God is good all the time...

...and all the time, God is good!

I am sorry for my long lapse in writing...I could (very plausibly) say that I haven't had time and access to computers for the last few weeks, but that wouldn't be completely accurate. Mainly, I've lacked...joy. Joy in Christ, in family, in familiar places...I guess it's a form of homesickness or, more specifically, not resting in Christ. I haven't been experiencing the joy in Christ and his promises that I am used to.

I'm confused about what my purpose here in India is. At home, I envisioned myself full of joy in Christ and sharing that joy, but so far I have had few days where I have felt like that. More often, I have been caught up in selfishness or self-consciousness that puts other people completely out of mind...I have found that the enemies of joy in Christ are the same in India as they are in America. Namely, self.

I am proud, independent, seflish, stubborn, overly self-conscious, and full of sin. I am learning a lot about myself in those regards...it's not pleasant but it is good.

The above, thankfully, is not the whole story. God has is teaching me to pray more than I have ever prayed. To pray for myself. For faith, joy, peace, contentment, trust, boldness, humility, freedom from sin, patience, for strength, to endure...

"May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurence and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light" (Colassians 1:11-12).

To pray for my family and friends. That they too would have faith in Christ, joy, peace, etc. That Christ would be a priceless treasure in my eyes. That I would love him so much that I would count everything else besides him--even my family and friends that I love enormously--as loss compared to the surpassing pleasure of knowing him. That my life would validate my surpassing love for Christ--especially in how I deal with conflicts. That my life would paint a beautiful and accurate portriat of Christ and that He would be glorified.

Clearly, these are lofty prayers and I certainly do not fulfill them, but it is the right end to pray toward. That by my life or death, Christ would be glorified (=loved, praised, adored, worshiped, etc.).

Please pray these things for me as I seek to pray them for you.

Praises:
-God's word and understanding
-iPod that plays music and sermons
-quiet time to read, pray, and sing to God
-ample opportunities to walk/hike in Kodaikanal
-a great research partner (Lauren)
-internet and Skype

Prayers:
-Patience for housemates messyness...
-More opportunities to share Christ
-A strong church to attend in Kodaikanal

I plan to write more about India soon, but I'm afraid that if I don't add this now, it might not happen for a long time...

I hope peace and joy for all of you back home. Remember, God is good all the time--even if the circumstances aren't the best, He can redeem them for good!

I've also uploaded a few pictures of my own...they can be found here.