Christians are allowed to laugh.
Christians are allowed to enjoy themselves.
Christians are even allowed to be goofy and silly.
In fact, God tells us to enjoy life to the fullest in Him. I've been accused of "acting young" (being immature), but I think people have a false view of what "maturity" is. Maturity does not mean putting on airs and acting serious all the time. True maturity is the discernment to act appropriately in any given situation. Scripture calls that propriety.
It would be unwise for me to spend more time analyzing this--then I'd begin to worry too much about what other people think of me. My highest goal, my highest pursuit is to please Christ. I can't worry about fitting into any mold anyone else may have for me.
Some people take themselves too seriously--they need to learn how to enjoy this life that God has given them. It might do them some good to spend time with someone like me. :o)
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Tale As Old As Time
Beauty lies within.
Charm is deceitful,
Beauty is vain.
But a woman who fears the Lord,
She shall be praised.
Charm is deceitful,
Beauty is vain.
But a woman who fears the Lord,
She shall be praised.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
A Reason to Smile
YOU, O LORD, HAVE MADE ME GLAD BY YOUR WORK.
Psalm 92:4
Do you believe that your sins are forgiven and that Christ has made a full atonement for them? Then what a joyful Christian you ought to be! How you should live above the common trials and troubles of the world! Since sin is forgiven, can it matter what happens to you now? Luther said, "Smite, Lord, smite, for my sin is forgiven; if You have forgiven me, smite as hard as You will." And in a similar spirit you may say, "Send sickness, poverty, losses, crosses, persecution, what You will. You have forgiven me, and my soul is glad." Christian, if you are thus saved, while you are glad, be grateful and loving. Cling to that cross that took your sin away; serve Him who served you. "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."1 Do not let your zeal evaporate in some little exuberant song. Show your love in meaningful ways. Love the brethren of Him who loved you. If there is a Mephibosheth anywhere who is disabled, help him for Jonathan's sake. If there is a poor tried believer, weep with him, and bear his cross for the sake of Him who wept for you and carried your sins. Since you are forgiven freely for Christ's sake, go and tell others the joyful news of pardoning mercy. Do not be contented with this unspeakable blessing for yourself alone, but publish widely the story of the cross. Holy gladness and holy boldness will make you a good preacher, and all the world will be a pulpit for you to preach in. Cheerful holiness is the most forcible of sermons, but the Lord must give it to you. Seek it this morning before you go into the world. When it is the Lord's work in which we rejoice, we need not be afraid of being too glad.
Spurgeon, "Morning and Evening"
Psalm 92:4
Do you believe that your sins are forgiven and that Christ has made a full atonement for them? Then what a joyful Christian you ought to be! How you should live above the common trials and troubles of the world! Since sin is forgiven, can it matter what happens to you now? Luther said, "Smite, Lord, smite, for my sin is forgiven; if You have forgiven me, smite as hard as You will." And in a similar spirit you may say, "Send sickness, poverty, losses, crosses, persecution, what You will. You have forgiven me, and my soul is glad." Christian, if you are thus saved, while you are glad, be grateful and loving. Cling to that cross that took your sin away; serve Him who served you. "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."1 Do not let your zeal evaporate in some little exuberant song. Show your love in meaningful ways. Love the brethren of Him who loved you. If there is a Mephibosheth anywhere who is disabled, help him for Jonathan's sake. If there is a poor tried believer, weep with him, and bear his cross for the sake of Him who wept for you and carried your sins. Since you are forgiven freely for Christ's sake, go and tell others the joyful news of pardoning mercy. Do not be contented with this unspeakable blessing for yourself alone, but publish widely the story of the cross. Holy gladness and holy boldness will make you a good preacher, and all the world will be a pulpit for you to preach in. Cheerful holiness is the most forcible of sermons, but the Lord must give it to you. Seek it this morning before you go into the world. When it is the Lord's work in which we rejoice, we need not be afraid of being too glad.
Spurgeon, "Morning and Evening"
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
There's No Place Like Home
Well, camp is over. It's good to be back. I did have a wonderful time. Thank you everyone who was praying for our time. The Lord really did use it for His glory. Several students professed faith in Christ. Among them is Molly Dumas, Dan Dumas' niece. I had a chance to talk to her and share my testimony with her and answer some of her questions. I believe she really counted the cost and thought through the implications of being a Christian before she made a profession. Praise God!
The girls in my small group were very open and honest. I was blown away by their transparency and eagerness to grow. I believe Rick's messages from Ecclesiastes sobered them and got them thinking more seriously about life. I myself was challenged by the reminder of God's sovereignty, knowing that everything comes from His hand, the hand of a loving Father.
We had lots of twisted ankles, but nothing too serious. A girl named Annie and a staff member named Kelly collided in one of the games and hit heads--both of them ended up with stitches but that's all. The bus trips there and back went VERY smoothly. No "Bus Nazi's" like last year. It was truly a blessing.
Being the dork that I am, I didn't take any pictures, I got so busy and preoccupied. But if/when I get pictures from some of my girls, I will post them.
The girls in my small group were very open and honest. I was blown away by their transparency and eagerness to grow. I believe Rick's messages from Ecclesiastes sobered them and got them thinking more seriously about life. I myself was challenged by the reminder of God's sovereignty, knowing that everything comes from His hand, the hand of a loving Father.
We had lots of twisted ankles, but nothing too serious. A girl named Annie and a staff member named Kelly collided in one of the games and hit heads--both of them ended up with stitches but that's all. The bus trips there and back went VERY smoothly. No "Bus Nazi's" like last year. It was truly a blessing.
Being the dork that I am, I didn't take any pictures, I got so busy and preoccupied. But if/when I get pictures from some of my girls, I will post them.
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