Lyrics of Love January 25, 2010

This morning in church we had some incredible singing! Song after song just blew me away! Of course I knew almost all of them and had read the lyrics and sung the tunes before. But this morning was AWEsome. I was truly in a state of awe because of how great and wonderful our God is. The song we finished with was “Nothing But the Blood”. It was a mix of the old hymn and some newer lyrics. I want to share the first two newer verses with you:

“Your blood speaks a better word, than all the empty claims

I’ve hear upon this earth, speaks righteoushness for me,

And stands in my defense, Jesus it’s Your blood.

Your cross testifies in grace, tells of the Father’s heart

To make a way for us, now boldly we approach

Not by earthly confidence, it’s only by Your blood.”

There is so much wrapped up in these words. The very fact that God loved us so much that he sent Jesus, his son, to die is incredible. Think about it. Imagine you have a son. You love him more than words can even begin to describe. He is like a part of you. Would you be able to willingly offer that child up to be killed? Is there anyone or anything you love enough to do such a thing? A lot of times I think we gloss over the words of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God gave his son, not for just the people who “deserved it” or for Joe Christian who thinks he’s got it going on. God gave his son for WHOEVER believed. It is hard for us to give up anything at all, let alone a child, just for whoever is out there. How great is God’s love! It has opened up to us the throne room of heaven. 

I am reminded of another one of my favorite hymns – And Can It Be. The fifth verse reads as follows,

“No condemnation now I dread;

Jesus, and all in him, is mine;

Alive in him, my living head,

And dressed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach th’ eternal throne,

And claim the crown through Christ my own.”

I would encourage you to dwell on God’s never-ending love! Not only will it blow you away, but it will also challenge you. In John 13:34, Jesus says, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” We have a lot to live up to. And how better to learn how to love than from him whose love is the greatest?

One Down, Seven To Go! January 20, 2010

I have officially finished my first semester of college! Yesterday was the first day of my second semester. Boy, has time just flown by! However, I can safely say that I wouldn’t trade any minute of it. The past five months have presented me with countless opportunities to grow and learn. They have introduced me to many new faces and friends. And they have inspired me more than I ever thought they could.

Mentally I have been stimulated and challenged in my courses. My professors brought a spark to the classroom that spread into my own desires and ideas. Even in my least favorite class, looking back I learned a lot. Seeing the big picture was one of the themes of my semester. Things started to fall into place and I saw connections I had never seen before. The practicality of my education continually hit me. The things that I am being taught now, in both my education and general classes, I will use throughout the rest of my life.

Physically I have grown stronger and become more fit. I have found new outlets for my energy, including rugby. Rugby has become one of my favorite things to do. Period. I love it! Looking forward to practice, helps me make it through the slow days. And I always leave practice with more energy and with a smile on my face. :) Having the fellowship and accountability of the girls on the team also pushes me to do more and to do better.

Spiritually I have also had amazing fellowship. My roomie, my hall small group bible study, and my discipleship group have been so encouraging this past semester. Knowing that you have people who will pray for you and with you, who will help you get back on your feet and point you in the right direction is an amazing thing. I have been so blessed by all the people that God has put in my life. He has taught me so much and I know this is only the beginning.

The reality is that I still have seven semesters left here at Grove City. I have been amazed by these first few months, and I can’t even imagine what God has in store for me over the next three and a half years! But I know that it will be good…

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

New Discoveries October 31, 2009

“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.”

“Learning is the discovery that something is possible.”

“One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his greatest surprises, is to find he could do what he was afraid he couldn’t.”

Discovery is a constant in our society. It is an underlying theme of our everyday lives. And it is something that has been very prevalent in my new college life. I have discovered many things about myself, my friends, my gifts, and my faith. I have learned many little things, like how much I enjoy apples dipped in peanut butter and how much I love playing rugby. But I have also learned many bigger or more difficult things, like how important it is to choose your friends carefully.

College is often called the best four years of your life or a time when all you have to worry about is yourself. So far I still agree with those statements, however, I would add that college is a time of testing your true self and of pursuing God’s purpose for your life. When you are placed out in the world (or at least in the college bubble), all by yourself with no one from home looking over you or telling you what to do and not do, you will quickly find out all your weaknesses. You will discover the things that tempt you and the things that distract you. You will struggle to balance the extra fun stuff with the serious studying. At first it can be tricky, but it is very doable.

Probably the most valuable and practical lesson that I have learned at college is how important it is to set aside time for God. It is always really easy for me to put off my quiet times, praying, etc. because I am simply busy. But it is so crucial! When you make time for God, he will bless it. We know that God’s word does not return void – and I have found that to be completely and resoundingly true. After I spend time in the word, in prayer, or in fellowship with other Christians I feel refreshed and renewed. You have a sense of purpose and desire to do God’s will. One small thing that has been a great encouragement to me is a little “100 devotions for a new beginning” book I got at graduation. Every night before I go to bed, I read the little one page devotion and the verses and quotes that go with it. And its been really amazing to see how every single night it relates to something that happened during the day or something I have been thinking about. God’s truly perfect timing is amazing! :)

Discovering and rediscovering all these things has been incredible. And it’s just my first semester. Imagine all that God can teach me in the next three years.  :)

A New Beginning August 28, 2009

As of 12:00 am. I have officially completed my first day as a college student. I have left behind the classrooms of high school and gone on to the bigger more challenging realm of college credits and professors. I hope this year that I will be pushed to my full potential both academically and spiritually. As I start this new stage of my life at Grove City College, I hope that the next four years will mold me into the woman I was meant to be. :)

I also hope over the next four years I will be faithful and dedicated in writing this blog. This time I will actually revive it for more than a week or two. I will persevere. And in the end I hope to have given you a clear picture of my college journey and the things I have learned along the way.

I’ll leave you with the verse that was shared during our welcome ceremony this morning,

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It doesn’t not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of doubt and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

See the Blessings Amid the Busy-ness May 6, 2009

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Recently I’ve felt pretty overwhelmed and exhausted. I felt like I was going at 100 mph, but getting no where. I had a seemingly endless “to do” list. 

But this weekend I had a real wake up call. I have a friend who has some really hard stuff going on right now. One of her older sisters is living dumb, and its wreaking havoc on her life. When I look at this girls life, it seems as if all these tough situations keep popping up right and left – yet she is one of the most faithful christians I know. No matter what hits her – she is able to put it in perspective and continue to see God’s faithfulness and grace. 

Then I look at my life. My parents are happily married. I have amazing friends. I have a job. I am going to a wonderful Christian college in the fall. I have everything you need to live a good life. Yet here I am all stressed out and unhappy simply because I am BUSY. In reality, however, I am so blessed! I should be taking each step with a smile on my face and praise on my lips! It makes me think of the chorus of the song “Every Move I Make”:

“Waves of mercy, waves of grace; Everywhere I look I see your face; Your love has captured me; Oh my God, this love how can it be?”

This should be me! I should be seeing God’s mercy and grace everywhere I look. And I need to be putting everything into God’s hands – not trying to keep it in my own. Because it is when we give ourselves over to Him that He blesses us. 

One simple way for me to help keep things in this perspective of seeing God’s grace and mercy is to count my blessings. About a month ago I started a “Thankfulness Journal”. Its a small notebook that I keep next to my regular journal. And every night before I go to bed I write down at least one thing that I am thankful for. Some nights I feel like I could fill an entire page, while other nights I struggle to think of something. Its on these nights that I find the journal the most helpful. Instead of ending the night sulking or feeling grumpy, I have to turn and look at what God  has done. And boy does that put things into perspective! To think that this awesome and glorious God is loving and blessing me, a selfish unworthy sinner, is truly humbling. And then, to be able to look back through the pages of my journal and see how blessed I really am is so encouraging. I know that God will always provide for me and that I don’t need to be stressed out about schedules or being “busy”. I just need to “wake up and see the glory”!

“Count Your Blessings”  by  Johnson Oatman, Jr. 

“When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed; When you are discouraged thinking all is lost; Count your many blessings name them one by one; And it will surprise you what the LORD has done.

Chorus: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done! Count your blessings, name them one by one; And it will surprise you what the LORD has done. 

Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by.

(Chorus)

When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold; Count your many blessings. Money cannot buy your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

(Chorus)

So, amid the conflict whether great or small; Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count you many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

(Chorus)”