deeply rooted in righteousness

Matt is feeling much better (thank you!), my fantastic sister is safely back in freezing Chicago, and Dad, Lily and I spent part of the day painting (let's just say I wasn't the only one covered in paint for a change). Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the year in English class: "March of the Penguins" day. We have discussed the continents, had a large exam today, and will watch 20 minutes of Antarctica tomorrow...always such a blast for me and the guys! Will let you know how it goes!

FanFan (pronounced FonFon), a past student of Matt's and a good friend, has been filling in for him while he's gone, not just at the Seminary but also in town for Matt's Monday classes.

FanFan's been having a blast and it's always a joy to replace yourself and have everything continue to go well. We are blessed, blessed, blessed to be surrounded by some good, capable, strong and godly Haitian leaders.

Tomorrow is week two of our women's Bible study, working through Psalm 120. I am looking forward to this! We also have a work team from Illinois coming tomorrow to work on the Seminary. The date for the new site dedication has been set for January 11th, and there is still a large amount to do!

While life continues to almost blur by, each day filled by stresses and sweet moments, quite times, laughter, progress, pain and learning, it continues to be His Word that keeps me grounded. Schedules change, people come and go, all the things I try to find stability in continue to shift and change...it truly IS HIM and Him alone that is my comfort, my safe-place, my firm foundation.

Hebrews 11 this morning reminded me of this again (as if life itself isn't enough of a reminder!).

The chapter runs through the faith testimonies of so many godly people. Abraham, willing to give up his long-awaited and only son. Moses, "choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than enjoy the passing pleasures of sin", obeyed time and time again in terrifying situations. Rahab, Gideon, Samson, David, Samuel...all who did mighty things by faith in the Lord.

Then, those who had no testimonies of parting seas, conquering kingdoms, escaping death. "Others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain what is better; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; They went about in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill treated, wandering homeless."

All, men and women who lived with their confidence firmly planted in the Lord. "The righteous," Isaiah 57:2 says, "The righteous man enters into peace; they rest well in their beds, each one who walks in an upright way."

To be righteous, as He is, in grand victorious battles or chains and imprisonment...