Good times.

After work today, I babysat for my favorite girls in the world. Sarah, the oldest of three, is eight years old now-- and I've been her babysitter since she was two. The kid is definately a genius. She had to explain to me what aphides are (it's a type of insect). Who knew that? And when I taught her the books of the Bible in order, she memorized them in 10 minutes. It took me like ten years.... and I still have to look up Habakuk in the index!!!!!

Speaking of the OT, we are going to study the book of Daniel during VBS in Romania!! yay!! It's going to be sooo good! I read chapter one today-- Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are introduced. It reminded me of the IV costume party- so for your viewing pleasure, I present to you (in order) King Nebachudnezzar, Shadrach, Abednego and Meshach!!! (oh, and I musn't forget the idol next to the king) :

honesty about modesty

A friend of mine (and Eunice) came by to pick us up on Wednesday evening so that we could grab something to eat. I had just gotten off of work, so I quickly changed out of my scrubs into a pair of junky shorts and a tank top. Eunice did the same, because it was so hot out. When our friend saw us, he suggested that we change into something different. "Why?" I asked, "are we underdressed? I thought we were just getting fast food?!"

"That's not the reason why you should change...."

At that moment, I didn't feel awkward at all. I understood the request of my friend, and I had no reason to dispute him. He apologized, but it wasn't necessary. Why should he feel sorry for pursuing purity? I respect him even more for saying something. I was motivated to be more conscious of the way I dress. For me, it's important that I am confronted about immodesty. Sometimes I'm just oblivious, ya know? Even if I have good intentions, I can still mess up my witness.

Sooooo.... we changed, and proceeded to Eng's Asian Cuisine for some pad thai and mongolian chicken and beef chow fun. Yummmy!!!


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Romania Countdown: 36 days

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to the best friend that a girl could ever ask for!

I love you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much Lauren!




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Romania Countdown: 40 days

You always get me thinking

I had an interesting conversation with a friend a few weeks ago. He (a strong Christian himself) told me that he doesn't like theology. "You put God in a box by trying to define Him..." he told me, "and usually theology just leads to endless disputes among scholars and pastors."

Now that's not something that I haven't heard before... but this time it was slightly painful to hear those words because they were coming from someone that I once considered to be a theologian in-the-making.

I thought about what it means to "put God in a box" ( there should be a mutual agreement that God is not bound to any other power, much less that of the mortal realm. So, His divine nature is not affected at all by human word or logic). The problem lies in the idea that theology DEFINES God. But what is wrong with that? As if though God is obliged to whatever words we use to describe Him? Even so, these are the very words that we pull from Holy Scripture, that was God-breathed to begin with! I refuse to believe that my precious Lord would deceive His creation into thinking He is something that He's not. Why have so many authors of the Bible spent so much time speculating on and praising God's character? BECAUSE GOD INSPIRED THEM TO DO SO!!!! If my Scripture-based definition of God (along with reasoning and logic) can help me understand more of (and draw closer to) the Holy Creator of the Universe, shouldn't my exploration be encouraged?

And yes, it's a travesty that the study of God has let to alot of controversy and disputes and divisions in the church and such... but remember that God is not responsible for these problems. It is our own sin and pride and stubborness that causes us to disconnect when it comes to certain doctrines. I believe that there is one truth, and the more we earnestly search, the closer we will get to it. May your passion for the truth never die!


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Romania Countdown: 46 days