Merry Christmas! I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as we celebrate the reason for the season!

FREE CLASS OK, friends. For the rest of this week and next, if you are a new student or you recommend a new student who contacts me, I will give you a free 30-min class. Contact me directly on Skype if you are interested.

More on Jesus' authority mixed with compassion At a very critical time in my Bible reading...very powerful. These are the verses I read today from my chronological Bible-reading schedule. It's amazing once again to me to see Jesus' authority oozing out of the pages. Oct 29 Readings MARK 14:1-2 MATTHEW 26:1-5 LUKE 22:1-2 MARK 14:10-11 MATTHEW 26:14-16 LUKE 22:3-6 MARK 14:12-16 MATTHEW 26:17-19 LUKE 22:7-13 JOHN 13:1-17 MARK 14:17-26 MATTHEW 26:20-30 LUKE 22:14-30 JOHN 13:18-30 Even when everything was starting to go wrong, He was very much in control. These are four different eye witness accounts. Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen and even sped it on its way in such a way to hold Judas accountable in a very private way. There's authority and compassion: authority knowing that these things must happen but compassion enough to tell Judas in such a way as to not embarrass him. I serve an amazing God!

Waiting Have you ever been in a situation when all you can do is wait? I mean, the planning is done and the plan set in motion, but now all you can do is wait. You think, what can I do...there's got to be something I can do, right? But no, all you can do is wait. My personality doesn't really allow me the luxury of waiting patiently...that's something I'm learning and asking for help about. One thing I know, there is a purpose and a time for everything...so until then, I'll just wait. I'm so glad that waiting isn't forever.

Missing him This week has been an extremely intense week because I have a very important decision to make about my future with my boyfriend. He and I both decided that we need a few days apart to clear our heads, so I haven't talked to him all day...and I miss him. One thing I know: love is a choice. It's not just some feeling that comes and goes. The last day or so, I made that choice and I decided that I do love him. I just have to wait until Sunday night to tell him "in person." This is going to be the longest weekend of my life.

Speaking naturally Do you have a difficult time speaking English naturally? The best way to learn is to practice with a native speaker. Let me know if I can help.

My English is so poor! Have you ever been frustrated because you don't think people understand you? It's bad enough when you're speaking in your own language and they don't. It's worse when you're trying to get your thoughts across in your second language. Don't worry! It doesn't matter what language you're studying...learning any language is the same--it takes hard work and practice. Don't forget, though; the most important thing is exchanging ideas in a way that is understood. I tell all my students the same thing, "If I can understand you, you're doing fine, but here are some ways you can make it better." Don't be too hard on yourself. Just practice, practice, practice. You'll be glad you did!

What are some things you do to learn English?