new things, same things...

my computer finally frustrated me enough, so i decided i would finally purchase a new one. i have left my PC days and am now a proud owner of a Mac. i think Apple will one day take over my life. i have a desktop Mac, an iPhone, and when the iPad finally comes out with an upgraded version 2.0, i will probably purchase that as well. or i will buy a netbook and think that it's not as cool as my Apple products.

life has been chugging along lately, although there is nothing particularly interesting or noteworthy to report. coordinating the food team for Alpha at church has taken up most of my life and i vow to never, ever do it again (although i will probably get suckered into it again). it's a blessing, though, to finally be able to use my gifts of hospitality for something that is a worthwhile investment in people's lives. it feels like such an honor to be providing the food in which people partake while relationships grow deeper with each other and with God.

i am thankful for the group of friends that i have found since my own semester participating in Alpha. community really is such an important part of walking with God, and i'm happy to have found like-minded individuals to walk with. i have enjoyed the theological diversity that i had when i was in graduate school, but nothing compares to the kind of community in which most participants agree on the basic essentials. i'm very excited as well that Samuel has become a part of this community since returning from korea.

at work, a colleague is moving on to bigger and better things in life, which gives me the opportunity to have my very own office. i am looking forward to some sunlight (even though it's blocked partially by an office building), and some semblance of privacy when at work. i'm still discerning career paths and God's calling, but i feel confident about being at this job for perhaps a little longer. i'm reminded of how the people of Israel followed the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, and so whenever the cloud moved, they went as well. i know that God will one day move the cloud toward a path that is more in line with His calling in my life, but it's not moving as of yet, which means i am not either. i have a sense of peace about this though, and i know that when God opens a door, it will be clear and it will be in His own perfect timing.

i'm learning how to appreciate (as opposed to merely "being content" about) where i am. i went through a time when i really thought i wanted to move out of my current apartment, and even surfed on craigslist a few days. but the more options i looked into, the more i realized how amazing this current living situation is, and that i need to not take it for granted. it is indeed a blessing.

that's all of now.