he finds none, he "dresses" the vine. He pulls a weed, fertilizes, cultivates, ties up a sagging branch. Later, a different worker may come behind him. She may find a thick, hardy vine where he tied up a feeble twig. She may find ripe fruit where he found none. No matter. At the harvest celebration, the vinedresser and the reaper will be glad together."
In this book, he is describing America as a Postmodern society. Although he is speaking of America here, he is also speaking of France, as I would classify them as Postmodern as well. So, I believe Paris is a fruit harvest and I am just one vinedresser walking through the vineyard. I need to be prepared to do a variety of jobs, depending on the plant/fruit. And I will be relying on the Spirit to show me what needs to be done.
"...we should enter the vineyard looking for--anticipating--ripe fruit to pick. That, after all, is the final goal. But we'll be careful not to bruise the fruit that's unready to pick. We'll remember that fruit harvesting is a gentle, gradual, ongoing process that requires patience and faith."
Monday, October 25, 2004
Luxembourg Gardens...
...A large beautiful tree sits in front of me...branches stretched out wide, welcoming anyone to come and sit under them...to take a rest.
The Lord has brought me to a point of desperation. I have been so desperate to "do" things, make "plans", basically keep myself busy. But nothing was happening. I couldn't find things to "do", "plans" to make (and some kept falling through), and I have been bored--I have felt useless. But He has said to me, "Come and rest in Me."
So after fighting for a bit, I have given in. And the past few days have been truly glorious...blessings from the Lord.
The weather in Paris has been amazing the past few days. We have had warmer temperatures, sunny skies, a slight breeze...and NO rain (this is not typical for this time of year). Since the weather has been so great, I decided to spend this Sunday afternoon in Luxembourg Gardens. What a magnificent place! I've spent the past few hours going through my Bible study while lounging in front of the fountain, taking pictures of little kids playing, walking on the tree covered paths, watching friends and families relax together, reading a book, and just sitting. There are benches, fountains, toy boats, playgrounds, pony rides, a carousel, and more trees than I've seen in one place since I've been here in Paris. There are yellow and orange leaves, green grass, gray gravel paths, brown trunks, and an occassional peak at blue sky. Mmm...can't you just smell the crisp fall air.
As I sit here, I am reminded of my purpose here. I am reading a book and it has just reminded me of something very basic and important in missions for every Christian. There is sowing, hoeing, watering, weeding, toil, hardship, and suffering before the harvest can be reaped. I look at these tress and flowers and I am reminded of how they did not start this way. There was so much more before this point...and there will be so much more before the next and last point.
The Lord has not called me to Paris to harvest. He has called me here to sow, hoe, water, weed, and more. Every soil is at a different point...and every person is at a different point of readiness for acceptance of the Truth. The Lord has called me to break up the hard ground for some, to plant see for others, to get rid of the weeds for some, and to water the plant that has already sprouted. Oh, the possibilities. And now I look to the Holy Spirit to help me discern the soil...and then put me to work in the fields.
The Lord has brought me to a point of desperation. I have been so desperate to "do" things, make "plans", basically keep myself busy. But nothing was happening. I couldn't find things to "do", "plans" to make (and some kept falling through), and I have been bored--I have felt useless. But He has said to me, "Come and rest in Me."
So after fighting for a bit, I have given in. And the past few days have been truly glorious...blessings from the Lord.
The weather in Paris has been amazing the past few days. We have had warmer temperatures, sunny skies, a slight breeze...and NO rain (this is not typical for this time of year). Since the weather has been so great, I decided to spend this Sunday afternoon in Luxembourg Gardens. What a magnificent place! I've spent the past few hours going through my Bible study while lounging in front of the fountain, taking pictures of little kids playing, walking on the tree covered paths, watching friends and families relax together, reading a book, and just sitting. There are benches, fountains, toy boats, playgrounds, pony rides, a carousel, and more trees than I've seen in one place since I've been here in Paris. There are yellow and orange leaves, green grass, gray gravel paths, brown trunks, and an occassional peak at blue sky. Mmm...can't you just smell the crisp fall air.
As I sit here, I am reminded of my purpose here. I am reading a book and it has just reminded me of something very basic and important in missions for every Christian. There is sowing, hoeing, watering, weeding, toil, hardship, and suffering before the harvest can be reaped. I look at these tress and flowers and I am reminded of how they did not start this way. There was so much more before this point...and there will be so much more before the next and last point.
The Lord has not called me to Paris to harvest. He has called me here to sow, hoe, water, weed, and more. Every soil is at a different point...and every person is at a different point of readiness for acceptance of the Truth. The Lord has called me to break up the hard ground for some, to plant see for others, to get rid of the weeds for some, and to water the plant that has already sprouted. Oh, the possibilities. And now I look to the Holy Spirit to help me discern the soil...and then put me to work in the fields.
Sunday, October 17, 2004
My Roommate Ali
This is my roommate, Ali. She just arrived about a week ago and we are having a great time sharing a room. She gets the bottom bunk, I get the top. Ali is a fabulous guitar player and a wonderful worship leader and its truly awesome to be able to have real music in the background and someone to lead worship any time...even at 9am.
My Apartment
This is my apartment building. I live in the south side of Paris in this really tall building. Our apartment is on the 28th floor, that three from the top! We have a great view and have had the priviledge of fixing it up for the past month. Its looking pretty good:o)
Me and Ashley
Ashley is one of my roommates. We decided to buy this fleece fabric to make our own blankets. She always wanting to do something creative and crafty. Oh...and she loves to fix things and put things together. She's great.
Me and Heidi and a Huge Crepe
Mmmm..this crepe was so good. It was banana and nutella (my new favorite condiment). We were out for Nuit Blanche and got hungry aroud 1am. So, we stopped for a crepe. My roommate, Heidi, decided to help me out with it. Heidi is our artsy girl and is always cooking up something really good in the kitchen. I admire her boldness with new friends and a new language. We're having a great time studying French together.
House Church
This is some of our group at house church. It always begins with a great dinner and then on to worship in the living room. Its a sweet time of coming home to family every Wednesday night. Its a very different and neat experience.
Retreat Group in Spain
The retreat in Spain was definitely a success. I made a lot of new friends and I have plenty of places in Europe to visit now. I learned so much from the discussion sessions and just getting to talk with the missionaries that are on the field right now. I coulndn't have asked for a better training session. A week in Spain by the beach...with 20 other people. I loved every moment of it and was a little sad to leave. But I'm thankful for email.
Saturday, October 16, 2004
Partnerships...
...Being in a city with so few Christians makes you realize the value of the ones that are there. I feel so fortunate to have a body of believers among me. This past Thursday, we had a group gathering at the Campbell's apartment. The group was composed of my team, the Campus Crusade (Agape) team, and the Grace Bretheren team. We met for fellowship and prayer. The time was so sweet. I believe that the presence of the Lord was with us in a mightly way...you could just feel the Holy Spirit. No, it was not a time of charismatic praise and worship...but a time of Christians who have a common burden for the lost in Paris, coming together to meet eachother and then pray together. It was powerful. As we read through a chapter in Ephesians about being of one body and one spirit, it all had new meaning to me. Denominational barriers are broken when you come to a place where it is so easy to feel alone and too small to make a difference. And that's where unity begins. We are one body called to the same purposes for the Lord. I believe that is one reason why the Spirit chose to be with us in that living room. We tore down our walls and became as one body and one spirit....crying out to the Lord. I'm only left with a hunger for more. I hope we get to meet often.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Sundays in the Park...
...I think I've found what will be one of my favorite things to do here in Paris. One day of the week it seems like the whole city is relaxed. Sunday. On Sundays, most stores are closed and the streets seem empty. There are only two places that seem to be busy: the market and the park.
Paris is full of many parks. I love that about Paris. Although its this huge city, they gave us tons of parks in which to go to escape the city...I have two beautiful ones right beside my apartment. But the best time to go to a park is on a Sunday. You will see so many families enjoying the fall weather and time together in the park. Kids are playing on the swing sets, dads and sons are kicking a soccer ball, moms are carefully watching their children and providing the bagguette for the outing.
So...I think one of my favorite things to do here in Paris will be to go to a park, sit on a bench, and watch families spending the day laughing, playing, and just being together.
Paris is full of many parks. I love that about Paris. Although its this huge city, they gave us tons of parks in which to go to escape the city...I have two beautiful ones right beside my apartment. But the best time to go to a park is on a Sunday. You will see so many families enjoying the fall weather and time together in the park. Kids are playing on the swing sets, dads and sons are kicking a soccer ball, moms are carefully watching their children and providing the bagguette for the outing.
So...I think one of my favorite things to do here in Paris will be to go to a park, sit on a bench, and watch families spending the day laughing, playing, and just being together.
Friday, October 01, 2004
The past week...
...I've been in Paris for about 2 weeks now. It started out slow, but now its picking up some pace. So, here are some updates.
This past week was full of lots of new things, surprises, disappointment, excitement, praise, and even a little shock. I finally got my dresser, but as I opened up the box I realized that it was in 153 parts!! Yes...we finally got it almost put together, with the help of my fabulous roommates. That was an accomplishment. Tuesday came with my first encounter with culture shock. It wasn't a bad episode and with lots of prayer it was gone by the second half of the day. Then came French class. I found a possible French class that I could join for a month for a cheap price and it was supposed to be beginners. But it turns out that its not "beginner" enough for me...so it looks like I'll be teaching myself through a book and then hopefully getting tutoring a bit later. But this disappointment did not come without a pleasant surprise. After the first day of class, I met a girl (Mical) from Israel, who speaks quite a bit of English and who expressed interest in hanging out some time. She just moved to Paris a few months ago. So, I have a new friend. Anothr new and exciting thing came this week...we had our first house church meeting at the Campbells. There are going to be about 16 of us attening...and maybe more. We had a wonderful spaghetti dinner prepared by Mentanna followed by worship (through song, prayer, and the word).
...Some fun things I got to do: I've been to the movies twice now. Yes...they were in English with subtitles. Good movies and not too expensive. I've been walking tons! And one day I really thought that my legs were just going to fall off and my feet were going to abandon me for the torture I was putting them through. It doesn't help that no one wears tennis shoes here either...not the good ones. But I feel very comfortable in the Metro now. One other really fun thing I got to do was go to the gardens in Versailles. I went with Heidi and Ashley (my roommates) and spent the morning walking around the beautiful grounds and looking at the fountains. We then had a picnic, which was memorable, and then saw something like a fantasy peasant village. Interesting. All in all, it was a fabulous trip.
Today has been a very exciting day as well. I just had lunch at the Cite (its a university campus and they have a cafeteria that you can eat in for just about $3). I went to eat and to meet some students. Me and Ashley met 4 girls. 1 is from Morocco and speaks very little English...so Ashley (who is fluent in French) became friends with her. Then I talked with the other 3 girls who were able to speak more English. 2 of them are from Paris (which is actually rare and hard to find). The 3 of them were interested in joining an English Conversational Club/Class that I will be starting, so that they can practice their English. And all 6 of us are going to get together tomorrow night (Saturday night) for an annual event called "Nuit Blanche" (which is the phrase they use for "pulling an all nighter"). Its a city-wide event that begins at 10pm or so and carries on through the entire night. There are art exhibits, dance and musical performances, and so much more that will be going on during the night. The city keeps some buses and metros open the entire time and its basically just an all-night party! Sounds great right??!! So, it should be fun.
And...some of the most exciting news...I will be watching the UGA vs. LSU football game on Sunday!!! So...no one tell me any scores or anything. I can't wait to actually see them play. Its a dream come true.
Until next time...salut.
This past week was full of lots of new things, surprises, disappointment, excitement, praise, and even a little shock. I finally got my dresser, but as I opened up the box I realized that it was in 153 parts!! Yes...we finally got it almost put together, with the help of my fabulous roommates. That was an accomplishment. Tuesday came with my first encounter with culture shock. It wasn't a bad episode and with lots of prayer it was gone by the second half of the day. Then came French class. I found a possible French class that I could join for a month for a cheap price and it was supposed to be beginners. But it turns out that its not "beginner" enough for me...so it looks like I'll be teaching myself through a book and then hopefully getting tutoring a bit later. But this disappointment did not come without a pleasant surprise. After the first day of class, I met a girl (Mical) from Israel, who speaks quite a bit of English and who expressed interest in hanging out some time. She just moved to Paris a few months ago. So, I have a new friend. Anothr new and exciting thing came this week...we had our first house church meeting at the Campbells. There are going to be about 16 of us attening...and maybe more. We had a wonderful spaghetti dinner prepared by Mentanna followed by worship (through song, prayer, and the word).
...Some fun things I got to do: I've been to the movies twice now. Yes...they were in English with subtitles. Good movies and not too expensive. I've been walking tons! And one day I really thought that my legs were just going to fall off and my feet were going to abandon me for the torture I was putting them through. It doesn't help that no one wears tennis shoes here either...not the good ones. But I feel very comfortable in the Metro now. One other really fun thing I got to do was go to the gardens in Versailles. I went with Heidi and Ashley (my roommates) and spent the morning walking around the beautiful grounds and looking at the fountains. We then had a picnic, which was memorable, and then saw something like a fantasy peasant village. Interesting. All in all, it was a fabulous trip.
Today has been a very exciting day as well. I just had lunch at the Cite (its a university campus and they have a cafeteria that you can eat in for just about $3). I went to eat and to meet some students. Me and Ashley met 4 girls. 1 is from Morocco and speaks very little English...so Ashley (who is fluent in French) became friends with her. Then I talked with the other 3 girls who were able to speak more English. 2 of them are from Paris (which is actually rare and hard to find). The 3 of them were interested in joining an English Conversational Club/Class that I will be starting, so that they can practice their English. And all 6 of us are going to get together tomorrow night (Saturday night) for an annual event called "Nuit Blanche" (which is the phrase they use for "pulling an all nighter"). Its a city-wide event that begins at 10pm or so and carries on through the entire night. There are art exhibits, dance and musical performances, and so much more that will be going on during the night. The city keeps some buses and metros open the entire time and its basically just an all-night party! Sounds great right??!! So, it should be fun.
And...some of the most exciting news...I will be watching the UGA vs. LSU football game on Sunday!!! So...no one tell me any scores or anything. I can't wait to actually see them play. Its a dream come true.
Until next time...salut.
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