Abundant Life

2006-05-30T16:43:00.000-04:00

I've moved here.

May 13th

2006-01-07T20:31:00.000-04:00

Snow- Clouds, originally uploaded by rainbow11.

May 13th Lord willing I will graduate. And I will not be blogging again most likely until then. I will be busy with school and work etc. I am excited to go back and finish strong!

Today was my last day at work here in Columbus and it was bitter sweet knowing I won't come back probably as I will probably move somewhere in PA after graduation. But it was good knowing that I learned alot at my old workplace and enjoyed the people there alot also.

I will miss keeping up with my small band of blog friends! May you be blessed these next few months!

John Calvin

2006-01-07T00:36:00.000-04:00

echinacea pink, originally uploaded by MissPasta.

"A true Christian posseses a consolation which affords him more sweet satisfaction than the greatest wealth, or power, because he belives that his affairs are so regulated by the Lord as to promote his salvation." (p. 41, Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life)

This reminds me of Joseph...After darknesss, light.

"A faithful believer will even in all circumstances meditate on the mercy and fatherly goodness of God." (p.43)

"We must assign first place to the knowledge of our religion, for that is the beginning of our salvation.
But our religion will be unprofitable if it does not change our heart, pervade our manners, and transform us into new creatures."(17)

The book from which these quotes are taken is probably first on my list of top 5 favorite books. It is intensly rich and practical. It is a small paperback book to boot. It covers alot of ground though.

daisy -Switchfoot

2006-01-06T17:11:00.000-04:00

, originally uploaded by pht.

daisy, give yourself away
look up at the rain
the beautiful display
of power and surrender
giving us today
when you yourself away

rain, another rainy day
it comes up from the ocean
to give herself away
she comes down even
and all of us the same name
when you give yourself away

let it go
daisy let it go
open up your fists
this fallen world
doesn't hold your interest
doesn't hold your soul
daisy let it go

pain, give yourself a name
call yourself contrition
aberits of fame
giving isn't easy
if anybody'd like to say
if you give yourself away

daisy, why another day
why another sunrise
who's gonna take the blame
for our redemptive motion
and every rainy day
when he gives himself away

let it go
daisy let it go
open your fists
this fallen world
it doesn't hold your interest
it doesn't hold your soul
daisy let it go

Comments should work now ;)

2005-12-30T17:22:00.000-04:00

Happy New year everyone!

I was informed by a kind fellow blogger that my comment settings were not working...well I reworked the template a bit and now they are working again hopefully for a long time.

Justin, Mom and Tyler

2005-12-27T16:15:00.001-04:00

Justin and Mom
Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

Tyler

2005-12-27T16:15:00.000-04:00

Tyler
Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

Tyler

2005-12-27T16:12:00.001-04:00

Tyler
Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

Tyler

2005-12-27T16:12:00.000-04:00

Tyler
Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

Introducing Tyler....

2005-12-27T14:44:00.000-04:00

As I write this there is a puppy named Tyler sleeping contentedly on my lap. He is very cute. Pictures will be up soon hopefully.
He is very sweet and loves to be held and play....and chew ALOT!

Christ the fountain of Living waters

2005-10-03T20:11:00.000-04:00

Healing Waters by Michelle Tumes
This has to be my favorite song of hers. The lyrics are so poignant.

I've built a bridge
All of my strength cannot cross over
I stand at the edge
The end of a road that I have followed
Sinking from the weight of my own world
Wanting the waves of Your ways to wash my feet

Healing waters
Solace flows
Through the river of forgiveness to my soul
Oh, I need You
Healing waters

Pour over me
Water to clean all my intentions
Baptising streams
I swim in the freedom of redemption
Floating on the sea of purity
Knowing I can dive in the love that rescues me

Memories are raging high
Floods so deep they touch the sky
All the things I've done to You
All the parts of life untrue
Healing comes from outstretched hands
Saving me from what I am
Carry me

I can't say how many times my heart has felt the power of these words!

Everything by Lifehouse

2005-09-28T13:13:00.000-04:00

She reminded me of this song [make sure your speakers are turned up]

Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.

You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything,everything
You're all I want your all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.

And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

This is my favorite song!

When......

2005-09-27T21:02:00.000-04:00

When we turn from God.........
We turn from beauty..........

And rather pursue lostness...........
Shattered fragments of creation.......

When we are found by God.......
Life happens.......
Real life.

Breathing by Lifehouse

2005-09-26T10:10:00.000-04:00

Music Video Code Proudly Provided by HitMusicVideoCodes

Lifehouse Take Me Away Live in Amsterdam
lyrics:

this time all I want is you
there is no one else
who can take your place
this time you burned me with your eyes
you see past all the lies
you take it all away
I've seen it all and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you

take me away
take me away

I've got nothing left to say
just take me away
I try to make my way to you
but still I feel so lost
I don't know what else I can do
I've seen it all and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you

take me away
take me away

I've got nothing left to say
just take me away
don't give up on me yet
don't forget who I am
I know I'm not there yet
but don't let me stay here alone
this time all I want is you
there is no one else
who can take your place
I've seen it all and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you

take me away
take me away

I've got nothing left to say
just take me away
take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away

Here are the lyrics for Breathing (the music video I posted first)...It reminds me of a Psalm...Anyone have any guesses as to which one? :)

I'm finding my way back to sanity, again
Though I don't really know what
I am gonna do when I get there
Take a breath and hold on tight
Spin around one more time
And gracefully fall back in the arms of grace I am hanging on every word you say
And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
'Cause I want nothing more than to sit
Outside Heaven's door and listen to you breathing
Is where I want to be

I am looking past the shadows
Of my mind into the truth and
I'm trying to identify
The voices in my head
God, which one's you?
Let me feel one more time
What it feels like to feel
And break these calluses off me
One more time
'Cause I am hanging on every word you say
And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
'Cause I want nothing more than to sit
Outside your door and listen to you breathing
Is where I want to be

I don't want a thing from you
Bet you're tired of me waiting
For the scraps to fall
Off your table to the ground
I just want o be here now

New look :)

2005-09-25T18:00:00.000-04:00

Hello! Hope all of you are well! I thought it would be nice to try a different look. Another change is that at present I am mainly posting on my xanga site which I refuse to call a blog, :) But I have for the most part failed in not posting and doing homework instead. ::Sigh:: I guess writing is just too much a part of how I process life. So I started posting on my xanga at school because it is what most students at Geneva use, and its a little faster to publish to. (Whats weird was I kept telling myself I am not going to post...but I always did sooner or later!) So here's the link.

::smile::sigh::Yea I'm still alive

2005-09-17T11:43:00.000-04:00

Life is going great here at Geneva! :) Busy...and loving it. :) Drawing class is currently my favorite class to date...it is so wonderful to have a class to just draw and draw and draw and actually not be discourged from it while in class. ;)

Here's a poem I have been working on...I love to write poetry but am trying to grow in my ability. It really helps release emotion and also helps me understand life, people and myself a lil better.
Hope you all are doing well!

Skin deep

I say ....

Just a little more

God knows

It will never be enough

My nature grasps for wind blown scraps...

When will I see

God hedge me in from my skin deep desires

They prowl silently seeking unwitenly lives inherent destruction....

Hazy white lies composed of security, status, comfort, ease

Nawl'ns sees a lil clearer now....

When will I see

Sleepy eyes rudely wakened

To see colors; shades of red and black

Empty desires jarred

Awakened to mankind's plight

Will I stand still questioning the darkness

Or in sobered reverence wait this stormy night out

Awakened now drawing towards the light

Where I will be for about 13 weeks...

2005-08-27T16:42:00.000-04:00

Just a note to all: I've moved in here at Geneva College for my final year of "the college experience". And while quite excited at the year also I am slightly busy with my semester's courses and writing papers (seeminglly incessantly) here so I will be refraining from blogging until I have finished the semester.I will perservere in the season of life I am in right now. It is a unique and fleeting season for sure!

May the Lord richly bless each of you as you seek Him!

By the way the link above, you may see me walking by Old Main some morning around 8:00 going to my philosophy class.

michael and mom

2005-08-26T20:59:00.000-04:00

michael and mom
Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

I just got to Geneva today and I am a little homesick...can you tell by the pictures I posted? But I am also glad to be back. Excited about this year and beyond what it holds only God knows. It is wonderful to be able to trust His hands for my future!

michael eats

2005-08-26T20:40:00.000-04:00

michael eats
Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

and makes a funny face... Taken lastnight...way past his bedtime :)

A wise warning from Edwards's

2005-08-26T20:25:00.000-04:00

How often are we reminded of this truth?

Christ in me my only hope of glory

2005-08-25T23:23:00.000-04:00

Truth be told, the problems around me I complain about are purely symptomatic to the war raging in my heart

I have met my most stalwart enemy and I am her

This corrupted and deranged Adam-born flesh

The battlefield is my very self

The cost is my life

I must die

How can this slow death impart satisfaction to foreshadow justice complete?

How could I be so torn unless there be two that indwell me?

God and flesh at war within me

Christ in me my only hope of glory

Can I live?

2005-08-24T22:26:00.000-04:00

This music video is SO worth seeing. It may help to rekindle a fire of compassion for a certain segment of our soiety.

Montana

2005-08-23T09:03:00.000-04:00

Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

My favorite landscape picture from the trip.

2005-08-22T12:34:00.000-04:00

One Last Cry !!..
Originally uploaded by MaD Gi®L•™.

good sermon

2005-08-21T14:45:00.000-04:00

My home church pastors been preaching on Colossians about putting sin to death. Todays sermon was very helpful and encouraging!

First Love

2005-08-20T15:47:00.000-04:00

Spurgeon said...

"How happy you used to be in the ways of God. Your love was of that happy character that you could sing all day long; but now your religion has lost its lustre, the gold has become dim; you know that when you come to the Sacramental table, you often come there without enjoying it. There was a time when every bitter thing was sweet; whenever you heard the Word, it was all precious to you. Now you can grumble at the minister. Alas! the minister has many faults, but the question is, whether there has not been a greater charge in you than there has been in him. Oh, brethren, when we live near to Christ, and are in our first love, it is amazing what a little it takes to make a good preacher to us. Why, I confess I have heard a poor illiterate Primitive Methodist preach the gospel, and I felt as if I could jump for joy all the while I was listening to him, and yet he never gave me a new thought or a pretty expression, nor one figure that I could remember, but he talked about Christ; and even his common things were to my hungry spirit like dainty meats. And I have to acknowledge, and, perhaps, you have to acknowledge the same—that I have heard sermons from which I ought to have profited, but I have been thinking on the man's style, or some little mistakes in grammar. When I might have been holding fellowships with Christ in and through the ministry, I have, instead thereof, been getting abroad in my thoughts even to the ends of the earth. And what is the reason for this, but that I have lost my first love.We shall never love Christ much except we live near to him. Love to Christ is dependent on our nearness to him. Therefore, beloved, if we live near to Christ, we cannot help loving him: the heart that is near Jesus must be full of his love. But when we live days and weeks and months without personal communion, without real fellowship, how can we maintain love towards a stranger? He must be a friend, and we must stick close to him, as he sticks close to us—closer than a brother; or else, we shall never have our first love.There are a thousand reasons that I might have given, but I leave each of you to search your hearts, to find out why you have lost, each of you, your first love."

And now I must go to work, but I will have some good things to think about while I am there for sure!

Grace in Winter

2005-08-20T08:09:00.000-04:00

"God aimeth, in all His dealings with His children, to bring them to a high contempt of, and deadly feud with the world...and for no other cause...doth the Lord withdraw from you the childish toys and the earthly delights that He giveth unto others, *** but that He may have you wholly to Himself." ***

~Samuel Rutherford in 1632, p. 38, Cook "Grace in Winter"

I have believed this for years...and now the researchers are finding its true!! (click here for link)

2005-08-19T16:33:00.000-04:00

I have always believed that babies are as smart as adults and that the only diference is that they have not had as much life experience.

ahh sky

2005-08-17T16:01:00.000-04:00

ahh sky
Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

Cows and more cows

2005-08-17T15:57:00.000-04:00

Cows and more cows
Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

The photos are here...or rather just click on this one and it will take you to more.

Where I am at...

2005-08-11T12:10:00.000-04:00

Here are pictures of Montana. I am staying here near Fort Peck and a beautiful river on my grandparents farm. It is so beautiful and unpopulated out here its amazing. Aside from horses, cows, bull and rattlesnakes there are few people out here in the bad lands. We took their 2 gelding horses out lastnight for a walk and enjoyed feeding them and brushing them. This morning (I slept through it grr) the horses played and the colt was hilarious according to reputable sources (early birds in my book). I also went four wheeling for the first time yesterday down to the river and back with my grandpa. That was enjoyable! So just to let you know if you have not been to Montana....you really should visit sometime!!

changes are coming...

2005-07-31T14:21:00.000-04:00

I just got back from visiting my aunt, uncle and 4 wonderful male cousins in Baltimore. I drove down with my aunt to Philidelphia to visit two seminaries as I am thinking about studying Biblical counseling after graduation from Geneva (06). Changes changes changes! I am so excited even though the plans have not been worked out. I am not sure if I should go to Korea to teach English first or go to seminary first. If I taught in Korea it would help pay for grad school and that would be a plus. But first of all I would need to find an English speaking church in Korea to worship at. (High priority on that). As far as seminary would go as of right now Westminister Seminary is what appears most promising. I also must indicate that changes will be coming to AL blog also...I am not sure exactly what they will entail but for the past few weeks I have been made aware of the need for some kind of concerted effort to place different priorities into my life. So although I am not sure exactly what will happen to AL blog. I am praying about it. I know God knows whats best to do when time is of the upmost premium and blogging is not.

treasuring the fast fleeting moments of aunthood

2005-07-26T14:15:00.000-04:00

Megs is sitting on my lap jabbering as I attempt to type this and I am loving every minute of being with her. Being an aunt is better than 10 years of babysitting. I think in part because the lil one is so alike you...its uncanny. It must be the closest thing to having your own...whithout all the responsibility and getting up late at night etc. So nieces and nephews rock. I better go Megaroo is about to destroy the computer~gotta go!

March of the Penguins

2005-07-25T15:46:00.002-04:00

Penguins 4
Originally uploaded by markcp.

I saw the "March of the Penguins", a national geographic documentary which made me want to visit Antartica. The landscapes they capture are breathtaking along with the Southern lights. I love the inside the ocean view as well as the stark pure white beauty of the pristine and frigid enviroment. It mainly showed the harsh realities these penguins had to face in order to survive. If a penguin was separated from the flock of others it was immediately fated to die. It made me think of how we as Christians also must not be solo styled but rather be united to the people of God and His people's fellowship in order survive the harsh pilgrimage that each of us faces as God's people. This journey is not easy, but it leads to a glorious end. We strive not as ones without hope or a future. We have both and we have a strong purpose as well. We cannot however "do it alone". The book of Hebrews esp. emphasizes this fact.

Penguins
Originally uploaded by kalel_mos.

Bay2
Originally uploaded by kalel_mos.

Antartica

2005-07-25T15:46:00.001-04:00

Bay1
Originally uploaded by kalel_mos.

Bay

2005-07-25T15:46:00.000-04:00

Bay2
Originally uploaded by kalel_mos.

Antarctic sunset

2005-07-25T15:45:00.000-04:00

Antarctic sunset
Originally uploaded by kalel_mos.

Ahh life

2005-07-23T20:47:00.000-04:00

Check this out these photos just make me smile...the beauty all around us is so amazing!

I want to go

2005-07-23T17:38:00.000-04:00

aaaaAK 106
Originally uploaded by tkurk.

back to Alaska. :) It is so beautiful there!

Pure delight...

2005-07-23T17:36:00.000-04:00

Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

This capture's Michael's persona perfectly!

I just like this picture...

2005-07-23T17:15:00.000-04:00

Gua (156)
Originally uploaded by rogille.

11 months

2005-07-23T17:12:00.000-04:00

11 months
Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

..I should clarify...this is me at 11 months or according to my 2 year old nephew it is his sister Megan, we look almost identical when compared at the same age.

Isaac

2005-07-23T17:11:00.000-04:00

Isaac
Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

I miss Isaac alot. We got him when I was just entering 1st grade. He died the year I went off for college. We have so many fun memories of him though. He was such a wonderful dog!

ok its been really hot...therefore

2005-07-23T16:52:00.000-04:00

I got my blender out and created a cheaper and yes very tasty *Fraupachino* recipe that I will share with you here.

Hope you like it!
Oh by the way you can improvise by adding more or less of something...I always do.

~6 normal sized cubes of organic or otherwise milk frozen in ice cube trays (I use 2%)

~3 ice cubes

~1/2 cup milk

~3 Tablespoons flavored creamer either flavored half and half or powdered cappuccino mix

~3/4 cup ice cold coffee (or coffee ice cubes)

~Sugar, honey or stevia to taste

(Optional add 1-2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder)

By the way- highly diluted/sweetened and cold/iced is the only way I will drink cofee!! :)

weird...

2005-07-21T20:21:00.000-04:00

You are dreamy, peaceful, and young at heart.
Optimistic and caring, you tend to see the best in people.
You tend to be always smiling - and making others smile.

You are shy and intelligent... and a very hard worker.
You're also funny, but many people don't see your funny side.
Your subtle dry humor leaves your close friends in stitches.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Whats on my nightstand....

2005-07-20T11:03:00.000-04:00

I've been tagged by Bonnie who was tagged by Gayla to blog exactly what is currently residing on my nightstand.

So here is a running list of what is currently on my nightstand-and has been for several weeks to be exact. :)

1. The Book of Psalms for Singing (inspired by God :)
2. Moroon NKJ Bible (my black NASB floats all over my house randomly)
2. a small gold reading lamp
3."Watching Unto Prayer" by Robert Murray MCheyne
4. Charles Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" devotional
5. a quote book I finished in 2002
6. My old high school journal, current journal and another journal, you can never have too many you know.
7. small white alarm clock
8. "Surprised by Joy" by CS Lewis
9. "The Pilgrim's Regress" by CS Lewis,
10. "The Christians Two Cheif lessons: Self Trial and Self Denial" by Thomas Hooker
11. "The Fat Flush Plan" by Anne Louis Gittleman (I am getting ready for a wedding I am in Labor day...the bridesmaids dress must fit perfectly...or else!) :P
12. "Praying Always" Part II by Thomas Watson
13. 4 pens
14. scrap paper with a list of things to do on it.
15. scrap notebook with random thoughts in it.
16. "Passion and Purity" by Elizabeth Elliot...this is the third read. I am still learning more from it.
17. 2 flyers from my church
18. almost forgot...a bottle of thyroid medicine

Well thats it...I have way too many books on my night stand! And it is obvious that I am the type who starts 5 books and finishes them all together a year or two later.

Now on for the fun part: I tag Mustang Girl, Rabenstrange and TBQelite...in no particular order. Have fun and tag three more people also!

What would you do...

2005-07-16T17:11:00.000-04:00

Find out here

~~Why aren't more churches loving those they "condemn" as sinners? It seems so many churches do one of three things: ignore the sin and sinner completely, ignore the sin factor completely and accept the person as fine, condemn the sin and sinner and offer no grace. Rather than doing what this church did, I think Jesus would have done something similar...overcoming evil with good!

This

2005-07-16T16:57:00.000-04:00

This is bad news for the US.

End times

2005-07-16T16:48:00.000-04:00

You scored as Amillenialist. Amillenialism believes that the 1000 year reign is not literal but figurative, and that Christ began to reign at his ascension. People take some prophetic scripture far too literally in your view.

Amillenialist

100%

Moltmannian Eschatology

65%

Preterist

50%

Postmillenialist

45%

Premillenialist

40%

Left Behind

20%

Dispensationalist

What's your eschatology?
created with QuizFarm.com

for more pictures of the trip

2005-07-16T08:44:00.000-04:00

Go here

sometimes kids are smarter

2005-07-14T20:58:00.000-04:00

I was reminded of this when today as Michael my two year old nephew asked me to fix his tractor toy after I fixed it I said "say thank you Michael" he promptly replied "thank you Michael". I then remembered that yes...he truly had done exactly what I asked of him. ::smile::He was the smart one!

the hearts protests

2005-07-14T10:03:00.000-04:00

The wisdom we least want to hear is the wisdom we most need to heed.

It is so sad that this is so often the case because of our heart's reluctance to holiness. Our sinful flesh hates the Spirit of life. It is a continual war. The means of grace strengthen the Spirit's work in our lives: namely...reading the Word, prayer, communion, and hearing sound preaching. Fresh grace is needed daily. I look back and see how it is more apparant when I have not had the infusion of the Word of God for several days...the culmaltive effect is not good. But the effect of being seeped in it is life-giving. Even if our stiff and contrary natures must be force-fed the life giving living waters and heavenly bread of the Word.

Someday our contrary natures will be demolished and we will be renewed complete in Christ...holy and blameless! That will be a joyful day!

subtle changes : eternal results

2005-07-12T11:10:00.000-04:00

I am becoming more and more convinced that it is the subtle changes in our habits and lifestyle that effect us longterm profoundly...in ways sometimes that we only see years later. Heeding wisdom in the "smallest" "daily routine" corner of our lives ends up in either a blessing or a curse when seen from the vantage of years.

Our lives are made up of the effect and sum total of what habits we form and keep up...and those we break and give up. It just reminds me of how our lives so mundane so often have value that we will only fully understand in the next world. This value is directly related to how we choose to live in the smallest yet in truth the largest portion of our time spent working, eating, communicating, playing, shopping, worshiping, and sleeping. I am always amazed to see the amount of time spent at each of these things...they take up our time, but the crux of the matter is how one does these things. Whether they are done in union with Christ; under His lordship or wether they are done in one's own strength and frail human "wisdom".

Over and over again the inspiried "Blessed is he who has made the Lord His trust" and "acknowlege Him in all you do, leaning not onto your own understanding." etc..

Now I can only ask that God would work in me to do the granting of His wisdom and the process of ingrafting into Christ as His dwelling so that my life can be a truer reflection of the beauty of holiness found in God. There is alot of work to be done in me. I am so glad that God who raises the dead, can do all things! He can bring order to chaos and beauty from ashes. Humans from dirt and a dead wicked sinner to a holy saint! Soli Deo Gloria indeed!

Geneva pictures

2005-07-11T21:53:00.000-04:00

Here are pictures of Geneva college. It is a beautiful college. I miss my walks around the campus and the hills that are situated right behind the Beaver river.

Faithful promises

2005-07-11T09:55:00.000-04:00

Ps 86:5
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.

Ps 86:15
But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

Ps 130:7
O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption.

Ps 147:5
Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.

cup cake capes

2005-07-09T09:08:00.000-04:00

Michael and Meg slept over at our house tonight...this morning Michael wearing a batman cape Michael stated when asked what his black cape was said "cupcake". We were amused. Michael also thought that my baby pictures were pictures of his sister. We looked alot alike as babies I guess.

Mathew Henry Quotes

2005-07-07T19:52:00.000-04:00

"Many a dangerous temptation comes to us in fine gay colors that are but skin-deep."

"Better late than never."

"Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces."

A good reminder

2005-07-07T14:10:00.000-04:00

I was forwarded this by email and it was a good reminder of something the world forgets.

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of
the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions.
Just read straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners?
How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Acheivements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

2005-07-05T20:30:00.000-04:00

Liberty Falls
Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

I love my brother and sis in law. It is so nice to be near them this summer.

God's answers

2005-07-05T20:25:00.000-04:00

"'God is good, if he gives you what you want. What if you want what is bad, will he not be more merciful then by not giving?' [Augustine on the Psalms 86, 7]
Yes! We do not even know what is good for us so often. That is why God is so good as to overule some prayers we make and in the process answer in far better ways; often by revealing even more of Himself to us~far, far better...than many other things I often pray for. This I have seen to be a wonderful mercy displayed by God. May the Lord lead us in straight paths. May His word guide and gaurd our ways forever."

This song is so good!

2005-07-05T09:36:00.000-04:00

Joy Williams - Hide
From the album Genesis

To anyone who hides behind a smile
To anyone who hold there pain inside
To anyone who thinks they’re not good enough
To anyone who feels unworthy of love
To anyone who ever closed the door
Closed their eyes and locked themselves away

Chorus:
You don’t have to hide
You don’t have to hide anymore
You don’t have to face this on your own
You don’t have to hide anymore

So come out, come out
Come out wherever you are
Anyone who’s trying to cover up their scars
To anyone who’s ever made a big mistake
We’ve all been there so don’t be ashamed
So come out, come out and join the rest of us
You’ve been alone for way to long

Chorus:

And if you feel like no one understands
Come to the one with scars on His hands
Cause He knows where you are and where you’ve been
His scars will heal you if you let Him

Chorus:

You don’t have to…
You don’t have to hide
Come out, come out wherever you are
You don’t have to hide
Come out, come out
Come out wherever you are
You don’t have to hide
You don’t have to…

What God whispers in all things...

2005-07-04T09:12:00.000-04:00

This makes me think of God
Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

traveling mercies

2005-07-02T12:23:00.000-04:00

My dad left this morning to fly to Soul Korea, Beijing China, Bangkok Thailand and Kuala Lumpur Malaysia in a matter of 10 days!! Ahh. He has been to Korea, Thailand and Malasia several times but never to China. He is excited to be able to see China for the first time but also aprehensive about all the travel. It is exhausting and he is hardly able to sleep on planes. Apart from being concerned for his safety, terrorists are threatening to bomb hotel lobbies in Malaysia, am excited and mildly jealous that he is traveling!! :). He is traveling for business as his company Deguessa, wants him to help the people in those countries develop better fabric softener technologies. So this is a update to ask if you could please pray for him if you think about it. Malaysia is highly Muslim and so there is not a lot of Christian freedom over there. I hope he can still be a wittness by his presence. I will post pictures he takes when he gets back. He has the digital camera...I thought he would have more interesting things to take pictures of than me :)

So its just my mom and me at home for the next 10 days....I wish I could have joined dad though. Thailand and China sound soo fascinating...not to mention Korea and Malaysia. I hope he takes lots and lots of pictures! :)

link for flikr letters

2005-07-02T12:03:00.000-04:00

Check out this site...

2005-06-28T11:31:00.000-04:00

Debra speaks on "Radical Obedience". Thanks Debra, what great encouragement!

The Bible a love story...

2005-06-28T11:19:00.000-04:00

Man's unfaithful God's perfectly faithful. That is what I am learning through reading the OT Prophets such as Jeremiah and Hosea. It is amazing all of the parallels that we can make to our situations as Christians today to what God told Israel of old. We struggle with problems so similar yet more hidable...in that they are heart problems not so much outward idolatries as heart ones...even more subtle yet all the same as dangerous. My pastor just this Sunday referenced this saying that we in a similar way to the Israelites will proclaim loudly our loyalty to God while at the same time holding tight a secret idol inside our souls...thinking we are the only ones wiser...that God does not care about the idol(s) inside.
These books of prophecy however ~as well as the entire Bible for that matter-its all a love story between God and His people~have this heart issue at the forefront...Here are some quotes that will illistrate what I keep seeing repeated as a theme in God's call to His people ~come out from them and be set apart for Me...I will be your God and you will be My own~!

Jeremiah 3:12b`15
"Return, faithless Israel,' declares the LORD; 'I will not look upon you in anger. For I am gracious,' declares the LORD; 'I will not be angry forever. 'Only acknowledge your iniquity, That you have transgressed against the LORD your God And have scattered your favors to the strangers under every green tree, And you have not obeyed My voice,' declares the LORD. 'Return, O faithless sons,' declares the LORD; 'For I am a master to you, And I will take you one from a city and two from a family, And I will bring you to Zion.' "Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding."

Jeremiah 3:20-25

"Surely, as a woman treacherously departs from her lover, So you have dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel," declares the LORD. A voice is heard on the bare heights, The weeping {and} the supplications of the sons of Israel; Because they have perverted their way, They have forgotten the LORD their God. "Return, O faithless sons, I will heal your faithlessness." "Behold, we come to You; For You are the LORD our God. "Surely, the hills are a deception, A tumult {on} the mountains. Surely in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel. "But the shameful thing has consumed the labor of our fathers since our youth, their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters. "Let us lie down in our shame, and let our humiliation cover us; for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day. And we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God."

Hosea 11:1-12
"When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son. As they called them, So they went from them; They sacrificed to the Baals, And burned incense to carved images. "I taught Ephraim to walk, Taking them by their arms; But they did not know that I healed them. I drew them with gentle cords, With bands of love, And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them. "He shall not return to the land of Egypt; But the Assyrian shall be his king, Because they refused to repent. And the sword shall slash in his cities, Devour his districts, And consume them, Because of their own counsels. My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt Him.

"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred. I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, The Holy One in your midst; And I will not come with terror. "They shall walk after the Lord. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, Then His sons shall come trembling from the west; They shall come trembling like a bird from Egypt, Like a dove from the land of Assyria. And I will let them dwell in their houses," Says the Lord. "Ephraim has encircled Me with lies, And the house of Israel with deceit; But Judah still walks with God, Even with the Holy One who is faithful. "

God's faithfulness...may it always amaze and encourage us!

Crying for what will never satisfy

2005-06-27T23:44:00.000-04:00

Today at Fresh Market a girl was having a tantrum fit. If such things annoy you. You may or may not want to read more.

She was shrieking...."I want it! Give it to mmeeee!!!" Her exasperated parents tried in vain to comfort the wailing child telling her you can't have your drink cause its glass and you could break it in the store..."NOO! Give me ittt!!" She would cry back. I was not surprised at her refusal to listen to her parents good judgement. Somehow it reminded me of my own lil girl heart. How quickly I fail to hear what my Father tells me in love. How often I think I know better! As How silly. I waited at my register for the couple and their red faced incensed girl saw the 4 year olds red face and was reminded of how similar it is to my own cries to God sometimes...or just inward thougts about things I think I "need" or really want right now. I someimes..ok oftentimes can long for things that will never satisfy me truly. God in His mercy tells me "thats not what you want...really...if you had that and put your happiness in it it would destroy you. I Am what your heart can only be satisfied with. I Am the Living Water which leave one's thirst quenched!" Then I realize again that the poeple I see every day where I work who obviously have their hearts set upon the things of this world...its lusts, desires, riches and pleasures are squandering their precious souls on that which cannot satisfy a heart meant for God. It can only leave them cut, broken deluded and empty in the long run...running from the very One who offers them Life abundant and free in Himself...His wounds that heal eternally. Love that frees one from the bonds of that which only entangles us and destroys if loved above God. Why is it that God's creation is so abused that it is loved above the CREATOR? Sin and Satan have warped things so much...now our very natures militate against that which blesses and heals us. Thankfully in Christ we are being renewed into His glorious image and therefore are no longer in chains to those same "old shrieks and tantrums" which the rest of the world is in bondage to. Now we have eyes to see the truth and preciousness of Christ and God and how He is the only true satisfaction for the human heart. Him alone. His love is incomparable. Heaven will reveal more of it...we are only recieving a taste here...but it is so sweet and filling. Through seeing that howling and foolishly non trusting lil girl I saw more of my own tendency to mistrust the very God who made me and holds me in life and gives me all things....He truly knows what satisfies our hearts...its not these earthly things or blessings its only a soul satisfaction in Him as our "best portion"!

At a nature park in Germany

2005-06-27T23:30:00.000-04:00

I love this memory of feeding the deer by hand. It amazed me how gentle they are! I visited friends in Germany in 1998.I will never forget the trip. It was life changing.

Sweet days...

2005-06-25T23:12:00.000-04:00

I have....

2005-06-25T21:34:00.000-04:00

...too many favorites! See for yourself! The slideshow and pictures are downloaded from people who belong to flikr...

My nephew and niece

2005-06-24T20:40:00.000-04:00

More pictures here

They were quite entertaining this evening! They adored all the water and sun. Megan would stand directly in front of the sprinkler. Michael would only run by it. Megan is quite daring obviously.

Today was the perfect day for outdoor water fun!

2005-06-24T20:05:00.000-04:00

Michael and Megan spent the afternoon at our house while Hilary set up for a garage sale. We laughed alot in the backyard as we watched their antics. They loved the water and the sunshine. One of the one liners that was used alot tonight was "don't bite your sister" and "don't bite your brother". It is obviously the hottest new trend in 1 and 2 year olds. Yeah right!

They are precious. Then they were whisked of for baths and to watch Winnie the Pooh...absolutely exhausted. Currently Michael is crying "Mommie" in the background...as we wait for him to drift of to sleep. Hopefully soon! There spending the night here tonight.
Eventful day. Maybe he'll quiet down soon. He needs sleep badly!!

This picture made me smile

2005-06-24T19:45:00.000-04:00

Hammy
Originally uploaded by Lanc.

life right now

2005-06-23T18:41:00.000-04:00

"I am weak, He is strong." Ok, those words from the old familiar "Jesus Loves me" just took on new significance to me. I came home sobered and well a lil beat down. I made two mistakes on my cashier drawer. And lets just say I feel HORRIBLE about it. 1. A lady told me she gave me $10.00 (I thought only $5 bill)she insisted it was $10...I gave her a $5 back blushing. Then at the end of the day I found out that I had really been given only 5...and so I gave her back too much and was under. The worst mistake was that someone walked off without paying for $37 worth of groceries! I feel to blame for the mix up...because I did not notice until several minutes later. The entier ordeal shook me up so much. I feel like a whole bunch of things...that I can't express. I hate letting the store down. I feel such loyalty to my managers and the staff. I don't want to mess up anything. My managers were really nice about it. Although one of them scared me at first, but later he said he was only joking. Despite the fact I am shaken and sad about it. But I know that God is so going to use this in my life. It is humbling to say the least.

The whole thing has made me realize how God has to throw cold water in my face to make me see things in my life...He has to like shake me up. I know He is doing it out of love...ultimately..but sometimes it dosn't feel like it in the process. Sometimes I feel like a child being put in time. But I know I should never dispise the discipline of the Lord because God chastens those He loves and accepts. I wouldn't be being made holy without it. The process of sanctification includes lots of discipline and trials~God knows we need them. What baffles me is that Jesus underwent them also. The Bible says He underwent "hardship as a son". Jesus was perfect but yet "learned obedience as a son" also. Wow...how much more do I need to learn obedience.

So there it is, a big blogger sigh/groan. Because sometimes as God's children on this side of Heaven all we can do is groan and sigh as we realize the seriousness of life and the hardship of discipline.. because we need it...and God loves us enough to give it. And the Spirit faithfully continues to minister His goodness to us throughout all seanons, both valley and mountain peak.

Just a thought

2005-06-23T08:04:00.000-04:00

If we were perfect, how would we know what God's grace is?

I was reading Isaiah 66 and it made me think of how we are separated from God by our sins yet the relationship is healed by Christ's death...and that is God's grace giving us what we unutterably do not deserve. God lavishes love on the undeserving and calls us to do the same! Grace is a beautiful thing that comes in contact with the most ugly things and makes them beautiful.

:~)

2005-06-21T22:43:00.000-04:00

Dos Pesos taking a bath
Originally uploaded by Stewart.

This made me laugh!

A changed perspective

2005-06-21T15:47:00.000-04:00

It is fascinating to see how people's lives are changed throughout the course of thier journey. This interview with singer Nichole Nordeman is a great example of how her life is not the same "afterwards".

Stepping Heavenward Quotes

2005-06-21T14:52:00.000-04:00

"Duty looks more repelling at a distance than when fairly faced and met" (84).

"Having been pardoned by your God and Savior, the next thing you have to do is to show your gratitude for this infinite favor by consecrating your self entirely to Him, body, soul and Spirit. This is the least you can do. He has bought you with a price and you are no longer your own" (86).

"Remember that it is His will that you be sanctified and that the work of making you holy is His not yours. At the same time you are not to sit with folded hands, waiting for this blessing. You are to exercise faith in Him as just and able as willing to give you sanctification as He wants to give you redemption" (88).

"There is one thing that I can do, and that is pray that Jesus would do for me what He did for the blind man-put His hands yet again upon my eyes and make me see clearly. And I will" (90).

And my absolute favorite....so far at least....

1. "Be desirous of doing the will of another, rather than thine own."
2. "Choose always to have less, rather than more."
3. "Seek always the lowest place, and to be inferior to every one."
4. "Wish always and pray that the will of God may be wholly fulfilled in thee" (169).

I think that those 4 directions are of course quite challenging but also wonderful, in that, when they are followed a person is filled with joy. Focusing on self is a sure way to be miserable! Focus on God and others and joy begins to be abundant+!

Stepping Heavenward is by Elizabeth Prentiss

Stepping Heavenward

2005-06-21T14:49:00.000-04:00

I'm back! I had an good break. It was nice to have a few extra free moments each day. Yet, they became occupied quickly also. I am finding that my priorities are the things that get done....period...no excuses. I have time for the things I make time for. Thats it and its simple...why do I seem to forget it so often?! Silly me.

Anyways I have been rereading a few favorite books while away. One of which is entitled "Stepping Heavenward" By Elizabeth Prentiss. My roomie Amelia is reading it this summer and spurred me to reread it. The last time I read it I was in High School...and at the time did not "get" as much out of the book as I am now. Interestingly, I am finding that books belong to different chapters of our lives. This book belongs to the chapter I am in currently and therefore is SUCH an encouragement to my walk this summer esp.! But it is fun to go back and see what I underlined 5 years ago. It is different from the stuff I underline now. How we change. How our understanding of life changes too. It sure is a good thing though. We need to grow and God is so into making us do just that. When we ask to grow...we are probably asking for trials. God knows what we need. Don't be scared though (I tell myself this) cause the end is worth the struggle it takes to get there!

So I am glad to be back and hope to publish soon a few meaty quotes from "Stepping Heavenward". The author Elizabeth Prentis wrote the mainly fictional book in a journal entry style as if she were the girl she writes about. It is an excelent read. Highly reccomened for my women audience.

There is a time for everything

2005-06-10T21:33:00.000-04:00

And its time for a blogging break. New posts should return by July.
See ya in a few weeks!

People

2005-06-10T10:23:00.000-04:00

I am realizing more how awesome my friends and family are. Sometimes you have to be away from them to realize how much you miss and love someone. That is what I am finding. Now I miss my awesome friends from school. And when I am at school I miss my home church family much from. Funny how you don't realize how wonderful and special people are to the extent you do when your away. For example, now I know in a deeper way that my home church is just filled with the amazing godly women and men for that matter. Mainly because while away I felt their absence so strongly...no one could replace their presence in my life and heart. I MISSED them not what they do but who they are in their entirety :::smile...Each of them are such awesome people! They reflect God in a unique and beautiful way. I have several women whom I look up to and see inward beauty that far outshines their external even though they are beautiful most are externally also. They are so encouraing to be around.

I so appreciate my blogger friends also, new and old each has taught and revealed things to my heart and enlarged my thoughts in so many unique ways. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow through reading your posts and interacting with each of you. It is a privilege to know each of you...and you are a gift from God to my life!

I couldn't leave my family out on this...all I can say is that the two people in the world that I love the most are my parents. :~) smile..those we love the most often know us best...like God. He is the perfect example. He is amazing!

So God is soo good to us to give us just the right people to love and learn from and grow with! Where would we be without them?

This concept makes me think of how while on earth we will always be missing someone, but soon we will never miss again our dearest friends because they will be with us with God in Heaven in a mysterious way deeper than ever before...I think that we will even know eachother's thoughts perfectly in Heaven...who knows now...but anyways it will be perfect fellowship and harmony!

Let us long for that place and live each day remembering its reality and to pray for many others that they might come to know Jesus the only one who is worth living for!

like Kat and Maurice ...i.e. See links "happenstance and Geography" and "The Great Adventure"

2005-06-10T08:30:00.000-04:00

I also visited the website that shows the previews for "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe" movie coming out Dec. 9th...yay! The website's very interesting so here is a lil more free advertising for it...

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

Where I would like to be...right now...Mam, and turn the lights back on please!

2005-06-08T21:29:00.000-04:00

picture
Originally uploaded by hsuyo.

Warning these are random thoughts from a nine hour work day...so read at your own risk...

It has been a beautiful spring here in Ohio. But~ oh~ the beach does sound so enviting! Especially on hot days like the past two...the kind of days that beg for water to jump into!

Back to reality work is going fine. Yesterday and today several strange things happened. The first thing was that guy in his thirties, I suspect, called me "mam" nearly before and after every sentence and then some! He then told me that he was losing his voice and was highly sick...when evidently his voice was not being lost...by the way he was constantly saying mam thank you mam, no mam, mam thank you mam, here mam, mam, mam, mam! I was like woah! I had to stop myself from laughing outloud~! Then at the end he did what I absolutely abhor and find very annoying he called me sweetie, honey, dear mam! Ahhh! I am certainly none of the above to him! Anyways I decided that he either has a twistedly annoying sense of humor, or was not right upstairs.

The second thing that happened today the lights went out in the store for about an hour so I just talked to the other cashier and wandered around waiting for the return of light and customers! :~) Oh, yes a side note...it is a challenge to ring up other people's dinners when your stomach is growling from missing dinner...I am finding. But maybe I will grow stronger through this testing :~) We will se!

On a more serious note, I am again reminded to pray for my precious coworkers...There disrespect for God, is heartbreaking...But I know for certain that but for the grace of God there I would be to taking His name in vain and not knowing Him. He is the One who awakens us to His goodness and beauty...so in a renewed sense I have been realizing how much i MUST depend on Him to change their hearts and convert them to love and know Christ.

May He use us in all the circumstances we live in to be lights to this world!

"the Enemy Within" is being destroyed

2005-06-06T17:13:00.000-04:00

God is orchestrating something here spiritually can you sense a pattern??....

1. I have been reading a book by Christopher Love...just a side note here: don't try to find the author at your local Christian bookstore you'll be sadly dissapointed as he is an excellent 16th century Puritan author. Why, contemporary Christian bookstores generally fail to stock the old authors makes little sense in my mind. I mean seriously there were some highly inteligent and gracious Christian people living then also. The book is entitled "The mortified Christian" and is dealing with the topic of putting sin to death.

2. My pastor is doing a series on putting to death sin in our lives. (Colossians 3:5 and Romans 6:8) It has been exciting to be reminded that I am free to do righteousness and am able in Christ to die to sin! It is an ongoing process but it is happening...and that is just plain wonderful.

3. Then, to boot, I was reading today in CH Spurgeon's devotion (Morining and Evening) a quote that just grabbed my attention. The message goes with this months theme for my own spiritual growth...I have a slight hunch that God is sending a message, through His providence :-)

So here is an exerpt...
"That henceforth we should not serve sin" Romans 6:6

"Christian, what hast thou to do with sin? Hath it not cost thee enough already? Burnt child, wilt thou play with the fire? What! When thou hast already been between the jaws of the lion, wilt thou step a second time into his den? Hast thou had enough of the old serpent? Did he not poison all thy veins once....O be not so mad! So foolish! Did sin ever yeild thee real pleasure? Didst thou find satisfaction in it? If so go back to thine old drudgery, and wear the chain again, if it delight thee. But in as much as sin did never give thee what it promised to bestow, but deluded thee with lies, be not a second time snared by the old fowler-be free and let the remembrance of thy ancient bondage forbid thee to enter the net again! It is contrary to the designs of eternal love, which have an eye to thy purity and holiness...."

Here's the clincher..."Christians can never sin cheaply; they pay a heavy price for iniquity. Transgression destroys peace of mind, obscures fellowship with Jesus, hinders prayer, brings darkness over the soul..."

This just reminded me again of the reasons why we should put sin to death and remember that while we still have remaining corruption in us until we are gone from this earth, we must go straight to Christ for fresh forgivness and strength to fight these daily battles with our indwelling corruption.

Has anyone ever read Chris Lundgaard's book "The Enemy Within"? It deals with this very topic and is excelient!! It is a modern book, and is a quite accessable as far as reading rewrite of John Owen's treatise on this topic. My family read it together some in the car when traveling and everyone was spell bound...not often does a family get spell bound listening to books on indwelling sin...but Chris Lundgaard is a GOOD writer! :~)

So I am asking myself...

why I would ever allow sin to choke the life out of me...I need to choke the life out of it! And I think that the beginning of this choking of the weed of sin starts at realizing how easily I am blinded to my own sin! So I am praying that God would open my eyes to see my sin...and He does! As my pastor said yesterday...the farther we are from God the less normal (i.e. the way God created things) things are...things are messed up...and what is sad is that people's hearts are unable to see the beauty and truth of God because of the poison of sin...it deadens and blinds...Oh that God might open our eyes and show us what is truth, beauty and light!

I wanted to audio blog this

2005-06-05T15:19:00.000-04:00

However I had problems connecting to the system. Micah from Resolution 57 check my link section) tagged me to audio blog a chapter of the Bible I picked Psalm 36 because I love this chapter's focus on the character of God...His lovingkindness and goodness. Hope you are encouraged by it as I have been.

Psalm 36
For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD.
1 An oracle is within my heart
concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: [a]
There is no fear of God
before his eyes.
2 For in his own eyes he flatters himself
too much to detect or hate his sin.

3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful;
he has ceased to be wise and to do good.

4 Even on his bed he plots evil;
he commits himself to a sinful course
and does not reject what is wrong.

5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.

6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.

7 How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find [b] refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.

9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.

10 Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.

11 May the foot of the proud not come against me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12 See how the evildoers lie fallen—
thrown down, not able to rise!

2005-06-05T14:59:00.000-04:00

Himmel mit Wolken
Originally uploaded by apreussler.

2005-06-05T14:58:00.000-04:00

reprieve
Originally uploaded by Dabbler.

2005-06-05T14:57:00.000-04:00

blue rain
Originally uploaded by Dabbler.

what lasts forever

2005-06-05T08:47:00.000-04:00

I have been so burdened of late with the souls of my coworkers at the place I work (Fresh Market). These people need to know Christ and I so desire them to come to this knowledge.

It is the most awesome privledge to know Christ...better than ANYTHING else in the entire world. Everything else I would and could give up...but God is eternal and of incomprehensible value.

Sometimes I do not remember to meditate on how absolutely blessed we are as His children...to be His...I certainly should never take it for granted!!

gentleness

2005-06-04T22:10:00.000-04:00

"There is nothing so strong as gentleness; and nothing so gentle as true strength."

~a quote from a friend who mentioned it when I related how much I love this quality in people. I think I love it so much because in many ways it reflects the character of Christ in that He was lowly and gentle...while also the epitomy of strength and righteousness...He is so perfect in His character. So loving and gentle yet so strong and mighty! What a wonderful Lord and Savior we have! Whom we can fly to at every moment and bury our hearts in His loving presence!

Picture was originally uploaded by Richard's Pics

A real friend

2005-06-03T12:50:00.000-04:00

I got this from my wonderful aunt and one of my "real friends" :~) I thought it was very true.

"A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest. A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.

A simple friend has never seen you cry. A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names. A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party. A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed. A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems. A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history. A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument. A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them. A real friend expects to always be there for you!"

I miss my friends back at Geneva!

2005-06-01T21:45:00.000-04:00

a personality quiz

2005-05-31T22:28:00.000-04:00

Extroverted (E) 68.57% Introverted (I) 31.43%Intuitive (N) 54.29% Sensing (S) 45.71%Feeling (F) 76.47% Thinking (T) 23.53%Perceiving (P) 58.97% Judging (J) 41.03%

ENFP - "Journalist". Uncanny sense of the motivations of others. Life is an exciting drama. 8.1% of total population.

Free Jung Personality Test (similar to Myers-Briggs/MBTI)

Colossians link

2005-05-31T07:40:00.000-04:00

My home church's Pastor, (Kessler) is going through the book of Colossians in morning worship...and it is wonderful. This is a link to one of the sermons on living alive to Christ seeking the things above.

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=51505224518
(On Colossians)

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonsspeaker&sermonID=51605224329 (On baptism and the covenant)

Update: why the worst can be the best

2005-05-30T23:09:00.000-04:00

Life has been beautiful lately. Although tears have been shed...God is showing me more these past few weeks that the tougher the struggles or pain is the closer I must cling to obeying whatever He calls me to do...and finding my joy only in Him...because boy there is NO true joy apart from Him. I sometimes cannot believe how I could find other things to take the place of the eternal but I know that is just what my heart does as soon as I am not upheld by God's grace and power. I am completely dependant upon Him for strength to live in Him. He is my living head and Christ is now my life. I wish though that I more fully obeyed His new life...He is showing me through His Word and Spirit. It makes me sad when I think that I am not pleasing God fully. But then I remember that even that is a part of God's plan to show me my need of Him and my need to "work out my salvation" more and more living in His presence and remembering that I am united to Him!!

Last night something significant happened in my heart by God's work...My parents asked me to do two main things that I was not sure about...I felt that I was being forced to do things that I did not want to do when in reality it was my parent's wisdom and God's will that I submit in love and respect...regardless of how I felt in the matter. This issue was resolved by God just kinda reminding me that God has in a way spoken His will through my parent's authority...they are asking me to do something reasonable and within God's good plan of course. So God was like showing me that it was my own worldly styled form of rebelion to say that my parents could not tell me what to do. Then God gave my heart a sense of the sweetness of obeying my parents not because of my parents but because of love for God...implanted by the precious Holy Spirit! I was so overjoyed to find peace in my heart from God and joy also and an ability to delight in submitting to my parents. I was overawed at how when I finally was supernaturally (by grace!!) enabled to obey in love on these two issues it was like God just poured out joy and peace and His love. I was like God I knew I wanted to grow spiritually this summer but I didn't know that You would give me this HUGe trial in order to get me closer to You...I guess I should have expected that...shouldn't I have??!!" **Smile** But I must say that even though this particular trial was probably the most painful interpersonal trial I have been through in the past 10 years...it was so worth it for what God did through it. I am so thankful for God's guiding and overseeing all things for His good will. He truly knows what things will draw me to Himself. Over and over again during this trial I was like I can't go to my normal outlets...I could only go to God to let out my steam, pain, desire etc...Only.. And God was so faithful to give the strength to deal with my own anger, hurt and frustration as it surfaced...I knew so well that I could not bury it, that I had to deal with it by God's Word and Spirit...the hard but permanant way..the way that forces one to grow closer.

This past Sunday my pastor said and I quote "Why wouldn't man run towards the One who's essence is Love itself?" I ask myself that question and wonder at the lengths God has had to use to draw me to Himself...the lengths of love and mercy and absolute graceful severity. In order to give life to my dry bones and a heart of flesh to my heart of stone. The leopard has not changed her own spots the Creator has reclothed Her...remade her, now she is dressed in Christ's whiteness.

To God alone be all praise For He has done marvelous things. Like giving me a new heart and a love for Him to whom I formerly despised and rejected. The humbly beautiful Man of Sorrows.

I couldn't help but blog this I love waterfalls...

2005-05-30T22:39:00.000-04:00

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Originally uploaded by viejagloria.

A waterfall in Iceland...

2005-05-30T22:36:00.000-04:00

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Originally uploaded by sophware.

Kids are so cute....

Amazonian downpours and God moments

2005-05-28T23:15:00.000-04:00

God is so good. And I just needed to say it again. The sky was gorgeous today as I worked I looked out and saw the rolling billowing clouds and the sun streaking through them. While half were dark and were pouring torrents of rain it was glorious. I felt like I was in a Amazonian rainforest for 15 minutes during the intermittant storms. I let my customers know also. They were amused. :) It's fun to have fun with your customers...not monkeying around just being comfortable and not stiff with them. My aunt Michelle works there on Saturday's also so we had fun helping eachother out with ringing people up. We would go oooh ahhh over the good stuff people bought. Michelle just cracks me up...she is so lucid and just plain fun and funny. I am thankful for laughter and love and friendships....but most of all-ALL-ALL-for God-Who He is...how very gracious to us He is. His character is so wonderful!

Seeing the beauty over this spring has been highly refreshing even in the midst of stress and trials. God has been especially causing me to see how ALL my joy must flow from Him. Like seriously He took away my other sources of late. He in love is not allowing me to go to others or other things...they are empty of what my heart hungers for. I realize this as I check people out of my line at work and see people who hav all the world's sucess and what everyone thinks truly makes a person "happy" and then I look in their eyes and see that they are just like me and every other regular human being in that money, popularity and a nice body do not make you truly satisfied and happy it is only in delighting and knowing Christ that one is satisfied. Not to discount God's blessings but apart from a relationship to the Giver of them they are cheap trinkets that as Psalm 73 talks about truly do not fulfill. God gives men these things but they still go to the grave and then to a darker place still.

Oh, do I daily realize how much I have been given by God? It just amazes me when God shows me a lil. I need to look at the cross ALOT more. My life needs it as my center. That puts things in a beautiful perspective of humility and blessing in a relationship with Christ. The powerful yet humble King over all.

So with awe in my heart I am amazed at God's grace seeing He knows it all in my heart and does not give up on me He rather invites me to closer fellowship and says "come with me My beloved!"

That reminds me of the God-moment that occured yesterday while at work...as mentioned above it was a Psalm 73 thing in that I was like "God look at all these other people...they seem to have it good...then God broke through, and flooded my soul with the joy of my salvation...the remembrance of my eternal joy in God...the fact that God is my soul's good portion and that none on earth can take that away and that none can quench that need but Him! What a wondrous joy we have as Christ's followers in our salvation!! So He just fills us up with His goodness so that I am no longer able to be envious of those who are perishing..I need to be praying for and even more burdened for them to come to the light...they need the joy that lasts eternity and beyond...May we be lights in the darkness and salt that does not become worthlesss. God give us grace to be thus. It depends on You!

:~) Friends

2005-05-27T15:56:00.000-04:00

Originally uploaded by Jessi Joy.

From left to right, Sarah Christine, me and Charlie. Sarah and Charlie are married and S. and I are also Christine's bridesmaids. :~) I can't believe Christine is getting married! She told me before I went to college that I could not get married...I kept my end of the bargain so far...but she hasn't hehe...I forgive you Christine! I am so happy for you! Charlie the friend who was in my community college speech class and saw all that drama :~).

Amy Carmichael and love

2005-05-27T08:59:00.000-04:00

This poem struck me this morning with the beauty of the love of God that He gives us through the Spirit...and how we can have that love flow through us to the world...even in the tough times! That is how powerful God is!

"Love through me, love of God,

Make me like Thy clear air

Through which unhindered, colors pass

As though it were not there.

Powers of the Love of Good,

Depths of the heart Divine,

O love that faileth not, break forth,

And flood this world of Thine."

~Amy Carmichael from her book of poetry "IF"