Heroes

Today has been a really good day so far... and it's only 4:21 pm. Amazing. Mabel went with me to Highland this morning for the service. It was Missions Emphasis Weekend. I was challenged that I have not gotten enough involved in the mission field here and I need to stop saying I'm going to and just do it. The director of Mission Waco spoke as well as another missionary. I loved what the pastor said about how so many of us have accepted abnormal Christianity as normal for so long that when we hear normal Christians speak about following Christ in the middle of what may seem crazy, we think they are abnormal Christians. No, they are naturally responding to the call that Christ has given us. One of the speakers said that many people say there is a fine line between faith and stupid, and he is sure they've crossed "that line" on more than one occasions. "Compassion is not about feeling sorry for people. It's about getting up out of your place of safety and security and entering into the pain." Do we really allow the compassion of Christ to be extended to our world through us?
Instead of going to the college Sunday school today Mabel and I came back to the room and watched Louie Giglio's preaching from Passion '05. I had been telling her since the beginning of school that I wanted her to watch it... and well, God just kinda brought the idea to my mind during the service this morning. So, yah, that was fun. I was even more encouraged that I don't have to live the Christian life, but Christ can live it through me. "There's only been one person who ever pulled off living the Christian life. And He was so good at it--they named it after Him!" Amen to that. Everyone should listen to that preaching in my opinion, because Christ is so empowering, and Louie does an excellent job of bringing out the truth and refuting the lies that we have allowed the deceiver to make us believe. There is nothing better than Jesus.
This afternoon we went to the Campus Crusade for Christ Women's Tea. It was fun. We played "Speed Friends" (like speed dating, cept it's all girls and we're just friends). In order to get to know people on more than just the superficial level of "where are you from? what's your major" ya da ya da, we talked about who our heroes are. When she told us to talk about who our heroes are the first person that came to my mind was... my Mom.... Mommy, you are my hero. Thank you for showing me what it means to love God and to love people, to give of yourself, to laugh, to cry, to embrace the simple joys that God blesses us with, to grow deeper and stronger, to have faith that is completely merited because we serve an amazing Father who is more powerful than anything we could ever imagine. Mom, Christ's light is amazing in you, and I would never trade you for the world. Thank you for loving me and for being my mommy, for being my best friend. I love you soo much.... I have really missed my mom recently, and it was so awesome to be able to share with others how much she means to me and why she is my hero. It was great to learn about other's heroes too and to get to know more people and just be encouraged through women who love Jesus.
This post is becoming super loooong, and so far it's only been about today! But, no one said you had to read this, so I guess if you have gotten this far you have wanted to read :o) I think I am gonna post a ton of pictures after I write some more... let's see if I can make a record long post.
Oooo, I've been meaning to share this with you all because I think it is more than awesome. I'm reading a book about God's Will by Kyle Lake, the pastor of University Baptist Church that passed away in a tragic accident a few months ago. Well, in it, he talks about how basically all analogies that we try to apply to God fall short, and that's the point! God cannot be defined through something earthly, it just isn't impossible. Yes, He is Father. But He is also Almighty. He is also Holy. He is also Friend. He is also Avenger. He is also Sacrifice. He is soooo much more. God cannot be defined through one analogy because He is more than we can describe. Hopefully I am provoking some sort of thought from you about that, because I think it is incredible. I mean, we say we don't want to put God in a box, but then we try and describe Him in terms that we can comprehend... He's beyond comprehension! But, we get to discover more and more of Him by His grace throughout each journey of our lives. Incredible. That's pretty much all I can say.
Being that this post has turned into a three hour long ordeal and still hasn't been published (I've left it quite a few times and returned to write more), there have been even more awesome things to add to my day. I talked to a good friend from way back when-- Joey :o) That was happy. It was really good to catch up with him a bit. I went to dinner with Alisha and Mabel... and oh my goodness, have I mentioned that the weather was beautiful today? That made me sooo happy, because it has been cold and gray and soggy all week. Today, beautiful blue sky, warmer with a cool breeze.... gorgeous. To top off the amazing weather, as we were leaving for dinner, the sunset sky was brilliant. You can check out the pics. It got better and better. I love the sky because it reminds me that my God is truly a God of wonders.
Then, the sort of spooky moment of the day... over in the restaurant cluster that we went to for dinner, there are birds..... everywhere. Everywhere is an understatement. We're talking trees covered in them, telephone lines teeming with them, they swarm from roof top to roof top, weird. But, I think of how God knows when every sparrow falls... and He knows every detail, every intimate detail that we may not even know about ourselves.... He knows.
So, now to end the day, I have to study Spanish because I have my first test tomorrow... but God has encouraged me so much through today that I'm even a little bit excited about studying Spanish... scary.
Wow, today has been a good day. At the very beginning, meaning midnight, I was missing home but enjoying talking to two of my favorite people--James and Mabel... I have some hilarious stories from that... oh my goodness. Being challenged by the way people allow Christ to live through them is such an amazing thing. Thank you Jesus for showing Your power through those who choose You. Alright, that reminds me of something else I wanted to say to all of you... gracious, I doubt anyone is even still reading this, but oh well, maybe one day you will. I've recently been convicted of how I have allowed Satan to rule my words in a way that burdens people with the mistakes they've made in the past. I've allowed the deceiver to use my words to bring shame to the hearts of many I love, and it breaks my heart that I have been involved in that. You are free from the guilt and the shame of your past. It has been buried with Christ. I'm so sorry if I have ever tried to dig it up and shove it in your face. It breaks my heart that I may have ever hurt you, any of you. I love you and I pray you will see Christ's unfailing forgiveness through me. He is able.
OK, if you aren't screaming at me to shut up by now I'm honored... God is doing a lot in my life, can you tell? Pray for me. I'm praying for you, and if there is anything that I can pray for you about more specifically, please let me know. "God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus" ~Philippians 1:8 I love you.... Enjoy the pictures :o)

Righteousness through Faith

"It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring--not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all." -Romans 4:13-16
We are justified through faith. Just-as-if-I'd-never-sinned... Christ's blood isn't for you to use to scrub off all your sins and clean yourself up... Christ's blood purges your stains the moment you turn to Him and accept that His sacrifice is a gift for you. You are blameless because you are covered in the blood of the Lamb. You know, it is so hard for us to accept that Christ's love is unconditional, and that His grace is enough to cleanse us from all our sin. No matter how many times we're told, we still think that we have to do something to earn His love. "So many in the Christian community are exhausted from trying to earn something that is FREE." Let me say that again: "So many in the Christian community are exhausted from trying to earn something that is FREE." Rest. Christ has already done the work.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into His grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." -Romans 5:1-2
Rejoice in your salvation. Rest in the peace that you have been granted through the sacrifice of your Savior. Celebrate access to His grace. Embrace the hope of the glory of God.

Quote of the day: "Red Vines and Cupcakes: They're Crazy Delicious"

I was sitting and thinking about squirrels after James' request that I make a post about a squirrel the other day and pondering why I had not seen the usual squirrels on campus. I don't know where the thought came from but I looked at Mabel and said "Do squirrels go into hibernation?" I mean, I didn't think they did really, but I couldn't figure out where they would have gone since we've been back from Christmas break. So Mabel and I being the nerdy honors students that we are decided to look it up. We discovered that squirrels are active year long but do stay in their homes in trees and such if it is exceptionally cold/wet, which explains why we haven't seen them since we've been back. Well, then, yesterday afternoon (well, Saturday afternoon since it is technically Monday morning right now), we encountered a campus squirrel. He was avidly searching for some nut he had buried in the location, and he was making these really freaky clicking noises and glaring at us as I was taking pictures of him with my phone (and dying laughing might I add), all the while being a little freaked out by the noises he was making. Anyways, so there you have it, a post about squirrels... we actually have a lot of squirrel stories at Baylor.... my friend Chris even wrote a paper about them! I think my favorite story though is this one: Some bright Baylor boys captured a squirrel and attempted to keep him as a pet. However, after only including Blueberry Muffins and Cinnamon Toast Crunch in the squirrel's diet, the squirrel's health began to decline. In a panic, the students called 911 to try and get help for the squirrel. The operator was highly upset with them for calling about something that was not an emergency and in irritation gave them the number for a veterinarian. When they had the squirrel checked out, the students were told that they should only feed squirrels nuts and berries... the students ended up setting the squirrel free, but then later recaptured the same squirrel, and that is all I know. Crazy College people!! I will make a more legitimate post in the near future, but hopefully this one will have at least made you laugh and shake your head at the crazy things that I think up. Hope you are having an amazing day :) "Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. " ~Psalm 33:8~ Even squirrels were made to fear the LORD!

Week of Wonders...

So, I've been back a week, and today's a holiday... yippee :) It's been a busy week. So, here are some pics to catch you up...
First, the Lady Bears basketball game against OSU on Wednesday, the ladies of course kicked butt! Those are the games that I like to go to...

Yah, cheer em on girls

Go Bears go!

That's my child in 10 years ;o)

This weekend Mabel and I decided to go to Dallas since we had an extra day. The trip there was obnoxious because we got stuck in traffic for a long time... but we had fun

My radio was not working and the plan was to fix it while we were in Dallas... so, we wouldn't have music on the way there. So, we rigged up a ghetto system so we could have some tunes... though it wasn't even close to being as loud as we like it. We had some great conversation, though... so I think God had a plan in blowing the radio, eh? Oh, and yes, I did fix the radio while we were there... very proud :o)

Yah, now that's more like what I look like every day... hahahahahaha... hair pulled up somewhat, sweatshirt, eating chocolate, and driving... oh yes ;o)

Mabel painted her nails on the way there... she didn't quite finish her toes... hehehe

Friday night we babysat Camron so Kris and Christina could go out. He loves Mabel of course and so was dragging both of us around and having a blast. He calls her Be-bel... it's so cute. I'm so blessed to have been able to spend time with my precious nephew since I've been in Texas. My passion for children continues to grow and being a part of his life in a more significant way has encouraged me to continue seeking to love kids with Christ's unconditional love and show them that He created them for an amazing purpose. It's amazing what God can use to teach you things.
Saturday we went to an Indian basketball tournament that Mabel knew a bunch of people at... we went and hung out at their hotel in between their games and showed off our Catch Phrase skills and other stuff... we learned a new game called Watermelon... fun times.

In front of the beautiful cascading water wall with my gorgeous roomie

Dane doesn't want to be left out...

We went to dinner with Mabel's good friend Justin, talked forever, went to a movie, and then went back to catch some shut eye before getting up for church on Sunday... church was good. The pastor talked about God's will. I really liked what he had to say. He talked about a general will and specific will and how when we are focused on being in God's general will God reveals to us more about what His specific will for our individual lives is... I can definitely see that to be true in my life. I don't know if I'm accurately describing the essence of the message, but ask me questions if you want to know more.
Alright, now I know this post has been long, and I'm impressed if you made it all the way through. God continues to teach me so much with me being here so far away from home. I miss all of you in Tally-town and have you in my prayers. Please keep me in your prayers that I will grow more and more in love with my Savior every day and that He will be glorified in every aspect of my life. I hope you all had an amazing weekend! I know I still haven't posted pics from being home... I posted them on Facebook for all of you college peeps who are interested... there are so many, so I will try and pick some and post them before too long. Love ya :o)

*Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."* -Philippians 1:6

Tuesday is a really fun word....

Less than an hour ago I got to talk to Lori... on the phone... how amazing, is that? I was almost convinced that it was impossible for me to get through to her... but, alas, I succeeded! YAY! That was exciting. It's so weird to think that it is even possible to talk on the phone to someone on the other side of the world. Technology is helpful sometimes. I got to talk to Lori (I'm telling you, I'm excited)! Oh, and for the record, I LOVE MABEL MACADEN SOOOO MUCH!!! (You better at least smile at that, chick). Yes, I do. I have missed my roomie and it is good to see her. Time doesn't wait for me to catch up, unfortunately, and classes are starting at full speed it seems. I'm working on buying textbooks at the moment. How exciting. I need to post all of my books for sale so that I can get some money back for them.... blah, blah. All this is so dull compared to having been able to talk to Lori!! That totally made my day. I love you, Lori Amber.

Oh, here's my verse for the day from my quiet time:
Romans 1:8- "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world." Can you imagine your faith being so evident that it is being reported all over the world? I want Christ to be that noticeable in my life, I don't know about you. Lord, be glorified!

Do you ever feel you are drowning and you only have one foot in the water?

Yah, this semester is scaring me already... and I've only been to two classes. Fortunately those two classes were the ones that I was prepared to be scared about... if that makes any sense at all. I know it's all in God's hands. In my quiet time this morning He really encouraged me that He's gonna take care of everything. My key verse for the day is Romans 1:6- "And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ." God was just gently reassuring me that I belong to Him and that He has a purpose for me, in this place and in my relationships and all that jazz. Thank you Jesus. The day holds much in store. The past two days have been really emotional for me... from choking back tears to being all smiles to being angry and hurt to being excited and nervous... yah, quite a rollercoaster. Thank you to those of you who listened to me whine and huff and helped me smile. I love you, and you know it! I'm moving forward prayerfully... I get to start guitar today *cheesy grin*, I'm going to work, Mabel and I are determined to get back in the habit of working out, I'm gonna get my car back~I miss my baby!, buying books and doing homework have got to be worked in somewhere... I have friends to catch up with... the semester has begun! Let me know how I can pray for you guys and know that He is holding you.
~Lots of love~

I'm stalling...

I should be packing, but, I'm avoiding it for 16 more minutes, then it will be 6:00, I'll have an hour and a half before the Cables get here to prepare to leave this house, this town, this state... to return to my beloved university in a crazed town in the bigger than the rest state of Texas (well, bigger than all but Alaska). I'm not ready!! Leaving here doesn't get easier for me... I am truly blessed to have a home that I love so much, family that I cherish, friends that I treasure. I'm excited about what this semester will bring... I know God has big plans. This break has been incredible and God has reminded me that He is bigger than any distance, He is in control of every detail, and my life is in His hands... and no matter how hard I fall, His love is unchanging for me. No matter how many mistakes I make, His grace is sufficient for me... He's teaching me...
Jesus, You are more than I could ever dream of, more than I could ever hope for.
May Your glory be displayed in the life of Your servant, may this life be only an anthem of praise to my God.
Lord, clothe me in Your love in such a way that others are touched by its warmth. May those around me know that the almighty God of the cosmos loves them without condition and without obligation. I love you, my Jesus.

"But I need You to love me, and I
I won't keep my heart from You this time
And I'll stop this pretending that I can
Somehow deserve what I already have
I need You to love me"
~from Barlow Girl's "I Need You to Love Me"

Time to Pack

Happy 2006

Honestly, sometimes I get frustrated with New Year's resolutions... it's like we try and muster up our strength and do better, as if we have the power to overcome our weaknesses by shear determination... like the little engine that could or something. The new year for me is a reminder that I can't do it on my own, no matter how hard I grit my teeth... Christ is responsible for anything pure and good that I do, and it is when I'm not living in surrender to Him that I fail... because without Him, it's impossible. I think most of us can testify that we only stick to our resolutions for a few weeks, maybe a few months, before we mess up and give up because we don't think we can do it anymore and we don't see the use anyway... I love to set goals and to prayerfully seek out what God wants me to pursue and then prayerfully allow Him to make those goals either reality or something that I no longer desire because He doesn't desire it... did that even make sense? I like to set goals for short periods and long periods... for example, in January I want to share Christ with a friend from school, get involved in the preschool/children's ministry at Highland, and research about US government more because I never took the course in school... long term goals, I want to work with Student Life for Kids or some other Christian kids organization the summer after my sophomore year, I want to finish my undergrad degree in 3 1/2 years or less, finish seminary/grad school in a year and half, either study abroad or go on a semester long mission trip after I finish school... I have lots of dreams, and then I make goals in order to make those dreams practical and part of reality rather than fantasy... I am totally rambling...

In other news, I had a great week with my family in Texas! I got to see most of my dad's family and my mom's family... what a blessing. My sister in law had an appointment on Friday and found out she's having... GIRLS :o) Yay!! We are all super excited. We had an early birthday party for Camron while we were there, it's hard to believe he'll be 2 on Saturday. He brings so much joy into my life... screaming "Tay-Tay" through the house and running full speed to find me, take my hand and command me to "walk" with him to whatever it is that he wants me to join him in... he's absolutely adorable and I haven't found anyone who denies it. We watched an entire season of 24 over the week (well, two episodes we rented and watched last night after we got home)... good show, but sheesh, everybody dies... my mom's sister's family is addicted so they hooked us in, they're a few seasons ahead of us though... Kenley and I rented the last of Smallville that is available so we can finish that up before I leave too. My week is filling up fast, as I expected... but it will be fun. It's weird to even think of going back to school. Hopefully next semester will fly like this one did. Alright, enough from me... eventually I'll put some pics up from the trip and my visit home... but that may just have to wait until I get back to Waco... love you all!