Deep in my soul... I smile

December 17

2007-01-13T15:35:00.000-08:00

The day was perfectly planned. It was to be a day spent together in celebration of our Savior's birth. A day of food, smiles, activities, worship, gifts and laughter.
News came the rattled all that. We were called to be elsewhere, mourning a death and yet celebrating a life - both here on Earth and eternal. Talking to God - just talking and listening. Holding a friend as she weeps, loss so deep. Watching his tears and lifting him in prayer.
The day was a perfect snapshot of a longer life. Isn't that just the way we see our journeys play out? We had our day planned, everything we wanted to do. And it would have been great, and fun and memorable and pleasing to God. Yet Our Amazing Lord had another idea for that day, one that we would never have predicted. One that was hard, one that hurt. Yet how much RICHER it was... to talk to God in our grief, to ask Him questions, to comfort God's children, to ponder on the brevity of life, to grow closer together - closer to the Savior, to lift another into the arms of Jesus...
We have this plan, this idea of how our life will be - things we want to do and experience. But God longs to give us such a richer, more abundant experience. His plans build HIS Kingdom - both on Earth and in Heaven. What could be more important? It costs us something. A surrendering of our plans, our dreams and desires. But if we will do that, God will bring us so much more... so much closer to others and so much closer to HIS HEART.
Thank you Rachel, for giving me the gift of this insight.
What could be more beautiful?

Because...

2007-01-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

Because God is always loving me, thinking of me, renewing me... I will...

2 Corinthians 10:5
Demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT to make it obedient to Christ.

Because God is alwaysloving me, thinking of me, renewing me... I will...

1 Thessalonians 5:17
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!

Because God is always loving me, thinking of me, renewing me... I will...

Romans 12:12
Be JOYFUL in hope, PATIENT in affliction, FAITHFUL in prayer.

Because God is alwaysloving me, thinking of me, renewing me... I will...

Colossians 4:2
DEVOTE myself to prayer, being watchful and THANKFUL

Gloria al Dios

2006-06-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures from Mexico City. His name is Aidar. He is adorable. I hope I never forget him.
I want to write... so much about Mexico City - but God is still teaching me things about it. I am still in "processing mode" about the whole thing.
It was amazing... God is HUGE! I love Him.

Sandy Salty Sunrise

2006-05-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

So silent I sit in the heavy salt air
And I watch the sky shift its light
The day slowly comes with its brightness and noise
Gone is the deep quiet of night

How sure I am that the sun will rise
To bring light to this dark sleepy land
At first it is subtle, no orange no red
Only purple and pink color sand

As glistening water moves swiftly ashore
And birds swoop and soar in their flight
Something comes out of nowhere
I smile, breathe in deep – it shatters the darkness of night

The fiery ball so deep red and warm
Like the tide it is constant and true
It rises and shines, life basks in its glow
And this red turns the sky baby blue

I trust you to bring the sun every day
We need it, it orders our life
But in Psalm 139 verse 12 we read
To you dark and light are alike

As well are the depths of the ocean I see
And the sky so high and so vast
Nothing is out of your strong loving hand
These truths are all that will last

So I trust You, Your word is the lamp for my feet
The truth, the life and the way
I trust you to guide my heart and my steps
Be my center surround me each day

I trust You, You know me like nobody else
In the dark You formed my heart
I trust You, You know me deeply and true
In whole, not only in part

Let my life show the world how fully I trust You
What burns in my heart for you - love
And as tides come and go, the sun rises and sets
For truth I look only above

LAC 5/29/06

SOWERS

2006-05-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

This morning I had a really unique priveledge and experience that really blessed my heart.
At Glen Eyrie where I work, we have a group of people come in monthly called SOWERS. This stands for "Servants On Wheels Ever Ready to Serve." These are retired people that have sold their homes and have bought RVs and they literally travel around the country volunteering their time to different Christian organizations. We usually have about 6 or 7 couples at a time and they do things like maintenance and gardening and housekeeping etc etc. They are here for a month, and then they will all go their seperate ways, helping another ministry... and we will get a new group of them in. What a blessing these people are!
Well, every morning they meet at 7:30 before the begin their day and have a 30 min Bible study or devotional time and sing together. This particular group sent out an email a few weeks ago saying that they would love some of the employees at The Glen to lead their morning time. Well I was totally interested in doing that - but a bit intimidated too - I mean, what could I, a 26 year old girl, tell these beautiful men and women of God that they didn't already know?? But - God really laid it on my heart to do it so I signed up.
Wow - I could not have been more blessed with my time with them this morning! I decided that I would just share with them my story of how God led me out to Colorado, focusing on Psalm 115:1 which reads "Not to us, O Lord, but to You goes all the glory for Your unfailing love and faithfulness." I was blessed in so many ways this morning - the first being that I got to share my story yet again (something I get to do about 5 times a day literally) and give God all the Glory for his faithful provision in my life. God gives us these experiences, joys, trials, adventures - to point back to Him and I strive to do that daily. What a great reminder, to tell again in detail the Sovereign work of God in my life...
Second I got to get to know some of these beautiful people even more than before (I have the priveledge of getting to know a lot of them because of the nature of my job here in guest services) For a couple months it has really been a constant prayer of mine to have "a servants heart" Something I have been working on and hoping for... what better example than these folks who have dedicated this retirement season of their lives to live modestly in a home on wheels and serve their God and their brothers and sisters for The Kingdom! WOW - it blows me away, and truly humbles me.
Thirdly, they just truly loved hearing my story and made me feel so special and made me feel like God is truly using my life. They asked me a million questions and just really wanted to get to know me. It was so great to really feel like what I shared made them think.
They close their devotional time with a certain song, every morning they sing these words together... beautiful voices lifted from beautiful hearts, to our BEAUTIFUL LORD! Make this your prayer today...

Leigh Ann :-)

Our Best
Hear ye the Master's call, "Give me thy best!"
For, be it great or small, that is his test.
Do then the best you can.
Not for reward, not for the praise of man but for the Lord.

Ev'ry work for Jesus will be blest,
But he asks from ev'ry on his best.
Our talents may be few, these may be small,
But unto him is due our best, our all.

a simple prayer

2006-04-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

Lord, let my life be filled with grace – Jesus shine through me, through my face
so that others may see how much I love You -
and desire to serve You and give You praise!
And I do give you praise Lord! Just fill up my heart with Your love, with Your song! Let it spill over from my heart....

A moment....

2006-03-31T15:18:00.000-08:00

This song came on the radio in the bookstore where I work a few minutes ago and something made me just stand still for 3 minutes and listen... I love it when God takes a moment like that and a song that millions of people hear every day ... and makes it so personal. A gift just for me ....

I Am - Mark Schultz

I am the maker of the Heavens
I am the bright and morning star
I am the breath of all Creation
Who always was
And is to come

I am the One who walked on water
I am the One who calmed the seas
I am the miracles and wonders
So come and see
And follow me
You will know

Chorus:
I am the fount of living water
The risen Son of man
The healer of the broken
And when you cry
I am your savior and redeemer
Who bore the sins of man
The author and perfecter
Beginning and the end
I am

I am the spirit deep inside you
I am the word upon your heart
I am the One who even knew you
Before your birth
Before you were

Chorus:

Before the Earth (I am)
The universe (I am)
In every heart (I am)
Oh, where you are (I am)
The Lord of love (I am)
The King of Kings (I am)
The Holy lamb (I am)
Above all things

Chorus:

Yes, I am almighty God your father
The risen son of man
The healer of the broken
And when you cry
I am your savior and redeemer
Who bore the sins of man
The author and perfecter
Beginning and the end
I am

Psalm 16 - in my own words.....

2006-03-25T09:05:00.000-08:00

1) Oh God, I am asking you to keep me safe from this world.

2) I said to the Lord, “You are the One I follow!
Everything good in my life is from Your hand.”

3) The people on the Earth that follow you are the ones I respect.
I take delight in being with those that love You.

4) Those who worship their manmade idols and follow the patterns of this world will
Be filled with sadness;
I want nothing to do with them, or their ways.

5) Lord, only You do I claim as my inheritance; my cup runneth
Over when I think of your protection and your blessings.

6) You have redeemed me and brought me to a beautiful land,
What a special part of my History.

7) Lord I bless your name as you guide me;
Even at night, my heart remembers your unfailing love.

8) I know the Lord is with me forever,
I can never be scared or unsure for He is right here with me

9) Can’t you see why my heart is joyful
And I want to sing praises to my God all the time!?

10) Death is not the end when I am in You,
You will not leave me in the grave when my breath has
Ceased.

11) You will show me life in the New Kingdom, as it is meant to
Be; and I will live there in joy with You forever!

THE MIDDLE PLACE

2006-02-21T09:47:00.000-08:00

The middle is a place
Where nothing really speaks
Where emptiness and loneliness
Flow down like mountain creeks

Where vast is the void
At the end of the day
And a darkness settles in
That will not go away

Deep unto deep
I know joy that's true
Deeply my peace
In a shade of blue

Joy that is constant
And love so divine
My Maker, My Savior
Make deep joy mine

And out here these places
How I look to you
My passions are colored
With a dark red hue

You see me intriguing
Loving, warm, gentle, kind
With laughter and dreams
In others hard to find

Or sometimes my mouth
Curves down when I'm sad
I'm thinking, remembering
Of love that I've had

Of seasons gone by
Can I bow as they end
And not view it as closing
But more, the road bends

These things are me
The deep and out here
But the middle place
Often gives way to great fear

No colors, no shades
Only black - sometimes white
And mostly the middle
Comes round late at night

It's a place full of lies
That can sometimes seem true
But I'd do good to remember
The red and the blue

Red for emotions and passions
Many there are
That lead me and carry me
Each year so far

Blue for the peace
I know deep inside
From joy, love unending
I don't have to hide

It is my prayer
To not believe the lie
And I will watch as the Middle
Continues to die

Pour it out, or pull it in
On top or deep
To the red and the blue
I will cling, I will keep

LAC 2/17/06

Happy Valentine's Day!

2006-02-14T18:04:00.000-08:00

My wonderful roomate Gwen and I decided to write psalms to God for Valentine's Day this year... this is what I wrote:

Your Hand

Oh God you are mighty
Your hand is so big
And it covers my broken heart.

Reach down with that hand
And touch as it bleeds
Mend back what has fallen apart

There was a time when no light
Could break through
As I wandered around in despair

But now as I look
Deep inside of myself
I find that there’s much joy there

Oh God it’s your hand fierce and
Just, sometimes harsh
To the ones who try bringing me low

Oh God its your hand gentle
Loving and kind
As you softly whisper “You’ll grow.”

I know now once again
That you are sovereign in all
And my heart has to let you take lead

With your beautiful hand
So strong as it guides me
To the things you know that I need

In my mind your hand is
Steadfast and true
No lies or promises broken

It is comfort and healing
And strength when I’m weak
It is truth and life so well spoken

My hand is small it is scared
And unsure
And I know that I need what’s above.

Let me put my hand in yours
Oh my God
As you walk me towards unending love.

LAC 2/13/06

Don't Make It A Manner

2006-02-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

Don’t Make it a manner of living -
She said,
No black and white here
It will cost…

It will cost you the heart of your work
Deep inside,
It will sacrifice things
That weren’t lost.

Don’t make it a manner of living -
Outside,
The lines and the shapes look
The same…

There are turns where there should be
And thoughts
that sound fancy but really all have just
One name.

Don’t make it a manner of living -
Inside,
We all have a different approach
To the heart…

Of the matters that pull us
Each way,
To and fro but we all are the whole of
One part.

Don’t make it a manner of living -
In fear,
Face forward and meet them
Keep pace…

The voices inside that tell you
No way,
You must fight them in time
Face to face.

Don’t make it a manner of living –
Your life,
So that others are pleased
And impressed

Or thinking that only
This way,
It can be when your mind has considered
The rest.

Don’t make it a manner of living -
Have joy
When around you things seem
Somewhat dim…

For the truth of it is your heart
Is fulfilled,
By the things that come
After Him.

LAC 2/05/06

not really sure

2006-01-26T07:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Molly, a new friend whose words inspired this little thought

When something is so beautiful
and weeping comes so swift
Think of the one who made it that way...
...Breathe in, your heart will lift...

For weeping only lasts awhile
the circle of our hearts comes round
And soon the deep abiding joy
in Jesus can be found...

LAC 1/26/06

So much...

2006-01-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

Psalm 145:13

For Your kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom.
You rule generation after generation.
The Lord is faithful in all He says;
He is gracious in all He does.

In one verse, we are reminded that:

1) God is ETERNAL, His rule and His kingdom will never ever end
2) God is unchanging (thank goodness!) He has been in control since the very beginning of time and will continue to be throughout all generations
3) He keeps His promises - in the end, there will be no promise or oath unfulfilled
4) He shows unending grace and mercy to us, mere sinners.

Love it!

GLEN EYRIE

2006-01-12T20:56:00.000-08:00

Can I just please say that I love my job?!?!? We just had a special staff training night where we learned about the overall mission and vision of Glen Eyrie and how to best serve our guests and eachother by God's standards, not the world's. There are so many people called to specific positions within Glen Eyrie and The Navigators Ministry as a whole. I am totally blown away that He has chosen ME as His child, to represent Him here on Earth in general... but especially in this capacity of working where I do. I love to watch my different coworkers, to hear their heart, to see the special spiritual gifts they have, and to watch God put it all together for His ultimate Glory.
Glen Eyrie is truly a place of servant attitudes, humble hearts, and generous hands. There is something so special, intimate and personal about "quiet work for the Lord." It is so different than the obvious work of Pastors and evangelists and missionaries etc. Both totally awesome and needed, but I can see that I fit best here, where God makes me humble and gives me just enough for each day with Him. I love behind the scenes work, where not everything I do is praised or even recognized... but I know that My Father in Heaven is watching and is making my every move count for something in His Eternal Kingdom. Indeed He already has! I pray so earnestly that I will be a faithful steward in all that He has entrusted me with, full of the integrity and peace and joy that reflects Jesus Christ. I have a chance to show that to every guest that comes on the property... Lord keep me steadfast and diligent and worthy of your calling.
Glen Eyrie is a place, annointed by God for His special purpose of teaching people more about Himself and meeting them right where they are as they come on the property. I pray for this place - that it will be all God has planned....

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others. " Phillipians 2:3-4

PHOTO FIVE

2006-01-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

BE SURE TO READ THE POST BELOW ALL THESE PICS! :-)

PHOTO FOUR

2006-01-04T22:49:00.000-08:00

PHOTO THREE

2006-01-04T22:48:00.000-08:00

PHOTO TWO

2006-01-04T22:47:00.000-08:00

PHOTO ONE

2006-01-04T22:45:00.000-08:00

Looking Forward.... and Looking back

2006-01-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

Ok - so let's hear it... as we head into the New Year I am interested in your best moments from 2005 - and your hopes for 2006...
2005 was a VERY interesting year for me. It held probably my worst moment to date (we won't dwell on that) and some of my best as well! The major news of 2005 was of course my move to Colorado in September. That has proven to be such an amazing experience.... and I would have to say that some of my favorite times have come as a result of that move... I have included five photos that totally capture the moments...
Photo one - An amazing night spent on a rooftop in downtown Denver with three precious friends. In July I came to Colorado with my good friend Matt for the first time and met up with my soon to be roomate Gwen and soon to be great friend Dave... the whole trip was a blast - but one night the four of us sat on the rooftop for a few hours and saw an amazing sunset, sang praises to our God, prayed together, danced, laughed and talked. It was truly a beautiful night...
Photo 2 - Then I decided to move... and from that came my next favorite time. The AMAZING going away party that my friends from South Carolina threw me. It was such a special night, TONS of people came to be with me and send me off on this new adventure... I got so many special presents, financial help, an awesome book signed by everyone with prayers and well wishes, and a great DVD slideshow of pictures over the past 5 or 6 years... really special time. It made leaving very hard, but easier in a way too, knowing how many people were loving me and supporting me.
Photo 3 - Then came time for the actual moving day! My dear friend Matt drove with me across the country - 30 hours straight. We had a ball - I loved every minute of that drive and would do it again in a heartbeat. We managed to have pretty much a 30 hour conversation, talked the whole way! I cannot really explain the feelings I experienced during that drive. I was leaving a lot behind - but had so much ahead of me, a great friend by my side and God's beautiful creation to explore. This picture is of an amazing sunset that Matt and I got to see in Kansas - it was the best 10 minutes of the drive, so beautiful and we were just singing our hearts out!
Photo 4 - then I got to be great friends with Dave - who is Matt's best friend from home.... we have coined ourselves as "brother and sister" (every time we are together at least one person asks us if we are) and that is truly what it is like. He was a fast "soul friend" and I have so enjoyed getting to know him. I think my favorite weekend in Colorado so far was spent when Dave and I decided to have "Dodge and Leaners weekend O' fun!" We went out dancing with Gwen and others Friday night then Sat went to Vail for lunch, Glenwood Canyon for a hike and Glenwood Springs to the hot springs and dinner then later on the drive back we saw the most beautiful blanket of stars. The next day I had my first rock climbing experience as well with my awesome rock climbing roomie Gwen, Dave and others... I was not a big fan!
This photo shows Dave and I at the top of our hike in Glenwood Canyon called Hanging Lake... it was amazing!
Photo 5 - I have been so blessed with a beautiful roomate, great friends and neighbors and an awesome chuch. This picture was taken at an Air Force Academy game this fall. Gwen, Jason, LA, Skyler and JR. Jason and Skyler are our downstairs neighbors who are just wonderful. And JR is the Pastor of our chuch, Pierced Chapel.
So many wonderful things have happened in the past 3 months... those are just the very top five. God has been so good to me, restoring a broken heart to joy and peace once again, providing for me in me in every way - from getting an awesome job that I love because I get to serve Him, to giving me wonderful great friendships out here already. I just give Him all the glory for everything that has happened in my life.
I have many hopes for 2006. Number one I am looking forward to growing in deeper intimacy with God... this includes furthering my prayer life especially and a deep commitment to being in the Word daily.
I am also so excited about exploring more of Colorado. I hope to learn how to snowboard, and one thing I am definatley going to do is hike a few "fourteeners" while I am out here this summer. I have to start training a bit for that! I want to write more and dance more and I also want to learn how to knit scarves! haha :-) A friend of mine said he has a resolution to see 8 new places this year and read at least 20 books - that is cool! I may adopt that resolution as well!!!!
I also hope to take a mission trip sometime this summer - there are several options that I am considering and praying about so we will see what God has planned in that area, if anything!
Anyway - it has been fun to recap 2005 and look forward to the year ahead. I pray that 2006 is just an amazing year, for me and for all of you reading as well...

Song for a Dancer

2006-01-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

My friend Hannah sent me the lyrics to this song... how beautiful. Just thought I would share!

She dances
Footsteps like raindrops patter across the stage
Second glances
She pirouettes and slowly fades away
Lost my chances
Who holds the broom that will sweep her off her feet
Hopeless romantic
When the lights on the stage fade and just our eyes meet

And I wonder what would it be
If for once she was dancing with me
She seems content to be dancing alone
So I'll sit and sigh from my seat

- Stephen Speaks

A Little Jesus Project

2005-12-19T18:33:00.000-08:00

So, I just had this idea that Jesus is so many different things to all of us. So I wrote everyone to see what thoughts/images/words came to mind when they heard the name Jesus. It was so interesting to read everyone's response, and to remember a time when Jesus was all of these things in my life. So... just enjoy reading these characteristics and images and words about our Savior and reflect on them this Christmas season! I put lines next to the ones that were mentioned lots of times.

Christ l
savior-mine and the world!
son of God
love I I I I I I I I
perfect savior
never ceases to amaze me!
fierce yet gentle
God I
Savior III
Friend I
Influence
strength
The cross. I
Religion
King
Peace I
Christmas
grace I I
Leader
Hope
Prayer
Kind
Mercy
Authority
Son of God
Compassionate
Loving I
Caring
Man
Long hair
Nice
Hugging children
Wonderful Savior
Prince of Peace
Smiling face
Shepherd
Patient
Undeserved love
Faith
Healing
Warmth
Happiness
Open arms
complete

Ballsy.
Sorry we didn't get to see what he'd be like as an old man.
Tender hearted.
Wasn't ashamed of His anger.
Didn't think too much.

"My Love, My everything!"

I wouldn't say that there are particular words that come to mind- it is more of a sense of his presence, or my desire to be with Him. Like when you would think of a loved one- no words just sense/feelings. And I smile-everytime.

The first image that comes to my mind is the scene from "The Passion" of my Jesus taking that horrible beating, -- for the very thoughts that we have. So the word is Suffering.

The first thing that came to mind was part of a song I once sang at church...
"The only thing I want is to be with Jesus,Just to see him smile and say well done
What a day that's gonna be, I want to feel his strong and loving arms
Just hold me by his side, To be with him throughout eternity
Just to be with him is heaven enough for me!!" I CAN’T WAIT!!!

It comes in the strangest ways...

2005-12-17T18:40:00.000-08:00

Ok – so I have been into Christmas this year… just like always. I have been to three big spectacular Christmas shows already, I’ve decorated, I’ve baked, I’ve shopped, I’ve been reading the Gospel of Luke, I’ve been to Christmas parties, I’ve homemade and written over 50 cards, I’ve worn the read and green and listened to Christmas music 24/7….
But tonight, in the strangest way… it hit me. Christmas, and what it means, really hit me. I am working tonight, in the gatehouse at the entrance of the property – Glen Eyrie – where I am blessed to be employed. It has been quite busy as over 160 people bustle through on their way to the Madrigal celebration that happens at the castle a few nights a week during the month of December. And it has been COLD – I look like a little snowball in my gloves and scarf and boots and big puffy jacket. It has been a joyous night, everyone all excited and jolly as they prepare for what will certainly be an amazing night… they will have great food, fellowship, laughter, music – and they will hear the Gospel. I was happy and joyous with them as I helped them get where they were going and then 6pm hit… and suddenly I was alone.
I sat there, trying to get warm in the little gate house and watched as the snow fell silently all around me, making Gley Eyrie look like exactly what it is… a gift of Heaven from God. And a song came on the radio – the little radio that almost ALWAYS is full of static. But tonight this particular song was completely clear…

These were the words, sung by a man then a woman and then a child:

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth,
The peace that was meant to be.

With God our Creator
His Children all are we,
Let us walk with each other
In perfect harmony

Let peace begin with me,
Let this be the moment now;
With every step I take,
Let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment
In peace eternally.

Yes let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.

My heart almost burst out of my chest, as I just let those words ring in my heart. I was humbled, and quieted, and overjoyed at the same time as I thought of WHAT Christmas truly means. God sent His only son to this wretched Earth, so that I could have moments like this. Moments when I remember that this life is not at all about me, but about bringing Glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Precious baby, beautiful man is He... and I love Him.

Love Him, and love others this Christmas – let something so deeply touch your heart that you just know it was sent to you directly from God Himself because HE loves YOU...

long awaited...

2005-12-08T22:01:00.000-08:00

I am posting my first picture! This is a test... this is only a test! (and - by the way, this is me at the Garden of the Gods - which I like to call The Garden of Our God - or THE God!!!)

Genesis 22

2005-12-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

Genesis 22:2 Take your son, your only son - yes Issac, whom you love so much... sacrifice him...

Genesis 22:8 God will provide a lamb my son

Genesis 22:9 Then he tied Issac up and laid him on the alter - and Abraham took the knife and lifted it to kill his son as a sacrifice to the Lord

Genesis 22:12 ...Do not hurt the boy in anyway, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld even your beloved son from me

Genesis 22:13 The Lord will provide

Genesis 22:16 Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your beloved son, I swear by my own self that I will bless you richly...

Wow!

snow

2005-12-06T15:18:00.000-08:00

How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heav'n.

It is snowing... so quietly, so beautiful.
We got six inches of snow on Sat, and driving through it was like being in a commercial. I actually passed a field with wood piles covered in snow and HORSES trotting around. Amazing...
We are supposed to be getting another 3 or 4 inches tonight... with a temperature of only 8 DEGREES on Wednesday!!!
Things I will be spending my paycheck on this winter:
fleece
hot chocolate
antifreeze
firewood

All That Matters

2005-12-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

Shattered, crying there she kneels
facedown before her maker
Waiting for one word from Him
To soothe her broken heart

The memories, the hurtful lies
Come quick to overtake her
Struck down dreams assault her mind
And take her world apart

What were you thinking - she cries, heavy
As tears stream down her face
Knowing inside and fighting the truth
That each season has its place

But Lord, she argues - don't you realize
How much it is I've lost
I gave my all - You took away
Is this what goodness costs?

You left me empty, a hole inside
Where once there beauty shone
And now, surrounded with Your glory
I still feel so alone

Almighty God I try and fail
To put away each day
The hidden pain I hold inside
You have the perfect way

Her restless soul remains in battle
As thoughts around her toss
Tonight He's silent, no words come
Consider this prayer lost

But something holds her on her knees
A Light - the darkness gone
With praises still , and hopeful heart
She sighs and presses on

Jehova Jira - God provides
She thinks on truth awhile
And somewhere from the shadows deep
Her heart begins to smile

She chooses to take hold of then
The words that break the blue
And slowly lifts her eyes and whispers
Yes Lord, I love you too.

LAC 12/04/05

Grace and Truth

2005-12-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

The Grace and truth paradox - how hard is it for us as followers of Christ to bring balance to these two opposite ideas?I sat looking through an interesting - well, piece of art really - today. It is the Visual Edition of Philip Yancey's book "What's So Amazing About Grace?" It is intriguing to look at, and startling, and it really makes you think. After a brief conversation with a coworker yesterday about their struggles with the concept and view of grace, and where the line is drawn - I have found myself thinking about this nonstop. Our society seems to have two very opposing viewpoints on the subject of grace, and I dont think either of them are totally right. Some of the emergent church movements are full of grace, to the point of, I think, overlooking our moral standards. Grace seems to be a free for all. On the other hand, legalism has others bound to the law and extremely judgemental, not able to offer the love and forgiveness that our world is thirsty for.Consider this quote from Randy Alcorns book The Grace and Truth Paradox:
"The apparent conflict between grace and truth isn't because they're incompatible, but because we lack perspective to resolve their paradox. The two are interdependent. We should never approach truth except in a spirit of grace, or grace except in a spirit of truth. Jesus wasn't 50% grace, 50% truth, but 100% grace, 100% truth. Truth-oriented Christians love studying Scripture and theology. But sometimes they're quick to judge and slow to forgive. They're strong on truth, weak on grace. Grace-oriented Christians love forgiveness and freedom. But sometimes they neglect biblical study and see moral standards as "legalism." They're strong on grace, weak on truth."
I think that is so true - there seems to be such inbalance on this subject. God calls us to be Holy, there is no doubt about that. (1 Peter 1:16) But he also calls us to be loving and forgiving... Himself being the greatest example of that of course. Jesus was perfect, absolutley sinless, he had every reason to be totally appalled during his time on Earth at the depths the human race had (and is continuing to) sunk to. Yet, He offered love and forgiveness and spoke truth into people's lives every step he took. But did he compromise Himself... no - not at all!The guote I read in this visual edition book really struck a chord with me because I feel it is the secret to the balance we need to have in this subject.
"The Bible's many firece passages on sin appear in a new light once I understand God's desire to press me towards repentance, the doorway to grace."
That's just it! The key is that there really isnt grace unless there is true repentance - right? God knows our hearts, and he knows if we are using "grace" as a way out, or if we are sincerely repentant for our actions. I think we need to speak the truth but always in love, extending open arms to a hurting world, and leave the judging to God!!!!
Check out "What's So Amazing About Grace - the visual edition" by Philip Yancey.... and pray for Christians everywhere, that our hearts will be right on this issue so we can rightly bring Glory to God!

And here is another verse to think on
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of GRACE AND TRUTH.

The Holy Wild

2005-11-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

So... I have not got any pictures up yet. Sorry, I am technologically challenged and need someone to hold my hand through these things... this week. I will post pictures this week.
ANYWAY - the reason for this post is that I just finished reading an awesome book. The Holy Wild by Mark Buchanan. It was a quick and easy read - but the thoughts it produced in me are huge! The book is about trusting fully in the character of God... and he goes through all these different attributes of God and His character. I would recommend it... I met this guy briefly a couple weeks ago when he came to a conference at Glen Eyrie where I work - and he is pretty NEATO! ;-) He is coming back in Feb and I hope to have a conversation with him.

A beautiful thought from the book....
"Do not rejoice on the circumstancial, the insubstantial, the ephermeral. Do not rejoice in what can be here today, gone tomorrow, in things whose roots are in thin soil, whose footings are in sand. DO NOT REJOICE IN WHAT DEPENDS ON YOU. Do not rejoice in what God may bless you with but never guarantees. Rejoice that your name is written in Heaven. It is written there, not by your hand or your work, but by God alone."

I might try again

2005-11-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Ok, so I might try again to be a "blogger" I figure it would be an easy way to post pictures and keep everyone updated! So... things in Colorado are wonderful and wacky! I cant believe that I am here sometimes! I have been here 7 weeks.... sometimes it feels like I have been here a year and sometimes I feel like I just left South Carolina. I am ready for the holidays to come back and visit!
God has been so good to me, as always... I have made lots of good friends, have a great job, am surrounded by beauty....
So - I will be posting pictures, random thoughts, things I am learning, seeing, doing etc etc
out here in my westbound wackalackie home!
Love to all! :-)

????

2005-07-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

hello - is anyone out there in blog land?