the most wonderful time...

This is truly my favorite time of year. I have so much to be thankful for. Add to that the great food, family time, and of course...finding some super deals on black friday! In addition to the Thanksgiving holiday and break from classes this week God has blessed me in many other ways.
My recent trip to Moody--I had a great time speaking with the women in chapel for two days as well as with the RA's. While in Chicago I also got to spend some really good time with friends--oh so many restaurants, oh so little time! One night we spent the evening just eating and talking while drinking some wonderful coffee. You know, there are times in life when you can just sense what you are doing is a little gift from God. That's how I felt. I am thankful.
I've been thinking about faith lately. What a topic. I think I will be thinking about that one the rest of my life. It seems like an elusive subject, but certainly it should be anything but. Jesus Himself emphasized those who had it and those who didn't. Possessing faith and having it grow is one of the most important foundations for our "faith" (see what I mean?!). If that is indeed true, why do we approach it as an untouchable? Certainly there must be something more. I'm not saying it is so deep that we can't understand it, in reality, I'm saying just the opposite. Faith is so basic we miss it many times. Faith is simply living my life as though I truly believe God is who He says and will do what He says. It includes my choices, my words, my thoughts, and is not dependent on my circumstances. A life of faith is not oblivious to its circumstances but lives settled in the midst of them.
This time of year it is not unusual to hear "its the most wonderful time of the year..." in the background. I hope you take some time to be thankful in this season.

looking back and ahead

Its been a little bit since my last post so I'll do a quick catch up. Two weeks ago was a heavy one. Two friends of mine had funerals for family members. As you may know, it is very sobering to think about death. Its interesting isn't it, that death makes us think about life. I desperately want my life to count for something, to communicate what is most important to those who are watching and to inspire others to do the same. When I'm done I want others to celebrate life...sure mine, but really I want them to celebrate the source of life in me...my Jesus! For all that to happen, I've got to live every day, one at a time, intentionally yielded and purposefully, allowing God to do HIS purpose in and through me.
On a completely different note, this past week I was able to spend a little time away with my parents who were vacationing in Florida. It was a welcomed refreshment and the weather was perfect...hot! Of course, being so warm for a few days has made it even colder here this week, but I have some good memories for sure. Among those memories will be the walks on the beach, watching the dolphins and just being.
The upcomig weeks will be spent trying to do more catching up, especially in the grading. I have to admit, grading is my least favorite thing about teaching. Its also time to begin looking ahead to next semester already...wow. Registration begins next week, this means textbook ordering,and syllabii revisions. These weeks before Thanksgiving will also provide a few speaking opportunities--a workshop at the Minister's Enrichment day hosted by Baptist Bible Seminary, and a couple days out at Moody Bible Institute. To add to the excitement of my time at Moody, I'll have a chance to reconnect with a couple friends who work out there.
In the meantime, there's much to be done. The first matter of business...is a good night's sleep.