Refining fire

I sound like a broken record I'm sure, but life just flies by! Each week goes by so quickly, but it seems like there are thousands of classes, events, and conversations packed into the span of 7 days. Each week is also filled with its unique challenges, triumphs, and adventures. Each week I am reminded how completely inadequate I am on my own, but how Christ is more than enough for all of those inadequacies! He continues to refine me, which can be painful, but extremely necessary. How is that the older you get, the more conscious you are of your sin?

I was reminded of his refining fire last night at a bonfire with my friends from the Chinese fellowship. We drove out east to Lake Monroe just as the sun was about to set. I was surprised to see everyone decked out in super hip hiking/bonfiring/outdoorsy/adventuring clothes. In typical Chinese fashion, though, we didn't really know where you could actually have a bonfire, because nobody had really checked into it. So we finally found a spot on the shore of the lake. And in un-Chinese fashion, people had come fully prepared with firewood, smore-making material, hotdogs, and plenty of extremely expensive cameras to document the whole experience.

Overall, it was such a wonderful evening with fun friends, and I remembered to revel in the Father's creativity, especially as the dusk faded to darkness. One of my friends there who isn't a believer, even exclaimed to me, "God is a marvelous artist!" I agree! I was surrounded by warm laughter, countless bright stars sprinkled across the sky, and the knowledge that God has our lives in His hands.

Have a beautiful October, and don't forget to marvel in His handiwork--people and nature!

P.S. I'm taking a big State Department exam Monday morning and afternoon. Please remember me in your thoughts!

Dear Helen. She had never seen leaves turn different colors before.

At Lake Monroe with some of my friends!

Several Ph.D. students trying to light the fire.

Success!