"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." [Galatians 5:1]
more to come...
Friday, August 14, 2009
what i miss about France...
1. The fresh-bread smell of bakeries in the morning
2. Juggling a soccer ball in the parc
3. Eating pastries with lunch
4. Bibou and French friends
5. Meeting in the centre-ville to relax after a long day
6. Fountains, bridges and cathedrals
7. Gelato (at least once a day)
8. Strange birds and dogs without leashes
9. Ordering the “Bon Plan” at La Mie Câline
10. Asking for directions in French
11. Cidre, Nutella et brioche
12. Sharing the gospel in multiple languages
13. Jambon et beure sandwiches
14. Drinking petit cafés sans sucre
15. Always being greeted with “Bonjour!” upon entering a store
16. Relaxing in the grass around the chateau
17. Schtroumpfs, crocodiles and Dragibus
18. Making new friends at Place Royale
19. Navigating French supermarkets
20. Medieval walled cities
21. Lavender macaroons, ginger gelato and banana flavored beer
22. Friday night soirées
23. Creperies, brasseries, papeteries, boulangeries, jardineries, chocolateries…
24. Weekend adventures to the beach
25. Late night meals of kebabs and frites
26. Worshipping in French and English
27. Trams, boats and trains
28. Surprise encounters with students swimming in the Loire
29. Living in France
2. Juggling a soccer ball in the parc
3. Eating pastries with lunch
4. Bibou and French friends
5. Meeting in the centre-ville to relax after a long day
6. Fountains, bridges and cathedrals
7. Gelato (at least once a day)
8. Strange birds and dogs without leashes
9. Ordering the “Bon Plan” at La Mie Câline
10. Asking for directions in French
11. Cidre, Nutella et brioche
12. Sharing the gospel in multiple languages
13. Jambon et beure sandwiches
14. Drinking petit cafés sans sucre
15. Always being greeted with “Bonjour!” upon entering a store
16. Relaxing in the grass around the chateau
17. Schtroumpfs, crocodiles and Dragibus
18. Making new friends at Place Royale
19. Navigating French supermarkets
20. Medieval walled cities
21. Lavender macaroons, ginger gelato and banana flavored beer
22. Friday night soirées
23. Creperies, brasseries, papeteries, boulangeries, jardineries, chocolateries…
24. Weekend adventures to the beach
25. Late night meals of kebabs and frites
26. Worshipping in French and English
27. Trams, boats and trains
28. Surprise encounters with students swimming in the Loire
29. Living in France
Sunday, August 2, 2009
story of my life...
(Verse 1)
I was born in Tennessee
Late July humidity
Doctor said I was lucky to be alive
I’ve been trouble since the day that I got here
Trouble till the day that I disappear
That’ll be the day that I finally get it right
(Chorus)
There is hope for me yet
Because God won’t forget
All the plans he’s made for me
I have to wait and see
He’s not finished with me yet
(Verse 2)
I never really was that good in school
I talked too much, broke the rules
Teacher thought I was hopeless fool alright
I don’t know how but I made it through
It’s one of those things that you’ve gotta do
But I always had a knack for telling the truth
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
Still wondering why I’m here
Still wrestling with my fear
But oh, He’s up to something
And the farther on I go
I’ve seen enough to know
That I’m, not here for nothing
He’s up to something
(Verse 3)
So now’s my time to be a man
Follow my heart as far as I can
No telling where I’m ending up tonight
I never slow down or so it seems
But singing my heart it’s one of my dreams
All I gotta do is hold on tight
(Chorus)
[Brandon Heath - Wait and See]
I was born in Tennessee
Late July humidity
Doctor said I was lucky to be alive
I’ve been trouble since the day that I got here
Trouble till the day that I disappear
That’ll be the day that I finally get it right
(Chorus)
There is hope for me yet
Because God won’t forget
All the plans he’s made for me
I have to wait and see
He’s not finished with me yet
(Verse 2)
I never really was that good in school
I talked too much, broke the rules
Teacher thought I was hopeless fool alright
I don’t know how but I made it through
It’s one of those things that you’ve gotta do
But I always had a knack for telling the truth
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
Still wondering why I’m here
Still wrestling with my fear
But oh, He’s up to something
And the farther on I go
I’ve seen enough to know
That I’m, not here for nothing
He’s up to something
(Verse 3)
So now’s my time to be a man
Follow my heart as far as I can
No telling where I’m ending up tonight
I never slow down or so it seems
But singing my heart it’s one of my dreams
All I gotta do is hold on tight
(Chorus)
[Brandon Heath - Wait and See]
Saturday, August 1, 2009
a few thoughts along the way...
The circular nature of Christianity can be hard to grasp at times. True, we often find ourselves treading familiar ground, but it is only that - familiar. Never the same. We continue to learn and re-learn spiritual truths but always at deeper and deeper levels. God's promises and His word will never change - it is us who continue to grow and be perfected.
***
God's blessing resides in the old, not in the fearful avoidance of what is new
God's blessing resides in the new, not in the modern disdain of what is old
***
Looking through the window of our plane at the fragile coastlines, I can't help but think: how can there even be land except that God allows it? Without His hand holding back the waters, all would be ocean...
***
God's blessing resides in the old, not in the fearful avoidance of what is new
God's blessing resides in the new, not in the modern disdain of what is old
***
Looking through the window of our plane at the fragile coastlines, I can't help but think: how can there even be land except that God allows it? Without His hand holding back the waters, all would be ocean...
Thursday, July 30, 2009
je suis arrive aux etats-unis...
i have so much to say, and yet very few words to express what is happening now that i'm back in the states...
i'm exhausted, both physically and emotionally, but i know deep in my heart - beneath this whirlwind of return - that God's purpose in sending me to Nantes was fulfilled.
and in that i am satisfied.
yes, i miss France. greatly so.
yes, i miss the dear friends i've made this summer.
yes, it's hard to imagine that i won't wake up tomorrow for a full day of sharing and a soiree at the Hippodrome.
but i have faith that God will complete in me the work He has begun, and with that comes the promise that nothing i gained this summer will be lost.
i know that whatever God taught me, whatever i discovered about Him and about myself, whatever friendships i made and wisdom i gained are good and lasting and are part of bringing me from glory to glory.
i also have hope that i will be back in my dear country of France again, and it is partly because of this hope that i can let go of what i've temporarily left behind, because i know it is not the end.
no, this is not the end - God is always doing more, and everything next is built on all what was before.
that is why we must be faithful in little, because after a while the small things become a great adventure, one for which God has thoroughly and completely prepared us through our diligent obedience.
i praise God for what He did before allowing me to journey to France, and i praise Him for all the ways in which He will use this summer to ready me for what is next.
i'm exhausted, both physically and emotionally, but i know deep in my heart - beneath this whirlwind of return - that God's purpose in sending me to Nantes was fulfilled.
and in that i am satisfied.
yes, i miss France. greatly so.
yes, i miss the dear friends i've made this summer.
yes, it's hard to imagine that i won't wake up tomorrow for a full day of sharing and a soiree at the Hippodrome.
but i have faith that God will complete in me the work He has begun, and with that comes the promise that nothing i gained this summer will be lost.
i know that whatever God taught me, whatever i discovered about Him and about myself, whatever friendships i made and wisdom i gained are good and lasting and are part of bringing me from glory to glory.
i also have hope that i will be back in my dear country of France again, and it is partly because of this hope that i can let go of what i've temporarily left behind, because i know it is not the end.
no, this is not the end - God is always doing more, and everything next is built on all what was before.
that is why we must be faithful in little, because after a while the small things become a great adventure, one for which God has thoroughly and completely prepared us through our diligent obedience.
i praise God for what He did before allowing me to journey to France, and i praise Him for all the ways in which He will use this summer to ready me for what is next.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
how can something so simple have such overwhelming power?
The precious blood of Jesus Christ redeems
Forgiven I'm alive restored set free
Your majesty resides inside of me
Forever I believe
Forever I believe
Arrested by Your truth and righteousness
Your grace has overwhelmed my brokenness
Convicted by Your spirit led by Your word
Your love will never fail
Your love will never fail
I know You gave
The word Your only Son for us
To know Your name
To live within the Savior's love
He took my place
Knowing He'd be crucified
And You loved
You loved a people undeserving
[Hillsong - To Know Your Name]
Forgiven I'm alive restored set free
Your majesty resides inside of me
Forever I believe
Forever I believe
Arrested by Your truth and righteousness
Your grace has overwhelmed my brokenness
Convicted by Your spirit led by Your word
Your love will never fail
Your love will never fail
I know You gave
The word Your only Son for us
To know Your name
To live within the Savior's love
He took my place
Knowing He'd be crucified
And You loved
You loved a people undeserving
[Hillsong - To Know Your Name]
running our race...
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." [Acts 20:24]
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." [1 Corinthians 9:24-27]
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." [2 Timothy 4:7-8]
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." [Hebrews 12:1-3]
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." [1 Corinthians 9:24-27]
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." [2 Timothy 4:7-8]
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." [Hebrews 12:1-3]
Franglais 101
How to speak well Frenglish…
1. Je te glare…
2. Ne glare pas!
3. Je creep!
4. What the qu’est ce que c’est?
5. I’m les tired
6. Tres oui!
7. …cheval?
8. Je ne parle pas English
9. Barn swallow!
10. Ar varr!
11. Mercy buckets!
12. Ne talk pas!
13. Bananas Anne et Café Anne
14. Ne moque me pas!
15. Je ne care pas
16. Je te smile
1. Je te glare…
2. Ne glare pas!
3. Je creep!
4. What the qu’est ce que c’est?
5. I’m les tired
6. Tres oui!
7. …cheval?
8. Je ne parle pas English
9. Barn swallow!
10. Ar varr!
11. Mercy buckets!
12. Ne talk pas!
13. Bananas Anne et Café Anne
14. Ne moque me pas!
15. Je ne care pas
16. Je te smile
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
what I love about Nantes...
1. Playing a game of soccer with French students
2. The simple pleasure of eating cheese and bread
3. Jumping photos as the sun sets over the Hippodrome
4. The freshness of belief in young Christians
5. Drinking a petit café at a brasserie
6. Singing “En Jesus Seule” under banners that read “Jesus Christ – Notre Esperance”
7. The afternoon sun shining on the grass around the Chateau
8. Learning that Jesus is the only thing great enough to rescue me from myself
9. A rugby match at an Irish Pub with a pint of Guinness and a British friend
10. The adventure of traveling the world for Christ
11. Ordering a bon plan at Mie Caline – “Pain au chocolat, s’il vous plait!”
12. A pair of indoor soccer cleats for only 10 euros at GoSport
13. Studying 1st John
14. Art that is a pack of wolves, glowing circles, guitar-playing birds and a giant wall-bending whale
15. Laser game at Atlantis – “Same team! Same team!!”
16. Realizing that part of my destiny is now – sharing the Gospel of God’s love to anyone, anywhere
17. Worshiping in English and French
18. Moules, frites and vin along the waterfront
19. Meeting wonderful new friends from many countries
20. Riding the tram all over town
21. The fresh colors, light and shapes of French design
22. Growing in my confidence of the Truth I believe
23. Ameliorating my French by speaking it as much as possible
24. Brave warriors of the Nantes STINT team fighting for the hearts of the French
25. Students on vacation from school backpacking throughout Europe
26. Discussing apples with an elderly French lady at Marché U
27. Reading the Bible
28. Gelato from Amorino – une cornetto avec quatre parfums
29. Discovering back alleys, hidden store fronts and indoor malls
30. A tour of Musee des Beaux Arts on a lazy Saturday morning
31. The chance to grow and be stretched beyond my old self
32. Exploring the Jardin des Plantes
33. Midnight kebabs and frites (with Harissa sauce!)
34. The breathtaking majesty of ancient cathedrales
35. Learning to lead, learning to follow
36. Feux d’artifice over the Loire – “Joyeux Quatorze Juillet!”
37. Water droplets of light sprinkling the plaza around the fountain at night
38. Des Petites Ecoliers
39. Brioche avec Nutella
40. Wine tasting at a wine bar with two new French friends
2. The simple pleasure of eating cheese and bread
3. Jumping photos as the sun sets over the Hippodrome
4. The freshness of belief in young Christians
5. Drinking a petit café at a brasserie
6. Singing “En Jesus Seule” under banners that read “Jesus Christ – Notre Esperance”
7. The afternoon sun shining on the grass around the Chateau
8. Learning that Jesus is the only thing great enough to rescue me from myself
9. A rugby match at an Irish Pub with a pint of Guinness and a British friend
10. The adventure of traveling the world for Christ
11. Ordering a bon plan at Mie Caline – “Pain au chocolat, s’il vous plait!”
12. A pair of indoor soccer cleats for only 10 euros at GoSport
13. Studying 1st John
14. Art that is a pack of wolves, glowing circles, guitar-playing birds and a giant wall-bending whale
15. Laser game at Atlantis – “Same team! Same team!!”
16. Realizing that part of my destiny is now – sharing the Gospel of God’s love to anyone, anywhere
17. Worshiping in English and French
18. Moules, frites and vin along the waterfront
19. Meeting wonderful new friends from many countries
20. Riding the tram all over town
21. The fresh colors, light and shapes of French design
22. Growing in my confidence of the Truth I believe
23. Ameliorating my French by speaking it as much as possible
24. Brave warriors of the Nantes STINT team fighting for the hearts of the French
25. Students on vacation from school backpacking throughout Europe
26. Discussing apples with an elderly French lady at Marché U
27. Reading the Bible
28. Gelato from Amorino – une cornetto avec quatre parfums
29. Discovering back alleys, hidden store fronts and indoor malls
30. A tour of Musee des Beaux Arts on a lazy Saturday morning
31. The chance to grow and be stretched beyond my old self
32. Exploring the Jardin des Plantes
33. Midnight kebabs and frites (with Harissa sauce!)
34. The breathtaking majesty of ancient cathedrales
35. Learning to lead, learning to follow
36. Feux d’artifice over the Loire – “Joyeux Quatorze Juillet!”
37. Water droplets of light sprinkling the plaza around the fountain at night
38. Des Petites Ecoliers
39. Brioche avec Nutella
40. Wine tasting at a wine bar with two new French friends
Monday, July 6, 2009
Lamentations 3:22-33
My pastor read this at the end of his sermon this past Sunday...
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke when he is young.
Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust – there may yet be hope. Let him offer his check to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.
For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men."
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke when he is young.
Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust – there may yet be hope. Let him offer his check to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.
For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men."
Your Love is Strong
Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let Your kingdom come in my world
And in my life
Give me the food I need
To live through today
Forgive me as I forgive
The people that wrong me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one
I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place
I walk to the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day
So why should I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need!
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
The kingdom of the heavens
Is now advancing
Invade my heart
Invade this broken town
The kingdom of the heavens
Is buried treasure
Would you sell yourself
To buy the one you've found
Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Our God in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in Heaven
Give us, today, our daily bread
Forgive us weary sinners
Keep us far from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons
[Jon Foreman]
You always amaze me
Let Your kingdom come in my world
And in my life
Give me the food I need
To live through today
Forgive me as I forgive
The people that wrong me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one
I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place
I walk to the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day
So why should I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need!
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
The kingdom of the heavens
Is now advancing
Invade my heart
Invade this broken town
The kingdom of the heavens
Is buried treasure
Would you sell yourself
To buy the one you've found
Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Our God in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in Heaven
Give us, today, our daily bread
Forgive us weary sinners
Keep us far from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons
[Jon Foreman]
things I am learning...
1) God is Love
2) God loves me
3) God loves the French
4) Sometimes it’s okay to put down the camera
5) The internet is a luxury
6) Loving one another is not
7) I have nothing to fear
8) God made me to worship Him
9) Worship cannot exist except in being knit permanently with the Word
10) Nous pouvons louer notre Dieu en Anglais et en Francais
11) I cannot obtain anything good of my own
12) God created everything that is good and true and beautiful
13) “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
14) “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
15) Jesus allowed himself to be separated from God so that we would not have to be
16) I can’t imagine living a life without knowing who God is
17) There are many people in the world who don’t
18) We have been charged to proclaim the Gospel to all nations
19) Paul was a real person
20) So was Peter
21) I’d love to share the Gospel with them for a day
22) Acts is one of the most powerful books I have ever read
23) So is 1st John
24) It’s amazing how so much of my conversations confirmed and strengthened by what I am reading in 1st John
25) Everything in the Word is united
26) I am becoming increasingly global-minded
27) My wallet is much lighter (and less complicated) in another country
28) I am transient, I am temporary
29) I am easily adaptable, I am in constant motion
30) I am more than the sum of my strengths
31) I am also very weak
32) He is infinitely strong…
33) …but only when I admit my need for rescue
34) Don’t mock yourself, less others follow suit and miss who you really are
35) God is intangible, impossible to see, but one way He is made known in our lives is when we love one another – then His love (and his presence) is made complete in us
36) True love is unexplainable - “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
37) We don’t need as much need to grasp the mystery of God as much as we need to be grasped by it – God will take hold of our hearts even when our minds cannot
2) God loves me
3) God loves the French
4) Sometimes it’s okay to put down the camera
5) The internet is a luxury
6) Loving one another is not
7) I have nothing to fear
8) God made me to worship Him
9) Worship cannot exist except in being knit permanently with the Word
10) Nous pouvons louer notre Dieu en Anglais et en Francais
11) I cannot obtain anything good of my own
12) God created everything that is good and true and beautiful
13) “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
14) “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
15) Jesus allowed himself to be separated from God so that we would not have to be
16) I can’t imagine living a life without knowing who God is
17) There are many people in the world who don’t
18) We have been charged to proclaim the Gospel to all nations
19) Paul was a real person
20) So was Peter
21) I’d love to share the Gospel with them for a day
22) Acts is one of the most powerful books I have ever read
23) So is 1st John
24) It’s amazing how so much of my conversations confirmed and strengthened by what I am reading in 1st John
25) Everything in the Word is united
26) I am becoming increasingly global-minded
27) My wallet is much lighter (and less complicated) in another country
28) I am transient, I am temporary
29) I am easily adaptable, I am in constant motion
30) I am more than the sum of my strengths
31) I am also very weak
32) He is infinitely strong…
33) …but only when I admit my need for rescue
34) Don’t mock yourself, less others follow suit and miss who you really are
35) God is intangible, impossible to see, but one way He is made known in our lives is when we love one another – then His love (and his presence) is made complete in us
36) True love is unexplainable - “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
37) We don’t need as much need to grasp the mystery of God as much as we need to be grasped by it – God will take hold of our hearts even when our minds cannot
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