Blessed!

I think I must have one of the best jobs:) I get to work with a great group of students that generally are eager to learn and explore. I had one of the best blessings today after school. Two of my seventh grade girls came up to my office to say goodbye and actually gave me hugs. I was encouraged and blessed by their action and courage:) (and I wanted you all to know...they made my day)

The Way

Something I have been thinking about recently is how we generally like to find as many ways to do things as possible. I am not content to just accept one way set before me. I try to find a way that might be more efficient or less time-consuming. On my way to school, I consider whether there might be some other possible short cut that would make the trip faster. In fact, I found one just last week. There are certainly an infinite number of ways to get from my apartment to school. I haven't explored them all since some just don't make any sense at all.

Isn't that how we approach Christianity too? We try to find a faster, easier way than taking the Bible at face value-there is only one way. Why do we fight that so much? Why is it such a struggle to understand that there is only one way to heaven--"no one comes to the Father except through me" John 14:6

So, since there is only one way, couldn't we put up detour signs directing others to The Way? Could we find ways to explain that some of the "ways" people are considering just don't make sense? There is only one way-are you taking it?

Rocks...

Rocks seem to have had great significance during the past years here in Romania.

I can think back to the chapel lesson during one of my first years here and how I illustrated God's immutability using a rock--it doesn't change even if you hit it against a wall or drop it.

There is a rock sitting on my desk that made the trip across the ocean with me as a reminder that God is my steadfast rock.

This year, each class is gathering a rock as a process of remembering and celebrating God's work among us each year at BCA. The rocks will be engraved with the years they represent.

Today at our staff meeting we spent the time making lists--looking back through the 10 years that BCA has existed and seeing how God has worked.
-new staff
-programs started--kindgergarten, food drive, basketball teams, etc
-classroom buildings provided
-babies born to staff
-housing provided
-special events
...and so many other things!
It was wonderful to flip through yearbooks and remember.

It gives a great sense of anticipation to think about what God is going to do this year!! May we be aware of His hand at work and be ready to join Him!