How To Die With Grace

I can't imagine what it's like to know you have a limited amount of time before you die. In some ways, I'd almost rather not know. But I also thinks it's a great blessing to be able to prepare, plan, say good bye, and get your heart and mind ready to meet your Savior.

I often wonder, if faced with the same prognosis as my mom, how would I react? Would I laugh? Cry? Would I be scared? Angry? Would I have regrets?

I know one thing is for sure. I want to die with grace. And I want my mom to die with grace. What does that mean? What does it look like to "die with grace?" It means composure. It means joy. Transparency. It means dependance on God, and faith, and confidence, and courage. It means being a testimony of Christ, even in the face of the unknown (experientially speaking). It means being selfless and bold. It means clinging to Christ in a way that's unimaginable, and being joyful in it! It means feeling lonely at times, but believing with a heart confidence that God is consistent in His character and His word, and that He will deal with me personally only in ways that are consistent with His good character.

I'm praying, and hope you'll join me in praying that my mom will die with grace and not only my mom, but that all of us--you, me--that we will all be cultivating the character now that is necessary when the time comes for us to die with grace too.

Be Faithful Unto Death

I told my best friend today, "I feel like I've been banged, and battered, and hammered every which way lately, but hopefully I will come out a more shining and beautiful reflection of Christ." And that is truly my prayer.

"Your life is short--and our duties are many. Yet your assistance great--and your reward sure. Therefore, faint not--hold on and hold up, in ways of holiness, and heaven shall make amends for all! 'Be faithful until death--and I will give you the crown of life!'"
-Revelation 2:10

Wisdom from a Modern-Day Grace Gem

"It is your hand that has afflicted us for your glory. To teach us and those around us that you are God, and worthy of worship and praise. Don't let us waste this cancer. Help me to have the mind of Christ. Who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross . Help me to have joy in my suffering, joy in my humiliation. Please give me joy in weakness and in shame."
-Andrew Mark

"It's okay to have anxieties and cares, but we need to continually cast them on Jesus. Trying not to have anxiety or cares isn't godly. Having those anxieties and then casting them upon Jesus is godly. That's what the Bible calls me to do."
-Bob (Grace Mark's Brother)

Who Is This Christ?

Oh, how the Lord knows just what we need, and what I needed was a weekend in Frazier Park focusing on the person and character of Christ. My Bible study spent a couple of hours writing down characteristics of Christ (with Scripture references) and when we reached #104, we decided it was time for bed, but surely we could have kept going for an infinite amount of time and still not have exhausted the majesty of Christ. When I sat back and looked at the poster-sized stick-it notes on the wall with those 104 truths about Christ this was my response:

This list is really just the beginning. We can't even start to scratch the surface of all that God is, and in specific CHRIST, not even mentioning the Father and the Holy Spirit. What an overwhelming and humbling exercise. It really helps to put things in perspective. When I'm tempted to think about my trials or the circumstances in my life that I want to change, I simply glance at this list and I'm in awe of all that my Savior is and it makes me cry out, "who am I that You should know my name?" Are my petty problems too big for this great God? Do I feel alone? How can I when I have a Great High Priest who sympathizes with my weakness and who knows precisely what I'm going through. I'm thankful for Christ, that He died for me. This God, this Christ, that is so powerful, I can't fully comprehend--He died for me. And he lives in me right now. He is the provider and source of the power I need to live for Him each day. He purchased me on Calvary and then He drew me to the cross through His irresistible grace. He took my place, atoned for my sins. And now, seated at God's right hand, He acts as my mediator, and He intercedes for me when I pray. And he's preparing a place for me where I will be eternally in His presence, reigning as a coheir with Him! What wondrous love is this? What can I do to repay Him? Nothing. I can't. But I will offer up my life as a living sacrifice, and as an act of reasonable service to Him. He is my life, my all in all, and Colossians 2:10 says He completes me. How foolish of me to crave any other thing, or to desire any other when He ALONE can fill my cup to overflowing and satisfy my soul!

Don't Judge a Sem Student By His Tie

Yesterday I received an email from a friend. The email was a message about modesty. It highlighted the fact that God looks at the heart and man looks at the outward appearance--a good and sobering reminder. Then I received an email that I get daily called Grace Gems--little bits of wisdom from puritan writers, etc. The topic? God looks at the heart, man looks at the outside. Wow, what reinforcement of what I had just read. But I'm not done! I went to high school staff meeting last night where Austin Ducan proceeded to challenge the staff. Do not get caught up in outward works because God sees the heart, and we only see the outside.

Austin related a story that I'll share because it encouraged me greatly. In one of his seminary classes, a student stood up for his turn to preach. Now this particular student was not polished to say the least. His notes were crumbly, his glasses and tie crooked, his shirt unironed and untucked. Austin was expecting a good nap. But what happened next shocked Austin and the rest of the class. This seminary student proceeded to give the most riveting sermon those men had ever heard!

Why do we fall into this trap so easily? Why do we judge people by what we see on the outside? Don't get me wrong, I know our outward actions are a great indication of the state of our heart and we can't forget that. But Lord help me if I neglect those who don't don't mesh with my personality, or who don't have polished social skills, or if I discount a sem student because of his crooked tie.

I Spoke With Spurgeon Today and This is What He Had to Say:

"Now the cruel hand of death comes among my friends and family, and leaves me like a sparrow on the house-top alone, or mourning in the wilderness--but then not one of all the numerous inhabitants shall so much as say, "I am sick," because they are an assembly of sinless ones.

Now I am crawling along the road of life in company with fellow-worms, who dwell in cottages of clay, and are crushed before the moth--but then, dignified with His divine likeness, I shall dwell with the Ancient of days, and enjoy the dearest and most intimate communion with Jehovah and the Lamb forever!"

Something I Read Sent Sparks Flying

My friend asked me how I was doing and my honest answer was, "I'm a little discouraged." Then I read this:

"'The heart is active, not passive,' That changes everything. I was accustomed to thinking of discouragement as something that happens to a person. But on closer examination of discouragement in my existential experience, I have been taken aback by how volitional or "active" it is. To go around saying, 'I am discouraged,' as if it's a saddle someone strapped to your back while you kicked and screamed against it, is akin to Aaron's version of how he made the golden calf: 'So they gave me [the gold], and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf' (Exodus 32:24). Um, no.

I have noticed that I actually choose discouragement. Sounds nuts, but a quiet little heart transaction takes place to some point (typically, in my case very early in the game) in which I say to myself, 'I don't want to fight this thing. I'm going to just give in to it.'"

Well, I want to fight. And I won't give in to it. I am choosing not to be discouraged. God's Word holds so much encouragement--really. Lately, each time I read, the Lord speaks directly to my situation and to my heart and I'm so uplifted. And the wonderful friends the Lord has given me are a constant source of joy and grace in my life. How can I possibly be discouraged?

Why should I feel discouraged,

why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely,

and long for heav’n and home,

When Jesus is my portion?

My constant Friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow,

and I know He watches me.

On My Way

I made it to Connecticut. But not without another funny plane story. As I was sitting waiting to board, I was entertained by a large group of gals. From what I could gather, they were some sort of sports team, maybe basketball. When one of the ladies walked by me, I finally got up the nerve and asked, "are you some sort of sports team?" She looked at me and very sweetly answered, "yes, we are the Chicago Sky the WNBA team." Was I embarrassed, yes. But it was fun to sit on the plane with the entire women's team!

Today was a great day. My mom, dad, and I got to Skype with my sister and Caleb and we got to see baby Nicholas, the little child they are hoping to adopt. He is so precious. My sister said he never cries! He is so cute--he's always smiling. I had a good time catching up with my mom and helping her do things she has difficulty doing. I cooked homemade facaccia bread pizza. Today was already a precious time and I'm looking forward to the rest of my week here.

Please pray for my dad. I know he is working so hard and taking such good care of my mom. I'm glad to be here to help ease the load a little. But I know he could use the prayers. He is an amazing man, but he does get tired! Pray the Lord will sustain Him and that his love for my mom will only grow.

Don't Waste Her Cancer

A few years ago, John Piper was diagnosed with cancer and he wrote an article called, "Don't Waste Your Cancer." That's the inspiration for the title of this particular blog entry.

Recently my mom's cancer has become active, and not just active but aggressive--it has metastasized to her liver. Most doctors will not even treat cancer that has spread through the liver, they will simply tell their patient to go home, get things in order, and prepare to die. My mom's doctor told her she has 7-9 months to do just that. Not news that anyone wants to get--not me, or my dad, or my sister, and certainly not my mom.

Many of you have been praying for my mom for years now as she has battled several rounds of cancer. God has been faithful, and no matter what happens to my mom this time, God will remain faithful. God's Word has been my strength and comfort at this time. Each time I open it, a treasure of encouragement and hope cheers me. I am finding sweet fellowship and communion with my Savior at this time and although it is hard, the hardest thing I've ever faced in my life, God is providing grace sufficient at exactly the time I need it.

I am determined not to waste my mom's cancer. I want to shine Christ and to be a reflection of Him through this and I pray the same for my mom. I pray that she will be a beacon of light to any unsaved around her and that she will remain faithful, trusting, and joyful until the day she sees her Savior--whenever that may be.

Update:
We are looking for an aggressive doctor who will be willing to try to treat my mom. We are ready for whatever the Lord has, but still don't think we need to just give up. My mom is a fighter. She is the strongest woman I know. Lately she been in excruciating pain because the bone in her hip is deteriorating. She hasn't been able to walk for the last few days. Please pray we will find a solution for this besides just giving her addictive painkillers.

Spurgeon Reads My Mind

From, Morning and Evening
INTO YOUR HAND I COMMIT MY SPIRIT; YOU HAVE REDEEMED ME, O LORD, FAITHFUL GOD.
-Psalm 31:5

Though Thou slay me I will trust,
Praise Thou even from the dust,
Prove, and tell it as I prove,
Thine unutterable love.
Thou may chasten and correct,
But Thou never can neglect;
Since the ransom price is paid,
On Thy love my hope is stayed.

Everybody Want to Go to Heaven But Nobody Want to Go Now

Last night on my drive home I was listening to the radio (yes, country again) and a new song has the lyrics, "everybody want to go to heaven but nobody want to go now." Now, I'm not one to get my theology from country music, but there is something very profound in that statement. And there's truth in it.

As believers we talk about how wonderful heaven will be, and how we can't wait to get there. But nobody wants to go there NOW! We hold on to earth so tightly--even the good things--friends, family, work and we don't want to give it up. There is so much we want to do before we "go." We talk about heaven, and we're afraid of death! But death is the vessel the Lord has chosen as the catapult into the heaven we so long for.

I'm starting to see death as a beautiful thing, not as the scary and unknown. Dear beloved brethren, may we all long for heaven and long for it NOW!

A Date With Dad

My dad came along to my friend's wedding in Sacramento. He didn't come for the entire time, but I had him all to myself for 2 days, so I got to spend a little time with him. My dad is a wonderful man and I love him very much. I've always known he is great, but my high opinion of him has only increased over the past several years as time passes and I've gotten to know him deeper. I appreciate him, respect him, and cherish him.

Here are 10 things I love about my papa:

1. He is a VERY hard worker.

2. He loves his wife, my mom, :) sacrificially.

3. He is always smiling, and has one of the best smiles ever!

4. He deals with trials like a saint. Nothing seems to shake him.

5. He listens faithfully to talk radio.

6. He is humble.

7. He lets me control the T.V. clicker, well, most of the time.

8. He is gentle.

9. No matter where he goes, everyone just LOVES my dad.

10. He always answers his phone, "pops, here," when I call.

Get Away

Do you ever feel like you have to just get away? That's kind of how I feel right now. And funny thing, I am "getting away" this weekend. My friend Donnette is getting married on Friday (8/8/08). I've known her since preschool and we did gymnastics together for a while too. While we haven't stayed in touch as much as I would have liked, Donnette has always been a special person in my life. I'm excited to see her (it's been years). And I'll be flying to Sacramento for the wedding.

It's funny, before I left for Israel I was thinking about her and trying to figure out how to get in touch with her again. And when I got home, I had a letter from Donnette asking me to be part of her wedding! Talk about God's providence. As far as I know, Donnette is not a believer and so I'm praying this weekend will give me the chance to have gospel-paving conversations, and even if I'm not able to directly share the gospel at this point, I pray that my being part of this special time will open the way for future conversations and opportunities. Please pray for me if you think of it. I'll post pictures when I get back for sure!

Curve Ball

I've seen close friends and even family endure some major trials. And I thank the Lord for each one as it draws us to Him in dependence. It's easy to look back on trials, see how God worked, and then learn to give thanks. But I don't want to be thankful after the fact, I want to rejoice in the midst of whatever the Lord brings my way.

I'm scared. In the last couple of weeks, the cancer in my mom's back has done damage to her nerve and she is in a lot of pain. She's doing acupuncture, which has helped, but I still worry about her health, and wonder how much longer I will have with her. Often, I can't understand why God chooses to work the way He does and I want to ask, WHY? But then, praise God, my mind takes over and the truth of what I know comes flooding in. The question is not why. When Job was in the midst of his trials, God never told him why. God simply reminded Job of his place in comparison to God by recalling God's wondrous character and power to create and sustain. And Job fell on his face and cried out for mercy.

I won't ask why. Instead, I will choose to bless His name for His holy, gracious, kind, loving, merciful, wise character. And I will trust that infinite wisdom in my life and in my family, and in the lives of my friends.

Job 38:1
"Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, 'who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me! Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid it's cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who enclosed the sea with doors when, bursting forth, it went out from the womb; when I made a cloud its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and I placed boundaries on it and set a bolt and doors, and I said, 'Thus far you shall come, but no farther; and here shall your proud waves stop'?

(It goes on...you should read the rest, it's so encouraging.)

Something in the Water

Many of my friends, coworkers, and acquaintances are expecting! And I am overwhelmed to watch God at work in each specific instance.

One friend and past co-worker, Stephanie Wahler Sanderson, had her baby girl Suzie, about 2 months early. Bleeding in Suzie's brain has caused some possible damage and Suzie is currently in the hospital with both Steph (mom) and Kyle (dad) by her side. I am praying fervently for all three of them.

My dear friend and coworker, Lola, has had a difficult pregnancy and was put on bed rest early on. Lola is due in late August, but it appears little Emma is eager to meet the world and will most likely arrive before her due date.

Another close friend and coworker, Chela, also recently found out that she is expecting. Her due date is March 18, 2009. I can't wait to find out whether she is having a girl or boy! It's been fun to see her each day at work praising God through the fun side-effects of being pregnant.

The list could go on. There are several more expecting couples with their own unique stories. But the point is, through it all, the easy, fun and exciting times and through the difficult, scary, and nightmarish times, my friends have all shown a deep faith in their Savior, Jesus Christ, and a rich understanding of the doctrine of God's sovereignty. I am so thankful for each one of them and rejoice and mourn with them as is fitting. I am learning the deep comfort that comes from understanding God's sovereignty in my own life and I rest my future and that of my friends and their little ones in the hands of my good and gracious God.

God's Message to Me Today

The Full Ocean of Never-Failing Delight and Satisfaction
John Fawcett, "Christ Precious"

"Yes, He is very precious to you who believe!" 1 Peter 2:7

"O blessed Jesus, Your love is wonderful! It is the admiration, joy and song of glorified saints. The experimental sense of Your love on earth--sweetens the bitterness of life, and disarms death of all its terrors! It was love which moved You to bow the heavens, to come down and sojourn on earth, to humble Yourself, to take on you the form of a servant, and become obedient onto death, even the death of the cross! You pitied me in my lost estate. You sought and found me--when I sought You not. You spoke peace to me in the day of my distress, when the clouds of guilt and darkness hung heavy on my soul--and I was brought to the borders of despair. You have--borne with all my weakness, corrected my mistakes, restored me from my wanderings, and healed my backslidings. May Your loving-kindness be ever before my eyes--to induce me to walk in your truth. May Your love be the daily theme of my meditations, and the constant joy of my heart! When I am favored with the light of Your countenance, and the comfortable sense of Your love--my soul is filled and satisfied. All the glittering glories of this world, are then darkened, and turned into deformity! They are but broken cisterns--but you are the fountain of living waters! The streams of creature enjoyments, are shallow and deceitful as a brook--but You are the full ocean of never-failing delight and satisfaction! To Your love I must ascribe my whole salvation; and through all the ages of a blissful eternity--I shall proclaim the wonders of redeeming love, and tell to listening angels what Your love has done for my soul. Unto You who loved us, and washed us from our sins in Your own blood, and made us kings and priests to God--to You be glory and dominion forever and ever! Amen."

Encouragement When I Need It Most

Valley of Vision
-A Puritan Prayer
Choices
“Thou hast done for me all things well, hast remembered, distinguished, indulged me. All my desires have not been gratified, but Thy love denied them to me when fulfillment of my wishes would have proved my ruin or injury. My trials have been fewer than my sins, and when I have kissed the rod, it has fallen from Thy hands. Thou hast often wiped away my tears, restored peace to my mourning heart, chastened me for my profit. All Thy work for me is perfect, and I praise Thee.”

Israel, Rapid-Fire Recap

WORK

The Missionary Conference went extremely well. I worked with 2 other teammates in the 3 to 5-year-old class. We each taught 2 lessons. I taught about Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee and I did my best to explain the difference between true repentance and Judas sorrow as we studied the story of Peter denying Christ.

As you can imagine, 8-hour days can be hard for the little ones. But they did extremely well. We went swimming and to the park, played with toys, had singing time, reading time, snack time, teaching time, craft time, and video time.
My personal favorite part of the day was nap time J. Some of the fun crafts were boats, finger puppets, bookmarks, thumbprint animals, and an “I Love Israel” banner with their little handprints on it!

I got to know a couple of our dear missionaries a little better, which was a blessing. And it was an encouragement to hear parents say their kids were talking about what they learned during lesson time!

PLAY

When the conference was over, most of the team stayed for a 2-day, rapid-fire tour of Jerusalem and the surrounding area. It was an amazing adventure. We saw the Mt. of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Jerusalem replica, the Western Wall, the Rock of the Dome, the Holocaust Museum, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, the Pool of Siloam, The Spring of En Gedi, Qumran, Masada, the Dead Sea and I’m sure I’m forgetting more.

WHAT I'LL TAKE AWAY
The biggest lesson I learned was how REAL our God is. Seeing the land of Israel is like having a firsthand encounter with our Lord’s humility and His faithfulness. Only God would chose such a place as the center of His earthly ministry. Only God would chose such a humble people as His chosen nation. Only God! No human could conjure it up and no man would dream it. I stand in awe of our great God!

Home Sweet Home

I'm home! Sorry I wasn't able to update more. Thank you all of those who prayed for me and kept up with my blog! I got really sick and my last couple of days in Israel were difficult, but still great. I was still able to hang in there. But the last night I got a bad headache, so bad I got dizzy and fell down when I tried to get up and I was having delusions while I was sleeping. I also got a really bad bloody nose. I also threw-up on the plane. Ha! Ha! Sorry for all the terrible details. Anyways...God is so good and I am so glad to be home. I will make a long post with pictures and fill you all in on my trip. I wish everyone could have been there with me...it is such a dramatic experience. Our God is is an awesome God...King of Kings and Lord of Lords! I'd love to write more...but I'm getting dizzy, sitting here, so I should go lay down. Love to you all.

Another Update

I've been a lot of things this week.

I've been a teacher, a pillow, snack lady, cookie lady, a horsey, a piggy-back ride giver, a "nurse," a discipliner, a line-keeper, a singing leader, a bathroom moniter, a nose wiper, a tushy wiper, a block and plato player, a 2 minute showerer, a roommate, a teammate, a tourist, a gaurder of stuff, a water giver, a baby-sitter, a friend, a listener, I've been HOT, happy, sad, busy, tired, exhausted, excited, peppy, everything you can possibly imagine.

Israel is great. The missionaries and their kids are doing extremely well. And I am blesssed to be here. I wish I could explain everything that I've experienced in these few short days, but I can't wait to catch up with you and all and show you pictures and explain everything to you when I get home. That's about all I can write for now...it's after midnight and I need to get to bed! Hope this is coherent.

Much love.

Made It and Made the News

Hey everyone. It's a blessing to be able to make this post and let you all know what's been happening the past fews day. I am here in Israel. We made it! But we've had a few adventures along the way. Before even leaving LAX we had a man removed from our flight. He had cursed out another passenger so they asked him to leave the plane. When he refused, they had security come and remove him and his wife--when the security gaurd touched his wife, the man started screaming and jumping at the officer. It was quite an ordeal. It even made the 6 o clock news. Other than that the trip was uneventful, we even got all our luggage and got to see the orthodox people saying their prayers--a very cultural experience.

Yesterday we finished out set up and greeted missionaries and even got to hear Isreali music (and dancing). We had a blast. It is a blessing to be here and to see all the missionaries. We are thankful for the rest we had yesterday and today because the craziness will start tomorrow with the kids. So please pray.

I wish I could say more, there is so much to describe and to say, but time will not allow. God is good and I can't wait to tell you all I am already learning.

Sabot Shalom!

Israel, here I come! Please pray.

Palm Springs and Israel :)

I can't believe the time has come. It seemed so far away, and now it's here! Two years ago when I heard the next missionary conference was set to be in Israel, I only dreamed of the chance to go. It feels like it's been two months, but now two years later, here I am just days from my departure. With so much happening and so much to be done before I leave, I didn't think the day would come. I leave on Wednesday, June 18. My sister and her husband Caleb leave for Uganda just one week after me! It's almost unreal.

Please pray for me, the next few days will be very busy. Tomorrow I will take a group of graduating high school girls to Palm Springs for the weekend as as part of the Resolved Conference. Then I will work on Monday and Tuesday of next week and fight airport traffic on Wednesday morning--final destination--Tel Aviv!

I praise God for this chance to go to Israel. I am so privileged, humbled, and honored to be part of this team that will do our best to serve our missionaries who are all over the globe.

I know this weekend at Resolved is going to be refreshing, encouraging, challenging, and help to set my heart and mind right even before I leave for my STM trip. I can't wait to give you all a full report when I get back of how God worked over there and also what he did in my life over the few weeks I'm away.

I will try to be on email periodically, so feel free to contact me, I'd love to hear from you.

A Cure For Discouragement

This is such a common song, but I've never before looked at the words in this way. And when I did, it was a great encouragement to my weary soul!

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Top 5

I have to do this because a bunch of my friends did. :)

5 Things I can't Live Without Under $5
1. Lip gloss
2. Trader Joe's bbq chicken pizza
3. Q-tips
4. Dental floss
5. Lotion

5 Favorite Movies
1. Princess Bride
2. Goonies
3. Girls Just Want to Have Fun
4. Clue
5. Summer Magic

5 Songs I Could Listen to Over and Over Again
1. Blessed Be the Name of the Lord
2. Before the Throne of God Above
3. Valley of Vision
4. Our Song
5. My Girl

5 People Who Have Influenced Me in a Positive Way
1. Alair (my sister)
2. Kim Maxwell (my discipler in jr. high)
3. Ryan Glenn (my former gymnastics coach)
4. Rick Holland (my former pastor)
5. Sandi Luciano (my best friend)

5 Items in My Purse at All Times
1. Wallet
2. Keys
3. Mini Bible
4. Sunglasses
5. Mini day planner

5 Events That Have Changed My Life Forever
1. My salvation
2. My mom's cancer
3. Quitting gymnastics
4. Spending 6 months in London
5. Missions trips
6. First relationship
7. Highschool staff
8. Sister's marriage
*Sorry I had to do more than 5 :)

Ursa Major

This past weekend I was in Big Bear with my Bible study, Compelled. Our speaker was Jack Hughes, and he preached on Christian liberties. I was so encouraged by spending time with some dear friends and fellow believers. And my walk was challenged as I remembered that everything I do needs to fall under the umbrella of putting others before myself. Even the way I use my liberties must be done through the eyes of loving and preferring other people with the gospel as my goal--the gospel to save those who don't know Jesus Christ, and to help those who do to excel still more! I was also reminded that I must know why I have the convictions I have, not simply because my church or my family did things a certain way, but because I have studied God's Word and developed convictions out of the desire to be obedient to Scripture. What a blessed time!

Tears of Joy and Tears of Sadness

I just read the blog of Emily Chapman (Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter). A close-up picture of her with a pretend shocked look on her face hinted at her excitement. And the story she shared below confirmed the news. She got engaged only a few days earlier. Then I heard the news that the five-year-old adopted Chapman daughter, Maria, was killed when her brother Will did not see her, and hit her while he was backing out of the driveway in an SUV.

And I thought to myself, life is like that. It has ups and downs and sometimes both at the same time. But one thing that does not change is the person of Jesus Christ who has sovereign power over all of those ups and downs. He gives and He takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Brokenness

Hebrews 7:24
“O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”
It’s humbling to see what a wretched sinner I am. Pride, self-sufficiency, and lack of trust, are but a few of my gross deficiencies. What a repulsive, dark, and festering place are the recesses of my heart. I could easily wallow in the abomination of my flesh and become a helpless, useless, mess.

Hebrews 7:25
“I thank God––through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
But praise God, He has enabled me to experience glimpses of victory over the flesh here on earth and eventually perfect freedom from sin in the life to come. He has forgiven me and washed me––though my sins are like scarlet, He has made me white as snow. Jesus, thank you!

A Funny Childhood Memory (Inspired by Jen's Funny Childhood Memory)

I was about 6 years old. My dad had just spanked me (which I am sure I very much deserved). I walked into the room and up to my father. I pulled down my pants and pointed to a red mark (the remains of the spanking). And I said to him, "look what you did! I hope you're happy!"

I think I deserved another spanking.

Alone

We were not created to be alone. In fact, when the Lord saw Adam functioning alone, he said, "it is NOT GOOD." That was the only time in creation the Lord ever declared something NOT GOOD. But then when God gave Adam a helper suitable for him, He said, "it is VERY GOOD!"

I've heard that truth many times before and thought, "well okay, that's nice." But lately I've been so encouraged and so thankful for the body of Christ and how it functions because we are not created to walk through the trials of this life alone. We are to come alongside one another, comfort one another, mourn and rejoice with one another, and pray for one another.

So many requests have been sent my way lately:

-friends who recently had a miscarriage and lost their baby.

-a friend who recently lost her grandma to sickness, then lost her aunt to an "accidental" fire, and then found out the fire wasn't an accident. It was set by her uncle who is now in jail.

-a lady who recently nearly died in childbirth and is caring for a very sick baby. She fell off a horse and is now in a coma.

-a couple who almost lost their baby. Their baby stopped breathing, and the dad was able to resuscitate her, but she is currently in NICU for tests to find out what is wrong.

-a husband and wife who must decide if the husband should have surgery on his throat with the possibility of surviving cancer. The surgery would mean he could never eat or talk again, he would breathe from a whole in his neck. But the surgery will not guarantee anything.

Makes my "problems" seem very small. I am increasingly and abundantly thankful for dear friends in Christ who love me and serve me and help me know that I am not alone. Whether that means a phone call, a long walk, a late-night talk, whatever it is, I praise God for the dear friends He's put in my life!

Fair

Things in life happen that are just unfair. Either, I've been, hurt, misunderstood, misinterpreted, mistaken, mistreated, the list goes on and on. But the lesson I am learning becomes more and more clear--Christ is all I need. My sufficiency is in Him alone. Only He can satisfy. The concepts and principles are not new to me, but I am experiencing them in a way that is more real to me than ever before. I am so dependant on Him for all things. So instead of fighting against the trials the Lord places in my life, I resolve with all my might, to embrace and enjoy them like a precious gift from a loving Father.

There's this great song from Sovereign Grace Ministries that I've been listening to, and it says this:

When You lead me to the valley of vision
I can see You in the heights
And though my humbling wouldn’t be my decision
It’s here Your glory shines so bright
So let me learn that the cross precedes the crown
To be low is to be high
That the valley’s where You make me more like Christ

Let me find Your grace in the valley
Let me find Your life in my death
Let me find Your joy in my sorrow
Your wealth in my need
That You’re near with every breath
In the valley

In the daytime there are stars in the heavens
But they only shine at night
And the deeper that I go into darkness
The more I see their radiant light
So let me learn that my losses are my gain
To be broken is to heal
That the valley’s where Your power is revealed

How I Feel Today

"I was getting coffee last week, and I heard a little girl ask her mom if she could get a 'decapitated cup 'o chino.'"

- My friend J.M.

On Relationships

Lady Astor: "Winston, If I were married to you I'd put poison in your coffee."

Sir Winston Churchill: "Nancy, if you were my wife, I'd drink it."

Hope

J.C. Philpot once said, "it is good and gracious for God to disappoint our plans." It doesn't feel that way when our hopes are disappointed our are expectations are crushed. But I know this wise, godly, man was right. And I have to remind myself each day that God's plan is better than my own.

Info

Services for Jeanne Clutterham:

Saturday, March 29, 2008
11 am
Grace Community Church
13248 Roscoe Blvd., Sun Valley, California 91352

Like a Wave

A Noble Saint is in Heaven

Dear Friends,

With profoundly mixed emotions, I'm writing to tell you that our beloved sister in Christ, Jeanne Clutterham, is now in heaven. With her family at her bedside, the Lord took Jeanne peacefully at around 4:30 this afternoon.

God graced our lives deeply with Jeanne's love, joy, faithfulness, and courage throughout her noble fight with cancer. The hope of heaven is sweeter today than it was yesterday knowing that Jeanne is in the presence of Christ; our earthly lives will feel the loss until we ourselves are in heaven. We thank God for Jeanne's life and that He has now fulfilled His purposes for her which He prepared before the foundation of the world.

The family is working on arrangements for a memorial service, and we'll be sure to pass those details along to you as soon as we receive them. For now, please pray for Jeanne's equally noble husband, Bill, who stood beside her with such remarkable tenderness and compassion through the years. Also, remember Jeanne's children, Sarah, Rebekah, Joshua, and Matthew, and her dear parents, Bob and Jane Rankin. Their loss is very real and will be felt deeply.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Psalm 116:15).

Love in Christ,

Don Green

Rejoicing With Affectionate Memories

I am joyfully celebrating the homegoing of my friend Greg Dominguez. Greg was an example to me in several areas--his humble service, his disciplined study of the Word, and his passion for prayer. After a long and difficult battle with brain cancer, Greg’s faith was turned to sight and his hope of glory made a reality on Friday March 14, 2008.

The Human Body is Amazing

I'm flabbergasted at how the Lord has created the human body with the capability of doing some amazing things. I watched a T.V. show on the Discovery Channel about the body's ability to survive in extreme situations and I stood in awe at God's creative power. Not just His creative power, but the artistic, masterful, detailed, and complex care with which He crafted the human body.

Check out this website to see what amazed me:
http://www.discoverychannel.co.uk/humanbody/_home/index.shtml

Chortle, Shepherds', and other Miscellaneous Thoughts

Chortle:
My feelings today can be summed up in a line from Lewis Carrol's famous poem, The Jabberwocky:
"O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy."

Shepherds':
Today at work the building is bustling with activity because it is the week of our annual Shepherds' Conference at church. The reason we are busy here is because people are curious about John's ministry and want to see the Grace to You building for themselves. It's fun to have lots of people poking their heads in and out of my office and to see the smiling faces of people eager and happy to be here. I really do praise the Lord that I am at a church that is equipped, gifted, and blessed enough to train up men and to encourage weary pastors that need support, motivation, and a recharge (even if it is just for 5 days) .

Misc:
I'm depressed that I was in Boston on super Tuesday for my aunt's funeral and was not able to vote in the primaries. :(

I Cry Out!

I recently found out that my friend's mother passed away unexpectedly. And this is all I can say:

There are so many things I don't understand. But I'm slowly realizing that's okay. It's precisely my inability to understand that drives me to my Savior, that forces me to trust in Him and Him alone. My good intentions mean nothing. My ability to help means nothing. God will do whatever with whomever he chooses and I can't question His infinite wisdom. Even beyond that, God loves me and His care is so tender for me. He is not an unfeeling dictator, and every painful circumstance I face or witness is a loving nudge from Him to make me more like Christ. I throw my hands up and cry out, "God, I don't understand!" But I trust. I trust your wisdom, your promises, and your goodness. I will stand strong with my eyes firmly fixed on Him. I will press on.

Truths That Have Become Very Real to Me in the Past Week

- God controls every detail of my life.
(Proverbs 16:9)

- The Holy Spirit is the great comforter.
(John 14:27)

- I need not explain myself. I should be quiet as Christ was before His persecutors.
(Isaiah 53:7)

- Mary did not justify herself. She waited on God and she pondered things in her heart. I should do the same.
(Luke 2:19)

- Submission is not easy.
(1 Peter 2:13-15)

- I can't please everyone and shouldn't even try. I need only concern myself with pleasing God.
(Matthew 10:28)

- God is my sufficiency.
(Psalm 73:26)

- God's forgiveness is lavish.
(Micah 7:18-19)

- Truly trusting God is the key to everything.
(Proverbs 3:5)

- Always think the best about people in every circumstance.
(1 Corinthians 13:7)

I'm Learning...

I've learned so much about myself in the past couple of days, it's overwhelming! God is so good to grow us and stretch us even when it is extremely painful at times.

“Unlike the people-pleaser, who worries himself sick when he senses that he may have displeased someone by his words (or actions), the person who pleases God knows how to dismiss such anxiety with the assurance that he has, in fact said (or done) that which pleases God. Now it’s not that the God-pleaser never wonders whether he could have said things better, or that he never ponders a more biblical course of action than the one he took, or that he doesn’t listen to valid criticism and ask for forgiveness when he knows that he has sinned in the process of trying to please God, but if he knows that he hasn’t sinned, he does not worry or fret about the consequences of his actions. He trust God to use what he has said or done for His glory, and he knows that God is causing all things to work together for his own good.”
-Lou Priolo
Pleasing People

Update

Hey friends! Thank you for all of you that have been praying for me and my family. As you know from my last post, my aunt has been very sick with cancer and was getting worse very quickly. Many of you have been praying for her. Well, yesterday evening my aunt went to be with the Lord. I thank God that she had a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and is with her Savior in heaven.

I will be going to the funeral which is in Massachusetts. I will fly out on Sunday morning and come home on Wednesday. Please continue praying for my cousins Liz and Justin and my uncle Paul who does not know the Lord. Pray for my uncle's salvation and also that I would be a help and comfort to my cousins and the rest of the family while I am there.

God gives and God takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord. I praise God that through this trial His name is being glorified and I trust He is accomplishing His perfect will in my life and in the lives of my family members.

Prayer

Dear friends, please join in praying for my aunt, Laurene. She is extremely sick with cancer. The cancer has spread all over her body and she is so weak she can hardly move. They don't expect her to live more than a few days. My aunt knows the Lord, but she is leaving behind two children, Justin (15 years old) and Liz (13 years old). They profess Christ, but they are still young, so it's hard to know. Also, my uncle Paul professes Christ, but shows no fruit and he is extremely angry at God right now for his wife's illness. My mom is back in Plymouth, Massachusetts right now to be with her family and to help her sister as much as possible in these final days. Please pray that God would grant my aunt a faithful testimony until the last moment and that any unsaved family might come to know the Lord through this. Also pray for my young cousins, that God would grant them a supernatural strength to endure this trial and pray that my mom will herself remain healthy and that she will show the love of Christ to her family. Thank you for bearing this burden with me.

So Close, Yet So Far Away

This is old news, but today is the first day I could bring myself to discuss such a painful subject. Since the moment it happened, I've been ignoring, avoiding, and suppressing my feelings. Sunday was a hard day--a day I wish I could make disappear with the tilt of my head and the blink of my eye. If I could choose one day to erase, to vanish like a soft word into a gentle wind, Sunday would be it.

There is no point in avoiding it any longer. I have to say it! The Dallas Cowboys lost to the New York Giants 17-21. It's painful even to verbalize it. But there, I did it. The Cowboys are by far the better team, but a combination of bad decisions, bad plays, bad refs, and a bad day for our quarterback, the Cowboys couldn't pull out the win they needed.

This means that the Giants will play the Packers and whoever wins that game will most likely play the Patriots in the Superbowl. Unless by some crazy turn of events the Patriots lose this weekend to the Chargers, which is VERY unlikely.

MAYBE NEXT YEAR, ROMO.

A Vacation from Vacation

It seems life can change overnight. You blink and everything is different. The last few weeks have been a clear evidence and reminder to me that God is completely in control of everything. There is no part of my life that God is not actively a part of. God orchestrates and plans everything to the smallest detail. And I'm learning to trust Him more and more. Not just say I trust because it's the right thing to say, but to REALLY, truly trust Him. His ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts. He directs my steps even though I make plans. And a good friend reminded me that when we trust and wait on Him, He will do abundantly more than we could ever ask or think. I see God at work. He is active and alive.

My Christmas List

Today at a staff meeting at work I was reminded how much I have to be thankful for. Yes, at times life can be difficult and confusing, but I serve a God who never changes--the Alpha and Omega--the beginning and the end. Christ, who is my life, is sufficient for all things. I don't need acceptance from my family, friends, and even from people at church to feel that my Christian walk is justified. Christ is my sufficiency. This holiday I want to rest in His work on the cross and let all of my concerns and worries fade in the light of His glorious Son.

It's the Most Stressful Time of the Year

Strange how at Christmastime, when I'm supposed to be beaming with joy, peace, and Yuletide cheer, it's quite the opposite. I'm tired--exhausted actually--cranky, sore, busy, stressed, and slightly overwhelmed. As hard as I try not to let holiday festivities (gifts, cards, parties) become a burden, it's happening. I find myself growling at my mom when we're out of ribbon, or bursting into tears because I have too much to do and not enough time. No matter what I do to try to avoid this (ex. slowing down, planning/organizing, praying, trying to keep focused, deep breathing, etc.), nothing seems to keep the Christmas chaos from happening. Any suggestions?

Quotes Inspired from Friends

"Indeed if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
- CS Lewis

“I’m playing Gameboy,
Standing in the middle of the Grand Canyon.
I’m eating candy,
Sittin’ at a gourmet feast.
I’m wading in a puddle,
When I could be swimming in the ocean.
Tell me--what’s the deal with me?
I know the time has come,
For me to wake up and see the glory.”
- Steven Curtis Chapman

O Where, O Where Have My Socks Gone?

A few years ago, my friend gave me a pair of socks--a very special pair of socks. They are pink. And they say, ''boys are supid, throw rocks at them."

After wearing these socks once or twice, I let my cousin borrow them. And I've never seen them again. I miss my socks. They look like this:

If you've seen my socks, please contact me at jmbflower@aol.com

Helpless

I can do nothing apart from the empowering of Jesus Christ and His Spirit in my life. I realize that more and more everyday! I want to become less so He can become more. I read this today and it was so encouraging. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

"Do you desire to speak for Jesus -- how can you unless the Holy Spirit touches your lips?

Do you desire to pray? Sadly, what dull work it is unless the Spirit makes intercession for you!

Do you desire to subdue sin? Would you be holy? Would you imitate your Master? Do you desire to rise to superlative heights of spirituality? Are you looking to be made like the angels of
God, full of zeal and love for the Master's cause? You cannot without the Spirit--'Apart from me you can do nothing.'

O branch of the vine, you can have no fruit without the sap! O child of God, you have no life within you apart from the life that God gives you through His Spirit!"

-Spurgeon/Begg (Morning and Evening/Truth for Today)

10 Things I Want to Do Before I Die

1. I want to go on safari in Africa.

2. I want to do the tango in the rain.

3. I want to read all the books on my list.

4. I want to lead as many people as possible to Christ.

5. I want to get a massage.

6. I want to see what my hair looks like red.

7. I want to skydive.

8. I want to run a marathon.

9. I want my dad to walk me down the aisle.

10. I want to scream at the top of my lungs in the largest library in the world.

Cosas Necesarias

I need to pray, constantly.

I need to start eating breakfast more often.

I need to be in the Word every day.

I need to acknowledge God's presence every moment.

I need to wake up a few minutes earlier.

I need my friends to hold me accountable.

I need people to confront me with my sin.

I need to understand the difference between a "need" and a "want."

I need a nap. Or do I want a nap?

Memories

It's amazing the silly things we remember that will never leave us. I'm having one of those memories at this very moment. I was in a Halloween play in 6th grade. The premise was this--some friends were hiding in a graveyard to play a practical trick on a boy who "never gets scared." I was the vampire--the ultimate scare. Believe it or not, I even remember my line, "good evening creature of the night. Just stepping out for a bite?" (said in a Transylvanian accent of course). How funny. With that said:

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Where Is God?

Smoke from countless fires contaminates the air around me--thousands have lost their homes, some have lost their loved-ones. Where is God? God is on His throne.

My mom has cancer. My aunt has cancer. Where is God? God is on this throne.

My friend has a brain tumor. My friend's little brother is in jail. My friend's baby has leukemia. My friend's dad has cancer. Where is God? God is on His throne.

We live in a fallen world. Bad things happen. Sad things happen. And the sovereignty of God is only comforting if He is our highest prize. If my mind is set on the things above, then no matter how bad things seem here, my hope and joy is found not in this world, but in the next. When the glory of God is my highest aim, then even in the midst of terrible circumstances I will be able to say, "blessed be the name of the Lord!"

Lord hear my prayer and my cry,
I lift my voice to You on high.
Bring comfort and peace to those in pain.
And may I dare not ever complain.
Help me find rest in You alone
You are God, You are on Your throne.

Little Things

The other day when I got home from work, I went into my room and my mail was sitting in a neat pile at the bottom of my bed. Such a simple thing, but it meant so much to me. You see, I've been staying in the house myself for the past few months and my dad recently came home. So to me, that pile of mail on my bed says my dad is a considerate gentleman. It says he was thinking about me. It says he went out of his way to serve me. And it says he loves me. Sometimes it's the little things in life that mean the most.

Tu t' amuse

VERY FUNNY
"A Colorado judge knows just where to hit noise ordinance violators: right in the ears.When a violator of the Ft. Lupton, Colorado noise ordinance is found guilty in Judge Paul Sacco's coutrroom, the perp is sentenced to a full hour of Barry Manilow and friends. The violators, who are often convicted of turning up their hip-hop music too loud, serve their sentence in Sacco's courtroom as he blares a loop of Manilow, Dolly Parton ("I Will Always Love You"), and Karen Carpenter through a boombox for an hour. 'When you have a person playing rap at extreme volumes all over the city, and they have to sit down and listen for an hour to Barry Manilow, it's horrible punishment,' Sacco told CBS in Denver. The city sees very few repeat violators."

VERY SAD
In her acceptance speech for Best Reality Program (My Life on the D-List) Kathy Griffin shouted an obscenity to Jesus and exclaimed, "This award is my god now."

FUNNY (AND SAD)
Back in 1971 a man named Mike Flynt was suspended from his sr. year of college football at Sul Ross State University for fighting. Now he is 59 years old and he just reenrolled and is going to play his "sr. year" of football. His old coach said, "He's an idiot." "Gosh dang, Mike, you're not 20 years old anymore. You're liable to cripple yourself."

Change of Plans

I had big plans for the weekend. I was going camping in Yosemite. And I was ready to hike Half Dome. God had other plans. I woke up feeling terribly sick--nauseous to be exact. It wouldn't be wise to sleep in a tent for two days and push my body to the limit by a challenging hike.

And I had to remember--put people above things. God wanted me to spend time with dear friends and their unsaved brother. God wanted me to catch up with a ministry partner, and God wanted me to be encouraged by a friend. None of that would have happened if my plans had come to pass.

I never stop, but God says he wants me to be still. When I'm still, He reveals things to me and speaks to me through His Word, and gives me a deeper and clearer discernment of events in my life.

I make plans, but God directs my steps.

Indicators of Pride

By: Dave Norton (adapted from Stewart Scott)

-Complaining
-Lack of gratitude
-Expectations not being met
-Seeing myself as better than someone else
-Inflated view of my importance
-Lack of using my abilities
-Self-pity
-Perfectionism
-Talking too much
-Seeking independence or control
-Caring too much what other people think
-Devastation because of criticism
-Unteachability
-Sarcasm
-Lack of service
-Lack of compassion
-Defensiveness/blameshifting
-Lack of prayer
-Resistance to authority
-Minimizing sin
-Jealousy, envy
-Deceitfulness
-Lack of close relationships

On Prayer

“Pour out your heart, and don't hold anything back. He sees right through us, He sees to the depth of our heart, how can we hide anything? Beseech Him, clinging to the cross, waiting upon Him patiently. He hears us and He wants us to tell Him the things that afflict us and trouble us in this life.”
-Greg Dominguez

Little Bit of Life

I went to a Craig Morgan concert at the House of Blues last night. Not only did I go, but I got to meet him! I am always impressed when a performer sounds just as good live as they do on album. Craig puts on a really great show--he has so much energy and is constantly UP. He is so gracious to his fans too. Craig signed the bed of a truck for one of his fans in a wheel chair! The band performed a new song called, "Looking Back with You." This song hasn't been recorded yet, but should be soon. The song brought tears to my eyes. It was written for Craig's wife--it's about growing old together and looking back on all the memories. It was really sweet. What a fabulous night. Did I mention, Craig is a Christian--that makes it even better! It's encouraging to see someone on the road of fame still walking with the Lord!

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name

Good Stuff (Drink it Up)

I read this article today by Darrin Patrick. My friend passed it along to me. I thought it was so good, I had to post it for you, my dear readers (few but loyal).

Discerning your Near Idols
By Darrin Patrick

That most basic question which God poses to each human heart: has something or someone besides Jesus Christ taken title to your heart's functional trust, preoccupation, loyalty, service, fear and delight? In order to get to the bottom of what the Bible calls idols, and what Dick Keyes calls your "heart title", ask yourself these diagnostic questions:

What other than Jesus has become your main source of significance, happiness, meaning and purpose?

What other than being a child of God are you using as your primary identity?

What have you substituted for God in your life?

What have you used to make yourself feel accepted or worthy before God, yourself and others?

Another way to discern our idols is to begin to take note about what we get emotional about as our idols are revealed because they arouse powerful emotions when our idol is threatened or taken away. If your begin to pay attention to your emotional life you can begin to discern your idols.

Questions that expose Near Idols (Keyes, Keller, Kaufman)

What do I worry about most?

What, if I failed or lost it, would cause me to question whether or not I wanted to live?

What do I rely on or comfort self with when things go bad or get difficult?What do I do cope?

What are my release valves? What do I do to feel better?

What do I think most easily about? What does my mind go to when I am free? What preoccupies me? What do I daydream about?

What makes me feel the most self-worth? What am I the proudest of? What do I want to be known for?

What do I lead with in conversations?What do I want to make sure that people know about me fairly early on in the conversation or relationship?

What prayer, unanswered, would make me seriously think about turning away from God?

What do I really want and expect out of life? What would really make me happy?What is my hope for the future?

I am Thankful

The more time passes, the more I see God's grace in my life. Last night I was surprised by about 20 of my friends for a birthday dinner. I have honestly, never felt more lavished with love in all my life. I intensely felt God's favor and His hand of blessing upon me in such a vivid and real way. It was an experience I will never forget. What more could a girl ask for than to be surrounded by brothers and sisters in the Lord who want nothing more than for me to love Christ with all my heart and soul? I deserve judgment and hell, but God has given be nothing but long suffering and reward. It's amazing. It's incomprehensible. It's overwhelming. And I am thankful!

Attention Christians: It's Okay to Have Fun!

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)

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.

A Haiku

Inspiration

God is my shepherd--

Even the octopus knows.

Inspired by Jen.

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"

What Would I Look Like As a Simpson?

To see Chela as a Simpson visit: http://marcella-marcella.blogspot.com

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.

New Mexico

Well, my friends, it's that time of year again. The sun is hot, the sky is a beautiful smog-filled blue, and the mountains are a deep mahogany brown. That means it's summer and summer means one thing--high school summer camp! We leave on Sunday night for a 20-hour bus ride to Glorieta, New Mexico. I can't wait because camp is always such a wonderful time to spend with some of my girls and to get to know them better. I'd appreciate if you could pray for me while I'm away for the week. Here are some specifics you can pray for:

1. Safety- We are going far away which increases the chance of accidents on the road.

2. Health- It's easy to get sick because of the lack of sleep with the amount of physical energy we exert. It's no fun to be sick at camp.

3. Me and my girls- Pray for the Lord to give me wisdom as I lead small groups with my girls. Pray that I will have the right words to say and that the girls would grow in their walks with the Lord as a result.

4. Growth- Rick Holland is our camp speaker and he is one of my favorite pastors, so I know this will be a good time for me to reflect on my own walk and to grow in my own love for the Lord. Pray that the Lord would reveal my sin to me and that I would be teachable and repent.

Here are a couple of pictures from our last camp in January, winter camp:

A Great and Inestimable Mercy (Letters of J.C. Philpot)

It is great and inestimable mercy when our various trials and troubles are made a means of driving us to the Lord, as our only hope and help.

Those circumstances, outward or inward, temporal or spiritual, which…stir up an earnest spirit of prayer, make us cease from the creature, beat us out of all false refuges, wean us from the world, show us the vileness and deceitfulness of our hearts, lead us up to Jesus, and make Him near, dear, and precious--must be considered blessings.

It is true, troubles rarely come to us as such, or at the time appear as such--no, they usually appear as if they would utterly swallow us up! But we must judge of them by their fruits and effects.

Job could not see the hand of God in his troubles and afflictions. But it was made plain after he was brought to abhor himself and repent in dust and ashes.

I am very sure, if we are in the right way, we shall find it a rough way, and have many trials and troubles.

“God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:10-11.

Times Are A Changin'

I remember when I could exercise as much as I wanted, and not get sore.

I remember when I could go to the bank without being called ma'am.

I remember when summer was actually summer.

I remember when I could eat anything without feeling guilty.

I remember when 25 seemed old.

I remember when driving was fun.

Time goes by so fast, it's almost unbelievable. Years vanish like a shadow in the dark right before my eyes and I look back and have no idea where those years went. Now I understand why Scripture commands us to redeem the time. Now I know why God tells us to enjoy our youth. Every day that passes is a day that I can never get back. So, I want to use the time the Lord has given me for His glory. I want to be as useful as I can for the short time that I am here on this earth. I want to be useful and purposeful with every moment so that when my deeds are tested through fire, when I stand before the Lord, what comes out is gold and silver and precious stones...not wood hay and stubble.

It's Hard Being a Girl

I realize the whole concept of submission in marriage doesn't start with marriage. It's a quality I need to cultivate now. But it's not as easy as it sounds. God has given me certain character qualities and I would never use them to excuse my sin, but it does make it a little more difficult. I am opinionated, stubborn, loud, out-spoken, bold--none of those qualities lend themselves to submission. It just means I have to work harder than some other girls. But in the end, God is humbling me and teaching me what it means to prefer others and what it will someday mean for me to willingly put myself under the authority of a husband who will lead as I follow. There is no greater act of trust than for a woman to say--I will choose to submit to you and the decisions you make.

Love and Marriage

My "cousin," Rachel Ham is now Rachel Talbott. She married Byron a week and a half ago. It's surreal. I remember holding her when she was a baby! And now I am throwing her bridal showers and standing up for her in her wedding. Time goes by so fast, and God's plan for every person is so different. I never would have imagined that my 20-year-old neighbor, friend, and "cousin" would get married so soon. She looked beautiful. The wedding was quick and to the point, and everyone had a great time at the reception. It looked like a wedding out of a magazine, honest. The photographer, and my friend, Lukas posted a few of his favorite pictures on his blog.

http://lukasvandyke.blogspot.com/2007/06/byron-and-rachel.html

Check it out!

Oh, Canada

My friend BK recently graduated from The Master's Seminary. Did I mention, BK is from Canada? Since his visa expired, BK is no longer allowed to work in America. But he's not allowed to leave either. So all he can do now is sit and wait for his visa to go through. That means one thing--he's stuck in America for the summer. So what does one do when trapped in a foreign country? Read BK's blog to find out!

http://bksummer2007.wordpress.com/

THOUGHTS

As I evaluated my recent posts, I noticed that I've been pretty serious lately. So I had great aspirations to post something really clever and funny and witty--something to make you all laugh, something that would get lots of comments. Notice, it's been 8 days and I still haven't come up with anything that fits that description. So, rather than make you laugh, out come some thoughts I've had today as a result of my reading in the MacArthur Daily Bible.

Life isn't easy. And while I shouldn't stress, unpleasant situations in life happen and my sinful response is to worry. In the book of Acts, Peter and John were in prison for sharing the gospel and by a turn of miraculous events, they escaped. Knowing me, I would worry and fret. But the church at that time rejoiced in God's power, they recognized that even the people involved in Christ's death were gathered to do "whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done." And the church used Peter and John's situation as a chance to rejoice in God's sovereignty.

That's a lesson for me. God is sovereign. God's plan can not be thwarted by any man. I can take confidence and rejoice in that fact, for He is "God who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them." I have nothing to fear, but Him who ought to be feared.

ALONE

Mark 6:46
"And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray."

Even Jesus had to get alone and go away to pray to His Heavenly Father. If this was a necessity for the Son of God, the Creator of the Universe, the Most High God, how much more is it essential for me? I crave that kind of intimacy with my Lord. I feel that need, to go away and be alone with God. To talk to Him and sit quietly and listen, and to let him speak back to me through His Word. No, God won't speak to me in a audible voice and tell me what to do, but when I acknowledge Him in all my ways and seek His will, not my own, I believe He will make clear the muddy areas in my life. He will gaurd my heart and mind with a peace that only He can give--a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Thought For The Day

"Is the Lord Jesus Christ your most precious treasure in this world? If so, you can count yourself among normal Christians. Is the moral beauty which is found only in Jesus Christ constantly drawing you to praise and worship? If so, you are indeed among those whom God's Word identifies as normal, believing, practicing Christians. But I can almost anticipate an objection. If someone is that delighted and that occupied with the person of Jesus Christ, is he or she not an extremist rather than a normal Christian? Have professing Christians really come to that time in their humanistic and secularistic leanings that they can sincerely deny that loving Jesus Christ with all their heart and soul and strength is normal Christianity? We must not be reading and studying the same Bible! How can anyone profess to be a follower and a disciple of Jesus Christ and not be overwhelmed by His attributes? These divine attributes attest that He is indeed Lord of all, completely worthy of our worship and praise."

-Whatever Happened to Worship? by A.W. Tozer

Impartial Love

You know when God triggers something in your mind--something you read, or heard in a sermon--and you can't stop thinking about it. Well, that sums up some of my thoughts this past week.

Last weekend at my Bible study retreat in Mammoth, Bruce Blakey spoke about the spiritual discipline of serving one another. He talked about the passage where Jesus washes the disciples' feet. And he touched on the fact that Jesus treated Judas so well, no one believed Judas was the betrayer, even when Jesus revealed it. Jesus loved Judas so much and exercised such compassion toward Judas--up until the very last moment, He gave Judas a chance to repent and to turn from his evil ways. Jesus even dipped bread and gave it to Judas, indicating that he was a special guest of honor.

What wondrous love is this?

I pray that I can be the same way to those who have mistreated me. I pray I can demonstrate the same kind of love towards those "hard to love people." And I pray my love will be so extreme that I can love even my enemies the way that Jesus loved Judas--the way that Jesus loves me!