Just when you thought the summer heat was on it's way... here comes spring rain... which reminds me of...

"So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord.
His going forth is as certain as the dawn;
And He will come to us like the rain,
Like the spring rain watering the earth."

Hosea 6:3

Praise God for the new year! 

The Rose Parade, college football bowl games, Times Square, fireworks - all of which we have come to associate with the coming of the new year (and for the CPC crowd, Nathan's birthday).  But with all the celebration that's gone on with what's to come in 2008, it's almost natural to take a look back at what has occurred in 2007.

As cliche as it may sound, I honestly believe that I learned a lot this year, more so than any other year of my life and the crazy part is that it felt like it all came together in these last 4-6 months.  My ignorance and selfishness have never been more clear to me than ever before and I'm thankful for all the events that came along to make those dark areas in life clear (I'd post about them, but it seems like a blog would not do justice, but you can always ask me about them).  I have no doubt in my mind that some instances were disciplinary actions by my Father (Proverbs 3:12) and some were challenges brought upon me by God to grow and mature (James 1). 

All in all, I'm thankful for the grace given to me in 2007 and look forward to His strength in my weaknesses in the coming year of 2008. 

Love,
Mark Pakingan

p.s. - almost there class of '08!

here are some things i'm learning as a commuter:

1. Make sure you lock your car.  The, "did i lock it? yes i did. wait.. did i? yeah i'm sure that i did cause i remember touching my keys.. or was that yesterday?" kinds of thoughts will drive you crazy during a lecture.

2. man.. 6 hour break.. i'll just study.. oh man.. no open couches/tables to study.. i guess i'll just hang out and not study somewhere off campus

3. always get gas on the way home.. trying to get up early to get gas at a crowded gas station never works. you're almost always late.

4. don't rely on the bus..  your can always count on ur legs to get you to class on time

5. always check the weather.. wearing shorts/shirt/tsinelas on a freezin' day is murder to ur body parts (cuz in the dorms i could always change.. just not when i'm 30 miles from home).. oh yeah.. always have a jacket in ur car

6. Imperial is not a faster than the 91 west at around 5... but if there's an accident on the 91.. Lambert is alright

i'm sure i'll learn more.. but that seems to be some of the more common ones...

for the Lord,
Mark Pakingan