I gave this blog its title before I ever started writing it because it describes where my mind has been for the last seven days. It’s been Spring Break (from work not school) so I have had quite a bit of free time this past week, and it has been so good. For starters, my dad and I set in stone a date for our American River Trail ride. It’s going to be a 64+ mile day so I’ve used some of my free time this week to get back into riding. My legs were pretty thrashed after the first day, now after three solid rides they feel great and I’m loving being back in the saddle.
I’ve also had a lot of time for reading. If memory serves, I have finished 5 books this week. One was my Greek textbook, another was God Wants to Save by Christians by Rob “No One Feels Neutral about Me” Bell. It was kind of surreal to finish the Greek text and it also signals that it is now time to start translating 1 John from Greek to English. Should be fun!! The Bell book had some interesting points, but also left me wondering if he has ever taken a biblical interpretation class. I also finished The Emerging Church by Dan Kimball, which had some great points and ideas, but got really repetitive towards the end. The other two were An Introduction to Liberation Theology by Leonardo and Clodovis Boff and Two Views of Hell by Fudge and Peterson. Both for class, both interesting. I don’t want to talk about reading anymore.
I just found out today that I am going to Nicaragua in June and July if everything works out. I am excited about this. I went to Central America twice in college and I can’t wait to go back. It will be a new country and new people but I can’t wait to get to somewhere not suburban USA and serve alongside local churches and ministries. I didn’t think I would get to go on a trip with my church this year because I was planning on taking summer classes. I didn’t bother applying because I knew class would get in the way. A few weeks after the deadline to go on trips passed I decided not to do any school this summer and instantly regretted not choosing to go on a mission trip. But God, like he tends to do, opened some doors and now I’m going. I’m stoked about doing this with my church and continuing my involvement there, which leads me straight into my next place.
I love the community I’m involved with at Bridgeway Christian Church, particularly with the Young Adult Ministry. It’s been so good to connect and do life with people who are passionate about doing something for God and being available to be used by him. I’ve laughed so hard I’ve cried, had some really deep and meaningful conversations and had the opportunity to exercise my gifts and take part in the ministry that is going on. This past week has been great, and while going back to work will be good, especially all the eating I’ll get to do, I’m going to miss the freedom to do whatever I want all day long. It makes me wish I was indepently wealthy so I could be a philanthropist and travel the world and ride my bike and read tons of books all day. Feels good to write this near the end of it too. Happy Easter.
Written on: April 23rd, 2011
At: It’s a Grind
Listening to: The employees reorganizing the tables
Reading your blogs three things went through my mind:
ReplyDelete1. My heart is honestly overjoyed that you are going to Nicaragua.
2. I think that we have only seen the small beginnings of how the Lord wants to use you in ministry to your peers. (I actually have more to say about that, but that's an entirely different conversation.)
3. I would much rather read a book by you than one by Rob Bell.
La Farge,
ReplyDeleteThis was my favorite blog entry so far. Why? Because it was raw-- it was just you spewing thoughts in the most eloquent fashion. I like reading what is going on in your heart.
I'm so glad you got a chance during spring break to just sit and think-- it is so therapeutic to have moments of relaxation. Almost to be able to be still and just KNOW that He is God (or at least that is what always happens to me when I stop moving for a second.)
Don't stop writing =)