Post 17

I just realized something that is shocking. In 2008, I had 80 posts. In 2009, I had 50. In 2010, I have....16?!? Absolutely ridiculous! Surely FB hasn't had a thing to do with this...

Now at any given time, I have about 3 notebooks/journals where I am writing my thoughts, prayers, sermon notes, etc. which proves to be somewhat unorganized if I'm trying to fit everything into chronological order. Thus, I really like my blog, because it's a handy-made chronological journal with pictures even! So, although I have less than two months of 2010 left, I'm going to try and make up for it.

I haven't really commented much on this Fall 2010 semester. A lot has been taking place in many different areas of my life. (Warning: Disorganized jumble of thoughts ahead!)

I work around 14-15 hours a week at Ameriprise Financial. I teach 1-5 year olds on Wednesday night. Practice...I practice nearly every day on at least something. I learned how to play the saxophone, clarinet, oboe, and one note on the bassoon. If you play bassoon, there will be special jewels in your crown. I'm learning about authentic and plagal cadences, something of which I knew nothing about only a few weeks ago. I'm on PA crew for band AND choir! I just recently performed in a literature recital and added quite the contemporary arrangement to Beethoven - I now have a great deal of sympathy for recital mess-ups! I'm learning how to play the violin, which I'm secretly (shh!) enjoying. I'm learning to trust God with my future, and to not micro-manage situations. I drink coffee nearly every day. I'm singing at a revival on Sunday - so excited about this opportunity. I am in a woodwind quintet, which has been a great learning experience. I was able to personally evangelize to three men at a park - an experience I will never forget. Just in these few weeks, I have listened to top-notch, quality sermons that is and will continue to forever impact my life.

Late night chats with girlfriends. Making cookies. Tennis. Watching shows. Going to the CSO. Drinking wassail. Laughing. Crying. And lots of praying. Smiles. Forgiveness. Walks in the park. Singing. Love. Bonfires. Sharing. Discussions.

It's been full - this semester. Full of good things. Learning Times. Growing Times. Waiting Times.

If you know me fairly well, you know that I have a special love for the sky. It always seems to catch my attention. Whether it's the first colors on the horizon early in the morning, the myriads of blue behind white puffy clouds, the sweep of red and pink at night, or the glistening stars against the midnight black, my eyes notice. But instead of chalking it up to evolution or just our reality, I think of my Father who painted that sunset, who knows the names of the stars, and who knows me. Lately, I've been overwhelmed with the fact that my life is absolutely safe in His hands. He is my good Father who is working the details of my life out for my good and His glory - they always go hand in hand. I'm striving to cooperate with His guiding Hand. Sometimes it is scary, sometimes I feel as if I'm running out of time, and sometimes I'm tempted to "help the process," but I am learning to wait on Him, to wait on those open doors, and to worship in the waiting.