Travel Journal #6

Tuesday 16th October

Lie in and blogging! Lunch at the house.. Dinner at Zlatovich's house with Frank Bell and Jason Shappley, lots of fun and memories from Campaigns who stayed at our house in early 1990s :] They let us have a chocolate fudge pie - amazing!

Wednesday 17th October

We parked in my personal parking spot then I had a tour round campus from Marco Di Luca and Matt Wallace [thanks!], Chapel, lunch at Gano, and some jolly good conversation. We had dinner and evening worship service out in Lindin then I went to the evening song session at Clayton Chapel on Freed Hardeman campus. There was a storm that night and the lightning was intense! So bright and the thunder was so loud. Pretty cool experience, not so bad as to have damage nearby and no tornadoes.

Thursday 18th October

Went to an early lunch with Bill J Naylor and his wife at a cool hotel restaurant overlooking the Tennessee river, beautiful. Then had people over for dinner at Steve and Marie's, went to Freed's Theatre group rehearsal then the evening a capella group practice and stayed in Privileged student accommodation with Jessica J and her flatmates! Lots of fun :]

Friday 19th October

Woke up in a strange place and remembered I'd slept in the dorms, so wasn't too big a freak out. :] Milk and a cookie for breakfast then a Bible class with Jim Gardener and lunch with the England's at Bell's Burgers. Barbara England took be round the Art department and I saw some of the ongoing print work, senior gallery and dark room there. Pretty interesting stuff. After hanging round the art rooms for a bit we head over to the music department where Barbara's husband Richard works, and after playing me some Debussy and Les Mis we had a mini impromptu performance of 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again' from Phantom of the Opera - that was pretty cool. Definitely makes me want to get back into singing! Came back to the house and after dinner we watched some footage taken of the Campaign Steve and Marie brought over to Peterborough in 1996! I shall tell you more of that soon... :] The best memories. 

We were rather surprised to see this classic London bus on Freed Hardeman campus!

 

 It's a project which helps raise awareness about the needs of orphans and raises money for orphan care. The bus had been converted into a shop with t-shirts to buy, amongst other things. If you're interested in knowing more or giving to the cause here's the website: http://www.redbusproject.org/

Lose your life. Go crazy.

   I mentioned in my second Travel Journal entry that we heard Nathan Guy speak at the Harding Lectureship on the topic of a 'Faith That Is Constantly Renewed.'  It was a very good lesson, I know this because I felt inspired to write most of it down, which doesn't always happen. I want to share with you his words, as well as some of those which Chet Duke gave this morning at Freed Hardeman's chapel.

   The Harding lectureship focused on lessons from the book of Joshua, and in his conclusive lesson of the lectureship he made a few bold statements. He told us to "stop reading Joshua as a book of renewal of your own faith" like 'we will go, we will fight, we will succeed...' The book of Joshua tells us of his mission to do God's will in bringing the people to the promised land, a mission which was given to his forefathers which they failed to complete. The book can often be seen as a note of inspiration to those who have fallen away and wish to come back to Him, or who have sinned and wish to repent, or who have been quiet and wish to speak out. But Mr Guy reminds us that 'all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.' (Romans 3:23) He also reminds us that "God doesn't need your help. He commands your death." Speaking of Jesus saying "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it." Matthew 10:39

   In chapel at Freed this morning Chet Duke spoke about our baptism through Christ and our continuing commitment to Him daily - that's what LOVE is, as I said before in 'How do you know when you're in LOVE', to LOVE someone is to CHOOSE to LOVE them. Every day. Loving when you want to, loving when you need to and loving when you don't even feel like liking. It is a choice. Nathan Guy says "Marriage is just the confession and commitment of love, you'll have to work the hardest after that to keep it together." Chet spoke about those who have already chosen God and have already made that choice to follow Him and he asked - why do we still sin?
   In understanding our human inadequacies often we fail to recognise that Jesus was fully human himself - and He was perfect. So why can't we be? The bar standard can sometimes seem so high that we lower it to make it achievable - but we were called to go through the 'narrow path', (Matthew 7:13), to go a different way. Maybe we don't think we personally deserve the best standards, and we don't. But God does. 
   Nathan Guy quoted Jim McGuiggan when he made the point that some have the attitude of 'I know I've failed you, Father, but don't I repent you magnificently?' Speaking on how sin can be justified through the repentance afterwards. Chet spoke of this also, saying that we have been saved through God's grace, a grace that we don't deserve. "You don't abuse grace," he said, and we shouldn't. He deserves the best and above that, He deserves your sincere best.

   My Dad always told me that it didn't matter what grades I got so long as I did my utmost best. Often this wasn't the case, but if my mark was a B then it was OK because, at least it was good. How often do we feel this way about our lives, and living for God? The answer I think is maybe too often. I feel OK writing this because I know I am a major culprit of this way of thinking - not just in terms of schooling. But I wonder what happened to us to make us think it is OK to give anything less than our best for Him who created us, loves us, and gives us Life. I wonder, indeed.

   Nathan Guy addressed three questions:
Do we speak as though we have something to fall back on apart from Him and Him alone? If we do, we need to check ourselves and realise that He is our only true refuge.
Do we think the plan begins with me and ends with me? It started with God. It'll end with God. We are just a part of the inbetween.
Do we think we need to find a solution to our problem? We are the problem. He is the solution.

Jesus said "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it." Matthew 10:39
   I know that in everything I have been through, this past year especially, I could not have come this far without Him. In speaking to others I know my Mother passing away really isn't all that bad. Understand what I'm saying - there are people so much worse off than me, and I have needed Him through my trials. I am blessed everyday, every hour I am alive, in Him, I am surrounded by a family who loves, endures, hopes and believes in this life on into the next.

   Lose your life for God. Go on, go crazy.

3 States, 1 Day. [TJ #5]

 Ohmygosh it was exhausting. And jolly good too! Yesterday Dad and I started off in Henderson, TN, had some breakfast and head out in the morning for Corinth, Mississippi. 

After Dad's lesson, a good meeting and some wonderful friend-making we went to have lunch with the Shappley family and had an American style carvery (pretty much the same but with some other stuff..) Seriously good food. 

   After we had eaten and conversed much enjoyably we set off again for land further North, driving straight through Tennessee - stopping for a spot of tea at our host's house - to Mayfield, Kentucky. We met with the congregation there in the evening and again, met a bunch of lovely folk. Dad and I went back to a friend's house for some authentic home cooking, and eventually made it back to the house gone midnight. All in all it was a really good trip, even though we were both knackered after it. But all the more so, we were exhausted from meeting so many brothers and sisters in Christ and sharing his Word and encouragement. There's not really anything more satisfying than that. 

   Today Dad and I stayed in until lunchtime when we went to a couple's house who Dad has known for years and has stayed with them previously (as we saw in their guestbook). We spent a great afternoon with them reminiscing about their trip to the UK in 2003! And had amazing food, again. Oh and I stood on a fire ant's nest. Seriously, I just ASK to be hurt. :/ 

   Came back to the house for a few hours and caught up with people online then head out to another couple's house in the sticks (and I quote "we're rednecks out here") for dinner. Again, spoiled with company and good food for a few hours and back to the house for tea and sleep. The latter of which I shall be signing of to indulge in. I bid you goodnight - chapel in the morning, and hanging out with a pretty cool girl after! ;]

Travel Journal #4 Sat 13th Oct

   Today we all had a bit of a lie in and Marie and I went shopping! Again... She's quickly becoming one of my favourite people. Not just because she takes me to neat shops and encourages me to buy pretty dresses ;] She's also very much interested in literature, crafts, tea and said shopping - so pretty much me a few years down the line! She's wonderful. 

   So yes, I bought 3 dresses, 2 tops, a hat (Marie bought me that grey one) mine has an OWL on it :] and some presents for some folk back home! Awfully successful outing. We had lunch at a burger place and then came home. Later Dad and I head out to the Blackwelder's house (peeps I did the horse volunteer thing with the other day) and we had a lovely dinner and visit. I went out to feed the horses with Beata and Alex as well which was cool :] All in all a very good day! Now I MUST get sleep as we're leaving at 0730 hrs to go to Corinth, Mississippi then up to Kentucky and back to Henderson TN. All in a day's work! 3 states, 1 day. 

Travel Journal #3

     Friday 5th October
Up early, packed the car and now heading to Oklahoma! The roads here don't really tell you when you're coming up to a junction, so Dad and I were speaking and we flew past it... re-routed us a bit but I think we'll actually save time this way! Nae bad.... Waffle House for lunch - SO GOOD!

We arrived at Russell and Jennifer's, had a tour round their house, went round on their buggy thing into their woods and I drove it round a bit and Dad was a bit concerned I was going fast - but Russell was encouraging me to go faster. :] Had dinner - funny dinner conversations with the boys. Up talking, playing guitar then bed.

     Saturday 6th October
Soccer games at 9 and 10 with Jennifer's dad and it was cooold. Down to 38*F at one point. Back for shooting clay targets with a shot gun! Rode round on buggy a bit more. Met Jennifer's mum. :] Had delicious pizza for lunch in Tulsa. Went to the Christian shop, bought stuff... Went to the 'Hobby Lobby' store - amazing, Mum would have loved it. And to a fantastic music shop. 
   Then went to the Langdons... Rope swing, zip wire, gorgeous house with the children's beds on the ceiling!!! They have two cows, three horses, four dogs and chickens. Dan talked about how life should go at 'that pace' looking at the horses moseying through the gate. We rode on horses quite a bit, round the other fields and over a wee dry creek... We had a campfire and the first ever international partaking of Camp Tayside Hot Choccy Choccy That Tastes Jolly Good! Dan prayed "Thank you for this moment and moments like this to come" whilst we were at the campfire. <3
   And SLEEP.
     Sunday 7th October
Church - Dad preached, spoke about our family and his work with the British Bible School. Preached a good lesson :]  They were having a pumpkin patch so we helped unload the 2000 pumpkins after pot luck, Dad on a wee digger and my in the truck (after taking lots of pictures). 
   A guy who used to be a professional country singer had brought his PA system and set it up on the back of a lorry bed and Jen had told him I played guitar and sang and he insisted I play his new shiny guitar. I obliged, of course. We sang I'm Yours by Jason Mraz then I played Ghosts for him, Dad, Russell, Jennifer and her Dad. Was so much fun. We had to head before the festival thing started, down to Edmond to see John and Connie Maple.
   We had a sandwich dinner then head out to Oklahoma Christian University campus for the evening lecture of their Lectureship. Walking into the building and Kevin Peters is walking towards us! An old friend who lived in Dundee, Scotland for a while and was involved in Camp Tayside (which I blogged about in July/August) - so good to see him!! After the lecture we got to see Acappella perform - the original and the current in a 30 Year Reunion!!! 

   They were soooo goood! And the bassist sheesh! Made the ground vibrate! Good stuff. Met Kevin's lovely wife Amanda briefly after the concert then tried to find Dad as he'd wandered off to see people. Met Keith Lancaster as we were on our way to the car - good friend of Dad's and his wife was close with Mum, so was lovely to see them. <3
     Monday 8th October 
Up and ready and at a lecture with Dad at 9. Saw Kevin briefly as we went through the book and mission stalls. Spoke to Jed and Shiloh Lovejoy who we knew when they were in the UK and are involved in running a Christian Children's Home in Oklahoma called Tipton House. http://www.tiptonhome.com/ I went with Amanda P for some coffee in OK City and we drove around for a bit, she showed me the nice spots and the not-so-nice spots, the church she worked at and the area Kevin worked in as well. Had lunch with Amanda, Kevin and their friend Jamie. Then coffee with Dad and Kevin and back to the house. After dinner Dad, Connie and John went to the evening lecture and I stayed in to edit photos/relax/pack/sleep...
     Tuesday 9th October
Had breakfast with John and Connie, packed the car and went to OCU to see some people before leaving. Met Eric Tryggestad who is the Assistant Managing Editor of The Christian Chronicle publication which is based at OCU. Nice contact to have as a writer ;] We went to the Uni Library's book sale and bought a few books. Then we went to the University Bookshop and bought a fair few more books. Which we'll probably have to mail home - they had to give us a box instead of a bag to carry them out... We then head back across to Searcy, AK, stopping in at Wendy's to eat a late lunch then Sonic for a lovely chocolate malt each. Got to the Shelton's and had some dinner, some catch up conversation and went to bed. And I blogged. http://thoughtsofshellymarie.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-city-is-big-but-god-is-bigger.html

     Wednesday 10th October
Slept in 'til 9 :] Had SUCH a lazy day it was wonderful. Typed out this Travel Journal... Need to finish it with links and pictures tomorrow (which will already be there by the time you read it!) Had a funny conversation with my friend Brooke. Yeah, thought I'd give you a shout out ;] BED!
     Thursday 11th October
Slept in 'til 9, up and ready and packed, caught up with my lovely friend at home Nicola <3 Finished this journal and heading off to Henderson soon! See you there :] // Arrived at Steve and Marie Johnson's house and got a well needed cup of tea! Dinner and some catching up then Marie got out some craft stuff and we started making button rings! Thanks Pinterest ;]

     Friday 12th October
Slept in 'til 9, up and ready, Skyped with Jayne, Stuart and Eli for a good while - he's getting so big and I miss my beautiful friends!! Skyped with a friend from school David as well and spoke to Nicola today as well <3 So many shout out's here :] Blogged 'Travel Journal #2', and I guess now #3 as you're reading it! Think we're going out in Henderson to eat tonight, and then lots more shenannegans over the weekend.. Have a good one, blog to ya soon.


Peace and Love.

Travel Journal #2

     Wednesday 26th September

Chapel at Freed Hardeman then set off for Searcy. Realised we left the projector in Gallatin - doh! - so we detoured to the Apple store in Memphis to get a connector for Dad's computer. We got to Searcy, Arkansas, to the Shelton's house, had a bit of dinner, met Hannah's fiencee Jake and chatted for a while about the trip so far. Went to bed and slept amazingly. 

     Thursday 27th September

Today marks a year since God took Mum home to be with Him. We didn't plan anything for today. I stayed in, blogging, played guitar, editing photos and such, speaking with some good friends back home. Went to Hannah and Jake's flat-to-be which Jake is living in at the moment, went to a coffee shop 'Midnight Oil' and came back to the house to chill for a bit.

http://thoughtsofshellymarie.blogspot.com/2012/09/remember-remember.html

     Friday 28th September

I went to chapel with Hannah this morning, Corey Stumne gave the devotional and it was brilliant! I went with Hannah and Jake to register for wedding gifts at Hallmark. Fun stuff. 
Went to lunch at a mexican restaurant with Dad and the Brown's (went to school with their oldest daughter and Hannah on my 7th Birthday!) and we went to a place called 'Shorty's' for dinner tonight. Pretty small place out in nowhere pretty much but they do excellent catfish! #hanginwiththelocals From there we went to 'Get Down Downtown' where there were a bunch of market stalls and food vans and a stage with country singers. We got some amazing ice cream from a wee shop and went into this really groovy 'open studio' thing where artists have their own cubicle for making stuff and they can display it so when the public walks around their pieces can be bought! Crazy cool.

     Saturday 29th September

Went to the Beebe flea market - BIT of a 'cultural experience', looked properly like a 3rd world country.. IT was interesting to say the least. We then went to Little Rock to see Hannah's older sister Sarah who is a Pharmacist there. We walked a bit across the bridge, went to a cool food emporium place and stood on the War Memorial Stadium's Football field. Pretty cool! 
Had dinner at the house with the Brown's and went to my first ever American Football game, Harding Bison's vs. ECU (Oklahoma) Tigers and we won 31-14 it was so much fun! (And that was another Harding "FIRST DOWN!" woop woop!) I am now a fan.

     Sunday 30th September

So it was a year since we had a Bithday dinner and cake for Mum, without her.

   Went to church, Dad preached and I cried when he mentioned Mum and this anniversary. <3 A woman came up to us afterwards and told her it touched her as well as today is her son's birthday, and she lost her husband earlier this year. We sat in on a college bible class talking about religion and science, the guy mentioned some philosophical terms and schools of thinking which I actually understood and I felt all studious again aha. Went back to the house for dinner sandwiches and some friends of the Shelton's came round to eat with us. We then to Harding to hear their University Choir and and evening Lecture beginning the Lectureship officially! Monte Cox spoke about 'Faith in a New Place and Time', kicking off the talks for the week which were all taken from the book of Joshua. Hannah and I then went to an evening song service for the youth at a church nearby and I met up with a friend Sophie and stayed in her dorm for the night which was fun! Met her friends and enjoyed a late trip to Walmart :]

http://thoughtsofshellymarie.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-do-you-know-when-youre-in-love.html

     Monday 1st October

First day of lectureship! Got ready and head into 10am chapel - which Dad was giving all this week, (student chapel at 9am and 10am on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Lectureships) which can be found on iTunes, if you follow this link it will come up in your iTunes App store - just search for the speaker 'Patrick Boyns' and you shall hear my Daddy! 

https://itunes.apple.com/institution/harding-university/id448940916

   Had lunch at the house and went to a women's lecture in the afternoon with Hannah on the verse 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' It was really inspiring, 3 women in different circumstances - the 'single' household, the 'newly-married' household and the 'mother and grandmother' household. They spoke to us briefly about their experiences in their relationships and how it has influenced their service to the Kingdom. Lunch and dinner at the houseWe all went to the evening lecture given by Keith Tompson entitled 'Faith That Doesn't Fear the City.'

     Tuesday 2nd October

Chapel with Lori. Went to a women's lecture with Lori entitled 'Women's Ministry and Programs: Leading the Journey' given by Anessa Westbrook. Went to one art exhibition called 'A Tourist of Saints: a photo graphic journal of Haiti'. Went to Hannah's British Novel class - Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush! Lunch with Hannah and Jake at a Mexican restaurant. The evening lecture was given by Clifton Ganus, who is about 90 years old, spoke about a 'Faith That Grows Stronger With Age.' We caught up with an old friend of Dad's, Dwight Smith, and then went to Bruce McLarty's for tea after evening lecture and sat with a bunch of great people - then came back and blogged about it. :] 

http://thoughtsofshellymarie.blogspot.com/2012/10/thank-you-for-purple-people.html

     Wednesday 3rd October 

Chapel in the morning with Lori then went round the mission tables, bought some wee gifts and picked up leaflets. Went to the second art exhibition - a series of prints based on passages from Joshua. Didn't get to go to the student lecture I had wanted to catch, but I'll catch it on iTunes, it was given by Will Waldron called 'Connections Through the Cross'. Went to Hannah's meeting about wedding catering in one of the Harding offices. Came home and blogged. Dinner in the house out to the evening lecture given by Nathan Guy called 'Faith That Is Constantly Renewed.' 
http://thoughtsofshellymarie.blogspot.com/2012/10/b-e-u-tiful.html

     Thursday 4th October

Day in sorting stuff and packing. Bit of writing. Edited photos. Dinner at night with the Shelton's and played the 'game of things' 'til late. FUNNY stuff. 

Travel Journal #1

   Hello Readers! 

Of course you've been dying to know what shenannegans I have played part in on this wonderful continent, and you shall find out all right here. I blogged the day after our arrival across the pond and if you missed it, you can read about the journey here:

http://thoughtsofshellymarie.blogspot.com/2012/09/safely-arrival-across-pond.html
Otherwise, the rest of this post will take the form of a Travel Journal, as well as future travel updates. Enjoy!

     Tuesday 18th September 

London - Chicago - Nashville - Gallatin

     Wednesday 19th September

Woke up to a beautiful poolside sight. Sat in the glorious heat for a bit, went to the church building to pick up the projector for presentations. Anna May made me a pitcher of sweet tea! Evening service at Bill and Anna May's congregation.

     Thursday 20th September

Late start, went shopping for some cowboy boots for me - no success. Looked round the Opryland Hotel, where we took lots of pictures and rode round the river on the wee boat. Went to TNT (Church youth group) with Will, beat him in pool :P then we got sweet tea from MacDonald's - Only in the South.. He then taught me how to drive in a parking lot! Introduced him to some decent British music and chatted for hours. Great times.

     Friday 21st September

Sunbathed! Something we don't get to do properly in Scotland... Dad went to see Ian Starrs for lunch and Gina came over with the boys, we chatted by the pool (as you do) then got stuff sorted for a big family meal.
   The children and grandchildren of the couple we're staying with all came over - The Carnes' (Jeff and Annette, Will and Clay), the Anderson's (Reid and Sheila, Ivieann and Allie) and the Butterfield's (Keith and Gina, Steven, David, Jonathan and Matthew). 

   Jeff brought over his guitar and after we ate we set up a bonfire and I played and sang for a bit. Lovely stuff. Then Clay, his friend Nick, Will and I drove to 'the ridge' to see the city lights at night, then casually on up to Kentucky and back. Just for a ride, so I've now been to Kentucky! Got malts from Sonic. So good.

     Saturday 22nd September

Went to Allie's softball game in the morning, she's quite the wee pitcher and her team won 12-2 so they're pretty good! Got cowboy boots!! On sale, twice over, good deal. 
Went quad biking, or 'four-wheeling' and had a bit of an accident... But I'm fine! Wasn't THAT bad of an accident, but I've got a few bruises I'll recover from easily and I bust my lip open, and they know lots of people who repair bikes... On top of that I got stung twice by a wasp, for the first time. I'm not allergic - thankfully. 

Then we went to the Grand Ole Opry (after me putting on lots of make up to cover the bruise developing on my cheek..) in Nashville - the show that made country music famous! Also the oldest show streamed on live radio - so there was an announcer who read out sponsor's advertisements which added greatly to the comedy factor. The show is a must if you're ever near Nashville, the line up changes frequently. We saw: John Conlee, Eden's Edge, Connie Smith, Mke Snider, Andy Gibson, Exile, Jean Shepherd, Jesse McReynolds, Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Jimmy C. Newman and Lee Greenwood. Jolly Good times. 

     Sunday 23rd September

Wore my new boots to church! Exciting stuff. Had pot luck lunch with the congregation and a few people had heard me sing in the service and wanted to sing more with me so a small group of us sat on the pews and sang for about half an hour, was lovely. Some of the folk were heading to a nursing home to sing some more, so we went with them. Will and I went to Sonic after that, drove round for a bit and hung out with Clay before going to the evening service at their church. Went for dinner with Will, Clay, Nick, Caleb and his sister (church friends) at O'Charlie's then got ice cream at Baskin and Robinson's! Back to Bill and Anna May's where Clay proceeded to give Dad an hour long crash course on American football, so we're both quite clued up on the game now! 

     Monday 24th September

Up early to have breakfast with Anna May and Will. Got ready, did washing, edited photos from Saturday. Went to Walmart after lunch, got a cute maxi dress for $9! And some pj things for me, Shanae and Sara :] also some snacks for the journey tomorrow - Root Beer, Dr P, Gatorade, Ritz, Oreos and mini Snickers. Had dinner at Chilli's with Bill and Anna May, Annette, Dad, Will and Clay, then went to their church service - Can I get an Aaamen'ah. Went bowling with Caleb and Will, and I lost APPAULINGLY. Dang it. 

     Tuesday 25th September

Today I slept in, got up at about 8.30. Annette came over with Reid for lunch, we had roast ham and veg with rice, brownies and ice cream for pudding - feast! Nom. Dad and I left at about 1.30 for Henderson. Beata and Alex (children of Blackwelder's) contacted us to ask if I wanted to go with them to volunteer at a ranch which charitably, in association with a children's disability clinic, hosts sessions with physical therapists to take children round on horses  doing various activities with them whilst they practice their balance and use different muscle groups in positions on the horses. I said of course, so we met with them, and they showed me their own horses and goat and dogs before taking me to the ranch. 

It was really fun, Beata led the horse in '8' shapes, in circles and such whilst the therapist interacted with the child on the horse, Alex and I holding onto the harness to keep him steady as we went along. It was a really good experience and the wee man did so well, when we told him to kneel on the horse he went straight and stood up, clearly having seen others do it before and just thought -nope, not messing about with that, just go straight to it! Brilliant. I'll definitely look into doing it somewhere in the UK... 

   After that we went to Sonic and I got a burger and a shake nom nom nom. Then Alex drove me to Steve and Marie's. Here now, Marie and I got talking about University and English things, was lovely. Leaving for chapel tomorrow at 10 then lunch then skadoosh to Searcy! 

The city is big but God is bigger.

   Recently I have been filled with excitement thinking of possible ideas for the future and a goal which will require me to save a while lot of money for... I am determined to do it though, and for once in my life I feel so positive and hopeful of an endeavour that I am happy to go over obstacles and to endure the work it will take to achieve. 
   This book (for which this blog was started) is close to my heart, of course, and I am working on it - don't worry. But this is a much clear-cut plan, I feel a rush of independence, freedom and adventure when I ponder on this adventure. 
   What made me laugh at myself was my eagerness to earn said money needed for what I want. My eagerness and happiness to work hard to get it. And I was surprised in feeling this confidence for the fist time ever. What I want is so wonderful to me I will go above and beyond to get it. 
   When there is a goal on the horizon, the work to get there can often seem less daunting than a task with no clear outcome, and more like a brilliant challenge to reach the summit. I am excited to work for this thing I want and know I will love. This got me thinking about our endeavours in life generally. This position is echoed in all sorts of situations - those of love, exotic expeditions, or personal missions. 
   What about the work God has for us as his children? Do we get so excited about that? Do we understand what He has for us to do? Perhaps you do and you can count yourself blessed above so many with clear vision and sound mind, and I pray He continues to bless you in these ways. If you arent so sure - what are you doing to find out? Reading His word is a good way. Talking to others about your talents and opportunities you could take advantage of is good too. Praying about it is useful too, sometimes no answer is an answer. Sometimes we have to jump in and see what comes of it.
   Too often I have thought 'I'm too young', 'I don't have the money', 'I don't have the room' to do this, that or the other that I would like to do to serve Him. But I wonder now - are these just excuses? They certainly are if I use them to reason why I do nothing to serve Him. 
   I am not alien to the struggles which surround my generation, or the ones of those who have come before me - regardless of my age, I have eyes and a fair understanding of how this world works. But I refuse to believe that any of these limitations are anything but opportunities to be creative in our ministry. (Practically: If you work on the weekends, be active during the week. If you struggle with funding, change the way you're planning your project, raise more funds, as for home grown volunteering or try something else simpler.) With this picture > I am not suggesting we all graffiti our streets with scripture, but it is an interesting way of making people think. If you have limited resources, transport or support - ask someone for help. Don't be afraid to ask of others what you would readily give if you could.
   It is often in times of oppression that people are forced to be creative, to achieve their original goal through alternate means - and the result will a breath of fresh air.
   But don't ever fall useless, or disheartened, or weary because you feel unqualified.
'God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.'*

"For by grace you have been saves through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." - Ephesians 2:8  

This verse is so wonderful, because it explains our salvation, how God doesn't work on a 'point system' by which you get 8 points for being a preacher and 9 for a missionary - no. It is NOT by our own doing good that we are saved... But this does NOT mean that there is no reason to do good. 
   I have often thought of this verse and reasoned that it's OK I don't go to every Church service through the week, and it's OK I didn't make something for pot luck, and it's OK I 'messed up a bit' the other day. But it's not. Those who have thought similar have probably also, like me, tried to steer clear of verses like:

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." John 14:15

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galations 6:9

But there is no excuse for not doing good when you know you can. 
   The goal we have to look forward to is heaven. Eternal salvation. If you can't get out of bed for that, then I guess there literally is no hope for you.

   'There is no question whether God's Will will be done. The question is, will you be the one to do it?'*

*(So said a guy from Harding University in chapel the other week - inspiring stuff.)

B-e-a-u-tiful.

   Beauty is a funny thing. How do you know if something is beautiful? There are sayings such as 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder' or 'It's what's on the inside that counts' which gives a few theories on what beauty is and I have to say I agree with both of them. Everything and everyone contains beauty if only we have the ability to search it out, and one can not always judge a book by it's cover - though it can often aid in showing others what it might contain inside.

  From an interesting semester of philosophy lectures and tutorials on Aesthetics and Philosophies of Art I could give you an essay on the difference between the beautiful and the sublime. They are different. Just as happiness and joy are awfully dissimilar. When I was younger and my family travelled to meet different people in the church people would always comment how my parents had 'beautiful' children. For the earlier part of my adolescence this attention had seemed non-existent, or disheartening, due to a bit too much 'puppy fat'. It was not until I grew up a bit in my later teens that I started receiving compliments, and not being used to them, I wasn't sure how to handle them.
   Now I get compliments from many types of people, even strangers, telling me I have a beautiful voice, beautiful hair, a beautiful face. I can only think to say 'thank you' and often want to tell them that "Its not me, its my mother in me, and God." I do not do anything to have a pleasing face nor voice which I love so much to use.
   I have had so much encouragement about my strength and grace with which I have handled this past year and to those who have said these things I say, "It is not me. It is Christ. It is God. I am no where near that strong on my own." I can not boast for anything I have, except the family I have been so blessed to be a part of. My parents have been the most loving of all. My mother the most gracious and kind and my father the most courageous and wise. My sister is so brave and intelligent, determined and a true friend. My brother is so committed to follow the Lord in all he does, he is loving; his wife Sara is wonderfully kind with a pure heart, and they too will make brilliant parents, Lord willing.

   Them, I can boast about. But I know myself, and without God I am nothing. So, I thank you for calling Him beautiful and wonderful and strong and inspirational and loving and gentle and kind.

Dear God, thank you for the purple people.

'I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.' - Philippians 4:12

   I love this piece of scripture, the extreme situations of poverty and decadence which surround it, showing polarising images explaining that Christians should hold onto God no matter their circumstance, and be willing to accept their situations with thanksgiving to Him who gives all, and to get through struggles with 'Him who gives me strength' [4:13].

   Speaking to a friend briefly online before retiring for the night I sort of misquoted this, describing the night I had had, in a rather jovial fashion. I thought I would share with you the rather strange and uplifting evening I have had, in this short but sweet blog before bed!

   Being at Harding for the Lectureship, my Dad knowing many people his age or older and wanting to reconnect or connect for the first time with other active Christians, one of his friends invited us and a bunch of other 'experienced' folk (some more than others) round his home for some coffee and sweet things. We happily obliged, and in not too long the party was in full swing. Ages from 20 (me) and then between 35 and 70-something were swapping preacher tales and mission fables, hilarious quotes from colourful characters and figuring out common contacts on the ever growing Church family tree.

   Being the youngest in a family so familiar with hosting a wide range of ages, sizes and numbers in Campaign groups, Bible School meetings, family gatherings and Youth Weekends, I grew up being around all sorts of people. It was wonderful. And so useful when it comes to moments like these, which are increasingly frequent, when one has to converse with new people of a different age. It is lovely to get to know the new mothers, older mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, fathers, preachers, missionaries, elders and all sorts. To see our common love and devotion for God flourish through stories and memories with an undying passion is such an encouragement. I can only hope that when I'm 70-something I'll be running marathons bare foot, have learned ventriloquism, and be able to say I have changed someones life for the better.