Something we often fail to do in our culture is to take the proper time our body needs to rest. We neglect even the smallest opportunities to rest, like sitting down for a few moments on a busy day, or taking a bubble bath when you have an hour to spare, or closing your eyes as you walk down the street to class allowing the wind to blow softly on your face.
Quite often, most of our days are consumed with a "go go go" mentality, and regardless of all the to-do lists, countless daily goals, and expectations, we somehow manage to fail at something. Why is this? - I think it is because we neglect to rest.
The past few weeks have been very spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally draining. At times I was so caught up in going that I did not have time to "sit and rest" - I had to "rest on the go". I realize that sounds like an oximoron, but bear with me. Regardless of how mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually taxing the past few weeks have been, my cup has been filled overflowing. Why? I have chosen to find my rest in Yahweh. The Lord has breathed strength into my body everyday with a faithfulness and consistency that can only come from Him. He has brought joy in the midst of fatigue, and fullness in the midst of near emptiness. He fills my cup.
I have come to appreciate and recognize that resting in the Lord isn't always a "stand still" practice. Oftentimes, a gentle breeze will remind me of His love or the words of a sweet song will enter my heart. Starting my day by reading a daily passage of His word allows it to stay fresh in my mind and He helps me recall His promises throughout the day. Honestly, regardless of how tired I sometimes feel, I am resting. He surrounds me and carries me. (Ps.68:19).
My idea and expectations of true-rest have changed significantly over the past month. During the past week I have rested by:
-Puddle jumping in a thunder storm
-Standing in the pouring rain
-Napping after a soccer game
-Eating yogurt and crackers
-The sunshine strip on the walk down the hill
-Closing my eyes and listening to the words spoken in chapel
-Standing in awe of Him, patiently with no concern of time
Thank the Lord for rest - He alone fills my cup, overflowing!
These words filled my heart yesterday with great rest and wonder:
"I see the Lord, seated on the throne - exalted.
And the train of His robe, fills the temple with glory...
And the whole earth is filled - the whole earth is filled-
And the whole earth is filled - with His glory.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy is the Lamb..."
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
calling all prayer warriors
It is officially Spiritual Advancement Week here at Bethany and already we are witnessing God moving in powerful ways. God is breaking the hearts on this campus, calling people unto Himself to seek Him, to get on our knees and to cry out to God to heal our land. We're entering battle, and we're prepared to fight.
Several of us are fasting this week and gathering together to seek the Lord and to press through for this campus. Every evening there has been a prayer walk at 10:00pm where we gather in groups and walk the famous loop praying as the Spirit of God leads.
Victory is coming to this place...a near revival is at hand. We covet your prayers at this time.
Our remaining services are:
Wednesday 7:00pm - follwed by a time of intercession on the hill
Thursay 10:00am and 7:00pm - also followed on the hill
God is breaking down strongholds in the lives of our beloved brothers and sisters. Joy is replacing sorrow, darkness is fleeing with the light - hearts are breaking and falling deeply in love with Yahweh. Repentance is near. Healing is on its way. The Healer is coming in all of His glory and power to change this place and make it Holy before Him.
Prez quoted I believe C.T Studd in last evening's service as saying, "Satan laughs at our worship, but he trembles at our prayers."
Will you join us in praying for this campus, North America and the world at large? Pray that this week will be an extention of the beginning and that this place will never be the same. The glory of the Lord is rising among us. We're embracing the challenge, weak as we are - We are going to battle. I plead with you to interceed for this campus and the many souls here, as well as the extentions of our families and churches represented here. God is going to change this world. It's starting now. It's starting here.
May all glory be to God, our Father, our Savior, our Refuge, our Maker...He is near!
Several of us are fasting this week and gathering together to seek the Lord and to press through for this campus. Every evening there has been a prayer walk at 10:00pm where we gather in groups and walk the famous loop praying as the Spirit of God leads.
Victory is coming to this place...a near revival is at hand. We covet your prayers at this time.
Our remaining services are:
Wednesday 7:00pm - follwed by a time of intercession on the hill
Thursay 10:00am and 7:00pm - also followed on the hill
God is breaking down strongholds in the lives of our beloved brothers and sisters. Joy is replacing sorrow, darkness is fleeing with the light - hearts are breaking and falling deeply in love with Yahweh. Repentance is near. Healing is on its way. The Healer is coming in all of His glory and power to change this place and make it Holy before Him.
Prez quoted I believe C.T Studd in last evening's service as saying, "Satan laughs at our worship, but he trembles at our prayers."
Will you join us in praying for this campus, North America and the world at large? Pray that this week will be an extention of the beginning and that this place will never be the same. The glory of the Lord is rising among us. We're embracing the challenge, weak as we are - We are going to battle. I plead with you to interceed for this campus and the many souls here, as well as the extentions of our families and churches represented here. God is going to change this world. It's starting now. It's starting here.
May all glory be to God, our Father, our Savior, our Refuge, our Maker...He is near!
Friday, September 14, 2007
stillness and waiting
Recently I've been swamped with the passage in John 15 that speaks of Jesus being the vine while we are the branches. This passage also says that the vine will prune off any branches that are not producing fruit, and promises that if we remain in Him, and His words remain in us we can ask anything and trust it to be granted. I'm overcome as I glance at verse 16 which says, " You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name."
My heart has been breaking and there are many inexplainable "unknowns" in my life at the moment such as: What's next? When will I know? Where am I to go? Who? Will this really be an opportunity? Are you closing these doors? Do you want me to step by faith into this? etc.
As part of the PLC ( a discipleship group on campus that also has a scholarship aspect tied to it) we were challenged to make a covenant with the Lord during corp camp in Cape Breton. Part of my covenant with the Lord was to steal away, intentionally once a month for a date with Him. I felt led to choose the 13th of the month because eventually it will fall upon my birthday and I can't imagine better company to spend your birthday with than the very one who knit you together in your mother's womb and carried you out on your special arrival day. He created me, has grown me, continues to stretch and change me more into His likeness and regardless of how far I am from who He's made me to be, He still loves me, is mindful of me, and desires an intimate, fellowshipping, absolute relationship with me. The God of the universe somehow takes delight in me, as small, weak and frail as I am and empowers me by His grace and Spirit to do work for His Kingdom! How amazing, eh?
I realize I got a little sidetracked in talking about the Lord in the above paragraph, but the point of my sharing that aspect of my covenant for this year is to offer a testimony of praise for the date we had yesterday. Uncertain of where to go I felt led to a small picnic bench on the far side of campus. I carried my Bible, water, crayons, a coloring book and nailpolish. I sat in the sun painting my nails and enjoying the soft breeze kissing my face. Next I spent some time coloring and pondering the Lord's creativity and how neat it is that He's fashioned us with desires and talents to be creative and to express His creativity through us. In closing I spent some time reflecting on Psalm 27.
Verse 14 stuck out and encouraged my heart. It reads, "14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
This is where my life is at right now. I'm waiting...I'm trying to be patient, and I'm finding rest and challenge in the stillness.
In closing, Here are the words to a verse I was inspired to write to the tune, My Jesus I Love Thee :
With all things uncertain, my life in Your hands.
The path that You've woven, I choose to asend.
My Jesus You chose me. You called on my name.
And now I will follow - in joy or in pain.
-Christy L. Zbylut
My heart has been breaking and there are many inexplainable "unknowns" in my life at the moment such as: What's next? When will I know? Where am I to go? Who? Will this really be an opportunity? Are you closing these doors? Do you want me to step by faith into this? etc.
As part of the PLC ( a discipleship group on campus that also has a scholarship aspect tied to it) we were challenged to make a covenant with the Lord during corp camp in Cape Breton. Part of my covenant with the Lord was to steal away, intentionally once a month for a date with Him. I felt led to choose the 13th of the month because eventually it will fall upon my birthday and I can't imagine better company to spend your birthday with than the very one who knit you together in your mother's womb and carried you out on your special arrival day. He created me, has grown me, continues to stretch and change me more into His likeness and regardless of how far I am from who He's made me to be, He still loves me, is mindful of me, and desires an intimate, fellowshipping, absolute relationship with me. The God of the universe somehow takes delight in me, as small, weak and frail as I am and empowers me by His grace and Spirit to do work for His Kingdom! How amazing, eh?
I realize I got a little sidetracked in talking about the Lord in the above paragraph, but the point of my sharing that aspect of my covenant for this year is to offer a testimony of praise for the date we had yesterday. Uncertain of where to go I felt led to a small picnic bench on the far side of campus. I carried my Bible, water, crayons, a coloring book and nailpolish. I sat in the sun painting my nails and enjoying the soft breeze kissing my face. Next I spent some time coloring and pondering the Lord's creativity and how neat it is that He's fashioned us with desires and talents to be creative and to express His creativity through us. In closing I spent some time reflecting on Psalm 27.
Verse 14 stuck out and encouraged my heart. It reads, "14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
This is where my life is at right now. I'm waiting...I'm trying to be patient, and I'm finding rest and challenge in the stillness.
In closing, Here are the words to a verse I was inspired to write to the tune, My Jesus I Love Thee :
With all things uncertain, my life in Your hands.
The path that You've woven, I choose to asend.
My Jesus You chose me. You called on my name.
And now I will follow - in joy or in pain.
-Christy L. Zbylut
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
remembering
Six years ago on the crisp early autumn morning of Tuesday, September 11th...I sat in my small country school room and stared at a tv screen wondering what was going on. Recognizing the background as New York City, a place I'd visited just a month prior with my dance group, I was a little excited, until the cameras zoomed in and a sickening pit formed in my stomach.
Today, I remember...do you?
I pray the Lord will shower His peace upon those still grieving and that His joy will penetrate to the deepest parts of those who have been saved and healed. I'm thankful for all the servicemen who have spent countless hours away from their loved ones, missed the birth of their children, and even more so, those lots in combat.
That historical day has been on my mind all day, at different times and I can't help but think how blessed are we? Who am I that the God of the universe would be mindful of me and the smallest things of my life...that He would grant me breath and life each day anew, all for His glory. I never climbed the Twin Towers, but I saw them as part of the beautiful NYC skyline just a month before they were no more. The countless stories of delays and circumstances on that day are astounding. How could one not recognize the Holy God of all in an event like that? Even more so, how could one not recongize His love at all times in each day? I am so thankful to know the truth, to be loved and called by Christ, forgiven and made new. I am burdened and heartbroken for those who still need to hear and even more for those who refuse to hear.
Lord, help us remember and remind us of your hand in our lives this day!
Today, I remember...do you?
I pray the Lord will shower His peace upon those still grieving and that His joy will penetrate to the deepest parts of those who have been saved and healed. I'm thankful for all the servicemen who have spent countless hours away from their loved ones, missed the birth of their children, and even more so, those lots in combat.
That historical day has been on my mind all day, at different times and I can't help but think how blessed are we? Who am I that the God of the universe would be mindful of me and the smallest things of my life...that He would grant me breath and life each day anew, all for His glory. I never climbed the Twin Towers, but I saw them as part of the beautiful NYC skyline just a month before they were no more. The countless stories of delays and circumstances on that day are astounding. How could one not recognize the Holy God of all in an event like that? Even more so, how could one not recongize His love at all times in each day? I am so thankful to know the truth, to be loved and called by Christ, forgiven and made new. I am burdened and heartbroken for those who still need to hear and even more for those who refuse to hear.
Lord, help us remember and remind us of your hand in our lives this day!
Saturday, September 08, 2007
christy's witty thoughts apres midnight
- Things are no longer taken at "face value" but "facebook value".
- Apparently a social networking system exists in which people must choose whom they associate with and whom they ignore. This is especially necessary when relationships end and one with whom the situation has nothing to do with makes themselves feel awkward about life and fails to see a way to remain friends with both parties.
- Those who remain uninformed must proactively acquire information or look foolish.
- Chocolate is wonderfully delicious. (no I'm not eating any this late.)
- A little game of duck-duck goose and ring-around-the-rosy keeps you young at heart.
- On a long hot day, nothing feels better than a good sweat(exercise) and cleaning off.
- Apparently a social networking system exists in which people must choose whom they associate with and whom they ignore. This is especially necessary when relationships end and one with whom the situation has nothing to do with makes themselves feel awkward about life and fails to see a way to remain friends with both parties.
- Those who remain uninformed must proactively acquire information or look foolish.
- Chocolate is wonderfully delicious. (no I'm not eating any this late.)
- A little game of duck-duck goose and ring-around-the-rosy keeps you young at heart.
- On a long hot day, nothing feels better than a good sweat(exercise) and cleaning off.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
living in the townhouses
my desk
the lovely bookshelf
a beautiful mirror
our refridgerator...complete with ABC magnets
the first blueberry pie I've ever eaten and helped bake avec Amy
a side view of our room
my bed and sweet comforter picked out by my awesome Mom!
sporting and representing the fashionable Townhouse RA Trucker Hat
"I'm singin' in the rain..." Yes, I dressed like this for Bethany Live.
Picture Day was today...this is what I looked like with my new haircut.
my lovely world map hanging in our room to represent our love for the world and my determination to study world geography
our sweet curtains
Monday, September 03, 2007
greetings from Canada
Just wanted to notify all you dear friends that I an indeed alive and well - in Canada.
The weather has been gorgeous and campus is once again a bustling place filled with unpacking, greetings and the classic 3 welcome to Bethany questions: (What's your name? What are you studying? Where are you from?) Conversations are rarely in depth for the first week or so...but there has been much dancing and singing of praise music in Apartment 220 and many greetings and hugs from beloved brothers and sisters...all awaited for over the summer months.
I'm truly in awe at the wondrous work of our great God and how He showers us as His treasured children daily. God has truly shown Himself real and faithful in the smallest of things in my life...a greeting from an old friend...a phone call from one who makes me heart smile in a way few would understand - a way I'd care to share with the occasional person, but nothing more.
God is good.
My heart is being broken, blessed, stretched, healed, strengthened, convicted, and I am enjoying basking in the loveliness of our Lord.
Special things are occurring in my life at this time and I'm finding as I stand or sit in the silence and simply listen...words,songs, etc. are being poured into my heart. It's one of the strangest experiences I've ever had, but I choose to embrace it and commit to give my all in using the gifts and opportunities God is/has placed in my life.
Blessings beloved friends!
I'll update soon with pictures from the past few weeks.
Keep our campus in your prayers!
The weather has been gorgeous and campus is once again a bustling place filled with unpacking, greetings and the classic 3 welcome to Bethany questions: (What's your name? What are you studying? Where are you from?) Conversations are rarely in depth for the first week or so...but there has been much dancing and singing of praise music in Apartment 220 and many greetings and hugs from beloved brothers and sisters...all awaited for over the summer months.
I'm truly in awe at the wondrous work of our great God and how He showers us as His treasured children daily. God has truly shown Himself real and faithful in the smallest of things in my life...a greeting from an old friend...a phone call from one who makes me heart smile in a way few would understand - a way I'd care to share with the occasional person, but nothing more.
God is good.
My heart is being broken, blessed, stretched, healed, strengthened, convicted, and I am enjoying basking in the loveliness of our Lord.
Special things are occurring in my life at this time and I'm finding as I stand or sit in the silence and simply listen...words,songs, etc. are being poured into my heart. It's one of the strangest experiences I've ever had, but I choose to embrace it and commit to give my all in using the gifts and opportunities God is/has placed in my life.
Blessings beloved friends!
I'll update soon with pictures from the past few weeks.
Keep our campus in your prayers!
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