""God demonstrates His own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.""

Romans 5:8

2nd Quarter

 

    Well I just finished my first day of the second quarter here at Fruitland. Christmas break went pretty fast even though we stayed home most of the time. Everyone was sick, except Crystal, but at least we got to hang out together. The girls really enjoyed their Christmas. Thanks to God and all the people at our church and even strangers the girls had a wonderful day. Pastor Bobby gave me the opportunity to teach last Wednesday night. It seemed to go pretty well. I look forward to getting to a point where I feel more comfortable and getting the opportunity to preach at different churches in the area, although I am sure it will come faster than I am ready.

I'm still waiting to see if I got a job at the bookstore here on campus, it won't be a lot of money but it will at least cover gas money back and forth to school. It was nice to see all my friends again and this is a very special place. I am hoping as the weather warms up I can find a way to get the girls up here to visit. I think they would really like it and they would love the mountains. I got my report card today and was very happy. I just pray that I can keep up the pace. I know it would be silly for me to expect to get the same grades the whole time here so I will try to keep a good attitude and not get down if my grades aren't what I want them to be. I just know how many people are helping us out, especially with the job market what it is, and that sometimes feels like the only way to demonstrate the effort that we are putting in. Realistically, I am happy with whatever I get as long as I know I did not cut corners or get lazy. I try to remember that I am here for God and He deserves everything I got; I guess as long as I give Him my best he will be happy with the results. I feel like I learned so much last quarter but I still have so much further to go.

The light at the end of the quarter.

    Man, it feels like forever since I have posted a blog. This quarter has been so incredible that I find it difficult to put into words. I have learned so much, but I also realize how much I have yet to learn. God has been moving in so many ways in our lives that it makes it easier and easier to get through each day. I know this is hard for the whole family, but I believe deep down that this is something He is doing to help our whole family grow so we will be ready to serve Him more fully. I have not had a job since September 30^th but God has provided side work, and some work for Crystal, but most of all He has moved through people at the church that have gone out of their way to help us along. I thank God for everyone at our church. I won't name anyone in particular, mostly because I would hate to leave anyone out, but also because there are so many people that have encouraged us and supported us. And this is just the first quarter. I spent 6 hours yesterday studying for the Evangelism final. Even at bed time I did not feel 100% comfortable with it. So I prayed about it last night and this morning. After 4 hours, I finally finished writing our all 10 pages from memory. I was beat. I still feel like my brain is fried. I am getting ready to start on my last Homiletics assignment and then study for the final exam tomorrow. Then it is on to Theology. I will do my best to blog more often and maybe share some of my stuff I am getting to learn.