George MacDonald anyone?

Since I have been on a George MacDonald kick for this past week, thanks to my C.S. Lewis tutorial, I thought I would share some of my favorite words and poems from Phantastes.

Through the realms of the monarch Sun
Creeps a world, whose course had begun,
On a weary path with a weary pace,
Before the Earth sprang forth on her race:
But many a time the Earth had sped
Around the path she still must tread,
Ere the elder planet, on a leaden wing,
Once circled the court of the planet's king.

There, in that lonely and distant star,
The seasons are not as our season are;
But many a year hath Autumn to dress
The trees in their matron loveliness;
As long hath old Winter in triumph to go
O'er the beauties dead in his vault below;
And many a year the Spring cloth wear
Combing the icicles from her hair;
And Summer, dear Summer, hath years of June,
With large white clouds, and cool showers at noon:
And a beauty that grows to a weight like grief,
Till a burst of tears is the heart's relief.

Children, born when Winter is king,
May never rejoice in the hoping Spring;
Though their own heart-buds are bursting with joy,
And the child hath grown to the girl or boy;
But may die with cold and icy hours
Watching them ever in place of flowers.
And some who awake from their primal sleep,
When the sighs of Summer through forests creep,
Live, and love, and are loved again;
Seek for pleasure, and find its pain;
Sink to their last, their forsaken sleeping,
With the same sweet odours around them creeping.

-And if you made it through all of that and want more, here is my fav. quote of today:

"The result of selfish or hoarded love is ultimately spiritual as well as physical death."
(I think this was in a reference book, so I'm not sure who said it.)

Anyway, I hope you enjoy these beautifully crafted words as much as I have.

-Grace

Rockin' Oxford

With a 21st birthday over, orientation over and a week of life in Oxford under my belt, I am finally feeling good. I am beginning to feel that I belong here. I know that God has sent me here, and I am excited to delve into just exactly why.

Here are a few things that I have learned recently:
-I like change, but I am one of those people that takes time to adjust.
-I love communication. When Skype does not work, I begin to have a temper. But seriously, I am a loyal person, so I like keeping up with everything in friend's and family's lives.
-I like being independent. It makes me feel cool, on my own and grown up (like when I walk back to my house at night in my warm clothes, rocking by myself to my ipod).
-I really enjoy experiencing new things. For instance, being a part of worship with a room full of students that I did not know, but who were really seeking after God was amazing. Seeing God in a new, fresh light and new venue is so refreshing.

This week I begin my reading-intense (eek!) lecture and tutorial regime. I am ready to let go of my worries and failings and dive in to the work.
In the words of some rock band (that was quoted on School of Rock):
"We roll tonight to the guitar bite, and for those about to rock, I salute you."

New

Wow!
I am in Oxford, finally, and starting to adjust to all of the new things that I have encountered in the past few days.
This morning when I woke up and remembered I was in England, I was a little sad and wondering how I was going to not miss home for 4 months. I was also a bit sad because it was Jason and my 4 month anniversary and for the fact that he could not be here.
Then, I kind of just said a little prayer that God would help me to get used to things and enjoy the people here.
Again, I am discovering that prayer and good intentions work.
I got to meet a bunch of great girls from the other house that I really connected and had fun with. We got to explore the city center and even go to our first pub: the Eagle and Child (you might know it as the meeting place of the Inklings, which included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien!) It was awesome and a fun taste of Oxford.
After today's adventures, I am feeling much more excited about the semester and ready to dive into exploring, making friends, studying and pubbing! =)

Jumping In

new beginnings
things dying things living
needing both to survive
to thrive more than normal
requiring extra
comes with this soon change
more self
to walk confidently in
more faith
that my legs will be fast enough
more room
to fill with whom I will become

In about 12 hours I will be heading out with England as my destination. After many tears, anxiety and butterflies I FINALLY feel ready. Thank God for all of his blessings, especially all of the prayers that have been prayed over me recently.
I'm jumping, hoping I will fly. I will let you know how it goes!

-Grace