Monday, January 28

Sometimes no one else will do

There are those days when friends make the pain go away.
There are those days when dark chocolate and fuzzy socks bring comfort.
There are those days when a mug of coffee sooths all fear.
There are those days when a phone call brings a healing smile.
There are those days when a hug subdues all anxiety.
There are those days when a gift brings you to the top of the world.
There are those days when people understand.
There are those days when you feel great just because.
There are those days when the sun bakes away the stress.
There are those days when a garden speaks to the soul.
There are those days when a hot bath washes away the unkindness.
There are those days when the world brings happiness.
There are those days when a compliment works wonders.
There are those days when candles lift the burden.
There are those days when a conversation is saving grace.

...and then there are those days when
He is the only One who can make the pain go away.
He is the only One who can bring comfort.
He is the only One who soothes all fear.
He is the only One who brings a healing smile.
He is the only One who subdues all anxiety.
He ist he only Onw who brings you to the top of the world.
He is the only One who can understand.
Heis the only One who makes you feel great just because.
He is the only One takes away all the stress.
He is the only One who speaks to the soul.
he is the only One who washes away the unkindness.
He is the only One who brings happiness.
He is the only One who works wonders.
He is the only One who lifts the burden.
He is the only One who brings saving grace.

and on those days no One else will do.

Tuesday, January 22

more...

It's been an interesting day. I just got back from Foundations of Education 2 with Dr. Mackey and I am smiling. The Lord sent me to Grove City for a reason. I walked out of his class last semester inspired to be a life changing teacher. Today was no different. It was so refreshing to hear him challenge us to trust God with all things. He encouraged us to walk God's path, and to consider that God gives us truth on a need to know basis. He has given me what I need to know, and now it's a matter of doing what He has asked of me. Dr. Mackey pointed out that when we are frustrated with not knowing (things that we want to know) we need to ask ourselves the question, "what do I know?" and "what am I doing with the truth God has given me?" It was convicting and awesome.

Alex and I went to class together because she has decided to seriously consider Bio Ed. She will be in class with me this semester which is really exciting. I have no doubts that God wants me here studying Sec. Ed. Social Studies. It's going to be a bit harder than I expected, but God has a way of taking us through hard stuff to make us stronger for His sake. I'm really excited about this semester. God is an awesome God.

Well, I have some books to buy and some homework to accomplish so I am going to head out. Thanks for the prayers and for caring in general. Please keep my Mom in prayer. She is getting some more tests done this week. Pray that God will show the doctors what do, and would give my Mom relief from the pain. Thanks.

Grace and Peace be with you in Jesus Christ our Lord.

"Now, therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people; for all the earth is mine." Exodus 19:5
(We just discussed this verse in class =)

Monday, January 21

I just found out...

Today I checked my mail today (eager for graded papers from last semester) and found a envelope from the Central Blood Bank of Pennsylvania. They thanked me for giving blood, last September, and told me that my blood type was O+. I did a little research and although O- is the best as far as donating goes because everyone, no matter their blood type, can use O- blood, there can be complications with multiple pregnancies. When a mother is O- and the baby has a different blood type than her, than she can develop antibodies to the fetus. I don't exactly understand exactly how it works, but I'm glad that I'm not O- because from what I've gathered it means more shoots and a little more to be concerned about when one enters motherhood. O+ is the second more versatile blood type, which is great. I find it all very interesting and I'm really glad that I know my blood type. I plan on giving blood as soon as the opportunity arises.

Well I've attend two of my six classes. World History 2 is going to be hard, but wonderful. We love Dr. Graham. Biblical Revelation is awesome! I'm going to start working on my paper today. The hardest part is going to be picking a topic. I love the Bible and pretty much anything that has to do with it, so writing a thesis paper on really any part of the Bible will be fantastic.

I have two more classes today: Educational Psychology and Spanish 102. They are going to be a it harder I think. Generally speaking I think this semester is going to be involved but not difficult. I don't think any of my classes are going to be hard to understand but rather they are going to require a good deal of time and determination. I'm really looking forward to this semester.

I plan on working somewhere. Making money is generally a good plan. I tried to pursue something year but I didn't follow through. This time it's not an option. I think I'll get working on that right away.

I'm really thankful to the Lord for this day. On the way here Elaine and I were talking about how important it is to view each day as the one day that God has given. The past and future are in His hands (and the present too) but the present it what He has set before us to spend "as we wish". When I woke up this morning I immediately prayed "Jesus, thank you for this day. May it be the best day, and may I consider You in all things." If I begin every day that way for this entire semester it will make all the difference. He is a mighty King and He wants to use people who are willing to do what He has asked. Let us be willing.

Well, I'm going to go. May God bless you and keep you. Surrender all to Him. He is a kind and careful Lord.

Friday, January 18

Ready.... Set.... GO!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my Christmas break. I'm heading back to Grove City, and I'm excited about the upcoming semester. I hope to excel in my classes. I don't expect them to be too difficult with the exception of Spanish 102. If you think of it please pray that I will catch on quickly and that I will be diligent to master the language.

I have lots of goals this semester. I want to spend more time reaching out to the people around me. It's so easy to get self-focused on a college campus, but Jesus has called me to serve. I intend to seek out ways to do that so that I can demonstrate His love. Being home has really helped me get everything back in perspective. I am confident that God has me at Grove City for my good and His glory. It is a lovely feeling to be sure of God's pleasure. I am eager to pour my heart into my studies again. Being a student is delightful. Sure we complain about it but when the Nerd truly comes out it is discovered that we enjoy learning.

I have missed everyone. It's going to be a great semester. God is so good. He has established my heart and I am eternally grateful for His grace. I don't know what you are going through right now but I hope that your eyes are fixed on Jesus Christ. He is a glorious Savior, and worthy of our undivided attention and affection. Spend His day with Him. May God bless you in every way.

Thursday, January 3

It has occurred to me...

that it's smart to honor my parents.

that life is full of surprises.

that God is so great and so glorious that we will never be able to praise Him enough.

that my heart is "whiter than snow" and snow glistens in the light.

that it's nice having a five week long Christmas break.

that Keziah is the most adorable person I know.

that sometimes it's good to sleep.

that I have really great friends.

that it's 2008.

that fun is relative.

that honesty is the best policy.

that I need to watch Amazing Grace (again).

that I'm thankful to be an American.

that there is pain in this world.

that there's a time for everything.

that my Redeemer lives!