When The Blessings Continue To Be Poured Out...

…We shall continue to praise Him.

Wow! What a crazy few days it has been! After arriving on campus on Saturday, going to church on Sunday, and then reuniting with all the FISPers Sunday night, I’ve had lots of laughs and little sleep. First of all, the blessings I’m receiving are continuing to be poured out, and I’m so grateful. It was wonderful seeing all of my Ireland friends again, and we’ve been able to remember quite a bit about the good old days, when life was perfect and homework was really non-existent.

Honestly, the first two days here were…downers. It wasn’t the same as Ireland, it was really cold, and we had more homework over the last few days than all of our finals combined for Ireland. So, there was (and is continuing to be) a culture shock.
But God is good, and His blessings are endless. The wing that Megan, Leah, and I are on is FANTASTIC (“EIEI 1EO, We came here to let you know, We’re rough, we’re tough, we’re beasts, and you’re gonna be our dinner feasts! 1EO!”) The girls have been super welcoming and encouraging, and almost half of them have been to Ireland through Taylor, so they know where we are and where we’re coming from. Whether it’s the prayer time every night before dinner or the movie watching in our PA’s room, these are women of God and they are such a blessing. Our chapel services have been incredible so far as well and I can’t imagine skipping one for any reason. They’re very real and very insightful.

Second, our Bible Literature class is really, really great. It’s hard, but worth it. Our professor makes the Old Testament come to life and he is challenging us with thoughts, questions, and evidence that will make us think.

Third: Confirmation, confirmation, confirmation has been the theme of this week. This is where I have been especially grateful, as I feel that I have sort of been walking blindly, on faith, about where I’m going. A) Without a doubt, I know I am supposed to be here, now. That has been brought up time and again. B) I am supposed to serve in this community. There are so many options, but I’m looking into a Special Ed program or a homeless shelter/kitchen to be really tied into the community. God has opened door after door for me, and I will no longer wait for Him to push me through. C) I will travel again. Between J-term trips, short missions trips, spring break missions, and the biology pre-med trip to Ecuador, I will go abroad more. The only problem is choosing just one at a time. Taylor has so many options for outreach, and it is unbelievable how missions orientated they are. D) I need to be involved with TWO (Taylor World Outreach) somehow, someway. Again, confirmation has been a big thing this week.

However, our wing chapter is Psalm 40…“I waited patiently upon the Lord”. Megan and I read a devotion about “waiting on the Lord”. I’ve seen it in class and while reading “My Utmost For His Highest”. That’s been another central theme this week-waiting for God. I am also grateful to be at Taylor, because the whole idea is the integration of faith and learning. I feel like it would be so easy to run out and do all those good things at once, but maybe some things God is asking me to wait on. I’m excited to be here, because I want to know how to balance passion and patience.

Well, I have an Old Testament to finish by the 20th, so I have some more reading to do. However, I will keep you all updated about my whereabouts and howabouts!

Enjoy this weather, enjoy this season, enjoy Jesus!
-Rinny