My God Has No Time

This week has been exceptionally busy for me. It was the kick off to the first week of a youth group I'm starting at the church, so there was tons to be doing to get ready for that. It was full of Bible studies and things like that, along with the usual shadowing of the pastor. All this week I could not concentrate on one thing, while I was working on one thing, I was also thinking about what was next or wondering what else needed to be done. So it was almost discouraging to realize that as we go through our lives, we as humans, lack the ability to ever give our full focus on one thing at a time. Because if you think about it, while you are working on something or watching TV or whatever it is your doing. Somewhere in your mind, whether in the front or the back, there is an idea floating around about what's next or just general wonderings.
It was comforting however, to remember that time, is a human barrier that our God is not trapped by. God is out side of time, he is in eternity, and because of that fact, God never has to think about what is next or anything like that. In fact, what God has instead of time is focus. Focus on me, and focus on you, and focus on every living creature. So what does that mean? It means, that at any given moment in time you, and I have God's undivided attention. He is paying specific attention to us individually as we go through our lives. God created time for us, not for Him. Our God isn't a God that has time, he is a God that has eternity, there is not beginning and not end to eternity, there is just eternity. Isn't that hard to think about though? The concept of forever? It's what God has, and it is something that we wont understand until we our with Him. But one thing we can take comfort in, is the fact that no matter how busy we are, God has his eye specifically focused on you and me. Individually.

Here We Go

Well I officially began my youth ministry at the church this week. These past few weeks have all been the build up to it and me laying the ground work to plan an event at the church for the youth to come to as a kick of week. So far I have met tons of youth from the Hartlepool area by going into the schools, youth centers, and other functions just to meet them and put the word out about this kick off week at the church. Also I have been asked to start a Sunday School type thing for the teenagers that are in the church on Sunday mornings so there is a start in that itself as well. So here we go! Ton's of them are saying they are coming and it is exciting. I'm praying that God will bless this ministry and that it would just grow and be fruitful.

Still, I have to say, it is weird being in this position. Kind of leading the way for the youth to come into the church. When only a few years ago, I too was one of the youth that would have rather of not gone to church on a Thursday night maybe. It's weird to see how God has moved me from being a totally dependent immature teenager, to a place where I am being used to lead teenagers to Christ. From where I used to almost idolize one of my greatest mentors, to a place where I don't see him as a mentor anymore, but rather a colleague, and a great friend. Although I have to say I don't think the maturity part has set in all the way yet. I think when we first give our lives to Christ, we feel like we suffer great loss, but in time, and when we look back, we see where God has moved us and how much more He has given us.

Castles!!

Yesterday was a day of exploring! It was a day of climbing, and squeezing through little cracks in the walls of ruined castles. Well at least one anyways. The other castle I did not actually get to go in but it was cool because it was on an island that you can only get to when the tide is out. Because when the tide comes in, the entire route almost becomes engulfed in the ocean. So that was fun. I also got to go through a trek through the woods and over a river into a small church/home carved out of a cave wall. It was very interesting. And doing all this made me realize what I wanted to do with my free time this summer. Instead of going to major cities and things like that. I want to take the UK for all that it has to offer. Its mountains, its waterfalls, its ruins, and its mystical sights (such as Stonehenge). I want to see it all and see what the UK is really from. So keep watching, there will be tons of pictures as I make my trek through and around the UK!!

Only A Week

Well, I have only been on this trip for just over a week, and it feels like a lot longer! In this past week I have learned so much about the culture here in England, that although they are similar to us, they are much different in areas. I have learned a lot about the past of England so much that I don't even remember half of the stuff that was told to me! I have learned new words and found out that some of the words that we use are considered cuss words over here which can make a conversation quite awkward/ funny if you say the wrong thing. Tomorrow I will be going out and doing even more and learning more so really although I have only been here a week, I have learned a lot. One thing in particular that I have noticed though, is how it seems, that Christians, are more expressive in their gratitude for salvation that Christ has gave to us, and how how much more passionate they seem to be about their relationship with God they seem to be than most do in America. It's so much, that I think that any American church who were fortunate enough to spend time in having a Christian guest from England would benefit from spending time with them. Because they would see just how often we lack in showing gratitude for the life, grace, love, and freedom that Christ has given us. Just a thought.

The Beginning

Well, I have been here for three days and things are already starting to pick up. I have met several people from several churches and have already been to a few of their outings. It is really exciting to see the church in a foreign country and how it works. I have to say, although we speak the same language, the UK seems to be a completely separate ball field from America. They are the same as us in a sense but then in another, completely different. In the way they view things, express things, its just different. I was able to get my hands on some real fish n' chips today though!!! It was amazing! Such good food. And as a food enthusiast, I must say that the fish was cooked perfectly, SO GOOD! I wonder what will be the next thing I do..

The Journey Begins!...Sort Of..

Well, today is the first day of my journey to England!..sort of. I am actually sitting in the dorms of Dallas Baptist University going through orientation with an organization that I am not fully apart of. I was kind of mad to be here honestly. I would much rather be doing something else considering I am not even apart of this organization, like spending the last few days in America with friends and family. However, throughout the day, I have learned a few things, and have been reminded a few things that will help me both in the field of work, in my life, and in my spiritual life. So maybe this isn't the actual "start" to my journey, but if we were to consider it just that, it has definitely been a great start.

I will have an obligatory photo for every blog so you guys can kind of keep up with how things are. They won't always be of me, maybe they will be of the city I'm in, the people I'm meeting, incidents that happen, who knows. Point is, there will always be a photo.