Christmas already?

Is it really only 4 days until Christmas? Oh my…well, the past couple weeks have both flown and dragged by. I was busy rehearsing and playing with the band for Moody’s massive Christmas production (Candlelight Carols) that they put on every year as a part of their ministry. Forty hours of extra rehearsals and performances, on top of classes and homework, makes for a busy couple weeks! After which, we had a week of projects and papers, and then a week of finals. The last few weeks were tough on me in many ways, but God was once again faithful and helped me through. Specifically this past week, God has brought one of my favorite poems back to my thoughts – “Footprints”. I have copied it here for you, though there are many different versions…

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
________________________________________
Mary Stevenson, 1936 (this is the oldest version found, as this poem’s author is not known exactly)

This is the promise that God has given to each of us – He will be with us always. I know that through these tough times, God is the one carrying me through, as I do not have the strength to make it through on my own. My favorite Bible verses continuously remind me of this fact as well – Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created things shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We are loved and will forever be loved as His children. He will carry us through, if we just rely upon Him.
This is the season that many will hear of the ‘story’ of Jesus. To me, it is not just a story, but a real-life event about a real and living person. Jesus Christ really did come down to earth as a baby, born to a virgin (Mary). He grew in wisdom and stature, and went out to gather followers and disciples. He spread the word about different morals and behaviors, but also about the second coming that we are still waiting for to happen. He wanted people to believe in Him and His desire for our lives. God sent His Son-Jesus Christ-to come to earth to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, which has separated us from the ability to be with God. Christ was then buried, rose from the grave, and is alive forever today. With that debt paid for us, we now only have to confess our sins asking forgiveness from God, accept that Christ is Lord, and believe in Him and what He accomplished for us. Those who are believers can have the hope and assurance of an eternal life with God. Forever together, and all one has to do is trust in Christ alone as your personal Savior and you will have everlasting life. What a simple thing that gives many so much true joy!

In this Christmas season, a season of hope for many, but of grief and sorrow for others, will you remember that no matter what, God is with you and will carry you through?

Picture Update!

MY ROOMMATE IS ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!! Phoebe and Jon were engaged over Thanksgiving break and she did not have a clue that it was happening almost until he popped the question! It was wonderful to be a part - I had to sneak a dress and such out without her knowing, and also got to surprise her at her home for a celebration with friends in the evening after the engagement.


Engagements come with traditions...Houghton dorm has a tradition that is to take the lady up to the top (10th) floor, then press all the buttons and scream that they are engaged so that every floor knows!


Another one of my friends, Meagan, is now engaged as well!!! So excited for her!


The annual North/South Bowl (flag football between the guys' dorms) is a fun tradition here at Moody. Phoebe, Kelsey and I all cheered for Justin, one of the guys on our brother floor who played in the game.


Michelle is one of my new friends and floormates. So much encouragement!


Philip is an amazing man of God who attends Moody but also lives in Uganda. This summer I was able to visit his home church while in Uganda, so I invited him to come to my church for AWANA when I told the kids my story about Africa. They loved the stories that he told!


Sara is an amazing woman of God whom I met at Moody, and she came back for a visit a couple weeks ago. I was overjoyed to see her, even if it was a short time!

Another month...trials, memories, and God's goodness!

Yet another month has passed me by, but God is Good! I have been trying to reflect upon all that I have learned this past year, and just cannot stop being amazed at all that has changed an what I have learned from the Lord, experiences/trials, and people He has placed in my life! I am SO blessed!
Updating you on things from the last blog post: Moody's 125th celebration was a great weekend! The speakers, music, and fellowship were all great, and I loved seeing some friends in ministry that I have not seen in a long time.
Besides school, this year I have been serving on the weekly musical praise team called Thursday Nite Praise (TNP for short); Moody Symphonic Band in which I play clarinet and sax, but also am the social rep for activities and in charge of parts of the concert tour schedule; and I have also decided while not to be on the floor Ministry Team this semester, I am in charge of some musical worship times throughout the year.
I have decided to not add another major for my degree, which was a big decision the past couple weeks. Instead, I will either graduate early in December 2012, or take some 'fun' classes that I have been wanting to take and graduate in Spring 2013. Still praying about that.
As far as Uganda and my praying for God to continue to lead, I know that He wants me to return there for sure...I just don't know when or for how long, whether it is just for a visit or for full-time ministry. Continual prayer for HIS guidance is appreciated.
This month we have stayed busy with classes and homework, completing midterms, and having a 3 days off of classes for the required sessions of Moody's annual Missions Conference. This year God specifically brought 3 things that I was reminded of/need to be working on:1) Being a woman of constant, overflowing prayer, 2) God doesn't give us an entire map, but only one or two steps in front of where we need to go, and 3) God doesn't like boxes - He made each of us for a specific purpose in life.
Life at school has been great, with some crazy times on the dorm floor, a slip'n'slide with the bro/sis, frisbee, football, concert at the CSO (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) speaking at my church about Uganda (with my friend Philip who attends Moody but also lives in Uganda), Navy Pier and beach adventures, and lots of laughs and memories!
Looking forward I have 3 huge papers due before Thanksgiving and the band is starting to rehears for the annual Christmas concert Candlelight Carols the first weekend in December.
Thank you all again for your prayers! God is good!

Picture Update!

Blackhawks hockey game with awesome friends!


Best spot at the Lincoln Park Zoo...Africa! (It was kinda weird seeing some of the animals in a zoo this time...)


Celebrating my 21st Birthday!!!


A night at the House of Blues with my friend Jesz - up and coming Hunter Hayes concert


Playing for Angie and Andy's Wedding was a blessing - Congrats to my cousins!


(Almost) All the cousins at Angie and Andy's wedding!


Sisters!


Aaron Shust in concert at Moody!


Moody Symphonic Band Exec Members - Welcome Week Orientation (Promoting Alaska Spring Break Concert Tour)


Birthday cakes I made and decorated for my sisters...Kim - guitar, Ashley - dog


Mini Vacation with the fam (Dad's taking the pic)


Megan came to visit!


Giving a short update on my trip to Uganda at church (First Baptist Wheaton)


Unpacking from Uganda...finding all the gifts and treasures I brought back


Returning from Uganda...Ashley almost knocked someone over while running to give me a hug!

Memories are the best!

Yes, the laughter and awesome memories have really been a big part of making it through the past couple crazy weeks of school. Many of the girls on my floor have had birthdays this month. We have gone out for early breakfast before classes, had cupcakes in our lounge, and even sang the loudest happy birthday song you have ever heard in the student dining room! My birthday was on Monday, September 19th, and I am now officially 21!!! I celebrated by going home for part of the weekend to see family, Midnight toast of sparkling pomegranate juice with my roommate and friend across the hall, Thai food for dinner, and out with a couple girls from my floor for yummy cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory! It was a fun day, even if I was at school and had classes.

God has been good in giving answers to prayers, such as which ministries to be involved in this year. Yet, I am still not sure on a couple, whether I should stay with them or not be involved and if I should fill that time with a different ministry he has brought along my path.
In regards to classes, I love what I am learning and some have been challenging my knowledge of the Bible in different ways. Conducting for band has been an awesome and practical class that I have been soaking in every minute of information! For band I tried out to be a student conductor, and though I did not make the 2 spots (only 3 of us tried out), I am still going to be very involved in rehearsals and sectionals when needed.
Something you can be praying for me in is my 'sickness' for Uganda. I really miss the friends I made and all of the kids there. Saturday Club, staff meetings, stories and laughs around the dinner table, and even, yes I am going to say this, the bumpy roads and crazy traffic! It was a huge part of my life for the summer, and I find myself dreaming of being back there when someone mentions Africa, Uganda, or something relating to it, like mangoes. I am not sure right now if that is where God wants me to go or not, or if he has used Uganda as a step for another country or opportunity. Please continue to pray that God would make it clearer each day.

With all that has happened, I will be posting a few pics from the last couple weeks so you can 'see' what has been fun and exciting instead of just hear about it! Looking forward I have a couple large reading assignments and Moody will be concluding their year-long 125th celebration with a fancy banquet on October 1st.
Talk soon.

September already?

Wow! Time has flown by this year and I cannot believe that it is already September 8th! School has kept my brain thinking with homework and music practice, and life has been crazy busy! The new development on my hall floor is that some of the rooms have bed bugs - currently my room is bug-free. Phoebe and I are hoping to keep it that way and are taking many precautions til the other rooms are done having bugs stay in their rooms. Please continue to pray that we do not get them and they don't spread to others. On a lighter note, last weekend I was able travel to St. Louis to visit family there, but also to celebrate the wedding of my cousin Angie Rill. Her and her now husband Andy Parker asked me to play piano for their wedding, and though it was a lot of practice beforehand, I am honored and blessed to have had them ask. The time there was blessed having been unable to see all the extended family at the last wedding and over the summer since I was in Uganda at that time.
Now it is back to the schedule of classes and life. I have decided to not be on our floor's Ministry team this semester, but instead am going to head up a worship night every so often for our floor. Should be a good experience!
Well, I am off to another day of classes and also the kick-off of the worship team's Thursday Night Praise tonight!

One Week down - many more to follow...

I have officially been in classes for an entire week this fall semester...only now I have to make it through the rest as well! Overall, I think I am going to enjoy all of my classes. I have a lot of reading, but other than that, only 2 final exams (papers I don't count since they are due before the final week anyway). The classes I am taking this semester are: Systematic Theology 2, Historical Theology (with Dr. Quiggle who lives 2 doors down from me back in Wheaton), Weight Training, Symphonic Band, Missionary Relationships (relationships with the church-missionary-agency), Piano Service Playing 1, and Conducting (IV) for Band. I am really excited about the band conducting, as it is something I have always had an interest. Weight training should be nice too because we don't have work outside of class. Our dorm floor has also changed, as many new freshman have come this semester. I am excited to get to know the new girls (two of whom are the sisters of 2 of my friends) and also strengthen friendships with the returning girls. We have a new RA as well, and she is so encouraging - Love ya Tabitha!

Some fun things that have happened are a few trips to the beach for some sun and ultimate frisbee, dressing 'work-out-like' with the girls for our hall meeting, and even an Aaron Shust worship concert - which was the highlight so far of my semester and such a refreshing time worshipping the Lord. Yay for ministry with music and the encouragement of other believers!
I also have been preparing music for my cousin's wedding this weekend, which is both fun and a lot of practicing...but mostly fun picking out music and such. Can't believe that in 5 days she will be married!

Please continue to pray for me and the ministries I will be involved in this semester/year. I am involved on the band leadership board, which is counting as my required ministry involvement (Practical Christian Ministry - PCM) this year. The past years I have been involved on our floor's Ministry team, AWANA leadership, as well as a worship team for mid-week praise to God. I am thinking about finding a different church that I can be more involved in, as well as trying to figure out which of the above ministries (if any) I should still be involved in this year. I have to pretty much decide the next 2 weeks.
I miss Uganda very much, which is another one of the many things on my mind. Is that where God is leading? To do what - work with Hope Alive! or another ministry? When? What/Where else is God leading? What other things should I be doing right now? All this amidst the first week of classes, beginning meetings, and being back at school has made for a very mind-full and stretched week.
Thanks for you prayers. I'm off to get some sleep before another busy day of classes...