Skubalon

Today in studying the book of Philippians... Paul makes some pretty profound statements to the church of Philippi and I thought that I could just share some of the revelation God has been giving me. Working, studying and living in community is not always easy and God likes to use sticky situations to bring us into closer relationship to him and others. Philippians vs 3:14-15 "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you." This also relates to vs 2:5 "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus" The idea of Unity runs throughout the text of Philippians and becoming of the same mind. Thinking as Christ would think and consequently live. I love how Paul can be so poetic with his approach. The way he states that if we think differently about how to live... God will bring clarity. That we are not responsible for the sin in our lives until we are made aware that it is sin. That we are only responsible for that which God reveals to us, but as the Body of Christ we are to be of one mind so that unity flows in the church and out into the world. 

Imagine if we could unite in our families... our cities... imagine if we could unite in our nation. What would that look like? I think we need to stop imagining in these things and believe in them. It has to start somewhere, so I guess I am just asking why not with me? Why not start with you?

Thanks for letting me go off... 

I ask if there was anything that I said that struck a cord with you maybe just pray about it, and if not that's ok too... all things will be made known in there right time.

huggggggssssss and kkkkissssssessss

p.s. the only place of silence in this building is on the roof and sometimes that isn't all that quite but here is a picture of the way up to the top and what it looks like from the roof.

Side note I learned that the word Skubalon in Greek means "poop"... try using it in conversation some time today and let me know how it goes.... ;0)

My Roomies

I know that my room-mates are going to kill me if they ever see this post... but I love these pictures. Vera is from Cameroon and trying to take the camera away from me on our balcony and Monique "Micky" is from South Africa and I have just woken her up from her nap in the sun. I love these ladies. God has truly blessed me with great roomies. 

Braai in the backyard

So here are some more pictures of the base and my life over here in Muizenberg... We had a welcoming party for the new schools that started this semester and had a large South African Braai "Barbecue" in the backyard. The ladies of the base made the dinning room look all pretty by putting all the students flags up, and the boys were busy out in the back cooking up some hot dogs. The last shot was taken in my class room where the real YWAM tradition came out. Yes, Titus skits appeared in full force and this was taken form my team portraying a true Lazy Glutton. (Titus vs. 1;12)

Update and pic of Base

I am soooo Sorry to all my Family and Friends for not being able to send more pictures and updates on my BLOG. The South African Government owns all the communication lines over here and consequently can charge whatever they like for Internet and phone time. The prices are quite outrageous and to upload pictures cost even more. Well... this sad news does have a happy ending... I think... I believe that I have found away around some of the costs and in turn my hope is to send more regular updates. I will be updating again at the end of the week and hope to continue to do so throughout my stay in South Africa. 

The work is getting a little more manageable now that I sort of understand what I am doing... tehehe... 

Here is a picture of the Base (my home!) and my local grocery store (good old "Checkers"). The selection over here is so much better then in the States. I would have never thought, but I guess this is one of the largest import and export community in the world. Hip hip for me...

much love,

Lauren-Jean

Simon's Town

So I have successfully completed my first week of class... Can I get an "Amen".... anyway it was long but soooo good. After reading  the book of Philemon over and over and over again I feel that I have the book almost to memory. Every little point Paul made would turn over in my head till the passage was going to explode. I really had know idea that there was so much in one letter. Looking back in history and finding that Paul was one of the first every recorded to attempt to abolish slavery. I love being able to really look back in history and have the time to cross referencing that reference. Yes this sounds a little crazy but I am extremely excited by all this new information and can't wait for more. I know that once I come to a book like Isaiah I might be crying. This next week we go through Titus and the "fun" never stops. 

This weekend we went as a class to Simon's Town... This was labeled as compulsory fun. It was really nice to go see a little more of South Africa. Simon's Town in known for their penguins. I really had the desire to bring one back with me to the base and call it Petie... He could live in our base pool and be known as the "Petie the pet pool penguin". Anyway the one I want is closest to me in the picture up top.