Sunday, December 26, 2010

sacrifice

i'm blown away sometimes when i try to understand the love that Christ has for us. we celebrate on Christmas the birth of Jesus, although we know that with birth, comes death. i was thinking today about the words sacrifice and surrender. these two words are neither easy or comforting when i think of my own life. but when i think of Christ's life, sacrifice and surrender are some of the things that give me hope. without Jesus' sacrifice, there would be nothing for us to hold tight too. nothing lasting for us to put our faith in. we can't make it without Jesus. His surrendering and sacrifice for our sake is something that i will never comprehend fully, but i am grateful for it. it gives me a different perspective when i think about my own life and the sacrifices and surrendering that i am called to make. mine don't seem that difficult anymore when i think about what Christ has done.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

four months...

it's just been over four months since i made my way back home after an incredible summer in montana. i started at bethel college at the end of august and have thoroughly enjoyed being back in school. i believe the schooling that i received while in montana helped prepare me for college. after being in a classroom this summer for the morning and part of the afternoon (listening to lectures, reading books, researching material and giving presentations), 4 hours of class now doesn't seem long. i'm proud to say that out of four classes this semester, i received four A's, which completely blew me away. after not being in college for 8 years, i was a bit nervous about going back, but it has been great. this semester i took: group facilitating, introduction to human services, crisis intervention and child growth and development. all have been challenging and all have provided information that i am able to use at work and life in general. i continue to work at the residential children's home, where i've been since august 2008 (minus this summer). i am able to work around my school schedule which has been extremely helpful. the majority of my days are filled with spending time with family and friends, church, school and work. in sunday school we have been talking about social justice and how that looks in society and in the church. it has rocked my boat a bit with acknowledging and understanding that our judgments and stereotypes will not fix the injustices, but will perhaps only fuel the flame. it is up to us to help society and not hinder it.

i am excited to move forward with classes in january and also as i continue taking one step at a time with future opportunities. God continues to be patient with me and gives me clarity with things as i need it. i pray this finds you well and that you are enjoying your holiday season. God bless and Merry Christmas!