This, This, is Christ the King...

I'm so thankful. Christians celebrate a kind of second thanksgiving as CHRISTmas is here. We are thankful for the birth of the blessed Savior, truly the King of Kings. We are thankful for God becoming man. May we proclaim this, rest in this, and remember this, allowing the appreciation of God's mercy in Christ to make impact with our souls afresh each year. I may have said this already, but this is one of the first years in a long time that I enjoyed the Christmas music regardless of the time it played. I remember last year as I was saddened by my family's celebration of the birth of a man they reject, yet not celebrating it. This year I rejoice in Him and am reminded to pray for my family. He receives all the glory. The moment I begin to think that my growth is by fleshly discipline, I'm reminded of grace. May God be glorified in your life and mine. We need not worry what others think of us or what they say, for we have a Savior who was born, died, was risen, and lives still. I hear a song playing recently by a group named Addison Road. I can't find the name of the song or give the lyrics, but I do remember that it expresses exactly how I think we should travel life.

I'm thankful and content this year. God has provided for me to go to Bible college. In fact I have even more than expected. God is good and deserves the only glory. I was looking for the title of my car recently as I prepare to try and sell it and I found $500. I was reminded that my dad said I should keep some money at home in case something came up. I forgot it was even there. What a wonderful Christmas this is! Things left to do before leaving: Get 2 shots (maybe more), try to contact and arrange things with my job down there, sell car, pick up a few more winter-ready items, pack, and move the rest of my things next door. This is my last week at work. I pray that I don't slack off for that reason. This will be a subtle temptation.

I ended this past semester with 2 B's, although one looked like it shoulda been an A-...? I'm waiting for reply from the prof. I haven't been downtown in 2 weeks due to finals and the weather. I can't wait to go back before I leave. My flight departs January 10th. I held my goodbye party this past Wednesday. Old friends, new friends, and true friends showed up. Some were a good surprise even. We watched videos, had some snacks, had some laughs... it was a good night.

The other day I was looking at a container of yogurt that expired Jan. 14th. It occurred to me that I would be out of the state and living away from everyone I know and care for before that container of yogurt expired. I can be so sentimental. Often I toss around the thoughts of where, why, and how God has brought me where He has. A year ago I didn't know I'd be taking steps I am now taking. I didn't know God would open the specific doors He has opened at this time. I didn't know all that has happened would happen. ...Such large changes in life. I didn't know. I've learned that I think God is most glorified exactly when we don't know. He is most glorified when we get a glimpse of His plan as our plan is frustrated, look up, and realize who's really in charge. I've been able to smile more in those times and rest assured that He has used it for His good anyway. I don't know where man's responsibility and God's sovereignty meet, but I still lift my hands high and sing praises in my heart for the things He has done.

May our steps always be taken in light of "not my will, but Yours be done."