dedicated to Mari. and to God.

it's funny because even a few weeks ago, i'm not sure what i would have shared concerning my walk of faith. or concerning what God's doing in my life...but there's a whole bunch of stuff going on right now that's so cool! so exciting! so my focus right now in devotions is trying to pinpoint what changes are going on, and my focus in small group discussions at school is also on putting all of this into words... (but it's been that way for a while...as devotions aren't regular like they should be...) and blogging works too, for pinpointing.
what i will say though is that back in august, looking at this year, i was planning to just get through it, and to look forward to taking my favourite classes next year. so wrong! because of a smaller course/work load, i've had time for a leading a small group bible study, and each time i prep with my friend mari, i notice more and more that i'm growing...a little in confidence, in knowledge, and i guess in being open to letting God do some stuff in me. ...and i really noticed today during prep that i really am officially being invested in/mentored/trained as a leader: and this seems so deliberate! it's like everyone around me, including God, made these arrangements for me to be where i am right now, and i'm pulling a truman where i realize they're all watching...haha...and yet it doesn't end here. and where once i would have been a little weirded out because of all this attention, now i just rejoice---the communion of saints is beautiful. my next life lesson will be learning how to show appreciation, thanks, and just plain joy.
anyways, all that to say, it's really great to have someone as a mentor and also as a friend, to share in Christ, and also to learn about leadership and investing in people, and about a whole different level of christianity that's pretty flippin amazing. i just go to school for my small group times. nothing else. :)
i love you, Mari. thanks for your time and attention and care and joy and excitement and tea and lunch and advice and hugs and friendship and wisdom and...love!