Hope

I stumbled across this quote tonight while reading a random book on my parents bookshelf. The words were found on the wall of a concentration camp.

"I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine,
I believe in love, even when it isn't shown,
I believe in God, even when he doesn't speak."

I cannot imagine the person who carved these words, nor the state he/she was in at the time. A seemingly hopeless situation, yet the quote speaks of hope.

We are seemingly hopeless, without the hope that is Christ.

Christ is Hope.

Merry Christmas.



"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." --1 Peter 1:3


"God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." --Hebrews 6:18-19

Golden

I'm alive. I thought I'd throw that out there since it's been a week, and a crazy one at that. Alex and Rebecca are married, I'm back from Tennessee and surprisingly enough in one piece with some stories for sure.

Learning a lot about myself for the better or worse, and hours on the road have provided some time for thought and some time for self-entertainment. If you know much about me, the entertainment comes more smoothly than the thought.

Tomorrow I leave for Tampa (or the wilderness just South of Tampa) on the farm where my Dad's family lives. Excited to see family I haven't seen in months and some that I haven't seen in a couple of years since I was out of the country last Christmas.

Speaking of, I've been thinking a lot about where I was last year I this time. I had no idea what the Lord would do in this past year, but whew it has been an adventure. I'm praying for all of the students that flew out yesterday, for the people the meet and for the relationships that are built. Especially for Mary Beth who was on my team last year and is there again.

In other news, I got a call from the firm this week and I'm scheduled for another interview/office visit with all of the shareholders at the end of January. So I guess it's the next step in this process that I'm trying to be completely trusting in. I also heard from my new "boss" for this summer's FUGE placement: Mobile, AL. The lovely Carrie Griffin shared with me this wonderful news as a special birthday present for me. So great, more decisions, more waiting, more praying (isn't it ironic that Shane and Shane are singing me Psalm 13 right now?!).

-----

Enough of the real world and back to the adventure,

Soon after my family time, I will (hopefully) find myself in the Golden state of California. After I drop by the set of the Hills, I plan on visiting my wonderfully fabulous friend, Jenni Price.

the Lord brought Jenni to camp to work the first 4 weeks as a happy surprise to the staff, the students, and especially me. Jenni lived in the back room of my apartment and blessed my heart with Christy Nockles songs, nervous laughter, and a whole lot of wisdom/encouragement.


Jenni and I bonded over basketball games, construction paper, cave conversations, white water rafting near death experiences, Jason's "tickling", and my fabulous driving skills on Tennessee interstates.

I've decided it was Jenni who put my car in neutral, no matter how much she and Carrie try to convince me otherwise. Jenni taught me things about "duh" moments, made words like 'bust' and 'lame' become regular words in conversation, and is the reason why I to have to play Track 4 on my Rascal Flatts CD 5 times before moving on. I taught Jenni songs that are a little less reputable, but equally as fun (I got 'em.)


Jenni is a driven individual, and the drive comes from a desire to glorify the Lord with each breath. She sees the Lord in moments that many overlook and I am so thankful that she shares that with others because it has challenged me to see Him and His grace in the everyday. She sees the Lord in sunsets, in conversations with students, in grief, in struggle, in happy laughter, and in tears too. And through these things and in so much more I have seen the Lord in Jenni and in her ministry.


Jenni is an includer and genuinely wants everyone to feel apart of the group. She works to demonstrate this desire through the way she chooses to see the best in people, and the way in which she highlights their strengths. That has challenged me as I find myself easily finding the faults in myself and in others. Jenni is honest and stays true to what she believes . . and is grounded in Truth. The Truth radiates in her choices and in her life.

I have really enjoyed getting to know Jenni in 'real' life from skyping out and hearing about the people in her life. She continues to invest in me and encourage me and I continue to learn from our friendship.

One of the biggest things Jenni has taught me is about sisterhood. Both biologically and spiritually I have seen Jenni be a sister to many. I have seen her teach, listen to, cry with/over, laugh with, pray for, invest in, tell stories about, share joy and hardship with, and grow with. At camp, I saw her take on the roles of being a big sister to people on staff (myself included), and I have had the privilege of seeing glimpses of how she is a sister to her real sisters at home.

I would like to be the kind of sister Jenni is to my sister and to my friends too.

I can't believe that in just 9 more days, I'll get to see Jenni. Maybe her reaction to me showing up will be a little better than mine to her surprise visit at the end of the summer :) I love Jenni and I'm sure our time together will be...Golden.

Bee Tea Dubs. . ."There is no friend like a sister, in calm or stormy weather, to cheer one on the tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands." -Christina G. Rossetti

Birthday wishes

Today (Yesterday) has been one of the best birthdays ever. It had nothing to do with big party plans or super special plans, but more to do with a realization of my own.

Facebook has its flaws, mostly demonstrated in my life in the way it can completely distract me from being a productive student and worker, but one thing I like about it is that it notifies people of special events like birthdays. While one could think on the fact that most people would have no idea it was your birthday or forgotten you existed at all had it not been for a friendly technological reminder,;I love the fact that for a few moments it brings to mind people who I haven't thought of (unfortunately enough) in a while and then follows a flood of memories, conversations, meaningful moments, etc. with that person. I love those few moments, where I can reflect on blessings...and think about how I should be challenged to reflect on blessings (and see new blessings) daily.


Today instead of being in a car on my way to Tennessee, I spent a leisurely day with some family which allowed me to look over all of my facebook birthday wishes and texts and calls, etc.


Words cannot describe the Lord's power and presence in those messages. People from so many different areas of my life; teachers, high school friends, college classmates, family from all over, people who I played on sports teams with, people who I grew up with, bosses, those that I had been on mission trips with, pastors, camp friends, life-long friends, siblings, Sunday school teachers, grandparents, parents, adults who worked in the youth ministry, roommates, those who have known me my entire life, and those who have known me for only a few months. And some who fit multiple categories.


My heart was and is overflowing with gratitude, echos with rejoicing, and is burdened with responsibility.

One of these does not belong right? haha.

I could go on and on forever about how blessed I am. And whew, am I blessed.... When I think about how the Lord has provided for me. How he has encouraged me. How he has challenged me . . .(really could go on forever) I am speechless. I've given describing the ways in which I am blessed in general and in today's messages into words and I can't do it. I can't.

But I am also challenged by scripture that I have been praying through lately, Psalm 67.

May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face shine upon us,

that your ways may be known on earth,

your salvation among all nations.

May the peoples praise you, O God;

may all the people's praise you.

May the nations be glad and sign for joy,

for you rule the peoples justly

and guide the nations of the earth.

May the peoples praise you, O God;

may all the peoples praise you.

Then the land will yield its harvest,

and God, our God, will bless us.

God will bless us,

and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Whew, I am blessed.

But this blessing is not for me. It is not for my glory. It's for His. I am burdened for all of my relationships when I reflect on my birthday wishes, and on the memories, the experiences, the meaningful conversations of the people who wrote them. I am challenged to use those blessings for His ways to be known on the earth and His salvation to all the nations.

Legos, Laughs, and Love

So, while I'm in Chattanooga, TN. . .well the original reason for being in Chattanooga. . .is to attend the wedding of one Mr. Alex Jenson Ford to the lovely Rebecca McPherson.






This is alex and rebecca:

Your reaction to the photo above was most likely my first thoughts about Alex. goofy. and hilarious. And after meeting Mr. Ford, it will only take you a few minutes to be privy to the depth of his love for people, to his truly selfless heart, and his desire for all to be included and loved.



Thanks to his excellent choice in a person capable of running lights this summer, Alex and I had a lot of time to get to talk, and I have learned so much about his heart for others. I want to love people like Alex loves people. I want to be able to put myself last, like Alex puts himself last.




Alex has a great way of breaking down people's walls, and bringing people together through his hilarious story telling, unashamed honesty, and his sincere desire to want to know people. And not just facts knowledge, but the deeper knowledge that comes from a true investment in their lives. And the best part is that he uses these gifts to bring the Lord glory. And while he is just fun in general, that was so indescribably fun to watch this summer.



His demonstration for his love for his family and friends ....and to complete strangers... comes in the form of selfless service, and while he like the rest of us is far from perfect, I am challenged by how much he is determined to capture 1 Corinthians's definition of love.



Speaking of love. . . .I have had the privilege of meeting his soon-to-be wife, Rebecca. While, unfortunately, I have not gotten to spend too much time with the Mrs, I can already see how she shares Alex's love for people in the way she has been so encouraging to me without even knowing me at all. Her quiet passion doesn't go unnoticed.




Alex became my brother this summer--so we put together legos, exchanged jokes, and I beat him in basketball.....always. I don't have a biological brother, so I hope that those who do have a relationship like the friendship I had with Alex this summer. It was and continues to be a true blessing.



I am so glad that I am privileged with the opportunity to attend these people's wedding: they are wonderful and I can't wait to see them:

Listen don't judge this picture. It's the only one I had. Plus we are hot. Literally. We were standing underneath the AC in the Chatt. town zoo, because it was a bagillion degrees outside.

bee tea dubs. . .to those of you who were requesting this blog. . .you're next.

Dirty South Girls from Tennessee. (Part II)

haha. I've always wanted to use those lyrics (Grits) in as a blog title. and now I have friends to do it.


After my visit with Carrie, I hop, skip, and jump over to Chattanooga, TN--a name that didn't really evoke much interest, and now which I tend to think of more often. . .mostly due to this human being:

I have posted the above picture not to brag about the number of teeth I have. . (but they are a blessing all 1,000 that are showing in this picture). . . but more because I feel as though this is a good description of Molly & Kaylyn.

(I've blogged about Molly before, so if you want to know more about her, either stalk her life by clicking her name: Molly, or by checking out my previous blogs, but here's a snidbit of Molly. )

Molly is a true rockstar. Or at least she's convinced.

I'm blessed to have an older sister in Molly in that she teaches me funny things that will most likely get me in trouble, she is a bully in all the best ways, and she is there for me whenever I need her. I want to grow up and immitate Molly's loyalty, capture Molly's funniness, and gain her discernment. (I'd also like to steal a little bit of her vocal talent. . .what is up with all my friends having music skill?)

Molly's passion for life and for people overflow in her singing, laughter (hers and the product of her jokes), her time devoted to serving friends, family, and students, and her desire to be a conductor of Joy. (capital J, please take note)

My favorite Molly moments don't have to do with her awesome ability to make people laugh, but have much more to do with seeing her pour into others, myself included. Even though she denys it, Molly is an encourager and she has encouraged me.

(just look at the stack of cards on my desk)

So I can't wait to see my friend Molly in person rather than on my computer screen...and share what will be some hilarious moments together I'm sure.

bee tea dubs. . the third point to the triangle and his boo to come. . .

Christmas Adventure: Part I

So with two finals down and two to go, I have taken a quick break today to clean my room (only to mess it up with notes and things in the next few days) and to spend some much needed time lounging with my roommate, Ashli. Tonight we made a Chic Fil A run, threw on some sweats and watched Eat Pray Love, and then indulged in some reeses pie made by Jessica's mom. (Delish).



Today was great, and while I'm sure tomorrow I will be spending most of the day with my nose in my Tax book, I have appreciated the time to enjoy small things like finding old cards and things while cleaning up my room.



This semester has truly flown by. I hated when adults used to say that growing up. "In the blink of an eye, you'll be in my shoes". . yadda yadda yadd. . ."the years go by faster every year"



It didn't really make much sense, but as much as I would like to say they are still crazy (and most adults are) I completely understand time flying.



So tonight, I am pausing time (in my mind of course), and reflecting on this semester--on things that I've caught, and on things that I've missed. And I'm thinking about my break.

SO--I figured I'd take the next few days to share with blogland my Christmas break events one at a time. . .and a little bit about the people I get to see on my break that seems to have become one big road trip of adventure.




So first off. . . .



In 9 days I get to see this girl:

I'm excited to get to have some time with Carrie before she goes home to the golden state for Christmas time with her family. Carrie was my boss, sometimes a diva (well, she wears the sunglasses fo' sho'), and always my friend. She has fun stories like me, and even though she hides it a little better than I do--most definitely has some awkwardness in there. Another fun fact: she doesn't like the top of her desk to be messy. If the drawers are messy that's okay. And her hummus has to be flat so she's really careful when she's eating it with her fav. snack, Wheat Thins.

Carrie has a beautiful voice and a beautiful heart to match.

She answers my random questions and then throws some back at me.

I have a lot of respect for Carrie, because I have seen her demonstrate integrity on a daily basis.

I am challenged by Carrie's honesty, and encouraged by her passionate strength.

Although Carrie's tear ducts operate at a different capacity than my own, I have been witness to just how deeply she cares for the Lord and for His people and this goes much deeper than simple emotions. It is grounded in obedience.

Sometimes she pretends she's a spider, and sometimes she tries to show me she's footclapping, but doesn't really show me that at all. Sometimes she confuses her words when on the phone with church secretaries, and also tells students "feelings are stupid". But whatever she's doing; its with conviction and devotion--I'm learning a lot from Carrie and am super excited to get some time (though short) with her in almost a week!

bee tea dubs. . .stay tuned for the rest of my Christmas break adventure.

Semper Idem

I got the chance to read the Charles Spurgeon sermon, "The Immutability of God" based on Malachi 3:6 which says, "I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."


Here are rather legnthy passages of the sermon:

"He is the great I AM--the Great Unchangeable. Mark you, his essence did not undergo a change when it became united with the manhood. When Christ in past years did gird himself with mortal clay, the essence of his divinity was not changed; flesh by a real actual change of nature; the two were united in hypostatical union, but the Godhead was still the same. It was the same when he was a babe in the manger, as it was when he stretched the curtains of heaven; it was the same God that hung upon the cross, and whose blood flowed down in a purple river, the self-same God that holds the world upon his everlasting shoulders, and bears in his hands the keys of death and hell. He never has been changed in his essence, not even by his incarnation; he remains everlastingly, eternally, the one unchanging God, the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither the shadow of a change."


"Was [God] powerful? Was he the mighty God when he spake the world out of the womb of nonexistence? Was he the Omnipotent when he piled the mountains and scooped out the hollow places for the rolling deep? Yes, he was powerful then, and his arm is unpalsied now, he is the same giant in his might; the sap of his nourishment is undried, and the strength of his soul stands the same for ever. Was he wise when he constituted this mighty globe, when he laid the foundations of the universe? Had he wisdom when he planned the way of our salvation, and when from all eternity he marked out his awful plans? Yes, and he is wise now; he is not less skillful, he has not less knowledge; his eye which seeth all things in undimmed; his ear which heareth all the cries, sighs, sobs, and groans of his people, is not rendered heavy by the years which he hath heard their prayers. He is unchanged in his wisdom, he knows as much now as ever, neither mroe nor less; he has the same consummate skill and the same infinite forecastings. He is unchanged, blessed be his name, in his justice. Just and holy was he in the past; just and holy is he now. He is unchanged in his truth; he has promised and he brings it to pass; he hath saith it, and it shall be done. He varies not in the goodness, and generosity, and benevolence of his nature. He is not become an Almighty tyrant, whereas he was once an Almighty Father; but his strong love stands like a granite rock, unmoved by the hurricanes of our iniquity. And blessed be his dear name, he is unchanged in his love. When we first wrote the covenant, how full his heart was with affection to his people. He knew that his Son must die to ratify the articles of that agreement. He knew right well that he must rend his best beloved from his bowels, and send him down to earth to bleed and die. He did not hesitate to sign that mighty covenant; nor did he shun its fulfillment. He loves as much now as he did then, and when suns shall sease to shine, and moons to show their feeble light, he still shall love on for ever and for ever. Take any one attribute of God, and I will write semper idem on it (always the same). Take any one thing you can say of God now, and it may be said not only in the dark past, but in the bright future it shall always remain the same: 'I am Jehovah, I change not.'"



Bee Tea Dubs...I am challenged to stop and remember the God I serve.