Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!
Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!
And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!
Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!
O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!
And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
This is my favorite song. Yesterday in church my dad spoke on John 15:13-15.
13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, [1] for the servant [2] does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
At the end of the service, a man in our church sang this song. Everytime he sings it in church or I play it on my iPod, it brings me to tears. I am more amazed these past few weeks of how much God has done for me. Just getting ready for the Easter season, lends itself to thinking about what Christ has done. I know that the story is so familiar that I tend to just let it go by without taking time to consider all that I have in Christ.
My dad spoke a clear salvation message, so for me it put things in perspective. Growing in Christ often causes "growing pains", but realizing fully (if we could even do that) what Christ went through and what He has done makes the "growing pains" worth it all. Knowing that my Savior calls me His friend, and no longer sees me for the rotten sinner that I am. God's love is truly indescribable!
Monday, March 27, 2006
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Point to Ponder
The picture has nothing to do with the post, but I couldn't go two blogs in a row without a picture to brake it up. Plus I thought the picture was cute:o)
The point to ponder is responsibility and justification. I have been thinking about this recently because of certain events being drawn to my attention. One being a seminary student here at Calvary has "slept through" his sunday school teaching responsibility on several occasions these past couple months. I obviously think that is wrong no matter what. I understand being sick, but just sleeping through is showing a serious lack of responsibility. Growing up in a Pastor's home I was always taught to fulfill my obligations/responsibilities and make them a priority in my life. I guess I take that teaching for granted sometimes.
The question of justifying why you did not fulfill your obligation comes in the following circumstance. A roommate of the previous seminary student works in Youth group. He misses a week because he needs to study for midterms. I would have no problem missing an occasional service as long as I did not have any responsibilities. His view is that he did not see a problem with it because it is not on the same level as sleeping through his responsibilities, and he does not do it often. Which I partly agree. My point of view would be that I know I have this responsibility every week, so I need to work ahead in order to fulfill my obligation. He did point out that you can not start studying in January for March midterms, but I also think that leading your prayer group for 15 minutes at the end of Youth group does not take away that much time. His group went with a different group, but I wonder what kind of message that sent. He did explain it to his group beforehand, but when the teens want to skip because of homework what do you say to them now?
I have been thinking about it, whether I am being too "legalistic" on this issue or not. I was curious to see other people's input. Hopefully I did not bore you with too many details.
The point to ponder is responsibility and justification. I have been thinking about this recently because of certain events being drawn to my attention. One being a seminary student here at Calvary has "slept through" his sunday school teaching responsibility on several occasions these past couple months. I obviously think that is wrong no matter what. I understand being sick, but just sleeping through is showing a serious lack of responsibility. Growing up in a Pastor's home I was always taught to fulfill my obligations/responsibilities and make them a priority in my life. I guess I take that teaching for granted sometimes.
The question of justifying why you did not fulfill your obligation comes in the following circumstance. A roommate of the previous seminary student works in Youth group. He misses a week because he needs to study for midterms. I would have no problem missing an occasional service as long as I did not have any responsibilities. His view is that he did not see a problem with it because it is not on the same level as sleeping through his responsibilities, and he does not do it often. Which I partly agree. My point of view would be that I know I have this responsibility every week, so I need to work ahead in order to fulfill my obligation. He did point out that you can not start studying in January for March midterms, but I also think that leading your prayer group for 15 minutes at the end of Youth group does not take away that much time. His group went with a different group, but I wonder what kind of message that sent. He did explain it to his group beforehand, but when the teens want to skip because of homework what do you say to them now?
I have been thinking about it, whether I am being too "legalistic" on this issue or not. I was curious to see other people's input. Hopefully I did not bore you with too many details.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Miscellaneous Thoughts
Sorry, no picture with this post. I know it's a rarity that I do not upload a picture with every post, but I could not think of anything appropriate for the occasion.
My 24th birthday has come and gone, and 3 parties later. . . I am actually partied out. It was nice to have a relaxing weekend and be able to kick back and have fun.
I have realized over the years that I can express myself more in writing than I can in words. Obviously, for those who know me, I am not a girl of few words, but I guess I get that from my Dad. I often find myself over explaining things because I can not seem to get how I feel out clearly. Now, when it comes to teaching, it is not so hard because I am dealing with elementary concepts and principals. This blog has become a way to "verbally" express what is going on in my life.
It is hard for me most of the time to say verbally to most people how God works in my life. So as I type it out or write it down, it often becomes more clear to me. God has been working big time in my life. It scares me in a way, because I am not in control. It also excites me to know that I should not be in control. If God even values the sparrow's life, how much more does He value mine! Here are some verses that God has been using to bless me this past week:
Luke 12:6-7
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
My 24th birthday has come and gone, and 3 parties later. . . I am actually partied out. It was nice to have a relaxing weekend and be able to kick back and have fun.
I have realized over the years that I can express myself more in writing than I can in words. Obviously, for those who know me, I am not a girl of few words, but I guess I get that from my Dad. I often find myself over explaining things because I can not seem to get how I feel out clearly. Now, when it comes to teaching, it is not so hard because I am dealing with elementary concepts and principals. This blog has become a way to "verbally" express what is going on in my life.
It is hard for me most of the time to say verbally to most people how God works in my life. So as I type it out or write it down, it often becomes more clear to me. God has been working big time in my life. It scares me in a way, because I am not in control. It also excites me to know that I should not be in control. If God even values the sparrow's life, how much more does He value mine! Here are some verses that God has been using to bless me this past week:
Luke 12:6-7
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
SURPRISE. . .sort of
Yesterday, my students through me a surprise birthday party. Of course they are not very good at hiding what they are planning, but I enjoyed it anyway.
So today I turn 24. It does make me feel old when I say that, but I actually do not feel any older than the day I graduated high school. But reflecting on the past year of my life I thank the Lord for all that He has done. It has not exactly been the easiest of years, but I can see God's hand working.
So today I turn 24. It does make me feel old when I say that, but I actually do not feel any older than the day I graduated high school. But reflecting on the past year of my life I thank the Lord for all that He has done. It has not exactly been the easiest of years, but I can see God's hand working.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
another day to be thankful for
Here is a pic of my fifth graders at our Valentine's party. They were all hyped up on all kinds of sugar and enjoying each other's company. For the teacher, parties are a bit more high strung. . . a little more stress involved due to the seeming lack of control that may come. Thank the Lord my little students are well behaved and I can trust them to be under control.
Today is the Neil Beer's funeral here at Calvary. For those of you who know Josh and Jess Beers, it is their dad. He died suddenly in a car accident this past Saturday. There has seem to be a lot of sudden deaths. 3 within that one week. But it is amazing to see God work through it all. Obviously my human mind will not understand why God took such Godly and loving people away from those they minister to, but there is that perfect peace that comes when you trust Him.
I wanted to take the time to list things that I am thankful for. I know that when I become discontent I am focusing on what I desire, rather than on what I have in the Lord!
I am thankful for
1. First and foremost my relationship with the Lord. I seriously can not fathom what I would do without Him. I would have no hope, and no reason to live that is actually worth living for.
2. The unexpected blessings that come every day coming from unexpected people.
3. For my family who loves me no matter what. They love the Lord and serve Him.
4. For the sunshine today. Although it might be a bit chilly out, at least I can take the kids out for recess.
5. For the Lord working in my student's lives and allowing me to be used of Him.
I could go on and on, but soon my students will be back from band and I must be ready for their arrival:o)
Today is the Neil Beer's funeral here at Calvary. For those of you who know Josh and Jess Beers, it is their dad. He died suddenly in a car accident this past Saturday. There has seem to be a lot of sudden deaths. 3 within that one week. But it is amazing to see God work through it all. Obviously my human mind will not understand why God took such Godly and loving people away from those they minister to, but there is that perfect peace that comes when you trust Him.
I wanted to take the time to list things that I am thankful for. I know that when I become discontent I am focusing on what I desire, rather than on what I have in the Lord!
I am thankful for
1. First and foremost my relationship with the Lord. I seriously can not fathom what I would do without Him. I would have no hope, and no reason to live that is actually worth living for.
2. The unexpected blessings that come every day coming from unexpected people.
3. For my family who loves me no matter what. They love the Lord and serve Him.
4. For the sunshine today. Although it might be a bit chilly out, at least I can take the kids out for recess.
5. For the Lord working in my student's lives and allowing me to be used of Him.
I could go on and on, but soon my students will be back from band and I must be ready for their arrival:o)
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
fairweather or loyal
The picture is a picture of Melanie and Melissa Thacker and myself. I went to visit Melissa over Christmas break and now I am actually getting around to posting a picture on this blog. For my friend Christina who reads both blogs, this is not a repeat of anything on our friends blog.
Fairweather or loyal?. . . As I sit here and reflect on friend relationships I have become a part of over the past year, I am a bit perplexed. I have never considered myself a fairweather friend, and others have even observed the loyalty that I have for my friends.
But now I reach a turning point. It seems that I am stuck between two groups of friends. The girls in our singles group and the guys. Each group does not seem to blend well with the other. There are people all around, but none to be considered "close" friends. My closest friends are married and mostly living in different parts of the country. So it leaves me feeling a bit alone. I sit in the midst of two groups, not feeling a part of either group.
On the one hand I know that if I put the effort into a particular friendship that I have had for years, I could probably feel apart of that group. But what is holding me back is the fakeness that has shown itself over the past couple weeks. So now I have no desire to put effort into a friendship that is a bit one sided. So does that make me a fair weather friend? Do I stick by it, knowing that I will probably never know the true heart of my friend? I have been praying hard that the Lord would give me wisdom and would break her heart down to the point where she can not cover who she truly is.
I also have been praying that the Lord would send me a friend who can sharpen me truly in the Lord that does not live across the country. HE ANSWERS PRAYER! On Sunday morning I was talking to a casual friend of mine, Kristen, and she was going through the same struggle of feeling alone in the midst of all these people. Yes, she is married, but I appreciate married women so much more because they are not so caught up in themselves as single women are (and can tend to be my downfall at times).
Psalm 121
1I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there?
2My help comes from the LORD,who made the heavens and the earth!
3He will not let you stumble and fall;the one who watches over you will not sleep.
4Indeed, he who watches over Israelnever tires and never sleeps.
5The LORD himself watches over you!The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.
6The sun will not hurt you by day,nor the moon at night.
7The LORD keeps you from all eviland preserves your life.
8The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go,both now and forever.
Fairweather or loyal?. . . As I sit here and reflect on friend relationships I have become a part of over the past year, I am a bit perplexed. I have never considered myself a fairweather friend, and others have even observed the loyalty that I have for my friends.
But now I reach a turning point. It seems that I am stuck between two groups of friends. The girls in our singles group and the guys. Each group does not seem to blend well with the other. There are people all around, but none to be considered "close" friends. My closest friends are married and mostly living in different parts of the country. So it leaves me feeling a bit alone. I sit in the midst of two groups, not feeling a part of either group.
On the one hand I know that if I put the effort into a particular friendship that I have had for years, I could probably feel apart of that group. But what is holding me back is the fakeness that has shown itself over the past couple weeks. So now I have no desire to put effort into a friendship that is a bit one sided. So does that make me a fair weather friend? Do I stick by it, knowing that I will probably never know the true heart of my friend? I have been praying hard that the Lord would give me wisdom and would break her heart down to the point where she can not cover who she truly is.
I also have been praying that the Lord would send me a friend who can sharpen me truly in the Lord that does not live across the country. HE ANSWERS PRAYER! On Sunday morning I was talking to a casual friend of mine, Kristen, and she was going through the same struggle of feeling alone in the midst of all these people. Yes, she is married, but I appreciate married women so much more because they are not so caught up in themselves as single women are (and can tend to be my downfall at times).
Psalm 121
1I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there?
2My help comes from the LORD,who made the heavens and the earth!
3He will not let you stumble and fall;the one who watches over you will not sleep.
4Indeed, he who watches over Israelnever tires and never sleeps.
5The LORD himself watches over you!The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.
6The sun will not hurt you by day,nor the moon at night.
7The LORD keeps you from all eviland preserves your life.
8The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go,both now and forever.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
the LOVE sac. . .
I have not posted in a week or so, and so I thought I would hop on and actually post something for all my avid readers:o). . . few though they may be. . . As statedin the title of this blog I posted a picture of my love sac. It is the most amazing thing! I bought it at a store called "LoveSacs" in King of Prussia. It is like a giant beanbag chair. . . but you can have all different covers made of denim, curdoroy, cotton etc. . . . This chair has a life time guarantee and is big enough for me to take a nap on and actually have slept through the night on comfortably. You can fluff it to make it huge and then eventually it molds to your body until you fluff it again.
Life has been hectic. Crazy. Busy. I was sick for the past few days and actually took a sick day yesterday. . .which I spent on my love sac:o)
Today, though, was the funeral for Arlene Homontowski. She one of the most dear and giving ladies from my extension church. She died suddenly in a car accident on Sunday night on the way home from church. I know that she is now in heaven worshipping the Lord face to face! Something that we can only imagine. Pray for the family as they are taking it pretty rough.
Life has been hectic. Crazy. Busy. I was sick for the past few days and actually took a sick day yesterday. . .which I spent on my love sac:o)
Today, though, was the funeral for Arlene Homontowski. She one of the most dear and giving ladies from my extension church. She died suddenly in a car accident on Sunday night on the way home from church. I know that she is now in heaven worshipping the Lord face to face! Something that we can only imagine. Pray for the family as they are taking it pretty rough.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Who needs Love?
This is a pic of a card my from Christina sent me. . . I decided to post it. One of my other friends, who will remained unnamed put Rebeka's picture on it. I thought it was so hilarious that I couldn't resist posting it.
Nothing else new or exciting around here. Yesterday was a snow day and I love the unexpected day off of school.
Nothing enlightening to say. I know I rarely do have anything enlightening to say, but when I do I'll be sure to post it.
I am excited about this weekend, I do not have anything planned to do. No camps, no activities, no games to coach for. Aaah. . . sweet relaxation to come!
Nothing else new or exciting around here. Yesterday was a snow day and I love the unexpected day off of school.
Nothing enlightening to say. I know I rarely do have anything enlightening to say, but when I do I'll be sure to post it.
I am excited about this weekend, I do not have anything planned to do. No camps, no activities, no games to coach for. Aaah. . . sweet relaxation to come!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Funny Story
So a couple weekends ago, My friend, Jen Totaro and I went to Virginia Beach to visit Erin Branks (as stated in a previous posting). Sunday night after church, we headed to Starbucks and on the way there Erin rolled down the window (for a reason not to be told). The window gets stuck down and it is 30 degrees outside. So we freeze the rest of the way to Starbucks. So we get our delectable drinks and sit on those big purple chairs they have at every Starbucks. Before long, Erin gets a little too excited about something and spills her coffee down the front of her. She then had to precede to drive home with sticky coffee all down her front and back with the window stuck down!
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