Old Friends!

Yesterday, it was a year since my dog, school books, computer, car, identity, etc. were stolen. Crazy how quickly time flies!! Among the many things I have really missed were my CDs and several months back, it occurred to me that I burned CDs of my favorite Christian (and some secular) songs for my mom as an encouragement. She’s hardly into “that kind of music”, so she put them away in a box for about 3 years… She is also in a new house and in cleaning out “stuff”, she discovered them! What a thrill to have my music back! =) And as I think about the things that have happened since that time, it’s funny because there have been many things that have come back or been provided for me and largely without me trying. Many people from church & work kindly gave me some money, which was very useful as I was getting back on my feet… Over the course of the year, Will bought me a new stereo and a new computer! My Franklin Covey day timer and 7 Habit Training material were replaced for free! Even the Biola Bookstore showed me some grace when they gave me an additional discount on my books & their assurance if anything were to come back to them matching the serial numbers of the items stolen, they promised to notify me. God has really blessed me and brought me “Full Circle”. WOW!

Another blessing occurred last Friday as I was out getting something for lunch. I ran into a couple who led a Grief Group I attended for 4 years and a Bible study I participated in for about 2. The last thing they heard about me was that everything was stolen and I was engaged. What a year to update them on! I gave them a picture of my hubby & me and told them all the news…. It occurred to me again how much we’ve accomplished this last year! And, then Will and I were out last night and he said, “Do you realize in a couple of days, we’ll have been married for 5 months?!” WOW!!

School was very exciting on Tuesday! My teacher is a DTS alum, current pastor and former faculty member of Talbot (10 years ago). He was kind enough to structure the class with a moderate level of work for a graduate course – even telling us that “if you’re a full-time student, you’re already juggling quite a bit. If you’re not, it’s because you have other responsibilities. I structured the class to give you resources & help you.” Very cool! And even in walking the halls, I ran into some old friends and meet some new people. They guy sitting next to me in class was unfortunately recovering from an allergic reaction to poison oak. He graciously refused to shake my hand. =) And as an aside, one of my goals this semester: I’m determined to have a better attitude toward Talbot!

More later….