Here are some random bits of truth that I've come across in, say, the past half hour. I hope they encourage you!
"Yes, I am thankful for gorgeous flowers, sweet aromas, and the delicate taste of well-prepared food. I am thankful for the many people in my life, for sunsets and rivers, for mountains and animals. And I am thankful for how each of these things in some way reflects the glory of God. But most of all I am thankful that God has broken the power of these things over me and is teaching me not to look to them for the satisfaction of my soul." - Paul David Tripp
"In the heart of every young woman lies the intrinsic desire to be found beautiful. But when we come to Jesus, we exchange our desires to be noticed and appreciated for the desire that He and He alone would shine gloriously through our beings. Maybe no one will ever notice us. But that makes no difference as long as they notice Him shining through us. We can waste precious time and energy searching for something of worth and value in our own souls. Or we can join the ranks of historical set-apart women and declare, "less of me and more of Him!" That is when our souls will sparkle with the spectacular beauty of Jesus Christ." - Leslie Ludy: Set-Apart Femininity
O Lord, help me never to expect any happiness from the world, but only in thee. Let me not think that I shall be more happy by living to myself, for I can only be happy if employed for thee, and if I desire to live in this world only to do and suffer what thou dost allot me. Teach me that if I do not live a life that satisfies thee, I shall not live a life that will satisfy myself. Help me to desire the spirit and temper of angels who willingly come down to this lower world to perform thy will, though their desires are heavenly, and not set in the least upon earthy things; then I shall be of that temper I ought to have. Help me not to think of living to thee in my own strength, but always to look to and rely on thee for assistance. Teach me that there is no greater truth than this, that I can do nothing of myself. Lord, this is the life that no unconverted man can live, yet it is an end that every godly soul presses after; let it be then my concern to devote myself and all to thee. Make me more fruitful and more spiritual, for barrenness is my daily affliction and load. How precious is time, and how painful to see it fly with little done to good purpose! I need thy help: O may my soul sensibly depend upon thee for all sanctification, and every accomplishment of thy purposes, for me, for the world, and for thy kingdom. -Valley of Vision
I'm learning.
10.19.2010
I pray you pray we pray
a little Empire State shoutout.
I should really get better about blogging. God's been teaching me a lot. Sorry for not sharing.
But for tonight, I'm just throwing out some prayer requests about some opportunities coming up.
1. I have the chance to be a huddle leader at the middle school FCA retreat, as well as the lake weekend for the girls at FBC Camden, during November 12-14. Each would be awesome, but it's just a decision I need to make.
2. Along the same lines, but a little bigger, I have to decide what to do over Christmas break. I really want to visit my bff Julie in Texas! but I've also been given the opportunity to go to India from December 21-January 7. It'd be a pretty good bit of money, but I'd be going with about four other girls from around Clemson to partner with some college-aged believers there hosting a conference. We would most likely work with younger kids, too- such a cool opportunity!
3. Summer planning is already here. I'm considering applying to be on Summer Staff with World Changers as a missions communications specialist, but Crosspoint has a SummerLink which would be awesome too.
4. I'm in the process of becoming a member at Crosspoint (ps, this is a super solid church in Clemson I've been going to).
Thanks; love y'all mean it.
I should really get better about blogging. God's been teaching me a lot. Sorry for not sharing.
But for tonight, I'm just throwing out some prayer requests about some opportunities coming up.
1. I have the chance to be a huddle leader at the middle school FCA retreat, as well as the lake weekend for the girls at FBC Camden, during November 12-14. Each would be awesome, but it's just a decision I need to make.
2. Along the same lines, but a little bigger, I have to decide what to do over Christmas break. I really want to visit my bff Julie in Texas! but I've also been given the opportunity to go to India from December 21-January 7. It'd be a pretty good bit of money, but I'd be going with about four other girls from around Clemson to partner with some college-aged believers there hosting a conference. We would most likely work with younger kids, too- such a cool opportunity!
3. Summer planning is already here. I'm considering applying to be on Summer Staff with World Changers as a missions communications specialist, but Crosspoint has a SummerLink which would be awesome too.
4. I'm in the process of becoming a member at Crosspoint (ps, this is a super solid church in Clemson I've been going to).
Thanks; love y'all mean it.
9.30.2010
a few tips from an overwhelmed college freshman
Well, there are SO many things that I want to blog about- need to blog about- so I don't forget, and so I can share with all my faithful followers. But, seeing that I have an awesome psych test tomorrow and I've already delayed my study time by 7 hours, it'll have to be condensed into a few suggestions. That's probably better anyway.
1. Read Ephesians. It'll rock your world.
2. Study the trinity. emphasis area: leadership and submission are equally divine (Ephesians 5:22-33).
3. Listen to Midtown's sermon on dating. Dustin Willis doesn't play around, and he's pretty funny, too.
4. Get to know people, even if they're different. That's okay. Appreciate what makes them different, try to understand it, don't try to change it.
5. Tetelestai. I want this tattoo so badly. Any suggestions on non-sketchy/skanky places to get it, holla at me. But while you're thinking of where to tell me to get it, look up what it means.
6. If you're a senior in high school, come to Clemson.
7. And to all you haters that said Peyton and I shouldn't room together, I just want to say that I love this girl, and so far so good. love ya mean it, rooms.
Look out for the follow-up for these. Ha, like I ever actually blog.
1 Corinthians 15:56-57
"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1. Read Ephesians. It'll rock your world.
2. Study the trinity. emphasis area: leadership and submission are equally divine (Ephesians 5:22-33).
3. Listen to Midtown's sermon on dating. Dustin Willis doesn't play around, and he's pretty funny, too.
4. Get to know people, even if they're different. That's okay. Appreciate what makes them different, try to understand it, don't try to change it.
5. Tetelestai. I want this tattoo so badly. Any suggestions on non-sketchy/skanky places to get it, holla at me. But while you're thinking of where to tell me to get it, look up what it means.
6. If you're a senior in high school, come to Clemson.
7. And to all you haters that said Peyton and I shouldn't room together, I just want to say that I love this girl, and so far so good. love ya mean it, rooms.
Look out for the follow-up for these. Ha, like I ever actually blog.
1 Corinthians 15:56-57
"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
8.23.2010
Tonight
>has been the night unlike any other night at Clemson. A generic overview of how things are going at school will come soon (since you're dying to know, I'm sure), but for now, I just want to say the college will probably be a season of learning to trust. Before I came, I had doubts about if this was where God wanted me- and I realized it was. It's not a question of happiness or certainty that this is my new home.. I love it here, really.
But what I've seen over the past few days is a discontent in my heart, a hardness towards my Savior, a lack of trust in His goodness and grace. Really, I've seen that over the past months, but I guess it's seemed to surface more with the intensity of changing surroundings. It's been the weirdest time of my life. My heart runs after things that don't satisfy and desires what may be good at a time but what God has not initiated now.
I pray that God would use all of my empty longings to thrust me into dependence on Him, acknowledging my powerlessness, weakness, and ignorance, and recognizing His Lordship, sufficiency, and consistency; that I would look at the cross and be satisfied; that there, my pride, plans, and love of sin would fall seeing the surpassing greatness of God's alternative.
I came across this quote tonight- certainly no coincidence:
and I'm reminded of the verse inside my purity ring:
I know this has been weird, vulnerable, and kind of vague, but if you happen to read this, say a prayer- for me and for yourself, to desire God more than what we desire at the time, to surround ourselves with His truth, and rest knowing that we can trust the God who created everything we see and don't see.
But what I've seen over the past few days is a discontent in my heart, a hardness towards my Savior, a lack of trust in His goodness and grace. Really, I've seen that over the past months, but I guess it's seemed to surface more with the intensity of changing surroundings. It's been the weirdest time of my life. My heart runs after things that don't satisfy and desires what may be good at a time but what God has not initiated now.
I pray that God would use all of my empty longings to thrust me into dependence on Him, acknowledging my powerlessness, weakness, and ignorance, and recognizing His Lordship, sufficiency, and consistency; that I would look at the cross and be satisfied; that there, my pride, plans, and love of sin would fall seeing the surpassing greatness of God's alternative.
I came across this quote tonight- certainly no coincidence:
"God never witholds from His child that which His love and wisdom call good. God's refusals are always merciful- "severe mercies" at times but mercies all the same. God never denies us our hearts desire except to give us something better." -Elisabeth Elliot
and I'm reminded of the verse inside my purity ring:
"Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
-Psalm 27:14
I know this has been weird, vulnerable, and kind of vague, but if you happen to read this, say a prayer- for me and for yourself, to desire God more than what we desire at the time, to surround ourselves with His truth, and rest knowing that we can trust the God who created everything we see and don't see.
7.22.2010
making up for lost time
I know, two blogs in one night is a little crazy, but I might as well fill you in about Ecuador too!
Basically, the 8 members from FBC Camden met up with about 90 students 4,000 miles away in Ecuador’s capital to work in different areas doing VBSs, sports camps, conversational English, etc. In the airport, we met up with a super sweet girl named Sarah who was going to IWC by herself- instant adoption. Love ya, mean it Esther (like she reads this). Anyway, we stayed in a seminary and had everything we needed.
the team.
It was so cool working with the missionaries, translators, believers, participants, and children there. First, it was so incredible to see the kids run up to you and just love you, because they knew you were there to love them. Praise the Lord. Second, I absolutely loved my translator. Her name was Katherine; she’s 27 and a believer. We immediately hit it off, and it was such a blessing to work with her. Along the same lines, I was so encouraged by the pastor (and his family) of our house church. And last, the missionaries there were great to talk to, giving me a new perspective and desire for missions.
the kids at VBS.
Now to actual points. Through hearing the pastor’s testimony and talking to my translator, one thing I saw was their understanding of the importance/vitality of the Gospel. It is central. It is what unifies believers, brings understanding, and saves us. I saw their desire for others to know the hope that they have come to know, and I truly believe their simplicity and focus comes directly from their lack of obsession with materialistic or theological pursuits. Each of those has their place, but that place is only in support, not equality, of the Gospel. Praise God for teaching me through their examples.
sharing salvation bracelets at the block party.
Along the same lines, one day, Katherine and I decided to pray over a very lost boy we had just talked to. She prayed in Spanish; I did not understand. I prayed in English; she did. She's awesome. Anyway, another night in worship, one of the translators led worship and sang the last verse of a song in Spanish. These two small incidents reminded me of how people say that God is "Lord of the nations" and well, He is. However simple this may be, I tend to only think of God in English, and so this blew my mind. God can understand- and is bigger than- any language or any culture. He is so much bigger than the little American corner of the world that we call home. He is Lord of the nations, of all creation..
the pastor's kids.
And lastly, how productive it was to talk to some of the missionaries and learn about God's call on their lives, and how great it was to be exposed to international missions, finally. Let me just say that I love it. There is no doubt in my mind now that my job will be missions-related (yet another thing I could blog about). I learned about so many missions opportunities and was just extremely encouraged by people who had given their lives to share the Gospel. At least in Ecuador, people respected or were interested in you because you spoke English, which provided such great opportunities. I can't wait to continue seeing other cultures and how God is working in them. And if you think about it, pray for me as I seek what God has for me in this "mission-related" business.
the (fake) Equator on tourism day.
I feel like there are so many other things to convey, but God worked, and I'm ready to go back. I'll leave you with two beautiful pictures I ganked from a journeyman that's living in Ecuador.. Vaya con Dios.
Ephesians 2:4-5
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ- by grace you have been saved.
Basically, the 8 members from FBC Camden met up with about 90 students 4,000 miles away in Ecuador’s capital to work in different areas doing VBSs, sports camps, conversational English, etc. In the airport, we met up with a super sweet girl named Sarah who was going to IWC by herself- instant adoption. Love ya, mean it Esther (like she reads this). Anyway, we stayed in a seminary and had everything we needed.
the team.
It was so cool working with the missionaries, translators, believers, participants, and children there. First, it was so incredible to see the kids run up to you and just love you, because they knew you were there to love them. Praise the Lord. Second, I absolutely loved my translator. Her name was Katherine; she’s 27 and a believer. We immediately hit it off, and it was such a blessing to work with her. Along the same lines, I was so encouraged by the pastor (and his family) of our house church. And last, the missionaries there were great to talk to, giving me a new perspective and desire for missions.
the kids at VBS.
Now to actual points. Through hearing the pastor’s testimony and talking to my translator, one thing I saw was their understanding of the importance/vitality of the Gospel. It is central. It is what unifies believers, brings understanding, and saves us. I saw their desire for others to know the hope that they have come to know, and I truly believe their simplicity and focus comes directly from their lack of obsession with materialistic or theological pursuits. Each of those has their place, but that place is only in support, not equality, of the Gospel. Praise God for teaching me through their examples.
sharing salvation bracelets at the block party.
Along the same lines, one day, Katherine and I decided to pray over a very lost boy we had just talked to. She prayed in Spanish; I did not understand. I prayed in English; she did. She's awesome. Anyway, another night in worship, one of the translators led worship and sang the last verse of a song in Spanish. These two small incidents reminded me of how people say that God is "Lord of the nations" and well, He is. However simple this may be, I tend to only think of God in English, and so this blew my mind. God can understand- and is bigger than- any language or any culture. He is so much bigger than the little American corner of the world that we call home. He is Lord of the nations, of all creation..
the pastor's kids.
And lastly, how productive it was to talk to some of the missionaries and learn about God's call on their lives, and how great it was to be exposed to international missions, finally. Let me just say that I love it. There is no doubt in my mind now that my job will be missions-related (yet another thing I could blog about). I learned about so many missions opportunities and was just extremely encouraged by people who had given their lives to share the Gospel. At least in Ecuador, people respected or were interested in you because you spoke English, which provided such great opportunities. I can't wait to continue seeing other cultures and how God is working in them. And if you think about it, pray for me as I seek what God has for me in this "mission-related" business.
the (fake) Equator on tourism day.
I feel like there are so many other things to convey, but God worked, and I'm ready to go back. I'll leave you with two beautiful pictures I ganked from a journeyman that's living in Ecuador.. Vaya con Dios.
Ephesians 2:4-5
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ- by grace you have been saved.
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