Finishing up

My class. I wanted to post a quick note since I've gotten some questions about the end of my class "Old Testament Foundations." In short - it was great. I learned so much. It was basically a survey of the entire Old Testament, learning God's story as told through the different sections of OT scripture - the Pentateuch, the historical books, the poetical books, the prophets, the wisdom books. There is so much to learn that sometimes my head would spin at all there was to learn. And then I would remember - "this is the big picture -- pull it back a bit!"
I wrote 3 papers: one on the foretelling of Jesus through ancient Israel's worship, one about the main theological themes of the Old Testament and one was a 3-parter: a) themes of the prophets, b) extrabiblical ancient literature and c) how my understanding of Jesus is was changed by what I've learned in the OT.

I honestly have no opinion as to whether this was a "good" or "bad" class. I have nothing with which to compare. For me, it was a great learning experience for a highly motivated learner. I knew I just desired the material -- almost like water on a hot day...something I was lacking and desperately desiring. I saw again how much I love to write and how much my writing is connected to my learning. One of my papers actually made me cry.

There were days that I got tired of using all my early mornings and naptimes to get my work done. And the week my papers were due were a little much. But all in all, it was great.

Next semester I'm doing "New Testament Foundations." When I saw that I said "oh yeah - that makes sense." First the Old, then the New...a year of laying foundations.

LUKE is 3!

Today is Luke's 3rd birthday! My sweet little guy was so excited about today that last night he was singing himself "Happy Birthday" in bed and having a birthday party with his stuffed animals! He's been wearing his birthday crown almost every day since his preschool class celebrated his birthday on Dec 3rd. I think this is the first year he understands and anticipates the excitement of a birthday. We're heading to First Watch with the whole family for lunch - at his request. His favorite meal is pancakes and eggs.

Luke is some special kid. He just melts my heart with his sweetness. I see purity all over him. People typically comment on his "bright eyes" or his "sweetest little voice." He leaves joy in his wake. I always tell Luke that I have a "Luke-y spot" in my heart that only he can fill. He likes that! And this kid is a resilient little boy...not much ruffles his feathers, makes him cry or upsets him. He "rolls with it."

A friend told me before Luke was born that he would fill in holes in our family that we didn't even know were there. And he has. He cannot be compared to anyone else - Luke is Luke. And we love him so much.