We've finally hit the last week of classes. It's hard to believe that our first semester at MTC is almost over! Time seriously flies when you're busy!

So life has been pretty crazy recently. Different things have been stretching and growing me. It's painful, but really, really good. Sort of like when you have your wisdom teeth taken out.......   the painful part is, well, the pain, and the really, really good part is all the pudding and Jello and wonderful thoughts about never ever having to go through this again......

Ok, so maybe bad analogy.

But at any rate, I've been reminded over and over how God wants me to trust Him, no matter what happens (even if the pudding falls on the floor and gets eaten by your dog... hypothetically speaking, of course). As our pastor here in Missouri was saying recently, you have to keep putting your mental car in neutral. We often want to reverse or drive forward in certain situations, but God wants us to be willing to put the car in neutral and wait for Him to clear obstacles or give us directions.

Much better analogy. :-)

Now for some less heavy stuff:

A group of us went down to Branson, MO on Friday to see the show, Joseph, at Sight and Sound Theater. We were able to get half-priced tickets, which was awesome! If you haven't heard of Sight and Sound before, you NEED to look them up!!! My family saw the show back in August, and we LOVED it (nothing at all like Joseph and the Technicolor Coat... or whatever that show is called). Sight and Sound is like the Broadway of Christian theater. They have incredible shows, cast, sets, and soundtracks. If you ever are in Branson or Lancaster, PA (they have two theaters), you MUST check out their shows!  www.sight-sound.com

The show was absolutely incredible. It painted such a vivid reminder of how God is still in control, even when situations are literally the pits (like in Joseph's case).

At Sight and Sound!
Back to front, left to right:
Josiah, Janel, Jared, Clint
Dan, Katie
Holly, Melanie, Cassy, Anne
Rachel, Me, Brian

Puzzles

My friend, Rachel, and I working on a puzzle :-)

Calling?

I always question the Christian-ese term "calling". I think people use this as an excuse not to go into missions or witness to other people, saying "I'm not called". Obviously, if God isn't leading, then one shouldn't go into missions (though witnessing anywhere is definitely necessary), but what makes this "career" so different than anything else or any other ministry? Sure, it takes a bit more effort, but it is so rewarding! I really liked the following quote on the subject:

"'Not called!' did you say? 'Not heard the call,' I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters, and servants and masters not to come there. And then look Christ in the face, whose mercy you have professed to obey, and tell him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish his mercy to the world."
       -William Booth

Photos!

Yes, the long awaited photo slideshow is FINALLY here!!! :-)