2008 has begun quite uncomfortably. God has been moving in some tough ways in our church. But He's also been drawing people closer to Him and uniting us as the body of Christ in some ways we have never experienced.

Monday night we learned of a young man in our church who had taken his life. Our youth group and entire church body was devastated by this loss. But I witnessed God bringing other youth from the church and from his school coming together, on their knees, shedding tears, praying and worshiping God. Even with such a tough loss, we came together and, instead of focusing on why God would allow something like this, started seeking how God was using this situation for His glory. It still hurt and it hurt terribly, but for me, I was looking for God to work further.

The lyrics to "My Savior, My God" pretty much sum up my feelings for this situation.
I am not skilled to understand, what God has willed what God has planned. I only know at His right hand, stands one who is my Savior. My Savior loves, my Savior lives, my Savior's always there for me, my God He was, my God He is, my God He's always gonna be.

While our church tried to regain composure from this loss, we learned that the health of another lady from our church started declining rapidly. Mrs. Byars had struggled through breast cancer and survived. She was completely healed of it. But then she developed adrenal cancer. She struggled with this for quite a while and finally this week she went home to be with the Lord. She leaves behind a marvelous legacy. At the funeral today people were telling stories of her life. She was quite the character. She was a fighter. She was an encourager. She was strong in the Lord. And she didn't mind telling you how it was. We celebrated her home-going with worship today and, even though it was sad, it was a good service.

So tomorrow we go to church. After a week of two very tough losses, I am interested to see what our pastor has to say. It will probably be hard to listen after all that has gone on, but I hope to be encouraged and challenged.

"Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in GOD for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence." -Psalm 42:5

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, those who wait for the Lord, will gain new strength; They will rise up on wings of eagles, they will run and not grow tired, they will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:28-31

It's been a hard week. It hasn't been one that I would ever want to relive. Though, in the hard times, God has been working. He has worked in me and I've already seen evidence of Him working in other lives. Now we move into a new week. Who knows what the next week might hold but I look to God for He is my help, my refuge, my fortress, my strength, and my joy.

i find this funny.
i guess it really must be december in the south.


here's the weather forecast for today and the next two days.




and here's the forecast for next sunday monday and tuesday.




it'll most definitely change in a week from predicting "snow showers" but how often do you get to wear shorts and t-shirts and jeans and sweaters in the same week?


on another note, i will post my finals schedule here. i would love prayer if you think about it at these times. God listens even when asking for grace on a school test!!! I praise Him for that :)

Monday: 10:30-12:30 Economics
1:00-3:00 Math

Tuesday: 1:00-3:00 Weather and Climate

Wednesday: 10:30-12:30 American Government
3:15-5:15 World Civ.

Wednesday: 5:16 FREEDOM!!!!!!! ;)