A Different Sort of Christmas Song December 24, 2008

Just downloaded Chris Tomlin’s new album, Love, this morning.  This song caught my ear because the first verse makes a reference to Psalm 75:26, my life verse if I had to choose one, and one of my favorite hymns, It is Well.  As I listened to the whole song (which is amazing), I thought, what a great song for Christmas.  This is the real message and hope of Christmas that began with a baby in a manger and ends with all the saints singing “worthy is the Lamb.”

There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There’s an anchor for my soul
I can say “It is well”

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when
He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees And rise
I will rise

There’s a day that’s drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when
He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of
many angels sing,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
And I hear the cry of
every longing heart,
“Worthy is the Lamb”

And I will rise when
He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees And rise
I will rise

Observations at Starbucks December 15, 2008

This afternoon, I’m hanging out Starbucks catching up on some writing that I need to do for my trip. As I’ve been sitting here for the last hour, I can’t help but compare my time here this afternoon to my time in coffee shops in Bratislava.

1. This place isn’t crowded. It’s a small Starbuck’s in Kingsport, but people don’t really hang out here. People come and go and sit for awhile. No one really hangs around long. I think I’m going to outlast everyone here today.

2. Paper cups–yep, no lovely coffee mugs here.

3. In the time I’ve been sitting here, I’ve overheard a couple conversations. Since I didn’t understand Slovak, I couldn’t eavesdrop on other people’s conversations in Bratislava (not that I do that often . One conversation was about stores coming into the new shopping center and seeing each other at church this morning. The other conversation is between a young guy and an older guy about how the young guy wants to be worship leader.

4. I looked out the window and saw a young couple walking and pushing a baby stroller. Couples walking in the evening and pushing baby strollers were a common occurence in Bratislava. I was surprised to see that here.

5. I could understand the guy who took my order. Since a friend of mine used to work at Starbucks, I know the baristas are encouraged to talk up the clientele. This guy tried to charm me by chatting me up about how I spell my name. No, it’s not spelled “Jewely.” And no, I wasn’t charmed.

Readjusting December 14, 2008

I’ve been home now for almost two weeks. The big questions on everyone’s minds are “how was it?” and “are you glad to be home?”

The answer to the first question in a word is great. But that word is so vague and overused it doesn’t come close to describing my time in Bratislava. Right now, at this moment, if I had to choose another word, I would say, “full.” Life feels very rich and full these days. I am amazed at God’s grace to me in allowing me this time the last few months to live more deeply into Him and His purposes.

The answer to the other question is a little more difficult to answer. I’ve been so warmly welcomed back home by friends and family that I missed while I was away. It’s been great to catch up on the happenings of the last few months and to have some extended time at home with my parents. At the same time, I have new friends and family across the way that I dearly miss. Tonight is my first night home alone in my house. My house sitter graduated and moved out today and while I’m grateful for the much needed alone time to reflect on the last 3 months, it’s a little too quite now. I’ve gotten so used to having a roommate and visitors coming and going through BERC, that it’s strange being here by myself.

So, the answer to question number two is, yes, I’m glad to be home in Tennessee, but I’m missing my Slovak home.