Weekly Update #4: Meeting Mohler [WHAT?!?] and Answered Prayer

Huh..? What? Meeting Dr. Mohler?! Yessiree! For those of you who don't know, Dr. Albert Mohler is one of the most astounding American theologians of our modern day, author of many best-selling Christian books, author of "The Briefing," the president of my college and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as many other great things. And I got to meet him--in person! What?!?

It was around noon on Thursday. I had just finished up lunch and decided to stop in the restroom before heading back to class. When I opened up the door to the restroom, I saw a very tall, finely dressed man washing his hands. Not thinking much of it (because I really needed to use the restroom...) I simply continued walking. However, as I was walking, I heard a deep, manly voice ask me, "How are you today?" I quickly stopped, turned around to see who was talking to me (this all happened before I actually used the restroom...by the way), and it was Dr. Mohler himself! It was the first time I had seen him on campus in the entire (almost) four weeks I've been here except for in chapel, and he was talking to me, in person, just me and him! After I regained my breath, I replied, "I'm doing great today, how are you Dr. Mohler?" to which he replied that he was doing great as well. I then thanked him for chapel (which occured earlier that morning), introduced myself, and shook his hand. It was so cool!

Other than bonding with Dr. Mohler, this week I've been continuing to create not only great study habits, but also great opportunities to build more friendships (as well as relax from studying so that I don't get overwhelmed). I've found that doing the majority of my studying on Wednesdays and Fridays has helped me greatly, and that trying to do homework along with four classes in one day is not a good idea (maybe I should have just used common sense to learn that one instead of trial-and-error). Furthermore, I've been able to have a lot of fun with new friends this week, including eating together, studying together, bowling (Twice! Alright, don't make fun of me, y'all know that I could bowl way more than twice in one week...this is restraint, haha!), playing cards, and simply talking.

But amidst it all, this week was a great way for me to see how the Lord truly answers prayer. So firstly, let this be an encouragement (and a thank you!) to all of you who have been praying for me, knowing that what you have done in your prayers has not been in vain. Firstly, the Lord has truly enabled me to be content. Though I am so far from perfect in this area, the Lord has given me the strength to have a quiet and submissive spirit towards his will in my life, even though he might not be currently giving me exactly what I want. Praise be to God alone. Secondly, God has given me great patience with this entire season in my life. Though I still am longing for more friends and deeper relationships, the Lord has enabled me to be patient in that process. Praise be to God alone. Thirdly, the Lord has in fact enabled me to grow in deeper relationships with some friends. I've enjoyed great experiences (bowling!) in the past week with a lot of them as well as connected with a couple of them on a more personal level. Praise be to God alone. And lastly, the Lord has enabled me to build a better relationship with my favorite professor. I visited Dr. Trentham's (my favorite professor) church this weekend, and after the service he asked if I would like to get coffee with him sometime. This is truly an answer to prayer. Being here has truly been great, but I've been longing to have a professor pour into my life. However, there are so many students here, and it's hard to build a relationship with a professor when he has (literally) 69 other students in just one of his classes. Nevertheless, God is faithful. Praise be to God alone!

There are so many other great ways in which the Lord has answered my prayers this week, of which I do not have the time to tell. Nevertheless, know that God is good, and that though I truly miss you all, the Lord is taking care of me. He is enough for me, amen.

P.S. I watched the livestream of that Calvary's Satuday night service, and it helped me so greatly. It was great see some of your guys' faces (for those of you reading this from Calvary), even though I was not actually there. Once again, the Lord is faithful. He provides comfort, amen.

Prayer Requests...

• That I might continue to learn the great lesson of contentment.

• Starfish Opportunities. My heart still longs so deeply to pour into someone younger than me and influence them, but it is hard when I've not yet committed to a church here. Pray that God would make a way when no way is visible.

• Wisdom for choosing a church. As you know from last week's update, it has been really hard on me to not be at Calvary, and having to choose a new church while I'm here in Louisville just makes it harder. I have found one that I really like, but I'm not sure if they have the ministries that I need to be edified as well as be involved (it's a super small church). Any words of wisdom on this would be well appreciated.

• Wisdom for choosing a job. I have an interview on Wednesday to be a valet parker (not my first choice, but the money is great, and it's not fast food...).

• JOY! Be praying that the acedemic rigor will not kill my joy, but that I might fully find my joy in Christ.

What I'm learning in my classes...

• In History of the Bible, we are learning about the history of the languages that composed the Bible as well as ancient writing techniques. It's the most interestingly boring thing I've ever done. And no, I don't know what that means.

• In Greek, we are learning prepositions! I know right...fun! Haha. Actually, it is. I'm loving it. We have actually started translating easier texts of the Bible already--it's crazy!

• In Ethics, we are still looking at different perspectives on the "good life." What does it mean to be moral? What does it mean to do good? Is morality based on utilitariansim? Pragmaticism? (Yes, my brain hurts too.)

• In English, I'm bored.*

• In Christian Education (my favorite class!), we are looking more and more at how to disciple others. What is the best way to disciple someone? Ultimately, we are learning that each person, at his very core, has a truth that they build their lives upon. Many people think that someone's worldview is at the core of who they are, but that is false. That worldview is based upon a truth that they are believeing. Thus, it is important to make sure that we are teaching "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth" (to steal a line from the American judiciary) so that we can correctly disciple those under us.

Peace be with you all, for the glory of God.

*In English, we're learning how to write a book report. I just thought that saying "I'm bored" would be hilarious...so I did. It's also true.