Hey Guys/ Women,
Steph asked for a list of girls to connect with for the dorms and I figured that all of us could start connecting and getting to know the new girls! Most of them are on facebook, but some are not. I am friends with most of them if you have a hard time!
Jasmine Sniffen-Carson
Abby Wrisley
Felicia Farley
Quyana Barrios
Rebecca Marti
Lauren Talamentez
Kelia Kapu (this is a shortened name)
Rosie Melim Souza
Natalie Pruett
Sarah Main Reeves
Heidi Achauer
Kaysie Dostal
If you feel led to pray for these girls please do! And for returning girls as well!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Of Cabbages and Kings
Well girls,
"'The time has come,' the Walrus said, 'to talk of many things: of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings; and why the sea is boiling hot and whether pigs have wings!'"
Okay, so maybe not to talk of those such things, but pretty close! Time is swimming by quickly with the current and the hourglass is losing its sandy beads. That's right - school is nearly here! How are you all doing? Are you ready for this coming year? Have you begun to say your last goodbyes and packed your last article of underwear? Are all your pens sharpened and your minds keen to take on those dastardly empty white pages which desire to be written upon?
The answer: OF COURSE NOT! How could this summer have gone by so fast!? For myself, I could have sworn I only arrived in Illinois last week! Alas, still, time does not stop for preparations, but there is still lots of time left to get ready!
To talk about myself, I am getting more and more excited every second of every day to begin this road trip back to Eugene! Rachel and I leave for Chicago on Wednesday, then we'll be heading out on our journey, with my friend Erin, at 7am on Friday! Yet, there is still so much left to do here, that I'm anxious with every passing hour. I have a couple of prayer requests for while I'm still in Illinois:
The biggest request is for my parents. During this summer, God gave me a couple of dreams in which I had to defend my parents against a few spirits that were coming against them. They were terrifying dreams and these demons were crouching all around us to try to kill my parents. In the first dream, I put my dad behind my back and fought the demons with him watching (my mom had run off during this time in the dream). But in the second dream, they were sleeping beside me and these demons came into the room we were sleeping in and tried attacking them while they dreamed. I woke up to them starting to come onto the bed and fought them off while my parents slept. I talked to my mom about these dreams and she became teary-eyed and said that they were having problems. Yesterday, I talked with my sister and found out my mom had told my dad that if he didn't make her happy, she wanted a divorce in a couple of years. I've been praying for my parents and I told my mom I wanted to pray for her before I went back to school (which means we'll be praying either tonight or tomorrow night). I want an opportunity to talk with my dad as well. This is, I believe, the reason why I came home this summer. My prayer request is that the Spirit would take over during the prayer times I have both with and without my parents and victory will be known throughout my house.
The smaller request is for safety driving back to Eugene. My car currently has over 207,000 miles on it and, although it's a great car and I'm not too worried, it's pretty worn out. Prayers, please, that we make it to Oregon!!
As always, let's keep pushing forward and be praying for our girls this year!
I can't wait to see each and every one of you VERY soon! I love you all so much :o)
"'The time has come,' the Walrus said, 'to talk of many things: of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings; and why the sea is boiling hot and whether pigs have wings!'"
Okay, so maybe not to talk of those such things, but pretty close! Time is swimming by quickly with the current and the hourglass is losing its sandy beads. That's right - school is nearly here! How are you all doing? Are you ready for this coming year? Have you begun to say your last goodbyes and packed your last article of underwear? Are all your pens sharpened and your minds keen to take on those dastardly empty white pages which desire to be written upon?
The answer: OF COURSE NOT! How could this summer have gone by so fast!? For myself, I could have sworn I only arrived in Illinois last week! Alas, still, time does not stop for preparations, but there is still lots of time left to get ready!
To talk about myself, I am getting more and more excited every second of every day to begin this road trip back to Eugene! Rachel and I leave for Chicago on Wednesday, then we'll be heading out on our journey, with my friend Erin, at 7am on Friday! Yet, there is still so much left to do here, that I'm anxious with every passing hour. I have a couple of prayer requests for while I'm still in Illinois:
The biggest request is for my parents. During this summer, God gave me a couple of dreams in which I had to defend my parents against a few spirits that were coming against them. They were terrifying dreams and these demons were crouching all around us to try to kill my parents. In the first dream, I put my dad behind my back and fought the demons with him watching (my mom had run off during this time in the dream). But in the second dream, they were sleeping beside me and these demons came into the room we were sleeping in and tried attacking them while they dreamed. I woke up to them starting to come onto the bed and fought them off while my parents slept. I talked to my mom about these dreams and she became teary-eyed and said that they were having problems. Yesterday, I talked with my sister and found out my mom had told my dad that if he didn't make her happy, she wanted a divorce in a couple of years. I've been praying for my parents and I told my mom I wanted to pray for her before I went back to school (which means we'll be praying either tonight or tomorrow night). I want an opportunity to talk with my dad as well. This is, I believe, the reason why I came home this summer. My prayer request is that the Spirit would take over during the prayer times I have both with and without my parents and victory will be known throughout my house.
The smaller request is for safety driving back to Eugene. My car currently has over 207,000 miles on it and, although it's a great car and I'm not too worried, it's pretty worn out. Prayers, please, that we make it to Oregon!!
As always, let's keep pushing forward and be praying for our girls this year!
I can't wait to see each and every one of you VERY soon! I love you all so much :o)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Trust, Genuineness, Vulnerability, so on and so forth.
Vulnerability, trust, genuiness.
Sometimes I think that genuineness needs to be taken out of my vocabulary. I use it often, because everything in my craves and desires genuineness. However, I think that I am turning a corner, I think that people are NOT genuine when they have a guard up. Often times when they have a guard up, its because they have been hurt, broken, shaken.
I find it hard to be fully vulnerable and genuine when trust has been broken, when I personally have been hurt. I think with any relationship when there has been a rift... it not only causes a rift in that one relationship, but begins to affect the other relationships around.
How does one get past this point though? Past the point that trust is broken, it takes time to get back to that place, and is it really ever reachable?
I have written about 3 different blogs, planning to post, and then I revert back.. to keep the guard up. Its not because I dont want to be genuine, but because I have been hurt. I am getting back to the place of trust. I am working toward that safe place again. I dont like walls, I dont like guards. I crave genuineness, I desire the real deal.
I dont really have a conclusion, but this is where I am at. This is what I have for now.
Disclaimer: (I know these are supposed to go at the beginning) but take this with a grain of salt. Its not to be over thought or analyzed. This is more of me just processing, and trying to open back up.
Sometimes I think that genuineness needs to be taken out of my vocabulary. I use it often, because everything in my craves and desires genuineness. However, I think that I am turning a corner, I think that people are NOT genuine when they have a guard up. Often times when they have a guard up, its because they have been hurt, broken, shaken.
I find it hard to be fully vulnerable and genuine when trust has been broken, when I personally have been hurt. I think with any relationship when there has been a rift... it not only causes a rift in that one relationship, but begins to affect the other relationships around.
How does one get past this point though? Past the point that trust is broken, it takes time to get back to that place, and is it really ever reachable?
I have written about 3 different blogs, planning to post, and then I revert back.. to keep the guard up. Its not because I dont want to be genuine, but because I have been hurt. I am getting back to the place of trust. I am working toward that safe place again. I dont like walls, I dont like guards. I crave genuineness, I desire the real deal.
I dont really have a conclusion, but this is where I am at. This is what I have for now.
Disclaimer: (I know these are supposed to go at the beginning) but take this with a grain of salt. Its not to be over thought or analyzed. This is more of me just processing, and trying to open back up.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Prayer Requests
As some of you may know, I have been working in Admissions part time over the summer. Recently I have been calling future dorm students just to touch base about orientation and talk with them a bit more. When I ask if there is anything that needs to be prayed over, I get the same response and need:
To be reconnected with God and draw closer to him. Conquer sin and hard areas in their lives that have been hindering them from walking in freedom.
I wanted to just pass this message along to you guys so that we can start praying for these girls before they get here. Its also exciting, and such an honor and privileged that we get to be apart of their lives in this kind of way! A specific prayer request I had gotten was from a girl named Lauren who is needing help finding a worship team for a camp coming up and is having a hard time finding volunteers!
Thanks Friends!
To be reconnected with God and draw closer to him. Conquer sin and hard areas in their lives that have been hindering them from walking in freedom.
I wanted to just pass this message along to you guys so that we can start praying for these girls before they get here. Its also exciting, and such an honor and privileged that we get to be apart of their lives in this kind of way! A specific prayer request I had gotten was from a girl named Lauren who is needing help finding a worship team for a camp coming up and is having a hard time finding volunteers!
Thanks Friends!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Business/Relational Management
The other day, Gwen, Steph and Rachel and I were on the back lawn tanning and we started to talk about business and being relational at the same time. This is something I've been working through especially this last month of May. During May, I had 3 part time Jobs working for Distance Education, Admissions, and for Willow Creek along with trying to move into my apartment, start learning the Cafe, and get somethings ready for the dorms. I was exhausted from the constant work, but the work load wasn't going to go away. What suffered were my relationships with people and the obvious, with God. It seemed like that was all I could think about too, just getting stuff done. Its what I talked about, thought about, and once dreamed about. All that I wanted to do was get stuff done to the point where I could fully rest without feeling the anxiety and pressure of having un-done tasks. And if you know me, I am absolutely that personality that has to get things done!
When I came out of that time, I've realized one important lesson: Business will NEVER end, so its all in how you handle it and manage it. On the back lawn, we talked about how in College, the business level is "self" controlled, you manage it. When you get a family, the business is "others" controlled which will be much more difficult. What makes a difference is staying content and relying on God's strength as Paul so confidently shares in Philippians! His peace will bring contentment in any situation in life. So, even though the month of May was kind of a strike out for me, I am praying daily that though the business never goes away, that my heart would stay content even if I can't get things done, especially for this next school year. I was watching a movie once... and I'll never forget this quote: The only thing you can control is your attitude.
So, God I pray for even for today as you constantly challenge me on this aspect and I KNOW you are challenging the rest of us that we would be able to remind ourselves that you have a bigger strength capacity and we are only responsible for how we look and act on it. Lord let us this year be examples of good busy-bodies who can still remain a healthy attitude towards people and love towards you! Amen!
When I came out of that time, I've realized one important lesson: Business will NEVER end, so its all in how you handle it and manage it. On the back lawn, we talked about how in College, the business level is "self" controlled, you manage it. When you get a family, the business is "others" controlled which will be much more difficult. What makes a difference is staying content and relying on God's strength as Paul so confidently shares in Philippians! His peace will bring contentment in any situation in life. So, even though the month of May was kind of a strike out for me, I am praying daily that though the business never goes away, that my heart would stay content even if I can't get things done, especially for this next school year. I was watching a movie once... and I'll never forget this quote: The only thing you can control is your attitude.
So, God I pray for even for today as you constantly challenge me on this aspect and I KNOW you are challenging the rest of us that we would be able to remind ourselves that you have a bigger strength capacity and we are only responsible for how we look and act on it. Lord let us this year be examples of good busy-bodies who can still remain a healthy attitude towards people and love towards you! Amen!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Reply to "Influences" Blog
Steph,
This site was being crazy and wouldn't let me post my reply, so I'm posting it as a blog instead.
Here's what I commented:
"I would have to say my mom.
Mom trained us (my sister, Chelley, and I) to be strong, independent women, who needed no one but our own selves. Yet, if we were to include someone in our lives, it would only be by our choice, not because we needed them - only after we are fully secure on our own selves, can we allow someone else into our lives (financially and emotionally speaking). She also trained us to fully devote our time and selves to serving and caring for other people before ourselves. There are alwasy people out there hurting worse than we are, thus we need to help them before we take care of whatever issues are going on in our own lives.
I'd say this sums me up. Thanks, mom."
This site was being crazy and wouldn't let me post my reply, so I'm posting it as a blog instead.
Here's what I commented:
"I would have to say my mom.
Mom trained us (my sister, Chelley, and I) to be strong, independent women, who needed no one but our own selves. Yet, if we were to include someone in our lives, it would only be by our choice, not because we needed them - only after we are fully secure on our own selves, can we allow someone else into our lives (financially and emotionally speaking). She also trained us to fully devote our time and selves to serving and caring for other people before ourselves. There are alwasy people out there hurting worse than we are, thus we need to help them before we take care of whatever issues are going on in our own lives.
I'd say this sums me up. Thanks, mom."
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
our influences
This is an interactive post that includes us all posting something...
Who has been the most influential person in your life to date?
How has this person contributed to who you are today?
Being in leadership and the positions that we will be in this next year we will naturally influence those that we are around. Lets take some time, post and share about a person in your life who has been a huge part of who you are, and how they have affected your life.
Be creative with this! :)
Who has been the most influential person in your life to date?
How has this person contributed to who you are today?
Being in leadership and the positions that we will be in this next year we will naturally influence those that we are around. Lets take some time, post and share about a person in your life who has been a huge part of who you are, and how they have affected your life.
Be creative with this! :)
Friday, June 3, 2011
Why do we worry?
Growing up I was always told that I was a worrywart. I was someone who always had to make sure things were right and I worried "what if it doesn't turn out the way it's suppose to?" or "what if no one likes it?" One of my biggest fears a few years ago was, "What if I don't make a good leader?" I believe God used others to tell me that there was no need to worry. As long as I was doing my best and leading with spirit of Godliness, God would handle the rest.
Last school year, something that seemed repetitive to me was so many people saying that worrying is fear and fear is sin. I knew that but I just kept hearing it which brought me to the point of questioning why so many people kept saying it. They weren't all saying it to me; I even said it to people a few times. I didn't realize just how much it had been engraved into my head but maybe not so much my heart. Worry is something that we all deal with at some point.
One thing that I have really been asking God for direction in is in my leadership of the dance team. There are some significant changes that have happened and with this one-month summer recruiting trip coming up I wanted to make sure that I was renewing my leadership capabilities and strengths and knowledge with God. A few weeks before school ended I had questioned my own leadership. I came home for summer and in the second week of being here, everything seemed great; I was looking forward to starting the summer trip and I felt like I was renewed as a leader. As the weeks went on, I began to question my leadership again and I didn't know why. I now know it was because of fear.
Last night before going to bed, I did my devotions..little did I realize that because I had been doing it on the internet the time had changed to be todays devotions-God however knew that he needed to give me some reminding. I journaled on Romans 14:23 where it says, "Whatever is not from faith is sin." I received a phone call today updating me on a few things that also gave me the encouragement to take on more responsibility starting that moment. Right then and there, fear took over. I sounded happy and excited but fear and worry set in. "Am I going to be a good leader? Will they be able to answer to my authority? Will I be respected? Will I be heard?" were just a few of the questions of worry circling in my head. Then I went back to what I read in my devotion, "Whatever is not from faith is sin." If I am worrying, I am sinning. Trusting God completely even though I don't know what is ahead of me is what I need to be doing. I may not know but God does and as long as I put my faith in Him and His plan and know the He has got it all under control, there is no need to be worrying or fearing anything.
That is my prayer for all us. We don't know what the new school year will bring. We don't know about any of the situations that will come up or about any of the crazy, happy moments we are going to have but we do know that God has it all under control and our faith is what will sustain us.
Lord, I pray for every woman reading this right now. I ask that you continue to shape us in your ways and guide us to continue to walk in your plan. Please help us to remain faithful and remember that you have it all under control in times of worry. Help us to not worry or fear what is ahead of us or fear the unknown but have faith that no matter what it is, you are there. I know we are starting of this year on such an amazing note, growing deeper in you, together. Thank You for amazing friends and for the amazing relationships we are making and the ones we will make with all the current and incoming students. Help us to shine you and represent you in every step we take. I love you Lord. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
"ME Time"
ME TIME
What is it that YOU love to do?
Or do you even know what you love to do?
In our world today it is often looked at as selfish to do things for ourSELF. BUT is it truly selfish, or are we called to do it?
I think we could all answer that, yes we are supposed to take care of ourselves. Our bodies are the temple of God. Love others just as you love yourselves... we can quote off scriptures that signify that we are supposed to do this.
THEN why is it so hard for us to take time for "ME time?"
Let me take a step back, and tell you where I am coming from. I am finally at a place in my life that I have realized that I have to take care of me. I need to do things that refresh me, I need to do things that I enjoy. Today I was asked, "Stephanie, what do you love to do? What do you enjoy" as I tried to muster up an answer, just to answer the question, I realized that I do not do things often enough that I simply ENJOY, nor do I fully know what it is that I REALLY enjoy.
Naturally, I would say that a lot of the time I do things for others, because it refreshes and rejuvenates me, the FACT is.. IT DOES! I am so filled up by doing things that I am inspired to do,for OTHERS.
However, I have been told many times in the past month "You need to do what's best for you. You need to take care of yourself" I was having a conversation and was told "sometimes, I get mad because I wish that you were more SELFISH, because you are always giving, giving, giving to others, but what about Stephanie?"
As much of a compliment that was, I realized something within me needed to change. There was a new level that I discovered of making sure that I am taking care of myself, SO THAT I can be there for others.
I was talking with a friend while I was at home, and she told me that in a conference Pastor Wayne talked about how most of the time people think it goes "God, Family, Church, Friends" but really it goes "God, SELF, Family, Church, Friends" because if we are not taking care of ourselves, then we will have nothing to GIVE to our family, church, and friends, because we will have nothing in us.
Why am I writing this blog? One.. I think I am just blog happy right now, because the juices are already flowing for my next blog.. Secondly, to be transparent with what I am learning right now. Thirdly, because we are stepping into a place that who we are is going to be pulled on, what we want to do, compared to what we ought to do is going to be challenged, and we are going to be POURING out like crazy.
What is it that YOU love to do?
How are you going to make room for "ME Time" this summer and into this next season?
Saturday, May 28, 2011
We're All in This Together
We are now stepping into a new season. This is a season that we are all walking into together. With our different backgrounds, coming from our separate ways, for this season we are on the same path.
Each of us has something unique to offer to the group. Our gifts can never be replicated exactly, so it is best if we are the ones that are functioning out of our God given gifts. They are not about talent, they are not about success, or even style. Its who we are. Who God has created to be. It is the things inside of us that make our hearts pound, and the things we cant get off our mind. It is the thing that when we are functioning in who God has called us to be, all others know what to say is "You are crazy".
Lets be CRAZY... together.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Struggling with Prayer
Prayer.
I've had some trouble doing this lately.
Last night, as I laid on my bed, I knew I should say a few words before drifting off to sleep, but I realized I was fighting against heavy restraint; a very argumentative battle.
SIDE #1:
Why do I need to pray before bed? Didn't I already pray throughout the day? I went to church, didn't I? Isn't that enough for one day? And come on - praying before bedtime is one of the lowest ways of honoring God. It's like saying, "God, there's something within me that recognizes you deserve praise, so, after a full day of doing whatever it is that I want, I'll finally pray to you and say how great you are, but only after lifting myself up before you. I'll finally give you the last 10 minutes of the 1,440 minutes I had today."
SIDE #2:
Yes, so you spent a good portion of the day hanging out with friends and not thinking so much about God, about the Creator of everything in existence, and now you're feeling guilty about not praying more like you said you would. But please, let go of your selfish pride and just open your mouth. Take a stand against the evil there is in this world that doesn't want you to pray and just do it! Be stronger than him! You can do it, just start praying! Don't you think I want to hear your voice? Don't you think I will except even the tiniest portion you're willing to give me? Even if it is the last 10 minutes of your day, that is better than nothing at all. I will at least have a foot in the door. Strip off your pride and SPEAK!
So, I spoke. I prayed. I opened my mouth and began to pray. I confessed that I didn't want to pray and I didn't want to go to the Mission the next day. I didn't want to do anything but sleep. "God, you're going to have to get me through tomorrow, 'cause I can't do it. Please, help me."
I woke up refreshed, full of energy, and a new love in my heart for the women of the Mission. Before, I kept to myself and didn't talk very much. Today, I found myself laughing with them, smiling, and praying as I pulled out each weed I dug out of the mud for 2 hours in the morning. I thanked God for answering my prayer, no matter how pathetic it was. I thought about how God hears the tiniest of prayers, even the ones we think don't matter to Him - the ones that are shamefully spoken out of humiliation and regret for not doing it earlier.
But God hears them. God listens; He bends His ears to even the lowest and softest of pleas, especially if they are covered in shame.
What a fool I am! How stupid I am to believe that I am so great I can go a few hours without drinking in God's life-giving water! God deserves every part of our day and every ounce of it we can muster! Yet why do we feel so prideful in ourselves that we go even minutes without thinking about God? I could not have survived this far in life if He wasn't giving me the energy to go thus far; if He didn't have His hand in my life. How could I ever not give Him my time, my words, my breath, my life in every second of the day?
Prayer.
I've had some trouble doing this lately.
But God is utterly worthy of even the tiniest prayers; and even if I think it's shameful to give Him my smallest prayers, I'm at least going to do that. Does that mean that that is all I'm going to give Him? Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no, no. But it's a foot in the door.
I'm making it my goal to pray continually throughout the day and stick to my daily devotions. This has always been my goal, but these passed few days, it seems as though I've had to do a refresher course. :o)
What is this rant about? Beets me. You get from it what you will, but I feel as though that we all need to be open and honest with each other, ESPECIALLY ABOUT OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES, if we are going to dedicate this coming year to Christ and His glory, not our own. We can't hide behind our dorm doors or a smiling, responsible face. We need to be real, open, and honest with each other. So, here's a start. Here's my start. This is what I've been thinking of lately and here's how you can pray for me. These are my struggles, please join with me in prayer, help me in my weaknesses, so that we can be one Body that works perfectly in Christ's name together.
There. Open honesty and vulnerability. This is my prayer for us.
Love to you all!
I've had some trouble doing this lately.
Last night, as I laid on my bed, I knew I should say a few words before drifting off to sleep, but I realized I was fighting against heavy restraint; a very argumentative battle.
SIDE #1:
Why do I need to pray before bed? Didn't I already pray throughout the day? I went to church, didn't I? Isn't that enough for one day? And come on - praying before bedtime is one of the lowest ways of honoring God. It's like saying, "God, there's something within me that recognizes you deserve praise, so, after a full day of doing whatever it is that I want, I'll finally pray to you and say how great you are, but only after lifting myself up before you. I'll finally give you the last 10 minutes of the 1,440 minutes I had today."
SIDE #2:
Yes, so you spent a good portion of the day hanging out with friends and not thinking so much about God, about the Creator of everything in existence, and now you're feeling guilty about not praying more like you said you would. But please, let go of your selfish pride and just open your mouth. Take a stand against the evil there is in this world that doesn't want you to pray and just do it! Be stronger than him! You can do it, just start praying! Don't you think I want to hear your voice? Don't you think I will except even the tiniest portion you're willing to give me? Even if it is the last 10 minutes of your day, that is better than nothing at all. I will at least have a foot in the door. Strip off your pride and SPEAK!
So, I spoke. I prayed. I opened my mouth and began to pray. I confessed that I didn't want to pray and I didn't want to go to the Mission the next day. I didn't want to do anything but sleep. "God, you're going to have to get me through tomorrow, 'cause I can't do it. Please, help me."
I woke up refreshed, full of energy, and a new love in my heart for the women of the Mission. Before, I kept to myself and didn't talk very much. Today, I found myself laughing with them, smiling, and praying as I pulled out each weed I dug out of the mud for 2 hours in the morning. I thanked God for answering my prayer, no matter how pathetic it was. I thought about how God hears the tiniest of prayers, even the ones we think don't matter to Him - the ones that are shamefully spoken out of humiliation and regret for not doing it earlier.
But God hears them. God listens; He bends His ears to even the lowest and softest of pleas, especially if they are covered in shame.
What a fool I am! How stupid I am to believe that I am so great I can go a few hours without drinking in God's life-giving water! God deserves every part of our day and every ounce of it we can muster! Yet why do we feel so prideful in ourselves that we go even minutes without thinking about God? I could not have survived this far in life if He wasn't giving me the energy to go thus far; if He didn't have His hand in my life. How could I ever not give Him my time, my words, my breath, my life in every second of the day?
Prayer.
I've had some trouble doing this lately.
But God is utterly worthy of even the tiniest prayers; and even if I think it's shameful to give Him my smallest prayers, I'm at least going to do that. Does that mean that that is all I'm going to give Him? Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no, no. But it's a foot in the door.
I'm making it my goal to pray continually throughout the day and stick to my daily devotions. This has always been my goal, but these passed few days, it seems as though I've had to do a refresher course. :o)
What is this rant about? Beets me. You get from it what you will, but I feel as though that we all need to be open and honest with each other, ESPECIALLY ABOUT OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES, if we are going to dedicate this coming year to Christ and His glory, not our own. We can't hide behind our dorm doors or a smiling, responsible face. We need to be real, open, and honest with each other. So, here's a start. Here's my start. This is what I've been thinking of lately and here's how you can pray for me. These are my struggles, please join with me in prayer, help me in my weaknesses, so that we can be one Body that works perfectly in Christ's name together.
There. Open honesty and vulnerability. This is my prayer for us.
Love to you all!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Beautiful
My prayer is one of beauty-
I pray not of vain, conceited beauty, or of selfish gain, but I lift a prayer of beauty to the Lord.
I am continually reminded of how beautiful the Word of God is, how beautiful creation is, how beautiful the name of the Lord is on the lips of the righteous.
Every moment spent in creation- outdoor, indoor- it doesn't matter. The pure beauty and magnificence of what God has made gives me chills.
Lord Jesus-
I pray not for myself to acquire some great outward beauty, nor do I pray the traditional prayer of inward beauty for any of these girls. Lord, I pray that we may be a reflection of YOUR beauty, because there is nothing else that is truly beautiful in comparison. As you are clothed with splendor, and as creation sings glorious praise, may we be a reflection of the beautiful essence of your presence. Like a sweet aroma, may our lives give total and complete credit to YOUR majesty, worthiness, and honor. Like light in a dark room, may we emanate a pure beauty that comes only from the Holy Spirit.
~Amen
"Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD
or fully declare his praise?" Ps. 106:2
I pray not of vain, conceited beauty, or of selfish gain, but I lift a prayer of beauty to the Lord.
I am continually reminded of how beautiful the Word of God is, how beautiful creation is, how beautiful the name of the Lord is on the lips of the righteous.
Every moment spent in creation- outdoor, indoor- it doesn't matter. The pure beauty and magnificence of what God has made gives me chills.
Lord Jesus-
I pray not for myself to acquire some great outward beauty, nor do I pray the traditional prayer of inward beauty for any of these girls. Lord, I pray that we may be a reflection of YOUR beauty, because there is nothing else that is truly beautiful in comparison. As you are clothed with splendor, and as creation sings glorious praise, may we be a reflection of the beautiful essence of your presence. Like a sweet aroma, may our lives give total and complete credit to YOUR majesty, worthiness, and honor. Like light in a dark room, may we emanate a pure beauty that comes only from the Holy Spirit.
~Amen
"Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD
or fully declare his praise?" Ps. 106:2
Our Team
Jesus,
I pray for one mind heart and soul as we are spiritually gearing up for this year. As we plan and do all the tedious things for the dorms, I pray that you would spark in each of us creativity and ultimately what you want for this year. God I pray for each of the ITL's and their summers that you would bless and grow each of them and challenge them in their weaknesses to prepare us for the future. Speak to them daily Jesus. Give them insight and understanding into peoples lives in order to help them serve best! Bless this week for all of us!
Amen!
I pray for one mind heart and soul as we are spiritually gearing up for this year. As we plan and do all the tedious things for the dorms, I pray that you would spark in each of us creativity and ultimately what you want for this year. God I pray for each of the ITL's and their summers that you would bless and grow each of them and challenge them in their weaknesses to prepare us for the future. Speak to them daily Jesus. Give them insight and understanding into peoples lives in order to help them serve best! Bless this week for all of us!
Amen!
Monday, May 16, 2011
About this Blog!
Hello Wonderful ITL's!
I hope your summers are going well! As I was sitting doing devotions today, I was struck by something I feel was directly at me, and could be for you guys as well. In 1 Chronicles 28:9-10, David is giving his successor Solomon a charge: "Acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work." I especially feel as though this is for all of us, because God has graciously given us positions of authority over peoples spiritual walks. He could have chosen any one else, but for some reason, he chose us. So why would we ever neglect God's opinion over our own?
This blog is for all of us. If there is one thing you should know about me, it is that I write down almost EVERYTHING! I love seeing prayers get answered and it would be great to encourage one another before this year starts. What I believe made this last year so wonderful in the dorms, was that it was coasting on the prayers of those who desired God first. So, post a prayer! As you listen to God and hear what he wants, share it! We are all in this together for this next year and the best thing we can possibly do is pray. And don't be afraid to be specific! This blog is private and won't be shared with anyone else but ourselves.
Blessings!
Emilie
I hope your summers are going well! As I was sitting doing devotions today, I was struck by something I feel was directly at me, and could be for you guys as well. In 1 Chronicles 28:9-10, David is giving his successor Solomon a charge: "Acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work." I especially feel as though this is for all of us, because God has graciously given us positions of authority over peoples spiritual walks. He could have chosen any one else, but for some reason, he chose us. So why would we ever neglect God's opinion over our own?
This blog is for all of us. If there is one thing you should know about me, it is that I write down almost EVERYTHING! I love seeing prayers get answered and it would be great to encourage one another before this year starts. What I believe made this last year so wonderful in the dorms, was that it was coasting on the prayers of those who desired God first. So, post a prayer! As you listen to God and hear what he wants, share it! We are all in this together for this next year and the best thing we can possibly do is pray. And don't be afraid to be specific! This blog is private and won't be shared with anyone else but ourselves.
Blessings!
Emilie
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