Well, it is officially midterms week and 1 week before break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So very excited!!! PLUS it is GORGEOUS outside today. Oh my, God is so good.
So, in saying it is midterms week, that means that I have quite a bit of studying to do. I decided that today was to beautiful to be stuck in my room (even though the windows are open) or in the library. So, I packed up my stuff and headed out to the pond. I know a lot of students may make jokes or tease about the pond and its reputation for being the PBU "date spot", buuuttt, I am so thankful that we do have a beautiful pond where I can sit and think, rest, study, or praise God for His attributes. Today as I have been sitting here, many thoughts have passed through my mind. "Why is there a huge swarming cloud of bugs flying behind my head?" "Are they mosquitoes?" "I never knew we had fish in our pond!" "Wow, look at how the sun sparkles on the lake. God, you are the greatest designer in the world! Fashion designers would kill to be able to take the diamond glittering quality on the sun on the water and put it into a dress." "God, you truly are amazing." I sit here and feel the sun on my face, the wind in my hair, and hear the occasional song of a nearby bird.
Then my mind begins to move from the wonders of God's creation to what is going on in my life. Last night I talked with one of my girlfriends who was, and still is, really struggling with life. Today my roommate struggled with some news she received from her parents. In Bible class this morning we contemplated the characteristics of God and why He says in Exodus 34:7 that He will punish the children and grandchildren for a father's sin. In counseling class, we considered the depravity of man and how that affects counseling. So many thoughts, so much confusion at times, so much pain in my heart and in the lives of the ones that I love. I'll be honest, despite the beauty of the day, despite my amazement of who God is, I question. I wonder why life has to be so difficult at times. I wonder why God is so confusing. Why can't I understand? Why does my heart hurt? But then, I again see the beauty of God's creation. I see ducks and geese. I see trees and grass. I see rocks, leaves, plants. I see people. There is so much complexity in even the smallest leaf or strand of grass. God whispers softly to my heart, "You may not understand, but you do no have to fix everything. I am the God who created all you see. You would never consider sustaining the created world, so why do you try to sustain the individual lives of my people? That's my job, Elizabeth. You can love. You can have compassion, and even bear the burdens of your brothers and sisters, but you are not God. You cannot fix things, you cannot make sure everything works out in such a way that the path of least resistance is followed. You trust me to make sure the tree next to you doesn't fall and kill you. You trust me to keep the ground firm beneath you. Now trust me to control and sustain the people you love."
You see, I have trying to be God in my life and in the lives of others. I want to see others happy. I don't want them to hurt. I don't want them to struggle with sins or make obviously erroneous mistakes.But, in wanting the best for them, I have taken on the role of God in their lives, and that is obvious sin in my life! Who would have thought that the simple desire to help people would turn into idolatry, but it did.
And it took sparkling, diamond, sun beams on the pond to open my eyes.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
It's 7:30....
This morning I woke up and wasn't really sure where I was or what day it is. Then I remembered: today is a Joy performance! Here at school I am involved in a 4 girl ensemble. There are 4 singers (girls) and 4 instrumentalists (2 girls, 2 guys). Last semester we spent our time practicing and preparing songs for this semester where we go out and perform in churches. So, this morning we are heading over to Huntington Valley! This is our first 40 minute service, so it should be interesting. We are ready. (I hope haha).
So why am I writing at 7:30 in the morning? Well, remember how I said that when I woke up this morning I couldn't remember where I was? Well in those few seconds when I was not comprehending life, I felt like God said, "Goodmorning." It was as if in my mental fog, God broke through that reminded me that He is here with me. Before the rush of thoughts that consist my day came upon me, God came first and reminded me that He is there, before everything. Before breakfast, before Joy, before homework or friendships, God is. And in that early morning "Goodmorning," I was comforted and convicted. I was comforted because I knew that God was there, and I knew that He would be sovereignly controlling my day. Yet, I was convicted because I quickly realized how my heart was not in tune with God's. Here I am getting ready to go lead people in worship, and I can't even worship God myself.. If God is truly there with me, guiding me, and ultimately ruling me, then I should be ready as soon as my eyes open in the morning to worship, praise, and serve Him.
And to think, that all happened at 7:30 in the morning.
So why am I writing at 7:30 in the morning? Well, remember how I said that when I woke up this morning I couldn't remember where I was? Well in those few seconds when I was not comprehending life, I felt like God said, "Goodmorning." It was as if in my mental fog, God broke through that reminded me that He is here with me. Before the rush of thoughts that consist my day came upon me, God came first and reminded me that He is there, before everything. Before breakfast, before Joy, before homework or friendships, God is. And in that early morning "Goodmorning," I was comforted and convicted. I was comforted because I knew that God was there, and I knew that He would be sovereignly controlling my day. Yet, I was convicted because I quickly realized how my heart was not in tune with God's. Here I am getting ready to go lead people in worship, and I can't even worship God myself.. If God is truly there with me, guiding me, and ultimately ruling me, then I should be ready as soon as my eyes open in the morning to worship, praise, and serve Him.
And to think, that all happened at 7:30 in the morning.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The End of A Long Day
Today has been a very long, emotionally draining day. Tomorrow I have a performance with my small ensemble here at school. As I was getting ready for bed tonight, I realized that my mind and heart are nowhere near being ready to serve, minister, and worship through song and performing tomorrow. So, I got comfy in bed and pulled out my memory verse cards. I wanted to take the time to share some of my favorite verses here.
Psalm 27:13-14; I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.
Romans 8:6b; But the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
2 Timothy 2:13; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
Jeremiah 29:11; 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'
Psalm 61:1-4; Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; left me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.
Romans 8: 28, 30-33; And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose...and these whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies.
Psalm 63:3; Because Your lovingkindess is better than life, my lips will praise you.
Lamentations 3:31-33; For people are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to any human being.
Psalm 4:8; In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.
Goodnight everyone. May you each sleep in peace tonight knowing that the God of the Universe, the God over all Creation, loves you.
Psalm 27:13-14; I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.
Romans 8:6b; But the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
2 Timothy 2:13; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
Jeremiah 29:11; 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'
Psalm 61:1-4; Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; left me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.
Romans 8: 28, 30-33; And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose...and these whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies.
Psalm 63:3; Because Your lovingkindess is better than life, my lips will praise you.
Lamentations 3:31-33; For people are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to any human being.
Psalm 4:8; In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.
Goodnight everyone. May you each sleep in peace tonight knowing that the God of the Universe, the God over all Creation, loves you.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Field Trip to the Museum
Alright, so maybe I am naive, but I thought once highschool was over we were done forever with field trips (well at least until we have our own kids). Apparently, I was wrong. This semester, I am in a Bible class called The Pentateuch, and, if you couldn't guess, we are studying the Pentateuch, which is the first five books of the Bible. To complement our studies, the Bible Department set up this opportunity for the entire freshmen class of 200 students to go to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology. I'll be honest, at first I was a little overwhelmed about the idea of trying to maneuver getting into Philly with 200 hundred students. But, looking back on the day, it definitely was as bad or stressful as I thought it would be, and I really did enjoy the museum.
The museum specialized in very ancient artifacts and history from the world's foundational civilizations.There were artifacts from Iraq, Upper and Lower Egypt, the Asian world powers, and even an exhibit from Canaan.I think my favorite part was seeing the remains of the mummies. I have never before been in a museum which actually owned and displayed human remains. Kind of creepy, but definitely cool!
I will have to admit, though, that I was really moved, and, in a way, slightly disturbed. For my Pentateuch class, I had to find something, an exhibit, a person, a time period, that really interested me and then write a short paragraph about what I had learned and why I liked it. As I was going through the different rooms in the museum, I came to the section where the exhibits were specifically centered on the religious practices of the Asian cultures. For the first time in my life, and I really mean that, I came face to face with idols and shrines. You know, I grew up hearing about people groups who would worship idols and have shrines in their homes. I mean, hey, anyone who has ever watched "Mulan" knows all about idols and shrines right? I was very wrong. As I walked through three rooms filled with shrines, big shrines, small shrines, shrines to build in homes or shrines to carry in pockets, through rooms of idols, idols of Buddha, idols of dragons, idols of children or monks, my heart began to break. I had never come to face to face with pagan worship, and my eyes were suddenly and bluntly opened.
In a way, my heart was breaking. I felt pain for all those people, past and present, who are worshiping gods who will never hear or save them. Then I felt fear, as I walked through these rooms and gazed at the images and sculptures, I saw that there was no hope in this religion. Even the faces on the idols are gruesome or have evil, dark eyes. The people who are worshiping these idols and following these religions are trapped in a very dark, very oppressive way of life, and in my heart there was as much fear as there was pain.
So I left the museum today a changed person. After scratching just the surface of the deception, lies, and evil Satan uses to ensnare the world, I feel that I cannot just sit and do nothing. There are people out there who are whole-heartedly worshiping and following a god who cannot save them, but will ultimately land them in Hell forever. God has greatly blessed me, blessed me beyond measure, by opening my heart, regenerating me, and giving me the ability to believe in Him for salvation. With such a great blessing should come, and does come, a HUGE responsibility to then share that with those who do not know the truth. That truth was really solidified in my mind and heart this afternoon as I walked through the rooms of idols and shrines.
God is good all the time. I thank Him for opening up the opportunity for me to go to the museum and have that experience. My prayer is that I will not soon forget what I have seen.
The museum specialized in very ancient artifacts and history from the world's foundational civilizations.There were artifacts from Iraq, Upper and Lower Egypt, the Asian world powers, and even an exhibit from Canaan.I think my favorite part was seeing the remains of the mummies. I have never before been in a museum which actually owned and displayed human remains. Kind of creepy, but definitely cool!
I will have to admit, though, that I was really moved, and, in a way, slightly disturbed. For my Pentateuch class, I had to find something, an exhibit, a person, a time period, that really interested me and then write a short paragraph about what I had learned and why I liked it. As I was going through the different rooms in the museum, I came to the section where the exhibits were specifically centered on the religious practices of the Asian cultures. For the first time in my life, and I really mean that, I came face to face with idols and shrines. You know, I grew up hearing about people groups who would worship idols and have shrines in their homes. I mean, hey, anyone who has ever watched "Mulan" knows all about idols and shrines right? I was very wrong. As I walked through three rooms filled with shrines, big shrines, small shrines, shrines to build in homes or shrines to carry in pockets, through rooms of idols, idols of Buddha, idols of dragons, idols of children or monks, my heart began to break. I had never come to face to face with pagan worship, and my eyes were suddenly and bluntly opened.
In a way, my heart was breaking. I felt pain for all those people, past and present, who are worshiping gods who will never hear or save them. Then I felt fear, as I walked through these rooms and gazed at the images and sculptures, I saw that there was no hope in this religion. Even the faces on the idols are gruesome or have evil, dark eyes. The people who are worshiping these idols and following these religions are trapped in a very dark, very oppressive way of life, and in my heart there was as much fear as there was pain.
So I left the museum today a changed person. After scratching just the surface of the deception, lies, and evil Satan uses to ensnare the world, I feel that I cannot just sit and do nothing. There are people out there who are whole-heartedly worshiping and following a god who cannot save them, but will ultimately land them in Hell forever. God has greatly blessed me, blessed me beyond measure, by opening my heart, regenerating me, and giving me the ability to believe in Him for salvation. With such a great blessing should come, and does come, a HUGE responsibility to then share that with those who do not know the truth. That truth was really solidified in my mind and heart this afternoon as I walked through the rooms of idols and shrines.
God is good all the time. I thank Him for opening up the opportunity for me to go to the museum and have that experience. My prayer is that I will not soon forget what I have seen.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
First Post Ever!
Well, it's official. This is the very first post to my blog! I am excited. So many things happen in a day, so many blessings, challenges, and laughter experiences. I started this blog so that I could share what God is doing in my life. I know many times when I sit down and talk with my friends, I leave encouraged by how I see God working in their lives, and so, I wanted to create a place where others could come and be encouraged by what God is doing. I can't promise that every post will be funny or even happy, but my prayer is that every post is honoring to God. Thank you for reading it, and to God be the Glory!!!!!
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