A Season of Change

Hard to believe that December has already arrived, and with 2009 just around the corner, I look back over this year and am amazed of how many things have changed.

I am not a prophet by any stretch of the imagination, but I do believe that God gave me a prophesy back in Oct. 2007. I heard Him tell me that "2008 would be a season of change." He left it at that and would not tell me anymore. I would just have to wait and see.

In April 2008, our young singles class (the Young Professionals) at church had out-grown our classroom, and the Lord led Hugo, Gigi, and I to help multiply our class into 2 new classes, Veritas and Focus. Since April, our class has been doing very well, and though we are still relatively small, we have been focusing on the quality of our attenders rather than quantity.

In June 2008, Senator Barak Obama became the Democratic candidate for president.

In July/August 2008, I got to go on a mission trip to New York, which was amazing! The Lord once again confirmed that missions and evangelism is my passion, and I am so excited to see what all He has in store for me once I graduate. Also, the Sunday before I left for my trip to NY, we had a new visitor to our Veritas class, John Johnson, and on the 25th of July, Taylor had her first child, little Jacob.

In late August 2008, Senator John McCain named Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice president. So, no matter who would win the presidencial election, history would be made. We would either have our first African-American president or a female vice president.

In September 2008, the economy is going into a recession. Gas prices rose to almost $4.00 and many banks stopped giving loans to people. Myself included. As I began my senior year at Criswell, this was the first time I was unable to get a loan to pay for my school. But by the grace of God, He provided for me to go to school.

In October 2008, after a few months of hanging out, talking, and getting to know one another, John and I started dating. Oct. 4th was officially our first date. When my trio was singing out at the State Fair this year, he came out to every performance. He's so sweet! Here is a picture of us when we went on our first double-date with our friends, Gigi and Derek.

In November 2008, my good friends, Tres & Stacey got married, and they asked me to sing at their wedding. I was honored to be asked, and my friends and I had a great time at the reception.

Also, in Novemeber, Barak Obama won the presidencial vote, and in January 2009, he will be the first African-American president (44th president).

In December 2008, the economy is still not doing well. Lots of people have lost their jobs and are finding it hard to find work. But on the upside, gas prices have fallen back down to $1.50.

Some good news: I finished my exams the 1st week of December, and I am now on winter break. John and I are still dating; he is such an awesome guy! He loves the Lord and has an amazing servant's heart. It has been cool to watch how much he has grown in the Lord since we first met back in July. Also, praise the Lord, we finished all of our Christmas shopping yesterday.

Some bad news: Not really enjoying this cold weather, but fortunately, I live in TX; so, I only have to endure a couple more months of winter. Also, I just found out that the only company that issues private student loans to my school has suspended all loans until further notice. So, I won't be able to get a loan for this semester. I don't know how I will pay for my last semester, but God is good. I know that somehow He will provide for my tuition so I can graduate this May 2009.

So, with 21 more days left of 2008, I look forward to seeing what else God has in store for this year, this season of change.

The Weaver

This was a quote from my devotional calendar, and I thought I would share it. It really touched my heart.

My life is but a weaving between my Lord and me,

I cannot choose the colors He worketh steadily.

Oftimes He weavth sorrow, and I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper and I the underside.

The dark threads are a needful in the Weaver's skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

(Author unknown)

The Cost of Being a Muslim Woman in a Muslim World

Sometimes the truth is disturbing and this article is no exception.
http://www.freedomscost.net/?p=1199
Violence against women has got to stop, and the first step is to recognize that there is a problem.
Warning: there is a very graphic picture of a woman who miraculously survived her Muslim husband's brutal attack.

Biased Media Coverage

Check out this article in the Washington Times.

"The mainstream media have gone over the line and are now straight out propagandists for the Obama campaign...."

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/24/media-chronicles/

Obama, Abortion and Infanticide

Check out this article:
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Blog/Default.aspx?id=221244

Our Provider

I just had a share a story that happened recently to me and my family that really shows how amzing God is and that He truly is our Provider.

About a week or so before Father's day, two friends of mine tell me that they will be out of town for a while on vacation. They asked me if I would mind picking up their mail and keeping an eye on their homes. I said no problem. They also told me that I could borrow their cars while they are out of town, if I wanted to. I thanked them, but thought to myself, It was nice of them to offer, but when am I gonna need to borrow two cars??? Little did I know God was about to show me.

Father's Day arrives. My family faithful goes to church, and my dad is driving home from church alone in his car. Suddenly, he hears a loud snap! The car starts swerving out of control. Fortunately, he is a seasoned driver and did not panic. He keeps the car from flipping over, and finally hits a curb--a loud crash--and the car thankful stops. No injuries, just a badly busted up car. The car is towed to a body shop, and we all wait to hear the prognosis of the damage.

With Dad's car out of commission, now we only had Thomas' car, Mom's car, & my car; which leaves Dad and Susan with no wheels. It was then that God tapped me on my shoulder and pointed out to me that He had just provided two free rentals cars. (I did check with my friend to make sure it was ok for my dad to drive thier car.)

I remember immediately praising Him for how He amazingly provided for us. It was completely by His plan for my two friends to be out of town and allow me to use their vehicles while they were gone. God is so good!

Eventually we heard back from the body shop. The wheel barrier had apparently snapped and when Dad hit the curb, that broke the axil. Unfortunately, the car had liability only, and the money it would have taken to fix the car was more than what the car is worth. So, needless to say, the "old boat" is now in the big junk yard in the sky... or down the street... wherever.

One of my friends got back into town this Wednesday, and praise the Lord, my parents were able to get a new older car a few days prior to his return. So, thre you have it. Just another cool example how God maes Himself known to His children. I love it when He does that. Don't you? = )

Get Off The Stage

A great moment in the Academy Awards!
Jack Black and Will Ferrell sing "Get Off The Stage."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoXLu9Rz70g

Lyrics:

This is it, your time is through
You're boring
You're rambling on. No end in sight
You're boring
No need to thank your parakeet
You're boring
Look at Catherine Zeta-Jones
She's snoring
You could have rushed up to the stage
But you were lolly-gagging
They're turning off your microphone
And cutting to a commercial for Del Taco
Del Taco
Del Taco
Del Ta-a-a-a-co!