Ch. 150 - Full Speed Ahead

'Into marvelous light I'm running,
out of darkness, out of shame.
By the cross You are the truth,
You are the life, You are the way.

My dead heart now is beating,
my deepest stains now clean.
Your breath fills up my lungs,
now I'm free, now I'm free.

Lift my hands and spin around,
See the light that I have found.
Oh the marvelous light,
the marvelous light.'
[Marvelous Light]

This is, quite possibly, one of my favorite songs ever. It really speaks to me and I am able to connect to it because I believe a lot of it perfectly describes how I've come to know Christ and what has happened in my life since I've truly accepted Him into my heart.

A couple weeks ago I had written a post about receiving something I had been waiting for [see Chs. 136 and 137]. That 'something' was forgiveness. I know, I know: 'How can you be waiting for forgiveness? God forgives everything once you ask for it and expect that it will be given to you.' I don't know how to describe my thought process behind it, though. Just trust me when I say that I know when God has truly forgiven me for something. It's one of those 'things', you know? A feeling. A thought. A sense of humility like no other.

Anyway, while I was waiting for said forgiveness, I couldn't help but notice that I didn't feel quite right. I didn't feel alive in Christ... a terrible feeling. So the verse I have posted above ('my dead heart now is beating...') really represents that struggle I felt in my heart to connect with God and focus on Him while waiting for His forgiveness - and then the turnaround with His breath filling up my lungs, setting me free in His love, mercy and grace. I don't think the verse can only be about accepting Christ into your heart and being free in Him, which is a great thing. It is able to speak to all people and meet them where they are in life and in their walks with God. Beautiful.

I also appreciate the first part of the song that I posted ('by the cross you are the truth...').

' "Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." '
[John 14:6]

I have been on the other side of the fence and thus can tell you, with firsthand experience, that it couldn't be more true. If you think there's any way around it, you are wrong. That's a pretty opinionated and bold statement, but I agree with what Jesus said so strongly that there's no way I'd say or believe otherwise.

So yes, I am running into marvelous light... and I'm not slowing down anytime soon.


' "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." '
[Matthew 7:13-14]

Ch. 149 - Getting Over 'It'

Time to be tough.
Suck it up.
Get over it.
It's not a big deal.

I keep saying these things to myself, in regards to not being in Salt Lake. I'm homesick for Utah. How crazy is that? I was there for ten months and I miss it like no other. I said it in my other blog, too, but I'm not too proud to say it again and again and again. Because never before had I experienced LIFE the way I did when I lived in SLC.

And you know, sometimes you just have to say what you're thinking.

I miss walking around campus. I miss reading on the city library's roof. I miss riding TRAX. I miss leaving notes on the boys' apartment door. I miss walking the Red Butte trails. I miss seeing snow on the mountains surrounding the valley. I miss crossing the Legacy Bridge on winter mornings on the way to weightlifting. I miss sipping piping hot Americano in CoffeeBreak.

But most of all, I miss the people I met.

I miss listening to Darcy's hilarious stories.
I miss God-talks with Matt.
I miss Shawn's dancing and prancing around.
I miss hearing Spencer make fun of Brittany.
I miss hearing Tiffany make fun of Spencer.
I miss Zach's quiet nonchalance.
I miss Katie's humorous quips.
I miss learning about Ross' reckless ideas.
I miss Kastin's amazing hugs.
I miss random talks with Landon about nothing and everything.
I miss Ricky's quiet enthusiasm.
I miss Jackie's passionate outbursts.
I miss listening to Ben leading praise at Ute-Nited.
I miss Katie C's contagious laughter.
I miss thinking and thinking and thinking about David's questions.
I miss experiencing Jess' excitement about small group.

I could go on forever with these 'I miss' statements - especially about specific people - but I'm not going to waste my time grieving over the fact that I'm not in Salt Lake City at this point in time and that there are people, places and things that I miss.

My dad has kept on asking me if I'm sure I want to go to school in Missouri, or if I want to go back to Utah. Of course I want to go back to Utah! Now that I've been and know what it's like out there and have developed relationships with some incredibly special people, I think if I don't go back eventually that I will go crazy. Whether I go for a long weekend visit once in awhile... for summer work... for two years of school at Salt Lake Theological Seminary... for inner-city mission work for the rest of my life... I will go back. But for now, I know that I need to be elsewhere. It killed me to realize that and let God take over, but at the same time it's giving me life. And that's where I find rest. Knowing that it's God's will and that His plan for me is the best plan for me.


' "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." '
[Jeremiah 29:11-13]

Hm. How many times have I used these verses so far? Three?
I think I'm starting to see a theme here.

Ch. 148 - God is Like Oxygen

This week's memory verse:

'No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.'
[1 John 4:12 ]

Ch. 147 - Jesus Has Your Back

This was today's devotional. It was really encouraging for me and I wanted to share it.

Jesus Prays for You

' "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message..." '
[John 17:20]

During the Last Supper, Jesus prayed for himself and then he prayed for the disciples. And then, with the hour of his death approaching, he took time to pray for you. He prayed for all those who would believe through the ministry of the disciples, and that means you.

This is what he told God:

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."
[John 17:20-24]

Jesus prays for you still.
"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."
[Hebrews 7:25]

Jesus wants you with him.
"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory..."
[John 17:24]

Ch. 146 - Like Water on a Duck

'When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul.'

Horatio Spafford's It Is Well with My Soul is my favorite hymn. It provides a lot of comfort and, in a sense, gives me strength when I've fallen and am not doing too well. The past couple of weeks haven't been so great, but I've tried not to let that show. I had had a lot of anxious thoughts running through my mind and was really worrying about a few things. I'm not an anxious person by nature. Or a worrywart. I don't get nervous. I don't get stressed. But sometimes 'stuff' just starts to pile up on your shoulders and the weight can bend you over, transforming you into something or someone you're not. And that's not a good thing. Thankfully, by just realizing that you can give it all to God, you can straighten up and let it roll off your shoulders. So that's exactly what I did. And it is well with my soul.


'And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.'
[Philippians 4:7]

Ch. 145 - Fear

I hope this isn't taken as a prideful or boastful thing to say... but today I realized that I truly don't have any fears. Do you know how comforting that is to know about yourself? That may sound strange, but honestly, it's true. And what good does it do to fear things of this world? To fear thought or knowledge, beast or man?

I suppose that's what I mean by 'I truly don't have any fears.' That I'm not afraid of anything. I think the only 'fear' I have is that of fearing God. But I'm not afraid of Him. To fear God is to fear the judgment of God. I think to fear God is to have reverence and awe for Him... I think that's in a psalm somewhere...

Anyway.

This is my story. And at least in this chapter, I'm the most fearless person there is. Oh goodness. I can't skip around it anymore. If that's not pride talking, I don't know what is! Forgive me. Perhaps I'm at the point where I could say 'I have nothing to fear but fear itself.'


'Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.'
[Psalm 33:8]

'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'
[Psalm 118:6]

Ch. 144 - Author of Salvation

Our God can do anything. He can move mountains. He can conquer the grave. He can save.

People argue that Christians belittle God by saying that He is merciful and just and forgiving and gracious and loving - all these things and more - to all people, sinners and saints alike. They say that this is giving God human characteristics, and humans aren't perfect, but God is. He is almighty.

But weren't we created in His image? They believe that God is there, that He is the Creator. So if He created us, how could He have human characteristics? And I'm not saying that we, as humans, are anything like God in His powerfully omnipotent and amazingly omniscient perfection. We aren't gods, we will never be gods or even truly like God.

But because God is merciful to us, we can show mercy. Because God is just, we can be just. Because God is forgiving, we can forgive. Because God shows grace to us, we can be gracious. Because God loves us, we can love. And He has given us the perfect example of how to do and be these things in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Is it really such a complicated concept that is difficult to understand, but not for me because that's what I've been taught all my life? It just all seems so simple to me.

My heart aches for those who have never heard about Jesus, as well as those who have but have rejected Him as their Savior.


'We love because he first loved us.'
[1 John 4:19]

Ch. 143 - Counting My Blessings

'For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him...'
[Philippians 1:29]

18. May 2010 Edit:

I'm pretty sure I've written down my thoughts on suffering for Christ before. I must say, however, that while every single believer may not suffer "for" Christ as greatly as He did for us, I think it's important to at least realize how greatly blessed we are because of His suffering. And if we truly care about what Jesus did before, during, and after His time on the cross, we need to take more seriously our commission and commitment to Him. We shouldn't be afraid to suffer for Christ. "For it has been granted to you..." Granted. Permitted as a right. A privilege. We should feel honored to be able to suffer for Him - because we believe on Him.

Ch. 142 - The Reiteration

Last night I spent the night at Camp Hitaga, which is where the youth group has been spending their evenings after working so that they can have fellowship and worship - aspects of a 'normal' offsite mission trip experience, seeing how they're working in town this year. It was really nice to have that extra time with all the kids. I wish I had stuck with my initial decision to spend the night there again and not come home, but it's not a big deal.

Anyway, last night I decided to attend the Senior-Hi worship. Definitely a good choice. A few of the kids spoke, reading Scripture, reflection on the Scripture and the message. Glynn Roberts, who graduated this past spring, was one of the kids who spoke. Something he brought up was the fact that every time he goes on a mission trip, he grows in his faith immensely. However, he always wishes that he could grow like that every week of the year, not just the one or two weeks during each summer. And that his wanting to do so should prompt that change and the realization that it could truly happen.

That was really cool to hear. These past couple of months I've been doing a lot of thinking about that kind of thing. Growing in faith, I mean, and missions [naturally]. I'm basically going to be living one giant mission trip, eventually, and I know that I'm going to grow in my faith in ways that I have never experienced before. I can't wait. But I know going on missions isn't the only way one can grow in their faith and be ignited on fire for God. That's something I learned this past year and I will be able to carry this knowledge which I have come to acquire in the days to come.


'Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart my fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.'
[Psalm 73:23-26]

Ch. 141 - Running the Race

This week's memory verse:

'Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.'
[James 1:12]

Ch. 140 - Blast From the Past

So this morning I went over to the church to see if Phil (the youth pastor) needed any help on one of the mission teams. Because of the flooding here in Cedar Rapids, the annual Des Moines trip for the Mid-Hi was canceled; the Senior-Hi decided to stay and do flood relief work here instead of going to Minnesota. Also because of the flooding, one of the youth projects that was supposed to happen in June was cancelled - Paint by Neighbors - so that is what the Mid-Hi has been doing this week.

I just sort of placed myself on the Mid-Hi team because I didn't have any work boots, basically. Plus I love working with Mid-Hi, so it was what I wanted to do! But you know, as we headed out to the work sites, I looked around me and realized that I didn't know these middle schoolers. It's a new group and I wondered how this could have happened so suddenly. I felt old. I'm 19, for goodness' sake! I started to worry about not being connected with these kids since I've not been around the youth group for the past couple of years. But I love working with Mid-Hi and I was determined to not let the fact that I didn't know these kids bring me down.

Fortunately, my worries started to dissipate once we got to the houses the group has been working on. All it takes is some introductions, encouragement to get started and a little chit-chat and song-singing while we work to get in my Mid-Hi mode. Soon I was practically one of them and I was in my element, both with the kids and the painting. Bliss.


'Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...'
[Philippians 2:14-15]

Ch. 139 - A Perfect Day

Today was beautiful. Just beautiful.

God gave me this day. Me.

I hate to sound selfish, but I can't help it. I apologize.

That's all I have to say.


'God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning - the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.'
[Genesis 1:31-2:1]

Ch. 138 - United in Action

I've finally realized that it doesn't matter what you do or how you do it, but that you do something... for example, in the ways of reaching out, lending a hand, loving, offering an ear or a shoulder, etc. It doesn't matter if you are the mouth of Christ, the arms of Christ, the eyes of Christ, the feet of Christ, or the ears of Christ. Every part of the body is beautiful and useful.


'Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.'
[Romans 12:4-5]

Ch. 137 - Pulled Up By God

OUR GOD IS GOOD. ALL THE TIME.

This morning I got what I've been praying for.
I love the irony of it all.
On the verge of being quite upset about the whole situation, I decided to post about it yesterday. And here I am today, posting that I received what I've been praying for. Waiting for. Here's the best part: the sermon in church today was about waiting in patient hope. Beautiful. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.


'Out of the depths I cry to you,
O Lord;
O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the
morning,
more than watchmen wait for the
morning.

O Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.'
[Psalm 130]

My psalms reading for the evening were psalms 120 to 130. I almost lost it as I read Psalm 130. It was perfect. Is perfect.

Ch. 136 - Falling On My Knees

I've been asking for something from God for awhile now. 57 days, to be precise. I'm starting to become anxious as to whether I'll receive it or not. I mean, for all I know I could receive it in five days - or five years. When I say 'it' I don't mean an actual thing... it's more of a feeling than anything. And I know when I'll receive it. It's just one of those things, you know?

I'm expecting it.

I think everything is going to be alright.
No.

I know everything is going to be alright.


'Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.'
[James 1:4-6]

Ch. 135 - Dumbfounded

Have you ever felt the need to say something to a dear friend, but simply didn't? Something fresh. Something exciting. Something loving. Something important. You don't want to change their minds over something or make them feel unsupported, but you feel you need to lay it all down for them... you need to lay it out in hope that they will be able to see things the way you do. And not just see things, but understand it all.

I really don't want to elaborate, so I'm sorry for the vagueness of the post. But it's on my heart and I need to get it out.

You can understand something and not believe it.
But you can believe something and not understand it.

You may say that you can't believe something until you understand it inside and out, but I disagree. I think you could call that faith.


' "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." '
[Mark 11:22-26]

Ch. 134 - The Thanksgiving

I worked outside in the yard for a long time today. It was a very pleasant day. A bit on the humid side - but I love warm, humid weather, so I was quite content. The sun was shining in a perfect, cerulean sky, a slight breeze blew across my face every so often... and for most of the day I had a cardinal singing to me while I worked. Truly, a beautiful day.

Now, once you've got a set task in mind and decide to start and you're up to your elbows in dirt, yard work doesn't require a lot of thinking. Just doing. So I had a lot of space for thought - and a lot of time to think. Thus, I did just that. I thought about all kinds of things. Of 'shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings'. Alright, so maybe I didn't think of said things. But I certainly could have! No, instead I thought about things along the lines of family and friends, future times and God. Surprise, surprise, eh? I must say, though, that sometimes I don't know what will come up next as I let my mind wander on random thoughts. So yes, at times my own thoughts surprise me. Or more like the way I get to thinking about something surprises me. For example, at the end of it all I'll think, 'How did I get from thinking about strawberries to my pillow, and then from my pillow to God? Honestly, Natalie.' [True thought, by the way.]

Anyway. Before I knew it, I was thinking about God. Same ol', same ol', really. How cool He is. How big and small He is. How loving He is. And before I knew it, I found myself thanking God for basically everything I could think of. And I mean everything. It was really a nice time to do so. I was living in a perfect day. In the presence of a perfect God. How could I not be thankful for, in fact, everything?

I've said before that I need to give thanks to God more often. If I am to truly worship Him every minute of every day by living my life for Him, it should take up more of my time than it presently does. I feel a mid-year resolution coming on...


'Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.'
[Ephesians 5:19-20]

......

Ch. 134, Part Two:

This week's memory verse:
'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.'
[1 John 1:9]

Ch. 133 - Lighthouse on the Coast

Lately I've been thinking about what will happen once I graduate. For what organization, company, etc. I'll work for. Where I'll go. What I'll do. Who I'll meet. And for awhile there I really started to worry. I've said it before: I like to plan things out. So technically, I'm stepping out on a limb here with transferring and going into missions, because I don't know what's going to happen. I'm not the one in charge.

I know I'm going to be sailing some pretty rough seas in the future. I'm sure the trip will be dotted with storms and flooded with bouts of darkness. And I can't overcome these hazards without God as my light and guide.


'For the Lord God is our light and our protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right. O Lord Almighty, happy are those who trust in you.'
[Psalm 84:11-12, NLT]

Ch. 132 - Verification Verse Three

'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.'
[Colossians 3:23-24]

17. May 2010 Edit:

I personally don't think much - if anything - needs to be said regarding these verses... but I'll go ahead and give my two cents anyway. First of all, would anything we do ["Whatever you do"] be considered a service to God? Could we truly consider every task, every act of each day something from which glory to God can be given, and/or for the furthering of His kingdom? Sometimes I wonder... But we never know how something we do - or say! - will affect anything or anyone in this world. So we truly should strive to do all things as though we are doing them for God.

Ch. 131 - Verification Verse Two

' "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" '
[Matthew 16:26]

16. May 2010 Edit:

All things of this world are finite.
Temporal.
Limited.

The things of this world should not matter to us.
Even relationships, in the end, fail us. That doesn't mean we shouldn't make the most of our time and love people and help them and develop the connections we have... because we were made as relational beings. But when they come to be of greater importance than our Lord God, that is when we need to shift our focus and remind ourselves how "meaningless" certain things truly are. There are few things we know and trust that are truly of great importance. Meaningful. Eternal. We should spend some time thinking about what those are and what they mean to and for us.

Ch. 130 - Verification Verse One

The next few days' posts are going to be simple verses that have really made an impact on me during this past week. I think everybody can take something away from them and live their life more accordingly to how God wants us to by focusing on what the verse really has to say.


'Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.'
[Psalm 32:10]

15. May 2010 Edit:

A woe could be distress, regret, grief... it could be announced upon someone, or it could be a personal feeling one has. I think that we would be less likely to say "Woe is me!" if we were to realize that the things which cause us to feel woe... don't matter. Lose your job? Work for God's kingdom. Break up with your significant other? Strengthen your relationship with God. God is with you, always. He loves you, always. But how does it make Him feel when He is not loved in return? When He is not trusted? If anyone has reason to say "Woe is me!" it is Him, because so many of His beloved children have been lost forever because they do not listen. They do not repent. They do not believe. And the list goes on... Granted, He doesn't need us. But we need Him. Too often we don't realize that as early on as we should... Anyway, isn't it nice to feel needed?

Ch. 129 - Hitting the Nail

God really does know everything about us. I know I've heard it so many times, but sometimes it takes just that extra something to make it click. Sometimes that extra something makes us feel good, sometimes it makes us feel bad, but in the end it helps us have a better understanding of both God and ourselves. And I know that God wants the best for us, His children, so sometimes you have to suck it up, lay down your pride, and take what comes at you with humility.


'All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.'
[Proverbs 21:2]

Ch. 128 - Repeating Kindergarten

Do you remember the first days of school? Especially kindergarten - because you were at long last going to go to 'regular' school with the big kids. I certainly remember those days. Getting to finally ride the school bus as a fellow big kid was, by far, one of the highlights of 1994-95.

Last year was just like kindergarten. Getting to go to college with 'the big kids' was a huge deal. I knew that my freshman year of college was going to be absolutely grand, and once it was over... it was over. I'd be well into the brand new start. Sophomore year would come and go. I'd be settled. Familiar. Junior year would come and go. Really get into my major's coursework. Internships. Study abroad. And then I would practically stumble into senior year, tripping over the excitement of almost being done. That'd be it. I'd graduate. I'd go off and do, well, whatever.

For the last time, I'm getting the chance to start anew once again. I'll be a freshman. Again. For the third time, technically. New school. New major. New faces. New classes. I'm getting a brand new start. And I'm more grateful for it than you can imagine!

I bring this all up because today I was finally granted access to the student portal of CCCB (Central Christian College of the Bible). I browsed around a bit and saw that I could get started on an unofficial class registration, so I did just that. I pre-registered for my fall classes and let me tell you, I am now even more excited to head off to Moberly in August!

Life of Christ I
Christian Discipleship
Survey of Pentateuch
Foundations of Christianity
World Geography
SALT: Information [Service And Leadership Training]

Seriously. Best. classes. ever. These are the types of classes I've been waiting to take all my life. I just didn't know it until this past year. ! Kind of funny how these things work out, huh?

Ha.


' "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." '
[Matthew 7:7-8]

Ch. 127 - More Changes

I have no problem staying up late to read a new book - or even one I've read before - and finishing the entire book.
But when I stay up late because I feel 'I need to read my Bible' I'm asleep within five minutes of opening my Bible.

I have no problem sitting down and planning out my coursework for the next year.
But when I sit down to write out prayer requests or a new journal entry, I find my mind wandering and I'm soon up and out, forgetting about what I sat down to do in the first place.

I have no problem dreaming and thinking about doing work all day every day in the future.
I have no problem dreaming and thinking about being a missionary overseas.
But when help is needed here locally, I find myself thinking that I've been dragged into work, and then I help out with a not so cheerful heart.

Not. cool.

What is wrong with me?

Honestly.

I need a change in attitude and heart, and I need it now.

I'd like to think that if my focus were on God and building up the Church and spreading His love, things would seem entirely different.

I'd have no problem reading my Bible regularly.
I'd have no problem staying focused and keeping up with the intercessory prayers.
I'd have no problem helping out whenever and wherever needed, and with a cheerful heart at that!


'Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.'
[Psalm 119:1-2]

......

Ch. 127, Part Two:

This week's memory verse:

'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.'
[Ephesians 4:29]

Ch. 126 - He Will Humble

'Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.'
[Daniel 4:37]

8. May 2010 Edit:

Nebuchadnezzar... what a guy.
So.
He had a dream. Daniel interpreted it.
Nebuchadnezzar would lose everything, living among the wild animals, because he was a wicked oppressor and would not acknowledge God as the sovereign Ruler over all the kingdoms, even that of his in Babylon. This very thing happened. But then Nebuchadnezzar praised the Most High God - both his sanity and his kingdom were restored. He became even greater than before [Daniel 4:36]. But first he was humbled by God... he did not merely live among the wild animals, he basically became a wild animal. It just goes to show that God will do what He pleases in order to rid us of our pride.

Ch. 125 - Always Preparing

Oh goodness. I can't wait for school to start.


'My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.'
[Isaiah 26:9]

Ch. 124 - Building Up, Reaching Out

'Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.'
[Galatians 6:10]


My mom shed some light on this verse for me when I questioned her about it. At first, one may think that it's saying to give special treatment, if you will, to 'those who belong to the family of believers'. However, that's not necessarily the case. When this was written, there was a lot of corruption within the communities that Paul had been to and there wasn't a lot of unity within 'the church'. And in order to love, do good and be a light unto those who were not yet believers, you have to love, do good and be a light within your own group first. You have to be strong throughout and have a firm foundation before you can add on and start building.

Ch. 123 - Say It AND Have It

A few days ago I received a devotional in the mail that I really enjoyed and thought I would share it. I think it's important to really take what the writer (Rick Warren) says to heart. I personally know that I say I'm a Christian, but sometimes my actions or words would say otherwise. 'Say what you mean and mean what you say,' you know? I'm really trying to work on this. It's difficult at times, but I can honestly say that I think I'm making progress. I can only hope that people will more easily be able to discern my being a Christian and my having that relationship with God that I want for everybody.

When the Bumper Sticker Doesn’t Match the Driver

'What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?'
[James 2:14]

A recent Gallup Poll says there are fifty million people in America who say, "I am a Christian." But truth be told, not all of those fifty million can back it up with the lifestyle they live. Just because a person claims it, doesn’t mean they have it.

Typically, we label people "believers" today if they vaguely sound Christian. At the end of a World Series, a player may come on TV while the champagne is spraying, and say, "I just want to thank the good Lord." We think, "Oh, he must be a Christian, he said 'Lord.'" Well, not necessarily. Not everybody who has a Christian bumper sticker on their car is a Christian. Have you figured that one out?

In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven." Not everybody who claims to be a believer really is a believer.

James points out that there’s a big difference between being a professor and a possessor, between saying it and actually having it. So what does Jesus say? What value is this faith that just claims it? Jesus says there’s no value at all. It’s worthless. Talk is cheap, because faith is more than just something you say.

· Take inventory. Is your lifestyle saying something opposite of the bumper sticker on your car? Is Jesus the guiding force in everything you do or is he just along for the ride with several other more benign influences?

· Connecting with God is a catalyst for faith. What are you doing this very moment that is a start to a reckless pursuit of God?

· Match words with actions and actions with words. In truth you need both! Prepare for the day ahead by making a promise that you’ll walk the talk!

Ch. 122 - 'I Get By...'

'... With a little help from my friends.'

First things first: this song is stuck in my head. Secondly: this may or may not be the 'true' line from the song 'With a Little Help from My Friends' by the Beatles. But I like it a lot better... and I think it's nice for what's going on in Cedar Rapids and all around Iowa these days, what with disaster relief and clean-up.

It just goes to show that what goes around truly does come around. You help others, don't be surprised if they turn right around and help you.


'As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.'
[Proverb 27:17]

Ch. 121 - 232 Years

Happy Fourth of July!


'Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.'
[2 Corinthians 3:17]

This may seem like a different kind of freedom from the freedom usually thought of on the Fourth of July. But freedom is freedom is freedom. Whether it's given to us by our founding fathers, American soldiers or God, it's freedom. And it's independence to think. To say. To do.

Ch. 120 - Mmmmmmemorize!

I feel I've read so many Bible verses so many times - but I have practically no verses memorized. I want to change this. I mean, I can recall where in the Bible certain verses are that have to do with whatever, or tell a certain story, but I really don't have many specific verses that I can readily pull from memory.

So I've decided to make Thursday my 'Bible Verse Memorization' day.

This week's memory verse:

'I can do everything through him who gives me strength.'
[Philippians 4:13]

Ch. 119 - A Map of My Life

I love that our God is so big and so small. He knows all the stars by name, as well as all our names. He knows all about us. Every little thing. He knows things about us that we don't even know. I've talked to people who believe that having an all-knowing God is scary. And condescending. And they want nothing to do with Him. They shut Him out, thinking that by doing so He will just... not be there. Not exist. But I love having an all-knowing God. It makes me feel safe. And I am comforted in knowing that by trusting Him, everything will be okay, because He has planned every step of my life. My God holds a map of my life in His hands. He unfolds that map and reveals it to me bit-by-bit. And I wouldn't have it any other way.


'The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.'
[Psalm 37:23-24, NKJV]

Ch. 118 - The Name Game

I've had a great fascination with names for the past year or so. Name meanings, origins, etc. I used to not like my [first] name. I didn't care about what it meant, even if other people (namely my parents) thought it was interesting. I was always mad that it didn't mean something cool - as a descriptive meaning, that is. Like, 'sweet' or 'adventurous' or something. I liked names that people could 'live up to', if that makes sense. So obviously, if your name did indeed mean 'adventurous', you could grow up to be adventurous and everything that goes with it. Daring. Bold. Courageous.

But me? That doesn't really work. Natalie comes from the Latin phrase 'natale domini', which means 'day of our Lord' or 'day of the Christ' - so basically 'Christmas'. Now that I've been born again and really have a true appreciation for being saved by Jesus Christ and have a relationship with Him, it means more to me. But I can specifically recall one point in time thinking, "What kind of a name is Natalie anyway? Christmas is just a holiday for greed and gluttony. I wish I was named something else." I wouldn't change my name for anything, now. I love it.

Honestly, my name actually gives me comfort and strength when I'm not feeling too great. It may seem weird, but when I simply say or think my name and what it means, it helps me think of my Savior and the God who sent Him to us. And how great He is. I find it interesting to think how my own name can bring me such comfort and happiness by thinking about its meaning. Our God is so, so good.


'I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.'
[Psalm 139:14]

Ch. 117 - The Ol' Switcharoo

So I was reading my Bible today and decided to read some New Testament scripture. I flipped it over to a random page and came to Luke, chapter ten. I started to read and came to The Parable of the Good Samaritan. I almost decided to skip over it and continue on to chapter eleven, but decided not to do so. I got through the first few verses and had to stop to think about them, because I read something I had not taken note of before.

An expert in the law decided to 'test' Jesus and asked Him what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked in response what is written in the Law; the expert answered that we are to " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " Jesus replied, "You have answered correctly."

You have answered correctly. But wait, wasn't the expert the one who had decided to test Jesus in the first place? But Jesus makes it sound as if He were the one who was testing the expert in the law.

An interesting thought, no?

I asked my mom about this and she reminded me that it seems as if whenever experts in the law and the Pharisees stood up to Jesus and questioned or tested Him to undermine His authority, Jesus turned the tables on them and simply made them look and sound foolish.

'Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.'

[1 Chronicles 16:11-12]

(This was a verse I read in my Old Testament reading for the day and it really hit me. I like it a lot.)

Ch. 116 - My Soul to Keep

'Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to .
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take.'

I just asked my mom if she and my dad ever prayed that with us kids when we were younger, because I couldn't remember. She said a little, maybe when we were really young.

The reason I bring it up is because last night I actually prayed that and seriously meant it. Kind of ridiculous.

But lately - meaning the past couple of weeks - I've really been thinking about death a lot. I couldn't tell you why. I simply have. I'm not afraid of death. I don't plan on ever trying to cheat death. I'm excited for it, in a sense, but not so much that I would ever wish for it to happen. Yet if it did happen in five minutes... five days... five years... I'd be fine with it - whether I knew it was going to happen or not. I wouldn't be upset that my life's been cut seemingly short. I don't have any regrets. I'm happy. I'm saved.

So why do I keep thinking about it? Get this, I've even started to think about my funeral. I'm dead serious. Ha. No pun intended, I promise. I should be thinking and dreaming about my wedding at this age - not my funeral! I'm so weird. But I know what hymns I would want sung and by whom. I know what Bible verses I would want recited. I know what I would want to be wearing. I know who I would want to speak. Crazy, crazy Natalie.

I'm not going to think about or read into it. Maybe it's just a very strange phase... ? I am curious now, however, if other people have ever thought about the same. Hm.


'We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.'
[2 Corinthians 5:8]

Ch. 115 - Words of Wisdom

If only I had started practicing this a good fifteen years ago. Man.

'When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.'

[Proverb 10:19]

Ch. 114 - The First of Many

Today I was tested by the Big Guy. Of course I didn't realize I was being tested until I gave up and failed miserably. For some reason, though, I think that's how God wanted it to happen. I understand why. I know what I was being tested on and what the real answer was. I learned a lesson and I'm glad that things panned out the way they did - even though I did, indeed, fail.

I was volunteering at my church, helping unload flood buckets - delivered from across the country - from a semi-truck. We then put some buckets into my youth pastor's truck to deliver to another United Methodist Church in the city. I went to help unload those at the church and when we got back to St. Paul's there was another semi in the parking. People were placing the buckets taken from the first semi into the second. ... 'Wait, what? Why would they do that? What a waste of time.' So I got in line to help reload. I later learned that the second semi was going to stay in our parking lot for the week and our church would be handing out the buckets. 'Alright, that makes sense. I get it now.' Yet as I stood in one of the lines, helping pass buckets, I started to become irritated.

I was basically complaining nonstop in my head.
Terrible.

'Why are there little kids here? They think they're helping - well gosh, their parents are telling them "what a big helper they are!" - while in reality they're simply getting in the way.'

'Why couldn't this have been a youth volunteer event? We would have had this done in no time at all! Ugh. I wouldn't have set things up like this. This is practically organized chaos.'

'Standing shoulder-to-shoulder isn't working. There's no rhythm. I don't even have any room to move my arms to pass this bucket. Ridiculous.'

'Ok, so I get a little space on one side finally and somebody shoves me out of the way, saying "It's my turn to help!" Fine. There's no room for me, so I'll leave.'

And so I did.

As I was walking away I knew it was the wrong thing to do. But my temper got the best of me. Again. I was childish and immature in my actions and I heavily regret leaving. I simply can't be like that.

Having kids around may be a bit burdensome, but their being there is a valuable lesson for them, learning to help and work with others. That's a good thing.

Just because the youth may be a bit stronger than some of the volunteers that were there doesn't mean that the work would have been done any quicker.

The fact that there were so many helpers is truly wonderful! Imagine if only a handful of people had shown up. I'll take too many over not enough any day in situations like that.

I'm not Superman. I can't do everything by myself. And I shouldn't be selfish in wanting to help, even though that almost sounds kind of strange. I need to be working for God - not myself.

I suppose this was sort of like my first test of the new path I've started to walk on. I know, however, that it was by no means my last test. And I'm glad for that. In the future I'm going to have to work with others - and all kinds of other people, at that. I'm going to have to follow plans that aren't my own and may not seem the best or brightest, but I may have no say in how things should or could be done. I'm going to have to learn how to follow before I can lead. I am going to need copious amounts of patience and self-control.

And even though I think that I have died in self and am living in Christ, I certainly don't think it always shines through in my life. I think I'm going to have to commit myself and remind myself that everything is for God every day over. I should be doing that now.

For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver.'

[Psalm 66:10; emphasis my own]

Ch. 113 - A True Blessing

Tonight Hannah Rosenthal (whom I've known eight years now - seems so long!) held a Bible Study Leadership Training. And I loved every minute of it. I was the only person who showed up, sadly, until her sister and a friend (Abby and Jodie) showed up halfway through the session. But it was really nice to catch up a bit with Hannah and have that one-on-one time with her. She had gone on an InterVarsity retreat and they went over what it takes to be a small group (Bible study) leader. She shared this valuable information with me tonight and I would love to be able to put it to use here in the near future. There's so much that Hannah went over, there's no way I could write it all down here. However, the four main points were: Nurture, Worship, Community, and Mission. Perhaps I'll go over these tomorrow (I'm pretty tired and don't want to sit in front of the computer for too long).

Anyway, this was really a blessing for me because I've always wanted to lead a small group, but God has never presented an opportunity for me to do so - perhaps because I wasn't ever prepared or ready to do so. Now I am, though! Well, maybe not entirely. However, I think I've matured in my faith quite a bit this past year and that it'd be appropriate for me to at least show interest in being a small group leader - whether at church or on campus next year. And I'm not saying that I'm going to make a great leader after a two-hour meeting, but I think it was a good first step. If it's God's will, then it'll happen. If not, no worries.


' "For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.'" '
[Ezekiel 34:11-12]

Ch. 112 - A Storm For Me

Tonight there were a lot of storms in east central Iowa, including Cedar Rapids. The thunderstorm lasted quite some time and I enjoyed every minute of it. I simply love storms. The lightning was so bright that it lit up our entire yard. The thunder was so tremendous that it shook the walls of our house. The storm was topped off with a round of hail.

For some reason I was really thankful for this storm. Even though Iowa's had so much rain this past month - and at one point I definitely would have given anything for a full day of sunshine - hearing the rain pour down outside made me incredibly happy.

I think it's partly because it simply gave me a good reminder of how powerful our God is. In a way I kind of needed that.

Man oh man, our God is good.


'But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.'
[Psalm 33:18-22]

Ch. 111 - A Call Worth Answering

All I have for this post are a couple Bible verses. As I read them today they really struck hard and I've been thinking about them a lot.


'Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.'
[Psalm 84:10-11]

Ch. 110 - What Truly Matters

Tonight I was wearing a skirt. I was leaning down on a kitchen counter talking to my dad. As I stood fully back up, we heard something rip. Without looking down I knew my skirt had torn. An eyelet in the skirt had caught on a cabinet handle edge.

Ugh! I was so mad. I was mad at myself for not having changed into shorts when I thought about doing so. I was mad at the stupid cabinet handles that we have. I was mad at my mom for being in Des Moines and not here so that she could fix it tomorrow. And of course, I was mad at the skirt for being so darn tearable.

I stormed upstairs to get ready for bed and threw that skirt on the floor, where it belonged. It no longer deserved to be hung up in my closet or even folded and placed in a dresser drawer. Nope, my temper had me in its grip and I took that out on my poor skirt.

As I brushed my teeth I started to cool down a bit. When I was taking out my contacts I really started to think. And by the time I had finished washing my face I realized how ridiculous I had been and that my skirt deserves a second life... and that I should obey my mom and not leave clothing on the floor!

I really had been ridiculous about the whole thing. Usually things of that nature don't bother me so much. I mean, it's not even my favorite skirt. It's absolutely reparable. I had no reason to be so upset about a flimsy piece of fabric. That's all it is! A couple rectangles of fabric sewn together. It's not the only piece of clothing I own. That doesn't mean I shouldn't take care of my things, but I have other skirts I can wear tomorrow, next week, next month, if I so desire.

What if my family were ripped away from me?
What if my liberties were ripped away from me?
What if my freedom to practice my faith openly was ripped away from me?

What would I do then? These are among the things in my life that truly matter. I believe that if any of these things... family, liberty, faith... were not in my life, I would have good reason to be upset. God has blessed me so greatly and in more ways than I can count. To be materialistic and unthankful for everything - or simply a single thing - would be like a slap in the face, I imagine. You've heard them before... "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." "Don't bite the hand that feeds you." Love God. Love your neighbor. Honor your parents. Give thanks. Doing these things are also what truly matters to me. And they're all something I should be focusing on and doing more of.

Funny how something like a small tear in a skirt can make you realize that.


'Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." '
[Mark 10:21]

Ch. 109 - I like people...

I'll admit it. When I get frustrated with someone, usually a stranger, I'll mutter "I hate people..." Is it true? Of course not. But when there's a mom with seven kids running circles around her in the middle of the sidewalk, blocking any possible way to walk around them, sometimes I can't help but be seized with a flash of anger. I may have gained some patience lately, but there's still a lot to learn and attain.

Anyway, the truth is, I like people. I love people. I like to give everyone benefit of the doubt and believe that they all have some good in them - or at least good intentions. So when I hear about people who are truly good people, it makes me love people in general even more. It gives me hope for mankind, as ominous as that may sound.

Today in service our youth pastor told the congregation how the folks from VIM (Volunteers in Mission, I believe) up in Minnesota, where the senior-hi was supposed to go on their mission trip, have decided to come down and help Phil (our youth pastor) out by organizing the off-site details for the senior-hi "trip". Phil has decided to stay here in Cedar Rapids for the mission trip so that they can help out with the flood relief and clean-up. However, he wants a traditional, off-site mission trip experience for the kids, so they'll be spending the nights and worship experiences out at Camp Hitaga. This is a huge relief for Phil and the other youth leaders, because they've been so busy lately with trying to figure out mission teams and what they're going to be doing throughout the summer for the people of Cedar Rapids. The team in Minnesota didn't have to come down and help out. They could have simply stayed up there and felt sorry for us and said, "Oh well. Nothing we can do. We have to deal with you not being here to help us with our camp." They're even donating the money the kids paid to go on the trip back to Cedar Rapids and the flood relief. So helpful.

So yes. I like people. A lot. I love people. A lot. It just goes to show that because God loves us, we can love as well. Maybe not as perfectly as He can, but it's worth trying to. 'Love thy neighbor' has never meant so much to me. This is going to be huge.


' "... but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." '
[Leviticus 19:18]

Ch. 108 - But why, God? Why?

In all of God's great creation... He made no mistakes.

But was there really a need for Him to create mosquitoes?

Honestly.


'To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.'
[Deuteronomy 10:14]

Ch. 107 - Chchchanges

I'm writing "today's" post at 11:30 on Saturday. This isn't the first time I've written the day's post a day or two late, especially within the last couple of weeks. You know, sometimes it's because by the time I sit down to write a post, it's kind of late and I find myself practically falling asleep at the keys. But I like writing later in the evening, because by then I've gone through the entire day and have had time to reflect on the day and its happenings - or lack thereof.

And sometimes, I'm just too darn lazy to write anything.

However, lately I've found that I'm just not, well, inspired. As horrible as that may sound, it's kind of true. I don't mean that something amazing has to happen each day in able for me to see God in my life. But when you're not in the midst of realizing how things are completely changing for you... and when you're not surrounded by "Hot-God-Men" and "Hot-God-Women" [see Chapter 10]... and when you're not truly focusing on God... it's easy to see how it's becoming more difficult to see Him and know Him and feel Him and hear Him and learn about Him.

I have no one to blame but myself.


'I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.'
[Proverbs 8:17]

Ch. 106 - All the Time

God is good.
All the time.

It may be difficult to see or realize some of the time.
But it's always true, regardless of how apparent it is.

You can turn away all you want.

He is always going to be there.
He is so real.
His love is always going to be there.
His love is so real.


'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!'
[Philippians 4:4]

Ch. 105 - The Proclamation

I am going to be a missionary.

Of course I say that... but I don't truly know what will happen in the future, or what God has in store for me. But if I could do anything and say so now out-and-out, it would be just that.

I am going to be a missionary.


'Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The Lord reigns!" Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.'
[1 Chronicles 16:31-33]

Ch. 104 - Peace and Unity

'How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!'
[Psalm 133:1]

'Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.'
[Hebrews 12:14]

7. May 2010 Edit:

I appreciate these verses more when they are put together. I have come to gain the personal view that there cannot be true unity without peace. But I do think that you can have peace without unity. Which really is a shame, because disunity can do so much harm to a person or people, a place, an idea or dream... But God wants each of these things for us. He could make them happen in an instant, if He truly so desired. But what good would that do us? Would we learn anything? That is, other than our God is mighty and entirely reigns over us... ? I simply don't think that we would truly appreciate being in peace and unity, because we would not have entirely worked for it ourselves. Granted, God would help us along the way, but by just restructuring everything in an instant to attain these things would not be completely wonderful.

Ch. 103 - The Perfect Timing

As I've said before, I wasn't planning on coming home. I truly thought I was going to stay at the University of Utah and thus would remain in Salt Lake for the summer to fully establish residency and take a couple of extra classes. But that pull on my heart was so strong and as I continued to think about a life of serving God [in missions], I realized that it truly is the right thing for me. I know I had gone back and forth so many times about transferring and taking the first formal step into that life - and that I settled on staying in Utah - but this is it. It's really going to happen. And I couldn't be more excited!

Returning to the fact that I'm in Iowa now, I have no problem believing that God brought me back, and for a reason. The flooding in Cedar Rapids occurred the week after I arrived (June 7). At the time I kept thinking, "Man. What a welcome back... stupid rain," or "Oh great. No showers for a week? Ugh!" and "If only I had called my parents a week later... then I wouldn't have to put up with this."

What a great attitude, eh?

First of all, I finally shaped up and tried my best to think positively. Secondly, I found myself realizing yet again that things really do happen for a reason. I'm in Iowa. Many areas of Iowa have been declared disastrous after being ravaged by floods and tornadoes. There are a lot of people who need help. Business, homes and places of worship have been utterly destroyed. There's going to be an awful lot of cleanup in the near future here in Cedar Rapids, that's for sure.

And I'm ecstatic.

I can't wait to get started. My entire summer will be like one giant mission trip, honestly. There's just so much to do. If possible, I'd love to help out somewhere at least once a week. My church isn't even sending out the mid-hi and senior-hi to their prospective mission trip destinations. Phil, the youth pastor, said that the senior-hi trip will be a local one. They'll have an off-site location where they will stay for a week and a half and work at different areas of Cedar Rapids.

You know, during service on Sunday, one of our pastors told us that she had received an e-mail from a pastor in Gulfport, Mississippi, where the senior-hi has gone for the past two summers on their trip... from what I understand, the e-mail said that people in Gulfport are going to try and come up to Iowa to help us. How neat is that?

I really think it's a good thing that I decided to transfer and come home in the process. I have two months [from today!] until I move to Moberly - and I plan on making them count.


'And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life." '
[Genesis 9:12-15]

While I was helping at a water distribution site on Saturday, it was storming off and on. At one point during the day we spotted an incredibly bright rainbow that seemed so close it was if we could seriously go and find the end of it. It was beautiful and even brought tears to a few people's eyes.

Ch. 102 - Faaather

I like to call my dad 'father' sometimes. For example, I'll greet him when he comes in the door from work with a simple "Hello father," and he'll respond with "Hello daughter."

I like this.

Mostly I just call him dad, though. I've never been one to call him 'daddy'. He keeps saying that when my sister has her baby and he becomes a 'Grandaddy' or a 'Papa' that he will be called 'Grandfather.' And not just 'grandfather' - but 'grandfaaather' with a slight English accent. He can be so silly sometimes, I don't know what to do with him!

My dad's a great guy. At times he's a man of few words, but he makes them count. He's quiet. Not shy, really. Just quiet. And gentle! Yet he's not a gentle giant, exactly. I mean, he's not imposing, but he's not meek either. I think one of the things I like most about my dad is that he makes you feel comfortable when you're around him. There's something about his presence that makes you feel at home, wherever you are.

He always wants what is best for you, and only you. He cares for your well-being. I know that he will do anything to ensure our family's health, safety, security, and happiness.

'Father' is very intelligent. He's got one of those math and science brains that I would kill to have a piece of, but he's creative, too. He's got a good job at Rockwell Collins, but I worry about him sometimes because I think he's taken advantage of. He's dependable. Reliable. Quick-thinking. Hard-working. A problem-solver. In short, he'll get the job done, whatever the assignment is, and he'll get it done really well.

This world - and especially Rockwell Collins - could use more Kevin Keenes, that's for sure.

My dad has a beautiful heart and a good head on his shoulders. He is a man of integrity. He's down-to-earth, humble, patient, and a good servant and disciple of Christ. I am so lucky to have him in my life.


'Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.'
[Ephesians 6:4]

I believe my dad has done this and I am thankful for all he has done in his 19 years of raising me.

Ch. 101 - One-Hundred-Two

Not that it truly matters, but this is blog post number 102. I know it says Ch. 101, but my very first post was a 'Preface'.

I'm bringing up this number because I think it's neat to look back on those 102 days and see how God has worked in my life. 102 days of living life as a Jesus-lover. Well. Actually... more like 101 days... because there are 30 posts for February... ? Anyway! Some days certainly seem or feel like they are more God-filled than others, but either way I know that He is with me always, through every day. Through every high. Through every low. And that's what truly matters.

Besides. Quality over quantity, right?


' "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." '
[Deuteronomy 31:8]

Ch. 100 - Woman at the Well

I really didn't want to put up a video link two days in a row, so I figured I'd simply write out the video instead. I found this video poem on Godtube.com a few months ago and I fell in love with it. I thought about it today for some reason and watched it; the video is simply made, but the recitation is powerful and meaningful. If you'd like to check it out for yourself, go to http://www.godtube.com/ and in the search bar type "Woman at the Well".

Woman at the Well

I am a woman of no distinction, of little importance.
I am a woman of no reputation - save that which is bad.

You whisper as I pass by and cast judgmental glances,
though you don’t really take the time to look at me
or even get to know me, for

to be known is to be loved and to be loved is to be known.

And otherwise what’s the point of doing either one of them in the first place?

I want to be known.
I want someone to look at my face and not just see two eyes, a nose, a mouth, and two ears,
but to see all that I am and could be -
all my hopes, loves and fears.

That’s too much to hope for, to wish for or pray for.
So I don’t, not anymore.
Now I keep to myself and by that I mean the pain,
pain that keeps me in my own, private jail -
the pain that’s brought me here at midday to this well.

To ask for a drink is no big request, but to ask it of me?
A woman unclean,
ashamed,
used and abused,
an outcast,
a failure,
a disappointment,
a sinner?

No drink passing from these hands to your lips could ever be refreshing, only condemning,
as I’m sure you condemn me now,
but you don’t.

You’re a man of no distinction though of the utmost importance.
A man with little reputation, at least so far.
You whisper and tell me to my face what all those glances have been about,
and you take the time to really look at me
but don’t need to get to know me.

For to be known is to be loved and to be loved is to be known.

And you know me, you actually know me.
All of me and everything about me.
Every thought inside and hair on top of my head.
Every hurt stored up, every hope, every dread.
From my past and my future, all I am and could be.
You tell me everything, you tell me about me.

And that which is spoken by another would bring hate and condemnation,
coming from you brings love, grace, mercy, hope, and salvation.

I’ve heard of one to come who would save a wretch like me,
And here in my presence you say, “I am He.”

To be known is to be loved and to be loved is to be known.

And I just met you but I love you.
I don’t know you but I want to get to.

Let me run back to town, this is way too much for just me.
There are others -
brothers,
sisters,
lovers,
haters,
the good and the bad,
sinners and saints -

who should hear what you’ve told me,
who should see what you’ve shown me,
who should taste what you gave me,
who should feel how you forgave me.

For to be known is to be loved and to be loved is to be known.

And they all need this too,
we all do
need it for our own.


'When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?" Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." '
[John 4:7-14]

Ch. 99 - St. Paul's UMC

The church I attend here in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

I'm not going to lie and say that it's the perfect church.
Because it's not.
Or that we have a perfect congregation.
Truth be told, it's an "old" congregation.
Or that we have a perfect sanctuary.
The stained glass windows were put in upside-down.
Or that we have a perfect choir.
An "old" congregation means "old" voices.
Or that we have a perfect youth program.
There's not often a stable group of kids.
Or that we're situated in a perfect neighborhood.
St. Paul's has had to lock its doors to keep people out.

There are more, but why go on? It's these little things - these supposed flaws, if that's what you want to call them - that make St. Paul's what it is. And I'm coming to realize more and more how much I love St. Paul's.

Who cares if many of its members are 65+ years old?
Does that make St. Paul's any less worthy of my prayers, my presence, my gifts, or my service?
No.

The church's motto is "To know and follow Christ, and to help others know and follow Christ."
And that is what I need to be focusing on.
Not how many kids are - or are not - in the youth program.
Nor how funny the social hall often smells.
Nor how ugly I think the color of the walls in rooms 101 and 103 are being painted.

Because I will always be able to find things to complain about.
That's easy.
But none of that matters.
What does matter is how I can help St. Paul's grow and serve in such ways that will better our neighborhood, community and the world we live in.
And while that's more difficult than complaining, it's the right thing to do - for everyone.


'Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.'
[Psalm 143:10]

Ch. 98 - It's a Lifestyle

Christianity is a beautiful gift. God's grace, mercy and love - His giving us His Son to die for our sins... it's all a gift. And while it's nice to read the Bible and pray and go to church on Sunday, we shouldn't be constricted, in a sense, by merely going through the motions.

Don't take what you have for granted.
Don't live in a box created by others around you.

Branch out.
Reach out.

Love is not merely an emotion or a feeling. It's an action. People should know you're a Christian not by the cross necklace or WWJD? bracelet you wear, but instead by how you act and what you do - or even do not - say. Christianity should never be a commodity, an accessory put on to look good around certain people. In my opinion it really should be more along the lines of an absolute lifestyle. Live your life through Christianity. Live your life through Christ.


'... and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.'
[Ephesians 3:16-19]

Ch. 97 - B-I-B-L-E

The B-I-B-L-EEE... is good enough for me.

Grand.

I love the Bible.
I really do.

It gives me strength when I feel weak.
It gives me advice when I'm uncertain.
It gives me comfort when I feel upset.

And it shares a beautiful story of love, mercy, forgiveness, grace, and compassion.


'All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.'
[2 Timothy 3:16-17]

Ch. 96 - DO Something

There is so much going on right now. In Iowa. In the Midwest. In the United States. In the world. Every day I hear about flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes. Death. Destruction. Devastation. It's everywhere.

It's easier said than done at times, but if at all possible we should be going out and helping people. Whether it's sandbagging, reconstruction, distribution, medical care, pastoral care... we need to be there for people whose lives and 'worlds' are in danger, or for people whose lives and worlds have been turned upside-down.

These are sad times. Bad times. End times. Whatever you consider it... it's not good.

Let us be a light to those who are living in darkness.


' "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." '
[Matthew 7:12]

Ch. 95 - God's Great Grace

Man. Gotta love that alliteration.

Today was my first full day back in Iowa and I have enjoyed it very, very much. It was great going to church and attending the full-on traditional service that I have come to love entirely. We had a visiting pastor, though. He's the lay pastor of the United Methodist Church of Tanzania. His native language is Kurundi and he had a translator for his sermon. So, so, so neat. He's larger than life and knows how to keep your attention. He spoke of remembering to thank our God for His grace that He has given us. I believe that's really important because I don't think people often enough do so. I know I don't. I like to think that it pleases God by at least meaning to give Him thanks more often, but I know that by actually just doing it pleases Him even more.

These were the verses that the pastor's message was based on:


'Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him - and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." '
[Luke 17:11-19]

Ch. 94 - Love HIM

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.'
[Deuteronomy 6:5]

6. May 2010 Edit:

This is the greatest command we are to obey.
It has been given to us by our Lord God.

Love Him.

Love Him with all your heart.
Love Him with all your soul.
Love Him with all your strength.
Even with all your mind [Matthew 22:37].

Sometimes I find it hard to believe that we are at all capable of doing this. I mean... that's a lotta lovin'. But I don't think that God would give us a command that we are unable to follow. I believe that, at the very least, attempting to obey this command is what He desires. We're not perfect. We're not going to get it all right. We don't always have everything together. And God knows that. He is an understanding God. A good God. A loving God. A giving God. He is the easiest Being to love, really, because of all these things. He will take any bit of love that we give Him and cherish it. We don't need to be afraid that our love is not sufficient for Him.

Ch. 93 - God's Creation

God's creation is really beautiful.
Really, really beautiful.


'God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.'
[Genesis 1:31]

Ch. 92 - Mutti

I call my mom Mutti, which I picked up in German class a few years ago during high school. And it works, seeing how she's lived in Germany and became quite fluent and such. I wish I had stuck with the German, but no matter.

As I speak - er, type - Mutti is driving to Utah to pick me up and bring all of my belongings back to Iowa for the summer. She should be here in a couple of hours, actually. I am more grateful for her willingness to do this than you can imagine. I can't wait to see her. It's been five months today since I've seen Mutti and trust me when I say it's been too long. And to think that I was about to go until mid-October without seeing her or the rest of my family... unbelievable.

Lame or cliché as it may sound, I'm glad Mutti is my mom.

We're pretty close, and getting closer all the more. I believe we think alike and that our personalities are similar. We look a lot alike, too! I'm glad, because I think my mom is beautiful. She has an amazing heart, spirit and mind. She's a people person. I don't think there's anyone in this world that dislikes my mom. If there is, they are crazy. Ok, so I may be a little biased, but I honestly can say that people simply like my mom. And with good reason.

Sometimes I don't think she gives herself enough credit. She's done a lot of good for a lot of people, probably without realizing it. She didn't work for years at a time because she was raising three kids - a job in itself. And I think she did a wonderful job, if I may say so myself. I mean, it's not like Jessica, Wesley and I were perfect kids or are perfect people, but that can't be a reflection of how my mom (and dad!) raised us, because we're human.

But we really were good kids, and of course I like to think that we still are. We love our parents very, very much and we're a pretty close family.

I can't express how thankful I am that God has blessed my family in the numerous ways He has. And Mutti is an amazing woman and a beautiful disciple of Christ.


' For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.'
[Psalm 139:13]

Ch. 91 - Who Am I?

I judge people.

A lot.

Well, maybe not too much. But definitely more than I should.
Which, in my opinion, should technically be never.

What gives me the right to be around someone and assume I know them... their mind... their heart... by the way they act or by something they said?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

My mom said something a few days ago about me being able to perceive people well. I took that as a compliment. But perceiving people in such ways is entirely different from judging people. The only one who can and will righteously judge others is our Lord. May He forgive me for judging His people wrongly and help me repent so that I don't continue to do so.


'You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.'
[Romans 2:1-2]

Ch. 90 - The Famous One

Even though I've heard "God has a plan for you!" many a time now, I still love when it clicks in my head and I get that shiver up and down my spine when I realize just how true it is. Decisions and plans that I like to think I make and alter and go through with... it's all God's doing. Not mine. Then there's the realization that every breath and step I take, every thought that goes through my head - God knows it all. I love that. It makes me feel safe. And overall I feel like there is no room for worry or doubt in my life, because I know the Big Guy has my back.


' "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." '
[Isaiah 41:13]

Ch. 89 - Seek

'One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.'
[Psalm 27:4]

5. May 2010 Edit:

Because of the new covenant, we are now God's temple[s]. He dwells within us: 'Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?...' [1 Corinthians 6:19] But this does not mean that we are able to stop seeking Him. We should be praying for continual communion with God. David knew the Lord's beauty, and desired to gaze upon it all the days of his life. Don't you think that if we truly believed we have seen and know the Lord's beauty that we would desire the same thing? If we have seen and know His holiness... His goodness... His splendor... His lovingkindness... we should be striving to seek Him and know Him above all other things.

... So why don't we?

Why is He not constantly at the fronts of our minds?
Why do we not constantly seek the help of the Holy Spirit?
Why are praises for Him not constantly on our lips?
Why is He constantly pushed aside, away, or forgotten altogether?

Ch. 88 - Your Helper

If you're ever going through a difficult time, turn to God. Chances are you won't have to turn too far, because He will be right there for you, with open arms and a willing ear. Which is a beautiful thought. If you feel lost and weak, cry out to Him. He will answer. Trust that God will give you comfort and strength, and He will. He will enable you to hurdle all adversity that has been placed in your way. He will care for you with the gentleness of a shepherd carrying his lambs. He will quench your thirst. He will guide you. And He will love you.

What more could you want from a God that is as big and small as our God is?

He can be anything to you. Make Him yours.
You won't be disappointed.

... And if you ever find that you are, maybe you should think it over. Because chances are, you're just putting the blame on someone else other than yourself. Even though those difficult times and the disappointment we feel are usually due to choices we make and the unfaithfulness that we indulge in.


'He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings likes eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.'
[Isaiah 40:29-31]

Ch. 87 - God is Good

I'm going home for the remainder of the summer.

I'll be attending CCCB next year.

And that's that!


'I love you, O Lord, my strength.'
[Psalm 18:1]

Ch. 86 - Weighted Down

I want to transfer.
Again.

To the same school I wanted to transfer to a few months ago, Central Christian College of the Bible (which is in Moberly, Missouri).

I don't know what's wrong with me! Even when I took that... ummm, hiatus... I kept thinking about it. I was so sure that I wanted to stay here. And my parents are going to kill me, I'm pretty sure. But I don't think I'd mind, because then I wouldn't have to feel guilty anymore and there would be no more making billions of decisions (see my 'Side Notes' blog...). Plus I'd get to be with Jesus. Always a good thing.

If I was so sure that I'm supposed to be here, why does this come up again? Why do I feel so torn? I don't usually like to even joke around with saying things like, "Why does God torture me like this?!" but I'm at that point, currently, and I think I can afford to be pessimistic once in a while.

I don't think this is for me, after all. I don't want to work for the government. Neither do I want to teach English or Arabic. Or work in hospitals or other private sector areas. I want to know the Bible inside and out. I want to know everything there is to know about God and His qualities, Jesus, His life, His disciples, His teachings. I want to learn theology, Christian principles and history. I could try to teach myself as much as I could, but I know myself better than that. I need structure. I need discipline. Why not go to school to learn what I want to learn, have that structure and discipline, truly, truly, truly love what I'm doing and get a degree out of it? I want to focus all of my attention on this. It's like I need to or else I'll go crazy.

I need to answer this call.
I kept saying "I'm staying, I'm home."
I kept saying "I'm at peace with my decision."
But was I really?
I think that by saying I was I was trying to get myself to think that I was.
If I don't go now, I may regret not doing so in the future.
So I'm going to say it again.
I need to answer this call.

I want to fully serve God.
I want to share His Word.
I want to share His Love.
I want to help people.
I want to share my faith.
I want to build up His Kingdom.
I want to go on missions.

Biblical Studies and Cross-Cultural Ministry at CCCB.
It's perfect.

I've used this Bible verse before, but I will never hesitate to use it again:


' "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." '
[Jeremiah 29:11-13]

(Context, schmontext.)

Ch. 85 - Work It!

Good works are nice.
If you have the right intention, that is.
[You know. Wanting to please God - and only God.]
But they don't get you into heaven.


'But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.'
[Ephesians 2:4-5]

Ch. 84 - A Love/Hate Thing

As I was hauling myself back and forth across town yesterday between the driver license division building, social security office and my dorm, I had a lot of time to sit, think and read. And sit some more. While in the social security office I let my Bible fall open and it came to the beginning of Ecclesiastes. I started reading from the beginning. As I began chapter three, titled 'A Time for Everything', I became excited because the first eight verses of this chapter are one of my favorite groups of verses in the Bible.

So I began to read.

'There's a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:'
'... a time to be born and a time to die...'
'... a time to weep and a time to laugh...'
'... a time to search and a time to give up...'

Then I came to the eighth verse.

'... a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.'

A time to hate?

I had never taken this verse into consideration or even cared that it said there is a time to hate.

I decided to look a bit deeper into this, because for some reason it struck me pretty hard and I couldn't stop thinking about it. This is what I found, thanks to the Blue Letter Bible:

Ecclesiastes 3:8 is interconnected with Luke 14:26 -

' "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters - yes, even his own life - he cannot be my disciple." '

Hm. Picture this. Some angsty tenth grader, whose passion and mission in life is hating the world, is being forced to read the Bible by their mom - who thinks that it will do the kid some good. Amazingly enough, they actually do it. They come to this verse in Luke. A light goes on, a grin slowly spreads across their face and they immediately go find their mom. "Mom, guess what?! Jesus told me to hate my family." Now that their self-allowance of speaking ten words a month has been reached, they go running off to do whatever it is that angsty tenth graders do these days.

The thing is, the kid didn't care about what Jesus was saying. First of all, the topic of discipleship is a big deal. To be a disciple of Christ - to follow in His footsteps - is an honor. And I don't think it's to be taken lightly. Secondly, this verse can't be taken literally. Its true meaning is actually the opposite of what it seems to say. This verse speaks of love.

You should love God so much that love for your family and self seems like hate. Only when your love for God is greater than your love for anyone or anything else can you be a true disciple of Christ.

Love God.
Transform.
Give it up.
Carry your cross.
Follow Jesus.
Be a disciple.


'If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.'
[1 John 4:15-16]

......

Ch. Eighty-Three, Part Two:

I like the fact that this post started with explaining my curiosity of what 'a time to hate' means... and ended with the focus not on hate at all, but instead on love. This is fascinating to me, because once I'm interested in something and want to learn about it, most of my time, energy and focus goes into whatever that 'something' is until I either, a) have learned all that I can or b) am satisfied with what I've learned. So this time, when I'm actually interested in hate, it turns a 180 on me and I end up learning about love. As Phil, my youth pastor in Iowa, likes to say, "It's a God thing."

Ch. 83 - Faith

"True faith is never found alone; it is accompanied by expectation."
- C.S. Lewis

A few months ago at Cru, we were given pieces of paper with quotes on them. There were five different quotes, and this is the first I'd like to focus on. I'm really glad that I kept these little slips of paper; I had pinned them up on my desk's bulletin board that night after Cru and they remained there even when I was walking away from Christ. When I was moving to the summer dorm I took them down and put them in my memory box. I just put them up on my board yesterday and I keep reading them again and again and again.

"True faith is never found alone; it is accompanied by expectation."

The first thing that comes to my mind when I read or say this is a verse from Hebrews:

'Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.'
[Hebrews 11:1, NASB]

The first time I had truly heard and read this verse was a couple years ago. Our head pastor, Harlan, was giving the sermon and he had the congregation repeat this verse a good ten times throughout his sermon. He believes it to be one of those verses that we should all have memorized. And I agree.

Harlan used the NASB (New American Standard Bible) translation and I'm glad. It has a nice ring to it, you know? So this is the version that I have committed to memory. However, the NIV (New International Version) translation works better with the quote, I think:

'Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.'
[Hebrews 11:1, NIV]

Expectation is found alongside faith. We will set expectations from our God through our faith. We will expect God to do. To give. To love. To speak. To heal. To forgive. But is it all of a shallow faith? To have faith in a God whom we believe will do anything for us - going through the motions, expecting something from Him all the time. We have to expect things from God. If we want to be forgiven, we have to ask for it while thoroughly believing that He will forgive us. Otherwise what's the point of asking?

"Hey God. Umm... I kind of need you to forgive me for what I said yesterday. Yeah. You know what I'm talking about. I mean, you don't have to. And if you can't, that's ok. Like, it's no big deal, you know? But yeah. Sweet. Uhh, 'nJesusnameIprayAmen."

This is not the way to go about it. First of all, if you say that God doesn't have to, then why are you asking in the first place? Secondly, who are you to question whether God can do something? He can do anything! And He's done everything by giving us His Son. Even so, He doesn't expect anything from us but belief and love. Yet He still wants to share in our hopes and our failures and our dreams and our misfortunes and yes, our expectations. We can give it all to Him if we so desire.

If you have anything on your heart right now - whatever it may be - I challenge you to share it with God. Know - expect - that He is listening and that He cares.


'The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.'
[Proverb 11:23]

......

Ch. Eighty-Two, Part Two:

After I finished writing this post, I went to www.christnotes.com because all of a sudden it just came into my head; I hadn't visited this site for about two and a half months. I checked the Daily Bible Verse, and guess what it was?

Hebrews 11:1,3

I just laughed and laughed and laughed when I saw that.

[Verse 3 says: 'By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.']

Ch. 82 - Forever

Our God is strong.

His Word is strong.

Faithful.
Enduring.
Wise.

Don't forget that.
Ever.


'The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.'
[Isaiah 40:8]

Ch. 81 - A Simple Reminder

JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS

He is everything.
I am nothing without Him.


'Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." '
[John 14:6-7]