do we remember?

For one of my classes this semester, we have started on a project researching 'Restricted' and 'Hostile' nations around the world.  And researching even just my first country, Afghanistan, has opened my eyes to how easy it is for me to forget.  As I read through the facts

- second highest infant mortality rate in the world

- farmers turning to growing opium simply to provide for their families

- 99% Muslim

- converts to Christianity face persecution from their families and the government

it continually sobers me, for Afghanistan is only one on this list of countries that the gospel is prohibited from being proclaimed.  Approximately 28 million people live in the that war-ravenged country, without the opportunity of knowing the hope of the gospel of Christ. 

Yet what is to be our response?  To simply shake our heads and then moving on with our day?  To fall into despair that anything will ever be changed in that country? 

Oh, that we would remember.  Oh, that the Lord of the Harvest would be impressing on His people to pray for the persecuted church and unreached nations.  That He would be building men and woman that forsaking all worldly pleasures would go to the darkest corners of the earth; a mighty army that may overcome the Accuser of the Brethren by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and that they love not their lives unto death (Revelation 12:11) 

only one life

Two little lines I heard one day,

Traveling along life’s busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart,

And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,

And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life,’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,

Gently pleads for a better choice

Bidding me selfish aims to leave,

And to God’s holy will to cleave;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,

Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;

Each with its clays I must fulfill,

living for self or in His will;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,

When Satan would a victory score;

When self would seek to have its way,

Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,

In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e’er the strife,

Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,

And from the world now let me turn;

Living for Thee, and Thee alone,

Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, “twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;

And when at last I’ll hear the call,

I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;

Only one life,’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,

If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.

-C.T. Studd

nicole. . .

. . .is now laughing because she should know by now not to make definitive statements ('will post tomorrow') without adding a clause such as 'Lord willing' or 'unless something unexpected comes up'.

Like finding out that me and another intern will be spending the whole afternoon escorting an air conditioner repair man through 30+ girls' dorm rooms. 

So for those of you who were waiting with baited breath - I'm sorry not to deliver something profound.

But if you knew how hot it was down here, you would realize that I'm actually ecstatic about having all the air conditioners on campus working. 

That's all I have time for now.  More. . .sometime!

nicole. . .

. . .will be posting tomorrow!

the heavens declare

Wednesday evenings our class has been going through The Truth Project.  Most everything that is presented is truth that I have grown up believing, but I have greatly appreciated the fresh and unique angle.  Here is a quote from last night's class, which was focusing in on the arena of science.

"As Christians we need not be afriad to look in a telescope

nor look into a microscope

for we do not need to explain away the order and the design that is evidenced."

 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
 There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.

Psalm 19:1-3

a quote

            "Oh, the fullness,
                                   pleasure,
                                          sheer excitement
           of knowing God on earth!”
                            -Jim Elliot-

bi·cy·cle

I rode a bike for the first time in a long time a couple of days ago.

Isn't it funny how some things are so familiar?

The feeling of freedom and exhilaration with the wind in your face.

(and I checked - I can still ride with no hands)

And I decided that for travel

a bicycle is the way to go.

Walks are good when you have lots of time

or are feeling contemplative

or want to chat with a friend.

And I won't deny vehicles have their place

(like coming on a road trip to visit me!)

But you end up missing so much of the scenery.

Whereas with a bicycle

there is that perfect balance of having time to soak in the surroundings

and still getting where you need to go.  

another celebration

. . .my first 'fourth of July' in the States :) 

And since we started talking about anthems a couple of days ago, here are some thoughts on the American anthem.

One.  No matter how low you start off "oh say can you see. . ." the song always seems to end shatteringly high.

Two.  It was one of those 'eureka!' moments when I realized that the lyrics were not 'dawnserlie light' but rather 'the dawn's. early. light.'

The whole song made a lot more sense after that point. 

Happy Fourth! 

oh canada

Happy Canada Day!

  

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

(just a note to those of my American friends who may not know. . .the tune is not      'O Christmas Tree')

*grins*