Wednesday, December 10, 2008

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)