Some news

News items

1. I have continued to have a very good and profitable time doing stuff with Dersan and Duygu. A couple of people have asked how my time with them has been, and it has been very good. We get along quite well and enjoy doing lots of random things together when we have time. Last night I took them out to eat because they have been very generous a number of times, and it was a small way to repay that. The meal was an outstanding Pistachio Kebap (kinda like have chopped nuts in a meatball... but that doesn't do it justice, you'll just have to come try it.) Then, today, I followed them and a couple of their friends around and we enjoyed spending time together shopping ("enjoyed"), eating (!), and playing games. :) 2. Language school: This month's course is all over except for the exams which will be held on Tuesday. Tomorrow is a national holiday, and so there is no school. I have to pass the exams in order to advance to the next level of Tömer. Please remember me in this.
As far as actual language progress this month: the first month's stuff began clicking practically; we learned the imperative and subjunctive moods, the past tense, and how to use the direct object. Some of that is simple and other of it is NOT! So, I will need much wisdom in taking the test.

Final section

I have been reading in Galatians, and just want to mention a few thoughts that I've had, since this was never meant to be just a news blog. :) Gal. 5:13 - For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
During this book, Paul has been arguing for a believer's freedom in Christ (particularly from the Law.) Now, Paul give two parameters for the believer's freedom: Do not use your freedom to give the flesh opportunity, and do use your freedom for loving service to the brothers. The following verses flesh out what this means. For those who want to fulfill the Law, the Law is fulfilled in loving your neighbor, not seeking to gain power over them or attacking them. And there are evidence of whether the freedoms are being used by the flesh or the Spirit (16-23). Consider how a freedom affects the flesh: because if it is really a Christian freedom, it will not encourage the flesh because those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh and its desires. (24) Thus, as believers (those who live by the Spirit), let us walk by the Spirit in humility, reconciliation, and contentment. (25)