I'm Back.

I'm Back.
How many different things can one phrase mean? I'd be hard-pressed to come up with a maximum number, but at least two.
1) From Europe. Been there, done that. Twice. (Really, I went twice.) Both adventures have been centered around the European Leadership Forum, as mentioned in the previous post. This time, the trip was with my family: our last as our classic nucleus of 5. (We are about to pick up a winner of a # 6 to go along with our # 3.) Anyway, the trip was our last as a family, and as always, my family never ceases to amaze me. I appreciate them more everyday I am with them, and they frusterate me in new and exciting ways each and every day as well. Thats number one. Europe with the fam: check.
2) Everything else it could possibly mean. Thanks in large part to the Forum: participants, leaders, material, etc., I (though I suspect not really me) was able to revive the faith which I had nearly lost. The Forum included philosophers, theologians, scientists, pastors, and laypersons, all holding strongly to the belief that Christianity truly is the true description of reality. I would be lying if I said I no longer struggle with the doubt which had so clouded my mind and memory, but I can honestly say that my faith has not been more vibrant in well over a year. Being a philosophy student, I have no doubt that my current understanding of God/reality/etc will be challenged come Fall. Yet, the shift that I have made was not towards a logical diagram of God, nor a cut and dry philosophy or theology. I simply agreed to trust in Him who I once trusted. I agreed to believe that life has a meaning and a purpose, and that it is perfectly reasonable to think that humans function better with a purpose and meaning because that is how they were made to function. I am learning, but more importantly, I'm growing. There are still a myriad of important, vital questions that I must answer, but I seek to do that in clear view of the One who has called me.
As the title indicates, this is not a new place for me. I remember well that a few years ago I experienced the nerve-wracking excitement and painful comfort of a life lived in pursuit of Godliness and in relationship to God. So now, as I work towards a healthy and well-thought out faith, I pray for faith and faithfulness, as well as for obedience and the chance to make God smile.
"So, whats next?" you ask. Good question, faithful blog reader. Unfortunately, I dont know. Well, maybe fortunately I dont know. For now, I am working on tomorrow--that it would be a day lived more passionately devoted to God, lived out in service of others. Yeah, I better just stick with tomorrow. (Also tomorrow includes hanging out with the Vaas clan in Columbus and then a weekend up at Kelley's Island with the Bells. SWEEET.) Take care, and God Bless.

Oh, and hang in there if you cant see God right now. Your eyes arent good.

Oh, and I miss Rachel. A lot. <---------------> At least that much, if not more.

Thats all for tonight.

From Hungary

Well, this will probably be short. But, its from Hungary. I'm here for the European Leadership Forum. What is the ELF you ask? It is the 5th annual gathering of the Evangelical leaders from across Europe: western, eastern, and otherwise. The group is amazing. The lecturers for the week are the most accomplished men in the world (considering their background and fields). Theologians, philosophers, scientists, pastors, community leaders, and others, all here to discuss the foremost issues facing Christianity today. It is truly incredible. I am constantly humbled and puzzled and yet argumentative as a result of the presentations. Its a bit frusterating to have to drive the shuttle when the world's leading Christian thinkers are giving lectures 3 blocks away. Oh well, you'll have that. After this week, my family is headed through Austria and down through Italy. Sweeet. The worst part about Europe is the fact that it has none of the residents of Westerville, OH. That sucks. Other than that, its pretty sweet.

Camoflauge

This may have been my longest gap yet between blog entries. And what a gap it has been. Well, I dont really know where to start because I always feel like a different person when I sit down to type another entry. Technically speaking, I am not a different person, but the 'inner working' of Luke Helm is a fairly fluid thing at this point in my life. So, what do you want to hear about? How about this girl? She's a winner in my book. What a find! In case any of you are wondering, Columbus is a long way from Indianapolis. Also, gas money--not cheap this time of year. Still, OPEC is gonna have to go higher than it is now to keep me from making the trip. (Keep your fingers crossed.) In other news, I am appreciating nature more than I have in quite some time. If you get a chance, go sit in the woods without moving for about 26.3 minutes, and then tell me it isnt a wonderful world. (Camoflauge is preferable but not required.) Overall, life is sweeter than it has been it a long while. I am still wrestling a ton with matters of faith and religion, but I am settling in on an uneasy, long road home. If you are reading this, chances are I would like to talk to you, because I dont dislike many people. To those of you who dont know, Lewkas84 is my AIM screen name, and I am a loser, so I'm on a lot. Its gorgeous outside, so I am gonna go put on camoflauge and sneak up on some deer, maybe take some pictures of them, then call Rach and call it a day.