I’m chilling to some vintage Rich Mullins tonight as I clean up from having Common Ground friends over for a bbq and meeting. I took all of my Rich Mullins’s cds and loaded them into my cd player. Hit “shuffle” and savor the classic stories that Rich forever tells through music. Many of the songs bring back memories – places; people; smells. Lots of college memories when I was really into Rich Mullins. I can remember cranking Rich up in Leslie Hall at SBU.

I had lunch with a friend today (hey A!) that was just introduced to my site due to sharing pictures of Blake. She said she was surprised that I had a website. I told her it began in late July as sort of a spiritual growth exercise. I’m trying to stretch myself to become more comfortable with being transparent. This is a very uncomfortable area for me which is good. To know that several folks are reading my thoughts and opinions (even though they are not earth-shattering secrets or intellectual phenomenons) causes me some anxiety. So – good – it obviously is working.

Changing gears: Hebrews. I marveled today at the beauty and power of Hebrews 8 as God describes the beauty and flawlessness of the new covenant. Read these touching words from verses 10 – 12: “This new plan I’m making with Israel isn’t going to be written on paper, isn’t going to be chiseled in stone; This time I’m writing out the plan in them, carving it on the lining of their hearts. I’ll be their God, they’ll be my people. They won’t go to school to learn about me, or buy a book called “God in Five Easy Lessons”. They’ll all get to know me firsthand, the little and the big, the small and the great. They’l get to know me by being kindly forgiven, with the slate of their sins forever wiped clean.” (the Message) How much we are loved! That God would even give another covenant try with us; that God would even desire to call us his people once again. How hopeful it is to know that all hearts are made to desire God. It is built into us by our loving Creator. And how overwhelming it is to know that God wipes the slate of our sins clean forever! As Audio Adrenaline sings, our sins are forgotten, they are no longer, they’re on the ocean floor. What peaceful, comforting warmth envelopes me as I head to bed. I hope this same warmth envelopes you as you reflect on God’s great promise.

Peace – Melissa

Blake Update: He and mommy went home today. All are doing well and adjusting to the beautiful changes in their family. Thanks for all the nice notes and comments.

Some of our young singles group, Common Ground, helped with move-in day at Lincoln University here in Jefferson City. It is a step forward in realizing one of our goals of reaching out to the college students in the community. It was a fun day and we enjoyed helping out – mostly at the girl’s dorm because the girls brought the most stuff. It was amazing. I forgot all about that process and how crazy move-in day is for families and students.

Life Goals: I am a list and big-picture person. It helps me to continually set goals and evaluate them throughout the year. It gives me direction and reminds me of what I have deemed important in life. In January, I ran across a site where a guy had listed 25 personal goals for the new year. I liked several of them and printed it off. Let me share a few that I adopted for myself plus some of my own. Some I’m doing well with – others have been subtly ignored. Maybe some of them will inspire you.

Goals:
1. Read two books a month.
2. Save $1000.
3. Memorize more scripture.
4. Involve myself in the life of others.
5. Give myself and possessions away.
6. Watch less than two hours of TV a week! (not counting morning news)
7. Be more reflective and prayerful in my spending.
8. Enjoy the small things more.
9. Write two songs.
10. Develop a healthier lifestyle.
11. Commit to memory and skill “Prelude in C# Minor” by Rachmoninoff.

Peace – Melissa