Ravi = awesome

I'm officially the Government rep as of today. woohoo, its exciting : )

Ravi Zacharius is AWWWWEEESSSOOMMMEEE. I started getting his weekly podcasts, and I listen to them over and over again. He is my favorite modern Christian apologist. He researches so much and makes complex issues seem so simple. Of course, they aren't easy, but he helps you bite into an elephant of a worldview question, so to speak. (And, he's Indian, so he has a beautiful accent that makes everything so much more interesting.) He travels around the world speaking in universities, to world leaders, and churches. Again, awesome.

"When moral issues are discussed, we only talk about right or left, forgetting there is an up and a down."

"They [politicians] moralize on politics and politicize morality."

good stuff. look him up.

ONE MORE WEEK OF CLASSES!!! Come to my Logic class next Monday, because I'm bringing chocolate chip cookies!! : )

Happy Studying!

hello

Happy Thanksgiving!!

God
is
good.

All
the
time.

can we be thankful, please?

So, last year, my sister and I decided that we were going to give my mom a break from making the annual TONS AND TONS of food feast....and needless to say, we are giving her back the baton this year. My aunt and uncle came up for Thanksgiving last year, and Sarah and I timed everything horribly, so what was supposed to be a huge lunch, turned out to be a huge dinner. But, you know, nobody should have complained about our tardiness, because for goodness sakes, its Thanksgiving! and at least we had food!

Sarah and I have decided to make sure everyone in our family is thankful this year, or else no one gets any food : )

I saw Bella this weekend, and I loved it. Hopefully, you will go see it and love it too.

I am so thankful that I am not a politician. That sentence sounds odd coming from me, being that I am a Government major, but honestly, politics stresses me out. Most people assume that I want to be the first female president when I state my major, but they assume that erroneously : ). I think it is a sad reflection on a church/state/nation when the only capable leaders available are women. I think men should lead, which reminds me of a poem (don't laugh, this is good stuff)

GOD, give us men! A time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands;
Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office can not buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who have honor; men who will not lie;
Men who can stand before a demagogue
And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking!
Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog
In public duty, and in private thinking;
For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds,
Their large professions and their little deeds,
Mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weeps,
Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps.

(by Josiah Gilbert Holland)

there you have it.

One last note, I really Tavis Smiley. He's clever, smart, and tonight, he asked Lyle Lovette about his worldview. Never thought that word would be in his vocabulary. I'm pleasantly surprised : )

ok, tchuss

"You're not the sort of girl I normally go out with - I mean, you're loud, you're disorganized, your friends are an embarrassment."

I FINALLY started researching the presidential candidates. After I was given grief for not knowing who I was supporting, I decided it was time to at least know where everyone stands on the issues. So, I went to Barnes & Nobles and picked up The Undecided Voter's Guide to the Next President by Mark Halperin. So far, it has been very helpful, though it has made me more undecided about who I am going to vote for next year. This is going to be my first presidential election, so my guy better win : )

While browsing through Blockbuster last night, Lauren and I found a version of Pride and Prejudice that we had never heard of before, so we thought we'd give it a try (and it was free with out other movie). So, even though it was a super low budget movie made by Mormons with cheesy actors, there was a hilarious book that all the characters read called the Pink Bible: how to bring your man to his knees. By the way, no one is meant to take the advice seriously...ITS A JOKE...or at least I hope it is. So here's what you should fill your cart with at the grocery store:

- any fruit which could be easily fed to a partner, such as grapes of berries.
- pineapples, kiwis, or coconuts. these will make you seem exotic.
- vegetables. men rarely buy vegetables, so they will make you seem mysterious.
- flour, sugar, and baking powder. these create the illusion you can cook.
- bottled water. it makes you seem athletic.
- gum. it implies fresh breath. avoid mouthwash, which implies you have a problem.
- steaks. if men think you will provide them with steaks, your foot is already in the door.

The whole premise of the book is that men are "simple creatures" who must be ensnared by women. As we were laughing through the ridiculousness of the entire book, I realized for a moment that lots of women honestly believe they have to "trap" their man and get married. No wonder so many women are depressed...they've been taught they need to go out their and find their man...just a thought.

"A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment." (Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 6)

In other news, I'm trying to play the piano everyday and regain my "lost" talent. I took lessons when I was about 10, but after a year of complaining about practicing, my parents stopped the lessons. So, I'm determined not to lose what little remains of my piano skills, but unfortunately, its slow going right now.

: )

there's no place like home

I am home, which is lovely yet so weird. I actually have to look for the "sign in" button now, as opposed to the "anmelden" button. It is such a great feeling to be able to look on things with fresh eyes. Lots of the things I see (again) sadden me, but I won't go into that stuff : ). The best thing is that two of my favorite people are here at home with me, so I am happy.

The Lord is constantly working patience in me... I have discovered. Being in Germany gave me so SO so much time to reflect and think on the Lord, and myself, so in a way, it was great, but it also made me somewhat depressed. So much of my life is really messed up, and I don't like facing my problems. I try to forget them everyday and just sweep them under the rug, but I have to confront them in order to conquer them. That said, I did a lot of confronting, and now I am waiting for the next step to be revealed by Him. All that sounds really confusing and fuzzy, but I can't clearly articulate it...

On a lighter note, I have discovered the library is a great place to come and hide/study/relax/etc. The law library is the best, but I won't tell you why ; )

okie dokie

peace out : )

and thus it ends

I leave in 5 days.......

He's got the whole world in His hands

My whirlwind week has ended, and I am safely back at my study spot in the Beck house. I have been in some very interesting places this week, but thankfully, I was with my dad and brother the whole time. We drove all over the place, really fast......Rome, Pisa, Florence, Austria, San Remo, the tip of France, 1000000000 mountain tunnels, Munich, Aalen, Stuttgart, and places in between. I probably won't tell some parts of our adventures because it would scare people ; ). We like to live on the edge of life is all I can say.

After driving in Italy, I could probably drive anywhere now. Road signs are merely "suggestions" or "guidelines" in Italy; the millions of mopeds and motorcycles add to the traffic chaos. I gripped the steering wheel really tight the whole time, and thankfully I didn't hit any people or cars. And, there are no speed limits on the highways!!!!!!!!!!! I like speed : )

Once we got back from our road trip, we returned to the castle and rested up. The whole town of Hohenstadt lives for hunting (including our hosts). Everywhere you look, there are antlers and trophies of incredible hunts, and everyone wears boots and hunting suspenders. Everyone goes to work, hunts in their spare time, then spends the evenings at the "pub" telling their hunting tales, which get bigger and bigger as the night goes on.

Today was the annual Bozeln championship, which is bowling through the countryside without pins. There were 11 teams, and everyone in the team takes turn throwing the ball, and wherever it goes off the road, the next person throws until we reach the end of the track. The track was 6 km long, and every team has a wagon filled with beer, schnops, bread, and sausage that they pull along for the game. So, when you're not throwing, you're drinking or eating. The whole village participates, and it was so much fun. I definitely saw a different side of German culture this weekend.

Also, God is incredibly good. After this week, I know that He watches over me, no matter where I am. I already knew that, but I saw Him in action this week, so to speak.

ciao bella

well, my dad and brother arrive tomorrow morning (which will really be the middle of the night for them). We're going to hang out at the castle for the weekend, then we're off to Switzerland and ROME!!!! My dad originally wanted to hit France as well, but that's just a little too much for a few days. Besides, you could spend weeks in Rome and still not get enough of it. I was only there for 2 days (?) last time, but of course that wasn't enough time. I think Italian will definitely be the next language I dabble in...

I have been the most homesick this week of anytime in my life, which is odd, considering 1/6 of my family is coming to visit me : ). It took a while for me to admit I was homesick...I suppose this week has reminded me that I am human, and a rather weak one at that...and that I love love love my family a TON, which is natural of course, considering they are all just wonderful! and my mom told me my little sister is crawling now, and I missed it!!!!!! I suppose I'll miss out a lot on them growing up, since I can't be there forever....

Because I can't get a visa to stay longer than 3 months, I'm coming home November 13th, instead of December. (!!) I don't know what they would do to me if I stayed longer.....throw me out of the country? Fine me an exorbitant amount of money? I'm not willing to stick around and find out, so I'm coming home early. Besides, I get to be home for Thanksgiving, which is always a very full-filling time : P

oh goodness

well, ahem, pray we make it to the castle from the airport safely. My directions seems slightly sketchy....

ok, guten nacht peeps : )

slow dancing in a burning room

Fall is almost here in my part of Germany. It has been really gray and dreary lately, but today, I noticed the leaves beginning to turn faint shades of red, orange, and yellow. Its so thrilling to look at the woods everyday and try to see what is different from the day before. I wish I had the skills to do one of those time lapse slideshows (if that's the name for it).

So much has changed in my daily routine since I have been here! A month and a half ago, my week consisted of: working 40 hours, driving at least 2 hours a day, studying for classes in between work, and hanging out with friends on the weekend. Now, studying and leisure time is pretty my full time job....and I really was starting to miss work, family, and friends. I was getting stressed out having so much time on my hands (sounds odd doesn't it?). Then, I found this perfect place half a mile from our house that I have claimed as my own spot of germany. I go there and just sit...drinking in my surroundings. From that place, I can see for miles, and it is so soothing. I encourage you to find a "reflection" corner in your world....its amazing I have discovered. I really need this time to think and reflect, and I this will probably be the only time I will ever have to do this.

In other news, my dad and brother are coming next week! They are coming with some friends, and long story short, the friends know some people who own a castle and they invited us to stay with them. Cool, huh? : )

tip of the day: Citizen Cope -- drab name, but pretty groovy music, and its free to download on Myspace!

ok

go to the woods and hills

Sunrise on the Hills

by Longfellow

I stood upon the hills, when heaven's wide arch

Was glorious with the sun's returning march,

And woods were brightened, and soft gales

Went forth to kiss the sun-clad vales.

The clouds were far beneath me; bathed in light,

They gathered mid-way round the wooded height,

And, in their fading glory, shone

Like hosts in battle overthrown.

As many a pinnacle, with shifting glance.

Through the gray mist thrust up its shattered lance,

And rocking on the cliff was left

The dark pine blasted, bare, and cleft.

The veil of cloud was lifted, and below

Glowed the rich valley, and the river's flow

Was darkened by the forest's shade,

Or glistened in the white cascade;

Where upward, in the mellow blush of day,

The noisy bittern wheeled his spiral way.

I heard the distant waters dash,

I saw the current whirl and flash,

And richly, by the blue lake's silver beach,

The woods were bending with a silent reach.

Then o'er the vale, with gentle swell,

The music of the village bell

Came sweetly to the echo-giving hills;

And the wild horn, whose voice the woodland fills,

Was ringing to the merry shout,

That faint and far the glen sent out,

Where, answering to the sudden shot, thin smoke,

Through thick-leaved branches, from the dingle broke.

If thou art worn and hard beset

With sorrows, that thou wouldst forget,

If thou wouldst read a lesson, that will keep

Thy heart from fainting and thy soul from sleep,

Go to the woods and hills! No tears

Dim the sweet look that Nature wears.

how overwhelming....

One of my "contacts" here is Chris, a 44 year old pastor who has been married for 11 years and has 3 adorable little children (and, he went to Regent!). Anyways, this weekend, I stayed with him and his family, and I soon found out that he is incredibly more gifted than I thought. Get this --- he has been to so many countries that he has lost count and he can speak and write German (duh), English, Spanish, French, Greek, Hebrew, Latin (which really isn't spoken anymore), Italian, and he's thinking about learning Arabic. You would think that someone who knows so much would be the kind of person who has lived in an office all their life and has no social life, but no, he is in charge of the "college" group at his church, so he knows everybody.

So of course, I began to feel a little insignificant around him. We have very different views on some things, and honestly I feel scared to challenge any of his views. Talking with people other than him has also confirmed my view that I am very much a "fish out of water" over here as far as social issues goes. Its amazing to me how two Christians who have studied and prayed about the same thing can arrive at totally different conclusions. I think the best way after you each have presented your opposing sides and are still at loggerheads is to agree to disagree. All I do know is that I cannot wait to get home and talk with someone who shares my opinions and is enthusiastic about them. argg, that sounds odd....

That's my insight for the weekend.

back to German grammar.....

another day in the life

Today that sun is out for a change! I was beginning to tire of the cold and soggy weather. It really irks me when it is drizzling...I wish it would either pour down rain or just not rain at all.

Being that I have more time on my hands these days, I have been able to go out and walk in the woods surrounding our house. I feel like Little Red Riding Hood on her way to grandma's house as I walk around. Its kind of creepy at times, so I walk faster, which is good I suppose. There are places where the trees are extra low, creating a sort of cove, and when I look in those places, I half expect a troll to come barging out at me. My love for fairy tales has been reignited of late due to these frequent explorations. I'll let you know if I meet the 7 dwarves...

Other than my walks, not much is new here. This weekend, I am volunteering at a conference an hour away. It is about the Holy Spirit and evangelism, so it should be exciting. Last night, the youth team leaders came over to our house for a meeting, and we had worship together. Let me tell you, worship is one of the only moments during "church" when I feel I can connect through the language barrier. My mind is more at ease during those times, so I can soak in more. I actually understood a lot, which was exciting!

I must return to the grind of schoolwork (which really isn't a grind, I just like using that word). I actually love both of my classes, which is amazing.

ok. later.

where am I going with this?

I intially wrote here a long montage about lonely people and how to reach them, then I re-read it and realized what a piece of uneditable mess it was. So here is what I was trying to say in a large nutshell:

Bars on a Friday night are the best place to talk to people about Jesus.

Friday night, Tina, Mary and I went to downtown Stuttgart to walk around and just observe the nightlife. As we walked around, I noticed how many people seem so empty. They may be appearing to have a good time drinking, dancing, or talking, but there is no joy in their eyes. And it pained me so much to see people like that, because I want to talk to them, but I can't yet. I have prayed for a long time to have the gift of tongues, but it hasn't come yet. I've heard stories, and I think it would be awesome, if I could go to someone and speak truth into their life, in a language they understand. It is so hard sometimes to accept the fact the you must obey the whispers of the Holy Spirit. You aren't always supposed to speak to every person you see, but sometimes, that's all you want to do.

arg, anyways, I hope that made sense. I'll let you know immediately when I have my first conversation with a German speaking stranger : )

my third week

As I approach the third week of my stay in Germany, my brain is beginning to feel the intensity of this whole experience. The first two weeks were no problem, but this week, I can't turn my brain off at night and I get headaches during the day. I suppose that is all part of being submersed in a culture. I wish I had a picture of my face when people talk to me in public.....since I don't understand half of what they are saying yet, I have to wait until they stop talking, then give them, "I don't speak much German" line. I feel so stupid, but its incentive to study more and more so I can converse like a normal person soon.

Everyone I have met so far is so nice and warm. The grandmother of my host family speaks a little English, and she told me the other day that she learned her English from the American soldiers who came to Germany after WW2. She said they gave the children gum, which was pretty unheard of back then. It is hard to believe that most of the elderly people I see everywhere saw first hand the horrors of the Nazis (if that's what you call it). They lived in a totally different time, and I can't imagine they stories they have to tell.

Pray that I sleep well at night and learn German very fast. I already have learned so much, but your brain can only handle so many words everyday.

and, I miss driving my car : (

Hasta luego!

P.S. You should get a FACEBOOK account if you want to see pictures of Germany. ok, that's all : )

here is one picture

Ok, so I finally took A picture. Hopefully, more will follow.

This morning, I awoke to the glorious sight of an intense sunrise. Wouldn't it be great to wake up to that sight every morning? Anyways, I stumbled across the room to retrieve my camera, only to discover that the batteries were dead. argggg So, there would have been a beautiful picture of that here, but alas. Try and picture one in your head.

Here is a picture of a village street in Kirkheim. That's pretty much the view of any street there, which is ok with me, because its so quaint. There were so many delicious smells of food everywhere, so it made me hungry walking around.

Well, back to school work.

Later,

Hannah

my home away from home

Hello everyone!! Its been a while since I've updated, and MUCH has changed since then. On August 15, I left Norfolk International Airport for Stuttgart, Germany. I will return in four months!!! My flight there was very exciting, and its amazing that I made it there in one piece (with all my luggage). I don't know what was wrong with me, but I was pretty absent minded as during the trip....I kept leaving my glasses and planner in random bathrooms all over the airport. Thankfully, they stayed where I left them, so all is well.

So, I've been in Germany roughly a week now, but it seems like so much longer. I love it here! Its beautiful!!! I will post pictures as soon as I take some. I'm pretty good at forgetting my camera when I go out.

On the way over, I had a 9 hour layover in London, so I ventured out of the airport. After an hour on the tube, I decided my stomach wasn't up for the ride, so I went back to airport. All the Londoners I saw have a unique way of dressing......I don't know....interesting. Hopefully, I will be able to return to London sometime in the future (but hopefully not by myself).

Ciao from this side of the world! Hope you have a lovely day (wherever you are).

Hannah

ummm....ya....I'm still alive....

though I can't say the same for my computer.

so, I'll be MIA for a while.

an update on my life would take a while, and I'm tired right now, so stay tuned.

: )

later beloved

the barbarian way

Well, I wasn't able to attend the Regent Movie Night at Cinema Cafe, but I still was able to see OCEAN'S 13! It was incredibly clever, and funny, and just cool. So, you should see it : )

Also, you should read The Barbarian Way by Erwin Raphael McManus.

"This is the barbarian way: to give your heart to the only One who can make you fully alive. To love Him with simplicity and intensity. To unleash the untamed faith within. To be consumed by the presence of a passionate and compassionate God. To go where He sends you , no matter the cost. "

Its a fast read (only 141 pages), and its phenomenal. I found myself saying YES, YA, and RIGHT ON throughout the whole book. Being a Christian means following a dangerous, wild, and sometimes lonely road. So many Christian leaders and books push living a tame, obedient, passive life. Instead, Christians should be fighting for the "heart of the King!"

"forward!"

are you a barbarian?

Hannah

tubing pics

I finally outwitted my computer....so here are a few pictures from tubing. Awesome? yes. My dad's favorite maneuver is to go really fast over a boat's wake, which throws us into the air (and usually into the water). Fun stuff. AND, we now have a hovercraft. Its REALLY loud, but other than that, its pretty fun.

So there you have it...a bit of my summer fun. What do you like to do in the summer?

another sunny day

Tubing for the first time in a long time hurts....but its soooo worth it! I went this weekend, and I'm still sore from it. You use muscles you didn't know you had until they hurt, incredibly. I would love to show a picture here, but for some reason I "encountered an error and I my request could not be completed." oh well, stay tuned for pictures later

If you haven't been tubing/skiing, wakeboarding/kneeboarding/etc. let me know, and you can come with me. You're guaranteed to have a good time, I'm serious!

: )

peace

Hannah

good night and good luck

My last blog entry was May 7, which coincidently was the last date entry in my journal, the last mark on my calendar, and the last day I entered credit cards in Quickbook for work. Hopefully, a twenty-one day gap (::gasp::) in blog entries will never happen again : ).

My friend Angela is being healed from her bone cancer. At her last doctor check-up, the doctor informed her that her tumor had shrunk by 15%, and the spots on her lung were all gone!! The doctor replied in amazement that "all those people praying for you must really be working", but later added as she left, "well, it may be a delayed reaction to the chemotherapy." No, it was God.

I've decided to start posting my favorite book and movie for the week. I might even throw in favorite music if I feel so inclined. Here's my first "recommendations:"

***Book of the week***

The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
(I cried...a lot)

***Movie of the week***

Good night, and good luck.
(didn't cry, but I know want to end all my entries with that phrase)

: )

Gute Nacht und viel Glück

"here comes me and my shoes"

Thanks to someone very interesting and aware of the current news, I was introduced to this article today...and I thought you guys might need a good laugh

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/women_now_empowered_by_everything

What do you think? I am personally somewhat offended. Why do women have to be empowering themselves all the time? Being humble and serving is no longer valued. Now, every action is all about power....no wonder people complain of failed relationships.

......

In other news, I finally got around to cleaning my room today. It has been a year, seriously, since I organized and cleaned out. I feel like my life is in order now. I still need three more bookshelves for all the books I have collected, but that will come soon. Speaking of books, thrift stores are great places to get them. That is where I have obtained the majority of mine, and they are so cheap! People price smelly shoes higher than a classic book. At this thrift store in Kansas, I found a 100 year old book on etiquette for just a dollar.....the fact that it was 100 years old was what got me really excited. Think of all the people who have held that book!
wooaa

hakuna matata

Well Regentites, welcome to my blog. My name is Hannah, but many people call me Shan. I am 19 years old, and I want to live my life passionately for Christ. I am not sure where exactly God is leading me after college, but I am pretty sure it is going to be awesome!

I have one exam and a paper due before my summer officially starts, and I am so excited! For the first time in a long time, I am not taking summer school! shaaazzaamm! Even though I will still be working everyday, at least I will not be stressed by discussion board posts and papers. My reading list and Busch Gardens pass are eagerly awaiting me...if only I could finish this paper. arg

Go bake yourself something sweet in celebration of the near summer, then read Job 11:7-9, and then lay outside and look at the stars. Its worth it, I guarantee it.
...speaking of something sweet, I smell brownies in the kitchen, so laters amigos.

: )