Mumford&Sons

Love it will not betray you
Dismay or enslave you, it will set you free
Be more like the man you were made to be
There is a design, an alignment, a cry
Of my heart to see,
The beauty of love as it was made to be

The Real Christ

Let’s go with Jesus. Not the gay-hating, war-making political tool of the right, but the outcast, subversive, supreme adept who preferred the freaks and lepers and despised and doomed to the rich and powerful. -John Cusack

Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Mercy>Works

"For by works of the law, no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." Romans 3:20

I have always had the philosophy of "I'll do it myself." This verse is very humbling, and points to where I truly need to be; encompassed in the arms of my Savior.

the beginning

today i was listening to the radio, and chuck smith was preaching about beginnings.

the beginning of earth as we know it. with adam and eve walking in a lush, perfect garden, sinlees, dwelling with God.

the beginning of religion-when adam&eve tried to cover themselves with fig leaves, trying to fill the gap they never could.

the new beginning we have in christ, that he came for us to save us and love us.

i am reading elisabeth elliot's book; 'God's prescence, a slow and certain light.' she is talking about how so often we try to make ourselves happy, how we try to clean ourselves up before coming to christ, how even we are not in his will we try to convince ourselves we are, and make do with things.

come just as you are into the hands of the one who bore your scars.

flowchart

What He did.

"I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out my beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting." Isaiah 50:6

So He can:

"Put my words in your mouth and covered you in the shadow of my hanf, establishing the heavens and laying the foundations of the earth, and saying to Zion, 'you are my people.'" Isaiah 51:16

Proving: "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3

complimentary colors

as green is to red, and purple is to yellow.

two people very dear to me got engaged this past week.

in god's perfect will.

in his perfect time.

for better or for worse.

each other's compliment.

united by the one who fashioned the earth.

to do life with christ, together.

1x1x1=1

"my beloved is mine, and i am my beloved's."

song of songs 2:16

"and he is before all things, and in him

all things are held together."

colossians 1:17

Living a Ministry

So my mom and I go to the gym together, and there's this lady she knows there from her bible study. The gal she knows knows I'm her daughter, and always chats to my mom, yet never even acknowledges I exist. Not so much as a good morning, a smile, or even a nod.

I brushed it off, until one night at church. I saw her there as a GREETER. Her ministry was to greet people, make them feel welcome, try to plug people in, and converse with people. She wasn't living her ministry.

Then it hit me, how are ways where I don't always serve or love, especially to others.

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

threefold cord

Three things saying the same thing, the first two divinely tied to the latter.

"Our Father God is love, essential love, and therefore cannot possibly desire for his child anything but what is best.

He is all wise and therefore know just what that best is.

He is all-powerful and thereore can give what he want to give.

His timing, his way of showing, and the thing shown may not be at all according to the child's expecation. But never mind. The Father will give all the help his child needs, will take him by the hand, and the child will learn." -Elisabeth Elliot 'God's Guidance: A Slow and Certain Light'

"Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me"

-'Your Love is Strong' Jon Foreman

"And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin" Matthew 6:28

Always

Even when life is crashing around us, even when the sun is shining, and the birds are singing. In love, in despair, in hopelessness, in joy, you cannot go wrong with this verse.

"So you, by the help of your God, return hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for you God." Hosea 12:6

A Few Snapshots of Happiness

If you read my blog, you already know I'm a little weird. I have this file on my computer of pictures. Picture that inspire me, make me think, or make me happy. And when I'm sad, or in a melancholy mood, I go through these pictures, and I want to share a few of them with you. =)

Dear to My Heart

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." Martin Luther King, Jr

"Worship is no longer worship when it reflects the culture around us more than the Christ within us." AW Tozer

"For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught." Proverbs 3:26

"I can trust the One who has my best interest in mind." AW Tozer

"Without Christ I am a fish out of water, with Christ I am in an ocean of love." -Sadhu Sunder Singh

In everyone's heart there is a dove and a crow, the one you feed more is the one that will grow.

"When we worry, we put faith in the Devil."-Spurgeon

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." -Winston Churchill

"Never surrender." -Billy Mitchell; Donkey Kong Champion

"Love again just not each other"-@Joshuajhun

"Trying to be happy without a sense of God's presence is like trying to have a bright day without the sun." AW Tozer

"If you watch what you think, you won't have to watch what you say."@billjohnsonBJM

Yesterday, a man brought up a few books to buy and on a last minute whim he bought a $25 giftcard. Upon leaving, he forgot his giftcard; when I reminded him about it, he replied it was for the customers behind him. It made their day and my day too. I love nice people. :)

I saw Philippians 2:3 lived out

"Don nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider other better than yourselves."

Smile, this is Funny =)

whoa

"In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it--one from the house of David--one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness." Isaiah 16:5

I can not even comprehend how much our God loves us. He sits upon a throne of love, and speeds the cause of righteousness. He does not have a bureaucracy, does not inflict pain recklessly, and seeks justice for all.

Mind=Blown.

Sound Familiar?

"For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear,
Nor has the eye seen a God besides You,
Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him." Isaiah 64:4 (apx 700B.C.)

"However, as it is written; “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 (apx 55 A.D.)

God's Promises remain the same, even over the span of time.

Listen to the Big Guy

Learn to listen to the Big Guy, to Mr. G-O-D.

Sometimes people tell you an idea, even if it's a lot of godly people, from their perspective things can look great. But God is shaking His head no.

Learning to listen to God, and actually doing what He says. So often I listen to others above the voice of God.

Refugees

Today, the Blood Diamond was on T.V. It's a great movie about politics, warfare, love, etc. A civil war in this movie causes the protaginist to become a refuge and find his family. These people were fleeing oppression, in hope for a new life, and future. The entired movie circles aroudn this idea. I began to think about 2 mirroring scriptures I've read recently.

"I have stirred him up in righteousness,
and I will make all his ways level;
he shall build my city
and set my exiles free,
not for price or reward,"
says the LORD of hosts." Isaiah 45:13

Compared to Romans 5:8 "That while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." A lot of people unfortunately have the misconception that God is some totalitarian dictator from heaven, and we are His slaves. He didn't create us to control us, but for us to commune with Him. Isaiah talsk about how God sets us free without price of reward.

We are not his hostages, but his refugees. Refugees out of darkness, and into marvelous light, hope, joy; and in that there is immense freedom.

one of my favorite places

on planet earth

Forgiveness

I have always had a great memory. Which is usually a helpful thing, but sometimes, it is an extremely hindering thing. I've never been able to "forgive and forget." Heck, it's sometimes a challenge for me to even "forgive." Usually, when I forgive someone, a few days later an urge to hold on to a grudge surfaces. I have to remind myself, "Wait, it's been forgiven. Move on." And I do, but it's definetely a conscious effort, and it's something I honestly struggle with.

People have been asking me about Russia. Laurin, the missionary gave us questions to help us evaluate the trip, and really make us think about what we learned. One question was regarding areas the Lord had been making you grow in. Forgiveness was one of them.

We had devotions about forgiveness, the team had to practice forgiveness, a sermon at church was on forgiveness. And we were preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is entirely about God forgiving us.

"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Matthew 6:12

Forgive, Move on, and Carry On.

Highlight

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

I feel this is the only adjective to adequately explain what happened in Russia. The 18 days I was gone felt like a year, and a week at the same time. The Lord did a work in me, and I think I can say everyone on the team, and some at the camp.

The primary purpose of the trip was to serve at Carpe Diem camp, in Losevo, Russia. The camp is a Christian English camp. Meaning, many kids are sent to refine their English skills, but in the process are loved on, and hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For every 10 kids, there are 2 Americans, a Russian counselor, and a translator. 5 boys. 5 girls. 10 kids who all have a piece of my heart.

I personally got to share the gospel with 3 girls, one who was a Christian, and 2 who went to church but didn't have a personal relationship. There was a night where the gospel was presented to all the campers, I had the privilege to lead a sweetheart, Vlada, to the Lord. The four girls who weren't Christians gave their lives to the Lord. I felt absolutely blessed to be a witness to this.

That was the absolute highlight of my trip. If I could remember only one thing, the 20 minutes that this blog described would be it.

delighting in parking spaces

Recently, I read this verse :"For the LORD delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory." Psalm 149:4. And I though, sweet! The Lord of the universe takes delight in me?! Awesome. But beyond that minor epiphany, didn't really think much more of the verse.

Yesterday, I went back to work for the first time after my mission's trip to Russia (which was amazing, and will be blogged about soon!) I pulled into Barnes and Noble about a half an hour before the store opened, and got a sweet parking space in the lot. One of the closest to work, and I thanked the Lord, and went in.

I went to lunch, and came back and as praying for the same spot, so I didn't have to run across the parking lot to make it back in time. I look and it was taken. D

ang it. But I look to my right, and literally THE CLOSEST PARKING SPACE to my work is open. And this verse popped into my head.

I'm not saying this because I'm lazy or don't like to walk. I really love to walk. But the Lord wanted to bless me. And while I was parking, He said to me very distinctly;

"Don't always assumed because what you think is perfect it is. Even if something second rate is awesome, it's still second rate. Wait for my best."

The Lord almighty, maker of the Universe delights in me, and blesses me with amazing parking spaces.

"Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it"Oswald Chambers

in the wittle things

Sometimes, I think we miss some parts of following God. At least for me, I think I need to convert the whole nation, heal the sick, move a couple mountains, and still make it home for dinner to really "serve" the Lord.

But this is not always so. C.S. Lewis states,

"Sainthood lies in the habit of referring to the smallest actions to God."

I'm not saying to not heal the sick, but pay attention the smaller details. If someone is planting a church, but neglecting their family, that is not right. Obedience to God, especially in the small things, is greater than any sacrifice we need, because sacrifice is encompassed within obedience.

Obedience>Sacrifice

be prepared to hear

If you ask the Lord something, there is a good chance He will answer you. And not always the way you want to know. Sometimes it can be a very blunt delivery.

For instance, this last week. I was praying about a situation in my life, and asking the Lord to direct me in His ways, showing me...somehow.

I was texting a friend, just like we did other times, and then a text came. And confirmed what I was praying about. It was not the outcome I wanted, but it was total confirmation to what I had just prayed. So, I wrote in in my journal as an answered prayer and moved on.

God puts all of us in situations where we may necessarily not "like" the outcome. I wouldn't want to burn my son as a sacrifice, or go before a giant with a few stones.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." Isaiah 55:9

Be prepared to hear what He has to say, and be prepared if it's not the answer you wanted.

thrive

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low, and we reach it." -Michaelangelo

I think it's safe to say I fall into this category, and I worry about everything under the sun, and then I remember.

"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither." -C.S. Lewis

Do the unthinkable, stretch yourself, walk in God's will. Your mind will be blown. Don't just live. Thrive.

Confirmation

Knowing you're in God's perfect will is about the greatest thing ever. I feel so content with things right now, and even though I can get busy, and stressed, I know I'm in the right place. I have a peace that surpasses understanding, and knowing where I'm supposed to be.

A few examples:

-Getting a job I LOVE

-Getting funded for a mission's trip

-Having friends I can run to, and tell everything to

-Having a roof over my head

-Having a bed to sleep on

-Having a family that loves me

"However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him'" 1 Corinthians 2:9

True thatttt

Russia

God always tests me with funds but always provides.

"The Lord is the light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

eyes of dove

"Your eyes are like doves behind your veil." Song of Songs 4:1

One explanation I've heard of this verse is that doves are naturally monogomous- they only have one lifelong partner.

I think it's an absolutely plausible, and beautiful explanation.

Jelly&Jesus

I'm kinda obsessed with PB&J. It's probably clinical obsession. It's my go-to lunch since I was 3, and I still love it.

I recently made one, and as I was smearing jelly onto my bread, I realized something. I've made homeade jam before, and I know that when you use the almost, or slightly rotten fruit, you get the sweetesr result. And the fruit also need to be brought to a rolling boil, and be put into a hot jar to ensure a seal.

It sometime seems like life. There have been times when I feel like I butchered an oppurtunity. There are times when my life feels heated, and boiling. There are times when I feel squeezed into a tiny space, and yearn impatiently to get out.

These are the things that make jam. These can be some of the things the Lord uses to make us into a final product of jam, that lasts longer than the original product, straberries.

OM NOM NOM

in the details

april 23rd. 4.23

proverbs 4:23

keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

the thing i needed to hear most today is the numerical scripture referance as the date. tell me God isn't in the details. <3

Say What You Need to Say...

In the world of ambiguity of text messages and facebook messages, words, intentions, and emotions can very easily become muddled and murky. Sarcasm is almost imbossible to convey, and can often be mistaken for anger. Messages are mixed, and things get untidy very quickly.

I have to give mad props to John Mayer for his song, "Say"

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is brokenEven as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say

Obviously, don't go around blurting out whatever is on your heart and mind, but if there's something needed to be said to clear up ambiguity, or misconstrued messages, say it.

Proverbs 25:11

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."

The Late Passenger-C.S. Lewis

One of the best poems I've ever read. Enjoy!

The sky was low, the sounding rain was falling dense and dark,
And Noah's sons were standing at the window of the Ark.

The beasts were in, but Japhet said, 'I see one creature more
Belated and unmated there come knocking at the door.'

'Well let him knock,' said Ham, 'Or let him drown or learn to swim.
We're overcrowded as it is; we've got no room for him.'

'And yet it knocks, how terribly it knocks,' said Shem, 'Its feet
Are hard as horn--but oh the air that comes from it is sweet.'

'Now hush,' said Ham, 'You'll waken Dad, and once he comes to see
What's at the door, it's sure to mean more work for you and me.'

Noah's voice came roaring from the darkness down below,
'Some animal is knocking. Take it in before we go.'

Ham shouted back, and savagely he nudged the other two,
'That's only Japhet knocking down a brad-nail in his shoe.'

Said Noah, 'Boys, I hear a noise that's like a horse's hoof.'
Said Ham, 'Why, that's the dreadful rain that drums upon the roof.'

Noah tumbled up on deck and out he put his head;
His face went grey, his knees were loosed, he tore his beard and said,

'Look, look! It would not wait. It turns away. It takes its flight.
Fine work you've made of it, my sons, between you all to-night!

'Even if I could outrun it now, it would not turn again
--Not now. Our great discourtesy has earned its high disdain.

'Oh noble and unmated beast, my sons were all unkind;
In such a night what stable and what manger will you find?

'Oh golden hoofs, oh cataracts of mane, oh nostrils wide
With indignation! Oh the neck wave-arched, the lovely pride!

'Oh long shall be the furrows ploughed across the hearts of men
Before it comes to stable and to manger once again,

'And dark and crooked all the ways in which our race shall walk,
And shrivelled all their manhood like a flower with broken stalk,

'And all the world, oh Ham, may curse the hour when you were born;
Because of you the Ark must sail without the Unicorn!'

1948

Unwanted Gift

If you have seen "You've Got Mail" you know exactly what I'm talking about. The two main characters are comparing lives, and one talks about how she can never say what she wants at the right time. Her chat buddy responds saying that when you say a "zinger" regret automatically follows.

I have this unwanted gift. I unfortunately know how to tear people up and down using words as my weapon.

As of late, I have seen detrimental effects even in circumstances when "I'm only kidding." Paired up with my Jimminy Cricket conscience, I immediately feel horrible. There have been inumerous moments when I want to grab my words and gobble them up.

I have lately taking to LITERALLY biting my tongue. If I see someone with an interesting hat or outfit appearal, the teeth come down on the tongue. If I hear someone sing extremely off key, the tongue comes down. Because that's what it takes.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

De Ja Vu

I don't know about you, but Jr High wasn't so great for me. There were instances with people where I just felt completely alone, misunderstood, and just like a Secondhand Serenade song.

Even until now, I would never choose to go back to Jr High. There were some awesome things that happened to me, and some crappy things that happened, and I'm grateful for what I learned, I'm also grateful 9th grade happened.

It's crazy because recently I've become a Jr High leader and hearing some things that kids are telling me what they're goinfg through, and what they're feeling makes me feel like I've gone back to Jr High.

Solomon says, "There is nothing new under the sun." -Ecclesiastes 1:9.

Even though Jr High was torment, I can say I'm glad I went through what I did so I can help the youth. It's cool because I see what I went through, and what others went through and how God is using what we went through to minister to other people.

As awful as the situation seems at the time, we have no way of telling what fruit will come from it later in life.

Essay

So I read this amazing essay in English a while back and recently found it and wanted to share it with you.

I have of late been thinking about numbers quite a lot, the number one in particular. The abstract qualities of numbers fascinate me, and I've been trying to relate them to other abstract concepts, like wholeness and love and perfection.

For example, a glass- Glass A. If Glass A has a small chip in it, it isn't less than one glass. If it has a small lump on i, it isn't more than one glass. The glass is still one; it is one of itself. It is a perfect Glass A.

This inspires further thought. It is impossible ever to duplicate Glass A's. The ideal glass exists only in theory. How, then, can two things ever have enough in common to be called twos. Put two glassed together and all you have is two ones. The ideal two does not exist. There is no such things as the ideal two.

I found this concept very disturbing. The ramifications of the nonexistence of the number two would be extensive. How could there be true love without two? I asked friends, teachers; no one had the answer. Fortunately, I came across a solution to this problem just recently, in e.e. cummings's poem "if everying that happens can't be done." He sets up the idea of the individual one with lines like "there's nothing as something as one" and "one's everyanything." He then reveals that two ones are involved with each other- in love. He unites these ideas, wrapping it up beautifully in the last stanza:

we're anything brither than even the sun

(we're everything greater than books

might mean)

we're everanything more than

believe

(with a spin

leap

alive we're alive)

we're wonderful one times one

One times one! It makes so much sense. We don't generaylly think of multiplicationusing two objects. Usually we think, "One apple one time"-equals one apple. However, Punnett squares have shown that multiplying one horse by one donkey will yield one mule. Decidedly, different from either of the originals, it nevertheless combines characteristics of both into one being.

So it must be with people. The love of two individuals, while independent of one another, blends together to form one love-their love. People speak of "our love" or the "love between us" or the "love that we share." The two ones multiply to equal one, but that final one is different, seems richer, fuller than either of the originals.

The implications are intriguing. I had no idea that numbers could mean so much. It's a paradox, because mathermatics is the ultimately logical system, totally intolerant of interpretation. I think these ideas merrit further development-after all, I haven't even begun to think about zero.

-Jennifer L. Cooper

Hopeless Romantic

Those who know me will attest that I'm a hopeless romantic.

Here are a Few of my Favorite Things:

-Pride & Prejudice

-Song of Solomon

-Nicholas Sparks

-Disney Princess Movies

I simply love love. I read a quote recently, and I've heard it at weddings, and grow to love it more and more.

‎"Eve was not taken out of Adam's head to top him, neither out of his feet to be trampled by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be loved by him." - Matthew Henry

I love it because God created every good and perfect thing, and He had an immaculate design in mind; and this quote explicitly describes it.

Trusting

"The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him." Lamentations 3:25

Lent for Life.

Today, as every year. People have been walking around with crosses of ash on their foreheads. And people talking about lent.

I get it, I understand it in theory, but why should I give something up once a year? So many people I know address it with such redundance and ritual.

I turned on Air1 and the deejay was talking about how Christ gave it all, so we should give something up for him.

Yes. Appreciate what Christ did for your life. And give Him your life in return. What's the point if you give up facebook but spend no time with Him? When Christ fasted in the desert for 40 days, He spent all His time with the father. It wasn't some schnazzy thing to do. There is a time to fast, but personally it feels like a ritual to do it an established time of the year.

A friend put it in the best way Ive heard; Brandon posted

"Everyone is giving up certain things for lent, a 40 day period, why don't we all just give everything that is ourselves up to God for the rest of eternity?"

This picture is the attitude to take. Everday we should be washing our minds, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

My Refuge

As a kid, like most kids, I built a fort. My fort was my hideaway to read, to dream, to create, and imagine. It kept me hidden from all my hidden nemesis. I never understood the concept of a fort until I started learning about history, and realized that if war broke out, all a soldier had to protect them was their fort. Realizing that in a war, a fort was a refuge. A place of arms, of nourishment, of rest.

Lately I've shared about uncertainties in my future. There are certain things about life I can go with the flow with, but having a general plan for my life is not one of them. After a mini-Chernobyl breakdown (hyperbole), I read this; and realized God is my fort. No matter what happens, I will always have Him.

Whether I live in a hut, or a mansion.

Am living from meal to meal, or serving meals to others.

Wherever I am.

"God is our refuge and strength

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Selah"

Psalm 46:1-3

Just Keep Walking

One of my favorite quotes is from Finding Nemo, "Just keep swimming." Dori was happy when she made any progress, and just kept swimming.

Recently, I was talking to some friends, and we were swapping prayer requests we had written out. There was a group of a few of us, and someone went, "Switch with Amanda, she has an amazing devotion life, you can see it."

Truth: I read my Bible everyday, but sometimes it seems like a chore. Sometimes I lose prayer requests, so I may sure to pray for them at least once right when I get them. Sometimes I forget to pray.

I'm far from perfect. I'm working on praying without ceasing, but I'm a work in progress. "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." Romans 7:15

I know I will never attain perfection here on this earth, but everyday I strive to be a little bit more like Jesus. Although my friend who made the comment doesn't know it, even though it convicted me that I need to be more like Jesus, it also encouraged me, and exorted me to do so. I'm trying to take steps everyday towards eternity.

Is there anything in your life God is telling you to do more?

Writing What I Know

Right now I'm kinda stuck in a rut. I'm stuck on what to paint for an art project, stuck on what college to go to, stuck on what to write about in a blog...

The general rule of thumb for writing well is write what you know.

Well, since I'm taking a break from studying anatomy, and now I know about it, I'll write about muscle contractions.

Our muscles are made up of tiny fibers that are super thin. In order to contract and relax, different chemicals must be released from different parts of the muscle in order to allow contraction and relaxation to occur. My teacher wrote it out in a 7 step process.

I won't bore you with the different chemical reactions, but my point is that the 7 step process it takes me a minute to comprehend, my body has already gone through it several times, probably mostly by sratching my head. ;)

If you realy want to know about God's craftmanship, study anatomy. Because David wasn't kidding when he said, "I am feafully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14

The First Breath

Seeing biblical prophechy line up before my eyes, I am beginning to wonder more and more what Heaven will be like, and also more about the rapture. God gives us clues, but I still wonder.

This is for sure,

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be bo nore, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

The Bible also mentions no darkness, transluscent gold, and new bodies.

The best explanation as to how the rapture may feel was this Sunday from the Jr High pastor at my church, he thinks it will like emerging from the ocean after getting wiped out by a wave. Jesus said the end is drawing near.

If our car were representative of our lives, it does not mean to pull over and stop the car and wait. It means to keep driving, but to keep the eyes continually on the horizion, waiting for that first breath into eternity.

Above All Else...

Our culture thrives on "following our hearts", "making our dreams come true", and just about anything else that gives way to pathos and making us "feel good."

The other day I was conversing with a few of my closest friends about emotions, dating, etc.

Opposed to the days we live in, the bible talks about our heart in a different light;

"Above all else, guard your heart, for from it flow the wellsprings of life." Proverbs 3:25

I came up with a cheesy way to remember what our heart tells us that lines us biblically.

When it pumps blood in and out, it makes the sound

Duh-Dumb! Duh-Dumb!

Sorry Disney, I love you dearly, but when it comes to matter of my heart, I am realizing it is an easy decision to do what "feels" right but is really a dumb decision. I am just going to remind myself that my best intensions are nothing compared to God's plans, and to guard my heart.

Blew My Mind

"Any fool can count the seeds in an apple.

Only God can count all the apples in one seed."

~Robert H. Schuyler

Just a Reminder

On whom we serve...

"The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?

One thing have I asked of the Lord,

that will I seek after:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter

in the day of trouble;"

Psalm 27:1,4-5

flourish.

We all have them, we all deal with them. We all have felt that we're not good enough, that we look a certain way, that we're sub-par.

Honetly, I never realized most of my insecurities I had until people pointed them out to me.

Some of these include being overapologetic [Sorry! I'm working on it. ;) ], not being able to take a compliment, etc.

There is a cool book called 'His Princess' that is like a letter from Jesus to a princess. Keep reading guys, it can be applied to you too! There is an amazing entry that deal with insecurities.

It's Titled: My Princess, Walk in My Confidence

"I know the world whispers in your ear what you possess defines

who you are, and what you look like determines your worth.

This is a lie, my love.

The generations to come wil never remember you for the things you accumulate or the efforts you places in your appearance.

In fact, the harder you strive to collect more things and

perfect your image, the more insecure you will be about who

you are and why you are here.

I am in you and you are in Me.

I will give you all that you need. No go and walk through your

world in the confidence that I've uniquely equipped you with

all you need to impact the lives of those around you forever!

Love,

Your King and your Confidence."

"For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your caught from being caught." Proverbs 3:26

When we rely fully on the Lord, we can be secure in who we are in Him. What are your insecurities? How can the Lord change them and allow you to thrive?

Vision

Lately, I have heard a lot about vision.

• When I paint, my teacher asks me what my vision for the piece is.
• When I talk about graudating High School people ask me what the vision for my life is.
• I ask myself what the Holy Spirit's vision for me is almost everyday.

I was talking to a friend about them the other night. We were conversing about how we know what our calling in life is.

And I realized, I don't know if I'll ever fully know.

I know God has engrained things into my personality that I love, and I'm good at. And I think these are all used to His gain. But I don't know if there will ever be a big crescendo where I will suddenly KNOW what I'm supposed to do.

Proverbs 3:5-6 is an extremely popular verse.

"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and He will direct your paths straight."

I think as long as we are trusting in the Lord, and constantly pursuing Him, we don't need to know every detail of the vision of our lives. For He will make our paths straight.