soo this weekend was incredible....somewhat spur of the moment I went to Los Angeles with three friends from church. the ride down was a lot of fun, the friendships that were developed are amazing, the words spoken were convicting. our reason for going down was to go to a Russian church in LA. just so you know, i know absolutely no russian...okay that's not true anymore...i know a few words, but i didn't know ANY! but, this man, the pastor (Nicolai, goes by Nick for short) was being used by God to touch my heart. i couldn't understand the words out of his mouth, but i understood the love pouring out him. it was incredible....i am motivated to learn Russian now. also we went to Grace community church in Sun Valley which is where John MacArthur is the pastor and we heard him preach as well. I was convicted in ways that i have never been before. I was faced with false beliefs of mine and for the first time i am beginning to see things more clearly....as far as some doctrine goes. i am thankful for this because it alters a lot of things i have been okay with in the past and now i see that it is directly against the Bible. God's scripture has authority, something i have not been giving it. i am realizing how very conservative my views are and this is something i also had not realized in the past. God is teaching me a lot right now about His sovereignty and His scriptures. i am trying to sort things out and I have a lot to think about....but in His timing it will all make sense. I am called to take up my cross and follow Him regardless....not just when i feel like it. also, i am sick of the fake faith. this is something that has bothered me a lot and i do not know how to address it. John Piper is so loving, MacArthur is so blunt and bold. I'm not sure which way is more effective and really i think both can be effective for different people. aagh. alright...too much thinking right now, i need to rest in the arms of my savior and pray about all these changes for me. crazy crazy. alrighty fellows...time to do some hw....yuck!