Mighty to Save

Everyone needs compassion,
a love that's never failing,
let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
the kindness of a Savior,
the hope of nations...

Savior, he can move the mountains.
My God is Mighty to Save, he is mighty to Save.
Forever, author of salvation,
he rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave...

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
we're singing, for the glory of the risen King,
Jesus

... Ah Hillsong. How I've missed you.

Okay, let's be fair... I haven't been to ACF in what, 2 weeks? That's not long at all. Well, apparently it is. I can't tell you how instantly relaxed and content I felt as soon as the worship band at the English church I visited started playing. Not just any Hillsong song, MY SONG. There's something about Mighty to Save that has always grabbed me. To be fair, it wasn't nearly as musically awesome at acf (no ridiculous electric guitar or anything)... but it was fantastic. I'm actually fairly certain that I'm not going to shop around for churches. I found it on try #1. And I didn't even pick it. Erik, one of the Swedish students' host mom offered to take a few of us to her church on Sunday. Thank. The. Lord. haha.

Well, the brits have church figured out a bit better I think... after the songs (like 5 or 6 of them) and announcements and stuff they have a 10-15 minute tea and coffee break/greeting time. Its awesome. You get to talk, eat, drink, meet people, etc. I had pretty much decided already that this was my church before the sermon... but I resolved to hear it out and be unbiased (and not just choose on music and everything thus far). The sermon was about being a "contagious christian." BINGO!!

That's why I'm here. I'm not the type of person to just talk about what I believe in, and I'm definitely not the type of person who thinks that what I believe is the one and only truth. But, I do know that I love God and people... and that I get such peace, joy, and fulfillment from my relationship with Jesus and living my life for him and through him. In "Mighty to Save" it talks about that as well... just being a light. Letting other people see the joy you get from God and not temporary fixes... being grounded in beliefs. The speaker talked about being "attractive" to other people in the sense that they should see something different in you, something exciting and appealing... my love for God shouldn't be hidden, a secret. I want people to know there's something special about me from the start.

I don't think that my purpose for coming here has been to necessarily minister to other people... I think the fact that I'm here is a good opportunity to put into practice what I already know... I'm supposed to minister all the time. But am I strong enough to not change what I know to be true about me and my life simply because I'm in a different location? definitely a constant prayer of strength and persistence for me right now.

On a lighter? note, school started today. Whoa are classes different. A few hours long once a week, rather than the psu way. That's okay with me. No tests, also okay with me. One big project, okay with me... except you simply can't procrastinate because we HAVE to use the library. Uh-Oh. Can I get a collective groan from University Park? Yea, I'm not big into using the library unless it's online with the CAT or ProQuest. Or, if I'm going inside simply for UCM scavenger hunt purposes. So that'll be different. But, I met the rest of the British kids in our program today, which is great. They are excited to take us around England in the coming months.

Speaking of which (i know the post is getting lengthy... sorry!), Planning travel is a pain in my rump (how English am I right?) It would be easy if it was just me... but we have at least 10 people... some who want to do things one way, some another. Oh its super stressful... and its already beginning to take its toll on me. I like to be relaxed and "do whatever," but at the same time... I know that I feel more comfortable if I'm the one planning and looking into everything. It's just a lot of stress and responsibility. So far nothing's been decided... but we'll get there. Ah.

Well, I'm off for now... Jo and Dick are calling for dinner (which should be about a 3 hour period of time... they are TALKERS!!!)

Ciao!
ps. Saw the VMA video of Kanye tearing up my girl Taylor. Cheer her up and listen to the new Boys like Girls ft. Taylor Swift song "Two is Better than One." K. Great, thanks!