the restful life

So I’ve noticed it has been a couple of weeks since I’ve posted anything here. The past couple of weeks have been a bit hectic. I finished up my Systematic Theology class at NOBTS. I really enjoyed that class this semester and once I figured out how to balance school and responsibilities at the church the semester went much smoother. (I still have yet to figure out how guys who go to school, have a job, and have a wife and children do it.) Anyway I am glad I had the opportunity to take the class and grow in knowledge.

After class last Thursday I jumped on a plane bound for Wisconsin. My little sister graduated from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI with honors. So I was excited to be able to go to her pinning ceremony (for nurses) and the graduation. Way to go Jen!

The rest of my time here I am trying to spend relaxing, cooking, sleeping, reading, and hanging out with friends.

An Afternoon at the Beach

Britt and I took some time today to hit the beach for a little while before she leaves Wednesday. Boy what a day...

Catching crabs...

Wading through the water...

Rock climbing...

And of course....surfing...

I asked the Lord that I might grow

One of these days I will update ya'll with things happening here in Lakeshore, but in order to get things wrapped up for my theology class that ends in a couple of weeks, I must devote most of my free time to that. So school must take priority over blogging. Until then...I continue to read from the Onley Hymns and enjoy it a great deal. Here's another sleceted hymn by John Newton.

I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow
John Newton

I asked the LORD that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, his face.

’Twas he who taught me thus to pray,
And he, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once he’d answer my request;
And by his love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, he made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with his own hand he seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

LORD, why is this, I trembling cried,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“’Tis in this way, the LORD replied,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st find thy all in me.”

Behold I am vile!

I wasn't able to get out much this week to take any pictures for the crews out working, Lord willing next week. But it was a good week. Both platforms for the quanset huts were completed and the quanset huts put up, air conditioners were fixed and hooked up, dirt was made ready for concrete to be poured, and flowers and plants were planted at peoples homes.

I have been really enjoying reading from the Onley hymns by John Newton and William Cowper this week and continue to stand in awe of God, who saved me and still loves and forgives me even though I sin against him.

Behold I am Vile
John Newton

O LORD, how vile am I,
Unholy, and unclean!
How can I dare to venture nigh
With such a load of sin?

Is this polluted heart
A dwelling fit for thee?
Swarming, alas! I in every part,
What evils do I see!

If I attempt to pray,
And lisp thy holy name;
My thoughts are hurried soon away,
I know not where I am.

If in thy word I look,
Such darkness fills my mind,
I only read a sealed book,
But no relief can find.

Thy gospel oft I hear,
But hear it still in vain;
Without desire, or love, or fear,
I like a stone remain.

Myself can hardly bear
This wretched heart of mine;
How hateful then must it appear
To those pure eyes of thine?

And must I then indeed
Sink in despair and die?
Fain would I hope that thou didst bleed
For such a wretch as I.

That blood which thou hast spilt;
That grace which is thine own;
Can cleanse the vilest sinner’s guilt,
And soften hearts of stone.

Low at thy feet I bow,
O pity and forgive;
Here will I lie and wait, till thou
Shalt bid me rise and live.

The heart healed and changed by mercy

William Cowper has become one of my favorite authors this past year. Recently I was listening to a biography John Piper delivered about William Cowper and became more acquainted with this man whose hymns I sing, yet knew very little about. I sat down this evening to read through some of Cowper's works from the Onley hymns and was hit with the truth that is contained in these poems and hymns.

Here's just one of the hymns that Cowper wrote that I really enjoyed.

The Heart Healed and Changed By Mercy
William Cowper

Sin enslaved me many years,
And led me bound and blind;
Till at length a thousand fears
Came swarming o'er my mind.
"Where," said I in deep distress,
"Will these sinful pleasures end?
How shall I secure my peace
And make the Lord my friend?"

Friends and minister said much
The gospel to enforce;
But my blindness still was such,
I chose a legal course:
Much I fasted, watch'd, and strove,
Scarce would show my face abroad,
Fear'd almost to speak or move,
A stranger still to God.

Thus afraid to trust his grace,
Long time did I rebel;
Till despairing of my case,
Down at his feet I fell;
Then my stubborn heart he broke,
And subdued me to his sway;
By a simple word he spoke,
"Thy sins are done away."

moving forward

April has arrived and things are still steadily moving forward. This week we have seen many things happen and several families are very close to moving into their homes. I know on Monday alone we had people from the teams at 21 differnt properties, doing everything from debris clean up, hanging/mudding sheetrock, building porches, preparing a site to pour a slab, and helping a couple get their new furiniture into their home and adding som finishing touches. I wasn't ableto get out much toward the end of the week, but here are a few of the sites from early in the week.