Home and .25 Completion

I am home after completing my first semester of four. What a 15 weeks! Apart from the confidence that I know I am where God wants me to be, I'm not sure I would be able to look back over the whole and call it a success. From a human perspective, I had many hindrances. But in trusting a sovereign God, I have proved his faithfulness, love, strength, and grace.

Needless to say, I believe I am looking forward to this break very much. It is not as long as Northland's, as I start back January 7th, but the three weeks will be wonderful. I'll be able to be home until I leave for Va Beach to play for a wedding Jan. 5th. Gramps and Gram Olson will be coming after Christmas, along with Charity Chen, a student at Northland who will be spending her break with them. The Davey's will also come New Year's Eve for a few days. I'm hoping to get some good runs in with Wesley as we did last Christmas. If we can't have snow, it might as well be nice enough to enjoy being outside!

I'm sure I will be able to give more information about my spring semester once I start, but I do know that my classes as well as my work will be quite different. I will be taking a theory class called Analytical Techniques, a music history seminar on jazz, and a class piano credit due to my new position as a class piano teacher. This will replace my accompanying jobs. While I will miss the accompanying, I'm excited about being stretched in the department of classroom teaching. From what I know, the course material is well-organized, and all in a folder complete with lesson plans and materials. I believe it will be a good first-experience.

I want Christmas to become more special to me each year, not because of its accompanying break, or even because I can be with my family. Those things are meaningful, but not without the focus on God who came to earth in human form that He might die for my sin, conquering sin and death so that I can live eternally with Him in heaven after my brief life. I easily forget the significance of this truth--yet it is why I am here. My prayer is that the break from busyness will allow for more contemplation on these truths, and result in a life that "walk[s] worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him." Col. 1:10

Merry Christmas!