Being 6 or 7 hours ahead (depending on which time zone you live in)... has inspired the title of this post. While you are sleeping I am awake...and while I was awake this is what happened these past couple of days...
I added some British terms to my vocabulary:
queue = line
rubbish = trash (kind of already knew this one)
don= professor
cheers=thank you (expresses gratitude)
I am keeping a record of the different terminology here, so I can share it with you all when I return. :)
Here is a run down of my week logistically: (if your not into logistical stuff, you can skip this part.)
I have classes from 9:30-5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and boy howdy these days are whoppers. On Monday and Wednesdays, however, I have more time in the afternoons to read and sight see because classes only go til 12:30. Fridays are field trip days and tomorrow we are going to Stonehenge, Old Sarum, and Salisbury.
------- ----------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------
There are times when I feel that seeking God has become a heavy task. I make my time with Him a routine or slot in my schedule or I try to fight my wandering mind and be a woman of prayer. The truth is that all this work doesn't fall on us (praise God!)and I was so sweetly reminded of this yesterday.
The lecture speakers yesterday covered two influencial people of our religious history: Anselm of Canterbury and Julian of Norwich. These two people happen to be the very two people I personally researched in my Church History class back at Sterling this last fall. Who would of have guessed that I picked the very topics that I would be hearing in Oxford? (haha...I didn't even know I was going to Oxford back then.)
Anyway, I was able to follow right along with the lecture and was reminded that even in my small daily choices, that the Lord is with me...guiding... and drawing me to Himself (even more than I know). The Lord was faithful to prepare me for my days here in England and the Lord will be faithful to prepare us for the days we have ahead. He is an active part of the relationship. :) He remains faithful when we turn up faithless.
These next few days will be filled with sight seeing and hopefully some productive work on my research papers. I have 4 of them due within the span of two weeks. Yummy stuff right there.
Speaking of yummy stuff, I just had this wonderful espresso/icecream mixture last night...heaven in dish let me tell you. Although I am in England I still prefer coffee over tea. :)
Well...to end this time I will leave you with a verse and a prayer that I have been thinking on this week...
"My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways."
Proverbs 23:26
"Lord, grant me the strength and courage to give you my whole heart today. Teach my eyes to recognize you...may I be one to observe Your ways. Thank you Lord for always drawing me to Yourself. " In Jesus Name, Amen
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Monday, 21 June 2010
Father and the Sun
Yesterday I went to a little church in a suburb called Jericho with a group of girls from the study program. The pastor was from the United Startes, Georgia actually, and was thrilled to have Americans in the pews. The young sunday school class had a special performance because it was father's day and aww... it was so cute...you could still here their little accents when they sang Jesus Loves Me.
Just a little side note: As I was thinking yesterday about fathers and how someday I would very much like to be a mother, I felt the Lord broaden my defintition of mothers and fathers. You know, you can be a mother or a father and never have children that are legally your own. I mean if you think about it, each one of us has had several mothers and fathers impact our lives, men and women who have invested, poured into us, directed us, and showered wisdom over us. I am not trying to belittle the position of my biological mother or father at all. I have such a deep respect for them and the way they influences my heart and life, but just wanted to say Happy Father's Day to all those men who don't have "their own" chilren yet or maybe never will and say thank you for pouring into this next generation and being fathers and impacting hearts for the kingdom... no matter your age or location.
After the service we stopped at a resturaunt called The Big Bang where we enjoyed a delicious spread of mashes and bangers. (potatoes and sausage.) Interesting place...I will have to put up a picture of my dish on facebook.
In the afternoon we were split off into groups and given 16 things to find and take pictures of in the city. Haha...grandma put me down for at least 8 miles for walk across Kansas because it was quite the walking day. Later that evening we went to an Evensong service at Christ Church and listened to a boys choir, a famous boys choir. (Look them up if you get the chance.) :) They were pretty impressive.
Today I was inducted into the Bodleian Library where I solemnly promised to not set fire to the place or damage any books by bringing food, drinks, gum, or cheese sandwiches into the proximity of the books. It was actually a pretty serious procedure, but I can see why they are so protective. The Bodleian has over 11 million books (and some of them are incredibly rare.) This library goes underground for miles to provide storage for all these books and you see if you ever would like to read a book from this library you have to order it with a special card (that I now have). After you order your selections, one of the little librarians who works underground will find it for you and put it on a conveyor belt and have it shipped up to one of the reading rooms in the library. (No books are allowed outside of the library) It's a reader's paradise really. :)
After my induction this morning I went to the store and bought some groceries for the week and then spent my afternoon out in the garden reading today. It hasn't rained all day and all the natives are telling us to enjoy the sun while we can because it doesn't happen very often.
I start classes tomorrow and have been trying to be diligent and prepare but having the beautiful sights of Oxford look back at me through my window...and having the wonderful sun shine all day is oh so inviting Haha...I think it's icecream with the roommates time....
I will update you on my classes and other experiences soon I hope. Thank you for all the feed back...I am loving it!
--------------------------------
P.S. I need a clever saying to end my posts...any suggestions?
Something you know like "And that's the way the cookie crumbles..."
Would be glad to hear your thoughts. :)
Just a little side note: As I was thinking yesterday about fathers and how someday I would very much like to be a mother, I felt the Lord broaden my defintition of mothers and fathers. You know, you can be a mother or a father and never have children that are legally your own. I mean if you think about it, each one of us has had several mothers and fathers impact our lives, men and women who have invested, poured into us, directed us, and showered wisdom over us. I am not trying to belittle the position of my biological mother or father at all. I have such a deep respect for them and the way they influences my heart and life, but just wanted to say Happy Father's Day to all those men who don't have "their own" chilren yet or maybe never will and say thank you for pouring into this next generation and being fathers and impacting hearts for the kingdom... no matter your age or location.
After the service we stopped at a resturaunt called The Big Bang where we enjoyed a delicious spread of mashes and bangers. (potatoes and sausage.) Interesting place...I will have to put up a picture of my dish on facebook.
In the afternoon we were split off into groups and given 16 things to find and take pictures of in the city. Haha...grandma put me down for at least 8 miles for walk across Kansas because it was quite the walking day. Later that evening we went to an Evensong service at Christ Church and listened to a boys choir, a famous boys choir. (Look them up if you get the chance.) :) They were pretty impressive.
Today I was inducted into the Bodleian Library where I solemnly promised to not set fire to the place or damage any books by bringing food, drinks, gum, or cheese sandwiches into the proximity of the books. It was actually a pretty serious procedure, but I can see why they are so protective. The Bodleian has over 11 million books (and some of them are incredibly rare.) This library goes underground for miles to provide storage for all these books and you see if you ever would like to read a book from this library you have to order it with a special card (that I now have). After you order your selections, one of the little librarians who works underground will find it for you and put it on a conveyor belt and have it shipped up to one of the reading rooms in the library. (No books are allowed outside of the library) It's a reader's paradise really. :)
After my induction this morning I went to the store and bought some groceries for the week and then spent my afternoon out in the garden reading today. It hasn't rained all day and all the natives are telling us to enjoy the sun while we can because it doesn't happen very often.
I start classes tomorrow and have been trying to be diligent and prepare but having the beautiful sights of Oxford look back at me through my window...and having the wonderful sun shine all day is oh so inviting Haha...I think it's icecream with the roommates time....
I will update you on my classes and other experiences soon I hope. Thank you for all the feed back...I am loving it!
--------------------------------
P.S. I need a clever saying to end my posts...any suggestions?
Something you know like "And that's the way the cookie crumbles..."
Would be glad to hear your thoughts. :)
Saturday, 19 June 2010
June 18: Learning what it means to rest...
This morning I woke up on 8 Crick Road in Oxford, England. I have had to remind myself of this fact every so often today..." 'tis no dream Lauren...you are in England." :)
My journal entries will of course cover more than just my evenings here in Oxford, but forgive me I couldn't pass up the opportunity of the play on words.
-----------------------------
There are 27 of us studying here with the Oxford Summer Programme and I think we are all a bit intimidated after this morning's orientation that explained our work load. (However, I have found some are better at it hiding it than others.)
For the first two weeks we will be attending a seminar on the history of Christianity in the British Isles (this one is required for everyone) as well as 2 tutorials (everyday) that each student has chosen according to what fits their major best. I am in the Jane Austen tutorial as well as the C.S. Lewis tutorial. During the third and fourth weeks we have one on one meetings with our professors as well as essay deadlines. I have learned that this concept of meeting with your professors one on one is something very much apart of the academic Oxford experience. Every student apart of Oxford University meets with their professors one on one regularly as apart of their course requirements.
The 5th and final week concludes with final meetings with our professors as well as a last round of classes...and a bit of debriefing.
On the weekends there is the option of going on some different field trips, but one must pay out of their own pocket for these unless they are required for our studies. The first field trip to Stonehenge will take place this coming weekend and is one that everyone will take part in. (I look forward to updating you on that!)
Following are some thoughts from inside my head...
During orientation today, one of my house leaders described to us the difference between a good American essay and a good British Essay. While explaining, she said something that caught my attention: "One often thinks that the more words one says (or writes) the more that is communicated...Well, this is not the case. The the art of communicating well is using the least amount of words while communicating the most." Whoa baby! I love this. First principle learned in Oxford: Comminicate more while using less words. I am going to work on this.
This afternoon we went on a tour of the city of Oxford. Goodness, our tour guide (awesome accent) was incredibly knowledgeable. He asked at one point if there were any students studying Greek and four of us raised our hands. This group I am with is made up of mostly English/Literature majors who love reading and studying different languages...a very smart group. I have been tempted many times already to feel very unqualified to be here however my most wonderful Companion, the Holy Spirit, reminds me that grace is available to me.
Just a little sidenote: Castles were originally built because there was a need for a prison in the area. This kind of changed my romantic view on castles...but, anyway they are still very beautiful to me.
Ok... some final thoughts in closing. This morning in my quiet time I read Mark 6:30-44 and it encouraged my heart so much. (It is the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand.)
In the beginning of the story (verse 31) Jesus invites the disciples to rest.
Jesus says,"Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile." But, immediately after that, a crowd gathers and Jesus directs the disciples to feed the crowd.
Goodness, I am sure the disciples were thinking, "Jesus feed them with what? We are tired and hungry ourselves." The Lord asks them what they have to offer and well you know the story, He uses those little loaves and fish and multiplies it until "they ALL were satisfied." (The disciples were satisfied too.)
I am coming to England very tired actually. It's been a season that has wearied this soul of mine and I was really hoping that this beautiful land of England would be the beginning of a resting season. After this morning's orientation I felt the Lord say, "Lauren, at first I invited you to this place to rest but now I ask you to feed others." He wasn't tricking me or changing his mind by asking me to come here, but rather is changing my mind on what it means to rest. He went onto say, "Lauren, I know your need and what little strength and knowledge you have...what feels like 5 loaves and 2 fish to you... but give me what you have and I will multiply it. I will satisfy you and others."
Isn't it amazing that one meal, when broken by the hands of Jesus satisfied thousands?
The disciples were satisfied too even though initially they thought themselves too tired and lacking the resources to offer much. I think being satisfied is a restful feeling. :)
So my prayer has become, "Lord, here are my loaves and fish. Do what only you can do.
May my life be broken in the hands of Jesus."
-------
My classes start on Tuesday and I am not certain how often I will get to write or how much I will get to write, but thought it would be good to keep in touch with you in this way.
My journal entries will of course cover more than just my evenings here in Oxford, but forgive me I couldn't pass up the opportunity of the play on words.
-----------------------------
There are 27 of us studying here with the Oxford Summer Programme and I think we are all a bit intimidated after this morning's orientation that explained our work load. (However, I have found some are better at it hiding it than others.)
For the first two weeks we will be attending a seminar on the history of Christianity in the British Isles (this one is required for everyone) as well as 2 tutorials (everyday) that each student has chosen according to what fits their major best. I am in the Jane Austen tutorial as well as the C.S. Lewis tutorial. During the third and fourth weeks we have one on one meetings with our professors as well as essay deadlines. I have learned that this concept of meeting with your professors one on one is something very much apart of the academic Oxford experience. Every student apart of Oxford University meets with their professors one on one regularly as apart of their course requirements.
The 5th and final week concludes with final meetings with our professors as well as a last round of classes...and a bit of debriefing.
On the weekends there is the option of going on some different field trips, but one must pay out of their own pocket for these unless they are required for our studies. The first field trip to Stonehenge will take place this coming weekend and is one that everyone will take part in. (I look forward to updating you on that!)
Following are some thoughts from inside my head...
During orientation today, one of my house leaders described to us the difference between a good American essay and a good British Essay. While explaining, she said something that caught my attention: "One often thinks that the more words one says (or writes) the more that is communicated...Well, this is not the case. The the art of communicating well is using the least amount of words while communicating the most." Whoa baby! I love this. First principle learned in Oxford: Comminicate more while using less words. I am going to work on this.
This afternoon we went on a tour of the city of Oxford. Goodness, our tour guide (awesome accent) was incredibly knowledgeable. He asked at one point if there were any students studying Greek and four of us raised our hands. This group I am with is made up of mostly English/Literature majors who love reading and studying different languages...a very smart group. I have been tempted many times already to feel very unqualified to be here however my most wonderful Companion, the Holy Spirit, reminds me that grace is available to me.
Just a little sidenote: Castles were originally built because there was a need for a prison in the area. This kind of changed my romantic view on castles...but, anyway they are still very beautiful to me.
Ok... some final thoughts in closing. This morning in my quiet time I read Mark 6:30-44 and it encouraged my heart so much. (It is the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand.)
In the beginning of the story (verse 31) Jesus invites the disciples to rest.
Jesus says,"Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile." But, immediately after that, a crowd gathers and Jesus directs the disciples to feed the crowd.
Goodness, I am sure the disciples were thinking, "Jesus feed them with what? We are tired and hungry ourselves." The Lord asks them what they have to offer and well you know the story, He uses those little loaves and fish and multiplies it until "they ALL were satisfied." (The disciples were satisfied too.)
I am coming to England very tired actually. It's been a season that has wearied this soul of mine and I was really hoping that this beautiful land of England would be the beginning of a resting season. After this morning's orientation I felt the Lord say, "Lauren, at first I invited you to this place to rest but now I ask you to feed others." He wasn't tricking me or changing his mind by asking me to come here, but rather is changing my mind on what it means to rest. He went onto say, "Lauren, I know your need and what little strength and knowledge you have...what feels like 5 loaves and 2 fish to you... but give me what you have and I will multiply it. I will satisfy you and others."
Isn't it amazing that one meal, when broken by the hands of Jesus satisfied thousands?
The disciples were satisfied too even though initially they thought themselves too tired and lacking the resources to offer much. I think being satisfied is a restful feeling. :)
So my prayer has become, "Lord, here are my loaves and fish. Do what only you can do.
May my life be broken in the hands of Jesus."
-------
My classes start on Tuesday and I am not certain how often I will get to write or how much I will get to write, but thought it would be good to keep in touch with you in this way.
Friday, 18 June 2010
A journal of my adventures in the Oxford Summer Programme---from June 17 -July 24. It is my prayer that I will be able to communicate more than just fun stories with an informative twist of my time here in England...I will seek to always include something eternal.
Please feel free to comment. I would love to hear from you!
Please feel free to comment. I would love to hear from you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)