Strange Journey

I didn't know that Andy I were going to meet and get married this year. I didn't know that I wasn't going to have to move into the very spartan single's housing on campus. I didn't know that I wouldn't be serving in a church the moment we got here. I didn't know that God would call me to serve my husband and learn what that means in the context of our relationship (not everyone else's) and not serve elsewhere for a time.  I didn't know that God would be sending Andy on this journey with me. I didn't know that we would get into discussions about our Faith that would push me further than I've ever been pushed.  I didn't know that I would also be pushed by my professors in unexpected ways. I had no idea what I was in for this time last year.
That's not to say that this journey has been unwelcome either! Even though we don't see eye to eye on several issues and we have had to agree to disagree more than once, this dialogue with Andy has pushed me to ask questions I've never asked before.  And they're good questions!
What does the Bible say about....
   > homosexuality? Is it genetics? Is it ok to be gay but not actively "participate" in the lifestyle?
   > polygamy?
   > following the Torah as New Testament Christians?
   > celebrating what used to be pagan holidays?
And the list goes on! The fun thing is remembering the first part of each question - what does the Bible say about this? I'm not going to say I've never been taught this concept, but it certainly is a renewed way of thinking.  Not - what does our culture say about it? Not - how was I raised to believe? Simply - what does the Bible have to say about it? And in my ignorance, I continue to consult those who know better than I in each matter.  They have shared their opinions and then pointed me right back to scripture.
How this plays out is like the conversation Andy and I had last night about polygamy. We were talking about it this weekend, I asked Dr. England about it on Tuesday, and last night  Andy asked me what his response was.  This sparked a 2 hour debate/conversation in which we were digging in the Word and looking for answers.  But the question evolved from polygamy, to 'what is sin?', to 'how now shall we live?;, to the ultimate question: what does it mean to love God? HOW COOL IS THAT!?! Believe me, there was a valid train of thought!
Suffice it to say, I'm on my own new journey of faith...Andy is on his own journey of faith...we're on a faith journey together and it's exciting! A little bumpy at times, but exciting still!

The Great Testing

That's what I get....challenge the devil and he will do what he can to thwart you. It doesn't mean you have to succumb, but I may have last week. For seemingly no reason I felt ill and nauseated and tired.  See, that's my weakness...malaise. When I'm being attacked, that's the first thing he hits me with. But I'm resolved to not let him get the better of me..or Andy.

Although I missed some classes last week it wasn't an altogether loss. It was my birthday last weekend! And my first one with someone to share it with! Andy did not disappoint, either. He continually proves to be this great guy who pays attention and listens to the little things. Andy got us couples sailing lessons because we had such a great time on our catamaran cruise in Maui. I took lessons when I was a kid and LOVED it! He also got us tickets to Jeff Dunham in January...my favorite comedian! And he got me a great digital camera.  I don't mention all of this to brag but to marvel at my husband. His gifts showed such careful thought...he never ceases to amaze me.
This past week has proven to be a test of some sort in our walk as a couple.  We have been chewing over some heavy spiritual issues and were anxiously seeking guidance and direction from the scriptures, from a trusted professor, and prayer. God did not disappoint! Today's sermon and Sunday school lesson (taken from Numbers and Romans respectively) both addressed the issues we were troubling over in a very tangible and freeing way.  It really was fun to continually elbow each other all morning and to share our debate with our classmates. It was fulfilling 'the iron sharpens iron' concept.
God is so good. All the time.