Truth Encountered

In reading through Colossians this month, I've been amazed at all the "new" themes and patterns that seem to surface each time I read it. One of the most recognizable motifs is the truth that Christ is ALL because the fullness of God dwells in Him. "In Him," "by Him," "through Him," "for Him," "to Him," "before Him"--and if that weren't enough, we are complete in Him, for He dwells in us!
Whether that truth causes you to minimize the earthly things you don't have (or even do), or to simply give God praise for further blessing you with "unnecessary" blessings, I have experienced both. This weekend was refreshing in many ways as I got to spend time with family and friends in Va Beach. Devotional time around the breakfast table with Gramps and Gram and Grace was a highlight of each day. The picture is of Kirk and Celinda Lehner, long-time close friends from whom I have been privileged to receive wisdom and prayer and fellowship. With five kids and an otherwise busy life, any time we can get is special--even Arby's and slot-car browsing! Having extra time to read and to catch up with other friends was also an encouragement. Christ is the Head of something very important--the body. Another blessing.
Off to another week of school, but one that I pray will be impacted by truths encountered.

Good, but not that good

The new shoes are great, especially for stability. I ran in them for the first time today. For unbroken shoes, they felt pretty good, although not good enough to run to Va Beach tomorrow!
With no school on Monday, and most of my family out in Colorado, I am going to spend my long weekend with Grace and my grandparents. This will be a wonderful time--to get lots of reading as well as visiting in (and maybe some piano practice too. :)
Tonight, I was able to share much of the gospel with a girl I have befriended at school. We are in two classes together this semester, and I accompany her for flute. I have been praying for such an opportunity, and I believe many of you have as well. Thank you, and please pray that the Spirit will use our conversation to lead to others.

Spiritual Fellowship

What a great weekend of encouraging, spiritual fellowship. Thank you to those of you who have been praying specifically.

1/2 Way Through Week 1

Even though I am only 1/2 way into my first week, this semester is going to be much different than last--in a good way. Both my theory and jazz classes are going to be good. One is very hands-on, and the other, reading-intensive with the bulk of class being discussion. Even though they are both evening classes, they meet once a week, giving me more time in the day. My mornings aren't going to need to be as rushed, and I am very thankful for that. The more I think on last semester, the more I realize the insanity of my schedule! I'm grateful the Lord allowed me to experience it, to see the pitfalls, and to graciously provide me with a semester more conducive to a healthier lifestyle.

As for teaching class piano, I think I am going to love it! I have had two classes and have left energized! 13 boys and 2 girls--nearly a full lab.

Because my Uncle George is on sabbatical this semester, he is helping my grandparents drive their RV out west (as they do every year) for their two-month stay. Aunt Marilou and I miss him, and so does "his" cat, Thistle. Neither of us give Thistle the loving attention Uncle George does. (Conveniently, my allergies prevent that. :)

Many things make it hard to believe it is January...especially the 70-degree weather over the past few days. But when sunshine invites running, I have no problem with having to double-check my calendar. "Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love."

Born Crucified --L.E. Maxwell

"The birth-mark of nature must be contradicted throughout by the death-mark of the Cross. Let us, then, ask the Lord to mark His Cross upon all our natural choices.

Lord Crucified, O mark Thy holy Cross
On motive, preference, all fond desires,
On that which self in any form inspires
Set Thou that sign of loss.

And when the touch of death is here and there
Laid on a thing most precious in our eyes,
Let us not wonder, let us recognize
The answer to this prayer.
-Amy Carmichael

But thanks be to God, this yet-not-I kind of a Christian life is no lifelong funeral procession. Nay, verily, for Jesus said, 'He that loseth His life for my sake shall find it.' What could be more wonderful than that the Son of God, glorious and eternal, Creator of all things, 'who loved me and gave Himself for me,' should stoop down to make me His own, His very temple, allowing me to say, in a language of a living faith and reality, 'Christ liveth in me.'"

Joyful Reunion

Saturday, January 5, I was thankful to be part of Stacy Potocska and Austin Bell's wedding ceremony as the pianist. Seeing Northland friends again was special. The ceremony was beautiful, although a large Christmas tree obstructed my view of the entire stage! I played for Suemi and Catherine Harrison, both of whom I had enjoyed working with before. The theme of their songs was God's grace. It was refreshing to be once again clearly using music for ministry. Studying music at a secular university does not promote that. During the exchange of vows, I played one of my favorite Jim Brickman pieces, Angel Eyes. I guess this one wouldn't fall under the sacred category, but it is a lovely piece. :)

Despite the reunion, it had to be brief, and I am back in Harrisonburg for a meeting this afternoon regarding my teaching responsibilities this semester. And everything begins tomorrow. Christmas break went by much fast than previous years. I believe I enjoyed being home with little school work to accomplish more than any other time! It also made me thankful that I will be home for the majority of this upcoming summer. Outside of a trip to Ecuador with my dad and Global Health Outreach, a week of vacation with my dad's family in WV, and a week of "projects" at my grandparents house in Va Beach, Lord willing, I will be home babysitting, keeping up with practice, and enjoying time with my family. Grace is going to Cambodia for six weeks, but the others are planning on staying close!

Each day is a new blessing, and I hope that the Lord in His grace allows me and you to see that no matter what they hold.

Charity and Other Blessings

I mentioned in an earlier blog about Charity, a Chinese girl who would be coming with Gram and Gramps. The Lord used clothes to connect us this past semester. And I mentioned how I would like to meet her. Little did I know she would be at my house for 5 days! God's grace is so evident in her testimony; she was a joy to get to know.
The time with Gram and Gramps was also special. I love the morning devotion times when they are around to discuss and offer godly wisdom. Having family that loves the Lord and desires to continue to grow is both challenging and refreshing. I thank the Lord for such a family.