Study Break

I have emerged from my books to get some fresh air and to write this blog. These past few weeks have been filled with reading, reading and more reading. I thought I would have a little lighter semester this fall with taking only 3 classes and working a few less hours, but not so much. Plus, I am taking Elementary Hebrew. My other two classes have to do with family relations and counseling. My counseling class in particular is going to be quite challenging, but in a very good way. We have a semester long project where we pick a struggle in our lives and use God's Word and rely on the Spirit to change us. I have thought of many issues that I could work on, but the Father showed me that many of my past and current issues are rooted in one thing: fear of man. Ouch. I mean, I knew I had people-pleasing tendencies, but didn't realize how much they ruled my life. The Lord has reminded me that sin affects everything I do, even my best motives (Romans 7). By God's grace, however, He will lead me to fear Him rather than man and make me more and more like Jesus Christ. This is the great hope I and all believers can cling too.

It is an absolutely beautiful evening. I just got done soaking it up on long walk...which wound up lasting one hour! I discovered a very picturesque neighbor on my journey and, as a result, a new route for my morning walks. This is a blessing because the last few times I have been out on my usual route, I have come acrossed a few suspicious folks. One guy asked me for a cigarette (I mean, common on, I am in work clothes...does it look like I have cigarettes on me?) and another guy was on a small bike wearing a Halloween mask (Scream, anyone?).

I am going to be an aunt! Now to those of you who know that I have one unmarried sibling, rest assured: Kristi is not having a baby. My cousin and his wife are though, but saying "I am going to be a 2nd cousin!", just doesn't have the same ring to it. Shawn and Megan are due to have a baby girl, Ella Grace, early November and, if you couldn't tell, I am so excited!

As much as I complained above about my school workload, I have found time to hang out with friends and participate in some pretty cool activities. For instance, two Sundays ago was India's Independence Day so I went to a festival celebrating it. It wasn't a mix and mingle atmosphere like I thought, but it was fun and informative nonetheless. My friends and I dressed the part too:

Two more exciting things:

1. Yesterday, I signed up for a language partner from the University of Louisville.

2. Next weekend I am going to visit Sarah in Alabama!

Now, back to my books...

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

Today was nice. I went to RF and small group, which has proved to be the most comfortable and normal thing since my return. I am still settling into my new apartment and getting to know my new roommate. She is sweet, but it takes me a while to open up to people (sometimes this fact fustrates me). It was nice to be around lots of familiar faces today, though, and catch up on what God has been up to in their lives. We just started a study through the Old Testament called "From Creation to Christ." I am pretty excited about this since I have been spending the majority of my time in the NT. As I read these stories that I am so familiar and answer the study questions, I am reminded of God's great faithfulness and grace. He constantly reaches toward us stubborn, hard-hearted people and offers us Himself. These historical accounts reveal God's trustworthy character. With Him in control, why do we fear? If only we weren't so forgetful...or rebellious.

The Lord has given me much to think about lately. This one quote keep reverberating through my mind: "Only one life twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." This quote has taken on new meaning as I look forward to serving overseas next spring. This opportunity is so much bigger than anything I imagined and I know it is only by His strength that I will do any good there.

Finally, this song by Hillsong United spoke to me this evening and I wanted to share it. It is my prayer and I hope it is yours too:

Falling on my knees in worship/Giving all I am to seek Your face
Lord all I am is Yours/My whole life I place in Your hands
God of mercy, humbled I bow down/In Your presence, at Your throne
I called, You answered and You came to my rescue and I
I wanna be where You are
In my life be lifted high/In our world be lifted high/In our love be lifted
high

July in MO: Week 4

My last week at home turned out to be the busiest. I won't go into detail but I attended a family reunion and the MH church picnic, finished that 1000 piece puzzle (below), brought my mom home from the hospital (yay!), beat the latest Tomb Raider game, finished M. Renaissance, met with my pastor, went to a court hearing in support of my aunt and uncle, went to a campfire discussion about the before-mentioned book and visited Bauhaus Kaffee for the first time. I unfortunately did not get to invest in my cousins as much as I had hoped and prayed. Plans fell through, but I was able to talk with them once over lunch and for that I am thankful.

My mom came home the Monday before last. She is doing much better. Both her appetite and strength are coming back. Her foot is doing great as well. Praise the Lord for His excellent care of her!

I was contacted by the company I am going overseas with late last weekend regarding my top three choices of where I want to serve. After reviewing the updated job assignments, I have changed my top choice from South America to South Asia. Besides the fact that the one in South America doesn't exist anymore, the one in South Asia aligns with things God has recently laid on my heart. I don't expect to hear anything official from them until October.

I am back in Louisville now. Welcomed back by torrential downpours and severe thunderstorms. Pray for the people here. We got like 6 inches of rain in a short amount of time and there are many people who have suffered property damage/loss due to the flash floods.

I am mostly finished unpacking. I am currently sleeping on an air mattress until I can aquire new furniture. When that happens, it will feel a lot more like home.

I came to the sad realization yesterday that I need new tires for my car...soon.