Thursday, August 06, 2009
Think About It
Two main thoughts this morning
I heard the song I'd Need a Savior by Among the Thirsty. Before I even talk about some of thoughts that were triggered, I really like the name of the group. Among-as much as you like or don't like it, we're all walkin' walks together. The Thirsty-may we never lose the thirst for the living and satisfying water that only Christ can give. So the song, I heard on the radio that God is using this song mightily but unfortunately I didn't get to hear the stories from the group. Nevertheless, it reminded me of the power of the Name of Jesus. All to often I know I forget this. Sadly, the misuse of His name I've ignored, as if I've become immune to it. Now that is something that must change. It's like I heard a comedian say do you ever here someone say oh Joe, when they stub there toe? Likewise the Name above every name should not be taken for granted. It is the only name that saves (Romans 10:13), rescues, and restores.
The return of the King if you will, is something I don't believe I think about enough. Maybe it's because it is all the scary Revelation stuff. But for the believer it is the exact opposite. As a believer, I am called to "eagerly wait" his return (Hebrews 9:28). Though Revelation is scary I believe that God intended it as a warning, fear results from warnings. Without a fear, would we heed the warning? And for believers, it is a call to witness all the more fervently. After all, its is God's desire that no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Take a look at this picture.....
Excerpt from John Piper's Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ
" 'By the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself' he will 'transform' our disease-ridden, decaying bodies into the likeness of 'his glorious body' (Philippians 3:21). 'In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye...we shall be changed' (1 Corinthinas 15:52). 'He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall ther be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore' (Revelation 21:4)
And perhaps most glorious of all is the jealousy with which he wil magnify his grace. He will not share the glory of being the grace-giver. Peter tells us simply, "Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ' (1 Peter 1:13). And what will that grace look like? Jesus pictured it in a parable: 'Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them' (Luke 12: 37). It is the grace of God's being our 'Servant'- the Giver-even to eternity."
I heard the song I'd Need a Savior by Among the Thirsty. Before I even talk about some of thoughts that were triggered, I really like the name of the group. Among-as much as you like or don't like it, we're all walkin' walks together. The Thirsty-may we never lose the thirst for the living and satisfying water that only Christ can give. So the song, I heard on the radio that God is using this song mightily but unfortunately I didn't get to hear the stories from the group. Nevertheless, it reminded me of the power of the Name of Jesus. All to often I know I forget this. Sadly, the misuse of His name I've ignored, as if I've become immune to it. Now that is something that must change. It's like I heard a comedian say do you ever here someone say oh Joe, when they stub there toe? Likewise the Name above every name should not be taken for granted. It is the only name that saves (Romans 10:13), rescues, and restores.
The return of the King if you will, is something I don't believe I think about enough. Maybe it's because it is all the scary Revelation stuff. But for the believer it is the exact opposite. As a believer, I am called to "eagerly wait" his return (Hebrews 9:28). Though Revelation is scary I believe that God intended it as a warning, fear results from warnings. Without a fear, would we heed the warning? And for believers, it is a call to witness all the more fervently. After all, its is God's desire that no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Take a look at this picture.....
Excerpt from John Piper's Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ
" 'By the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself' he will 'transform' our disease-ridden, decaying bodies into the likeness of 'his glorious body' (Philippians 3:21). 'In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye...we shall be changed' (1 Corinthinas 15:52). 'He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall ther be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore' (Revelation 21:4)
And perhaps most glorious of all is the jealousy with which he wil magnify his grace. He will not share the glory of being the grace-giver. Peter tells us simply, "Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ' (1 Peter 1:13). And what will that grace look like? Jesus pictured it in a parable: 'Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them' (Luke 12: 37). It is the grace of God's being our 'Servant'- the Giver-even to eternity."
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
I went to the eye doctor today and walked in by myself and the receptionist said, "Are you here by yourself?" So I guess i didn't look like I was nineteen. Then i went to Moe's and the check-out lady said, after i had my food, for future reference you can only get this if your 12 or under. And the day concluded with awkward stares from the Hollywood video store people as I tried to go inside when it was closed. It's been quite a day.
Monday, August 03, 2009
I was reminded of what good quotes are in the Chronicles of Narnia. The first movie was on disney channel which in and of itself is great! Then I got to thinking about how God really had his hand on C.S. Lewis' work. Who would've thought that it would be such an epic and timeless story? I always love the image of Aslan and I especially like his portrayal in the movie: kind and compassionate yet as fierce as ever. Can you imagine what it will be like to walk with the Lord? And as humans we are one of a kind, unique just as the 4 kids were in Narnia. I was also reminded of how God gives us the breath of life i.e. Aslan breathed on the creatures of stone and they came back to life. Now for the quotes
"This may be harder than you think."-Aslan to Peter (talking about Edmund, the youngest one's betrayal)
"Do not sight the deep magic with me witch, I was there when it was written!"-Aslan to The White Witch
"You have to trust me, this must be done."-Aslan before going to the stone table
"Impossible!"-The White Witch
"Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a King or queen of Narnia."-Aslan
"He's not a tame lion, no but he is good."-Lucy and Mr. Tumnus
There are many more good quotes from Prince Caspian as well
"This may be harder than you think."-Aslan to Peter (talking about Edmund, the youngest one's betrayal)
"Do not sight the deep magic with me witch, I was there when it was written!"-Aslan to The White Witch
"You have to trust me, this must be done."-Aslan before going to the stone table
"Impossible!"-The White Witch
"Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a King or queen of Narnia."-Aslan
"He's not a tame lion, no but he is good."-Lucy and Mr. Tumnus
There are many more good quotes from Prince Caspian as well
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A high calling...
"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones."-1 Thess. 3:12
"However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."-Luke 10:20
It's not about anything I can do but what God can, has, and will do.
"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones."-1 Thess. 3:12
"However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."-Luke 10:20
It's not about anything I can do but what God can, has, and will do.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
I've got exactly 5 minutes before I have to leave for dance...so I tried to study bio but didn't get very far (not in that 5 minutes mind you) and it's kind of discouraging when you have to re-learn material because of a cumulative final. I promise I learned something this summer but I don't have a very long retention span for stuff like that and maybe that's why I'm not the best test taker, especially when it comes to those evaluation/placement tests. Oh well, I'll try and study more tonight. In other news we insulated the attic in the flip house down town. I say 'we' in a different term. Mr. Robbie came and helped and I ended up being the go between yeller. Yes, I was the one who yelled out of the window turn it off or on. Then I ended up running up and down the stairs (About the fifth time up and down I figured I should've kept a tally) to bring daddy whatever he needed i.e. bats of pink insulation, stapler, extension cord, well you get the idea. Well the pink insulation is a tad itchy but the environmentally green insulation tastes nasty but is apparently harmless. We'll see. Boy was it nasty and hot here in SC but hey, it only took a morning and we were done by noon. Up I went a minute over, gotta go but enjoy your Tuesday!
Monday, July 27, 2009
I accidentally killed a roly-poly today. I knew it was there too and wasn't thinking and stepped on it in my bare feet. It was one of those instances where I knew immediately what had happened. You see, I'm usually just lazy and don't bother to kill various creatures in my house because they aren't harming me and I don't feel like messing with them so I had seen it earlier in the day but alas it caught me in a moment of weakness. Man, it even made a little squealing sound, kind of like drrll. It was sad. I'm sorry roly-poly.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Just Sit Still
"Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and askd, 'Why couldn't we drive it out?' He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.' Matthew 16:18-21 interesting that Jesus tells them to have faith and then tells them He's going to die. That is another subject and one of utmost importance however that is not what I was initially thinking about this morning.
Have you ever felt like your life is a "big question mark". You have something come up and think it's the perfect choice but then your plans just fall a part and you're back in the same place again. It's like you think it's the right choice but in the back of your mind you think what I see may not be what God sees. And it's oh so hard. Don't get me wrong, I am SO thankful that God promises Jeremiah 29:11. It's just that I think that Andrew Murray hits it when he says, "We don't realize that faith must accept and expect that God will, by His almighty power, fulfill every promise He has made." So when jealousy comes of what seems to be like the perfect life, that's not my place. Jealousy aside, and prayerfully gone, what do I have to fear/worry. Am I fearing God or man? After all, I am a child of the King, Daddy is just doing some fine tuning at the moment. It's my job to trust Him. It's my job to just sit still.
Have you ever felt like your life is a "big question mark". You have something come up and think it's the perfect choice but then your plans just fall a part and you're back in the same place again. It's like you think it's the right choice but in the back of your mind you think what I see may not be what God sees. And it's oh so hard. Don't get me wrong, I am SO thankful that God promises Jeremiah 29:11. It's just that I think that Andrew Murray hits it when he says, "We don't realize that faith must accept and expect that God will, by His almighty power, fulfill every promise He has made." So when jealousy comes of what seems to be like the perfect life, that's not my place. Jealousy aside, and prayerfully gone, what do I have to fear/worry. Am I fearing God or man? After all, I am a child of the King, Daddy is just doing some fine tuning at the moment. It's my job to trust Him. It's my job to just sit still.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
In Honor of Edwin Lee Dear
Edwin Lee Dear
March 17, 1959-July 11, 2009
"God sees when the footsteps all falter,
When the pathway has grown too steep,
Then He touches the weary eyelids
And gives His dear ones sleep." -Mary Katherine Dear
Isaiah 25:8
"He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces."
Writing Compiled by Kimber Dear
Dear Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers!
The Joys of Radio and Music
After many hours of biology note cards and about 30 hours over three days of driving time, I have decided that I very much love music and the radio. There's just something about it. It's not like I enjoy just one genre or type of broadcast. Pop, rap, Contemporary Christian, country and the like are up for grabs. As for broadcasts I like the kid shows, a good sermon every now and then, comedy, morning banter, late night call-in-shows and your good ol' conservative talk show. Perhaps its the thoughts that run by with each song and experience or the reality of it. Granted there is time and good use of quiet but more often than not I find myself listening to something.
If the news and weather aren't keeping me up to date, then a song is encouraging or stimulating thoughts. What better way to learn by music, it sticks in your head and you certainly don't forget it. I mean how many times have you been stuck singing an annoying song that you just can't get out of your head or better yet you wake up singing one you love.
Well today was no exception, I did note cards for most of the day and passed the time with Pandora, sure does make it more exciting. Hear are some of the songs I hadn't heard before but kind of liked: Sitting at a Red Light by Susie Luchsinger, Stand by Matthew West, Just Pray by Jason Meadows, With You by Geoff Moore, and Look Like a Fool by Matt Maher. These were all Christian and some of the melodies are a bit old school but the lyrics are powerful.
Anyway, anybody else out there feel like you always have to have something playing in the background? I mean I can even have a book on tape, headphones in with music, and read a book at the same time. Wait a sec, maybe that's not a good thing, I wonder how much of each of those I'm really taking in. It's crazy how I can just tune out other things!
If the news and weather aren't keeping me up to date, then a song is encouraging or stimulating thoughts. What better way to learn by music, it sticks in your head and you certainly don't forget it. I mean how many times have you been stuck singing an annoying song that you just can't get out of your head or better yet you wake up singing one you love.
Well today was no exception, I did note cards for most of the day and passed the time with Pandora, sure does make it more exciting. Hear are some of the songs I hadn't heard before but kind of liked: Sitting at a Red Light by Susie Luchsinger, Stand by Matthew West, Just Pray by Jason Meadows, With You by Geoff Moore, and Look Like a Fool by Matt Maher. These were all Christian and some of the melodies are a bit old school but the lyrics are powerful.
Anyway, anybody else out there feel like you always have to have something playing in the background? I mean I can even have a book on tape, headphones in with music, and read a book at the same time. Wait a sec, maybe that's not a good thing, I wonder how much of each of those I'm really taking in. It's crazy how I can just tune out other things!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Heard this on direct connection the other day and looked up the video.
Mat Kearney - Closer To Love (Official Music Video) - The funniest videos are a click away
Mat Kearney - Closer To Love (Official Music Video) - The funniest videos are a click away
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
So I got a little slack on posting, my apologies. I should actually be studying for my genetics biology test but I just can't seem to muster up the motivation. I guess the sooner I do it, the sooner it will be done.
Not much new...Josh and Alli are here, as I said before, and we are enjoying that. It's nice to have the whole family home. Strange how you grow up, life goes on, and new families are made but there's nothing like seeing mom, dad, brother, and sister. It's true, you never stop being a mom or a sister for that matter :).
Starting up dance again after a week off and boy can I feel it. Strange how I used to be able to go long amounts of time without class and now I crave it because I now how long it'll take to get back into it. Guess I'm gettin' old. Just about a month and a half until the placement class so we'll see....I've got a lot of work to do!
Well I suppose I should get motivated or at least get it done
Not much new...Josh and Alli are here, as I said before, and we are enjoying that. It's nice to have the whole family home. Strange how you grow up, life goes on, and new families are made but there's nothing like seeing mom, dad, brother, and sister. It's true, you never stop being a mom or a sister for that matter :).
Starting up dance again after a week off and boy can I feel it. Strange how I used to be able to go long amounts of time without class and now I crave it because I now how long it'll take to get back into it. Guess I'm gettin' old. Just about a month and a half until the placement class so we'll see....I've got a lot of work to do!
Well I suppose I should get motivated or at least get it done
Saturday, July 04, 2009
So I'm typing this from my iPod, which I must say is incredible! Technology can be pretty amazing! Anyway, I should start by saying happy fourth of July!! I hope everyone enjoys time with their families and catch some fireworks later tonight. Certainly can't forget our men & women of the armedd forces, thank you! And praise the Lord for our freedom. Sure we've had our ups and downs but there's no denying that we've been blessed.
On the homefront, we've loved having josh and Alli home! And of course sharing fresh blueberries with our cousins. We are down in good ok'. Ga and the weather is lovely. You can actually walk outside without immediately sweating. Last night was quite a trip. After all twelve of us had burgers and our fair share of blueberry cheesecake, way to go mom it was so good, we proceeded to play Settlers of Catan. Most of us hadn't played before but if you can get passed the overwhelming rules it really gets interesting. We played teams which really helped and got so into it. It's one of those games where you get all worked up with the role of the dice. Don't be surprised if you find yourself holding your breath. So we ended up playing 'til 1:30am, I don't remember the last time my parents have been up and thinking at that time by choice but they were great! It was like a good book you couldn't put down and we're still not done that game. It was voted to come back today and finish. Somehow abbie and I managed to be close to winning, a surprise to us! Go team!
P.S. I edited this from mom's computer....my ipod battery was dying and the predictive typing made for some unique sentences
On the homefront, we've loved having josh and Alli home! And of course sharing fresh blueberries with our cousins. We are down in good ok'. Ga and the weather is lovely. You can actually walk outside without immediately sweating. Last night was quite a trip. After all twelve of us had burgers and our fair share of blueberry cheesecake, way to go mom it was so good, we proceeded to play Settlers of Catan. Most of us hadn't played before but if you can get passed the overwhelming rules it really gets interesting. We played teams which really helped and got so into it. It's one of those games where you get all worked up with the role of the dice. Don't be surprised if you find yourself holding your breath. So we ended up playing 'til 1:30am, I don't remember the last time my parents have been up and thinking at that time by choice but they were great! It was like a good book you couldn't put down and we're still not done that game. It was voted to come back today and finish. Somehow abbie and I managed to be close to winning, a surprise to us! Go team!
P.S. I edited this from mom's computer....my ipod battery was dying and the predictive typing made for some unique sentences
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Mixed Thoughts
I had a code red explosion today. Much like the tea and purple explosion. Somehow I have a tendency for creating big overflowing spills so much so that they seep down into drawers and it is not cool. At least I know how to clean them up now.
On a much more serious note I went and saw My Sister's Keeper. Stop. If you want to see it, you probably shouldn't read the rest of this but be forewarned you should prepare yourself and be ready to cry. (though I don't think you can quite prepare yourself for viewing or experiencing something like that, I tried and merely ended up quite fidgety, taking deep breaths, and losing all my makeup). Ok so the story line is basically that there's a daughter, Katie, who has cancer, since she was very young. Her sister, Anna, was born In Vitro fertilization so that she could give her organs to save her sister's life. This in and of itself creates psychological and difficult self-worth issues. It's also a question of ethics which Anna and Katie try to wrestle with and force their parents to contemplate. Anna proceeds to sue her parents for the rights of her own body. Meanwhile the whole family is falling apart. The son is forgotten, comes home late and dad doesn't even realize he's been gone, along with Anna, who is merely trying to fulfill all of Katie's wishes and hold it together. Some of the most heart wrenching and difficult scenes revolve around a book Katie makes along with the flashbacks. The judge involved in the case also has a history in which her daughter was killed by a drunk driver. And the lawyer suffers from a disease as well only revealed when he tries for a recess, is denied, and runs out of the room because of a seizure. Once again I was brought to the realization that you NEVER know what people are facing daily.
Anyway, the movie progresses with narration and views by each individual. Katie apologizes to everyone in her family: "To mom-I took your life away as you cared for me, To dad-I took your true love away, To my brother-I'm sorry I took all the attention when you needed it, To Anna-I'm sorry I let them hurt you." I got to thinking how difficult sickness is and how it affects EVERYONE in the family. It wasn't Katie's fault that she was sick and yet she was apologizing for the affects of her sickness.
I appreciated the storyline of the brother, it's honesty. It is revealed that Katie tells Anna to sue her parents so that Anna will have a life that Katie never will. The brother helps Anna, but then realizes his family is falling apart and he has to let his sister go. When he tears up the image of Katie is another powerful and difficult time. Finally, he interrupts the court and pleads for his mom to let Katie go so that their family can heal. Katie's relationships with Taylor is another tragedy, granted it is marked with some joyful times. As he takes care of her on the first day of a radiation or chemo treatment you see the depth of his love for her and shortly after experience her loss. Katie then has something else on top of the cancer to deal with and work through. The role of the dad as well, is difficult as he takes Katie to the beach and has to stand up to or carry his wife through it if you will. This beach scene was really powerful, mom and dad are arguing and yelling at each other over whether or not she should go to the beach and brother and sister are told to get in the car and they are like what are we supposed to do. The dad went through all of that because it was the best for his daughter. I can't imagine the emotions, the heartache, and the joy that develops but this movie gives a little look. Each character has their own struggles and well there really aren't any words to sum it up. It's something you never get over and something you have to deal with when it happens. But I think many of us, if not all of us have experienced at least one of those situations in the movie. There was one significant thing missing in this picture.Praise the Lord there is hope in Salvation. I honestly don't know what I would do if I did not have the Lord and had to go through this.
Personally, as I sat there and balled, I thought about how difficult it's going to be when my relatives and loved ones pass. I have lost one grandfather to cancer and my other grandpa is battling it as we speak. There will be many tears and all I know is that we will have to cling to our hope in the Lord.
On a much more menial level but a blessing never the less, the sun is shining and I think the movie encourages you to treasure and really live out each moment, opportunity, and day. Whew, I get sick and upset even remembering it but at the rate we're going with all of the news and economy, this is our life. The question is how, is our story going to be lived out?
I had a code red explosion today. Much like the tea and purple explosion. Somehow I have a tendency for creating big overflowing spills so much so that they seep down into drawers and it is not cool. At least I know how to clean them up now.
On a much more serious note I went and saw My Sister's Keeper. Stop. If you want to see it, you probably shouldn't read the rest of this but be forewarned you should prepare yourself and be ready to cry. (though I don't think you can quite prepare yourself for viewing or experiencing something like that, I tried and merely ended up quite fidgety, taking deep breaths, and losing all my makeup). Ok so the story line is basically that there's a daughter, Katie, who has cancer, since she was very young. Her sister, Anna, was born In Vitro fertilization so that she could give her organs to save her sister's life. This in and of itself creates psychological and difficult self-worth issues. It's also a question of ethics which Anna and Katie try to wrestle with and force their parents to contemplate. Anna proceeds to sue her parents for the rights of her own body. Meanwhile the whole family is falling apart. The son is forgotten, comes home late and dad doesn't even realize he's been gone, along with Anna, who is merely trying to fulfill all of Katie's wishes and hold it together. Some of the most heart wrenching and difficult scenes revolve around a book Katie makes along with the flashbacks. The judge involved in the case also has a history in which her daughter was killed by a drunk driver. And the lawyer suffers from a disease as well only revealed when he tries for a recess, is denied, and runs out of the room because of a seizure. Once again I was brought to the realization that you NEVER know what people are facing daily.
Anyway, the movie progresses with narration and views by each individual. Katie apologizes to everyone in her family: "To mom-I took your life away as you cared for me, To dad-I took your true love away, To my brother-I'm sorry I took all the attention when you needed it, To Anna-I'm sorry I let them hurt you." I got to thinking how difficult sickness is and how it affects EVERYONE in the family. It wasn't Katie's fault that she was sick and yet she was apologizing for the affects of her sickness.
I appreciated the storyline of the brother, it's honesty. It is revealed that Katie tells Anna to sue her parents so that Anna will have a life that Katie never will. The brother helps Anna, but then realizes his family is falling apart and he has to let his sister go. When he tears up the image of Katie is another powerful and difficult time. Finally, he interrupts the court and pleads for his mom to let Katie go so that their family can heal. Katie's relationships with Taylor is another tragedy, granted it is marked with some joyful times. As he takes care of her on the first day of a radiation or chemo treatment you see the depth of his love for her and shortly after experience her loss. Katie then has something else on top of the cancer to deal with and work through. The role of the dad as well, is difficult as he takes Katie to the beach and has to stand up to or carry his wife through it if you will. This beach scene was really powerful, mom and dad are arguing and yelling at each other over whether or not she should go to the beach and brother and sister are told to get in the car and they are like what are we supposed to do. The dad went through all of that because it was the best for his daughter. I can't imagine the emotions, the heartache, and the joy that develops but this movie gives a little look. Each character has their own struggles and well there really aren't any words to sum it up. It's something you never get over and something you have to deal with when it happens. But I think many of us, if not all of us have experienced at least one of those situations in the movie. There was one significant thing missing in this picture.Praise the Lord there is hope in Salvation. I honestly don't know what I would do if I did not have the Lord and had to go through this.
Personally, as I sat there and balled, I thought about how difficult it's going to be when my relatives and loved ones pass. I have lost one grandfather to cancer and my other grandpa is battling it as we speak. There will be many tears and all I know is that we will have to cling to our hope in the Lord.
On a much more menial level but a blessing never the less, the sun is shining and I think the movie encourages you to treasure and really live out each moment, opportunity, and day. Whew, I get sick and upset even remembering it but at the rate we're going with all of the news and economy, this is our life. The question is how, is our story going to be lived out?
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Powerful
How Deep the Father's love for Us by Stuart Townend
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon the cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
This pretty much sums it up I think. Get's me every time. It's one of my favorites and maybe I'll be privileged enough to dance to it someday!
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon the cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
This pretty much sums it up I think. Get's me every time. It's one of my favorites and maybe I'll be privileged enough to dance to it someday!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
7 votes
I don't know if anyone's keeping up with our politics but boy did they play a game yesterday. The cap and trade bill, which I'm still surprised it even got this far, was up for election. Though it's a green bill and sure our environment might appreciate it, it's got a lot more damage than good I'm afraid. Even if they taxed CO2 and other polluting gases, companies aren't going to stop emitting them. They are going to have to find a way to pay for the tax and its gonna trickle down to the very people the government claims it is supposed to help. And if we're not producing, surely China and other countries are going to pick up our slack and we'll have no income to even attempt to pull us out of the state of our economy. Furthermore, Obama claims that jobs will be created and the out-of-pocket money won't be that big of a difference-"a postage stamp". Wait a second. I'm old school and postage stamps have gone up to almost 50 cents per stamp, how many people do you know that send mail anymore? Though yahoo is reporting that it's only about a 100 dollar increase per household, I don't know many households that can afford even that at the moment and there's rumors that it could cost as much as $3,000. Maybe not even rumors as it sounds like Obama contradicted himself, he said earlier that 2 million jobs are going to be cut by this AND utility bills will skyrocket! 2 million jobs are going to be cut and you're telling me that it's going to help create jobs? People are claiming that this will put us as a "leader in clean energy jobs" but what good is that going to do in the long run? Aren't there environmental regulations in place already? There are too many holes in this bill, a claim that the bill is "not perfect" isn't comforting. I'm leery about this one to say the least. To top it all off, it passed by 7 votes! Sadly, many bills are passed at odd hours of the night but I do know that many American's tried to prevent this yesterday with phone calls and emails and I think that 7 vote difference resulted.
Check it out: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090627/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_climate_bill
Check it out: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090627/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_climate_bill
Friday, June 26, 2009
This is a long one but if you can make it through....
Sitting down to write a tribute or a reflection of this past week and these past nineteen years for that matter, I don't even know where to begin. It stirs a lot of different emotions and thoughts.
This week started out rough and is still not over. As America watched John and Kate separate, our hearts broke for the family. Yes they have become part of the statistic but we all hoped that they wouldn't. My plea is that they don't have to become that. TLC decided to stop airing John and Kate plus 8 until August and well, it looks like that chapter is over. I don't quite understand where the excitement of the change that John spoke of comes from or why they claim they are doing it for their kids. Every other word is about their kids but what about their marriage?
Following this, as a South Carolinian, we were informed that our governor was having an affair in Argentina. Of course there were mixed emotions about his disappearance, humor and curiosity, whatever the motives. Putting politics aside, I'm pretty sure that if the governor was needed somebody would have been available to oversee the necessary measures to either step in and/or inform the governor, the outcome is sad. It is not my place to judge and I hope that the media will handle it with some sort of respect. Sanford recalled that it started as a friendship, it digressed from there. I almost don't even want to read or hear about it anymore. It is enough to know that he did it and it is awful, but I don't want to read the emails and know all the details. One act and the consequences are dire, grave, and life-altering not only for him, but for everyone involved.
Emotions from these two stories, well as a young women it brings fear. You wonder who you can trust anymore and marriage has become, though it always has been, a daily battle. It takes work to be a success and maybe now it will be taken a bit more seriously. Now America is shocked if you are married to a member of the opposite sex and if it is both you and your spouse's only marriage.
With the deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson well again, where do you begin. Losing anyone is a horrendous, tragedy that no-one every gets over. Farrah battled cancer like so many others and lost. It makes you wonder what you will be remembered for. A smile, an "angel", a heart, a discovery, a sacrifice, an unknown soldier, a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, and the list goes on. One life, one death. Did she make it count? And Michael Jackson just passed a physical and died the next day. His story is not the only one that is peculiar. What about the chef who found out he had cancer and died days later. Or the lady who missed Air France Flight 447 and died in a car wreck on the way home? When it's your time to go, you have to go. Jackson was remembered for his infamous Thriller music video and his court appearances. He had fun but like many, he lived a troubled life. Farrah similarly went through divorce and a son who is spending much of his life in prison. You just never know what someone is going through.
With the death of Heath Ledger I didn't know if I could ever bring myself to watch The Dark Knight because he's dead. When he dies in the movie, he's not coming back to life. It hits too close to home and too close to real life. Along those lines, I don't think we'll ever be able to do those fun Thriller steps without a hint of sadness.
So where do these deaths, along with the impending wars in Iran and the nuclear threats of North Korea, leave a young woman. Well, first it puts a new perspective on life. I remember being so upset about the election of Obama not for reasons that most would think but mainly because I didn't entirely know what he stood for, how he would handle the issues of our day. What I did know, well, not all of it seemed good. Yes, I am glad we now have a black president as part of our history, but the fact that his race was even a question and a debate shows that the racial issues, whatever side, have not dissolved. With this I learned that God is in control.
Now I have to take this many steps further. Life and death are in His hands and for a nation and a world that is looking for hope in a hopeless era, be it the economy or wars, the Word needs to spread. People are dying for justice, literally, after the elections in Iran and as soldiers fight to establish and maintain peace in Iraq. Even in the Orange Revolution, the people were not going to put up with injustice and again, lives were lost for freedom. People need to know that "God knows the plans He has for them, plans to prosper and not to harm them (Jeremiah 29:11)." Just like after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, hearts are hungry. People want some sort of morals and justice in the world and I think it is time that the church steps up. It's time for me to take those extra five minutes at the Walmart cash register and ask the clerk how their day is. I need to share a smile. I need to spend less time in the world of the internet speculating and thinking about life, thinking about what should have happened and more time making things happen. I need to show the unfathomable love of Jesus in the New Testament.
How have I gotten to this point anyway. When did I stop asking people how they were doing and instead relied on their hourly face book status update. When did I feel more comfortable texting someone than calling them. Being texting buddies does not result in a life-long relationship. Who knows, maybe this face book era is just a fad and maybe when we have nothing left, we'll go back to making house calls and looking forward to the milkshake at the drive-in. I know this has been said by many before but maybe now, we are all really feeling it and the realization and effects of the internet age are settling in.
Suddenly passing my biology test or missing a movie isn't that important. Listening to a friend who can't find a job to pay for college becomes top priority. Being at the hospital with a loved one or sitting next to your best friend as she watches her dad battle cancer is where I should be. Maybe I'll study in my free time and strive for an 'A' because it's something I can do and though it may go unnoticed, the little things can become big triumphs. "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17)."
I know it will take a decision and following through. I am just as addicted to face book as the next person, but I think it's time to make a change. This may seem hypocritical as I'm posting this, but I'm planning and hoping to start now. Don't get me wrong, they can be beneficial and I certainly don't mean to stop using it all together. It's just that sometimes I guess I lose sight of my priorities. I'm a nineteen year old girl living in a world of uncertainty. It's time to start living and watch the miracles of God's redemption.
P.S. I was looking for a particular verse and couldn't find it but I did find these....
Titus 3:9-11
Ephesians 5:11-12
2 Peter 3
Sitting down to write a tribute or a reflection of this past week and these past nineteen years for that matter, I don't even know where to begin. It stirs a lot of different emotions and thoughts.
This week started out rough and is still not over. As America watched John and Kate separate, our hearts broke for the family. Yes they have become part of the statistic but we all hoped that they wouldn't. My plea is that they don't have to become that. TLC decided to stop airing John and Kate plus 8 until August and well, it looks like that chapter is over. I don't quite understand where the excitement of the change that John spoke of comes from or why they claim they are doing it for their kids. Every other word is about their kids but what about their marriage?
Following this, as a South Carolinian, we were informed that our governor was having an affair in Argentina. Of course there were mixed emotions about his disappearance, humor and curiosity, whatever the motives. Putting politics aside, I'm pretty sure that if the governor was needed somebody would have been available to oversee the necessary measures to either step in and/or inform the governor, the outcome is sad. It is not my place to judge and I hope that the media will handle it with some sort of respect. Sanford recalled that it started as a friendship, it digressed from there. I almost don't even want to read or hear about it anymore. It is enough to know that he did it and it is awful, but I don't want to read the emails and know all the details. One act and the consequences are dire, grave, and life-altering not only for him, but for everyone involved.
Emotions from these two stories, well as a young women it brings fear. You wonder who you can trust anymore and marriage has become, though it always has been, a daily battle. It takes work to be a success and maybe now it will be taken a bit more seriously. Now America is shocked if you are married to a member of the opposite sex and if it is both you and your spouse's only marriage.
With the deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson well again, where do you begin. Losing anyone is a horrendous, tragedy that no-one every gets over. Farrah battled cancer like so many others and lost. It makes you wonder what you will be remembered for. A smile, an "angel", a heart, a discovery, a sacrifice, an unknown soldier, a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, and the list goes on. One life, one death. Did she make it count? And Michael Jackson just passed a physical and died the next day. His story is not the only one that is peculiar. What about the chef who found out he had cancer and died days later. Or the lady who missed Air France Flight 447 and died in a car wreck on the way home? When it's your time to go, you have to go. Jackson was remembered for his infamous Thriller music video and his court appearances. He had fun but like many, he lived a troubled life. Farrah similarly went through divorce and a son who is spending much of his life in prison. You just never know what someone is going through.
With the death of Heath Ledger I didn't know if I could ever bring myself to watch The Dark Knight because he's dead. When he dies in the movie, he's not coming back to life. It hits too close to home and too close to real life. Along those lines, I don't think we'll ever be able to do those fun Thriller steps without a hint of sadness.
So where do these deaths, along with the impending wars in Iran and the nuclear threats of North Korea, leave a young woman. Well, first it puts a new perspective on life. I remember being so upset about the election of Obama not for reasons that most would think but mainly because I didn't entirely know what he stood for, how he would handle the issues of our day. What I did know, well, not all of it seemed good. Yes, I am glad we now have a black president as part of our history, but the fact that his race was even a question and a debate shows that the racial issues, whatever side, have not dissolved. With this I learned that God is in control.
Now I have to take this many steps further. Life and death are in His hands and for a nation and a world that is looking for hope in a hopeless era, be it the economy or wars, the Word needs to spread. People are dying for justice, literally, after the elections in Iran and as soldiers fight to establish and maintain peace in Iraq. Even in the Orange Revolution, the people were not going to put up with injustice and again, lives were lost for freedom. People need to know that "God knows the plans He has for them, plans to prosper and not to harm them (Jeremiah 29:11)." Just like after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, hearts are hungry. People want some sort of morals and justice in the world and I think it is time that the church steps up. It's time for me to take those extra five minutes at the Walmart cash register and ask the clerk how their day is. I need to share a smile. I need to spend less time in the world of the internet speculating and thinking about life, thinking about what should have happened and more time making things happen. I need to show the unfathomable love of Jesus in the New Testament.
How have I gotten to this point anyway. When did I stop asking people how they were doing and instead relied on their hourly face book status update. When did I feel more comfortable texting someone than calling them. Being texting buddies does not result in a life-long relationship. Who knows, maybe this face book era is just a fad and maybe when we have nothing left, we'll go back to making house calls and looking forward to the milkshake at the drive-in. I know this has been said by many before but maybe now, we are all really feeling it and the realization and effects of the internet age are settling in.
Suddenly passing my biology test or missing a movie isn't that important. Listening to a friend who can't find a job to pay for college becomes top priority. Being at the hospital with a loved one or sitting next to your best friend as she watches her dad battle cancer is where I should be. Maybe I'll study in my free time and strive for an 'A' because it's something I can do and though it may go unnoticed, the little things can become big triumphs. "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17)."
I know it will take a decision and following through. I am just as addicted to face book as the next person, but I think it's time to make a change. This may seem hypocritical as I'm posting this, but I'm planning and hoping to start now. Don't get me wrong, they can be beneficial and I certainly don't mean to stop using it all together. It's just that sometimes I guess I lose sight of my priorities. I'm a nineteen year old girl living in a world of uncertainty. It's time to start living and watch the miracles of God's redemption.
P.S. I was looking for a particular verse and couldn't find it but I did find these....
Titus 3:9-11
Ephesians 5:11-12
2 Peter 3
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