Day 14- Comeback

     I love history. And I love pretty much anything to do with history. So it always warms my heart when I see something getting refurbished or reused (in a historical sense). Here in Bucharest, they are doing a lot of work fixing up the "street-face" in the city. Old building getting worked on, newer blocs getting worked on... hopefully in a few years they will be done and everything will look good, or better.
     But its not only buildings and old objects that get makeovers or "second chances," we do too. In fact, when we start over in Christ, we are born again as new creations. We get a whole second go at things. I think its pretty exciting. And I think its something we should take full advantage of. I mean, it may take a little work for us to get to 'tip-top' shape. But if we stick too it, God is faithful and he will see us through.

Day 13- Easter Sunday

   

There is not a lot that needs to be said today. Not much else has been on my mind this past friday, saturday, and early this sunday morning. God is amazing in so many ways. But it continues to floor me that he would die for me, despite all of my inadequacies and faults. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. But not only that, he rose again. And that is our hope and our salvation. Happy Easter guys, and I wish you a wonderful time with family, friends, and our Savior as we remember his sacrifice and conquering of sin and the grave.

Day 12- Fortune Forecast

     If there is anything more fickle than the weather, it is fortune. When I say fortune people probably think of different things. For some they may think of money. For some they think of something mystical and pagan. But by fortune I mean your lot in life, your standing, your "luck."

Unirii Boulevard tonight on my way home

     Last week was one of the prettiest weeks we have had (here in Bucharest) all year. The sun shone, the breeze was soft, and the temperature was warm. Everyone was sure that spring had finally arrived. That all changed on monday when there was a storm. And with that storm came a cold front. And with that cold front came 6-inches of snow. So, needless to say, the past few days have been very cold and... snowy. Weather often changes drastically, without much warning. Growing up in "Kentuckiana" I learned this very quickly. Whereas most places experience the seasons over the course of a year, we often saw all four in a single week (sometimes a day). And weathermen try and give us a heads-up as to what the weather will do, but they can only be so much help. I think we all know how much we trust the forecast sometimes.
     Life is often as unpredictable as the weather. One day we can be on top of the world, so to speak. We are the "luckiest" person alive and everything is going our way. The next day we can lose everything. The 'winds of fortune' shift from our sails to another's. This simple fact of life brings up a few points.
One, we should be careful to treat others amiably regardless of our own fortune. If we are doing well and everything is going our way, we should be careful not to rub it in the faces of those less fortunate. If we get something and someone else doesn't, don't gloat. Because as soon as we think we are set and all is well, things can change. And soon you can find yourself in the reversed role as you watch another  person moving up the ladder, and you yourself watching them pass. The old proverb rings true: "Treat others as you would be treated."
Two, we see that nothing is for sure in this life. Therefore, we should enjoy what we have while we have it. But we should be careful not to value one thing too much, because if and when we lose it we need to be able to move on.

The icy path.. such a change from a few days ago

And three, there is not a set forecast for life. There is nothing that can tell you exactly how your life will play out or what tomorrow will bring. But we do have a guidebook for every situation that we can use. And weather you believe in destiny, predestination, free will, etc. it doesn't matter. The basics are there, right in front of you. And if you trust in Him and follow him there is no need to worry. Because, He works for the good of those that love him, no matter what.

Day 11- Not Home

     Well... Im a bit off track. This past week was crazy for me, and I couldn't do it. So I am taking this into consideration and I will say, I will do 365 "posts," but they may not all be quite within a year. This slight change is because, although I will try my best to keep it at one a day, weekends and random (unforeseen) things occur and I just cant deliver. So its better to be upfront with that, than to disappoint unnecessarily.

Peles Castle in Sibiu, Romania

     Anyway, This is kinda a flashback picture, but it goes very well with what has been on my mind of late. We put so much work and effort into meaningless things. We concern ourselves with money, position, power, and material things which all let us down at one point or another. We can spend our whole lives trying to build a legacy and pouring ourselves into something, but ultimately it all ends. Everyone will die, it is inevitable. But Heaven awaits those who spend their life pursuing God and following his commandments. So lets try and pursue what matters. God loves us and he has allowed us to love each other. So love your fellow man, and love God above all else.

Day 9 & 10- Never Know

     So 9 and 10 are going to be combined because what has been on my mind the last two days is the same, but for different reasons.

     Yesterday my day started out with me waking up late. I didn't have classes till later on in the evening so I was able to sleep in a bit. Unfortunately, when I did awaken I found that I had no water at all. I made the most of it, and went on about my day. When I returned last night, I found the water to be running but in exchange I had to give up my internet. So I had no internet last night, thus the lack of an entry.

     Today went much more smoothly. Everything was working, the weather was gorgeous... it was a wonderful day. I got to go to Subway with some of my friends from school. That's right, Subway made it to Romania. It may not seem like a big deal if you are reading this in the States, you may not even like Subway. But trust me, its a big deal.

     The common theme here is that you really never know what you have until its gone. You don't realize how many trivial tasks really require running water (or water at all) until you don't have any. You don't notice how much that will throw off your routine until it does. And even something as insignificant as a sandwich shop can seem like such a special treat when you don't have it. I mean, it is just a little reminder of home. I don't know if I am making total sense. Basically, you don't realize what you truly have, or how significant some things are until they are taken from you or they are just no longer at your disposal.

Day 8- Never Grow Up

     If there is one genre of movie that I hope I never grow out of, its Disney. I LOVE Disney movies. The stories are almost always good, the characters are lovable, and they are just fun. If I am ever feeling down or sad, I just watch one and...BAM... happy again.

     Its a little thing, but its a fun one. There is something about being a child that I think we all find attractive our whole lives. For one, you have (or should have) very little responsibility when you are a child. People do almost everything for you. Life just seems easier. There aren't the "grown up" problems of bills, jobs, relationships, etc. But more than that, there is a wonder that we seem to lose as we grow older. The world becomes smaller and less amazing as we come to "understand" everything that happens around us. We lose that magical feeling.
     Obviously, magic is not real, and I'm not saying it is. But like I said before there is a child's wonder and awe that I think we should all strive to have. A child's curiosity and innocence are inspiring, I think. Christ told us in Matthew 18:3, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven." I'm not a scholar, by any means, but when reading this verse I feel like its telling me that unless we have that sense of wonder and that curiosity we can never see past our own world and onto something greater. So many people get caught up in their own knowledge that they dismiss the notion of God because they don't find it logical or they don't want to. I'm not saying we aren't supposed to question, search, and grow. But what we should be careful of is getting too "grown up" for God. Because no matter how old we are, we will always be His children.

Day 5,6,7- St. Paddy's Day Weekend

     Well... hang in there as I try and figure out how all of this is going to work out. I told you there would be some little hiccups as I tried to figure out how I can best do this whole thing. And right now, its looking like I may do weekends all in one post. So, unless there is something super pressing on my mind or i do something so awesome it deserves a mention, I will most likely post once per weekend.

     Anywho, this past weekend was St. Patrick's Day, as I'm sure you all noticed. Yes, St. Patrick's Day is recognized in Romania as well... and it was awesome. This weekend I got to hang out with a lot of people. Some of them were my usual friends and companions, but I also got to see and spend time with some people from school I don't normally see. 

At the concert

     Friday and Saturday were largely uneventful, but I got to see friends, have movie nights, etc. Sunday, the big day, was a little different. We all went to the Old Center and attended the St. Paddy's Parade, a restaurant, and then the St. Paddy's Concert. It was a lot of fun. The Irish Ambassador came out and spoke, there were a few small Romanian bands, Antonia (a very famous Romanian singer) sang, and then there was a U2 tribute band. All in all, it was a blast. 

     But getting to see some people that I don't normally see outside of school got me thinking. Yes, I talk to lots of people, but I rarely really venture out of my circle of friends. I see people. I talk to people when I can. But I have become slightly complacent with my friends. I don't really work at trying to include new people and make new friends. I think it is an important thing. Yes, we have our circle of good close friends, but we should constantly be growing as a person, as well as in Christ. And one of the best ways to grow as a person is to meet new people and learn about them and their lives. I have gone to school with these people for a year and just in hanging out that one night this weekend I learned so many new things about them. It was a good time for me, and I hope for them.

The restaurant we hung out at... "Biutiful"

     So I would encourage you to step out of your comfort zones and find someone (one or a few) that you don't know well and just go get a coffee or something. Show a bit of interest in them and I am sure they will surprise you. 

Day 4- A Hidden Jewel

     This post is short and the picture is bigger for two reasons. One, I can't really describe Romania in a way that anyone would be able to really understand what I was trying to say. And two, I want you all to be able to see, kinda, some of the things I have gotten to see. This poster is in my Romanian language tutor's classroom and it displays a map of the country and its regions, and also some pictures of some of the major sites in Romania. In short.... you should all come.

Day 3- Alone

     Sometimes it feels like we are all alone in the world. I look around and I just don't think anyone is on the same page (path) as me. World-views differ, locations shift, friendships deteriorate, arguments occur, things happen... that's just life. But it is interesting to watch on our walk through life as people come in and out and cross our path in many different ways and for different increments of time. One thing that people say a lot, at least on the internet nowadays, is 'forever alone.' We may feel alone sometimes, but we are never alone. There is always someone around. But more importantly we have Christ as our constant companion. So let's not focus on the negative in life, or be overwhelmed in those moments we feel alone. Because usually it is in the times that we feel 'alone' that God is closest to us.

"I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I here falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses

And He walks with me

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am his own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known"

Day 2- Don't Skimp on the Sweets

     This post doesn't have a really deep meaning. Its just kind of a fun reminder of my friends. Tonight I got to hang out with some of my best friends from school... and this is what we did. We sat around. Talked. And we ate pastries. A night doesn't get much better than that. I have been very blessed with my friends here, and getting to talk to them and laugh with them always makes my day better. Two of them are not with me in classes this year for various reasons, and one of them made it through to my year. So i don't get to see some of them as much as I used to. So tonight was doubly special.

     Don't take the time you have with people for granted. You never know what could happen and where they, or you, could get taken next. We are not promised a minute with anyone. So cherish every second you have with the people you know and love. Savor the sweet parts of life as they come.

Day 1- Light in the Darkness

     I think we take light for granted most of the time. I know I do. Electricity in general, but especially light. We need it, but it always seems to be there. Walking through the "Old Center" (Centrul Vechi) in Bucharest tonight, I was reminded how wonderful it is. Not only does it allow us to see the beauty of whats around us even when it is dark out, but it also lights our path.


   




    We are called to be the light of the world. And God's word is called the light unto our path. So, are we shining bright for those around us? When we are surrounded by darkness, do our attitudes still glow in response to God's love? Are we constantly showing the way to God through our love, deeds, and interactions? And do we use the "lamp" God has provided us with in his word?

365

Hey,
Super short post here... I think.
But basically, starting on Monday I am going to try and do my own version of the "365 Project." For those of you who don't know, this is a challenge where you basically take a picture a day for a year. Obviously, I will probably take more than one picture some days, but I will be sharing at least one picture for every day. I may miss a day here and there given extenuating circumstances, but I will try my very best to make it up. So, if you want to follow my next year, feel free. I'll be posting a picture and a little thought every day. Hopefully that doesn't overwhelm or bore you, but I think it will be fun for me to watch as I change over the next year both through my experiences (documented via photo) and my thoughts (documented via blog posts). And hopefully it will be a lot of fun.

The Trainer

     This past week was an interesting one for me. I got a puppy. He was an Alaskan Malamute, my dream dog. Adorableness, fluffy coat, everything you'd want in a little puppy- he had it. The day I got him I had such big hopes and dreams for the future.

Bentley

     My best friend from school and I had talked about this puppy for a long time. And with our first arrangement it would have made complete sense. But The way things ended up, namely me living alone, it was (in retrospect) not the best of ideas. My school schedule allows for a good amount of time off. However, all of that time is rather spread out. And between school, recreational activities, friends, everyday necessary excursions, etc., the time I had left to spend with the puppy was not enough. He was only two months old, so pretty young, and not trained at all. So, I took him on. I learned quickly, however, that he was as stubborn as he was cute. If he was left alone for even a moment, he would cry. And I don't mean little baby whines, I mean cry and screech like he was being stabbed over and over. Needless to say, this did not sit well with my neighbors. And given my need to go to school and exist in the real world, things were not working out. There were a lot of factors, which I will not go into, but there were a lot of things that went into my decision. So, today was a sad day for me as I drove back to Pitesti, Romania to give him back to the family I bought him from. Bentley (that was his name) will hopefully go to a home where they can give him all the time he requires and not just the leftovers. 

     But today on the way home I was thinking about my experience and a thought crossed my mind. God created us, and cares for us as his children, sacrifices so much for us. But what do we do? The smallest thing goes wrong and we cry and screech. Or we go our own stubborn way in life and ignore him. Or we make a mess in the world he gave us. We get ourselves into situations and then get upset at him for letting us do so. We see his punishment as unjust, his provision as insufficient, and we always want more of everything. We are just like puppies. We are needy, helpless, disobedient, whiny little things. But God doesn't give up on us. Instead he keeps looking out for us and training us up in the way we should go. He has given us his training manual and all we have to do is read it.

     God's grace is boundless. Throughout Biblical history, humans have proven their unworthiness and their stubbornness and yet God continues to punish, forgive, and give us another chance. And we take it and mess things up again. But God is love. He is a caring, but just, trainer. And we are his puppies who desperately need his guidance and training. So next time something happens that you may look to God and complain, take it as a gentle flick on the nose, learn from it, and use it to make your future better. We all need to learn lessons, and some of us make it more difficult on ourselves than it ought to be. 

I'm Back...

     So, I don't know if you all noticed, but I have been MIA for a while. Honestly, there is no excuse. But let me fill you in on what has been happening for the last year and a half. I moved to Romania, as I stated in my previous post, with high hopes of getting into school here. Good news: I made it!! In October of 2011, I began medical school at Carol Davila University of Pharmacy and Medicine, in Bucharest, Romania. And let me tell you, it is awesome. Yes, the are times when I miss home and my family and friends, but I would not trade my time and the experiences I have had here in Romania for anything. Throughout my time here at school there have been ups and downs. But I have made some amazing friends and I have grown as a person through it all. However, being a medical student, living in a foreign country, and trying to maintain a social life is a little overwhelming sometimes... thus I have been AWOL. My parents finally reminded me that I have been neglecting my posts and have given me a certain incentive to write again.
     I'm sure that in the future I will sprinkle bits and pieces of my life here in with my thoughts, so you will have to wait until then (bummer, right?), but for now I just wanted to write a bit about something that has been on my mind for a while now.

The handle

     My life has been hectic, for sure, but not too hectic for me to think. The subway, bus, and copious amounts of walking I do provide me plenty of time to get tangled up in my thoughts. I, like many people, am very visual. I see something and it brings to mind another thing, and then that makes an idea pop into my head, and then that idea blossoms. I can go from seeing a bird swoop in front of me to a full fledged story going on in my head. Or I can see a building and that brings to mind something else. Or in anatomy, I see a skeleton and I begin to wonder who that person may have been (probably a little morbid, I know). Some may call this ADD, but I like to think of myself as creative and easily amused.
     In this instance, I saw a door handle. I see this handle all the time. It is on a gate leading to a house right next to my school. It is an old gate and an old handle, but I love it. The handle is a cross.
     Whenever I see this cross-handle, I think about how Christ made a way for us to access God. Through his sacrifice on the cross, we are able to enter the gates of Heaven. I doubt all of this went on in the mind of the person who made the handle, but it goes on in my head.
     Anyway, over the months of seeing this handle it has brought to mind something else. In Matthew 7:7-8 it says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks the door will be opened." Do we do that? Christ basically gave us access to the gates of Heaven, the door that stands between us and the presence of God. But do we actually accept it. Do we ask for our eyes to be opened? Do we seek out the "handle" that has been provided? Do we knock on the door?
God isn't going to do everything. It is our choice to follow him and to be with him. We have to choose him. We have to ask for him, seek him, and approach him. He's waiting for us. He won't drag us in kicking and screaming.

Not the gate that the handle is on,
this is at Peles Castle.

     When ask for him, he is there. When we seek him, we find him. And when we knock on his door, his glory is revealed. I know I don't knock nearly often enough. I don't visit him and spend nearly enough time with him. And I use many of the same excuses I give you all when I have been away for a period of time. "Oh, I was busy." "But look at everything else I have done." "I just didn't feel like doing it today." God is not a task master. And he should not be on our check list. He wants us to want to come to him. So, will we approach the gate more often, and will we take advantage of the way that Christ has made for us?