Starting Back to School.

Since being back to school, I've already had some ups and downs. I'm working part-time as an assistant director for the YMCA, which is a 1/2 hour away from campus; I'm the Floor Leader of my building, which some may think is nothing, but it's hard to be a leader and not let things get to you, especially from your peers; Started school already, but I'm still caught up in the summer mode, not used to living here and going to classes every day. Trying to make friends and maintain the ones I have, but it's so hard... how hard will it be once I leave, if I leave?

My classes though... I am SO EXCITED about them. I'm so excited to learn more about God's Word, How people develop and about Marriage and Family and what it takes to have a strong healthy one. That one class, M&F, if flippin' amazing... I've taken so many notes and am eating up all the professor has to offer. They are so good, but needless to say, I've been overwhelmed...

I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I've missed church the past two weeks... then when I went yesterday, I got a new perspective and attitude... Man, have I missed church. It's so refreshing and convicting. I love it when you can tell and see the Holy Spirit working through each of His laborers, tying all of the lessons together, revealing more of what He has for me to learn... THIS is what I live for. Holy Cow, He brings me joy... more than one could ever use words to explain.

Anyway, that's my update... not much of one, but one nonetheless...

So, It's Wednesday...

I'm sitting downtown again, but this time outside listening to the cars on a humid night, the first day of August to be exact. Not only do I hear the cars stop and go, but there's 60's and 70's funk music playing, which just so happens to make me crack a smile.

The summer will come to an end shortly, in a matter of days and as much as I thought I was, I'm not quite ready to go back. I've enjoyed this freedom a lot. Anyway, that's not really my point here, My point boils down to Christ...

I've been dead for quite sometime... maybe hibernating, if you will, and it just so happens that 2 weeks before I head back to school the LORD rekindles the flame in my heart and gives me a cup of overflowing joy. Now, one might think this is perfect, what better way to head back to school? But now I feel like I wasted my summer. It flew by and I never really lived it out to it's potential or took advantage of it's opportunities. I've been interning at my church since May, and just now am I bonding with the Youth. There are friends that I've just recently made, although they've been here for a year, and now... they're leaving for good. Honestly, I'm pretty sad about it. Sad about it all really...

This is no reflection on Christ, but rather on my lack of devotion to Him and those whom He's placed in my life. And yet, He blesses me. There has been so much I've learned at church this summer that leaves me craving more. I was sitting at my house Monday night thinking "Man, I wish there was something going on at church tomorrow!".... Me, love church? Yes, yes I do.

Something that hit me tonight as Rod Arters spoke was :
"Do not approach God because you can get something from Him, but rather, seek just to be near Him."
You'd think I would have been quick enough to figure this out BEFORE my Senior year of college, but someone asked me what I was most looking forward to this year and my answer: "To learn about the Bible". Imagine, just being near God... to sit at the feet of Christ. My heart grows bigger with excitement at the thought... I'm thankful that he moved my heart at all, that He continued to pursue me and show His love to me and that He gave me the opportunity at all to answer His call to me.

Desire to know Him. This is my hope and assurance.