Death is Not Dying

Thursday, July 26, 2012


Three weeks ago, I met a lady who was coming to the end of her life.

She was young, just in her 40's. 

Back in February she found out that she had lung cancer. Over the last few months she found out that the cancer was taking over. It had spread to other places in her body. 

This woman is married and has a 12 year old daughter.

Meeting this family was bittersweet. They know the Lord and seem to be walking with Him, even now. 

I spent a week getting to know them at the ranch. My mornings were spent on the front porch of their little cabin talking with this lady and getting to know her. 

My afternoons were often spent sitting under the trees with her daughter talking about life and summer plans. 

Several evenings were spent talking with their whole family and laughing about old stories from the past. 

At the end of the week, we talked as though we would all see each other again sometime. 
We will. Just, maybe not on this side of heaven. 

You see, less than two weeks after we said our goodbyes, I got news that this lady (whose name also happens to be Victoria) has passed away. 

Her battle against life and death is finished. As far as I know, she is now free from cancer and free from death. She has faced it. Christ has faced the consequences of sin for her. 

So, I am happy for her. Happy that whatever she had to do on this earth is finished. Happy that I got to meet her. Happy that she knew the Lord and will get to know Him better for the rest of time. 

I am also sad for her family that she left behind. They will miss her. Her daughter's birthday is coming up and the celebration will not be the same. Her husband is left to raise their daughter without her. 

God knows what He's doing. He knows why I am nearly 22 and still have all of my parents. He knows why I am so close to my Mom. He knows when these things will be taken from me. 

Not only does He know WHY. He makes life what it is. 

Your life. My life. This sweet family's life. 

He is at work. 

Pray for this family that they may press on and have the joy and peace of the Lord.




Dock Side

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

I love water.

I'm not an amazing swimmer or anything, I just love being by the water. 

When we go to the water there is always: 
cooling off in it, floating on it, sitting by it, looking at it. 

There might also be:
sand, towels, laying out, visiting, playing games, building sand castles, boating, sandwiches, doritos, grapes, watermelon, cheese sticks, being a flagger, and reading.

The ocean is my favorite body of water to be near, if you haven't figured that out already.

After that, I'll take a river, then a pool, then a lake. Mountain streams are nice too.

Last week, I spent some time at a lake I haven't been to before. I managed to get some pictures to share with you. 

I hope you like the blues and greens as much as I do!














And, that's all for now! 

The Scenic Route...The Things of Summer

Monday, July 23, 2012

I felt a little overwhelmed this weekend. 

I was thinking about my schedule and not really feeling up to everything that is supposed to be happening over the next few weeks. 

This song by Trip Lee came on and it pretty much put things into perspective for me. It helped me to see why I have been feeling the things that I have. 

Give it a listen, or not...It's up to you! 



Now, onto some more things of summer that I have been enjoying lately. 

*Swimming in a COLD river and a warm lake. 

*Fireworks. I must have mentioned this before, but I love a good fireworks show. 

*Festivals in nearby towns. 

*Finding a shady spot to sit and read. 

*Houses with air conditioning....I know that not everyone has this, but I am sure grateful for it!



I was going to add some pictures to this post, but unfortunately, I am having issues with the computer. I have decided that SOMETHING without pictures is better than no post at all. 

From Four Days

Friday, July 20, 2012

What a lovely week I have just finished!

There were some really great things going on this week. 

*Reading sessions complete with sweet tea. 
 


*I  didn't spend any time with my plants yet this week other than a few moments checking on their progress. They got a late start, but my cucumbers are looking good. They probably need to be thinned out.



*I'm not sure what's going on, but that garden spot with the cucumbers USED to look like the moon. Perhaps I've moved? No, the soil is just looking better already!

*My sister came out as I was checking out the cucumbers. I realized that she wanted her picture taken too...So, we had a little impromptu session. This one is my favorite.  


*I couldn't help but see the BIGGER picture this week. There were so many times that I found myself thinking outside of today and myself and our family. It was nice.


*I also did some thinking about days gone by. It's strange how much time has passed and yet this is only the beginning! 6 years ago I was 16....SIX YEARS. I am living those days that I looked forward to. Days that seemed so far away.

*Four years ago, I sat on this little bench to take some pictures to remember my graduation from high school.


Don't forget about...

*Bible study and lunch with friends.

*BIG storms. 

*Movie nights.

*A day on the lake.

*Seeing Spiderman in theaters....I ALMOST cried. Good movie. 

*Staying busy in the kitchen. 

*Tidbits of good news from things going on in my friend's lives. 

*Getting organized.

*Dinner and a blizzard at DQ. Yes, I get excited about burgers, fries, and ice cream.

*Adventures in geocaching.

 


I told you it was a good week! I didn't warn you about the pictures, though.

Now, for a verse I read earlier in the week that has stuck with me.


   " Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own."
(Philippians 3:12 ESV)


I rediscovered this verse in the introduction of the book, "Stand: A Call for the Endurance of the Saints".


Justin Taylor wrote this verse as it applies to some pretty awesome men of the faith. Men who usually SEEM to have it all together...To have "already obtained" and "made it their own" what I am so clumsily attempting to make my own.

The truth is, they don't have it all together, they haven't already obtained, they aren't perfect, and they are struggling to make it their own right alongside of the rest of us! 

What we all have in common is this:

As God's people we are on a journey to making our own what is ALREADY ours in Christ Jesus. 

I wrote about this earlier in the week. I can't get it off my mind! 

I am Christ's. I am in Him. I have been made BRAND NEW. 

So, this business of becoming like Him? It's my life's work and yet really, it's HIS WORK. 

I work, and I press, BECAUSE of Him.
 

Me Myself and I

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

I am linking up for another challenge. (Don't worry, this one is only a one day affair!)

We have been assigned five questions to answer today.





1. What is your biggest phobia? 

Snakes...I don't care what kind it is, if it's a snake, I am near tears and have promptly left the area. I have handfuls of stories that support this fear. It's absolutely ridiculous how I act when one of these creatures come my way.  


2. If you could relive any day of your life, what would it be and why?

I have been thinking about this...

The only day that I could come up with was the last day I ever saw my Grandma

(I wrote why here...You don't have to read it if you don't want to!)
She was in the hospital and even though we knew something was wrong, everyone thought she would be totally fine. (A few weeks later they found out she had cancer that had progressed too far to do anything about it.) She lived on the East Coast and I was only there visiting my Dad. I was supposed to go back home in a few days, but I got word she was in the hospital and so I had my Dad take my brother and I to see her. I had just spent a week with my Grandma and just KNEW something was wrong. When I heard she was in the hospital, I was a MESS. It was raining hard that day, and I was crying buckets myself because somehow I knew something was wrong. I just had a feeling that this was the last time I would ever see her. 

I wish I would have spent more time with her. Everyone else was so calm and cool. Because I was a mess, everyone left so that my brother and I could have time with her. I had time and I wish I would have used it. Less than a month later, she had passed away.


3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?

I haven't been an age yet that was my favorite. Every age has it's perks and challenges. I'm thinking 25 or 26 is going to be pretty good...We'll see when I get there!
 

4. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? 

So, I have been told I look like a few people but the most common one is Sandra Bullock. I'm too happy about that, but I suppose it could be worse, right? 

 
5. What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

  I seriously LOVE music....There is a rap for virtually everything in life and some song for everything else. I can't sing very well, but I will quote you lyrics just because they fit into the situation.
So, here are SOME of my favorites.


Ooh Aah - Grits

Real Vision - Trip Lee

I'm A Believer - Tedashii 

Joyful Noise - FLAME

Go Hard - Lecrae

Don't Wanna Waste My Life - Lecrae

The Invasion - Trip Lee

Fools Gold - Andy Mineo


*********************************


On a side note, it's been a great day. Being home enjoying the AC, my back patio, and my own kitchen has been WONDERFUL. 

Today, was Bible study day. Getting to know a new group of ladies is still going well.

We talked about repentance. Man, oh man, my heart was heavy! I feel sooooo trapped by sin.I know I am victorious in Jesus, but so often I just don't live like He wants me to. One lady asked about the difference between repentance and confession. Based on Scriptures like 1 John 1:9, I came up with this:

Confession results in forgiveness and being SEEN/CONSIDERED cleansed from a specific sin. It's putting on Christ. 

Repentance is the result of forgiveness. It's walking out and continuing in that forgiveness and in Christ.  

Confession - we are seen clean.

Repentance - we are living clean. 

I know it's possible to confess sin without repenting of it....BUT, I also know that the pattern God intended for His people is that confession and repentance go together. Confession ought ALWAYS lead to repentance. By His grace and power we have the ability to put off sin and put on Jesus. 

What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts! 


 ************************************

*I'm reading The Great Gatsby. It's my first time around and I can hardly put it down! I am already on chapter 5 and I only picked the book up yesterday (that's A LOT for me in one day).

It's old enough to be a "classic" of sorts - but it's new enough to be written in language I can understand. Even though they were some pretty dark days, the 20's really intrigue me. Perhaps that's why I am enjoying it so much.

I stopped at a book store today and the lady there said she is reading it and can't get into it....Ummmm, really? I didn't understand that at all. 

Have you read it? What did you think?




 

The Scenic Route

Monday, July 16, 2012

I headed out to the ranch again last week after only a few days at home. 

Over the last few years the ranch has become a part of summer and the people there have become part of my life. 

My time there always includes visiting with great people, plenty of food, a chance to swim, and time to quiet my soul. Sometimes my time includes working in the kitchen or garden and ministering to people who may or may not know the Lord. 

Here is a glimpse into the last few weeks. 



A picture taken from someone in the back seat on one of our drives.



There are a bunch of benches in the shade of some trees where we sit to visit, watch birds in the trees, watch as the kids play, and sometimes just enjoy the "golden hour". I love looking out beyond all of that to see the sun shining through the sprinklers in the fields. This picture doesn't even do it justice, but this is one of my favorite views during one of my favorite times of day. 

 

 During my last trip, I managed to do an old lady move which left me with not one, but two, hurt feet. They are pretty much better, but the one is still giving me a bit of trouble. This time, it was swelling a lot (that dimple is where I pushed the swollen part and it stayed indented for quite a while). So, I got to spend some time with my feet UP. Here I am doing just that.

Just lovely, I know...Not!


The cherries have been coming out in full force...So the cherry pickers and processors had to work hard to get them off the trees and into kitchens. Here are some of the cutest cherry pickers of this season. 



 We were getting ready to leave and we came back to the van to find Cassie ready to join us! This poor dog has been mopey for a while...The other three dogs that kept her company left - one died of old age and the other two moved with their owners. I am hoping she perks back up soon when a new dog comes to make her home at the ranch. 



Then, we were home again and the rains came down! The last three pictures were taken by my Mom while I was too busy relaxing to even think about pulling out the camera.


 




15 Day Challenge: Day Fifteen

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Today's Prompt: "What's the best compliment you've ever received?"

Life of Love


Here we are...The end of the challenge. It's been fun. I wish I would have been home the whole time so that I could have linked up quicker and interacted with more of you. 

The most meaningful compliment that I have ever received came from the dean of my college.

 He has received my work and told me he really admires my writing. 

Writing is truly a gift and yet it is something that I enjoy. So, when he takes the time to point out my strengths and weaknesses in this area while complimenting my abilities...It really makes me take seriously what God has GIVEN to me. 

I haven't exactly figured out what to DO with it yet. But, I know it's there, I know it's mine, and I know that I am responsible to use it well.

15 Day Challenge: Day Fourteen

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Today's Prompt: "If you were only allowed to watch one movie for the rest of your life, what movie would it be and why?"

Life of Love


My movie would be "Remember the Titans". 

Why?

*Denzel Washington

*It's touching and sad

*It communicates a truth

*Denzel Washington

*It involves sports

*It's set in a beautiful part of the country during a time of overcoming

*Denzel Washington

I quote this movie often...It is definitely one of my favorites and aside from Disney's Beauty and the Beast, it is probably the movie that I have watched the most. 

The only thing that could make this movie better would be a clear communication of the Gospel and the way it transforms people so that they can live in peace and harmony that comes from Him. 

15 Day Challenge: Day Thirteen

Friday, July 13, 2012

Today's Prompt: "List your favorites: song, quote food, vacation spot, photo."

Life of Love



SONG

Take Me There - Trip Lee ft. Jimmy Needham




QUOTE

"Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last."



FOOD

meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and broccoli and cheese

 

 VACATION SPOT

the beach 



PICTURE


 



15 Day Challenge: Day Twelve

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Today's Prompt: "What are you most looking forward to in the next six months?"
 

Life of Love


There are so many little things I am looking forward to.

*Enjoying the rest of summer

*Seeing Alice get up and moving again once her arm is all healed

*My 22nd birthday in September

*Christmas 

There aren't really any big things that should be happening over the next six months that I know about. 
 
Mainly, I am looking forward to how my life will change and how I will grow. I know that it could get temporarily worse but I like to think it will get better. 

I have HOPES. 


15 Day Challenge: Day 11

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Today's prompt: "What's one thing that you would never change about yourself?"

Life of Love


This is one of the questions that really feeds humility...Okay, not so much. 

But seriously, I had to think about this one a little bit. There are so many things about us that we have no control over and so many things in life that have made us what we are without any effort from us. The grace of God is amazing. It keeps people from being their worst and helps them to be somewhat admirable. 

I guess the thing that I wouldn't change is my willingness to serve. 

I love feeling myself CARE for people. Sure, it hurts sometimes. It means that my life is spent differently.

I trust that God will shape this so that I glorify Him more and love people better. It's always been there and it's why I am not content to sit back as the world goes by. 


The Scenic Route...The Things of Summer

Monday, July 09, 2012

Last week, I headed out to a place I call "the ranch" for a little vacation. The ranch is a place I go to visit, to vacation, and to work. This time around, it was a time to vacation and meet some new people who were also there to relax. While I was away, I was able to enjoy some more things of summer.


*Before I left I tried out a new polish on my toes....This year, I've decided to try different colors that are brighter. It's silly I know, but pedicures are on my list of favorite things of this season.

*I noticed that the wheat is starting to turn tan. It's almost time for the harvest!

*Evening walks. The heat is cooling, the sun is setting, it's a gorgeous time of day to take a stroll.

*Salads - the usual green salad, cabbage salad, broccoli salad, pasta salads, fruit salads. These are light, cold meals that keep me going when it warms up.

*I ate a lot of watermelon at the ranch over the course of the last week and every single bite was PERFECTION.

*Fireworks with friends and a little girl who LOVED sparklers and fountains and smoke bombs.

********************

Onto day nine of the 15 Day Challenge

Today's prompt: "Tell us the best day of your life to date."
 

Life of Love


I have had a lot of really great days. Days filled with people I love. Days filled with exciting events that have turned into favorite memories. But, there is one day in particular that has stuck around to make my life better each day. 

I don't know the exact date. I know that it would have been a day of July in 2006....

That day I finally GOT what it meant to BE a Christian and to "live for the glory of God." 

That week I got introduced to John Piper and as he puts it, that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." 

I learned more fully what I was MADE for. I learned why I was ALIVE. I began to have confidence in the reason why my life had gone the way it did, was going the way it was, and would go the way it would.

That summer I was 15. I had applied for the spot at a "Leadership Conference" (i.e. spiritual bootcamp). Our days were spent eating, sleeping, listening to lectures, having SOLO time with God, and of course, having some down time to play volleyball, visit, etc. 

I was seriously EXHAUSTED at the end of each day. This was one conference full of 15-21 year olds who were OUT by 10:30 every night of their own accord.

We were spiritually and mentally concentrating on the great things of God for so much of the day that when evening rolled around we gladly put ourselves to bed no giggling, no talking, no "be quiets". 

I was out on the lawn having my quiet time in a piece of shade...Praying, reading my Bible, looking over notes from some of the sessions so far, journaling and it just hit me. To love God, to be a Christian is to live to make much of Him. To be so focused on God, to treasure Him so fully, that everything else just falls into place as secondary to Him.

God was good to grant me freedom in Christ to do what I was made for. 

I long to have this grow and continue for the rest of my days.


15 Day Challenge: Day Eight

Sunday, July 08, 2012

 Today's prompt: "Describe 'the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly' of yourself."


Life of Love


The Good
 *I'm saved by grace through faith.
*I tend to be joyful, pleasant, and happy. 
*I am a good listener and someone willing to give wise counsel.
*I care deeply and love sincerely. 
*I enjoy cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. 


The Bad
 *I'm a sinner.
*I don't trust very easily.
*I don't like change.
*Gross things actually freak me out. 
*I'm not very "adventurous". 


The Ugly
*I'm a sinner.
*This thing on my eye...It's the reason there aren't very many pictures of me lately. It showed up a few months ago and won't go away...Remember what I said about doctors? That's why it isn't fixed yet.
*I don't share. In other words, I am selfish.
*I get anxious.
*Even though I hate arguing, I will usually defend truth, a point, or a person until I "win".

 
 

15 Day Challenge: Day Seven

Saturday, July 07, 2012

 Today's prompt: "Recommend a book for us to read. Why do you think it's important?"


Life of Love


I would recommend John Piper's book, "Don't Waste Your Life". 

It is one of my favorite books because it has been one of the most influential books that I have ever read.

Just like the title suggests, this is John Piper's aim at communicating the fact that God calls His people to something bigger than themselves.

God has made His people to display His wisdom, glory, truth, and love. 

Here is a 3 minute and 14 second version of the message that changed my LIFE. 

 

Anytime I get the chance, I loan this book to friends who are seriously considering the way their life will go.

My favorite part about being young is knowing other people who are young. 

At this point in our lives we are looking ahead and trying to figure out what we are going to do with our lives.

I love older people too...In fact, if I'm honest, I usually enjoy them more than people my own age. BUT, when I get to know someone who takes life seriously and wants to do more than goof off, I am sucked in every time. 

While we're on the subject of not wasting our lives - I have a song for you!
 Quite a few years after the book was published, the guys over at Reach Records did a Don't Waste Your Life tour. Check out this song if you haven't already:




15 Day Challenge: Day Six

Friday, July 06, 2012

Today's prompt: "What's something you've always wanted to do but haven't? Why not?"

Life of Love


I thought about this one for a while.

If I want to do something, I tend to make it happen one way or another. 

Now, this does not include trips, travel dreams, etc...But in the way of accomplishments,
I figure out what I want to do, what it will take to do it, and what kind of help I might need. Then I go for it. 

I actually asked my Mom what she thought and she came up with a pretty good one. 

It's really simple. 

I want to try gelato...Preferably at a great beach, but anywhere will do. 

I had the chance once. Two years ago at Tybee Island, GA with some friends. The only reason I didn't get any was that we were at a shop and the people there were in a hurry, busy, very rushed, and simply put, rude. When I finally got up to the place where I could see my choices, I just blurted out the first familiar ice cream I saw.

So, I missed my chance that day. And it was a good chance.

The shop of missed opportunity.


My friend took this picture. I am the person (totally unaware the picture is being taken) walking out the door while intently studying my ice cream. 

Once I try something when I am out and about, the next thing I do is attempt to make it myself at home. 

So, someday I will try gelato and once I find out how amazing it is, I will attempt to make it myself at home. 


15 Day Challenge: Day Five

Thursday, July 05, 2012

 Today's prompt: "If you could have dinner with any five people, who would they be?"


Life of Love


I would have three dinners...I'm a planner, so I think it would take three different parties with three different focuses! 

Dinner Party Number One:

1) My Grandma
2) My Ghiddu
3) My Mother

At this dinner party, there would be talk of God and His gospel. There would be important questions asked and memories shared. I wouldn't want this dinner to end. Both of my Grandparents have passed away and I would want my Mom there so that she could enjoy a little more time with them too! 

Dinner Party Number Two:
 
4) George Washington 

This is one of my favorite people from history. I would love to talk to him about life in America during the "good old days". To hear about his passions, his dreams, and his time at Mount Vernon. I would love to hear what he had to say about God's work in his life and his nation. 

Dinner Party Number Three:

5) George Whitefield 

This is one of my favorite ministers from history. I would love to talk to him about missions, people, the Gospel, the Bible, his travels, and oh so many things. From what I hear he wasn't much to look at and his health wasn't very good - but his life is very intriguing to me. 

Random note - All three men in these situations happen to be named George. 

My Grandma (the one who was married to my Ghiddu) was engaged once before she married my Ghiddu....The guy's name? George. 

I know it's a more common name, but they just keep showing up!

How many more George's will I know or admire before this life is over? 

 

15 Day Challenge: Day Four

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Today's prompt is, "What's your favorite childhood memory?". 

Life of Love


So, here goes...

My favorite childhood memory involves a very special man. Unlike so many other girls, the first man I wanted to marry wasn't my Dad. The first man I wanted to marry, and I even asked him to, was my Mom's Dad. Instead of "Grandpa", I called him Ghiddu (I actually have no idea how to spell it, but it's Arabic). 

The beginning of my life was kind of a mess. Needless to say, we lived with my Mom's parents - my Grandma and Ghiddu - for quite a while. Even when we didn't live with them, I spent much time at their house, doing things with them, or traveling with them.

Most of my special memories involve this man. One of my very favorite being our fruit parties. 

My grandparents always had fruit in their house. In the late mornings or afternoons, my Ghiddu and I would sit down with an old popcorn can as our "table" and eat apples, plums, nectarines, apricots, pears, and who knows what else. I remember his soft, dark hands carefully peeling and slicing our fruit. He peeled and sliced in his hands as we ate. 

We would sit and nibble on whatever the fruit was and talk. Sometimes we would be in the house. Every once in a while we'd take the party outside. 

I fell in love....over fruit! 

Who knew something so simple, from so long ago could make me happy even now? 


(I wish I had some pictures of these...I don't know that any were ever taken.)

Another

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

I am skipping today's prompt which was "tell about an article of clothing that you're deeply attached to". I definitely have favorite pieces in my wardrobe - but I can't say that I'm "deeply attached" to any of them. 

Instead, I want to talk about the blessing of the concept of "another".



Last month, I found myself grateful for:

another rainy day
another great project from Reach Records (Trip Lee's album The Good Life)
another sunset
another fun day with my family 
another good book to read, movie to watch, lesson to learn
another trip to the grocery store
another trip to one of my favorite parks
another visit with friends I love

The list could honestly go on. 

Make your own list. Right now, think of something, someone, or some place that you have enjoyed more than once. 

The blessing of the concept of "another" depends on having ONE which was a blessing but then even more AGAIN. 

God is good to grant us things once. Very often He grants them to us over and over again. 


Don't take your chances to enjoy another whatever it is lightly. 

 See them for the blessing that they are. 

    "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of His own will He brought us forth by the Word of Truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."
   (James 1:17-18 ESV)


The Scenic Route...The Things of Summer

Monday, July 02, 2012

A post with THREE parts.

Numero Uno
I finally got my new camera out this weekend! I took nearly 500 pictures. It took that many pictures for me to figure out how to use P, AV, and M modes. 

M is quickly becoming my favorite because of how much control I have in that one. Some of those pictures will be sprinkled throughout this post. 

**********************

The Scenic Route...The Things of Summer


Here are some things of summer that I won't be enjoying in 2012 (as far as I know anyway). These are things I grew up enjoying.

The very first picture...Please ignore the junk on the desk. :)

*Beaches of the southeast.

*The smell when you first get out of the car at the beach.                    

*Going to the beach and spending the ENTIRE day by the ocean only to go back to the condo when it was time for dinner.      
      
A piece of summer on the mantle.

*Fireflies.

*WARM nights.

*Hiking in the mountains and playing in waterfalls.


Shadows

*Humidity...It's like being wrapped in a warm blanket. I don't live there having to garden, mow the lawn, etc. so it was always a treat.

*Traveling with my Grandma and Ghiddu....Well, just being with them was nice. I miss them most this time of year.

*Seeing my cousins and aunts and uncles.

*Coming out of anywhere with really cold AC and feeling the heat radiating off the pavement.


Just doing their thing.

**********************

 Day Two: Six Word Memoirs 


 "Six word memoirs are exactly how it sounds: your life in six words. The history behind it is that Ernest Hemingway was asked to write a complete short story in as few words as possible. His response was, 'For sale: Baby shoes, never worn.' This then errupted into a way to tell sad, sweet, honest tales.


If I had to describe my life in six word this is what I would say:

"Victory, bitter victory, in Jesus Christ."

It's simple...But it covers it ALL. 

Victory is mine. It has not (and will not) come without pain and heartache. But it is mine. Not because of anything I have done, can doe, or am. 

I will be victorious because of the One who fights for me - Jesus Christ. 

The first verses I ever memorized from the Bible are still true. 

    "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
(Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)



The end.

15 Day Challenge: Day 1

Sunday, July 01, 2012

I just heard about this little project where bloggers commit to posting for the first fifteen days of July according to a list of post prompts for each day.


 
I have gone through the prompts and there are a few I'm not sure I'm going to use. 

If you're a blogger, you should join us! If not, I hope you enjoy going through these next fifteen days here on my blog. 

Day One

  15 Things About Me

1) I mainly litsen to Gospel proclaiming rap. Reach Records, Cross Movement Records, Lamp Mode Recordings, Clear Sight Music...It's music with a message.

2) I love shopping and getting new things. But, if I go in search of something specific, it is going to be a pretty bad day. I talk myself out of EVERYTHING no matter how perfect it is.

3) I need two food groups to survive: beef and potatoes. Yes, they're food groups.

4) When I was about 2, I refused to anything besides Cheerios for 2 straight weeks...I don't really like Cheerios anymore.

5) Growing up I played basketball and volleyball. I still enjoy both when I get the chance but I get frustrated with people who aren't used to playing. (Little miss competitive needs to be able to take a chill pill).

6) I studied at public school until 8th grade. Then I began to do school from home. I loved my years at home because those were the days I grew CLOSE to God and began to think with a Biblical Worldview.

7) When I'm happy I'm smiling, when I'm sick I'm smiling, when I'm mad I'm smiling...What can I say, I guess my face is stuck that way.

8) I first heard about "getting saved" before ever going to church with my family at a VBS that I didn't want to go to. That summer, at age 9 I left that VBS saved. About a year later, my parents confessed faith in Christ too. 

9) I have three younger siblings. Two of them are often mistaken for my children. 21 going on 45, I'm not insulted, that's totally fine (not).

10) I've never had a cavity or a broken bone and can't tell you the last time that I went to a doctor for anything.

 11) I really like both RSVP and fine sharpie pens in black.

12) I can't remember not knowing how to bake. I've been in the kitchen "helping" whoever was cooking since I was probably 2 or 3.

13) Even though I've had quite a few jobs, I've never officially applied or been interviewed for a job.

14) I learn best by watching, asking questions, and then doing. After that, that's the way I will always do whatever I just learned to do. It is very difficult for me to try new things.

15) The "status-quo", "everybody is doing it", "picket fence living" does not satisfy me. Being "average" is not okay with me, I am always pushing myself to make my life count.