I hope the rest of your summers have been full of relaxation, fun, and continued growth. Katie, I so enjoyed your update...it sounds like God is working in great ways in the midst of such a hard situation. The students in your youth group are lucky to have such a centered and caring role model in you! I'll continue to pray for the situation.
Since coming home from New York, my time has been filled in a variety of ways. The week after I returned to Missouri, I was able to attend a Choral Music Educators Convention. It was so exciting! I was able to attend workshops regarding rehearsal technique, sing through new music, talk to other educators - what more could a guy ask for? :) It was a thrill for me to be listening and learning from such loving and talented individuals over the course of the weekend. One of the highlights occurred before a banquet everyone attended. Just before we were served, all 400 choir directors stood in the banquet hall and sang the doxology. What a special moment! Our God is so good to bless us with such diverse creativity and talent that we can use to glorify Him.
After returning from that trip I spent the next few weeks hanging around Springfield. The pace of life is much slower than the city, so that has taken some getting used to...I also have missed the community that we experienced on our project. Most of my friends are not in Springfield, MO this summer, so I am looking forward to seeing them in person at school soon. I have been able to spend a lot of time with my younger brother, Christian. He is such a fun person to be around! He will be heading to college this year, so I would appreciate prayers for him as he starts this new chapter in his life. I pray that he will be surrounded by godly men and women and continue to move towards the Lord in his search for what is true.
My family went to Chicago for several days last week! We saw a show, went to the Art Institute, a classical concert in the park (no - we didn't have to get up at 4:00 am), a pre-lollipolooza concert at the Apple store, and of course, shopped at H and M. It was a great time to spend with the family.
And now, I am looking forward to returning to Arkansas on Tuesday. It will be fun to share what God has been doing in our lives and begin sharing the blessing of the gospel of Christ with a huge group of new students! I also am planning on starting a musical theater performance troupe as I return to school. I'm looking forward for opportunities to build relationships and reflect Christ's love through that organization. By striving to reflect Godly character, I think that the whole creative process can be an expression of faith. I hope and pray that I may demonstrate "love that comes from a good conscience and a sincere faith." (1 Tim. 1:5).
I am so thankful that I have been able to live, worship, create, and grow with all of you this summer. You have challenged me to become a better artist, friend, and servant of the Lord. I look forward to staying in touch and encouraging one another as we seek the Lord and He transforms us into the artists that He wants us to be.
With love,
Nathan
3 comments:
Thank you so much for sharing Nathan! Sounds like you've been having a blast since returning home.
I pray that your brother will find a solid community rooted in Christ that will challenge and grow him in his faith. How exciting for Christian to be able to experience college life now!
Sounds like God will be using you in mighty ways this upcoming semester Nathan! I pray that your musical theater performance troupe takes off well and God uses it to glorify Him, spreading light into a dark place. Praise the Lord for the vision He's given you! Hope your trip to AK went well!
Thanks Katie! I'm safely in Arkansas and am enjoying catching up with friends and planning for the year. I think of all of my New York friends so often and love you all so much. Now, it's time for the first trip to the music building of the year...it's practice time!
Hey Nathan sounds like you're doing well! I'm going to pray for ya about what happens when you get back to school and starting that musical theater performance troupe. I believe God can do some awesome things with people who are willing!
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