This phrase out of I Peter caught my attention. If I didn't already have this blog, I'd probably open one called "Grace in various forms"
I've been thinking about this phrase for a while now...ok, two days...but that's a while for me. Or should I say that's a while for my thoughts to be focused on one thought instead of the 20 circling in my head?
I was trying to remember all the times I hear the word grace:
Amazing grace....
Grace flows down and covers me.
Grace...it's the name of a girl. It's a thought that changed the world...
My grace is sufficient for you
Grace--getting something you don't deserve
Hail Mary full of grace
Grace under fire
She's so graceful
I've never really thought about the various forms/shapes/people/acts grace come in. And I don't know how often I faithfully administer said grace.
I'd go on about this..but all of the sudden I've hit a wall and my head wants my bed.
be on the lookout for "grace...part ii"
February 28, 2006
February 27, 2006
Monday Morning
This morning the clouds looked like rippled sand on the ocean floor.
It made me happy.
Hope you noticed it.
It made me happy.
Hope you noticed it.
February 21, 2006
Word Vomit
I just arrived home from the Chris Tomlin Indescribable concert tour. Chris was joined by Matt Redman and Louie Giglio. I have A LOT of different thoughts floating through my head. This is your warning that this post may not make very much sense.
First, I lost my voice. It's the first event I've ever been too where my voice is gone. No sporting event, college sporting event, concert, yelling at my brother growing up....nothing has made me lose my voice until tonight. I think it perfectly fitting for the King of Glory to receive so much noise from my mouth that it can say no more...literally.
Second, Matt lead a song but I can't remember the title...I just remember the one line that goes "you hold me together in the calm and in the storm..." Something like that. (so much for my memory) But I thought the "calm " part was interesting. Honestly, it's a lot easier for me to know that God has me in the storm...I forget He has me when it's calm, also. Maybe the "footprints" poem has lead me astray all these years. Maybe I don't get set back down when the going gets easy...He holds me through everything.
Third, Louie did the "Indescribable" talk. If you were at Passion '06 you heard this one. I wasn't there, so it was new to me. God is big. I am not. I cannot fathom why He would consider asking us to be apart of his much bigger picture, or why he thought to put the stamp of his likeness on us humans in the first place, but I can no longer "stand in awe" as I used to. Awe has become bigger. And I do not desire for the Creator to win "first place" in my heart over the "created" by only a little. I desire for him to be my heart...
Abba...thank you is in adequate if my life does not reflect a change. I have met with you this evening. I have walked away different. I worshipped and I will never be the same again.
First, I lost my voice. It's the first event I've ever been too where my voice is gone. No sporting event, college sporting event, concert, yelling at my brother growing up....nothing has made me lose my voice until tonight. I think it perfectly fitting for the King of Glory to receive so much noise from my mouth that it can say no more...literally.
Second, Matt lead a song but I can't remember the title...I just remember the one line that goes "you hold me together in the calm and in the storm..." Something like that. (so much for my memory) But I thought the "calm " part was interesting. Honestly, it's a lot easier for me to know that God has me in the storm...I forget He has me when it's calm, also. Maybe the "footprints" poem has lead me astray all these years. Maybe I don't get set back down when the going gets easy...He holds me through everything.
Third, Louie did the "Indescribable" talk. If you were at Passion '06 you heard this one. I wasn't there, so it was new to me. God is big. I am not. I cannot fathom why He would consider asking us to be apart of his much bigger picture, or why he thought to put the stamp of his likeness on us humans in the first place, but I can no longer "stand in awe" as I used to. Awe has become bigger. And I do not desire for the Creator to win "first place" in my heart over the "created" by only a little. I desire for him to be my heart...
Abba...thank you is in adequate if my life does not reflect a change. I have met with you this evening. I have walked away different. I worshipped and I will never be the same again.
February 18, 2006
Movie Morning
It's been an amazing morning.
I orginally woke up to help a friend move, but she called and said she didn't need my help so I should enjoy my Saturday. I went back to bed...or at least tried. By this time my brain was in high gear and I couldn't stop thinking so I just got up.
It had snowed, and was beginning to snow again. I needed coffee. So I walked to the store. It was cold, damp and peaceful. I love how a blanket of white slows everything down and makes you take notice of the hush that follows.
Upon returning home, I put in Jack Johnson, made the coffee, snuggled up under the afghan I finally finished and watch the snow continue to fall outside my window. Jack is a great soundtrack for this morning....mellow and strong. This were I am currently. Sitting, drinking in the peacefulness, thankful to be single and not have children running everywhere. Thankful that because of Christ I can approach the throne of grace with confidence and thankful for the individual blessings that continue to be brought to my attention.
The trees are dancing with the wind, a bird sits on the ledge shielding itself from the cold and I get to see it all. Thank you Abba.
I orginally woke up to help a friend move, but she called and said she didn't need my help so I should enjoy my Saturday. I went back to bed...or at least tried. By this time my brain was in high gear and I couldn't stop thinking so I just got up.
It had snowed, and was beginning to snow again. I needed coffee. So I walked to the store. It was cold, damp and peaceful. I love how a blanket of white slows everything down and makes you take notice of the hush that follows.
Upon returning home, I put in Jack Johnson, made the coffee, snuggled up under the afghan I finally finished and watch the snow continue to fall outside my window. Jack is a great soundtrack for this morning....mellow and strong. This were I am currently. Sitting, drinking in the peacefulness, thankful to be single and not have children running everywhere. Thankful that because of Christ I can approach the throne of grace with confidence and thankful for the individual blessings that continue to be brought to my attention.
The trees are dancing with the wind, a bird sits on the ledge shielding itself from the cold and I get to see it all. Thank you Abba.
February 16, 2006
Shout out to LifeGroup
So...I don't know about the ladies (and Alex) but I had a good time at Lifegroup last night. Happy B-day to Andrea! YAY for cake.
Discussion was good...before...during...after...sitting in the car.
My favorite scripture from last night:
WOO-HOO! So...I re-read it this morning and kept going. I Timothy 4:10:
And I Timothy 4:14-15:
Good stuff. In chapter five, Paul talks about how young widows should get married so they don't become busybodies and gossips. I enjoy the bluntness of Paul. Makes me smile. Reminds me of my mom...you never have to question what they are thinking...they just tell you.
Discussion was good...before...during...after...sitting in the car.
My favorite scripture from last night:
"And by common confession great is the mystery of godliness:
He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit,
Beheld by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory."
(I Timothy 3:16)
WOO-HOO! So...I re-read it this morning and kept going. I Timothy 4:10:
"It is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers."
And I Timothy 4:14-15:
"Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery (elders). Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching, preservers in these things, for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."
Good stuff. In chapter five, Paul talks about how young widows should get married so they don't become busybodies and gossips. I enjoy the bluntness of Paul. Makes me smile. Reminds me of my mom...you never have to question what they are thinking...they just tell you.
February 09, 2006
Props to Marty
Last night I hung out with Marty Bain. He's the coolest. I can't really explain why he makes me so incredibly happy, but he does. I suppose it's because he actually treats me like I'm a girl (which is rare for some of my guy friends here) ,he never makes me feel bad about who I am. He lets me ramble on about nothing, play silly guitar stuff and get WAY into movies...we watched Red Eye this evening. It was a little intense at parts but normal people probably would consider it just ok. I had to sit on the edge of my seat at times, and hug a pillow at other times...but I digress. Basically when I'm with Marty I am comfortable being me. I typically walk away from our times together refreshed. And although I'm going on and on about him like I'd like to date him...really I don't....not in the least. (no offense to him of course. I mean, he's got Krista so he's not offended) However, this quality is a good one to look for in a man.
I wonder if people walk away from me with that feeling. I wonder if I naturally make people feel better about themselves? I wonder how to obtain or nurture that quality. Maybe it becomes less effective if you actually are aware of it? Like you're putting too much effort into "effortless comfortability?"
Well...Whatever it is...I like it. I am better because of it. I'm thankful for yet another friend who encourages me, who desires to know God more and who sharpens me.
I trust you are blessed with friends like these....and I hope you find unique ways of letting them know how important they are to you.
I wonder if people walk away from me with that feeling. I wonder if I naturally make people feel better about themselves? I wonder how to obtain or nurture that quality. Maybe it becomes less effective if you actually are aware of it? Like you're putting too much effort into "effortless comfortability?"
Well...Whatever it is...I like it. I am better because of it. I'm thankful for yet another friend who encourages me, who desires to know God more and who sharpens me.
I trust you are blessed with friends like these....and I hope you find unique ways of letting them know how important they are to you.
February 07, 2006
Funny Stuff
So..the following is from the Burnside Writer's website. It made me laugh. Enjoy!
Top 10 Christian Books
Sam Albertson, Michael Irvine
1. Left Behind by Tim LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins
2. Tribulation Force by Tim LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins
3. Nicolae by Tim LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins
4. Soul Harvest by Tim LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins
5. Apollyon by Tim LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins
6. Assassins by Tim LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins
7. The Indwelling by Tim LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins
8. The Mark by Tim LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins
9. Blue Like Jazz by Don Miller
10. Desecration by Tim LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins
Sam Albertson and Michael Irvine LOVE the coming apocalypse!
February 04, 2006
Tagged....for the 1st time
Never been tagged before and can't say how often I'll continue the tagging...but here we go.
Four jobs that you have had in your life . .
Camp Counselor
Security
Switchboard Operator
"Executive" Admin. Assistant
Four movies that you could watch over and over:
Mulion Rouge
Anne of Green Gables/Avenola (sp?)
Ocean's 11
and any twisted mind ones like Fight Club or The Game
Four places that you've lived:
Mayville, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Antioch, TN
Brentwood, TN
Four TV shows you love to watch:
Extreme Makeover:Home Edition
Law and Order: CI
Crossing Jordan
CSI: Vegas
Four places you've been on vacation:
Ok...didn't do vacations really...more mission trips, but I've been
Singapore
Ukraine
Guatemala
Hawaii
Four of your favorite foods:
Mexican (anything)
Pei Wei Sweet and Sour Chicken
Roast with potatoes/carrots
Ice cream
Four sites I visit (almost) daily:
www.msn.com
www.protectivelife.com (work)
www.268generation.com
www.hotmail.com
Four bloggers I am tagging:
Jennifer Lynn
Amber Baker
Laura Lou
Nikki and Amie!
Four jobs that you have had in your life . .
Camp Counselor
Security
Switchboard Operator
"Executive" Admin. Assistant
Four movies that you could watch over and over:
Mulion Rouge
Anne of Green Gables/Avenola (sp?)
Ocean's 11
and any twisted mind ones like Fight Club or The Game
Four places that you've lived:
Mayville, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Antioch, TN
Brentwood, TN
Four TV shows you love to watch:
Extreme Makeover:Home Edition
Law and Order: CI
Crossing Jordan
CSI: Vegas
Four places you've been on vacation:
Ok...didn't do vacations really...more mission trips, but I've been
Singapore
Ukraine
Guatemala
Hawaii
Four of your favorite foods:
Mexican (anything)
Pei Wei Sweet and Sour Chicken
Roast with potatoes/carrots
Ice cream
Four sites I visit (almost) daily:
www.msn.com
www.protectivelife.com (work)
www.268generation.com
www.hotmail.com
Four bloggers I am tagging:
Jennifer Lynn
Amber Baker
Laura Lou
Nikki and Amie!
February 02, 2006
Tidbits
My sinus' are not my friend this week. Nothing too horrible, I just need/want a lot of sleep. Yet when I lie down all I do is think. It's a cruel world.
So...a penny for my thoughts? Alright...here are some tidbits of things running through my head.
"Is there a debate in my life, that I haven't won, that God is asking me to walk away from?"
"....generations will reap what I sow..."
"How many calories were in that? Did I write it down?"
"He {Jesus} did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously..." (II Peter 2:23)
"abandon our own effort"
Could these be any more random? I don't know what frustrates me more....the fact that lately I think a lot when I need to be sleeping or that there are no answers for the randomness.
Praise be to Jesus...the author and finisher of my thoughts.
So...a penny for my thoughts? Alright...here are some tidbits of things running through my head.
"Is there a debate in my life, that I haven't won, that God is asking me to walk away from?"
"....generations will reap what I sow..."
"How many calories were in that? Did I write it down?"
"He {Jesus} did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously..." (II Peter 2:23)
"abandon our own effort"
Could these be any more random? I don't know what frustrates me more....the fact that lately I think a lot when I need to be sleeping or that there are no answers for the randomness.
Praise be to Jesus...the author and finisher of my thoughts.
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