It has been three months since our last update, and I feel a bit overwhelmed at the thought of recapping three months of life in one post... So I won't. However, the last few days, I have felt compelled to make thankfulness a priority in my spiritual life. Being thankful is not my natural attitude; in fact, I am quite horrible at it. God has been subtly yet consistently pointing this out to me through different means, most obviously through a recent immersion in the Psalms (which always tend to show me my own lack of thanksgiving) and Ann Voskamp's
One Thousand Gifts. In truth, there are many things in my life that should turn my heart towards God with thanksgiving, but I most often choose to think about what disappoints me in life. I am praying that God will start to change me and fill me with His joy that rises above all circumstances. So as I start to learn how to focus on God's blessings, I hope to keep note of some of those observations here...
We have now been in Scotland almost five months, and as the cold and dark have crept upon us, we have found our new friendships to be growing warmer and brighter. Moreover, we have been continually encouraged and blessed by our church, St. John's. A long three year exploration and journey into the Anglican Church culminated this morning as Jordan and I participated in Confirmation. It was with great joy that we stood beside friends and reaffirmed our faith and baptism. We have taken seriously the decision to join the Anglican Church as we feel that God has drawn us down this road. Our relationship with Christ has been deeply enriched through the ministry of the Anglican Church during this season of academic study for Jordan. For all these things I am truly thankful.
May God bring to my mind His blessings at all times!
Andy and I are so excited for you and this journey! As recent confirmands as well, we are heartily excited about what God is doing in this area for many of our friends!!
ReplyDeletePeace be with you!!
Are you guys confirmed in the Anglican church? I don't think I realized that...
DeleteYes! My husband Andy and I were confirmed at Church of the Incarnation in Dallas in December! Through being at DTS, God has moved in our hearts in this direction for about a year and a half. We now officially classify ourselves as Evangelical-Anglo/Catholic-Progressive Covenental-Dispensationalist! (Thought you would appreciate that!) He(Andy) is also looking at completing his doctorate in the UK. Congrats again to you guys on this journey!!
DeleteWe starting going to an AMIA (Anglican Mission in America) while we were in Boston... that was the beginning of our journey in all of this. Over in Scotland, it is the Scottish Episcopal church we attend... it's been such a blessing.
DeleteWhat schools are you guys looking at in the UK? What is Andy's area of study?
Andy is currently getting his ThM with a focus in Old Testament (@DTS), he is currently completing his thesis on Old Testament basis for Church discipline. For doctorate work, he is looking at a PhD in Theology, but is still trying to figure out what he specifically wants to get into. At this time, we are looking at Oxford, Cambridge, Aberdeen and St. Andrews. Of course, we are trying to let God do the leading in this. Andy might be interested in pursuing the deaconate or priesthood, but is unsure yet, and currently as well, letting God lead in this. The next few years will continue to be a journey, but continuing to hopefully be used in the Anglican church here and wherever God wills! So excited for you two! Many blessings!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!!! There are so many times when I am so grateful that God has a plan... because if I had to figure it all out, it would be SO overwhelming! Let us know if you need a place to crash if you want to come check out Scottish schools. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much!! We truly do appreciate that! Thanks for the encouragement! Glad to know a few people going down this road a little ahead of us! 8-) We will definitely keep up and let you know of plans. It will probably be a couple years, but who knows what God has in store.
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