Have you ever had one of those moments where the quiet beauty of the world surrounding you took your breath away? Time seems to stand utterly still and you stop what you are doing, even if it means being late to that class yet again, simply because you can hardly move? It feels as though a movie clip with full orchestra soundtrack couldn't capture the moment in it's entirety.

I've had two of those recently. I was walking through the Selleck courtyard, which was uncommonly void of human activity. The wind was so strong that day, but the sun was shining in full force. The courtyard provided a mild refuge from the violent whipping of the wind, but as I walked, the sun warming my face, the leaves scattered over the lawn seemed to rise around me, as if suspended in an autumn snow globe. I tried not to stop and stare, so as to cause those around me to think I was crazy, but I was certain that this was incredible beauty. I wondered if anyone else had been allowed to see it, or if it was a secret between me and God himself.

The other happened this morning when I arrived on East Campus a bit early for my 8 am class. I had marveled at the beauty of the sunrise earlier, and breathed the fresh, crisp air as I walked to the bus stop. As I stepped off the bus onto campus and entered the grassy area in front of the union, I looked around me in surprise as the sun rays reflected off the glass, causing me to squint. It was so still. I almost couldn't hear the footsteps of the two oblivious students crunching through the leaves behind me. It was glorious. I smiled and continued on my way, forming the words of this story in my head, and wishing I had my computer with me so I could type the words as fast as they entered my thoughts.

Finally on the move!

I walked in front of a girl today on my way to class and couldn't help but smile as she gleefully exclaimed "I just found $5!" I then pondered the idea that God was trying to tell her how much he loved her, and wondered if his heart broke that she had no idea of the depth of his infatuation with her. I wonder if se'll ever know. If she'll ever understand.

As of this past Friday, I have been chosen as one of the two interns through UNL to move to Japan and assist the English teachers in a middle school near Tokyo for 6 months. I'll leave around the 2nd week in January and will be done sometime in June. I'll probably use this blog to keep everyone updated, so if no one reads this now, maybe they will soon! :)

I walked out of Crusade tonight and saw a surreal picture on the plaza. Students, adults, children no more than three on their knees while a choir sang and catholic priests and people gathered to celebrate All Saints Day I'm assuming. As the choir rang out their chorus in lovely harmony, I had to stop and wonder if they knew anymore than I did what they were singing. What did the words mean? I wonder if it was a praise to the Lord.

I couldn't believe how peaceful and quiet that plaza was. Highly uncommon for a Thursday night. However, this was not a peace that fills the soul and comforts the heart, bringing rest. Sadness filled my soul and I had to walk quickly to my room before I dared allow tears to come. My heart broke for those who know not the God they praise..I'm not speaking of anyone in particular, not of this group or any particular group. God broke my heart for the religious persons out there who can't make the knowledge connect with their heart and soul. I cry not because I feel sorry for them, I cry because I was one. I cry because I understand. I cry because I know.

God's heart breaks for his lost sheep. The indescribable anguish in my soul tonight can only reflect a minute portion of our Father's agony at the state of hearts today.

Oh Lord, let the morning bring us word of Your unfailing love. Show us the way we should go, for to You we lift up our souls.

Psalm 143:8