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!

Priceless Moments in Pennsylvania

Melissa, Kimber's mom

Hair Scrunchage!

That tea was good!

I was given the opportunity to visit my friend Kimberly Yau in Pennsylvania for over a week. It was an incredible time. Here are a few pictures of the memories we had...

Life is short, but God is good.

Just a day before I was going to see her, Grandma Betty, my adopted grandmother, died this past Friday. I had found out that day that she was in a healthcare center and had only a week to live due to rapid-growing cancer in her kidneys and lungs. My aunt's death in May also came unexpectedly, reminding me how short this life is. What a blessing to know that they were both believers and now "in the presence of the Lord." Even though I cannot be assured that I or those close to me will live physically on earth tomorrow or the next day, it is comforting to know that my Savior, Jesus Christ never changes. People change, people die, but God is always there for me and He never changes. He is just as good today as He was when He first created the world, and He will always be that way. It saddens me that many times when people find circumstances difficult, they turn away from God. Instead of resting beneath His sheltering wings, people choose to see God as the problem and reject Him. All I can do is pray for these people because their hearts become hardened. I am thankful that although life is short, God is and will always be good. Are you downhearted today? Embrace Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all Mercies and the God of all Comfort.

Missing Europe

As soon as I thought about leaving after being in Europe for almost two weeks, a great sadness came over me. I did not want to leave. There was just something intriguing to me about speaking in another language, even if I could not have a full-fledged conversation. I simply had a hard time accepting the fact that I would soon be in the United States again. Was this because God really has placed a burden in my heart for the Spaniards and French so strongly that I did not want to leave them, or was it just that I was having a great time sightseeing?
Now that I am home I have been getting over it. With much prayer and thought, I know that right now I just need to focus on what the Lord has placed before me, first this summer's activities, and then college this Fall. It saddened me greatly to leave, but I am thankful for the opportunity to be there, and I am enthused to know that God can use me wherever I am placed - and for right now, that is America.

Exploring France

I really was there!
Sacre-Coeur
Urielle at Notre Dame

Espana Encounter

I visited Spain before France on tour with the Moody Church Choir. What a beautiful but needy country!