Thankful Traditions....

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in one body.
And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

So, this year, my mother has decided to start a new family tradition, one in which she has asked each of her children (and their significant others) and her grandchildren to list the 5 things they are each most thankful for this year. She will be keeping record of these things and creating a family scrapbook to be available for generations to come. So, since you people take such interest in my life and have invested your time in reading this and praying for me, why not share each of them with you as well. **Mom said we could be as detailed or not as we so desire.**

This year, 2009 has been great. How does a girl as lucky as I only give thanks for 5 things?! It's a tough assignment, but I pray that the LORD is glorified in my response. Happy Thanksgiving to each you. Your prayers and continued support of me have lifted and carried me this year. Though my readers did not make my top 5, I pray that each of you know my gratitude for your devotion to me through the years. You are each a special blessing!

1) The LORD's provision of 2009. This year has been one of ups and downs, left and right turns, but the one constant is the LORD. I am so very grateful that He is unchanging. He is never caught off guard. In this year, with trials I could have never forseen, the LORD has remained faithful and confident. He is still providing my every need and He has not given up on me. Praise the LORD that He has a plan for me. With each passing day, life is sweeter with Him. For His sacrifice and kept promises, I am truly indebted.

2) My family. Each member of my family plays a vital role in my everyday life. I am thankful for my mother, because she never fails to communicate to me how very proud she is of me, regardless of how much we butt heads sometimes! For my siblings, I am thankful that you call and text to just check up on me, that you haven't forgotten my life in the midst of your own busy schedules, and that we have each become best friends over the years. I am thankful for my precious nieces, who convey their love to me through bright smiles and creative art pages. At 5 and 2, I don't yet think they grasp just how encouraging they are to me. And how could I forget the unending prayers and notes of support that I get from my aunts, uncles, and grandparents, without those I would be so lost. Thank you to my family, which I cherish, for loving me in each of your own ways. I am blessed.

3) My education. As my time in Auburn comes closer and closer to an end (hallelujah), I am reminded that I would never have been afforded this opportunity beyond the sacrificial gift of my parents. I am so thankful to my stepfather, Kelley, for offering me a chance to get my degree from Auburn. Because of his hard work and selfless sacrifices, I was given a shot at one of the nation's top SEC schools, and because the LORD is gracious, we will see that come to fruition in several months. Had my parents not given of themselves, I haven't the slightest idea where I would find myself right now. My time at Auburn has proven to be difficult, but sweet nonetheless. I have not only learned more about the world around me, but I have learned to love and depend on JESUS on such a deeper, sweeter level. For the gift of my education from my precious stepfather, I am truly grateful.

4) Matthew. Who would have imagined?! I am so very grateful for Matt. He is an answer to many prayers. I appreciate that he reminds me daily that I am valuable, to him, to others, and to the LORD. He encourages me to love JESUS on a new level with each passing day. Matt wants whats best for me always, and he tries so hard to ensure that I am happy always. Above anything else, he is a great leader and a great follower of our LORD. His passion for the nations and Kingdom work is contagious. His zeal for the spiritual growth of others is selfless. Some days I wonder what the LORD had in mind 4 years ago, but I know that His plan is perfect and I am glad He was in charge. For our time thus far, as friends and more, I am so appreciative. Thank you, Matthew, for loving JESUS more than me, and me more than yourself.

5) Rest, which hopefully lead to health. Hey, even the LORD rested! If it was important to Him, it must be worth my time as well. With all gratitude in my heart, I am glad for a week of rest. Many of you may not know, but I have been struggling with headaches for several weeks, and I have finally gone to the doctor. I think this week of rest and no responsibility with people that I enjoy being around is needed now more than ever. I appreciate my mother opening her home to Matt and I for a week of much needed rest.

As you can see, I have much to be thankful for. I am so very blessed. The LORD has been gracious to me. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to each of you. God is good...

Get Serious...

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 3:2

Maybe I should not let it bother me, but it does, so I blog. Today at work, I was addressed by my boss about a particular status that was posted on my FACEBOOK profile earlier this week. Here's the background info....

Monday morning, I came back to the office after conducting surveys for 3 hours. Every Monday after a home football game, it is the duty of the first person that has office hours to clean out the 6 ice chests (spray with clorox and wipe down with rag). It's a simple job. Very simple. So, much to my frustration, when I returned from doing surveys, the other office assistant had not (again) cleaned them out, she was, however, sitting at the desk watching the Sunday night episode of Desperate Housewives that she had missed the night before due to illness. Needless to say, I got a bit hacked off, cleaned out the ice chests myself, and did some other office tasks. Then, when my work was complete, I got on FB and posted a status that read

"dear office workers of the world,
catching up on the latest episode of desperate housewives DOSE NOT constitute actual office work (especially when there are lots of things you could be doing or helping your co-workers with). thanks.
all my love, SAH"

Well, apparently EVERYONE in the office caught wind of the status update, even those that don't have a FB account. (How did that happen you ask? Oh, well someone printed it out and gave copies to the bosses.) So today is Wednesday and I was approached by the office manager regarding the matter. Frustrating to say the LEAST!!

But frustrating for other reasons than just the obvious. It really bothers me that people take FB so literal and serious. It's a problem! I mean, there are far bigger issues in the world that need to be taken far more seriously than the status update of a disgruntled college office assistant. To name a few, MARRIAGE, PARENTHOOD, and last, but certainly not least, SALVATION!!!!!

If more people in the world would focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ and take that even half as serious as they take FB status updates, then we would see the completion of the promise of Matthew 24:14, "...and then the end will come," possibly in this lifetime. Facebook has become a horrible deterrent to the eternal work of the LORD. I speak for myself, no one else, when I say that I waste more time on pointless, unimportant, crap everyday and I spend far less time than I should be on things that hold eternal standings, like prayer and evangelism. Jesus knew what He was talking about when He proclaimed "the kingdom is at hand." And if we want to see an end to this world (please LORD) in our lifetimes, we have lots of work to do. And that salvation work, my brothers and sisters, FAR outweighs any of the gossip and applications you will find on Facebook. Let's get those priorities in check. God is good....

Ps...check out this beautiful rendition of Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin, sung by teenage MS siblings who call themselves Daves Highway. Guaranteed to bless your heart...enjoy.

Jesus Messiah by Daves Highway

Finally....

My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145:21

I spent my Sunday, my day of rest, studying ancient Africa and India for my history class. While I was studying, my laptop music was on shuffle. Shane and Shane sort of dominate my hard drive, so I was not surprised when lots of their songs played in those 6 hours of study. But, when Burn Us Up, from their Pages cd played, I just had to stop and sit and meditate on what true faith looks like. The song, a musical rendition of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3), talks of the unwavering faith that these three men had in the LORD, even in the face of death. My favorite part of the story/song, when they stand up to King Nebuchadnezzar and tell him that they will not bow down to his golden image, they will gladly face a fiery furnace for the glory of the LORD Almighty. And they trusted that He would deliver them. BUT, they go on to tell the king that even if God did not deliver them, it would not matter.

You see, this is one of my favorite stories in the Bible because it is so realistic. The guys knew that God had the power to deliver them from the fire, but that He was not obligated to do so. If it would bring honor to Him, they would gladly burn for His namesake. How cool is that?! That, my friends, is faith at its finest!! And that example of faith is what got me through meeting after meeting this past week regarding my academic future. I have been in several meetings over the past few days regarding clearance for graduation in May, and with each additional meeting and more and more red tape, I had to continually remind myself that God is still God and He still sits on His throne, regardless of whether I get cleared or not. He is sovereign and has a perfect plan. And, it was with GREAT JOY that I met with my advisor yesterday afternoon and, finally, after years of struggle and hard work, I filled out my diploma application and received clearance to graduate from Auburn University on May 14, 2010!!! (I smiled so much yesterday that it hurt, but I just kept on!!)

Now comes time for reflection. I look back over the past few years at Auburn and, honestly, I don't know that I would change a thing. Yes, I have struggled in ways that most college students don't. Yes, it has been a long haul. Yes, I think I have worked longer and harder for this degree than it should take. BUT, JESUS is sweeter to my now than he ever would have been. I have grown, in more ways than I have adjectives to explain. He has shown me things these years that I would absolutely have missed if I had not worked so hard and struggled so much. He is good. Has has shown me that time and time again. He provides for my needs, and indulges my wants, and He has proven that over and over. Praise the LORD for the past few years. It is by His grace alone that I have made it this far. He upholds me, and because of that reason alone, I will finish strong! The LORD is gracious to me. Thank you Jesus! God is good!!

Leaning....

Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
but a faithful man who can find?
Proverbs 20:6

The semester has begun!! And it seems I am busier than ever these days. Over the past few years, I have gotten so used to a full-time job, full-time school, a part-time job, serving the youth at church, making time for friends, AU football and whatever else is thrown my way. I can juggle all of that so well because I have done it for so long. I guess you could say that I've "mastered" the art of being busy. Well, this year, just for kicks and giggles and to spice things up, I have thrown a new, and refreshingly delightful, piece into the puzzle of my life. His name is Matt. He is worth my time, what little time he gets with both of our schedules being crazy and all. (ha) I like him. He likes (puts up with) me. I think we both like that. He keeps me sane. He helps me realize how little I love Jesus and makes me want to love Him more! (that's my favorite part!) Basically, he's great! I am blessed to have him in my life, though I took his friendship so for granted the past 4 years. God is gracious to change hearts.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

All that said, I AM BUSY! I stay tired most of the time. When I am not on the clock at work, at either job, I am either in class, at church, with Matt, with friends, or studying. Oh yeah, some days I get lucky enough to catch a shower and a few hours of sleep, but that is rare! (Praise the LORD for the recent rain - ha!) So I was listening to one of Ella's cds in the car the other day and came across a song that I love and have just so forgotten about for years! It made me think. Especially in these days that I am tired and running on empty. And in the days that I worry about a test, a bill, or getting anything other than work, work, school, church, boyfriend, and friends done (i.e. cleaning my apt), I have stopped over the last few days and sang this refreshing prayer of thanksgiving to my Rock, the one who has Everlasting Arms to uphold me on my weary days, and to catch me on the days that I forget how much I really do need Him and the support of His mighty and righteous right hand. Thank you Lord for your sustaining power on the long days and your grace on the days I have the energy to go all night! God has never not been good....

What a fellowship, what a joy divine
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread? What have I to fear?
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
I have blessed peace, with my LORD so near
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

The Life That We Pursue....

**DISCLAIMER**

This blog may come across as more soapbox-ish than normal. But I have really found myself quite fed up with this matter the past few days and weeks. It may not be directly intended for you, but it is indirectly intended for each and every member of the body of Christ, myself included. We are guilty as a whole. In my disgust toward others, I, too, have been convicted. (Sorry, it's long!)

*** *** ***
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count
others more significant than yourselves. Let each
of you look not only to his own interests, but also to
the interests of others. Have this mind among
yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though
He was in the form of God, did not count equality with
God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing...

This week, I have really been pondering the words of the Casting Crowns song, What If His People Prayed. The song, as a whole, is very telling of the state we find the Church in these days. I like (meaning I dislike) it all. The song is great. I like that. The song is true. I despise that. There are a few lines highlighted that I have been really wresting with this past week.

(1)What if the armies of the LORD
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captives free
And not let satan have one more

(2)What if the Church for heaven’s sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took a stand upon God’s promise
And stormed hell’s rusty gates

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face
And turn from their own ways

(3)And what would happen if we pray
For those raised up to lead the way
Then maybe kids in school could pray
And unborn children see light of day

(4)What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the Truth
What if the family turned to JESUS
Stopped asking Oprah what to do

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face
And turn from their own ways
He said that He would hear
His promise has been made
He’ll answer loud and clear
If only we would pray

Never before have my eyes been so opened to the reality that the greatest enemy of the Church is just that, the Church. Who the heck needs the schemes of the devil and the influence of the world; it has been brought to my attention that we, as the body of Christ, are doing a pretty sufficient job of tearing one another down. Why is that?! Honestly, think about that one highlighted line above, “what if the life that we pursue came from a hunger for the truth.” We are exerting too much energy on things that have zero significance to the work of the Kingdom.

I saw, indirectly, the effect of this very thing within a body as a young believer. My senior year of high, just one year after surrendering my life the LORD, my former pastor and a dear man of God, was viciously betrayed by members within his own congregation and by men he so trusted as deacons of our church. Men and women who claimed Christ attacked the character and commitment of a man who had tirelessly preached the truth of God’s Word for several years. He was now being shoved out of the very pulpit to which he was called to serve years earlier. That was 6+ years ago. The LORD has been faithful to His promise to never leave or forsake. It was unfortunate for me to experience that at all, much less at a very young spiritual age.

This past week, I have learned of more crap (sorry mom), to a lesser extreme, between members of the body. I’ll just say this, I feel that the LORD has given me a clear vision that one of, not my only, but one of my spiritual gifts is that of encouragement. (And might I just add, I love it!!) Not everyone is called to be that of an encourager, just as not all believers are called to be that of preachers and teachers. We have all been gifted in ways that allow us to work together. But if the goal of the Father was to give us each gifts that enable us to work together, what is the hold up?! I do not believe that there is a such thing as “too much encouragement.” I also don’t believe that encouragement is bad. That’s not what I am being told. And it frustrates me!

(**The following example is several years past and there is more to it than I will reference here in this blog. The situation has been gloriously and completely reconciled. The person to whom I refer is still an important person in my life. No hard feelings.**)

There once was a time in my life when I was told by a friend that it was “not my job” to encourage him. Needless to say, that was quite heartbreaking for me. As a member of the body of Christ, it is, in fact, my job to encourage, pray for, and support those around me, with specificity on family, close friends, and those found in a leadership role. This person, in fact, met 2 of the specific requirements. I did not, and still don’t, feel that I encouraged, prayed for, or supported him in any different way than others in my life. Who was he to tell me that it was not my job to fulfill my requirements as a member of the body?! John MacArthur says, “Spiritual gifts are divine enablements for ministry that the Holy Spirit gives in some measure to all believers and that are to be completely under His control and used for the building of the church to Christ’s glory.” I mean, as a teacher, it was his job to teach. So, if the LORD has so called me to be a laborer for others in the task of encouraging, praying, loving, and supporting, WHO ARE YOU to disable those actions?!

We, and I admit that I am just as guilty as the next, need to get it together! Maybe, if we devoted more time to telling others about JESUS or encouraging the laborers of the harvest, and less time bickering and attacking one another, we might see an end come. How will all nations hear and all people see if we don’t put some, if not all, our efforts towards that?! I don’t know about you, but I want to JESUS, sooner would be better than later, and for that to happen, we need the gospel to go forth!! (Matt 24:14) I would implore you to be mindful of those around you. While you may do things differently than they do, it is not your job to dictate the way they execute their spiritual callings. It is your job to come alongside of them and implement your own gifts all while serving and loving one another for ONE PURPOSE; JESUS CHRIST IS WORTHY! So, what if, the life that we, as individuals and as one corporate body, pursue came from a hunger for the TRUTH? Just imagine the step toward eternity that we could take. Pursue Christ or get out of the way of others trying to do that very thing. Eternity hangs in the balance. There is no time to waste. God is good….

...taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by
becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the
name that is above every name, so that at the name of JESUS
every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under
the earth, and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST
IS LORD, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:3-11

He's Faithful...

Hey guys, just to update you all very quickly. God has proven Himself, yet again. He has provided for me a JOB!! After 2 1/2 long months, I was excited to start my job with the Tiger Transit office on Auburn's campus. I will be working as a student assistant, doing office work and other various jobs. Thanks to each of you who prayed diligently for this job and for God's provision of teaching in my time of unemployment. There is nothing like learning how to yearn more and more after JESUS when that is basically the only thing you have left. Time spent with Him is much sweeter now than it has been in previous months and years. He has been faithful to provide spiritual rest and help me meet my physical and financial needs during these months. Praise to HIM!! God is good...

You Can Be My Wingman Anytime....

*** PREFACE***

I wrote this last Monday, July 13. I have failed to publish it for one week based on pure procrastination. It is unlike my typical post but I would still encourage you to read it and allow the LORD to remind you of the friends He has so blessed you with in your life and may it persuade you to also express your gratitude to Him and to your sweet friends.

*** *** ***

The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him
and He makes known to them His covenant.
Psalm 25:14

Tonight, as I sat under the teaching of my dear friend at youth girls’ Bible study, I couldn’t help but think back to the day that I met her and give thanks to the LORD for the way He has used her in my life over the years. I am blessed, and far too often I forget to say “THANK YOU” to those people in my life that encourage me to press on and follow hard after JESUS. Allow me this opportunity to do just that for you, my dear friend, Amelia.

I still remember the day I met her. Spring of 2004, I was a freshman at Auburn and she was a homeschooled junior in high school. Given the opportunity to spend one weekend in her home for a college retreat, hosted by her family. I don’t know what it was about her, maybe I saw lots of myself in her, but by the end of 2 ½ days, I knew she would be a big part of my college experience. I like to tell people that Amelia was God’s call on my life to work with teenage girls, and I stand by that. Still a young believer, I had not yet found my outlet for service within the local body, but after spending a weekend getting to know her, laughing with her, and discovering a heart for JESUS behind her sometimes “not so nice” spirit, I knew the LORD was using Amelia to show me that He would have me to serve with youth girls, with an extra special heart for high-schoolers. We have had some of the best times of my life together. Between adventures that almost got us killed and just sitting around in my apartment having serious, spiritually sound conversations, she so encourages my heart. It’s interesting to look back and see how the LORD used a college retreat weekend in my life for His glory and, without question, my good. My love and passion for youth girls only continues to deepen with each passing semester that the LORD calls me to serve.

Imagine the pride within my heart tonight as I watched Amelia passionately teach the Word of God to youth girls. Going through the book of Ruth this summer, Amelia has invested hours of preparation and time in prayer to be sure that she is knowledgeable and well-versed on her subject matter. But all of her study and wisdom aside, she brings such an intense enthusiasm to the table when she opens her copy of God’s Word and proceeds to expound His truth to teenage girls. The students of Lakeview Baptist Church and the Auburn community are blessed beyond imagination to have this amazing leader in its midst. Gratitude does not do justice to what we owe. Thank you, Amelia, for loving KING JESUS with such zeal and contagious excitement. Thank you for fervently and joyfully serving the LORD for one reason, because you know that HE IS WORTHY! You, my sweet friend, are a blessing and joy to my life. I grow more and more proud of you with each passing day. I am thankful that the LORD has given me the chance to watch you grow in your faith and yearning for Him. Thank you for your friendship. God is so good…