Recently we've been going through cabinets and closets in our house trying to organize and clean them, which has been quite an adventure to say the least. For instance, last week when I was going through old Disney movies that I watched over and over and OVER again as a kid, I actually started crying...the reality of growing up started to hit me hard. (I know, pitiful, but I love my Disney movies!)
Well tonight my mom decided to pull out some old home videos she'd been transferring from VHS to DVD on this recording VCR we have and I got to "go back" and see Christmas at age 3 and 4, all the times my mother asked me to sing Jesus Loves Me or other random songs (and I would typically refuse unless I was really in the mood to sing, and even then I really only sang what I wanted, not what she asked), a couple of birthday parties, and some other memorable moments, such as two snow days we apparently had two different years in Florence (somehow forgot about that one...). One of the things she recorded was just a regular old day in May when we had my grandparents (Mom's side) over along with my great-grandmother. I was playing baseball (if that's what you even call it...I mean I was 3 so I was only carelessly swinging the bat and occasionally hitting the ball so everyone in my family could cheer for my great "accomplishment") and my grandfather was pitching, my dad was catching, and my grandmother and great-grandmother were watching while my mom was recording the video. Even though it was probably the simplest most random thing my mom recorded in the whole video, it touched me the most to watch. Just seeing all of us together, including my great-grandmother who passed away not too long ago, was pretty emotional for me. We all looked so different and it was neat to just see us all smiling, having a good time together. It made me wish for those simple days again, of being a little kid, but even more than that, it just made me thankful for the love in my family and the faith that we have to know God is working out everything for our good. This is especially evident in remembering my great-grandmother, knowing she's up in heaven with Jesus, watching over us. Looking back, it's really cool to see where God put us and how He has led us through every step in our lives. All the way from Florence to Birmingham, England.
We sang this song during Wednesday night worship this week and every time I hear it, I think about our family. This week I just listened to every word and let the reality of the lyrics sink in, because this song is so applicable to me and my family right now...
Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow...
All your ways are good
All your ways are sure
I will trust in you alone
Higher than my side
High above my life
I will trust in you alone
Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you
Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You're the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone
In you there's life everlasting
In you there's freedom for my soul
In you there joy, unending joy
and I will follow
--Chris Tomlin
Did you notice all of those responses were not little unsure statements but strong, obedient ones? I will go, I will stay, I will move, I will follow you.
Honestly making those words become real is hard. That's where I am right now. Asking myself if I really will go wherever God asks me too, if I will really live for Him alone and serve Him even if it means denying myself and taking up Jesus' cross daily.
This isn't just a simple checklist kind of commitment. It's one for a lifetime. And I'm working on it.
"But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children - with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts."
-Psalm 103:17-18
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." -Proverbs 16:3
Grace and Peace.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
finally, to let the world know
Hello, all. I'm sure some of you have heard that something big has been going on in my family and if you have, you've heard correctly. For those of you who go to Shades, you may remember that during Sunday morning's message, Pastor Danny talked about 3 different families he knows who are seeking God's guidance in working overseas. Well...my family is one of them!
About 6 months ago, my dad was informed that his company wanted to promote him. Not just any regular promotion, but one that would require moving to the United Kingdom. More specifically, to Birmingham, England. (ironic place, huh? from Birmingham to Birmingham)
Well naturally he was completely blown away and kept praying that God would lead the way if this was the right decision. Only my mom and dad knew about this until this February, when they told me and my brother. We had to keep it a secret until we were approved by the UK government, which has been harder than you can possibly imagine, but has ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences in bringing me closer to God and closer to my family. There have been times of excitement, times of tears. Realizations of new experiences and adventures that await us, and realizations of things that will be difficult to leave behind. (I am still going to Auburn this fall by the way, so I will only be going over during my vacation times when I go "home")
We have faced many obstacles in getting through this process. Our paperwork was actually declined earlier this week for getting into the UK, but because God is in control, it turned out to be a mix-up and we are still on board to be approved in 4 weeks. Countless situations have come up where we have clearly seen God working and we, as a family, know that this is where God is leading us.
I actually knew about this while I was in South Africa for spring break and this really taught me to go to God about EVERYTHING, seeking His guidance first and foremost in my life.
This opportunity has been the biggest blessing for my family and I am thrilled to see how God will continue to use this in our lives. Although this is of course for my dad's job, my family sees it as a great missions opportunity and we are looking forward to seeing how we are able to be a part of God's work LITERALLY around the world!
I am so thankful for all the love and support from our friends and family...I really cannot thank you enough for all that you do!
I know you are probably experiencing mixed emotions, I know I did, so please 1) ask me any questions about anything you may need clarified or are just curious about and 2) pray and seek understanding from God if you are overwhelmed. Believe me, it will bring you closer to Him than you would've thought possible.
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." - 1 Peter 3:15-16
"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield." - Psalm 5:11-12
Grace and Peace.
About 6 months ago, my dad was informed that his company wanted to promote him. Not just any regular promotion, but one that would require moving to the United Kingdom. More specifically, to Birmingham, England. (ironic place, huh? from Birmingham to Birmingham)
Well naturally he was completely blown away and kept praying that God would lead the way if this was the right decision. Only my mom and dad knew about this until this February, when they told me and my brother. We had to keep it a secret until we were approved by the UK government, which has been harder than you can possibly imagine, but has ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences in bringing me closer to God and closer to my family. There have been times of excitement, times of tears. Realizations of new experiences and adventures that await us, and realizations of things that will be difficult to leave behind. (I am still going to Auburn this fall by the way, so I will only be going over during my vacation times when I go "home")
We have faced many obstacles in getting through this process. Our paperwork was actually declined earlier this week for getting into the UK, but because God is in control, it turned out to be a mix-up and we are still on board to be approved in 4 weeks. Countless situations have come up where we have clearly seen God working and we, as a family, know that this is where God is leading us.
I actually knew about this while I was in South Africa for spring break and this really taught me to go to God about EVERYTHING, seeking His guidance first and foremost in my life.
This opportunity has been the biggest blessing for my family and I am thrilled to see how God will continue to use this in our lives. Although this is of course for my dad's job, my family sees it as a great missions opportunity and we are looking forward to seeing how we are able to be a part of God's work LITERALLY around the world!
I am so thankful for all the love and support from our friends and family...I really cannot thank you enough for all that you do!
I know you are probably experiencing mixed emotions, I know I did, so please 1) ask me any questions about anything you may need clarified or are just curious about and 2) pray and seek understanding from God if you are overwhelmed. Believe me, it will bring you closer to Him than you would've thought possible.
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." - 1 Peter 3:15-16
"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield." - Psalm 5:11-12
Grace and Peace.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
ALL the nations will praise Him--South Africa, Day 4
Have you ever thought about how much praise goes on throughout the world on a Sunday? Think for just a minute about all the time zones and all the churches in those time zones...pretty much 24 hours straight of praise and worship to the creator of the universe occurs throughout the course of a Sunday. Is that incredible or what? I mean I know He deserves our non-stop praise all week, but to think that for basically 24 straight hours someone somewhere is singing praises or listening to a sermon or crying out to God is the coolest thing EVER.
This thought hit me in the middle of the church service in South Africa on the Sunday we were there.
The church service was certainly a different experience, but an incredible one. Capricorn Church, like I mentioned in the previous blog post, is a small container like you would use for storage. Adults, teenagers, and children all come together in this small space and praise God with all they have, which creates the most beautiful picture imaginable. Hands are raised, feet are moving, people are dancing, hearts are filled with joy...the name of Jesus is cried out, sung, praised, and held on to.
One of the songs that our team absolutely fell in love with is called Jabulani, Africa. The lyrics go like this:
Jesus life and hope
To heal our land
Savior reaching out
With your mighty hand
Sing for joy, O Africa
The Lord your God is
Risen upon you now
Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Jesus river of life
To our thirsty land
Savior meeting our needs
From Your mighty hand
This thought hit me in the middle of the church service in South Africa on the Sunday we were there.
The church service was certainly a different experience, but an incredible one. Capricorn Church, like I mentioned in the previous blog post, is a small container like you would use for storage. Adults, teenagers, and children all come together in this small space and praise God with all they have, which creates the most beautiful picture imaginable. Hands are raised, feet are moving, people are dancing, hearts are filled with joy...the name of Jesus is cried out, sung, praised, and held on to.
One of the songs that our team absolutely fell in love with is called Jabulani, Africa. The lyrics go like this:
Jesus life and hope
To heal our land
Savior reaching out
With your mighty hand
Sing for joy, O Africa
The Lord your God is
Risen upon you now
Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Jesus river of life
To our thirsty land
Savior meeting our needs
From Your mighty hand
Sing for joy, O Africa
The Lord your God is
Risen upon you now
Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Now I know you're wondering "What does 'Jabulani' mean??" Well, I'll just tell you :)
"Jabulani" means to bring happiness to something. So this song is basically saying "bring joy to Africa." I just love this song because when I heard the people of South Africa singing it, I could hear their earnest pleas to God, thanking him for delivering them from their suffering and praising him for giving them a living hope. I seriously am at a loss of words to describe to you just how cool it was to see the pure and passionate praise of the African people. They sing with all their hearts. They express themselves through singing, dancing, crying out, pretty much everything you can think of. I could feel God's presence in that place. The pastor was filled with the Holy Spirit when He spoke and the people hung on to every word. I get goosebumps just thinking about the experience. I truly did not want to leave once the service was over.
It is interesting though that during the service, children were running up and down the center aisle of the church, either going to their parents, going to their friends, or going outside to play. The service is relatively long (the length of our Sunday School plus the service) so it is typical for the children to go outside to play at some point during the service. But even through all of the distractions, those who wanted to listen to the sermon hung on to every word. These people REALLY care about Jesus.
Later in the day, we went up to Table Mountain, which is one of the most prominent landmarks of Cape Town. We drove up as far as we could and then rode a cable car to the top (which was a little nerve-wracking). Once on top, we could see the entire city of Cape Town, the ocean, and even some islands right off the coast of Africa. Just another reminder of how big God is and how small I am!
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10
"Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." Revelation 15:4
"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples." 1 Chronicles 16:24
I'm sorry that I still feel like I am not fully able to express how incredible this trip was because it's just one of those things you HAVE to experience for yourself to fully grasp, and even then you don't grasp everything just because there is so much to learn, but I do hope that you are able to at least see a glimpse of how amazing God is through these experiences. Thank you for reading!
Grace and Peace.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
children and sunsets --- South Africa, Day 3
I had every intention of finishing my homework before I did this post but I just couldn't stop thinking about it so I figured I'd go ahead and do this so I can hopefully not be as distracted when I go back to my homework. Don't know if that will actually help, but here's hopin'.
So, the first full day we had in South Africa we split up into groups. One group of girls held a Women's Spa Day type of event at the Team House where we brought in the women from the Capricorn church community and had a devotional and prayer time with them and also did some spa type activities with them, like painting toenails and such. Another group stayed at Capricorn Community Church and watched the kids of the women who were at the Spa Day (basically a babysitting group). The last group consisted of guys that did a Men's Prayer Breakfast at Capricorn Community church. I was in the babysitting group and actually was able to learn some lessons through this experience about what passion for God looks like. When our little van of Shades people pulled into the parking lot at Capricorn, the kids immediately started running up to the bus and hugging us as we got out, going crazy. I mean they didn't even know us and they immediately fell in love with us! This blew my mind. We played with them outside for a while, doing small games of four square or soccer or drawing with chalk. We also had some teenagers from the Capricorn church (3 girls) come help us watch the kids. One of the girls introduced herself and said her name was Shanese (not sure if I spelled it right, but it rhymes with Denise). When she said this, I responded "Okay, I can remember that because my mom's name is Denise and your name rhymes with that." Later in the week when I remembered her name, she was impressed. I think (and hope) that this stuck out to her because I'm sure she's used to teams coming down to help with their church and not remembering names, which can get frustrating. Shanese (19) really touched my life because of her pure, passionate love for God, which she made evident at church on Sunday and during the youth rallies (will talk more about that in later updates). Another one of the girls, Taylin (16), was helping a child draw something with chalk and I noticed that after the child finished drawing, Taylin used the chalk to write out "Taylin loves Jesus" in HUGE letters. This simple statement made me grin and even think, "Is that what I would've written out about me? Is that the most important characteristic people should know about me?" (I'll be talking more about Taylin in the other updates as well). At one point while the kids were playing outside, the teenage girls called me over to sit with them so I went over and they started talking to me and we were just hanging out like old friends. I really enjoyed this experience, knowing that they were just like me deep down -- searching for God's plan for their life, going to school, etc. Being around these girls and knowing that we can help encourage each other made me think of this verse..."Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25. This experience just really sunk in the feeling of unity among believers to me. The concept really became real to me.
Later in the day, while the men were having the prayer breakfast inside the church, we took the kids down to the beach, which is only a couple of minutes away from the church. As mind-boggling as it is, most of the kids live in this community and hardly if ever go to the beach. Most don't go until they are old enough and responsible enough to walk there on their own/with friends. I know this is a foreign concept to most Americans who go to the beach frequently. Seeing the kids play in the sand and in the water (which was cold, but they didn't care) was fun, just knowing that we were giving these kids the time of their lives. Afterwards, we took the kids back to the church and gave them a snack and let them watch The Incredibles on a projector in the church (which is just a small one room building by the way. it's a portable container, like a storage unit). The entire experience was exhausting...I can't imagine what life must be like for the mothers who take care of these children. We had a nice, long time for relaxing, going to the beach, etc. during the afternoon and evening and I absolutely loved getting to watch the sunset because literally it happened in 15 minutes. I guess that's just how fast it goes when you're that far south but it was seriously incredible and just reminded me of how big God is and how beautiful his creation is. Every landscape there was absolutely breathtaking. The beaches, the mountains, everything.
Anyway, before I start ranting and spoil the stories for the rest of the week, let me just recap and say God can teach lessons, big or small, at any time, even when you don't expect it (actually, usually when you don't expect it).
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" -Matthew 19:14
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters." Psalm 24:1-2
Grace and Peace.
So, the first full day we had in South Africa we split up into groups. One group of girls held a Women's Spa Day type of event at the Team House where we brought in the women from the Capricorn church community and had a devotional and prayer time with them and also did some spa type activities with them, like painting toenails and such. Another group stayed at Capricorn Community Church and watched the kids of the women who were at the Spa Day (basically a babysitting group). The last group consisted of guys that did a Men's Prayer Breakfast at Capricorn Community church. I was in the babysitting group and actually was able to learn some lessons through this experience about what passion for God looks like. When our little van of Shades people pulled into the parking lot at Capricorn, the kids immediately started running up to the bus and hugging us as we got out, going crazy. I mean they didn't even know us and they immediately fell in love with us! This blew my mind. We played with them outside for a while, doing small games of four square or soccer or drawing with chalk. We also had some teenagers from the Capricorn church (3 girls) come help us watch the kids. One of the girls introduced herself and said her name was Shanese (not sure if I spelled it right, but it rhymes with Denise). When she said this, I responded "Okay, I can remember that because my mom's name is Denise and your name rhymes with that." Later in the week when I remembered her name, she was impressed. I think (and hope) that this stuck out to her because I'm sure she's used to teams coming down to help with their church and not remembering names, which can get frustrating. Shanese (19) really touched my life because of her pure, passionate love for God, which she made evident at church on Sunday and during the youth rallies (will talk more about that in later updates). Another one of the girls, Taylin (16), was helping a child draw something with chalk and I noticed that after the child finished drawing, Taylin used the chalk to write out "Taylin loves Jesus" in HUGE letters. This simple statement made me grin and even think, "Is that what I would've written out about me? Is that the most important characteristic people should know about me?" (I'll be talking more about Taylin in the other updates as well). At one point while the kids were playing outside, the teenage girls called me over to sit with them so I went over and they started talking to me and we were just hanging out like old friends. I really enjoyed this experience, knowing that they were just like me deep down -- searching for God's plan for their life, going to school, etc. Being around these girls and knowing that we can help encourage each other made me think of this verse..."Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25. This experience just really sunk in the feeling of unity among believers to me. The concept really became real to me.
Later in the day, while the men were having the prayer breakfast inside the church, we took the kids down to the beach, which is only a couple of minutes away from the church. As mind-boggling as it is, most of the kids live in this community and hardly if ever go to the beach. Most don't go until they are old enough and responsible enough to walk there on their own/with friends. I know this is a foreign concept to most Americans who go to the beach frequently. Seeing the kids play in the sand and in the water (which was cold, but they didn't care) was fun, just knowing that we were giving these kids the time of their lives. Afterwards, we took the kids back to the church and gave them a snack and let them watch The Incredibles on a projector in the church (which is just a small one room building by the way. it's a portable container, like a storage unit). The entire experience was exhausting...I can't imagine what life must be like for the mothers who take care of these children. We had a nice, long time for relaxing, going to the beach, etc. during the afternoon and evening and I absolutely loved getting to watch the sunset because literally it happened in 15 minutes. I guess that's just how fast it goes when you're that far south but it was seriously incredible and just reminded me of how big God is and how beautiful his creation is. Every landscape there was absolutely breathtaking. The beaches, the mountains, everything.
Anyway, before I start ranting and spoil the stories for the rest of the week, let me just recap and say God can teach lessons, big or small, at any time, even when you don't expect it (actually, usually when you don't expect it).
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" -Matthew 19:14
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters." Psalm 24:1-2
Grace and Peace.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
goodbye Birmingham, hello Cape Town -- South Africa day 1&2
After driving 2 hours to Atlanta, flying 16 hours to Johannesburg, flying 2 hours to Cape Town, and driving 45 minutes to The Team House (our home for the week), we FINALLY made it to South Africa. So we basically left Birmingham at noon on Thursday and arrived at The Team House at 11:30 (ish?) on Friday evening (South African time...8 hours ahead, 7 hours ahead after Daylight Savings change). The traveling was probably one of the most brutal situations I've ever been in but it was SO worth it. On the super long 16 hour flight, I spent some time reading The Awakening (novel I had to read over spring break for school...so fun...), watching some movies, and reading scripture/devotional material. I read a whole 20 pages of the novel on the flight to Jo-burg (wow, way to go) and watched "Life As We Know It" (cute, but probably won't watch again). Oh and I also got about 5 hours of sleep total on the flight. WAHOO. The most rewarding part of the flight to me though was reading some devotions I get e-mailed to me daily by Joni Eareckson Tada and reading some in my Bible. The devotion from that day, which fit perfectly, was about how God purposely put you exactly where you are (where you live, what group of friends you have, what decade you were born in) because of His plan for you. The verse reference that went with it was "From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live." -Acts 17:26. I took this deeper and thought about how if I wasn't going to Shades Mountain Baptist and surrounded by such a strong group of Christian friends and family members, I would not be as strong in my faith as I am. That's just that. I strongly believe God has purposely placed me where I am so that I would be surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses", as God intended according to Hebrews 12:1, and so that I would have the opportunity to go on trips such as a spring break trip to South Africa or a choir trip to New York, all to make His glory known to the world and to strengthen my faith in Him in the process. While I was reading, I listened to some praise and worship music on my iPod to help my mind focus more on Him. I especially enjoyed listening to Leeland, which is one of my favorite contemporary Christian groups. Listening to these words from "Follow You" especially got me pumped for the trip...
"You live among the least of these
The weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away
All my needs you have supplied
When I was dead, you gave me life
How could I not give it away so freely?
And I'll....
I'll follow you into the homes of the broken
I'll follow you into the world
I'll meet the needs for the poor and the needy, God
I'll follow you into the world
Here's my hands, here's my feet
To make your kingdom come
To the corners of the earth until your work is done
Cause faith without works is dead
And on the cross your blood was shed
So how could we not give it away so freely?
.......
And I give all myself
I give all myself
I give all myself to You
Yes, I give all myself, I give it all to You"
---"Follow You", Leeland feat. Brandon Heath
Even as I sit here typing these lyrics, I am able to look back on the trip and see how these words came to life in my experience in South Africa. Praise Him for the great things He has, is, and will do in South Africa and the South African people.
I hope these glimpses of my experiences can touch your life like it touched mine.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:1-3
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" - Matt. 28:18-20
Grace and Peace.
"You live among the least of these
The weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away
All my needs you have supplied
When I was dead, you gave me life
How could I not give it away so freely?
And I'll....
I'll follow you into the homes of the broken
I'll follow you into the world
I'll meet the needs for the poor and the needy, God
I'll follow you into the world
Here's my hands, here's my feet
To make your kingdom come
To the corners of the earth until your work is done
Cause faith without works is dead
And on the cross your blood was shed
So how could we not give it away so freely?
.......
And I give all myself
I give all myself
I give all myself to You
Yes, I give all myself, I give it all to You"
---"Follow You", Leeland feat. Brandon Heath
Even as I sit here typing these lyrics, I am able to look back on the trip and see how these words came to life in my experience in South Africa. Praise Him for the great things He has, is, and will do in South Africa and the South African people.
I hope these glimpses of my experiences can touch your life like it touched mine.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:1-3
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" - Matt. 28:18-20
Grace and Peace.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
insert applicable title here.
It's beautiful today. The weather is gorgeous and the temperature is FINALLY high enough that I can comfortably enjoy being outside... and I'm really wishing I was still in Auburn. I just spent the past couple of days there for honor band and pretty much was ready to stay and just start college right then. Now I'm back home and have to worry about all the make up work from the days I missed...sad. but it's okay. I've got plenty to look forward to.
1. Spring Break trip to SOUTH AFRICA!!!
2. Graduation!!!!! whoop whoop!
3. Summerrrrrrrrrrr....New Wind trip to New York, Summer Camp, 18th birthday....last summer before college...
4. going to Auburn in the fall!!!
exciting stuff :)
hopefully these things will help me see the bright side to all of the work I have to go through right now. Disney music always helps too... :)
So for all of you who are struggling with focusing on something now, think about the things you're thankful for/looking forward to that are coming up and you can get through it.
I don't know if this passage really relates to my blog post, but it's a passage that's really been dear to my heart lately so I wanted to share. It is a passage from 2 Corinthians, which Paul was writing to the church of Corinth.
The God of All Comfort
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behlaf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
I'm just really impressed by how Paul handled the situation he was in. He could have complained about SO many things that were going wrong for him, but instead he chose to say that God was using that situation to test his faith and strengthen his trust in Christ. Amazing.
This is definitely my motivation for the "sufferings" I am enduring. (I say "sufferings" because I don't feel like I can call my struggles "suffering" compared to the struggles Paul faced).
I hope this passage gives you motivation to turn to God during your struggles, too.
Grace and Peace.
1. Spring Break trip to SOUTH AFRICA!!!
2. Graduation!!!!! whoop whoop!
3. Summerrrrrrrrrrr....New Wind trip to New York, Summer Camp, 18th birthday....last summer before college...
4. going to Auburn in the fall!!!
exciting stuff :)
hopefully these things will help me see the bright side to all of the work I have to go through right now. Disney music always helps too... :)
So for all of you who are struggling with focusing on something now, think about the things you're thankful for/looking forward to that are coming up and you can get through it.
I don't know if this passage really relates to my blog post, but it's a passage that's really been dear to my heart lately so I wanted to share. It is a passage from 2 Corinthians, which Paul was writing to the church of Corinth.
The God of All Comfort
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behlaf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
I'm just really impressed by how Paul handled the situation he was in. He could have complained about SO many things that were going wrong for him, but instead he chose to say that God was using that situation to test his faith and strengthen his trust in Christ. Amazing.
This is definitely my motivation for the "sufferings" I am enduring. (I say "sufferings" because I don't feel like I can call my struggles "suffering" compared to the struggles Paul faced).
I hope this passage gives you motivation to turn to God during your struggles, too.
Grace and Peace.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
reminiscing already?
*for all of you who know you are criers, just go ahead and get some tissues*
Today I finally decided to clean the most unorganized corner of my room...where my organizer is... Ironic?
I've been putting this off for WAY too long and decided that it was time to tackle the job since I could no longer even sit in my desk chair to do homework or anything anymore. I started by clearing out the stacks of papers, yearbooks, and notebooks so I could get to my organizing drawer and went through EVERYTHING. I trashed stuff, put things in different places, laughed at some of the things I'd actually kept, and was reminded of some things I'd already forgotten about. I didn't think this whole reminiscing on my life thing would happen until I start packing up for college, but no I definitely just flipped through my life in a nutshell for the past few hours.
Some things I found...I'll just stick with the top 10:
1. My ACT scores - I am so thankful that God helped me get EXACTLY the score I needed for full tuition at Auburn. I only had to take the test twice and am SO glad. Thank you, Lord!
2. All of my Children's Hospital volunteering letters and information - this is an opportunity that I have really enjoyed/am enjoying. I volunteered last spring and am volunteering this spring and love just getting a feel for what my potential career (as of right now) would feel like.
3. Old AP U.S. History work - oh goodness, that class. Looking back, I am glad I took the class, learned lots, and earned AP credit, but I have to say I am beyond thankful that I am done with that class and praise God for getting me through it, because there is NO way I could have made it through without Him.
4. Prayer journals and old sermon notes - I loved being able to read back through some things I wrote throughout middle school and high school, seeing how God worked things out in ways I never could have imagined at the time. God is good.
5. Old yearbooks - I'm talking elementary school old. It's amazing to look through those and see how much people change...how much I'VE changed...note to self : hide these from Mom so she doesn't find them after I go to Auburn and starts to look through them and cry. Bad idea...
6. Birthday cards and concert tickets - I too often overlook this fact about my life but I have AMAZING friends. Friends that I go WAY back with, and some that I'm only just now getting to know better and wish I would've gotten to know them sooner. quick shout out to my wonderful friend Rachel Autrey---when my family first moved to Birmingham right before I started 4th grade, my parents had the intention of visiting a few churches they'd heard about before deciding on one and the first one we visited was Shades. We first visited on a Sunday night when they would do a service and have a dinner afterwards and my parents met the Autreys and Rachel just immediately reached out to me and made me feel right at home. Seriously the way her family reached out and helped us influenced my parents' decision to stay at Shades and we never even visited anywhere else. I am so thankful that God knew exactly where my family needed to be and got us there...I can't imagine what my life would be like if we hadn't stayed at Shades. Praise the Lord for great friends, timeless memories, and spiritual growth.
7. South Africa trip information - I am so excited about going to South Africa over spring break!!! I've been on several mission trips with my church before but this one is seriously stretching me to get out of my comfort zone, which is pretty cool to be honest. I need that kind of a challenge in my life. I'm looking forward to what God is planning on teaching me through that trip.
8. Verses from my parents and Sunday School teachers - I found Mrs. Marti's Micah 6:8 verse, the verses my mom gave me during the times I've become beyond stressed over school, and the verses my dad gave me to encourage me to keep pushing on and have "no regrets." I am so blessed to have these role models in my life and definitely don't thank them enough for what they do for me. (Thank you mom, dad, Mrs. Marti, Mrs. Paula, Mrs. Marla, Fernanda Lima, Katherine Crutcher, and all the other role models I have in my life who I know I can go to when I need advice. You always help me get right back on track, giving all the glory to God, which never ceases to amaze me.)
9. Old crafts that my brother made for me - I know, right? precious. Sometimes I forget how great he is, since now he's older and sometimes acts like he's too cool to know me, but he is the best brother I could have ever asked for and am so thankful for him (yes, I really did just say that). although I'm not going to lie, I miss the old days when we were little...
10. okay the tenth thing is not really something I found, but while I was cleaning and dusting my room, I decided to change the clothes on my American Girl doll because she was still wearing her Christmas dress, so I'm counting Kit as the 10th item because I want to talk about how wonderful my grandmother, Bambie, is. When I was little, I wanted an American Girl doll for a pretty long time and when I turned 9 years old, my grandmother got me the Kit Kittredge doll (Kit was always my favorite....a writer with an adventurous spirit, looking for hope during the Great Depression) and pretty much everything else that went with it (the bed, all the outfits that went with her, etc) and I pretty much did everything with that doll for the rest of my childhood playtime career. As I was playing with Kit again today, brushing her hair, remember how special she was (and still is...) to me, I thought back on all of the memories I have with my grandmother. Before we moved to Birmingham, we lived one block away from my dad's parents and I loved to go spend the night with them on the weekends. Bambie would cut out Ann Estelle paper dolls from magazines for me, which I loved and pretty much kept all of them in envelopes to play with over and over again. We would play board games or watch movies (that's probably where I started my love for Mary Poppins) or, once I was a little older and could actually help, would do puzzles. At bedtime, Bambie would let me pick out a story for her to read to me and would come read it to me and stay with me until I fell asleep. These memories are very near and dear to my heart and I'm so glad that I had this opportunity as a kid. My grandmother is one of the strongest and most selfless people that I know (grammatically correct? I don't know and actually don't care for once). She is currently battling cancer and I know that God is watching out for her, even in this circumstance. But just to reiterate my point if I haven't really made it there yet, I love Bambie and all of the love she has shown me unconditionally throughout my life and am so thankful for her, as I also am for my other grandparents, who all support and love me more than I can ever know or understand.
So now that I've probably made some of you cry, some of you laugh, and some of you think "why do I read her blogs when they're always WAY too long," I hope I've at least reminded some of you of all you have to be thankful for and all of the memories you should keep close to your heart as you go into the next steps of your life, whether it may be high school, college, or just the trials of life. I have been reminded today of how fast life flies by, but how wonderful life is when you can remember all of the steps you have been through and see how they are working together to bring you to where you are now. What I've learned today: don't waste your life, have no regrets, keep holding on [to God] during every trial in your life, and hold on to the special memories that you never want to lose.
"Now listen, you who say 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" - James 4:13-15
Grace and Peace.
Today I finally decided to clean the most unorganized corner of my room...where my organizer is... Ironic?
I've been putting this off for WAY too long and decided that it was time to tackle the job since I could no longer even sit in my desk chair to do homework or anything anymore. I started by clearing out the stacks of papers, yearbooks, and notebooks so I could get to my organizing drawer and went through EVERYTHING. I trashed stuff, put things in different places, laughed at some of the things I'd actually kept, and was reminded of some things I'd already forgotten about. I didn't think this whole reminiscing on my life thing would happen until I start packing up for college, but no I definitely just flipped through my life in a nutshell for the past few hours.
Some things I found...I'll just stick with the top 10:
1. My ACT scores - I am so thankful that God helped me get EXACTLY the score I needed for full tuition at Auburn. I only had to take the test twice and am SO glad. Thank you, Lord!
2. All of my Children's Hospital volunteering letters and information - this is an opportunity that I have really enjoyed/am enjoying. I volunteered last spring and am volunteering this spring and love just getting a feel for what my potential career (as of right now) would feel like.
3. Old AP U.S. History work - oh goodness, that class. Looking back, I am glad I took the class, learned lots, and earned AP credit, but I have to say I am beyond thankful that I am done with that class and praise God for getting me through it, because there is NO way I could have made it through without Him.
4. Prayer journals and old sermon notes - I loved being able to read back through some things I wrote throughout middle school and high school, seeing how God worked things out in ways I never could have imagined at the time. God is good.
5. Old yearbooks - I'm talking elementary school old. It's amazing to look through those and see how much people change...how much I'VE changed...note to self : hide these from Mom so she doesn't find them after I go to Auburn and starts to look through them and cry. Bad idea...
6. Birthday cards and concert tickets - I too often overlook this fact about my life but I have AMAZING friends. Friends that I go WAY back with, and some that I'm only just now getting to know better and wish I would've gotten to know them sooner. quick shout out to my wonderful friend Rachel Autrey---when my family first moved to Birmingham right before I started 4th grade, my parents had the intention of visiting a few churches they'd heard about before deciding on one and the first one we visited was Shades. We first visited on a Sunday night when they would do a service and have a dinner afterwards and my parents met the Autreys and Rachel just immediately reached out to me and made me feel right at home. Seriously the way her family reached out and helped us influenced my parents' decision to stay at Shades and we never even visited anywhere else. I am so thankful that God knew exactly where my family needed to be and got us there...I can't imagine what my life would be like if we hadn't stayed at Shades. Praise the Lord for great friends, timeless memories, and spiritual growth.
7. South Africa trip information - I am so excited about going to South Africa over spring break!!! I've been on several mission trips with my church before but this one is seriously stretching me to get out of my comfort zone, which is pretty cool to be honest. I need that kind of a challenge in my life. I'm looking forward to what God is planning on teaching me through that trip.
8. Verses from my parents and Sunday School teachers - I found Mrs. Marti's Micah 6:8 verse, the verses my mom gave me during the times I've become beyond stressed over school, and the verses my dad gave me to encourage me to keep pushing on and have "no regrets." I am so blessed to have these role models in my life and definitely don't thank them enough for what they do for me. (Thank you mom, dad, Mrs. Marti, Mrs. Paula, Mrs. Marla, Fernanda Lima, Katherine Crutcher, and all the other role models I have in my life who I know I can go to when I need advice. You always help me get right back on track, giving all the glory to God, which never ceases to amaze me.)
9. Old crafts that my brother made for me - I know, right? precious. Sometimes I forget how great he is, since now he's older and sometimes acts like he's too cool to know me, but he is the best brother I could have ever asked for and am so thankful for him (yes, I really did just say that). although I'm not going to lie, I miss the old days when we were little...
10. okay the tenth thing is not really something I found, but while I was cleaning and dusting my room, I decided to change the clothes on my American Girl doll because she was still wearing her Christmas dress, so I'm counting Kit as the 10th item because I want to talk about how wonderful my grandmother, Bambie, is. When I was little, I wanted an American Girl doll for a pretty long time and when I turned 9 years old, my grandmother got me the Kit Kittredge doll (Kit was always my favorite....a writer with an adventurous spirit, looking for hope during the Great Depression) and pretty much everything else that went with it (the bed, all the outfits that went with her, etc) and I pretty much did everything with that doll for the rest of my childhood playtime career. As I was playing with Kit again today, brushing her hair, remember how special she was (and still is...) to me, I thought back on all of the memories I have with my grandmother. Before we moved to Birmingham, we lived one block away from my dad's parents and I loved to go spend the night with them on the weekends. Bambie would cut out Ann Estelle paper dolls from magazines for me, which I loved and pretty much kept all of them in envelopes to play with over and over again. We would play board games or watch movies (that's probably where I started my love for Mary Poppins) or, once I was a little older and could actually help, would do puzzles. At bedtime, Bambie would let me pick out a story for her to read to me and would come read it to me and stay with me until I fell asleep. These memories are very near and dear to my heart and I'm so glad that I had this opportunity as a kid. My grandmother is one of the strongest and most selfless people that I know (grammatically correct? I don't know and actually don't care for once). She is currently battling cancer and I know that God is watching out for her, even in this circumstance. But just to reiterate my point if I haven't really made it there yet, I love Bambie and all of the love she has shown me unconditionally throughout my life and am so thankful for her, as I also am for my other grandparents, who all support and love me more than I can ever know or understand.
So now that I've probably made some of you cry, some of you laugh, and some of you think "why do I read her blogs when they're always WAY too long," I hope I've at least reminded some of you of all you have to be thankful for and all of the memories you should keep close to your heart as you go into the next steps of your life, whether it may be high school, college, or just the trials of life. I have been reminded today of how fast life flies by, but how wonderful life is when you can remember all of the steps you have been through and see how they are working together to bring you to where you are now. What I've learned today: don't waste your life, have no regrets, keep holding on [to God] during every trial in your life, and hold on to the special memories that you never want to lose.
"Now listen, you who say 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" - James 4:13-15
Grace and Peace.
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