My 366th day!

OK, so I feel like I have brought attention to many of the mile markers along this journey. It's because they are all such a big deal! I have now lived as a foreigner for more than one year. One day more than one year, but still. I'm celebrating God's faithfulness. Today, this song has been playing in my head. Lately, I have really been able to relate to the words.

This Road
Ginny Owens

A million miles away from anything familiar
A thousand places I would rather be
So I choke back the tears and try to find the bright side
Though I find it hard to see beyond my suffering
In my heart I know Your plan is so much bigger
But this small part is all that I can see
And I believe you haven't left me here to wander
Still I can't help but ponder where You're leading me


One thing I hope I will do when I get home is just talk to people who are obviously far away from their homes. I always felt like they would think I was strange, rightfully so, but there have been times when I would have LOVED for someone to smile a warm smile and take a moment to chat a few words. So, if anyone still reads this, next time you're at the store or coffee shop or just walking down the street take a minute to notice someone who might not feel quite at home. They might welcome the chance to practice their second language! They might just like to have a friend, even if it's only for a moment. That's all. That's my soapbox for today.

Italy

26...whoa!

Dec 15, 2007

Today means:
I no longer get a discount or free admission to places for being an under 26 "youth".
I am super close to having lived one full year in France.
As a good friend told me, I am now on the down hill slope to 30.
I can account for 26 years of God's blessings.
I don't really feel old, but there was a time that 26 was OLD. I am definitely not where I thought I'd be in my plan I made for my life when I was 12. I'm in a better life.
Twenty-six...geeze, where does the time go?! This may sound cliche, but God is good and I am blessed. I have 26 years worth of proof.

Crazy, Busy, Beautiful

Ever feel like you have just been running and running, going and going? I know you have. It comes with being an American. Currently, I feel like every time I turn around there's something to do or prepare for. When I make it home all I want to participate in is mindless entertainment via Internet or TV. Today was the normal cold and rainy, my brain was French fried and I just felt spent. I plopped down in a seat on a packed metro. I started pondering the people around me and how I sometimes feel like there is no hope for them turning from their religion to truth. Then my mind went to the bombs, shootings and riots that have occurred in the last few days all over the world, even here (ours were a little overshadowed). Sometimes the darkness closes in and I feel like the world will be overcome. I looked to my left to see a man sitting next to me, reading 1 Chronicles. Immediately, I was encouraged by God...his goodness, mercy, his quiet voice that says I AM. I am fascinated by a study of the book of Daniel that I have been taking part in for the last 9 weeks. We just got to the prophecy. I know the end before any of it has come to existence. Take heart! Be encouraged! I was.

Daniel

Since October, I have been studying Daniel with the ladies on my team. I have found myself completely fascinated by what I thought for so long was simply stories of a furnace and a lion's den. Familiar stories that we learn as kids and grow up to understand more fully. I definitely recommend studying this book. We are actually using Beth Moore's study. Here's what I've learned, so far:



Daniel was taken into captivity where he was trained in the ways of Babylon. He was steadfast as he held to his God. He was very much in the world but not of it. Prophecy turns into history. The fire, it destroyed the men who put Hanania, Mishael and Azariah in it, but not even the smell of fire was on them! God's sovereignty is all over this book! Nebuchadnezzar's story is a pretty good read. (See Chapter 4 for a short version.) A hand interrupted a wild party and wrote 'MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN' on the wall. The lions, they weren't tame like we were taught with those felt boards. And, they weren't full, either. They were mean and hungry and their mouths, they were shut. There were four crazy beasts, a little horn and The Ancient of Days. Also, a ram and a goat. There was a man who experienced a lot more than the lions' den.

All that and we're not even finished!!

A Favorite

The other day in church we sang this song. Of course, the words are a little different in French, but I smiled at the familiar tune as the English words soothed my heart. When I know nothing else, it is sweet to know this.

I Know Whom I Have Believed
Text: Daniel W. Whittle
Music: James McGranahan

1. I know not why God's wondrous grace to me he hath made known, nor why, unworthy, Christ in love redeemed me for his own.
Refrain: But I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I've committed unto him against that day.
2. I know not how this saving faith to me he did impart, nor how believing in his word wrought peace within my heart.
(Refrain)
3. I know not how the Spirit moves, convincing us of sin, revealing Jesus through the word, creating faith in him.
(Refrain)
4. I know not when my Lord may come, at night or noonday fair, nor if I walk the vale with him, or meet him in the air.
(Refrain)

To hear the music
http://www.hymnsite.com/lection/980809.htm