6.26.2003
A few more random things:
None of the windows here have screens. They open all the windows, but generally there are no bug problems.
I love Fanta. Fanta is basically just Orange soda and I drink it every chance I get. I have a bottle next to me right now.
If you think gas prices are high...don't try to drive here. $4.40 per gallon. Yup, it's true. That is one of the reasons everyone here walks or bikes. Also, you have to be 18 to drive here.
Who thought I would get a tan in Germany?
I'm reading some GREAT books here. I finished "The Art of Pastoring" by David Hansen, an IVP book. At first I didn't like it but after the first couple chapters I couldn't put it down. I loved it because it was so practical. He literally took time to say, "This is what I do and this is how I do it." I love that because then you can use what you can and adjust the parts that may not fit as well.
I'm also reading "The Jesus I Never Knew" by Phillip Yancey. He's always been one of my favorite authors but I've never had the chance (or the discipline maybe) to read this whole book. It is really thought provoking. Challenging (biblically) what we've all been taught. I don't agree with every single thing, but most of it is solid stuff.
Julie and I have been reading 1 Corinthians together, too. Hard stuff. We've had some really good conversations about it, too. Mr. Grahmann, what about the "escaping through the flames" part? We're having a little trouble with that.
It's also been really exciting for me because this kid James has been talking to me a lot about my faith. He's a pretty "bad" kid and he knows it, but he's been great on the trip. He opened up to me yesterday about his upbringing (heartbraking) and that was awesome. He lives with his aunt and uncle because both his parents are dead (suicide and drugs) and is very indepedent and outgoing. He asks me great questions and really seems to appreciate what I have to say. The other day after I explained something to him he said, "Out of all the ways I've ever heard that explained, what you just said makes the most sense to me." I also was saying how we use our faith all the time every day when we walk, sit down, eat something, drink something, drive a car, etc. We trust (have faith) that all these things will do what they are supposed to do and hardly even think about it. So why is faith in God so out of the question? He thought that was SO cool. "I've never heard it put that way before! But it's so true!" Please pray for James. He's a great kid who's just growing up. Heading to UW-Parkside this fall, too.
God is good.
None of the windows here have screens. They open all the windows, but generally there are no bug problems.
I love Fanta. Fanta is basically just Orange soda and I drink it every chance I get. I have a bottle next to me right now.
If you think gas prices are high...don't try to drive here. $4.40 per gallon. Yup, it's true. That is one of the reasons everyone here walks or bikes. Also, you have to be 18 to drive here.
Who thought I would get a tan in Germany?
I'm reading some GREAT books here. I finished "The Art of Pastoring" by David Hansen, an IVP book. At first I didn't like it but after the first couple chapters I couldn't put it down. I loved it because it was so practical. He literally took time to say, "This is what I do and this is how I do it." I love that because then you can use what you can and adjust the parts that may not fit as well.
I'm also reading "The Jesus I Never Knew" by Phillip Yancey. He's always been one of my favorite authors but I've never had the chance (or the discipline maybe) to read this whole book. It is really thought provoking. Challenging (biblically) what we've all been taught. I don't agree with every single thing, but most of it is solid stuff.
Julie and I have been reading 1 Corinthians together, too. Hard stuff. We've had some really good conversations about it, too. Mr. Grahmann, what about the "escaping through the flames" part? We're having a little trouble with that.
It's also been really exciting for me because this kid James has been talking to me a lot about my faith. He's a pretty "bad" kid and he knows it, but he's been great on the trip. He opened up to me yesterday about his upbringing (heartbraking) and that was awesome. He lives with his aunt and uncle because both his parents are dead (suicide and drugs) and is very indepedent and outgoing. He asks me great questions and really seems to appreciate what I have to say. The other day after I explained something to him he said, "Out of all the ways I've ever heard that explained, what you just said makes the most sense to me." I also was saying how we use our faith all the time every day when we walk, sit down, eat something, drink something, drive a car, etc. We trust (have faith) that all these things will do what they are supposed to do and hardly even think about it. So why is faith in God so out of the question? He thought that was SO cool. "I've never heard it put that way before! But it's so true!" Please pray for James. He's a great kid who's just growing up. Heading to UW-Parkside this fall, too.
God is good.
