First of all, I'm so sorry friends I haven't updated a personal post in a while. I honestly want to get better about that. Secondly, this post probably doesn't have a very smooth flow... it's just a few thoughts I had, and thought I would share!
This summer has been all about the sovereignty of God, I wish I could write all the things that have happened over the spring and summer, but that would take pages and pages. But I have experienced God's power in a unique and special way.There have been times in my life where I have doubted whether God actually intervenes in the lives of his people, but I can honestly say when that doubt creeps in again, I can look to this spring and summer and say with confidence: "YES! God sees, God cares. He is orchestrating things for the good of those who love him, and are conforming them into the image of his Son!"
I have learned that we are each fashioned by God for the specific time period we are in. We are made with his glory in mind. More than that, I have been made to look more like Christ and to glorify him with every breath.
I have seen many a prayer answered this summer. From things as large as "God, what are you doing?", to as small as "please let my fish live!". I have seen him provide a way for school, when it doesn't make any sense to pursue what I'm pursuing. It won't make much money, I decided to go out of state, and I am at a private school. Yet I felt that is where the Lord was calling me, and he has blessed me and proven his glorious might and power every step of the way. I do not know if it's a permanent calling to my school, but for now I know it's where the Lord wants me. (Yet I still find ways to worry about the tiny details! HA! I somehow seem to think God will forget things, how foolish of me)
This summer I earnestly prayed for deep Christian fellowship, and again, the Lord answered. I have been surrounded by girls who love the Lord and encourage me to seek him. I have been encouraged by them to not stop seeking the Lord simply because those around me don't understand the lessons I'm learning, or despise me for walking the way he's called me. (IOW- don't stop running simply because people are laughing!)
I've learned that each person has a different calling. Some girls are able and allowed to serve in a specific area, with the special gifts and talents to listen, hear, and connect in ways that other people have not been gifted. I've learned that my talents, gifts, and calling are specific to me. Just because I feel God leading me in one direction doesn't mean everyone else is called to that same thing.
All in all, I have learned that Yahweh is a PERSONAL God. He uniquely designed me for the problems I encounter, for the sin I face (and the strength to combat it!), for the blessings he pours out, and the calling he has given me. He is creator, defender, comforter, healer, provider and protector.... and me? I'm just foolish and wishywashy. I am faulty-and he loves me exactly the way he made me, because he sees me perfect through Christ. HE is sanctifying me-I don't have to tell him where to "wash" or "fix up", because he already sees, knows, and is "on the job".
What an awesome God! Amen!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Saturday, May 3, 2014
10 Things To Know About Me
I have learned a few things about myself this past semester, as it has been the first time I've really lived out of the house 'on my own'. I figure knowing these things may help people out a bit when trying to figure me out.
1. I am an introvert. I have always been an introvert, I will always BE an introvert.
Yeah, Yeah, I know I seem like I'm not, but honestly, ask my closest friends and they will tell you that there is only so much social interaction I can handle before I shut down from exhaustion.
So what does this mean for you? It means that I get my energy from being quiet with a close friend, or from being by myself. If I tell you I don't really want to hang out, it doesn't mean I'm a horrible person... it just means I need a break. For the sake of my sanity, and possibly the safety of humanity.
2. I'm just not much of a hugger.
Okay so, I can be, but I'm like a cat okay? I have to initiate it.
This means that if I tell you not to touch me, please don't. Respect my space. This goes back to the introvert thing.
3. I am VERY MUCH a morning person. Which also means I'M VERY MUCH NOT A NIGHT PERSON!!
I do not stay up past midnight. Two o'clock is the latest for me at sleepovers. I pulled an all nighter twice in my life. Neither ended well.
Translated, this means even with a good group of friends, at about 10:30pm my body literally shuts down. I can't think, I start talking about potatoes, and suddenly I turn into a maniac. If I ask you to take me home, pleassssssseee take me home. It doesn't mean I didn't have fun, it just means I'm done. Ask my roommate, she had me out with her and a guy friend of hers. We had a great time. But as soon as the clock struck 10:30, I stopped functioning. As a morning person, I love being able to be up and re-energize and prepare myself for the day.
4. I don't want a "romantic first date".
I love having fun and goofing off!
I don't want to be romantic on a first date. I want to get to know you, know the things you love, and learn your sense of humor. The romance part comes later-I need to get to know you first!
5. I am AWFUL at flirting.
When someone I like walks by, I somehow end up hurting their feelings, and when someone starts flirting with me, I don't realize it, make jokes and end up looking like an idiot.
So, just be patient with the flirting thing. I'm sure with practice I'll get better, or not....
6. I flip my hair when I feel awkward in a situation, or passionate about a topic.
It's your job to discover what the flip was for....
I get teased for this!! It's also very helpful for when you want to discover if the topic is important enough to listen to my opinion on. Because I will definitely have an opinion, and you will most likely have to hear it.
7. I cross my arm across my body when I'm feeling shy.
Why is this important?
Because you can help me be sociable. Remember, as an introvert I hate small talk, it's harder for me to enjoy parties! But again, if I ask to just go home, please just take me home.
8. I love deep, philosophical or theological or any-kind of conversation.
But I wouldn't suggest doing it all the time, or on the first date.
Small talk is difficult!
9. I love asking weird questions. I have a game where I ask a strange question and say "GO!" and a person has to answer with the first answer that comes to their mind.
I play this game with all my friends!
Why? Because I hate small talk, and this helps people start telling stories! My favorite is "QUICK! What is the weirdest family tradition you have? GO!" It starts up conversation that goes deeper than 'so...uhhh.. what's your favorite tv show?'
10. Sometimes, sitting in a comfortable silence is my favorite thing.
Hiking to the top of a mountain, looking at a waterfall, whatever...
Sometimes I can have a million thoughts running through my head, and just want to leave them all there. That's okay, it doesn't mean anything is wrong. It just means I trust you enough to not have to keep talking.
If you are a friend, feel free to add to the goofy things you know about me!
1. I am an introvert. I have always been an introvert, I will always BE an introvert.
Yeah, Yeah, I know I seem like I'm not, but honestly, ask my closest friends and they will tell you that there is only so much social interaction I can handle before I shut down from exhaustion.
So what does this mean for you? It means that I get my energy from being quiet with a close friend, or from being by myself. If I tell you I don't really want to hang out, it doesn't mean I'm a horrible person... it just means I need a break. For the sake of my sanity, and possibly the safety of humanity.
2. I'm just not much of a hugger.
Okay so, I can be, but I'm like a cat okay? I have to initiate it.
This means that if I tell you not to touch me, please don't. Respect my space. This goes back to the introvert thing.
3. I am VERY MUCH a morning person. Which also means I'M VERY MUCH NOT A NIGHT PERSON!!
I do not stay up past midnight. Two o'clock is the latest for me at sleepovers. I pulled an all nighter twice in my life. Neither ended well.
Translated, this means even with a good group of friends, at about 10:30pm my body literally shuts down. I can't think, I start talking about potatoes, and suddenly I turn into a maniac. If I ask you to take me home, pleassssssseee take me home. It doesn't mean I didn't have fun, it just means I'm done. Ask my roommate, she had me out with her and a guy friend of hers. We had a great time. But as soon as the clock struck 10:30, I stopped functioning. As a morning person, I love being able to be up and re-energize and prepare myself for the day.
4. I don't want a "romantic first date".
I love having fun and goofing off!
I don't want to be romantic on a first date. I want to get to know you, know the things you love, and learn your sense of humor. The romance part comes later-I need to get to know you first!
5. I am AWFUL at flirting.
When someone I like walks by, I somehow end up hurting their feelings, and when someone starts flirting with me, I don't realize it, make jokes and end up looking like an idiot.
So, just be patient with the flirting thing. I'm sure with practice I'll get better, or not....
6. I flip my hair when I feel awkward in a situation, or passionate about a topic.
It's your job to discover what the flip was for....
I get teased for this!! It's also very helpful for when you want to discover if the topic is important enough to listen to my opinion on. Because I will definitely have an opinion, and you will most likely have to hear it.
7. I cross my arm across my body when I'm feeling shy.
Why is this important?
Because you can help me be sociable. Remember, as an introvert I hate small talk, it's harder for me to enjoy parties! But again, if I ask to just go home, please just take me home.
8. I love deep, philosophical or theological or any-kind of conversation.
But I wouldn't suggest doing it all the time, or on the first date.
Small talk is difficult!
9. I love asking weird questions. I have a game where I ask a strange question and say "GO!" and a person has to answer with the first answer that comes to their mind.
I play this game with all my friends!
Why? Because I hate small talk, and this helps people start telling stories! My favorite is "QUICK! What is the weirdest family tradition you have? GO!" It starts up conversation that goes deeper than 'so...uhhh.. what's your favorite tv show?'
10. Sometimes, sitting in a comfortable silence is my favorite thing.
Hiking to the top of a mountain, looking at a waterfall, whatever...
Sometimes I can have a million thoughts running through my head, and just want to leave them all there. That's okay, it doesn't mean anything is wrong. It just means I trust you enough to not have to keep talking.
If you are a friend, feel free to add to the goofy things you know about me!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Only a Few Weeks Left
RANDOM RAMBLINGS POST!!!
I think one thing I've learned is that I am dearly loved.
I am supported and cared for, although sometimes I feel alone and my mind races and tells me lies-I know I am loved.
I know the Lord provides.
I know he cares about everything.
I know he's going to clothe me like the lillies of the field
I know he orchestrates all things for my good, that I may become more like him.
I know my life has a direction.
I know I may not know what comes tomorrow, but he does, so I can rest.
I know that my family is changing, that I am changing, but that it's like watching a flower grow.
A good friend of mine said something to me yesterday that I thought was amazing.
"In God's eyes you already have an A+." She told me there was nothing I could do to walk away from God's love. I didn't have to stress or freak, because he already knew what my grade was.
How cool is it that God love us no matter what we do, we can't make him love us less we can't make him love us more. We can simply rest in him. We can rest knowing that when we serve him, it's for our benefit, his glory, not his love. I think that is one of the most beautiful things I've learned.
I don't know what my summer holds, I don't even know if I can return in the fall. I think the Lord's about to make a huge change in me, and it scares me, but I'm super excited to see what it is. I don't want to stay the same. Maybe my circumstance will be the same-but I won't. What's going to happen on the other side?
I have no idea.
But let's find out shall we? :D
I think one thing I've learned is that I am dearly loved.
I am supported and cared for, although sometimes I feel alone and my mind races and tells me lies-I know I am loved.
I know the Lord provides.
I know he cares about everything.
I know he's going to clothe me like the lillies of the field
I know he orchestrates all things for my good, that I may become more like him.
I know my life has a direction.
I know I may not know what comes tomorrow, but he does, so I can rest.
I know that my family is changing, that I am changing, but that it's like watching a flower grow.
A good friend of mine said something to me yesterday that I thought was amazing.
"In God's eyes you already have an A+." She told me there was nothing I could do to walk away from God's love. I didn't have to stress or freak, because he already knew what my grade was.
How cool is it that God love us no matter what we do, we can't make him love us less we can't make him love us more. We can simply rest in him. We can rest knowing that when we serve him, it's for our benefit, his glory, not his love. I think that is one of the most beautiful things I've learned.
I don't know what my summer holds, I don't even know if I can return in the fall. I think the Lord's about to make a huge change in me, and it scares me, but I'm super excited to see what it is. I don't want to stay the same. Maybe my circumstance will be the same-but I won't. What's going to happen on the other side?
I have no idea.
But let's find out shall we? :D
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