Crazy. Love.

1 Corinthians 13

 ¹ If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

 ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 ⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

 ¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love

The first semester of my fall semester is coming to a close. Never before in my life have I been so confused, so happy, and learned so much. It's a rather strange time. But the thing I have learned the most this semester at OBU, away from home, is LOVE. I have learned to love the girls that I live with, though once we were all strangers. I have learned to love strangers. I have learned to love those I have known my whole life, and am now hundreds and even thousands of miles apart. I have learned that love is patient, kind, other focused, and rejoices in truth. Truth is love. People that I pass in the halls, at Walmart and Starbucks-I have learned to love them.

The root of all this? Glad you asked. God. I have learned to love God. With all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Kind of. I'm still working on it. I started this semester reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I don't think that much about loving God, but this has shed a new light on that. In church we used to sing a song that says "I will love the Lord with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength..." In fact, my friends and I made motions to it that we did to the day we graduated. When we made them up in our freshman year of high school, we thought we were pretty awesome. But I never grasped what it meant to love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. And in all honesty, I still don't know what it is truly like to love God with all four of those aspects. But, I'm excited to learn more.

Here's a few things I love...

My family is crazy. I'm not sure if this picture does justice enough. :)

This is Grant, my nephew. I taught him how to pull grass. Ha.

I basically grew up with these girls. And I love them to death.

I live with these girls. These are just a few of the fantastic ladies I live with. I have learned to love each and every one of them and love absolutely every moment I get to spend with them.

God created this. How ridiculously amazing!! I love nature. Camping (though I have yet to go for real). Hiking. Swimming. Walking. I'd say running, but that would be a lie.

But yes. I love these. A lot.

Challege: Go love!!! =)

As Lauren would say.....

Peace out Dudes!

Technology.

I never realized just how dependent I was on my laptop, untill....it broke. Wow. It was bad. In the process, I have learned quite a lot.

 ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Phillipians 4:12-13

I think I am kind of grateful for being deprived of my laptop for awhile. I learned how to get around the system, and survive without it. I have learned that the computer lab isn't all that bad, in fact, I can print for free there!

Whatever the case may be, I think God is showing me again and again through numerous instances, that I need to draw closer to Him. He is the one relationship I need to focus in on.

The more i seek you,
the more i find you
The more i find you, the more I love you

C:I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath, hear your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming

I pretty much love this song. Someone sang it for the offertory in church, yesterday. It's beautiful.

Challenge: Rest in God for awhile.

Psalm 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Spero.

Right now I am sitting on my bed, looking out my window waiting to go to chem tutoring, and I saw this video on one of my friend's facebook...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaPxAlS37jA&feature=share

I don't really know what to say about this video, but I think it is inspiring. I wonder what life would be like if every moment of every day of my life was surrendered to God. I mean, I try to surrender and "take up my cross daily". But as much as that is said in everday life of a Christian, it is of course impossible. We still mess up. We still make mistakes. Paul even said "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst." (1 Tim. 1:15) Like I mentioned the other day, I am so glad He loves us.

The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy

 ¹⁸ You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; ¹⁹ to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, ²⁰ because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”^{[c] 21} The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”^[d]

 ²² But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, ²³ to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, ²⁴ to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

 ²⁵ See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? ²⁶ At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”^{[e] 27} The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

 ²⁸ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, ²⁹ for our “God is a consuming fire.”^[f]

Hebrews 12:18-29

The idea of a mountain of joy excites me.



This is Jirisan Mountain in South Korea. I used to go there with my best friend in Korea, Chayoung. Her family owned land on it and it was the most beautiful, peaceful place I have ever been. I loved it. The water that came down from the mountain was so clean, I had never seen anything like it before. I wanted to drink it so bad, but I saw fish swimming down the waterfall/stream one time and chose not to. Ha! I loved the rice fields and beautiful trees and flowers that were all around. I want to go back. I suppose the point of all this is to talk about God. Hebrews 12 talks about how we are called to the mountain of joy. This mountain is a joyful mountain, and I can't even begin to imagine the mountain of joy God has called us to. I can't wait to see more of it.

Challenge: Go live for God. Right now I could be at Spero project loving on refugee kids and families. I've been once, and loved it. Just sharing a little bit of God's love is incredibly fantastic. I want to do more. So you....should go do it.

A Glance Into Fall

Today I had a nice conversation with God. This is where we sat and talked.

I pretty much love fall. The trees change colors, and it starts getting cold. Today I had a "merrymint white chocolate late"...whatever that is. But it was delicious. I'm so glad God loves giving me small pleasures like late's, color in fall trees, and cold weather. I'm pretty sure I would die without stuff like that. His love really is quite amazing, and I love finding out more about it.

"Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.' And when these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary."

 Hebrews 10:17-18

I love the fact that He doesn't remember my "lawless acts". That's pure love right there.

More Than Conquerors.

The past few days have been pretty rough, mostly just cause I have been thinking about a lot. And in turn, I haven't really cared about God that much. But, He is God. And He is there. And worthy of all the glory. It's about time I've realized that this week. So this is a passage of scripture I read this morning. I like it. =)

 

Romans 8:31-39 (New International Version)

 ³¹What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³²He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶As it is written:
   "For your sake we face death all day long;
      we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."^{[a] 37}No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Soccer.

Contact sports has never been my thing. Ever. I'm more of a swimming, dancing, rhythmic aerobics, zumba kind of person. In fact, I have never played a sport in my life. But today I played soccer. Soccer? Yes. Soccer.

I have been to countless soccer games to watch my friends play, throughout high school and now in college. But...I have never thought of myself as going to play anything, let alone soccer. I've attempted to play other sports such as softball, powderpuff, volleyball and stuff, but it really isn't enjoyable. Like even a little bit. But I had fun today. It was weird. I didn't know how to play-except what I have watched from the many soccer games I have been to-but the people we played taught us. It was delightful. It makes me wish that I could of played before. I have had plenty of opportunities to "play"-considering some of my best friends played high school soccer. Whatever the case may be; I played today, and it was fun. Considering I am now on an intramural team here, I will be playing some more. This will not be the last of soccer in my lifetime....



=)

This week.

It's funny how I thought I was going to be so excited to come back to school. But I'm ready to go home. I want my dogs. I miss them, it's weird. Apapthetic is definitely the word to describe me right now. I don't want to do anything, and I don't care to either. Coffee is my comfort. Noise distracts me. And frankly, I don't like this.

I have full weekends the next month. Nascar. Graham Colton. Thanksgiving. And somewhere in there, a few tests and a research paper to take care of.

¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13

I've always tried to do things for God in my own strength, but it doesn't work that way. It's time to do things for God in His strength. We'll see. I've been faced with so many new ideas and challenges in college. My faith is being tested, and I'm trying to figure out more and more how to love God, while dealing with struggles in my past. Somewhere in there though, I know all the glory belongs to God. Now I just have to give it to Him.

Midlife, Family Crisis

Today I was driving home with my mother, and I commented on how we were on a 3 lane road. I haven't seen one of those since the beginning of September when I came home. It's weird how things like that can be comforting

Well anyways, I went to my brothers kick ball game today. He's 26, I think. Ha. Since when does he play kickball?! David is the kind of guy that, is, well a cowboy. He wears cowboy boots and he used to laso bulls or something like that. I don't even remember. I can remember always going to pick him up at the Stables he worked at, like 10 years ago. But now, he is on a kickball league. It's weird the things my family has done since I've moved away. My mom had a sunday school party with 45 ladies today at my house. That's not normal. And my dad smokes cigars now?? I think you can call this a midlife, family crisis.

This is David with my nephew, Grant. I love the looks on their faces. I feel like it explains their relationships well. Well, anyways, David is cool. And I'm glad he's not married, I like having him around. And I like being home. That is all. :)

Home!

I'm home. It is fantastic. I have come to realize just how much I miss home. I live in a dorm, with 200 other girls. I love them to death, but sometimes it is impossible to be alone. I like being alone, and home is where I can be alone. Thus, things that make me happy today are.....
my dad's steak
my couch
my dogs Gidget and Buffy
my tv
my brothers ridiculous dog Charlie that pounces on me the second he walks in the door
my fridge, stuffed with food
the thought of making a corn pillow
taking a shower with no shower shoes on
and last, but not least....
going to bed early. I can do it. And it's okay. :)

Psalm 91

Psalm 91

 ¹ He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
       will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ^[a]
 2 I will say ^[b] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
       my God, in whom I trust."
 ³ Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
       and from the deadly pestilence.
 ⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
       and under his wings you will find refuge;
       his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
 ⁵ You will not fear the terror of night,
       nor the arrow that flies by day,
 ⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
       nor the plague that destroys at midday.
 ⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
       ten thousand at your right hand,
       but it will not come near you.
 ⁸ You will only observe with your eyes
       and see the punishment of the wicked.
 ⁹ If you make the Most High your dwelling—
       even the LORD, who is my refuge-
 ¹⁰ then no harm will befall you,
       no disaster will come near your tent.
 ¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
       to guard you in all your ways;
 ¹² they will lift you up in their hands,
       so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
 ¹³ You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
       you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
 ¹⁴ "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
       I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
 ¹⁵ He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
       I will be with him in trouble,
       I will deliver him and honor him.
 ¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him
       and show him my salvation."

I have given in and started a blog to share with the world all my thoughts and experiences about life. I am a freshman in college just trying to figure everything out. This is going to be a place to share my findings and insights to life. It is not going to be anything extravagant, but somewhere to put it all down. I love Jesus Christ and want to love Him even more so than I do now. I do not know where I am going in life, but I know it is going to be for a greater good-for Jesus. And the beginning of that starts this week with getting this philosophy test over with and doing fantastic on it.