I don't know how he does it. Capturing my heart like this. No human has ever been able to get me up as easily. He really is the only one who is able to wake me like He does!
". . .He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear like one being taught."
Isaiah 50:4b
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
the patriarchs.
the journey starts tomorrow. i beg for strength that is not my own.
so maybe i do want it to rain tomorrow. .i can hear the wind.
so maybe i do want it to rain tomorrow. .i can hear the wind.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, January 09, 2009
reality and politics.
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” Titus 3:1-2
Obviously there is a lot wrong with our world morally and politically, but what are Christians supposed to think or do about it? Too often we don’t do anything and some times when we do act we end up giving off a harsh overtone (and often a completely distorted picture of Christianity). The one of the most difficult challenges is attempting to find a balance in how to respond to the world as a Christian. There are three things we absolutely cannot be: lazy, slanderous, or tolerant. Each of these ideals have major pitfalls and are too often the paths chosen of those who are confused about what God wants them to show the world.
Laziness is something that I know I personally suffer a lot from. Honestly, I think most teenagers do. But as some of the most influential people in so many areas of life we have to consider how terrible of a consequence being lazy is. And in this case, this is not only for about teenagers. We must fight off the temptation to ignore the problems of the world and declare that they are not our own and then, that because they have nothing to do with us directly, there is nothing we can do. There are people we come in contact with everyday that if we just showed compassion could begin to change a lot of the moral to that in itself would not be an act of laziness. Proverbs 10:4 says “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” This isn’t to say that if we stay active politically that we are going to gain anything monetarily (because the truth is, we probably won’t), but as a child of God we will further the kingdom of Heaven, and what better reward is there but that?
We don’t think a lot of political jokes. Most of them are pretty funny, I will admit, but there is a point where such jokes become clearly slanderous. If anyone, whether we agree with them or not, is put into a position of authority over us, we must submit to them. We may not agree with them, but I am sure that there are some points in which individuals would agree (no matter the lust for a difference there may be).
When the letter to Titus speaks that we are to be gentle toward everyone, an interpretation can be drawn that in that sense we are to be gentle when confronting others in our differences. This is often where the harsh overtones come in. So often I see people attempting to bring out truth, but in a way in which turns unbelievers completely away from God. With the knowledge of serving a sovereign God you have to realize that your words are not your own when speaking to others that may not believe the same as you do (not only religiously but also politically). Therefore, we cannot allow ourselves to take over and diminish those who we do not see eye to eye with. We must allow the Lord’s gentle spirit to control our tongues in such situations.
All this is said to make the point that I am no more perfect than anyone reading this. Most often when I post anything that is supposed to point out any flaw, I am most often speaking to myself. I cannot be lazy, slanderous or tolerant in my actions in any way. Too often these are sins I fall into in every aspect of my life. So despite the interest to write about the way we should view things politically I have written about sin in itself. This reminds of how real and living the Word of God is. He stays so alive through his word, and I don’t use this to my advantage often enough.
Obviously there is a lot wrong with our world morally and politically, but what are Christians supposed to think or do about it? Too often we don’t do anything and some times when we do act we end up giving off a harsh overtone (and often a completely distorted picture of Christianity). The one of the most difficult challenges is attempting to find a balance in how to respond to the world as a Christian. There are three things we absolutely cannot be: lazy, slanderous, or tolerant. Each of these ideals have major pitfalls and are too often the paths chosen of those who are confused about what God wants them to show the world.
Laziness is something that I know I personally suffer a lot from. Honestly, I think most teenagers do. But as some of the most influential people in so many areas of life we have to consider how terrible of a consequence being lazy is. And in this case, this is not only for about teenagers. We must fight off the temptation to ignore the problems of the world and declare that they are not our own and then, that because they have nothing to do with us directly, there is nothing we can do. There are people we come in contact with everyday that if we just showed compassion could begin to change a lot of the moral to that in itself would not be an act of laziness. Proverbs 10:4 says “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” This isn’t to say that if we stay active politically that we are going to gain anything monetarily (because the truth is, we probably won’t), but as a child of God we will further the kingdom of Heaven, and what better reward is there but that?
We don’t think a lot of political jokes. Most of them are pretty funny, I will admit, but there is a point where such jokes become clearly slanderous. If anyone, whether we agree with them or not, is put into a position of authority over us, we must submit to them. We may not agree with them, but I am sure that there are some points in which individuals would agree (no matter the lust for a difference there may be).
When the letter to Titus speaks that we are to be gentle toward everyone, an interpretation can be drawn that in that sense we are to be gentle when confronting others in our differences. This is often where the harsh overtones come in. So often I see people attempting to bring out truth, but in a way in which turns unbelievers completely away from God. With the knowledge of serving a sovereign God you have to realize that your words are not your own when speaking to others that may not believe the same as you do (not only religiously but also politically). Therefore, we cannot allow ourselves to take over and diminish those who we do not see eye to eye with. We must allow the Lord’s gentle spirit to control our tongues in such situations.
All this is said to make the point that I am no more perfect than anyone reading this. Most often when I post anything that is supposed to point out any flaw, I am most often speaking to myself. I cannot be lazy, slanderous or tolerant in my actions in any way. Too often these are sins I fall into in every aspect of my life. So despite the interest to write about the way we should view things politically I have written about sin in itself. This reminds of how real and living the Word of God is. He stays so alive through his word, and I don’t use this to my advantage often enough.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
If we did not praise, then rocks would cry out. .
The Thrica Network On Beauty
I love my friends. I especially love them when I see God's glory spilling out of their souls. To see them humble themselves before God and to earnestly know that everything they are is only because of Christ. As if that wasn't beautiful in itself. .
I have never had my heart race in awe of God until tonight. How beautiful He is!
"When I said, "My foot is slipping," your unfailing lve, LORD, supported me." Psalm 94:18.
I love my friends. I especially love them when I see God's glory spilling out of their souls. To see them humble themselves before God and to earnestly know that everything they are is only because of Christ. As if that wasn't beautiful in itself. .
I have never had my heart race in awe of God until tonight. How beautiful He is!
"When I said, "My foot is slipping," your unfailing lve, LORD, supported me." Psalm 94:18.
Monday, September 22, 2008
boys like girls
so, let me just say:
I really wish people understood that just because I talk with a guy does not necessarily mean I'm obsessed or in love with him. Yes, I am excited about my future husband, but right now I'm okay with just being friends with everyone. I'm not ready for another relationship in my life right now. I have a lot of growing in the Lord before I start settling.
No one freak out if I talk to a guy. It usually means I just want to be their friend. Don't look into any of my actions if you are a boy. I attempt to treat everyone equal, the better you are as a friend the more I spend time with you. Just like any other friend.
just saying.
I really wish people understood that just because I talk with a guy does not necessarily mean I'm obsessed or in love with him. Yes, I am excited about my future husband, but right now I'm okay with just being friends with everyone. I'm not ready for another relationship in my life right now. I have a lot of growing in the Lord before I start settling.
No one freak out if I talk to a guy. It usually means I just want to be their friend. Don't look into any of my actions if you are a boy. I attempt to treat everyone equal, the better you are as a friend the more I spend time with you. Just like any other friend.
just saying.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
ptL!
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Colossians 1:13-14
Colossians 1:13-14
Friday, August 22, 2008
skills
So, things are really going quite well. I'm really super excited about the two honors classes I have this semester, that include English 200H and public speaking. I really am excited about the challenge that each one will present. Other than those two I have a pretty basic math class and a music class that should be quite a breeze, for a while anyway, just considering my clarinet skills. haha ;-)
Tonight I went to the BCM building just to interact and whatnot because they were having an open house; I pretty much fell in love with the atmosphere (although camp definitely has it topped, no questions asked!). But I'm meeting tons of great and new people through it and I was quite excited to have reached out of my dorm room with my two suitemates and roommate. Speaking of them, thankfully we all get along, but none of them are exactly aligned with me spiritually or willing to say that they would like to be. The Lord is working through all of this, and I attempt to shine brightly for God and his kingdom through every action. I have to be so intentional about my actions.
Tonight I went to the BCM building just to interact and whatnot because they were having an open house; I pretty much fell in love with the atmosphere (although camp definitely has it topped, no questions asked!). But I'm meeting tons of great and new people through it and I was quite excited to have reached out of my dorm room with my two suitemates and roommate. Speaking of them, thankfully we all get along, but none of them are exactly aligned with me spiritually or willing to say that they would like to be. The Lord is working through all of this, and I attempt to shine brightly for God and his kingdom through every action. I have to be so intentional about my actions.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
how many kings?
follow a star to a place unexpected
would you believe after all we've projected
a child in a manger
lowly and small, the weakest of all
unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl
just a child
is this who we've waited for?
cause how many kings stepped down from their thrones?
how many lords have abandoned their homes?
how many greats have become the least for me?
how many gods have poured out their hearts
to romance a world that has torn all apart?
how many fathers gave up their sons for me?
bringing our gifts for the newborn savior
all that we have, whether costly or meek
because we believe
gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure
and myrrh for the cross he'll suffer
do you believe
is this who we've waited for?
how many kings stepped down from their thrones?
how many lords have abandoned their homes?
how many greats have become the least, for me?
how many gods have poured out their hearts
to romance a world that has torn all apart?
how many fathers gave up their sons for me?
only one did that for me.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
uncertain
something's missing. . .
what's my problem?
not someone to help forget my problem. .
but someone to help solve my problem.
Monday, January 15, 2007
SALT (I will always call it that) Retreat
Our leadership retreat at the beach was amazing. This was probably one of my favorite times with some of my favorite Cheraw friends. Spiritual bonding thrived and we had so much fun. There are pictures on facebook if you want to see them.
I was having a quiet time one morning down near the dock and I could not even focus on anything else but God's beautiful creation. I just sat in awe of His gracious and perfect self. It was marvelous.
I was having a quiet time one morning down near the dock and I could not even focus on anything else but God's beautiful creation. I just sat in awe of His gracious and perfect self. It was marvelous.
Lately, I've realized what a relational religion Christianity is. This revelation probably has a lot to do with the fact that I'm reading Donald Miller's Searching for God Knows What. But we talked about it during one of our session times too.
"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like a sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:35-38
Sunday, December 31, 2006
lots of big smiles.
the Lord makes me so excited! I love to see him work in my friends lives. And I love to see them respond to his glory in an excited way!
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Triple A
my life is silly. it makes me smile. Just like my Rock does. ;-)
Andrew, Andy, Adam, and the rest of their team are offically in Uganda. Pray for them as they serve the Lord.
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