"You oh Lord are a mighty and powerful God, you engineer situations in my life all for your glory, returning joy and blessings to me because you are good and you love me. You take me down roads I don't understand just so you can prove to me how you always come through, so you can develop patience in me, trust in me...you do it all for good."
Man, that just really speaks so much truth into my life right now. If I'm being honest, I've been having a rough time in my life right now. Just a lot of confusion and fear, ughh, and it's so not wanted. It's a trap, and I know it!
Psalm 119: 105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." That reminds me to put my focus on one step at a time. His Word is a lamp unto my feet, not to the next 10 miles in front of me, regardless of how much I would like it to be that way. He says do not be afraid, and yet I still find myself wanting control.
Check out this song. The truth in it is comforting to me. And so I press on. I can feel Him pushing me forward.
Psalm 62.
My soul finds rest in God alone, My Rock and my salvation,
A fortress strong against my foes, And I will not be shaken.
Though lips may bless and hearts may curse, And lies like arrows pierce me,
I’ll fix my heart on righteousness, I’ll look to Him who hears me.
O praise Him, hallelujah, My Delight and my Reward;
Everlasting, never failing, My Redeemer, my God.
Find rest, my soul, in God alone
Amid the world’s temptations;
When evil seeks to take a hold
I’ll cling to my salvation.
Though riches come and riches go,
Don’t set your heart upon them;
The fields of hope in which I sow
Are harvested in heaven.
I’ll set my gaze on God alone,
And trust in Him completely;
With every day pour out my soul,
And He will prove His mercy.
Though life is but a fleeting breath,
A sigh too brief to measure,
My King has crushed the curse of death
And I am His forever.
O praise Him, O praise Him, hallelujah, hallelujah!
September 30, 2010
September 23, 2010
We Call Him Provider, Don't We?
First things first: I love it here.
Bethel, Indiana -- Mishawaka (who would've ever thought!), Epic...
This year back at college has been particularly difficult with the whole "affording college" thing, and I have been doing so much to do whatever possible to make this work. Being an RA has a been splendid thus far, and that covers room for the entire year, and everything is now officially up for being a Bethel-sponsored blogger. Check it out: www.bethelcollege.edu/Blogs and be sure to click on my picture! Two things right there that are so helpful!
Within this past week God has been proving His faithfulness to me even all the more. He is showing me that He loves me being here just as much as I do, and He wants to keep it that way... but let me just say, He's making me work for it!
1) Religion and Philosophy Department Assistant. I was talking with my adviser the other day and he shared of this opportunity with me. $1000 scholarship. I will be helping with various tasks, including joining with the editing process for one of his books that us currently in the middle of being published.
2) My RD texted me two days ago saying "I have a possible job opportunity for you...". I was curious. Housecleaning for Bethel's guest house for speakers. She was looking for someone to pass the job along to, as she is looking to move on from it herself. Whoah. And I had just talked with her a few days earlier on how from what it looked like, there was nothing left and I had no clue how I was going to be able to come up with my remaining tuition balance. Minimum wage, yes, but it adds up.
God keeps proving His faithfulness to me. Like He needs to, haha right. But I mean, we call Him Provider, don't we?
It comes in various shapes and sizes. Sometimes an anonymous check in the mail.
For me, for now: 4 jobs. I couldn't be more thankful.
Also, I am currently in the process of applying for Independent Status. If you think of it, please join me in prayer that my paperwork will go through. Love you all.
I am reminded: He is good. And He loves me. (Thank you Melisa!) I put my trust in that.
"But seek FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Read all of Matthew 6: 25-35!)
Bethel, Indiana -- Mishawaka (who would've ever thought!), Epic...
This year back at college has been particularly difficult with the whole "affording college" thing, and I have been doing so much to do whatever possible to make this work. Being an RA has a been splendid thus far, and that covers room for the entire year, and everything is now officially up for being a Bethel-sponsored blogger. Check it out: www.bethelcollege.edu/Blogs and be sure to click on my picture! Two things right there that are so helpful!
Within this past week God has been proving His faithfulness to me even all the more. He is showing me that He loves me being here just as much as I do, and He wants to keep it that way... but let me just say, He's making me work for it!
1) Religion and Philosophy Department Assistant. I was talking with my adviser the other day and he shared of this opportunity with me. $1000 scholarship. I will be helping with various tasks, including joining with the editing process for one of his books that us currently in the middle of being published.
2) My RD texted me two days ago saying "I have a possible job opportunity for you...". I was curious. Housecleaning for Bethel's guest house for speakers. She was looking for someone to pass the job along to, as she is looking to move on from it herself. Whoah. And I had just talked with her a few days earlier on how from what it looked like, there was nothing left and I had no clue how I was going to be able to come up with my remaining tuition balance. Minimum wage, yes, but it adds up.
God keeps proving His faithfulness to me. Like He needs to, haha right. But I mean, we call Him Provider, don't we?
It comes in various shapes and sizes. Sometimes an anonymous check in the mail.
For me, for now: 4 jobs. I couldn't be more thankful.
Also, I am currently in the process of applying for Independent Status. If you think of it, please join me in prayer that my paperwork will go through. Love you all.
I am reminded: He is good. And He loves me. (Thank you Melisa!) I put my trust in that.
"But seek FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Read all of Matthew 6: 25-35!)
September 19, 2010
Snapshots
Here are some snapshots of what I've been up to since moving back to good 'ole Indiana.
RA’s chilling in Chicago during Freshman Orientation.
My co-RA and I at Olive Garden! Mmm :)
What to do on a Saturday night while trying to avoid homework?
Sailor Hall’s trip to the Dunes — on our way to the clay pits!
Lindsay and I prowling around behind the bushes :)
Our skin felt so soft afterward!!!
Uhhhh, not exactly sure what’s going on here!
First campus cookout of the year — hosted by Shupe and Oakwood!
RA’s chilling in Chicago during Freshman Orientation.
My co-RA and I at Olive Garden! Mmm :)
What to do on a Saturday night while trying to avoid homework?
Sailor Hall’s trip to the Dunes — on our way to the clay pits!
Lindsay and I prowling around behind the bushes :)
Our skin felt so soft afterward!!!
Uhhhh, not exactly sure what’s going on here!
First campus cookout of the year — hosted by Shupe and Oakwood!
September 8, 2010
And That Means You.
I’m running back to Your promises one more time.
Lord, that’s all I can hold on to.
I gotta say this has taken me by surprise, but nothing surprises You.
Before a heartache can ever touch my life,
It has to go through Your hands.
And even though I keep asking why,
No matter what, I’m gonna love You.
No matter what, I’m gonna need You.
I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain,
But if not, if not, I’ll trust You no matter what, no matter what.
When I’m stuck in this nothingness by myself,
I’m just sitting in silence.
There’s no way I can make it without Your help, I won’t even try it.
I know You have Your reasons for everything, so I will keep believing.
Whatever I might be feeling, God You are my hope.
And You will be my strength.
Anything I don’t have You can give it to me, but it’s OK if You don’t.
I’m not here for those things.
The touch of Your love is enough on its own,
No matter what, I still love You and I’m gonna need You.
These lyrics to No Matter What by Kerrie Roberts is just what I needed to hear tonight. I feel like I'm going through a season in the desert right now. I can't stop thinking, and searching, and questioning... life. Everything. Where's the purpose? What's important? Where do I fit? What do You want? There's still healing in my life that God wants to give me victory over, I know that. And I've been dying inside, because I've been feeling so far from His joy.
This morning during one of my classes, we read Psalm 51. Verse 12 says, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." I remember thinking, "Ohhh, I want that so bad!" Tonight at worship practice, we had a time of prayer and worshiping together that was accompanied by some tears and honesty. During that time, I was reminded of how in Isaiah, God promises joy from our mourning, and makes beauty out of ashes. He was sharing with me: Casey, I'm restoring joy back to my people. And that means you. This time of searching and questioning is only for a season. It's going to be okay.
Through confusion and frustration, our God is the Giver of Peace, and isn't that the truth. I can feel it.
Lord, that’s all I can hold on to.
I gotta say this has taken me by surprise, but nothing surprises You.
Before a heartache can ever touch my life,
It has to go through Your hands.
And even though I keep asking why,
No matter what, I’m gonna love You.
No matter what, I’m gonna need You.
I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain,
But if not, if not, I’ll trust You no matter what, no matter what.
When I’m stuck in this nothingness by myself,
I’m just sitting in silence.
There’s no way I can make it without Your help, I won’t even try it.
I know You have Your reasons for everything, so I will keep believing.
Whatever I might be feeling, God You are my hope.
And You will be my strength.
Anything I don’t have You can give it to me, but it’s OK if You don’t.
I’m not here for those things.
The touch of Your love is enough on its own,
No matter what, I still love You and I’m gonna need You.
These lyrics to No Matter What by Kerrie Roberts is just what I needed to hear tonight. I feel like I'm going through a season in the desert right now. I can't stop thinking, and searching, and questioning... life. Everything. Where's the purpose? What's important? Where do I fit? What do You want? There's still healing in my life that God wants to give me victory over, I know that. And I've been dying inside, because I've been feeling so far from His joy.
This morning during one of my classes, we read Psalm 51. Verse 12 says, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." I remember thinking, "Ohhh, I want that so bad!" Tonight at worship practice, we had a time of prayer and worshiping together that was accompanied by some tears and honesty. During that time, I was reminded of how in Isaiah, God promises joy from our mourning, and makes beauty out of ashes. He was sharing with me: Casey, I'm restoring joy back to my people. And that means you. This time of searching and questioning is only for a season. It's going to be okay.
Through confusion and frustration, our God is the Giver of Peace, and isn't that the truth. I can feel it.
September 2, 2010
Ohh Campus Safety...
What are some things you would never think you'd actually hear someone say?
Well.... try this one:
"I've done a lot of things in my life, I've just never had any experiences with midgets."
Top that off with, "Ohh! You have socks on?! I've never seen you with socks on!"
Maybe you had to be there, yeah, probably, but I am still cracking up.
Well.... try this one:
"I've done a lot of things in my life, I've just never had any experiences with midgets."
Top that off with, "Ohh! You have socks on?! I've never seen you with socks on!"
Maybe you had to be there, yeah, probably, but I am still cracking up.
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