Sunday, June 26, 2011

Hope in the Storm


21This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

22It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.



23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

24The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.



25
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

26It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Lamentations 3:21-26

Monday, June 13, 2011

Joy in the Journey


I've decided that when I have forgotten what my last post was about, it's a good indication that it's time for a new post! So here it is.

My dear "little" brother (who is bigger than me :) has just returned from a trip to Italy with a flash card full of amazing pictures and several treasures for his family who has missed him dearly. Specifically the treasures of an awesome hat and a red Italian leather notebook for the scribbler, yours truly!

Traveling is a great thing. New sights, sounds, and smells. Honestly, though, I think one of the greatest things about traveling is by far, coming home. Oh, you wouldn't trade the trip and memories for anything! But there is that ache for your own little piece of the world that thrills when you are homeward bound!

This ache is only a reflection of the deeper longing for my real home- heaven. Not that I'm tired of this life and want it to end, by any means! But knowing that this is not where I was made for, that this is just the journey, makes my heart thrill at the thought that I will someday be home. Enjoying the trip, helping where I can, but just passing through.


"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:18

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Words and Wisdom


"My Bible is precious and perfect.

Each word is inspired by God.

It tells me the way of salvation,

And guides me as onward I trod."

~This little song I learned from a children's Bible club sums up my thoughts about the "Set-Apart Girl's" conference I attended last weekend. (www.setapartgirl.com) God's Word is so central to life. With out it, we wouldn't know the power given to those who are "in Christ", we wouldn't know that we are "called out" from the world into godliness. The Spirit of God is so powerful and it's amazing He chose to use words to change hearts. I am gratefully humbled He chose to change mine.~



"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." ~Ephesians 2:10


- Experience - Faith - Truth -

I'd like to share an illustration Eric Ludy gave at the conference. Imagine Truth -THE Truth of God's Word. Truth, Faith, and Experience are walking the ridge of a roof with barbed wire on each side of them. The ridge illustrates "the path of life" and the Truth is always on the right path. As long as Faith follows and focuses on the Truth, it walks a straight path- nothing will shake it. But if it looks back at Experience, Experience will be shaky and Faith will fall off the roof! We cannot trust where we are, or what we have seen in this life to be the ultimate, final truth. If we base our faith on experience, our faith will be shaken and we will very likely fall and be hurt. But if we look at the Truth of God's Word and follow it- even when experience is lagging behind- we will safely reach the end. Is it hard? Yes! Is it worth it? A thousand times- yes!