Some Thoughts on God

I've never really put any "theological" thoughts on here, but tomorrow morning it's my turn to share the devotions in our linguistics course. I thought maybe I would share some things with you all, too. These are just a few thoughts I have come across in the past few years.

If language is reflecting deeply the image of God, don't expect it to be simple, now or ever -- nor for any theory to exhaust it. Language is complicated, because language has its source in person. --Kenneth L. Pike, Summer Institute of Language

Since we are analyzing many different languages, this is especially important to me right now. There have been languages that I don't understand, and it has been hard for me to realize that I may not understand why the language functions a certain way. I have had to accept that I don't understand the language, yet at the same time recognizing that this language works. People use it and understand it on a daily basis. It may not work the way I expect it to, and I may not get it to fit into a "pattern" I know.
A.W. Tozer wrote, "What God is, He is without boundaries. All that God is, He is without bounds or limits...There is nothing boundless but God and nothing infinite but God." Praise God that this is true! How does language fit into this? God has created languages with boundaries, each fitting into patterns within itself. God has created this languages with predictability! What a comfort that is, along with the presence of the Holy Spirit, as our class learns to analyze these problems! The work goes from impossible to possible, from struggle to blessing, from trying to tried.

Prayer:

• Tuesday morning I have my "Welcome to NTM" interview. This is a time when I get to meet with a couple from Headquarters and ask each other questions.
  
• The next 20 days are packed as I finish out the semester. Please pray that I will finish strong as I continue learning how to analyze languages, say goodbye to classmates who will be overseas as early as August, and prepare for a month of travelling after graduation.

Love, Carrie

Linguistics has begun!

I used to look at my grandpa's four-color pen in amazement --how did they get FOUR colors into ONE pen?! If only they could make four crayons in one...
Well, I am discovering now that four-color pens are of great use in linguistics. Linguistics is a course to teach us how to analyze a given language. The manner we are learning, is to circle different areas of the language in different colors. Amazingly enough, yes, the same colors that are in the "magic" four-color pen from my childhood!
We are moving into a stage that has more homework, approximately two hours each evening. Please be praying for me as my schedule is adjusted to two hours of homework! Also, I have been filling out the proper paperwork for becoming a member of NTM as of June 2007. Please pray that I would make wise decisions.

Have a great week!
Love,
Carrie

Easter in Shreveport

I was blessed to be able to visit Shreveport this weekend. Though it was colder than I expected, Sunday morning was beautiful over the lake. As I would tell people here at school where I was going, they were confused that I would go where my parents weren't. I was able to share that my church is family, just as my parents and brother are. Thank you all for making me feel at home in your homes! It was so great to see you all and visit. Autumn and I had a safe trip home, and thank you for your prayers. Here's a picture from the Natural Bridge in Arkansas:
This week our class will divide into two groups: those staying for linguistics and those who are going home to start partnership development. Please pray for us all, that we would all finish strong. The second group is winding down as their training with NTM is coming to an end. The group of us staying for linguistics is just getting started! We will be focusing on how to analyze a language. Thank you for your prayers!

Love,
Carrie