Weekly Update #6: NASHVILLE!

This week I got the wonderful opportunity to take a day trip to Nashville with some of my friends. It was so awesome! We walked down some of the most famous streets in the city as well as visited some famous landmarks! I loved it so much. Not only did I get to bond better with some of my friends here, but I got to visit a city surrounded by music--something I take great joy in! Attatched below are picture of the Parthenon (a full-size replica of a historic Greek temple) and Tennessee capitol building (kinda boring, but the architecture is cool). Sadly, I failed to get a good picture of the skyline (because I never got a good angle at it, outside of taking a picture through a car window) and a picture with all of my friends (because I always forget to do those types of things).

The Parthenon

Tennessee Capitol

Other than Nashville, I had a few other great experiences this week. The church that I am attending regularly here offers a pastoral internship for anyone pursing pastoral ministry. I got to go this Wednesday, and it was awesome! They are currently going through preaching, so the pastor is teaching us how to preach more effectively in order that we may be good stewards of God's truth. The internship is every other week, and is surely a great opportunity for me.

I also got to go to Boyce's "Coffee House" this past Friday. "Coffee House" isn't an actual coffee house (CONFUSING, right???), but rather an event for students to show their fellow classmates their artistic talent (while coffee is served, of course). It was truly inspirational! Many students sang original songs, and all of them were so talented. It is so cool to see the talents of others here at my college as it is so deeply clear that God has truly gifted us all in unique ways.

I also was able to carve enough time into my week to watch the Packer's devastating tie against the Vikings. For those of you who saw the game...oof. It was painful. Nevertheless, it was great to have a small feeling of home through watching the Packer's play football, especially alongside my friend Cody who is from Wisconsin as well.

Nevertheless, having lots of fun does take its toll. This week was incredibly straining on me academically, and even physically. College doesn't stop! If you get one day behind, you're in a hole, and you have to work hard to get out. Luckily, I've been doing a great job with keeping up with my assignments, but I've had to study up to seven hours some days (outside of class) just to keep up. However, I'm learning, and I'm not overwhelmed (yet). It's a lot of work, but its enjoyable work, and it hasn't been taking away from my social life. Time management is key, but luckily that is something I'm pretty good at.

Prayer Requests..

• That I might desire the things of God in all areas.

• Wisdom in all areas.

• Homesickness.

• Perseverance and strength in schoolwork.

What I've Been Learning in Class..

• In History of the Bible, we are discussing the issue of canonocity. The Bible is made up of many books, but why are those books in the Bible and not others? Why is the Jewish "Bible" and the Catholic "Bible" different than the Protestant Bible? What makes a book of the Bible canon and not simply good literature?

• In Greek, we are learning third declension nouns. Basically, it's a lot of memorization as you have to be able to tell how each word is supposed to end (or "decline") when used in different contexts. In English, we only have singular and plural words, and we use word order and prepositions to understand the purpose of a word. In Greek, you have differrent number, gender, and case of words to determine their function, meaning that one word can have up to eight different endings...but yet there are six different types of nouns, so technically you have 48 different noun endings, and I have to (get to?) memorize them all! :)

• In Ethics, we are discussing the ethics of technology. How ought we to use technological advancements for the glory of God? Is there a line in which we cross that brings us into sin in regard with technology?

• In English, I'm still bored.

• In Christian Education, we are looking at what "Christian Teaching Ministry" is and what it looks like. We discussed how "teaching" truly touches at every aspect of Christian ministry, as it is the way in which the Great Commission is brought about ("make disciples of all the nations...teaching them all that I have commanded you"). Did your mind just get blown? Yeah, mine too. I love this class--it lines up so closely to what I want to do with my life, and the professor is phenominal.

Yet, amidst all of the excitement, I still dearly miss home. Once again, do not be afraid to reach out. All of your guys' encouragement has been wonderful, and I truly cannot get enough of it. Your prayers are much appreaciated.

Peace be with you.