january update

Thought it best to give an update on all things Steve to my readers (of course, there aren’t that many of you, but you are appreciated!)

God blessed me immensely this week, after a minor “holy-crap-I-feel-like-Job-why-do-you-hate-me-God-I-want-my-momma” breakdown over the weekend. The progression of events:

Saturday – My backpack gets stolen (including my laptop, digital camera, Bible, shoes, notes, textbooks, library books, and my Braveheart DVD!)
Sunday – Attend a “dropping out” party for my friend Caleb, 19, with cancer
Monday – Freak out due to wedding concerns, loss of all my stuff on my laptop, the thought of having to throw my savings out the window to replace everything in that backpack

But God blesses his children, abit in ways we don’t expect. Tuesday morning my backpack was found out behind the BCM; my digital camera and 3 year-old shoes had been stolen, and my stuff gone through – but they didn’t take the laptop. Amazing. Stupid if you’re an aspiring criminal, but a miracle. Tuesday night an awesome speaker at our weekly BCM worship gathering spoke on grace, and I was brought to tears and smiles all at the same time. So often, especially if you’ve lost your innocence at the ways churches work like I have, we forget that church is but a pale reflection of Christ and what He has done. That’s worth remembering. Wednesday night a youth at my church prayed to receive that same grace, and God is allowing my thesis stuff to fall into place smoothly. Krissi’s had a hard week, but God has allowed me to be an encouragement to her just because I’m so happy this week. I’ve been able to pray with godly men over the past few days, and am excited about living for Christ.

A quick update on the 2008 Goals for Steve project:

1. 5k – I ran my first mile a few weeks ago. I’m getting new shoes tonight (see above), and hopefully in the next few weeks I’ll be adding laps; I want to run a 1.5 mile by the end of February consistently.
2. Bible – Currently a little behind, I’m on Exodus 25. Hope to be through with the Pentateuch by Spring Break.
3. Thesis – 4 pages in, but a good structure and direction. I’m trying to knock off a whole chapter this weekend. Also, I have a date for my defense: April 9, 2008 at 2:30 PM.
4. Marriage/Honeymoon – I love Krissi (did I mention she’s beautiful?); I’m almost halfway there as far as saving for the honeymoon. Plans are coming together.
5. Photography – Well, my camera was stolen, so part of me wants to use that as justification to buy a camera. But I’m still in the research phase, asking around, looking stuff up, etc.
6. Ocoee – This has to wait until summer before it tightens up.
7. Bench Press – I’m still at 105. I need to figure out a way to be more productive; maybe pushups on my off days.
8. Memorize – A few tries, but this one hasn’t gotten off the ground yet.
9. Mission Trip – Man, we both really want to go. Talking with that international student yesterday made it hurt.
10. Journal – This one has fallen by the wayside – I need to pick it back up.

Well, that’s my life. Pray that God continues to teach me things, and that I will keep my ears open.