I recently joined a martial arts school here in the city. It has been my dream for a while to learn karate, and someone in my life this summer encouraged me to start taking lessons, and I have been in the program for over a month now. It seems I injure myself quite often, but that seems to be a part of the sport and it actually makes me want to try harder and get it right. It has been therapeutic to be more in touch with my body and start to consider how complex God has made me.

Its Been A While...

I recently received an e-mail from a relative, and she mentioned something about my blog being inactive. I realized I had forgotten, and of course upon realizing that I see that it has been quite a while since I have been on here! What has been going on my my life the last few years is hard to explain quickly. God has been doing a tremendous work of drawing me closer to Himself, and I am so thankful for His process of redemption in which He always allows a way for anyone to be in a deeper relationship with Him. For me, He has been bringing many people into my life who have challenged my walk with the Lord, and God has used them to bring me to a clearer understanding of who He is. This may sound all vague, but hopefully as I get back into the swing of things on here, I can explain further.

The Joys of Christmas

I must say I am very blessed to live the life that I do. Being a student at Moody Bible Institute is quite a privilege as I see it. I was able to spend Christmas with my entire family this year, and it was so enjoyable. Most of all, however, I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ because He sent His Son to earth, as this season symbolizes. It is good to celebrate Christmas, even if we do find ourselves wrapped up in gift-buying and baking for the holiday because for me, I never find it possible to not somehow be reminded of the true meaning when I see a manger scene or hear a carol sung that portrays the Biblical setting. There are so many joys of Christmas - parties, giving and receiving presents, spending quality time with family members - but what can be the most meaningful is the time I sit back and reflect on all that the Lord has done in my life throughout the year. He always proves Himself faithful, even when the circumstances seem to be unbearable at the time. This year has been probably the most difficult one I have ever experienced, but I have come to know the Lord better than I ever have, and for that I do not resent anything through which I have struggled. The greatest joy of Christmas to me is knowing my Savior, Jesus Christ as not just my very faithful Father, but also my closest Friend.



This was at the Voices of Praise gospel choir Christmas party. It's a joy to sing with them!



It's been a joy to have great sisters on my floor this semester. This was at our Christmas party.

I find such joy in watching my niece, Sophia, grow up. Here she received her first doll, and as soon as she looked at it, she started giving it kisses! Here she sits in her new rocking chair..

And I find joy in being reminded that Jesus came to earth as a baby, and how both His Father and earthly parents must have found enjoyment in his life as I do in Sophia's. The joys of Christmas!

Thanksgiving Thoughts of Gratitude

I truly have more to be thankful for this season that I probably have not realized in past seasons. What am I most thankful for?

• My Savior, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for my sins
• The life given me by God
• That He will work out everything for His good pleasure and my good
• The parents He gave me. Mom and Dad, you are incredible.
• All my siblings - Matthew, David, Nathaniel, Noelle, Andrew, Suzanne, Sophia
• My friend Kimberly
• Other friends -Keilah, Clare, Elaine, Melanie
• All the people the Lord has sovereignly placed in my life
• Moody Bible Institute - I love it here!
• That all the apparently bad things in my life are used by my Father to grow me
• In a gist, I just have it good!
  

In Memory of Grandma Folkers

My wonderful Grandma Folkers died in September, and although the news was hard to receive, I am very blessed to know that she is in the presence of the Lord because she knew Him. I remember my grandma the most for her thoughtfulness. She never missed one of my birthdays or special milestones in my life, sending cards and gifts at every opportunity. I hope that I can be like my grandma someday because she was so thoughtful. This picture was taken in May, a few months before she entered the Lord's presence.

I am so thankful that I am at Moody Bible Institute!!

Bianca

Holly

Brianna, who cheered for the runners with me!

Cousin-sitting close to Indianapolis

My cousins and I all smiling (one of the few times....haha...) for our company. Taking care of four kids is rather challenging at times, but it has been loads of fun in many ways also. I've learned how to play the Wii and I've worked on my dancing abilities with Dance Dance Revolution. My cousins are very knowledgeable on video games and superheroes, so my time here has been a learning experience. : )





My aunt Karen, who lives closeby, brought Jonah and I a cake since our birthdays are coming up. It was delicious!