tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41508508038880916922024-03-14T05:15:06.628-07:00only one lifeSierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-54432791294137706392016-01-17T23:03:00.000-08:002016-01-17T23:59:22.796-08:00CARRYING HOPE {why I'm not an optimist}<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise."</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here I am again. I
don’t write so much because I want to, but because I <i>have</i> to. The voices in my
head won’t shut up.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hope.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can’t shake it. I can’t
get it out of my head. You might say I’m
holding onto hope; I’d say Hope is holding onto me. But I’m ahead of myself here. {rewind…}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In recent years, I’ve often been told that I’m a joyful
person. I don’t know whether or not that’s
true. I should like it to be true,
because joy is one of the loveliest things I’ve encountered this side of
heaven. It’s certainly my <i>aim</i> to be joyful, but I
fall so unbelievably short. Sometimes I see
the cup half-empty, other times half-full.
But I suppose I should saying: <i>“My cup overflows.”</i> (Psalm 23:5)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’d like to be called ‘joyful one.’ But
there’s one thing I’m sure of: I am not
an optimist. I just get tangled up in
all that silver lining. I stare hard in
the mirror now and the face looking back at me is hardly what I’d call a happy
one. It’s more like a tired one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And I am tired. I’m
tired of all the yesterdays we hold onto, the ugliness we create today, and the
tomorrow’s we live in fear of meeting. This
business of living isn’t easy. I’m so
desperately weary of the horror and brutality, the terrorism, addiction,
hunger, poverty, war. I’m tired of the
nodded heads masking unchanged lives. I’m
tired of fights about everything, and everything about fights. I’m tired of the bitterness we chew on that
silently eats us alive. And I’m so tired
of days in bed and illness, of families torn apart, of worst fears actualized, of
the empty look in people’s lost eyes, of watching neglected kids walk home
alone in the dark, of hearing the ugliest curse words in every other sentence,
of suffering and watching others suffer.
No, I’m surely no optimist. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The optimist looks at a black, billowy mass of storm cloud and
says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s really not as
bad as it looks.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Don’t worry; it can’t
do much harm.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Everything will be
okay. It’ll pass over and be gone soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank God for optimists.
We need them to give us hope, to strengthen us for that moment when our
courage fails us. Some of the most
encouraging people I know are optimists and I dearly love them. But I am not an optimist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“It’s really not as
bad as it looks.” </i>Oh, isn’t it? Maybe it is as bad as it looks, or even
worse. A tremendous storm is
coming. It’ll be dark and
ferocious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“Don’t worry; it can’t
do much harm.” </i>Oh, can’t it?<i> </i>The
wind will tear the roofs off houses and barns.
The flood waters will topple trees and power lines and will carry away
homes and cars. It will be hard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“Everything will be
okay.” </i>But it won’t. Sometimes things are genuinely not okay. When the skies unleash their monstrous power,
people and animals will die & a great deal will be lost and destroyed in
the storm. Sometimes things <i>are</i> bad and sometimes they’re going to
get worse. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“It’ll pass over and
be gone soon.” </i>But perhaps it won’t
pass over right away. Maybe it’ll be
dark and stormy for a while. Maybe there’s
a lesson to be learned right here in the eye of the storm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But I’ll tell you something.
<b>We can still have joy.</b> And hope.
We’ve so deeply intertwined joy and optimism that we’ve come to see them
as one and the same. And yes, they often
do go together beautifully—but they aren’t always found hand-in-hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Joy isn’t blind to the reality of the coming storm and all
that it will bring. It doesn’t stand
there blinking to see if the clouds will vanish. Joy sees the storm for all it is worth and
all it is capable of. But when the darkness
comes, joy stares the storm cloud in the face and thanks God for the rain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I want that kind of joy.
When I hear the thunder rumble and watch lightening split the sky, I
want to stand in awe of the power of God.
I want to hear His still, small voice in the wind. I want to TRUST HIM. The rain will come. My life is mostly rain, and it usually seems
to catch me without an umbrella. But let
it come! Yes, the storm brings destructive
winds and darkness and floodwaters. But it
also brings refreshment to the parched, weary soil. It softens the hard, cold ground and breathes
new life into the earth. It blows away
the dead leaves and washes the dirt down the gutter. It cleanses, making things new—and green
again. The storm makes the world more
beautiful. And taking notice of that
beauty—that’s joy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So yes, the pain will come.
Hard days are real. Sometimes things are not okay. Suffering and death
and darkness are present on planet earth while we eagerly await His
return. Jesus even promised us we’d have
suffering and tribulation in this world, and He wasn’t kidding. But He also promised that: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“When you pass through
the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will
not sweep over you. When you walk
through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”</i>
(Isaiah 43:2) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So maybe I don’t have to look at the storms and say: <i>“Yay!
Everything is great and the sun is shining!”</i> – when it’s not. But maybe instead, I can (and should) look at
the storm for both the good and the bad it will bring and thank God that even the
darkest storm is full of His love and healing power. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My <a href="https://misstessamaye.wordpress.com/">friend/sister</a> recently said something that has stuck with
me: “<i>Being grateful for the good things doesn’t
mean I should ignore the bad things; it just means I’m not giving the bad
things more attention than they deserve.
Joy is real, pain is real, but joy is eternal and wins out in the end.” </i>What a promise! What <b>HOPE!</b><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Optimists seem to have a gift for giving hope. It’s usually hope <i>for </i>things – hope that the storm won’t be too bad, hope that it’ll
be over soon, hope for a brighter tomorrow.
But joy looks on tempests and smiles, recognizing the wrath of the
coming storm yet seeing and praising God for all the good He will bring from it
because He loves us. We can have hope
looking forward to Home – ten thousand years and then forevermore. But we can have hope now, too – enough for
today. Joy is not only about having hope
FOR something. It’s about just carrying hope. I want to carry hope inside myself. My deepest hope is not <i>for</i> something, really. It’s <i>in</i> something. Actually, in <i>Someone</i>. Someone Whose name is Hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">______________________________________________________________</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGvbB23Ia4nVLHUCkYoSiGm6ZstWDkF2Bmm7B1NQnYFcglGY18MCTzw1HYSHgFxDFzbNHS4geieJXKuvchadYi4_ClBc0eMJu2WxNZIKbzuxkXcAV_gG-2OV1nXdo8ci_TLHHKUutftv0/s1600/DSC03222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGvbB23Ia4nVLHUCkYoSiGm6ZstWDkF2Bmm7B1NQnYFcglGY18MCTzw1HYSHgFxDFzbNHS4geieJXKuvchadYi4_ClBc0eMJu2WxNZIKbzuxkXcAV_gG-2OV1nXdo8ci_TLHHKUutftv0/s400/DSC03222.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The lyrics to my first-ever choir solo as a little girl have stuck with me all these years:</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Call it what you will<br />
I call it rain—<br />
when troubles come and pat against my soul.<br />
Go in if you like<br />
but I will remain<br />
and let the washing waters make me whole.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just when I’m sure
that I can’t bear the rain,<br />
a tiny leaf starts pushing through the ground.<br />
In a place where the ground was too dry to sustain it,<br />
a new tiny flower can be found.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And I feel Him in the
rain</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
and I see Him once again<br />
and the flowers come to show<br />
that all that rain was helping me to grow.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-79286311121674994312015-08-04T16:44:00.000-07:002015-08-04T17:15:12.974-07:00Leaving Susa<div style="color: #222222;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>"At once they left their nets and followed Him." </i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">{Matthew 4:20}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God is radically altering my life and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;">path – and I</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">want to share a little piece of that story with you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For about as long as I can recall, I've wanted to be an artist, writer, and missionary. (In fact...the first page of my prayer journal, started at age 5, says in my loopy, scrawled child's hand: <i>"God, please make me a artest and riter when I gro up."</i>) I have always felt an indescribable sense of belonging, purpose, and joy when I worship my Creator by </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;">creating – and proclaim Him to the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But life has thrown many things my way which have smothered my dreams. I've been impoverished, terminally ill, and I've lost a great deal. Each experience has drawn me closer to my Savior and awakened in me a desire to serve Him more. Yet paradoxically, those trials have also taught me to fear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was afraid of being unemployed or homeless someday; so in high school, I set out to work hard and become successful. I let go of my "unrealistic" dreams; I didn't want to become the "freelance journalist" or the "starving artist" stereotype. I decided to pursue a career which people around me affirmed was "safe" and "stabl</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;">e" – teaching.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> So I declared Secondary Education as my major at Northwest Christian University. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please don't misunderstand me. I love teaching; I truly do. I dearly LOVE working with youth and I have been happily teaching art classes, Bible studies, and many other lessons/classes since age 16. Secondary Education is a <i>good</i> degree. If I chose to continue with my major in teaching, I have no doubt God would do great things and use me. I do not limit God so much as to think <span style="color: #262626;">He has only one way by which He can glorify Himself through my life. Any one of us who wants to serve and honor God will never lack opportunity to do so </span></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;">–</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in whatever our school or workplace! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But sometimes the decisions we face in life are not a choice between good versus evil/bad, but rather a choice between good versus best. God's will, first and foremost, is that I glorify Him, delight in Him, love Him </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;">–</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and pour His love out to others. Even so, I wholeheartedly desire to find & follow God's </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">best</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> will for my life </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;">–</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> the way in which I can most cultivate the gifts He's given me so that I can offer those gifts back to Him. And His best for me, as I have discovered over this summer, is to pursue art, writing, and ministry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #262626;">This fall, I am </span>changing my degree to a double-major in Journalism & Fine Art and transferring to the University of Oregon. The funny part about all of this is that I wasn't even looking for radical life change this summer. No, indeed; He threw me entirely off guard. I wouldn't have chosen this path on my own, either; I was much too afraid (and I had, in fact, entirely put the thought out of my mind). But <span style="color: #262626;">th</span>rough a wonderfully radical series of miracles, open doors, Scriptural affirmation, family support, and some confirmations directly from God the past few weeks, I am absolutely certain of the path He is leading me on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Throughout this year, I will also continue to work for Youth for Christ as the Director of Shasta Middle School's Campus Life ministry. That's another God-story, and a really beautiful one. Check out this <a href="https://vimeo.com/87012835">video</a> to learn more. I'd love to tell you more; ask me about it if you're interested! :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I'm leaving the safe and easy path on which I trod to beat my way through the unknown brush and forest. (That's not to say teaching is easy. Oh goodness no! But it would've been more "financially secure" in the world's eyes.) But I serve a God Who is so much bigger than me and Who can (and will) provide for me. He's asking me now to step out in faith, to lay down my nets and follow Him. Inspired by the missionary William Borden (read his <a href="http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/regret.htm">story</a>!), I have three phrases written in the back of my Bible: <i>"No reserves. No retreats. No regrets." </i> I want to live by those. I also hold onto Matthew 6, which He reminded me of recently: <i>"Look at the birds of the air..." </i>Oh, my LORD cares so much more for me than for the little sparrows He so tenderly cares for. I can trust Him completely. I may have planned my<span style="color: #262626;"> own way, but the LORD is the One who directs my steps. (Proverbs 16:9) And His plans are vastly better than mine. :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #262626;">I love meeting people from different worldviews, backgrounds, and walks of life, and I love hearing people's stories </span></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">–</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> so I look forward to building new relationships at the U of O. But let's face it: t</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">his change will not be easy. The University of Oregon is a place shrouded in spiritual darkness. </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I've spent time talking with strangers (like in this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyXUAS4tvlU">video</a>), I've seen a great need there for His truth. The devil and his legions have their hold on many hearts; t</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he spiritual warfare is so intense and oppressive it's almost tangible. </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But isn't that what we're here for, anyway? To fall in love with God & share His love with others! The world we live in </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">– </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">every moment of every day, every place we go </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">–</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is a mission field. I would truly appreciate your prayers as I enter this new mission field. </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #262626;">Recently, when I was deeply troubled about the darkness at UO, I asked the LORD His purpose for sending me. His response was breathtaking. After praying, I randomly opened the Word and starting reading </span></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">–</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">in Nehemiah 1. It's the chapter where Nehemiah is called by God to leave the city of Susa </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">–</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to leave his comfortable, high-society job in the palace in a truly beautiful city </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">–</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to go to the broken, crumbling, dark, dangerous walls of Jerusalem to rebuild for God's glory. And faithfully, though he was sad to leave and afraid to go, he went. And so must I go as well. I even found a note I had written in my Bible's margin some 2 or 3 years ago. It says: </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Someday, God may call me to leave my Susa. When He does, I must go and follow Him." </i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have loved my time at NCU with all my heart. I love the dorms, the campus community, the chapel services, the professors, the experiences I had in speech/debate, the small & engaging classes, my beloved choir family, and the friendships that I pray will last a lifetime. It has been my Susa. But it's time now for me to leave Susa....and while my small human heart breaks at the loss,</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I'm strangely excited because I know God is in this. He goes before, behind, and beside me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="color: #262626;">Perhaps His will for me this year is not nearly as exciting & encouraging as being a student in the NCU community. School & ministry out in this dark, broken world is hard. But it’s so rewarding. He’s calling me to something now which requires me to simply follow and obey. As C.S. Lewis once wrote,<i>“what you call obeying Him is but doing what seems good in your eyes also. Is love content with that? You do them, indeed, because they are His will, but not only because they are His will. Where can you taste the joy of obeying unless you do something for which His bidding is the only reason?”</i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span><span style="color: #262626;">Closing this blessed chapter of my life, I’m leaving NCU with a full heart. I am immensely grateful for my time at Northwest Christian University; I have learned and grown so much and met so many wonderful people in my faith family. I'm excited to continue investing in those relationships. But moving forward</span><span style="color: #262626;">, I’m eager to see His plans unfold. I pray that you will find the same joy as you trust Him with your present and your future.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #262626;"><i>"I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize the LORD is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine. It makes no difference where He places me, or how. That is rather for Him to consider than for me; for in the easiest positions He must give me His grace, and in the most difficult, His grace is sufficient."</i> ~Hudson Taylor</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #262626;">I'm so glad that no matter where He leads me, He holds me in His arms.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">P.S. To my NCU family: I'm not moving to the moon! I know it won't be quite the same... but the U of O is right next door, so whenever you're free to hang out, I'd love to come study with you, share a meal together, attend chapel, and stay close! I love you all dearly!</span></span></div>
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Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-88592886860950182272013-07-22T13:05:00.000-07:002013-07-22T13:55:49.454-07:00Garage "Sailing"<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My family recently had a big garage sale, and my precious friend <a href="http://misstessamaye.wordpress.com/">Tessa</a> came over to help with the sale. While she was here, we had a deep conversation about sharing the gospel, and the LORD led us to become evangelism accountability partners, to encourage one another to share reach out and share Jesus with the world around us every week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we were sitting at the garage sale, we decided to write a pass-it-on poem just for fun, and below is the poem we wrote together. To us, this poem - which began as a simple way to pass the time - is now a potent reminder that everyone has a story, and life is a mission field.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://misstessamaye.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/082b501764cd7469f74d6a3bb3112712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://misstessamaye.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/082b501764cd7469f74d6a3bb3112712.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I see a woman in floral attire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She has a soothing voice that could inspire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Look at the man in the worn-out jeans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But everything about him is not as it seems</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So many faces, stories untold</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even the young, not simply the old</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Frown lines, empty eyes, scars on the inside</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All of the pleas they're trying to hide</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yet hope for tomorrow can come from another place</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To capture their heart and lift up their face</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then joy can be theirs, beauty can fill those eyes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No longer will they feel alone or despised</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If only they'll look to the One who frees us</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please, call out His name, beg for Jesus!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I won't sit back and watch from afar</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will love these souls, wherever they are</span>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-20181466554989056202013-07-19T12:24:00.003-07:002013-07-19T12:33:38.108-07:00Wedding Song<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm overwhelmed by my thirst for Heaven, for Home - and my consuming desire to see Him face to face. Sitting at my beloved piano, overcome by my longing to be with my Savior, I wrote this song.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Desiderio Domini!</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I long to be with my LORD! </i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Now I leave this world
behind<br />
I’m flying home where I belong<br />
My heart and soul cry out for You, Lord<br />
I’m finally here at Your gates<br />
How lovely is Your dwelling place<br />
Besides You I desire nothing<br /><br />
I will hunger no more<br />
Neither thirst any longer<br />
For You fill my cup with Your love<br />
You are the Bridegroom and I am Your bride<br />
Your love is wonderful<br />
Your love is deep and wide<br />______________________________________________<br />
<b><u>CHORUS:</u></b><br />
This is my wedding song<br />
This is where I belong<br />
I’m finally home at last<br />
Now I can see Your face<br />
Breathe in and out your grace<br />
You wipe the scars from my past<br />_________________________________________________<br />
Now I’m in Your throne room<br />
And I fall on my knees<br />
But You pick me up again<br />
Surrounded by glory, clothed all in white<br />
This is our love story<br />
Filled with beautiful light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>{CHORUS}</b><br /><br />
Better is one day with You<br />
Than a thousand spent elsewhere<br />
In Your presence is fullness of joy<br />
Whom have I in heaven but You, Jesus?<br />
My soul yearns for You alone<br />
Your love is glorious<br /><br />
<b>{CHORUS}</b><br /><br />
I thirst for You like a parched land<br />
I’m finally here holding your hands<br />
You’re so beautiful, You are beautiful<br />
You pull me into Your embrace<br />
I feel your love, I see your grace<br />
This joy and peace is overwhelming<br /><br />
This is my wedding song<br />
This is where I belong<br />
I’m finally home at last<br />
Now I can see Your face<br />
Breathe in and out your grace<br />
You wipe the scars from my past<br />
This is my wedding song</span></div>
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-89004799013177679002013-07-07T22:28:00.001-07:002013-07-25T21:14:35.217-07:00Resting in His Steadfast Faithfulness<span style="font-family: Georgia;">He is so faithful - always faithful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And I have so much to learn about resting and trusting in His faithfulness, not fearing the future, leaning on Jesus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Corrie ten Boom once said, <em>"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I’ve often struggled with fear, worry, and
uncertainty about the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like
feeling secure and knowing exactly what’s coming next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when you’re a follower of Jesus Christ,
nothing is predictable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is an
adventure full of miracles and crazy expeditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing that never changes and never
fails me is Jesus.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“On
Christ the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No man can serve two masters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>You can’t effectively serve both fear and God.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The most common command in Scripture is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><em>“Do not fear.”</em> <strong>DO NOT FEAR.</strong> Jesus often told us not to fear, not to worry about tomorrow. He repeated it often because it's so important. Fear robs us of joy and strangles our trust in God.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">God just asks us to follow Him one ste</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">p at a time:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a
light to my path.”</i>—Psalm 119:105</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's not a headlight. You can't see down the path and the light doesn't shine ahead for you to see what's coming up in your future. But as a lamp to your feet and light to your path, the LORD will lead you one step at a time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Why do I have such weak human faith in Someone who is
perfectly faithful?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do believe in Him
with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength, but when it comes to living
daily life, I easily get caught up with distractions, challenges, and anxieties and I
start relying on myself rather than Him. I start fearing the future.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That's when I'm reminded of an old hymn I love:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Great is Thy faithfulness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great is Thy Faithfulness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Morning by morning new mercies I see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My world is so unpredictable, constantly changing
and shifting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But through it all, God is
still…God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unchanging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Always faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“All
I have needed, Thy hand hath provided.”</span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Sure, I often</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"> don’t feel like my needs are
met.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">But God truly has provided
everything I need. In fact, He's gone above and beyond and given me </span><em style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">everything </em><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">I need for life and godliness. I am richly blessed in so many ways. How often do I take it for granted?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now I just want to let the Bible speak for itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to share a few of my favorite verses about God’s
faithfulness:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>“Be
anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the peace of God, which surpasses all
comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus</em>.”—Philippians
4:6-7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>“So
do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each day has enough trouble of its own</em>.”—Matthew
6:34</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>“God
is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble</em>.”—Psalm
46:1<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>“I will not leave
you comfortless: I will come to you.”</em> –
John 14:18<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #242424;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> "</em></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The LORD also
will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that
know your name will put their trust in you: for you, LORD, have not forsaken
them that seek you.” – </span></i><span style="color: black;">Psalms 9:9-10<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #242424;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">“And we know that God
causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who
are called according to His purpose.”—</span></i><span style="color: black;">Romans
8:28<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>“…cast
all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” –</em>1
Peter 5:7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>“Do
not be afraid any longer, only believe.” –</em>Jesus, (Mark
5:36)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>
</em></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>
</em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>“Surely there is a future, and your hope will
not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18)<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not
anxiously look about you, for I am your God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you
with My righteous right hand.”</em> - Isaiah 41:10</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>
</em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’
declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future
and a hope.’</em> - Jeremiah 29:11</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>“Come
to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for
I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.”</em>
-Matthew 11:28-30</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>“With
men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”</em>
-Matthew 19:26</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"So then, banish anxiety from your heart."</em> --Ecclesiastes 11:10</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>
</em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"Remember
my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and the bitterness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely my soul remembers and is bowed down
within me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This I recall to my mind,
therefore I have hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord’s
lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are new every morning; great is Thy
faithfulness.”</em> -Lamentations 3:19-23</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And finally, another quote: {Can you tell I like Corrie ten Boom?}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>"When a train enters a tunnel and it’s dark, you don’t
throw out the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer."</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>~</strong></em>Corrie Ten Boom</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What are some of your favorite verses about God's faithfulness?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-39147953320327281332013-06-30T21:42:00.001-07:002013-06-30T22:02:36.256-07:00Sandcastles<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Running barefoot down the beach. Drinking in the
fresh, salty tang of sea air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sea foam
curling its frothy white lips on the sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A few wispy flumes of clouds drifting idly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ocean – shimmering, rippling, dazzling,
gold-dusted by the setting sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
When summer rolls around each year, I long to visit the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the feeling of the ocean wind wrapping
me in its wings and whipping my hair behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love the feeling of the warm sand and the sunshine and the icy ocean
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On one occasion, my family went on one of our
long-awaited beach trips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t
wait to just relax on the beach and lie in the warm sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my little brother had other ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to enlist my help in building
sandcastles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhat reluctantly, I got
up to help, only to become quickly consumed with the project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I knew it, I’d spent hours creating
an impressive castle—never once thinking that it was only a matter of hours
before the tide would wash away all my hard work.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUH9R3FOsWtmIxfIRAWSHyyHkvszMiQHYjifKvhx04VOdtdqT53HDQRJBuop_DB6CkNmnSZ-FtadJJCzNQ5oazNlVKQnu2UEecZQ55gxFODkNw6bZpOwrnmJ98GcG9Qe0EbL9xQJOBXa4/s504/sandcastles+copy+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUH9R3FOsWtmIxfIRAWSHyyHkvszMiQHYjifKvhx04VOdtdqT53HDQRJBuop_DB6CkNmnSZ-FtadJJCzNQ5oazNlVKQnu2UEecZQ55gxFODkNw6bZpOwrnmJ98GcG9Qe0EbL9xQJOBXa4/s640/sandcastles+copy+crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I think we often make the same mistake in life,
expending our time and energy building our own little “castles”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have sandcastles - some different, some
the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends. Good grades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guy-girl relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
Possessions. Popularity and Reputation. Technology and media. College. </span>We pour our time, energy, and money into
building our own “castles” of possessions and basking in our own
accomplishments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may claim to care
only for Jesus, but in reality we flirt with materialism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Slowly, "flirting" turns to infatuation - w</span>e become infatuated with the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been sucked into wanting to achieve
“the American Dream”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> T</span>he
little luxuries, goals, and things of this world are not always as innocent as they seem.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The trouble with sandcastles is that…well…they’re
made of sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, they will
crumble or wash away and we will be left with nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A mere breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A vapor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do we want to spend our lives building sandcastles that will only wash
away with the changing tide?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we
living for the here and now or the then and there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we living for the short today or the long
tomorrow?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The greatest danger of building “sandcastles” in
our lives is that they often take the place of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They become more than castles—they become our
idols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Matthew 6, Jesus tells
us that<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"...where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also."</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> What's your treasure? And where is your heart? If Jesus is your Treasure, your heart will be wrapped up in Him.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As the old poem by C.T. Studd goes, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; only
what’s done for Christ will last.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t want to ever take this life for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We only have a breath of time here on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to have any regrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to regret building sandcastles
here on earth when I could have been working toward the Kingdom to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to get caught up with caring about
the stuff on this planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just want
to live for Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Giving up earthly treasures for treasures in
heaven is always worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ought to
invest our time, energy, and money in the Kingdom we are going to spend
eternity in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> As my dear friend <a href="http://shelbybennett.blogspot.com/">Shelby</a> often likes to say,<i> "</i></span><i>Better to be radical than
regretful."</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants you to spend your
time and treasure building His kingdom, not your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is calling you to take up your cross daily
and follow Him in surrender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What He
asks of us is not easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s always
worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span> <span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With my eyes fixed on that old blood-stained cross on a lonely
hill, I’ve found I am far richer than when building my castles of sand.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">O</span>n Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand...all other ground is sinking sand."</span></i></b> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-1667605594962899962013-06-23T20:07:00.001-07:002013-06-23T20:18:37.812-07:00surrender<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I am blown away
by the incredible picture of surrender in Matthew 4:18-20 – <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of
Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for
they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,”
Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets
and followed him.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">At once they left their
nets and followed Him.</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">What a breath-taking picture of
surrender! These disciples were
fishermen. When they threw down their
nets to follow Jesus, they literally left behind their jobs – their livelihoods
– to follow Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">It makes me
wonder: Do we take this calling
seriously? And are we willing to throw
down our own “nets” to follow Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Our culture has
taught us to view surrender as a sign of weakness, an act of giving up. When we hear the word “surrender”, we imagine
a battle field in which one army retreats and waves its white flag. But surrender to Christ is very different. Surrender to Jesus brings freedom and life. Surrender to Jesus is beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">So what is
surrender? A dictionary definition for
surrender is: <i>to cease resistance, to
submit fully, to yield completely.</i>
What does surrender look like? It
looks like letting go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I love this
quote, which perfectly captures the idea of letting go and holding open hands
to God:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">“I have learned to hold all things
loosely, because it hurts when God has to pry open my fingers.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> –Corrie ten Boom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">We all have our
own “nets” that we don’t want to let go of, that we clutch tightly in our
hands. We all hold onto different things
– dreams and ambitions, possessions, relationships, fears and worries, the need
to feel accepted and appreciated…so many other things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">For some of us,
it’s our dreams, hopes, and ambitions.
We make plans for our lives and expect God to bless those plans, rather
than seeking His heart and letting Him guide us. We strive towards whatever plan we have: to
go to a certain college, or work at a specific job or internship, or lead a
certain ministry, etc. I’m learning to
leave my future safe in His hands, to be fully surrendered, and to let the LORD
lead me. His plans are always better
than mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">For some of us,
we hold onto our earthly possessions – our things. Whether it’s your house, clothing/fashion,
technology, or your hard-earned money, are you holding onto the things in your
life? We must learn that the best things
in life aren’t <i>things</i>. It’s so easy to get caught up in the
“American Dream” and the worldliness around us.
But where are your treasures stored?
In heaven or on earth? I love Matthew
6:19-21 – <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">“Do not store up for yourselves treasures
on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and
steal. But store up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do
not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">This weekend, I
had a huge garage sale and got rid of over half of what I own, and I’m giving
away a truckload to the homeless mission tomorrow. Although it’s been hard giving away a lot of
things that I’ve held onto all these years, it also feels so freeing and
refreshing, especially when I see my things bring joy into other people’s
lives. And yet, even still,
comparatively, I have more “stuff” than most people around the globe. I’m so convicted by Luke 18:22. Talking to a wealthy man, Jesus said: <i>“Sell everything you have a give to the
poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me.”</i> I may
not be wealthy, but I’m still convicted about the “things” I hold onto. What am I holding back? Do I take these words of Jesus seriously? Jim Elliot once said <i>that “he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he can
never lose.” </i>What things do you need
to surrender?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">For many of us,
we need to surrender and lay down our fears and worries. Maybe, like me, you tend to fear the future
rather than smile at it like we are encouraged to do in Proverbs 31. God wants you to surrender those worries and
lay them at His feet. Your future is in
His hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Comfort zones,
frankly, tend to be very small, and it’s easy to make excuses for why we “aren’t
qualified” or why we “don’t have the time” to do God’s work. But though His work for us may seem big, and
while the trials we face may seem ominous, the battles we face are not ours but
the LORD’s. We have to learn to abandon
our comfort zones in radical obedience, lay down our fears, and follow
Jesus. <i>“Always do what you are afraid to do.”</i> –Ralph Waldo Emerson. You don’t have to be fearless to follow Jesus;
you just can’t let your fears control you.
Let go of your worries. Fall on Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Whatever “nets”
you may be clinging to, ask yourself: <b><i>Am I fully surrendered?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">If the answer to
that is no…then ask: <b><i>What am I holding back?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">In Matthew
16:24-25, Jesus says: <i>“If anyone would
come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose
it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">We’re called to
give Him our lives. Every part of
us. We may not always be called to
martyr our lives…but we must martyr our way of life. I want to die to myself, for <i>“to live is Christ, to die is gain.”</i>
(Phil. 1:21) I want to listen to the
Spirit’s leading and respond obedience and surrender.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Why? Why should we surrender to God? God is Love…and Love matters most. Love isn’t just passion. Love is sacrifice. <b><i>Love is surrender</i></b>. Love lays down itself for Another. He laid down His life for us in the ultimate
act of sacrifice. He calls us now to lay
down ours.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">God doesn’t just
want 95% of you. He wants all of
you. All of me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">In ancient
Israel, the people were sinning and turning away from God, and the LORD told
the prophet Ezekiel to go and speak His truth to the wandering people. What was Ezekiel’s response? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">“So I did as I was commanded.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> (Ez. 12:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Wow. No questions.
No hesitation. He just acted on a
heartbeat of obedience, even when God asked Him to do some pretty radical
things. That is such an inspiring
example of surrender.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">So the question
remains: What do you need to surrender? What are you holding onto that you’re putting
before God in your life? I love the old
hymn “Be Thou My Vision”, particularly these lyrics: <i>“Thou and Thou only, first in my heart…High King of heaven, my treasure
Thou art.” </i> Is He first in your
heart? Is He your only treasure?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Surrendering is
actually a beautiful act of putting Him first and seeking God. “Seeking” God, in the original Hebrew
language, means “to beat a path to God”.
So surrendering to the LORD often means leaving the familiar path to
follow Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I have a sign in
my bedroom that says: “remember to surrender”, and it encourages me every time
I see it to surrender freshly each day.
What do you need to surrender, right now, today? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">It's time for us </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">to cease resistance, to submit fully, to yield completely - to surrender. </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">So w</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">ave your white flag, hold open hands to God,
and let go of your nets.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">You’ll be
surprised by the amazing things He has in store for you when you just
surrender. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZSJ8Ono6US00oa9v4FgHx-j3-5-JXzaGklxmKi2N4pWJJne7z_MqcG7SmyfTBBrYnwPe9JDHEorZ3V68suJn922bOAckfOtcXZKy_jqPQ8UFklFMCPH3Zo7kdArQ4_7CxF8hXbzA3bvP/s1600/in+His+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZSJ8Ono6US00oa9v4FgHx-j3-5-JXzaGklxmKi2N4pWJJne7z_MqcG7SmyfTBBrYnwPe9JDHEorZ3V68suJn922bOAckfOtcXZKy_jqPQ8UFklFMCPH3Zo7kdArQ4_7CxF8hXbzA3bvP/s400/in+His+hands.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-752272211944460442013-06-15T16:34:00.001-07:002013-06-15T16:35:42.655-07:00Psalm 16<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Psalm 16: 1-11</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 Keep me safe, O God, <br />
for in You I take refuge.<br />
2 I said to the LORD, “You are my LORD;<br />
apart from You I have no good thing.”<br />
3 As for the saints who are in the land,<br />
they are the glorious ones in whom
is all my delight.<br />
4 The sorrows of those will increase<br />
who run after other gods.<br />
I will not pour out their libations of blood<br />
or take up their names on my lips.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5 LORD, You have assigned me my portion and my cup;<br />
You have made my lot secure.<br />
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;<br />
indeed, I have a delightful
inheritance.<br />
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;<br />
even at night my heart instructs me.<br />
8 I have set the LORD always before me.<br />
Because He is at my right hand,<br />
I will not be shaken.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;<br />
my body also will rest secure,<br />
10 because You will not abandon me to the grave,<br />
nor will you let your Holy One see
decay.<br />
11 You will make known to me the path of life;<br />
In Your presence is fullness of joy;<br />
In Your right hand there are
pleasures forever.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
__________________________________________________</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh
LORD, You are my LORD, my everything.
You are my refuge – my Shelter, Haven, Hope. I run to You. I have no good besides You. You are so good - always good and always
faithful - even when I can’t see it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">LORD,
You have assigned me my portion and my cup – You’ve given me all I have and You’ve
brought me to where I am right now. You have assigned me my cup of life right now. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let me say: “my cup
overflows” even when my cup of life looks empty and broken at times.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The boundary lines You have set for me have
indeed fallen in pleasant and beautiful places.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You
have given me boundary lines, and they are good ones.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have a good Shepherd.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You know what I need in my pasture.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I often long to leave behind this pasture of trials and run down to the green, grassy meadows
of the valley.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But right now You have
set for me a pasture with boundary lines in the high mountain passes where the
rocks are sharp and craggy, and where I must look harder to find the
grass.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But You are my good and faithful
Shepherd; I am but a fearful little lamb and I need to trust that YOU know what
is best for me right now.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And yes, my
Savior, I do have a beautiful, delightful inheritance.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Heaven is my inheritance.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
are my inheritance.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You have such good
things in store for me.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because You are
at my right hand, I cannot be shaken.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oh
Comforter of my soul, I will set You continually and always before me and fix
my eyes on You alone.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I put the world
behind me, the cross before me, and I cannot be shaken through any trial.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You make known to me the path of life.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You will fill me with Your joy when I trust
in Your sweet love, when I am in Your presence here.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For YOU ARE JOY.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You fill me with joy in Your presence, and at
Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am not alone.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am never
alone.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All the way my Savior leads me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-75642367560266479602013-04-14T18:05:00.005-07:002013-06-15T16:38:01.664-07:00it is well with my soul<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">“It is well with my soul.”<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m overwhelmed by grace when I sing this
song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve come to the point where I
don’t know how to put into words what this song makes me feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It always tugs at my heart and awakens me to
God’s unfathomable grace as if for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has always been one of my favorite hymns, not just
for the melody and the lyrics, but also for the story behind it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Horatio
Spafford was a successful lawyer and a happily married man who lived in Chicago
with his wife, son, and four little daughters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet soon, his life came crumbling down around him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1871, he lost his four-year-old son to
scarlet fever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the Great Chicago
Fire swept through the city, he lost his estate, all of his investments, and
was left with nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fire choked
out everything he had owned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Left
with nothing but his wife and daughters, he decided to take his family to
England for another chance at life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, he was delayed from making the journey, and sent his wife
and girls ahead of him on a ship bound for Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While crossing the Atlantic, the steamship
was struck by another vessel and hundreds of the passengers perished at
sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All four of Spafford’s young
daughters died in the tragedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wife,
though injured, survived alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon
arriving to England, she sent her husband a telegram telling him that she had
been “saved alone”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wretched and broken,
Spafford set sail for England to be with his grieving wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On his journey over the Atlantic Ocean, the
ship passed over the place where his daughters had been lost to the sea, and it
was then that he wrote “It is well with my soul”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">The
story is gripping, but also amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
verses take on a new meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he
passed over the place where his own children had died, he wrote, “when sorrows
like sea billows roll…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet though he
had lost everything—his prominent position as a lawyer, his estate, all of his
possessions, his son and four daughters—he looked not to earth but to heaven,
and wrote, “It is well with my soul.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">This
song stirs my soul so deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say:
It is well, it is well with my soul.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want my whole life to be about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to say in every circumstance, “Father, through this may I delight
in you still more.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through storm and through
fire, through the trials of this life, may my longing for Him and my desire to
be Home grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"></span>
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><em>When peace, like a river,
attendeth my way,</em></span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /><em>
<span class="apple-style-span">When sorrows like sea billows roll;</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">It is well, it is well with my soul.</span><br />
</em></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /><em>
</em></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> CHORUS:</span>It is well (it is well),</em></span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /><em>
<span class="apple-style-span">with my soul (with my soul),</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">It is well, it is well with my soul.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Though Satan should buffet, though trials should
come,</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Let this blest assurance control,</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">And hath shed His own blood for my soul.</span></em></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><em><span class="apple-style-span">CHORUS</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span">My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">My sin, not in part but the whole,</span></em>
<em><span class="apple-style-span">Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!</span></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><em><span class="apple-style-span">CHORUS</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span">For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">If Jordan above me shall roll,</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">No pain shall be mine, for in death as in life</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.</span></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><em><span class="apple-style-span">CHORUS</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span">And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be
sight,</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall
descend,</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Even so, it is well with my soul.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><em>It is well (it is well),</em></span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /><em>
<span class="apple-style-span">with my soul (with my soul),</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">It is well, it is well with my soul.</span></em></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-54229887363154353772013-03-12T21:47:00.002-07:002013-03-12T21:47:22.789-07:00Purposeful Intimacy
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">“In
your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures
forevermore.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">—Psalm
16:11<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">We all have those days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The morning looks something like a
tornado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fumbling out of bed, you slam
the snooze button on your alarm clock for the third time and rub your eyes
sleepily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did it get to be so
late?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you get up—rushed, scattered, frazzled—trying
to get your things together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A quick
shower, finding clothes to wear, grabbing your bag and perhaps breakfast on the
way out the door…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But where does God fit in?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you race through your busy day, you keep
putting off your time with Him, and eventually you plop into bed at the end of
the day, telling yourself that missing one day won’t matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then it happens again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.W. Tozer said, <em>“The man who would know
God must give time to Him.”</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But so often
we treat God as an add-on to our busy schedules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus shouldn’t be an item to check off
on your to-do list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He should define
what is on your to-do list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus cares
about every little detail of your life even more than you do—He understands the
deadlines, the schedules, all the little things that “tie you up”; but He
doesn’t want you to have a selfish and half-hearted relationship with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stunning reality is that the Creator of
the Universe wants to have an intimate, personal relationship with you, and it
is His desire and delight to spend time with you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part is that He’s always there
waiting for you, every minute of every day, because He’s always faithful and
His love is unconditional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">You can’t truly get to know someone unless
you invest in their lives, put them before yourself, and really spend quality
time with them—that’s how relationships are built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are fully known by God…but how well do
you know Him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Intimacy does not just
happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must be purposefully planned
and purposefully kept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waiting patiently
for you, God wants you to lay down the burdens and stresses of your life and to
simply bask in His sweet presence, letting Him replace your worry with His
peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Corinthians 14:33 tells us
that, <em>“God is not a God of confusion but of peace”.</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while it is sometimes easy to get lost in
the confusion of life, God wants you to trust in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Him</i>, the Author of Peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Dear friends, we don’t have to wait to
build intimacy with Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have the
great privilege to meet with Him every single day, wherever we are—to commune
with Him, worship Him, meditate on Him, talk and listen to Him, and pour our
hearts out before Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steal away for a
few precious hours with your King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give
Him your mornings, and He will help the rest of your day to run smoothly. Talk to Him throughout your day...while driving, at work and school, wherever you are. And learn to listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purposefully plan a time each day to spend
with Him, even if that means getting up an hour earlier or finding a secret,
quiet place in the day to be alone with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Prayer meetings, Bible studies, youth groups, and church sermons are all
wonderful and help you to grow in your faith, but God desires to have a more
personal, one-on-one, intimate relationship with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Beloved wants you to come away with Him,
and Him only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love how Augustine put
it when he said, <em>“To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances; to
seek Him, the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human
achievement.”</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make Jesus your First
Love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">But it’s not just about the quantity of time you
spend with Him - it's also about the quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do you rattle quickly through your prayers in an attempt to cross as
many people off your prayer list as possible, or do you wait, and pray as the
Spirit leads, while letting Him speak to you as well?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you hastily chatter through your prayers,
or do you take the time to listen to His gentle voice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you hurriedly read through an entire chapter or book
of the Bible just to say that you’ve read “enough” for the day, or do you take
the time to carefully study, practically apply, and attentively meditate on Scripture? I pray that we will make Him and His Word the center of our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">God is pursuing you as if you were the
only person in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tozer also
said that <em>“An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He does not distribute Himself
that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as
if there were no others.”</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><em> </em> </span>Isn’t that an
incredible truth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is chasing after
you, pursuing you, loving you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
wherever you go in life, He will always be there, waiting patiently for you to cultivate
a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. *<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">“God
has made us for Himself, and our hearts can never know rest and perfect
satisfaction until they find it in Him.”—Hannah Hurnard<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> _____________________________________________________________________________ </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Author's note: I know I haven't posted anything in a while. I get too caught up in the adventure of living that I have scarcely any time to just write about life. But, I hope to post here more often in the future. Check back weekly for more posts!Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-15626578973595762122013-01-27T16:28:00.004-08:002013-01-27T16:33:24.671-08:00joyfully ever after<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX0CubdLISA2tkj5txqvDwHUh4F41-oaI8E4DXygaxAF-4lyf3o0MOV2R4AlnmFRNh6c8ldUPVdHFu1y0aTwww4bmjnqnwVhonNTIoy9dMiAN4ag7zt9mFjeEgSJJYLJYZbuvtoN5k1kP/s1600/joy+-+philippians+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX0CubdLISA2tkj5txqvDwHUh4F41-oaI8E4DXygaxAF-4lyf3o0MOV2R4AlnmFRNh6c8ldUPVdHFu1y0aTwww4bmjnqnwVhonNTIoy9dMiAN4ag7zt9mFjeEgSJJYLJYZbuvtoN5k1kP/s400/joy+-+philippians+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"And they all lived happily ever after." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But real life isn't that simple, is it? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is no fairy tale. There's no use in pretending. Life is difficult. Here in the "real world," we can't find that kind of endless happy bliss, can we? Well, yes and no. Someday, in heaven, we'll know that perfect peace and happiness. But as long as we're on this earth, and until we reach eternity's shore, we'll never experience perfect happiness until we finally see Jesus face to face. But that doesn't mean we can't be joyful here on earth. In fact, the Bible has a lot to teach us about finding true contentment and joy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In 2012, I began the journey of memorizing the book of Philippians. Through my personal study, I've been so challenged and convicted, particularly about what this book has to say about contentment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm especially moved by <b>Philippians 4:11-13</b>. Keep in mind that the Apostle Paul was writing this during his long and harsh imprisonment in Rome:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Paul was <i>in prison</i> when he wrote that! What I find interesting is that Paul writes that he <i>learned</i> to be content. His contentment clearly wasn't found in the things he had or the comfort of his surroundings. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what is contentment? I realize that contentment isn't a formula, but from digging deeper in God's Word, I've made a list of five things that I think capture what it means to be content. Real contentment means...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1. <i>Trusting</i> that God knows what is best for us.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2. <i>Accepting</i> the obstacles as opportunities to serve and glorify God.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3. <i>Finding</i> joy in the presence of our Savior, no matter our circumstances.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>4. <i>Choosing</i> to live with an attitude of cheerfulness and joy each day.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>5. <i>Thanking</i> God for both the blessings and the trials.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's take a closer look at each of these.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Contentment means<b><i> trusting that God knows what is best for us. </i></b> His plans are better than ours. Where He has you right now is where He wants you to be. God loves you dearly and He has your best interests in mind. He knows your every need and desire.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Philippians 4:19</b> - <i>"And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Contentment means <b><i>accepting the obstacles as opportunities to serve and glorify God.</i></b> So many times, we let things - even little things - get us down. We complain and grumble when things don't go our way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Philippians 2:14</b> says -<i> "Do all things without grumbling or disputing."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All things. Yes, even dishes, chores, homework, all those unglamorous, small tasks that no one sees should be done without complaining or arguing, but with gratefulness and joy. What a God-glorifying lifestyle that would be! And what a humbling challenge...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whether the obstacles we face are as small as doing the dishes or as enormous as the pain of a searing loss, God calls us to face all things without grumbling. We must learn to see the obstacles as opportunities in disguise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Contentment means <b><i>finding joy in the presence of our Savior, no matter our circumstances. </i></b> JESUS IS OUR JOY. We can only find true joy and contentment in Him, the Author of Peace and Creator of Joy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love <b>Psalm 16:11</b> - <i>"You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">True joy and contentment are only found in the source of joy, our ever-present Savior Jesus Christ. No matter what challenges I face, even if everything else is taken from me, I'll still have Jesus, and He is enough. He is more than enough. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Contentment means <i><b>choosing to live with an attitude of cheerfulness and joy each day. </b></i> Joy is a choice. It's a lifestyle. Joy and happiness are two very different things. Happiness is a feeling based on circumstances; joy is living above our circumstances. Joy isn't dependent upon our current situation. We have to learn to consciously choose joy every day. Have you ever noticed that many people in the Bible often said, "I will rejoice"? They said that because they realized that they had to consciously choose to rejoice even when their circumstances looked bad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And finally, contentment means <b><i>thanking God - for both the blessings and the trials.</i></b> It's not hard to delight in God's goodness and praise Him when life is entertaining and easy. But what about when we face the hardships of life? I think we all want a lasting, unwavering joy, not just surging and sinking happiness. The secret to contentment is a heart saturated with thankfulness. It's a lifestyle of taking nothing for granted, giving thanks to God for what you have.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every day is a gift....and an opportunity. Let's choose to rejoice in each new day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Psalm 118:24</b> - <i>"This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's not waste this day grumbling or complaining. Let's not take a moment for granted. Today, let's trust in God's plan, embrace the challenges, find joy in His love for us, and choose to live this day with an attitude of cheerfulness and thanksgiving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Life isn't easy, and it's not a fairy tale. But the truth is, we can all live joyfully ever after.</span>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-7529286443068697652013-01-08T19:33:00.001-08:002013-01-08T19:35:43.970-08:00Out of the Heart<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif;">Too often, I say something that I later
regret. Perhaps it’s something hastily
snapped, or selfish, or even just tactlessly sarcastic. Even if I don’t say it out loud, I may say or think something unkind under my breath. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In those times, the Spirit gently reminds me that the words I say can cut deeper than any sword. My tongue is a fire which I must guard, hold captive, and learn to use carefully.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But it goes deeper than that. Our words are a reflection of who we are, of what is inside of us:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>“For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” –</i>Matthew 12:34</span><span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif; font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif;">Just stop and let that sink in. The mouth speaks <i>out of that which fills the heart</i>. So what we say is a reflection - and a literal outpouring - of what is in our hearts. Perhaps the question we should be asking then is: What <i>is</i> in our hearts? If we know Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells inside our hearts. But does the way we speak show people that Jesus is in us?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif;">We can use our words to honor and worship God, or to honor and worship ourselves. We can use our words to heal, encourage, and build up, or to wound, tear down, and destroy those around us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;">I love James 3, a chapter that's all about speech. James 3:17 beautifully encompasses every aspect of how our speech should look as followers of Christ. This verse about heavenly wisdom is a constant reminder to me to use my mouth to glorify God at all times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;"><i>"The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy."</i> (James 3:17)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;">I want to always speak in wisdom and love. So what does that look like for me?</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;">My words should be <b>pure</b> and honoring to God, unsoiled by contempt, profanity, gossip, or arrogance.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;">My words should be <b>peaceable</b>. So far as it depends on me, I should be at peace with all men, using my words to preserve peace, not to stir up conflict or quarrel. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;">I should be <b>gentle</b> <i>to everyone</i>, never harsh or inconsiderate.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;">My speech should be <b>reasonable</b> - rational and fair - never bad-tempered, capricious, or difficult.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;">In all my words, I should be <b>full of mercy</b> - compassionate, kind-hearted, generous, gracious, and forgiving. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;">My words should also be <b>full of good fruits</b>: profitable to all who listen, inspiring, purposeful, spiritually rich, rewarding to hear. And <i>all of my actions should reflect my good words</i>.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;">My word should be <b>unwavering</b>. When I say something, I should say it with conviction. People should be able to trust my word to be honest, steadfast, and resolute, not weak, dishonest, or indecisive.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;">My words should always be <b>without hypocrisy</b>. I must see the log in my own eye before pointing out the speck in another's eye. I must be open to constructive criticism and always be willing to grow.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;"><i>Oh Lord, may my speech bear these things!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;">Let us not forget: Every word we speak, everything we say, comes out of our hearts. I pray that we will speak in such a way that this weary, dark world will watch us and notice something beautiful and different - Christ in our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;">* * *</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;"><i>Lord Jesus, You know my heart. You see every thought in my mind and you hear every word I speak. Please help me to glorify You with my mouth. Use my words to bring hope, healing, encouragement, and joy to this world. Thank you for using me and loving me despite my weaknesses. Speak through me. I am Yours. Amen.</i></span></div>
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Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4150850803888091692.post-88373895374239715422013-01-01T20:47:00.000-08:002013-03-12T21:50:32.499-07:00Beautiful, Wonderful Gospel<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Awe-struck and
humbled by the overwhelming beauty of the gospel, I sometimes express myself in
poetry. But even then, words fall
short. How great, how awesome is His
Love. Let us never forget:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Jesus, Savior, my
King of kings,<br />
He raises up this broken thing.<br />
Molding this worthless lump of clay,<br />
He makes me more like Him each day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Without, I bear
the marks of sin, <br />
But now His Spirit lies within.<br />
Once soiled and marred, I must confess,<br />
Grace lavished on my worthlessness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">No greater love
has been displayed<br />
Than on the cross – the price He paid.<br />
The King of Heaven, one true Prince<br />
Bore my sin in His innocence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Filled with
anguish, crippling shame,<br />
I am unfit to bear His Name.<br />
Yet I am His and He is mine,<br />
And with His beauty I may shine.<br />
My blemishes He will not see,<br />
Only His Son inside of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The daunting
cliffs of life are steep<br />
But greater still, His love is deep.<br />
I face no challenge on my own<br />
For I am cherished, I am known.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">My life, I pray,
be sweet perfume<br />
For where He plants me, may I bloom.<br />
Open hands, surrender my will<br />
I’m slowly learning to be still.<br />
Salvation’s great joy I can taste<br />
This one short life I will not waste.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">He’ll take me to
His banquet hall<br />
Even I, who am least of all.<br />
From His love I can never hide<br />
His own dear and beloved bride.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">~by Sierra McClain</span><br />
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Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14447335143295819495noreply@blogger.com0