Great is our God

I have not written in quite a while due to the fact that things have been quite busy with school work and the many other things that accompany Pillsbury's closing. Throughout this whole ordeal, it has been so comforting seeing God guiding the whole way. No, I have not made a decision as of what school to attend next semester, but that does not mean that God is less in control or less loving. God has a specific reason in all of His dealings. Though I do not understand all that has or is going on, God is still faithful no matter what. Yes, things have been frustrating, tears have been shed, and many questions have been raised, yet, God is good all the time and all the time God is good. Praise God for the grace that He gives each day. He has provided the friends and family who encourage me and pray for me daily. Praise God for His goodness. Though much information has to be gathered, and Christmas break is coming nearer, God will show me where He wants me to be at the time that He wants me to know.
There have been some verses that have come to mind during this time of growing. The first is Psalms 46:10 which says, "Be still and know that I am God." After thinking about it, it is possible to have a busy schedule and yet remain still to remember who God truly is.
Another verse is Psalms 37:4 that says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He will give thee the desires of thy heart." When I delight in my God, my desires will ultimately be His desires.
Yet another couple of verses in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on thy own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Here again is another instance in which relying on God ultimately shows the way that I ought to go. Praise God for his ability to be trusted.
I just wanted to share with you all how good God has been and how good He still is. Even when things are dim and unclear, we can thank the Lord for His being near and His being in control.

Unexpected News

This post is difficult to write, because the news was so unexpected. As of December 31, 2008, my school, Pillsbury Baptist Bible College will be ceasing it's academic responsibilities. Because of it's closing, all the students are having to transfer to different schools in order to finish their degrees, and all the faculty and staff are without employment. Though this is very difficult, I am so glad that God is in control of all things. This news was not a surprise to God; He knew before Pillsbury even began as a college fifty-two years ago that it would be closed at the end of this year. Though all of the students have had a hard time accepting the fact that we, the student body will be separated, we are all excited to see how God will work in all of our lives because of this change. We have had emotional days, but God has given us grace for each day. Praise God for His amazing sovereignty and His love that He demostrates to us each and every day. Please be in prayer for the decisions that all of the students, faculty, and staff will have to make within the next couple of months.

A Special Weekend

One thing now at college that I have learned is that weekends are a wonderful time of the week. With Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays relaxation is possible. One weekend in particular was that of October 3rd through 5th. The floor leaders were able to get away to Emily's house for a time of fun and relaxation. Michelle was unable to go with us due to a trip that she had already planned. Pastor Haynes, Emily's father, is a photographer, so we coordinated our outfits to blend in to the fall colors and got our pictures taken outside. Here are a few pictures that were taken.

Prayer Request

A dear man from my extension church in Albert Lea, Mr. Leonard Frazier, has been having quite severe physical problems. At seventy-five years of age, his appendix ruptured causing an emergency surgery at 2:30 Tuesday morning. The medication that he is now on causes him to hallucinate thus making it very difficult on his family members. Please pray for Mr. Frazier's health and for the strength of his daughters as they take care of him. Mr. Frazier has been such an encouragement to me ever since I have been attending Faith Baptist Church. The quote, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last," has always been a theme in his life, that has challenged me to make each moment of my life count for eternity. As the Lord brings Mr. Frazier to mind, please pray for both he and his family.

Harvest Home

Today is the beginning of Harvest Home here at Pillsbury. Alumni are able to come visit the campus once more and catch up with old friends. Alumni choir members are able to join the current choir in singing for the chapel service, tours are given, and memories are brought back to mind. One main event on campus tonight is the inauguration service for the new president, Dr. Greg Huffman. Along with soccer and volleyball games tomorrow, Harvest Home is such a fun time to remember how faithful God has been in preserving the college for the past fifty-two years. To God alone be the glory.

Some Thoughts

Here is something that is totally new to me. I have never kept a blog before, so what better time to start than now when there are so many things happening? I'm not sure how faithfully I will write, but at least I have an option to post some thoughts and some pictures.