God's greeting to you all on this day the Lord has made. I had a pretty good weekend. I got really stressed out because of all the homework I have due this upcoming finals week, but I survived. Friday I felt like I ran all day long. I had classes, work, and homework. Friday night I wrote one paper right after work. Then I ate supper with my friends and hung out with them in the new lounge playing a few games of pool. Then I decided to write one more paper, which I got done about two thirty. I went to bed, but the problem was I had been drinking coffee all day and even into late evening Friday. So I literally laid in bed from two thirty until six Saturday morning wide awake from all the caffeine. I finally fell asleep just after six, but at eight I got called into to salt sidewalks because of the snow dusting we had gotten.
Saturday, for only running on two hours of sleep, I still had an extremely busy day. I had to work brunch right after I got done salting sidewalks. Then I did get about an hour nap which helped a lot. I played a few games of pick up basketball with the guys, because they woke me up looking for a sixth guy. Then Saturday evening I got some of my reading journals caught up.
This morning, I went to church with Tim and James. I lead liturgy and did much better the second time. I was told I was loud, clear, and way more relaxed. I did feel a lot more comfortable this time, which was a good feeling. Then I sat in on the adult Bible study class, which was actually a really good one on Job. Then for lunch, the cafe we ate at had their Valentine's Day specials already. The Special I chose was a twelve ounce ribeye with shrimp and a baked potato. The ribeye was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of fat. I have not had a good steak in quite a while so it really hit the spot. Then we even got chocolate covered strawberries for dessert.
This afternoon I ushered for the Bach at the Seminary concert. It was cool because I got to hear the concert, but was being paid to be there. Then I had to help tear down the stage right after. Friday's work was to put up the stage. The reason I had to be at both set up and tear down is because the guy who is in charge of it right now is leaving in May and my boss informed me that he is passing down the responsibility to me when he leaves. So next year and fourth year any time the stage needs set up and taken down I will be in charge of the project. After work I grabbed dinner with the guys, I am now typing this up quick, and then hopefully writing another two papers. I am down to four papers, reading journals, and two tests this week. So if I can get the two shorter papers done tonight, I will be down to one seven page paper, one eight page paper, and the two tests. The reading journals will not take me long to finish. I am definitely going to be ready for a two week break after this week though.
If you are wondering about the title of this post, I will explain. The first Monday we are back for spring quarter classes, I am going bald. The seminary is holding a fundraiser for Children's Cancer Research. They are asking several of the guys, faculty, and staff to get their heads shaved in support for these kids. My understanding is there will be kids currently going through cancer treatment present. I really hope there are, because if there are I am going to let one of the kids shave my head. I will proudly be bald hoping it brings a smile to their face. My only rule is I am keeping the beard, which is getting rather long. I am actually really excited for this and hope we can raise a lot of money for them.
My thought for the day comes from Bible study this morning. It also ties in with the going bald part. God was not punishing Job for his sins. Just as God does not punish us for our sins. Bad things do still happen to us, and sin is to blame. However, it is not God to blame. God is not a big bully sitting on an ant hill with a magnifying glass waiting to burn us. He loves us and cares for us. How do we know this? God the Father is the one who sent Jesus commanding Him to die for our sake. Jesus willingly obeyed, but it was the Father's plan. We know He loves us because He Redeemed us at the price of His only Son's death. Jesus was the only needed propitiation that ended God's wrath once and for all. So bad things do still happen, but it is not because God is intentionally doing them to us to punish us. And since suffering is not a punishment, God wants us to turn to him in prayer when we are going through the bad things of life. Job was scared to pray to God because He knew before the Almighty, most powerful God he was nothing but a mere mortal lowly man. He knew he needed someone to be the mediator between himself and God. He knew he needed a Savior who could stand between him and God, and remember this was before Jesus walked the earth as a human. We already have that Savior who stands between us and God. But also remember is was our Father who sent that mediator for our behalf. So when bad things happen like kids getting cancer, it is sad and hard to understand. However, we know that we live in a sinful world where bad things do happen because of sin. But we also know that no matter what sufferings and pains we are going through, even those kids, we can turn to our Heavenly Triune God who wants us to turn to Him in prayer, and He does hear our prayer. So when bad things happen, pray first and often. Then once you know God knows what you are going through, you know He has heard your prayers, and you know He is with you because He loves you, you are hopefully ready to face those trials and tough times with your faith leading you the whole way. All Praise be to Him who does not leave us to fend for ourselves, but sustains us, sent His Son to be our Savior and Mediator, and sends His Spirit to strengthen our faith and guide us through life.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We know that tough times are a part of this sinful world. However, we also know that we do not blame You, but turn to You for help and strength. We ask that Your Word would teach us, Your Spirit preserve our faith, and Your promises remind us that You do indeed care about us and love us. We thank you for being such an amazing God who has the power to turn mountains upside down with out their knowing, and yet who has wisdom to know exactly what we need. In the name of Your Son, our Savior, who is our Mediator and the one who has taught us to pray through His words, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
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