tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89614551268249215362024-03-08T03:48:00.794-07:00On The RunThis is my blog "On The Run"!
This blog is used to express and share what's going on in my life and what God is doing in it. Right now I'm on the run to follow Christ and change lives while changing my own.
While running the race of life I've come across anxiety, but that hasn't slowed me down! I aspire to be a missionary, but in the mean time I'm doing school and hoping to be a camp counilor while learning leadership through my youth group. Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-37735891288637179622013-07-22T20:01:00.002-07:002013-07-22T20:01:16.646-07:00How Willing Am I? Good Question. Approximately a week ago I got my head in the clouds by thinking and planning what I'm going to do after I graduate high school, hopefully May of 2014. However, it was last week I tried to tell you about my heart for missions, but apparently all I had written disappeared probably into the vastness of space. But let's try again in a brief paragraph or two. Last week at church was "Missions Sunday", but hearing the testimonies from some of those who went and watching the slide show they put on has touched my heart the same way it usually does, and that's breaking it, making me wanting to go there right that minute with no delay and setting a blaze of zeal in my heart. Furthermore I decided to dig deeper into some ministries I could work with since someone from Compassion International was there however, some of these ministries were ones yes like Compassion, but they were Mercy Ships and Operation Blessings. I looked more into Mercy Ships for two reasons, one is because my mom had given me the idea since I'm trying to get into Moody Bible Institute and that's what my cousin Amy did, and two because Operation Blessings just did missions trips within the states and not that we don't need missionaries here in the states, it just I rather go to a third world country. However, this is only the beginning to the question, "how willing am I?" well to be honest for about 3 years since my first missions trip it has become a very real desire to serve in missions, so I guess you could say willingness there has never been an issue, but that's not the whole picture here. The story goes as I was thinking about Mercy Ships and I was looking at what to expect all digging deep to see what exactly I was getting myself in to, well as my sleuth in me found it was $700 a month to serve (I know, weird for you to give your money to serve) and I thought "OK I'll leave after Thanksgiving of 2014 if I graduate and go for 6 months since I have limited funds and will already be trying to raise $1400-$1700 to go for that time." After the week progressed I started to question, "how willing am I?" It was earlier this year I was reading in a devotion about how the Savoir waits ahead, and honestly when I was convicted by what appeared to be unwillingness and most of all failure to trust God again. <br />
My breath is taken away at all that has happened in 2013, from change to leaps of faith it has all been a hard thing to take in but worth my life. <br />But this week I want to challenge you all as I have been. I want you all to listen for God's voice taking the leap of faith (and if you'd like to talk to me on Sunday at church that's fine too I'd be happy to pray with you) I know when I was challenged to take the leap to tell my youth leader I want to learn leadership I felt humbled all because the pastor invited us up to pray for us taking leaps of faith. Believe me it's worth getting rid of every anxious feeling, but as a friend told me that wild 4th of July, "If you are in God's will you won't miss a thing", but even more so when you take that first step the others just keep coming and you begin to feel confident and strong in Christ. <br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Habakkuk 3:19<br /> The Sovereign Lord is my strength;<br /> he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,<br /> he enables me to tread on the heights.<br /> For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Faith receiveth the promise, embraceth it, and comforteth the soul unspeakably with it. Faith is so great an artist in arguing and reasoning with the soul, that it will bring over the hardest heart that it hath to deal with. It will bring to my remembrance at once, both my vileness against God, and his goodness towards me; it will show me, that though I deserve not to breathe in the air, yet that God will have me an heir of glory.<br /> John Bunyan</span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-82142262773102932202013-07-15T20:21:00.000-07:002013-07-15T20:21:16.156-07:00A Passion Of a Lifetime <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was "Missions Sunday" at Cottonwood and it was a service dedicated to hearing some of the testimonies Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-58340260430821532702013-07-11T20:40:00.002-07:002013-07-11T20:40:49.807-07:00Starts With Me? (Where I Go From Here) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pslWA2VRmxg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>About a month ago <a href="http://ontherun-afterchrist.blogspot.com/2013/06/will-you-help-me-find-it-gods-will.html" target="_blank">here</a> I used a song to help out with my blog post to add perspective and that musical touch I don't usually add, but turns out it inspires my musings by allowing me to clear out my head and observe the situation in a thoughtful direction. (see what I mean by musings?)</div>
Anyway, you may have seen the post last month about finding God's will, I assume you did or this post probably wouldn't be making much sense at all, and if you didn't I'm sorry but this one has a little bit more connection to that then any other related link I've done before. <br />
However, if you have read the post from last month this is the official update to what's going on with that situation and maybe even more to come, but this gives me the perfect time to mention what you can expect next month, "Countdown From 10: What I Hope To See In The Next 10 Months", and don't worry I'll give you the updates on how I am doing with those "tasks" and so forth. But now today's post about new questions being raised, starting ministry, and what's the deal with me getting ahead of myself?<br />
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<strong>New Questions Being Raised? </strong><br />
<em>"You must do some serious thinking about your ambitions and ask yourself, 'Is this ambition my master or servant?"</em><br />
<em> </em>-John White<br />
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<em>"Does it make much sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today? How many momentous events in Scripture depend on person's seemingly small act of obedience! Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now, and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next." </em>-Elizabeth Elliot <br />
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As past posts have made it clear I'm not a fan of waiting and all that time I was asking, <em>"What does it mean to trust God?"</em> Eureka! But I've had the answer for quite a while now. My answer on what does<span style="color: black;"> it mean to trust God? </span><em><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><u>It means to wait on God with patience and perseverance as Romans 8:25 says</u>, "But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently."</span> </span><span style="color: black;">(NLT)</span></em><div>
<em><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: black;"><u>Even as I ask myself other questions like why does God have me here in this place at the time? Or how is this going to benefit or help me in future events? </u></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black;"><u> To be honest all I know it's just God telling me to trust Him.</u></span></em></div>
With the epic conclusion to wrap that up it means to have faith in the unknown and wait; meaning I have a lot to learn. <br />
Now the other questions;<br />
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<em>"What can I do to leave a legacy? How can I speak with authority When I can’t see You, I can’t see You How can I know the dreams You have for me?</em><br />
<em>How do I believe beyond what I have seen?" </em>-Tim Timmons <br />
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Quite frankly thinking of <u>leaving a legacy</u> I think of camp Crestridge because in the promo for Crestrige and Ridgecrest it says, "<em>Join the legacy" </em>and thinking what I'm thinking it must show some sort of significants or I'm just getting ahead of myself, but we'll get there in a minute. So my answer might be when I send in the application for camp Crestridge or in recent thoughts any summer camp. <br />
<u>How about authority?</u> Ooh tough one I must say, actually despite the fact I'm the eldest doesn't exactly mean or scream authority, but since the good news has been official to announce that my parents are planning on adopting on a little girl from Haiti, so you can pray for that. However my answer is yes waiting to send applications to be a camp councilor or in starting ministry soon.<br />
<u>When I can't see God? </u>Short and simple: Still on earth and still waiting, most of all I have to trust God. <u>Knowing dreams and believe what I have seen? </u>Dreams are easy; my answer <br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><em>"God surpasses our dreams when we reach past our personal plans and agenda to grab the hand of Christ and walk the path He chose for us. He is obligated to keep us dissatisfied until we come to Him and His plan for complete satisfaction."</em><br />-Beth Moore<br /> <u><span style="color: black;"><em>Through out the past few months I've wondered about God's will, wondered what it means to trust God? And recently I've realized that your dreams</em> <em>c</em></span></u><span class="text_exposed_show"><em><u><span style="color: black;">an come true when you trust in God.</span></u></em> <br /><em>“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him”</em> <br />-John Piper<br /> <em><u><span style="color: black;">It's also really cool to see God's work in my life though godly desires and being able to see His work is in my life through all my plans, ambitions, and goals.</span></u></em><br /> <em>"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. What a man desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar. The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble."</em><br />-Proverbs 19:20-23"<br />Generally the question being asked is why haven't I trusted God's promise in Jeremiah 29:11?<br /><em><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> "</span></sup>For I know the plans<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> I have for you, declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, plans to prosper<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</em></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><strong>Starting Ministry! </strong>1 Timothy 4:12 </span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">"<em>Don’t let anyone look down on you<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29760A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> because you are young, but set an example<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29760B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29760C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> and in purity." </em></span></span><br />
Proverbs 16:3<br /><em>"Commit to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> whatever you do,</em><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"><em> </em></span><span class="text Prov-16-3"><em>and he will establish your plans."<br /></em>This section is going to be really short basically I'm taking on a new role to start my training to help with youth group. I'll let you know more as I'm father along.</span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-16-3"><strong>What's The Deal With Me Getting Ahead Of Myself? <br /></strong>Philippians 4:6</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-16-3"><em>"Do not be anxious about anything,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29449A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."</em></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5AVys-FpqN8/Ud96sX2P59I/AAAAAAAAAOU/q5cwIECSVOU/s1600/Lrgacy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5AVys-FpqN8/Ud96sX2P59I/AAAAAAAAAOU/q5cwIECSVOU/s1600/Lrgacy.png" /></a>It's a work in progress hopefully that will change, but the big deal is really learning to trust in God throughout this entire situation of all what I am waiting to see what God will do with my life.<br /><br />So yes it starts with me!<br />
<em>" You're my revival song, You start where I belong<br /> On my knees, on my knees<br /> When I am weak or strong You meet me here<br /> When I'm on my knees, on my knees<br /> Oh, it starts with me<br /><br /> Why do I try to work outside of You?<br /> Knocking down doors I should be going through<br /> But I'm so tired, I'm so tired<br /> You take my burdens off of my shoulders<br /> You break the lies that hold me back<br /> I'm not sure enough<br /><br /> I really wanna change the world<br /> I really wanna sing Your song<br /> But I know revival's got to start with me<br /> I really wanna change the world<br /> I really wanna sing Your song<br /> But I know revival's got to start with me"</em><br />-Tim Timmons "Starts With Me"<br />
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<br /> </span><br /></span><br />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-5558025695619983372013-07-05T19:54:00.000-07:002013-07-05T19:54:00.205-07:00The Best 4th of July So Far? <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: black;">Yesterday was 4th of July as you all know, but for me it was more then the average American red, white, and blue, anything having to do with BBQ, fireworks, family, friends, and traffic kind of day. It was really good, but wild 4th of July and not the wild you'd expect it to be by definition either. Only this 4th of July and the last I had gained more perspective, with the added going mad occasionally, and if you're asking, "is that good or bad?" I would say perspective is key, but not today no, today my answer is that depends on my day that usually ends up being yes, that is unless otherwise my day has resulted in anxiety then it's bad. It has been different is all I'm saying, and that might just be because this year my parents weren't looking at the place I'm living in currently and because I got to see a few people I haven't seen in 7 months. I'm just glad seeing everyone wasn't half as bad as I thought (that was probably the anxiety talking at the time), but I'm glad I had more to talk about then I usually ever did apart from the animals. Of course it just gets weird when they ask how's Albuquerque? I just say it's the same and I've changed more then Albuquerque, but let's just get the facts straight: There is nothing new under the Albuquerque sun, except maybe the one of two seasons changing and rarely the weather. It was great seeing everyone that I haven't seen in 7 months, but I got werided out quickly when they said my sisters and I were all grown up. I'm thinking it had something to do with the fact that my sisters were wearing make up, and I was not wearing my glasses plus my hair was cut. Uh I guess that would be pretty self-explanatory for the most part. The best parts about going yesterday was seeing my two of my friends get baptized, getting to see the small amount of people I knew, getting to see new familes, and of course getting hugs. If you know me well enough, you should know I love hugs (meaning don't be afraid to give me a hug, I don't bite and if I do I only nibble). On the hysterical side I have been given a task that I haven't given much thought to, but I better get crackin' and let's hope that ends like I hope it will because it involves giving someone a hard time. I had to laugh though because everyone kept asking "have you eaten?" no I wish I would have though... I blame the stupid Goldfish crackers and Gatorade I had rather then homemade ice cream, farm fresh BBQ pig, and every thing else that looked good. I am one happy Melody, but when people asked about the church though, that's when the situation changed rather quick and dad thinks we're all happy dandy lions. I am not implying that I'm not happy at Cottonwood, but same story I've never been at a church so long or even old enough to ever really know either and that's why it takes a lot of change. (But don't be suprised if that changes here quickly). At least I got talking about the changes I've experinced and even talked about how stressed I am about being stressed in January (and that does not include my 17th birthday either). Yes, January is going to be stressfull because all my deicions and many determining factors for so many things and I'm not geting into details today, but be on the watch! I was just so encouraged by everyone I talked to because they just heard everything I said with the added of basically telling me not to worry God's got it under contoll and that if I am in God's will I won't miss a thing. Thank goodness it was just at the most amazing time too. What a wonderful way to spend 4th of July with amazing people!</span></div>
So that's really it for today. I could go on, but I would rather save this story to add on to for other posts. <br /><br />
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Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-36380129883602126082013-06-30T18:33:00.000-07:002013-06-30T18:33:04.356-07:00Trail Mix <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm sorry I haven't posted in two weeks, but I've been kind of busy. <br />
You might have noticed today's title and post is a bit indigenous, conspicuous, erratic, and weird. <br />
After all, I've been experiencing a lot of change, growth, learning, and trials in the expanse of 7 months. I guess you could say I need time to think and process, but even though I haven't posted for two weeks my brain acquired several different thoughts on what to post today, and truth is, it's going to be a bit like trail mix or complex in better words.<br />
Many of you might think my brain is over run by chaotic thoughts, running at 2,857 thoughts per second, or even possessed by many thoughts, and maybe while all those may all seam true it's how I function.<br />
Even through this astronomical and radical transformation has brought me to my knees I know now it really is really where I go from here leaving all behind and striving for God's will in my life. <br />
Despite it has only been 7 months of change, growth, learning, and trails, it has also been 7 months of me finding out who I am, and to be honest, I really thought I had it figured out, and turns out over the past 3 years I've only scratched the surface. Probably the least bitter of the reality I've tasted in the past 7 months.<br />
As early last week came my thoughts were intruded by the thought of change and how I am stepping into it even deeper then the last time. One thing you should know about me: I love change, but quite frankly it scares me half to death, and that's where my thoughts were intruded and screaming, "Run! Run for the hills! Whatever you do run! Run away! Personally I would highly recommend you don't run from change because I know for a fact that usually ends up being more harm then good, and believe me, I know it's like that nasty cough medicine we had to take as kids to stop the coughing and make us feel better. Yuck. Still has to do with where I go from one spot to the next. <br />
Like Robert Frost's poem,<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp_gr1lJ7os/UdDPoHx6Z6I/AAAAAAAAANE/8nxORO_rK3k/s225/adventure.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp_gr1lJ7os/UdDPoHx6Z6I/AAAAAAAAANE/8nxORO_rK3k/s225/adventure.png" /></a>"Two roads diverged in a wood and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." ~Robert Frost<br />
and even in my brief testimony.<br />
4 and a half years ago I gave my life to Christ, but since then it's been a pilgrimage and an unforgettable on at that. However, through these years I've had small misdirections to where it <em>is I'll go from here</em> after some sort of significants has happened, but more commonly looked upon today as <em>trial and error.</em><br />
Really as I sit here I'm thinking of Haiti, one because a team of 13 from Cottonwood church went and came back yesterday, two I really want to go, that is if it's God's will, and most importantly my parents as they're thinking about adopting a child from there. I'm excited and nervous all at once, ah yes, so much going on in my heart that thinks about Haiti. <br />
Mainly important though in two weeks I get back to youth group and this time being more involved then I have been in the past 10 months. I guess you could say the past 7 months have been an adventure and not to mention, I myself love adventures and maybe that's why I'm enjoying this chapter of my life because soon I will be taking things to new heights. I remember last week talking to some friends and being pretty stressed, not about talking to them, but being stressed by several things going on in life. I'm kind of laughing a myself though because I typically say "expect the unexpected when least expected." Take it from me, I can't even hold up to my own saying and even with my brain running a mile a minute I don't even know what to expect! I think my new saying will be "let the hands of God be the hands time in your future and in the plans the Lord has for you; let your feet be guided by the lamp that leads to the path of purpose." <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UPK9oYHnfIM/UdDU7Pad7cI/AAAAAAAAANU/h7a0_KJs3Uc/s275/time.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UPK9oYHnfIM/UdDU7Pad7cI/AAAAAAAAANU/h7a0_KJs3Uc/s275/time.png" /></a>As I've been telling people, "time is a determining factor for what I do" and so is school, if it is God's will I hope to graduate next year, thus allowing me to go to Texas and hopefully following that leaving to go to England for one year. But let's get it straight, this is my plan, doesn't mean it's God's even though I seam determined that it should be.<br />
Speaking of determination, we had a cockroach in our house and mom made a comment about my "strong heart" and I was quick to respond saying the only thing strong in my heart is it's will... maybe thinking about it now normally that's true because I'm pretty stubborn anyway for what ever reason it may be. <br />
Although I seam to be in so many directions, but I'm not going to call it misdirection, I'm going to call it one step away from another big step.<br />But on the thought of steps; I've realized I have taken more in 7 months then I have in my entire life. Yeah crazy I know, but hey, so is trail mix. Haha sorry couldn't help it. <br />Anyway I'll catch you all later. Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-68189294812520259952013-06-16T21:03:00.000-07:002013-06-16T21:03:13.654-07:00Puzzle Pieces <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dPZiC6KCZo/Ub04N7l21OI/AAAAAAAAAMM/AK5qxizgLDM/s1600/ColorPuzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dPZiC6KCZo/Ub04N7l21OI/AAAAAAAAAMM/AK5qxizgLDM/s320/ColorPuzzle.jpg" width="320" /></a>It has been a long while since I last did a puzzle. Don't get me wrong I love puzzles, but sometimes I just stop because I don't feel like I'm getting anywhere, or I'm irritated at a piece being determind it's going to fit some where and it's ends up being the wrong piece in the wrong spot. Might be a bit far-fetched, blunt, and probably every bit of going on a limb, but I actually think of life like a puzzle --or my mind is like a whole bunch of puzzle pieces composed of several pieces and possiblites. <br /><br />Personally I'm not really sure how realistically that sounds to you, but it's kind of the way my brain is wired that way currently.<br />However, the explanation is a whole other story. (Yes this involves my "story time" I suppose). OK this might be a bit vauge if you've never seen Men in Black 3, but if not the explantion will do either case well. Basically it's like the character Griffin, (information from Wikipedia, just so you all know) a fifth-dimensional being who sees multiple timelines simultaneously. Only it's diffirent for me, I am only a three-dimensional being, and I look at possibilites and put them together like a puzzle. Therefore the meaning of "puzzle pieces". Several examples come into my mind, however I have actually a few pieces put together, so not all of them are technically are lose puzzle pieces. Anyway, we'll make a really long story a short one. I'm not sure how many of you know my "Texas story", but basically I wanted to go to Texas and the door pretty much got closed for the time. Now as I've done my first Bible study offically the outcome has been me effectivly making deicions that honor God and again, and again, learning to trust God as it is a <em>huge </em>issue, that is yes getting better just incase you wanted to know. ;) Ah, but today at church I had a turn around. Actually rewind a few weeks. So it was a few weeks go while I was doing math and I felt God telling me to learn leadership and I was like okay... later it occured to me through God's grace it might be with the youth group and orginally I wasn't so sure. Now we fastforward to today. Well Pastor Dan Cooley talked about killing chickens (killing fears; witch I kind some what of an idea to do so, but uh, not entirely), so it was a good sermon I can't agrue that. However, he invited us up to pray (quick comment, but in my perspective this church does a lot to get you out of your comfort zone) and not only is that the second time i've gone up to ask for prayer, but he asked to pray for us all who wanted to take a leap of faith and just do what God is calling us to do. Well that put a stop to my procrastionating about talking to Stephanie about helping out with the youth group, so I told her after we prayed I need to talk to her, now I go to talk to telling her I want to be youth in training for leadership and now waiting two weeks... But its good because that totally proves it's God's will for me to learn God's will. Other puzzle pieces that I'm trying to put together is waiting and seeing the least favorite part) and I'm thinking depending on how school is going by January it might determin where I chose to go in life generally after high school. (Maybe another day I'll dig deeper) But for now that's it, so enjoy the puzzle pieces! (Let me know if you find one ;) )</div>
Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-23746860948750567122013-06-07T22:38:00.001-07:002013-06-07T22:38:52.434-07:00Will You Help Me Find It? (God's Will)<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CsjZ94K7UQs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>I'm sure your all just as excited about this post as I am, but it's more then just a post about God's will and quotes. Actually it's about me finding God's will and me making deicions that lead to God's will for me. Many of you probably know this new song by Sidewilk Prophets, I love this song so much because it relates to me so much, and it's certainly convicting too. Last week before I finished posting I posted a prayer request on a Facebook group I am part of and I said, </div>
<span class="userContent"><em>"I know this prayer request is a bit longer then several of my other, but I also just want to thank you all who have been praying for me. So here it goes. (It's not really about my struggles, but you can continue pray for me in that way as well.)<br /><br />Over the past 8 or so months I've been looking at summer camp jobs and for a few months now I have been looking at this one camp in particular that's in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. I've been feeling it is God's calling for me to work at a summer camp, but with kids, and lately I feel God is leading me on to do more things with kids. However, I'm not normally good with kids and the first prayer request is that I may be able to work with kids and have patience. I really do want to work at this summer camp like I feel it God's calling to me, but I worry I won't be able to do to my lack of "abilities" or "gifts" and I don't want that to be my excuse not to go, nor do I want it to be a reason of unwillingness to not go. I know I have time to spare before I go to this camp (at least a year to two years), but I am currently getting really excited, yet worried, and I would ask that you pray for me as I prepare my heart for this upcoming step. Also pray that I would find something to allow me to have experience in both children and godly leadership.<br />Thanks.<br />(</em><a href="http://ridgecrestcamps.com/girls/staff/a-word-to-prospective-staff" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><em>http://ridgecrestcamps.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>girls/staff/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>a-word-to-prospective-staff</em></a><em>)"</em></span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
Yes, I really find it God's calling to work with children and in general to learn leadership, but now as a week has passed by I've learend a little bit more about myself and turns out yes North Carolina is still an option, but Texas is once more an open door... I'm a bit confused at this fact though, but anyway, I'm finding it to be if I actually graduate next year that I can go to Texas to be a typical staffer or have an actual leadership post? But am I willing to to decide wether or not I want to go to Haiti? Hmm...Anyway, I'll keep you informed as I make deicions to what it is I'm doing. Although I've been worried though; worried about weather or not I can actually teach these kids and guide them in a godly manor or if I can even hold the weight of being on staff, now, I really don't want any of those excuses to stop me from trusting God and doing His will. As I went to bed that night (last week) I opened up my Devotional book and found this, <em>"Witch driver you you choose to transport </em>[<u>or have the people you were with aweeks go home with</u>] <em>your infant son or daughter </em>[<u>or the campers]</u> <em>across a lofty mountain range? (a) The one who boast of how fast he can drive and how close to the edge he can steer, or (b) The one who stays as far away for the edge as possible, even if it means driving more slowly?Out of love, you would choose the second driver. And if a baby believer means anything to you, you'll steer clear of the world and not try and see how close to the edge you can come."</em><br />
<span class="userContent"><em> <strong>--Bruce H. Wilkinson, Closer Walk</strong></em></span><br />
<span class="userContent">I actually took that as practical advice and now I don't seem <em>as </em>worried. Thinking of it now, I chose to to be worried, it wasn't natural, it was pure and true a choise, and excuse weather or not I wanted it to be one. I also found this quote (but I'm only doing the part that caught me), <em>"When God has put His call on you, woe be to you if you turn to the right hand or to the left. He will do with you what He never did with you before the call came; He will do with you what He is not doing with other people. Let Him have His way." </em><strong>-Oswald Chambers </strong></span><br />
I have to admit this one got me pretty good, although, I thought I knew my purpose, but in this case it was just a step. But here's a quote, <em>"God had taken</em> <em>you into His purpose by the Holy Ghost. He is using you now for His purposes throughout the world as He used His Son for the purpose of our salvation. If you seek great things for yourself, you put up a barrier to God's use of you. As long as you have a personal interest in your own character, or any set ambition, you cannot get through into identification with God's intrests.You can only get there by lossing forever any idea of yourself and letting God take you out into His purpose for the world. I have to learn that the aim in life is in God's, not mine. God is using me from His great personal standpoint; all He asks of me is that I trust Him. When I stop telling God what I want, He can catch me up for what He wants without hindrance. He can crumple me up or exalt me; He can do anything He chooses. He simply asks me to have implicit faith in Him and His goodness."</em><strong><em>-Oswald Chambers </em></strong><br />
Currently though I've been needing to spend more time in the Word and in prayer, and I think of Philippians 4:6 "<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup><em>do not be anxious about anything, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29432J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>but in everything by prayer and supplication <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29432K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."</em><br />
So real quick back on Texas, I posted a comment on my orginal post saying, <em> "<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[18].[1][1][1]{comment480965765311352_483894158351846}.[0].[1].[0].[1].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[18].[1][1][1]{comment480965765311352_483894158351846}.[0].[1].[0].[1].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[18].[1][1][1]{comment480965765311352_483894158351846}.[0].[1].[0].[1].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0:0]"><span id=".reactRoot[18].[1][1][1]{comment480965765311352_483894158351846}.[0].[1].[0].[1].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0:0].[0]">Thank you all! <span aria-hidden="true" class="emoticon_text">:D</span><span class="emoticon emoticon_grin" title=":D"></span> I have an update and you can pray for that to help take place. See I've been looking at another summer camp in Glen Rose, Texas and I was hoping to work there next summer as either an intern or an actual staff. However, with the staff</span></span><span id=".reactRoot[18].[1][1][1]{comment480965765311352_483894158351846}.[0].[1].[0].[1].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0:3]"><span id=".reactRoot[18].[1][1][1]{comment480965765311352_483894158351846}.[0].[1].[0].[1].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0:3].[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[18].[1][1][1]{comment480965765311352_483894158351846}.[0].[1].[0].[1].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0:3].[0].[0]"> I can chose between a leadership postion or just an ordinary staff member that works apart from the leaders. Depending on how this upcoming school year goes, it determins the path of an intren or a staff, but the problem I'm not so sure about is wether or not I want to take the full postion since I want to go to Haiti the same year and I do believe season too. If you could pray for me to make wise deicisons that would be great!"</span></span></span></span></span></em><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span>Well I better scarm until tomrrow and if you guys want to know anymore about what's going on don't be affraid to comment, Facebbok me, or tweet me. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-71381660195946869612013-05-31T21:06:00.000-07:002013-05-31T21:06:22.950-07:00What Does it Mean to Trust God?Time after time I think of what it means to trust God? Well given the evidence of my many blog post about trusting in God, I'd say it's proven to be that that trust and patience are among my weaknesses. <br />
In my reasoning I found it a good idea to be a sleuth again, especially after last night, and I only say that because I started to have anxiety at 9 o'clock at night, on Wendnesday night. Well, 15 minutes passed and I had opened up my devotional "Closer Walk" since I've been neglecting it over the past few mornings, and as I go through-out reading them, I eventually find myself copying a few of the quotes. When time had passed maybe about 10 minutes, I caught myself thinking of how these quotes affiliated with both my ambitions and lack of trust alike. Now if you've been following this blog, talking to me, catching up with me now and then, or have known me for a while, you probably know my ambitions and goals to first become a camp councilor and later a missionary (recently been thinking to serve as missionary in England), but as mentioned, I'm failing to trust God with the plans He has given me or entrusted His will in me to do it. The thought of quotes had me thinking of some of my own, and not just any random chatter on Facebook either, no, rather they were quotes I put on Facebook when I was 14, and there was a number of them, but I won't get to them all today. Anyway, that one quote that got to me at this stage in my life read, "a true function is trust." And now my thoughts, other then "oh my goodness, you got to be kiding me!"<br />
<strong>The break down of the indivual words:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><strong>- </strong><u>"A" meaning one; complete, or whole.</u></li>
<li>-<u>"True" faithful or loyal.</u></li>
<li>- (This one I got from Merriam Webster Dictionary) "<u>Latin function-, functio performance, from fungi to perform. . ."</u></li>
<li><u>- "Trust" to have faith in; to have hope in someone.</u></li>
<li><strong>What this means to me 2 years later:</strong></li>
</ul>
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<u>To have a complete, fully committed (loyal) relationship, and whole heated trust in God</u>. Just as Provebs 3:5-8 says, <em>"Trust in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16461A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> with all your heart <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-5">and lean not on your own understanding;</span></span><span class="text Prov-3-6" id="en-NIV-16462"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>in all your ways submit to him,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-3-6">and he will make your paths straight.</span></span><span class="text Prov-3-7" id="en-NIV-16463"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>Do not be wise in your own eyes;</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-3-7">fear the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16463E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> and shun evil. </span></span><span class="text Prov-3-8" id="en-NIV-16464">This will bring health to your body </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-8">and nourishment to your bones."<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16464H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup></span></span></em><br />
<strong>Take a minute here anf take just a few notes on Solomon's wisdom in Proverbs:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li> <em>"Trust in the LORD with all your heart" </em>just as I sid above, "to have a complete, fully committed (loyal) relationship, and whole hearted trust in God.</li>
<li><em>"and lean not on your own understanding;" </em>short and simple, just as many people say "follow your heart", <em>Jeremiah 19:7</em> says otherwise. <em>"<span class="text Jer-17-9" id="en-NIV-19367">The heart<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19367A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> is deceitful above all things </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">and beyond cure.</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Jer-17-9">Who can understand it?" </span></span></em></li>
<li><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><em>"in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight." </em>Well I think the apostle Paul has this one this one covered in <em>Phillippians 4:6</em>-7 <em>"<span class="text Phil-4-6" id="en-NIV-29449">Do not be anxious about anything,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29449A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29449B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-NIV-29450">And the peace of God,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29450C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> which transcends all understanding,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29450D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."</span></em></span></span></li>
<li><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><span class="text Phil-4-7"><em>"Do not be wise in your own eyes;<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-3-7">fear the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16463E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> and shun evil. </span></span><span class="text Prov-3-8" id="en-NIV-16464">This will bring health to your body </span></em><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-8"><em>and nourishment to your bones." </em>I just think of Psalms 23 for this one.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
Now to answer my question, "what does it mean to trust God?" Well if you don't mind the length then it's going to be like a "mini post" I suppose, but it shouldn't take to long.<br />
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<strong>Time is Equivalent</strong> <strong>to Sand</strong><br />
As I had already written a rough draft Wednesday and it was actually short. But if you get the impression I'm getting annoyed then you've guessed correctly. <br />
Seeing the fact that is actually been 6 years since I left Michigan to make the distance to New Mexico it's been worth the adventure, practially 4 and a half years following Christ, 4 years doing photography, 3 years since my first missions trip in Denver, 3 years since I last went camping (a fun family list of trips we did while still in Michigan), 2 years since I experienced the best summer camp of my life, 16 months since the first mentioning of moving (here I am today 10 months later approximatly all moved in to Albuquerque), 6 months since I left my old church, and 6 months of blogging. And lastly we have our list of things time has taught me. (19 or so diffirent things. bear with me I might be a bit vauge on some or repeat some.)<br />
<ol>
<li><u>Life is a grain of sand; don't take it for granted, make most of the time you have.</u></li>
<li><u>You can always face challanges. Either it be raging storm, a daunting mountain, or even a step of faith.</u></li>
<li><u>Radical is an expression of trusting God.</u></li>
<li><u>Waiting produces fruit.</u></li>
<li><u>Prayer is power.</u></li>
<li><u>Time increases knowledge, patience,and thankfullness.</u></li>
<li><u>Grace will grow like grass in the spring time.</u></li>
<li><u>It's not about me. </u></li>
<li><u>Changes happen by decisions.</u></li>
<li><u>Experiences give perspective.</u></li>
<li><u>Surrender is one of the fires that </u></li>
<li><u>Confidence allows you to rise above your best.</u></li>
<li><u>God has shown me the diversity of the body of Christ. </u></li>
<li><u>Even through trials and tribulations God is good and He makes you more like His Son through them.</u></li>
<li><u>That no matter what situation you may be in you still need to fight for joy.</u></li>
<li><u>Never give up even if you know it's in God's hand.</u></li>
<li><u>Don't get comfortable anywhere because God will move you to where you are uncomfortable. </u></li>
<li><u>His love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me. </u></li>
<li><u>Even through trials and tribulations you MUST worship God. </u></li>
<li><u>Through pain (spirtual, physical or emotional) you gotta have faith.</u></li>
</ol>
Believe it or not, these are things I have learned in both November and just this last Wednesday. (If you are at all thinking, "wow fast learner, eh?" Well I guess you could say that, either that or just assume it's God telling me straight forward. Actually I dont really know why it seams I realize these things quick.)<br />
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<em>“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” <br />― Dr. Seuss</em><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><span class="text Phil-4-7"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-8">If you're at all curious about the quotes well I guess I'll post them tomrrow with the title "God's Will" and kinda throw a few other things like my comments and scripture. (Ah, procrastionation, got to love it.)</span></span></span></span></span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-56771773838278114532013-05-22T21:00:00.001-07:002013-05-22T21:00:41.955-07:00Sign Me Up To Serve!I'm sorry for not posting in a week and not posting about "Through The Night" truth is, I thought since what's been in the news I would tell you a bit more about me and that is, "Sigh me up to serve." Before I get into further details let's get you back into the church going experience and I guess a brief through the night look. As I have previously mentioned the <a href="http://tofollowhard-afterchrist.blogspot.com/2013/04/i-am-second.html" target="_blank">I AM SECOND</a> series that we did at Cottonwood, I may have told you the story, but why don't we look at other people's stories (and a shorter 100 word version of mine) <a href="http://home.cottonwoodchurch.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40&Itemid=107" target="_blank">here.</a> Now with that being out of the way for today, I think we can get back to "sign me up to serve" --quick comment of mine here, but I assume by now you all know me enough by either reading this blog or me talking to you to much.-- Now I'm sure with that last comment of mine <----- I'm almost sure by now I've made it more then evident what are my interests, goals, and even the things that annoy me; and what exactly are those things. <br />
<br />
As I was thinking today what to title this post before I came up with "sigh me up to serve!" I had put down on the notes on my iPod, "The Day Disaster Strikes I Want To Pack Up My Bags and Do Something." (Yes, quite frankly I don't like sitting on the sidelines.) <br />
As I had started to write out a rough draft I found myself starting to type this "Since 2008 I've seen a variety of natural disasters that have occurred." Well yes I have seen a variety of disasters since 2008, I've seen forest fires here in New Mexico, a hurricane in Alabama, earth quakes in Haiti and Japan, tornadoes in Missouri, flooding in the Mid-West, Super Storm Sandy, and the most current in the news in Oklahoma; I'm sure there are others, but that's all that came to mind. As I sit here and think about it, I wonder, "will the depressing news ever stop?" not in this life time it won't. . . I think of my favorite song lyrics. "This world is empty, pale, and poor compared to knowing You my Lord. . ." that right there is dead-on truth. As 5 years have come and past, my heart has started to break, not only has it been heart breaking continually, but it has been basically an inclination; a desire to get up and go. Now when I say "get up and go" I literally mean get up and go; there are no ifs, ands or buts about it. Meaning in these cases I want to ditch whatever it is I am doing and get the heck out of New Mexico and rush as fast as I can to where ever it is that needs relief. If by now you're wondering if I have done disaster relief the answer in no. Yes, it is unfortunate,and yes, I am exasperated at the thought of how I have done pretty much nothing to contribute to helping physically. <br />
The beginning of this individual passion begun at the age of 13 or 14 as one of the couples at our previous Church had done Samaritan's Purse, and every time there was a story they brought back it just gave me more of a desire and a reason to go. With that being said it is certainly time for a story. (Yes I know I have so many stories, but really I just like sharing them) <br />Now, as afar back as I can remember well how much I loved the thought of serving, and anytime someone brought up on how they had served God (or how they planed to serve God); I pretty much just had my heart jumping up to say, "I want to do that!" To this day the thought of serving fires me up and makes me lose my mind and most certainly get caught in the idea. As I said earlier how much I hate waiting and how annoying I believe it is to be sometimes. (Like I also said, "you'd have better luck teaching a dog to sit.) I certainly consider impatience, talking to much, get annoyed easily, and worrying some of my worst qualities. Even with wanting to serve it's like late 2012 and early 2013, I was annoyed, I wanted to know "where does God want me?" and I wanted change. Tell me, that doesn't mean something to you? For me it makes a world of difference. "Why?" you may ask? Well let me try to put this as simply as I possibly can. See I think even through life's demanding questions we can still ask ourselves, "am I trusting in God?" It may be a bit quaint to think through "how are questions going to help me anyway?" I understand we eventually get answers that we may or may not desire. So how does this make a world of difference? before I answer that, think of the vast number of unanswered questions in life... so many it leaves as all squirming around trying to dig deep to find the answers. Well it makes the difference because it teaches us to trust the unknown (meaning God), and even while questioning, we still have to know God puts those questions there for a reason and not just because He knows it will lead us to trust Him, but because it will lead us to our desires given to us by Christ. <br />
Now my final few things left to say, even in my "anxious anxiety" (that is in reality is failure to trust God) takes me back at the heart and that is to serve and as I love to serve there is no better way to serve other then waiting on God. Let me put that as bluntly as I can, see waiting on God can teach trust, teach worship,instruct, and guide us. (If you want, I can do a post of "anxious anxiety" and hopefully it will get us in the idea that we can trust God and hopefully get rid of our anxiety).<br />
My question is how is God going to use this waiting experience (other then growing me) going to help me at all in the future of serving? I don't know. <br />So now with the whole 2012/2013 deal, well I have to admit as much as I love that that church we went to before Cottonwood, I was probably the least joyful person and had no joy that was the result of me not serving. I remember m mom said. "theses people are more like us then you know,"<br />well there's the optimistic part saying "perspective is key" oh it's key alright to a totally new world. <br />Now how do I feel about serving? I am serving, what more could I ask for? Sure I may want to go to the missions field, but right now, I'm right where God wants me, and so what if it's not the final destination, but you know what? it's just a roadway I will take to get there. So until next time let's have hope for what God promises in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> I have for you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “plans to prosper<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-56983502394224659262013-05-14T21:04:00.001-07:002013-05-14T21:04:03.989-07:00Sometimes The Known is Just as Bad as the UnknownLet me just start off this post with saying I'm not entirely sure why I'm posting this. Actually poor choice of words right there, see for I think about two days I've been thinking about it, and by "it" I mean by people who don't really know what their doing in there life. Probably the most irritable part about this post is that I know where I'm going to be, and I've known since I was 13. Anyway I'm just going to get started on this post. Now that we've officially started I'm sure many of you know it is basically my ambition, and most of all my goal. If you're thinking, "It must be great to actually know God's calling for you, that is in comparison to me, I don't know a thing about where I'm going to be." Well, let's be honest, it most certainly goes both ways, and either way it can be really frustrating. In more simple terms, even if you do know what you're going to be doing you are still going to end up waiting; patiently or impatiently over any amount of time and no, I am really not trying to stretch the truth here, I just want to tell you the way I see it. I can't completely relate to what it's like to not know, although from what I understand, you're anxious, worried, annoyed, and feel helpless; and trying not to lose hope. On the other hand if you know what you are doing --and trying to take off and run with it-- you know if you are waiting you'll be on the brink of going batty because impatience has the better part of you. But last week I was asked by a part of a book I was reading it stated, "You must do some serious thinking about your ambitions and ask yourself, 'Is my ambition my master or my servant?" -John White Talk about major conviction! So even while waiting you just really want to get the "a-O.K". I've kind of taken to heart that during both you can rest in the Almighty's wings and you don't have to be anxious or feel anxiety; you just trust God, and the most humbling thing to realize is that you've failed to trust God, so that got me thinking as I typed up this up earlier, "What about faith the size of a mustard seed and what about faith that can move the mountains?" and maybe you're thinking the same thing too. Well, I decided to look it up in the Greek the words faith, trust, and hope. --since we have a pretty awesome Greek parallel Bible-- So let me get started here; <br />"pistis; from peitho8, to persuade. Being persuaded, faith, belief. In general it implies such a knowledge of, assent to, and confidence certain divine truths, especially those of the gospel, as produces good works. . ." <br />*Peitho; trust.<br />
But I liked this definition:<br />"Pistos; faithful with the following meanings: certain, worthy to be believed (1 Tim. 1:15; 3:1; 4:9); true, just, trustworthy, observant and steadfast to one's trust, words or promises. . ." <br />Personally as I look at the words and definitions I think of Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope." <br />So now we have hope: <br />"Elpis; hope, desire of some good with expectation of obtaining it (Acts 16:9; Rom. 5:4; Titus 1:2; 1 John 3:3). The object of hope, the thing hoped for. . . The foundation or ground of hope . . . Trust, confidence in someone, when used with eis. . . , in unto, following (1 Pet. 1:21). Confidence security (Acts 2:26) " So my conclusion to faith like a mustard seed, it's about faith, hope, trust, and wait patiently for the LORD; to know and trust Him. Or in a more simple term Hosea 6:3,<br />"Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; His going out as sure as the dawn; He will come to us as the showers, as spring rains that water the eatrh." Now the second part of the question, "what about faith that can move the mountains?" darn good question. My personal thoughts are knowing that you are appointed to do something; a position weather you know at the time or not. Whatever it is you are sure to make much of Christ as you re called by Him. No doubt about it. Not only that, but I want you to know, that when you have faith too trust in God's will you will have the ability to move the mountains and that you can worship while your waiting. <br />Well that's all I have for now I'll be back posting about "Through The Night."Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-91437638373018796832013-05-09T18:49:00.000-07:002013-05-09T18:49:09.346-07:00Trusting in God: Praying to the Almighty <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For nearly a month now I've been doing a prayer journal and the results are just amazing! Not only do I actually do them, but I'm actually learning more about God and trusting in Him. Now, you might have seen my post, <a href="http://tofollowhard-afterchrist.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-reality-of-trust-in-god.html" target="_blank">The Reality of Trust in God</a>, if not, don't feel obligated to actually stop reading this post and go read that one, it's really not that important, ad to be honest it's just another stepping stone. Anyway, my point that I am trying to get across is this; through my devotions and prayer journal I have realized two things, one, I have been convicted of my lack of trust in God, and two, I don't spend enough time in my prayer life. Even through the past 4 years I've started to pray more then ever, but it's true I still haven't spent enough time in prayer and not to mention, it's an ongoing learning process that takes time to learn, perfect, and it has many varieties to it. Now, as I eventually got deeper into reading my devotions and writing out a prayer journal, I had started to question, "what is God trying to teach me through this prayer journal?" and that wasn't the only question running through my head either, I was curious, "hadn't I already been in this boat before?" even at that I was dumbfounded and I also thought what I was learning at first was a bit miscellaneous. It eventually hit me, "oh, duh, God is teaching me to trust in Him!" well that seams logical, does it not? I just wish I could have realized sooner how painfully obvious it was, that's because the days like April 20, April 22, April 23, April 24, April 26, April 30, and May 2 kinda seamed to add up to that, and that is the total opposite from miscellaneous. May 2, wasn't the only day with a surprise either. I write on May 7th perhaps the most intriguing thing I have ever written before! So here it is, "God I want to trust in You; to trust that you have gone before me*, and that You have plans for me. Let me trust in You and not be anxious** . Oh Lord, let me see that You are training me for Your glory! Father you know me far better then I do, You know the pans You have for me and let me trust in You in all times." <br />
<strong><em>*Based on April 24th's key verse John 10:4, "When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." (NIV)<br />**Based on May 8th's key verse Philippians 4:6, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29449B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (NASB)</em></strong><br />
Truth is, I remember writing it, only I didn't really think I knew pray like that; and I mean at all. My guess is that the Spirit was interceding and I actually got to see God the Spirit at work! I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty awesome. I looked back at my devotions and on the first day rather then putting scripture I put a Martin Luther quote, that said,<em> "He puts in into our mouth that very manor and matters of prayer which He wants us to offer, so that we may see how He is concerned about our need, and may never doubt that this prayer is pleasing to Him and certainly to be </em><em>answered."</em> I mean really, I don't know about you, (and excuse my emphasis) but <br />UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE! Nothing, and I mean nothing, is as amazing as that. --to me anyway, but wait I'm sure it wont be the last time.<br />And now, while on the subject of trusting in God, I think back to the beginning of the year, not only was that one part of me "knowing" --thinking. it was going to be a tough year. But now, I really think it was God's way of telling me, <em>"I'm going to stretch you, grow you, change you, make you like my Son, and teach you new things." </em>First thought on that now, "ooh scary stuff; glad Christ brought me through it." Quite frankly, I wish I would have known and at the same time I'm glad I didn't, if I knew before hand I think it would have proved total failure in trusting God, and since I didn't know it taught me to trust in God. <br />Actually the way I see it, since last August things have pretty much seamed to be in the forward motion of change, no, not so consistently, but enough to keep me on my toes. My question, --and probably yours,<em> "is that a good thing or a bad thing</em>?" my answer, <em>"perspective is key" </em>I know, that's probably not the best answer I could have given you, but if truth be told, it is better because not only do I think of Romans 8:28, but I think and believe God does things for our good, His glory, and most defiantly not for our pleasure. So, overall, yes, perspective is key. --That is if your like me, trying to be more optimistic.<br />
Now, I'm sure this won't be my last post about trusting in God, or even praying, nor of what I lack in walking with Christ and I think we are all aware of it being a different story almost every I blog, not only that, but I hope that I can realize these life lessons while I'm young, and if you ask me, it's weird thinking of being of the age of 16 and actually learning this... well only because I have met people who haven't learned this stuff until they were older. <br />
Until next time you know what to expect and/or do. Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-81868612695274092652013-05-06T20:52:00.000-07:002013-05-06T20:52:29.945-07:00The Purpose Driven Life: Making much Of Christ <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOIE68RrX6A/UYg8w-l3I8I/AAAAAAAAAIw/oCI96V7RFJY/s1600/purpose.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOIE68RrX6A/UYg8w-l3I8I/AAAAAAAAAIw/oCI96V7RFJY/s1600/purpose.png" /></a>Following Christ more then just a decision, more the a life style choice and to me it's a purpose driven life; to live for Christ and Him alone. I remember at our old church (Covenant of Grace) we went to before Cottonwood. I loved the music we sang, and now looking through a new perspective (along with trying to be more optimistic) I see the real message behind the songs, and how they related to me. Before they were just songs to worship; to praise, and I guess more of a seance of desire to what I wanted my life to be like. Now I think it's more of a prayer, so that I may be able to honour my Lord, and to give my life. Now I bet your wondering, "what songs are they?" well we have, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN_ONibySbU" target="_blank">Steven Curtis Chapman -Much of You</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZGzu6oI9b4" target="_blank">I Give You My Heart -Hillsong</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I17edLkBDCo" target="_blank">One Pure and Holy Passion</a>. I think now looking back these songs have impacted me. I should explain what I feel the difference is between prayer and worship; prayer to me is to spend one on one time with God like as Philippians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29449A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." As for worship I feel you are able to join creation in the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXK8W00GFOM" target="_blank">Symphony of Praise</a> (<--- the very thing that changed my very thinking). Let me explain further about making much of Christ; when I was at my other church I felt there was there was little possibilities and opportunities of serving and now being at Cottonwood I feel that I have a more wide spread opportunities to serve and maybe more if I become a member. I'm also finding I have at least two more spiritual gifts then I expected. For example: discernment, I never ever thought of that! Yeah I guess you could say I underestimated the power of Christ, and another one I guess that before I knew a bit about, I guess I'm realizing I can encourage others more then I thought. (You'll have to excuse my "guesses'" I guess it's my new writing style because a grammar book I'm reading says "so" makes your work look sloppy and apparently so does "I guesses".) <br />So back to following hard and making much of Christ, it like the song One Pure and Holy Passion as it sings, "<span>Give me one pure and holy passion<br />Give me on magnificent obsession<br />Give me one glorious ambition for my life<br />To know and follow hard after You<br />To know and follow hard after you<br />To grow as your disciple in your truth<br />This world is empty, pale, and poor<br />Compared to knowing you, my Lord<br />Lead me on and I will run after you<br />Lead me on and I will run after you" <br />Now if you're wondering "what does it mean to have one pure and holy passion?" Well I am to believe that anyone who is in Christ has a "God given passion" for example mine is missions and the lost world. Now, before you go on reading, think, "what am I passionate about?" Give yourself a minute; don't rush your thinking, I want you to think deeply about this. </span><br />
<span>Have you thought about it? If you have I would for you you to tell me in a comment below, don't be shy I would love to hear it. </span><br />
<span>So with all your thoughts on your passion, I want to ask you, how do you want to glorify God with it? Think if it matches your spiritual gift(s) then it looks like it's time to do some digging about God's will for you.<br /> “God intentionally allows you to go through painful experiences to equip you for ministry to others.” <br />― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/711.Rick_Warren">Rick Warren</a>, <em>The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here for? </em></span><span><br /></span></div>
Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-17712971602685892472013-05-03T20:52:00.001-07:002013-05-03T20:52:21.028-07:00Impassioned Impatiences<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zl9zXoY0WxU/UYR2-p-TbmI/AAAAAAAAAIE/-CLoGk9ZG3g/s1600/PassionFlames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zl9zXoY0WxU/UYR2-p-TbmI/AAAAAAAAAIE/-CLoGk9ZG3g/s1600/PassionFlames.jpg" /></a>Ever have something that just gets your heart racing? Something that inspires you to get up and do something? Have you ever been so anxious over the future? Or have you ever been just so in over your head about some ideas or thought on where God will have you? Well if any of the above are you then let me be the first to say, "we have something in common" although if it's just enough to get you over your head then you know your going crazy over the idea. So from seeing the picture above it tells my passion and I can tell you that it is perhaps the biggest thing in my life that I love to do and just the fact that if you talk about it I'm all fired up even for being on one mission trip I'm still crazy about the idea. But as of now I'm just going down right insane because I want to go on a missions trip, but it's weird because it's not as bad as a want as it was 7-9 months ago. Don't be alarmed at this. Why? Well because... since I started going to Cottonwood I've been fine and I am a bit confused because all I'm doing is setting up, tearing down, talking to people, and I'm supposedly doing cameras even though I've only done it twice. I don't know it's a bit odd really. Still I want to know how has this improved my ministry out reach? No answer yet and I'm debating weather or not I should expect one, but I really have no need for one, well not for this question anyway. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnA6ZsqgmTU/UYR3Asb_nvI/AAAAAAAAAIM/x3l3EWlFfFo/s1600/Missions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnA6ZsqgmTU/UYR3Asb_nvI/AAAAAAAAAIM/x3l3EWlFfFo/s1600/Missions.jpg" /></a>To be honest and to my surprise I'm not irritated by this fact at all, I guess as long as I'm serving God I'm perfectly joyful. Okay so my rather large point I guess it's more of a part two of what I was trying to get at <a href="http://tofollowhard-afterchrist.blogspot.com/2013/04/this-is-me-this-is-my-heart-and-this-is.html" target="_blank">here</a> and this post should have I guess more of the impatiences part and where it really becomes more of a passion, especially while I wait, I guess it'll all explode and/or exude all over the place and there will be no cleaning it up. Actually if someone cleans it up they better be taking over. ;) Just messing with you guys.<br />So I kinda wanted to tell you more about <a href="http://ridgecrestcamps.com/girls" target="_blank">Camp Crestridge</a> and I'm sure it won't be my last mention of this camp because it's where I feel God is leading me, thus the leadership, discipleship, fellowship, and other things that I can't think of off the top of my head or just haven't realized yet I dunno. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ahYqyPLkTfM/UYR28mwXXGI/AAAAAAAAAIA/ImKTKc9Zrfs/s1600/CrestrideStainGlass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ahYqyPLkTfM/UYR28mwXXGI/AAAAAAAAAIA/ImKTKc9Zrfs/s1600/CrestrideStainGlass.jpg" /></a>I guess now my explanation that might be quite elaborate, so let's start with how I got to this point shall we?<br />It was Summer of 2012, my friends had spent the summer in Gloritea , I thought "hey, that would be so cool working at a summer camp making new friends", knowing me that really should be nothing new, but as I began my search sometime in either November or earlier, but anyway, I thought to move to Texas.... Yes I really and truly said Texas, but long story short God had different plans. Now I had a list of summer camps that I emailed to myself, then I looked at Crestridge, well at first I was a bit discouraged when I found out it was in North Carolina because I guess the general idea was to stay close to family and yet I still don't know what the deal is, but I guess I'll have to wait.... and I thought of this song<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/i6X71sXagUY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Really to me the song is a convicting message because I really think that's what God is trying to tell me, "He makes wars<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14624A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> cease<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-9">to the ends of the earth.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-9">He breaks the bow<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14624B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> and shatters the spear;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-9">he burns the shields<sup> </sup>with fire.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14624C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-10" id="en-NIV-14625"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14625D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-10">I will be exalted<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14625E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> among the nations,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-10">I will be exalted in the earth.”<br />-Psalm 46:9-10</span></span><br />Basically just to settle down and wait. I can't begin to tell you how hard that is for me.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bmA4sQn_TU/UYSDKIQOm-I/AAAAAAAAAIg/JRa_2wu2scQ/s1600/Patience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bmA4sQn_TU/UYSDKIQOm-I/AAAAAAAAAIg/JRa_2wu2scQ/s1600/Patience.jpg" /></a>Really it's been really difficult to learn and I confess, I know I need to learn this. Waiting has never been so hard, I think of <br /> <span></span>Habakkuk 3:16-19,</div>
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"I heard and my heart pounded,</div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-16">my lips quivered at the sound;</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Hab-3-16">decay crept into my bones,</span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-16">and my legs trembled.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22785AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Hab-3-16">Yet I will wait patiently<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22785AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> for the day of calamity</span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-16">to come on the nation invading us.</span></span></div>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-16"></span></span><span class="text Hab-3-17" id="en-NIV-22786"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Though the fig tree does not bud</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-17">and there are no grapes on the vines,</span></span><br /><span class="text Hab-3-17">though the olive crop fails</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-17">and the fields produce no food,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22786AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Hab-3-17">though there are no sheep in the pen</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-17">and no cattle in the stalls,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22786AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Hab-3-18" id="en-NIV-22787"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>yet I will rejoice in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22787AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-18">I will be joyful in God my Savior.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22787AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup></span></span> <br />
<span class="text Hab-3-19" id="en-NIV-22788">The Sovereign <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is my strength;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22788AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-19">he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-19">he enables me to tread on the heights.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22788AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Hab-3-19">For the director of music. On my stringed instruments." <br />To tell you the truth other then it being a convicting subject it's also a very humbling and eye opening experience. I can certainly tell God is at work in my life and yeah it's painful to change but it's all for God's glory and my good; what better could I ask for? <br />Psalm 62:5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14833I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-62-5">my hope comes from him."<br /><br />So from here I'll let you know how it goes and how me learning patience and or anything else that goes on. Catch you later! </span></span></span></div>
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Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-39976962244973995462013-04-30T17:07:00.002-07:002013-04-30T17:07:44.756-07:00Confusion To Clairty: The Next Step Change <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="bqQuoteLink">It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad. </span><br />
<span class="bqQuoteLink">~C.S. Lewis </span><br />
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I'm just going to be straight forward here over 5 days so much has changed! Hard to believe in such a little amount of time too. Yes I'm amazed isn't that great and unexpected? Sure. Anyway that's really not my point at all. <br />Truth is since last Friday (the 26th) I was so confused, like more then usual and I'm pretty sure it wasn't because of lack of food in my stomach. I was just so confused about somethings I remember having the answer to. Well it's okay now I'm back to reality. Still I was wondering things like, Where does God want me? What is God teaching me? What is God trying to tell me? And even where is God going to have me? Okay I admit it was weird and dumbfounding. Now I wanted to resolve this as quickly as possible and just as I look around on Facebook a friend posted <em>Hosea 6:3</em> <br />
<em>" Let us know; <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-22171B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>let us press on to know the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>; <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3">his going out is sure as the dawn</span></span><span class="text Hos-6-3">he will come to us as the showers,</span></em><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Hos-6-3"><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-22171E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup><em>as the spring rains that water the earth.” </em>Now I had more of an urge to look up verses about God's will, although I confess I felt like a dog rummaging for food as I was thinking and looking up verses. Yummy spiritual food nom nom nom... The funny part was I didn't even think of Jeremiah 29:11. So that's I guess a brief background of the story. Now Sunday... Sunday was just an unexpected surprise, I had almost completely for got about the membership class at Cottonwood! Ooh that really was just really really just astonishing, mid blowing, and all around so of God. So I go just because I really though I had nothing better to do. Funny the pastor is... that's in of itself is somewhat sarcastic. I only say that because one of the questions were how did you come to Christ and how did you come to Cottonwood? Well the funny part is because we are doing the I AM SECOND series and we are doing 100 word stories, okay yes I've been procrastinating on doing that and have every good intention on doing that, and none the less because Dan mentioned I haven't sent mine in. So I kinda got he apparently he wants to hear mine. So then how I came to Cottonwood, I confess, as I might have before, but the only reason I had accepted to go there is because I had already made new friends and because like everyone was being nice to Faith and Emily... Oh yes I said it, because of my sisters the least selfish thing I've done for them. Back to the real point, I had decided to talk to Crag and Cheryl afterwords and I was in shock! Okay truthfully I don't recall being so easily surprised in much of anyway, but Craig had mentioned because I was talking more about surrender because that is about one of the three biggest things God is teaching me. Then Craig had mentioned how he saw me struggling O_O okay I don't even know what to say! Over the past 6 months (incredibly long hard months) the diversity of the Body of Christ once again amazes me. AGAIN! <br />Okay so the answers to where God wants me, I known it was Cottonwood, but now I think I got the real purpose down, and that is to serve there by both becoming a member and to also learn what other spiritual gifts I have and exercising my spiritual gifts too. Still my one (maybe two) question(s) remain, one, how is this going to prepare me for what lies ahead? But that is another thing God it teaching me to both wait for Him and trust in Him. But my next post will be "Impassioned Impatience" just so you can get a grasp on what God is teaching me while my passion is burning me up. <br />So let's just work this out and get to see what God has planed as I'm kinda lossing it, so pray this wont be that day where I'm a goner for some time.</span></span></div>
Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-66664565213665963802013-04-27T18:05:00.002-07:002013-04-27T18:05:58.875-07:0030 Hour Famine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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That's about right. Yes I did it! 29 and a half hours (no not 30 because I walked the dogs that morning, thus I didn't get back until 7:30am). So roughly 30 hours with nothing but juice, water, and 14 youth. It was a really fun, eye opening, humbling, and all around amazing time. Since I started only like twice was I really hungry, but thank goodness for juice! It was good fellowship, worship, games, and any other adjectives and activities we can think of to describe in a youth group. Well being the fact that we didn't actually get to the church office until 7pm it was just pretty swell, although I have to admit, earlier in the day my sisters and I went to play at the basketball court, and exercising and doing a 30 hour famine... uh I don't know what we were thinking, that is if we were. Anyway, I loved how I was so occupied and how I didn't even think of my poor empty, juice filled stomach. Have to admit it felt pretty weird every time I drank juice and sometimes water. Funny before we left for 13 or so hours I posted on my Facebook, <strong>"<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Haven't eaten for ten hours and I'm totally fine and happy with that! 30 Hour Famine with youth, bring it on! 20 more hours to go!</span></strong><span class="userContentSecondary fcg"><strong> — <img alt="" class="_agk img" height="16" src="https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/y9/r/01TjtkIxVPt.png" width="16" />feeling awesome."</strong>Yes even before this I was so excited to starve myself and get into this! Like I was attempting to say above, 'twas a amazing radical experience I doubt I am to forget! As many "laugh out loud" moments were just drop over silly and maybe just had something to do with being sleep deprived and empty bellies'. (I'm not complaining because really it was awesome!) But there were still some solemn moments like during the little "devotion" if you will and the worship. Although I've found in the four consistent months that I've been at Cottonwood that they really like Hillsong United. Not that it's bad or anything. Okay back to the joy of starvation to raise money and awareness, and the entertaining weekend too. Well it was a little after 11; the final juice break of the night before we either watched a movie or went to bed, and I bet you can guess what I did. If you said stayed up you guessed correctly. So we watched Shrek, and I guess a little more then half of us fell asleep, not to mention we then decided to watch another movie and that movie was Charlie in the Chocolate Factory. Tell me again why we watched a movie about food and most importantly chocolate in the middle of a famine? I don't know. Although I too want to know how we managed for all 14 youth and leaders managed to share one bathroom? I don't have an answer because I am really badly confused. Ah what a first night/early morning. Now as I gather my stuff from upstairs to down I am actually pretty dead tired believe it or not. Apparently now it's about 6:30 in the morning, I hear my siblings whispering and giggling, dudes' I could have slept in for another half hour and yes on that dead, cold, and hard floor. It's 6:45 and Faith (Miss. Drama Queen) is to think she looks awful! So now it's 7ish and Faith and Emily woke up Megan! Oh I was shocked she didn't chew them up, I mean really from what I had heard is that Megan tired and hungry doesn't go well. Now I am up and everyone else is soon to follow, Caleb comes down with a huge smile saying, "good morning!" I love peppy people, but in the morning? That's confusing, but I'll take it! Well as the rest of us sleepy heads get up we get to have or "breakfast juice" (different juices but all still juice) and off we go to WalMart (or as I rather say, "Wally World") to go buy toiletries for the Albuquerque Rescue Mission, but I confess Jake whom was driving us there was a bit daunting to drive with, and I'm glad we got there just fine. It now comes to the time to get to the rescue mission and we talk music, I have my iPod, thus I get put in charge of music, so okay I can go with that, and I don't know if I'd use the word "swag" but we had listened to "how sweet it is" by some event concert thing our Church in Michigan did, then Caleb wanted to pick song and I'm cool with that so we listen to Family Force 5 Love Addict, and now we get to downtown playing kj-52 gimme dat with windows rolled down and bass kicking... oh dang that was really something and that made my morning. Now us "dorks" in Jake's car get there first. Anyway the rest of the day was exhausting, we did more worship, more devotion, and more games. I still am puzzled why are we burning calories when we hardly have the carbs to keep going? Ah whatever it was fun right down to eating the balloon popping and scaring the day lights out of me. <br />And now I'm happy and bummed about being home as I horde the left over juice (nope not sick of juice, well not yet anyway). Now it's good to be home because dad is at last coming home after the long nights of calling home and telling us about the weather and beauty of Virgina, but I'm bummed 'cause I'm not chillin' with my buddies, well I guess I have tomorrow to see them. <br />Until tomorrow, or Monday comes, or whatever day I post, you know where to find me. </span></div>
Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-30686485412995370002013-04-24T15:19:00.001-07:002013-04-25T17:36:39.012-07:00I'm Going To Be A Sleuth... It Appears As Though I need To Get Some Data<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As you may know, over the past two weeks I have been really fidelity about reading my devotions' and I've never been more proud of myself for actually doing it. Now you may have heard me also mention about my prayer journal too. But now more then ever I feel both closer to God and the fact that He is undoubtedly preparing me for His will and what seams to be getting ready to tell me something big. Now I am going to try to be a good sleuth and put it to use by observing this situation.<br />
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Sherlock Holmes <br />
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My hypothesis' is that just maybe God is preparing me for His will as mentioned above, but something bigger and better then my most wild imagination; it could be moving, could be a way for Him to tell me to trust in Him more, and I can't even fathom what this could add up to as I get older. Or the best news would be all of them! Now, I have two logical explanations for theses "hypothesis'"<br />
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<strong>Reason Number One: </strong><u><em>"When he, the Spirt of truth, come, he will guide you into all truth. . . . taking what is mine and making it known to you" ~John 16:13-14</em> <br />It was today's devotion talking about taking care of "baby Christians", and well I now wonder if that means me being a camp councilor like I've been praying, or could it be my neighbor Lexi finally coming to Christ and accepting Him as I too have prayed? Is it perhaps God saying to me, "Mel, I love you and I am taking care of you; don't worry". And my last guess is it saying anything about moving and that we (we as in collectively as a family need to trust God). Not sure but it's just a hypothesis.</u><strong>Reason Number Two:</strong> <br />
<u><em>"When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them" ~John 10:4</em> </u><br />
<u>Last week's devotion was above and when I say last week's I mean exactly last week's. Anyway, as it talked about God coming before us, well now that I look at it and still examining it I kinda think, "oh the irony..." well no nothing here was ironic, haphazard, nor random. So it was the same week dad was going to Virgina and preparing for it too. Now having realized God went before dad there and now dad is there doing what he does third best.. :) Now having looked at the devotion again this quote caught me deep. Hard to believe, eh? Well here it goes, <em>"We do not put ourselves fourth; we would rather stay. But it has to be. But Jesus `goes ahead.` He prepares the earthly as well as the heavenly places with us. He will be there when we get to the new place. He is not sending us away from Him, but only leading us fourth with His own gentle hand, saying 'Rise up, my love, and come away with me,"</em> Frances Havergal<br />Now that really triggered my thoughts of moving. Still it had made me wonder with Lexi, maybe that God is making room in Lexi's heart for Him, or still my very thought of being a camp councilor, and God leading me down to go that way. Or God just saying, "Me, I know you are week and anxious, but just trust me". Again it could be God over all saying "trust me. <br />Again I still don't know, that's why I labeled it as a hypothesis. But if it's neither of these things then I am going to be more confused and lost as ever.</u>Whereas to me moving is one of the few things I'm optimistic about and I think it practically ostensible. I know I am anxious and stoked to see what happens as I've mentioned before. I confess I'd rather say, "au revoir" when the time come opposed to getting ahead of myself over and over again. Thus, I apologize because by now you probably think I sound like a broken record.</div>
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Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-40121648559375887682013-04-22T18:56:00.000-07:002013-04-22T18:56:46.491-07:00The Reality of Trust in GodSo last night my sisters and I had stayed up until midnight watching Indiana Jones Kingdom of the Crystal Skull I must say after that I was exhausted and so I went to bed, but that wasn't all, see I normally listen to music only last night (or technically this morning) I was praying and after that I slept pretty good. Then at 7:30am my alarm goes off and I have to unlock my iPod and turn off the sound so I am not to be bothered by the alarm again. Now being of the hour of 9:00am I get up to read one of my three devotions, first was Sarah Young, Jesus Calling and it was saying basically to listen to God. Well I was more convicted at one of the scriptures, <em>"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." ~Proverbs 19:21 </em><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ioC-Fw65JAs/UXXImOGrYTI/AAAAAAAAAE8/LS1ADM-_q-Y/s1600/Trust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ioC-Fw65JAs/UXXImOGrYTI/AAAAAAAAAE8/LS1ADM-_q-Y/s1600/Trust.jpg" /></a>There was a little thought about it, now I come out in the living room to get my second devotion book, Closer Walk, Bruce H. Wilkinson and once again convicted by scripture that said, <em>"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirt, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things" ~John 14:26</em> <br />
I still go on reading and it has Walk With R. A. Torrey, next thing you know I'm reading, "We need only remember that this responsibility is not really upon us but upon another, the Holy Spirt. If He is permitted to do the work, our fears and cares will vanish."<br />
So by this time I had realized God really wants me to learn to trust Him, and being that me trusting in Him will be the glue that holds all those things that the Lord will one day do with me! Pretty stoked.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFzVUOov6vM/UXXpU9niyVI/AAAAAAAAAFM/CoqUxR4ua4A/s1600/LearningGoupOfWords.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFzVUOov6vM/UXXpU9niyVI/AAAAAAAAAFM/CoqUxR4ua4A/s1600/LearningGoupOfWords.jpg" /></a>Then I go to write in my "Prayer Journal" and at the top I put a quote from either the devotion or a scripture that adds to what I've been taught. Now without really even being aware of it I think <em>Proverbs 3:5-? </em>so I go to my Bible to copy <em>Proverbs 3:5-8 </em>after I read through it to see what I was to copy, <em>Proverbs 3:5-8</em> <em>"Trust in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> with all your heart,<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-3-5">and <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16461B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>do not lean on your own understanding.</span></span><span class="text Prov-3-6" id="en-ESV-16462"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>In all your ways <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16462C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>acknowledge him,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-3-6">and he <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16462D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>will make straight your paths.</span></span><span class="text Prov-3-7" id="en-ESV-16463"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16463E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>Be not wise in your own eyes; </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-7">fear the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, and turn away from evil. </span></span><span class="text Prov-3-8" id="en-ESV-16464">It will be <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16464G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>healing to your flesh </span></em><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-8"><em>and <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16464H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>refreshment to your bones."</em>So now I write in the little section Prayer Request(s) and first thing I write,<br /> "That I may trust in the Lord".<br />Yeah I'm pretty sure God wants me to learn to Trust in Him at all times. Give me a minute I'll explain what I feel God's telling me to learn and what He's teaching me. See I kind knew that I was lacking in faith because I have gone looking ahead and all that other stuff, thus getting me anxious. See God has those little things of God we don't see, then when we do we are like, "oooohhhh now I see what you're doing God! Wow good think you're in charge". Another reason I've pretty much failed was me getting ahead of myself, I thought, "oh hey look at me I'm walking by faith"... Uhh now I kinda see I was laking because I totally wasn't thinking fully. Personally the anxious feeling could have just been God saying trust Me Mel, I got this just keep walking. <br />Now my explanation of what I feel God is teaching me and wanting me to learn:<br /><strong>LEADERSHIP: </strong><u>Well, I may have said this a while back, but it still remains to be true. Being the fact that the summer camp I've been looking at had the jobs of being a leader I think it would be ideal.</u><strong>DISCIPLESHIP: </strong><u>I suppose to me it's a better... well more effective way of teaching the Bible. That way I'm not stumbling all over the place trying to put a basic view over theology.</u><strong>FORGIVENESS:</strong><u> I'm not sure why. Maybe for what ever reason it is I'll be glad God has taught me this part of grace.</u><strong>LOVE: </strong><u>Not sure why either, I just assume it it to show the love of Christ to all believers and nonbelievers. </u>Oh I almost forgot about my third devotion! So it was about our foundations being shaking, thus it meant more to me about trusting in God. Actually I wasn't so sure about the devotions, but here I'll give you my list of verses and I guess short notes.<br /><strong><em>Proverbs 19:21<br />Psalm 9:9-10<br />Psalm 62<br />Isaiah 12<br />Jeremiah 12:7-10<br />Zephaniah 3:1-2 *I thought it as a prayer so that I may do what Isreal didn't.*<br />Matthew 11:25-30<br />Psalm 16:8<br />1 Peter 5:7</em></strong>I had actually put a note at the top say, "Today's key is to TRUST in God at all times!" </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-8"><br /><span class="bqQuoteLink">Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.</span><br /><span class="bodybold">~Corrie Ten Boom</span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-3-8"></span></span><br />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-50122626257694507442013-04-21T16:08:00.000-07:002013-04-21T20:43:31.145-07:00It's Only Sunday, April 21, 2013 Why Would That Change Anything?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VH3Xcz3YR04/UXRw-UKPk_I/AAAAAAAAADY/7d4hdNVXzxk/s1600/YouReady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VH3Xcz3YR04/UXRw-UKPk_I/AAAAAAAAADY/7d4hdNVXzxk/s1600/YouReady.jpg" /></a>Ugh I feel like there is so much to complain about, yet there is so much to be grateful about. Well I can't really say today was a "typical" Sunday, after all dad left to go to Norfolk, Virgina at 5am and I actually got up to see him leave, unfortunately it wasn't to the airport. Still he's going to be gone for an entire week and it's in Virgina, he texted us telling us of the green, flowers, and that he was going to the ocean! Okay I'm more then officially sold to go to Virgina! Oh wait... before I go on about my obsession about green grass, the water, moving, and the East Coast. Well I should probably mention more on it's only Sunday, April 21, why would that change anything? So since I officially got up at sometime around 4:30ish and yes saw dad off, but I went back to bed... goodness gracious I did not want to get out of bed again! So slept in and then after all the small details in between we had came in at Church around 9:30ish because mom and the siblings had Sunday School and we had our 30 hour famine "protest", well if you ask me it was more of making people aware of what we're doing as a youth group and how you can help kinda deal. But if you want more info go <a href="http://www.30hourfamine.org/?Open*&lpos=header_img_30HFBANNER" target="_blank">here</a>. Well as today went on slowly I had told some people I was so happy I got to see my dad off to Virgina (Well specifically leave the house). Still he made it there safely, but pray as us girls are here and missing him dearly. So today was different... talk about breaking a routine or cycle if you will. Personally the song choices weren't so bad, then the sermon that witch was actually brought to us by Aaron Blackwell (whom is the youth leader) rather then Dan Cooley, still being a bit on my toes because I still got to play Fish out of water this morning. (I guess it doesn't always pay to get up early) Then the most weird thing happens in the second part of the sermon, being the fact we are doing the <a href="http://www.iamsecond.com/about/" target="_blank">I AM SECOND series</a> and today was about relationships and it ended up being about forgiveness. We used the story of the Prodigal son in Luke. Okay I thought I got this, I know this behavior (shocker I know isn't it?) still being the fact I had known it as what we call "head knowledge". Let's be honest too, he talked about pride and if you read yesterday's post you know that's what I blogged about. That's not all either! So I don't know if it's just the way I think or what's the deal here, but I think that either God is telling me, "don't get to comfortable 'cause I'm going to move you" or the fact that this church is promoting that no individual gets caught in his or her comfort zone. I'm clueless. Since this is being the second part of the sermon and the Prodigal son we had mentioned pigs and stink, okay I know pigs and stink, thus he kept going about forgiveness, still being the talk of that I think I had realized later, "oh, boy, I think this sermon is for me..." and yes I'm pretty sure to relative terms it was. Anyway, he had welcomed us to come up so he could pray for us tired of being what apparently was in terms the stinky pig. So I thought about it, I'm at first like, "nah" embarrassed more like it. So as later comes (okay fine like 2 minutes) and a few other people go up, I see my friend Kevin wants to go up so I tell him I was planing on going up so he went to, thus some of the youth followed. But before it was like a guilt trip, Aaron was talking about the reason we didn't come was because of pride. O_O I thought pretty much, "You're kidding me right?" Ahh, yeah, what a thought isn't it? Anyway, the question for today was how would that change anything? Well today the youth did nothing, therefore I was bored, well I guess slightly entertained by that we cannot ask why and or how. But I'm happy because next week it could be tennis, so I'm all set, I think, or better yet I hope, or best yet I hope I'm good at it. My fingers are crossed, but from what I heard I'm undoubtedly not going to be the best nor the worst, so I might as well be with the rest of the group.<br />
So now weird obsessions time! A bit odd aren't I to tell you theses things? Uh yeah I think so too, but that's kinda the purpose of my blog to both make you laugh and kinda be serious... that is if I can. So let's start with it being my obsession about green grass, the water, moving, and the East Coast... actually that about sums it up. *Laughs* sorry I think it's just the mood I'm in. Anyway before I chuckle my way through the rest of this post let's begin. So it only seams logical the love for green grass because I'm from Michigan and knowing New Mexico I think we all know it's dead grass, so forget it. Why? Well because I'm that girl who loves crawling in the mud and green grass is perfectly gorgeous. I love the water still being form Michigan that says a bit much because we are of course the "Great Lake state" thus water and swimming makes me happy. Just in case you wanted to know, no sand is not for rolling in it's for sun bathing with a towel on the sand being the discomfort of the feeling for it. Yay for being that weird one. Okay so moving. Well I can't really decide weather or not I like change, but I will tell you, being in the same place bores me to death. Thus moving around is nice. Well saying goodbye bites, but meeting new people works too, and there are other arguments but let's not get into detail. Now the East Coast... well personally I think God just put that special piece of my heart in there, well maybe being I found the camp job of my dreams in North Carolina and because dad has been talking East Coast since last February. Yes I am utterly disappointed it's not our time yet. <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VDuc2XANLs/UXSwmknFxGI/AAAAAAAAADo/x28ka1KUDR8/s1600/confused.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VDuc2XANLs/UXSwmknFxGI/AAAAAAAAADo/x28ka1KUDR8/s320/confused.jpg" width="320" /></a>I don't suppose I am being to optimistic am I? *Chuckles* I think I am. Maybe this isn't all good, but not so bad. Oh now I'm doomed.... lovely.<br />
Yeah being on Sunday April 21, 2013 does change a bit of something there and that might as well be called perspective... wait I think it already is and I ask you to correct me if I'm wrong.<br />
By the way, if you're confused I wouldn't blame you, I am too.<br />So today was really good, well I had fun, even though it was awkward, fun, and confusing. So at youth group we played a game and then we played it before we all left, thus what happened the second time I thought my friend Lexi was my friend Rachel, oh I was freaking out and then I ran into my friend Elissa... that was weird but it apparently was awesome 'cause I got a high five I dunno I thought that was just awkward. So now it looks like I have a letter to write because I'm not very good with words exactly and not to mention I think I'm better with paper than with words. As of now it is sleep, ot tv, or something and now this is my last words for tonight.<br />
Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-25480734281859423802013-04-20T14:21:00.000-07:002013-04-20T14:21:15.612-07:00The Enemy Pt 3 PrideSorry I haven't posted the series in a while. Well being of that I should quickly add that my last part about guilt I had actually used <a href="http://www.greatbiblestudy.com/dealing_with_guilt.php" target="_blank">this website</a> for some things. The reason why is because at first I was kinda unsure of how to space out my thoughts and the person who wrote the website entry had some fantastic points. Anyway, I thought I'd have you know since today's subject is pride, so lets get this thing kicked off, shall we?<br />
<br />
Well pride being the subject that it I'm thinking some of my personal stories reflect my experience with pride. I'm not going to do an extensive list of stories, but roughly "experiences" if you will.<br />
So my first story kinda ties it all together. It was a night after Youth Group and my friend Jen and I were talking about things (I don't remember everything we talked about), but it was like the last few minutes riding home, and well me being of the age of 13 or 14 I had mentioned that either I don't have pride or that it's not a problem. We've talked about it, now a few thoughts later, a come around to reality, growing up, and other things that would have me come to attention. Yeah, pride is most defiantly an issue. I'm pretty sure God was laughing. After all He knows me better then me. <br />
Now the fun part is seeing it the way I see it now... Heh well for some period of time I had loved getting into debate. But the debates I got in were about "gay marriage", "religious things", and I think some other things along the way. It kinda makes me feel stupid (so do other things I've done), but I don't really like looking back to what I've once done and I hate to remember what I've done because <br />
even though I was a child and thought like a child <em>(1 Corinthians 13:10-13)</em> and so fourth.<br />
<br />
<strong>I've noticed a few things with pride:<br /><br />One: </strong><u>Talk about feeding a monster of sin. To think every time we sin either it be pride, lying (and the many forms of lying like a white lie or a lie to get attention of some sort), or what ever it may be. I found it to be every time we sin constantly (or be elaborate in sin) we feed a monster that takes over us. </u><strong>Two: </strong><u>A way to boost self esteem. So many people today struggle with who they are and I'll even admit for a little while there I did too where I thought I had to lie to be cool. Well no, it's about time I have confidence of who I am in Christ. It could have been to prove self worth I dunno.</u><strong>Three: </strong><u>It draws us apart from God. We know God is a humble God so how is it pride gets to us? Well we need to be as <em>1 Peter 1:16 says, "for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy."</em> Now I know it's hard to that being fallen, but because God looks at us as His perfect son we should try our hardest not to be prideful and I'll be honest this is a HUGE one for me at times. </u><br />
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<br />
I think of the times where I've been desperate for attention and it builds me up inside to make me feel better about myself, but in the long run pride was my adrenaline to keep me feeling good about myself, still it was like a deadly drug that would've been the death of me. (Now when I say "death of me, know that many things could have very well been the death of me.) I was such a child, but I know that is no excuse for my acts. Still I've learned a lot about growing up and my wrongs. Oh the joy of being made like Christ! Also it involves me learning to love and accept of who I am in Christ as said above and not who I want to be since I should strive to be Christ. A little something I've found about people, always wanting some sort of attention in one way or another, therefore wanting attention we attract negative attention because it brings more focus to what we did. Well it just goes to prove we get the attention we are desperate for we get but not the way we expected to. Thus feeling it's not the attention we wanted so we continue with our acts.<br />
Now I posted this on Facebook because I once said something to someone about me being able to flip someone over and stop in the middle and somewhat catch them... well no I am not capable of that by any means, but see what I mean by pride? So this is what I said, "<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Well, I'm having a moment (very rare moment) where I wish I was awesome like flipping people over and stopping in mid air. Obviously I wish I was Chuck Norris... I feel stupid officially. Yeah apparently I'm a big dreamer who want to kick butt in self defence. *Sigh* I wish I was that awesome. I'm mental and so desperate for attention.... why? Why? Because I'm pathetic. I don't understand I'm not deprived from attention.<br /> Sorry for the longish post I felt it was something to say 'cause I have said things in the past that just bug. So sorry...."<br />Yes I do feel bad about this. But I was messaging my friend Rachel and she said this, <br /> </span><br />
<em>"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9</em><br />
all we can do is ask for forgiveness, know that our Heavenly Father will forgive us and love us no matter what, and continue to do our best to focus on Him and live for Him....the bad things we have done, we have done. and there's nothing we can do about them now...but just continue to live for Him:)"<br />
<br />
I am so glad to have the body of Christ knowing I am not alone like Satan wants me to feel. <br />
So pride may have faded, but the guilt came... now I do understand that I shouldn't feel guilty because yes what my friend had said, but also because of <em>2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed
away; behold, the new has come."</em> I just love that verse because it reminds me who I am in Christ and how the old has died and that the new has come!<br />
But pride still has it's rounds but I shouldn't let in define me. But I found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUUmhnOPBdE&feature=share" target="_blank">This</a> I think this is something we should all hear. <br />
For me I've been trying to get better about humbling myself either that be by me giving God the first of my day or stepping up and saying I need prayer. It was a Bible study that we were going though prayer requests, now there are times where I am very clear about things with life, but this time I had said spiritual warfare and mom said I could explain, but no I didn't really want to, so she asked if she could so she did. Well I'll confess I was going to talk to an individual at that group but since now our G-Force group knows I'm doing better. I will confess though, this blog happens to be that one place where I'm actually pretty calm. Now this might sound a little bit weird, but I have so many thoughts in my head and I don't want to say I'm confused... eh I kinda am but not like entirely. <br />Anyway, I wanted to see what scripture said about pride, so I looked in the back of my Bible to find <em>Proverbs 16:18-19 "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirt before a fall. It is better to be a lowly spirt with the poor then divide the spoil with the proud."</em> I was just awestruck at <em>"Pride goes before destruction" </em>and that it does because whenever I am prideful destruction was to follow and had me falling in the pit of despair. <br />
<em>1 Samuel 2:3<br /><span class="text 1Sam-2-3" id="en-NIV-7244"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>“Do not keep talking so proudly</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text 1Sam-2-3">or let your mouth speak such arrogance,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7244A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text 1Sam-2-3">for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is a God who knows,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7244B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></em><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"><em> </em></span><span class="text 1Sam-2-3"><em>and by him deeds<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7244C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> are weighed."</em><br />I have much to learn about pride and I hope to stay away! Well I think this is good a bit of confessions, but the Bible says in <em>James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30371A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30371B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."<br /></em></span></span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-60700387355032162862013-04-15T19:57:00.002-07:002013-04-15T19:58:50.296-07:00Caught In The MiddleHave you every felt caught in the middle of life's situations? Either it be a spiritual situation, an argument between family or between people? Or anything at all that just has you caught in the middle? <br />
Currently I confess I feel like I am caught in the middle with who I once was and who I am. I guess what I'm trying to say is the battle between Satan wanting me to feel hopeless, unforgiven, unloved, alone, and just plain old depressed. While on the other hand Jesus wants me to feel hopeful, joyful, loved, forgiven, and united with Him.<br />
It's hard because when ever Satan accuses us of sin it often times is right! How scary that is, Satan comes and reminds us of our past sins. I know in James 5:16 it says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one other, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." So hard to face that you've done wrong and are ashamed by it.<br />
I think of how much I've grown in Christ and the amount of maturity I have obtained... that is with other things of well. Actually about two days back I did a devotion about love (and as great and effective as it was talking about learning to love and hate what Jesus does) the devotion had me read 1 Corinthians 13 and the part that got me was on verses 11&12, "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28677U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> behind me.<span class="text 1Cor-13-12" id="en-NIV-28678"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28678V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> then we shall see face to face.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28678W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."<br />Well it defiantly changes everything because even for being 16 I am still technically a kid (yes it annoys me dearly, but that's irrelevant). As many times as I have been childish and thought to be mature... well I think it's about time to fall over laughing. Yeah sure I've heard my mom say I was born a 40 year old, however, I take that as a mentally and way of thinking not actually in actions. <br />Still I've been pretty well caught in the middle with things like knowing I am one with Christ, yet I know Satan just has to try and get me to think otherwise. Example: God: "You are clean my child" Satan: "Go ahead sin, it's okay it's not that bad... do it". Well I think Matthew 5:29-30 has the right idea, "<span class="text Matt-5-29" id="en-NIV-23264"><span class="woj">If your right eye causes you to stumble,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23264A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-30" id="en-NIV-23265"><span class="woj">And if your right hand causes you to stumble,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23265B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." So that adds to my thoughts, get rid of temptation/sin before it causes you to stumble and really mess up. So while I'm on that train of thought somewhat, I had to completely turn off the Wi-Fi to my iPod because I was being tempted to look at garbage that no one should be looking at and it while I was peaking around at a website for a Christan camp... I was utterly confused why, but I am curious was it the temptation or did I just not really understand that God is jealous and He really needs to be the first of my day and not Facebook. I dunno, but that's the reason I could maybe possibly not be posting as frequent. But best thing to remember is Philippians 3:12-21.<br />I remember early on in my years of being a Christan, I had for some reason loved the story of Jesus' temptation in Matthew 4:1-17. Still not a hundred percent sure why, and the funny thing it was never really something I mediated on either, I just liked it. Maybe (just going out on a limb here), but perhaps it was the very fact that Jesus too was tempted like myself , but lo and behold He was without sin. Even directly with the devil right there determined to get Jesus to fail, well I think we know who was the ultimate failure at that time, eh? Still being faithful even to death. Talk about an amazing encouragement and a HUGE amount of love!<br />So with being in the middle, like all of us are in the spectrum time that is. Let me explain, in youth group we've been going through the study of the End Times, no I am not going to share every thing we've learned, however, if you've seen the chart in Tim LaHayae and Jerry B. Jenkins' book "Are we living in the End Times" it's described as Ages past, Church age, Rapture, 7-Year tribulation, Glorious appearing, Millennium, Great white throne, and Ages to come. So being in the Church age we are still technically the middle, but this is if you want to get technical.<br />Still through all the "stuff" I've been going through I remember when I tried to go through and memorize James (and by tried I mean I failed at the end but got to about chapter 1 verse 18), James 1:2-18, "<span class="text Jas-1-2">Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30269A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Jas-1-3" id="en-NIV-30270"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>because you know that the testing of your faith<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30270B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> produces perseverance.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30270C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Jas-1-4" id="en-NIV-30271">Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30271D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> and complete, not lacking anything.</span><span class="text Jas-1-5" id="en-NIV-30272"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30272E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30272F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Jas-1-6" id="en-NIV-30273">But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30273G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.</span><span class="text Jas-1-7" id="en-NIV-30274"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.</span><span class="text Jas-1-8" id="en-NIV-30275"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Such a person is double-minded<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30275H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> and unstable<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30275I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> in all they do.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-9" id="en-NIV-30276">Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.</span><span class="text Jas-1-10" id="en-NIV-30277"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.</span><span class="text Jas-1-11" id="en-NIV-30278"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>For the sun rises with scorching heat<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30278L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> and withers<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30278M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30278N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.</span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-12" id="en-NIV-30279">Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30279O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30279P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> that the Lord has promised to those who love him.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30279Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-13" id="en-NIV-30280"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;</span><span class="text Jas-1-14" id="en-NIV-30281"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30281R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> evil desire and enticed.</span><span class="text Jas-1-15" id="en-NIV-30282"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30282S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.</span><span class="text Jas-1-16" id="en-NIV-30283"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Don’t be deceived,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30283U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> my dear brothers and sisters.</span><span class="text Jas-1-17" id="en-NIV-30284"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Every good and perfect gift is from above,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> who does not change<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> like shifting shadows.</span> <span class="text Jas-1-18" id="en-NIV-30285">He chose to give us birth<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30285Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> through the word of truth,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30285AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup>might be a kind of firstfruits<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30285AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup> of all he created."<br />So I think James is trying to tell us to rejoice in trial... to me that seams pretty hard.<br /><br /> Well to think of Job, he was told to curse God and die. Then at then end of his life he says in chapter <br />42:1-6, "Then Job replied to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>:<span class="text Job-42-2" id="en-NIV-13925"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>“I know that you can do all things;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13925A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-2">no purpose of yours can be thwarted.</span></span><span class="text Job-42-3" id="en-NIV-13926">You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13926C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-3">Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-3">things too wonderful for me to know.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13926D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-18" id="en-NIV-30285"> <span class="text Job-42-4" id="en-NIV-13927">“You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-4">I will question you,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-4">and you shall answer me.’</span></span><span class="text Job-42-5" id="en-NIV-13928">My ears had heard of you<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13928F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-5">but now my eyes have seen you.</span></span><span class="text Job-42-6" id="en-NIV-13929"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Therefore I despise myself<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13929H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>and repent<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13929I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> in dust and ashes.”" </span></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-18"><span class="indent-1">I think I have a lot to learn from Job. As do we all.<br /><br />Okay so last few comments, sorry today was lengthy I just had to express to even though we feel in the middle just know that we are all half way home.<br />So I am pretty certain you all know I am anticipating obviously some sort of change again, correct? Well I had really caught myself in the middle. I had used excuses too. For a while I had exclaimed I cannot "wait and see" I have to walk by faith. Well so it all depends on what way you put walking by faith. So I was talking to a friend about life and eager anticipations and she too is excited to see where God will have their family... it came to my attention that I was lacking faith in God because I was not fully trusting that He will have me where He wants me and doggone it if that means wait I have something to teach you then dude you better sit down and listen quietly. It reflects one of my favorite verses <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations%203:19-27&version=NIV" target="_blank">Lamentations 3:19-27</a>.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-18"><span class="indent-1">Despite the fact that I want to get up and go to where I think I'll be (that is where Christ has me) I need to wait on Him. Isaiah 40:31, "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on
wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be
faint." <br />I'll leave you with that. Sorry again about the longness of this post, but I hope it encourages you. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-18"><span class="indent-1"></span></span><br />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-83525547992839136712013-04-12T11:39:00.001-07:002013-04-12T11:39:43.959-07:00April Doesn't Appear To Be AprilIf I could file a complaint right about now it would be about how April doesn't feel like April it feels like March (well either way I am still technically complaining). So the list of complaints obviously begins with it feeling like March. The second is about time; time is slipping through my hands and flying far beyond my imagination (as wild as my imagination is that shouldn't be hard to believe.) So I'm hopping the rest of April will feel like April and I will be productive the rest of April. Other then me being annoyed by the fact that it doesn't feel like April things have been well interesting (I guess in that good kinda way). For example at Bible study we had talked about spending time in The Word... I was pretty well caught because I knew both how horrible I've been about procrastinating and being basically a hearer and not a doer of the word. Thus it began, we talked about it like our “quote” on quote excuses why we didn't read our Bibles (my excuse is pretty much I don't feel like it. Witch I know pretty pathetic). Well so much better to know I am not the only one. Now probably should've guessed that but it was reassuring. So in the book that we are going though there were seven things so they were things like: <br />
-Keeping a journal <br />
-Using the Bible on tape<br />
-Following a reading plan<br />
-Using a hymnal or songbook<br />
-Finding a specific time and place<br />
-Using computer Bible programs (or now days our smart phones)<br />
-Using a devotional guide<br />
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I thought all good ideas looks like we'll have to try each of them. <br />
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Next off, yes I did get my hair cut! Yes at long last, but let me tell you, they cut off 5 inches! Dude I had no idea I had that much hair. Next off again, school, school is getting on my nerve. Actually it's my laziness and that is dead truth. So lets just hope I can get it done next month. <br />
Last but not least, I well kinda sorta a little bit, got a job offer. Well actually we scampered about the mall because I wanted earrings (as weird as that sounds) and we looked for the swirly earrings I wanted but we didn't find them. So actually what happens is my sisters and I go past the Famous Footwear store then we see mom (and we were suppose to meet mom at the front of the mall but didn't) so we tell her about Crocks on sale so we go over there and mom yes gets her shoes, but she asks about jobs, so it turns out they are hiring part time (like 4-10 hours on weekends)! So I thought that would be perfect because no worrying about school nor crazy hours so it'd be perfect! Although I should finish school then apply, seams like the manger liked me though! Yay! <br />
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Now I dunno if you are all wondering about my anxiety (or sometimes often comes as “self pity” or whatever it is we want to call it at times. I guess we all know by now it varies). I can tell you, it certainly seams as though it never entirely leaves. By that I mean for an rather short period of time I'm pretty good and it's no bother at all. Then it comes up just as I am dragging out, thus I am back to what seams as beginning. <----- as inaccurate as that is along with false reality I just can't see why it looks that way. Anyway, it usually gets better as I pray and listen to good solid Christian music. But in the long run I think it's preparing me for the road ahead, what ever that is lies ahead. Now if you are maybe reading this and asking, “I thought you had it all figured out?” Well let's be honest, I do but I don't, so let me resolve this. I may know I am going to be used by God in spectacular way by being a missionary and hopefully be attending Moody Bible Institute, but that's like as far as I know. Yup that's right I don't even know where I'll be a missionary, nor do I completely see the road God will take me to go. Although I think the start is learning leadership and with that being a camp councilor. So I'm kinda waiting impatiently/anxiously, but I don't feel terribly worried either. Hmmm.... (Everyone tells me live in the moment. I am afraid I just can't live to do that being as stubborn as I am it's just not me. -take note if my selfishness- Still, living in the moment would probably calm me. -I bet you'd never hear me say that again.)<br />
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If you would all pray for me to have strength and just get over this anxiety/depression that would be great! Thanks in advance. <br />
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So that's roughly about it. But, I guess there are other things I could mention, so I'll tell you of more when more comes. Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-33308561733198346952013-04-09T13:36:00.000-07:002013-04-09T15:27:34.320-07:00It's About Time I Learn To Expect The UnexpectedWell I think today's title speaks for itself supposedly because I think we all know I can pretty much randomly freak out at any given moment. So I just wanted you all to be aware that I may claim I'm "waiting excitedly" -or impatiently- for something really cool to happen, but uh, I think a better word for me is "anticipate". But then to think I may anticipate such things to happen, yet it's a dead give away because I'm impatient, and me waiting well you'd have better luck with teaching a dog to sit. Truth is I ordinarily want to beat myself up for not seeing something so conspicuous... I personally don't have a logical nor legitimate reason why I think I have it special to foresee any future events, thus I should stop trying. Actually I'll be honest with you I feel as though I live in the future yet the present, I guess if it was a relationship it would be enlisted as "it's complicated", but clearly so am I. Above all I will say some is walking by faith because I am so impatient and God does want us to walk by faith, yet He too wants up to know its in His timing, therefore it is about time I learn. So with me expecting the unexpected let me tell you a story that describes the situation. So this was about November 2012, two of my friends had worked at Glorieta conference center and that got me thinking, “I want to work at a summer camp!” Thus my excitement begun, should I have expected that and did I? Both are no's. But I'm pretty sure I've told you this stuff (opportunity knocking and other places). Anyway, as God has been teaching me leadership and me not expecting I assumed I had already know a small extent of it, but in reality God continues to work in mysterious ways.<br />
So the usual things that are "catching me by surprise" are friends coming over. Is it bad? Well no, but at times it's distracting. This is a question I'm just going to answer. So do I want to learn to expect the unexpected? Somewhat, I just rather not be caught by surprise every time. <br />
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Recent events have had me kinda anxious, excited too and not even all of them are current. Well some are going to happen and some haven't happened and I'm not sure if they will, or they are in the process. <br />
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Lets start with ones that are going to happen:<br />
-Dad going to Richmond, Virginia. He's training new drivers there.<br />
-30 hour famine. Don't ask why I am enthusiastic about one.<br />
-I'm getting my hair cut. As weird as it sounds I've been waiting eagerly.<br />
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Now the ones that haven't happened and may not: <br />
-Moving. Yes I have been anticipating this for awhile. So either it be to Rio Rancho or somewhere else that's fine I guess.<br />
-Getting a pet. So I know I may have my dogs Frodo and Clarence, but they are bed hogs and rather annoying. <br />
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Now for excitement: Pardon me some of them happen to be rather childish...<br />
-Powerpuff Girls is on Netflix. The reason for that enthusiasm is because my sisters I used to watch that show when we were kids and we absolutely loved it. <br />
-Well the things that are going to happen be some of them. <br />
-Summer time! Yay it's about time to get this girl in the water. Yes I'm a "water baby". <br />
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Now over the past few days things have been well interesting like for instance I was pet sitting last Friday through Sunday I was pet sitting. That was fun don't get me wrong, but seriously the best part was I actually got to sleep. So today... Well today was a dud, I had every intention to get some serious school done, but we are now baby sitting and thus I am now distracted. Oh yes, so Sunday was well funny. So I have my "little buddy" Sam. So normally Sunday mornings I'm there before my mom and sisters. So Faith and Emily were there with their friend Lexi and Sarah and apparently poor Sam was a poor lost puppy dog looking for me. Then Monday, oh Monday was dreaded as usual, but the bitter/sweet part was the Michigan Louisville game was on. (Basketball March Madness) and my Michigan Wolverines lost. And apparently jealousy has taken over our neighbor Lexi, that's apparently because I got a pair of Vans and she thinks we get or do stuff to make her jealous. <br />
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So I'm pretty excited for some stuff as you see. There's more but I'll save that for another day. <br />
Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-62928747589817849312013-04-07T11:52:00.001-07:002013-04-07T15:42:00.280-07:00I AM SECOND<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bN2aOVCE-nE/UWG_wIlrwmI/AAAAAAAAAC4/CrSlkG9saJE/s1600/I+AM+SECOND+%2528the+story+behond+the+srories%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bN2aOVCE-nE/UWG_wIlrwmI/AAAAAAAAAC4/CrSlkG9saJE/s1600/I+AM+SECOND+%2528the+story+behond+the+srories%2529.jpg" /></a>So at church today we officially started the <a href="http://www.iamsecond.com/">I AM SECOND</a> book and are doing a series on it. So today wwe talked of the importance of our stories on how we came to Christ and what He's done in our lives. So today I am going to post about my I AM SECOND story. So here it goes.<br />
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For me I've always been a “quote” on quote Christian I guess you could say. But one day it all changed forever, just having moved from Michigan to a small town in New Mexico. We had been put in public school for the first year here. During this time in public school I claimed I was a Christian, yet my actions did not show that I was a Christian. I soon found myself in a dark place, the world had taken me as it's own and I followed it. While I was following the desires and lusts of this world the darkness had taken over. It wasn't “sex, drugs, and rock and roll”, it was me not following Christ and as followed, I cursed, I was a bad influence on both my sisters and others around me, I caused others to stumbled, I even bullied one kid telling him to do wrong things like to cuss, swear, smart mouth teachers, and at the end I wasn't his friend because he didn't follow the evil ways. I was the struggle and the world had held on to me before grace. I will never be the same now, truly knowing what it is follow Christ I AM MELODY AND I AM SECOND. <br />
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Now what Christ is doing in my life. <br />
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Now as Christ resides in me He is using me in new ways like allowing me to be a positive influence to both Christians and nonChristians, teaching me leadership on how to be the light for others, telling me that one day I will be used for His glory, and now teaching me more about Himself. <br />
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Going through I AM SECOND I see I am second and God will be first and will guide me in His perfect will. <br />
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So with Cottonwood Church and everything I'm going to tell you they are really tearing down the comport zone and changing a little bit of things for me. It's really something for only being here for four months. I mean everyone seems so close to me, they see me as an encouragement, they've changed the way I think and that's saying a lot because I can be stubborn as a donkey. <br />
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So a little off subject. <br />
I'm sorry I've been so inconsistent about posting but over the past four days I've been pet sitting, but I am back and should be posting a bit more and tomorrow I'm going to try and give you a bit of background of what where I feel personally where I feel God is having me and more of what He's doing. Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-78070150606763232822013-04-01T12:49:00.001-07:002013-04-01T16:27:44.898-07:00This Is Me, This Is My Heart, And This Is My Broken Heart ProjectSo today's title, “This Is Me, This Is My Heart, And This Is My Broken Heart Project” is really going to be you guys getting to actually see what God is preparing for me and really a deeper look into my heart of my compassions and desires to glorify Christ Jesus. I hope it inspires you and encourages you.<br />
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To begin my post I want to tell you of a personal experience that was really cool. So I went to Denver, Colorado in 2010 and Russ (our leader) gave us Bibles to put a scripture or two and then give it out to someone. Well I collected several verses and so I was ready to go. Well no I didn't forget it, but the dog got and chewed it. Well the Bible is food but spiritual I'm pretty sure it's not an apple. Anyway I love how God works because the day I got rid if mine we had nothing really planed so my group went to the park and knowing me I love football and so I wanted to play catch and thus it was. While others took a walk. So then as we're tossing around the football two guys just join us and we talk back and fourth and so one of the guys were talking and he kinda lost his way with walking with Christ. Oh I was so happy I could give away my Bible because I did not want to take it home. <br />
So this may have been my first missions trip but it was not the start of the fire that set my heart ablaze to missions. So now I'll tell you of how this has happened and everything. <br />
So since I was a kid as far back as I can remember it was there. Well I can tell you every time someone talked about serving God in anyway like third world missions or just anything. <br />
I remember my mom always saying, “God is going to do something special with you” so that's that. <br />
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Now I'm really taking it to a new level at first is was Dallas, Texas but no, however I still have the general ideas of what missions in the States could be like. Well I should tell you I will be collecting Bibles so if you have any you don't want/use that's fine I'll take them as long as it's not like falling apart. <br />
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So how is it I'm taking it to the next level? Well let me explain. As said I feel this is my last year in New Mexico and I'm sorry but it's very bitter/sweet and I don't mind. Anyway enough of me and moving. My point how this involves me taking it to the next level is working at a summer camp as mentioned its camp Crestridge for girls and I really really like it because I can be an inspiration and leader for young ladies. This too is why I felt God telling me to learn leadership. Did I mention it's in North Carolina? Well it is and I love it there! So we'll see where God has me from there. <br />
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So to my heart it seems as though I find missions is my calling of God's will and now to see where else God will take me. <br />
You should all know I don't mind this at all it's exciting and the best part is seeing but by bit. <br />
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Now with serving I'm hoping to Haiti and serve there and if I can I'd like to go to an orphanage in Mexico and even go to India to serve there. Personally I don't know where I'm going to end up in the world of missions but I guess I have time to find that out now don't I? <br />
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http://www.facebook.com/melody.morgan.meyer/posts/555894471112118<br />
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That's a post I posted on Facebook about the kinda things and changes being a Christian and how things aren't the same. <br />
That's really to be desire. Actually the meaning of desire to me follows a list definitions like<br />
-To long or hope for. <br />
-To be used by God. <br />
-The will of God. <br />
-Giving life to serve God. <br />
-Feeling near to God. <br />
-Taking every step in obedience. <br />
-Yearn for. <br />
-Passion. <br />
-Satisfaction. <br />
And so on. <br />
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Compassion with me begins with serving and things like that is like working at soup kitchens, I'd love to help kids in anyway, and just help out in anyway. <br />
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So I can just see what's to happen. Although I can tell you that's the joy of taking the Bible study. <br />
Now the one of the many things that needs work is probably my pride, that's because every time someone denies Christ I get flustered and rather cram religion down their throats and basically want to make them believe. So what comes with that is grace and how I need to extend it. <br />
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I think the best way to extend grace is asking someone if you can pray with them. I remember when I was at a Blue Bell picnic and Mike's daughter I had started to hang around with and I had prayed “God please let me minister to her” so then later I do and thank God. She asks the question, “do you really think that the world is going to end in 2012” as easy as no would've been to stay I didn't say that. So I ran to dad asking for his keys and then I ran back and started to explain while just not so sure of what to say but I used verses I learned some earlier in the year so it was good. But then later she talks to me about things in life so I ask, “do you want me to pray for you?” She wasn't sure but I did and man I think it's the best way of extending grace. <br />
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• But now I'm trying to minister to our neighbor Lexi. Certainly not easy being a crazy, obnoxious, pain in the but, energetic, and stubborn little girl. And let me tell you 12 year olds now oh my and not to mention she's not the same 12 year old I was, and thus I can't relate to her. I'm trying but I guess it's all gonna end because she thinks she's all that, like thinks the things she wears defines who you are, well I'm sorry not all of us have money to buy nice shirts and such, so we are also moving and thus I'll have friends that like me for who I am and won't use me like monkey bars. <br />
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So I guess I'm waiting to see what's going to happen with my Broken Heart Project because I'd love to earn the money to go on missions trips, collect Bibles to give, and probably other things. So Godspeed. <br />
Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961455126824921536.post-37223955786679719962013-03-31T13:27:00.000-07:002013-03-31T17:16:02.279-07:00Mixed WeekendSorry I haven't posted since like last Saturday time has gotten away from me and my goodness is time just slipping through my hands like sand? So I apologize I wasn't anticipating on having you all wait that long for me to tell you everything. <br />
So I guess I'll start with last Sunday, shall we? Well last Sunday I was doing camera duty and that was fun so I didn't have to worry about the passover and eating horseradish and bitter herbs, although I'll admit I could live off of Matza and grape juice just sayin'. Umm so I also got to hang out with some friends too. It was fun going to Caleb's house to play cards (even though card games and I do not get along I still had fun). We had went to go see Monster's INC. in 3D and Allegra mentioned how she forgot how good that movie was. Then chilled out at the church office and played Egyptian Rat Slap (probably the most stressful card game in existence) not going to explain because it to me is complicated and then all that other sort of youth stuff we do. I would tell you more but it just appears it would take to long.<br />
Monday was very unproductive and so was the rest of my week so that's what you should pretty much know.Although I'll admit, Wednesday was Bible Study, I'm telling you I'm loving it! Even though it's pretty much Christianity 101 I'm still feeling it will help me learn leadership because if someone I'm talking to wants to ask questions I can actually simplify it without stuttering and not knowing what to say so we're covered. Although I'll admit God's mysterious ways of His timing... well actually not the first time BUT my point is today we had baptisms and we were talking about it at Bible study soo. Anyway I'll tell you of today, wasn't much to it but being Sunday, Easter, my friend getting baptised, and my sisters birthday it hasn't been all that exhilarating sorry well kinda not to be blunt. Yeah so got up walked the dogs and as usually last to find my basket. But we had a huge "potluck" like thingy (I know I'm so vague and use words like thingy) but oh food heaven. Ha ha sorry I love food, and people so that just made my day. Although I feel bad for Tyler, he wanted to play fish out of water and there were Easter eggs all over the place so we had to play on the swings. Ah yes, we are such children. So it was so weird before we were talking physics jokes. It's nice though got to talk to my friend Sophie I haven't seen her in a while, so get this she's a exchange student from Germany lucky me being German so we had good conversation and FINALLY someone knows my last name is German, but it's pretty "self explanatory" because Meyer is very popular in Germany and it turns out (from my the way I think) I still actually sound German (may not be as a legit sounding accent but close enough). :D<br />
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Now with all the scrambles of things going on I should have you know of some news that really goes two ways, so bear with me and don't get lost that is if I don't make any seance.<br />
Well it's actually "good news" and may or may not eventually turn into "bad news". <br />
So several times you've probably heard or saw me talking about dad and his job at Blue Bell (the devil of ice cream yes go ahead ask why) but the fact is dad is going to Richmond, Virgina and mom thinks he's going to get a promotion after a month after he leaves (now mom is against it and probably several others) <br />
Okay so I'll admit and tell you straight forward expect anytime within the next year to tell you "adiós" New Mexico (or if you really want me to say The Land of Enchantment). I laugh I told my friend Joy Howell that "nonsense" and she's like oh no you don't we'll stop you! I'm sorry but this is just seriously looking more and more likely. <br />
So today I had told out newly founded "best friend" Travis that he's apart of the family and he really is don't get me wrong no sarcasm at all he took it and I think he's glad to be apart of our family (kinda like a weird older brother) anyway he sat with my mom and sitters since dad and I are "techies" it seams to work out alright. Gladly I will accept new family. Go ahead laugh it doesn't seam like something I wouldn't say I know especially since I had such a rough time switching between church families. Well let me tell you a funny story, we have our friends the Junglings who we used to go to church with and really good friends with. So while we were still between two places (very distant from everyone in my perspective) and we have the DerGregorians at the other church. So my sisters and I are one Sunday evening sitting on the couch at youth group and out of the blue Al asks, “hey do you guys know the Junglings?” (O-O <---- my face). And I say, “yeah we go to church with them the weeks we aren't here” then I ask how does he know Dan? Well turns out their college buddies and Mr.Jungling andMrs sung at his wedding. Then he said to tell them hi (well this was before I could pronounce DerGregorian) so I said Al says hi (to Junglings and Booths alike) and they are like Al who? Al DerGregorian? Yes I say then Mr.Jungling says call him Al Gregory see if he responds and so I try it. Boy did he stop in his tracks wondering how we knew I said Dan Jungling told us to call you that. (A total ROFL moment). Anyway then this past week I see on Facebook that they're on the same flight back from Denver!!! Then he tells me it's so of God then I guess he tells dad that Dan said he stole us and Al said God called them. My thinking is not literally but I said to someone earlier, you guys just got the Shepard's staff and poled us right in. Tee hee. Anyway so funny how that happens. <br />
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Last order of business. If I do not move across country I plan to hopefully start a woman's Bible study. Godspeed so yeah update you again when I do. Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09780302710078911959noreply@blogger.com0