(Such a droll title. I'd much prefer something like, "Return of the Dragon Slayer" or "Return of the Roving Warrior" or even "Return of the Troll." Oh well. )
For any wanderers who happen to observe this poorly neglected site, my name is Rae--I am the delinquent who has not blogged in almost an entire year. :) However, I have duly repented me of my ways and have decided to attempt some semblance of ruminations in the year 2008. For those who despaired of ever keeping contact via the world of Internet...I'm afraid I may not be able to offer consistency, but I do offer sincerity. :)
The Year 2007 in a NutShell:
I struggled.
The Lord faithfully and lovingly guided.
One of my very dear friends got married.
I completed my first year of Grad School without getting kicked out.
I completed my first year as a most unorthodox secretary without a) getting fired or b) getting my boss fired.
The first (and thankfully last) Summerlude class was completed and goodbyes to two of my closest friends were said in one very difficult week.
I attempted to water-ski, I water-tubed, and I flew for the first time ever (please note that these are not intentionally inter-related.)
The Lord allowed me to meet and form relationships with various impacting people.
I went to China.
I ate cow stomach, ox vocal cords, goose intestine, and rabbit heart (please see the above statement.)
I met 31 very special Chinese kids and greater learned the depth of my inadequacies and pride.
I came back to Northland for my last year of Grad School.
I did not get engaged or married--nor did I elope.
I was given pretty much the best present ever--a ginormous, cute, soft teddy bear.
I forgot how much I love my home and where I was raised...I forgot how much I dislike radishes...I forgot how much I love to laugh...
And as I look back on the past year, the clear hand of my Father is so overwhelmingly present.
I was faithless. He was faithful--He can be nothing but.
I faltered. He rooted and grounded me in love.
I suffered. He healed the broken hearted and bound wounds.
I fell. He bid me rise--and carried me.
I strayed. He shepherded me, chastening me, guiding me, restoring my soul.
I questioned. He did not deign to answer me--revealing the greatness of His ways and thoughts and my desperate need to wait on Him.
I rejoiced. In His presence there is fullness of joy.
And I triumphed. Thanks be to God Who always causes us to triumph.
"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him Who is true; and we are in Him Who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." I John 5:20
