These past few days or so have kind of flown by ... Life has been rather busy, but in the midst of it the Lord has been teaching and reminding me of things. I am more and more yearning for more of Him and less of me ... I know as I look to Him, He will be faithful to show me what that looks like. I know that in my fallen flesh I would rather do things my way, but deep down, in the spirit, I just yearn for more and more of Him instead ... even if it means some pain and suffering.
And I know deep down that the things of my fallen flesh and the things of this world are worthless and empty ... that He Alone is the Source of living water ... the wonderful One who satisfies and breathes life into me, whether I am feeling on cloud nine, weary, or just somewhere in between. :-) Life abundant is in Him. (John 10:10) I am grateful for all the things He is showing me, and for His boundless patience with me. I don't deserve it, but am grateful. I want more of HIM, each moment, each day ...
This morning in the car I was listening to this song from a Caedmon's Call CD I checked out from the library ... The words caught me and I thought really described some of what has been on my heart lately ... hope they're a blessing to you as well ...
Carry Your Love
We are called out; we are ransomed
We are not of the world we're in
We are chosen; we are blessed
To bring light to the lives of men
So Father sow Your seed
Give us life in community
Wake us from our sleep
This is Your time; this is Your place
And we are vessels for breaking
Under Your grace, we are led by Your Spirit
You have redeemed us by the blood of Your Son
Send down Your Word; we are eager to hear it
Ready our hearts to carry Your love
You are sunlight; You are morning
You're the hope of a brand new day
You are comfort; You are blessing
And You wipe all our tears away
So change us from within
Renedr miracles from our sin
Remind us once again
This is Your time; this is Your place
We are vessels for breaking
*lyrics from Carry Your Love, Caedmon's Call
Friday, March 20, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Be Thou My Vision
This has got to be one of my all-time favorite hymns ... I remember sometimes singing it in church growing up, but I'm not sure I really stopped and realized how amazing the words are until one summer I spent at a Christian camp in Colorado. We on staff were singing it for the students, and I thought, "Wow ... what a great hymn!" It almost felt like I was "discovering" it for the first time. :)
Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tow'r.
Raise Thou me heav'nward, O Pow'r of my pow'r.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns son,
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
I was trying to find the author ... It looks like maybe there are a few different thoughts about who the author is ... but as I searched online I found this fascinating story of the setting it may have been written in, from Center for Church Music. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did ... I know my heart is touched by the lives of Christians in other countries and what they go through because of their love for Jesus. Working for a missions organization, I hear and work with these reports so often! (If you'd like to read some more true stories of believers who are gladly choosing to suffer for the sake of Jesus ... just check out this link!)
Here is the story I found when I was searching online for "Be Thou My Vision" ...
"With its heartfelt poetry and moving melody, 'Be Thou My Vision' beautifully expresses the desires of the Christian heart. Though its popularity rose only in the past fifty years or so, the hymn actually has a rich history dating back to the eighth century.
Between the years of 400 and 700 AD the Irish people lived out a passionate faith in Christ. Ireland took up the missionary endeavor with excitement, and the country became known for its all-absorbing efforts to share Christianity throughout the world. Irish missionaries were found from Scotland to Switzerland, spreading the Good News wherever they went.
Some scholars believe that the words to the hymn are the product of a man known simply as St. Patrick. Patrick was born in A.D. 373 along the banks of the River Clyde in what is now called Scotland. When he was 16 he was kidnapped by pirates and taken as a slave to Ireland. There he gave his life to Jesus Christ. He eventually escaped, but he never forgot this experience and when he was about 30 he returned to his former captors with only one possession: the Latin Bible. History tells us that St. Patrick was the man most responsible for the Good News of Christ coming to Ireland. As a result of his preaching, over 200 churches were established and 100,000 converts were baptized.
'Be Thou My Vision' undoubtedly comes from this spiritually rich period. Its prominent theme encourages single-hearted focus and devotion to Christ. In the hymn lyrics, the poet expresses his adoration of God through the many titles he gives him: Vision, Wisdom, Word, Great Father, Power, Inheritance, High King of heaven, Treasure, bright heaven's Sun, Ruler of all.
Today, we continue to sing the words of this hymn, echoing the poet's response to God's many titles. 'Thou my best thought, Thy presence my light.'"
** Story from Center for Church Music, www.songsandhymns.org
Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tow'r.
Raise Thou me heav'nward, O Pow'r of my pow'r.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns son,
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
I was trying to find the author ... It looks like maybe there are a few different thoughts about who the author is ... but as I searched online I found this fascinating story of the setting it may have been written in, from Center for Church Music. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did ... I know my heart is touched by the lives of Christians in other countries and what they go through because of their love for Jesus. Working for a missions organization, I hear and work with these reports so often! (If you'd like to read some more true stories of believers who are gladly choosing to suffer for the sake of Jesus ... just check out this link!)
Here is the story I found when I was searching online for "Be Thou My Vision" ...
"With its heartfelt poetry and moving melody, 'Be Thou My Vision' beautifully expresses the desires of the Christian heart. Though its popularity rose only in the past fifty years or so, the hymn actually has a rich history dating back to the eighth century.
Between the years of 400 and 700 AD the Irish people lived out a passionate faith in Christ. Ireland took up the missionary endeavor with excitement, and the country became known for its all-absorbing efforts to share Christianity throughout the world. Irish missionaries were found from Scotland to Switzerland, spreading the Good News wherever they went.
Some scholars believe that the words to the hymn are the product of a man known simply as St. Patrick. Patrick was born in A.D. 373 along the banks of the River Clyde in what is now called Scotland. When he was 16 he was kidnapped by pirates and taken as a slave to Ireland. There he gave his life to Jesus Christ. He eventually escaped, but he never forgot this experience and when he was about 30 he returned to his former captors with only one possession: the Latin Bible. History tells us that St. Patrick was the man most responsible for the Good News of Christ coming to Ireland. As a result of his preaching, over 200 churches were established and 100,000 converts were baptized.
'Be Thou My Vision' undoubtedly comes from this spiritually rich period. Its prominent theme encourages single-hearted focus and devotion to Christ. In the hymn lyrics, the poet expresses his adoration of God through the many titles he gives him: Vision, Wisdom, Word, Great Father, Power, Inheritance, High King of heaven, Treasure, bright heaven's Sun, Ruler of all.
Today, we continue to sing the words of this hymn, echoing the poet's response to God's many titles. 'Thou my best thought, Thy presence my light.'"
** Story from Center for Church Music, www.songsandhymns.org
Saturday, February 21, 2009
"Give Me Jesus"
Another one of my favorites ...
Give Me Jesus
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus.
When I was looking up that song online to find the author (apparently a traditional Gospel song with an unknown author), I found another "Give Me Jesus" written by 19th century hymn writer Frances Crosby.
I remember enjoying her hymns in the small church I grew up in, and appreciating her walk with the Lord ... She was a woman who was blind from childhood because of a doctor error, but loved the Lord very much and wrote over 8,000 hymns during her lifetime (wow...). To this day, the vast majority of hymnals in America include her work. Speaking of her blindness, she said ...
"It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me."
Here is Frances Crosby's "Give Me Jesus" -
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
All its joys are but a name;
But His love abideth ever,
Through eternal years the same.
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Sweetest comfort of my soul;
With my Savior watching o’er me,
I can sing though billows roll.
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Let me view His constant smile;
Then throughout my pilgrim journey
Light will cheer me all the while.
Take the world, but give me Jesus;
In His cross my trust shall be,
Till, with clearer, brighter vision,
Face to face my Lord I see.
Refrain:
Oh, the height and depth of mercy!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above!
Give Me Jesus
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus.
When I was looking up that song online to find the author (apparently a traditional Gospel song with an unknown author), I found another "Give Me Jesus" written by 19th century hymn writer Frances Crosby.
I remember enjoying her hymns in the small church I grew up in, and appreciating her walk with the Lord ... She was a woman who was blind from childhood because of a doctor error, but loved the Lord very much and wrote over 8,000 hymns during her lifetime (wow...). To this day, the vast majority of hymnals in America include her work. Speaking of her blindness, she said ...
"It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me."
Here is Frances Crosby's "Give Me Jesus" -
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
All its joys are but a name;
But His love abideth ever,
Through eternal years the same.
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Sweetest comfort of my soul;
With my Savior watching o’er me,
I can sing though billows roll.
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Let me view His constant smile;
Then throughout my pilgrim journey
Light will cheer me all the while.
Take the world, but give me Jesus;
In His cross my trust shall be,
Till, with clearer, brighter vision,
Face to face my Lord I see.
Refrain:
Oh, the height and depth of mercy!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
From the Inside Out
Another great worship song ... again from Hillsong United, Australia. The words in some of the worship songs out now are so rich with meaning ... I would love to be able to write a song like that! I am always fascinated with how these songs come about ...
I guess it could be as God speaks to someone through a time in their life, or maybe as they're out in His creation on a beautiful day, reflecting on His handiwork. Or maybe from a particular Scripture God has touched their heart with.
From the Inside Out
A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
My heart and my soul, I give You control
Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out...
*lyrics from Hillsong United
I guess it could be as God speaks to someone through a time in their life, or maybe as they're out in His creation on a beautiful day, reflecting on His handiwork. Or maybe from a particular Scripture God has touched their heart with.
From the Inside Out
A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
My heart and my soul, I give You control
Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out...
*lyrics from Hillsong United
Monday, February 09, 2009
Saviour King
We sang this song at my church last night. I think the lyrics about Jesus and His transforming love are so beautiful ... [If you're reading this and don't yet personally know His redemptive love ... I would love to share with you how you can experience it. You won't regret it ...]
And now the weak say I have strength
By the spirit of power that raised Christ from the dead
And now the poor stand and confess
That my portion is Him and I'm more than blessed
Let now our hearts burn with a flame
A fire consuming all for Your Son's holy name
And with the heavens we declare
You are our king
We love You Lord, we worship You
You are our God, You alone are good
You asked Your Son to carry this
The heavy cross our weight of sin
I love You Lord, I worship You
Hope which was lost, now stands renewed
I give my life to honor this
The love of Christ, the Saviour King
Let now Your church shine as the bride
That You saw in Your heart as You offered up your life
Let now the lost be welcomed home
By the saved and redeemed, those adopted as Your own
I give my life to honor this
The love of Christ, the Saviour King
*from Hillsong United's "Saviour King"
And now the weak say I have strength
By the spirit of power that raised Christ from the dead
And now the poor stand and confess
That my portion is Him and I'm more than blessed
Let now our hearts burn with a flame
A fire consuming all for Your Son's holy name
And with the heavens we declare
You are our king
We love You Lord, we worship You
You are our God, You alone are good
You asked Your Son to carry this
The heavy cross our weight of sin
I love You Lord, I worship You
Hope which was lost, now stands renewed
I give my life to honor this
The love of Christ, the Saviour King
Let now Your church shine as the bride
That You saw in Your heart as You offered up your life
Let now the lost be welcomed home
By the saved and redeemed, those adopted as Your own
I give my life to honor this
The love of Christ, the Saviour King
*from Hillsong United's "Saviour King"
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Lasagna, Chick Flicks and Incredible Weather . . .
How are you all doing? :) The weather this weekend has been ... incredible. After not feeling well Monday through Wednesday-ish (either sinuses or one of those colds that has been going around everywhere?) it was nice to be feeling back to my usual self this weekend. :-) (I'm sure you know the feeling!) And thus ... able to enjoy the amazing weather! I got out in it for a while yesterday, at the nature preserve. It is so refreshing to be out in God's creation ... there's hardly anything like it!
Friday night I had the opportunity to fellowship and worship Jesus with friends ... and enjoy some delicious lasagna! :) There was worship music playing and then we had a time of prayer ... it was so very nice to have that time to be still before the Lord and listen to the amazing words in the song. I love Him so much ... and it's amazing that He loves us like He does, and that He would provide the means for our redemption at such great cost. What grace!
Last night was fun ... meeting up again with two dear friends to just go hang out and watch a chick flick! It was a cute movie, and good times for sure! :)
It was fun catching up with friends from church over lunch today. I was thinking just now ... how very grateful I am for all the people in my life! I am truly blessed ... I love you all! :)
[Side note ... and ... any of you who know me well at all will appreciate ... :) ... the other night, I took one road thinking it would end up in a certain place ... to find it ended up in a completely different spot! ;-) This has happened to me so many times ... not with the same road of course. Still, though ... :-) GPS, anyone? I always joke that if my friends all pitched in and got me a GPS system, it would be a good investment for THEM. :)) Yet ... if I had a GPS system, we couldn't enjoy the scenic parts of the DFW area ... and where would be the adventure in that? :o)]
Friday night I had the opportunity to fellowship and worship Jesus with friends ... and enjoy some delicious lasagna! :) There was worship music playing and then we had a time of prayer ... it was so very nice to have that time to be still before the Lord and listen to the amazing words in the song. I love Him so much ... and it's amazing that He loves us like He does, and that He would provide the means for our redemption at such great cost. What grace!
Last night was fun ... meeting up again with two dear friends to just go hang out and watch a chick flick! It was a cute movie, and good times for sure! :)
It was fun catching up with friends from church over lunch today. I was thinking just now ... how very grateful I am for all the people in my life! I am truly blessed ... I love you all! :)
[Side note ... and ... any of you who know me well at all will appreciate ... :) ... the other night, I took one road thinking it would end up in a certain place ... to find it ended up in a completely different spot! ;-) This has happened to me so many times ... not with the same road of course. Still, though ... :-) GPS, anyone? I always joke that if my friends all pitched in and got me a GPS system, it would be a good investment for THEM. :)) Yet ... if I had a GPS system, we couldn't enjoy the scenic parts of the DFW area ... and where would be the adventure in that? :o)]
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Plans We Make ... Fail to Compare
There is a song that really speaks to me. Not only does it have a great tune, but the words are pretty amazing ... From the first words ...
Woe to me I am unclean
A sinner found in Your presence
I see you seated on Your throne
Exalted, Your Glory surrounds You*
It reminds me of who I am ... nothing apart from Jesus! How freeing that is, though ... There is nothing we could ever do to deserve His mercy ... It is completely lavished on us, ours for the asking, despite that we are unworthy ... available to any who will put their faith in Him for redemption. It is all about Him.
And ... I really love these next two lines ...
Now the plans that I have made
Fail to compare when I see your glory.*
While I've had a pretty busy week, with maybe a few challenges along the way, I have to say that I have so much felt His sustaining hand and His peace in it all. The peace He gives is great ... and nothing that this world could ever give! I love it. I've been so refreshed lately to be reminded of how I am nothing and He is everything. May He live His life through me ... may I decrease and He increase in each part of my life.
These next few lines are ... almost really scary, at least from a human standpoint. (I have to be honest!!;-)) But oh, how I want them to more and more be my prayer. I know, deep down, that the lives filled with the most joy are those that are laid down at the feet of Jesus with total abandonment. I love when I catch glimpses of what that can look like ... and I love that God is so patient with me and faithful to bring situations into my life that He can use to make me just a little more like Him when I yield and let Him!
Here are those "scary", yet, I believe, glorious lines ... :)
Ruin my life, the plans I have made
Ruin desires for my own selfish gain
Destroy the idols that have taken Your place
'Till its You alone I live for,
You alone I live for.*
*lyrics from "Ruin Me," written and sung by Jeff Johnson
Woe to me I am unclean
A sinner found in Your presence
I see you seated on Your throne
Exalted, Your Glory surrounds You*
It reminds me of who I am ... nothing apart from Jesus! How freeing that is, though ... There is nothing we could ever do to deserve His mercy ... It is completely lavished on us, ours for the asking, despite that we are unworthy ... available to any who will put their faith in Him for redemption. It is all about Him.
And ... I really love these next two lines ...
Now the plans that I have made
Fail to compare when I see your glory.*
While I've had a pretty busy week, with maybe a few challenges along the way, I have to say that I have so much felt His sustaining hand and His peace in it all. The peace He gives is great ... and nothing that this world could ever give! I love it. I've been so refreshed lately to be reminded of how I am nothing and He is everything. May He live His life through me ... may I decrease and He increase in each part of my life.
These next few lines are ... almost really scary, at least from a human standpoint. (I have to be honest!!;-)) But oh, how I want them to more and more be my prayer. I know, deep down, that the lives filled with the most joy are those that are laid down at the feet of Jesus with total abandonment. I love when I catch glimpses of what that can look like ... and I love that God is so patient with me and faithful to bring situations into my life that He can use to make me just a little more like Him when I yield and let Him!
Here are those "scary", yet, I believe, glorious lines ... :)
Ruin my life, the plans I have made
Ruin desires for my own selfish gain
Destroy the idols that have taken Your place
'Till its You alone I live for,
You alone I live for.*
*lyrics from "Ruin Me," written and sung by Jeff Johnson
Monday, January 05, 2009
God's Goodness in this New Year
It would be hard to describe all the Lord has been doing in my life in the first few days of this new year. He has really been working in me, showing me some of those areas in which I need to grow and helping me so much already . . . and giving me such good times with Him.
I love the sweetness of His presence. True, life will have its challenges and hardships . . . but in all of it, if we know Jesus, we have His dear presence to encourage and to guide. What greater gift could we desire, deep down, than that . . . and yet He gracious chooses to not only give us Himself, the best gift of all, but also bestow on us many other wonderful blessings in this life.
I have found lately that life has not been without its challenges and stressful moments with the different things He's put on my plate ... yet He's been so faithful to me in the midst of it all, abundantly faithful. Two meetings I had at work today went so well and over and beyond what I could have hoped for ... God has truly been so good to me.
I am so grateful for my Savior. I can’t imagine life without Him! It’s exciting to think of this new year and all that He will do in and through me as (by His grace) I let go more and yield more of me to Him. I know I have so far to go in this area, but I truly believe brokenness is the way to abundant life. I think of Jim Elliot who gave his life to reach the Auca Indians, who said, “He is no fool who gives the things He cannot keep [the things of this life] to gain the things He cannot lose.”
I am grateful for a God who doesn’t give up on me . . . who gives me second, third and fourth chances . . . again and again . . . who, in fact, never runs out of patience toward me and continually gives me the opportunity to know Him more and walk more closely with Him. He is amazing and wonderful, and I find myself falling more and more in love with Him each day.
I love the sweetness of His presence. True, life will have its challenges and hardships . . . but in all of it, if we know Jesus, we have His dear presence to encourage and to guide. What greater gift could we desire, deep down, than that . . . and yet He gracious chooses to not only give us Himself, the best gift of all, but also bestow on us many other wonderful blessings in this life.
I have found lately that life has not been without its challenges and stressful moments with the different things He's put on my plate ... yet He's been so faithful to me in the midst of it all, abundantly faithful. Two meetings I had at work today went so well and over and beyond what I could have hoped for ... God has truly been so good to me.
I am so grateful for my Savior. I can’t imagine life without Him! It’s exciting to think of this new year and all that He will do in and through me as (by His grace) I let go more and yield more of me to Him. I know I have so far to go in this area, but I truly believe brokenness is the way to abundant life. I think of Jim Elliot who gave his life to reach the Auca Indians, who said, “He is no fool who gives the things He cannot keep [the things of this life] to gain the things He cannot lose.”
I am grateful for a God who doesn’t give up on me . . . who gives me second, third and fourth chances . . . again and again . . . who, in fact, never runs out of patience toward me and continually gives me the opportunity to know Him more and walk more closely with Him. He is amazing and wonderful, and I find myself falling more and more in love with Him each day.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
No One like the God who rides on the heavens ... : )
"There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." --Deuteronomy 33:26,27a
This is the memory verse some of us girls from my Bible fellowship class and I decided on for the week, over lunch and dear fellowship on Sunday. :) We're keeping each other accountable to memorizing Scripture each week ... and I have been so encouraged at how powerful, living and active God's Word truly is in my day-to-day life!
I know I was really blessed by this verse last night. Next week we'll be picking another verse ... anyone like to join us? :)
This is the memory verse some of us girls from my Bible fellowship class and I decided on for the week, over lunch and dear fellowship on Sunday. :) We're keeping each other accountable to memorizing Scripture each week ... and I have been so encouraged at how powerful, living and active God's Word truly is in my day-to-day life!
I know I was really blessed by this verse last night. Next week we'll be picking another verse ... anyone like to join us? :)
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Song of Rest for a Weary Week :)
Give to the wind your fear
Hope and be undismayed
God hears your sighs and
counts your tears
God will lift up, God
will lift up, lift up
your head
Leave to His sovereign sway
To choose and to command
Then shall we wander on His way
Know how wise and how strong
How wise and how strong
Through waves and clouds and storms,
He gently clears the way
Wait because in His time,
so shall this night
Soon end in joy, soon end in joy.
God will lift up your head ...
(Jars of Clay: "God Will Lift Up Your Head")
Somehow this song just resonates with me today ... I had a really wonderful, memorable Thanksgiving weekend with my family, but somehow this week has been been kind of a tough one for me, and I find myself in need of rest and solace ... refreshment from my Savior. I know it's a busy time of the year for so many of us, but it's always been my favorite!
I LOVE the Christmas season, and I think the stressful times this week are a great reminder to take some time to sit back and rejoice in the One we celebrate this Christmas ... the One who will lift up our head and pour His words of refreshment into our hearts. How I praise the Savior that He is always with us ... and that He came to this earth around 2,000 years ago to be born in a stable ... to redeem us!
Hope and be undismayed
God hears your sighs and
counts your tears
God will lift up, God
will lift up, lift up
your head
Leave to His sovereign sway
To choose and to command
Then shall we wander on His way
Know how wise and how strong
How wise and how strong
Through waves and clouds and storms,
He gently clears the way
Wait because in His time,
so shall this night
Soon end in joy, soon end in joy.
God will lift up your head ...
(Jars of Clay: "God Will Lift Up Your Head")
Somehow this song just resonates with me today ... I had a really wonderful, memorable Thanksgiving weekend with my family, but somehow this week has been been kind of a tough one for me, and I find myself in need of rest and solace ... refreshment from my Savior. I know it's a busy time of the year for so many of us, but it's always been my favorite!
I LOVE the Christmas season, and I think the stressful times this week are a great reminder to take some time to sit back and rejoice in the One we celebrate this Christmas ... the One who will lift up our head and pour His words of refreshment into our hearts. How I praise the Savior that He is always with us ... and that He came to this earth around 2,000 years ago to be born in a stable ... to redeem us!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Shoes, Scripture verses and God's Manifold Provision
At our ministry's prayer meeting last night, the brother who was sharing encouraged and challenged us to write in a journal or notebook something for each day that God had done that we were thankful for. I thought, Wow, what a wonderful idea! And ... how fitting, too, with Thanksgiving almost here!
I thought I would include just a few things I'm grateful for over these past few days ... God has been doing much! :)
A few "snapshots":
*I had a wonderful time after church on Sunday, just taking a walk and enjoying God's creation at the nature preserve. I reflected on how I love being outside in nice weather, and wondered why I loved it so much. I realized that everything in creation points to Jesus ... The wind blowing, the sound of the leaves rustling ... the beautiful sky ... it has His fingerprint all over it! No wonder it's so exhilerating! :)
*Loved getting to chat with a friend from my Bible fellowship class last night ... and we decided to each pick a Scripture verse for both of us to memorize weekly, and keep each other accountable! I'm so excited! Last night the verse she picked really encouraged me, and a little while ago I received a message from her that she was able to use my verse to encourage several people God put in her path who needed it! Such a reminder that His Word is living and powerful ... It speaks to every area of our lives, and I know it wasn't by accident that those verses were picked for this week!
*Then, on "my way out" from the Cowboys watching party (it had been a long day ... in a good way, though!) I ran into another friend and we had a wonderful time as well, getting to catch up and pray for one another. We also enjoyed some great laughs ... because inevitably as we were talking there were moments where our voices sounded really loud. In our defense, the game on the big screen was pretty loud, so we were having to talk above it, and then there were suddenly these random moments where everything was quiet ... so our voices really stood out in the room! :-D We were laughging so hard over that ... and of course we'd kind of look around ... but people seemed pretty absorbed in the game, which was good. We figured no one even noticed ... until later when we told a friend who was walking out with us, and he grinned and was like, "Yeah, I heard y'all yelling over there!" :oD Good times! :o)
*Finally I have a shoe story! (Guys ... lest you think this is a girl story ... just give it a chance ... you might like it and learn something from it ... :))about the mysterious world of girls :) of course, even more, about God's provision and care in our lives!) So I was at the mall last week ... I had a coupon for two FREE truffles (who can resist that) at the Godiva store. I also had to make a return. As I walked by the DSW shoe store, I thought, I know I'd probably find a cute pair of shoes. But I have more than enough pairs of shoes and the last thing I need is to spend my money on a pair of shoes today! So I went on ... bypassing the DSW shoe store of course! :) Well, the following morning I found out about some shoes a volunteer was getting rid of and donating to whoever could use them at our ministry. Two pairs of the shoes fit me perfectly, and I liked them both and couldn't have picked better myself! :-) It may seem like such a small thing, but it reminded me in an incredible way of God's provision ... a provision I never would have seen if I had rushed ahead and impatiently tried to buy a pair of shoes myself! It's really amazing how He cares about even the "little" things ... and, in this case, an "extra" blessing because not something I absolutely needed ... and how HIS provision in every area of our lives is always perfect and best.
*Had such a good time of prayer with a friend this evening. She and I were both full of praises!
I have been thinking a lot today about how God is always working our lives and the lives of those around us ... how nothing is coincidence. I love seeing His hand at work ... I love how each day is a new day with Him, how He is always doing something. Isn't that cool?! :)
I thought I would include just a few things I'm grateful for over these past few days ... God has been doing much! :)
A few "snapshots":
*I had a wonderful time after church on Sunday, just taking a walk and enjoying God's creation at the nature preserve. I reflected on how I love being outside in nice weather, and wondered why I loved it so much. I realized that everything in creation points to Jesus ... The wind blowing, the sound of the leaves rustling ... the beautiful sky ... it has His fingerprint all over it! No wonder it's so exhilerating! :)
*Loved getting to chat with a friend from my Bible fellowship class last night ... and we decided to each pick a Scripture verse for both of us to memorize weekly, and keep each other accountable! I'm so excited! Last night the verse she picked really encouraged me, and a little while ago I received a message from her that she was able to use my verse to encourage several people God put in her path who needed it! Such a reminder that His Word is living and powerful ... It speaks to every area of our lives, and I know it wasn't by accident that those verses were picked for this week!
*Then, on "my way out" from the Cowboys watching party (it had been a long day ... in a good way, though!) I ran into another friend and we had a wonderful time as well, getting to catch up and pray for one another. We also enjoyed some great laughs ... because inevitably as we were talking there were moments where our voices sounded really loud. In our defense, the game on the big screen was pretty loud, so we were having to talk above it, and then there were suddenly these random moments where everything was quiet ... so our voices really stood out in the room! :-D We were laughging so hard over that ... and of course we'd kind of look around ... but people seemed pretty absorbed in the game, which was good. We figured no one even noticed ... until later when we told a friend who was walking out with us, and he grinned and was like, "Yeah, I heard y'all yelling over there!" :oD Good times! :o)
*Finally I have a shoe story! (Guys ... lest you think this is a girl story ... just give it a chance ... you might like it and learn something from it ... :))about the mysterious world of girls :) of course, even more, about God's provision and care in our lives!) So I was at the mall last week ... I had a coupon for two FREE truffles (who can resist that) at the Godiva store. I also had to make a return. As I walked by the DSW shoe store, I thought, I know I'd probably find a cute pair of shoes. But I have more than enough pairs of shoes and the last thing I need is to spend my money on a pair of shoes today! So I went on ... bypassing the DSW shoe store of course! :) Well, the following morning I found out about some shoes a volunteer was getting rid of and donating to whoever could use them at our ministry. Two pairs of the shoes fit me perfectly, and I liked them both and couldn't have picked better myself! :-) It may seem like such a small thing, but it reminded me in an incredible way of God's provision ... a provision I never would have seen if I had rushed ahead and impatiently tried to buy a pair of shoes myself! It's really amazing how He cares about even the "little" things ... and, in this case, an "extra" blessing because not something I absolutely needed ... and how HIS provision in every area of our lives is always perfect and best.
*Had such a good time of prayer with a friend this evening. She and I were both full of praises!
I have been thinking a lot today about how God is always working our lives and the lives of those around us ... how nothing is coincidence. I love seeing His hand at work ... I love how each day is a new day with Him, how He is always doing something. Isn't that cool?! :)
Thursday, November 06, 2008
This Great Fall Season
So I haven't updated for a bit ... as I sit here listening to the David Crowder band and enjoying a nice Thursday evening, I thought it would be fun to write a bit in my blog. :)
Some highlights of the last few weeks since I've posted ...
* Continuing to enjoying the wonderful teaching and fellowship God has provided for me both at church and at the ministry where I work!
* Good times of laughter with friends
* Trying out fun new recipes in my crockpot. (I love cooking with my crockpot! I love that you can put something in there, turn it on low, come back hours later and have your meal ready. :)) It's probably one of my favorite methods of cooking.)
* A wonderful time of fellowship with a girl from my Sunday school class. I was so blessed by things the Lord had been doing in her life and showing her!
* Going to a scary movie night where, thankfully, the movie itself wasn't too scary and it was fun being with friends!
* Great weather, and long walks at the nature preserve, sometimes with friends, sometimes with my audio Bible ... a gift from a conference that I've enjoyed so much!
* Fun at Sonic last weekend with my Bible study group. (I even went home with a cool and educational toy from the kids meal! ;-D You can't beat that!)
* Being so refreshed, challenged and encouraged by my Philippians Bible study last night.
* Playing volleyball with friends in the church gym on Wednesday nights! :)
* Marveling at God's goodness and patience toward me. I love Him so much and am so grateful to know Him!
And now? I am getting excited about tomorrow ... It's Friday, and I'm looking forward to lunch with a good friend, and then we all get off a little early since it's prayer night. And I'm thinking about making oatmeal cranberry white chocolate chunk cookies to bring! It may depend on how much energy I have tomorrow after I get off work ... :)
Some highlights of the last few weeks since I've posted ...
* Continuing to enjoying the wonderful teaching and fellowship God has provided for me both at church and at the ministry where I work!
* Good times of laughter with friends
* Trying out fun new recipes in my crockpot. (I love cooking with my crockpot! I love that you can put something in there, turn it on low, come back hours later and have your meal ready. :)) It's probably one of my favorite methods of cooking.)
* A wonderful time of fellowship with a girl from my Sunday school class. I was so blessed by things the Lord had been doing in her life and showing her!
* Going to a scary movie night where, thankfully, the movie itself wasn't too scary and it was fun being with friends!
* Great weather, and long walks at the nature preserve, sometimes with friends, sometimes with my audio Bible ... a gift from a conference that I've enjoyed so much!
* Fun at Sonic last weekend with my Bible study group. (I even went home with a cool and educational toy from the kids meal! ;-D You can't beat that!)
* Being so refreshed, challenged and encouraged by my Philippians Bible study last night.
* Playing volleyball with friends in the church gym on Wednesday nights! :)
* Marveling at God's goodness and patience toward me. I love Him so much and am so grateful to know Him!
And now? I am getting excited about tomorrow ... It's Friday, and I'm looking forward to lunch with a good friend, and then we all get off a little early since it's prayer night. And I'm thinking about making oatmeal cranberry white chocolate chunk cookies to bring! It may depend on how much energy I have tomorrow after I get off work ... :)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
What Is Your Dominant Intelligence?
I just took this quiz and thought it was interesting! You all should take it, too, and let me know what you get! :)
Honestly, I don't agree completely with all of mine by any means ... although at least the "enjoys writing" aspect does definitely sound like me. :o)
I enjoy writing in my journal and writing stories about missionaries at work, and I enjoy word games like Balderdash and remember loving to learn new words in junior high and high school! Some of my friends in college were surprised when my favorite classes were ones where you had to be involved in "creative writing", as those were often their least favorite!
Honestly, I don't agree completely with all of mine by any means ... although at least the "enjoys writing" aspect does definitely sound like me. :o)
I enjoy writing in my journal and writing stories about missionaries at work, and I enjoy word games like Balderdash and remember loving to learn new words in junior high and high school! Some of my friends in college were surprised when my favorite classes were ones where you had to be involved in "creative writing", as those were often their least favorite!
Your Dominant Intelligence is Linguistic Intelligence |
 You are excellent with words and language. You explain yourself well. An elegant speaker, you can converse well with anyone on the fly. You are also good at remembering information and convincing someone of your point of view. A master of creative phrasing and unique words, you enjoy expanding your vocabulary. You would make a fantastic poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, or translator. |
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Jesus' Amazing Love
So much has been going on, it feels hard to konw where to start! Even though I am tired, I am full of gratitude to the Lord ... and marveling at His tender mercies that are new every morning.
A couple of weeks ago, I decided to take half a day off from work. I had something I needed to be at for the church, anyhow, and things had been busy and I thought the rest might be nice. It was an amazing time ... I couldn't have asked for better weather for my time off, and I got in some great Scripture and Piper reading outside by a creek ... and a nice, long walk!
I was so refreshed and encouraged in the Lord through that time. It was well worth it! Then I had some friends come visit me over last weekend ... We had such a nice visit together, I don't think their visit could have been timed more perfectly. It was just when I needed it most!
This past Sunday I was baptized ... I don't know if I could describe in words how the Lord ministered to me through that time. It was an amazing experience ... I felt so grateful and even more in love with the wonderful Savior I have known for so long now.
Last night in prayer meeting as we were all singing worship songs, a phrase from "How Deep the Father's Love" really stood out to me ...
"Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders ..."
Wow ... He did that for me! He went through excruciating pain for me ... and for YOU. He loves us that much. How indescribable and unfathomable is His love!
A couple of weeks ago, I decided to take half a day off from work. I had something I needed to be at for the church, anyhow, and things had been busy and I thought the rest might be nice. It was an amazing time ... I couldn't have asked for better weather for my time off, and I got in some great Scripture and Piper reading outside by a creek ... and a nice, long walk!
I was so refreshed and encouraged in the Lord through that time. It was well worth it! Then I had some friends come visit me over last weekend ... We had such a nice visit together, I don't think their visit could have been timed more perfectly. It was just when I needed it most!
This past Sunday I was baptized ... I don't know if I could describe in words how the Lord ministered to me through that time. It was an amazing experience ... I felt so grateful and even more in love with the wonderful Savior I have known for so long now.
Last night in prayer meeting as we were all singing worship songs, a phrase from "How Deep the Father's Love" really stood out to me ...
"Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders ..."
Wow ... He did that for me! He went through excruciating pain for me ... and for YOU. He loves us that much. How indescribable and unfathomable is His love!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Perfect in All His Ways
God has been doing some pretty incredible things in my life lately to show me just how amazing are His ways! The first was this weekend when I had the chance to serve down in the Bonton community.
I was with a team of other women who were going and praying for different women in the community and encouraging them. We also prayed for a nearby school. And we wrote notes of encouragement to a woman going through some particularly hard times.
I loved agreeing with these women in prayer and could really sense the Lord's presence among us ... One of the highlights of this time for me was when we stopped at the house of a woman who was just about to go visit her son in prison. The awesome thing is that it sounds like her son is coming around and wanting to do the right thing ... the amazing thing in all of this was how perfect God's timing is. If we had been a few minutes later, she probably would have already headed out to go visit her son!
She told us we had just caught her ... and we could tell how much our hugs and prayers meant to her. :) My heart rejoiced to think of the perfectness of God's timing and ways ... and even now, I am so happy as I write this! :)
The second thing was this morning ... Once every week, our department goes through reports from the mission field to decide where each will be used. Well, there was one about one of our missionaries and his motorbike. It turns out the person who gathered that story just kind of "came across" it ... It wasn't one he was originally planning to cover, but we know now that the Lord brought it his way. Because we needed it for a very specific use ... for something we've never done before (motorbike appeal letter) and that he was unaware that we even needed at the time. But God knew ... how wonderful and unsearachable are His ways!
He is so amazing and good.
I was with a team of other women who were going and praying for different women in the community and encouraging them. We also prayed for a nearby school. And we wrote notes of encouragement to a woman going through some particularly hard times.
I loved agreeing with these women in prayer and could really sense the Lord's presence among us ... One of the highlights of this time for me was when we stopped at the house of a woman who was just about to go visit her son in prison. The awesome thing is that it sounds like her son is coming around and wanting to do the right thing ... the amazing thing in all of this was how perfect God's timing is. If we had been a few minutes later, she probably would have already headed out to go visit her son!
She told us we had just caught her ... and we could tell how much our hugs and prayers meant to her. :) My heart rejoiced to think of the perfectness of God's timing and ways ... and even now, I am so happy as I write this! :)
The second thing was this morning ... Once every week, our department goes through reports from the mission field to decide where each will be used. Well, there was one about one of our missionaries and his motorbike. It turns out the person who gathered that story just kind of "came across" it ... It wasn't one he was originally planning to cover, but we know now that the Lord brought it his way. Because we needed it for a very specific use ... for something we've never done before (motorbike appeal letter) and that he was unaware that we even needed at the time. But God knew ... how wonderful and unsearachable are His ways!
He is so amazing and good.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Sunny Fall Weather, Groceries and Prayers
This weather has been ... absolutely gorgeous ... no other words to describe it! Makes me want to own a laptop computer and just work outside all day long. :) Yesterday I was out walking in it after work. And it's Friday, and that means a weekend to enjoy some of this indescribable weather. :o)
I had so much fun running to the grocery store during my lunch break and grabbing ingredients for the new recipes (soups) I want to try this weekend. I love cooking ... there's just something about it! :) And while I'm cooking, I plan to have the windows open in my apartment to let in some of the great breeze outside!
There continues to be persecution in Orissa, and in fact it has now spread to Karnataka state. Yet the believers in these places have such a pure, sincere love for Jesus that is carrying them through. It's really incredible to me. They still need our prayers though ... Please do pray for them, especially for comfort for those that have lost loved ones for the sake of Christ.
I had so much fun running to the grocery store during my lunch break and grabbing ingredients for the new recipes (soups) I want to try this weekend. I love cooking ... there's just something about it! :) And while I'm cooking, I plan to have the windows open in my apartment to let in some of the great breeze outside!
There continues to be persecution in Orissa, and in fact it has now spread to Karnataka state. Yet the believers in these places have such a pure, sincere love for Jesus that is carrying them through. It's really incredible to me. They still need our prayers though ... Please do pray for them, especially for comfort for those that have lost loved ones for the sake of Christ.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
They Know Jesus is Priceless ...
Hebrews 13:3 tells us, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.”
*I love that this Scripture is in the Bible. How timely and appropriate it is, given the things Christians were going through for Jesus’ sake back then . . . and the things they are still going through centuries later because of their love for the Savior.
How does this verse play out in my day-to-day life as I long to know Jesus more each day and see things through His eyes? I know that I want to be faithful in lifting up the needs of the persecuted Church to Him . . . as well as the hearts of those who still need to know Him. Prayer … whether for His work across the globe or in the lives of those around us … is such a privilege, as a friend reminded me last night. I know my own faith is often greatly strengthened through prayer.*
*During prayer meeting the other night, we saw pictures portraying some of the suffering being experienced by believers in Orissa. Images flashed across the screen, bringing a face to the horrific suffering people are facing for their Christian faith. Pictures of houses and churches burned down. Or pictures of groups of believers fleeing their villages to seek refuge in the forests, or the ones living in little tent cities. One image of far more horrific suffering was omitted because they felt it would be too graphic to show for a family audience.
I was deeply moved and my heart went out to the believers, especially as I saw the pictures of them being driven from their homes to hide out in the forests and others who were living in tent cities. Seeing these made me think of the passage in Hebrews 11 that tells us Abraham dwelling in tents because he knew this world was not his home. That chapter goes on to list some of the suffering of the believers in the early church, telling us that they joyfully accepted the plundering of their possessions, knowing they had better and lasting possessions in heaven.*
*I think their perspective amazes me. We live in a fallen world with many perspectives that are vastly different from those of Christ’s kingdom. I think of that verse in Isaiah that tells us that His thoughts are so much higher than ours.
I know that in my own life … whatever may be going on around me, whether in Orissa, or in the lives of those I love around me … or in my own life at times … it is vastly comforting to know that God’s ways are higher, more grand, than anything we could ever think up for ourselves.*
****Think about Orissa, where six believers … people with not much as far as this world, but with a simple faith in Jesus and heartfelt love for Him … have given their lives. And thousands of families are still hiding in the forests as the beatings and burnings of homes/churches continue.
... or the dear friend from my college church who watched her husband die of terminal cancer . . . all the while both of them clinging to Jesus and His Word whatever the outcome. I received this incredible email from them not long before he passed away, while he was in hospice care.
… We love you and thank you for praying for us and trusting God with us. His display of love for us is exceeding abundantly above all we could ever ask or think. Steve looks more and more like the man described in Jeremiah 17:7,8 as he trusts God completely …
When I asked her how I could pray for her in the months following her husband’s death, her prayer request blew me away! It was not for herself but instead, she asked for prayer that she could shine the light of Christ in his workplace (after his death she began working there full-time to support herself), continuing the work that he had started as he witnessed to co-workers before his death. It reminded me of the stories we've heard of widowed missionary wifes continuing to reach out and share the Gospel in areas where their husbands had served.
*Whether in the Church across the globe, or in the lives of those around me … I see so many incredible examples of the worth of Jesus. That is He is so worthy and infinitely priceless . . . I truly can’t imagine this life without knowing Jesus!
Those of us who know Jesus, may we always remember the worth of Jesus and the amazing thing He did for us on the Cross . . . and His incredible, sustaining grace in each of our lives for each new day … whether we are going through difficult times like some dear people are that I know … or whether we’re simply have a day where we’re maybe tired and discouraged. Praise Jesus that He is always with us and is our everlasting portion! And may we be faithful to intercede for our brothers and sisters in Christ in other parts of the world. (This webpage has a link to stories of believers' faith amidst persecution ... and prayer requests for the persecuted Church in each story.)
And … for any of you reading this who don’t know Jesus yet … from my heart I would encourage and challenge you to consider Him who is so worthy that men and women in Orissa would give their lives for Him . . . and other Christians throughout the centuries as well. I promise you won’t regret it!
*I love that this Scripture is in the Bible. How timely and appropriate it is, given the things Christians were going through for Jesus’ sake back then . . . and the things they are still going through centuries later because of their love for the Savior.
How does this verse play out in my day-to-day life as I long to know Jesus more each day and see things through His eyes? I know that I want to be faithful in lifting up the needs of the persecuted Church to Him . . . as well as the hearts of those who still need to know Him. Prayer … whether for His work across the globe or in the lives of those around us … is such a privilege, as a friend reminded me last night. I know my own faith is often greatly strengthened through prayer.*
*During prayer meeting the other night, we saw pictures portraying some of the suffering being experienced by believers in Orissa. Images flashed across the screen, bringing a face to the horrific suffering people are facing for their Christian faith. Pictures of houses and churches burned down. Or pictures of groups of believers fleeing their villages to seek refuge in the forests, or the ones living in little tent cities. One image of far more horrific suffering was omitted because they felt it would be too graphic to show for a family audience.
I was deeply moved and my heart went out to the believers, especially as I saw the pictures of them being driven from their homes to hide out in the forests and others who were living in tent cities. Seeing these made me think of the passage in Hebrews 11 that tells us Abraham dwelling in tents because he knew this world was not his home. That chapter goes on to list some of the suffering of the believers in the early church, telling us that they joyfully accepted the plundering of their possessions, knowing they had better and lasting possessions in heaven.*
*I think their perspective amazes me. We live in a fallen world with many perspectives that are vastly different from those of Christ’s kingdom. I think of that verse in Isaiah that tells us that His thoughts are so much higher than ours.
I know that in my own life … whatever may be going on around me, whether in Orissa, or in the lives of those I love around me … or in my own life at times … it is vastly comforting to know that God’s ways are higher, more grand, than anything we could ever think up for ourselves.*
****Think about Orissa, where six believers … people with not much as far as this world, but with a simple faith in Jesus and heartfelt love for Him … have given their lives. And thousands of families are still hiding in the forests as the beatings and burnings of homes/churches continue.
... or the dear friend from my college church who watched her husband die of terminal cancer . . . all the while both of them clinging to Jesus and His Word whatever the outcome. I received this incredible email from them not long before he passed away, while he was in hospice care.
… We love you and thank you for praying for us and trusting God with us. His display of love for us is exceeding abundantly above all we could ever ask or think. Steve looks more and more like the man described in Jeremiah 17:7,8 as he trusts God completely …
When I asked her how I could pray for her in the months following her husband’s death, her prayer request blew me away! It was not for herself but instead, she asked for prayer that she could shine the light of Christ in his workplace (after his death she began working there full-time to support herself), continuing the work that he had started as he witnessed to co-workers before his death. It reminded me of the stories we've heard of widowed missionary wifes continuing to reach out and share the Gospel in areas where their husbands had served.
*Whether in the Church across the globe, or in the lives of those around me … I see so many incredible examples of the worth of Jesus. That is He is so worthy and infinitely priceless . . . I truly can’t imagine this life without knowing Jesus!
Those of us who know Jesus, may we always remember the worth of Jesus and the amazing thing He did for us on the Cross . . . and His incredible, sustaining grace in each of our lives for each new day … whether we are going through difficult times like some dear people are that I know … or whether we’re simply have a day where we’re maybe tired and discouraged. Praise Jesus that He is always with us and is our everlasting portion! And may we be faithful to intercede for our brothers and sisters in Christ in other parts of the world. (This webpage has a link to stories of believers' faith amidst persecution ... and prayer requests for the persecuted Church in each story.)
And … for any of you reading this who don’t know Jesus yet … from my heart I would encourage and challenge you to consider Him who is so worthy that men and women in Orissa would give their lives for Him . . . and other Christians throughout the centuries as well. I promise you won’t regret it!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Amazing Faith in other Countries Amidst Persecution
Persecution has been on the increase in various parts of Asia, and I thought I would share a little about it and just a few of my personal reflections on it ...
Precious lives have been taken in Orissa this week... martyred for Jesus' sake. My heart hurts for the family members they leave behind. Yet, too, I know that those who are martyred are in a glorious place ... in heaven with the Savior they loved so dearly while they were still on this earth. And I was reminded just now of Romans 8:18 ... "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (NIV)
I can't even begin to imagine the things believers in so many other countries endure for their love for Jesus. Yet being part of a missions organization, I have seen two incredible threads common throughout so many of the persecution reports ...
First, along with the persecution in other countries, Christ's church is growing and flourishing in the midst of it! And second, those experiencing persecution so often show incredible courage, love, and forgiveness in the midst of it. It is an amazing thing to me! I know this is not of them (for in our flesh dwells no good thing), but a work of Jesus in them ... and it has to be an amazing testimony of the Gospel to those who are persecuting them.
I remember a while back when I was reading Hearts Afire, a book published by Voice of the Martyrs ... as I read the stories of incredible faith in the lives of people in other countries who were willing to risk so much for their faith in Jesus, I was greatly encouraged and strengthened in my own faith.
I feel challenged to pray more faithfully for our Christian brothers and sisters in other countries whose lives so inspire me. What a privilege it is that we can play a part in the labors of these precious brothers and sisters, even though they are on the other side of the world. How amazing God is to allow us to play a part in His redemptive work, whereever we are! I am grateful.
[As I was finishing up this post, the song "I Can Only Imagine" started playing on my headphones ... I can't help but think, How appropriate. For those six precious believers who gave their lives for Jesus in Orissa this week ... they are now in the presence of Jesus. Wow!]
Precious lives have been taken in Orissa this week... martyred for Jesus' sake. My heart hurts for the family members they leave behind. Yet, too, I know that those who are martyred are in a glorious place ... in heaven with the Savior they loved so dearly while they were still on this earth. And I was reminded just now of Romans 8:18 ... "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (NIV)
I can't even begin to imagine the things believers in so many other countries endure for their love for Jesus. Yet being part of a missions organization, I have seen two incredible threads common throughout so many of the persecution reports ...
First, along with the persecution in other countries, Christ's church is growing and flourishing in the midst of it! And second, those experiencing persecution so often show incredible courage, love, and forgiveness in the midst of it. It is an amazing thing to me! I know this is not of them (for in our flesh dwells no good thing), but a work of Jesus in them ... and it has to be an amazing testimony of the Gospel to those who are persecuting them.
I remember a while back when I was reading Hearts Afire, a book published by Voice of the Martyrs ... as I read the stories of incredible faith in the lives of people in other countries who were willing to risk so much for their faith in Jesus, I was greatly encouraged and strengthened in my own faith.
I feel challenged to pray more faithfully for our Christian brothers and sisters in other countries whose lives so inspire me. What a privilege it is that we can play a part in the labors of these precious brothers and sisters, even though they are on the other side of the world. How amazing God is to allow us to play a part in His redemptive work, whereever we are! I am grateful.
[As I was finishing up this post, the song "I Can Only Imagine" started playing on my headphones ... I can't help but think, How appropriate. For those six precious believers who gave their lives for Jesus in Orissa this week ... they are now in the presence of Jesus. Wow!]
Sunday, August 17, 2008
A Memorable August 14
I had a birthday recently, and it made me incredibly grateful ... again and again ... for the great people God has surrounded me with! From people decorating my cubicle at work to making marble slab cheesecake (yum!!!) for me for our department celebration, to a yummy team lunch at Schlotsky's to calling me or posting a Facebook note to wish me a happy birthday ... to cooking delicious Indian food for me and another friend whose birthday is close to mine ... not to mention the amazing party some dear friends threw for me Friday evening. I was truly touched and honored that they would want to throw me a party ... and by all the hard work that went into it! They were so creative ... one of them made a cake in the shape of a pair of flip-flop sandals. I loved it. :o)
And the girls had decided it would be a dress-up party ... which is why I was very surprised and a bit flustered when I walked in the door dressed rather casually ... But they came to the rescue with a dress one of them had "borrowed" from me earlier that week ... it was waiting for me for the party! :) She also gave me a beautiful pearl necklace as a present and to wear for the evening!
From start to finish, I had a wonderful birthday ... I think perhaps my most memorable yet! I can't begin to describe how grateful I am for the amazing people the Lord has blessed me with in my life and the warmth and care they have shown. Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special .... y'all know who you are! :)
And the girls had decided it would be a dress-up party ... which is why I was very surprised and a bit flustered when I walked in the door dressed rather casually ... But they came to the rescue with a dress one of them had "borrowed" from me earlier that week ... it was waiting for me for the party! :) She also gave me a beautiful pearl necklace as a present and to wear for the evening!
From start to finish, I had a wonderful birthday ... I think perhaps my most memorable yet! I can't begin to describe how grateful I am for the amazing people the Lord has blessed me with in my life and the warmth and care they have shown. Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special .... y'all know who you are! :)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Cinnamon Rolls, Popcorn, Fellowship
Our department enjoyed some cinnamon rolls this morning for one of our co-worker's birthdays. They definitely hit the spot, especially since I hadn't eaten anything for breakfast. ;-)
I had a friend in the area for the weekend who asked if she could stay with me. I was like, "Sure!" :) She was catching up with some relatives and friends in the area for a good part of the weekend and I had a few things going on as well, so it worked out well that we could come and go as worked best for us ... But last night we did "reconvene" to hang out and catch up. It was a nice time of chatting, watching a movie (complete with popcorn!!!) and praying for each other. I am sleepy today, but glad for the time we were able to share. I love such times of fellowship.
I have so much been enjoying getting to know the young women interning at GFA over the summer. Anna's last day of her internship was Friday, and Erin's is tomorrow. They will be missed! I have been so grateful for the chance to get to know each of them (and Hannah and Jessica!!) and will be in prayer for the Lord to continue to lead their lives. I'm so glad they could come here and spend part of their summer laboring with us all here ... their lives are impacting Asia. :)
I had a friend in the area for the weekend who asked if she could stay with me. I was like, "Sure!" :) She was catching up with some relatives and friends in the area for a good part of the weekend and I had a few things going on as well, so it worked out well that we could come and go as worked best for us ... But last night we did "reconvene" to hang out and catch up. It was a nice time of chatting, watching a movie (complete with popcorn!!!) and praying for each other. I am sleepy today, but glad for the time we were able to share. I love such times of fellowship.
I have so much been enjoying getting to know the young women interning at GFA over the summer. Anna's last day of her internship was Friday, and Erin's is tomorrow. They will be missed! I have been so grateful for the chance to get to know each of them (and Hannah and Jessica!!) and will be in prayer for the Lord to continue to lead their lives. I'm so glad they could come here and spend part of their summer laboring with us all here ... their lives are impacting Asia. :)
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