End of Semester . . . Again!

Well, here I am again, at the end of another semester (not in reference to the picture, of course!). WTS has a one month J-term in January where most students take their languages. There are also counseling courses offered for CCEF students and MA-C students like myself. So, I have only one day of classes left for my Counseling in the Local Church and Counseling Children classes- so much info to absorb in one month!

Last weekend I was home to celebrate Rebecca's birthday- #22! We spent the day in Niagara Falls. I got us special passes for different activities which included the Butterfly Conservatory, the Bird Aviary, the Ferris wheel, and the Journey Behind the Falls. We had a great time enjoying these attractions and especially enjoying each other's company. It is so nice to just get away for a day and not have to think about school, work, wedding plans, home renovations, etc.

With the end of the semester just days away, I get to come home again, too! Since I only have one take home exam, I will be home on the 29th and will be home until the Monday of the following week. Hope to catch up with you!

It took a while, but Rebecca was finally daring enough to pick up a butterfly!

Meet Alex!

My Pot of Gold!

'Just a thought'

Does this reflect your church experience?

"The pious fellowship permits no one to be a sinner. So everybody must conceal his sin from himself and from the fellowship. We dare not be sinners. Many Christians are unthinkably horrified when a real sinner is suddenly discovered among the righteous. So we remain alone with our sin, living lies and hypocrisy. The fact is that we are sinners!"

~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Life Together

'Just a thought'

"Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate."

~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Life Together

Blessed New Year!

Wow, it has been a long time since I have updated this thing. I guess that is what happens when one is out of school for a while and not often on the computer. My humble apologies to those who regularily check for updates and are often disappointed.

So, where was I . . . oh, yeah, exams. They went well, I think. I still have not received any marks, and actually am waiting for many marks from term papers, etc. as well.

The holidays were great, albeit very busy. I worked a few days with BBC (I really missed working with you guys- it was great to be back!), and put in 3 long days at the OPB as well, helping out day in the craziness of the Christmas rush. Through all this, I was also occupied with renovations in the basement of Rebecca's house. We are adding a master bedroom with an en suite for extra living space. Sorry, I don't have any pictures (maybe Rebecca could take a few??!!)

Being home to celebrate Christmas this year was of course special. Rebecca and I shared a quiet dinner together followed by exchanging our presents on Christmas Eve- and yes, she spoiled me! My favourite gift was a Creative Memories Storybook (there's a plug for you, Kelly!) about our dating relationship and our engagement . . . and, of course, I cried.

The following 2 days we had dinners at the Meyer's and my parents' respectively. We had a great time, and I am now dreading going back to the YMCA to shed the extra pounds I put on over those few days. I suppose there are others who share this New Year's resolution ;-) New Year's Eve was spent at the Cottage (Mike Zwiep's) which was a lot of fun. By the way, guess what? Rebecca and I are getting married this year!!!

The holidays came and went faster than I had hoped. I returned to Philly on Wednesday, and began my 2 classes the following day. I am now taking Counseling Children and Counseling in the Local Church. Having Steve and Amy Williamson in my Counseling Children class is very exciting! They were over for dinner last night, and seem to be settling in well here.

In reflecting over the past few weeks, I realize how little time I spent thanking and praising God for the bounty that He showers me with. I have received so much yet deserved none of it. Lord, forgive me for my selfishness and my stubborn determination in trying to get through life on my own. I pray that You will teach me to live in humble dependence upon You throughout this year and the years to come. I thank You for the friends and family that You have placed in my path to pray for me, encourage me, and support me in so many ways. May I be used by You as an instrument in their lives as well, Lord. Prepare me for a present and future of serving You in any place You would see fit for the further establishment of Your kingdom. To God be the glory, great things He has done!