Sorry for the fact that it has been exactly a month since I have last visited ya'll, but I figured since today was the golden day of the year (11/11/11) I should show up. Plenty of changes have happened within the last few weeks and there will be more details at later date... hopefully not a later time.
For now though, I'll leave you with a sweet cover .. love ya
Friday, November 11, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Viewing through a broken mirror
Happy Tuesday Ya'll.
So much that is going on in my life and heart, and yet, none of it I feel like sharing right now. Odd. sorry
I will say this much.
Matthew 22 makes it clear that we are to Love the Lord with all that we are. Second, we are to Love others as ourselves.
"Ya,ya we've heard this one before" you might say, "I do love God and I love people as much as I can in a day."
Well that's nice, good to know you were listening in Sunday service. But I come with a different purpose.
The challenge? One that has been turning my life upside-down this past month.
IDENTITY: What is it to you? Wanna know what yours is?.... look at the fruit of your down-and-out nights all alone. What do you say about yourself TO yourself when nobody else is listening. Now, what does GOD say about what your saying? Is is true? Is it just your imagination? Is it Satan squeezing in?
What's the difference between who you are and who you really are?
The challenge? One that has been turning my life upside-down this past month.
How can I really love people (or God for that matter) as myself if I don't really love... or LIKE myself?
What's the difference between who you are and who you really are?
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Fake HIV/Aids drugs!!!
All ya'll concerned with the well-being of the other half of the world might find this piece of information interesting.
I have this Ugandan update web-site as my homepage so I can kinda know what's going on in that part of the world my Compassion child is from. This was today's front page story... check it out.
I have this Ugandan update web-site as my homepage so I can kinda know what's going on in that part of the world my Compassion child is from. This was today's front page story... check it out.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Musing the Wonderment of love
Had a splendid time with the Springang yesterday. Sorry no pictures... BUT Had a beautiful breakfast feast of chocolate pancakes and scrambled eggs with coffee and smiles. Adon was able to join us as well!!! I haven't seen him for around six months... what are the chances that both he and I were in town for Connally's only day off this week? I will never forget that warm little kitchen, with the girls busily cooking and dropping food onto the plates of the three guys around the smallish table, chatting over coffee about school, plans, and life in general. A little family with nothing better to do than be together.
We played one of my favorite games after hearing a wonderful love story before Adon had to skat, but the fun didn't stop there.
"thrown rolls" to eat. It's crazy that through all the years having lived here I never had eaten there before.... I don't know how I missed it; all my family and friends have gone different times. In any case, it's just ironic that now that I don't live here, I go.
To top off the outing we all headed to the new hipster coffee shop down town that Honey now works at. All their coffee comes from Haiti. I had what's called "Haitian Dreams" a latte made with Haitian vanilla... so beautiful to taste!!
We played Apples to Apples and laughed a lot.
Headed home and lazily sat around the apartment and hung for a while before skyping with Connally's sister from a far away land. Oh the wonders of technology.
Thanks God for friends that never fail to bring a smile and a refreshing look at life when I get hung up on one side.
We played one of my favorite games after hearing a wonderful love story before Adon had to skat, but the fun didn't stop there.
"thrown rolls" to eat. It's crazy that through all the years having lived here I never had eaten there before.... I don't know how I missed it; all my family and friends have gone different times. In any case, it's just ironic that now that I don't live here, I go.
To top off the outing we all headed to the new hipster coffee shop down town that Honey now works at. All their coffee comes from Haiti. I had what's called "Haitian Dreams" a latte made with Haitian vanilla... so beautiful to taste!!
We played Apples to Apples and laughed a lot.
Headed home and lazily sat around the apartment and hung for a while before skyping with Connally's sister from a far away land. Oh the wonders of technology.
Thanks God for friends that never fail to bring a smile and a refreshing look at life when I get hung up on one side.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Pit Stop of Life
I am now a professional traveler... it's official. Considering I've just done my first solo major trip/"move". Today I completed the North to Midwest commute in a two day period. Summer is gone like the wind! I can't believe the time is over and school is upon us. I'm only taking a short time in this place that was once home to tie up a few loose ends with my car. Catching up with a few close friends is just a perk of being gone for so long. Has it really been almost three months? And three before that!
I hate to even unpack stuff from my stuffed vehicular device, but I must for a short time since I'm staying a few days. It took me a good day and a half to pack it up from my Summer Home residence and fit it into my poor litt
le "Amy"
This is only the beginning I can tell.
There are going to be many more of these travels... Thank God for traveling mercies.
See if you can keep up!
I hate to even unpack stuff from my stuffed vehicular device, but I must for a short time since I'm staying a few days. It took me a good day and a half to pack it up from my Summer Home residence and fit it into my poor litt
le "Amy"
This is only the beginning I can tell.
There are going to be many more of these travels... Thank God for traveling mercies.
See if you can keep up!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Hebrews 10:23
Rainy Day.
Low on gas, but still using what's left to get away.
Coffeeshop.
Grande Pike's Peak with sugar, honey, and cream.
Window seat.
Watching the fog tear away from the dark mountains.
I don't know what I have more in common with right now;
Clouds or Mountains.
Clouds: rising from the earth to a white sky, leaving behind the known solid ground only to drift... leaving their tears behind.
Mountains: standing strong on their foundations despite the storms washing around them. Dark against the white sky, seeming mournful to see the clouds fly away.. not wanting them to go, but knowing they must.
Or
...
Was it the Rain?
There is one thing that Rain makes me think of... Gratitude. I've spoken of it before, but just to remind, it is a song about Taking what God has given as provision and Thanking Him for it even though it may not have been the way You thought He should have provided. Understanding that He has the BEST understanding of needs... NEEDS (not wants).
Low on gas, but still using what's left to get away.
Coffeeshop.
Grande Pike's Peak with sugar, honey, and cream.
Window seat.
Watching the fog tear away from the dark mountains.
I don't know what I have more in common with right now;
Clouds or Mountains.
Clouds: rising from the earth to a white sky, leaving behind the known solid ground only to drift... leaving their tears behind.
Mountains: standing strong on their foundations despite the storms washing around them. Dark against the white sky, seeming mournful to see the clouds fly away.. not wanting them to go, but knowing they must.
Or
...
Was it the Rain?
There is one thing that Rain makes me think of... Gratitude. I've spoken of it before, but just to remind, it is a song about Taking what God has given as provision and Thanking Him for it even though it may not have been the way You thought He should have provided. Understanding that He has the BEST understanding of needs... NEEDS (not wants).
Sunday, July 24, 2011
God's Gift
Listening to the overflow from the spring house, pouring onto the rocks…. Distant birds calling and fluttering… a small frog chirps alone in the ditch… ever so often the dew drops fall from their resident leaves, splattering on ones farther down the line…. The smell of wet moss and the musty trees, the warm though clean air, and hints of smoke from the fire pit.
It’s another new morning at the place we so lovingly refer to as “God’s Gift”. My Grandparent’s cabin is one of the most calming places I know that exists. Far out in mountain country, it is tucked away among the Silver Birch, Hemlock, and Pine Trees. There is a rushing Creek just a walk away that facilitates hours of swimming, stone skipping, and of course Creek Sneaking. Now, not to be confused with Robinson Crusoe, we are not in the middle of the wilderness apart from all humanity. There are plenty of neighbors just a stone’s throw away… both two and four-legged alike… oh, the Black Bear stories we’ve heard. The road is just on the other side of the trees and corn field where mostly motorcyclists frequent. Just a quick trip down and around the corner is Becky’s Sunset Ice-cream shop. I always get the same flavor there, Teaberry, mostly because I can’t seem to find it anywhere else than in this part of the country!
Oh the times I’ve spent here as a little boy… The campfire dog roasts, the long walks down the gravel road… I remember when my dad and grandfather put up the swing-set for us three kids; just board across two Silver Birches, rope, and board seats…. A child’s freedom. This is where I learned how to roast the perfectly browned marshmallow for the perfectly sticky s’more. This is where I learned to bait a hook with the night crawlers we bought at the country store… the same store we got a bag full of penny candy each visit. This is where I learned how to differentiate Hemlock and Pines, and probably more importantly, what poison ivy looks like… though I still have trouble with that one.
But of all things big and small, the theme that this place sings with every creak of the floor boards or old screen door hinges is “Togetherness”. It’s because of togetherness that the life I have is the way it is… because my grandparents decided that togetherness is better than not … for 50 years. The cabin has been in the family for nearly thirty years now, with at least ten more to go I would say. The older I grow, the more I reflect on these times and places, realizing that it may be a few years before I return… but for now I thank God for the time I have and have had.
Thank you Lord… Thank You for this wonderful Gift.
It’s another new morning at the place we so lovingly refer to as “God’s Gift”. My Grandparent’s cabin is one of the most calming places I know that exists. Far out in mountain country, it is tucked away among the Silver Birch, Hemlock, and Pine Trees. There is a rushing Creek just a walk away that facilitates hours of swimming, stone skipping, and of course Creek Sneaking. Now, not to be confused with Robinson Crusoe, we are not in the middle of the wilderness apart from all humanity. There are plenty of neighbors just a stone’s throw away… both two and four-legged alike… oh, the Black Bear stories we’ve heard. The road is just on the other side of the trees and corn field where mostly motorcyclists frequent. Just a quick trip down and around the corner is Becky’s Sunset Ice-cream shop. I always get the same flavor there, Teaberry, mostly because I can’t seem to find it anywhere else than in this part of the country!
Oh the times I’ve spent here as a little boy… The campfire dog roasts, the long walks down the gravel road… I remember when my dad and grandfather put up the swing-set for us three kids; just board across two Silver Birches, rope, and board seats…. A child’s freedom. This is where I learned how to roast the perfectly browned marshmallow for the perfectly sticky s’more. This is where I learned to bait a hook with the night crawlers we bought at the country store… the same store we got a bag full of penny candy each visit. This is where I learned how to differentiate Hemlock and Pines, and probably more importantly, what poison ivy looks like… though I still have trouble with that one.
But of all things big and small, the theme that this place sings with every creak of the floor boards or old screen door hinges is “Togetherness”. It’s because of togetherness that the life I have is the way it is… because my grandparents decided that togetherness is better than not … for 50 years. The cabin has been in the family for nearly thirty years now, with at least ten more to go I would say. The older I grow, the more I reflect on these times and places, realizing that it may be a few years before I return… but for now I thank God for the time I have and have had.
Thank you Lord… Thank You for this wonderful Gift.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Tears of Joy and of Pain
It seemed so far away. For so long there was no date… just an idea. For so long Summer seemed forever away… but it is almost over. For so long they had packed and stored and sold… and it’s all gone.
I told my Grandfather as my parents drove away “I’ve never been on this side of the van.”
My parents are in route to Mozambique, Africa!!! And the rest of us are left here to praise the Lord for all He has done and pray for all He will do.
I have some really amazing parents. My friends have already told me this over and over again but it was always one of those things that it takes time to realize for oneself. Ya, my parents are amazing.
Pillars of Faith in Jehovah Jirah.
I’m so proud of them.
I told my Grandfather as my parents drove away “I’ve never been on this side of the van.”
My parents are in route to Mozambique, Africa!!! And the rest of us are left here to praise the Lord for all He has done and pray for all He will do.
I have some really amazing parents. My friends have already told me this over and over again but it was always one of those things that it takes time to realize for oneself. Ya, my parents are amazing.
Pillars of Faith in Jehovah Jirah.
I’m so proud of them.
Tears of Joy and of Pain
It seemed so far away. For so long there was no date… just an idea. For so long Summer seemed forever away… but it is almost over. For so long they had packed and stored and sold… and it’s all gone.
I told my Grandfather as my parents drove away “I’ve never been on this side of the van.”
My parents are in route to Mozambique, Africa!!! And the rest of us are left here to praise the Lord for all He has done and pray for all He will do.
I have some really amazing parents. My friends have already told me this over and over again but it was always one of those things that it takes time to realize for oneself. Ya, my parents are amazing.
Pillars of Faith in Jehovah Jirah.
I’m so proud of them.
I told my Grandfather as my parents drove away “I’ve never been on this side of the van.”
My parents are in route to Mozambique, Africa!!! And the rest of us are left here to praise the Lord for all He has done and pray for all He will do.
I have some really amazing parents. My friends have already told me this over and over again but it was always one of those things that it takes time to realize for oneself. Ya, my parents are amazing.
Pillars of Faith in Jehovah Jirah.
I’m so proud of them.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Up, up, and away..
Took four planes in two days, for trips that I will write about at a later date.
But the thought came to me as the plane sailed over the clouds I so obviously am intrigued by.
To a cloud, the world is not seen in detail! Instead of all the crazy life happenings and stresses of the little things, Clouds have a "big picture". How blessed would I be if I took time to step back from all my anxieties and looked at the big picture, remembering that I am not in control but that My God is.
The coolest part about it is that even in the darkest of circumstances, in looking at things in the long run, I'm able to see God's fingerprints and that there was light all along the way!!! I just didn't recognize it at the time, or wasn't looking for it.
...like a starry sky upside-down. Heaven HAS come to Earth.. He's in You
But the thought came to me as the plane sailed over the clouds I so obviously am intrigued by.
To a cloud, the world is not seen in detail! Instead of all the crazy life happenings and stresses of the little things, Clouds have a "big picture". How blessed would I be if I took time to step back from all my anxieties and looked at the big picture, remembering that I am not in control but that My God is.
The coolest part about it is that even in the darkest of circumstances, in looking at things in the long run, I'm able to see God's fingerprints and that there was light all along the way!!! I just didn't recognize it at the time, or wasn't looking for it.
...like a starry sky upside-down. Heaven HAS come to Earth.. He's in You
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
You Smell like a Monkey!!!
Today is a very special day that everyone should know about!!! It's not a national holiday or even known to most of the world's population... though it's about to be, (at least the part that reads this).
IT IS MY SISTER's BIRTHDAY!!!!
So I am taking this moment to celebrate her by reflecting on our lives together!!
I figured since I wasn't sure if I'd have another chance to call her today, I'd at least say,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEG-PEG!!!!!
so everyone else could hear.
Love ya tons, hope you enjoyed it.
IT IS MY SISTER's BIRTHDAY!!!!
So I am taking this moment to celebrate her by reflecting on our lives together!!
I figured since I wasn't sure if I'd have another chance to call her today, I'd at least say,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEG-PEG!!!!!
so everyone else could hear.
Love ya tons, hope you enjoyed it.
Monday, June 13, 2011
A Journey of Faith
So, I started reading this book. It is a very "me" book to be reading... though my mom is telling me not to be getting any ideas.
I will assure the rest of you that I had "ideas" much prior to having been introduced to this incredible story!!!
It's all about Faith. I mean REAL Faith. Mike Yankoski and a friend, Sam Purvis, became as Mike puts it "travelers through this underworld of need-privileged visitors." In other words, in the time of 5 months the pair visited 5 cities undercover as homeless vagabonds!!!
I encourage you all to read it. It challenges you as Mike was challenged, how much faith you really have in God... and how much you might have if you didn't "have" so much of everything else.
What would you do if you lost everything today?
Would you still trust God?
I will assure the rest of you that I had "ideas" much prior to having been introduced to this incredible story!!!
It's all about Faith. I mean REAL Faith. Mike Yankoski and a friend, Sam Purvis, became as Mike puts it "travelers through this underworld of need-privileged visitors." In other words, in the time of 5 months the pair visited 5 cities undercover as homeless vagabonds!!!
I encourage you all to read it. It challenges you as Mike was challenged, how much faith you really have in God... and how much you might have if you didn't "have" so much of everything else.
What would you do if you lost everything today?
Would you still trust God?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Man Who Can't Be Moved
Summer has come and life keeps going 'round.
Love "The Script".. so many good songs that don't have anything sketch; just wholesome, beautiful music.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Reflections of a "Hebrews" Life
Where to begin. I know the last time I posted seems like ages ago and so much has happened since. For starters, I’m back up at my new home (again) in the North East with family, though living with friends that might as well be my blood anyway. I am now the proud Uncle of a BIG BOY.. 9lb!! I don’t know how my sister carried that kid. Praise the Lord for bringing the little(ish) one into the world. I have a job at a furniture manufacturing company… pretty exciting.
Let’s see… after having packed my parents up for Africa over Spring Break, they headed up all over the place to visit different supporters and churches. They’re still on the road and probably will be until their departure in June sometime. For sure and pray that things come together financially, but more so that the Lord would grant them peace about moving forward in Faith… believing God for what He said would happen, not basing belief off of what the present circumstance is telling them.
That’s been the theme of my life this past semester: FAITH
I’m realizing how short sighted and caught up in the here and now I really am. God has truly been growing my faith seemingly exponentially. More so, He’s been allowing me to endure rather heavy times, which in turn allows me opportunity to look to Him and live the life I actually have: secure.
I was challenged by a message on the radio speaking of hard times and wondering if God really was caring at all while “the every-day sinner” was doing just fine; cruising down easy street. But refiners fire came back to mind, “You’ve asked Me for a lot, do you want it or not?”
Going through the book of Hebrews was super encouraging, looking at the lives of what we call the ‘Heroes of Faith’ showing us as a cloud of witnesses; this life is doable. Not only is it doable, but crazy amazing if only we allow the Lord to work. Patient endurance is the key.
Let’s see… after having packed my parents up for Africa over Spring Break, they headed up all over the place to visit different supporters and churches. They’re still on the road and probably will be until their departure in June sometime. For sure and pray that things come together financially, but more so that the Lord would grant them peace about moving forward in Faith… believing God for what He said would happen, not basing belief off of what the present circumstance is telling them.
That’s been the theme of my life this past semester: FAITH
I’m realizing how short sighted and caught up in the here and now I really am. God has truly been growing my faith seemingly exponentially. More so, He’s been allowing me to endure rather heavy times, which in turn allows me opportunity to look to Him and live the life I actually have: secure.
I was challenged by a message on the radio speaking of hard times and wondering if God really was caring at all while “the every-day sinner” was doing just fine; cruising down easy street. But refiners fire came back to mind, “You’ve asked Me for a lot, do you want it or not?”
Going through the book of Hebrews was super encouraging, looking at the lives of what we call the ‘Heroes of Faith’ showing us as a cloud of witnesses; this life is doable. Not only is it doable, but crazy amazing if only we allow the Lord to work. Patient endurance is the key.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
From my Starbucks Hideout
I have a post that I started back in the middle of February, but never had time to finish.. work and all at the time. It was called "Faith, Hope, and Love".. describing all that the Lord had/has done for me at that time in the scope of growing my Faith, giving me Hope in the coming spring, and it just so happened to be around Valentines Day.. hence the Love.
Since then, "work and all" has taken its very cold and ever cycling tole on my soul. I actually feel guilty right now taking the time right now to even post this little blurp of blogging. I miss the sweet time I once called my own, but life goes on and you either get on board or get left in the dust with nothing less than fatigue and overwhelmingness... (no that's not a real word.. but you catch my drift). Funny how both of those are the very things that accompany the pursuit of keeping up with it all.
I wrote in my journal tonight for the Lord to carry me through this next week. Though there isn't much homework and I'm working almost every evening till Friday, which is crowned with a school Masquerade, I still feel hopeless to go on my own. I have this terrible tendency to rely on my own strength to "deal with it" when life gets rough because I also have this terrible tendency to not ask for help. I LOVE to help people and to serve them in any way I can, but when it comes down to my well-being, I always feel that I am just being a bother or an inconvenience to whomever might ask about it.
In complete truth, what I want the most is to Not be where I am right now. I need a break, I need some air that doesn't smell like six guys in a room, I need a care-free moment to just do what I want and not worry about the regret of "wasted time," I need time to repose my heart and mind in the Word instead of cramming it of Holy knowledge. I need sleep!!! I need sweet fellowship that isn't overshadowed by homework we all have to get done. God, I need a Spiritual renewal from YOU!
Sorry for the melancholy outlook... granted I'm tired and ready to have a break from all this Life that is going on around me. Truth always wins though. I'm being held in the arms of my Creator; an embrace that carries me through. His grace is sufficient for me... somehow. I'm not sure when, where, or how I'll be looking back at this time and tracing His Hand through it all, but I will. That is for certain.
Since then, "work and all" has taken its very cold and ever cycling tole on my soul. I actually feel guilty right now taking the time right now to even post this little blurp of blogging. I miss the sweet time I once called my own, but life goes on and you either get on board or get left in the dust with nothing less than fatigue and overwhelmingness... (no that's not a real word.. but you catch my drift). Funny how both of those are the very things that accompany the pursuit of keeping up with it all.
I wrote in my journal tonight for the Lord to carry me through this next week. Though there isn't much homework and I'm working almost every evening till Friday, which is crowned with a school Masquerade, I still feel hopeless to go on my own. I have this terrible tendency to rely on my own strength to "deal with it" when life gets rough because I also have this terrible tendency to not ask for help. I LOVE to help people and to serve them in any way I can, but when it comes down to my well-being, I always feel that I am just being a bother or an inconvenience to whomever might ask about it.
In complete truth, what I want the most is to Not be where I am right now. I need a break, I need some air that doesn't smell like six guys in a room, I need a care-free moment to just do what I want and not worry about the regret of "wasted time," I need time to repose my heart and mind in the Word instead of cramming it of Holy knowledge. I need sleep!!! I need sweet fellowship that isn't overshadowed by homework we all have to get done. God, I need a Spiritual renewal from YOU!
Sorry for the melancholy outlook... granted I'm tired and ready to have a break from all this Life that is going on around me. Truth always wins though. I'm being held in the arms of my Creator; an embrace that carries me through. His grace is sufficient for me... somehow. I'm not sure when, where, or how I'll be looking back at this time and tracing His Hand through it all, but I will. That is for certain.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Give the Gift of technology
Hey I know it's been over a month since the last time I sent anything out, but now is not the time to tell you about my life. Instead, check out what my class is doing for the furtherment of the Gosple!!
Can you imagine 53 people crowding around one MP3 player after a sermon to review what the pastor said?
At the end of the first week of chronolgical Bible teaching among the Mwinika people in Mozambique, that's exactly what happened!
Our class has voluntarily committed to praying for and encouraging the missionaries involved in this work.
As we were praying for them, the Lord moved in our hearts that we might be able to be an answer to prayer through action.
We decided to pool our resources to buy a few more MP3 players ($30 a piece) to send to Mozambique.
They have 17 MP3 players
right now, to share between a people group of 200,000!
Contact me through a private Facebook message or email if you would like to participate in this opportunity by contributing financially.
The deadline is Friday, April 8th!
Check the link below to read more info about how effective these MP3 players are in reaching this people group.
ministry tool mp3 players/
Can you imagine 53 people crowding around one MP3 player after a sermon to review what the pastor said?
At the end of the first week of chronolgical Bible teaching among the Mwinika people in Mozambique, that's exactly what happened!
Our class has voluntarily committed to praying for and encouraging the missionaries involved in this work.
As we were praying for them, the Lord moved in our hearts that we might be able to be an answer to prayer through action.
We decided to pool our resources to buy a few more MP3 players ($30 a piece) to send to Mozambique.
They have 17 MP3 players
 |
| ntm.org |
right now, to share between a people group of 200,000!
Contact me through a private Facebook message or email if you would like to participate in this opportunity by contributing financially.
The deadline is Friday, April 8th!
Check the link below to read more info about how effective these MP3 players are in reaching this people group.
ministry tool mp3 players/
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Will it ever get better than tonight?
It has been snowing ALL day. BIG Flakes… I feel really bad for the UPS guy bringing in the packages right now because the wind has really picked up. However, as I watched the swirling clumps be redirected a in the wind, I was reminded of a post from Connally, so long ago….Ironically, it also was from a snowy February evening talking about Glitter in the Air. It's one of my favorites.
Snow is so cleansing. It covers all the dirty brown ugliness that winter cold brings. It is so gentle and yet contains such qualities that people fear venturing out. Really makes me think of our Great and Cosmic, Almighty God; Creator of all… and Lover of our souls. So great, so strong…. And yet as gentle as a winter snow. Though my sins were ascarlet, because of His love He made a way to cover them and make them white as snow.
Happy February
Snow is so cleansing. It covers all the dirty brown ugliness that winter cold brings. It is so gentle and yet contains such qualities that people fear venturing out. Really makes me think of our Great and Cosmic, Almighty God; Creator of all… and Lover of our souls. So great, so strong…. And yet as gentle as a winter snow. Though my sins were ascarlet, because of His love He made a way to cover them and make them white as snow.
Happy February
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Between Tissues and Coughdrops
Pray for me guys, I'm sick.
Actually I've been sick for the past five days, but I feel like I should update ya'll on what I've been thinking about a lot lately, but I'm gonna abstain for a little longer till I can at least think with my mouth closed... (cuz I can't breath otherwise). Until then, here's a little teaser on the subject of thought.
 |
| The Charlotte Observer |
Actually I've been sick for the past five days, but I feel like I should update ya'll on what I've been thinking about a lot lately, but I'm gonna abstain for a little longer till I can at least think with my mouth closed... (cuz I can't breath otherwise). Until then, here's a little teaser on the subject of thought.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Being Forged
Junior Semester has brought such truth. In my 1Peter class, Grace is the big kahuna that not only saves us from hell, but also keeps on track in our daily life.... that is, sanctification. As my professor states:
This is great truth to know... but what about truly understanding it? Some things you can't understand unless you've experienced them personally. I have not exactly experienced this but one thing I do know is that purifying usually involves fire.
The question is now: "How can going through the fire make it possible to understand true love??"
The same professor relayed this story to the class.. Refiner and Purifier
That is how true love comes from going through trial and opposition... because we become more like the One Who IS LOVE. We suffer and so can have compassion for those suffering too, because we have experiential understanding. In the same way, Christ suffered as we suffer... and has experiential understanding of our fire.
" As Peter writes about the true grace of God he reminds us that when we responded in obedience to God's truth it had a purifying effect on us. This purifying effect makes it possible for us to truly and sincerely love (phileo) the brethren. Because of this grace-given potential, we are exhorted not only to agape one another but to do so from the heart."
This is great truth to know... but what about truly understanding it? Some things you can't understand unless you've experienced them personally. I have not exactly experienced this but one thing I do know is that purifying usually involves fire.
The question is now: "How can going through the fire make it possible to understand true love??"
The same professor relayed this story to the class.. Refiner and Purifier
Malachi 3:3 says... " He will sit as a Refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fie where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fie the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left, a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"
He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy-- when I see my image in it."
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| -the SoulJournaler |
That is how true love comes from going through trial and opposition... because we become more like the One Who IS LOVE. We suffer and so can have compassion for those suffering too, because we have experiential understanding. In the same way, Christ suffered as we suffer... and has experiential understanding of our fire.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
And we're Back....
Back to the races again!!!
School officially starts tomorrow along with Snow Crew in the morning and Dish crew after breakfast. Hello routine!!! I've missed you.
Had a nice drive up to the North land with a friend and his dad. Crazy all that God has provided for me to be here. I gotta get off to dinner, and then Jail ministry at 7pm, but thought I'd toss out a couple things ...
-"If you're going to pray, don't worry. Because, if you're going to worry, why pray?"
-When you're really letting God be in control, things rarely turn out the way you think... they turn out better.
-When in doubt, Trust God.
-"Never doubt in the dark what God showed you in the light"
School officially starts tomorrow along with Snow Crew in the morning and Dish crew after breakfast. Hello routine!!! I've missed you.
Had a nice drive up to the North land with a friend and his dad. Crazy all that God has provided for me to be here. I gotta get off to dinner, and then Jail ministry at 7pm, but thought I'd toss out a couple things ...
-"If you're going to pray, don't worry. Because, if you're going to worry, why pray?"
-When you're really letting God be in control, things rarely turn out the way you think... they turn out better.
-When in doubt, Trust God.
-"Never doubt in the dark what God showed you in the light"
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Second Serving of Christmas
I realized that I never did a post that I had wanted to.. that being a few pics of the wonderful yummies that were around during the Christmas stay up North with my family.
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| I made some seasoned pretzels |
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| olive oil, garlic salt, and more! |
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| New Year's Goodies |
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| Cranberry soda and Hawiian Punch? Heck Yes! |
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| Clockwise: NoBakes, PB, Whoopie Pies, CandyCane (anise), | Vanilla Sticks, and Springerlies |
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| Christmas Lunch!! With Baked Pinapple, Baked Corn, Cream Peas, Chicken salad, and Ham |
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| Let's make some magic!!! |
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| Some plain... |
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| But add a little sparkle |
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| and you get... |
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| Sweet goodness |
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| The First Brother-in-law made some Apple Pies!! |
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| And yes, we played "Apples to Apples" as they cooled |
Home Again, Home Again, ...
Jigg-a-dee Jog!
So excited to see all the folks I didn't think I could back in the mid-west. I've not only been enjoying times with good friends, but also the oppertunity to work for money! Money that will be going to my school bill, and my school bill (paid) that will allow me to continue the deep study of God's Word up in the north-land.
Please pray for me. I have a lot on my plate right now with family, friends, moving, working, schooling, emotions, heart-craziness, and spiritual lagging.
For the new year, I give you this: one of my new favorite songs, because it speaks of truth... not who I think I am. I love the video too, because it's totally me to do something like that.
Thanks guys, love ya all.
So excited to see all the folks I didn't think I could back in the mid-west. I've not only been enjoying times with good friends, but also the oppertunity to work for money! Money that will be going to my school bill, and my school bill (paid) that will allow me to continue the deep study of God's Word up in the north-land.
Please pray for me. I have a lot on my plate right now with family, friends, moving, working, schooling, emotions, heart-craziness, and spiritual lagging.
For the new year, I give you this: one of my new favorite songs, because it speaks of truth... not who I think I am. I love the video too, because it's totally me to do something like that.
Thanks guys, love ya all.
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