Ten Things

I wanted to post today. Thought I'd share something different and go with a list of ten things I did this week!

1) Gardened

2) Read LOTS

3) Talked on the phone with friends

4) Did Laundry

5) Didn't do much cleaning

6) Edited

7) Went to Little League Games

8) Slept more than usual

9) Made Banana Splits

10) Looked forward to next weekend's plans

Going Through the Motions

I just discovered Matthew West's song and video "The Motions".

The official video is really neat....but the story and the outcome are even better!

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Spring

I have never been a big fan of spring because it brings thoughts of rain, mud, and mess. Even so, as it begins to lead into summer I rejoice!

The temperatures rise, the flowers bloom, the grass begins to turn green, the sun and blue skies return! I am reminded of the seasons in my own life as such drastic change takes place in God's lovely creation around me.


This last week has been one thing after another for me. Amazingly I'm not too behind in school, my family is happy with me (mostly), and I've been able to bless others outside of our home.

Today mom and I spent some time cleaning her room. I cherish the times we get to work together.

You see, usually we don't really do that much anymore. She's trained me and now reaps the blessings of the seasons spent patiently enduring my "learning".

As we went through her room she was blessed becaues the job was being done right. I was blessed by her companionship. My dad will be blessed by the outcome.

Take joy in spring. Take joy in your family. They are both blessings sent from God that we might taste and see yet another glimpse of His goodness.

Oh magnify the Lord with me,

Let us exalt His name together!

Psalm 34:3

Let God Speak

The other day, I made a post. I wanted to encourage each of you to let God speak on the issue.

Prayerfully consider these words with me from 2 Corinthians 11. I'll quote verses 13-15, but I'd encourage you to grab your Bible and contextualize this!

"For such men are false apostles, 

deceitful workmen, 

disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 

So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. 

Their end will correspond to their deeds." 

Palm Sunday

Today was a great day. The sun was bright, I broke out my first "spring outfit", the lawn is looking way better, and I'm truly recharged for another week!

On top of all that and a very fruitful Saturday, some deep thoughts regarding world and life views have been on my mind lately. 

I quote a sermon I heard today -

"Zeal by itself is not enough. Zeal must be accompanied by knowledge to produce a right world view lived out!" 

This means, we must not only know what we believe. We must also be passionate about it and sincere in our pursuit of living it out. As we seek to know Truth, we must also seek to be devoted to it. 

Looking at the choices that Peter made near the death of Jesus, we see a man who totally denied all Truth. As I pondered Peter's actions, words, and emotions I began to realize this:

How often do I deny Jesus with my actions of sin? I, like Peter, know who Jesus is...but in my sin I speak otherwise. 

I must remain "in the garden" (experiencing Jesus' presence) with all zeal and knowledge living for Him. Knowing God and making Him known. 

Satan comes to deceive us looking like light, but Jesus is the true Light. I must seek Him alone. 

I was further challenged by these thoughts after hearing some statistics -

Does my Christianity look like Jesus? 

If not, it's wasted...it's rubbish...it's turning people away...I neither know God nor make Him known. 

So - what's your world and life view? Everyone has one. You living for Truth or for lies? Do you look like Jesus or satan? 

One simple question to get you thinking - 

If I had to pick one theme as to what my goals truly revolve around, what the meaning of my life is rooted in, what determines my desires, speech, and actions - is it Truth (as found in the Word of God) or the stuff of the world (as found on Oprah, Dr. Phil, so many of our classrooms, newspapers, and in all of our fallen hearts)? 

Flesh vs. Spirit

I want to challenge everyone, including myself, to take a day and discern the flesh and the spirit.

At random points during the day ask yourself, "In this moment, which is ruling in my life flesh or spirit?"

If the answer is spirit, praise the Lord! Thank Him for the grace He has bestowed upon you that is causing you to increase in good works.

If the answer is flesh, pray to the Lord! Ask Him to bestow His grace upon you by helping you to seek His ways and walk accordingly. 

As I ponder the days I've lived. The struggles my family is facing. The shortcomings in this fallen world, I see one thing: A Spiritual Battle. 

In Genesis 3:15, God speaks of this battle for the first time. In Ephesians 6, we are told how to live in light of it. 

Won't you join me in resolving to follow the words of  2 Corinthians 13:5

 where this discernment is fleshed out?

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified.

Finally Here!

I feel terrible that I've neglected the post I said I'd be making...If it's any consolation I've done nothing but keep my inbox from getting overloaded and use AllRecipes lately! Life outside of the internet has tossed me its fair share of time filling activities and as always, those are given TOP priority. 

Here we go: The Similarities I Share With George Whitefield

Like many other Christians, the growth and understanding period of my new birth took place over an extended period of time. 

When the understanding finally came and I began to see the whole picture of the purpose of my existence - I experienced joy unspeakable!

I have longed and prayed for local Christian companionship to no avail. 

As a result I have reached out to others and currently long to begin a revival of sorts in my community. 

Studying the life of George Whitefield has given me great hope! God took a solitary man from a spiritual "wasteland" and worked good for His glory in and through Whitefield's life. I have yet to see the complete big picture of my life story played out - but seeing Whitefield's humble beginnings gives me hope for what God plans to do with mine. 

"Look among the nations and watch-- 
        Be utterly astounded! 
        For I will work a work in your days 
        Which you would not believe, though it were told you"

Habakkuk 1:5