Oh, to be known by my Lord God... this is my delight.
Oh, to be loved by my Lord God... this is my joy.
And I am His delight. I am His joy.
I am not worthless.
I am of great value in His sight.
He has a plan for me.
A beautiful plan.
A challenging plan.
A plan that has been created to benefit His kingdom.
Redeemed.
Restored.
Refreshed.
I am so thankful that I was made for loving Him.
'For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.'
[1 Peter 1:18-19]
Showing posts with label 1 Peter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1 Peter. Show all posts
October 28, 2010
April 17, 2010
Ch. 688 - Transition Preparation
It's getting to be that time of year again...
School's out in less than a month.
[Twelve days of class. Three days of finals.]
I'm stoked.
I can't wait for summer break.
At the same time, part of me wants to just stay in school without long breaks so that I can be finished earlier. Oh well.
Anyway, these next four weeks are going to be the most difficult weeks of the whole school year. I must focus. Want to know the crazy part? I'm not even talking about focusing in regards to academics. Awesome, huh? That's right, I'm talking about focusing on something even more important: Jesuuuuuus. This is a very critical time. If you're not staying on the path in your walk with God before summer... well... it's just not good. Even here at Bible college... "surrounded" by fellow believers, a community - it can be difficult to be strong in your walk. Spending time with God is a total necessity, yet it gets blown off day after day.
Pray.
Read.
Reflect.
Meditate.
Journal.
Service.
Holiness.
I don't care if it's required or not. If you're not doing these things now, with accountability and support from brothers and sisters in Christ all around you, it could possibly be darn hard to do these things when at home... where you may have few to zero family members or friends who are believers. So really, we need to not only be working hard up until the last day of school academically, but also in the strengthening of our obedience, discipline, etc. We really should have a 'now or never' mindset, in my opinion, continually.
God may not need us, but man oh man do we need Him.
'As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do...'
[1 Peter 1:14-15]
School's out in less than a month.
[Twelve days of class. Three days of finals.]
I'm stoked.
I can't wait for summer break.
At the same time, part of me wants to just stay in school without long breaks so that I can be finished earlier. Oh well.
Anyway, these next four weeks are going to be the most difficult weeks of the whole school year. I must focus. Want to know the crazy part? I'm not even talking about focusing in regards to academics. Awesome, huh? That's right, I'm talking about focusing on something even more important: Jesuuuuuus. This is a very critical time. If you're not staying on the path in your walk with God before summer... well... it's just not good. Even here at Bible college... "surrounded" by fellow believers, a community - it can be difficult to be strong in your walk. Spending time with God is a total necessity, yet it gets blown off day after day.
Pray.
Read.
Reflect.
Meditate.
Journal.
Service.
Holiness.
I don't care if it's required or not. If you're not doing these things now, with accountability and support from brothers and sisters in Christ all around you, it could possibly be darn hard to do these things when at home... where you may have few to zero family members or friends who are believers. So really, we need to not only be working hard up until the last day of school academically, but also in the strengthening of our obedience, discipline, etc. We really should have a 'now or never' mindset, in my opinion, continually.
God may not need us, but man oh man do we need Him.
'As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do...'
[1 Peter 1:14-15]
December 4, 2008
Ch. 265 - The Goal of Faith
This week's memory verse:
'Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.'
[1 Peter 1:8-9]
'Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.'
[1 Peter 1:8-9]
November 24, 2008
Ch. 255 - Inexpressible JOY
'Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.'
[1 Peter 1:8-9]
12. September 2010 Edit:
It has been almost two years since I posted this verse. It is most certainly fascinating to think about all that has happened these past twenty-two months. Change. Growth. Development. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera... For example, one thing that has changed is my view of joy. While this verse does claim that we are "filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" based upon the receiving of salvation, it is different from the joy that we may have over, say, the birth of a child. The joy that we are given upon receiving our salvation does not last. We can "retrieve it", simply remember it, through our mind... but if we truly desire a portion of that joy, we need to ask for it. Granted, God will sometimes just give it to us without asking... surprise... but the joy that we think we know is not the joy of God.
[1 Peter 1:8-9]
12. September 2010 Edit:
It has been almost two years since I posted this verse. It is most certainly fascinating to think about all that has happened these past twenty-two months. Change. Growth. Development. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera... For example, one thing that has changed is my view of joy. While this verse does claim that we are "filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" based upon the receiving of salvation, it is different from the joy that we may have over, say, the birth of a child. The joy that we are given upon receiving our salvation does not last. We can "retrieve it", simply remember it, through our mind... but if we truly desire a portion of that joy, we need to ask for it. Granted, God will sometimes just give it to us without asking... surprise... but the joy that we think we know is not the joy of God.
November 17, 2008
Ch. 248 - Fight!
Today I kept thinking about warfare and what I wrote about the school a few days ago. And then just a few minutes ago I checked my e-mail and was cleaning out my inbox. I noticed that I had actually saved a devotional from Rick Warren titled 'How to Fight Spiritual Warfare'. Hm. Whaddya know? I actually don't remember reading it. I probably clicked on it so that it wouldn't appear as a new email and was going to read it later. I thought I'd share it on here, because I liked it a lot.
How to Fight Spiritual Warfare
'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.'
[Ephesians 6:12]
There are four things we need to do when we are battling spiritual warfare in our lives:
1. Acknowledge the adversary. Satan is real (1 Peter 5:8-9). When you’re being attacked, it’s proof that you’re a believer. The more you make an impact for God, the more the Devil is going to fight you. You never outgrow it; it just gets more intense. If there were no Devil, why would God send his Son to fight what does not exist? The Bible says in 1 John 3:8 [NLT], "The Son of God came to destroy these works of the Devil."
2. Accept God-given authority. Most believers are very ignorant about the authority they have to use against the Devil. Matthew 28:18-19 says we have all authority in heaven and earth. Then Jesus says, "Therefore go and make disciples …" He transfers the authority to you and me. He does that because he’s given us a specific mission (2 Corinthians 5:20).
3. Put on God’s armor. When Paul wrote about the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17), he was in prison chained to a Roman guard. Paul used the Roman centurion as a model for spiritual armor. Paul says, just as the Roman soldier is properly dressed to do battle, we also need to be dressed for battle. For instance, I will often pray, "Lord, I put on the helmet of salvation that will protect me from the thoughts the Devil will try to give me. I don’t want to think the Devil’s thoughts. I don’t want to think my thoughts. I want to think your thoughts, so that that I may be a voice for you. I put on the belt of truth. Lord, I want to share the truth, not falsehood. I want to lead people into righteousness."
4. Aim the artillery. The battlefield for spiritual warfare is primarily in your thought life, in your mind (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Paul says the weapons God gives us to use demolish arguments – that’s the way people think; they pull down pretension – that’s the way people think. We take every thought captive.
In this battle for thoughts, we have four weapons: humility, faith, truth, and praise.
How to Fight Spiritual Warfare
'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.'
[Ephesians 6:12]
There are four things we need to do when we are battling spiritual warfare in our lives:
1. Acknowledge the adversary. Satan is real (1 Peter 5:8-9). When you’re being attacked, it’s proof that you’re a believer. The more you make an impact for God, the more the Devil is going to fight you. You never outgrow it; it just gets more intense. If there were no Devil, why would God send his Son to fight what does not exist? The Bible says in 1 John 3:8 [NLT], "The Son of God came to destroy these works of the Devil."
2. Accept God-given authority. Most believers are very ignorant about the authority they have to use against the Devil. Matthew 28:18-19 says we have all authority in heaven and earth. Then Jesus says, "Therefore go and make disciples …" He transfers the authority to you and me. He does that because he’s given us a specific mission (2 Corinthians 5:20).
3. Put on God’s armor. When Paul wrote about the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17), he was in prison chained to a Roman guard. Paul used the Roman centurion as a model for spiritual armor. Paul says, just as the Roman soldier is properly dressed to do battle, we also need to be dressed for battle. For instance, I will often pray, "Lord, I put on the helmet of salvation that will protect me from the thoughts the Devil will try to give me. I don’t want to think the Devil’s thoughts. I don’t want to think my thoughts. I want to think your thoughts, so that that I may be a voice for you. I put on the belt of truth. Lord, I want to share the truth, not falsehood. I want to lead people into righteousness."
4. Aim the artillery. The battlefield for spiritual warfare is primarily in your thought life, in your mind (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Paul says the weapons God gives us to use demolish arguments – that’s the way people think; they pull down pretension – that’s the way people think. We take every thought captive.
In this battle for thoughts, we have four weapons: humility, faith, truth, and praise.
September 30, 2008
Ch. 204 - An Attack
I was attacked tonight.
No, I wasn't charged at or punched or kicked or slapped or even verbally attacked.
It was much worse than any of that could possibly be.
I was attacked by the enemy.
I don't know why, exactly.
But I do know that it was not a good time.
I've been heavily attacked a few times before - and tonight was, in comparison, no worse than before. In fact, it was considerably weaker than previous times. The only thing that differed was the fact that I do not feel close to God right now, whereas in the past I was extremely close to God when I was attacked.
I think it was just supposed to be one more thing to try and make me feel that I'm not close with Him. I already know and have said that I'm not. However, I'm now truly striving to work on it... and the fact that I'm walking back to the path I'm supposed to be on is upsetting to the enemy. But I'm not going to be brought down further by him. I'm tired of it. Besides, I have support in this, you know? I have help. I have love. I have prayer. And that's the best thing to have in this situation, I believe.
'And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.'
[1 Peter 5:10-11]
No, I wasn't charged at or punched or kicked or slapped or even verbally attacked.
It was much worse than any of that could possibly be.
I was attacked by the enemy.
I don't know why, exactly.
But I do know that it was not a good time.
I've been heavily attacked a few times before - and tonight was, in comparison, no worse than before. In fact, it was considerably weaker than previous times. The only thing that differed was the fact that I do not feel close to God right now, whereas in the past I was extremely close to God when I was attacked.
I think it was just supposed to be one more thing to try and make me feel that I'm not close with Him. I already know and have said that I'm not. However, I'm now truly striving to work on it... and the fact that I'm walking back to the path I'm supposed to be on is upsetting to the enemy. But I'm not going to be brought down further by him. I'm tired of it. Besides, I have support in this, you know? I have help. I have love. I have prayer. And that's the best thing to have in this situation, I believe.
'And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.'
[1 Peter 5:10-11]
August 30, 2008
Ch. 178 - Do Not Be Troubled
'Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with the gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.'
[1 Peter 3:13-16, NASB]
11. August 2010 Edit:
It is so easy to pull out the pity card, playing the game as a supposed victim. Poor me, I am a Christian and everybody hates me because I am different [or at least supposed to be...]. I don't do this, I do that. I don't do that, I do this. I go here, I listen to this, I follow that, I am what they say I am - a goody two-shoes. Blah, blah, blah. We can't let others beat us down and then stay in the dirt. Turn the other cheek? Sure. But let them continue to believe that which is false and basically let them keep their preconceived notions? No! Prepare. Take heart, standing strong. Pray. Be guided. And let God use you. Be a blessing and be blessed. It may be difficult. It may hurt. But in the long run, they are the ones who will be hurting, when they find themselves eternally separated from God... when you could have been used in order to make a difference. When they ask their questions, when they challenge you, be ready! Be confident that the Lord is on your "side" and be reminded of the hope that you have in the freedom and grace that you have received.
[1 Peter 3:13-16, NASB]
11. August 2010 Edit:
It is so easy to pull out the pity card, playing the game as a supposed victim. Poor me, I am a Christian and everybody hates me because I am different [or at least supposed to be...]. I don't do this, I do that. I don't do that, I do this. I go here, I listen to this, I follow that, I am what they say I am - a goody two-shoes. Blah, blah, blah. We can't let others beat us down and then stay in the dirt. Turn the other cheek? Sure. But let them continue to believe that which is false and basically let them keep their preconceived notions? No! Prepare. Take heart, standing strong. Pray. Be guided. And let God use you. Be a blessing and be blessed. It may be difficult. It may hurt. But in the long run, they are the ones who will be hurting, when they find themselves eternally separated from God... when you could have been used in order to make a difference. When they ask their questions, when they challenge you, be ready! Be confident that the Lord is on your "side" and be reminded of the hope that you have in the freedom and grace that you have received.
August 21, 2008
Ch. 169 - On Your Mark...
Wow.
Wow.
Wow.
Wow.
I had my first day of class today.
And indeed, 'wow' is all I can say.
I'm so ready to run this race.
'Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.'
[1 Peter 1:13]
......
Ch. 169, Part Two:
This week's memory verse:
'Surely my soul remembers and is bowed down within me. This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him." '
[Lamentations 3:20-24, NASB]
In my Christian Discipleship class we have verses each week that we have to memorize, so I'm using those for the rest of the semester. Usually I use NIV for all of my verses, but the school uses NASB, so for at least the memory verses I'm using NASB. So yes, 'lovingkindnesses' is correct.
Wow.
Wow.
Wow.
I had my first day of class today.
And indeed, 'wow' is all I can say.
I'm so ready to run this race.
'Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.'
[1 Peter 1:13]
......
Ch. 169, Part Two:
This week's memory verse:
'Surely my soul remembers and is bowed down within me. This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him." '
[Lamentations 3:20-24, NASB]
In my Christian Discipleship class we have verses each week that we have to memorize, so I'm using those for the rest of the semester. Usually I use NIV for all of my verses, but the school uses NASB, so for at least the memory verses I'm using NASB. So yes, 'lovingkindnesses' is correct.
March 31, 2008
Ch. 76 - Lookin' Good!
I have not showered since Saturday.
Saturday evening, granted, but still.
Saturday.
I wasn't even planning on showering today, but I am very hungry and need food. This means I need to either a) go to the grocery store, or b) go over to the HC. Either way, getting food means 'going' somewhere. I have some food in my room I could eat. But I really want a sandwich from the sandwich-lady and some delectable Caesar salad, which I have only just discovered a couple weeks ago and can't get enough of.
Which means I need to shower.
But I wasn't planning on showering today.
It's good for your hair to let the natural oils flow from your scalp for a few days, at least once a month.
But guess what?
It's not acceptable in our society to have greasy hair and smell nothing like roses or peaches and cream. People cringe. They take a couple steps away, oh-so-discreetly. They make gestures that I'm sure they don't consider rude, like pinching their noses and turning their heads a complete 180 degrees away from the offensive factors (I've seen people do this, mostly on TRAX, not going to lie).
It's sad.
Now, chances are people wouldn't treat me like that. I have clean clothes. I can at least wash my face. I really don't smell, honestly. And no, I'm not trying to convince myself that I don't.
So here I am, torn. I don't want to shower every day now, because it wastes water. And seriously people, natural oil. Hello. You know, some people don't have the chance to but maybe once a week - I know for many, even less. But I want to shower almost more than once a day, because I am so fortunate that I can if I want to. And it's college. I don't have to pay the water bill. I don't want to take it for granted. But then I feel bad, because it's true. Many people out there can't. Or don't even have indoor plumbing available to them on the street. Ever think about the African bush? No indoor plumbing, I'm pretty sure. Yet the Maasai do just fine without it.
Nope.
Not showering.
There's snow on the ground.
I can get away with wearing a hat.
And some deodorant.
That's always a good idea.
And "you're never fully dressed without a smile."
I can't believe I just quoted Annie.
Forgive me.
Honestly, though. God loves all of His children - just as they are. It doesn't matter if they shower four times a day or four times a year. He does not have more love for one over another.
'Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.'
[1 Peter 3:3-4]
......
Ch. Seventy-Six, Part Two:
My title is part of a comedy routine by Sinbad from 1989. It's a big joke within our family. Love it. Love, love, love it.
"Gurrrl! Yo' hair be lookin' good! Whattcho been doin'?"
"Oh, I just been washin' it, conditionin' it."
Saturday evening, granted, but still.
Saturday.
I wasn't even planning on showering today, but I am very hungry and need food. This means I need to either a) go to the grocery store, or b) go over to the HC. Either way, getting food means 'going' somewhere. I have some food in my room I could eat. But I really want a sandwich from the sandwich-lady and some delectable Caesar salad, which I have only just discovered a couple weeks ago and can't get enough of.
Which means I need to shower.
But I wasn't planning on showering today.
It's good for your hair to let the natural oils flow from your scalp for a few days, at least once a month.
But guess what?
It's not acceptable in our society to have greasy hair and smell nothing like roses or peaches and cream. People cringe. They take a couple steps away, oh-so-discreetly. They make gestures that I'm sure they don't consider rude, like pinching their noses and turning their heads a complete 180 degrees away from the offensive factors (I've seen people do this, mostly on TRAX, not going to lie).
It's sad.
Now, chances are people wouldn't treat me like that. I have clean clothes. I can at least wash my face. I really don't smell, honestly. And no, I'm not trying to convince myself that I don't.
So here I am, torn. I don't want to shower every day now, because it wastes water. And seriously people, natural oil. Hello. You know, some people don't have the chance to but maybe once a week - I know for many, even less. But I want to shower almost more than once a day, because I am so fortunate that I can if I want to. And it's college. I don't have to pay the water bill. I don't want to take it for granted. But then I feel bad, because it's true. Many people out there can't. Or don't even have indoor plumbing available to them on the street. Ever think about the African bush? No indoor plumbing, I'm pretty sure. Yet the Maasai do just fine without it.
Nope.
Not showering.
There's snow on the ground.
I can get away with wearing a hat.
And some deodorant.
That's always a good idea.
And "you're never fully dressed without a smile."
I can't believe I just quoted Annie.
Forgive me.
Honestly, though. God loves all of His children - just as they are. It doesn't matter if they shower four times a day or four times a year. He does not have more love for one over another.
'Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.'
[1 Peter 3:3-4]
......
Ch. Seventy-Six, Part Two:
My title is part of a comedy routine by Sinbad from 1989. It's a big joke within our family. Love it. Love, love, love it.
"Gurrrl! Yo' hair be lookin' good! Whattcho been doin'?"
"Oh, I just been washin' it, conditionin' it."
March 14, 2008
Ch. 59 - Taking the Time
There are seven religions of the world that are the most accounted for:
1. Christianity - 33.32% of the world's population
2. Islam - 21.01%
3. Hinduism - 13.26%
4. Buddhism - 5.84%
5. Sikhism - .35%
6. Judaism - .23%
7. Baha'i Faith - .12%
"Other religions" make up 11.78%.
"Non-religious people" make up 11.77%.
"Atheists" make up for 2.32%.
I like to believe that I know more about Christianity than the average Joe.
I know a lot about Islam. A lot.
I don't know much about Hinduism.
I don't know much about Buddhism.
I don't know anything about Sikhism.
I know a bit about Judaism.
I don't know much about the Baha'i Faith.
I think it's important to be knowledgeable of other religions and belief systems to a reasonable extent. You don't have to be an expert on anything, really. Just take the time to brush up on basic facts and beliefs - especially if you're interested in apologetics... which, I must add, is the newest love of my life.
'But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.'
[1 Peter 3:15]
1. Christianity - 33.32% of the world's population
2. Islam - 21.01%
3. Hinduism - 13.26%
4. Buddhism - 5.84%
5. Sikhism - .35%
6. Judaism - .23%
7. Baha'i Faith - .12%
"Other religions" make up 11.78%.
"Non-religious people" make up 11.77%.
"Atheists" make up for 2.32%.
I like to believe that I know more about Christianity than the average Joe.
I know a lot about Islam. A lot.
I don't know much about Hinduism.
I don't know much about Buddhism.
I don't know anything about Sikhism.
I know a bit about Judaism.
I don't know much about the Baha'i Faith.
I think it's important to be knowledgeable of other religions and belief systems to a reasonable extent. You don't have to be an expert on anything, really. Just take the time to brush up on basic facts and beliefs - especially if you're interested in apologetics... which, I must add, is the newest love of my life.
'But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.'
[1 Peter 3:15]
February 29, 2008
Ch. 45 - Note for the Future
As I was cleaning out my desk today, I found something I had written for Shawn awhile ago. We had been talking about going into youth ministry and our love for youth and such - but Shawn couldn't help but admit that she didn't particularly care for certain youth... notedly sixth grade boys. They're annoying. They're pubescent. They're obnoxious. They're roughhousers. They're sixth. grade. boys. Enough said.
Here's what I had written:
'If God can love all of us - sinners, murderers, adulterers, thieves, etc. - there's no reason we should not be able to love sixth grade boys.'
Because we are loved, we can love. We can love everybody. And not just pretend to love - but truly, honestly love. With sincerity. [Romans 12:9] That's what God wants of us, after all.
'Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.'
[1 Peter 1:22-23]
Here's what I had written:
'If God can love all of us - sinners, murderers, adulterers, thieves, etc. - there's no reason we should not be able to love sixth grade boys.'
Because we are loved, we can love. We can love everybody. And not just pretend to love - but truly, honestly love. With sincerity. [Romans 12:9] That's what God wants of us, after all.
'Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.'
[1 Peter 1:22-23]
February 9, 2008
Ch. 24 - God is Good
I was certainly right in believing that yesterday would be a good day - it was. Very much so, in fact. It even lasted into Saturday by quite a few hours. I loved it. My day wasn't entirely God-filled, but more so than it's been the last few days... so that was great.
I hung out with Mr. Zachariah Pecchia-Bekkum, that kicked it all off. We went on a lovely walk. It was nice getting to know him a bit more; he's just so quiet that I feel it's been difficult to do so! I figure I just need to work at developing a friendship with him a little harder than with other people, which is really perfectly fine with me. He's a good guy. I was really glad I decided to randomly contact him today, because when we got back to his apartment Matt was about to leave to go to the mosque - which Katie and I had talked about earlier that day and wanted to go to, but wouldn't have had a way to get there! I love how things work out like that. So Katie, Matt, Tiffany and I all went; we were the only students from the U that were there, even though an invitation had been sent out to all the members of Salt Co. (which I don't even go to, actually, but receive the e-mail newsletters for). That was a wonderful time. Even before deciding to major in Middle Eastern Studies I had always been interested in Islam and the culture of the Middle East. The people that attend that particular mosque are mostly Pakistani, I believe. We were able to observe one of their Friday prayer times - beautiful. I love their recitation of prayer. I really felt a presence there, honestly. God certainly filled my heart and I prayed on my own for awhile. There was then a question and answer time; the imam had a neat sense of humor and answered the questions really well, I learned a lot. Last there was a reading of a Qur'anic verse followed up with translation and explanation. I really enjoyed it all.
Later Katie, Zach (a different Zach than whom I had hung out with earlier), Anita and I went to hang out at Spencer's house. There were more people there than usual, which was cool, but the four of us actually ended up chatting most of the time. I felt bad, but it was still a really good time. I'm really glad that Anita came and that I am getting to know her better; she's a really awesome girl. And Zach is a very cool guy, really genuine, I feel. We left kind of early at my suggestion. Hopefully that was alright. We went over to Coffee Break for a bit, saved a guy's life by finding his iPod under my couch cushion, and found out that Anita and I have more in common than I thought we did. Three cheers for Speech/Debate. Then we went back to the dorms to watch a movie - American Beauty - and then stayed for yet another movie, Alfie. It was 6:00 in the morning by the time the second movie was finished. Awesome. Honestly though, I could hang out with those three all the time and never get tired of doing so. They're amazing.
Throughout the day I didn't pray as often as I usually do. Want to know a secret?
I didn't mind.
I mean, I didn't find myself thinking, "Oh man - I need to pray more," or "What's wrong with me? Pray, Natalie, pray!"
I don't know. It was like I needed a break from talking to God.
Don't get me wrong, I love doing so. But sometimes it's nice to take a breather, I suppose.
Yesterday and this morning were wonderful. I thank God for friendship and fellowship. What beautiful gifts.
'Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love on another deeply, from the heart.'
[1 Peter 1:22]
I hung out with Mr. Zachariah Pecchia-Bekkum, that kicked it all off. We went on a lovely walk. It was nice getting to know him a bit more; he's just so quiet that I feel it's been difficult to do so! I figure I just need to work at developing a friendship with him a little harder than with other people, which is really perfectly fine with me. He's a good guy. I was really glad I decided to randomly contact him today, because when we got back to his apartment Matt was about to leave to go to the mosque - which Katie and I had talked about earlier that day and wanted to go to, but wouldn't have had a way to get there! I love how things work out like that. So Katie, Matt, Tiffany and I all went; we were the only students from the U that were there, even though an invitation had been sent out to all the members of Salt Co. (which I don't even go to, actually, but receive the e-mail newsletters for). That was a wonderful time. Even before deciding to major in Middle Eastern Studies I had always been interested in Islam and the culture of the Middle East. The people that attend that particular mosque are mostly Pakistani, I believe. We were able to observe one of their Friday prayer times - beautiful. I love their recitation of prayer. I really felt a presence there, honestly. God certainly filled my heart and I prayed on my own for awhile. There was then a question and answer time; the imam had a neat sense of humor and answered the questions really well, I learned a lot. Last there was a reading of a Qur'anic verse followed up with translation and explanation. I really enjoyed it all.
Later Katie, Zach (a different Zach than whom I had hung out with earlier), Anita and I went to hang out at Spencer's house. There were more people there than usual, which was cool, but the four of us actually ended up chatting most of the time. I felt bad, but it was still a really good time. I'm really glad that Anita came and that I am getting to know her better; she's a really awesome girl. And Zach is a very cool guy, really genuine, I feel. We left kind of early at my suggestion. Hopefully that was alright. We went over to Coffee Break for a bit, saved a guy's life by finding his iPod under my couch cushion, and found out that Anita and I have more in common than I thought we did. Three cheers for Speech/Debate. Then we went back to the dorms to watch a movie - American Beauty - and then stayed for yet another movie, Alfie. It was 6:00 in the morning by the time the second movie was finished. Awesome. Honestly though, I could hang out with those three all the time and never get tired of doing so. They're amazing.
Throughout the day I didn't pray as often as I usually do. Want to know a secret?
I didn't mind.
I mean, I didn't find myself thinking, "Oh man - I need to pray more," or "What's wrong with me? Pray, Natalie, pray!"
I don't know. It was like I needed a break from talking to God.
Don't get me wrong, I love doing so. But sometimes it's nice to take a breather, I suppose.
Yesterday and this morning were wonderful. I thank God for friendship and fellowship. What beautiful gifts.
'Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love on another deeply, from the heart.'
[1 Peter 1:22]
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