Oh my gosh.
I just need to get to Monday night.
Then I am finished with school for the year (I can't really think about or talk about my sophomore year being over...it freaks me out a little...so I'm ignoring it for a while).
I have just have to edit a last paper and survive four exams and I'm done with school work till I go to Brussels! Ahh!
Whew. Ok. Here we go. (Don't worry, Celine Dion is serenading me as I study!)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Christ the Lord Is Risen
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightening stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their baces to the ground, but the men said to them,"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered His words.
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!
Friday, April 22, 2011
When I Survey
[Jesus and His disciples gathered and celebrated the Passover meal. Jesus spoke about His body being broken like the bread and his blood being poured like the wine in a new covenant. He shared with his disciples, and went to pray at the Mount of Olives with His disciples. His disciples feel asleep, and Jesus went to wake them up.]
While He was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss Him, but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.
Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for Him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come at me with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour - when darkness reigns." [How greatly Satan must have been rejoicing!]
Then seizing Him, they led Him away and took Him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But then we had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with Him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know Him," he said.
A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied.
About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with Him, for he is a Galilean."
Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating Him. They blindfolded Him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" And they said many other insulting things to Him.
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us."
Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe Me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."
They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?"
Jesus replied, "You are right in saying I am."
Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from His own lips."
Then the whole assembly rose and led Him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king."
So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I dins no basis for a charge against this man."
But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by His teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."
On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
When Herod say Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see Him [somewhat ironic...]. From what he had heard about Him, he hoped to see Him perform some miracle. He plied Him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing Him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in an elegant robe, they sent Him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends - before this they had been enemies.
Pilate called together the chief priests, the rules and the people, and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examining Him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against Him. Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; as you can see, He has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish Him and then release Him."
With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"
For the third time he spoke to the,: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in Him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have Him punished and then release Him."
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that He be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
As they led Him away, they seized Simon the Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed Him, including women who mourned and wailed for Him. Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves, and for your children. For the time will some when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!" Then 'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!" For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals - one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up His clothes by selling lots.
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
The soldiers also came up and mocked Him. They offered Him wine vinegar, and said, "If You are king of the Jews, save yourself."
There was written notice above Him, which read: This is the King of the Jews.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise."
It was not about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." When He had said this, He breathed His last.
[Luke 22:47-23:46]
While He was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss Him, but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.
Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for Him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come at me with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour - when darkness reigns." [How greatly Satan must have been rejoicing!]
Then seizing Him, they led Him away and took Him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But then we had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with Him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know Him," he said.
A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied.
About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with Him, for he is a Galilean."
Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating Him. They blindfolded Him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" And they said many other insulting things to Him.
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us."
Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe Me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."
They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?"
Jesus replied, "You are right in saying I am."
Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from His own lips."
Then the whole assembly rose and led Him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king."
So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I dins no basis for a charge against this man."
But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by His teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."
On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
When Herod say Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see Him [somewhat ironic...]. From what he had heard about Him, he hoped to see Him perform some miracle. He plied Him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing Him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in an elegant robe, they sent Him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends - before this they had been enemies.
Pilate called together the chief priests, the rules and the people, and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examining Him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against Him. Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; as you can see, He has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish Him and then release Him."
With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"
For the third time he spoke to the,: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in Him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have Him punished and then release Him."
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that He be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
As they led Him away, they seized Simon the Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed Him, including women who mourned and wailed for Him. Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves, and for your children. For the time will some when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!" Then 'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!" For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals - one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up His clothes by selling lots.
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
The soldiers also came up and mocked Him. They offered Him wine vinegar, and said, "If You are king of the Jews, save yourself."
There was written notice above Him, which read: This is the King of the Jews.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise."
It was not about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." When He had said this, He breathed His last.
[Luke 22:47-23:46]
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Little Miss
Look at how beautiful this girl is:
And this old man:
And this old man:
They melt my heart. I hope they know Jesus. I know that sounds trite or whatever, but that is all I can see when I look into their faces. That happens to me a lot now, I think its because I have missions on the brain. But I (sort of) pray that feeling of longing for people to know Jesus never goes away.
Perfect Day
This past weekend, I had some wonderful things happen!
On Friday night, my best friend from home, Liz, drove up to visit me! I hadn't seen her since before Christmas, so I was really excited. When she drove up, Liz laid on her horn. She finally parked and I got to hug my best friend! It was so good. We ate dinner with some friends and then watched a movie in Asian Mike's room, which is always fun.
The next morning, we got up and went to breakfast because guess who else was in town? Yes, HILARY IS BACK!!!! We ate sweet potato pancakes and talked and talked and talked. Afterwards, I showed Liz around campus. Then we were tired, so we laid in our beds and talked and then watched another movie (we have a tradition of watching the WORST movies ever. At first it was unintentional, but now we try to pick the worst ones. Its funny). That night, we grabbed dinner at school and ate with a bunch of my friends (including HILARY!). We then headed to Brick Street for cake! Yum. Afterwards, everyone came back to mine and Karen's room and we watched another movie. That was probably one of my favorite parts, because a lot of my closest friends were all together, laughing and joking and hanging out.
Sunday morning, Liz and I went to church and then the DH for brunch. Then it was time for Liz to head back home. :c
After Liz left, I took a nap. We had a Tri Delt thing that afternoon, and then my godfamily came in town! Clayton was visiting my school to make his decision about next year (don't worry, I was laying on the pressure to come here. Although I do want him to make whatever is the best choice for him...I just happen to think that is here!). They got here around 7:30, so we drove around campus and then headed downtown for dinner. We ate at this wonderful restaurant. It was so good to talk with them. This family is so important to me, and I love spending time with them! They dropped me and Clayton off at school, and I showed Clayton around the parts of campus you can't drive through. Then we met up with my friend Stephen, who Clayton was staying with. Monday he got to experience Accepted Students day, and then they hit the road.
It was so good to spend time with these people! First Liz, my best friend from home. I am so glad you were here. It meant a lot, and I loved spending time with you. Then Hilary was back! I am so so glad that I got to hang out with her. On her last night here, we had a slumber party in my room. Yes, in mine and Karen's tiny room, we pulled in two mattresses so Hilary and Laura could spend the night! It was fun. And my "godfamily" (I know you really only have godparents, but I like having a godfamily!) visiting was so good. I loved spending time with them. I've known them almost my whole life, and it was so nice to talk and catch up.
On Friday night, my best friend from home, Liz, drove up to visit me! I hadn't seen her since before Christmas, so I was really excited. When she drove up, Liz laid on her horn. She finally parked and I got to hug my best friend! It was so good. We ate dinner with some friends and then watched a movie in Asian Mike's room, which is always fun.
The next morning, we got up and went to breakfast because guess who else was in town? Yes, HILARY IS BACK!!!! We ate sweet potato pancakes and talked and talked and talked. Afterwards, I showed Liz around campus. Then we were tired, so we laid in our beds and talked and then watched another movie (we have a tradition of watching the WORST movies ever. At first it was unintentional, but now we try to pick the worst ones. Its funny). That night, we grabbed dinner at school and ate with a bunch of my friends (including HILARY!). We then headed to Brick Street for cake! Yum. Afterwards, everyone came back to mine and Karen's room and we watched another movie. That was probably one of my favorite parts, because a lot of my closest friends were all together, laughing and joking and hanging out.
Sunday morning, Liz and I went to church and then the DH for brunch. Then it was time for Liz to head back home. :c
After Liz left, I took a nap. We had a Tri Delt thing that afternoon, and then my godfamily came in town! Clayton was visiting my school to make his decision about next year (don't worry, I was laying on the pressure to come here. Although I do want him to make whatever is the best choice for him...I just happen to think that is here!). They got here around 7:30, so we drove around campus and then headed downtown for dinner. We ate at this wonderful restaurant. It was so good to talk with them. This family is so important to me, and I love spending time with them! They dropped me and Clayton off at school, and I showed Clayton around the parts of campus you can't drive through. Then we met up with my friend Stephen, who Clayton was staying with. Monday he got to experience Accepted Students day, and then they hit the road.
It was so good to spend time with these people! First Liz, my best friend from home. I am so glad you were here. It meant a lot, and I loved spending time with you. Then Hilary was back! I am so so glad that I got to hang out with her. On her last night here, we had a slumber party in my room. Yes, in mine and Karen's tiny room, we pulled in two mattresses so Hilary and Laura could spend the night! It was fun. And my "godfamily" (I know you really only have godparents, but I like having a godfamily!) visiting was so good. I loved spending time with them. I've known them almost my whole life, and it was so nice to talk and catch up.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
To The Cross I Cling
There is a song we sang today in church, and I think this line really applies in light of Palm Sunday. It goes, "All things in me call for my rejection. All things in You plead my acceptance." Wow. All things in me, every fiber and essence of me, calls for rejection. This is true. Yet, yet, all things in my Saviour God plead my acceptance.
Today, I've been struck by the fact that on this day 2,000 years ago (symbolically, at least) people lined the streets to greet Jesus, shouting "Hosanna!" and yet not even a week later demanded His death. We have such fickle hearts, and I see that in myself so clearly today!
We talked in church about how Jesus is more willing to die for me than I'm willing to be protected and saved by Him. I want His help instead of His salvation. I want to do it alone as much as I can and run to Him only when I need it. Which is all the time! I pray that I will stop trying, realize and accept joyfully my dependence on Him, and hide under His wings.
"All things in me call for my rejection.
All things in You plead my acceptance.
I am guilty but pardoned. By grace I've been set free. I am ransomed through the blood You shed for me. I was dead in my transgressions but life You brought to me. I am reconciled through mercy. To the cross I cling! To the cross I cling!"
Today, I've been struck by the fact that on this day 2,000 years ago (symbolically, at least) people lined the streets to greet Jesus, shouting "Hosanna!" and yet not even a week later demanded His death. We have such fickle hearts, and I see that in myself so clearly today!
We talked in church about how Jesus is more willing to die for me than I'm willing to be protected and saved by Him. I want His help instead of His salvation. I want to do it alone as much as I can and run to Him only when I need it. Which is all the time! I pray that I will stop trying, realize and accept joyfully my dependence on Him, and hide under His wings.
"All things in me call for my rejection.
All things in You plead my acceptance.
I am guilty but pardoned. By grace I've been set free. I am ransomed through the blood You shed for me. I was dead in my transgressions but life You brought to me. I am reconciled through mercy. To the cross I cling! To the cross I cling!"
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Set Free
Today in my Bible study, we were talking about liturgy. One of the major things that jumped out to me was about how sanctification, or faith, is slow. As the leader said, "We are people that are shaped and formed into the image of our Savior slowly...over time."
I think as a nation, as a person, who likes to get things done and check things off lists and be productive all the time, this doesn't make sense. We talked about how the liturgy, the routine, of going to church combats the liturgy of the world, specifically the world at school. I realized that taking a few hours out of my day to give to Someone else really doesn't make sense. The process of being sanctified doesn't make sense because it is messy and slow and our very biology tries to get in the way. I forget what I learn so constantly (Take today for example. I was worried about raising money for Hungary, and I had to take time to surrender those fears and stress to God. Then I got a message from my mom saying a good chunk of money came in today, and I'm about half way to $5000! Praise God. He is faithful, and He shows me that time and time again. Hungary, specifically, is NOTHING about me, it is ALL His doing. Of course He is going to make it happen!), and I'm so foolish.
In my faithless perspective, this belief, this faith, it doesn't make any sense. Why would I do that? Why would I waste so much time and energy with this? Why would I struggle seemingly needlessly to overcome my sin when I fall back into it time and again? Why would I live with hope in something that I honestly have no guarantee of?
I was reading in 1 Corinthians 3 this morning about how the wisdom of the world is foolish and God sees straight through it. In light of what we talked about in Bible study and what I wrote above, well, it makes sense. There is something to this that just works. Faith is more than rules and a dream. There is substance. There is a reason I want to change and grow and chase wholeheartedly after Jesus. There is a reason that I want to shout to others how they, too, can go through this strange and confusing struggle called faith. And there's no way to explain except that it requires faith. I just believe this with my whole heart. And no, it doesn't really make sense from a "wise" standpoint. But living it, going through it, kicking and screaming and pushing and relenting, it is real and it is good.
I think as a nation, as a person, who likes to get things done and check things off lists and be productive all the time, this doesn't make sense. We talked about how the liturgy, the routine, of going to church combats the liturgy of the world, specifically the world at school. I realized that taking a few hours out of my day to give to Someone else really doesn't make sense. The process of being sanctified doesn't make sense because it is messy and slow and our very biology tries to get in the way. I forget what I learn so constantly (Take today for example. I was worried about raising money for Hungary, and I had to take time to surrender those fears and stress to God. Then I got a message from my mom saying a good chunk of money came in today, and I'm about half way to $5000! Praise God. He is faithful, and He shows me that time and time again. Hungary, specifically, is NOTHING about me, it is ALL His doing. Of course He is going to make it happen!), and I'm so foolish.
In my faithless perspective, this belief, this faith, it doesn't make any sense. Why would I do that? Why would I waste so much time and energy with this? Why would I struggle seemingly needlessly to overcome my sin when I fall back into it time and again? Why would I live with hope in something that I honestly have no guarantee of?
I was reading in 1 Corinthians 3 this morning about how the wisdom of the world is foolish and God sees straight through it. In light of what we talked about in Bible study and what I wrote above, well, it makes sense. There is something to this that just works. Faith is more than rules and a dream. There is substance. There is a reason I want to change and grow and chase wholeheartedly after Jesus. There is a reason that I want to shout to others how they, too, can go through this strange and confusing struggle called faith. And there's no way to explain except that it requires faith. I just believe this with my whole heart. And no, it doesn't really make sense from a "wise" standpoint. But living it, going through it, kicking and screaming and pushing and relenting, it is real and it is good.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Where You Are
9 days of class left.
Four papers and two presentations.
Pre-Brussels work.
RA duties.
Four exams, and then I'm outta here!
My heart might be racing thinking about all of this right now, but its ok; I just keep reminding myself that God prepared for this. Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that labor for the Lord is not in vain. That's my motto. School is the work that God has given me (for next 2.5 weeks, anyway). I can bear all things through Him who gives me strength.
Ready, go.
P.S. Something really special and invigorating and exciting and wonderful and fantastic is 98.9% certain to happen this weekend!!!!!!! That will help me survive EVERYTHING!
Four papers and two presentations.
Pre-Brussels work.
RA duties.
Four exams, and then I'm outta here!
My heart might be racing thinking about all of this right now, but its ok; I just keep reminding myself that God prepared for this. Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that labor for the Lord is not in vain. That's my motto. School is the work that God has given me (for next 2.5 weeks, anyway). I can bear all things through Him who gives me strength.
Ready, go.
P.S. Something really special and invigorating and exciting and wonderful and fantastic is 98.9% certain to happen this weekend!!!!!!! That will help me survive EVERYTHING!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
All I Ever Wanted
What a weekend! It was wonderful and jam-packed, and I'm already planning another wonderful one next week (a little soon? Nah!)!
My brother Roecker came to visit me on Friday! He was looking at a school in the same state, so he drove over for the night. It was so good to see him! I had informal that night, but it was at a minor league baseball game, so I grabbed an extra ticket for him to come along. Roecker got here around 5:30, so he changed his shirt, we met up with Cole (my date to formal), Katie, and David, and headed downtown.
It was so fun to go to a baseball game! I love baseball food, so that of course made the night wonderful. But spending time with Roecker and my friends was so great. There was even a fireworks show at the end of the night! It was so cool. It was one of those things I don't think I'll even forget - a truly perfect night!
My brother Roecker came to visit me on Friday! He was looking at a school in the same state, so he drove over for the night. It was so good to see him! I had informal that night, but it was at a minor league baseball game, so I grabbed an extra ticket for him to come along. Roecker got here around 5:30, so he changed his shirt, we met up with Cole (my date to formal), Katie, and David, and headed downtown.
It was so fun to go to a baseball game! I love baseball food, so that of course made the night wonderful. But spending time with Roecker and my friends was so great. There was even a fireworks show at the end of the night! It was so cool. It was one of those things I don't think I'll even forget - a truly perfect night!
Roecker doesn't really like pics, but that is him, me, and Cole!
After the game, we headed to my friend Asian Mike's room to watch a movie and hang out some more. Roecker ended up sleeping on Mike's futon. The next day, Roeck and I went ot brunch and then he hit the road.
I spent the day outside with Karen because it was BEAUTIFUL. And then it was time to get ready for Formal! I got ready and then headed over to take some pre-Formal pictures with friends!
The girls!
Chelsea, the official photographer, and I
Then, of course, it was time to get on the bus and head to NC! We loaded up, enjoyed the ride through the mountains, and then of course took more pictures once we got there.
Me and Cole!
Me and Asian Mike!
David, Katie, me, and Cole
It was a beautiful night. The food was good, the dancing was EXCELLENT (Cole is a great dancer!), laughter was abundant, and the night was so fun! I had such a great time, and I can't wait for next year!
Fam Fish Face!
Lara, Robin, me, Claire, and Angela!
Wonder Week 11! (minus 2)
A hint of Katie's and my new tradition
The Adventure Team! I love these people
Sunday, April 3, 2011
My Heart Is Open
Its funny in a way because everything in my life now relates to the idea of "missions" or proclaiming the good news of Jesus. I noticed it last week at church, at Bible study, at RUF, basically everything I read. It happened again at church today! It makes sense, because it is so much a part of my life right now, but it still makes me chuckle to myself.
We were talking in church today about 1 Corinthians 15:35-58. The pastor did not relate anything we were talking about to missions, but I did! Truly, everything in Scripture points to the Mission. Pastor talked about how we need a greater thirst for His glory, and he prayed that God would capture our imaginations - God, give me YOUR dreams! And then 1 Corinthians 15:58. Leading up the that verse, Paul talks about how death and sin have been defeated - "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?...Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (vs. 55-57) And then we get to the incredible verse 58. "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." And that was it. It was so encouraging, particularly with this summer. Yes, its easy for me to worry or doubt, but I am called to stand firm! I want to devote myself to the work of the Lord because it will NEVER be in vain!
A lot of what I've been wrestling with is the desire to talk to my non-Believing friends about Jesus and who He is and what He has done for me and for them. This verse really encourages me in that. Yes, I want to pray specifically and seize those opportunities when they arise, but as long as I am doing the Lord's work, He will have everything under control. He will provide the work for me to do! I just want to shout, "Yes!" in response.
We were talking in church today about 1 Corinthians 15:35-58. The pastor did not relate anything we were talking about to missions, but I did! Truly, everything in Scripture points to the Mission. Pastor talked about how we need a greater thirst for His glory, and he prayed that God would capture our imaginations - God, give me YOUR dreams! And then 1 Corinthians 15:58. Leading up the that verse, Paul talks about how death and sin have been defeated - "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?...Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (vs. 55-57) And then we get to the incredible verse 58. "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." And that was it. It was so encouraging, particularly with this summer. Yes, its easy for me to worry or doubt, but I am called to stand firm! I want to devote myself to the work of the Lord because it will NEVER be in vain!
A lot of what I've been wrestling with is the desire to talk to my non-Believing friends about Jesus and who He is and what He has done for me and for them. This verse really encourages me in that. Yes, I want to pray specifically and seize those opportunities when they arise, but as long as I am doing the Lord's work, He will have everything under control. He will provide the work for me to do! I just want to shout, "Yes!" in response.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
True Friend
I literally have the best friends ever. They love me so well, and I am so thankful for them! They have been so supportive of me and all my stuff concerning Hungary, Brussels, school work, RAing, and just life. I have been so blessed by them, particularly this semester as I've had to make some pretty big decisions.
They made my birthday so special! I got texts and phone calls and a skype date and cupcakes and cookies and flowers and a Pete's milkshake run (the best milkshake place EVER) all letting me know how much I was loved. And for a big present, a lot of them chipped in and gave me some money to buy a new camera! And Karen made my day so special, with lots of inside jokes and the sweetest card/gift ever (she knows me very well!).
But it is a lot more than what my friends do for me. They make me want to be a better friend. The way they are so patient, so encouraging, listen so well, laugh and joke, and so much more pushes me to be a good friend back to them. I love y'all so much, and I am so thankful for y'all.
They made my birthday so special! I got texts and phone calls and a skype date and cupcakes and cookies and flowers and a Pete's milkshake run (the best milkshake place EVER) all letting me know how much I was loved. And for a big present, a lot of them chipped in and gave me some money to buy a new camera! And Karen made my day so special, with lots of inside jokes and the sweetest card/gift ever (she knows me very well!).
But it is a lot more than what my friends do for me. They make me want to be a better friend. The way they are so patient, so encouraging, listen so well, laugh and joke, and so much more pushes me to be a good friend back to them. I love y'all so much, and I am so thankful for y'all.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
