Alrighty! Well, it is the eve of my 25th birthday and currently I am pondering, why in the world do I still get zits? I mean God and time are revealing to me that I am growing up, but exactly when will I grow out of getting these horrible disgusting pimples? Yuck, well, anyway! :)
On to better things, like 25 years! Wow, what was God thinking to bless my life with 25 crazy years? I have already been given some great gifts and had the opportunity to spend some time with some of my favorite people. This past weekend, it was all about my immediate family in Jonesboro. I got to hang out with Mom and Dad, but mostly Jim. He is a crazy kid, and will forever be one of my favorite people in the world. By the end of the weekend, we had a list of "only in Arkansas" jokes. He is so much fun! I'm so thankful for him. Hopefully, he will not keep the birthday tradition and call at 12:05 a.m. Jim calls as early as possible and Darryl, my older brother, will probably call around 11:00 p.m. Oh, they are great!
I wish I could reflect on 25 years, but my mind is tired. I leave with this thought. I am reminded of I John 3:1, "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God..." How awesome! The Father's love is more than enough and by accepting it, we receive the title 'Children of God!' How exciting!
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Changes!
Wow, where do I even begin? This last month of my life has just completely flown by, did I even stop for 2 seconds to take a break! I don't really feel like I did. Just to highlight some of the high points: one of my roommates left for a 2 year teaching job in Mexico - I miss you, Teri. My other roommate and I moved out of our apartment into her parent's house before we move into our new apartment. My sis-in-law turned 30. I went to Middle School Camp. I have done some other things in the meantime as well, like drink a lot of coffee, shop, listen to music, sleep, clean, shower... and the list goes on. I turn 25 next week and I'm definitely not sure if I am looking forward to that or not! Why are changes so stinkin hard? Doesn't make sense to me!!!
One thing that has been constant is my Sunday School class. I moved up with my 6th grade girls from last year, who are now 7th graders. I have been challenged in a new way to make the Word of God exciting and fun as we grow together in our faith. This year, I'm teaching on Old Testament characters. I'm sure that I will learn a lot!! I'm excited about them and teaching them!
In these past few weeks I have encountered some really interesting things in God's Word. I have been challenged and encouraged with different passages, but keep going back to one of my favorites. "The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save: He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17) I love this!!!!!! What an encouragement and joy!
I promise to share more later! I'm enjoying the Beth Moore study on Daniel. I highly recommend checking it out!
All for now--
One thing that has been constant is my Sunday School class. I moved up with my 6th grade girls from last year, who are now 7th graders. I have been challenged in a new way to make the Word of God exciting and fun as we grow together in our faith. This year, I'm teaching on Old Testament characters. I'm sure that I will learn a lot!! I'm excited about them and teaching them!
In these past few weeks I have encountered some really interesting things in God's Word. I have been challenged and encouraged with different passages, but keep going back to one of my favorites. "The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save: He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17) I love this!!!!!! What an encouragement and joy!
I promise to share more later! I'm enjoying the Beth Moore study on Daniel. I highly recommend checking it out!
All for now--
Monday, July 17, 2006
Impressed Much!
It has been awhile. I spent a week at camp and then life was just a little crazy on the return. I completed an incredible class on Christian Leadership. I learned so much. I hope it sticks around in my head a little longer to actually put into practice in my everyday life.
Camp was the most incredible thing for me and the point of this blog. Lately, not many things have impressed me. I haven't been impressed by any guy in awhile (sad, but true). I think I have even failed to impress myself... the whole do whatever it takes to get by mentality or something. (I personally hate it!) So, this was my attitude until camp.
I heard a quote by the speaker, JR Vasser, that was something like this, "Jesus has become something common to us that He ceases to impress us." This clicked with me completely. I have always done the church thing and participated in everything, and somewhere along the way Jesus has become common to me. How can Someone who came to earth as man, yet was still God become common??? The text for the week was from Philippians 2:5-11. Check it out, it has always been one of my favorites, but this week I saw it in a completely different light! The wonderful work of the cross, the involvement in my everyday life, the glorious grace that is mine, the mediator of my prayers... HOW DOES THIS NOT IMPRESS ME? I hate rude awakenings, reality checks, and conviction. I got it all.
The God of the universe does not have to, but He chooses to love me. That thought greatly impresses me!!!
Camp was the most incredible thing for me and the point of this blog. Lately, not many things have impressed me. I haven't been impressed by any guy in awhile (sad, but true). I think I have even failed to impress myself... the whole do whatever it takes to get by mentality or something. (I personally hate it!) So, this was my attitude until camp.
I heard a quote by the speaker, JR Vasser, that was something like this, "Jesus has become something common to us that He ceases to impress us." This clicked with me completely. I have always done the church thing and participated in everything, and somewhere along the way Jesus has become common to me. How can Someone who came to earth as man, yet was still God become common??? The text for the week was from Philippians 2:5-11. Check it out, it has always been one of my favorites, but this week I saw it in a completely different light! The wonderful work of the cross, the involvement in my everyday life, the glorious grace that is mine, the mediator of my prayers... HOW DOES THIS NOT IMPRESS ME? I hate rude awakenings, reality checks, and conviction. I got it all.
The God of the universe does not have to, but He chooses to love me. That thought greatly impresses me!!!
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Not An Ordinary Day
This week, I have seen pretty much all of my family that lives anywhere near me. I took my mom & dad out for their anniversary on Thursday night! On Friday night, my little bro, Jimbo came for a visit. We hung out for most of the weekend and he left this afternoon. I don't get to see them too often, so I enjoy it. I especially appreciate it when they come to see me.
I've been challenged a lot lately with the Word of God, and it would be an understatement to say that I have been convicted. I feel like God is trying to open up my brain and stuff a ton of things in there that I need to learn, but haven't gotten yet. I've been really challenged not to live my life out as a mediocre Christian. What do I mean by that? I think I have become comfortable in my Christianity, and instead of striving to be more like Jesus, I have settled. I am complacent and I don't want to be. After attempting to do something about it on my own, I gave it to the only One who can change me. This has now become my heart's cry... "God please don't let me be satisfied with my walk with you, but desire you more than ever before."
Here's the verse that is stuck in my head, "For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed..." (Romans 15:18)
I've been challenged a lot lately with the Word of God, and it would be an understatement to say that I have been convicted. I feel like God is trying to open up my brain and stuff a ton of things in there that I need to learn, but haven't gotten yet. I've been really challenged not to live my life out as a mediocre Christian. What do I mean by that? I think I have become comfortable in my Christianity, and instead of striving to be more like Jesus, I have settled. I am complacent and I don't want to be. After attempting to do something about it on my own, I gave it to the only One who can change me. This has now become my heart's cry... "God please don't let me be satisfied with my walk with you, but desire you more than ever before."
Here's the verse that is stuck in my head, "For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed..." (Romans 15:18)
Friday, June 30, 2006
Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!
Yesterday was my parent's 38th Anniversary!! Yep, blows my mind how people can be married that long. This little thought is one of my favorites on marriage. It reminds me of Mom & Dad!
In May 1943, German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a letter to a young bride and groom, advising them on the nature of the union they were about to enter:
"Your love is your own private possession, but marriage is more than something personal — it is a status, an office. Just as it is the crown, and not merely the will to rule, that makes the king, so it is marriage, and not merely your love for each other, that joins you together in the sight of God and man. As you gave the ring to one another and have now received it a second time from the hand of the pastor, so love comes from you, but marriage from above, from God. As high as God is above man, so high are the sanctity, the rights, and the promise of love. It is not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on, the marriage that sustains your love."
Congrats Mom & Dad! What a wonderful example you have showed me of a God-centered marriage!! May God bless the years to come!
In May 1943, German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a letter to a young bride and groom, advising them on the nature of the union they were about to enter:
"Your love is your own private possession, but marriage is more than something personal — it is a status, an office. Just as it is the crown, and not merely the will to rule, that makes the king, so it is marriage, and not merely your love for each other, that joins you together in the sight of God and man. As you gave the ring to one another and have now received it a second time from the hand of the pastor, so love comes from you, but marriage from above, from God. As high as God is above man, so high are the sanctity, the rights, and the promise of love. It is not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on, the marriage that sustains your love."
Congrats Mom & Dad! What a wonderful example you have showed me of a God-centered marriage!! May God bless the years to come!
Monday, June 26, 2006
A little Philippians
I have been crazy busy lately with school, camps, and the million other things that I like to add to my plate. I was encouraged by these words in Philippians today,
"Not that I have already atained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those thing which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philppians 3:12-14)
"Not that I have already atained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those thing which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philppians 3:12-14)
Saturday, June 24, 2006
What a Week!
I know that I have probably shared this with most people before, but my life is some crazy rollercoaster that is sometimes up and sometimes down. Especially today, I am so thankful that God is constant. It is encouraging that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. Obviously running my mouth is a weakness, not sure how He is using that, but I'm sure God sees the bigger picture.
My favorite passage of Scripture this week has been the story of Onesimus and Philemon in the small book of Philemon that is hidden between Titus and Hebrews. Paul is obviously appealing to Philemon on Onesimus' behalf. The story doesn't really say what Onesimus did besides run away, but I'm sure he probably did something to screw up. I can so easily relate to Onesimus, and often I need someone to appeal on my behalf. I think about Jesus and how He serves as my advocate to the Heavenly Father and when I mess up and need forgiveness. Obviously this has been my life more this week than normal. What a blessing that God forgives and forgets!!
My favorite passage of Scripture this week has been the story of Onesimus and Philemon in the small book of Philemon that is hidden between Titus and Hebrews. Paul is obviously appealing to Philemon on Onesimus' behalf. The story doesn't really say what Onesimus did besides run away, but I'm sure he probably did something to screw up. I can so easily relate to Onesimus, and often I need someone to appeal on my behalf. I think about Jesus and how He serves as my advocate to the Heavenly Father and when I mess up and need forgiveness. Obviously this has been my life more this week than normal. What a blessing that God forgives and forgets!!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Tribute to Dads
Happy Almost Father's Day!
My dad is a pretty wonderful man, so I thought I would give him a little shout out this Father's Day! I love these man-made, card selling holidays. It gives me good reasons to go to Hallmark!
Anyway, on to Dad.
I love my dad for many reasons, but I'm gonna share the top 3:
My dad is a pretty wonderful man, so I thought I would give him a little shout out this Father's Day! I love these man-made, card selling holidays. It gives me good reasons to go to Hallmark!
Anyway, on to Dad.
I love my dad for many reasons, but I'm gonna share the top 3:
- He inspires me to be more like Jesus!!
- He listens to me!!
- He is a thinker!!
Yep, those are my favorite things about my dad (right now, at least)! I think it is great how God gives us exactly what we need in a Father. I have so many great memories with my dad. Some of my favorites are talking in the car on the way home from volleyball practice. It would just be the two of us, and I am never quiet, so Dad and I would have some great conversations. I love being able to just talk to my dad, he is so wise and has more experience than most people I have ever met. When we talked I felt that he would listen to me, and it didn't matter that I was 9 or 15, he would talk to me like I was important and had something interesting to say.
I guess you could say that I am a Daddy's Girl (and proud of it, especially on Father's Day). God has put so many incredible men in my life in addition to my dad, like my big brother who is the dad of my sweet nephew and niece. I am also remind of a certain "adopted" dad at my church who always makes me feel like one of his "real" kids! These amazing people whom God has placed in my life give me a great picture how wonderful my Heavenly Father is!
Awesome God, thank you so much for Dads, without them my life would not be the same, and because of them my life has been greatly impacted forever!
Friday, June 16, 2006
the beginning
I decided I needed a blog. Some days, I face times where I just need to spit out whatever is in my head onto paper, and my sweet laptop allows me to do it more quickly. This may only be for my family and close friends, I don't need a blog following, just a place to share some thoughts that are not viewed by the entire world.
This week has been stressful, and it always seems that in the middle of the stress God desires to show me something. This time it was been that He desires personal retreat with me. A majority of the time I seem so busy with the craziness that is going on around me, that I forget to stop and listen to His voice. I still have my quiet time in the morning, but I feel like I am just doing it out of habit. He gently reminds me of my desperate need for Him, and I fall on my face seeking repentence and a greater longing and desire to hear from Him. This week my faith has been questioned, tested, and encouraged. I know I probably could have done better, but I feel like everything is a learning experience for me. It appears that sometimes the lesson is harder to grasp.
This week has been stressful, and it always seems that in the middle of the stress God desires to show me something. This time it was been that He desires personal retreat with me. A majority of the time I seem so busy with the craziness that is going on around me, that I forget to stop and listen to His voice. I still have my quiet time in the morning, but I feel like I am just doing it out of habit. He gently reminds me of my desperate need for Him, and I fall on my face seeking repentence and a greater longing and desire to hear from Him. This week my faith has been questioned, tested, and encouraged. I know I probably could have done better, but I feel like everything is a learning experience for me. It appears that sometimes the lesson is harder to grasp.
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