Reflections

Countdown...

2012-01-04T15:08:00.001-06:00

COUNTDOWN CLOCK

God, please help me to make use of every single day you give me while I'm in my last semester.

Love the Words of this Song.

2011-12-16T17:03:00.001-06:00

How I love this worship...

2011-12-01T22:11:00.000-06:00

2011-12-01T17:48:00.001-06:00

Wow! I haven't posted a blog for a while now. However, I have been doing a lot of journaling this summer and the beginning of this school year--it's awesome to look back and see God's faithfulness through stages of life. God did some wonderful things in Honduras, and I wrote down some of my experiences. You could read my account in the blog post below. :)

A Tropical Test of Faith

2011-12-01T17:46:00.000-06:00

Sipping the remainder of my bubbly ginger ale while packed like a sardine on an airplane, I gazed out the window, noticing that the landing strip produced the only visible lights amidst the darkness. A far cry from the Christmas-like lights surrounding O’Hare airport, my first impression of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, was that of an empty field. Gathering my maximum capacity carry-on luggage, I along with the missions team I was with, journeyed into the unknown (or at least into a tunnel leading to the unfamiliar airport). Not much time passed before I noticed directional signs cluttered with language I could not comprehend and unclean restrooms. While I felt satisfied with my thrifty purchase of a twenty-fluid-ounce bottle of Dasani water for only one dollar, I was yet to be sold on the idea of spending ten days in this foreign land—where toilets did not flush down toilet paper, water refused to heat, and roosters annoyingly crowed before morning. However, my limited expectations set the stage for some major growth in my life because the humble country of Honduras humbled me.

After a two hour bus ride composed of winding roads and steep mountains (and after consuming lots of Dramamine), we arrived at the missionary base in Siguatepeque. I slowly drifted to sleep that first night, unsure of where I even was. Awakened by the smell of fresh eggs cooking and the incomparable aroma of home-grown Honduran coffee, I journeyed out of my half of the bunk bed and eagerly lifted the window curtain to see what morning had to bring. My eyes observed about a dozen clucking hens with their chicks, brick makers preparing bricks by their kiln, a tawny horse attempting to escape its rope, and the bluest skies and greenest mountains ever imagined. Palm trees waved, and the sun beamed. I began to feel at peace. Interrupting my reverie, I heard the call for breakfast and carefully tiptoed down the uneven stairs.

After enjoying the fresh cuisine prepared by Brenda, the industrious Honduran cook, the team set off on the first day of a steady week of work. We helped the missionaries by constructing a foundation for an addition to the building, and with the assistance of translators, prepared for Vacation Bible School. I helped make colorful balloon animals in the shapes of fish and swords; I also enjoyed preparing the daily Bible verse for the kids, and the chance to practice my broken Spanish.

The first day of the VBS, I became fascinated by the Honduran children’s eagerness with simply tossing a rubber ball back and forth for twenty minutes or more. No Internet. No cell phones. No distractions. I witnessed joy on the bright faces of these children—particularly a seven-year-old girl in a blue dress who giggled when I held up the bubble wand for her to blow. Giggles spanned the language barrier. Joy knew no division.

The week continued with a visit to the garbage dump. Even now, the thought of traveling to that wasteland brings back the stench of the eyeless rotting horse covered with buzzing flies and the piles of trash amidst the black and white vultures which circled the area. I took in the sight of people with expressionless faces who pitched tents in the middle of the mess and called the place “home.” For courtesy purposes our team was forewarned to under no condition cover our noses; nearly an impossible task, I could only stomach breathing through my teeth.

My heart broke as our team prayed with the residents in soiled clothes who made no effort to swat away the multitudes of flies that landed on their bodies. Standing in the midst of this environment made me intensely question myself why any situation has ever made me believe I was “down in the dumps” because I was literally standing in the garbage where people had absolutely nothing. I pictured the nights I had slept in my warm bed at home with multiple blankets and pillows; some nights I even used sweet aromatherapy to lull me to sleep. Disgusted with my former lack of thankfulness, I uttered a short prayer that I would discontinue taking my provisions for granted. What incredible gratitude I felt in that moment.

Our last full day in the country was comprised of a tour inside a ten-story-high waterfall. I expected the tour to be set on a bridge or even have steps and a handicapped ramp. I was severely mistaken. As soon as we left the treehouse-like establishment and took our first steps atop the five-story cliffs, I knew I was about to tread unfamiliar territory. Sooner than I expected, our firm steps turned into a lack of stable traction as we became submerged chest-deep within a cranny beside the deafening cascades. The nearer we got to the falls, the more I could not see or even breathe because of the overwhelming mist inhibiting my sense of direction. I could only see the color white and merely hear white noise.

At one critical point, I was crossing a ravine where no rocks separated me from falling down the rocky waterfall. Only the Spanish-speaking voice of the guide (which failed to reassure me) and the hands of those team members I stood behind and in front of kept me from riding with the current to my doom. I clutched each person’s hand harder than a child clasps his mother when getting an immunization. I wanted to immediately get off the “ride” which cost five hundred lempira (about twenty-five dollars), but nobody could hear me because of the water’s roar. In that moment of uncertainty, I trusted the person in front of me would lead me through to safety; with everything I hoped my hands would not slip as I reached for the next rock.

With a final push of adrenaline, I stumbled onto a rock which led to a small passage behind the waterfall. Gluing my fingernails into the mossy wall, I could not enjoy the “grandeur” of standing inside the waterfall; I could only worry about having to travel back the way we came. Surely enough, with a raised pulse, I tripped along back to safety into the treehouse. I was thankful when one of my friends reminded me to stop and look back at the waterfall we had just been a part of. Even though my nerves were still raw and my hands were shaking, I turned back and audibly sighed in astonishment; not only had we survived, but I had learned a lesson about trust. No reenactment could ever teach me that lesson as that waterfall did in Honduras.

The trip ended with immense fulfillment with what new experiences had taken place. As we flew back to O’Hare airport with the twinkling lights greeting me home, I smiled knowing I had come back a person touched by children’s smiles, grateful for my provisions, and challenged by having to trust others when I could not rely on myself. While in my airplane seat before landing, I resolved to not allow my old, unappreciative self creep back. I determined in my heart to carry on the lessons I had learned on the trip to my present life in America—to savor simplicity and take delight in everyday blessings. Honduras has truly changed my perspective, and I am so thankful.

2011-07-13T16:07:00.002-05:00

I find in my life that what I think about truly affects me. Whether I choose to think about the pursuit of the world or the pursuit of God makes all the difference. My mind is a gateway to the spiritual--as I focus on what God wants me to do, I am gaining ground on the devil. It truly is that vital that I fix my eyes on what is eternal and believe with faith I can and will accomplish everything God has in His will for me to do.

2011-01-27T21:11:00.003-06:00

Sometimes the best step to take in life is to just be open. Sometimes our minds create perceptions that aren't even true about people or situations. Sometimes the enemy can put ideas in our minds that we think are true and govern our everyday lives until God shows us the real truth--truth that shines brighter than the dark and takes the blinders off our eyes.

Truth is great, and I feel like I'm seeing more of it lately.

Too Many Great Expectations.

2011-01-25T21:23:00.004-06:00

So recently I was having a conversation with a very dear friend, and she gave me the incredible insight that we don't only have to get rid of the harmful expectations in our lives, but also the overly ambitious ones as well. Let me explain.

Recently I've had this intense need for God's purpose. His powerful and prevailing purpose. However, there's just one problem: I feel the need for this purpose to be HUGE...MONUMENTAL in fact. But this attitude has gotten in the way of my living everyday as a purpose for God. By my waiting for God to show me what my grand purpose in life is, I've missed out on daily purpose in impacting others' lives.

I've desired the results of God's power more than the active pursuit of His face and His love. God's plan for my life should never overshadow the sheer joy and peace in the fact that He has everything under control.

So let me quote part of the long version of the Serenity Prayer as the phrase "One Day at a Time" just keeps popping up in my life.

"Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it:
Trusting that He will make all things
right if I surrender to His Will"

Thoughts on 2010.

2011-01-01T15:24:00.006-06:00

God has been incredibly faithful in 2010 with numerous changes that were ones I'd never experienced before. He's shown me that no matter what happens through the ins and outs of life, His purpose overcomes the adversity and the uncomfortable feelings. As I gaze back at the past 12 months, it was definitely a year of transition, but also a year of growth--gradual growth, but still growth.

Sometimes in my life I look for repeat performances from God for my own assurance that He has things in control. However, I've realized that it's in the brand new experiences that God shows us He has things in control.

These are some lessons learned this 2010 (might as well do 10 in honor of the year):
1) Never let first impressions of a situation govern my attitude or expectancy
2) Keep asking God for more of His power and spirit, and He will surely give me situations to use them
3) There's something so special about finding God in the quiet moments
4) "Worry does not empty today of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength." ~Corrie Ten Boom
5) Being comfortable sounds nice, but it's in the hard transitions of life that God shines through
6) Family and friends are a vital support system
7) The church is the people in it who have a common cause for Christ, not the building
8) Everybody feels the need for purpose, whether they are 8 or 80 years old
9) My purpose doesn't have to be a monumental achievement, but rather small steps for the Kingdom of God
10) There is always hope in a new tomorrow; God wants to do something unique in each of our lives

Focus.

2010-11-27T20:16:00.002-06:00

Why do I esteem so high the opinions of others?
Why must their eyes be the ultimate judge?
What is it that draws me to notability?
Why must I have all credit?
For these feelings of bewilderment and loneliness—
Overwhelming as they may be,
Are not credible, but false representations
Of what is important.
Can I never be satisfied in knowing that You care?
Day after day, year after year,
Wishing I was other than myself—
Clouded eyes, plastic smile.
Where is my true and genuine self?
No false fronts and no apprehension.
I want my true and real compassion—
Not for the satisfaction of others
But for the fulfillment of You.
Let me see the low and downtrodden
Instead of rising to the top as a goal.
Give me Your clear, unfading eyes
To see the beauty of a fainting soul.
Let me see Your visions and plans.
May I never miss what You want to do
By my being oblivious to Your greatness.
All I need is You—Your approval.
And everything will fall into place.

His Presence.

2010-11-27T20:12:00.000-06:00

Your presence—an enveloping love soothing
Me away from the struggles of this life.
Your truth speaks softly into my ear to continue on,
And your peace is a beaming light, a place to withstand my fears.
Your face is a treasure to my heart—
Even though I’ve never seen Your tender eyes and warm smile,
I know that they are sweeter than the greatest joys on this earth.
When I call Your name in the midst of a turbulent storm,
It is You who responds to my need.
Even when I look back at the troubles of life,
I witness Your outstretched arms that cradled me.
Though the many winding paths may perplex my wandering mind,
I trust that You will show me the course.
And even when I am not trusting, and I struggle to complete Your will,
Your voice speaks words of reassurance and comfort
That allow me to gaze at Your purpose once again.
This world can be blinding with its flashy invitations and show-stopping routines;
But even in the core of the world and its desires,
Your ways are drawing me close.
May I never stray from the way of Life, Your blessed calling for me.
When the distractions and heartaches attempt to thwart me head on,
It’s You I will trust to be my stillness and refreshment.
You will never fail. You will never abandon.
So I will trust You.

God's Way.

2010-08-17T18:33:00.005-05:00

Galatians 1:10

"Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant."

The more and more I grow up and see more of this world, the more I realize that God's ways and the world's ways are completely different. The world operates in a self-centered "me" existence, where the main goal in life is to accumulate the most awards and notability. However, God's way is just the opposite. God wants us to stay humble; instead of becoming noteworthy, we should minister to the poor and the oppressed. And in our humility, the Lord will eternally honor us.

If our goal is to live our lives in order to please people, we will not find ourselves totally pleasing God. On the flipside, if we live our lives in order to please God, we will not always please others. But God's way is perfect. Even though this world and the people in it may not agree with the way we live our lives, in the end, we'll be Christ's servants.

We cannot be in the middle, or lukewarm Christians. When I was younger I learned about not being a "lukewarm" Christian in Kids' Church. It always seemed so easy to be on fire for God, especially being in a Christian school. However, as I get older, and "fitting in" seems to require being more worldly, I've realized how easy it could be for a person to take the easy route. It most definitely is easier to not follow Christ full-force with full-passion. But God desires a fulfilling, true, and complete relationship with us.

Revelation 3:16

"But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!"

So may I shine brightly in the darkness, live a life of passion, and be totally on fire for God. Never do I want to be in the middle.

Childlike.

2010-08-15T19:10:00.003-05:00

This world is full of distractions. Whether we realize it or not, we are being plagued by the television, computer, and other electronics.

As I step back and look at my life the past couple years, I realize that this technology has taken a big place in my life. First, I joined it all to connect to other people; but then I just found myself using this technology exorbitantly. Though not necessarily bad, this lifestyle has left me alot less productive.

When I was a kid, I had no distractions; I had no hidden motives. Everything was simple. Pure. Exciting. What has changed as I've gotten older? It has to be the distractions. The only way to pursue those aspirations and goals that I haven't had time for before is to get away from those things that pull me away from what God wants me to do. I need to be like a child, giving all my attention to one thing at a time and enjoying the moment.

From now on, I'm going to try harder to be more childlike. To have undivided focus on what God wants.

A New Kind of Glory.

2010-07-15T17:52:00.002-05:00

2 Corinthians 3:7-11

"7 The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. 8 Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life? 9 If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! 10 In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way. 11 So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!"

I read this passage this morning and I was like "Wow! I never thought of it like this before!" Moses had an amazing and overwhelming glow when he came down from Mt. Sinai, one that the people noticed markedly. But this was under the old law and the old ways--even before Christ died on the cross and the Holy Spirit came to reign in our hearts and souls.

What an amazing thought that God can do even greater things through us now than even Moses experienced! That means that we must keep having faith and believing that God can and will do great things for us and through us.

2010-07-14T10:56:00.003-05:00

Psalm 37:7a

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act."

How profound this little part of a verse is. If we are STILL in God's presence, we not only diminish worry and fear, but we also grow closer to God KNOWING that He will act.

Later in the chapter (verse 18), "Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever."

When we have a blameless heart before God, He's promised us that He will take care of us day by day. It's that simple.

Just BE STILL and KNOW that He is GOD.

2010-07-13T22:28:00.003-05:00

Who could imagine the depths of Your heart
Where mercy flows like a mighty ocean
And envelops the sins and struggles of a fainting soul?

Who could feel the soft caress of Your hands--
The ones that formed the universe
And the ones that hold my heart?

Who could peer into the eyes so precious
That they preplanned every detail in my life--
To have a purpose for every joy, every trial?

Who could bask in the endless glory of Your grace
That washes over all the pain and grief
And renews the bruised and battered?

Who could receive Your promises--
That Your love never fails
And that Your hand will forever provide?

Your love in unimaginable.
Your grace inconceivable.
Your truth so beautiful.

And You offer this all to me?
Incredible.

Such an Amazing Week.

2010-07-12T11:16:00.003-05:00

About a week ago I got back from my first time at Royal Family Kids Camp. I was support staff to help with the kids there that have been in foster care and/or abused sometime in their lives. To be honest, I had no idea what to expect when all of the kids arrived at church for registration and we boarded the bus to camp. I was overwhelmed to say the least. I felt like I was to be responsible to help give these kids a beyond perfect week at camp, and beyond perfect is usually a pretty tall order. :)

But when we arrived, I sort of let my worries go. And I also threw out any expectations I had for myself and just wanted to help the kids as much as I could. Day by day, I realized something funny. It was as if the kids were giving to me just by me having fun with them.

I'd never experienced such a love from kids who had supposedly been so broken. It just left me speechless. In turn, that week at RFKC was one of the most unique experiences, one of the most rewarding times, and also one of the most peaceful. That peace I felt just being with the kids was the kind of feeling that made me feel like I'm supposed to do something like this in the future.

2010-06-19T21:26:00.000-05:00

Hebrews 12:12

"So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees."

I love this passage because it tells us who are aching and beaten down to regain our strength in God even when we feel like we have no strength at all.

Wrap Me In Your Arms (Acoustic) - Michael Gungor

2010-05-29T09:19:00.000-05:00

I love to listen to this song, close my eyes, and feel God's presence. Why don't you try it today? :)

2010-05-28T10:31:00.000-05:00

Hebrews 6:11,12

"Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance."

This is just what I needed to hear today.

God Said 'No' to Jesus

2010-04-13T17:15:00.001-05:00

This post was a little bit delayed seeing as God showed me this around Easter time. But I had to share it no matter how late it was!

On Good Friday this past year, I read the account of Jesus's death in God's Word, and I truly thanked Him for what He had done for me on the cross. That day symbolized so much--the power of sin in the earth, the pain of life, but most importantly, the Savior who conquered them both.

I started watching the Passion of the Christ with my brother, and even though I've seen the movie before and read numerous times what happened at Gethsemane, this time new meaning came to my heart and my thoughts. As Jesus knelt, stricken with pain, He asked one thing of God--for this cup to pass from Him if it was God's will. In other words, He was asking if there was any other way for Him to atone for the sins of the world than by a scarring death on a cross. It wasn't that Jesus didn't want to die for our sins--He loved us even through that prayer--but He just wanted God's will to be done. I'm not sure if it was the human side of Him that made Him say the prayer for the cup to be passed or the supernatural side, but either way He asked God for a way out.

However, God deemed Jesus to die on the cross and take away the sins of the world through dying on a cross. Jesus's request wasn't answered the way He wanted it at that moment--God said 'no' to Jesus. But how great is the fruit of God's decision of 'no.' The result is a world that can be free of sin if we call on Christ and ask for His forgiveness. We can live forever in Heaven because of Christ's sacrifice.

This struck me as amazing! How many times have I asked God to change a situation and receive the answer 'no' or 'not yet?' Probably a lot. But as I look back at the situations I was in when I asked those questions, I can't help but believe and testify that it was because God said 'no' that those situations turned out for the better.

If God said 'no' to Jesus and great fruit came forth, God can say 'no' to us and He can do great things as well.

Don't Forget What He's Done

2010-04-09T18:33:00.000-05:00

Psalm 77:4-12

"4You hold my eyelids open;
I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
5I consider the days of old,
the years long ago.
6I said, "Let me remember my song in the night;
let me meditate in my heart."
Then my spirit made a diligent search:
7"Will the Lord spurn forever,
and never again be favorable?
8Has his steadfast love forever ceased?
Are his promises at an end for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he in anger shut up his compassion?"
Selah
10Then I said, "I will appeal to this,
to the years of the right hand of the Most High."
11I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds."

This past week I've been had a hard time seeing God in life and in school. I don't know exactly what it is that makes me feel this way. I think I'm just realizing more and more the separation between God and the world. The more I try to seek God, the more I become disconnected from what the world thinks. In turn, being in the public school atmosphere that I'm at has made me feel backwards when I'm walking forwards. Anyways, God really comforted me this week when I read this passage yesterday.

Through whatever trouble I'm facing, and when I feel like God isn't there, all I have to do is look back to the times He's been there for me; and I know for sure that since He's been there for me in the hardest of life's circumstances, He will be there for me now. I guess it's just all about perspective.

My thoughts for the week!

God is Faithful

2010-03-22T20:56:00.000-05:00

A little over a week ago, I celebrated my 16th birthday. It was so exciting, and I had a great time. After I went to school, I came home and my family and I watched the video that my dad took after I was born with my immediate family and my grandparents holding me for the first time. And although I don't remember those times when I was just a few hours old, seeing that video means a whole lot to me. It's meaningful to see me then because it truly shows how faithful God has been to me since that age that I can't even remember. Turning another year older made me reflect on all the memories of my life--the joys, the sadnesses, the heartaches, and the triumphs that have accompanied each year of my life. It's so cool to see what God has done in my life in retrospect...even if I didn't notice how much of a role that He played in my life at the time.

In the end, God's ways are the best. I can see that through the past, and I can only hope and pray that as I keep living day to day, I will be able to take on that mindset that God is faithful through every future situation.

2010-03-04T21:24:00.000-06:00

Guess what? I was walking out from my house to the car this morning before school, and you know what I heard? Little birdies chirping. It totally made my day. I am so happy and thankful that there's always a spring. Think about it...at the time, winter can be so frustrating (you can apply this to life too), and we may get so discouraged because it's so cold and dark or because a time in our lives is rocky or barren. However, when we hear a little bird chirp, it's a sign that winter's almost over! Although spring might not be here yet, we are certain that it's going to come.

And sooner than we expect sometimes, flowers and new life will be with us once again.

God's Wisdom

2010-03-04T21:03:00.000-06:00

James 3:13-17

"If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere."

It's pretty awesome...this passage of James is kind of like the 1 Corinthians 13 for love, but instead for wisdom. When we are jealous and selfish, we aren't showing God's kind of wisdom. Jealousy and selfishness don't come from God. In fact, they are just a product of us living here on earth. The problem is, the longer we're here, the more we're used to these emotions. Plenty of times I've been jealous and selfish, and I haven't even realized it until I've truly examined myself. It's scary to think that we can be causing disorder in our own lives without even realizing it.

When we have God's true wisdom, we won't act out in jealousy or want anything for ourselves. We will be pure, and all we'll want for others is to bless them--even if that means that we cause ourselves discomfort. In fact, when we are truly walking in God's wisdom, simple tasks of going out of our way for others won't be uncomfortable.

...This concept is definitely something I need to work on. As I said before, jealousy and selfishness go hand and hand in my life. It's hard for one of them to not be there if the other is present. And even worse is what these two lead to: entitlement. This is thinking I deserve better just because of who I am. But who am I? I am just a vapor in the wind. I'm no more special than anybody else. We're all God's children. And when I begin to feel entitled because I'm reading my Bible and going to church when others aren't, that is so destructive. Things I do for God aren't to "up" my status, they're to show God how much I love Him. Nothing else. Daily I'm going to have to ask God for His eyes to see others the way He would, and for a humble heart to love others unconditionally, even when in my human flesh it is impossible. I am nothing with my own wisdom, but with God's wisdom, I am sincere and pure.

Book of James...why must you be so convicting?...;)

2010-02-28T15:55:00.000-06:00

Hebrews 13:8

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

It's good to know that there's some constancy in life! My life has been all over the place the past few years/months/weeks, and how awesome it is that when everything around us is shaken, God stands firm and is always there to understand.

Being Absolutely Genuine.

2010-02-27T14:40:00.000-06:00

Romans 12:9

"Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good."

Just this one verse from Romans is enough to help us through the human struggle of truly being genuine. As a sinful culture, we are naturally born selfish. To truly follow Christ and model His example is going against what our culture does, and in this case, to truly love others.

So much is fake these days--fake faces, fake attitudes, fake bodies, fake love. And it's the latter that is truly detrimental to society. Without love, our world is full of hate and destruction. But because God is love, we must be grounded in Him to emit the real thing. We must keep our eyes fixed on what true love is, because the love of the world says that the deepest and most coveted love is a lust relationship between a man and woman; however, to those who follow Christ, the deepest love we know is a Savior who died a painful death for the whole world and rescued us from eternal condemnation.

We must deny what the world's "love" is, because when we have Christ's perfect love, we won't have lust, we won't have fear, and we won't have guilt. Having God's love helps us love others with a real and genuine affection.

Shining Brightly.

2010-02-26T14:26:00.000-06:00

"But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars."

I love this quote spoken by Martin Luther King, Jr., during his last speech before his death. My English class was reading the speech last night for homework, and this was one line that especially stuck out at me.

I just try to think...when I'm on my back porch at home at night with all the street lights around me, I look up to the sky and see stars--although they are very faint. Sure, I can still appreciate the beauty of the heavens by seeing dimly lit stars; but when I go somewhere isolated like this past weekend at Winter Retreat at Camp Awana, WI, I don't even have to look for the stars. They just jump out at me.

Applying this quote deeper into life...when we are always in comfortable situations, we won't shine as brightly because we'll be around other light. However, when we are in the uncomfortable situations of being around those who don't have Christ in their lives, it's like we shine brightly--because everything around us is dark. People don't even have to look for God's light; people automatically see it in our lives.

So I encourage you, even when you are in an uncomfortable situation with darkness all around, just remember that God can use the hardest circumstances to illuminate His light in us as bright as ever.

Don't Belong to the World

2010-02-25T20:57:00.000-06:00

Romans 12:1,2

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

I've heard/read this passage too many times to count probably. I know that we aren't supposed to live like the "world" does, filling our desires with lust, pride, and sin. I know that we're supposed to surrender to God daily, laying our lives at His feet for Him to use at His will. I know that God wants me to worship Him with all that's within me and to love Him unconditionally. Yes, I've heard the explanation of these verses thoroughly and clearly so as to not destroy or dement the meaning. However, it seems that I've tried to make the meaning perfectly put in my head that I forget to actually think about what these verses mean and fully apply them to my life.

Lately in my life I've become very discouraged by what I see around me. Everyday when I walk into school, I have felt more weighed down and tired--like I am carrying a weight on my back. I feel so beat down by heavy spirits in my school, and it's sometimes so overwhelming. I just wish I could communicate more of Christ's love to others, but it seems like so many times I fail sharing how great God is in my life and how great He can be in others' lives. Fear has overcome me, and I have gone through every day consumed by some sort of vice that has gripped me back from the fullness of happiness and joy. I suppose these bad feelings have just come gradually--through many circumstances in my life like change and grief.

Anyways, I was reading Romans 12, and these first two verses stuck out to me. When I truly surrender my whole self to God and I am a living sacrifice, God can use my brokenness to help others know Him. When I back away from wanting the world's and others' approval, and I solely want God's approval and love, I will truly find out what God wants for me in my life. What a wonderful promise!!

I want my mindset to be changed by God. I want to see my life as He purposes. In Romans 11:29, Paul writes, " For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn." How encouraging!! God knows the plan He has for us, and He can use our uncomfortability and even our weaknesses to put toward the call He has for us and the gifts He has provided us with. Only God knows...He may even use the hardest situations in our lives to show us what our gifts are.

No Greater Love.

2010-02-11T14:47:00.000-06:00

This passage never ever gets old.

Romans 3:21-24

"21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins."

How I delight in the fact that God loves me no matter what I have done against Him. I was born a sinner, yet God had so much compassion that He sent His Son to die for me anyways.

Romans 5:7-9 says this so perfectly.

"7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation."

Wow! What selfless love Christ has had for us. When I think about His sacrifice, I cannot even fathom paying Him back 1/1,000 of what He's given me. And that's what's so amazing about God--He doesn't expect us to pay Him back. He just wants us to love Him.

One More Thought...

2010-02-08T20:56:00.000-06:00

So I finished John this past Thursday, and I happen to love the book of Romans. I figured it'd be a good follow-up. Well, it's so cool that even after reading the book of Romans before, new perceptions have come to my mind even in the first two chapters. I love how wherever we are in life, the Bible is chock-full of stories and passages that can relate to us.

One such passage I read today is in Romans 2:29: "And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people."

I suppose this verse relates to my life right now. Especially being in high school, it's so easy to solely seek the approval of my peers and those around me. But a truly changed heart seeks God's approval rather than man's. I know that this is definitely something that I need to keep reminding myself, for in the end, God is all that is going to matter. Fads, fashions, trends, and relationships are temporary--but God's truth and love for the world will never end.

So if not fitting in is the result of living in God's love and truth, then I guess I won't fit in!! Easier said than done, but it's worth it!

After a Month of John...

2010-02-08T20:45:00.000-06:00

So usually when I read the Bible, I stick with the letters to the church written by Paul and such. But after going through all those, I figured that it was time to read about Jesus' life. Even though I've learned so much about Jesus during my childhood and in Sunday school, I still think it's so great to be able to go back to the source and truly see the way God worked through Jesus when He was on earth.

Below are some verses I found really insightful and interesting:

John 1:10-13 "10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God."

John 3:19-21 "19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants."

John 4:13-14 "13 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

John 4:35-37 "But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe[a] for harvest. 36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! 37You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true."

It's just been so cool gazing back into the life of Jesus and receving new thoughts about His mission on earth and all that He came here to do for us. He truly came here so that not one of us would perish. He wants to give us living water--abounding in our soul and spirit--and spreading to all those around us. Through Christ's example, we can truly live a Spirit filled life. All we need to do is receive.

My Prayer...

2010-01-25T19:10:00.000-06:00

These lyrics come from Jeremy Riddle's song "Full Attention." Every time I hear this song or sing it, it refocuses my life on the One who truly matters.

May Your voice be louder
May Your voice be clearer
Than all the others, than all the others

May Your face be dearer
May Your words be sweeter
Than all the others
Than all the others in my life

Please keep my eyes fixed on You
Please root my heart so deep in You
Keep me abiding, keep me abiding
Keep me abiding that I
Oh, that I might bear fruit

May Your presence be truer
May Your presence be nearer
Than all the others, than all the others

May Your light burn brighter
May Your love go deeper
Than all the others
Than all the others in my life

Amen!

Major Change and Amazing Growth.

2010-01-19T18:10:00.001-06:00

Lately, everything around me has been changing--my friendships, my church, my pastors, my inner circle, my classes, my interests...the list could go on and on.

As I'm sure I've mentioned before, change isn't exactly the funnest thing for me. I'd probably rather pick up roadkill off the side of the road than have Major Change stalk me and transform the way I live everyday life. (I capitalize Major Change, because he might as well have a name. He seems to order around people's lives as it is, so why not give him the proper title?)

Thankfully, though, while Change might have the title of a Major, God is the General. He orders everything around, and it is truly His doing that Major Change does his work. Change is God's way of rearranging our lives so that He'll be glorified with our uncomfortability.

So here I am, a tiny little private (no offense to all you privates out there). I basically have no control over the way my life is, but I must follow the commands I am given. Those commands aren't to fight the change, but they are to make the most out of the change. Those commands are from General God to glorify Him in the change and to listen to Him even closer than before; for change is the ideal situation for the enemy offenders to attack when the innocent little private is least expecting it.

When we're rooted in God, we won't walk away from His plan--even when His plan is hard to follow. We'll trust in our General to fulfill the battleplan, just like those in the military trust their leaders to provide the best and safest way possible for them to maneuver and destroy the enemy.

The best part about it is...our General isn't from this earth. He is Almighty God who holds the world and created everything glorious. We can trust Him more than we can trust our own selves to do what is right. He has the master plan that will not fall through. We just must stay faithful in the assignments that He gives us.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1 Peter 4:19
"Trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This past month, I've been trying to fight the change, but I should have known better--it never works that way with God. The only way we will find true fulfillment is if we ride with the change. Whenever I've tried to fight, my efforts have been in vain. I've been left feeling even more unsatisfied than before.

But as I surrender and ride with the change, it's as if I'm left free--the exact opposite of what I'd been expecting! As I encounter God with prayer and His Word, He has been assuring me that all things will work together for my good if I follow His plan.

Earthly things will leave us dry, but the one thing that will never fail us is God. He created us, He knows us, and He has the best in store for us.

"Time Goes on but Love Remains"

2010-01-19T18:00:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I miss you beyond words,
Other times I simply cry.
But most days now are like the rest—
They miraculously go by.

That’s not to say I don’t care anymore,
For my being aches with love.
But somehow joy has come to stay—
Grief I no longer know of.

Your hugs impressed upon my shoulders—
The feeling of your hands
Your angelic smile and your ocean blue eyes,
Those soft and curly brown hair strands.

The lovely sound of your voice
That calmed me on the darkest of nights.
The truth that poured out from your lips
Has brought my understanding to new heights.

Memories are quiet and stillborn.
They are encapsulated within,
Yet when I think of my past with you,
I can’t help but laugh and grin.

For these memories are different—
Although they are gone and done.
Life springs from my mind with these;
I hear laughs, feel joy, remember fun.

I taste chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
I feel the concrete curb underneath.
I peer into the amusing thoughts in your head—
Another smile forms with your teeth.

I read the poems you’ve written,
And I hear the songs you’ve sung.
I listen to your heartbeat
As we’re youthful, lively, young

How I love to recollect
All the joys you’ve made me feel—
The advice you gave, the love you shared,
The broken hearts you would heal.

I see your name in stone—
“Friend to All” it reads below.
I laugh inside, a tear down my cheek
For a few special things I know.

This special person is my sister—
And I was blessed to admire
My hero, my love, my friend, my Katie
Her example to aspire.

Seriously?

2010-01-18T17:25:00.000-06:00

Sometimes it's hard in life, especially as a Christian teen, to know when the right time is to be serious, and when the right time is to be funny. Is there a blend between the two?

In Titus 2:7 & 8, it says, "In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

Isaiah 12:6 says, "Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."

So what is it? Must we be composed or must we be outgoing? Is there a time to joke around, and if so, when is it too much? When must we seriously bask in the glory of God, and when must we poke fun? I suppose this issue isn't that important right now in my life, but it's definitely one I've been thinking about lately!!

Freedom.

2009-12-26T12:31:00.000-06:00

Galatians 5:7,8
"You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom."

After we have lived life for a while, it is very possible that we may feel guilt or worry for a fellow Christian or friend--like it is our responsibility to make sure that they're keeping up on the right path. We may think that they took the wrong turn in life because we weren't watching over them enough or we didn't pray for them enough. However, we must accept that each man has his own free will to do what he pleases, whether or not we are there in his life.

And while it is true that we need to be there to encourage and support our fellow Christians and friends, we must not beat ourselves up for the other person's decisions. Yes, we want the best for that person, but not to the point that we should try to control the other person's actions.

Sometimes God has different plans for different people. Some involve a person having a steadfast and righteous life, and others allow the person to fall away for a little while--allowing that person to come back to God. No matter how a person lives his life, what is most important is that we pray for that person. For, in the end, it isn't how we intervened but how God intervened.

We were called to live in freedom, not in guilt.

Everything Beautiful.

2009-12-24T16:07:00.000-06:00

Ecclesiastes 3:11

"Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end."

What a wonderful display of God's goodness to us! Situations around us may not be the best, and we may feel like life is ugly, but it says right here in God's Word that He makes everything beautiful for its own time. Because God's purpose is perfect, so are the things He does in our lives. Life is hard: change, death, hearbreak, loss--but God has promised to make it beautiful. Wow!

We cannot see the whole span of everything God has for our lives, but God is faithful, so we can trust that He has what is best.

One example of this that I love is one I heard when I was in kids church way back when: Imagine a tiny hamster in his cage, having a good ole' time running around in his wheel. He starts thinking to himself, I'm a mighty hamster. I can do anything I want, and I choose to get out of this cage. Now Mr. Hamster's plan is pretty good, but the problem is that something much bigger than him is waiting under the cage, and that something is pretty hungry--Mrs. Cat. Now, because the hamster can't see the big picture, he is resolute to make it out of his cage. Thankfully, though, his owner caught him just before he nibbled through the cage door.

In this illustration, the hamster is us humans, the cat is our enemy the Devil, and the owner is God. In life, we cannot see the big picture. Only God can. It may be hard to experience some of the trials we go through, but in the end, they are the best.

A Christmas Poem!

2009-12-24T12:37:00.000-06:00

What is the meaning of Christmas?
So many do not know.
Why do we string up lights
And decorate with mistletoe?
Why does Santa Claus come to town
With his flock of reindeer,
Bringing presents to girls and boys
Each and every year?
Why are there decorations—
Red and green in every store?
Snowmen, candy canes, and elves—
Oh wait! I see more!
Two humbly dressed parents
In a little stable kneel,
They seem to have a newborn boy.
How happy and proud they must feel!
It’s said that this child is the Messiah,
The Savior of the World.
That this precious boy is Jesus,
God’s special plan unfurled.
I guess He’s what’s been missing
Through the shopping and the malls—
He may not fill our stockings,
But he holds the best of all.
Through Him our sins are cleansed,
They’re washed as white as snow!
We can live a happy life
And to Heaven someday go!

-Laura Prosapio

We Do Not Cry Alone.

2009-12-15T18:44:00.000-06:00

Psalm 56:8

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book."

How breathtaking to think that every tear we cry is collected by the Lord in a bottle. Not one tear or sorrow is unknown by Him. He feels our pain and He hears our every plead for help. We are never praying to a God who is unaware of what is happening to us or who is uncaring.

God is not dead, or is He sleeping, or is He occupied with other work. He is living and faithful and true. We never walk in life alone because He is there for us every second of it. He cares about you and me and He never will let us be forsaken, no matter what our circumstances are. This world may fall apart and people around us may fail us, but the One who will never leave us or forsake us is our Creator, the Savior of our lives and souls.

Trust.

2009-12-03T17:45:00.000-06:00

If you haven't noticed, lately I've been writing blogs about things I struggle with from time to time. Just so it doesn't get left out, I thought I'd write about a toughie--and that's trust in God.

Trust is so hard, especially when we can't see where God is leading us, or what His purpose is for some of the things that happen in our lives. Trust is like a branch of faith, believing in God to lead us by His will because we know that it's the best. Trust, in the end, fulfils God's perfect plan for us, but it can sometimes be the hardest thing we can ever do.

When we trust in God, we surrender our hopes, our dreams, our plans, our will, and our desires at His feet. We say, "Not our will, but Yours be done in our lives, Lord." And if you're like me, you like to have control. I like to dream about my future and plan my life out detail by detail; but sometimes it's as if I plan it so much, that I forget to trust God and open myself up for His divine will.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

But if we take life one day at a time, and we ask God for supernatural strength to trust that what He says is best, eventually we'll be able to witness the amazing plan God has for our lives--a plan that is so great, even we cannot fathom it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Every tear we cry and every heavy-hearted prayer are known by God. He feels our pain, and His shoulder is there to lean on and give us comfort. He knows it's not easy to trust, and that's why He's there to lead and guide us through it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Below are some passages I found in the Bible that deal with trust, and how in the end, it is the best for our lives.

Romans 10:11

"As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced."

Romans 15:13

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

Hebrews 10:23

"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."

Hebrews 10:35

"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!"

1 Peter 4:19

"So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you."

Everlasting Life.

2009-12-01T18:17:00.000-06:00

Today, this Bible verse has been popping up multiple times; and although I've heard it countless times and memorized it and quoted it indefinitely, it's still sometimes nice to look it over again to sink it in and experience God's love. Below are several versions of the same passage: John 3:16. This verse is not just God's declaration of adoration for us as a people, but it's also a constitution of hope that we have been redeemed. We are free from sin for eternity because of this single act of God--His Son being sacrificed for our sin. If we believe in Jesus, and that He died and rose again with the purpose to cleanse our sins and prepare a future home for us in Heaven when we die, this verse is our life support--our eternal life support.

Especially during this time of year, it's vital that we recognize the true "reason for the season," and that's our Savior being born into this earth.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life." (The Message)

"For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life." (Amplified)

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (KJV)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (NLT)

Amazing.

PATIENCE!!!

2009-11-30T17:24:00.000-06:00

"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One fruit of the Spirit that I have trouble with is patience. Ask me for kindness, you got it! You want gentleness, I've got a fresh supply. But patience...oh patience. Ever since I was a little tyke, I can see my lack of patience, even though I've tried to deny it definitely. The evidence is one such home video of my 3rd birthday. Daddy said that I had a present, but then he went too far. He said that he'd give it to me for Christmas. My first response was a dragging and complaining "NOOO! I waaant it!"

Patience. Whether it's waiting for a new possession, a crowded hallway in school, an upcoming weekend, a holiday, or my life to just scurry on by--patience is quite involved in my life (or at least the lack of it). I love to be able to have a grasp on life's situations, and when those life situations are far away, then I feel as if I can have no grasp at all. Therefore, my problem.

David must have had a real inspiration from God to put the line "Wait patiently for the Lord" twice in Psalm 27. God probably knew that I'd be reading it someday and thought it'd be fun to make me reflect a ton. Personally, I don't think it's a funny prank. But I suppose it's best for me to have to deal with my patience problems the most helpful place possible: and that's in the presence of God.

When I turn to God, I find stillness and calmness. When I'm impatient, I find just the opposite--I find stress and worry and fear. But my life should be still and calm. That's why when I feel impatient, I need to wait patiently for the Lord to act in my life. I know it's hard, but when I surrender control of my life to the Heavenly Father, I will feel even more at control knowing that I've lost control. It's amazing the ways God works sometimes! (Did I say sometimes? I mean all the time!)

Contentment.

2009-11-29T18:53:00.000-06:00

Sometimes in life it's so difficult to be content. I know it is for me. It seems like I'm always looking forward to the next big thing in life. In junior high, it was high school; now for me, it's college. Soon it'll be marriage, then kids, then grandkids...and so on.

But what am I doing today to change the world and enjoy the moments that I am given? I can daydream all I want about my future and what I'm going to do when I get older for God, but what I often don't realize is that I can do something in the here in now for God--stay open to Him and be a vessel that He works through.

When we as God's children are open to what He wants to do in our lives, even if we don't know what that is--God can use us beyond anything we could ask or imagine. And it may seem a little backwards to have the mentality that God can work in us even when we don't even know what He is working through--but that's just the way that God works sometimes. His ways are better than our ways, and in the end, they are the best.

So...may I be content in my everyday life and in my everyday walk with God--not forgetting about my future, but living in the moment. May I open up myself--heart, soul, mind, and body--to be used by God. For even if I feel I am nothing, God can always use nothing to do something great for His kingdom.

Thankfulness

2009-11-27T20:09:00.000-06:00

As I ponder my life and the multitude of blessings I've been given, I can't help but give God so much thanks. I could probably sit down for more than twenty-four hours and constantly rattle off things that I am thankful for--blessings that I don't deserve but what God gives to me anyways.

One blessing, for example, is another day. While this may seem like an ordinary blessing, to me it is definitely extraordinary.

God is not finished with us yet; He has a plan and purpose for our lives; He has given us a fresh new joy everyday; He gives us breath and grace and freedom--all these blessings come with another day.

Sometimes the simple things in life are some of the most special and noteworthy of all.

May we never forget to praise and thank God everyday for all the big and even little blessings He gives us--for His contentment and joy truly come when we think about such things.

2009-11-14T11:52:00.000-06:00

The sensation of Your presence overwhelms me.
The power of Your love makes me utterly free.
That you hold me in Your hands and never let me go--
Your Spirit lives within me, a beautiful, brilliant flow.
My past and my present aren't hidden from Your sight.
My future in Your mind is tender and bright.
All of my suffering and all of life's pain
Are covered in Your comfort and drenched in Your rain.
Fear is not my ruler, darkness does not prevail.
In You, I find no disappointments; You never fail.

Grace

2009-10-24T20:36:00.000-05:00

During the summer, I asked my youth pastor if I could speak about a topic that had been on my heart and mind for a very long time. That topic was God's grace. It has always seemed so amazing that no matter what we do as human beings--good or bad--God never loves us less and he never ceases to forgive us.

This past Wednesday, I got to share this message. I was so excited to be able to talk about what God was speaking to me about. God's grace truly is breathtaking!

Here is the mp3 link to me speaking:

http://thestonecrew.com/downloads/

Just click on the mp3 that mentions "grace" in the title.

True love.

2009-10-02T22:41:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 53:3-6

"3 He [Jesus] was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.
4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins!
5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all."

I have read Isaiah 53 and memorized it in King James Version, quoting it over and over again. But after reading this passage in a different translation (New Living Translaton), I saw it in a whole new light. Things that I never understood about this passage have now made sense and it is so cool!

The one thing that really stands out to me in this scripture is how we as humans can often forget how sinful we are and can put God on the back-burner so easily. But the truth is, Jesus died for us when we were still in our sins and we were proud of our disobedience. When we figuratively spit in His face with our wrongdoings, He still chose to die for our sins. We didn't deserve it, yet He loved us so much that He did it for us anyways. It is so remarkable that Jesus would do that for us- become a sacrifice for us even when we were ignorant of the fact that we needed to be saved. That is true love.

He will walk with us.

2009-09-28T22:23:00.000-05:00

I read this passage this morning, and I thought it should be shared!

Isaiah 43:1-3a

"1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."

That is so reassuring: that no matter what we go through, God has set us apart to be with us in any situation. He has claimed us as His own, and He will never abandon us. He will continually save us time and time again, without fail, in His own timing and plan.

Who is God to you?

2009-09-26T09:42:00.000-05:00

Who is God? Is He mighty? Is He forceful? Is He loving? Is He just? Is He kind? Is He holy?

Our God is all of these things. He can make all creation shout His praise, and all the heavens thunder and applaud His glory; but He also speaks to us in a gentle whisper and knows every tiny detail of our lives.

Isaiah 40:12-20, 26-28

"12 Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?
13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?
14 Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice?
15 No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.
16 All the wood in Lebanon’s forests and all Lebanon’s animals would not be enough to make a burnt offering worthy of our God.
17 The nations of the world are worth nothing to him. In his eyes they count for less than nothing—mere emptiness and froth.
18 To whom can you compare God? What image can you find to resemble him?
19 Can he be compared to an idol formed in a mold, overlaid with gold, and decorated with silver chains?
20 Or if people are too poor for that, they might at least choose wood that won’t decay and a skilled craftsman to carve an image that won’t fall down!
26 Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.
27 O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
28 Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding."

So amazing. God holds the earth, yet He sees us and knows us and gives us strength. That's the kind of God I want in my life.

I love this song, and it totally describes who God is in our lives:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6J5TzSE_18

He will never forsake us.

2009-09-25T15:53:00.000-05:00

Ever since I was little, I've known that God says He'll never leave or forsake us. While that meant a lot to me back then, I'd reason to say that it's meant even more to me now as I've been growing up. It was super easy to believe that God was always with me when I was in a Christian school, learning all about God and the stories of the Bible. But now, when I see teenagers at school that have never had a relationship with God before, and don't have Him as a part of their lives, it's easier to believe the lie that God is not here to stay in our lives. But when I think that, I just need to remind myself that that is not true according to God's Word.

Hebrews 13:8 says, "God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Matthew 28:20 says, "And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Psalm 36:5 says, "Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies."

Our God is faithful, honest, true, loving, compassionate, tender-hearted, forgiving, and trusting.

When we ever doubt His presence in our lives, all we need to do is look into the Bible for His words of promise. We must also remember what He has brought us through in the past. He's been there for us before, and He will be there for us again and again.

Always There.

2009-09-21T18:25:00.000-05:00

Isn't God so faithful? This world and everything in it could fail us, but He will never leave our side. His presence will never subside, and His truth will never fade. He formed the whole entire universe, yet He still cares for us, his children. He handcrafted the sun, stars, and ocean, but he still listens to our every word and cares for us when we cry.

For the truth is, God isn't just the sovereign Master of all; He is the closest and most intimate One to us that we could ever know.

Joy in the Mourning

2009-09-12T14:03:00.001-05:00

Recently, I was in the Fine Arts competition with church. (For those who have never heard about it, Fine Arts is an opportunity for teenagers to minister with their gifts and talents)

I love to write, so I decided that for the category of "First Person Essay," I would write about what God has done in my life ever since the death of Katie. As I started writing it, I was amazed as I looked back at my past and saw how God is currently shaping my future through Katie's testimony.

I entered this essay in the district competition, and it advanced down to Orlando for National Fine Arts. I felt so blessed that God let it advance. More importantly, though, I was blessed that God was using the essay to bless others with it. I've been able to read this essay numerous times: in front of relatives, for those who have lost loved ones, and even in a church youth group last month.

I feel that as I read this account of what God's done, I am being poured out by Him. For me, there is so much fulfillment found in knowing that I can show other people God's comfort by letting them know that I have received it myself.

If you would like to read it, just click on the link entitled "Printable Joy" on http://katiescomfort.org/archive/entry/joy-in-the-mourning/

I hope and pray that you are blessed abundantly by it!

Psalm 34

2009-09-12T13:34:00.000-05:00

"1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. 2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. 3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. 4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! 9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. 11 Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. 12 Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? 13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! 14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. 16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. 17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. 19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. 20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! 21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. 22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned."

Over and over again in this chapter in Psalms, we see the Lord's provision on the righteous and those that He loves. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He will always be there for us no matter what and in any circumstance of our life.

When we feel alone, God is there to comfort. When we have grief, He will mend our hearts. When we are discouraged, He is there to encourage. And on and on it goes... God is there for us, and He will be there for us for eternity. That is so comforting!

Beautiful

2009-08-30T17:54:00.000-05:00

God's handiwork is so beautiful! It's amazing to think that God created everything that we see and enjoy. All creation shouts His praise!

Psalm 148

"Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens! Praise him from the skies! Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all the armies of heaven! Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you twinkling stars! Praise him, skies above! Praise him, vapors high above the clouds! Let every created thing give praise to the LORD, for he issued his command, and they came into being. He established them forever and forever. His orders will never be revoked. Praise the LORD from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all livestock, reptiles and birds, kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth, young men and maidens, old men and children. Let them all praise the name of the LORD. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven! He has made his people strong, honoring his godly ones-- the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the LORD!"

God's Meaning to Me

2009-08-29T18:15:00.001-05:00

I was looking through my old notebook with notes in it from last summer's teen camp. In it, I found a poem I wrote during that week. Here it is!

"How amazing it is that I am unique.
May I, O Lord, be humble and meek!
You care for me when I feel so small.
I surrender and I give you my all.
Holy Spirit, fill my life and being;
Thank you for giving my life meaning.
I'm excited, I'm preparing
For all Your love that needs sharing.
I'm open to Your cross, I'm open to You risen.
With You in my life, nothing am I missing.
I can sing a brand new song;
Lord, only for Your face I long!
I need Your wisdom every second.
Jesus- please on me do beckon.
Change me fully, renew me now-
Holy Spirit do allow.
What would I do without Your love?
I look at the countless stars above.
I observe Your power, Your mercy, Your grace-
Lord, You are awesome in this place.
All of my worship and all of my praise
I lay at Your feet; Your name I do raise!"

7.17.08

Jesus Among Other Gods

2009-08-28T19:50:00.000-05:00

I was looking through some books that I had in my room, and I found this one book that I got around three years ago, Jesus Among Other Gods: The Youth Edition by Ravi Zacharias and Kevin Johnson. I never picked it up before, but I thought it deserved a chance. Immediately as I started reading, I was captivated!

Growing up as a Christian, it's easy to say you believe in God and in Jesus's death and resurrection. It's basically a given- you know that you know that Jesus is real. But, trying to witness at school to kids who have never before had a real relationship with God, it's hard to put into words how real Jesus is when those kids are skeptical and are totally defensive on the subject of God.

However, after reading through this book, so much tangible information was given as to the reality of Jesus and the price He paid for our sins. It gets down to the center of why certain people cling to eastern religions and also atheism. It expresses that while some people may think that God causes evil, God doesn't intend evil into our lives. But when we are faced with a hard situation, it is supposed to bring us closer to Him. The info in this book is definitely going to be useful for me in witnessing with others from now on, and I'm excited about it!

One great quote from the book that I liked is this: "When we suffer, we can be sure God is closer than we can fathom. When we suffer, we can be sure that, in Christ, God is working a plan to end evil." If everybody could grasp the point that religion isn't what makes them belong in the world, but that a loving relationship with God is what does, it would be earthshaking!!

Anyways, I thought I would just share this book with you! You should definitely read it. (And for all you adults, it also comes in a non-student edition);)

My Mission Field

2009-08-19T15:58:00.000-05:00

School is starting tomorrow. Wow! I just wish I could have one more month, one more week, one more day- but that's not gonna happen, is it?:/

I love the freedom of summer; not just the freedom to do what I want, but also the spiritual freedom. I love being super connected to church, my youth group, my family, and my friends. I can go weeks without hearing a swear word, but now I'm heading back to the real world- my mission field. It would be so easy to live like I am right now, in the spiritual bliss from day to day with no worries or cares. But I have to be open to be used in the difficult situations at a public school. If I am not open, I will not find true fulfillment in my life. It is definitely easier said than done though.

Being open is a daily choice to be used by God. The reason He has us be uncomfortable is so that we can fully rely on Him.

Image compliments of Pastor Erik:)

Every Knee Will Bow

2009-08-18T16:54:00.000-05:00

Romans 14:11

"For the Scriptures say, '"As surely as I live," says the Lord, "every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God."'"

As I pondered this morning the thought that one day every person that's ever lived will bow before the greatness of God, I was awestruck at how powerful that statement truly is. Every murderer, every ruler, every atheist, every person that's tried to reject God- they will all accept that God is their Maker and the Creator of all the earth. That is so amazing!

Christ's Forgiveness

2009-08-17T12:28:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 1:18-20

"'Come now, let’s settle this,'says the Lord.'Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.'"

I love the way this verse illustrates the forgiveness found in Christ. If only we ask Him, He can take our sin and wash it away- a brand new, clean slate. I love that!

A Dream Made Real

2009-08-13T15:20:00.000-05:00

So, I'm back from Florida, so that means back to blogging! Yay!:)

When I was in the Orlando area, my family visited some old friends that used to live here in Chicago. They knew about Katie's Comfort Ministry, and that my family is available to speak to adults/teenagers about my sister and how God brought us through her death. So when we went to church with them on a Sunday, they set up the opportunity for us to minister to the people at their church.

My dad and mom were going to talk to the adults, and I was asked to speak to the youth group there. With only 3 days notice, I asked God what to say to the youth group about my sister, and on Wednesday night, I shared what God had put on my heart.

Now, I've always been the shy one, so it had to be the Holy Spirit to help me speak to these youth. Everything seemed to flow just like I imagined, and I felt so honored to be able to give hope to teens around my age that God can get them through anything.

This opportunity was so exciting for me personally, because if you look back at one of my old blog posts ("Imagine" from November 20,2008), God had been speaking to me that someday I'd be speaking to youth groups about my sister. He did just that!!

Isn't God amazing? He definitely keeps his promises!

Typical Beauty Exposed

2009-07-31T11:12:00.000-05:00

More and more these days, this culture focuses on the perfectly made-up face, the perfect hair, the perfect skin, the perfect body- but what of a kind and compassionate spirit? Gone are the days of judging a person by their morals and their integrity; it seems like the first thing attractive to a person is an outward appearance. It is really sad.

1 Peter 3:3-4 says to women, "Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."

This isn't to say that we shouldn't take care of our appearances, but it basically means to focus on our relationship with God and pleasing Him more than trying to please this world by our looks. When we model God's truth and love in our lives, God think this is so beautiful. Proverbs 31:30 says, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

This Evil World

2009-07-30T16:17:00.000-05:00

1 John 2:15-17

"Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever."

As I'm growing up, I see more and more that this world is trying to capture and suffocate those who have grown up in the church, and those who have had a real experience with God in the past. I don't get angry easily, but when Satan attempts to destroy those who belong to God, it makes me furious. I just wish that every young person that falls prey to Satan's tactics could realize that God is really the only person that they need in their life. When we have a relationship with God, all of our needs for love, acceptance, and trust should be met. And when I see teenagers long for this world more than a precious relationship with God, it grieves me so so much.

The world's pleasures are fleeting, and they disappear before we know it. Sin is only fun for a season, but God's purpose for our lives lasts eternally and will never fade. Then why is it that people lust for this temporary life? What this generation really needs is a life-changing, satisfying relationship with the Lord Jesus.

2009-07-29T14:55:00.000-05:00

After posting my last blog I felt inspired to further express what Jesus's death means to me by writing a poem:

"How many times have I heard the tale
That my Savior died for me?
How many times have I taken for granted
That I am purchased and free?

Lord Jesus was beaten and scourged—
Mocked by angry crowds.
All sin was on His shoulders
As He looked for God in the clouds.

Forsaken was He for an instant
By the Father up above.
What pain and grief He felt
As He was aching for Heavenly love.

Yet the task still lay before Him,
Although so utterly hard.
He would die for the sins of the world
And in His hands and feet be scarred.

He claimed the end before He took the last breath,
Hope and love in his eyes.
For why else would He give His life
So that we could live in paradise?

Three days later He rose again;
He took the keys of life from hell.
And in His resurrection—
God thought that it was well.

All sin in life is vanished;
For Jesus paid it all.
With the crimson blood He shed
He’s promised we won’t fall.

For if we call upon His name
And ask for His salvation,
He’ll wash us clean from all our sin;
He’ll be our firm foundation.

So as I ponder what Jesus has done
And His great sacrifice—
I can’t help but give Him thanks
For paying for me a price."

Salvation

2009-07-29T14:19:00.000-05:00

1 Peter 1:18-20

"18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. 19 He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him for this purpose long before the world began, but now in these final days, he was sent to earth for all to see. And he did this for you."

Reading this passage can"t help but make you feel special. When our lives were empty and broken, God rescued us by sending His Son to die. He did this for us. What a loving Father we have!

Purpose

2009-07-28T18:26:00.000-05:00

I'd venture to say that each human being, sometime in their life, has a hard situation that causes them to question God and frantically ask Him why He would allow that bad thing to happen to them. We wonder why God sends this heartbreak to us, as if He is punishing us for doing something wrong. We wonder why God would allow us to cry and sob and feel like life holds nothing but sorrow. But God only allows these hard times for a season, and after they are over, it is as if we are a caterpillar turned into a butterfly, transformed through a difficult situation.(Hardships should make us draw nearer to God)

I've had one of those such situations: when my big sis Katie died in a car accident when she was 19. I was 12. Although young, I couldn't help but ask God "Why?" Nothing in life made sense. It was as if time stopped and nothing else mattered. I felt sad and alone, like the grief of Katie's death would overcome my life. But then God started to remind me that He makes all things work together for good. He reminded me that He was holding my hand day after day. He told me that He would never leave me or forsake me: that if I drew closer to Him, He would draw closer to me. He reminded me that I was a child of the King, and that He had everything in control.

Although these were hard lessons to grasp, God just kept being there for me- patient and willing. Year after year, God has given me a brighter outlook on life than what I saw when I heard about the fatal car accident. When all seemed dark and grim, He showed me that there was a greater purpose in Katie's death- bringing souls to Him. Wow! How could I reject such a wonderful plan? Although this reason for Katie's death is powerful, there came a point where I had to make a choice; do I wallow in grief and reject God's promises, or do I run to God and seek His new mercies every day? I couldn't help but choose the latter. I couldn't stand to live without God. His joy compares to nothing else here on earth.

If you are in the midst of a hard situation, remember that God is there holding your hand. The trials you are going through aren't to beat you down, but there is a greater purpose for your pain. The purpose may not be visible at this moment, but if you keep drawing nearer to God, He will draw near to you. He will reveal that purpose in due time, even if it is in eternity someday. God's ways are not our ways, but they definitely are better in the long run!

Deuteronomy 31:8
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Worry No More.

2009-07-28T00:41:00.000-05:00

Matthew 6:25-34

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

I absolutely love this passage. How many times do I find myself caught up in the worries and anxiety of day to day life, and start to doubt that God can provide my every need? Well, God's promise is right there in black in white: that if He can care for a single wildflower in an open prairie, He will care for me. That's amazing! I think this profound thought will take a little while to pound into my head, but all God's promises are true! He will never leave or forsake us. Amen.

Beauty for Ashes

2009-07-25T09:46:00.001-05:00

Recently, the song "Beauty for Ashes" by Crystal Lewis has been in my head and in my spirit. You can listen to it on my playlist on the very bottom of this page.

Here are the lyrics to the song:

"He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy o'er your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound I've been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair"

The words to this song are so true. When all we have is nothing but ashes and sorrow from our life, God transforms those tears and heartaches into beauty. Wow! All we need to do is give our brokenness to the Lord, and He will make us whole in His timing. God sees every tear we cry, and wants nothing more than to make it better if only we ask Him.

It's worth it.

2009-07-22T15:10:00.000-05:00

1 Peter 4:4-5

"Of course, your former friends are very surprised when you no longer join them in the wicked things they do, and they say evil things about you. But just remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead."

This passage refers to when you have friendships with others that don't build you up in your relationship with Christ, but rather make you turn away from God. When you make the hard decision to not associate with those friends anymore, it is difficult, but in the end it is worth it. God sees when you don't do bad things, even when no one else seems to care. You will be rewarded in Heaven for every single good deed you do here on earth.

2009-07-19T15:34:00.000-05:00

1 Peter 1:14-16

"Obey God because you are his children. Don't slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God-who chose you to be his children-is holy. For he himself has said, 'You must be holy because I am holy.'"

Because we are God's children and have been changed by Him, we must not slip back into our sinful pasts and wrongdoings. We must strive for holiness because God is holy; and we can only do it with His help. God chose us to be His own. The least we can do is give up the sin that we've been saved from.

God's Promises

2009-07-18T10:24:00.000-05:00

1 Peter 1:3-9

"...Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls."

Whenever we have moments of trials and testing, the best thing to do is to stand on God's promises. 2 Samuel 22:31 says, "God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection." Therefore, we don't need to doubt His touch in our lives. 1 Peter 1:3-9 is a wonderful promise from God that if we stay true to Him, He will give us an everlasting reward in Heaven. The more we go through hard times and stay unwavering in our faith in God, the more He will reward us. Hardships aren't God's secret ploy to destroy us, but they are His plan to make us stronger and trust Him more.

2009-07-17T16:26:00.000-05:00

Galatians 5:16,17,24,25

"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires...Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives."

I love this passage so so much. They are such encouraging words to the Christian. When we feel tempted to do wrong, it is so easy to feel discouraged: like we are fighting the battle of life alone. But this passage clearly states that because we have become Christians, we have been done away with our wrongful desires. When Christ was nailed to the cross, He took care of our sin once and for all. That's not to say that we'll never have bad thoughts or intentions, but as we keep following God, He will forgive our sins if we ask Him. How amazing it is that God cares for us so much that He will pardon our sins if we only ask Him!

Good Ole' Sensible James

2009-07-13T12:23:00.000-05:00

James 1:2,3

2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

How hard it is to have the mindset that the troubles we go through are supposed to be a happy occasion in our lives. The loss of a job, the loss of a friendship, the death of a loved one, pain...the troubles of this life go on and on...

The good news is, though, that each hard situation we go through is ordained by God with a purpose for our lives. If we're having happy-go-lucky lives, we hardly have the chance to grow in our relationship with God. The purpose for the troubles we go through is not merely to beat us down, but for us to grow our trust in God. If you think about it, the purest of joys is drawing closer to God, even if it is because of a hard circumstance. When God leads us through "the valley of the shadow of death," it only makes us lean on Him more and more. God wants to build endurance in us, and He wants our faith to grow. For if we trust in the happinesses of this world, we will never find true comfort.

God's Delight

2009-07-09T18:20:00.000-05:00

Recently, I decided to read Psalm 37. I'm not exactly sure why I read that chapter in particular, but I suppose the verse about delighting in the Lord and Him giving you the desires of your heart has always stood out to me. I guess I wanted to see what else the Psalm had to say. As I started reading the passage, I began to continually underline verses in the passage that stuck out to me. After I was done reading, there were probably more verses underlined than not. God just kept speaking to me through His Word, that every kind action I perform on earth is not overlooked. Sure, I may "miss out" on things that people in this world deem so necessary to have an enjoyable life such as movies that are not the best, or language that is not the best; but in this passage, God clearly communicates that every little righteous act committed is worth it. He cares that we don't engage in immoral activities, even when it seems like we're the only ones on earth not getting involved in them. God sees our smiles to broken people around us, and He notices our positive attitudes.

As I kept on reading, I got to verses 23 and 24, "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.Though they stumble, they will never fall,for the Lord holds them by the hand." God is always there when we need Him. We never have to make choices alone, and we never have to worry that God doesn't care. The fact is, God cares about every single miniscule detail in our life. He cares for us when we feel alone, when we feel discouraged, and even when we are feeling the best that we can be. If we ever mess up, we never have to fall, because God is holding our hand. We are in God's grip of grace. Wow! Never has a person fallen so far that God cannot rescue him.

After reading Psalm 37, I feel so uplifted and special. Why do we ever find ourselves lonely? The Creator of the universe and the Savior of our souls holds our hand! What an amazing thought!

Just thought I'd share this with you!:)

Life...

2009-02-06T16:46:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday I went to a pro-life convention for teenagers. I've always been against abortion, but I treated it more like an issue than an actual problem that needs fixing.

I wrote this poem in response to what I heard and what I feel about life:

“Life”
By Laura Prosapio

Little hands and little feet,
A constantly beating heart-
A purpose and a plan for his future
God has set apart.
His life has just begun.
Soon he’ll be out in the world.
Yet now he feels safe to be
In mom’s belly nestled and curled.
God has given this tiny one life
And His unfailing love.
What blessings will he be given
From Heaven up above!
His first steps, his first words,
The first day to preschool;
Giggles, laughs, and whispers
Playing with friends in the pool.
High school and college graduation
And his wedding day.
Kneeling by his children’s bed
With them to simply pray.
What excitement lies ahead
For this precious boy.
God has his best in mind
For him to soon enjoy.
God has him in His loving care
Awaiting the day to come
While this little boy is in mommy
Kicking and sucking his thumb.

Imagine.

2008-11-20T18:00:00.000-06:00

Last night at CREW, Pastor Erik talked about imagining everything that we want for our future. He mentioned that when we were little, our dreams and future expectations were virtually endless; and now that we are older, we think that those dreams are impossible because of how the world is with certain standards and whatnot.
During worship time, I really asked God to put a dream into my heart. It didn't come last night, but I felt that I was predestined to do something in my life that would stretch me and change others for the good.
This morning, I had a half day at school, and my dad took me out to lunch at Lone Star. Pretty much out of nowhere he mentioned that a lady at his church that has the gift of prophecy walked up to him and started praying and prophesying over him and my family.

My family recently started a ministry(Katie's Comfort Ministry). During this woman's prophecy, she mentioned me speaking to youth groups and people my age about my sister's testimony and story, and how God brought me through her passing.

When my dad said that, I immediately thought back to last night when I was pleading for God to put a dream into my heart. I truly believe that this is it. I really want God to touch teens through me. There is such a healing that takes place when we understand that God has a purpose for all things, even the especially hard ones.
I don't know where it will start, and I don't know when, but I am excited to what God is going to do, even if I still need to get over my stage fright and all.:)

This dream to me still seems a little bit "out there", but I know that with God all things are possible.

Satisfying my deep hunger.

2008-11-09T13:16:00.000-06:00

God has been showing me lately that He is the only one capable of satisfying my whole being. Nothing in this world can fill the deep longing inside of me. Though the menu choices are very appetizing, I know that they won't be the best for me after I eat them. The thing that needs to fill my body is the deep consuming fire that the Lord has to offer.

I recently went to a Tenth Avenue North concert. There are a new-ish band. Usually Christian bands have the same appeal. They have songs that are good for a couple of months, but after that they don't resonate in your heart. This group's songs are different. This band is the first one that ever had songs that seemed like they were written just for me. One of their songs called "Satisfy" is what sums up my desire for God to satisfy me completely.

Here is the link for the song(both the words and music are on this video):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0z1o55gGWU

Be Your Best

2008-11-08T13:19:00.000-06:00

I love to read poetry. One of my cousins loaned me a book called The Best Loved Poems of the American People that belonged to my late great aunt. This book was published in 1936. It is incredible to read literature from decades ago.
This is one of the poems that I came across:

Be The Best of Whatever You Are
By Douglas Malloch
"If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill,
Be a scrub in the valley-but be
The best little scrub by the side of the rill;
Be a bush if you can't be a tree.
If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass,
And some highway happier make;
If you can't be a muskie then just be a bass-
But the liveliest bass in the lake!
We can't all be captains, we've got to be crew,
There's something for all of us here,
There's big work to do, and there's lesser to do,
And the task you must do is the near.
If you can't be a highway then just be a trail,
If you can't be the sun be a star;
It isn't by size that you win or you fail-
Be the best of whatever you are!"

Many of us want to be important and have high positions in society. While those dreams aren't bad, we need to help with the little things as well. Without the behind-the-scenes work, this world wouldn't be running the way it is.
So embrace the opportunities you are given even if they seem like menial tasks. Every little deed you do makes a difference in somebody's life.

For such a time as this.

2008-10-20T18:07:00.001-05:00

Esther 4:14

"If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"

Just as Mordecai told Esther that she was placed where she was for such a time as this, I believe that God is telling me and you that we are placed where we are right now for such a time as this. Every hurt and every twinge of pain is there for a reason. Nothing is by accident.
When you feel like giving up or breaking down, remember that God will use your trials and tribulations for good.

High School Perspectives.

2008-10-12T19:23:00.000-05:00

Wow!
It's hard to believe I am finally a "big kid". Ever since I was in kindergarten, high school seemed so far away and impossible.
Now that I'm finally there, It's crazy. I'm totally in a new environment. I've always been in a sheltered school and family, but it seems like I've been placed into the real world all of a sudden. Everything that I've learned in church my entire life, all of the Bible lessons in the morning in grammar school, every piece of advice given to me by my parents- they all come into play right now. It's times like these that I feel very alone, but it's times like these that I feel most comforted and strengthened.
I may not give into pressures from peers and I may not speak the way teens my age do. I may not take on the same philosophies or world views as my teachers. I may be very different, and I may be very judged- but that's okay with me.

During Winter Retreat '08, my small group leader mentioned to my friends that when people in the world judge us, it doesn't matter. It will not effect us in the long run.
The only judgment that matters for us is God's. At the end of time, when the world as we know it ceases to exist, all that will matter is God. All the pain and trouble that we go through, all the judgment and criticism we face will be brought to an end.

For me, I'd much rather be held blameless before God when I stand before His throne than stray away from His plan for my life and be accepted by others.

May we never lose sight of the prize at the end of the race.

A Moment of Inspiration.

2008-07-09T15:37:00.000-05:00

Beauty

Beauty is the fresh dew on a blooming flower
It is realizing that God, not us, has all-knowing power
Beauty is finding a miracle in every ending day,
The sunset beaming through the clouds, exuding its strong rays
Beauty is slowing down through a busy day to stop and smell a blossoming rose
It is discovering that you can stand on a peak even when there are endless lows
Beauty is loving people of all sorts of races
It is finding a fresh new joy in all different places
Beauty is starting over once more, even if you don’t succeed
It is finding time each hectic day to simply stop and read
Beauty is caring so very much to make other people smile
Even if doing so is an inconvenience to you all the while
Beauty is learning to cherish each moment, as swift as life goes by
It is laughing and beaming and dancing and shouting and not being timid to cry
Beauty is not looking down on others, though unfortunate they may be
It is having the courage to stand up for your faith and not just turning to flee
But most important beauty is letting God control your life
Submitting to Him each and every day, so as not to create strife
It is trusting and following His plan for you, no matter how especially thorny
Beauty is pursuing through the storms and finding delight in the morning

Laura Prosapio
July 9, 2008
11:25 AM CT

8th Grade Graduation and Moving On....

2008-05-29T12:29:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe I am already graduated and heading to high school. It seems like just yesterday I graduated from kindergarten. It's amazing how fast time flies.
But going to high school...it seems impossible. I have this amazing longing to touch souls while I'm in school next year, and all the years after that. It's something I really can't describe. I feel like God is on the verge of doing something amazing with the youth; I can feel it. I just want to be a vessel that He works through.
Please pray for me to be bold.

With Summer Approaching...

2008-04-12T11:19:00.000-05:00

Wow! This school year has gone by incredibly fast! It hasn't been the best year, but I still was really blessed. Through the course of this eighth grade year, God has really shown me that I need to be more dependent on Him. I am so excited for high school next year. I believe that God is going to do much more than I ever dreamed or imagined.

Winter Retreat 2008

2008-02-20T17:26:00.000-06:00

Wow!
This past weekend was great! God really moved in me and in our youth group. The time has finally come for all of us to step out in faith believing that God will use us teenagers to do the impossible. I have been waiting for this for a long time now.
It feels like a dream. To think that Crew can change hearts is so amazing. I cannot wait, I really can't!

God, I place this in your hands. Thank you for changing us so that we can change others.:)

Taking it one day at a time...

2007-12-15T17:17:00.001-06:00

One Day at a Time

“One day at a time” sounds like a simple phrase-
Just don’t look back or too far ahead
Deserves a little praise
But if you really dig down deep
And think about this line
It goes farther than you’ll ever know
And understanding, yours and mine
For if we live in the now
And not the then and to come
In result, we will appreciate our lives
And forget the troubles we’ve journeyed from
This is not to say disregard the lessons
And the love that have brought us to
The very point where we are now
And what God has done for me and you
And it’s not to say don’t plan ahead
For the future, because it’ll come in time
But rather look to what you can do
To change the world when tomorrow arrives
So seize the day, enjoy the moments
That you have on this earth
For what you do here in your life
In eternity has much worth

Two Simple, Yet True Poems=)

2007-12-15T17:15:00.000-06:00

Faith and Fear

Faith and Fear start out alike
Both believing in things not seen
But they branch out
Where Fear feels doubt
And Faith for Hope is keen
Fear is easiest to feel
When the world throws it at your soul
But Faith brings more fulfillment
Making mind and body whole
So will you make the choice today
To put Faith into your life
And to cast all Fear out
Before it brings you strife?
You see, when you do this very thing
Joy and Happiness come
To make the world a better place
And Heaven more your home.

God Can Use You

God can use you no matter what your age
And His mercy does not change
“But I’m not special, He doesn’t need me”
Oh, how can that be?
He never stops caring for your life
He always loves you through wrong and right
And with Him, there’s no need to fright
Just listen to Him, and do what He says
And God will use you for the best

Another poem about going everywhere=)

2007-12-15T17:12:00.001-06:00

This world is amazing
But possessions we are chasing
Cannot we find fulfillment
From within our earthly casing?

The Christians in Sudan
Cannot possess as much as they can
Nor worship like us freely
But must meet the government’s demand

Some young girls in India within
Cannot escape the Hindu temple prison
Trapped for years in sadness weeping
And to the Gospel will have no chance to listen

Yet we here in the United States
Abuse our freedoms with extremely high rates
Although we have the right to worship as we please
We take advantage of them and meet our fates

We stay at home and watch the T.V.
From all responsibilities we want to flee
Yet the people starving in other countries
Should be the duty of you and me

What can we do to preach God’s Good News
And make the devil painfully lose?
What can we do to break bondage and pain
And give these people the right to choose?

The number one weapon is powerful prayer
God hears our cry and He cares
And some are called to go to these regions
Though foreign lands and everywhere

Whether pray at home or preach abroad
You will give the Lord honor and laud
For whatever you do for one of these
You are truly doing for God

A Poem About Going Everywhere

2007-12-15T17:09:00.000-06:00

It feels as if we’re in a world
Where people don’t even care to see
Other people read and learn
About what Jesus did for you and me

Often it seems we’re in a box
Not caring about the world beyond
We only try to help ourselves
And for others not grow fond

But are we following God’s command
To go everywhere on this earth
To preach His Good News and Precious Gift
Does that quest to us have worth?

We need to give up our selfish aims
And strive to have compassion
Not on ourselves but on each other
Christ’s example as our fashion

So will you come and join me
To go into this mission field
To preach the gospel everywhere
And Satan not to yield?

This task may not be easy
We may be persecuted and set apart
But does really all that matter
When God observes the heart?

Even though strife may come
Our sacrifice will stand
The reward will be in Heaven
Because we followed God’s plan.

On Starting School...

2007-08-25T13:40:00.000-05:00

Well, today was officially the third day of 8th grade at Landmark, and the second for me, and I guess all I'll say is that it's interesting.
I wish things were how they used to be. I don't like being the "big kid".LOL I like having older kids to look up to, but I guess this year, that's just not gonna happen. Do you ever feel like you have to take a certain kind of responsibility, but you think you're not quite ready yet? That's pretty much how I feel right now. Do you know how tempting summer looks right now?? I wish I could be laying on the couch with my favorite blanket watching Little House on the Prairie instead of having to go to school, but that's not gonna happen...
But I once heard from somebody that when you're always comfortable, you never really have a chance to live life or to learn. And even though that statement is very painful for me right now, I have to accept that it's true, and live my life uncomfortably, because without being uncomfortable, I can't press forward in my life. That applies to so many situations. In so many aspects in life, we need to step out in faith, no matter how unsure we are about what God is telling us to do.
We need to step out of that "couch mentality", and shift into the "riding your bike mentality". If we are always stationary, we can never move forward.
I guess I just ask you guys to think about this...
Yep! That's all I have to say!

Perspective.

2007-08-25T13:33:00.000-05:00

This universe is amazing. God is more amazing. These thoughts really came to mind when I was flying home from South Carolina on an airplane and looking out the window. Everything was so miniscule below me, and it seemed as if I could play with the United States as if it were my dollhouse. Seeing little cars drive down the interstate, and looking at little leaguers running around in a tiny field just amazed me. That God would care for the people in those little cars, and that He would watch over them- it's craziness! I love when God puts things into perspective.