These past days.....

The semester is almost over, (pant, pant) thank you Lord! Each semester has proven to have its own challenges, and this semester that challenge has definitely been to keep my priorities in the right place. I've been finding that the time spent on homework, tests, and papers can't be replaced with the joy that is found in time alone with the Lord. Of course, there are those times when I've had to study diligently, but I usually find that I could have sacrificed something else in order to keep my date with God. There is still room for a lot of improvement in that area as far as diligence and faithfulness, but I have found that God provides grace for that day as I ask Him. I shouldn't be, but I am amazed at the change of desires I have experienced since the New Attitude conference last May. God is truly good to give me the desire to know Him. I've a read a portion of "The Knowledge of the Holy" by A.W. Tozer and he is excellent. It's a challenge to read, but well worth the effort.

I have really enjoyed this semester. I've done a lot of reading and writing, and I think the best thing that I've learned is how to read purposefully. Studying literature has definitely made me look at the Bible differently. Like when I am reading, asking myself "what is the author trying to communicate and what is the historical setting of this passage?" Of course, the Holy Spirit is vital in order to understand Scripture, I am just thankful for the added tips on understanding the Word better.

Our family had a wonderful Thanksgiving break as we celebrated with extended family and friends. We went on our traditional hike with the Wolfenbarger family a couple of days after "feast day" (which is a great way to have incentive NOT to eat too much on Thanksgiving, otherwise you would never get yourself up the mountain!)

A day later Luke taught me how ride their '74 Honda XL350 dirtbike, but not without dumping both of us off as we accelerated up a hill in the back field of my grandparents farm. He had some cuts and bruises, but I managed to get away without any. Daniel popped a wheelie when he gave me a ride, and it felt like we were going to topple over backwards as we sped up the dairy barn driveway. Hm, yes, my brothers are crazy, but we wore helmets and it was fun.

Hope everyone reading this is doing well! Until we meet again....