One Step Closer

Despite my failure to provide updates, my last semester of graduate school at JMU did go well. Not without reminders of my desperate dependence on the Lord, I fulfilled my graduate piano recital with tendinitis-stricken arms. But what a reward - to know that I accomplished something nearly humanly impossible only by the strength and grace provided by the Lord. The daily encouragement of people's prayers for me, and new mercies seen each morning in God's Word fueled my endurance. I have come to realize that my tendency toward self-sufficiency necessitates some kind of dependence-creating circumstance in my life. How thankful I am for the evidence of God's intimate care of my life, that He keeps me in such states of need.
Classes ended well, I studied like crazy after my recital and successfully passed my oral comprehensive exams, and then enjoyed the last two weeks of school of relatively little pressure! My family came up for my Friday night graduation, and I joyfully returned home May 9th.
God has again proved faithful in directing me in His will. After much prayer and confirmation, I will be returning to Northland (now Northland International University) in Wisconsin to serve as a 30-hour GA/TA in the music department while I pursue a masters in Biblical Counseling. My mixed emotions of excitement and sobriety stem from my love for Northland's HEART as well as the responsibility I have not only to teach music, but also to model a life devoted to Christ. I have come thus far by God's grace, and cling to the promise that His grace is sufficient for all He has called me to.
One step closer to eternity with the One who placed me here with purpose.

Some Brazilian Flavor

For those of you who can't be here in person, I uploaded the first piece of my program. Sorry the video isn't the greatest, but thanks to flip video, I can record myself. I'll have to work on better angles, and maybe learn how to edit, but at least you get a taste--a Brazilian taste!

Last semester. . .

The delayed update tells you a bit of my state of unknowing-ness regarding my plans after graduation. But I must say, the past 2 1/2 weeks have been packed with lessons on dependence, prayer, and wisdom-seeking. So I wouldn't trade that for the instant gratification of direction. In these few weeks, I have contemplated pursuing a doctorate in piano, returning home, working in a church, and most currently getting another masters in Biblical Counseling. As I write this, I'm questioning my transparency. But one valuable lesson the Lord taught me at Northland is that transparency is allowing others to see that I am a work-in-progress, not just a master of past struggles. So, for anyone who thought I was perfect. . . HA!
In all seriousness, it has been a struggle to act upon what I know to be true. "Thou [God] wilt keep him [me] in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee." Is. 26:3 -- Perfect peace comes only from a disciplined, God-filled mind that trusts Him wholly. And that must manifest itself not only in thought, but also in action.
"I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me." Ps. 57:2 (ESV) This has been a very encouraging verse to me! I cry, and God fulfills. I don't have control over timing, or answer, but I have the assurance that He will fulfill His perfect plan in His perfect time--and not before He has worked His perfect will in me for the process! Being goal-oriented, I wrestle with the "learning process," but have become increasingly grateful for it!
I anticipate a great semester. My class load is the lightest yet, and I have a new assistantship under a wonderful professor of theory and ear training. She has taken me under her wing as a mentoree, giving me invaluable resources and models for effective teaching in both subjects. I continue to work for the Music Ed. director part-time and love that experience as well. My piano time consists primarily of recital preparation (the pressure of the semester--until April 3), accompanying a flute recital Feb. 28, and playing for the fun class (Music Theater).
Because of a lighter class load, I have time to add a few ministry-related events to my schedule. These have already been an encouragement to me in the few weeks I've been back, and I look forward to seeing God accomplish great things--in me, through me, and in and through fellow believers I have been graced to meet during my time at JMU.
Thank you to those of you who pray for me. I value it more than I can express. And I am eager to update you as God continues to light my path!

Rest Time

Break is here. And 4 weeks of it! I was very ready for this one, and am thankful to be home. With extended family traveling here, I am HOME home almost until school starts back January 12. I see this as a gift!
Due to increasing fatigue and a few other "signs," I had my thyroid levels checked in November. With high antibodies and a slightly high TSH level, I was told I might feel better on a low dose of synthroid, to which I eagerly agreed. Whether this solves everything or the Lord continues to expose my weaknesses in order to cement in my heart the fact that I Am Dependent On Him, I'm thankful for His graciousness toward me and His unfailing love.
None But the Hungry Heart's devotional this morning read, "Our simplest earthly responsibilities require us to be conversant with the 'things above.'" Earth is not my final destination, yet my time here is an important, through brief, segment of my life before eternity with God. He has placed me here to grow toward Christ-likeness and to spread the news of the gospel to other undeserving sinners like myself. Therefore, my time here is not disconnected from eternity in heaven but dependent very much on it. Heaven provides the perspective needed to respond to the "simplest earthly responsibilities" and to embrace His greater plan for all earthly happenings as well as my own growth. We are to, as the familiar Christmas carol aptly exhorts, "Let loving hearts enthrone Him." May you, and I, pray for such grace in a throne-filled world.

Suffering?

That's not the reason for my blog absence . . .the last month has been full, but I am 5 days away from a 9-day break at home. The biggest projects of the semester are nearly over (after tomorrow), leaving mostly performance responsibilities, as well as the typical end-of-the-semester busyness that I tend to forget about. But, as you can see, I'm still alive and smiling. God has continued to prove His faithfulness, and to shine His glory even through frustrating inabilities.
Suffering. . . not sure why God has bombarded me with the subject the past two days. In my devotionals, in the Word, in church, in Sunday school--all have been centered on the glory of suffering. Can I share some of those thoughts with you? Whether God is preparing me for a wilderness trek, or simply purifying my perspective, I don't want to pass by these truths, nor do I want to neglect an opportunity to share something that might be encouraging to you as well.

"When the morning falls on the farthest hill
I will sing His name, I will praise Him still.
When dark trials come and my heart is filled
With the weight of doubt I will praise Him still."
-"I Will Praise Him Still" by Fernando Ortega

"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing us for an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison." 2 Cor. 4:16-17

"There never has been known a great saintliness of soul which did not pass through great suffering. When the suffering soul reaches a calm sweet carelessness, when it can inwardly smile at its own suffering, then it has wrought its blessed ministry; then patience has its perfect work, then the crucifixion begins to weave itself into a crown." -None But the Hungry Heart 11.15

"He will beautify the humble with salvation." Ps. 149:4

"You cannot show the preciousness of a person by being happy with his gifts. Ingratitude will certainly prove that the giver is not loved, but gratitude for gifts does not prove that the giver is precious. What proves that the giver is precious is the glad-hearted readiness to leave all his gifts to be with him. . . . But worship means cherishing the preciousness of God above all else, including life itself. It will be difficult to bring the nations to love God from a lifestyle that communicates a love of things. Therefore, God ordains in the lives of his messengers that suffering severs our bondage to the world. When joy and love survive this severing, we are fit to say to the nations with authenticity and power: Hope in God."
-John Piper

And Now It Begins

My thankfulness for a less-than-crazy semester will be put into a new perspective as I face the next month. My planner's November already contains many more pencil markings than the previous months, showing papers, performances, presentations (no, I'm not going for alliteration), and deadlines. But I had a great weekend to enjoy with my mom and Grace before the focused time begins.


We had some friend time with the Imbody girls at their beautiful mountain home on Saturday, then were able to have some family time as well. Family is such a blessing, especially one that encourages and challenges each other toward Christ-likeness.
The Lord's return is imminent. But do I live like it? I want to long for Christ's return, whether I am in the midst of suffering, or in the midst of abundance. I am not here for myself.

A Different Fall

My month of school has been great--much less taxing than last year's. I thank the Lord for this specific answer to prayer. My classes are stimulating and practical, and the teachers are great. I am accompanying three students--a flutist, a vocalist, and a violinist. And I am teaching again--Class Piano Mus 100--15 non-piano music majors. That has been a fun challenge. Continuing to work part-time for the music ed. director has also been good. I enjoy the diversion provided by copying, grading, working with spreadsheets and doing other random jobs.
Another encouragement and direct answer to prayer has been time to get involved at church. Playing the piano, Wed. night home group, and babysitting have established opportunities for new relationships with the body of Christ. As for school opportunities, another grad student and I are continuing the musicians' Bible study from last year.
God knew I needed the challenges of last year, and this year is not without its own, but I am grateful for the confidence in His will, His control, and His steadfast love. Please continue to pray for my witness, and my active dependence on the Lord for every step. "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall make straight your paths." (Pr. 3:6). I believe the "straightness" does not guarantee easiness. But I do believe it testifies of God's intimate guidance and continual presence, giving assurance to the path He has planned.

Light Bearing

I am officially "old" at the graduate thing now. No longer am I supposed to be the one with all of the questions. The new students who are bold (or maybe humble?) enough to ask look to me for answers. There is an element of relief contained in the fact that I am past the transitional stage, and that I am currently 8 months away from graduation. But I also have been confronted with my calling as a believer here at JMU. "You are the light of the world....Let your light so shine" (Matt. 5:14, 16).
But I thought Christ was the Light--"I am the Light of the world" (Jn. 8:12). How can a sinful creature produce something equal to the pure Light of God? It can't.
I am not called to be a light producer; my calling, and the calling of every other believer, I might add, is to be a light bearer. Christ in us--the Light shines. Nothing I do creates light. Only as I interact with the Light will it carry through to light up the darkness around me. My responsibility then becomes a removal of any inner obstacle that dims or diffuses the light from its intended strength and purpose.
Praise God for using imperfect vessels, yet ones that He has redeemed and called His Own! I am excited about the opportunities to transfer the Light this semester. Whether facilitating a weekly Bible study for musicians, accompanying at church, or simply interacting with other graduates, students, and teachers, God has made me aware and eager to make the most of my time here.
My first week went well. Between classes, research, recital preparation, accompanying, office work, and teaching, my schedule is full, but not overloaded. I am teaching a class of 16 the beginnings of piano keyboard skills. The planning requires creative thought and careful consideration, but the product is rewarding--at least for me, and hopefully for the students as well!
I will make a point to keep my readers informed of God's work this semester. Recounting His greatness deserves to be shared. And I value your prayers highly, knowing that the battle is not against flesh and blood.

Thoughts to Leave By

Summer, as I have known it, has come to an end. Tomorrow morning, I drive up to Harrisonburg for a few days of various meetings, unpacking, lesson planning, and preparation for Monday, the start of my final year of school. Without knowing my entire schedule, I already see the potential for a very busy semester. But God has recently opened my eyes to the unhealthy extremes I naturally live by. My goal-oriented drive enables me to accomplish a lot, but often at the expense of a greater good. Graduate school and "busy" are somewhat intertwined, but I am praying that the Lord will give me wisdom in how to eliminate the unnecessary busyness. I also desire to enjoy and benefit from the process of each responsibility and relationship the Lord brings into my path.
Mom, Katie, and I did a study together on the kings of Israel and Judah. The most impacting lesson for me came from the kings who started out well, but then really messed things up. They started out humble, dependent on God, seeking Him, and walking in obedience. But then, they got strong. They became comfortable, won their battles, got more land, gained a lot of wealth and status. . . and then, they didn't "need" God. Other attractions turned their heart away from God. So, knowing my tendencies, I recognize that I need to see my weaknesses in order to stay dependent on the Lord. It is His GRACE that exposes the ugliness. But then, I see the beauty of Who I am in Him. And, while the tension remains now, I have the hope of eternal resolution when I will be glorified and no longer struggle!
But until then, I praise Him for His wisdom, His mercy, and His strength that enables me to live the life He created for His glory. And whatever weaknesses I face this semester, I pray that the lessons from my summer will not have been in vain.

Hand Crafted

"Thou art my God. My times are in Thy hand" Ps. 31:14-15.
"The environment necessary for one's growth, and the enablement necessary for one's service, are both in the hands of the Creator. 'So He fed them according to the integrity of His heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of His hands'(Ps. 78:72).
What we have all to do is to walk closely and quietly with the Lord Jesus, and the blessing will come when He has established His work. There is a sifting government of God as well as a perfect redemption, and He is full of patience. His purpose is glory; His ways are the wilderness.'
"There are various ways in which as saints we are tried, but through all circumstances God is threading our way, occupying Himself with us, our particular characters, etc., to instruct and develop us. What we want is to realize that our Father loves us so much that He has taken such pains to make us 'partakers of His holiness' (Heb. 12:10). We are apt not to believe the activity of His love. Some trouble comes upon us; our Father has been watching us individually for weeks, months, years; watching us to bring this trouble which He sees is needed.' -H.H.S.
"How varied are the ways in which the Father bringeth down and lifteth up! We have to learn the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in the bright day as well as in the sorrowful day. If He is everything to me in my brightest day there is no fear but He will be my chief joy in the day of sorrow."
-NBTHH 7.29

Pipestem Week

"Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May Your glory shine over all the earth....My heart is confident in You, O God....I will waken the dawn with my song....For Your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds."
Ps. 57:5,7,8,10

A great week in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. Each morning, Dad, Uncle Garrett, and I ran the scenic (and hilly) Park roads, rain or shine. The three of us also, along with Mom and Nana, took a great 6 mile hike on several connecting trails.

The highlight of that trek was spotting the waterfall. Dad found the first lookout, and in my attempt to get closer, I found another small path that led us right to the top. Pictures don't capture the sound, but it was melodious.
The brightly colored millipede caught our eye on the woody trail, and we found (and I ate) wild blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

The hollowed tree was very rotten, but I made it up and down and left it still standing. I doubt it will be there when we return.


I'm thankful for the rest, for the exercise, and for the family time, all enjoyed in a place where the glory of God's creation is undeniable.

WV and Steadfastness

I'm off to Pipestem State Park with my family for the week. The mountains provide beauty and challenge for running. My goal is 30 miles over the 6 days. Whether I meet that or not, I look forward to the week.

"We do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies." Dan. 9:18
Our deeds waver, but His mercies do not. Therefore, our supplications can be continuously offered in confidence.

A few more pictures

These don't fit into a specific category, except maybe "taste of Ecuador," but I wanted to give you as much as I could.
This is a delicacy. Yes, it honestly is guinea pig. And yes, I have eaten it. It tastes a lot like greasy chicken. Each year, they kindly provide us with the expensive experience. The before and after shots.