Hilde

I figured I'll tell about my stay in Wales a little at a time. My reason for going to Wales, was basically to experience the Nationchangers church in Merthyr, as part of the experience my college requires every year. I came there as a total stranger to everyone, didn't know anyone, except from knowing Joe through blogging. I stayed with Joe and Bethany most of the time, and Joe's parents, Dave and Marg, part of the time. I had a great time with them and they were so hospitable. I really felt like I could relax with all of them.
I met so many great people, and was blessed in every way. A few people shared words from the lord with me over my life, which was very encouraging. I've learned to think greater thoughts and expect more from God. I realized how Norwegians often are affected by the old pietism in the way we pray. Many christians seem to sort of glorify the simple living and poorness, maybe unconsciously. I agree that being poor may bring you closer to God and that a simple live may help to focus right, but it shouldn't be a goal in itself, the way I see it. God wants to bless us. I knew that before, I've always known it, but I've realized it in a new way after my visit to Wales. I've also learned to think greater thoughts in other aspects. -more visional thoughts. God wants to use me, and there's no reason that he should not use me in great ways if I'm willing. His visions are far greater than mine. Now I just pray that God will share his visions with me. I want to think like he thinks, feel like he feels, see what he sees…
I’ve for a long time wished to be a songwriter, but I haven’t had the inspiration. I’ve written a few songs that I think are really good, but I’ve written those when I was particularly inspired. Joe made me realize (something very obvious really…) that to become a songwriter I need to practice songwriting. Just like you need to practice any other thing you want to become good at, you must practice songwriting, and do it often. (Joe also thought me to be more excited about things, but I don’t think he knows that. I, as a typical Norwegian, I wouldn’t really say that I have written really good songs, but after seeing how excited Joe gets over a song that I normally would call very regular, I see the benefits of it.)

Hey!

I've been to Wales for a couple of weeks. I came back home last night. It's been really great! In every way. I'll tell more about it later when I have pictures to show.

Man, I was in awe last night when I came home and saw ALL THE SNOW. My parents, you see, live in a neighbourhood where there is more snow than in the rest of the area. Strange, but so it is. So if any of my friends from home read this and can't understand why I'm all excited,...come to Hagebyen my friends. :)

By the way, God is so cool!

I just want to tell you all that I'm off to Wales to morrow morning. (Sunday.) I'll be away for two weeks, and it's all very exciting! I'll tell you about everything later. :)

I think this is pretty amazing:

"My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God's people. I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven." Ef. 1:18-20

Last night we had a church gathering at Ingrid and Åge's place. (We're only about twenty people, so there was room for everyone.) We had visitors from KF Bergen, which was very inspiring. They shared about their visions and doings, and different things going on, and how they think our church will grow and that people in Oslo are going to be saved! It confirmed to me once again that I'm in the right place (Oslo) doing the right thing (serving God), and that encouraged me to just keep on serving the Lord even more.