And it begins...

Here we go again...started class yesterday. This is the first semester in awhile that I have not been looking forward to. Just two required classes.
Goodbye social life.
Goodbye sleep.
Goodbye freedom.

I have a lot of work to do...

Sure, I swam a mile on Friday. But at a nice, steady, even (SLOWISH) pace. So tonight I tried "speed drills" or something like that, with the idea of doing one lap fast, then resting, two laps, rest, three, etc. up to five, and then back down 4-3-2-1, with rests in between, and swimming fast...blah blah. I made it approximately one lap. :) (and finished the rest of my swim a little slower!) There's something wrong with swimming--you can't breathe whenever you want! I can run fast because I can gulp in as much air as I need whenever I need it. How in the WORLD am I supposed to breathe faster when I'm underwater??? Argh...or should I say, gargle...

sovereignty

I'm teaching on Joshua 9 tomorrow, the chapter about the "Gibeonite deception" as many Bibles label it. It's hard to know what application to take from it, as far as seeking the counsel of the Lord in particular situations or consequences to specific actions (or lack of action). I really don't think that's the point of the passage. Really what I've been impressed with is what this incident says about God. I've found it particularly relevant to some current circumstances my family is dealing with: God is still sovereign. His purposes are not thwarted or altered by our foolishness or even our sin. In fact, not only does his plan work in spite of our mistakes, sometimes his purpose is served by our follies. I find this encouraging, and also convicting. How much better are his purposes served when we ARE actively seeking his will and guidance. How different things could have been for the Israelites, and how different things can be in our own lives if we and those around us are seeking God.

Anyway. I'm thankful for his sovereignty that is not contingent upon our righteousness or doing things right.

The Super-Weekend

What a weekend! Blessings cause me to feel invigorated and encouraged like nothing else...

• Still thankful for my lunch on Saturday (see post below)
• I got to talk with my Syrian apartment manager for an hour on Sunday. I've been praying for him since we moved here. We had a great conversation about life, family, and of course his view on Israel and the Middle East (LOL). He has a very sweet spirit and is highly intelligent. He knows about my faith and educational background and I think because of this he likes to talk. :) I will continue praying for him and trying to build that relationship.
• Someone offered to pay for 50% of the cost for me to go on our church's women's retreat. This is a HUGE answer to a specific prayer, as I was not thinking I'd be able to afford it!!! What a blessing!!!
• Some good extended time with the Lord.
• Lots of time to relax, and some good times and conversations with friends.
• I did two of the events of my June 9 triathlon this weekend, namely a one mile swim and a 6.2 mile run, and felt great doing both. Gotta get on my bike!
• Today before work I made myself a wholesome breakfast of two scrambled eggs with a cup of broccoli mixed in and a piece of whole grain toast. Not exactly part of my weekend, but I felt very proud of myself, so I had to throw that in there. :)

a little encouragement

I had lunch with an old friend today. She was one of my first friends when I moved to LA, and she and I and another friend became close as we met bi-weekly for prayer and some examination of spiritual things and life issues we were all going through at the same time. It was a valuable time for all of us. We haven't kept up much over the last year, I moved, it's been busy, etc. Lately I've been aware that I've been missing relationships with peers that have that kind of depth and spiritual connection and accountability that we had. Today at lunch I was reminded of what that feels like, and we decided to continue our lunches every other weekend. I feel so encouraged! I pray that this can be a fruitful relationship for both of us as we start over but also build on the depth that is still there from years past. Today I'm thankful for this pleasant surprise and blessing. :)

swimming update

I swam a mile yesterday! Yahoo! Felt good. That takes a long time!! :)

Snow in Seattle

Well, Redmond actually... my mom sent me this picture of her house this morning. It has snowed several times in the last couple months where she lives! Very unseasonable. (Although maybe not, since she moved to a place with just a bit of higher elevation.)

Resolutions

1. Make my bed every morning
2. Tidy my bedroom and the living room before bed every night.
3. Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables each day.
4. Be in bed by 10:30 every night.
5. Fill up my gas tank when it reaches ¼ tank instead of E.
6. Floss five times a week.
7. Drink 8 glasses of water every day.
8. Eat chocolate only once a week.
9. Develop a good budget and stick to it.
10. Pack my gym bag the night before.
11. Get a massage once a month. Now we’re talking…

12.

Okay, just kidding, I’m not completely delusional. My eyes began to glaze over at #1. I think I make my bed when we have company, if they’re lucky, and that’s it! I’ve never been one to set resolutions, because everyone knows they don’t really stick anyway, especially if you have a long list, or if the changes are drastic. I have made a conscious effort to eat more fruit and vegetables every day, I have been in bed by 10:30 most week nights, and I haven’t had chocolate in January (that’s another story, and I plan to make it the entire month). Flossing…not so much…and I must say I let my gas tank go until the light goes on, and then some. It’s amazing how far you can get on fumes.

In January though I have already signed up for AAA (it took a flat tire and a couple hours of waiting to finally convince me), purchased extra dental and optical insurance (what…I’m supposed to go to the dentist HOW often??), and made an appointment for a consultation for laser eye surgery! That really is enough to last me the whole year in productivity.

Happy 2007

I really wasn't that reflective at the end of 2006; it didn't feel like New Year's Eve much during the day, just felt like Sunday. :) I had lots to be thankful for in 2006 ~ my sister got married, I moved closer to work and have a great apartment and roommate, I did my triathlon, and I have begun to feel very settled and at home in my community here. God is good, through the tough stuff and the fun stuff. There were plenty of both this year! I'm thankful for where I'm at right now, ready to start fresh in 2007.

I have to say, I am feeling much relief that I am not leaving for the Philippines tomorrow! I'm exhausted. The holidays are not so restful!