learning something new everyday...

Thursday, May 22, 2008
Paris, France

The city of Paris has been a non-stop experience into some of the most beautiful historical churches and museums in the world. These places display the glory of God in ways that I have never seen. The feeling of walking into a church with almost 1,000 years of history is mind-blowing...the architecture, the murals, the chills that run through your bones as you smell of the ancient air. The reverberating sounds of ancient chants tingle the hairs on your skin. It is indescribable-so different from the quaint southern charm of hometown churches. I have seen the Mona Lisa and the palaces in Versailles. I have overlooked the city from the dome of the Sacre Cour Basillica and top of the Eiffel Tower. I have beheld the French countryside and the beaches of Normandy. These things have blown me away.

A trip as this one has the tendency to be discouraging. If conversations don't lead to something about Christ, it would be easy to discard them as pointless. What I've had to remind myself is that God is the Author of Salvation. No conversation I could muster- or building I could build- or small child I could hug could ever bring someone to the revelation of Christ. It is by His Spirit that people are drawn-not by conniving or wise words. I am so humbled and excited to be used. I will continue to be a tourist- experience this creation, breathe the air and feel these emotions. And Jesus will continue to work, whether I am here, there or back home. What a blessing to be a child of God and see grace- in all parts of the world.

my little box of Jesus

Saturday, May 17, 2008
Amsterdam, Holland

It has been cold and rainy these past two days. Gloom aside, plenty of interesting things have ensued, which have given way to expert wisdom:

-If you try to cross the street before a bicycle, train or car, they will hit you. Seriously.
-Dutch farmhouse cheese might be the best in the world, second only to the Italian truffle cheese. Please folks, let your cheese lie dormant for three years. It will do it and you a great flavor...(pun on favor, get it?)
-If you see a woman posing in a window, it’s probably not a mannequin. They require money.
-Don’t sleep with your windows open. You’ll hear too many things not conducive to sleeping.
-If you buy 5 packs of batteries to last the rest of your trip, make sure they say “alkaline”. If they don’t, they will not work in your digital camera. Not that I’m telling you from experience or anything.

Jokes aside, the trip thus far has been refreshing for me. Getting out of the South is good for anyone, proving that there is a world of people that don’t view life the same. It breaks the monotony and staleness that often accompanies good ole’ boy faith. It also reflects the beauty of our Creator in a unique way. It sometimes happens that mission trips become rallies for the American idea or an opportunity to see “how God has blessed America.” But I declare that God’s love and workmanship is displayed just as much across the world. We in America are not the key holders to the doors of His blessings. Though we may value size and materials more so than other parts of the world, it doesn’t equate into God’s favor. Even our ideas, doctrines and theologies don’t convey the fullest expression of The Sovereign God. His grace extends to the poorest, coolest, hippest and ugly parts of this world- unconditionally. His power strengthens the weakest and most feeble of his children. His peace comforts the most confused and painful of hearts.

I’m glad that I can see Christ somewhere else- even if there isn’t a church on every corner.

well hello there

I'm back from Europe and all is well- life sets in.

I'll be periodically posting blogs from my trip on this page so look for them! :)

If you're the of visual kind- I also have a new little site for my photo-taking skills.

Look at Me!

Enjoy!