A few thoughts. . .

The weekend is coming to a close and another rainy week is about to begin*. Stacie and I had such a sweet time exploring "the city" (meaning San Fransisco, that's what everyone calls it here!), eating yummy meals together, attending a Collegiate A Capella Competition (SO amazing, but 3 hours long and my back is still aching because of it) where Cal took 1st place, worshiping the Lord together at my lovely church, going to the movies to watch The Oscar Nominations for Animated Short Film (in a theater with comfy couches, SO fun!), as well as lots of relaxing, singing, and being all around goofy. So thankful for our friendship. . .and airplanes which make weekend trips like this possible!

After talking with a dear friend (since the good ol' Hanson loving and note passing Junior High days :)) I realized that it would be fun to post the "Where is the Love" survey questions that were asked last week - so here they are:

1. What are some ways you define real love?
2. Looking at the excerpt of the lyrics from "Where is the Love?" which lines speak to you the most?
3. What do you think is the solution to the problems of racism, violence and hate?
4. Read the chorus. What do you think about the idea of a God who could help us find love?
5. On a scale from 1-10, rate your desire to know more about God's love.

So many great conversations were started using these questions. . .many conversations which led to sharing the Gospel, at times briefly and at other times in length but each time the message was the same and could be boiled down to these four nuggets:

1. (God's love) God loves you and created you to know Him personally. He has a wonderful plan for your life.
2. (Our condition) People are sinful and separated from God, so we cannot know Him personally or experience His love and plan.
3. (God's response) Jesus Christ is God's only provision for our sin. Through Him alone can we know God personally and experience His love and plan.
4. (Our response) We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know God personally and experience His love and plan.

Yes, one student made a decision to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord this week but I also rejoice over the many more who were heard, were loved, and were given more truth to digest. Keep praying with me for the hearts of students, and ultimately ALL people worldwide!

* I had a little epiphany walking alongside the creek on campus on my way home last week. It was a rainy day, causing the water level to rise and the sound of the water rushing over the rocks was awesome. It was then that I began to put 2 and 2 together. I ABSOLUTELY love water - I love to drink it, swim in it, be near it, feel it, ski on it. . .and the list could go on. But, I've always hated the rain - until I realized on this pivotal day that the rains which the Lord provide are the reason why I get to enjoy this amazing substance in it's many forms and functions. . .and therefore I should be more thankful, and even happy/excited when it does rain. Can't say I'm quite there yet but I'm on my way. . .and owning a cute pair of rain boots helps. :)