The Countdown - 3 days

I have received emails concerning some of my friends who are living in Burma. All are safe but there is a real crisis over there due to the cyclone that hit over the weekend. I just read a news article that puts the death count over 22,000. I don't even know what to write...my heart is heavy. The main city, Yangon, was hit hard. They are without electricity and running water. Gas prices have soared as well as for other commodities. There is damage all over the city. Some people live in little more than huts. I cannot even imagine that some of those structures were able to withstand the high winds of the storm. If you did not see my post from Sunday, I am just asking again that you will pray for that nation. Please pray for my friends living there that they will have wisdom in dealing with their own situation as well as how to help the nationals.

Jeanette

The Countdown - 4 days

I have to type in a big hurry -- I'm waiting for some pictures to download on my laptop to the Walgreens.com website. Jacob has a family tree (due tomorrow, of course -- nothing like procrastination!) and I'm trying to get some pictures printed today. This is something on the computer that I actually know how to do and love the convenience of it. Now all I have to do is send it to the store and then go pick them up later today!!

I got my "clearance for graduation" today and picked up my cap and gown. They also gave me a laminated, credit card size copy of my diploma. The big day is almost here. One project and one final is all I have left!

This morning I was reading from 1 Thessalonians. I would like to tell you that it was meant to be a "quiet time" between me and my God but it started out as prep for my final on Wednesday. Paul started the letter with a greeting, which is pretty typical of his letters. Verse 2 of chapter one says that he was thankful for the believers and he was praying for them. He was thankful for their faithfulness to the gospel message. Verse 4 of chapter 1 is this: "...knowing, brethren, beloved by God, His choice of you." Whether you are a Calvinist or lean toward Arminianism, you cannot get away from the fact that God chose us. It was His will and act of grace that brought those of us who are believers and followers of Christ into His family and kingdom.

So, all I really wanted to say today is I am so glad I am chosen.

Gotta run pick Jacob up from school....

Jeanette

The Countdown - 5 days

We just came in from eating lunch out beside the pool. The weather is absolutely perfect. Although the water is freezing (by my standard) the boys got in the pool and threw the football around for a little while. Our church is having a picnic and outdoor worship later this afternoon. God is so good -- He gave us the most awesome day for it.

While I am rejoicing and being thankful some of my friends living overseas are experiencing harship. There was a natural disaster in the Pacific Rim in the area I visited in January. I am sure it is a very difficult situation for my friends who are living there. I did find out that they are all safe but are without electricity and have experienced some damage and loss. There was already a serious economic situation there and this will most certainly compound the problems. Will you please pray for those affected by this disaster.

Thanking you, in advance, for your prayers,

Jeanette

The Countdown - 7 days

I'm fasting. Not from food because I seriously need it during this time of stress. (ok, I'm giggling about that) I've given up something else instead. Here's a definition of fasting: "Fasting is an intentional self-denial for the purpose of gaining spiritual insight or becoming spiritually stronger." (DiscipleShape by Dan Crawford, 139) We generally think of fasting as going without food because that is what fasting was in Scripture. According to Crawford a fast can be abstinence from just about anything. It's the purpose and the focus of the fast that's important. Who among us could not use a little more spiritual strength? I'm the one with my hand up.

I have a specific purpose for my fast. It's a matter I'm talking to God about concerning another person. I'm intensely aware that I am not in control of outcomes and situations. I wanna be. I am also aware that my petition may seem trivial in the grand scheme of things. People are starving, Christians are being persecuted, lost souls are not hearing the Good News. Yet, I stand and ask because I want what I want. I bow my knees because I want to be in a position so He knows I am serious. I put my face to the floor in total humility so my posture reflects that I am completely without hope without Him.

I love the story of Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego. I just read it again recently for my OT class. When they refused to bow down and worship the golden image they were arrested. The consequence for not bowing was to be thrown into the fiery furnace. When asked why they did not bow down when they knew the consequence they said,

"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18, NASB)

They knew that God was able. They didn't doubt that. But even if He did not rescue them their faith would not be changed. Sometimes rescue is not in His plan.

At the end of today my fast will be over and I will know the outcome. Whether it turns out the way I want it to or not, it will not change what I know to be true about God. I hope I am stronger either way.

Serving the King,

Jeanette

The Countdown - 9 days

Here's our new family member, Dodge. We adopted him today from the Mansfield Animal Shelter. He's a Shepherd mix and is about 4 months old. He has already followed me around everywhere today -- he really won't let me out of his sight. We've played and have been all around the house and yard. Thankfully he is sleeping right now -- it's been a big day for a little pup -- so I can work on my NT semester project. Last night the five of us decided on his name and we went to the pet store to get all kinds of stuff so we could bring him home today. Johnny said I have to stop saying that Jot was the best dog ever on the face of the planet now that we have a new dog. I'm already pretty darn attracted to this new little thing...

Serving the King,

Jeanette

The Countdown - 10 days

The first time I stepped onto the campus of SWBTS as a student was January of 1987 -- forever ago. One of my professors that first semester was Dr. Marsh. He had wild white hair, like you would think of when you think of Einstein. Every time we met for class we started by singing "Victory in Jesus." It was my first time really away from home because even though I lived on campus during college my parents lived in the same town. I remember when I walked onto the campus I just knew I was supposed to be there. I only attended that one semester, however. Instead I got married, had three kids, moved and experienced life. I was able to take some classes online when we lived further away, but then we moved back. Lots of things had changed in the almost two decades I had been away. A new concentration was added since my last time there -- women's ministry -- and I made it mine. The students are young -- they seem younger than they did back then. My classmates wear jeans and flip-flops to class, for heavens sake! So I got some jeans and flip-flops and got busy finishing my degree. And today I attended my last class before finals. It was great. It was NT and my professor is passionate about the subject. He must've said a bazillon times this semester that he wanted to make sure we read the Bible well. I hope I will.

Serving the King,

Jeanette

The Countdown - 11 days

Today was my next to last day at seminary. I also completed 2 of my four classes today as we are not having a final nor are we meeting for class during final's week next week. We even got out a little early in both of those classes today. I walked over to the bookstore to get my "blue book" (you know, the little booklet with the blue cover that's just empty pages) for my NT final next week. From the bookstore to my OT class I walked beside the library. It was an almost perfect weather day in Texas. Walking under the big trees that shade the sidewalk it was almost cool. I have been feeling nothing but excited anticipation for weeks but today, I must admit, I was a bit sad. I think I will miss being there. I have loved sitting and listening to really smart men and women as they teach God's Word and practical aspects of ministry. I have been inspired by my classmates that are way younger than me but are passionate are about people, ministry, and the Lord. I will even miss the discipline of studying and preparing. (yikes, did I really just type that?)

I am looking forward to what's ahead. I don't really know what it is, exactly, and the not-knowing if frightening. However, I have such a sense of anticipation that's a good and comforting feeling. I am comforted because I know that God knows and even though I don't know, it's ok. In fact, it's probably better this way.

Serving the King,

Jeanette