Such a great weekend of relaxation and fun with so many of my ResLifers! Friday, watched a movie about Esther with my small group, went on-call, went to Waho with Robert, Matt, and SoRelle, and went on-call again. Saturday, slept in, had my TFA interview (which went really well!), ate DHall brunch, bridesmaid dress shopping with Anna and Kristin, Dinner at the Bistro with Rachel, her dad and grandfather (who are absolutely hilarious), my first ever session of Zumba on the wii with 5 other ResLife girls, No Strings Attached with ResLife girls and Rachel, followed by another Waho trip, and finishing with midnight light-up frisbee on Cannan Green with Jordy, Alston, Alex, Emily, Kerriann, and Aubri. Basically, I had the best weekend ever.
Isaiah 12:
Summary- We will all praise Him in the end
My take- I can't wait for that day. It is going to be so sweet. All of the people on this earth that said God wasn't real or that there are multiple Gods or anything else will be set in their tracks. They will be in awe of our Creator.
v. 2: "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid." This is so comforting to me. It's always good to be reminded that God is my salvation and not any of the works I do here on earth. And because of Him saving me, I can be free of fear. I need to be constantly reminded of this. Fear is something that tends to creep into my life many times when I least expect it. Thankfully, the Lord lately has really calmed my most recent large fear of where I'll be and what I'll be doing next year. Do I know where I'll be or what I'll be doing? Absolutely not. Do I know that God's going to be with me and has a beautiful plan for my life? Yes.
This Chapter was just a great reminder to always be praising the Lord. It's easy to forget. It reminds me of a great song:
"Let everything that. Let everything that. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise Him in the morning. Praise Him in the evening. Praise Him when I'm young and when I'm old. Praise Him when I'm laughing. Praise Him when I'm crying. Praise Him every season of my soul..."
Lord, may I never forget that praising you is what I'm made for!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Accountability is So Sweet
Clearly, I have not been doing so well on keeping up with my resolutions. Thankfully, I have a great friend, who checks in on me, and is keeping me accountable to keep them up. It's so silly really for me not to spend time with the Lord. I know from so many past experiences how sweet it is when I do. In my discipling meeting today, we talked about Malachi and people giving lame sacrifices instead of the best they had. I realized that that's what I'm doing with my quiet times. I'm giving a lame sacrifice of five minutes to read maybe a chapter of my Bible. From now on, I want to give the best sacrifice. I don't want to give half of me, but all of me. So, here you go, Lord. I am pumped I get to spend this time with you. So, back on track,
Isaiah 11:
Summary-Everything will be perfect in Heaven with Jesus, all the things that on earth do not get along will be in harmony including animals, countries, people, everything and everyone.
My take-
v.2: "The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."
I absolutely love that I will get to be wise and understand everything and be mighty and knowledgeable and truly fear the Lord when I see Him in heaven all because I am His. I can't wait to be with Him!! It's gonna be soo sweet!
v.3: "His delight is in the fear of the Lord. And he shall not jedge by the sight of His eyes."
Wow! Such a hard thing for me. I feel like I understand God's love for me more than I understand how important is for me to have a healthy fear of the Lord. I love that the word delight is used here not only because it is truly one of my favorite words, but because it's used in the same sentence as fear. Fear and delight don't usually belong together. However, the way I see it the reason we delight in fear is because we get to delight in the fact that we serve such a powerful God!! While His power should be feared, I definitely appreciate it as well. I love that when I'm going through something tough, He has the power to overcome it so easily.
the rest: I love that God is gonna set everything back into harmony again. This passage has such beautiful and powerful imagery about just how that's gonna look. For example, "and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den."
If you haven't figured out yet, I'm a HUGE fan of my God being so powerful. One of my favorite songs right now describes how I feel about it really beautifully,
"And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us. And if our God is with us, Who could stand against? Our God is greater. Our God is stronger. God, you are higher than any other."
I couldn't have said it better myself. Take that world. Noone can stop me because my God is for me!!
Lord, thanks for your power. Thanks for the way you're gonna set everything in harmony again in Heaven. Teach me to not only love your power, but fear it as well.
Isaiah 11:
Summary-Everything will be perfect in Heaven with Jesus, all the things that on earth do not get along will be in harmony including animals, countries, people, everything and everyone.
My take-
v.2: "The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."
I absolutely love that I will get to be wise and understand everything and be mighty and knowledgeable and truly fear the Lord when I see Him in heaven all because I am His. I can't wait to be with Him!! It's gonna be soo sweet!
v.3: "His delight is in the fear of the Lord. And he shall not jedge by the sight of His eyes."
Wow! Such a hard thing for me. I feel like I understand God's love for me more than I understand how important is for me to have a healthy fear of the Lord. I love that the word delight is used here not only because it is truly one of my favorite words, but because it's used in the same sentence as fear. Fear and delight don't usually belong together. However, the way I see it the reason we delight in fear is because we get to delight in the fact that we serve such a powerful God!! While His power should be feared, I definitely appreciate it as well. I love that when I'm going through something tough, He has the power to overcome it so easily.
the rest: I love that God is gonna set everything back into harmony again. This passage has such beautiful and powerful imagery about just how that's gonna look. For example, "and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den."
If you haven't figured out yet, I'm a HUGE fan of my God being so powerful. One of my favorite songs right now describes how I feel about it really beautifully,
"And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us. And if our God is with us, Who could stand against? Our God is greater. Our God is stronger. God, you are higher than any other."
I couldn't have said it better myself. Take that world. Noone can stop me because my God is for me!!
Lord, thanks for your power. Thanks for the way you're gonna set everything in harmony again in Heaven. Teach me to not only love your power, but fear it as well.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Loving Life
So, today I had the honor of giving the invocation at the Founders' Day convocation. The Lord was definitely with me and this was one of the first times I've ever spoken publicly and my voice not shaken. Praise the Lord! Because I wasn't allowed to talk about Jesus or God, I chose to talk about blessings. That way, I know I'm still talking about the blessings from Jesus and still gets my point across without upsetting any of the faculty. As I went on about my day, I continued to notice blessing after blessing.
-the beauty of Lee Chapel
-an interesting politics class
-homework that I thought was due wasn't
-great work study environment
-sweet small group time
-awesome individual time with 11 of the RAs
-legit talks with friends
-the love between girls on my hall
I could go on and on, but the point is. I'm blessed. Immensely.
"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich." Proverbs 10:22
Clearly, I am so rich! Thank you, Jesus!
-the beauty of Lee Chapel
-an interesting politics class
-homework that I thought was due wasn't
-great work study environment
-sweet small group time
-awesome individual time with 11 of the RAs
-legit talks with friends
-the love between girls on my hall
I could go on and on, but the point is. I'm blessed. Immensely.
"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich." Proverbs 10:22
Clearly, I am so rich! Thank you, Jesus!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
In My Element
That's where I've been and why I haven't posted for the past week. I literally have been going 24/7 with all of the facets of rush week that I can't believe that I've only been back here for a week. It feels like I've been back for an eternity. Why was I in my element? Because I was dealing with crisis after crisis this week from girls that didn't get into sororities they wanted to rho gams that were unsure about their girls. I have felt so needed this past week, and I love that. I feel closer to the girls on my hall this year than I ever have as an RA for 3 years, and I feel so blessed with where the Lord has put me. It's the getting back to homework that I haven't done because of rush week that is not so fun...
So, back on track, Isaiah 10
Summary: God's judgment on Assyria
My take: Reading this immediately made me think about last summer. Caring for the forgotten, invisible, and hated. That's what this is calling us to do. He says woe to those who don't. Before last summer, I knew academically the knowledge that we should love the widow, the poor, etc., but I had never made that heart knowledge because of all of the politics we hear about homeless people being lazy and dishonest. and so on. But, the Lord doesn't say love the poor if they are hardworking and honest. He says just love the poor, meaning no matter what. It's hard a lot of the things the Lord calls us to do. It's not comfortable or fun many times, but it doesn't matter. If he calls us to do it, we must abide. Therefore, I am going to choose to love the poor, love the forgotten, and love the hated. Here on campus that looks very different than in inner-city Houston, but it's all the same, loving people.
Lord, let me love people well here on campus for the last 4 months I'm here no matter if it makes me uncomfortable or anything else. Thanks for loving me even when I'm not very lovable.
So, back on track, Isaiah 10
Summary: God's judgment on Assyria
My take: Reading this immediately made me think about last summer. Caring for the forgotten, invisible, and hated. That's what this is calling us to do. He says woe to those who don't. Before last summer, I knew academically the knowledge that we should love the widow, the poor, etc., but I had never made that heart knowledge because of all of the politics we hear about homeless people being lazy and dishonest. and so on. But, the Lord doesn't say love the poor if they are hardworking and honest. He says just love the poor, meaning no matter what. It's hard a lot of the things the Lord calls us to do. It's not comfortable or fun many times, but it doesn't matter. If he calls us to do it, we must abide. Therefore, I am going to choose to love the poor, love the forgotten, and love the hated. Here on campus that looks very different than in inner-city Houston, but it's all the same, loving people.
Lord, let me love people well here on campus for the last 4 months I'm here no matter if it makes me uncomfortable or anything else. Thanks for loving me even when I'm not very lovable.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Home Sweet College
Even as of this morning, I was still a little weary about coming back here. It's always such a mix of emotions, but the Lord calmed that as soon as I walked into DHall tonight. Before I even sat down, I knew I was at home, my college home. As I went to sat down, I sat down next to probably many of the people that I will not only be best friends this year, but for the rest of my life. Eating and chatting and laughing made me realize why I love this place so much, not because of it's physical location, but because of the beautiful, wonderful people the Lord has brought into my life here. I call it home sweet college :)
And, even though I'm tired tonight, I am determined to keep up my resolutions, so here's Isaiah 9
Summary: Foreshadowing of Christ's birth and the Punishment of Samaria
My take: The only time I've heard the phrases that are in verse 6 are from the New Testament, so I think it's so cool that they are here, too to again prove the validity of the Bible. It says, "And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." I love that he's powerful. I love that he comforts me. I love that he's my daddy. I love that he brings peace. I love that he's all. Who knew that Isaiah held these powerful words about a King that is born in the New Testament?
Lord, thanks for being wonderful and mighty and father and so many other things to you. I pray you remind me of that daily and that you reveal these things to this campus. Thank you for guiding me to a college where I am able to love and be loved well.
And, even though I'm tired tonight, I am determined to keep up my resolutions, so here's Isaiah 9
Summary: Foreshadowing of Christ's birth and the Punishment of Samaria
My take: The only time I've heard the phrases that are in verse 6 are from the New Testament, so I think it's so cool that they are here, too to again prove the validity of the Bible. It says, "And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." I love that he's powerful. I love that he comforts me. I love that he's my daddy. I love that he brings peace. I love that he's all. Who knew that Isaiah held these powerful words about a King that is born in the New Testament?
Lord, thanks for being wonderful and mighty and father and so many other things to you. I pray you remind me of that daily and that you reveal these things to this campus. Thank you for guiding me to a college where I am able to love and be loved well.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Ready
8 and a half hours before my flight takes off from Houston (that is if this terrible weather disappears) I am feeling ready to take on Lexington and school. Today was just what I needed. From getting a bright pink manicure with mom and black light mini golf with the fam to a lazy afternoon nap and packing with Omar, it was perfect. It was great closure to a great break. As my flight leaves takes tomorrow, I can know that I left feeling good about my time at home having the best balance of family, friend, and alone time.
Also, I'm excited because today marks my 7th straight day of doing all my New Year's Resolutions! They say it takes 21 days to make a habit, so that means I'm 1/3 of the way there! It definitely is becoming easier and easier especially with my quiet times and only drinking 2 cokes a day.
With that, Isaiah 8
Summary: Prophecy that Assyria will invade the land and then what it truly means to fear God
My take: First, I was so excited reading this first part because I've known the useless fact that Mahershalalhashbaz is the longest name in the Bible for years, but I've never actually read about him! Here he is in Isaiah 8! Then, there is a lot I really like about the second part of the passage.
I love verse 13b , "Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread." I have to say I'm a pretty fearful person. I fear my future. I fear going and talking to people I don't know. I fear not being good enough. But, this is so cool that the Lord is basically saying, "Don't fear all that other stuff. I'll take care of it. Fear me." In so many of our "feel good" churches today, they tiptoe around fearing God and just talk about his love, but I think the fear of God is important to understanding His love. He is all powerful, all knowing, all powerful, and that is pretty scary because He can do whatever he wants to you, but that's also the reason He can love you like noone else can. No human in our own power can love people perfectly because we don't have the power, but God does! How beautiful is that?
Then, there's verse 17, which I have a love-hate relationship with. It says, "And I will wait on the Lord...And I will hope in Him." As i said in an earlier post, I tend not to be a very patient person. Thus, I don't like waiting at all especially when it comes to my future. I want to have every second of my life planned out 5 years in advance. I'm a planner by nature, so it kills me not knowing right now even where I'll be next year. I know, though, that the second part of this verse is what keeps me sane. Because I know my Lord has plans to prosper me, while I wait, I wait expectantly. I wait with great anticipation of just what awesome plans the Lord has for me, knowing that even though I can't picture it right now, the Lord's plans for me are so much better than my own! I have a hope and that's why I can wait.. maybe not patiently, but we're working on that one.
Lord, keep me safe as I fly back tomorrow. Bless this next week. Give the campus a calm and peace that only comes from you.
Also, I'm excited because today marks my 7th straight day of doing all my New Year's Resolutions! They say it takes 21 days to make a habit, so that means I'm 1/3 of the way there! It definitely is becoming easier and easier especially with my quiet times and only drinking 2 cokes a day.
With that, Isaiah 8
Summary: Prophecy that Assyria will invade the land and then what it truly means to fear God
My take: First, I was so excited reading this first part because I've known the useless fact that Mahershalalhashbaz is the longest name in the Bible for years, but I've never actually read about him! Here he is in Isaiah 8! Then, there is a lot I really like about the second part of the passage.
I love verse 13b , "Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread." I have to say I'm a pretty fearful person. I fear my future. I fear going and talking to people I don't know. I fear not being good enough. But, this is so cool that the Lord is basically saying, "Don't fear all that other stuff. I'll take care of it. Fear me." In so many of our "feel good" churches today, they tiptoe around fearing God and just talk about his love, but I think the fear of God is important to understanding His love. He is all powerful, all knowing, all powerful, and that is pretty scary because He can do whatever he wants to you, but that's also the reason He can love you like noone else can. No human in our own power can love people perfectly because we don't have the power, but God does! How beautiful is that?
Then, there's verse 17, which I have a love-hate relationship with. It says, "And I will wait on the Lord...And I will hope in Him." As i said in an earlier post, I tend not to be a very patient person. Thus, I don't like waiting at all especially when it comes to my future. I want to have every second of my life planned out 5 years in advance. I'm a planner by nature, so it kills me not knowing right now even where I'll be next year. I know, though, that the second part of this verse is what keeps me sane. Because I know my Lord has plans to prosper me, while I wait, I wait expectantly. I wait with great anticipation of just what awesome plans the Lord has for me, knowing that even though I can't picture it right now, the Lord's plans for me are so much better than my own! I have a hope and that's why I can wait.. maybe not patiently, but we're working on that one.
Lord, keep me safe as I fly back tomorrow. Bless this next week. Give the campus a calm and peace that only comes from you.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Feeling Inbetween
It's always hard in these last few days at home before I go back to school. I don't really know how to feel. On one hand, I'm sad to leave the lazy lifestyle of watching lots of TV and being taken care of by my parents, but on the other hand, I am really excited to go back and see everyone at school and feel useful again. I just feel really inbetween right now since I go back Sunday to the craziness that is rush week. I'm just trying to soak up everything that is home in these last 30 hours here. Tomorrow will be really good for that since it's my big brother's birthday and we're going to play black light mini golf and having a family lunch at Friday's. I guess I'm glad I feel like this, though, because it means I love both of my "homes" a lot.
And, now my study of Isaiah 7:
Summary- Isaiah is sent to King Ahaz and then a prophecy of Christ's birth
My take: This passage really confirms how real the Lord is. There was a prophecy all the way back in Isaiah and then it actually comes true in the New Testament! Pretty sweet! I also love in verse 12 that Ahaz says, "I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!" In our society so many times people "test" the Lord by asking the Lord for something and saying they'll come back to Him if he does a certain thing. This is so silly because our God is so much bigger than that! He is the teacher and we are the students! The students don't test the teacher. That's not how it works. The Lord is real no matter if he shows you a sign or not, bottom line.
Lord, I pray that I always am reminded of how real you are. Let it never become dull that you are alive and you are God!
And, now my study of Isaiah 7:
Summary- Isaiah is sent to King Ahaz and then a prophecy of Christ's birth
My take: This passage really confirms how real the Lord is. There was a prophecy all the way back in Isaiah and then it actually comes true in the New Testament! Pretty sweet! I also love in verse 12 that Ahaz says, "I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!" In our society so many times people "test" the Lord by asking the Lord for something and saying they'll come back to Him if he does a certain thing. This is so silly because our God is so much bigger than that! He is the teacher and we are the students! The students don't test the teacher. That's not how it works. The Lord is real no matter if he shows you a sign or not, bottom line.
Lord, I pray that I always am reminded of how real you are. Let it never become dull that you are alive and you are God!
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