Why we are here

Each new year I set goals for myself and pray over them. One goal I set two years ago was to start reading more. I have never really enjoyed reading, but now that we are cutting out things we can't afford in seminary I read instead of watching TV. Just one of the ways I see God has answered my prayers. My good friend Laura is letting me borrow her book Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman. She is the wife of singer Steven Curtis Chapman and this is basically her auto-biography. I am on chapter 11 and so far loving the book. One quote I love in particular:

"People need to know that Christian leaders, singers, preachers, writers, whoever, are as cracked and broken as the next person. Maybe more so. Hopefully they are in positions of leadership, though, because they are serious about following Christ, and so people can see that real success in the kingdom is not about being strong and looking good and knowing all the right answers. It's about continually yielding oneself to Jesus and determining to take purposeful little steps of obedience, and the ragged reality that it's all about God and His grace at work in us."

Coming out here I worried that we would not fit in that we couldn't be ourselves. I thought seminary students don't cuss, get angry, or argue with their spouse. I soon learned that we all bringing our baggage with us and that's what makes us Christians. God uses that baggage to make his sanctification shine even brighter. Please pray for Patrick as Satan is continually attacking him with feelings of unworthiness and self-doubt in this area. I love the story of when God calls Moses to speak and Moses tells God that his brother would be a better choice. Our God is mighty and he equips for his service the ones we would least suspect.

My granddad passed away yesterday. I always have considered going to his house the best vacation. After all, he taught me so much: How to clean a fish, save my money, and have a hat party. I would have taken his death a lot harder if it weren't for the fact that he FINALLY accepted Christ a month ago. I can not begin to tell you how long I and others have been praying for Granddad's faith. The answer to this prayer came just at the right time. A reminder, that everyone needs God, even the man that seems to have it all under control and knows everything. A reminder, that God always is faithful in answering our prayers. As much as my granddad has taught me over the years, I will always remember that through his suffering and death he has taught me the most valuable lessons of all.

I do not know why God brought us to seminary. I know that there is much to be learned and this is a great place to learn it. I will continue to pray that God will change us and direct us. I will continue to be a strong believer in the power of prayer. I know that God can do all things including making Patrick and I fit for his purpose. Please make that your prayer!