Congratulations Emily!!!!!

Today my best friend Emily graduates from Biola University. We have been friends for two decades and I cannot imagine my life without her!!! I don't think anyone else knows me as well as she does! From Adventures in Odyssey, to playing pilgrims on Sunday afternoons, through middle school, high school, and now college, she has always been there! God has incredibily blessed me with your friendship. I realize what a rare thing it is to be able to say that I've literally had the same best friend for my whole life. We go on fun adventures...
And we make awesome music videos like this one...
http://youtu.be/ed-qJJbhxc0

and this one...
http://youtu.be/qBdzghNIuNs

oh but wait, there's more!
http://youtu.be/E0Vm-yzloFw

And finally! The grandaddy of them all!
http://youtu.be/AhYDbTbpm50

Emily, I wish I could be there today to see you walk across the stage, but since I can't you should watch one of the videos and know that I have prayed for you and cannot wait to see you in Austin and Fort Worth this summer!



I love you Emily!!!!!

You Can't Throw A Kindle

I have officially finished my first book report using a Kindle. It was a good experience. I have one problem though. YOU CAN'T THROW A KINDLE. When reading theology you will naturally come across arguments that are just plain wrong. In such cases it helps me to know that I can throw the book across the room. Not that I've ever done it, but I've been tempted. And when that happens it is comforting to know that I COULD throw the book if I really wanted to.
I was reading something last night about monotheism in the Bible. One theologian said that the Hebrews interpreted Wisdom in Proverbs to be a goddess. As a result they were not really monoetheistic. This would have been the PERFECT time to throw the book. But wait. YOU CAN'T THROW A KINDLE!!!!!!

Theology Overload

I've wanted to study theology for a long time. Ever since being in April's Sunday School class I've wanted to go deeper with Greek and theological stuff. Eryn and I consulted commentaries and concordances in college. I feel incredibly blessed to be in seminary right now. This summer I will be taking Systematic 1 and 2. I've really been looking forward to it. Reading is also one of my favorite things to do so I bought the 2 book report books on the Kindle and was ready to get started! Problem: I don't understand half of the words the writers use. Solution: the built in kindle dictionary! As I read...and read...and read...and watch the little line at the bottom of the screen slowly move...I'm realizing how much I don't know and how much I will NEVER understand. But that is more than ok. I think A.W. Tozer says it best in The Pursuit of God. "Coincidentally" I read this last week before all this started -

God will not hold us responsible to understand the mysteries of election, predestination and the divine sovereignty. The best and safest way to deal with these truths is to raise our eyes to God and in deepest reverence say, "O Lord, Thou knowest." Those things belong to the deep and mysterious Profound of God's omniscience. Prying into them may make theologians, but it will never makes saints.

All I have to say is "Amen and Amen!!!!"

Keeping Busy...

I go back to Fort Worth in 11 days to start Systematic Theology. I read the syllabus tonight and got really excited/nervous. I didn't know what half of the words meant! There are a lot of -ologies and -isms. A couple of nights ago I made a list of things I want to get done before I go back to school. My goal is to be productive this summer!I love being able to research and read things that I actually enjoy! I get to pick the pace and the deadlines. We'll see what happens. The Kindle is also making life more interesting. I discovered that you CAN underline digitally and that made me like it a little better...

New York!

New York was one of the best trips of my life!!! We had an incredible time! Here are some pictures from the trip. These are only the highlights...



Central Park



New York Public Library




Empire State Building



Natural History Museum (we stayed until it closed but nothing came to life)



Brooklyn Bridge



New brother in Christ!!! Praise the Lord!

Oh Technology...

I am not a huge fan of technology. I like all of the stuff that makes life easier like a dishwasher, washer and dryer, etc. But really...who needs a camera, cell phone, and the internet all in one? It makes me nervous how connected the world is. My boss makes fun of me for having an old flip phone. I have no ambitions beyond that. As long as I can receive phone calls and texts I am a happy camper. Needless to say I have NOT wanted a Kindle. You just can't replace books with a computer screen. Or so I thought...when I got home last night I discovered that my Dad had bought my Mom a Kindle for Mother's Day. My Mom and I share the same opinion that you should be able to hold a book in your hands (and underline it). This is my Dad's new family experiment. He wants us all to try it out this summer. So my job is to find a book (yay) and read it on the Kindle. The jury is still out on whether or not I am going to embrace the book killing technology, but I will say that having THOUSANDS of books at your fingertips is kind of exciting....

Yes, I am alive!

These past couple of weeks have been crazy. Here is an update on life for you E!
1. I went to a D-Now last weekend and it was wonderful! God is so good!
2. Some really cool things have been happening with evangelism
3. I had EGGPLANT!!! Real honest to goodness Chinese eggplant! Yum!
4. I am going to New York City in 1 day!
5. I have almost completed my first year in seminary. Can you believe it?
6. Becca and I had some pretty awesome hang out time while I learned all about veggie foods!!

While studying for my Congregational Song final I came across this hymn. I love the words and feel like they really apply to my life right now. Emily, I am highlighting a part I know you will appreciate!! It made me think of you since you are graduating in 25 days! Love you! Sorry it's so long! But it's all good!

Take Time to Be Holy
Speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always,
And feed on His Word:
Make friends of God's children,
Help those who are weak;
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek (read Psalm 27 here)

Take time to be holy,
The world rushes on; Spend much time in secret
With Jesus alone:
By looking to Jesus
Like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see

Take time to be holy,
Let Him be thy guide,
And run not before Him
Whatever betide;
In joy or in sorrow
Still follow thy Lord,
And looking to Jesus,
Still trust in His Word

Take time to be holy,
Be calm in thy soul;
Each tho't and each motive
Beneath His control;
Thus led by His Spirit
To fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted
For service above