"Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." Matthew 5:48
This is from a little book Tracee got me for 1 minutes devotions. I try to read a page before I got to breakfast and I write the daily verses either on my hand or on a post-it. Today, it's that one.
Let's face it. I'm never going to have the time to write long blogs about the end of my summer, the trip to Texas, and Cultural Connections. So here's a short re-cap.
Summer: it was a blast, wonderful memories, great lessons learned, my birthday was fabulous, my Baptism priceless, mom took me out for a massage. Earlier on, Fuge and Biola and VBS were such great events!
Texas: hot, humid, Texas. They have Howdy Burgers and Taco Cabana. I never did see a cowboy. It was nice to spend a week at Co Hien's. She is so nice and she babysits 13 kids a day. It was organized chaos and I never ceased to be amazed by her talent to babysit that many kids. But I must say, the highlight of my trip was meeting up with Nate for breakfast at Denny's. Who knows when I'll get to see him again? We had a great conversation - about life, love, God, and other random things. It was so good to talk to him and I feel so blessed that he is in my life. He always has the words to uplift me, advice to give me peace and encouragement. He's getting married soon to beautiful Anne, and I want to wish them the best of a married life. I know with all my heart that this marriage will bring glory to our King.
Cultural Connections: was fantastic! Despite my initial doubts, I am so glad I did this program. It didn't drastically change my perspective because I had an open mind before I came in, but I couldn't help but feel as if my mind was a little more less clouded than before the program - which is always a good thing. Dean Garcia and the CC Aides were so great to us and I appreciate them a lot. It's great to see them around school as I'm walking to class or having lunch. They are so loving! We played Laser Tag, had a bunch of panels on Yale life, a Poetry Jam, a Talent Show, and so much more! I sang in the Talent Show :) It was so nerve-wracking but it was so good, this experience. The poetry jam reinforced my belief in the power of words. I wish I could write like they do. It's amazing and insightful and you just feel yourself being sucked in as you listen to those words. There is so much talent in people here at Yale, and each day, I am humbled.
Camp Yale/Orientation: Five days of festivities and relaxation before the crazy schedules start up. I spent most of it soaking up the sun, getting to know people, and occasionally glancing at my Blue Book. Camp Yale is now over, and the work has begun.
This semester I am taking Chem 118 and a Lab, English 114 Masculinity vs Femininity, Arabic, and Intro to Cog Sci. It's a big load of work, these four classes. Maybe it's just because I'm not used to the style of teaching and college work yet. Hopefully it will get better soon. And then there's activities! So much going on each night, it's tempting to just put off homework. I'm working on doing hw during the day so I don't have to do it at night. Sleep, once again, is suffering.
This morning was disappointing. I got transferred to another Arabic class and I'm not too stoked about that. God, please work things out there.
Last night was Living Water's Singing Dessert and I had a great time. I especially loved the song "I Understand" - it speaks about how no matter how many life storms one is going through, God is there, He sees, and He understands. This song is especially true during this time. I am so frustrated with shopping period, with the workload, with overextending myself like I always do. When things go wrong, I am quick to anger and let it get to me. But I find hope in that God knows and He understands. My heart and flesh cries out for His hand to intervene in my life and restore peace. I need to continue to draw near to Him, but this hectic schedule is not allowing that. I read in "Practicing the Presence of God" that it's possible to be connected to God every second of my day - and I am trying to practice that. In the simplest, ugliest, most banal things, God is there. In the most beautiful, most precious, most natural - He's there.
So, I just finished Arabic class. Again, I feel so behind and must look into getting a tutor soon. I hope Aziz will be as good as Ghassan. I have a lab at 1PM on Science Hill. Oh joy! My first trek up that hill that was made to punish Science majors and Pre-Med students. It's a hike I tell you. I no longer fear the Freshman Fifteen. Although... it's kind of tricky since any extracurricular activity I go to has free food... so on top of three meals a day, it can be a lot. I just have to monitor what I eat I guess. But sometimes, like yesterday, after a rough day, chocolate cake is all I want.
My devotional for today is in Matthew 3. I'm trying to go through this book, chapter by chapter. It's titled "John the Baptist prepares the way" and "The Baptism of Jesus." John says "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry." It is so cool how John knew that, and how he respects and acknowledges Jesus. When Jesus was baptized, "at that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirt of God, descending like a dove and lighting on him." How majestic and beautiful was that moment. I can just picture it in my mind... the heavenly hosts are singing as the Holy Spirt descends upon His Son, blessing Him, and fulfilling righteousness. When I was baptized, as I was submerged and lifted up again, it was like an out-of-body experience! God is so good. Thank you for taking my sins away, my Friend.
Yale has been a bittersweet experience. I love the school, the people, the architecture, the opportunities. But it is very different. I've found a couple of Christian friends and have made a conscious effort to plug into the Christian community. But I've also come to find that if I focus on Christ and stand for Him, He'll make even the most dry desert bloom. I love it here, but I can't wait to be back home for Thanksgiving.
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