Fairer Still, Today

I haven't blogged in a long time.  The thing is, I have actually had an abundance of time on my hands, and as a result I have made a conscience choice to slow the pace of my life and spend less time on my computer. After 2 very full, very stressful years of graduate school  preceded by 4 years of endurance-testing, faith-building,  undergraduate coursework, this break is much needed.   Despite the fact that I have intentionally slowed the pace of my life, I still have many details and insights to share with you.   I feel like I am finally getting to the place where I am doing more than just surviving because this time off has allowed me to stand before the Lord and let Him renew my life.  It feels so good to sleep long hours, read novels, talk on the phone, knit, cook, watch movies, connect with friends, spend time with my family and mentally piece through graduate school + student teaching.  

There are a few big items that I am saving for another blog:
*I am running a half marathon at the end of the summer.   In many ways, the last 2 months of training mirror the spiritual journey I am on with the Lord & I am excited to share more with you about that soon. 
*I got a job!  About a month ago, I signed my first ever teaching contract & I am looking forward to a stable salary, benefits and the richness that comes from teaching kids who have fragile lives due to poverty and disabilities. 
*Only a few short days after signing my contract with St.Paul, I started looking for a new apartment.  I'm thrilled to be moving at the end of July!
*I have spent a lot of time praying about the relationships in my life and God's desire for my relationships.  I look forward to sharing with you some of the things that the Lord has graciously shown me about myself, others and His intention for building us for relationships. 

As you await blog updates containing the big items listed about,  I am leaving you with the song that has been encouraging me as of late: 

Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature
O Thou of God and man the Son
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor
Thou, my soul's glory, joy and crown

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands
Robed in the blooming garb of spring
Jesus is Fairer, Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight
And all the Twinkling starry host
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast

Beautiful Savior, Lord of all nations
Son of God and Son of Man
Glory and honor, praise, adoration
Now and forever more be Thine

Chorus:
You are fairer still, today
You are fairer still, today
Precious Jesus, Lord, You are adored
As we worship, as we worship