Sorry for my absence. It has been a hectic semester. However it is now over just in time for my granny to fly in tonight. She brought me a couple things and so I'll share them as a taste of a future post regarding my hope chest.
She brought me the "earnest of my inheritance" in the form of a teacup and saucer:
Just lovely
Look at the beautiful design on the inside of the cup.
She also made two lovely baby blankets, one blue and one yellow, for my brother and I to put back for our first children. I chose the yellow for reasons to be explained later.
Day 16: I'm thankful that this semester is almost over. I've been so tired all semester long. I'm ready to relax and craft.
Day 17: I'm thankful for a ball of energy and amazingness that attends my church. Dot Weems is one of the most wonderful women I know. She is the reason the children on BAUPC have manners and she is the one we all grew up knowing and loving. :) I enjoy her hugs every service and every time I visit Lynn Wood Elementary.
At this point let me note that I fell off the bandwagon of posting daily although I still thought about it often so here's what would've been posted. Nov. 25th was actually posted to my Facebook account though.
Day 18: I'm thankful that Joey and I met 3 years and 5 months ago today. The 18th of every month is special. :)
Day 19: I'm thankful for the opportunity to study God's word and pursue His calling through Purpose Institute.
Day 20: I'm thankful for the opportunity to use my limited talents for God. Thank you to BAUPC for putting up with my piano playing a few times a month.
Day 21: I'm thankful for Thanksgiving break and sleeping in (kinda).
Day 22: I'm thankful for sick time that allowed me to come home from work today without worrying about making up the time later.
Day 23: I'm thankful for having the same home for 15 years. However I'm not thankful that I never fully cleaned out my closet 'til now. 5 year olds keep WEIRD things.
Day 24: I'm thankful for paint remover that swiftly removed the crude artwork painted on our mini-van this Thanksgiving morning.
Day 25: I'm thankful for my rock. Josiah Marshall was born 19 years ago today and I'm so thankful for that. Happy Birthday Joey.
Day 26: I'm thankful for yesterday's Black Friday sales. Although I didn't go out 'til almost 10:30 am I still scored $120 worth of Christmas presents for Joey for $44. :)
Day 27: I'm thankful for gentle reminders from God.
Day 28: I'm thankful that the test I forgot about is tomorrow not today.
Day 29: I'm thankful for sound teaching in my home life that allows me to stand strong even when today's readings for Foundations of Education were in direct opposition to some things I believe.
Day 30: I'm thankful that with tomorrow begins the countdown to Christmas. It's DECEMBER (tomorrow)!!!!!!!
This quote really speaks to me right now. I encountered it while going on my first walk/run in trying to begin the "Couch to 5K" program. The app thinks that I need motivating so it provides me with a quote as I try not to die while asthma battles my desire to lose the 30 extra pounds I need to shed.
The wisdom of this quote convicted me both about my spiritual life and my natural life. There are so many things that I know that I still don't act on.
I know a daily devotion would make every day better but some days I am just "too busy" (what a joke).
I know that if I would dust my room regularly I'd be able to breathe better but I always seem to put it off 'til company's coming.
I know homework should be done early not at the last second but somehow something else (like this blog post) seems more important at the time.
I know...but...
That short list sums up a major battle I have...procrastination. How many things do we know but not apply? We know to eat healthy, but do we? We know our neighbors are lost, but do we witness to them? How many opportunities have we lost because we failed to apply now not "later" (though somehow later never seems to come for many things)? I challenge all of you: do something today you'd ordinarily put off 'til the tomorrow that never comes. I will do the same. Let's not just know about what we should do. Let's do it!
James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
This November I've joined the trend on Facebook of posting something I'm thankful for each day. Today (the halfway point of this month) and again on the last of the month I'll be posting a recap of what I've posted each day.
Day 1: I'm thankful that although my family can't afford it God still provided a way for me to go to TU and get a good education. No matter how much school stresses me out I try to always remember that I couldn't afford it and only through God's provision am I able to go.
Day 2: I'm thankful for technology. It keeps me in contact with far away people, enables schoolwork to be done without my arm falling off from writing for hours, and lets us check out materials at work without using the evil invention of the barcode scanner. Oh, and it's also shiny.
Day 3: I'm thankful for the amazing music team at BAUPC - I love being a part of this dynamic team. I'm grateful for everyone's willingness to work together to lead in worship. Thank you everyone for being AWESOME.
Day 4: I'm thankful for air to breath even though I've woken up choking and coughing the last two nights. Thank God for air to breathe.
Day 5: I'm thankful for earthquake insurance.
Day 6: I'm thankful that Casey Marks (my college and career leader) was born. I got cake today because of that.
Day 7: I'm thankful for a good job with co-workers I adore.
Day 8: I'm thankful for my two new friends (inhalers) that will hopefully help me breathe better.
Day 9: I'm thankful for two very important people. I'm so thankful for my pastor, Rev. Aaron Dunn, and his wife, Sis. Stacy Dunn. They are such wonderful people and do such an excellent job leading our congregation during every service. I thank God for them and the impact they've had on my life.
Day 10: I'm thankful for a lady who I haven't seen in a while but who had a profound impact on my life when she lived here. This lady is always an encourager. She always believes in me, and I always knew she was there for me. This lady is a beautiful example of a godly lady; she sets a shining example for all who know her. This lady always pushed us girls to be our best. She always had time for us. She is one of the greatest LADIES I have ever known. This lady is none other than Sis. Stephanie Joy Godwin. To those in California now blessed by her presence: Treasure this jewel of a woman.
Day 11: I'm thankful as I head off to OK District Ladies' Retreat I'm thankful for the wonderful OK District of the UPCI. The leadership of this state is fabulous and we are greatly blessed by their hard work.
Day 12: I'm thankful for fellowship with like minded believers.
Day 13: I'm thankful for my wonderful church family.
Day 14: I'm thankful for the weight I've gained the last couple years because that means I've never lacked for food and God has blessed me with an abundance thereof. However I'm still going to vanquish those extra pounds...
Day 15: I'm thankful for my kitty cat. She always has a cheerful (or demanding "pet me pet me") meow for me. I always know if I need a hug and it's 2 am and no one is around well there's my fluffy, precious Liba.
...For I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
New Living Translation
Christmas is coming and while I adore Christmas I have a horrible tendency of going way overboard with my spending. So this year I'm going to be making most of my presents for people and making some crafts for myself to curb impulse buys while out shopping for what few presents I'm going to really buy. In this month of thankfulness I am extremely grateful for Pinterest. Thanks to Pinterest I have garnered ideas for many of the presents I'm making this year.
Here's a sneak preview of some of the presents I'm making and things I have slated to make myself. This lovely pincushion provides inspiration for the present I'm making for my sewing and antique loving Granny.
This lovely pincushion provides inspiration for the present I'm making for my sewing and antique loving Granny.
Another precious idea that will not be strictly duplicated but is going to be the base for a present for a quirky and awesome friend of mine.
And finally the inspiration for a present I'm going to be making for MYSELF. I have a beloved pair of shoes I have completely worn out so they are going to be coated in glitter!!!
One of my favorite parts of Christmas is making people curious about their present. Saturday I blew my mother's mind as I went with her to Michael's and came back with 27 pieces of felt...
The curiosity was increased as I proceeded to cut it all into identical pieces...
Come back after Christmas to see what I'm making Mumsy.
For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
New Living Translation
This scripture really resonates with me lately because I can see it at work in my life. There have been a couple things in my life this past year that have completely confused and baffled me. One of those things I have not discussed (to the best of my memory) on this blog. Our church went through a very confusing, hurtful and seemingly disastrous trial beginning in February. We all were floored by the situation but God had His hand in it. Although to me it seemed like it was not going to end well at all God had better ideas. In the following months our church has moved higher and grown so much stronger in the Lord. Coming through the fire has refined us as gold and that has been tremendous. Although it hurts to think about the past the new converts and vibrant bus ministry that have been established recently are so worth it. Sunday night services that turn into deep intercessory prayer meeting are worth it. Powerful worship services are worth it. And I know that's just the beginning!!!
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
King James Version
Furthermore, although I approached the prospect of changing my major to Education with trepidation, I now understand it is for the best. I knew that it had appealed to me for years but I really wasn't sure about changing from the security of nursing. This year has been so much better. I am so enthusiastic about teaching and can't wait to graduate and get to work. I have had so much more peace since then.
Although there are still things going on in my life that trouble me I know by looking back at the way God has worked things out in the last year I will be ok. My future is in the hands of the Master!!!
Just a little introspection today... I often struggle with self esteem and don't feel good enough, worthy, etc. Today I was reading in 1 Corinthians and I felt a kinship with Paul as he said:
1 Corinthians 2:3
I came to you in weakness-timid and trembling.
New Living Translation
I know that feeling of timidity. Trembling is normal too. I kinda do tend to shake when I'm nervous. That said a few verses earlier Paul had pointed out something about who God uses.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
New Living Translation
I read that and realized that maybe that timidity wasn't a bad thing. Maybe it's good that I'm not "important" or "pretty and popular" maybe, just maybe, if I stay "insignificant to the world around me, then God can use me for great things in His kingdom. I pray He will because His kingdom is the one that lasts! I can do nothing without Him so why not give what I can back to Him? Anything else would be silly. To God be the glory!
So, I'm just checking in with a Sheaves for Christ update. I promise to tell everything I can about campmeeting at some point this week. But first I'd like to applaud Oklahoma's generosity. I've been attempting to raise money for Sheaves for Christ ever since 20 Somethings' camp. It truly has become a burden of mine to raise as much money as possible. However things moved slowly at first. Over the course of the first month I raise just shy of $200. Awesome but my goal is at least $1000. This past week was campmeeting though and I came armed with chocolate chip cookies to sell. I thought I had enough to last all week, and it was enough to make about $50-$60. Decent for a week of vacation right? And I was collecting sponsorships for my "Heels for Wheels" walk as well. So I was hoping to double my money, raise my total to $400. However thanks to very generous donations, mainly from Oklahoma's ministry, I raised my total to $623.23!! Today I've been selling cookies by the dozen at my church and have orders for $65.00 worth of cookies today. :) That will put me close to $700. I fully believe I will exceed the $1000 threshold. I'm so excited to be able to give that much to SFC with just 2 1/2 months of work total. So remember this: Why Give? Because 1 lost soul = 2 many!!!!
II Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
So many of you know I'm raising money for Sheaves for Christ, but most of you don't know my more outrageous plan. So tonight, as I will be hitting many of you up for funds at campmeeting this week, I will unveil my crazy scheme. First I have to put a little plug about what SFC is. Sheaves for Christ supports missions efforts at home and abroad. SFC supports Tupelo Children's Mansion. Sheaves for Christ supports the Kingdom of God.
So I thought about it and thought about it trying to figure out what I could do to raise money for this great cause. And then I came up with it. Now most of my ideas have a meaning behind them so I'm going to start with the meaning then the plan.
One of the big things Sheaves for Christ does is buy vehicles for all of our missionaries so it's easier for them to travel through the field spreading the Gospel. If we don't give to Sheaves for Christ then our missionaries could end up walking many, many miles to church to spread God's word. So as, Lord willing, a future missionary I realized I could end up walking many miles to spread the gospel if the next generation doesn't give to Sheaves for Christ, and how could I expect them to give if I didn't?
Now I don't have a lot of money to give but I'm willing to do something crazy if you all will give me money to give to SFC. I am a girl. I love high heels. I don't go to church without them. So if I don't have an SFC vehicle when I'm on the field I'll be walking in heels. So in fear of doing that when I'm old I'm going to do that now. On August 13th I'm going to walk a walk for Sheaves for Christ, in heels. Here's the catch. It's up to y'all how much I walk. Instead of telling you I'm going to walk 5 miles and letting you give as little or as much as you like, I'm going to let you determine how much I walk with your giving. The more you give, the further I walk. I will be walking on a 1/8 mile track so I'm going to walk 1 lap per 1 dollar raised. That's $8 a mile, not bad for you, awful for me, but worth it for God.
Why would I do that? Because 1 lost soul is 2 many. SFC vehicles enable the gospel to be spread much more effectively. Help me raise money for that!! You give me the money and I'll walk, because to walk in heels you have to be the real mccoy and that's what I want to be for God.
Let me tell you a secret. Shhhh. Don't tell anyone. Did you hear me? Anyone! I mean that's why I'm posting it on the internet, I'm scared for people to know this secret!! Ok, are you listening? On the inside I'm secretly a little kid. *whew* I got that out, big shock that it was.
Ok so I cannot get enough of kids' books. Even though the junenille section at work is often so loud I get a headache when I work there I love shelving there just to see the great new books. I have a particular affinity for the highest level of "easy readers" which are the kind of books you read in about 2-3 grade transitioning you from picture books to chapter books. While working the desk earlier today I found that I just couldn't help but read the cutest kids comic book, Patrick in A Teddy Bear's Picnic and Other Stories.
I just adore it's completely cute art work and story line. And I love how the 4 different stories within it help introduce the concept of chapters. Fabulous. :)
Well since the Bible says we're to have childlike faith I guess I'm well on my way.
I hate making decisions. I mean REALLY hate it. However I tend to cope with it by making snap decisions and then questioning them from then on. Not the best either.
There are several big decisions every 18-20 year old woman must make. The one I'm struggling with right now is my career. You see I've already changed my major twice and I feel stupid that I'm questioning it AGAIN! I started out a nursing major then I decided that wasn't right and switched to Spanish with an undecided second major. Then I decided I was stupid to leave nursing and switched back to it. So as it stands I'm enrolled in all nursing classes next fall. That said now I'm struggling with that. I feel like my head is in it but my heart's not. However it has made me feel so good to see how proud my parents have been of my acceptance into nursing school. I love making my parents proud, who doesn't?
I just can't seem to feel settled with nursing. I am scared to death and I've barely started. Some days I get so excited about it: scrubs, stethoscopes, helping people get better, etc. But really in truly I don't have any concept of day to day nursing that thrills me. I feel like deja vu to last summer. Last summer I went to camp and felt unsettled with the nursing decision thought about it a lot talked to people about it and changed majors.
But then as the year progressed and I drifted away from summer and camp and campmeeting I drifted back to feeling that nursing was logical because it can be used to help people anywhere in the world. It could open the door to going overseas etc. People close to me told me that if I wanted to do missions work I was stupid not to stay with nursing. And so I have so far.
But this summer I've again become discontented and scared. And this summer more than last summer I feel another option pulling on me. The option pulling on me now is my childhood dream. It's what I said I wanted to be from birth until 9th grade. However this option doesn't pay well. And this option has always been discouraged by my dad in particular because of a supposed lack of financial security. And so I find myself terrified to change my mind again. I find myself scared to jump to something Daddy won't be proud of. And yet this option is just as viable for helping people around the world. And this option makes me happy to think about. But still I find myself halting between two opinions. My heart says yes while my mind says no to this desire of mine. My head says yes while my heart says no to nursing.
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Matthew 10:38-39
Mmmm. Jesus help me to live this every single day of my life.
First off I've been gone to camp the last week so that's why I've been quiet lately. :) God changed many lives this last week including mine!
So, for those of you who are familiar with Sheaves for Christ you know what I'm talking about in this post. For those that don't watch this video to get a taste of what Sheaves for Christ does for the kingdom of God.
This year I decided it's high time I did something for Sheaves For Christ beyond a "measly" change can. So over the next few months y'all will see many fundraising efforts featured here on my blog as I endeavor to raise at least $1000 for SFC! My second fundraising push of this effort can be found here. I've gone through my headbands (quite a collection) and weeded out the vast majority of them and have placed them for sale. It seems vain to me to wear something fancy in my hair while missionaries around the world need vehicles and children at Tupelo Children's mansion need shelter. So I'm asking y'all to wear them instead with the knowledge that in wearing it you have contributed to the cause of the kingdom.
My pastor preached a powerful message on Sunday entitled "Endeavoring to Become." He exhorted us to not give up our dreams and to not let the devil tell us what we can and cannot do in God's kingdom. I have a very hard time vocalizing my dreams and what God has called me to do so since a picture is worth a thousand words I think I shall make it into a bit of a puzzle for everyone. So here goes: The story of Lana's dreams, told entirely in pictures...
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires.
I went to a lovely wedding Saturday night. My gorgeous and oh-so-sweet friend A married her best friend B. A is the leader of the Nurses' Christian Fellowship Group I am a part of at TU. During the ceremony the groom's grandfather read the following passage of scripture:
Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
King James Version
For half a second as that elder started reading this passage I was confused. I've always heard this preached with regard to an individual's life, not a couple or a family. But then it occurred to me that maybe this passage was a bit more literal than I had initially thought. Maybe instead of the house representing something it really means a house. No, not a building, but a house like the House of Jacob (Israel) or the House of David. In the Bible a house can also refer to a household or family not just a building they live in. So Jesus here was saying if a man builds his family on the rock of Christ the storms of life won't hurt it. But if he builds it on the shifting sands of this world it will fall whether by just becoming a hateful, dysfunctional family, or by ending in a nasty divorce.
The old saying goes like this: "the family that prays together stays together." Seeing that I am currently single (though I do have a wonderful beau) my future marriage, family, and home often are on my mind. I want that family to be built on the rock. If I can't pray with my husband and kids something is wrong. If we can but don't something is wrong. My family has never been one for family prayer and devotion (preferring private instead, not saying we don't pray, just not together) and I have always longed for that. When an uncle was visiting he gathered his wife and kids and invited us to join them in a family prayer meeting in the living room one day. I've never forgotten how beautiful that was. I pray that family prayer and devotion will be a daily fixture in my home. I want my home to be built on the Rock of Ages. I want to build my house on the firmest possible foundation.
A and B's wedding was beautiful not because the people were good looking and the dresses were pretty (they were). A and B's wedding was beautiful because it was Christ centered from start to finish. Almost every song was centered on Him and His love not just theirs. It was a beautiful ceremony in every way. I hope and pray that their marriage will continue to be built on the foundation it has started on. Congratulations A & B!!! May God richly bless your union forever and always!!
[This song was actually one of the songs in the wedding]
Today was a crazy crazy day, but it showed me something important about who my friends are (not that I didn't already know this person was a good friend, etc, we've been friends since 7th grade). So this morning was supposed to be the one morning this week that I got to sleep in and not have to be at work at the way too early (to a college student on summer break) time of 8:50. However at 7:45 my blissful sleep was interrupted by a phone call from my dearest friend S. S was panicky and crying etc. as she informed me that her dogs had escaped. Since they had just moved into a new home that week she was frantic because they didn't know where "home" was yet. So S of course calls me to come look for them with her. She did not want me to waste any time at all, not even getting dressed, because we had to find her doggies N-O-W!!! However I prevailed on that. So we went hunting after my hazy sleepy drive across town to her house. We hunted all morning and had finally given up and headed to Kinko's to put up posters when her phone rang that someone had dropped the little monkeys (ok big monkeys) off at a vet near her new house and the vet had checked the microchip and contacted her father. So we rushed to the doggies and the story of course had a happy ending. [aren't they cute??]
So anyways the real point of this post is friendship not dogs, cute or not. S and I have always been friends but I wouldn't say we are "best" friends. However it meant so much to me that in her time of distress she knew to call me. We have been friends for years but sometimes we go months without talking but can always just pick up again wherever we left off. However that when she needed help she knew I was there told me I must have been a better friend than I thought. So I guess that raises the question: who are your "real" friends? who do you call when you need something right that second? Of course Jesus is the ultimate friend but when you've called on Jesus and the dogs still aren't there who do you call to help you physically look?
The Bible has a few things to say about friendship too. These verses seemed to apply to today's story very well.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble...A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.
New Living Translation
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loveth at all times
King James Version
I'm glad I know who my friends are. Sometimes it seems like their number is few but I am blessed to know that there are several who are always there. Some childhood school friends, some internet friends (though only because oceans separate us), some camp friends, and of course the ultimate friend, Jesus.
