Unchanging

With five exams finished and only one left to go, I find myself a bit relieved with knowing that classes are almost finished; yet I also think back on how quickly this school year has gone. The months have flown by, but the times have been sweet. Commencement is this Saturday and along with that comes a long drive home. I look forward to seeing my family again, but that time, just like the school year, will go by all too quickly. I will only have nine days to spend with them before I leave for Peru for eleven months. I am so thankful that God is not limited to the United States, but that He is everywhere at the same time. I am glad that He is the one who holds the future, not for me only but for my family and my friends as well. Though I may be away for a time, God is there and He will not change. I thank God for His promise in the book of Hebrews, chapter 13 verse 8: "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." What a comfort to know that though circumstances and situations will change many times a day, my God does not change. He will never leave nor forsake us and He shows us the way that we ought to go. Praise God today for who He is!

Oh, the Weather Outside is... Beautiful?

For the past couple of days, it has been in the 60's here in West Virginia. I want to describe to you what it has been like. It is nearly impossible to remain indoors when the sun is shining and a cool, sweet breeze keeps wafting in through my dormroom window. Looking out the window, the hills have been calling for me to walk and explore them. Of course, I obey and leave school work behind. Upon getting into the woods, the air gets a little cooler, the extra noises disappears, and my imagination takes flight. While walking down the road to the lake, the blue-green water ripples as the remnants of ice melt from off of the surface. Birds fly peacefully and chirp happily as I make my way closer to the edge of the lake. Walking around the lake, I walk past the cabin and around to the hidden chapel, a sort of outdoor amphitheatre. From sitting on one of the benches, I feel so small in comparison to the tall trees overhead. Completely surrounded by the beautiful hills and tall trees, I am reminded of God's all surrounding love- it engulfs me. With nothing but a bird or small animal to distract me, I enjoy the moment by sitting ever so quietly and taking in the most beautiful scene. Even with dead leaves on the ground and bare trees above, the sight is indescribable- I can't imagine what it would be like in the summer or fall. God's design is so amazing. As I read in Colossians 1 this morning in verses 16-17 is says, "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." I love the ending of verse 16 where is says that though all things were created by Him, all things were also created for Him. As one of His creations, am I living for Him as I ought? Without Christ I am nothing- He is the reason for my being. Praise Him who is my Creator and my Father as it says earlier in the chapter in verse 12 "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." I am able to be a partaker in His inheritance- how undeserving I am, yet how great His love and grace. Isn't God's creation and His love for His creation amazing? Join with me in praising God for His love today.

Changing Times

Well, time has flown by, things have changed, and my God is still good. As I write this, I find myself finishing my third week at Appalachian Bible College. Upon arriving, things were a bit overwhelming, but throughout just my short time here, friendships have developed and relationships have deepened. Though there are not many people who read this blog, in fact, I'm not for sure of anyone in particular at all, but I am making myself keep up with posting since this will be a way of communication while I am in Peru.
I have received my final acceptance into the ARRIBA program and am scheduled to leave the country on May 21st. Time will seem to go by quickly and there are many things to do in the mean time, but God has provided strength and grace in the past and He will remain faithful even during the most difficult times. Please keep this coming trip in your prayers as I will be gone for eleven months.

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.