has been great and fairly busy. Thus I have had no time to ponder a blog post. Just wanted to let you know of the going-ons this week and what I've been thankful for:
41. Thankful to go ballroom dancing with a new friend and her husband last weekend- fun times had by all!
42. for Immanuel's Biblical Womanhood class last weekend and the women who taught it- wow! Praise the Lord for the encouragement and teaching by the Lord that day!
43. for my Gospel Community Group and the fellowship of our cookout last Sunday afternoon- praising Him for the babies in our group especially.
44. For a week of work- though i haven't felt well all week the Lord sustained me and I didn't have to take a sick day.
45. I'm thankful that my dad's knee scope surgery went well
46. Zumba! (have I already used that one ? Still thankful!)
47. For random kids who come up to me in the hallway and sign something random to me (0r try to)
48. For the opportunity to be a "musician" again- teaching performing arts club with the music teacher at my school has been a blessing and treat. Lots of memories have come flooding back!
49. Thankful for the opportunity to teach a youth group's D Now this weekend in Indiana! What a privilege to teach the Word to students! I'm SO excited for it!
50. Tortellini soup on the stove right now. Praise the Lord for His constant provision of our meals!
so, I've reached 50 things I'm thankful for this week. Not to say I didn't complain and fight comparison or envy this week as well. Just keeping it real- I'm not writing these lists because I'm perfect in this thanksgiving thing. I'm writing them to remind myself that everything comes from the Lord- He provides for our needs and so much more- and He sustains us each day. Join me - what have you been thankful for this week??
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Giving- Tithing in the New Testament
Well its after 11:17 pm on a Sunday night which means one thing: I didn't keep my self-imposed bed-time-on-a-school-night yet again. Why am I just now starting a blog post when I'm supposed to be in bed? I don't know- but I'll try to make it quick.
Today's sermon at my beloved church, Immanuel Baptist Church, was on money. "oh no", you think, "a sermon about money!" But it was really helpful. Very humbly presented and a clear picture of giving from the Old and New testament.
I won't sum up the whole thing here- but just tell you a few things I found interesting/thought provoking.
We think the Bible teaches of a tithe. Actually, the Old Testament law teaches that the Israelites were to give 23 1/3 percent! 10% went to the Levites (reference somewhere in Leviticus, sorry I missed that one). 10% to a festival in Jerusalem ( Dueteronomy 14:22). And every three years, 10% went to the soujourner, the poor, and the widow among them (Duet. 14:28)
That totals 23 1/3 %. So if you say "I give 10% because the Bible teaches it!"- well actually you should be giving more!
So what about the New Testament?
Jesus only speaks of a tithe one time. It is mentioned one other time in the NT also, in Hebrews. But the NT does speak of giving.
2 Corinthians 9:7
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
If you are a believer- the Holy Spirit lives in you and can lead you to know how much to give to the work of the church. Maybe that will be 10%. Maybe it will be 23% or 50% of your income! Maybe it means $10 a month for you or maybe it means $500 or $5,000. But God doesn't want churches to coerce or guilt people into giving . At the same time, if a person truly is a believer and understands that God can provide for their every need, no believer will think "I'm gonna give the smallest amount possible! Haha! I sure got off easy!" No- the Lord loves one who gives cheerfully as they are led by Him to give.
Additionally, when you understand that Jesus left the ultimate riches of Heaven to come to earth to die for you sins- He left ALL to stretch out His arms and pay the price for our iniquity- you won't dwell on "what percentage should I give?" Our giving should be grace-based sacrificial giving.
I've caught myself thinking and maybe even saying "yeah, we're just poor seminary students right now". Well, our income put us in the top 7% of people on this planet as far as yearly income goes. Top 7 %.
I have a roof over my head in the thunderstorm right now
I am not poor.
I have a computer to type this on. I can read the words I am typing.
I am not poor
I have a myriad of shoes to wear tomorrow, as I got to my job.
What excuse do i have for not giving more?
I have been saved by a Savior who "though he was rich, for my sake became poor".
christians, we must give! Give generously to your church, to missions, to the poor, to orphans and widows.
The Lord can provide all your needs, and calls you to give cheerfully. Trust Him!!
Today's sermon at my beloved church, Immanuel Baptist Church, was on money. "oh no", you think, "a sermon about money!" But it was really helpful. Very humbly presented and a clear picture of giving from the Old and New testament.
I won't sum up the whole thing here- but just tell you a few things I found interesting/thought provoking.
We think the Bible teaches of a tithe. Actually, the Old Testament law teaches that the Israelites were to give 23 1/3 percent! 10% went to the Levites (reference somewhere in Leviticus, sorry I missed that one). 10% to a festival in Jerusalem ( Dueteronomy 14:22). And every three years, 10% went to the soujourner, the poor, and the widow among them (Duet. 14:28)
That totals 23 1/3 %. So if you say "I give 10% because the Bible teaches it!"- well actually you should be giving more!
So what about the New Testament?
Jesus only speaks of a tithe one time. It is mentioned one other time in the NT also, in Hebrews. But the NT does speak of giving.
2 Corinthians 9:7
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
If you are a believer- the Holy Spirit lives in you and can lead you to know how much to give to the work of the church. Maybe that will be 10%. Maybe it will be 23% or 50% of your income! Maybe it means $10 a month for you or maybe it means $500 or $5,000. But God doesn't want churches to coerce or guilt people into giving . At the same time, if a person truly is a believer and understands that God can provide for their every need, no believer will think "I'm gonna give the smallest amount possible! Haha! I sure got off easy!" No- the Lord loves one who gives cheerfully as they are led by Him to give.
Additionally, when you understand that Jesus left the ultimate riches of Heaven to come to earth to die for you sins- He left ALL to stretch out His arms and pay the price for our iniquity- you won't dwell on "what percentage should I give?" Our giving should be grace-based sacrificial giving.
I've caught myself thinking and maybe even saying "yeah, we're just poor seminary students right now". Well, our income put us in the top 7% of people on this planet as far as yearly income goes. Top 7 %.
I have a roof over my head in the thunderstorm right now
I am not poor.
I have a computer to type this on. I can read the words I am typing.
I am not poor
I have a myriad of shoes to wear tomorrow, as I got to my job.
What excuse do i have for not giving more?
I have been saved by a Savior who "though he was rich, for my sake became poor".
christians, we must give! Give generously to your church, to missions, to the poor, to orphans and widows.
The Lord can provide all your needs, and calls you to give cheerfully. Trust Him!!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thankfulness when I don't feel like it
So- Its almost Friday. Because I work in a public school, once its the last 30 minutes of the day on Thursday, its basically Friday in my book. And that thought is glorious :)
Anyway- as I was saying- its almost Friday and I haven't posted in days. Its not that i haven't wanted to. I have actually come to my blog, thought "its about time I write something" and then stare at a blank screen with nothing to say. Sigh. Is my time as a blogger over so soon?
And so- I come back to the main idea of this blog. Thankfulness. In everything be thankful. Declare His praises. With every breath, praise the Lord. Maybe when I have nothing to say, nothing to write about, its exactly because I haven't been dwelling on His goodness enough this week.
Continuing my list
31. I'm thankful that my mom has written out by hand her best 50 or so recipes for me to use.
32. Thankful for a new friend from South Korea and that together we can practice English.
33. Thankful that, because of the blood of Christ, this new Korean friend is my sister in Christ and we have SO much in common even if we don't communicate well yet!
34. Thankful for Mrs. Mohler and Mrs. Ware of Seminary who taught tonight on making the most of our time, being wise stewards with our time, to glorify God and plan well for our families!
35. I'm thankful that God's grace doesn't reveal all of sin to us at once but that He sanctifies us as we can handle it- His grace is sufficient!
36. Chai
37. Even though his 2 inch long white hair is embedded into everything in this house, I am SO thankful for my puppy, and especially when I return home after not seeing him for 14 hours and he basically knocks me over with excitement.
38. Thankful to hear my husband yell with joy from his "office" because it means he figured out a Greek passage he's been working hard on.
39. Thankful for those kids at school that want hugs. I think I enjoy them more than them!
40. Thankful for Daniel and the encouragement in Christ we get from that book.
Anyway- as I was saying- its almost Friday and I haven't posted in days. Its not that i haven't wanted to. I have actually come to my blog, thought "its about time I write something" and then stare at a blank screen with nothing to say. Sigh. Is my time as a blogger over so soon?
And so- I come back to the main idea of this blog. Thankfulness. In everything be thankful. Declare His praises. With every breath, praise the Lord. Maybe when I have nothing to say, nothing to write about, its exactly because I haven't been dwelling on His goodness enough this week.
Continuing my list
31. I'm thankful that my mom has written out by hand her best 50 or so recipes for me to use.
32. Thankful for a new friend from South Korea and that together we can practice English.
33. Thankful that, because of the blood of Christ, this new Korean friend is my sister in Christ and we have SO much in common even if we don't communicate well yet!
34. Thankful for Mrs. Mohler and Mrs. Ware of Seminary who taught tonight on making the most of our time, being wise stewards with our time, to glorify God and plan well for our families!
35. I'm thankful that God's grace doesn't reveal all of sin to us at once but that He sanctifies us as we can handle it- His grace is sufficient!
36. Chai
37. Even though his 2 inch long white hair is embedded into everything in this house, I am SO thankful for my puppy, and especially when I return home after not seeing him for 14 hours and he basically knocks me over with excitement.
38. Thankful to hear my husband yell with joy from his "office" because it means he figured out a Greek passage he's been working hard on.
39. Thankful for those kids at school that want hugs. I think I enjoy them more than them!
40. Thankful for Daniel and the encouragement in Christ we get from that book.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Do you want a yummy soup that is super easy?! (in fact, its sort of a cheater soup, so its great to make if you don't have time to cook meat, dice veggies, ect.) I have one for you to try, thanks to a recipe from my mom. It has been a favorite for a couple of years now and as soon as there is a hint of fall in the air, I'm ready to make it. And so, while my own pot of Turkey Wild Rice Soup is simmering on the stove, I thought I'd share it with you :)
Turkey Wild Rice Soup
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cans chicken broth ( I used "homemade" broth from the last time I cooked a whole chicken in the crock pot)
2 cups water
1/2 cup apple juice (optional, if you don't have it, add a bit more broth or water)
1 box long grain wild rice mix (Uncle Ben's is the best. The one that says "with 32 seasonings")
2 1/2 cups cooked turkey, cubed ***
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
***(sometimes stores have a chunk of cooked turkey breast in the meat coolers. This works, but is usually way too much and then i forget to use the rest. I have just recently realized I can get a chunk of cooked turkey from the deli counter. Just ask for 3/4 pound of the cheapest turkey. Works perfectly!)
1. In the pot that you will make the soup in, saute mushrooms and onion in oil or butter
2. Stir in water, broth, and apple juice. Bring to a boil
3. Stir in the box of rice mix and the separate little spice packet. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Cut up turkey into small pieces and add to the soup. Add frozen veggies, and let it simmer for 10 more minutes or until it's hot again and veggies are tender.
There you have it! SO easy and really tasty. Serve with hot bread or cresent rolls!
Turkey Wild Rice Soup
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cans chicken broth ( I used "homemade" broth from the last time I cooked a whole chicken in the crock pot)
2 cups water
1/2 cup apple juice (optional, if you don't have it, add a bit more broth or water)
1 box long grain wild rice mix (Uncle Ben's is the best. The one that says "with 32 seasonings")
2 1/2 cups cooked turkey, cubed ***
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
***(sometimes stores have a chunk of cooked turkey breast in the meat coolers. This works, but is usually way too much and then i forget to use the rest. I have just recently realized I can get a chunk of cooked turkey from the deli counter. Just ask for 3/4 pound of the cheapest turkey. Works perfectly!)
1. In the pot that you will make the soup in, saute mushrooms and onion in oil or butter
2. Stir in water, broth, and apple juice. Bring to a boil
3. Stir in the box of rice mix and the separate little spice packet. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Cut up turkey into small pieces and add to the soup. Add frozen veggies, and let it simmer for 10 more minutes or until it's hot again and veggies are tender.
There you have it! SO easy and really tasty. Serve with hot bread or cresent rolls!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
September Saturday with my Sweetheart :)
Yesterday was a gorgeous Saturday. I woke to a crispness in the air, the kind that makes you pull the covers all the way up to your chin. I LOVE that feeling! We had stayed up late watching Gilmore Girls so I knew Cody would be sleepy still. I decided to make him breakfast in bed! It had been forever since this had happened- and I hadn't planned ahead, so I just made what I could. Cheesy scrambled eggs, English muffins with Nutella, and hot tea :) It was well received!
On to our morning- we went yard sale-ing around the neighborhood for about an hour or a bit more. For the most part we didn't find much (it was a special neighborhood yard sale weekend so we went to 15 probably) We did find a pretty great kitchen canister set, porcelain, a pretty green, for $2. We also got a brand-new looking electric juicer for $5! More on this at the end of the day.
Then was on to Seminary campus bookstore, lunch on Frankfort Avenue at a Greek place. We had lamb gyros! yum! Reminded me of eating them in Germany, where they call them Kebabs.
Next we walked about the Reseviore, which neither of us had done before. Its really nice and peaceful!
After a brief trip to the mall we raked leaves for 2+ hours. All of that from ONE tree in the front yard! Its a beautiful sycamore tree, but boy does it have a lot of leaves and loose them early!
Cody and Piper with the 7 bags of leaves. And yes, that is a snow shovel in his hand....
Then I ran to do a few errands while Cody grilled cheeseburgers. Yum!
We ended our wonderful Saturday together with another episode of Gilmore Girls and a drink from our juicer. I had read several websites on juicers and am excited to try veggie juices for health and nutrients. But we started our new juicer experience with something sweet- apple and plum juice. It was a hit! Very tasty!
On to our morning- we went yard sale-ing around the neighborhood for about an hour or a bit more. For the most part we didn't find much (it was a special neighborhood yard sale weekend so we went to 15 probably) We did find a pretty great kitchen canister set, porcelain, a pretty green, for $2. We also got a brand-new looking electric juicer for $5! More on this at the end of the day.
Then was on to Seminary campus bookstore, lunch on Frankfort Avenue at a Greek place. We had lamb gyros! yum! Reminded me of eating them in Germany, where they call them Kebabs.
Next we walked about the Reseviore, which neither of us had done before. Its really nice and peaceful!
After a brief trip to the mall we raked leaves for 2+ hours. All of that from ONE tree in the front yard! Its a beautiful sycamore tree, but boy does it have a lot of leaves and loose them early!
Cody and Piper with the 7 bags of leaves. And yes, that is a snow shovel in his hand....
Then I ran to do a few errands while Cody grilled cheeseburgers. Yum!
We ended our wonderful Saturday together with another episode of Gilmore Girls and a drink from our juicer. I had read several websites on juicers and am excited to try veggie juices for health and nutrients. But we started our new juicer experience with something sweet- apple and plum juice. It was a hit! Very tasty!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Thankfulness from self-preaching
Ever have a week when it isn't a terrible week, but not overwhelmingly wonderful either? Just- normal. A normal week. You feel like there is nothing to complain about but not too much to get excited about? That's sort of the kind of week I have had. Predictable would be a good word for it. Day to day life.
When I start thinking that this life is too mundane- I remember what I deserve to get- hell, condemnation, isolation from God- and think on what I have been gifted instead- a relationship with the Living God for eternity and daily grace- and I realize that nothing about that is mundane! Sometimes this Gospel truth doesn't just jump into my head. Sometimes walking down the hall at school going through the motions (literally, as I wave my arms through the air interpreting for the 7th hour of the school day) the Gospel doesn't just shine through me like light through a jack-o-lantern. I've got to dig around, got to ask "what is it I'm placing my trust in right now?" "what does it look like in this situation to rely on Christ?"
Sometimes, the Lord brings to mind full Scripture, and as if flows through my mind, I find comfort and rest in the Truth. At times, all I can answer myself is "Christ. His grace. You don't deserve it, but He died for you". And that is enough too.
I need to preach the Gospel to myself daily. Don't you? Isn't it SO GOOD to know that salvation isn't walking down an aisle, saying a prayer and then its done? No- the Lord continually sanctifies us, blesses us, gifts us, teaches us, changes us from one degree of glory to another. And I, for one, desire to be filled with praise for this much more in the "mundane day-to-day" of life.
Continuing my list:
21. The GOSPEL- which I can hear every day for the rest of my life and I will never be tired of it.
22. I am thankful for my job, that I have one to go to everyday.
23. Thankful for cooler weather- the crispness new in the air today!
24. Thankful for a dear, bosom friend, and a few hours with her tonight before she moves away. Thankful for hundreds of hours of precious memories with her the past few years.
25. Thankful to the Lord for answered prayers concerning apt, job, safe travel, ect for friend.
26. Praise the Lord for Elisabeth Elliot and the grace given to her. Thankful for her books that are grace to me.
27. Thankful for beef stew in a bread bowl.
28. Grateful that tomorrow we can wear jeans and a t shirt to work.
29. Thankful for Psalm 105
30. I am thankful that tomorrow is a weekend!
When I start thinking that this life is too mundane- I remember what I deserve to get- hell, condemnation, isolation from God- and think on what I have been gifted instead- a relationship with the Living God for eternity and daily grace- and I realize that nothing about that is mundane! Sometimes this Gospel truth doesn't just jump into my head. Sometimes walking down the hall at school going through the motions (literally, as I wave my arms through the air interpreting for the 7th hour of the school day) the Gospel doesn't just shine through me like light through a jack-o-lantern. I've got to dig around, got to ask "what is it I'm placing my trust in right now?" "what does it look like in this situation to rely on Christ?"
Sometimes, the Lord brings to mind full Scripture, and as if flows through my mind, I find comfort and rest in the Truth. At times, all I can answer myself is "Christ. His grace. You don't deserve it, but He died for you". And that is enough too.
I need to preach the Gospel to myself daily. Don't you? Isn't it SO GOOD to know that salvation isn't walking down an aisle, saying a prayer and then its done? No- the Lord continually sanctifies us, blesses us, gifts us, teaches us, changes us from one degree of glory to another. And I, for one, desire to be filled with praise for this much more in the "mundane day-to-day" of life.
Continuing my list:
21. The GOSPEL- which I can hear every day for the rest of my life and I will never be tired of it.
22. I am thankful for my job, that I have one to go to everyday.
23. Thankful for cooler weather- the crispness new in the air today!
24. Thankful for a dear, bosom friend, and a few hours with her tonight before she moves away. Thankful for hundreds of hours of precious memories with her the past few years.
25. Thankful to the Lord for answered prayers concerning apt, job, safe travel, ect for friend.
26. Praise the Lord for Elisabeth Elliot and the grace given to her. Thankful for her books that are grace to me.
27. Thankful for beef stew in a bread bowl.
28. Grateful that tomorrow we can wear jeans and a t shirt to work.
29. Thankful for Psalm 105
30. I am thankful that tomorrow is a weekend!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Labor Day weekend in Illinois
Alright- I know- I'm backtracking. But I just uploaded pics from Labor Day weekend when we went home to visit and there were so many great pics I just had to post them.
The Gardner Family on our way to Illinois.
The Gardner Family on our way to Illinois. 
Cody and I with Jared, Jon, Josh, and Jessi Wharton and the newest Wharton, Michelle at Josh and Michelle's wedding reception! What a joy to be with all 4 Wharton kids at the same time- it had been ages! 
At another wedding the same day, I got to see Nichole and Amanda- two of my closest friends from childhood/high school.
I had the privilege to read Scripture to my Grandma Vi ( on left) and her roommate, Neva. 
Cody preached two times at our home church. Praise Him for the opportunity!
Mom, Dad, and I in a golf cart at Duquion state fair. Dad worked at the fair all week and we took him dinner one night.
Monday, September 12, 2011
A Beautiful Fall Weekend
So, last weekend was a great time for the Gardners in Louisville.
Campus was filled to overflowing with students, families and kids. Its fun to see so many families from IBC there, and other friends too. There was a jousting and sword fighting display that was quite legit. I wish I would have taken more pictures!!
A group of BCM friends before the 5K
Saturday morning, Cody and I ran in our first 5K ever! I was a bit nervous because I really don't run, but I knew it was worth the try and the money went to missions. It couldn't have been a more beautiful day and I felt better running than i thought I would. I guess the adrenaline of it being a "race" pushed me on. Cody was a sweetheart and stayed with me the whole time. He sprinted the last hill to the finish line and then waited there for me so we could cross holding hands :)
My mom was in town for both of these events and it was great fun having her there. We stopped by an Art Show for a bit before lunch and then she headed back to Illinois.
At the Art Fair, a weaver asked if I'd like to try her loom. Would I! I have ALWAYS wanted to try weaving. She let me do the shuttle and peddles and everything!
That night we had youth group, then church on Sunday. After church, the Yuens introduced us to our first taste of Indian food at Kashmire. It was awesome! I then was blessed with long-prayed for face time with a dear friend who just returned from the mission field. It was SO good to talk to her- and that hour conversation had some laughter, some tears and lots of sharing of life. Sunday night, Cody and Piper and I got caught on a walk in a sudden downpour. We tumbled into the house totally soaked, all of us dripping wet and laughing.
What a great weekend of memories!
Friday was Fall Festival at Southern Seminary. This year it was Narnia themed! We entered Narnia through a wardrobe complete with fur coats and stepped out onto the quad to find the lamp post, Mr. Tumnus, Edmond, Peter, Lucy and Susan and the White Witch. There were beautiful tents with everything from Turkish Delight to Cotton Candy and Chic-fil-A (I'm sure they had that in Narnia, aren't you!?). There were dozens of inflatables for the kids. But the best part was hanging out with lots of great friends.
Enjoying cotton candy in Narnia! Thank SBTS!
Enjoying cotton candy in Narnia! Thank SBTS!
Campus was filled to overflowing with students, families and kids. Its fun to see so many families from IBC there, and other friends too. There was a jousting and sword fighting display that was quite legit. I wish I would have taken more pictures!!
A group of BCM friends before the 5K
My mom was in town for both of these events and it was great fun having her there. We stopped by an Art Show for a bit before lunch and then she headed back to Illinois.
At the Art Fair, a weaver asked if I'd like to try her loom. Would I! I have ALWAYS wanted to try weaving. She let me do the shuttle and peddles and everything! That night we had youth group, then church on Sunday. After church, the Yuens introduced us to our first taste of Indian food at Kashmire. It was awesome! I then was blessed with long-prayed for face time with a dear friend who just returned from the mission field. It was SO good to talk to her- and that hour conversation had some laughter, some tears and lots of sharing of life. Sunday night, Cody and Piper and I got caught on a walk in a sudden downpour. We tumbled into the house totally soaked, all of us dripping wet and laughing.
What a great weekend of memories!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Thankful
Adding to my list of things I praise the Lord for...
17. running our first 5K on a beautiful September Saturday. Finishing and doing our best by the Lord's strength for His name!
18. Worshiping the Lord this morning at a church with Latinos, Asians, Africans and African-Americans, people from Europe, the Carribean, Deaf people, knowing that in heaven people from all tribes, tongues, and nations will be there.
19. Getting caught in a sudden downpour on a walk with Cody and Piper. Walk turned into a run!
20. Talking for over an hour via Skype to my precious friend who just returned from 2 years serving the Lord overseas. Praise HIM for hundreds of answered prayers in the life of this friend!
17. running our first 5K on a beautiful September Saturday. Finishing and doing our best by the Lord's strength for His name!
18. Worshiping the Lord this morning at a church with Latinos, Asians, Africans and African-Americans, people from Europe, the Carribean, Deaf people, knowing that in heaven people from all tribes, tongues, and nations will be there.
19. Getting caught in a sudden downpour on a walk with Cody and Piper. Walk turned into a run!
20. Talking for over an hour via Skype to my precious friend who just returned from 2 years serving the Lord overseas. Praise HIM for hundreds of answered prayers in the life of this friend!
Reflections on September 11
Sitting in the back corner of business class, I was probably chatting with a few of my good friends who sat near me. Considering it was my freshman year of high school, as a fairly immature 15 year old girl, with homecoming fast approaching, I can pretty safely guess that I was whispering about who was wearing whose football jersey that week and who may be asking who to the homecoming dance.
A few minutes into class our teacher walked in and clicked on the tv. She quickly explained what had happened- a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center in NYC. The name of that building sounded familiar- but I didn't understand what was important about this. I didn't get why it would happen, who did it, what it would mean. She left the TV on and our petty conversations quickly died away as real life dawned upon us. I watched, stunned into silence, as cameras zoomed in on people jumping to their deaths. I saw the second plane crash into the building and listened as reporters frantically tried to give commentary. News of other planes filtered in and it quickly became a swarming mess of voices, smoke, screams and fears. My friends around me talked with each other - some probably had already moved on, discussing football and homecoming once again. Some analyzed the situation and pretended they understood what was happening. I sat, first fighting tears, and then giving into them. Soon I was sobbing. The kind of crying you don't want to do in front of others- much less in your freshman business class. Heaving- trying to catch my breath type of crying. The teacher asked me if i wanted to call my mom at work and hear that she was ok. It wasn't that- I couldn't explain at the time to anyone what had me most upset.
Near the end of junior high, I had stumbled upon the Left Behind series of books. I had just finished reading the series up to the most current book when I started High School. So when those planes crashed that day, my mind immediately thought this meant the world was ending. I thought it was the beginning of the tribulation. I was trying to figure out if the rapture should have happened already- who should I tell about the Gospel, and all i could do was sit there and cry and cry. At this time in my life, I was a believer, having heard the Gospel and believed on Christ for salvation in 6th grade, but up to this point had received very minimal discipleship. I believed wholeheartedly in whatever someone told me- including the Left Behind series. Panic filled my soul that day and I didn't know how to deal with it.
Looking back now- I wonder- if the same thing happened today, or another tragedy to that magnitude, how would I react? Being amazingly blessed with a Godly friends, Biblically sound teachers/preachers, and my wise husband, I know I would hear truth. Truth that God is sovereign over rulers, authorities, politicians, and leaders.
A few minutes into class our teacher walked in and clicked on the tv. She quickly explained what had happened- a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center in NYC. The name of that building sounded familiar- but I didn't understand what was important about this. I didn't get why it would happen, who did it, what it would mean. She left the TV on and our petty conversations quickly died away as real life dawned upon us. I watched, stunned into silence, as cameras zoomed in on people jumping to their deaths. I saw the second plane crash into the building and listened as reporters frantically tried to give commentary. News of other planes filtered in and it quickly became a swarming mess of voices, smoke, screams and fears. My friends around me talked with each other - some probably had already moved on, discussing football and homecoming once again. Some analyzed the situation and pretended they understood what was happening. I sat, first fighting tears, and then giving into them. Soon I was sobbing. The kind of crying you don't want to do in front of others- much less in your freshman business class. Heaving- trying to catch my breath type of crying. The teacher asked me if i wanted to call my mom at work and hear that she was ok. It wasn't that- I couldn't explain at the time to anyone what had me most upset.
Near the end of junior high, I had stumbled upon the Left Behind series of books. I had just finished reading the series up to the most current book when I started High School. So when those planes crashed that day, my mind immediately thought this meant the world was ending. I thought it was the beginning of the tribulation. I was trying to figure out if the rapture should have happened already- who should I tell about the Gospel, and all i could do was sit there and cry and cry. At this time in my life, I was a believer, having heard the Gospel and believed on Christ for salvation in 6th grade, but up to this point had received very minimal discipleship. I believed wholeheartedly in whatever someone told me- including the Left Behind series. Panic filled my soul that day and I didn't know how to deal with it.
Looking back now- I wonder- if the same thing happened today, or another tragedy to that magnitude, how would I react? Being amazingly blessed with a Godly friends, Biblically sound teachers/preachers, and my wise husband, I know I would hear truth. Truth that God is sovereign over rulers, authorities, politicians, and leaders.
"The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;
he turns it wherever he will." Proverbs 21:1
he turns it wherever he will." Proverbs 21:1
We don't see God's big picture here- but I know now that God didn't change in his goodness or steadfastness that day. He didn't get tricked by Satan, who got an upperhand that day when God's back was turned. NO- that wasn't it at all! I praise the Lord for growing me in understanding of His sovereignty and lovingkindness.
When I look back in 10 years ago today and think about what I thought about who God was, I see clearly that He has been kind to teach me of His character. But now I need to ask myself- though i was more immature then, and had a wrong idea of the end times- am I as zealous for sharing the Gospel now as I was then? Yes I came at it with naivety, but also with a precious innocence. The thoughts of "People are dieing, the world may end today, and I've got to tell people, I've got to pray, i've got to cry out to God."- were constantly running through my mind that day.
Do I wake up each day, get ready for work, and interact with my coworkers with the same intense desire to be a Gospel light in my workplace? Do i have conversations with family members with intentionality, or do I hunker back in fear of man instead of fear of the Lord?
When I look back in 10 years ago today and think about what I thought about who God was, I see clearly that He has been kind to teach me of His character. But now I need to ask myself- though i was more immature then, and had a wrong idea of the end times- am I as zealous for sharing the Gospel now as I was then? Yes I came at it with naivety, but also with a precious innocence. The thoughts of "People are dieing, the world may end today, and I've got to tell people, I've got to pray, i've got to cry out to God."- were constantly running through my mind that day.
Do I wake up each day, get ready for work, and interact with my coworkers with the same intense desire to be a Gospel light in my workplace? Do i have conversations with family members with intentionality, or do I hunker back in fear of man instead of fear of the Lord?
The Lord alone can save sinners. The Lord alone can stir within hearts and open blind eyes to see their need for His salvation. And in light of those truths and the Great Commission given to Christians by the Lord:
"Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
In light of that- I must ask myself, do I regard people from an eternal perspective as I did on September 11, 2001, when, with childish passion, I wanted to proclaim the Gospel to my whole school? May the Lord fill me such passion anew!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Always Forgiven
I had the privilege to study the Word and worship tonight with a great group of youth and adults from Immanuel. Here are the lyrics of one song we sang. The words are simple but speak depths of truth.
Always Forgiven
I don’t deserve to be Your servant
And how much less to be Your child
Anger and wrath, sure condemnation
Should be my portion, my just reward
Never have seen it, never will know it
Your lovingkindness enfolds my life
Chorus
All You have shown me is
Grace, love and mercy
Now and forever I am Your child
Freely You pour out
Your lovingkindness
Father of grace
You welcome me in
All of the sin I have committed
Was placed upon Your righteous Son
And now You see me
Through His perfection
As if I’d never done any wrong
Always forgiven, always accepted
No fear of judgment
Before Your throne
Always Forgiven by JonRyan
© 2004 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)
The Piper
16. I am SO thankful to the Lord that yesterday when I was playing frisbee with Piper in our backyard (which is riddled with holes he has dug) and when he jumped onto me playfully, and when I stepped backwards into the deepest and also most hidden hole of them all, that my ankle didn't snap in half or even twist. Praise the Lord because it could have easily been very bad, but wasn't at all!
speaking of my puppy, its time to introduce him to this blog. I'll add some pictures of the summer.
Aren't my two men so handsome!
Piper LOVES car rides! Isn't that speckled nose so cute!
A few more pictures of what Cody and I did this summer will come soon. And then I'm moving full strength into FALL!
speaking of my puppy, its time to introduce him to this blog. I'll add some pictures of the summer.
Aren't my two men so handsome!
Piper LOVES car rides! Isn't that speckled nose so cute!
A few more pictures of what Cody and I did this summer will come soon. And then I'm moving full strength into FALL!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
we'll start at the very beginning- a very good place to start...
Anyone know what song/musical that title comes from? Answer at the end of the post :)
So here goes- my trek into cultivating thankfulness. Sure I think throughout my day "wow, that was really great. Thanks God!" or "oh, thank you Jesus, what a blessing. You are good to me!". But sometimes these thoughts are so fleeting.
I'd like to record some. Lots of them. If sometimes that results in a whole blog post just on a great new dessert recipe (TOTALLY thankful for sweets, aren't you?!) or pictures of a trip I go on or a new tradition my husband and I start, or time with friends- then so be it, because these are all great blessings that came only from the Lord.
so in no particular order- my list begins.
Praise the Lord for His blessings today!
1. A sweet kindergartner to climb up in my lap at the end of a school day.
2. softly falling misty rain- gentle and cool
3. the ease of chicken quesadillas- a favorite easy dinner that we use when we don't have time to make something else. Praise God for such good food provided for us!
4. Seminary Wives Institute- the joy and privilege it is to get to attend classes and sit under great teachers in many topics, in preparation to be a minister's wife- Lord willing.
5. Visiting with an old friend
6. A husband diligently studying Greek
7. Muddy paw prints on the floor because it means I have an active, fun puppy
8. A new friend at my new job
9. Free Libraries- I am SO thankful for the idea that we can borrow books for free!
10. Books in general!
11. While we're on the topic, literacy. I am thankful that I can read, and can read the WORD. God's Word to us.
12. our home church who blessed us abundantly last weekend when we were home visiting
13. Hot tea on cold mornings, drinking it while its still dark out!
14. Each deaf child who I work with unique way of saying "Ms. Ashley"- i love those sweet, precious voices
P.S.- the title of this blog post is from The Sound of Music "We'll start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. When you read you begin with ABC. When you sing you begin with Do, Re, Mi."
15. I am so thankful for musicals!
So here goes- my trek into cultivating thankfulness. Sure I think throughout my day "wow, that was really great. Thanks God!" or "oh, thank you Jesus, what a blessing. You are good to me!". But sometimes these thoughts are so fleeting.
I'd like to record some. Lots of them. If sometimes that results in a whole blog post just on a great new dessert recipe (TOTALLY thankful for sweets, aren't you?!) or pictures of a trip I go on or a new tradition my husband and I start, or time with friends- then so be it, because these are all great blessings that came only from the Lord.
so in no particular order- my list begins.
Praise the Lord for His blessings today!
1. A sweet kindergartner to climb up in my lap at the end of a school day.
2. softly falling misty rain- gentle and cool
3. the ease of chicken quesadillas- a favorite easy dinner that we use when we don't have time to make something else. Praise God for such good food provided for us!
4. Seminary Wives Institute- the joy and privilege it is to get to attend classes and sit under great teachers in many topics, in preparation to be a minister's wife- Lord willing.
5. Visiting with an old friend
6. A husband diligently studying Greek
7. Muddy paw prints on the floor because it means I have an active, fun puppy
8. A new friend at my new job
9. Free Libraries- I am SO thankful for the idea that we can borrow books for free!
10. Books in general!
11. While we're on the topic, literacy. I am thankful that I can read, and can read the WORD. God's Word to us.
12. our home church who blessed us abundantly last weekend when we were home visiting
13. Hot tea on cold mornings, drinking it while its still dark out!
14. Each deaf child who I work with unique way of saying "Ms. Ashley"- i love those sweet, precious voices
P.S.- the title of this blog post is from The Sound of Music "We'll start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. When you read you begin with ABC. When you sing you begin with Do, Re, Mi."
15. I am so thankful for musicals!
Declaring - my entry into the blogging world and....
Well- here it goes. Attempt #2 at blogging. This time around I hope to focus my thoughts more- instead of swimming randomly around in the great sea of blogs out there, thinking to write a little of this, a little of that, and giving up in the end, I'll focus on one main idea and see what branches out of it.
So- the main idea? Thankfulness.
The Word says in Psalm 107 to give sacrifices of thankfuless and to declare the Lord's good works. We all hear enough complaining every day. To have what someone else has, or does, or doesn't have to do- don't those thoughts plague you enough? They do me. But the Lord has SO RICHLY blessed me. Why do I still doubt, compare, and sulk?
Partly because I don't preach the Gospel to myself enough.
The Gospel- that I am utterly, hopelessly a sinner deserving of hell. But the Lord, in His immense grace, send His Son to take my punishment on Himself. Jesus Christ died, defeating my sin (and yours) on the cross, and rose three days later, defeating death. He is now seated in Heaven, interceding for me to God night and day.
Because of THIS Gospel- that nothing I have done or ever will do is good enough to earn my own salvation, AND that nothing I have done or ever will do is bad enough to negate Christ's sacrificial death- I live a life redeemed. I live an abundant life- filled with blessings from the Lord.
Sometimes those blessings look like blessings- a house provided for us to live in, a new job that was long prayed for. Sometimes blessings look like sanctification- painful relationships, confession of sins, learning and growing.
But all of this, in light of the Gospel, are lists and lists of things to be thankful for.
So instead of looking at this world and seeing what I wish I had or did- I'm gonna "set my eyes on Christ, the author and perfector of my faith". "Set your eyes on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Colossian 3 something, near the beginning)
I'm gonna aim to be thankful. To abound with thanksgiving. To Declare His works, His righteousness, His grace.
So- the main idea? Thankfulness.
The Word says in Psalm 107 to give sacrifices of thankfuless and to declare the Lord's good works. We all hear enough complaining every day. To have what someone else has, or does, or doesn't have to do- don't those thoughts plague you enough? They do me. But the Lord has SO RICHLY blessed me. Why do I still doubt, compare, and sulk?
Partly because I don't preach the Gospel to myself enough.
The Gospel- that I am utterly, hopelessly a sinner deserving of hell. But the Lord, in His immense grace, send His Son to take my punishment on Himself. Jesus Christ died, defeating my sin (and yours) on the cross, and rose three days later, defeating death. He is now seated in Heaven, interceding for me to God night and day.
Because of THIS Gospel- that nothing I have done or ever will do is good enough to earn my own salvation, AND that nothing I have done or ever will do is bad enough to negate Christ's sacrificial death- I live a life redeemed. I live an abundant life- filled with blessings from the Lord.
Sometimes those blessings look like blessings- a house provided for us to live in, a new job that was long prayed for. Sometimes blessings look like sanctification- painful relationships, confession of sins, learning and growing.
But all of this, in light of the Gospel, are lists and lists of things to be thankful for.
So instead of looking at this world and seeing what I wish I had or did- I'm gonna "set my eyes on Christ, the author and perfector of my faith". "Set your eyes on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Colossian 3 something, near the beginning)
I'm gonna aim to be thankful. To abound with thanksgiving. To Declare His works, His righteousness, His grace.
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