CLASS DISCUSSION
One of my favorite classes is Intro to World Missions. It is my favorite not only because of the content :) but also because of Professor Young. He is an excellent teacher. He uses biblical passages, some of which do not seem to relate to the subject matter, to build up to his point. Due to a business trip in China, he has actually been in class only three times, and from those three class times I have learned more and have been challenged more than in any of my other classes. For example, last week, we were looking at how Paul related to the Corinthians in his first letter. One of the tasks or challenges of being a communicator of the gospel is learning how to be a beneficial presence to others which entices them to ask about the gospel. Prof. Young brought up the fact that a lot of times we identify ourselves the "right" way and actually end up driving people away from the gospels. Some examples are: identification as a Republican shuts down opportunities with Democrats, vocalizing anti-homosexual remarks turns away homosexuals. The finals thoughts of class: "We are making a lot of noise that causes people not to ask about Jesus. We are called to be redemptive, not right." I started wonder about that. The question I am struggling with is this: Where do we draw the line between promoting God's truth and being attractive for the cause of the gospel? (The example in my mind with regard to this question is same-sex marriage.) Don't get me wrong, I am not promoting sin, but what about truth? What are your thoughts? I hope I have explained this sufficiently.

BOOK CORNER
I highly recommend Walter C. Kaiser's Mission in the Old Testament: Israel as a Light to the Nations. We have been reading it in my missions class, and it has been a thoroughly enjoyable, quick read. It demostrates that Israel was God's chosen people not in the sense of the only ones to be saved, but rather they were chosen to take God's salvation to the nations. When they didn't , He intervened. This was a new concept for me, and I have learned much from it. The book says it much better than me so read it!

CONCLUSION
I was going to post a recipe, but I need to do some homework instead. Later!

Reading...
So, girls, you all know my love of reading books, especially Francine Rivers!
Well, when I came home from WORK today
(yes, I got a job, working at a daycare, read on) -
there was a present with a card waiting for me!
Yes, my husband bought me the new F.R. book!!!!!!!
It is the 4th book of her new series, 'Sons of Encouragement'.
This one is The Prophet, and is about Amos.

Something that is really neat about her books is that she has a
bible study that goes along with them.

I am excited to begin reading it and have already been entrigued by
reading the first few pages describing Amos' role as a Shephard.
*More later, as I get into the book*

Working at a Daycare!
Yes, I do have a job, as a Kelly and Beth.
It is in the owner's home -which is HUGE!
Right now things are kind of just getting started, only a few kids...
but more are signing up!
I do really like it, the hours fly by, and the owner is very nice.
I would love to be in a school working,
but haven't been offered a job there yet!

Kinship Group
On the issue of making friends... on Saturday I went to an outlet mall
with my mother-in-law & sister-in-law! I had a good time with them, but
I am also looking forward to meeting new friends, and only hoping they can
reflect a portion of the friendship I have with you girls.

At our church there are Kinship Groups -like bible studies-
and Mike and I have just joined one that will begin in the next week or two.
So this will be one way that we can not only meet other couples,
but meet friends that can encourage us in our marriage and walk with Jesus.
I know it might not be easy.
Hey, why don't we choose a neutral location and we can all move there!

Well, this is my update! Michele said she might add a recipe later, so I thought
I would add the recipe for the soup I made last night!

Warming Winter Lentil Soup:
(maybe don't use so much thyme, it was really strong)
(also, I cooked sausage and added it to the soup for more flavor, but that isn't necessary)

8 oz bacon, cut into pieces
2 onions chopped
8 carrots chopped
1 C chopped celery
1 red sweet pepper
4 medium garlic cloves, minced
6 C chix broth
2 C lentils
1 1/2 C water
3 bay leaves
2 t cumin
2 t thyme
freshly ground pepper

Cook bacon crisp, remove bacon and save drippings in pan.
Cook onion until tender, not brown, in drippings. Add other veggies and garlic.
Cook for 5-7 minutes or until veggies are tender.
Add remaining ingredients. Boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 30-45 minutes till soup is desired consistency.
Remove bay leaves and add bacon (and sausage if desired).

FRIENDSHIP

Well, as i have been again thrust into the world of friend making, i have realized how rare and wonderful our friendship is. In my memory it seems that we became fast, close friends fairly quickly. It is amazing how God bound all of our hearts together through Christ and in love. I appreciate all of you so much! The last part of Proverbs 18:24 is appropriate: "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

OK! Everybody sing: "Thank you for being a frieeeeeeend. Travel down the road and back again. Your heart is true. You're a pal and a coooonfiiidante. Thank you for being a frieeeeeeend." Maybe we should be the Golden Girls instead.........hmmmmmmmmmmm.