As I began to write this post, I waited for my breakfast burrito to get all toasty in the pan, I heard the roar of a coffee roaster and smelled the undeniably delightful aroma of coffee nearing perfection. Ahh joyful anticipation. That’s how I feel this morning. His mercies are new every morning, and I just can’t wait to discover them lately. That line doesn’t sound like it was written by the normally melancholy Amy that you know does it? Well, I am not who I was.

School:

I’m enjoying my classes. I’m absolutely loving them in fact. I sat in my Ancient Christianity to the Challenge of Islam Class and I was just so happy to be there. I’ve wanted to attend AGTS for so many years. And now, here I am. Wednesday’s class was great simply because, I enjoyed one of those rare occasions when my philosophy minor comes in handy. I love it when the text or professor refers to Plato, Socrates or Aristotle and I actually know what that means. The lecturer said that a certain church father was a Platonist. Someone raised their hand and asked what that meant… I wanted to get up right there and explain Plato’s Myth of the Cave. Why? Because I could. You might be surprised to hear that hasn’t come up in conversation very often during my years as a stay-at-home mom…

I’m even more excited about my Thursday class. It’s another history class: Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements. I spent half of my summer wondering about the different views of sanctification, the early Holiness movement, why this Pentecostal denomination went this way, and why another went that way… I had no idea I’d soon be sitting in a class room studying just that.

The classes are very interesting but they frustrate me. The professors have to rush past topic after topic. It isn’t enough. My list of things I want to research on my own keeps adding up. But I can’t spend the time reading about these things that I want to, because I have to study what will be tested or graded. Oh well, at least I’m not bored.

Kids:
Sarah started preschool this week. Her first day was Thursday. I had class so Hillery dropped her off. I’m trying to tell myself that that isn’t a big deal. But really, it kind of is. I didn’t get to take my baby to her first day of school. I’m so thankful that Hillery could do it though.

Sarah is growing up. She’s turning 5 tomorrow. One minute she’s crazy smart… the next minute she’s just plain crazy. I love her. She’s a beautiful conundrum. Five years later, I still have no idea what in the world to do with a little girl.

Jeremiah has had a hard time adjusting to first grade. He was sad that his best friends weren’t in his class. He was frustrated with the noise, and with the review. He had hoped that kindergarten math would be really hard on the first day. I think he’s cheering up a bit. He likes his teacher and he’s excited that they’re bringing homework home now. [Seriously, it makes his eyes sparkle... odd little boy.] His spelling words are too easy and he has much to say about that. Actually he asked me to email his teacher and ask her to send him more challenging spelling words… [I told you he's odd.]

Prayer:
I’ve not been posting about the Andrew Murray book. Sorry bout that. How many of you are still reading? What chapter are you on?

I’ve not been reading the book, but I have been praying. I’m so excited, because well… God keeps answering my prayers. Quickly and undeniably. It makes it hard to doubt. I’m the queen of doubt so that is saying a lot.

I’ve decided I need to step out of my comfort zone. If someone shares a concern with me, I need to do more than just promise to pray for them later. Well meaning Christians tend to do that.. then forget. So even if someone really does pray for you, you’re still not actually sure they did. So I am trying to actually pray with people more often. Whether that be on the phone or in person. I think there is really something to that. We should pray with each other not just for each other. Hmm… this may require a whole post of its own.

More later:
I’ve more to write but my breakfast is gone and there is work to be done. We’re going on a picnic with some of my favorite people later today. Rain or shine, I wouldn’t miss it.