a photographic taste of Chorale tour 2007

Chorale tour moments caught on film including:
-Kara moments
-Bayley's chips
-sweaty armpits after singing at the nursing home
-bus ride entertainment
-hanging out at the church in LaPlata,MD
-a beautiful painting of the soldier at Jesus' cross

Cool Slideshows

Our day off in New York City!
I ventured throughout the city with: Tom,Josh,Jen,Jessica,Amy,Chris & Jeremy.
We had a blast!

Cool Slideshows

A few other random Chorale moments including:
-meal time in Brooklyn
-bus time
-the Appomattox Court House

Cool Slideshows

Stay tuned for a relection on tour and the amazing, stretching work God did in and through us during March break! Blessings!

exciting construction around BBC

*BUiLdInGs are rising up on campus as the construction of the campus chapel has become underway...as a bonus to the benefits it will provide us in the fall, it is a lovely time passer and interesting adventure to watch the various beams of steel create a frame of our soon to be built chapel! Just thought I'd update on the construction in the area!

On another note...one bitty sleep until CHORALE TOUR!
Keep us in your prayers!!

personal evangelism trip: harvest house

Both feet hit the frozen ground as my eyes adjusted to the faint beams of the streetlights. The scent of smoke lingered in the air as the chill of winter pierced my lungs. We swarmed into the building greeted by a gentleman named Danny. The XD students went to work immediately setting up, as I stood observing the area and imagining what God could possibly have planned for the evening at Harvest House.
Guests arrived and I decided to get comfortable by mingling with my unknown friends. Taking a deep breath I readied myself for a night of expectancy and waiting on the Lord to do His work through me.
I soon spotted a middle-aged man clad in his outdoorsman getup, a gruff expression canvassing his sad face. I approached him with an unsure smile and found out his name was Daniel. Throughout the evening Daniel shared with me that he has received a message from God to preach to the world out of Isaiah 61. He said he has been persecuted and desires to kill or seek revenge against the people who persecuted him. Daniel knew a lot about Jesus; at least he tried to sound like he did. Anger raged within his cold heart as he used scripture to enforce his anger and declared an anointing by the Holy Spirit to speak five different languages. I was challenged to recall and joyfully present scripture in a light of truth against darkness.
Next I spoke with an older gentleman named Andre. Andre was very shy and kept to himself until he realized that I was a good listener. As soon as I asked him a question he was off running with story upon story about fishing and traveling. Andre seemed lonely, longing for someone to talk with, so I decided to invest some time in his life by listening. As he told me tale after tale about fishing, a thought came to my mind and I was reminded of the story in the Bible where Jesus tells His disciples to fish during broad daylight, and the boats were miraculously filled and overflowed. Andre assured me that he had caught more fish than Jesus and continued reliving the adventures of his fishing life.
God is always challenging me to seek Him more and to trust Him and His perfect will, so after two interesting encounters filling my night, God was not finished. Cory Doiron spoke a message about God chasing after you and desiring to find you and love you. A challenge was given to anyone who was hiding from God or hiding a part of their life from Him to come and lay it down, to come and let God find them so He could love them. People swarmed to the altar and I hung back waiting to see if the Lord intended me to go forward and pray for someone.
A young woman approached the front and instantly I found myself moving towards the front to pray for her. Amanda told me she was pregnant and very weak, so we prayed for strength. She looked at me with tears filling her eyes and said she wanted and needed to get right with God. I inquired if she wanted to make this the night and she replied with a heartfelt, burdened yes. I prayed with Amanda and she asked Jesus to make her new and invited Him into her life. We then prayed for the tiny life growing inside of her and for health, strength, and wisdom as her pregnancy wears on.
After praying with Amanda, we spent a time in worship and celebrating God’s faithfulness. As I glanced over, the look of joy on Amanda’s face shining from her heart, warmed me and was absolutely priceless. Every moment leading to the time I found myself kneeling beside a broken sister was worth waiting for. To see a life change before my very eyes and to be reminded of the newness Christ offers to those who call upon Him to take their lives and to love them moved my heart. God’s love brings such a resounding joy into the hearts He dwells in, there is simply nothing like watching God at work in the life of a fellow human being.
Every ounce of my energy and joy came from Christ in the instant Amanda said yes and a smile covered my face as I rejoiced in Yahweh who is all powerful. This moment was defining for me because it has been nearly a year since I have prayed beside someone entering the Kingdom of Heaven. It has been much too long, and yet still God loves me enough to use me as His vessel, to bless me in a situation that had absolutely nothing to do with me. As I made myself available to His service, God grabbed hold of my hand and promised to lead the way.
Through the spectrum of opportunities God allowed me to have during my evening at Harvest House, my eyes were opened to the truth that God always meets us at the point of our need. I was able to recognize in this trip that I can be bold for Christ by speaking words of life and by offering a listening ear to the unheard in the world.
My mind came to a realization that the Holy Spirit will not only sing through me in Chorale, and speak through me as I share my testimony on our outings, but that He has called me to share Him and the truth of God’s Word in all opportunities He gives. I do not need a microphone or a platform for God to show up and use me. I can simply be His child and rest in the knowledge that I am a daughter of the King, beloved, and called according to His purposes. I can trust God to prove faithful as I follow His leading in my life. I learned that it is probably safe to assume that evangelism is like a bunch of snowflakes, no two opportunities to share Christ are alike.

You oh Lord

The words from a song of a beloved sister of faith have blessed my heart and beckoned me to press on...to praise God who gives me life and breath through joys and struggles...for His glory.

"You give me joy indescribable...
my faith is unshakable...
You give me peace when my mountains seem - insurmountable.
Oh mighty are you Lord!
Songs of joy and victory resound.
Your love endures forever...
my Strength and my Song. "
- words by E.R.

boo-hoo i've got the flu

Tis' flu season and all through the house not a creature was sneezing, not even a mouse...

Unfortunately this was the truth yesterday and many days before then, but this morning I awoke with a sore throat, better yet a Chorale members worst nightmare. With tour coming soon I keep praying for strength to press through, for strength to endure and survive 10 days of intense singing and worshipping of the Lord. Sickness is not something I would like distracting from the ministry at hand. However, I am a feeble being and very much capable of and suseptible to diseases and disorders of not so good natures...so I caught the flu.

I shrugged off the sore throat this morning with a heaping bowl of healthy cereal and promised myself I'd get better.

Dad took me out to lunch this afternoon and after consuming a pill to either cure or prevent the flu, which mom had sent home from the ER in a rush...I was a little dizzy, lightheaded and nauseaus. Sherri was at home resting after being diagnosed with the flu, and after a yummy luncheon at Gov's and a painfully dizzy ride home from Presque Isle I excused myself to the restroom where I proceeded to return all consumed food from lunchtime yesterday to this afternoon's milkshake.

I dislike being sick very much and am certain that the only good thing about throwing up is that it empties your belly and lessens the queeziness. God was pretty creative in how He made our bodies with the ability to remove unnecessary, or unwanted substances from our bodies, even if by way of sickness like the flu.

Tis' flu season...and unfortunately I must pay the price of missing an evening service at one of my favorite places in the world, PIWC, so as not to contaminate those I love.

My belly is blah.
My mind is bored.
My heart is thankful for rest, even if it has come in the form of sickness.

a white horse

I was thinking today about how great it is going to be in Heaven one day, to be with my Jesus and to ride on the white horse He's prepared just for me..to ride as a warrior into battle, under direction of the King of the entire universe! Bethany Dillon's song "Dreamer" always brings a smile to my face with the words "...the King in the winner's circle, on the horse He won for me..."



Lord, you amaze me.
You capture me with Your love and cover me with Your grace.
You heal me when I'm broken and stretch me in Your plans.
O how I want to know You more dear King of my heart!
To be called your child and your bride, used as your vessel,I do not deserve.
You are Mighty!

application of God's word

Lately I have been challenged with this question from one of my textbook readings: "How am I applying the Word of God to my life?"

I know what all of you pre or post-college students may be thinking...why read on? She said she found it in a textbook, must not be for me. Look beyond the surface and hear my heart on this.

So often we sit in a service or a chapel, a worship concert and we do simply that, we just sit there. Sure we may engage in worship and even feel things in our hearts but what happens to our hearts as soon as we break open the Word? Does your mind wonder to the tasks of the day and what you will be doing next, or are you truly engaged? Always??

Personally, my eyes have been opened to this area of struggle in my life. I've begun to realize that I simply cannot be an effective minister of the Lord without allowing His Word to root itself deeply within me, without meditating on His Word, His truth and claiming them over and over again through life's daily battles.

My roomate made a comment last night that struck me. I was dumfounded at my easy nod and passivity in the moment. While discussing Encounter, our evening campus service, she remarked " I guess I am just happy seeing students up there preaching. It is okay to not get anything out of what they say. It is basically the same thing every week anyway. I know that we just go to support them and help them practice. I'm not there to get anything from the message and that is okay, I can't expect to."

NO!!!!! That is so wrong! This is our greatest problem in churches and on Christian campuses today. We don't come expectant before the God of the universe. We don't allow training leaders to be empowered because we have closed our ears and even worse than that we have have closed off our hearts. We go simply to go. We sing because worship is obviously the "best" part of the service. Joshua 1:8 commands us to meditate on the Law day and night. This law being the Word.

Bottom line: it is NOT okay to not "get anything" from the message. A good minister of the word will leave those with open hearts, to go home after the service still meditating on the deep truths of scripture, challenging themselves to apply them to their lives. It is not okay to be okay with just going.

My heart breaks and is absolutely frightened by this non-chalant approach to church and especially to the Word of God. I myself have been convicted with this truth. To be the Lord's hand extended and to feed His sheep, I myself must know His word. From the abundance of my heart I wish for His word to come and to dwell continually. To minister to the world, I have to first know WHO God is, and WHAT His Word says and HOW to apply it to my life.

So I ask you my beloved friends and loved ones, are you satisfied? Are you applying the Word to your life, or are you okay with not "getting anything" because it is good enough to simply "go".

the King of my heart

This song has been on my heart lately:
"Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary. Pure and holy. Tride and true. With thanksgiving, I'll be a living...sanctuary, for You."

The words of this song encourage me to look at how I am presenting myself to Christ. Have I humbled myself before the Lord, allowing Him to prepare me as a sanctuary, pure and holy, tride and true? Am I living in thanksgiving each day for the King of Kings who is mindful of me regardless of how often I fall, the One who always catches me?

Isaiah 43 has been exciting me lately. It speaks if how God is calling upon His people Israel. He has ransomed them and called them His. He promises in deep waters to be there, that they will not drown in rivers of trial, and when they walk through the fires, they will not be burned. They are precious to God and therefore He has ransomed them. His people have failed to realize the desire God has for them and have sinned against Him from the beginning of time. This chapter in Isaiah stirs something in me that creates the desire to be pure and holy, acceptable, a sanctuary for my King.

Life brings its fires, but God will take us through the fire again and again and again. He is worthy of all praise. He is good and faithful and His love endures through all circumstances. Psalm 18 speaks of God as our Rock and shield. He is our strength and supports us with His right hand.

I am overwhelmed many times with the call of my life, but to God be the glory, for great things He has done and great things is doing and great things He has planned.

obedience...really?

As a young woman after God's heart, desiring evermore to please Him and bring glory to His name in all I do...I have been challenged in obedience. All the time I say "Yes Lord, I will follow you wherever you lead. Yes Lord, send me and I will go. I will do anything for you Lord." It is interesting how we sometimes pray away God's voice. Some people may have strange faces thinking about this thought...but what I mean is sometimes when the Lord tries to speak to us, we assume that gives us automatic right to pray about it when sometimes all we really do is cut Him off from speaking more.

Last night I was faced with a very big decision. God spoke and I had a choice. I could obey and experience His peace that surpasses all understanding or I could walk away and pretend I hadn't heard. Well God has a hold of my heart so the latter was simply not an option. This broke me. "How God? I can't do this. How?" I begged. God answered "Fear not my child, I'm with you always, I know every thought and every tear I see. Fear not my child, I'm with you always, I know how to care for what belongs to me."

I spent a lengthy time in His word. A few hours later I did the unthinkable, and God was right, "fear not my child, I'm with you always..." Returning from this emotional and heart wrenching moment, I felt at peace and puzzled by the joy which had overcome me. I spent some more time in His word and journaling and this old song came to me which I sang in an act of worship:

" I cry out for your hands of mercy to heal me. I am weak. I need your love to free me. Oh Lord, my Rock. You're my strength in weakness. Come rescue me, Oh Lord. You are my hope, and your promise never fails me. And my desire, is to follow you forever--for you are good, for you are good, for you are good to me, for you are good, for you are good, for you are good to me..."

This morning I awoke overcome with His joy and His peace. Then He assured me with the unthinkable. He had cleared the way for this situation to be mended and completed once again. "What Lord? Not even 1 day?" I asked. "I know how to care for what belongs to me." He responded.

God revealed Himself to me and brought me to a place of intimacy I have been missing and lacking since I got on campus. He has restored my heart and shown me that He alone is the King of my heart. His promises never fail.

All I can say is God is good and now I await the next step, I await His perfect timing and hand of grace to cover us once again.

Be blessed today beloved friends!

photos from chorale weekend

*please note: photos were taken by Shane Grant

chorale weekend

This weekend was our first official Chorale outing and I came into the trip with high expectations of God going to work in the hearts we were able to minister to. I was blessed this weekend as I watched some reluctant, weary faces give way to the Prince of Peace, surrendering before the Lord and seeking His yoke that is easy and His burden that is light. God is faithful to show up and when we come with expectancty, He will blow us away in His goodness and faithfulness to follow through. He hears the prayers and knows the hearts of His children. I am overwhelmed with the power of Christ that dwells in me, the strength He lifts me with and His peace that surpasses all understanding.

I had the privilege of sharing my testimony twice this weekend and each time I was honored to speak words of life about a living, real and loving God who restores, heals and is awesome in power. The Lord has been challenging me and stretching me to seek first His voice and His Kingdom, through His word, and in times of quiet. He is always near, but unfortunately I forget to listen sometimes and I neglect the fact that I am first called to be a vessel for Christ, as means by which His truth may be spread throughout this world, a vessel through which His joy may be freely loosed and worship will sing through my heart. I am called to be broken and humble before the God of the universe, because He has called me.

His word is truth!
He is near!
His plans are perfect!
His grace is sufficient!

I am not worthy of the call...but called I am...by the King of King and Lord of Lords.|

I'm longing to bring honor and glory to His great and Holy name!

Happy birthday Dad!

Daddy! Happy 40th Birthday!
May God bless you much on your special day!
Love you!

Looking back...

Ushering in the new year has always been an adventure for me. I usually stay up late making a list of resolutions for the coming year and take time to reflect upon all that has happened that I enjoyed over the past twelve months.

This year brings to me a significantly different way of dealing with things. As I look back upon 2006 I'm overwhelmed. My times of reflection always lead to tears and awe at how my Savior, my God, Jesus Christ has so moved over the past year, 365 days...and how He continues to overwhelm me with Himself each day as I awaken.

For many another year has come and we're nearly 2 weeks started into the next. I don't know about you, but has it ever broken you to think about God's grace at work in your life? Have you thought about how different things would be without Him?

In April of 2004 my life changed forever. Walking through a summer of a broken family, divorce and every other issue that could throw in its two cents, I was broken and falling before the Creator of the universe, my Bestfriend in the wholewide world, the Lover of my soul, and pleading with Him, to take me as I am, committing to Him control of my life, plans and relationships. In September of that same year, I watched my family be put back together piece by piece by piece by piece by piece and my parents marriage restored. God remembered my commitment to Him and the adventure began. In this time, God told me He wanted me to go to a Christian college, to BBC in fact, He called me to counsel, He placed a man in my life that causes me to wonder everyday why I'm so blessed, and my family is whole.

This year...
In September I successfully began my college career at BBC, even making the Dean's List when marks closed in December. In April, my Daddy came home from Iraq...where he left just a few short months after our family was restored.

God has done so much and I am so unworthy, but these few, lifechanging events in my life, all promises from the LORD, have come to pass in this year. 2006 has been a time of faith for me...a time of growing in my dependency on the LORD to be abundant in my life, to be my provision, my guide, my greatest love and the center of my focus. He has overcome me with His goodness and most days I can't help but smile. He's taught me to trust Him, to take Him at His word and to hungrily chase Him for more...to draw near and to go away with Him.

The words of Numbers 23:19 assure my heart of the faithful God I serve;
" God is not man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does hee speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?"

5 dollar faith

I love how the LORD is constantly with me in every moment of everyday and how at times when I may not feel like He's near, He shows me and points me once again to Him.

This morning I went walking with my Mommy. The sun was beginning to poke out of the graying clouds and the streets were coated with a thick layer of muddy slush. The cold winter air pelted our faces with winds that increased with every step away from home we took.

Upon reaching the middle of town Mom and I began talking about school and an up and coming spring tour I will be partaking in for our college Chorale. I am required to raise $500;$250 by January 15th and the rest by February 28th. We had an option to place the money on our student bill and I honestly considered doing so,atleast a part of it, and then to raise the rest by way of support letters. That's when my LORD spoke, clear as day, "Christy, do you only believe I can raise a part of this money? Do you not believe I can raise all of this money?" I was moved by the clarity of His voice in my heart and declined putting the money on my spring school bill. In faith I sent out support letters and now I'm waiting,waiting for the LORD to prove faithful to His promise...just as He always does.

Mom and I reflected on this encounter and Mom told me she believed that we needed to practice faith more often in our lives and to believe that God can provide. Mom glanced over at me and said "You know what Christy, you already have $150 for this trip and God will provide the rest,who knows what surprise might be awaiting you when you get back to school. God will provide."

As soon as she breathed these words, I glanced up the sidewalk to see Mr. Abe Lincoln staring up at me, beneath a coating of snow. "Money!!!!!!" I squealed. My mittened hand reached down into the snow and removed my newly found treasure...a snow-caked $5 dollar bill.

Mom's eyes grew wide and she exclaimed,"It's a sign. No worries about raising this money Christy. There's $5.00 of faith for you. Who knows how many $5.00 bills you'll happen upon to raise this money!"

Even in the little moments, when you make a commitment to walk in faith, and forget that God always provide, He shows up. I now have $155.00 towards my trip and I trust and know God has the other $345 ready for me. Why? He is faithful, always.

life in a little spiral notebook

I must say what a joy it is to be home.
There's something both wonderful and sad about home: you can leave for awhile, come back and things haven't changed. For some reason or another, this reality is bitter-sweet. Some things need to be changed and others, it's okay to stay familiar.

Last night before I tucked myself beneath the warm covers of a good-night's sleep, I was journaling and spending some time with the LORD. He brought me back over the past 10 months or so that are recorded in this particular, simple, college-ruled spiral notebook that are all filled with adventures and trials, heartaches and desires in my life. You know what the overall, ruling theme was in each one? Him. Jesus Christ has been my Strength, my Rock, my Fortress, my Redeemer, my Conscience, my Guide, my Lover, my Friend, my Shepherd, my Help in time of need, my greatest love and my LORD. To name off these particular things the Lord has been for me over the past 10 months doesn't even come close to encompassing everything...God is so faithful. God showed up in each moment, each day. He's been my joy, my peace, my patience, my everything.

It boggles my mind to think that a God so powerful, would have time for one as weak as I, one as sinful as I, one as clueless, stubborn and prideful as I. It's hard to comprehend that a God so great would ever forgive me,love me, and change me.

I'm being continually changed, each day. I'm thankful for His constant leading, for times of quiet when I'm unsure where He is or what He's doing.

I'm overwhelmed that a God so wonderful, so marvelous would grant me breath and life.
His grace is sufficient.
His blessings are abundant.
His promises never fail.
My heart desires to glorify Him in all I do.

In a little house round' the corner...

In a little house round' the corner live two who's hearts awake daily beside the love of their life.
Nestled cozily in their house on the corner, the two frosty topped lovers, committed forever rest, work, clean and dine together in a routine that seems no less special as the days march on. Years ago they might have wondered or dreamed of days like these, but then again they were young and had years until this time would come. For many it'd been a surprise that a love could last quite so long, but not them. Their hearts had been captured from the beginning.

One never grows too old to love, rather, the older one grows the more fond they are of love and more aware and honoring to the precious gift it brings a life. Young lovers are sweet to watch as the beginnings of a lifetime to come are developing...but older lovers are amazing, a testimony of commitment and years of dedication, loyalty and of course, love.

Oh to be old and nestled comfortable beside your spouse of 40+ or 50+ years, resting assured that though your days are unknown and possibly few, possibly many, that you've made it, that love truly exists and that true love can and does stand the test of time.

Falling in love is a rather adventurous thing.
Being in love is a grander adventure.
Committing to that love is the adventure of a lifetime.
(christy l. zbylut 11/30/06)

*This afternoon canvasing the hill my heart was filled with a smile of inspiration, a breath of promise and encouragement. An older couple live in the house round' the corner and this cool November afternoon they were decorating for the holiday season. Canvas bags were placed over bushes as the man placed his handcrafted, tee-pee looking covers over them...the lady was by his side, smiling and patient with her black yarn ready to do her part. A short time later I was passing by to see the two once more lacing their home with red bows and green garlands, reindeer now stoof in their yard beside the covered bushes. I smiled inside knowing that to watch them work was perfectly okay...to ask if they needed assistance would be interrupting in a precious moment of their teamwork. They were doing a fine job...just the two of them. A little earlier this year as the tree shook their leaves to the ground, 200 Bible students trudged up the hill after chapel, all passing, and few acknowledging the older couple bundled up, raking leaves together.

How precious are the examples and lessons we can gather from those who've walked the roads of love for many years.

God is so creative to have created someone special just for us to love...someone to love us like Him...setting an example of His love.

Should the Lord ordain it, I am excited to one day clean up the yard and decorate for Christmas with my husband, bundled up with our frosty tops, or cotton ball hair peeking beneath our caps. Oh to be in love for a lifetime. This simply and absolutely makes my heart smile.

God bless you today as you take a moment and smile about all those He has blessed your life with to love.

laughter: the best medicene

photo by:Christy L.Zbylut 11/24/06

home sweet home

There's nothing quite like being home.
Even when you go away for a long while, or even a little while and things are great, exciting and new...there is nothing like that familiar comfort of home.
Presque Isle & Caribou Maine are home to me...God is alive in northern Aroostook County and what a refreshing treat is was to be home for a long weekend.
God has blessed me with a neighborhood and community to grow up in and to call home where He is radically stirring up and preparing for great things.

Though it's well past Thanksgiving, I'd like to take a few moments and ponder some things I'm very thankful for:
*restoration
*devoted parents
*adorating sisters
*a loving and God fearing man who blesses me daily with his heart for Christ
*smiles
*the unchanging nature of God
*His truthful Word
*God's promises and plans
*hugs & kisses
*peace that surpasses understanding
*opportunity
*unknown futures
*friends that live on faith alone
*God's grace being enough
*late evening walks
*the ability to see, hear, taste, and touch daily
(smelling-most of the time)
*freedom
*God's provision, mercy and unfailing love
*water that quenches all thirst
*God's timing (even when it's not idealy my timing)
*Guidance & so much more...

God knows every desire and need. He always provides accordingly in His timing, by way of His plans and for His glory. It is all about Him. I am blessed to stand in His presence, to be a child of the King...to be daily pursued by the One who is above all names. I'm so thankful for Christ's sacrifice and constant love. Tis' so sweet to walk with Jesus, to trust Him everyday and take Him at His word. He is mighty and good. He is everything that we need!

thoughts

"The easiest way to look up to God is when you're flat on your back."

Why?

because: "greater is the fire within us than any fire the enemy could bring against us!"

-Our college chorale ministered at Kings Valley Wesleyan this weekend and President Medders spoke a word about God taking us through the fire. I found these two thoughts both intriguing and so simply true...in my mind they fit together.

nineteen years of life have I...

Nineteen years have passed from the moment God released me from my mother's womb.
Nineteen...
Time passes by without the slightest blink.
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter again starts anew...
Where do these moments, these treasurable memories go?
Forever vanishing are the days of tire swings, club houses and Christian Rangers.
Gone are the days of school dances, birthday parties with pinatas and even graduation.
Gone are highschool moments, driver's tests and first dates.
Away sweep the movements from dance classes, toe shoes no longer fit, and jelly shoes have been missing for ages.
What replaces these things?
Why nineteen years, of course!
Is this a bad thing?
Not at all!
Nineteen wonderful years of Jesus breathing new life daily into my being.
Nineteen years of sweet kisses from the wind, seasons changing and adventures everyday.
Baby sisters become teenagers.
Daddy's retire.
Mommy's become your greatest friend, listening ear and reference.
Nineteen years of life and wonder cannot compare to the many more to come...to the times to come, the seasons still yet to bear their character before our wondering eyes. They can't compare to the promises yet to be fulfilled, the whispers of prophecy yet to come.
Nineteen years are but a blink when compared to eternity.
Today I look back...thinking...wondering...thanking and praising for the nineteen years I've been given.
Thank you Jesus for a special birthday!
November 13th, 1987, you began unraveling what has thus far been nineteen years.
You knit me together and know every inch of my being...every thought, every desire, You know. Nineteen years of goals, hopes, dreams, harships, trials, sufferings and adventures...You have stretched me, loved me, captured me, captivated me, and moved me in a way unlike any other.

Today is my birthday...the day You chose, ordained and created just for me to enter this world.
May you receive glory, honor and praise for birthdays!

Remembrance Day: Sussex, New Brunswick

Yesterday morning a group of BBC students made their way downtown to Sulley's (a seasonal icecream place) where the town of Sussex would be holding their Remembrance Day Ceremony. Clad in poppies, toddlers to greatgrandmothers flocked the sidewalks some with joyful smiles and other with their imaginary check-lists ready to relieve themselves of one more duty that day. There's a lot you can recognize in large crowds of people and I always find myself awestruck at just how peculiar we all are. Our God is so creative and yet, to see people, in all of their differences doesn't even begin to touch upon the expansiveness of His power or creativity.

So one might be wondering why I, a young American student at Bible College ventured downtown with the town-folk to experience their remembrance day ceremony. I certainly was not wearing a poppy, nor had I the slightest idea what would take place, but something drew me to become part of this crowd as they observed silence for those who'd fallen in times of war for freedom and those still around today. I grew up as an army-brat...but I assure you, my daddy was the best soldier you'll ever meet. I wonder what it'll be like one day to watch Him march in a parade and hold a moment of silence for the year+ of his life he spent serving his country in Iraq...the 20+ years of service he spent daily making decisions for the greater good of our country, all the while being a loving husband, amazing daddy and so much more.

A parade went by with many people to honor the veterans, all of whom were/are probably great soldiers, brothers, daddys, grandpas, uncles, ect.

Following a long chuck of time consisting of older women and men with, adorned with titles I couldn't recall if you asked me to, placing their honorable wreathes into the cold-November ground to remember moments of their life, which have become moments of our history....a middle aged woman approached the mircophone...though I could not see her from my place of standing, the moment her mouth opened something familiar warmed my soul...the words of "How Great Thou Art" rang sweetly, vibrantly, clearly and powerfully on that Sussex town street. Praise the Lord! My heart sang in adoration of the One I was truly there to honor. Sure, the little boyscounts looked adorable in their uniforms, the various officers looked rather sharp, but uncomfortable in their toe pinching boots and the veterans looked brilliant, noble and full of history...but this day, this ceremony it wasn't about them...not really. I found my heart moved to remember the One who'd gently clasped the hands of those who lost their lives during those war times, and the One who surrounded those still marching, still living with His mighty hedge of protection. Now the song wasn't my old reminder of our great God, but at the center of everyone's focus stood a simple cross...a cross on which each Canadian clad in their poppies placed their poppy as a sign of their remembrance. They were placing their remembrance on the cross. I wonder how many took a moment to realize they'd done such a thing....the wreathes resembled crosses too...so I wonder with so many reminders why it is so easy to forget about Him.

How often do we remember that a day of remembrance, is always about the Lord?
He created all things and to every season there is a time and place under Heaven.
I know for sure that I have never stepped back at a ceremony and wondered how I could honor Christ with my silence, my appreciation for the works His hands allowed in those situations....the works His hands have created to place me there at that very moment in time to be mindful of Him.

Take a moment and think about the One through which all things are possible!
Remember where you've come from, where you've been and where you're going...all because of Him!

rain rain rain

I love it when rain freshly coats the earth...filling our shoes with sticky mud...puddles are created in roads we were certain had been paved perfectly straight...
but you know what's sad? the groaning, the complaining...the pants that get soaked and send all inside to a dry place of refuge. Not many venture out in the rain. Why not? Well, they'll get wet, of course!

Something struck me about the rain today.
The Lord loves on us when it rains. It feels like His grace just showers the earth.
Rain is often gentle, refreshing...sometimes it is fierce, much like our Lord...He is all powerful, but He is gentle as well.
Reading through Isaiah this evening I came to chapter 40 and found this "He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."Our God is gentle and oooh how this next part gives me chills of delight "he carried them close to his heart."

So why am I so struck by the rain? I think far too often the enemy rejoices when it rains.
Why? We all cower ourselves inside to do absolutely nothing because it's raining and we dare not venture outside because, well, you guessed it, it's raining. Nothing fits right, works right and your hair, woah, forget about those straight locks my friend, it's a curly ponytail day. We get far too caught up in ourselves on rainy days instead of the One who has granted us the blessing...one more day to breathe, clean air, refreshed land, relaxation from all strenuous outdoor activities.

We become excuse-makers when it rains. When problems arise, the rain is to blame. When things don't get done, the rain gets blamed. When we don't look right, feel right and our attitudes are downright awful, it all falls on the rain.

I don't believe it should.
Next time it rains, take a moment to appreciate the One who created you...the One who loves you, even on rainy days when your feet are soaked and your hair is frizzy. If you're a runner, lace up those shoes and go puddle splashing; if you enjoy walking, pull on your hood or grab an umbrella; if you're a book worm grab a good book.There's a little something for everyone to do on a rainy day. Get out, step out, go out and appreciate the marvelous workmanship of His great hands, the taste of His power He has revealed to you in this storm.

Thank you Lord for rainy-days and the reminder of your grace that falls on us like rain!

God's strength at booster 2006

Here are a few photos from booster weekend and a word of blessing about God's wonderful power!

Rachellie, Sherri, Christy & Nicole
"the picture"
Las hermanas: Sherri & Christy
Lor & Christy

"Praise the Lord I tell myself and with my whole heart I will praise His Holy Name. Praise the Lord I tell myself and never forget the things He does for me. He fills my life with good things, my youth is renewed like the eagles..." Psalm 103 (paraphrased)

Well Booster has come to a close and I have come, humbly and blessed to testify of God's wondrous work in my life.
The Lover of my soul, my Strength, Refuge, Strong Tower and Lord, Yahweh revealed Himself and His mighty power this weekend.
Thursday evening I came down with a cold, a very bad cold, a very sudden cold...a very not conducive to a weekend of ministry kind of cold.

So I trusted the Lord, that His ways are much higher than mine. Every morning since Thursday I have woken up with a throbbing throat and hoarse voice. We ministered in chapel on Thursday and I knew the Lord had rested upon me because on friday Joni Stevenson, the guest-speakers wife, told me she enjoyed watching me sing, because she could see the joy of the Lord as I worshiped.

Praise the Lord.
We ministered as a chorale again on Saturday morning and my voice only "worked" during the service.
Yesterday we led worship at Sussex Wesleyan and I had to minister my solo for the first time ever.
My voice was straining and painful all through the two hours of warm-ups and 3 minutes before we walked on stage I felt a release and for that on song I had my voice.

Sunday evening Chris & I were asked to help lead worship at Encounter.
I sang for probably a day straight this weekend.
My flesh was weak.
My voice was missing in action...but at the moments God desired His glory to shine, He settled in my throat and sang to His children, He settled upon my face, spread my lips in a giant smile and flooded my heart with warmth.
I cannot sing without Him.

I cannot minister to hundreds of teenagers without Him.
I cannot lead a congretation or campus of His beloved children without Him.

This weekend God truly used my weak flesh, filled me overflowing with His spirit and rocked my mind beyond all understanding about what it means to walk in complete control of the Lord.

He is good all the time!
"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." -Proverbs 27:19

pondering...

"When opportunity comes, it's too late to prepare."
- quoted in chapel this morning

my commitment as a leader

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit Power. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present make sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by love.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me --my banner will be clear!

(taken from BBC chapel service "Leaders for the Harvest" Dr. Phil Stevenson 10/31/06)

BBC Champions

So, we've been playing intermural soccer since the first few weeks of school, and yesterday we had our playoffs. In game #1 red played vs. gray and gray (the under-dogs) came out with a 1-0 win in overtime pks. Game #2 was an intense matchup between the green(Chris's team) and blue (my team). We battled back and forth for the hour, but on a great run, the blue team put one back into the net to move on to the finals.

In the evening, we were challenged with the championship riding on the line...battling against gray, we got off to a 2-0 start, with gray coming back early in the second half to notch one goal making the final score 2-1 blue team! Hooray we are champions and win the satisfaction of knowing we had an amazing, fun, full of fellowship season and as a bonus got to exercise multiple times a week, socialize and take a break from the books! God's joy burst from my heart. I enjoy playing soccer for God's glory or as coach Starks would say "it's all about ministry".

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom!
I love you!
To a Mom who's specialness surpasses that of any other...
Whom God created beautifully, fearfully & wonderfully a certain number of years ago.
Be blessed on your special day!

soccer games and solo singing

I love being joyful for the Lord.
Oh, how I love rejoicing in my King's goodness, faithfulness, love and pursuit.
I love finding God on the soccer field, in the solo tryouts, everywhere.
This afternoon I spent a large portion of my time playing 2 soccer games.
Lots of running. Hard work! tons of fun!
We won our first game 11-1 and lost the second 3-0 to the same team that beat us last last week 7-1.
Sandwiched between the games, was my lovely solo auditions for chorale.
I felt led to try-out for two of them, and while singing, I felt surrounded by the joy of the Lord. My mouth was formed in a huge smile....my Jesus was standing in the back of the room, smiling at me...His glory shining all around the room. I felt captivated, loved, adored and treasured. He was clapping for me, cheering and encouraging me. My voice rag free with love for the One my heart belongs to and longs for daily.
I left the room, smiling through and through not because of how my voice had sounded, but because I experienced my Jesus in a new way.
Though I'm not sure what God has planned just yet for me in Chorale,I know for sure He's allowed me the opportunity in this ministry for a great reason, and there's something BIG coming. He's going to stretch me and make me bold for Him! I just know it! God is so faithful!

Just hold on...my God will show up and He will take you through the fire again........

oh the joy of His word

"How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of Heaven's Armies. I long, yes I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God." -Psalm 84:1-2

"The Lord always keeps his promises: he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in everything he does.; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him,yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love him, but destroys the wicked. I will praise the Lord and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever." -Psalm 145: 13b-21

He is the One

This morning we closed the service with this song of worship. It was one I'd never heard before but one filled with sweet truth when you look closely and listen to the words. Isn't God amazing? Let His name be praised in all the earth on this beautiful day!

"You’re the One Who made the Heavens
You’re the One Who shaped the Earth
You’re the One Who formed my heart
Long before my birth
I believe You’ll always lead me
All my days have been ordained
All Your thoughts toward me are holy
Full of love and grace

CHORUS:
You are the One You are holy
You are the One You are worthy
You are the One
You are the One everlasting
You are the One I will worship
You are the One I will serve all my days
You are the One
You are the One everlasting
You are the One Jesus
You’re the One"

-'You are the One' by: Lincoln Brewster

attention: i made the cover-page

For the past couple of weeks many BBC students have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the annual pictorials. For anyone curious about what exactly a pictorial is, it's kind of like a miniture phone book of the campus complete with photos,e-mails, program of study, ect.
Well folks, that day has come and here is a view of the cover page, fresh off the printing presses.
If you'll take notice in the lower right hand corner, you will find my smiling face.

I didn't realize it was an accomplishment of sorts to make this cover. I simply thought it was cool. Several upper classmen congratulated me and an innocent bystander ran around the student center wondering why he'd dressed up for picture day if he wasn't going to make the cover page anyway.

So all in all, it's not a big deal for me...but I thought that you all (Dad especially) might enjoy a small post about nothing other than be making the cover page. :)

beautiful-panic

It's Wednesday morning, first day back on campus after the long weekend for Canadian Thanksgiving. I am startled awake suddenly and in a rather unusual act I find myself leaning over my bunk to catch the time on my roomate's alarm clock. The glaring blue numbers send alarm pulsing through my entire body: 7:54am.

I never sleep this late!

Instantly my mind is flaring "chapel day? wait no, no Bib.Lit! Why didn't my alarm go off?! I've never done this before. What is wrong with me? Oh nooooo!!!!! Bib Lit!!! Bib Lit at 8:00!!!"

I jump out of bed, grab a pair of jeans, toss on a t-shirt, throw my hair in a pony tail, toss a piece of gum in my mouth (no time to brush), stumble around for contacts (I might be almost late, but under no circumstances do I feel like wearing my glasses). Dashing to the far side of my bedroom, I toss my planner into my book bag (my books had all been packed the night before). Throwing on a pair of crocs I dash out the door. Flying across the campus, my feet perhaps touched the cement a total of 5 times, I was booking it. I waltz into class pretending that everything is perfectly okay and that I did not, under any circumstances wake up 3 minutes ago...slightly annoyed that my stomach is flooded with nausea, I missed my time with the Lord, no breakfast and to make things even better, I was shaking. I don't mean shivering either, I mean just shaking, tremors perhaps, from my sudden awakening.

I am greeted by that charming smile and the voice of my sweetheart saying "good morning beautiful!" Clearly he is unaware that I have no make-up on, forgot a belt for my too big pants, no jewelry, forgot my watch and have done absolutely nothing with my hair. I felt like a sloppy mess....yet he thought I was beautiful.

This experience this morning made me wonder about the standards we hold ourselves to as young women in this country.
Why do we have to experience extremes to carry a mark of beauty?
What exactly is beautiful?
You see this morning I didn't find myself too beautiful. I was hurried, rushed and had placed no effort in my appearance...but what did Chris see...he saw beauty and I think what far overshadowed my outward appearance was that of my insides...the beauty that is in me, the light of Jesus Christ, the joy of Christ, the love and peace and fruits of the Spirit all burst forth from me...overpowering, overtaking, overwhemling any blemishes on freshly awakened skin, any whispys in a 3 second pony tail, any empty ear lobes lacking shiny dangly earrings.

Do you adorn yourself with beauty from the inside out?
Why is it okay to rot on the inside as long as you look nice on the outside?
Why is shining and growing on the inside sometimes not okay with observers who find the outside displeasing?

Ladies, what are your thoughts?
If any men read this blog, I'd admire your contributions as well.

I'm thankful God taught me this lesson of beauty.
He sees me as beautiful.
I am made in His image, His likeness.
I am beloved...

Worthy of all praise!

"1 Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens!
Praise him from the skies!

2 Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him, all the armies of heaven!

3 Praise him, sun and moon!
Praise him, all you twinkling stars!

4 Praise him, skies above!
Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!

5 Let every created thing give praise to the LORD,
for he issued his command, and they came into being.

6 He established them forever and forever.
His orders will never be revoked.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you creatures of the ocean depths,

8 fire and hail, snow and storm,
wind and weather that obey him,

9 mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,

10 wild animals and all livestock,
reptiles and birds,

11 kings of the earth and all people,
rulers and judges of the earth,

12 young men and maidens,
old men and children.

13 Let them all praise the name of the LORD.
For his name is very great;
his glory towers over the earth and heaven!

14 He has made his people strong,
honoring his godly ones—
the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the LORD!"

This morning during my devotions with the Lord I was brought to Psalm 148.
This Psalm reminded me of our Father's unfailing goodness and glory.
It stirred in my heart the desire to give all honor, glory and praise to the One who created all.
Praise Him you sun, moon and bright shining stars...
Isn't our God worthy to be praised today!?!?!
His glory is shining all around us!

Let all that I am...Praise the Lord!!

adventurous journey

well for all those wondering : Yes, I have arrived safely home.
yesterday evening we (Jess Burden, Chris & I) departed from BBC on our way home...
so we thought.
clearly going home was much more complicated than going to school
first, chris started driving us to st. john...
I knew this wasn't the way, so as graciously as possible, I mentioned how unfamiliar it was that way and perhaps* we could turn around and head towards fredricton.
So chris agreed and we turned around.
We then drove in a way that he believed would get us to fredricton...
I only have one question here "Why does the TransCanda lack signs? Clearly if you're not Candian you have no clue where you're going."
After calling a few Canadian friends, one being an alumnus of our school, chris was still certain we were heading in the right direction.
I wasn't so sure, I'd never seen the apple barn, or the mcdonalds sign or anything familiar.
Hum...so when we got to Moncton, I knew for sure, we had just driven about an hour in the wrong direction.
we get directions from a gas station and turn back...
Our original journey of 3 hrs...turned into 6hrs.
We had some good laughs about it though.
Chris and I have now decided to invest in a Canadian atlas...we we will now spend time "problem solving" ahead of time, plotting out our journeys on a map...so we can play pilot and co-pilot.

Boo for poorly directed Canadian roads.
Boo for 3 extra hours of driving.
Hooray for character building.
Hooray for patience.
Hooray for unconditional love.
Hooray for long talks!
most importantly, Hooray for God's grace & protection in all situations.

His word

Tonight I attended the HUNGRY prayer gathering in the chapel as part of our chorale requirements, but I found it to be much less of a duty and much more of a privilege.

Sitting in a chair, not sure where to begin as I entered into prayer, my heart opened up and I asked God to give me a word that would not necessarily prove (I already know His love, His promises, and that His word does not return void). In this instance I just wanted to know that all that's been in my heart, all that is transpiring and building up in my life, is of Him, is good and is going to continue getting better. I wanted to know that my heart's stand is where it needs to be....perhaps you could say I was looking for a little assurance.

After sharing my heart with our awesome Lord, Romans 8:28 popped into my head, and turning the pages in my Bible I came across a blessing of peace, promise, love and assurance. God is good and faithful all the time. I am privileged to daily fulfill my duties as a daughter of the King. "My heart is confident in You, O Lord!"

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." -Romans 8:28 NLT

autumn

I love fall time.
I adore the cruchy crunch noise that my shoes make as my feet trample the pavement.
I love the chilling breezes and moments of glaring sun that God reveals Himself in.
I love the changing colors and knowing that even though the branches are losing their leaves, their outward beauty, they will continue to live, even through winter's cold and harsh conditions. Why? They have their needs sufficiently provided for. They have all the nutrients necessary to live through a winter of cold without the covering of their beautiful leaves. Jesus is the nurtient we need. He replenishes our souls when we are dry and hungry. He quenches every thirst and when we trust Him, our roots are firmly planted deep into the waters of His river of life.
He is sufficient.
He is my beauty inside and out.
When life causes me to lose my leaves, I still have life, because Christ is in me!

Oh, how I adore autumn.
Time to bundle up with mittens, scarves and sweaters.
Time to lock arms with your love and wander down colorfully painted streets.
Smells of apple pie and spicy pumpkin waft through the breezy air.
I love it, I love it, I love it!
God is good!

BBC Sports - (what I've been up to...)

Game #2 blue vs. gray...(that's me down in the right corner, kickin the ball OUT of bounds)
A cool pal named Shane...He came prepared, top hat n' all.
Okay, so Chris took this picture and I'm not entirely sure what I was doing...it looks like I may or may not be curtsying.
Erica & Me...GO BLUE TEAM!!!!
The BBC Lady Blazers, being caught during a candid moment after our victorious tourney game today!
This is Dj looking "sporty"...Erica chucked a ball at him as he posed for this and I actually enjoy the way the picture came out.
It makes me look like I'm a pretty amazing photographer, eh?
BBC Ladies showing off our tuff-muscles!

*Sports are going well...more great photos and updates to come!
For now, just remember that "Sports are about ministry" as coach Starks would say.
God is good!

I am a WOMAN

Sometimes I find myself in wonder asking, "Who am I? What am I doing in life? What's my purpose?" Now don't take me the wrong way here, I don't have a low self-esteem or anything, I believe these questions are quite natural, and I must say that since I met Jesus these questions have come as more of a wondering than an evaluation of who I'm not. I know who I am in Christ. I am a woman that hungers after my King, my Lord, my Prince of Peace.

So what am I doing with my life? Right now I am pursuing God's will for me at Bible College. The greatest truth about this adventure is that I am entirely inadequate, but I've been called and I need nothing more than the still small voice of truth from Him to guide my steps. I'm here because my heart desires to be no other place than exactly where He wants me. God has breathed on me and given me the strength, the mindset, the understanding, the challenge, the stretching, the growing and the breaking I need during this season of my life.

What is my purpose? I believe it's to follow the call of the One who loves me most, the One who knows me best: Jesus Christ.

I was browsing through my hymnal the other day and I happened upon a lovely hymn that instantly touched my heart. It was entitled "I Am a Woman". What does this mean I asked myself. Reading the words, the truths of who I am, what I am to be doing in my life, and my purpose were clearly defined.

To all my beautiful Mom, Sherri, Jess, Auntie Deb and many more sisters in Christ who read this, I pray these words touch your hearts in a special way. We are daughters of the King, called to bring Him glory! May the God of wonders love on you today everywhere you go.

"I am a woman
Called to be a servant
Bound by the grace that Your love imparts.
Lord, make me humble,
Teach me to follow;
Make me a woman of Your heart.

I am a woman
Called to speak with wisdom;
Shining a light that will lead to You.
Lord, give me courage
To be Your witness;
Make me a woman of Your truth.

I am a woman
Purchased by Your mercy;
Bought by the love that would spare no cost.
Lord, make me holy,
Loving You only;
Make me a woman of Your cross."

come heal our land

This week on campus it was Spiritual Advancement Week. It was a great time of intimacy and stretching with the Lord.
This week God too me to places in prayer I've never been before.
I was brought even deeper into His presence, to be made more like Him, to be filled so that my cup not only runneth over, but gushes over.
This week I pursued my Pursuer.
My Lover, my Friend too me by the hand and spoke His words of life into my heart.
He had burdened and broken my heart so that it might break with the things that break His heart.
What a Mighty God we serve!

This is a new song Dave Klob taught us and I believe it speaks prophetically over not only this campus, but our world...our neighborhoods, our homes.
It is my heart's prayer to see the blind eyes opened, the deaf ears unlocked, to see our generation healed, to have life breathed into the dry and THIRSTY souls. God pour out over this place. Rain down!

"Lord hear our cry,
Come heal our land
Breathe life into these dry and thirsty souls
Lord hear our prayer

Forgive our sin
And as we call on Your name
Would You make this a place for Your glory to dwell

Open the blind eyes, Unlock the deaf ears
Come to Your people, As we draw near
Hear us from heaven, Touch our generation
We are Your people, Crying out in desperation
Hear us from heaven, Hear us from heaven, Hear us from heaven…"

Words & Music by Jared Anderson © 2004 Vertical Worship Songs

Adventures in 'Quispamsis' (last Sunday)

So, last Sunday morning we headed to Quispamsis to go to Kings Valley Wesleyan Church again, with the blessing of being able to celebrate Nicole's Mom's birthday afterward, complete with freshly cooked, homemade food: roast beef, potatoes, carrots, rolls & icecream cake. We certainly leave there well fed. It was a gorgeous day and a great day to share in fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It's nice to celebrate God's goodness and blessings over delightful food and heartfilled laughter.
God is certainly gracious and good.
He is constantly showing us His favor!

(Nicole *roomate*, Nicole's Dad & Nicole's Mom *birthday girl*)
Tim, Trevor, Derrek, Ben & Chris (the boys, waiting for the yummy grub)
Group photo on the Finlay's porch -t'was a gorgeous day outside!
The girls: Jess, Christy & Nicole

good news

An exciting announcement:
Today the results for CROSSWINDS, our college chorale were posted and I was selected as a soprano for chorale!
I am much excited about the things God has planned during the rest of the school year with this chorale experience.
Oh how I love to praise my Jesus in song. Oh, how I desire to worship Him and to share the joy of Christ with all who see.

words of wisdom

Found in the church bulletin this morning at Kings Valley Wesleyan:
"Volunteers are not paid - not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless."

Before the Throne of God

My challenge to those I love today is to ponder the sacrifice Christ made for you. Remember who you were before you came to know Him. Remember who you are in Him. Remember who He is. May these words from a SonicFlood song called Before the Throne of God stir within your hearts a desire to worship the Lamb, the King of Kings: Jesus Christ.

" Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
A great High Priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands,
No tongue can bid me thence depart,
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me,
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the Risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I Am,
The King of glory and of grace,
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God.

One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God."

He is near

In fellowship...
In walks...
In meal times minus family...
On the field...
In the wind...
Shining the sun, warming the earth...
Down the hill...
Up the hill...
Rustling in the leaves...
In laughter...
In long talks...
In Your Living Word...

You, O Lord are always present. Your plans are great and good.
You fill us with a confident hope and a peace that surpasses all understanding.
You love on us in all things great and small.
Daily as I meditate on Your word, I find You.
The more I seek You, the more You reveal Yourself in ways like never before.
You are deep.
You are mighty.
You are good. All the time, You are good!

His faithfulness

"God is not man, so he does not lie.
He is not human, so he does not change his mind,
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?"
-Numbers 23:19

There is truly nothing like walking in the presence of our loving Savior, daily.
To know the Christ who is not only Savior, but Teacher, Friend, Lover, Counselor, Maker, Ruler, EVERYTHING.
To be intimate with the Lord and hear His still small voice whispering words of life and truth into my soul is a gift, a blessing that far surpasses anything else. Words can not express nor explain how God has both protected and strengthened my heart over these past few months. Thank You Jesus for guarding the precious chambers of my heart, for speaking with authority over any other voice that caused me to doubt. Thank You for open arms and Your word of truth. You alone are my strength and my song. I praise You Father for restoration and lessons that will carry through many many years, probably my entire life. Thank you for being my JOY. my PEACE. for granting me GRACE, LOVE, PATIENCE,KINDNESS, SELF-CONTROL and WISDOM.

Without You, where would we be?
I thank You that You are mindful of ever the small things.
I exalt Your name, sweet Jesus, because YOU are ALWAYS IN CONTROL.
I know this truth because I've walked in it.
I've stood on the foundation of Your word, making You my hope and confidence.
I've come to you in weakness and You've heard my cries.
I thank You for being the light unto our feet and path. You never allowed us to waiver from Your will, even though stubbornness may have felt better than the truth. You are GOOD, GOOD, GOOD!

I worship You my King!
I thank You for all of the growth that is to come.
Let us walk as an example that glorifies Your name!
:) You make my heart smile Jesus!

I'm a fork and my roomate's a spoon!

This is my roomate Nicole and I, preparing for our freshman competitions.

Our competition included two other groups of knives and straws!
Appreciation for this strangeness can be contributed to the lovely president and mind behind the activities
Andrew Glidden.

first day at school

First big night on campus.
I've arrived. I'm alive and well.
God is good!
I have a new roomate named Nicole which was a nice surprise!
My parents took me to dinner, twas' yummy!
Played some volleyball with the upperclassmen before chapel this evening.
Ate icecream.
Met way too many people and only remember probably 10 or so names.
Lots of information.
Lots of stuff to do.
Busy days ahead, but I rest in knowing that God is in control and that I can trust Him with everything.
Chris is at BBC with me.
Nick Bull is at BBC with me.
Jess Burden, my childhood neighbor is with me at BBC.

(Just the lowdown of my day! Miss you all! Love ya!)

casting our cares upon Him

Well only two more nights in my bed and I'm off to BBC.
It seems like it's taken forever to turn September...but looking back, it sort've snuck up on me.
Sometimes I wonder why short spans of time seem so long, while looking at long spans of time sometimes seem very short. (strange, I know)

Today, just like any other day, was nothing short of an adventure for me.

God's blessings never cease to amaze me and I must say that He is always faithful in hearing our prayers.

I just finished reading a great book by Max Lucado called Traveling Light. *God's timing is always perfect.* It speaks about Psalm 23 and how we're called to rest and allow Christ to lead. He is our Shepard. Going over Psalm 23, Lucado picks apart the luggage we tote around each day of our lives like trunks full of guilt, backpacks of shame, suitcases of disappointment, worry, envy, ect. When we stop though and drop the luggage, and don't pick it up anymore, we're trusting the Father, Jesus Christ, our ever loving Savior, to protect us, love us, provide for us and take care of every need. "His yoke is easy and His burden is light..." (Tis' a good read).

So in keeping with the theme of a book I finished yesterday, I dropped my luggage before the Lord today, including my suitcase of worry.

I must cast all my cares upon Him and trust. He is good all the time. His faithfulness was shown once again in the favor of a loved one at customs this afternoon. God brings a peace that surpasses all understanding when we trust Him more than our fears. Not being in control is a scary thought, but the Bible says in Psalms that when we trust the Lord He makes us as "sure footed as a deer". Deer are graceful. Now I don't know about you, but at times, I'm not particularly graceful on my feet....however, thinking about this, I believe I would take it to mean that as we trust the Lord, He'll guide our steps, we'll be surefooted (or graceful), simply because He's in control and He's holding our hand each step of the way. NO more worries about silly things. Worrying isn't going to put gas in the car, get you across the border, fix a relationship, pay the bills, raise your children. With God, all things are possible!

"His grace is sufficient and in our weakness, His strength is made perfect..."