Monday, October 19, 2009

a new view

...that's what I have this week. Its like the lady with the big hair that was sitting in front of you during the meeting has moved and now you can actually see what's going on. I kind of have that sense now that my grad online course is done. Several people have asked, "so, what are you going to do with all your spare time?" Ha! I have to smile at that. This class wasn't just filling my spare time. But now that its done, I can begin to work on those things I've put on the "to do when the class is over" list. That includes things like--hanging an interior door in my basement, caulking windows, even making some banana bread, and other home "stuff"; grading, course prep, more grading, and other teaching "stuff"...I think you get the idea. We all have those lists. My problem has always been that I want them done all at once...but up to this point in my life that has not happened. Getting things done is just process, like everything else in life. So, I suppose its time to enjoy the view.
This past weekend was a wonderful time in Bellfonte, PA with a group of women at First Baptist. We had a great time talking about Courageous Faith! Then on the way home I was able to enjoy dinner with some friends. I am so thankful that God places people along our traveling paths. What a blessing to enjoy the company of people with whom we have built friendships. Sometimes He takes us to them, and other times He allows them to travel back to us. Either way its not necessarily a new view, but it is a comfortable and certainly an enjoyable one!
I hope you are able to see whatever is in your line of vision today as just what God wants you to see--whether its people, tasks or events--be a participant and enjoy the view.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

this is it!

I'm referring to this week. Its the final week of my online grad course. Whew. Just gonna do today, though, because if I look too far ahead I'll miss what needs to be cared for today. That's just me I suppose, but I don't want to get too excited about the end yet, gotta maintain you know, stay with the program and finish well. But in a way this really relates to life in general. My hope for the future should overwhelmingly (that's a strong word!) determine what I do now. It is my hope for my future that gives me perseverance, perspective and peace in my now.
Last week was a wonderful change of pace. We had our annual Bible Conference, which ended with the Alumni Celebrations on Friday and Homecoming on Saturday. My parents came to join me for the day. It was a very humbling and special privilege to be honored with an Alumni Outstanding Service award. There are certainly many who are more deserving than I, and it is hard to put into words the thoughts as I stood before those God has used to input into my life and bring me to this place to receive what I do not deserve. But for His grace in my life, only He knows where I would be.
Friday night we enjoyed the comedy of Michael Jr. I really enjoy laughing and it was great to sit and listen without concern if you should be listening or not. He was truly funny and we had a super time.
Saturday morning I drove to Mifflinburg and enjoyed a Ladies Conference with the women there at Calavary Baptist. God's grace was the topic and God's grace was evident as we learned together from Titus 2 and 3. I am thankful for their sweet spirits and encouragement.
That brings me to today. This morning our Wellspring class began looking at the 6th "What do you know" in our series. This week and next we will study Psalm 46 and look a little closer at the context of v. 10. God is present and His presence brings security for my unknowns.
This week, let's allow the truth of God's strong presence to permeate our reality...this is it!