Rock and Fortress, Strength and Stay

July 22, 2008

Today has been an interesting and trying one. Due to some mishaps with printing the curriculum, there has been high tension around the office. But thank the Lord for forgiveness and the ability to move on.

Mike and I started at Sanctor High School today working in the math department. When we arrived we met Reginald (the principal and brother from Fairview) and talked for a minute. Then Mike went with a very nice teacher and I departed with one Mr. Kennedy to assist in the teaching of 10, 11, and 12 grade math. It was quite invigorating working with students so close to my age and being able to help them. Lots of humor and fun learning occurred. I thank God for this opportunity.

To snap back to the sorrowful, but inevitable, side of today. It's Logan Smith's last night in Africa. Tomorrow he leaves at 1:30p.m. for the states permanently. He has some work lined up and is going to pursue a position at Lubbock Christian University and being an assistant with AIM. He will do well. The short, and oh so sweet, amount of time I got to spend with this striving disciple has been such a blessing. He's not a man of many words (so they say) but when he says something it's funny, sensible, and meaningful. Some good memories laying in bed beside him just talking. . . about things. . . He will be missed but his time here is done and he's turning over a new leaf in the story book of his life. God bless you, Logan! You're loved and respected more than you know...

A good friend, student, disciple, and sister in Christ lost someone today. It's hard to explain but the words seem easy. Her sister (by blood) passed away in a car accident: leaving her 10 year old daughter. My heart hurts for her and it's so much more difficult when you can't do anything about it except be there. I say this because she's always so happy and an encouragement to everyone she talks to. Her smile brightens people's day. I ask you to pray for her and her family. She needs it and is going to have to deal with a lot in the times to come. Lord, please bless her and give her peace in her heart. I cannot know what she's going through but it must be devastating.

Something I think about...
"I wish none of this had happened." (Frodo)
"So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are others forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides good and evil." (Gandalf)

What forces are these? God comes to mind. Keep Him as our focus, all things for Him, and He will do amazing things...