October 06, 2012
October 01, 2012
♫Times♫
July? Oops! And it's now October....
Where to begin.... My life has been a bit crazy, most nights I get home from work, drink a cup of coffee, and crash. So what's new...???
So last weekend I went with Tammy and Katie to the VMI vs. Navy game. SO much fun! And since my whole family were out of town, on Sunday night I went with Tammy and Shaina to VMI to drop Caleb off. It was so good to see him that weekend! He's been greatly missed!
Since July, my family has "adopted" our friend Tj. He goes to Richmond U., which is less than 15 minutes from our house... so he often comes over for movie nights a few times a week. With a few late night runs to Taco Bell...
And most of you know that we moved into our new house... LOVE IT! It's so big, we can't yell down the hall to find someone. We actually have to call each other on our cell phones. And since we moved, Snuggs has been very vocal. He often sits at the top of the stairs calling for me... and once he hears where I'm at, he comes running. We've also been able to have people over! Finally! For Labor Day, we had around 50 people over for a BBQ. And we still had room! God is so good :)
Also, I began working at the church office full time in August, and I'm loving it! It makes my job a little easier now, in that I don't have to try to remember where I left off on Tuesday, when I come back in Thursday. When 5:00 rolls around on Tuesday, I know on Wednesday morning I'll be able to pick up where I left off. Due to being alone most of the time at work, I've started to have a daily goal. Kinda making a game out of it. For example, last week's goals were the following:
Tuesday - Have less than 10 emails in inbox before 5.
Wednesday - Have ALL Tuesday and Wednesday's todo's checked off by 5.
Thursday - Have less than 5 emails in inbox before 5.
Friday - check off EVERYTHING by 5.
This past week I got everything done... but the week before I "failed" one of my daily goals. And since it's like a game, I don't let it get to me. I just move that goal to the following day.
Also at work... Pandora is my friend :) I put on my Jeremy Camp radio station, and let it play. This has really helped me to be reminded of God's grace in my life throughout my day. Lately life has been a little down... and this has really kept my eyes on what life is all about. It's not about having a job, going to school, being in a relationship, etc... it's ALL about Him. Yes, life does have all those things, but we don't need to live for them; We need to live for Him who created us.
If you know me well, you know that I tend to get stuck on one song that I can really relate to in the season I'm going through. Right now, that song is "Times" by Tenth Avenue North. Though, the last verse has really been encouraging. They wrote it as if God is saying it to you. It says;
I hear You say,
"My love is over. It's underneath.
It's inside. It's in between.
The times you doubt Me, when you can't feel.
The times that you question, 'Is this for real? '
The times you're broken.
The times that you mend.
The times that you hate Me, and the times that you bend.
Well, My love is over, it's underneath.
It's inside, it's in between.
These times you're healing, and when your heart breaks.
The times that you feel like you're falling from grace.
The times you're hurting.
The times that you heal.
The times you go hungry, and are tempted to steal.
The times of confusion, in chaos and pain.
I'm there in your sorrow, under the weight of your shame.
I'm there through your heartache.
I'm there in the storm.
My love I will keep you, by My pow'r alone.
I don't care where you fall, where you have been.
I'll never forsake you, My love never ends.
It never ends."
How true this is! He is there through our pain, through the storms we face, and He will never forsake us! This last week was really hard, and I really was tempted to slip into dispare. But I fought for joy! Well I should say, HE gave me the strength to fight for joy! I wrote this song in my journal a few weeks ago, and this past week I kept going back to it. Reminding myself that He is always here... He is never going to leave me... no matter what I'm going through.
Where to begin.... My life has been a bit crazy, most nights I get home from work, drink a cup of coffee, and crash. So what's new...???
So last weekend I went with Tammy and Katie to the VMI vs. Navy game. SO much fun! And since my whole family were out of town, on Sunday night I went with Tammy and Shaina to VMI to drop Caleb off. It was so good to see him that weekend! He's been greatly missed!
Since July, my family has "adopted" our friend Tj. He goes to Richmond U., which is less than 15 minutes from our house... so he often comes over for movie nights a few times a week. With a few late night runs to Taco Bell...
And most of you know that we moved into our new house... LOVE IT! It's so big, we can't yell down the hall to find someone. We actually have to call each other on our cell phones. And since we moved, Snuggs has been very vocal. He often sits at the top of the stairs calling for me... and once he hears where I'm at, he comes running. We've also been able to have people over! Finally! For Labor Day, we had around 50 people over for a BBQ. And we still had room! God is so good :)
Also, I began working at the church office full time in August, and I'm loving it! It makes my job a little easier now, in that I don't have to try to remember where I left off on Tuesday, when I come back in Thursday. When 5:00 rolls around on Tuesday, I know on Wednesday morning I'll be able to pick up where I left off. Due to being alone most of the time at work, I've started to have a daily goal. Kinda making a game out of it. For example, last week's goals were the following:
Tuesday - Have less than 10 emails in inbox before 5.
Wednesday - Have ALL Tuesday and Wednesday's todo's checked off by 5.
Thursday - Have less than 5 emails in inbox before 5.
Friday - check off EVERYTHING by 5.
This past week I got everything done... but the week before I "failed" one of my daily goals. And since it's like a game, I don't let it get to me. I just move that goal to the following day.
Also at work... Pandora is my friend :) I put on my Jeremy Camp radio station, and let it play. This has really helped me to be reminded of God's grace in my life throughout my day. Lately life has been a little down... and this has really kept my eyes on what life is all about. It's not about having a job, going to school, being in a relationship, etc... it's ALL about Him. Yes, life does have all those things, but we don't need to live for them; We need to live for Him who created us.
If you know me well, you know that I tend to get stuck on one song that I can really relate to in the season I'm going through. Right now, that song is "Times" by Tenth Avenue North. Though, the last verse has really been encouraging. They wrote it as if God is saying it to you. It says;
I hear You say,
"My love is over. It's underneath.
It's inside. It's in between.
The times you doubt Me, when you can't feel.
The times that you question, 'Is this for real? '
The times you're broken.
The times that you mend.
The times that you hate Me, and the times that you bend.
Well, My love is over, it's underneath.
It's inside, it's in between.
These times you're healing, and when your heart breaks.
The times that you feel like you're falling from grace.
The times you're hurting.
The times that you heal.
The times you go hungry, and are tempted to steal.
The times of confusion, in chaos and pain.
I'm there in your sorrow, under the weight of your shame.
I'm there through your heartache.
I'm there in the storm.
My love I will keep you, by My pow'r alone.
I don't care where you fall, where you have been.
I'll never forsake you, My love never ends.
It never ends."
Another thing that has really been cool to see, is that everything I've been reading... in my Bible, Morning and Evening, and even songs that have been on Pandora, there has been a theme; Wait for the Lord. Don't you love it when He does that? :) It's times like these that I know He is here with me. He's on my side. Even when I don't like the path He has set me on... He did it for a reason. And I'll be able to look back in a year or two, and see His faithful hand in it all. I love this verse in Psalm right now... which is my current memory verse; "Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!" (Psalm 27:14) Wait for the Lord!!!
July 25, 2012
July 21, 2012
♫As Long as You Are Glorified♫
Well... so ends another week... and without going into detail, it hasn't ended well. God seems to be ripping things out right from under my feet. Which is making it a lot harder to fight for joy. But when I woke up this morning, my dad was practicing for leading worship tomorrow morning, and the song he was playing when I woke was As Long as You Are Glorified by Sovereign Grace Music. The very thing I needed to wake up too.
Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings
Yet not welcome any pain
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine
Yet grumble in days of rain
Shall I love You in times of plenty
Then leave You in days of drought
Shall I trust when I reap a harvest
But when winter winds blow, then doubt
Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings
Yet not welcome any pain
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine
Yet grumble in days of rain
Shall I love You in times of plenty
Then leave You in days of drought
Shall I trust when I reap a harvest
But when winter winds blow, then doubt
Oh let Your will be done in me
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long
As You are glorified
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long
As You are glorified
Are You good only when I prosper
And true only when I’m filled
Are You King only when I’m carefree
And God only when I’m well
You are good when I’m poor and needy
You are true when I’m parched and dry
You still reign in the deepest valley
You’re still God in the darkest night
And true only when I’m filled
Are You King only when I’m carefree
And God only when I’m well
You are good when I’m poor and needy
You are true when I’m parched and dry
You still reign in the deepest valley
You’re still God in the darkest night
So quiet my restless heart
Quiet my restless heart
Quiet my restless heart in You
Quiet my restless heart
Quiet my restless heart in You
He is good when I'm poor and needy, and when I'm carefree. He's also good when I prosper, and when I'm parched and dry. Why would I doubt that? He has always remained faithful! And He always will. Why is it so hard to see that at times?
But God didn't stop there with speaking truth to me. After listening to my dad sing, I started to read Psalm 115. "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!" (115:1) I was then reminded of C.J.'s message at NEXT... "It's not about you, stupid." This life isn't about me! And I am gonna go through trials, but in the end, all that really matters, is that He is glorified.
If you think of me, pray that I will continue to fight for joy through all this, and that I will continue to seek God, and not fall in dispare. He's got a plan for all this! "Oh let Your will be done in me! In your love I will abide. Oh I long for nothing else, as long as You are glorified!"
July 18, 2012
July 17, 2012
July 15, 2012
♫Mercies Anew♫
Last weekend wasn't easy... what could have gone wrong, did go wrong you could say. And when times aren't easy, I don't sleep. Oh joy! Saturday night I was lying in my bed at 3:00am praying, and God really meet me as I laid there in silence. And then I heard a voice that was clear as day... "My mercies are new every morning." I know He is always here with us... but there seems to be times when you can really feel His presences. This was one of those moments. Every worry I had that night was gone. I was overwhelmed with His grace. What a feeling! And rather than focusing on the many situations that were floating in my head... I repeated over and over again Lamentations 3:22-23; "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
I think I fell asleep in the middle of the verse, but when I woke up the next morning for church, I can't put what I felt into words, but I felt anew. Refreshed. Ready to take on what ever came my way!
Worship at church was AMAZING that morning. But it was all God! There was nothing special about the songs... or the music... I could just feel His presences. At one point, the band started to play Mercies Anew, and I knew right away what song it was and that I was going to loose it. Which I did. I closed my eyes and stood there listening to the words, and it was as if God was saying them to me right there. How comforting that was!
Every morning that breaks
There are mercies anew
Every breath that I take
Is your faithfulness proved
And at the end of each day
When my labors are through
I will sing of Your mercies anew
When I’ve fallen and strayed
There were mercies anew
For you sought me in love
And my heart you pursued
In the face of my sin
Lord, You never withdrew
So I sing of Your mercies anew
And Your mercies, they will never end
For ten thousand years they’ll remain
And when this world’s beauty has passed away
Your mercies will be unchanged
And when the storms swirl and rage
There are mercies anew
In affliction and pain
You will carry me through
And at the end of my days
When Your throne fills my view
I will sing of Your mercies anew
I will sing of Your mercies anew
I love that! "And when the storms swirl and rage, there are mercies anew. In affliction and pain, You will carry me through." Whatever we are going through, He will carry us through! He will never withdraw. There's no if and buts... not matter what, He will always remain faithful. I love what Tim Tebow says in his book Through My Eyes, "Through God's past faithfulness - that no matter what is on our plates, He will never leave us, and will help us handle whatever it is."And He won't! He's not going to send us down a road, and leave us to fend for ourselves. He will be there with us every step of the way!
I think I fell asleep in the middle of the verse, but when I woke up the next morning for church, I can't put what I felt into words, but I felt anew. Refreshed. Ready to take on what ever came my way!
Worship at church was AMAZING that morning. But it was all God! There was nothing special about the songs... or the music... I could just feel His presences. At one point, the band started to play Mercies Anew, and I knew right away what song it was and that I was going to loose it. Which I did. I closed my eyes and stood there listening to the words, and it was as if God was saying them to me right there. How comforting that was!
Every morning that breaks
There are mercies anew
Every breath that I take
Is your faithfulness proved
And at the end of each day
When my labors are through
I will sing of Your mercies anew
When I’ve fallen and strayed
There were mercies anew
For you sought me in love
And my heart you pursued
In the face of my sin
Lord, You never withdrew
So I sing of Your mercies anew
And Your mercies, they will never end
For ten thousand years they’ll remain
And when this world’s beauty has passed away
Your mercies will be unchanged
And when the storms swirl and rage
There are mercies anew
In affliction and pain
You will carry me through
And at the end of my days
When Your throne fills my view
I will sing of Your mercies anew
I will sing of Your mercies anew
And what a way to start a new week. Things kept coming up... but I took on the challenge. I saw it as God teaching me to fight for joy through hard times. And when I needed a reminder, I just looked at these lyrics on my phone, and said it as a prayer. And how encouraging that was! I know I say this at the end of each post... but isn't He good? :) Thanks for reading!
July 09, 2012
July 08, 2012
♫I Was There♫
This is a little different than my normal songs that I post about, but its a song that really means a lot to me at the moment. It's by my favorite artist since 2005, Josh Turner, from his CD he released last month, Punching Bag. I've actually listened to his CD since I bought it, over and over, and over again. But it wasn't till I was driving back from DC last Monday by myself, that the meaning of this song really hit me.
I was there that night in Bethlehem
God was really meeting me as I was driving in the silence of my car, and after a while, I decided to put on some Josh Turner on shuffle. Little did I know, this song came on after I picked Everything Is Fine (which was the first song of my 62 songs). It something I have always been taught, ever since I can remember; He has always been, is, and always will be. He "is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) Though I must say, it never hit me like it did in my Ford Focus on I-95. He truly is everywhere, with everyone. And He is most certainly here with me! And He is always there for me! I love what Josh says in the course, "I'm always around, I was then and I am now, and I'll be here when tomorrow comes. When a road comes to an end, I'm where you start again. I'm never farther than a word away." How comforting that was to me! Whatever God brings me through, whether it's a trail or an amazing season in life, He's always there. He was there when they landed on the moon... He has been with every president... ever king... at ever war... and He is most certainly there with you! He was there with me through basketball... He was there with me when I moved to Florida... He was there when I moved back to VA... and He is here with me now. He is always there! How great He is!
And when Neil and the boys came to the moon
In that tin can
At Gettysburg, Omaha Beach, and Vietnam
I heard every soldier's cry and every mama's prayer
I was there
I was there when you took your first breath
And when you lit that stolen Lucky Strike
And liked to choked to death
When you were waist deep in Carter's Creek
And Preacher John
Dunked you down in the water and raised you up for air
I was there
C:I'm always around
I was then and I am now
And I'll be here when tomorrow comes
When a road comes to an end
I'm where you start again
I'm never farther than a word away
You've always got a friend
When your grandma passed
I was in that house
And when your grandpa ran down the streets o' gold
To show her around
I was there
I was there last night on Highway 9
When you answered the phone
And ran right through that stop sign
I was in the cab of that big rig, in that trucker's ear
Made him swerve to the right and miss you by a hair
I was there
If you're feelin' alone, look up, I'm the One who answers prayers
And I'm always there
July 06, 2012
June 28, 2012
June 27, 2012
June 26, 2012
A Basis of His Grace Alone
I recently... as of today... came across this quote by Jerry Bridges, which I loved. Something I want to be reminded of daily!
"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of His grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. Every day should be a day of relating to God on the basis of His grace along."
"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of His grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. Every day should be a day of relating to God on the basis of His grace along."
June 23, 2012
Can You Say.... Champions?
Well... it's been that time of year for the NBA Finals... and after an up and down season... and marking my 10th year of being a fan... my Heat made it once again to the NBA Finals. What an exciting time to be a fan!!! James went into it strong, coming from an amazing series with the Celtics.
The first game verses OKC didn't end well... but I wasn't going to give up on my team this early. Game 2 came along... win! Game 3... win! Game 4... win! We entered game 5 with the series 3-1 Heat. What an exciting time!
Everyone but Josh had other obligations, so we invited Katie to join our little party. We had a blast watching the game! It seemed half of the Heat were on their 3's. Miller by the end had 7 for 8. It was crazy! And at the end, the game was a total steal, with the ending score 106-121. :)
The last time the Heat won the Finals, back in 2006, they beat the Mavs in Dallas. The stands were cleared out within 5 minutes of the game. But unlike '06, they won at home! So wish I could have been there!!! What a time to be a Miami Heat fan!!!! Can we pull off a repeat in 2013? I sure hope so!!!!
GO HEAT!!!!
The first game verses OKC didn't end well... but I wasn't going to give up on my team this early. Game 2 came along... win! Game 3... win! Game 4... win! We entered game 5 with the series 3-1 Heat. What an exciting time!
Everyone but Josh had other obligations, so we invited Katie to join our little party. We had a blast watching the game! It seemed half of the Heat were on their 3's. Miller by the end had 7 for 8. It was crazy! And at the end, the game was a total steal, with the ending score 106-121. :)
The last time the Heat won the Finals, back in 2006, they beat the Mavs in Dallas. The stands were cleared out within 5 minutes of the game. But unlike '06, they won at home! So wish I could have been there!!! What a time to be a Miami Heat fan!!!! Can we pull off a repeat in 2013? I sure hope so!!!!
GO HEAT!!!!
June 20, 2012
June 19, 2012
June 17, 2012
A Simple Formula
I recently wrote my testimony out of what God has done in the last 6 years. And how encouraging it was reading it!!! God continued to show is steadfast love and faithfulness to me, even when I wanted nothing to do with Him. How great He is!!!
It's also encouraging to look back on what He has done, and be reminded of that, and know He will continue to provide. Something I think we can all fall short of... but how kind He is to remind us.
"And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." John 1:16
I'm currently reading the book Wild Goose Chase. Katie so kindly shoved it in my hand and said I should read it.... little did I know it was something I needed to read right now! (Thanks friend :) )
But one part in it, Mark Batterson is talking about when we have a change geographically, it can change us spiritually. And he gave a simple formula for this;
Change of Place + Change of Pace = Change of Perspective
How true that was when God moved me to Florida. He moved me from what I had known since I was 7. I went from a life full of friends, basketball, and working... to not working, no friends, but lots of time with family (which I wouldn't have traded for anything!) And I truly believe with moving to Florida and not having a lot to do, God really used that in my life. He used that time to bring me closer to Him.
Isn't He great in how He changes our life, when at times we don't really want Him to... but He uses that for our good! How awesome He is!!!
It's also encouraging to look back on what He has done, and be reminded of that, and know He will continue to provide. Something I think we can all fall short of... but how kind He is to remind us.
"And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." John 1:16
I'm currently reading the book Wild Goose Chase. Katie so kindly shoved it in my hand and said I should read it.... little did I know it was something I needed to read right now! (Thanks friend :) )
But one part in it, Mark Batterson is talking about when we have a change geographically, it can change us spiritually. And he gave a simple formula for this;
Change of Place + Change of Pace = Change of Perspective
How true that was when God moved me to Florida. He moved me from what I had known since I was 7. I went from a life full of friends, basketball, and working... to not working, no friends, but lots of time with family (which I wouldn't have traded for anything!) And I truly believe with moving to Florida and not having a lot to do, God really used that in my life. He used that time to bring me closer to Him.
Isn't He great in how He changes our life, when at times we don't really want Him to... but He uses that for our good! How awesome He is!!!
June 13, 2012
June 12, 2012
♫My Redeemer's Love♫
My Redeemer’s love is deeper
Than the depths of sin and hell
He who was enthroned in glory
Came to bring us to Himself
My Redeemer’s love is wider
Than the breach my sins had made
He reached down into my darkness
He alone has pow’r to save
Deeper than the rolling seas
Higher than the mountain peaks
Your love is all I need
My Redeemer’s love is stronger
Than my fiercest enemies
He will hold me in the tempest
Through the flood He carries me
My Redeemer’s love will lead me
Through the deepest valley here
He will shepherd me and guide me
He will ever keep me near
Deeper than the rolling seas
Higher than the mountain peaks
Your love is all I need
Stronger than the rushing wind
Shattering the power of sin
Your love is all I need
My Redeemer’s love grows sweeter
As eternity draws near
I’ll enjoy His love forever
At His throne for endless years
My Redeemer’s love will fill me
On the day I see His face
I will love Him back forever
And forever sing His praise
Have you ever been at the beach, and seen a 15 foot wave? Or have you ever stood at the bottom of a mountain, and tried to look up at the top? If you ever have seen these things, isn't it crazy to think that His love for you is bigger than that!
Than the depths of sin and hell
He who was enthroned in glory
Came to bring us to Himself
My Redeemer’s love is wider
Than the breach my sins had made
He reached down into my darkness
He alone has pow’r to save
Deeper than the rolling seas
Higher than the mountain peaks
Your love is all I need
My Redeemer’s love is stronger
Than my fiercest enemies
He will hold me in the tempest
Through the flood He carries me
My Redeemer’s love will lead me
Through the deepest valley here
He will shepherd me and guide me
He will ever keep me near
Deeper than the rolling seas
Higher than the mountain peaks
Your love is all I need
Stronger than the rushing wind
Shattering the power of sin
Your love is all I need
My Redeemer’s love grows sweeter
As eternity draws near
I’ll enjoy His love forever
At His throne for endless years
My Redeemer’s love will fill me
On the day I see His face
I will love Him back forever
And forever sing His praise
Lately during my quite times, books I'm reading, and songs I've been listening too, are constantly reminding me of His never failing, steadfast love.
I love it when He makes it clear what He wants to remind you. You hear about it all the time. And it's been neat to see that everything goes hand-in-hand with my current memory verse;
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Then just the other day I was reading Psalm 106, and verse 1 said, "Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" His steadfast love endures forever. His love grows sweeter as eternity draws near. Doesn't that just make you want to bust out in song? On the day I see His face, I will love Him back forever, and forever sing His praise!!!
My hope is that I can continue to see His love through my daily life. That I'll be reminded of what He has done for me, and that I can give thanks for even the little things in my life. For He IS good!
June 09, 2012
June 02, 2012
Bi-weekly Turns to Monthly
Well... I was trying to memorize scripture on a bi-weekly cycle. And I after doing it for a while, I was memorizing them in that 2 weeks, but once I learned a new one, I lost the previous scripture.
So, I've decided to do it monthly from now on. My hope though is not to loose interest in it, and stop memorizing it becomes it becomes apart of my daily routine. But that during the month, I will be greatly reminded of Christ love for me and that His grace is sufficient for me!
Starting this new technique in June, I'll continue to do the verse I'm currently on; the one from Lamentations 3:22-23
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
So, I've decided to do it monthly from now on. My hope though is not to loose interest in it, and stop memorizing it becomes it becomes apart of my daily routine. But that during the month, I will be greatly reminded of Christ love for me and that His grace is sufficient for me!
Starting this new technique in June, I'll continue to do the verse I'm currently on; the one from Lamentations 3:22-23
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
June 01, 2012
My Very First and Last NEXT
There I go again... not blogging. And I have no excuse for it.
This past weekend, Josh, Kel and I made a trip down to Orlando, FL, for the NEXT Conference. Since we moved to Florida, I was unable to go these past years. So this was my first time, and my last, as it is the last NEXT Conference Sovereign Grace is doing.
The worship was AMAZING and so encouraging. One song in particularly was encouraging is the song off of the Gathering cd, Now Why This Fear.
Now why this fear and unbelief?
Has not the Father put to grief
His spotless Son for us?
And will the righteous Judge of men
Condemn me for that debt of sin
Now canceled at the cross?
Jesus, all my trust is in Your blood
Jesus, You’ve rescued us
Through Your great love
Complete atonement You have made
And by Your death have fully paid
The debt Your people owed
No wrath remains for us to face
We’re sheltered by Your saving grace
And sprinkled with Your blood
Be still my soul and know this peace
The merits of your great high priest
Have bought your liberty
Rely then on His precious blood
Don’t fear your banishment from God
Since Jesus sets you free
How sweet the sound of saving grace
What a truth we need to be reminded of daily. Something I am ashamed to say I forget. Since our time at NEXT, I have caught myself singing in a whisper, "Jesus, all my trust is in Your blood." Then I think, "Why am I whispering?" Yeah, I don't have the greatest voice, an yes I do sing off key, but God doesn't care! Sheesh! So I'll begin to sing it loader. Because how sweet the sound of saving grace! He died for ME! At NEXT and even now, those lines almost bring me to tears. Isn't it sweet???
On top of the worship, the teaching was amazing as well! Jeff Purswell did a great job explaining that we are apart of something that is way bigger than us. He took us through the whole Bible from start to finish... and you know as a kid that the Bible is one big story, but you don't actually see it until it's presented in the way he did it (unless I didn't).
I also really enjoyed Kevin DeYoung's messages as well. His one on friendship was very provoking to me. God has given me so many wonderful, godly friendships since moving back to VA, and for which I am very thankful! But his message really got me thinking... am I a faithful friend? Do I go out of my way to see how a friend is doing, and just stop right there and pray for them? No. I was really convicted.
The last two messages I LOVED. Matt Chandler and C.J. Mahaney. Matt Chandler's message was very convicting to me. Honestly, at times I'm a shamed to say that I hid from being a Christian... because I want to seem "cool". I have no problem blaring Pitbull in my car, but I do have a problem with turning Chris Tomlin up. Why? I know it's my sin nature... but I hate that. I love the verse that Tebow had on his eye blacks once, "May I never boast except in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ." (Galatians 6:14) He should be the one I boast in... not the world. One think that Matt Chandler said that keeps running through my mind is this; "When you present a 'cool' Jesus to our world, it's no longer the Jesus of the Bible, but a Jesus you created." What a convicting thought! Something I have never thought of before... it's not the same Jesus. Wow!
C.J. has always been one of my favorite preachers (followed by Aaron Campbell :) ). So this was the one message I was most looking forward too. His message was on the Church and Disappointment. He encouraged everyone to think of things that you find disappointing in your church and things that you see God at work. I have to confess that for a while there, C.J. lost my attention. I listed many things that I found God at work in KingsWay... but I couldn't find anything I was "disappointed" with. And after talking to my dad when I got home, I realized that after going to different churches in Florida, there were so many things we were without, that it makes us so much more thankful we are back here at KingsWay. The worship, the teaching, the pastors, the friendships and fellowship... everything! What a gift from God it is to me! And a job too!!! What an E.G.G. (Evidence of God's Grace).
Something else C.J. said got my attention. One is to never bring books on your honeymoon :). haha No. He shared a story of a pastor that was meeting with a man from his church. And the man was complaining about the things that he didn't like in the church... the worship, the teaching, etc. And the pastor who was meeting with this man leans forward and gave the man a 5 word antidote for this complaining. "It's not about you, stupid." Man! I couldn't find anything I was disappointed about KingsWay... but how I so often forget that this life isn't about me! It's not! There is only one who my life is about. And his name starts with a J and a C. So tell me who's in the house! J! C! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself. haha That's what you get for growing up in the early '90s I guess... :) ).
It's not about you, stupid! Those five short, little words are so grounded in truth. It's not about me, or you, but about Him who created us!!!
Sorry for this rather long post... and that I haven't posted in a while, but that's what God has been so graciously working on in my life. It's not about trying to be "cool", and it's not about me! But it's about Jesus, and all my trust needs to be in His blood.
Thanks for reading! :)
This past weekend, Josh, Kel and I made a trip down to Orlando, FL, for the NEXT Conference. Since we moved to Florida, I was unable to go these past years. So this was my first time, and my last, as it is the last NEXT Conference Sovereign Grace is doing.
The worship was AMAZING and so encouraging. One song in particularly was encouraging is the song off of the Gathering cd, Now Why This Fear.
Now why this fear and unbelief?
Has not the Father put to grief
His spotless Son for us?
And will the righteous Judge of men
Condemn me for that debt of sin
Now canceled at the cross?
Jesus, all my trust is in Your blood
Jesus, You’ve rescued us
Through Your great love
Complete atonement You have made
And by Your death have fully paid
The debt Your people owed
No wrath remains for us to face
We’re sheltered by Your saving grace
And sprinkled with Your blood
Be still my soul and know this peace
The merits of your great high priest
Have bought your liberty
Rely then on His precious blood
Don’t fear your banishment from God
Since Jesus sets you free
How sweet the sound of saving grace
How sweet the sound of saving grace
Christ died for me
Christ died for me
On top of the worship, the teaching was amazing as well! Jeff Purswell did a great job explaining that we are apart of something that is way bigger than us. He took us through the whole Bible from start to finish... and you know as a kid that the Bible is one big story, but you don't actually see it until it's presented in the way he did it (unless I didn't).
I also really enjoyed Kevin DeYoung's messages as well. His one on friendship was very provoking to me. God has given me so many wonderful, godly friendships since moving back to VA, and for which I am very thankful! But his message really got me thinking... am I a faithful friend? Do I go out of my way to see how a friend is doing, and just stop right there and pray for them? No. I was really convicted.
The last two messages I LOVED. Matt Chandler and C.J. Mahaney. Matt Chandler's message was very convicting to me. Honestly, at times I'm a shamed to say that I hid from being a Christian... because I want to seem "cool". I have no problem blaring Pitbull in my car, but I do have a problem with turning Chris Tomlin up. Why? I know it's my sin nature... but I hate that. I love the verse that Tebow had on his eye blacks once, "May I never boast except in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ." (Galatians 6:14) He should be the one I boast in... not the world. One think that Matt Chandler said that keeps running through my mind is this; "When you present a 'cool' Jesus to our world, it's no longer the Jesus of the Bible, but a Jesus you created." What a convicting thought! Something I have never thought of before... it's not the same Jesus. Wow!
C.J. has always been one of my favorite preachers (followed by Aaron Campbell :) ). So this was the one message I was most looking forward too. His message was on the Church and Disappointment. He encouraged everyone to think of things that you find disappointing in your church and things that you see God at work. I have to confess that for a while there, C.J. lost my attention. I listed many things that I found God at work in KingsWay... but I couldn't find anything I was "disappointed" with. And after talking to my dad when I got home, I realized that after going to different churches in Florida, there were so many things we were without, that it makes us so much more thankful we are back here at KingsWay. The worship, the teaching, the pastors, the friendships and fellowship... everything! What a gift from God it is to me! And a job too!!! What an E.G.G. (Evidence of God's Grace).
Something else C.J. said got my attention. One is to never bring books on your honeymoon :). haha No. He shared a story of a pastor that was meeting with a man from his church. And the man was complaining about the things that he didn't like in the church... the worship, the teaching, etc. And the pastor who was meeting with this man leans forward and gave the man a 5 word antidote for this complaining. "It's not about you, stupid." Man! I couldn't find anything I was disappointed about KingsWay... but how I so often forget that this life isn't about me! It's not! There is only one who my life is about. And his name starts with a J and a C. So tell me who's in the house! J! C! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself. haha That's what you get for growing up in the early '90s I guess... :) ).
It's not about you, stupid! Those five short, little words are so grounded in truth. It's not about me, or you, but about Him who created us!!!
Sorry for this rather long post... and that I haven't posted in a while, but that's what God has been so graciously working on in my life. It's not about trying to be "cool", and it's not about me! But it's about Jesus, and all my trust needs to be in His blood.
Thanks for reading! :)
April 19, 2012
Isn't He Faithful?
God is so faithful! I've been driving since I was 16.... just like every teenager. But unlike most teenagers, I was unable to buy my own car. After time and time again getting so close to finally getting one, that just wasn't in God's plan.
When I got home from community group a week ago, I decided to look on Craig's List to see what they had car wise. And there, at the top of the list was a 2003 Ford Focus (my "realistic" dream car since who knows how long, along with my dream car the Mini Cooper). Red, in amazing condition! I freaked!
Dad took me that Saturday to go look at it... and I knew that was gonna be a bad idea. I was trying sooooo hard to contain myself. It was in even in more amazing condition from the pictures online. And it made it worse when I found out that it got near 30 mpg in the city.
Sunday we were gonna go back, but since dad got sick we were unable to. I was pretty bummed, but I kept telling myself tat if it was the car God wanted me to have, it would still be there on Monday waiting for me.
Sure enough, Monday afternoon, there it was. The Red Focus. And hours later, I was pulling my dream car into my drive way. God is so good! I love it! It's the perfect car for me... and t didn't help that I got an amazing deal on it. I am so totally blessed! As my good friend Lydia says, "God totally loves me!" I've waited so long to have one of my own, and He blessed me with one of my dream cars. He is so totally faithful!!!
April 18, 2012
April 11, 2012
April 09, 2012
April 06, 2012
Morning and Evening: April 6
Spurgeon said on April 6th;
"You cannot grown in grace to any high degree while you are conformed to the world. The life of separation may be a path of sorrow, but it is the highway of safety; and though the separated life may be painful and make every day a battle, yet it is a happy life after all. No joy can excel that of the soldier of Christ; Jesus reveals Himself so graciously and gives such sweet refreshment that the warrior feels more calm and peace in his daily strife than others in their hours of rest."
One of my most favorite things to do is to look back on my past. Through all the hardship I've been through the last years, I love that I can look back and see His hand in it all. What a comfort that is to me! I can see where He took something away from me, then after a time, He brought something similar along that was even better! Even though He took that away too, I know that He will bring something even better than that was.
I hear people say all the time, "Oh, God's going to provide something even better that what you had." But the thing is, they can say it and not believe it. But I've seen it personally... He's done it in my own life... I know He can do it!
My life has been a battle, but I would not change it for anything! Through all the hard, He has brought so much happiness in my life. Because of Him, I can look back on my past with a smile. He is in control! And how sweet that is!
April 04, 2012
March 31, 2012
Coo-Coo Saturday
So here is a little glimpse into a Fern Saturday.
As Kelsey is making us watch the Hulk, I was on Twitter, and Josh on Facebook... this was a conversation between the three of us.
Me: At least Gerard Butler didn't leave the Colts.
Josh: Gerard Butler?
Me: Sorry, Gerard Powers.
Kelsey: Yeah, Gerard Butler plays rugby!
Me: That's Russle Crowe.
As Kelsey is making us watch the Hulk, I was on Twitter, and Josh on Facebook... this was a conversation between the three of us.
Me: At least Gerard Butler didn't leave the Colts.
Josh: Gerard Butler?
Me: Sorry, Gerard Powers.
Kelsey: Yeah, Gerard Butler plays rugby!
Me: That's Russle Crowe.
Oh the joys of having siblings!
March 26, 2012
Week Two of the Second Term
Today concludes my first week of the 2nd term. I must say God has defiantly given me peace this semester. I finished the last term with 2 B's, and only by His grace, I was ok with that. My Theology class was out of my hands. My teacher didn't quite see eye to eye with what I have been taught over the years, and because of that he took points away for things He didn't agree with. Even though they said in the beginning of the class to speak freely on what you believe. The book we were reading was a lot on what we do as Christians, rather than the work of Christ on the cross. And in my papers and discussion boards, I spoke freely. But it was clearly not what he wanted to hear.
My education class I finished with 89.5. Just .5 points away from an A. With everything that is going on in my life, I had peace with receiving that grade. Though I do wish it could have been an A, I mean who wouldn't?
So far my new classes have been going great! I am taking Bible and English, and I'm really enjoying both of them. This will be an easier term for sure! The first day my teacher said for us to start reading right away since there was a lot of it. When I looked at the assignments, I was required to read 30 pages for the week. Compared to the 100 I was reading for my Education class last term.
God has been very kind to me this year, giving me the strength he has for everything that has been going on from work and church, soccer, friends, family, and school. At times I don't feel like I'm gonna be able to get it all done, but some how, every week, I do. How kind He is!
Little did I know, my current memory verse was perfect for this past week. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
Hope you are able to see God's amazing grace in your life at the moment! Because He is an awesome God. Thanks for reading!
My education class I finished with 89.5. Just .5 points away from an A. With everything that is going on in my life, I had peace with receiving that grade. Though I do wish it could have been an A, I mean who wouldn't?
So far my new classes have been going great! I am taking Bible and English, and I'm really enjoying both of them. This will be an easier term for sure! The first day my teacher said for us to start reading right away since there was a lot of it. When I looked at the assignments, I was required to read 30 pages for the week. Compared to the 100 I was reading for my Education class last term.
God has been very kind to me this year, giving me the strength he has for everything that has been going on from work and church, soccer, friends, family, and school. At times I don't feel like I'm gonna be able to get it all done, but some how, every week, I do. How kind He is!
Little did I know, my current memory verse was perfect for this past week. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
Hope you are able to see God's amazing grace in your life at the moment! Because He is an awesome God. Thanks for reading!
March 24, 2012
The Everything Became the Nothing
Since January, my Community Group has been going through Jesus + Nothing = Everything. Over Spring Break I was reading chapter 6, and wow, what a chapter I need to be reminded of daily! The chapter is called "News - The Biggest and Best", and Tchividjian is talking about how we really need to be aware of our sin in order to see the greatness of the gospel. I loved what he said in the closing. That whole last page in my book is pretty much underlined. He says;
"The more we reflect on the gospel, the more we let our hearts and minds soak in it, the more we see how the gospel is saturated with the dynamics of nothing and everything. This Jesus who is so infinitely everything -- this same Jesus "made himself nothing" (Phil 2:7) .... The Everything became nothing. Four our sake. On the cross, Jesus took upon himself our sin -- our corrupt, fatal nothingness -- then placed upon us his righteousness, his everythingness. It's what has been called "the glorious exchange." .... "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him" (1 John 4:9). A restored relationship with God never happens by our climbing up to him; it happens only in Jesus, who came down to us. Grace is descending, one-way love! .... This vast gospel, in its fullness, is now ours to fully know, to fully experience, to fully embrace."
What a glorious exchange! The moment I read that, I was about to jump out of my skin. He did that for me! He was everything, and became nothing, so that He might place His everything on me. I LOVE the song "We Have Been Healed" on the SGM Risen cd.
"We have been healed, justified. Made alive in the life of Christ. Righteous blood covers every sin." It covers every sin. "Risen Lamb, heaven's light. Crucified and now alive. In Your love You have drawn us in .... All our sin for Your grace. What a glorious exchange."I'm speechless. And it's not cuz it's 2:00am. He did that for me. I was nothing. Nothing. On my way to hell. But He turned me around. All my sin for His grace. What a glorious exchange!!!
March 23, 2012
March 20, 2012
Adventures In DC
Last Monday for Spring Break, Kelsey, Josh and I went to DC with our great friends Stephenia & Chris Deloglos. We had a blast! I kept picking on Kel cuz she kept saying this was our first trip without an adult. She just happened to forget that I am 21.... but that's ok.
Our morning started at 6:00am. And yes, I did get up that early! They picked us up at 7am, and can you guess where our first stop was? Starbucks! And that is when we made our way north. It was a pretty easy drive.
We hoped on the metro in Springfield, VA around 10:00am, which took us to the heart of DC. After 40 minutes on the metro, we got off near Pennsylvania Avenue. So our first stop was the White House. We then sat near the Washington Monument for lunch, and that is when our walking adventure began. From there we walked to the World War 2 memorial, and then we made a visit to Abe. That place was packed!
At that point, someone in our party really wanted Starbucks. So we made what looked like on my Starbucks app a small detour. The building that the app said the Starbucks was at, happened to be the Federal Reserve, which had a few guards that were clearly not holding big water guns.
The man at the Reserve was very nice, and helped us with what we were looking for. As we walked a few more blocks to our destination, that same someone who was going to die right in front of us if she did not have Starbucks, saw it several blocks aways through many beginning to bloom trees (which none of the rest of us could see). I won't say this person's name, but I'll give you a hint. This same person that is beast on an electric guitar, has a built in radar for Starbucks.
From our rest at Starbucks, we headed for the Smithsonian's. At this point in the day we knew we only had about 2 hours till we needed to be back on the metro. We first went to the American History Museum, and stopped to see the Star Spangle Banner. Last time I was in DC (1999) they were repairing it, so we could not really see it as it was laying on a table. But this time I got to see it's magnitude. I got chilly bumps seeing it. I thought of all the lives that have fought for this land, past and present, and what an honor they are to our country. They have spared their lives, so that I might live in a free land. Something I don't think enough of.
We left from there to go to the National Archives, but the line was redonkulous! So we skipped that and heading to the Air and Space Museum. Lame. Sorry, it was ok. I guess I am so use to P'cola's Air and Space (which I love), that when I was going to DC's, I was expecting for something much bigger. What a let down!
This was the part of the day when everyone began to drag their feet. So we decided to go sit in front of the Capital to rest and have a snack. I think we spent the longest time here. We just talked, ate, and talked some more. It was rather relaxing. It wasn't crowded here like it was everywhere else.
4:45 rolled around, and we decided to hit the metro early. And what a blessing that was! No lie, our first stop after getting on was a flood! It was so packed, I have never seen that many people in such a little space.
After an hour ride, we finally got to the car. And surprisingly the traffic wasn't all that bad.
So that was our adventure. Thanks for reading! Here are some pictures I put up on Instagram. I took some with my "not pink but red" camera, and hope to put some of those up as well.
Our morning started at 6:00am. And yes, I did get up that early! They picked us up at 7am, and can you guess where our first stop was? Starbucks! And that is when we made our way north. It was a pretty easy drive.
We hoped on the metro in Springfield, VA around 10:00am, which took us to the heart of DC. After 40 minutes on the metro, we got off near Pennsylvania Avenue. So our first stop was the White House. We then sat near the Washington Monument for lunch, and that is when our walking adventure began. From there we walked to the World War 2 memorial, and then we made a visit to Abe. That place was packed!
At that point, someone in our party really wanted Starbucks. So we made what looked like on my Starbucks app a small detour. The building that the app said the Starbucks was at, happened to be the Federal Reserve, which had a few guards that were clearly not holding big water guns.
The man at the Reserve was very nice, and helped us with what we were looking for. As we walked a few more blocks to our destination, that same someone who was going to die right in front of us if she did not have Starbucks, saw it several blocks aways through many beginning to bloom trees (which none of the rest of us could see). I won't say this person's name, but I'll give you a hint. This same person that is beast on an electric guitar, has a built in radar for Starbucks.
From our rest at Starbucks, we headed for the Smithsonian's. At this point in the day we knew we only had about 2 hours till we needed to be back on the metro. We first went to the American History Museum, and stopped to see the Star Spangle Banner. Last time I was in DC (1999) they were repairing it, so we could not really see it as it was laying on a table. But this time I got to see it's magnitude. I got chilly bumps seeing it. I thought of all the lives that have fought for this land, past and present, and what an honor they are to our country. They have spared their lives, so that I might live in a free land. Something I don't think enough of.
We left from there to go to the National Archives, but the line was redonkulous! So we skipped that and heading to the Air and Space Museum. Lame. Sorry, it was ok. I guess I am so use to P'cola's Air and Space (which I love), that when I was going to DC's, I was expecting for something much bigger. What a let down!
This was the part of the day when everyone began to drag their feet. So we decided to go sit in front of the Capital to rest and have a snack. I think we spent the longest time here. We just talked, ate, and talked some more. It was rather relaxing. It wasn't crowded here like it was everywhere else.
4:45 rolled around, and we decided to hit the metro early. And what a blessing that was! No lie, our first stop after getting on was a flood! It was so packed, I have never seen that many people in such a little space.
After an hour ride, we finally got to the car. And surprisingly the traffic wasn't all that bad.
So that was our adventure. Thanks for reading! Here are some pictures I put up on Instagram. I took some with my "not pink but red" camera, and hope to put some of those up as well.
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| Our stop near Pennsylvania Avenue |
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| Abe! |
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| The infamous Starbucks |
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| Loved finally seeing this! Spirit of St. Louis |
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| The gang |
March 08, 2012
Sad Time To Be A Colt
As some of you may have known, Colts have let Peyton go. After 14 years with the only team he has ever known, Manning is team less. With not knowing if he is even able to play next year, and last season realizing they don't have a QB without him, it was a hard decision to make. And I must say, how he and the team have handled it, as a fan, I couldn't be more happy. Peyton has been very "classy" (as most people are saying). As I was watching part of the news conference yesterday, hearing it from his own mouth through his own tears, I to shed a few tears. How heartbreaking it was to watch.
It's been very sad to see him go. I am so thankful and blessed that I was able to see him play in 2010 while he was still wearing blue and white. He is and always will be the best QB in football history. And Peyton will always be known as a Colt!
To watch what he and Jim Irsay (Colts owner) had to say, click here.
The one and only good thing that comes out of this, is that we will 99.9% get Luck in the draft. It's gonna be a new era for the Indianapolis Colts. And it sure will be a sad few years without #18.
It's been very sad to see him go. I am so thankful and blessed that I was able to see him play in 2010 while he was still wearing blue and white. He is and always will be the best QB in football history. And Peyton will always be known as a Colt!
To watch what he and Jim Irsay (Colts owner) had to say, click here.
The one and only good thing that comes out of this, is that we will 99.9% get Luck in the draft. It's gonna be a new era for the Indianapolis Colts. And it sure will be a sad few years without #18.
March 06, 2012
A Snapshot from Life
03/06/2012
Sad day to be a Colt. He will be greatly missed!!! So glad I got to see him play in blue and white!!! #18Forever
Sad day to be a Colt. He will be greatly missed!!! So glad I got to see him play in blue and white!!! #18Forever
March 03, 2012
March 01, 2012
February 27, 2012
Saying Things Twice
I just got done listening to a message by Roy Comfort called Hell's Best Kept Secret for my Theology class. Amazing message! Worth hearing if you haven't yet. But there was one part I thought was hilarious and wished I could share it on my blog. He was talking about how men need to hear things twice. Made me think of Brian Regan's stupid husbands skit. And how totally awesome it was that I found his sermon typed out on his website.
He says;
February 26, 2012
February 25, 2012
February 13, 2012
Keep Moving!
Like I mentioned a few posts ago, I have been reading an amazing book for my Theology class called, Found: God's Will. Find the Direction and Purpose God Wants for Your Life by John MacArthur. An amazing little book! It was definitely a gift from God in this time in my life! Throughout the book, MacArthur tells us that in order for us to know God's will we must be saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, submissive, suffering, and to do whatever you want.
I loved the whole book, but chapters 6 and 7 I really enjoyed. 6 was on suffering. MacArthur says,
"In the will of God, greatness follows along behind suffering, often far behind. And if a man signs on with Jesus with greatness in mind, he better be aware that suffering comes first. Otherwise, the will of God may begin to look pretty undesirable to him after he's been on the way a short time..... You may say, "But I don't suffer any persecution." Then maybe you're not living a godly life in the face of the world. But if you do suffer, it is a wonderful thing. The Spirit of grace and glory rest on you (1 Peter 4:14)."
To me that is such a comfort. At times, I feel like I have struggled way more than anyone else my age... I look at my siblings, and they seem to be living a "perfect" life. None of us have a "perfect" life. I realize that God used those times to teach me, to challenge me. "Suffering is linked with faith", MacArthur said. I wish I would have been walking in the light during those dessert times... but I hate to say I wasn't. And I wish I could say those suffering times are over. But they aren't. I did fall from God during those times in '07-'10... but what's different from then to now, is that now I'm walking in the light. Now, God has given me a hope, peace, and has opened my eyes to truth. I'm able to see Him at work, when during those 3 years, I couldn't. I still suffer. But God uses these times to make me stronger.
In chapter 7, keep moving (do whatever you want), is the last principle MacArthur talks about in knowing God's will. He says;
"So many people sit around waiting for that celestial crane to move them and saying, "I don't know what God wants me to do." They need to start moving so God can steer them to that area of service He has planned. Knowing God's will may mean pushing down a narrow line until you hit a dead end. At that point, God will open a door so wide, you won't be able to see around it - only through it!... You may bounce off a lot of closed doors but that is God's way of forcing you into His open one. Get rolling! Be persistent."
Keep moving! When suffering comes, don't stop! God is good, and I'm pretty sure He knows what is best for you.
It's sweet how God does things! Chapter 7 led me to my new memory verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (ESV) What a great God He is!
I loved the whole book, but chapters 6 and 7 I really enjoyed. 6 was on suffering. MacArthur says,
"In the will of God, greatness follows along behind suffering, often far behind. And if a man signs on with Jesus with greatness in mind, he better be aware that suffering comes first. Otherwise, the will of God may begin to look pretty undesirable to him after he's been on the way a short time..... You may say, "But I don't suffer any persecution." Then maybe you're not living a godly life in the face of the world. But if you do suffer, it is a wonderful thing. The Spirit of grace and glory rest on you (1 Peter 4:14)."
To me that is such a comfort. At times, I feel like I have struggled way more than anyone else my age... I look at my siblings, and they seem to be living a "perfect" life. None of us have a "perfect" life. I realize that God used those times to teach me, to challenge me. "Suffering is linked with faith", MacArthur said. I wish I would have been walking in the light during those dessert times... but I hate to say I wasn't. And I wish I could say those suffering times are over. But they aren't. I did fall from God during those times in '07-'10... but what's different from then to now, is that now I'm walking in the light. Now, God has given me a hope, peace, and has opened my eyes to truth. I'm able to see Him at work, when during those 3 years, I couldn't. I still suffer. But God uses these times to make me stronger.
In chapter 7, keep moving (do whatever you want), is the last principle MacArthur talks about in knowing God's will. He says;
"So many people sit around waiting for that celestial crane to move them and saying, "I don't know what God wants me to do." They need to start moving so God can steer them to that area of service He has planned. Knowing God's will may mean pushing down a narrow line until you hit a dead end. At that point, God will open a door so wide, you won't be able to see around it - only through it!... You may bounce off a lot of closed doors but that is God's way of forcing you into His open one. Get rolling! Be persistent."
Keep moving! When suffering comes, don't stop! God is good, and I'm pretty sure He knows what is best for you.
It's sweet how God does things! Chapter 7 led me to my new memory verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (ESV) What a great God He is!
February 12, 2012
February 11, 2012
♫O Great God♫
Lately, God has really been teaching me to trust in Him with my future... which seems to be a common lesson for me. But once again, He keeps showing me that He has control in the driver seat. One way is a book I am reading for my Theology class by John MacArthur called Found: God's Will. Find the Direction and Purpose God Wants for Your Life. A little book everyone should read at some point! And other ways through songs, scripture, and even through the little things in life.
O great God of highest heaven
Occupy my lowly heart
Own it all and reign supreme
Conquer every rebel power
Let no vice or sin remain
That resists Your holy war
You have loved and purchased me
Make me Yours forevermore
I was blinded by my sin
Had no ears to hear Your voice
Did not know Your love within
Had no taste for heaven’s joys
Then Your Spirit gave me life
Opened up Your Word to me
Through the gospel of Your Son
Gave me endless hope and peace
Help me now to live a life
That’s dependent on Your grace
Keep my heart and guard my soul
From the evils that I face
You are worthy to be praised
With my every thought and deed
O great God of highest heaven
Glorify Your Name through me
Thursday morning I was really struggling, and a line from a song on Vally of Vision popped in my head, o great God of highest heaven, occupy my lowly heart. EGG! I had to listened to it on my iPod.
Occupy my lowly heart
Own it all and reign supreme
Conquer every rebel power
Let no vice or sin remain
That resists Your holy war
You have loved and purchased me
Make me Yours forevermore
I was blinded by my sin
Had no ears to hear Your voice
Did not know Your love within
Had no taste for heaven’s joys
Then Your Spirit gave me life
Opened up Your Word to me
Through the gospel of Your Son
Gave me endless hope and peace
Help me now to live a life
That’s dependent on Your grace
Keep my heart and guard my soul
From the evils that I face
You are worthy to be praised
With my every thought and deed
O great God of highest heaven
Glorify Your Name through me
This is now my life prayer at the moment. Help me now to live a life, that's dependent of Your grace. Not what is here at the moment, not what lies ahead, but on Your grace alone! For You have a way! Your will be done! O great God, glorify Your name through me!
If you think of me, please pray that I will continue to look up, and not forward. That my heart will be occupied with His grace, and not my desires.
A Snapshot from Life
2/11/2012
"You do not lack anything!... 'And ye are complete in Him' (Col. 2:10). Complete!" -MacArthur --- What a comforting thought!
"You do not lack anything!... 'And ye are complete in Him' (Col. 2:10). Complete!" -MacArthur --- What a comforting thought!
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