Reformation Day

In honor of Reformation Day, I read the ninty five thesis today. There were several interesting ponits made, but this really stuck out to me...
"The true treasure of the Church is the Most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God." Martin Luther 95 Thesis, Nubmer 62

I liked that.

A Visit Home...

I went to New Orleans last week. We picked up a friend of mine and headed off headed off down Esplanade to find something to eat. I've never been very familliar with the East Bank, and was a little confused as to where I was. But as we crossed Williams, I made a mental note: "Oh yes, I know where I am! At the corner of Esplanade and Williams...when did they put that Wallmart Marketplace there?"

After running hither, thither and yon, we returned back to our friend's house where the evening news happened to be on.
"There was a murder in this afternoon near the intersection of Esplanade and Williams. The suspect ran into the Wallmart Marketplace parking lot..."

I was shocked. Not that there was a murder in New Orleans, but that it was frighteningly close to where we were, and at the same time. We went back and forth across that intersection at least 5 times! Looking back, I remember hearing sirens and seeing police cars in the Walmart parking lot...but who ever would've thought?

I Think I'm Homesick

I say I think because I’m not exactly sure...I’ve never really been homesick before. I’m the one who, after being away for weeks and weeks will get a phone call from my mom asking "Homesick yet?" and I have to quickly decide rather to be nice and say "Oh yeah, of course!" or be honest.
But this time it’s true. I really do miss home. I mean, of course I miss New Orleans (the good parts, that is) in and of itself, but what I really miss are all of my friendships that were there. You know, the deep kind that take lots of time and effort to build...often years.
Moving to a city where you don’t know a soul has some fun aspects, but there are some challenges as well.
One advantage is that you get to make new friends. We have met some very nice people, some of which will, I think, become very close friends, but deep friendships just take time to build.

Not knowing anyone has made me a little crazy lately. Those of you who know me should get a kick out of some actual thoughts that ran though my head yesterday...they are so un-typical for me:
"Should I go say hello to them?" "Why does she never speak to me?" "Did he think I was being flirtatious?" "Will these people think I’m sassy and arrogant when they see my sunglasses picture on my myspace?" "Did he know I was kidding?" "Did she know I was serious?"
I obsessed over writing 2 e-mails, 2 myspace messages and 1 comment. This is absolutely insane.
It’s not that I don’t worry about offending my New Orleans friends or that I feel like I can just be flippant and take their friendship for granted...it’s that I know them and they know me. We can pretty much figure out where the other is coming from.

I miss really knowing everyone. I mean, I never wondered rather or not I should hug Leah, sit next to Christian, talk to Matthew or e-mail James.
I never have to explain where I’m coming from to Shelby or wonder if Jeff took something I said the wrong way. I never apologized for "unloading" on Mrs. Yvette or wondered if I was approachable enough for Amanda to tell me what was on her heart.
Elise could read my mind and put a finger on what was troubling me before most people could even notice a thing.

You know, there really is something frightening about getting to know people - really getting to know people, not the "Hi, how are you?" "Fine, how are you?" friendships, those are easy - it’s the real friendships where things get complicated and risky.
When people see your strengths and weaknesses, triumphs and defeats, successes and failures - when people see enough of you to see who you really are - it’s a vulnerable position.
People have seen me both grow in my relationship with Christ and fail miserably. They’ve heard me say really stupid things, struggle with real issues and sometimes fall flat on my face.
I’ve been through some really tough times with people, and they’ve been through really though times with me. We have rejoiced together and walked together in the courts of the Lord.
I miss those relationships...I think I’m homesick.

Robin returns to blogdom

I'm alive! But not only am I alive, I am also exceedingly happy. Why am I happy? Because the new computer came in and is allowing me online for more than 30 seconds at a time.
I have about 5 random, unconnected blog post ideas floating around in my head, so you might just see regular posting from me for a while :)

Until then, I leave you with this scripture. A beautiful mystery...

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

~Robin <><

My 100th Post!

Beautiful...

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36

Just when I start to get bogged down with all things I don't understand, just when I start focusing on how many questions I have, I come across this verse. It always compells me to breathe a prayer of thanksgiving as I get a glimpse of just how great a God he really is.

To Him be glory forever!