three weeks, hopefully.

till i no longer have to be in school again, ever. when did it start? when did i become so bad at school and begin to like it so little? i think it was my 7th grade english class which makes no sense at all because english is my favorite subject. it was organization stuff that got me. i've been very forgetful ever since the 2nd grade when my dear teacher had to inform my parents in student-teacher meetings that i had trouble remembering my homework. she knew i was responsible and that i made good grades, but i just always forgot things at home. to this day, in fact this morning, i have to ask for pens, paper, scantron, etc. how can i be someone who loves order, tidiness, and neatness (redundant, i know) so much, yet at the very same time be so haphazard? it does not make much sense to me. anyway, i didn't do very well in that english class and i did not get to be in 8th grade honors english, however i was in advanced english. but, it killed me. and so it began.

but, i read something that someone wrote me recently and it gave me so much comfort... not just for my forgetfulness but for much larger, weightier things in my life right now, also... she said "who you are is no surprise to God. there is nowhere else in the world you are supposed to be and nothing else you are supposed to be doing." He knows.

today is a humbling, get things in perspective kind of day.

"Beloved, (i love that term) do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed... Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." - 1 Peter 4:12-13,19

those verses want to knock me upside the head (is that the right term?) i get to share in His sufferings. all i want is to be like Him... i need to write that on my hand and look at it every five seconds... because like i said, i'm very forgetful.

"Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

i have searched the Bible high and low to see what God has to say about burdens, anxiety, etc. He says to give our worries to Him over and over. so, i think you and i are in good hands. don't you?

finally, one of the many new songs on my iPod...

"Hark, the voice of love and mercy,

Sounds aloud from Calvary!

See, it rends the rocks asunder,

Shakes the earth and veils the sky!

“It is finished, It is finished,”

Hear the dying Savior cry.

“It is finished,” O what pleasure,

Do these charming words afford.

Heavenly blessings, without measure,

Flow to us from Christ the Lord.

“It is finished, it is finished,”

Saints the dying words record.

Finished all the types and shadows,

Of the ceremonial law;

Finished all that God had promised;

Death and hell no more shall awe.

“It is finished, it is finished,”

Saints from hence your comfort draw.

Tune your harps anew, ye seraphs;

Join to sing the pleasing theme;

Saints on earth and all in heaven,

Join to praise Immanuel’s name.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Glory to the bleeding lamb!"

It is Finished Part II, Red Mountain Church