Really?

What a whirlwind this past week has been including swimming at Walden Pond with some friends on Labor Day, a new student BBQ, orientation, the All-Seminary Clamfest, meeting many amazing people, searching for a part time job, a baby shower, Leadership meetings, and more! I am thankful that my parents and sister were able to come visit me at school for the BBQ and then again for the Clamfest...and for the mini-fridge they brought my way. :) I am also thankful for the amazing women I have known only for a week but have already bonded with on such a deep level- what an answer to prayer! 

As I reflect on the season of my life leading up to this point, I am filled with an awesome sense of comfort in knowing that the Good Shepherd has been leading me and guiding me. He has been picking me up when I have fallen down and He has not let me wander too far from the flock nor from the path. Of course there have been several times I have fallen and times when I have wanted to run from the flock or the path...still He has been faithful.  

I was sharing a bit tonight with one of the pastors from my church about why I am in seminary and a bit about my "calling." It was good to think back over the years and remember that even at the age of 16 or 17, the Lord was already giving me such a desire to make Him known through missions and evangelism. 

 "Since my youth, O God, You have taught me, and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come." Psalm 71:17-18

For years I have considered seminary as an option and now I am finally starting classes in His perfect timing. I am excited yet nervous about the work load and the challenges I will face. I know that the Lord will sustain me and grow me. He will transform me as I let Him and He will equip me for whatever He has in future chapters of my story. Please pray for me as I begin classes this week and seek to make  time with the Lord a priority in the midst of all the classes, reading, studying, and job searching!