All systems are go...

Well, the visa's here at least. ;-) So, I am set to leave on Monday, the 27th. I would greatly appreciate your prayers for my good health and peace of mind, for focus as I begin my research, and for God to provide me with a solid community of friends and a church. Oh, and if you know anyone who wants to donate 50K or something, let me know. hehe.

Another delay...

Well, I am now scheduled to leave on Monday, Sept. 27. I decided to move the departure date back another week, just to be safe, since I still haven't received my visa. It's frustrating, but at least it's not too much trouble moving the flight since it's being purchased with airline miles. I guess I don't really have anything to complain about, I just wanted to be in the UK sooner. But, it's good to have more time here to prepare and relax before jumping headlong into this new adventure. I have shut off my cell phone (can't use it over there), so email or Skype is the best way to reach me for now!

One week until...

I move to the UK! Well, maybe... if my student visa gets here in time! :-P But, it's looking like everything is coming together, and I will be flying to London on Tuesday, Sept. 21. I actually had to move the date back one week, and I hope that is enough time for the visa to show up. If not, well... third time's the charm, I guess. hehe.

Anyway, I am back from my visit to Seattle - it was a good but stressful trip, for a variety of reasons. But all is well. God is good. And here's a little thought that I've been pondering today, courtesy of Dallas Willard's The Divine Conspiracy:

"The acid test for any theology is this: Is the God presented one that can be loved, heart, soul, mind, and strength? If the thoughtful, honest answer is; "Not really," then we need to look elsewhere or deeper. It does not really matter how sophisticated intellectually or doctrinally our approach is. If it fails to set a lovable God... before ordinary people, we have gone wrong. We should not keep going in the same direction, but turn around and take another road.

Theologians on both the left and the right, and those on no known scale of comparison, are all loved by God, who has great things in mind for every one of them. They are our neighbors, and we are to share God's vision and love for them. They need to love God. The theologian who does not love God is in great danger, and in danger of doing great harm, for he or she needs to know God and believe with assurance concerning God."