I think sometimes talking with Jesus all the time, brings a freedom that can't come about any other way......I've gotten back and claimed the peace I had before the enemy struck in all of his crummy abundant lies.
John Piper wrote in The Dangerous Duty of Delight " Worship is the highest moral act a human can perform...when worship is reduced to disinterested duty, it ceases to be worship...worship is a feast of the glorious perfections of God in Christ. God is not honored when we celebrate the high days of our relationship our of a mere sense of duty. He is honored when those days are our delight! "
This shakes my mind...I'm starting to wonder if my perception and perhaps stereo-typical view of worship is wrong...I didn't think I had a
"view" about worship...it's always been something of such heartfelt freedom for me, I've never considered that God calls us in his word to "Delight yourself in the LORD" Psalm 37:4.
Piper continues saying " People ought to come to corporate worship servies to get. They ought to come starved for God...God is profoundly honored when people know that they will die of hunger and thirst unless they have God."
Now I must admit, that the word starved makes my heart flutter a bit. Do I really know what it feels like to be starved for Christ? Do any of us know what it's like to be starved for Christ? What exactly is starving? My mind wanders to the millions of images that have been planted in my mind over the span of my lifetime of small children with limp appendages and big, bowling ball bellies. They are without the comforts of life and completely helpless...they're always crying out for a hope. Is that how I am to come to Jesus in worship? Helpless as a small, unfed, bowling ball bellied little child? Awaiting His living waters and bread of life to cleanse my needs sufficiently? Come starved to worship...
Many worship songs speak of being hungry for Christ...hungry to seek after Him. But this word starved, I can't quite get over the intensity of it. When you're hungry, what do you do? You eat right? My mind is beginning to think that sometimes we allow God to be our peanut butter and jelly sandwich, instead of the living water and bread of life that fills our empty bellies. We come adorned in our designer jeans, straightened hair, hungry to feel His living pursuit...then...when we feel satisfied...and our hunger has been quenched...we turn around and leave.
Perhaps I"m being too "deep" with this...but why would I come hungry for Christ, when I could come starved??? My heart longs to be filled with Him. I guess I see hunger on a "need to basis". When we're hungry we feed ourselves...but when we feel full...we forget about eating. When we're starving...our only longing, our only hope, help and supply can come from the One who quenches our thirst and hunger. Stravation requires a process...to nourish an unnourished child, they don't gobble down a full course meal and walk away...they aren't hungry...they're starving. Instead, recovery from this starvation is a process. Worship is a journey with Christ...it doesn't happen just every weekend and go on vacation Monday-Friday/Saturday until we get hungry again. We must be fed in continuous increasing portions.
Come starving to worship... "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God." Psalm 42:1
When I think of "panting" I think of a little dog who's run laps around a big yard and it now, helplessly out of breath, waiting to lap up the water his master has given him. When the Lord leaves you breathless...don't you pant for Him? Are you starving for Christ?
Come starving to worship...may your soul pant for Jesus. :)
OOoooOOh mine does...Be blessed friends!
"You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." -Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Haystack (4-23-06)
Jessica & me on top of the mountain
Sherri taking a break...
Jessica...modeling? I suppose it's the new *nature* look
An early view of the setting sun...which would only become more breathtaking as the evening wore on.
Jessica falling off of Haystack...Sherri decided it'd be best if she saved her so Mom and Dad wouldn't be mad
Chris & Christy :)
Praising the Lord for His beautiful mountain scenery.Hooray for Haystack!
Hooray for beautiful weather!
Hooray for loving family!
A group of 17 of us trekked up the beautiful Haystack on Sunday, encountering God's beautiful kiss of evening and a great bonding time of laughter and togetherness. Four of us had the bright idea of climbing twice...we're the crazy ones in the photos above. It was a nice time of fellowship, a great way to spend a Sunday evening and an enjoyable way to appreciate the summery weather. I love my family & I love being loved. God is amazing! He truly takes my breath away...I'm captivated by His beauty. To Him be all the glory forever and ever!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Thoughts
Praise the Lord for His unfailing goodness, love and grace.
I think sometimes the hardest part of being a Christian is realizing that you've let the one person you love most down...I serve a God of peace, not of guilt, so I know I am not suppost to feel guilty, and I don't, but it makes my heart sad to know how easily the enemy finds an open door and seeps in with his lies and guilttrips. *Urg*
Another tough thing about being a Christian is the constant laying down of pride and other spiritual issues before our Lord, Jesus Christ. I mess up so much sometimes...and it's not even big things...it's little things like letting a comment slip here or there, or being silent when I should have spoken...I am amazed by the patience Christ has with me, with us all really.
Freedom, Freedom, Freedom...last night Elizabeth Rhyno spoke a word of testimony instead of singing and I praise the Lord that He bound her tongue from singing and for her obedience to speak His words of truth. One word, Discipline, made it all clear to me...sometimes I get so caught up in making sure that my relationship with Christ makes sense and that I follow all the rules...but it's not about the rules...it's about Jesus...it's about His love sacrifice and His daily pursuing after me. It's about His grace, His goodness....It's about walking each day with Him by my side, in freedom.
Last night I was freed from the spirit of religion...the rules were torn up, the mindset of always having to have a discipline with Christ was cast away...He loves me and He knows me name. My joy is back...my joy for the Lord is back..oh how I missed it!
"I have a great need for Christ, I have a great Christ for my need."
-Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)
I think sometimes the hardest part of being a Christian is realizing that you've let the one person you love most down...I serve a God of peace, not of guilt, so I know I am not suppost to feel guilty, and I don't, but it makes my heart sad to know how easily the enemy finds an open door and seeps in with his lies and guilttrips. *Urg*
Another tough thing about being a Christian is the constant laying down of pride and other spiritual issues before our Lord, Jesus Christ. I mess up so much sometimes...and it's not even big things...it's little things like letting a comment slip here or there, or being silent when I should have spoken...I am amazed by the patience Christ has with me, with us all really.
Freedom, Freedom, Freedom...last night Elizabeth Rhyno spoke a word of testimony instead of singing and I praise the Lord that He bound her tongue from singing and for her obedience to speak His words of truth. One word, Discipline, made it all clear to me...sometimes I get so caught up in making sure that my relationship with Christ makes sense and that I follow all the rules...but it's not about the rules...it's about Jesus...it's about His love sacrifice and His daily pursuing after me. It's about His grace, His goodness....It's about walking each day with Him by my side, in freedom.
Last night I was freed from the spirit of religion...the rules were torn up, the mindset of always having to have a discipline with Christ was cast away...He loves me and He knows me name. My joy is back...my joy for the Lord is back..oh how I missed it!
"I have a great need for Christ, I have a great Christ for my need."
-Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Friday, April 21, 2006
On the road...
(Sherri sitting in her car that Mom and Dad bought for her as a surprise yesterday while we were having a sisterly adventure in PI shopping for my lovely prom dress at Pancsofars)
(Sherri getting into her new car...)
(Sherri saying " You guys bought me a car!?!!?! Oh my!?!?! Oh my!??!!)
Can you smell the excitement?
Can you smell the excitement?
Congratulations Sherri Marie on getting your license! I'm very proud of you and your accomplishment this morning! Way to go! It was a pleasure to teach you parallel parking yesterday regardless of whether or not it was legal...hehehe...and to make a pit stop to go "dress shopping"...hey, we even found "the one"...so the adventure was productive and well worth it! Love you sis! Continue to be safe and smart on the road. :)
Look out world...she's got a car...and a license...what, oh what shall we do??
Look out world...she's got a car...and a license...what, oh what shall we do??
Thursday, April 20, 2006
He knows...
It amazes me that our awesome King Jesus knows my name...He knows my every thought...He hears me when I call. WOW! What a Mighty God we serve!
I was driving home from PI tonight...after spending some quality time tonight walking with Chris. Let's back track for a second though...on the ride back to his house from one of our most traveled walking spots the bike path...I felt like looking at the stars. Why? They were like diamonds in the navy blue sky....it was nearly 9:00 at night and the sky's color had just become a mighty pitch black/navy color. It was breathtaking. Remembering how very much I had longed the other day to see a shooting star...I leaned my head back against the seat and gazed at the big dipper out of Chris's sunroof....all of a sudden without warning or an introduction of any sorts...a star trickled across the dipper...bright at first and dimming as it flew. A SHOOTING STAR! I was so moved I didn't even realized I'd begun crying. God blesses me with the stars. He knows the little things that touch our souls.
Now the point to me driving home from this evening of nature appreciation, shooting stars and beautiful walks is that in my car was playing my new African worship CD with Israel & New Breed live. I believe it was track #9 that came on...a woman donning a powerfully sweet voice sang about Christ knowing us and then following her chorus came the innocent voice of a small child proclaiming, "He knows my name...He knows my every thought...He sees each tear that falls...and hears me when I call..."
I pressed repeat and listened again, realizing this time that I truly am Christ's child. I wondered if when I sing to my King if He hears me as I heard that small child. I wonder if His heart is moved by our child like innocence and proclamation of His love. It's quite neat to think that we are like small children in the arms of Jesus, regardless of what our earthly age may be.
I love Jesus.
I love being Christ's child.
I love spring.
I love walking.
I love South Africa.
I love chai tea.
I love shooting stars.
I was driving home from PI tonight...after spending some quality time tonight walking with Chris. Let's back track for a second though...on the ride back to his house from one of our most traveled walking spots the bike path...I felt like looking at the stars. Why? They were like diamonds in the navy blue sky....it was nearly 9:00 at night and the sky's color had just become a mighty pitch black/navy color. It was breathtaking. Remembering how very much I had longed the other day to see a shooting star...I leaned my head back against the seat and gazed at the big dipper out of Chris's sunroof....all of a sudden without warning or an introduction of any sorts...a star trickled across the dipper...bright at first and dimming as it flew. A SHOOTING STAR! I was so moved I didn't even realized I'd begun crying. God blesses me with the stars. He knows the little things that touch our souls.
Now the point to me driving home from this evening of nature appreciation, shooting stars and beautiful walks is that in my car was playing my new African worship CD with Israel & New Breed live. I believe it was track #9 that came on...a woman donning a powerfully sweet voice sang about Christ knowing us and then following her chorus came the innocent voice of a small child proclaiming, "He knows my name...He knows my every thought...He sees each tear that falls...and hears me when I call..."
I pressed repeat and listened again, realizing this time that I truly am Christ's child. I wondered if when I sing to my King if He hears me as I heard that small child. I wonder if His heart is moved by our child like innocence and proclamation of His love. It's quite neat to think that we are like small children in the arms of Jesus, regardless of what our earthly age may be.
I love Jesus.
I love being Christ's child.
I love spring.
I love walking.
I love South Africa.
I love chai tea.
I love shooting stars.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Are you satisfied?
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most propable explanation is that I was made for another world."
This quote by C.S. Lewis gives me the chills. "...I was made for another world." I am absolutely convinced that my desires which can be fulfilled by no substance on this earth can only be fulfilled by the Almighty King, Jesus. He is all satisfying. "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."
It's so easy to toss aside our real desires, our hearts deepest longings and be satisfied with the joy we find in Christ and the everyday things that make us smile, dance and find freedom. A sunset, a shooting star, the northern lights...all these things are beautiful and are perhaps some of the things that I consider to be Jesus's special kisses for me...sometimes it's in a swift breeze or a neverending forest of autumn trees...but in the stillness I know that He is there, that He created this earth to satisfy me...to bring me joy so that He might be glorified.
Lewis wrote in The Weight of Glory " ...We are half hearted creaturees, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
We in a sense, when we expect little of Christ and cause our hearts to believe that the small, insignificant things that bring us joy are as some would say " as good as it gets" basically saying " Alright, way to go Lord. Thank you for Your awesome blessings...I'm content in the joy You've brought me and I know You won't do more...but thanks, really, thanks." I think sometimes Christ longs for us to expect His glorious blessings - not in a sitting around, being lazy and expecting sort of way....but by pursuing Him with our entire beings...saying with our hearts "Lord, you are all satisfying and mighty. I don't deserve all you give me, but I know that you love me and I expect your joy, Lord, I will fight for your joy and rest in knowing that as I pursue you with my joy that you will be glorified." Sometimes we just allow ourselves to make mudpies of the joy God has given us when He's waiting to take us to the sea with Him. Oh that we would faint with longing to be in His presence, that 1 day in His courts would be far better than thousands elsewhere...
Friends be satisfied in Him today, joy in Christ so He may be glorified! :)
This quote by C.S. Lewis gives me the chills. "...I was made for another world." I am absolutely convinced that my desires which can be fulfilled by no substance on this earth can only be fulfilled by the Almighty King, Jesus. He is all satisfying. "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."
It's so easy to toss aside our real desires, our hearts deepest longings and be satisfied with the joy we find in Christ and the everyday things that make us smile, dance and find freedom. A sunset, a shooting star, the northern lights...all these things are beautiful and are perhaps some of the things that I consider to be Jesus's special kisses for me...sometimes it's in a swift breeze or a neverending forest of autumn trees...but in the stillness I know that He is there, that He created this earth to satisfy me...to bring me joy so that He might be glorified.
Lewis wrote in The Weight of Glory " ...We are half hearted creaturees, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
We in a sense, when we expect little of Christ and cause our hearts to believe that the small, insignificant things that bring us joy are as some would say " as good as it gets" basically saying " Alright, way to go Lord. Thank you for Your awesome blessings...I'm content in the joy You've brought me and I know You won't do more...but thanks, really, thanks." I think sometimes Christ longs for us to expect His glorious blessings - not in a sitting around, being lazy and expecting sort of way....but by pursuing Him with our entire beings...saying with our hearts "Lord, you are all satisfying and mighty. I don't deserve all you give me, but I know that you love me and I expect your joy, Lord, I will fight for your joy and rest in knowing that as I pursue you with my joy that you will be glorified." Sometimes we just allow ourselves to make mudpies of the joy God has given us when He's waiting to take us to the sea with Him. Oh that we would faint with longing to be in His presence, that 1 day in His courts would be far better than thousands elsewhere...
Friends be satisfied in Him today, joy in Christ so He may be glorified! :)
Sunday, April 16, 2006
oh the wonderful Cross
Happy Resurrection Day everyone! May Jesus bless you this Easter. I know it's easy to get caught up in the eggs and bunny hunts that are everywhere...in the bellyaching "ate too much candy" sicknesses, the dinners, the get togethers...but take a moment please and remember the day that Love made history...the day our lives encountered a change that would bring eternity to all willing to choose Jesus.
I'm sitting here overwhelmed with the Love God has for me...He knows my name, my every thought and all of my tears are caught in the palm on His hand...my deepest longing is to be in His presence, to encounter Him from the time I wake up in the morning and to dream of Him as I rest. Across the room is the man I love, my dear cousins and one of the greatest aunts in the world. My day has been painted in laughter and rainy cold basketball. This morning I celebrated the reason I have life....the anniversary of healing in my home...2 short years ago God surrounded my heart as my parents announced their divorce....last year my father was away preparing to leave for Iraq...this year, my entire family is home...whole and home. God's love and blessings never cease!
Jesus is alive today...He is risen....He is risen indeed!!!!!!!
Rest in His grace today. Love y'all!
I'm sitting here overwhelmed with the Love God has for me...He knows my name, my every thought and all of my tears are caught in the palm on His hand...my deepest longing is to be in His presence, to encounter Him from the time I wake up in the morning and to dream of Him as I rest. Across the room is the man I love, my dear cousins and one of the greatest aunts in the world. My day has been painted in laughter and rainy cold basketball. This morning I celebrated the reason I have life....the anniversary of healing in my home...2 short years ago God surrounded my heart as my parents announced their divorce....last year my father was away preparing to leave for Iraq...this year, my entire family is home...whole and home. God's love and blessings never cease!
Jesus is alive today...He is risen....He is risen indeed!!!!!!!
Rest in His grace today. Love y'all!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
A long awaited homecoming...
Just thought I'd announce that my daddy will be HOME tomorrow...for good good good from Bahgdad, Iraq! (Oh...in case anyone was wonderin', he's the good looking dad in the middle of the photo above!) Praise the Lord. Please keep my family in your prayers about adjusting and reconnecting and that the Lord will do a mighty work in our family so that all will go according to His will!HOORAY for the 152 Maintenance Co. being home! yeehoooooooooo!!!!!
"The Choice" @ PIWC & Hearing Prayers
Well tonight I ventured out with the Lavaway's (Chris & his parents)! We went to church and caught a show of The Choice. It was awesome! I saw some people I really love, sharing Christ with all who were watching, simply by singing and acting in a show that portrays Christ's love. :) It made my heart smile! There were so many great parts I can't quite choose my favorite. Elizabeth & Dave did amazing, P.Rick and Marsha cracked me up, Rachelle looked beautiful in green, Nicole had really shiny earrings on, P.Doug played a mean guy, Alex and Jason were soldiers at the tomb. I was just happy to be at church tonight, to feel the Holy Spirit's presence fall upon the congregation and move sweetly. I choose Jesus. I praise God for all those who chose Him tonight as well and all those who have and will be following and listening to that tug on their hearts during the shows.----------------------------------------------------------------------------
My today...
God knows our every thought and need...
Today all of my stresses (i suppose one could call them that) surfaced and I had a realization...
Something was eating away at me and all I wanted more than anything was for God to give me someone to pour my heart out to...I needed to sort my thoughts.
I felt myself wishing that I was married and could drive home to my husband, fall into his comforting arms and just let everything go...but I'm not, yet anyways, because it's not time...so there I was, driving home...my head buzzing with a million useless tasks to do and places to be. I collapsed on my floor feeling like I could never close my eyes long enough to make it all go away. Music blared in my ears from downstairs and my brain yawned from its exhaustion. I called Chris, because I remembered I was supposed to...and then I drove to PI.
I love that God cares about the little things. Chris said one random thing to me at the house about how quiet I was being...and he opened the doorway to communication, opened his ears, his heart and his mind. He listened to me sort through my thoughts as the words spilled from my mouth and into his ears. He wrapped his arms around me when I started to cry saying he didn't care if I stained his nice blue dress shirt with my tears. He gave me arms to find comfort in and ears to hear my heart. He spoke of Jesus' love and how Jesus is in control and doens't want me worrying about things. It was encouraging, sweet and full of learning. God is good and I am thankful for the opportunity He provided for Chris and I to relate more heart to heart.
This remined me of something a dear friend once said to me about all the gifts we ever recieve, how they're actually not from those people giving them, but from God. He uses other people to comfort, encourage and love us through words, hugs, listening ears, gifts we don't deserve, and comforting arms. Although I was finding peace in the comforting words Chris spoke and warmth in his arms, it was really God's way of wrapping His arms around me and saying He loves me, He cares for me, He heard my hearts longing prayer on the dreadful car ride home earlier in the day and He provided! (Jehovah shalom. )
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
when WAS the last time???
"If God were small enough for our minds, He wouldn't be big enough for our needs." - unidentified author
It took me by surprise...the sweetness of the wind blowing softly against my face. My body was consumed in the sun's warmth and my ears kissed with the sound of a strumming guitar. Closing my eyes, I just listened. For once...I put all the worries, thoughts, tasks and expectations on pause and just sat...basking in the sun....listening to the words of "Here I Am" by Shawn McDonald.
I lay myself at Your feet
Asking You won't You meet
Won't You meet me
I cannot do it on my own
I cannot do it all alone
Here I am, oh, tonight
With my arms open wide
Won't You come inside
Won't You come inside, God
Come and fill this heart of mine
I'm in need of You
Of Your touch,
of Your life,
of Your love
I need YouI need You
I wondered to myself, as I wept, overcome with the Holy Spirit in my car during lunch break...when was the last time I just STOPPED and listened to You Lord? It must've been about a week ago...and oh how I have missed it. I felt like a new person....free of tasks, expectations, projects, school work, and pleasing others.
Time...regardless of all the stuff-stuff we try to fill it with...is best spent and most fulfilling when it's with Jesus. He is peaceful and loving, comforting and merciful. He silences all our thoughts when we turn to Him, close our eyes and just listen. He's so big out minds can't even begin to comprehend His glory and greatness. Turning off all stray and worrisome thoughts sometimes makes me feel like my mind is resting in the reality of not knowing . He's bigger than all of our needs.
I came across this quote today:
"Anything GOOD - GOD = 0." - unidentified author
Be blessed in His goodness today! Close your yes and just listen!
It took me by surprise...the sweetness of the wind blowing softly against my face. My body was consumed in the sun's warmth and my ears kissed with the sound of a strumming guitar. Closing my eyes, I just listened. For once...I put all the worries, thoughts, tasks and expectations on pause and just sat...basking in the sun....listening to the words of "Here I Am" by Shawn McDonald.
I lay myself at Your feet
Asking You won't You meet
Won't You meet me
I cannot do it on my own
I cannot do it all alone
Here I am, oh, tonight
With my arms open wide
Won't You come inside
Won't You come inside, God
Come and fill this heart of mine
I'm in need of You
Of Your touch,
of Your life,
of Your love
I need YouI need You
I wondered to myself, as I wept, overcome with the Holy Spirit in my car during lunch break...when was the last time I just STOPPED and listened to You Lord? It must've been about a week ago...and oh how I have missed it. I felt like a new person....free of tasks, expectations, projects, school work, and pleasing others.
Time...regardless of all the stuff-stuff we try to fill it with...is best spent and most fulfilling when it's with Jesus. He is peaceful and loving, comforting and merciful. He silences all our thoughts when we turn to Him, close our eyes and just listen. He's so big out minds can't even begin to comprehend His glory and greatness. Turning off all stray and worrisome thoughts sometimes makes me feel like my mind is resting in the reality of not knowing . He's bigger than all of our needs.
I came across this quote today:
"Anything GOOD - GOD = 0." - unidentified author
Be blessed in His goodness today! Close your yes and just listen!
Monday, April 10, 2006
The Spirit of Religion
Praise the Lord for His overflowing goodness! The spirit of religion was broken over our church this weekend and I praise Him for that! :)
I love that P. Rick preaches directly from scripture, which oftentimes, causes a doubting mind to sweat knowing wholeheartedly that there's no way to read between the lines, or kind've hop over the mountain of truth being poured out before it. Our pride gets so easily in the way sometimes that we forget and sometimes ever refuse to listen to God and even more so, to actually hear Him. We brush aside the fact that He knows all. We accuse and deny His truth even when we are directly convicted. We decide within ourselves that " No God, you can't be right." It's sad to think of all those who know about Jesus, but don't really know Him.
It tears my heart knowing that, as in Hosea 5:15 " I will go away and return to My place until they acknowledge their guilt and seek My face; In their affliction they will earnestly seek Me. " When we refuse Jesus enough and close out the Holy Spirit's roaring...He steps back.
What a scary place to be.
One can't know this because they no longer feel the pounding. Why? He's stepped back....He's waiting for them to come back to Him, to pursue Him. He's pursued, pursued and pursued and finally when we've stepped away enough...He steps away too.
I am grateful beyond words & blessed to tears for the message this weekend--the incredible worship service--the amazing worshipteam experience--the baptisms--those who answered the call. May we all pursue Christ headlong-with total abandonment-absolutely-without rest. Be blessed!
I love that P. Rick preaches directly from scripture, which oftentimes, causes a doubting mind to sweat knowing wholeheartedly that there's no way to read between the lines, or kind've hop over the mountain of truth being poured out before it. Our pride gets so easily in the way sometimes that we forget and sometimes ever refuse to listen to God and even more so, to actually hear Him. We brush aside the fact that He knows all. We accuse and deny His truth even when we are directly convicted. We decide within ourselves that " No God, you can't be right." It's sad to think of all those who know about Jesus, but don't really know Him.
It tears my heart knowing that, as in Hosea 5:15 " I will go away and return to My place until they acknowledge their guilt and seek My face; In their affliction they will earnestly seek Me. " When we refuse Jesus enough and close out the Holy Spirit's roaring...He steps back.
What a scary place to be.
One can't know this because they no longer feel the pounding. Why? He's stepped back....He's waiting for them to come back to Him, to pursue Him. He's pursued, pursued and pursued and finally when we've stepped away enough...He steps away too.
I am grateful beyond words & blessed to tears for the message this weekend--the incredible worship service--the amazing worshipteam experience--the baptisms--those who answered the call. May we all pursue Christ headlong-with total abandonment-absolutely-without rest. Be blessed!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Extrodinarily out of the Ordinary
(Yesterday was a strange day, but in a neat, not so ordinary kinda way.) Here's why:
1) I saw first hand the pull of politics in the academic world at CHS
2) I saw a 7ft. tall black man (from the Harlem Rockets)
3) I tried Chai tea for the 1st time (it even had cinnamon)
4) It snowed a wet kinda snow & it's april
5) For the 1st time I lost all confidence in my abilities to evaluate an academic debate
6) Felt completely confident about my knowlege for the Physics test
All in all...enjoyable...extra-ordinary!
1) I saw first hand the pull of politics in the academic world at CHS
2) I saw a 7ft. tall black man (from the Harlem Rockets)
3) I tried Chai tea for the 1st time (it even had cinnamon)
4) It snowed a wet kinda snow & it's april
5) For the 1st time I lost all confidence in my abilities to evaluate an academic debate
6) Felt completely confident about my knowlege for the Physics test
All in all...enjoyable...extra-ordinary!
Sunday, April 02, 2006
His promises
"God is not a man, that he should lie.
He is not a human, that he should change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?"
-Numbers 23:19 NLT
He is not a human, that he should change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?"
-Numbers 23:19 NLT
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Growing Up
I remember well looking forward to saturday mornings because Mom and Dad allowed us to wake up early and eat our bowl of fruitloops or other choice cereal while watching the morning cartoons.
I remember well the days of light up shoes and hours of barbie doll town buildings.
I remember not having to write all the things I was 'supposed to be doing' down so I wouldn't "forget" to do them.
Those days were free of Senior Exits, Softball Practices, NHS planning meetings, Gas prices, Accidents, Being in love, Anticipation of a father coming home. When I was little I played Christian Rangers and played school with my siblings/cousins. Iplayed endless hours of tag, hosted tea parties in the garage or porch....drove the little red wagon or chauffeured the crazycoup....I loved my dog....dad always came home by 4:30pm.
Now...I have a debate on Monday for my Honors English Class worth 50% of my 3rd quarter english grade. GRADE!!! 3rd quarter also determines class rank and I am currently just shy of being where I need to and want to be....I am 13/121...wonderful, eh? I suppose so, but I'm not overly pleased.........gah! Softball ate up my morning, joyfully of course, I splashed around in the big puddles and got pretty muddy...I have to plan and organize for our up and coming regional convention at the end of the month...gas is going for a ridiculous amount of 2.74 per gallon, but thanks to my studious efforts I am a viking card recipient and saved a whopping 14 cents this morning...nearly 2 cents per gallon. My car was being painted and fixed all week because it's a target and every couple of months or so...someone's eyes disregard it's neonness and bright color and kahbam, they hit it with their cars and their insurance company gets to shell out a hefty price for the rare paint. I have my car back now...I love my zibby-mobile...or "the jellybean" as taylor and cale dubbed it last summer.
Sorry for the rantings...all of this has made me realize one thing...without God I couldn't get out of bed in the morning. I don't think I'd really want to if I even thought I could try to. He's my strength, guidance and provider. " God doesn't ask about our abilities or inabilities-- he asks about our availability."
I need to make myself available to Him -
Be blessed friends!
I remember well the days of light up shoes and hours of barbie doll town buildings.
I remember not having to write all the things I was 'supposed to be doing' down so I wouldn't "forget" to do them.
Those days were free of Senior Exits, Softball Practices, NHS planning meetings, Gas prices, Accidents, Being in love, Anticipation of a father coming home. When I was little I played Christian Rangers and played school with my siblings/cousins. Iplayed endless hours of tag, hosted tea parties in the garage or porch....drove the little red wagon or chauffeured the crazycoup....I loved my dog....dad always came home by 4:30pm.
Now...I have a debate on Monday for my Honors English Class worth 50% of my 3rd quarter english grade. GRADE!!! 3rd quarter also determines class rank and I am currently just shy of being where I need to and want to be....I am 13/121...wonderful, eh? I suppose so, but I'm not overly pleased.........gah! Softball ate up my morning, joyfully of course, I splashed around in the big puddles and got pretty muddy...I have to plan and organize for our up and coming regional convention at the end of the month...gas is going for a ridiculous amount of 2.74 per gallon, but thanks to my studious efforts I am a viking card recipient and saved a whopping 14 cents this morning...nearly 2 cents per gallon. My car was being painted and fixed all week because it's a target and every couple of months or so...someone's eyes disregard it's neonness and bright color and kahbam, they hit it with their cars and their insurance company gets to shell out a hefty price for the rare paint. I have my car back now...I love my zibby-mobile...or "the jellybean" as taylor and cale dubbed it last summer.
Sorry for the rantings...all of this has made me realize one thing...without God I couldn't get out of bed in the morning. I don't think I'd really want to if I even thought I could try to. He's my strength, guidance and provider. " God doesn't ask about our abilities or inabilities-- he asks about our availability."
I need to make myself available to Him -
Be blessed friends!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
