Soli Deo Gloria!

Wes (we) have finished his (our) first semester at RTS!

I am trying to articulate my overall thoughts on the past 4 months.

Thankful really comes to mind.

Humbled.

Rejoicing!

We have had a really great first four months in seminary, in Charlotte and at Uptown Church.

The Lord (in His grace) has provided all that we need, including physical, medical needs as well as a wonderful community of believers.

And our extended community of friends and family would send us things, randomly. In really nice ways and in really nice timing. Stamps right around christmas. Food right when we were running out. Prayers when our dryer was running out. A dryer when our dryer ran out. Numerous encouraging visits. Many calls. Many, many prayers.

I have been humbled as Wes (and in return, I) learn more about the Lord, His Son Jesus and the Word. Wes' paper in one of his classes was was titled "Soli Deo Gloria" and me, being his wife and a little particular when it comes to writing, had the pleasure of editing his 14 page paper.

Soli Deo Gloria = God's glory alone.

It is His glory that has humbled me in the greatest and most significant way yet in my life. To learn more about His glory is to breathe!!

"All things are of Him through Him and to Him.

To Him be the glory forever and ever!"

Romans 11:36

The first question children (and adults) learn in Catechism:

What is the chief end of man?

and the answer:

To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Soli Deo Gloria. I think of these significant words so much. And recently as I was asked what my New Year's resolution might be for 2010 - immediately the words "Soli Deo Gloria" not only came to mind. But became the lens for which I view my life. When our dryer broke a few weeks ago, Wes was diligently working on this paper - Soli Deo Gloria - and both of our perspectives were changed radically about the inconvenience of our broken dryer.

"So whether you eat or drink,

or whatever you do.

Do it all to the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31

And finally I am rejoicing!! Wes (we) have completed our first semester in seminary!!! We have learned SO MUCH about the Lord. And the more I learn, the more I WANT to learn. And the more I become strikingly aware of how much I don't know. I am rejoicing in this wonderful work of the Lord. He has begun a great work in us through this seminary journey. I am so thankful, so humbled and in a huge, loud voice, rejoicing!

Soli Deo Gloria!