The excitement of a new year

After a long summer, I am eager to return to a routine again.  I just hope my eagerness hasn't caused me to dive in over my head!

What am I excited about?  So many things, but here's just a beginning...

- to welcome new students!
- to have a job with responsibilities again (but only because it fits in with my school life!)
- to be a part of a leadership team
- to dive into God's Word again in History & Poetry and Advanced BSM
- to be challenged in my theological beliefs in Prolegomena, Bibliology and Theology Proper
- to develop friendships, old and new
- to study a course within my discipline: British Literature
- to nurture the relationships I've begun in a new house church
- to establish myself at my new home church
- to grow... emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and more


Leadership training starts with tomorrow's BBQ!  All I need to do is put the final touches on the schedules and then... hang on for the ride!

The Panda Definition

"A panda walked into a restaurant, sat down, and ate breakfast.  When he was finished, he stood up, shot the waitress, and walked out. The owner of the restaurant ran after him, yelling, 'what in the world are you doing?'

"'I'm a panda,' the panda yelled.  'Look it up in the dictionary.'

"So the owner did just that.  He looked up 'panda' and read 'Panda: noun, mammal.  Eats shoots and leaves." 
     ~Jon Courson

In a message I heard recently from Pastor John Mark Comer I was presented with two definitions for "Christian."  And with these two definitions in mind, I stop to ask: What definition are you living by?

Are you living by the definition of "sinner?"  Often, we hear pastors define Christians as "sinners saved by grace."  But how does the Bible define us?  It defines us as "saints."

I understand the heart behind what pastors are saying.  They're recognizing that, as Christians, it is not because we are "special" that we are saved.  It is because of the grace of God.  We do not enter heaven because of what we've done, but because of what He has done for us.

But what He did for us does not just get us into heaven.  It also gives us a new identity in Christ as we walk this earth. 

Who were we?  We were sinners.  But now we are saints in the eyes of our Lord.  I must beg the question: are you living by the definition of "sinner" or the definition of "saint?"

A little glimpse...

...into my life. 

I often go against the grain.  If you were to meet me on the street, or in church, or at school, or in the local coffee shop, or at work, or just about anywhere... you would think girlie-girl, city-girl, or she's-got-it-girl.  Maybe all three.  Maybe a combination.

But, strike up a conversation and you'll find out this girlie-girl spent her summer working on a home improvement project and is hoping to learn to ride a Harley.  Hang out with me, and you'll find out that this city-girl loves to go out into the country for a day of hiking.  Get me to open up, and you'll find out that this she's-got-it-girl doesn't have any of the things she has always dreamed of in life.

My best friend calls me superwoman.  I think I'm just super crazy.  Journey with me and decide for yourself.