Today has been an interesting (definitely in a good way) type of day. Let me enlighten you:
1. Woke up nine minutes before class and still made it. Love Dr. Bob, by the way!
2. Shekinah Glory danced this morning to Salvation is Here in Chapel :) Great job ladies!!
3. Had bubble tea for lunch in the DC!!!!!!!!!!
You might be thinking, "What?" And that was my exact response. I didn't know they (as in Sodexo) had it in them to do such a great thing. Also, if you happen to be one of the surprisingly (and unfortunate) many who have never heard of bubble tea, or do not what it is, then you will just have to come visit me and I would be delighted to take you!!
4. Didn't fail my last Psychology exam :)
5. Did some online airfare hunting and came across what I think to be a great find- Texas round trip for $218.
6. Basked in the sun before my last class of the day.
7. Crandon let us do some work for 15 min out by the pond. I then thought to my self, "Boy, this would be a great day for some ice cream." Lo and behold the good 'ole Nater Gator comes over to give me his leftover Ritter's (cappuccino flavor!!).
8. Basked in the sun some more, but this time with a few friends and guitars.
9. Walked inside my room to find it spotless. All my laundry was clean and folded, not to mention all the beds were made. I have such great roomies :) Thank you, Katie!
10. Found out that Karleen and I will be able to go to both the Good Friday service that Epic is combining with St. Mark for, as well as home groups tomorrow night. That would have been a tough decision, otherwise.
11. Used up my "swipes" at Suffish. By doing this, I was able to stock up on some goodies until Monday.
12. Met a girl named Brittany, who was visiting Bethel with her grandma, Betty. She is a senior in high school and came here to audition for Collegians and a vocal scholarship. She and her grandma were peeking into Shupe, and well... long story short I ended up giving them a tour around campus! It was so fun, and a blessing in disguise. I pray blessings over her and over all the big decisions in her life right now.
13. Currently: listening to Shane & Shane with the window open. Mmmm freshness.
A side note-- The past three days have been "Deeper Life Series" here at Bethel led by Sergio Scataglini. Hearts have been opened to the move of God's Spirit here on campus-- FREEDOM! It's coming....
I praise you, Jesus! God I really want to yearn for you. I want to burn with passion. More, Holy Spirit. Increase Your tremendous fire! More!
March 31, 2010
March 28, 2010
He Burns Brightly In My Mind
I have so much on my mind right now.
I am really good.
But at the same time I could cry.
And laugh.
And do a dance.
Jump up and down and scream into a pillow.
And go for a run.
I feel so overly thankful and astonished, yet lovey dovey, and also to the point where I long to just dive into my Bible and never have to come out, ever.
Such a safe place.
But I am here and don't get me wrong, I couldn't imagine myself anyplace but where I am right now, but that still doesn't satisfy my craving to be with my Savior. He is so faithful and never lets go. He always keeps His word and never breaks any promises. He doesn't waste anything and has the perfect timing in everything, never ceasing to amaze me with His outstanding creativity and adventurous Spirit. He is so gentle and patient.
And so I wait, to see His face.
He gave me a word yesterday, saying "Quit wasting time!"
At the time I wasn't sure what this meant-- I thought of several different possibilities.
This morning I had a very thick impression that He meant it in the context of people and time and souls and salvation.
He IS coming to marry His bride (that's us!) and He wants us to be ready.
I can't tell you how much time I waste in a day. For that, Lord, I am deeply sorry. Teach me to be intentional with the choices I make and with the relationships that I already have, Lord. I don't ever want to be frustrated with a creation of Yours, or to ever have a conversation in vain. God, may Your fiery Spirit seep through my eyes. Send your words of love and truth flowing through my mouth whenever I speak. Yes, Lord. I say Yes to You and bind up all distractions and fears of man in me through the authority that I have through Your Son Jesus, and by His blood shed on the cross.
I am really good.
But at the same time I could cry.
And laugh.
And do a dance.
Jump up and down and scream into a pillow.
And go for a run.
I feel so overly thankful and astonished, yet lovey dovey, and also to the point where I long to just dive into my Bible and never have to come out, ever.
Such a safe place.
But I am here and don't get me wrong, I couldn't imagine myself anyplace but where I am right now, but that still doesn't satisfy my craving to be with my Savior. He is so faithful and never lets go. He always keeps His word and never breaks any promises. He doesn't waste anything and has the perfect timing in everything, never ceasing to amaze me with His outstanding creativity and adventurous Spirit. He is so gentle and patient.
And so I wait, to see His face.
He gave me a word yesterday, saying "Quit wasting time!"
At the time I wasn't sure what this meant-- I thought of several different possibilities.
This morning I had a very thick impression that He meant it in the context of people and time and souls and salvation.
He IS coming to marry His bride (that's us!) and He wants us to be ready.
I can't tell you how much time I waste in a day. For that, Lord, I am deeply sorry. Teach me to be intentional with the choices I make and with the relationships that I already have, Lord. I don't ever want to be frustrated with a creation of Yours, or to ever have a conversation in vain. God, may Your fiery Spirit seep through my eyes. Send your words of love and truth flowing through my mouth whenever I speak. Yes, Lord. I say Yes to You and bind up all distractions and fears of man in me through the authority that I have through Your Son Jesus, and by His blood shed on the cross.
March 24, 2010
You Run To Me
When no one else knows how I feel, Your love for me is proven real.
Abba, thank you for your unconditional love. I keep craving more of it. It's just you and me. Right here, right now. Oh how you run to me with outstretched hands, when it seems like no one cares, God. You are constant. Wrap me in Your arms again, God.
Thank you for wrapping me in Your arms.
Abba, thank you for your unconditional love. I keep craving more of it. It's just you and me. Right here, right now. Oh how you run to me with outstretched hands, when it seems like no one cares, God. You are constant. Wrap me in Your arms again, God.
Thank you for wrapping me in Your arms.
March 15, 2010
Comes the Dawn
After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul. And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company isn't security.
Kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises.
After awhile you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child. And you learn to build your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain and futures have a way of crumbling in mid-flight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you stand too long in one place.
So, you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone else to bring you flowers.
And you learn you really can endure, that you really do have worth. You learn that with every good-bye comes the dawn.
-Veronica A. Shoffstall
Kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises.
After awhile you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child. And you learn to build your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain and futures have a way of crumbling in mid-flight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you stand too long in one place.
So, you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone else to bring you flowers.
And you learn you really can endure, that you really do have worth. You learn that with every good-bye comes the dawn.
-Veronica A. Shoffstall
Symptoms of Inner Peace
"Be on the lookout for symptoms of inner peace.
The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to inner peace and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.
Some signs and symptoms of inner peace:
• A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
• An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
• A loss of interest in judging other people.
• A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
• A loss of interest in conflict.
• A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom).
• Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
• Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
• Frequent attacks of smiling.
• An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
• An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it."
The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to inner peace and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.
Some signs and symptoms of inner peace:
• A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
• An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
• A loss of interest in judging other people.
• A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
• A loss of interest in conflict.
• A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom).
• Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
• Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
• Frequent attacks of smiling.
• An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
• An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it."
March 8, 2010
Delicate and sore
My heart is weak - delicate and sore.
Renew.
Refresh.
Revive, Oh Lord.
It's Your desire to restore - me.
Oh, how You long just to restore.
My Lover, Redeemer and Giver of Life,
Would You come hold me close?
Sing sweetly to me through this tough night?
PSALM 63 says "O God, YOU are my God, earnestly I seek YOU; my soul thirsts for YOU, my body longs for YOU, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your glory. Because YOUR love IS better than life, my lips will glorify YOU. I WILL praise YOU as long as I live, and in YOUR name I will lift up my hands. My soul WILL be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth WILL praise YOU. On my bed I remember you; I think of YOU through the watches of the night. Because YOU are my help, I sing in the shadow of YOUR wings. My soul clings to YOU; YOUR right hand upholds me."
PRAISE THE LORD. PRAISE THE LORD, O MY SOUL. I WILL PRAISE THE LORD ALL MY LIFE; I WILL SING PRAISE TO MY GOD AS LONG AS I LIVE.
Psalm 146: 1-2.
Renew.
Refresh.
Revive, Oh Lord.
It's Your desire to restore - me.
Oh, how You long just to restore.
My Lover, Redeemer and Giver of Life,
Would You come hold me close?
Sing sweetly to me through this tough night?
PSALM 63 says "O God, YOU are my God, earnestly I seek YOU; my soul thirsts for YOU, my body longs for YOU, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your glory. Because YOUR love IS better than life, my lips will glorify YOU. I WILL praise YOU as long as I live, and in YOUR name I will lift up my hands. My soul WILL be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth WILL praise YOU. On my bed I remember you; I think of YOU through the watches of the night. Because YOU are my help, I sing in the shadow of YOUR wings. My soul clings to YOU; YOUR right hand upholds me."
PRAISE THE LORD. PRAISE THE LORD, O MY SOUL. I WILL PRAISE THE LORD ALL MY LIFE; I WILL SING PRAISE TO MY GOD AS LONG AS I LIVE.
Psalm 146: 1-2.
March 3, 2010
Reminiscing
I'm currently on spring break, back home in Wisconsin. I've had a lot of down time, which has been really nice. But with that, there has also been reminiscing. Looking into my past. Listening to old songs that have moved me. Reading old notes that have impacted who I am today. I am not quite sure how to react or even feel.
The only thing I am sure of right about now is how incredible Christ is.
"You make oceans from the rain- breathing life into this place."
Knowing that "feelings" don't ultimately matter, I am in a mix of heaviness and a deep gratitude. Knowing where I should be; astounded by grace.
"The blood of Jesus can wash your pain away." So true. He has, does and will. And I thank you, LORD. I've been meditating on the lyrics of an old song of mine.
Short and sweet-
You astonish me.
With how much You care.
How You hold me close when it seems like no one else is there.
Your grace it upholds me.
You keep my heart in tact.
Not to keep to myself what You've given me as fact.
My pain, my fear, my doubt.
Your love, Your care, Your joy.
It's Your love, Your care, Your joy.
And I thank you, LORD.
The only thing I am sure of right about now is how incredible Christ is.
"You make oceans from the rain- breathing life into this place."
Knowing that "feelings" don't ultimately matter, I am in a mix of heaviness and a deep gratitude. Knowing where I should be; astounded by grace.
"The blood of Jesus can wash your pain away." So true. He has, does and will. And I thank you, LORD. I've been meditating on the lyrics of an old song of mine.
Short and sweet-
You astonish me.
With how much You care.
How You hold me close when it seems like no one else is there.
Your grace it upholds me.
You keep my heart in tact.
Not to keep to myself what You've given me as fact.
My pain, my fear, my doubt.
Your love, Your care, Your joy.
It's Your love, Your care, Your joy.
And I thank you, LORD.
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