Romans? Check.

Whew I finally finished Romans.  For those of you who haven't read it, if you can get through chapter 11, the rest is amazing and uplifting and exactly what your spirit needs.  I especially enjoyed the latter part of Chapter 12.  I want to scribe that on my bedroom wall so I am always being reminded of it.  Like, listen to this:  "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers." Um, awesome, right?

So there's my standing on reading the Bible.  One more book down.  1 Corinthians is next I suppose.  I'm having to keep myself from going into the Old Testament because that's where I really want to be.  The New Testament is intimidating.

So, tis the season to prepare for Easter, which means that in the church the Lenten season is starting.  Ash Wednesday service is Wednesday evening.  I can't wait!  I want to really prepare myself spiritually for the time leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection.  I wish that my church was offering a Lenten study.  Adam Hamilton's The Way video series is calling my name.  Regardless, I've decided I'm going to go the opposite sort of direction in Lenten requirements.  Instead of giving something up, I'm going to add something new.  I've signed up for guitar lessons to start that up again.  On the first night of Bible study at my new church the pastor asked me if I played any instruments because he wants to have a praise band that plays during the worship service.  I told him I knew a couple of guitar chords but nothing fancy enough to play in front of others.  So, my goal with these guitar lessons is to get good enough to play worship music.  I want to serve the Lord in everything that I can, so this is another way.  I'm terribly excited.  There are so many Christian songs that I love.  Music has a way of settling my heart when nothing else can.  I hope to bring that light to others through God's gift of music.

I really wish I could figure out what my "big" plan is.  I feel like I want to do mission work, but I don't know if that's what I'm supposed to dedicate my life to.  I feel like I'm called to work with at-risk kids.  I can do that in the States or I can do that abroad.  I have my own big plan to own some farmland in Tennessee and live simply off the land.  But is that His plan as well?  Gee.  I wish He'd let me know.  Also, kind of hoping He finds me a hubby sooner or later.  That's neither here nor there I suppose.

Good night <3