Tuesday, 26 September 2006

God is Faithful
I woke at 7:30 to the phone squawking, "Answer me! Answer me!" and promptly turned over to go back to sleep. Finally my alarm clock sounded shortly after 9 with the Chapel Choir singing Jiri Ropek's "Pange Lingua." I've decided that I like having sweet choral music that praises God to wake me in the morning. It's refreshing and sets the tone for the day right.

Tantum ergo sacramentum
Veneremur cernui,
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui;
Praestet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.
Genitori Genitoque
Laus et jubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio;
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
Amen.

For those who don't speak Latin on a regular basis (like me), here's the translation.
Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail,
Lo! o'er ancient forms departing
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith for all defects supplying,
Where the feeble senses fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son Who reigns on high
With the Holy Spirit proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen.

I always manage to feel stupid in Intro to Bib Lit. I'm not used to that; Washington Avenue/Cornerstone Baptist Church taught me the Bible pretty well and it was helpful in Quiz Bowl (Lightning Rounds-ZAP!) and also now since I'm co-leading the Bible Studs. But, back to Bib Lit. It's not that the prof is mean, but her almost-encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible and especially New Testament stuff looms large when she talks and asks questions. It's daunting.

Conducting test... umm, I know I didn't fail but I still have a lot to learn. Watching my videotape will be tough. Dr. Richmond is a good teacher and I'm thrilled to study under him, but it's really hard to do that because he knows his stuff so well and is so good at conducting.
It's still hard to go about this week after learning of Mrs. Genson's passing. Being a vocal music ed. major is tough enough. Add this, and... yeah. But God is faithful! He has sent me what I've needed to deal with all this stuff.

I had set my Bible on the floor next to the futon last night when I came in for the night. When I finally got out of bed this morning, I picked it up, and re-read what I posted last time from Ecclesiastes.

God's Word has help. Looking to know God better? According to Romans, we should if we really love Him. Reading the Bible's a good way to do that! I've had the copy of the Bible I use right now since high school. It came with me to Hope, and it's always been there when I've needed it. Admittedly, I haven't read it like I should. But it's still there, waiting to be read, and ready if needed. That's good to know.

People at The Gathering are sweet. I've worshipped in Dimnent Chapel at those services with the same horde of friends since we all arrived as freshman, and I love it. They're great, and I met Sara thanks to this crew. Ben once told me that our group developed a reputation on campus as "that group of (insert 'freshmen,' 'sophomores,' or 'juniors,' depending on the year) that took an entire pew together on the left towards the front." And then there's those random pats on the shoulder, warm smiles, a few hugs and stuff like that that I encounter when I get up to take Communion, some from people that I wouldn't expect. Praying alongside Brandon and Laura in front of the stage during Communion was good, too. Roy was right when he was teaching us Sunday School back when I was in high school-relationships do grow out of praying together.

Speaking of praying together... the Bible Studs. Wow. I've rediscovered how healthy it is to study God's Word and pray with other Christians. In times of personal crisis (like now), that goodness is magnified. Praying for their needs and being prayed for is amazing. Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered together, there I am in the midst of them." That felt especially true last night, and was it ever good.

Even though she's in Germany, Sara has been so wonderful as well. It's good to know that she still understands and that she cares, even though she's thousands of miles away in Germany. After getting a swift reply this morning from her after I completely spilled my guts to her in an e-mail last night, I knew I'm blessed that Sara's a part of my life. I just miss her so much.

Yes, going home for the memorial service on Saturday will be tough. I'm honestly not looking forward to doing that. But the burden's easier to bear, because I have Christ at my side and loved ones (friends and family) who will pray. What more could I ask for than that?