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!