Well, for days and weeks, I can think of very little to blog about. Then all at once, I have too much!
Item number 1: Scott Brown
I have not been so thrilled about politics since this time last year... Scott Brown, an underdog Republican candidate in Massachusetts has beat the established Democratic party tonight!!!
Brown has promised to be a no-vote on Obama's health care reform and seems strong in many other areas that are important to the majority of Americans and, apparently, the majority of voters in Massachusetts! He also seems like a very down to earth guy, which is important--hopefully it means the politics haven't gotten to him yet.
While I doubt this will be a wake-up call to certain liberals in Congress, I am hopeful that many will see they cannot do what they please and get a free pass from the American people! We will be informed, we will take a stand and we will be heard! I only hope and pray this momentum will continue through November elections and well into the future.
Item number 2: Haiti
I have been following some of what has happened in Haiti through various ministries and organizations who are sending supplies and support to help the people there. I can do very little for the people who are suffering so except to pray and give. I hope that you will join me in both.
Samaritan's Purse is one ministry that deserves all the support they can receive for what they are doing in Haiti and around the world.
I'm afraid I don't have much else to say on this subject. Too much thought causes too much heartache. Perhaps I will be able to write more later on.
Item number 3: Rifqa Bary
This is just as exciting (in my opinion!!!) as Scott Brown's win! Rifqa Bary is a young Christian woman who ran away from her Muslim family several months ago in fear of her life. She took refuge in Florida a legal battle between the state of Florida, the state of Ohio (where she is from), herself and her parents ensued.
She was moved to the Ohio foster care system and Christians across the country have been praying that the state will protect her until her 18th birthday (later this year), when she will be able to make her own decisions.
Well, today God answered prayers! Rifqa's parents gave up the fight and Rifqa will be staying in the Ohio foster care system until she turns 18. I am so thankful to hear that this young, courageous girl will not have to face the possibility of death at the hands of her family for proclaiming the name of Jesus!
Hear Rifqa's story in her own words here.
Read about the latest developments here.
God is so good to give many good and wonderful gifts to His children... and even in Haiti, He works all things together for good for those who love Him. What an awesome God He is.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Decisions
Life handed me an unexpected opportunity today that I'm not quite sure what to do with. But while I'm thinking, I'm also praying. And remembering this beautiful verse from Jeremiah.
This is what the LORD says:
"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
He is faithful to show us the way when we stand at a crossroads. I'm praying for that direction now.
This is what the LORD says:
"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
He is faithful to show us the way when we stand at a crossroads. I'm praying for that direction now.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Promises
Sometimes life seems so hard... sometimes for very little reason at all! But God still cares and His promises are still true. Psalm 34 really spoke to me last night... just look at all His promises in one short chapter!
"I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears. (He takes away our fears!)
"I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears. (He takes away our fears!)
Those who look to him are radiant; (He makes us shine in His glory!)
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man [or woman] called, and the LORD heard him;
He saved him out of all his troubles. (He saves!)
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and He delivers them. (He delivers!)
Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. (He blesses!)
Fear the LORD, you His saints,
for those who fear Him lack nothing. (He provides!)
The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. (He cares!)
Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous (He sees!)
and His ears are attentive to their cry; (He hears!)
the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
He delivers them from all their troubles. (He delivers!)
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted (He is near!)
and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (He saves!)
A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all; (And again... He delivers!)
He protects all his bones, (He protects!)
not one of them will be broken.
Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems his servants; (He redeems!)
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him."
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Blessing.
Genesis 32:26. "And Jacob replied, I will not let you go unless you bless me."
I never really thought about how powerful that verse is. Jacob did not know he was wrestling with God Himself, but I doubt his response would have been any different. He spent the entire night wrestling with God for a blessing.
I know I don't have that kind of dedication--but I want it. I want to cling to God, pray to Him, seek His will, hold fast and say "I will not let go unless you bless me!"
After all, it's what He wants to do. He just wants us to ask.
I never really thought about how powerful that verse is. Jacob did not know he was wrestling with God Himself, but I doubt his response would have been any different. He spent the entire night wrestling with God for a blessing.
I know I don't have that kind of dedication--but I want it. I want to cling to God, pray to Him, seek His will, hold fast and say "I will not let go unless you bless me!"
After all, it's what He wants to do. He just wants us to ask.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Inspiration
Why is it that inspiration never comes when you most desire it? It is not to be had for the asking. Instead, it's bursts often seem few and far between. But when it does come, it is a glorious thing.
My inspiration (in the sense of writing that comes naturally and powerfully) tends to come from one of two places: reading God's Word or reading books inspired by God's Word. Hm... does that mean I'm inspired by inspiration? Perhaps so! I can only write powerful, moving things when God has used His inspired Word or the powerful writings of others to speak truth to me.
Well, I have not been greatly inspired in my writings lately. But here is something I wrote during Christmas 2008 that flowed from the truth of God's great plan for mankind and the writings of Bodie and Brock Thoene in the A.D. Chronicles. Enjoy
PENIEL.
The face of God.
Adonai. Elohim. Yahweh.
The great I AM over all creation.
Come to earth as a helpless babe.
God Most High as One most human.
Who more human than a baby?
Helpless... Tiny... Precious...
The face of God becomes the face of man.
Innocence... Beauty... Glory...
God Most High in human flesh.
Who better to save a helpless race
than One who became helpless?
A helpless Savior? Yes.
Yet only because He chose helplessness.
He chose.
Chose to leave it all.
Power... Strength... Might...
Helpless.
To save us all.
But in His helplessness--everything.
Mercy... Love... Grace...
ALL.
Peniel.
Most awesome face of God became
Most helpless face of man.
To save.
My inspiration (in the sense of writing that comes naturally and powerfully) tends to come from one of two places: reading God's Word or reading books inspired by God's Word. Hm... does that mean I'm inspired by inspiration? Perhaps so! I can only write powerful, moving things when God has used His inspired Word or the powerful writings of others to speak truth to me.
Well, I have not been greatly inspired in my writings lately. But here is something I wrote during Christmas 2008 that flowed from the truth of God's great plan for mankind and the writings of Bodie and Brock Thoene in the A.D. Chronicles. Enjoy
PENIEL.
The face of God.
Adonai. Elohim. Yahweh.
The great I AM over all creation.
Come to earth as a helpless babe.
God Most High as One most human.
Who more human than a baby?
Helpless... Tiny... Precious...
The face of God becomes the face of man.
Innocence... Beauty... Glory...
God Most High in human flesh.
Who better to save a helpless race
than One who became helpless?
A helpless Savior? Yes.
Yet only because He chose helplessness.
He chose.
Chose to leave it all.
Power... Strength... Might...
Helpless.
To save us all.
But in His helplessness--everything.
Mercy... Love... Grace...
ALL.
Peniel.
Most awesome face of God became
Most helpless face of man.
To save.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Real Men
In today's society, our culture so often downplays the important role of men. Men were designed to lead, to protect, to care and nurture. Unfortunately, many see those God given desires as chauvinistic or demeaning to women. (Honestly, I can't understand that, but anyway...)
All that to say, I was floored and excited to read Docker's new advertising strategy. In fact, I even joined their Facebook page (which is rather rare for me to do). Take a look and if you like what you see, let them know!
http://www.us.dockers.com/season/landing.aspx
All that to say, I was floored and excited to read Docker's new advertising strategy. In fact, I even joined their Facebook page (which is rather rare for me to do). Take a look and if you like what you see, let them know!
http://www.us.dockers.com/season/landing.aspx
Friday, January 1, 2010
Goodbye, Hello!
Well, it is 2010! While a New Year is exciting, I am generally not into New Year's resolutions and I think the last time I stayed up until midnight was 2000... but since this past year has been so amazing in many wonderful ways, I want a way to remember all that has happened. I found this list of questions from Doug Phillips blog and thought it would be good to answer some of them in review of this year.
1. Where did I/we travel?
That is a big question! I did a little traveling early in the year, but then I really started going places in June and just finished a couple weeks ago! Let's see, I visited...
-Mississippi early in the year to work at a conference with GenJ.
-The Southwest with my family, traveling from KS to CO to UT, spent one night in Las Vegas, visited my uncle and aunt in AZ, and drove through NM on the way back home!
-Virginia for a week of camp (and found out I was the head female counselor after I got there)!
-My grandparents in Nebraska
-Colorado Springs for another camp!
-Granby, Colorado, where my family moved the beginning of August.
-Kansas (which we now have to visit, since we moved) for three weeks to run a local Bible Bee contest.
-Pennsylvania to see my friend Jasmine
-PHC (with Jasmine) to see all our wonderful friends there!
-The Midwest for my grandparents 50th Anniversary.
-My grandparents again for three weeks shortly after visiting for their anniversary.
-D.C. to volunteer at the National Bible Bee.
-England!!! (An amazing experience).
All in all, a wonderfully busy, traveling year!
2. What were the most important sermons I heard this year?
Hmm... good question. I love our new church here in Colorado and every sermon is amazing. Perhaps the one that I remember the most is when our pastor quoted Philippians: "Do not be anxious about anything..." In modern language, that verse should be translated "Do not be stressed about anything." That hit home for me. And it's not just a suggestion either. I am commanded: Do NOT be stressed! That is a tall order, but one I am trying to obey.
3. What books/articles did I write?
Well, this is not something I do much of, but I do hope to write a book (on political campaigns) in the coming year!
4. What significant household projects did we accomplish in 2009?
-Well, we moved... that was a rather large project. :)
-My mom also sold her business (Livin' Right Women's Fitness) which allowed us to move to Colorado!
-I finished my degree in July and officially graduated in December!
-I also have a new job with CollegePlus! I am a coach for approximately 20 students as they work through their own degree via distance learning.
-Finally, we set up a blog for this next year that will help us, our extended family and our friends stay accountable to reading the Bible in a year. We'd love to have you visit at www.adailywalk.wordpress.com.
5. What were the most important meetings of the year?
Probably all the ones I had at the GenJ camps... getting to work with Godly men and women was such a blessing.
6. What special friendships were made this year?
Again, I have to go back to GenJ. There were some new friendships, some renewal of old friendships and some deepening of existing friendships: Sarah, Holly, Rachel, Stephanie, Lucas, Daniel, Joel, Michael, Emily, Kimberly, Kristi-Joy, Jeremiah, Willie, Will... you were all amazing. Thank you for such wonderful experiences!
And I also made some great new friends with the Bible Bee... our local committee, Carrie, Janice and Suzanne, as well as at the National Competition, especially Taylor!
7. What diet and physical exercise regimen did I maintain to honor “my temple”?
I do my best to regularly eat healthy. Unfortunately, my physical exercise has declined since I no longer work at a fitness center. That should certainly top the list of my New Year's Resolutions.
8. What books did I read?
This could be a long list! I'll have to start with just a few and add to the list as I think of them. (Ones with stars are ones I highly, highly recommend!)
*Pajama School ~Natalie Wickham
*Mere Christianity ~C.S. Lewis
Surprised by Joy ~C.S. Lewis
For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem ~G.A. Henty
*The Spirit of Churchill ~Debbie Brezina
The Duggars: 20 and Counting ~Michelle Duggar
*A.D. Chronicles ~series by Bodie and Brock Thoene
*Zion Covenant ~series by Bodie and Brock Thoene
*Galway Chronicles ~series by Bodie and Brock Thoene
You may be able to tell, I enjoy reading anything written by the Thoene's. The Zion Covenant Series is especially powerful, though heartwrenching. I actually couldn't finish reading them because they were so heart breaking. I do still highly recommend them-just not in large doses.
Here is my list of partially read books:
How Shall We Then Live? ~Francis Schaeffer
*The Road to Reality ~K.P. Yohanan
Let Me Be a Woman ~Elisabeth Eliot
The Soul of Prince Caspian ~Gene Edward Veith
I am certain I have read more than this, but these are the ones that stick out. I hope to read many more books this year, as I no longer have tests to study for!
9. What Scriptures did my family memorize?
As a part of the Bible Bee, we memorized many more Scriptures than we normally do. It was exciting to see just how much we can memorize in a short period of time. And I am quite excited to have finally memorized the book of Philippians after a few years of trying!
10. What loved ones died this year?
I am blessed that no close personal friends or family have passed away this year. However, a good friend of my grandparents, a sweet lady I had the opportunity to know, passed away just one week before Christmas. I know my grandparents and her own family are still struggling with losing her so close to the holidays. They are in my prayers.
11. What were the great personal/ministry/national tragedies and losses of the year?
The greatest tragedy that comes to mind was the Fort Hood Massacre that took place only a couple months ago. We must continue to pray for the safety and protection of our troops and the comfort of their families.
12. What were the great personal/ministry/national blessings of the year?
Another thought that comes to mind is the pilot who saved the lives of those aboard his plane by landing it safely in the Hudson River.
There have been so many personal blessings in my life that it would be impossible to name them all. I am just so thankful for all that God has done!
13. What were my most significant failures/sins for the year 2009?
Yikes--difficult question. I often find it difficult to make the most of the time I have, serve others cheerfully and stay patient when people and circumstances become frustrating.
14. What commitments have I made to overcome sin in 2010?
First, I am determined to memorize 1 John (which is all about love--hopefully remembering what Christ's love has done for me will help me demonstrate that love more willingly to others).
I am also committed to becoming more involved in ministries and writing a book, which I hope will force me to use my time wisely.
15. What significant spiritual and practical victories did I experience?
Perhaps the biggest lesson God taught me was that my security lies with Him; not my situation nor my finances. After having absolutely no money to pay personal and school bills, I have learned two important lessons. It really is "more blessed to give than to receive" (even and especially when you have nothing)! And I have also learned, "in whatever [financial] situation I am to be content." I am so thankful God saw fit to teach me those lessons this year and I am excited to see what I can do for others financially this year!
16. In what tangible ways did I communicate gratitude to those who have blessed me and invested in my life?
I hope that I have told those around me how I truly appreciate them. I know I fall short, so that is another goal I have for this year--to let others know how important they are in my lives.
17. What are the top ten themes of 2009 for me or my family?
1. My God is faithful-always.
2. His ways are not our ways--they're better.
3. True friends are worth investing in.
4. Wait.
5. Learn.
6. Trust.
7. Heal.
8. Forgive.
9. Hope. (still anticipating and looking for that which is to come)!
10. Change.
God bless each of you in this coming year... I can't wait to see what God has in store for each of us as we follow Him!
1. Where did I/we travel?
That is a big question! I did a little traveling early in the year, but then I really started going places in June and just finished a couple weeks ago! Let's see, I visited...
-Mississippi early in the year to work at a conference with GenJ.
-The Southwest with my family, traveling from KS to CO to UT, spent one night in Las Vegas, visited my uncle and aunt in AZ, and drove through NM on the way back home!
-Virginia for a week of camp (and found out I was the head female counselor after I got there)!
-My grandparents in Nebraska
-Colorado Springs for another camp!
-Granby, Colorado, where my family moved the beginning of August.
-Kansas (which we now have to visit, since we moved) for three weeks to run a local Bible Bee contest.
-Pennsylvania to see my friend Jasmine
-PHC (with Jasmine) to see all our wonderful friends there!
-The Midwest for my grandparents 50th Anniversary.
-My grandparents again for three weeks shortly after visiting for their anniversary.
-D.C. to volunteer at the National Bible Bee.
-England!!! (An amazing experience).
All in all, a wonderfully busy, traveling year!
2. What were the most important sermons I heard this year?
Hmm... good question. I love our new church here in Colorado and every sermon is amazing. Perhaps the one that I remember the most is when our pastor quoted Philippians: "Do not be anxious about anything..." In modern language, that verse should be translated "Do not be stressed about anything." That hit home for me. And it's not just a suggestion either. I am commanded: Do NOT be stressed! That is a tall order, but one I am trying to obey.
3. What books/articles did I write?
Well, this is not something I do much of, but I do hope to write a book (on political campaigns) in the coming year!
4. What significant household projects did we accomplish in 2009?
-Well, we moved... that was a rather large project. :)
-My mom also sold her business (Livin' Right Women's Fitness) which allowed us to move to Colorado!
-I finished my degree in July and officially graduated in December!
-I also have a new job with CollegePlus! I am a coach for approximately 20 students as they work through their own degree via distance learning.
-Finally, we set up a blog for this next year that will help us, our extended family and our friends stay accountable to reading the Bible in a year. We'd love to have you visit at www.adailywalk.wordpress.com.
5. What were the most important meetings of the year?
Probably all the ones I had at the GenJ camps... getting to work with Godly men and women was such a blessing.
6. What special friendships were made this year?
Again, I have to go back to GenJ. There were some new friendships, some renewal of old friendships and some deepening of existing friendships: Sarah, Holly, Rachel, Stephanie, Lucas, Daniel, Joel, Michael, Emily, Kimberly, Kristi-Joy, Jeremiah, Willie, Will... you were all amazing. Thank you for such wonderful experiences!
And I also made some great new friends with the Bible Bee... our local committee, Carrie, Janice and Suzanne, as well as at the National Competition, especially Taylor!
7. What diet and physical exercise regimen did I maintain to honor “my temple”?
I do my best to regularly eat healthy. Unfortunately, my physical exercise has declined since I no longer work at a fitness center. That should certainly top the list of my New Year's Resolutions.
8. What books did I read?
This could be a long list! I'll have to start with just a few and add to the list as I think of them. (Ones with stars are ones I highly, highly recommend!)
*Pajama School ~Natalie Wickham
*Mere Christianity ~C.S. Lewis
Surprised by Joy ~C.S. Lewis
For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem ~G.A. Henty
*The Spirit of Churchill ~Debbie Brezina
The Duggars: 20 and Counting ~Michelle Duggar
*A.D. Chronicles ~series by Bodie and Brock Thoene
*Zion Covenant ~series by Bodie and Brock Thoene
*Galway Chronicles ~series by Bodie and Brock Thoene
You may be able to tell, I enjoy reading anything written by the Thoene's. The Zion Covenant Series is especially powerful, though heartwrenching. I actually couldn't finish reading them because they were so heart breaking. I do still highly recommend them-just not in large doses.
Here is my list of partially read books:
How Shall We Then Live? ~Francis Schaeffer
*The Road to Reality ~K.P. Yohanan
Let Me Be a Woman ~Elisabeth Eliot
The Soul of Prince Caspian ~Gene Edward Veith
I am certain I have read more than this, but these are the ones that stick out. I hope to read many more books this year, as I no longer have tests to study for!
9. What Scriptures did my family memorize?
As a part of the Bible Bee, we memorized many more Scriptures than we normally do. It was exciting to see just how much we can memorize in a short period of time. And I am quite excited to have finally memorized the book of Philippians after a few years of trying!
10. What loved ones died this year?
I am blessed that no close personal friends or family have passed away this year. However, a good friend of my grandparents, a sweet lady I had the opportunity to know, passed away just one week before Christmas. I know my grandparents and her own family are still struggling with losing her so close to the holidays. They are in my prayers.
11. What were the great personal/ministry/national tragedies and losses of the year?
The greatest tragedy that comes to mind was the Fort Hood Massacre that took place only a couple months ago. We must continue to pray for the safety and protection of our troops and the comfort of their families.
12. What were the great personal/ministry/national blessings of the year?
Another thought that comes to mind is the pilot who saved the lives of those aboard his plane by landing it safely in the Hudson River.
There have been so many personal blessings in my life that it would be impossible to name them all. I am just so thankful for all that God has done!
13. What were my most significant failures/sins for the year 2009?
Yikes--difficult question. I often find it difficult to make the most of the time I have, serve others cheerfully and stay patient when people and circumstances become frustrating.
14. What commitments have I made to overcome sin in 2010?
First, I am determined to memorize 1 John (which is all about love--hopefully remembering what Christ's love has done for me will help me demonstrate that love more willingly to others).
I am also committed to becoming more involved in ministries and writing a book, which I hope will force me to use my time wisely.
15. What significant spiritual and practical victories did I experience?
Perhaps the biggest lesson God taught me was that my security lies with Him; not my situation nor my finances. After having absolutely no money to pay personal and school bills, I have learned two important lessons. It really is "more blessed to give than to receive" (even and especially when you have nothing)! And I have also learned, "in whatever [financial] situation I am to be content." I am so thankful God saw fit to teach me those lessons this year and I am excited to see what I can do for others financially this year!
16. In what tangible ways did I communicate gratitude to those who have blessed me and invested in my life?
I hope that I have told those around me how I truly appreciate them. I know I fall short, so that is another goal I have for this year--to let others know how important they are in my lives.
17. What are the top ten themes of 2009 for me or my family?
1. My God is faithful-always.
2. His ways are not our ways--they're better.
3. True friends are worth investing in.
4. Wait.
5. Learn.
6. Trust.
7. Heal.
8. Forgive.
9. Hope. (still anticipating and looking for that which is to come)!
10. Change.
God bless each of you in this coming year... I can't wait to see what God has in store for each of us as we follow Him!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
