Word to Life

During August I have been trying - and it isn't an easy discipline - to follow the counsel of the Apostle in the Philippians text printed to the right.  Here are a few moments or observations that come to mind:

• Kevin and Nicole Anselmo stopped by one evening to greet us and stayed more than an hour.  Delightful. During their visit it became clear to your mom that they were not in possession of an abundance of kitchen items.  So she disappeared.  Next thing I know she had bagged a nice set of blue bowls- I heard myself say aloud, "I like them!" - and presented them to Nicole, who was surprised and pleased.
• Upon returning to fellowship with intl students I discovered that a grad student named Chris from UK (his mom is from Taiwan and dad is Swiss) and his girlfriend had initiated acts of service and friendship with a young Korean woman struggling in her marriage and a Chinese woman who has been seriously questing for God.
• The film, "Of Gods and Men" chronicles the events and interactions of six priests who eventually suffered martyrdom at the hands of a Islamic terrorists in Algeria in 1996.  Their honest struggles to live worthily while honestly wrestling with the strong possibility that they would die are so poignant.  They are examples of courage *and* of the LORD's invisible but sure presence.
• During a few moments in the car and while listening to an NPR special, I heard about a 20 year old student at Wayne State University who, with vision and candor and good nature, is investing his whole self in the future of Detroit.
• After my presentation on culture and customs a SAFEA (China) delegate apologized for asking in front of the class what she thought to be inappropriate, perhaps even impertinent.  I assured her that I had not taken it so, whereupon she added how very happy and impressed she and her classmates had been with my two ninety minute presentations.
• We attended the funeral of Ed Rocap.  Clearly he was a beautiful man of God and a huge gift to family, clients (he had been an attorney), the PCUSA and to international students in the Philadelphia area where they had lived prior to retiring in NC.  Certainly, he was a man to emulate, though there were hints of rough edges and imperfection.  But, overall, I would like to leave such a legacy.
• Natalie's self-less and tireless efforts to match incoming "international freshmen traveling alone" with people from Blacknall is most noteworthy.  This is the fourth year that she has volunteered: 40 students this year and last!  And now she and Matt are offering their home for a possible monthly activity with undergraduates!
• Marianthy was here to love on her Tia Jenny and Tio Scott... and vice-versa.  She shared some of her journal entries, blogging and highlights from both a mission trip to Alaska and a visit to the Taize' community in France.  Her openness to God and desire to listen to and obey His promptings while speaking Grace into others' experiences is remarkable - all the more given that she is not yet 17!