Reminded this morning of the need to "be holy, for I am holy" (Lev 11:44-45). We are in this world, but not of this world. We are citizens of a heavenly place and we anticipate that which awaits. I can't wait to go home...
This song by Casting Crowns has spoke to my heart a lot this week. Do I really stop and listen to what people are saying to me or am I too busy to care? May you be blessed!
WITHIN A SOLITARY MOMENT, MARIE MONVILLE REALIZED THAT LIFE AS SHE KNEW IT WAS OVER.
On October 2, 2006, Marie Monville's husband entered an Amish schoolhouse in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and shot ten young girls, killing five of them, before turning the gun on himself. The event shocked the nation and left many staggering under the weight of such tragedy and evil. Marie was overwhelmed. What she never anticipated was a tangible encounter with God reaching into her circumstances, rewriting all she believed about herself, her faith, and God's ability to forge beauty out of life's ashes.
One Light Still Shines reveals three love stories: the innocent love of a devoted wife for a husband in pain; the incomprehensible love of God in the aftermath of massacre and destruction; and the redemptive love of Christ, waiting to unfold in the life of every person who reads this book.
Marie's journey since that darkest of days has been invaded with light that shines through these pages into the darkest questions we all face - questions about our past, our value, our identity, and our powerlessness in this fallen world. Come face-to-face with the power behind every answer - a love that begs to be received. What I Love About the Book: The first thing that caught my attention when I first heard of the book was the title "One Light Still Shines." As I read the book, the context of book's title was woven through her entire writing. Amidst her pain and questions, she recognized the Light that was still shining for her & all the individuals involved.
She has borne her heart through her book and shared her struggles as she began to pick up the pieces and move on after the tragedy. She reflected on God's love surrounding her and the support of her family & friends as each day passed.
As she spoke of her husband, she recognized the tragedy that had befallen the individuals at the hands of her husband, but she also recognized him for the husband & father he was to their family, realizing the turmoil that he had kept hidden within for many years.
She chose forgiveness and love amidst all that had happened and reflects the joy that follows the sorrow.
Why I Recommend the Book: I recommend the book for the message that it portrays. Amidst the tragedy of the situation & circumstances that may come, she has shown that there is a Light and hope for the persons involved. She has revealed the need of a growing relationship with God, no matter what circumstances surround you, as well the love God shows to his children each and every day. About the Author: Marie Monville, a lifetime resident of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, area, often sat alongside her father in his milk truck as he served his Amish and non-Amish neighbors. She married her high school sweetheart, then gave birth to three children. The first 28 years of her life were quiet, predictable, and full of regular day-to-day country living. That all changed on October 2, 2006, the day her husband barricaded the Amish schoolhouse at Nickel Mines. Today, Marie to Dan Monville, and she speaks nationwide as she and Dan raise their five children in the Lancaster, PA, area.
It has been quite sometime since I wrote regarding the journey through Psalms. I decided to combine my thoughts of the last couple weeks. Psalms 66 focuses on "remembering what God had done and being thankful." We are called to praise Him for what he has done. It gives a look into the future when all shall bend knee and worship God:
All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. Psalms 66.4
Reference is made to many great things God has done, including the parting of the waters for the Israelites as they left Egypt. Although that was a "big" thing that God had done, we are reminded to be praise Him for the small things that He does in our lives as well. He is in our life at every moment and shapes our life.
Verses 13-20 reflect our response to what He has done for us. I will offer sacrifices, I cried unto Him with my mouth. What is my true response, when I feel the effect of God working in my life? I am afraid too often I brush it by without a second thought, when my immediate response should be that of immediate and constantly thanking Him for the wonder He has wrought in my life.
In reading this passage, I realize how lax I have come in thanking God for what He has done and continues to do in my life. But as the verse 20 reminds us, He has not turned away from our prayers. If we come to him in prayer, He has never turned away from us, even when we forget Him-a remainder to me that He loves me and cares about me. Why then should I not praise Him every opportunity that I have.
How Great Thou Art...those words have been running through my mind continuously. I just completed my 2nd week of Anatomy & Physiology class. Studying the body in-depth leaves me awe-struck. How intricately all our body parts work together, upon command and behind-the scenes, should be proof alone of a Creator. How great He truly is!
I've taken to coloring...hey whatever helps with making vital information stick in my brain.
Lab Homework - I might not be an artist, but it helps to remember the important parts.
Sitting in the pizza shop, waiting for my order and thinking over the evening that passed...
Time spent with dear friends, discussing memories and pastimes...
Partaking of a Nicaraguan supper-memories of the little stand in Malpaisillo...
Laughing and playing with my dear little ones-children who hold special places in my heart...
Thinking over the many changes that have taken place in my life over the past several years...
Realizing that had it not been for the grace of God and His strength, I wouldn't be where I am today...
So often I tend to go through days, never stopping to realize why I am here or why I was there...and I may never know the reason, but I know the Person behind each moment. The One that has promised to never leave you, never leave me. He has brought me to this place. He will be by my side through it all!
"For he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Heb 13.5b
FALL...this word has attained a new meaning to me. As a nurse aid, I am asked to keep my eyes open as I care for each patient - to check for signs that that could be potential fall risks for me patients. Are they unsteady? Are they confused?
As a Christian, there are also fall risks. Intentional disobedience, stumbling blocks...can lead to a spiritual fall. So what do I do about these issues? Am I constantly aware of the "falls" and am I doing all that I can to eliminate the potential fall?
You don’t know me from Adam. Oddly enough, I don’t know you either.
But this I do know:
You need encouragement.
You have a Story to tell.
You are community.
If we had the chance to sit down across from each other over a frappechino and something chocolate-y {a warm brownie, preferably}, I bet we would be fast friends.
There’s nothing that binds friends so fast as the power of Story. It’s in the sharing of Story that we find community in one another. When I share a piece of myself, you can relate to the real me, raw and exposed. When you speak of your triumphs and struggles, I’m right there with you, celebrating as you cross the finish line and holding your hand when the tears fall... Read more...
Time keeps slipping by and each day changes into night.
Day fading into night...
And yet another night changes into a new day, new life, new moments.
New life...
Each new moment brings us one step closer to the return of Christ for His Church.
I have been kind of quiet on here the last couple weeks. Much of it was due to the many changes that were taking place in my life. Spring Semester 2013 drew to a close, so there was several nights of mad scrambling to finish preparing for finals and bring the semester to a great close.
The desk, upon completion of the semester :)
Amidst preparation for finals, I also prepared for a job change. I recently began a job as a Nurse Aide at a local hospital. I had been looking for an opportunity to begin a career in nursing while I am still in school. It was a change in pace for me. I went from sitting behind a desk for 8 hours a day to being on my feet, attending to patients 8 hours a day. The transition thus far has gone well and I look forward to learning alongside the rest of my nursing team. I has been a blessing to see a dream come true.
I am looking forward to see where God will lead in the next months and years. Thank you to all who have prayed and continue to pray with me about God's leading.
Sharing a post from one of my friends. It was what I needed to hear. Of a Single Heart: No Good Apart from Him: I say to the Lord , "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” —Psalm 16:2 That moment, I was struggling. Worn out. Weary.Read more....
But I am not brave. I am scared. The future looks so dark. I can't see where I am going. And you call me brave? What is even brave about me.? I may not know what is brave about me, but I know what brave is for the Christian. Brave is "faith." Tomorrow may be obscured from sight, but the act of placing one foot in front of the other is being brave. Brave sees the path disappear into the forest, but one step at a time, they follow the path to the destination. Brave says "With God's power, I can face tomorrow." Brave says "yes" when God says "GO." Brave is the farmer putting his hand to the plow and not looking back, but focusing on the end of the field. Without faith, brave cannot live. Neither can faith live without brave. The two are inseparable, and both are powerful tools to the life of victory for the Christian.
So go forth full of faith and be brave in the face of tomorrow!
According to Merriam-Webster, "tired" is drained of strength and energy : fatigued often to the point of exhaustion.
Now for this college student, she thought she was tired, but when she looked at the definition of "tired", she began to reconsider. Was I fatigued? Exhausted? As many college students know is that end of semesters bring sleepless nights in preparation for finals and last-minute homework or essays. Often the week before finals, "survival mode" kicks in and with it, the thought of just making it to the end of the week, then I can breathe.
But am I, are you really tired? What can be done to remedy the tiredness?
For physical tiredness, a proper diet and sufficient sleep will go a long way in relieving the tired feeling that surrounds you or me.
And to revive oneself spiritually, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 11:28
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (KJV)
What a promise for us! We find a proven way to become spiritually "rested" and science tell us the key to physical energy. With that, we have the key to overcome " being tired."
"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Hebrews 12:3 (KJV)
Consider Him...
He who was betrayed by one of the twelve
He who was denied by his disciple
He whom they spat upon
He whom was scourged and smote
He whom they mocked
He whose clothes they parted by lots
He who endured public shame
HE WHO WAS CRUCIFIED FOR MY SINS!
"...by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities...because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." Isaiah 53:11b, 12b (KJV)
Commemorating the sacrifice that Christ has paid for you, for me.
Recognizing that far too often, I take for granted the price that has been paid.
Thank you Jesus...Hallelujah, thank you Lord for what you done for me!
There are so many types of friends, and the ones that are dearest, are the ones who stop to listen when the day is rough, when tomorrow seems to never come, or when the water rushing over you seems to drown you. Friends take the time out of their day to just let you know they care, maybe a text, an email, a visit with a cup of coffee from the local coffee shop. Best friends are those who take time to listen to the rough moments, rejoice in the blessings of life, but most of all when you need them the most, they are right there waiting for you.
Among all the best friends that a person could ever have there is only one Friend that will never leave, never gossip about, never laugh when you are crying.
Jesus, the Friend of all friends, stands by your side, listening waiting and loving you.
"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit,O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." Joseph M. Scriven
Friend of friends, He is waiting for you and loves you as only the "Bestest" best friend can.
I'm running out of time, it seems to be my second name.
I guess it must be me cause its always the same.
I gotta to keep turning a little further down the line.
It's 5 o'clock. I'm running out of time.
(Chorus from the song, "I'm Running Out of Time" by Amos Raber)
This song was running through my mine this morning, as I am starting my day. For some reason, time just flies by. But as I thought of how fast time goes from one day to another, I looked back at many of my days in a week and was reminded of a Bible verse.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply
our hearts unto wisdom. Psalms 90:12 (KJV)
When my day is over, what was done for God? Do I look back over my day with regrets, when I see what I did in my day? As I reflect over the two explosions that occurred this week (Boston Marathon and fertilizer plant in West, TX), I had to stop and look at the time that I spend with my family members. Do I make it a priority to spend time with them, ask them about their day, help them with their tasks, or just be the daughter or big sister that God created me to be?
Many families' lives have changed dramatically in the scenes that have unfolded in the last several days. Loved ones' lives were taken instantly, others were suffered massive trauma. Many families just wish they could turn back the clock and erase these disasters from their mind. But these disasters have taken place and many need to move on without loved ones. Many people will hold family close as they move on in life.
Though time with loved ones should always be of utmost importance, it has not always been this way. Such disasters often make us re-think how we are spending our time. Following such disasters, me, as well as many others will spend extra time with loved ones and let them know what they mean to us.
Take time for your loved ones today! Hold your loved ones near and let them know what they mean to you and how much you love them. No one knows what tomorrow holds.
Praying for the families, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, governments officials, and everyone else that is involved in the situations in Boston, MA, and West, TX. May they feel the prayers of Christians around the world.
A friend sent me a message this evening, asking me to watch the video below:
I will be the first to admit that God spoke to me, asking me to evaluate my life in regards to modesty. Modesty is one of the traits that identifies a Proverbs 31 woman. To me, modesty is not just about how I dress, but about so much more.
Modesty:
(Brothers refers to Brothers in the faith, our Christian brothers)
In dress - We are created as beautiful ladies. We have been intricately designed by the Creator of the universe. However, we are responsible to cloth our physical being appropriately. Tight-fitting clothes, short skirts, low bodices are used by Satan to tempt our brothers in their thoughts. Modestly attired is not about wearing baggy, extra-large clothing, but about be covered appropriately, allowing a brother to focus on your conversation without being tempted lustful thoughts.
In spirit: What is it to be modest in spirit? No, it does not mean to be backwards or withdrawn, but rather it is having the love of Jesus radiating on your face. I personally know some sisters who are modest in spirit and bubbling over, willing to talk to anyone, and then there are some that are quiet, but one look at their face will reveal the love of God that fills them. So sisters, you can be outgoing or quiet, and still be modest in spirit. Be who God has created you to be!
In speech/actions: Are you one who checks your reflection in the mirror numerous times before going out with friends? Or bat your eyelashes when a cute fellow come into the room? We all desire to be loved and be a vital part of a man's life, but too often the way we go about it is wrong. So what is modest in speech and actions? Yes, we do need to care about our physical looks, but what is really is important is what is inside. Being modest in speech and actions is being friendly with our brothers and talking to them when they approach, but avoiding flirtatious speech, continuous batting of eyelashes, and such things. How we act when we are with them at a youth function is often our good behavior, thus being who we really are is what God desires. Being who we truly are is the key to modesty in speech and actions.
To close, I bring this challenge to you:
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. I John 2:10-11 KJV
In hearing this brother share what is on the heart of many of our brothers, as well as is the desire of our Eternal Father, I took a step back and looked at modesty in my life. I was convicted of several of these areas in my life and I was burdened to share what God laid on my heart. There is so much to learn about being modest, that I barely have skimmed the surface.
Oft times the mist covers the path before us and we wonder where to turn. The path looks uncertain and at times, disappears in the fog of the day. God has promised to be beside us all the way. He hath said
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 3:16
These words lodged in my heart this week, as once again I saw God's hand in my life. Some of you know that I have been seeking God's will for direction in relation to a job in health care as a Nurse Aide. I had applied several times prior and each time God shut the door. I must admit several times that I wondered "why" and was guilty of knocking on the closed door. But as all Christians know, God always has the bigger picture in mind.
I applied at Ephrata Community Hospital in February with hopes that just maybe this time would work out. Much time was spent in prayer, asking God for guidance as I searched His will. This time the door opened and I was called in for an interview. Almost three weeks after the interview, I spoke with the hospital once again - this time being asked if I am truly interested in the position they have available for me. And yes, I accepted their offer of a full-time position. Looking back, I have been challenged as I have seen God's hands in each step. I was reminded of the song below - "God Leads Us Along"
No matter what He calls us to do, His grace is sufficient for us. He might open some doors, just to close them later to teach us to truly rely on Him for each moment.
Where is He leading you today? Does your path seem uncertain or hidden from view? He will lead us along, but He is waiting for us to ask. May I, may you learn to lean on Him in the good times and the bad times. He is all-sufficient!
Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, changes take place each day. Children grow up, teenagers become adults, young adults seek a career and/or life partner. Change is a part of our daily life, but there is one thing that does not change and that is the love that hung on the Cross. 2000+ years since the crucifixion and that Cross still stand high for each and every sinner. The love of Jesus is still extended to many a soul that tonight is calling out for help.
John 3:16 says "for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." He sent His Son for you and me and because of the sacrifice that Jesus paid on Calvary, the Cross still stands as a symbol of the price that has been paid.
I am thankful that the Cross still stands tonight!
"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid. Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not." Mark 16: 1-11
He is not here, but has risen! My Lord did not stay in the tomb, but He conquered death.
We see the young man commanding the women to go and tell what they had seen. Some of them were frightened and told no one, but Mary Magdalene went and told the disciples. Her Lord had risen and she couldn't contain herself! How am I? Does the glory of the empty tomb and the reality of my risen Lord prompt me to tell others about Him?
Or do I hide in the corner, scared to share? Or am I like the disciples, full of unbelief?
My Jesus has risen! There is an empty tomb, with graveclothes inside to prove His power of conquering death. He is alive! Someday I will see Him face to face! What a promise for the Christian!
Do you know the Jesus who not only paid my price, but also conquered death and the grave?
My mind wondered as I pondered the meaning of Good Friday. My heart broke with the gratitude as the reality of Good Friday once again sank in. A day designated to commemorate the the finished task. With the words, "it is finished", the sinner's debt was paid. I am filled with trembling at the thought of what He did for me, who deserved to die. He paid it for me, because He loved me!
JESUS PAID IT ALL!
He paid my debt! He has paid your debt! Will you accept the gift?
Blessings to all!
Andrea
PS. My blog and I have been quiet over the last week. The winter flu caught up with me. Thanks to all who prayed for my health.
Here we find the Psalmist committing Himself to the Lord and what
He has planned for His life. This is not the only time we find this particular
commitment in the Bible. We also find it in the lives of at least two others in
the Bible.
We encounter it as Jesus hung on the cross:
“And when Jesus had
cried with a loud
voice, he said,
Father, into thy hands
I commend my spirit:
and having
said thus, he gave
up the ghost.”
Luke 23:46
And also Stephen uttered these last words as he was stoned
to death:
“And they stoned
Stephen, calling upon
God, and saying,
Lord Jesus, receive
my spirit.” Acts
7:59
In all three occasions, we find complete surrender. In two
of the three occasions we find surrender, even in the face of death: my Lord
and Stephen. Such a commitment is a complete surrender, no matter the costs.
David was committed because his spirit had been redeemed. To him, his
redemption was of great value. A value that was so great, it required a full,
complete surrender.
So what about me, what about you? Jesus has paid the
ultimate price for redemption – his life of the cross. What does that mean to
you and me? We have been redeemed when in reality, we were doomed to die and we
deserved every bit of our punishment. But amidst the punishment we deserved,
God looked down on His people, His heart filled with compassion for the dear
ones that He had intricately created. Each individual soul meant so much to Him
and it hurt Him to know that without a Redeemer, each one would die…but the
story doesn’t end there. Praise God!
He sent a Redeemer. His beloved & Only Son!
I tremble when I recognize what I deserved, but by the grace
of God, I have been saved. Seeing this, I realize that my daily life needs to
be in complete surrender to the One who redeemed me. Such surrender is a daily
moment by moment surrender to the perfect Will of God. My cry should equal that
of the Psalmist:
“Into thine hand I commit my spirit:
thou hast redeemed me,
O Lord God of
truth."
Psalms 31:5
Am I committed to God’s story? Or am I determined to have my
own story?
My heart's cry - I surrender all!
Blessings as you surrender! Pray for me! I am praying for you! Andrea
To me, it is laying my head down at night and sleeping.
To me, it is reading God's Word and basking in His tender mercies.
To me, it being able to step back from the cares of the day and reflect in what has taken place and realize that God was there with me all day.
Rest is a vital part of my life, in the physical, spiritual and emotional sense.
Without my physical rest, many times I am unable to function efficiently in my daily duties.
In spiritual sense, without proper rest I struggle to live a victorious Christian life.
Emotionally, lack of rest makes it impossible to function rationally.
To live victoriously, sufficient rest is vital and I desire to find the "happy medium."
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking. 2. Link back to Lisa-Jo and invite others to join in. 3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
It has been a little over a week since I have posted, but God has been good. It's in times like these that I am reminded of "Why did I ever doubt that He would be there for me"? God has been speaking to me through my surroundings, many of which I have captured through my photographic lens.
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24
Oh what a blessing to get up and see the sun come up - realizing that God has given me one more day this side of eternity to serve Him, to praise His name, to see His beauty, to share His love. Why wouldn't I desire to praise Him?
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:" Ecc. 3:1
As I stepped outside the other day, I found that the trees are pushing new buds due to warm weather. In looking at the picture later, I was challenged in my daily walk with Christ. Does my life show new growth? Or does it appear to be dying?
"A time to be born, and a time to die...
a time to plant, and time to pluck up that which is planted." Ecc 3:2
"For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:" Isaiah 55:10
Just as rain watereth the ground, so is God's Word to my soul. Do I look forward to meditating in His word each day? Do I drink His promises in like a parched soil? Do I accept His rebuke and apply the remedy as one applies fertilizer to the soil?
Blessings to all! Andrea
And yes, I am still going through the Psalms. Lord willing, I will post on what He has been teaching me later in the week, maybe the weekend.
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