Wow. I haven't been on here in a while! Time sure does fly!! Only two more weeks till I get to go home! So exciting!! I have so much to do before then it's scary so I'll just have to take it one day at a time.
I thought I'd share some verses that have been a huge comfort to me over the past few weeks. Psalm 94:17-19 "If the Lord had not been my help, My soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.
If I should say, “My foot has slipped,” Your lovingkindness, O Lord, will hold me up. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul." It's so comforting to know that God is my helper. He's not some distant old man type who is uninterested in my decisions. Actually He is more interested in the decisions I make than even I am! That is a comforting thought. I struggle with worry and anxiety. And these verses remind me that when I get that way, I must force myself to dwell of His "consolation." I must choose to daily be so lost in who my God is that all earthly problems kind of lose their punch. When I wonder what God is doing or why something's happening, I can trust that He'll bring me through and make me closer to Him through it. And something that has been driven home for me the past weeks is the fact that being in God's will is not some sort of pie in the sky ideal that is in the future. Doing God's will is little every day things like loving people, reading His word, praying, etc. I am happiest when serving Him. And that takes the focus off myself and my problems and allows me to just dwell in Daddy's arms. I don't have to let the anxious thoughts multiply within me. That only leads to stomach ulcers. I choose to focus on the only things that will cheer my soul. My Lord's consolations.
I have a lot more that I'd like to say, but it's late. If you want to know, ask me. And if you see me around, I'd love to talk about the peace and joy I can't contain. And where it comes from.
I guess that's all for the time being. Have a good night. I leave you with the words of the Ron Hamilton song "My God is a Righteous God."
Jesus knows my every word and deed.
Jesus longs to meet my deepest need.
He lives now to intercede, He will surely stand by me.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Trusting in the Storms of Life
As I have been living the college life, I have realized how easy it is to put your confidence in yourself, or other people, or even circumstances and not on the One who is the only real confidence. I have really been struggling recently with contentment and realizing that I can't do anything of my own strength. I get really frustrated when things don't go as I have planned them out. I realized today through the student body, that my joy has not been full. I try to fill myself up with joy. . . .you can probably guess how well that went. When left to myself, friendships crumble, joy is barely there, it becomes a "grin and bear it" philosophy. Yesterday, God finally broke me. I was at work and I just poured my heart out to Him. I'm so glad for that passage of Scripture that says that Christ understands those groanings that cannot even be uttered. I gave all my cares and worries to Him. I gave my life back to Him (after pulling it back for the umpteenth time). And the words to a song popped into my head.
Still my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow
Chorus:
God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone
Still my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows
Still my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise
As stars appear when day is dimming
Still my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow
Chorus:
God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone
Still my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows
Still my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise
As stars appear when day is dimming
If you really meditate on these words and let the truth of them sink in, you shouldn't have dry eyes, and your heart should be a puddle of goo. He DIED for me. Not only did He die for me, He CONQUERED DEATH for my sake. Living Gallery on campus was such a blessing. It made me realize that He is God. And no petty little circumstances or "bumps" in my road are a hindrance to Him. He will finish the work He started in me almost 16 years ago. My willingness to listen just makes it easier. Even if friends leave me and I'm "alone" humanly speaking, my Father is my very Best Friend and cares for me more than any human could anyways! Do I love Him enough to appreciate this every day? In the past I wouldn't have been able to say yes truthfully. But He still loves me. He will always be there. Like Mary said to Peter in the production tonight, "He is still alive, there is still hope!" He isn't finished with me yet. And why should I worry? He's holding my hand all the way. He's got me under His precious wings. I need to stop fighting, and just be still. . . .and know HE is God.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Love As I Loved
Hey all! I haven't gotten on here in a while. . . .Every time I remember to, I don't have enough time! *Sigh* Asà es la vida, verdad? I'm doing okay, just super busy! But I'm positive that all of you are as well. . . .
I thought I'd just share something that is on my heart tonight. I know that this topic is something that I am struggling with, so if you are as well, I hope this helps. You know those people that just rub you the wrong way? Those people that you don't want to love because they don't love you? Those people that you just know are thinking mean things about you? Well I have realized that my response to those people is wrong. Sure, I know the right thing is to love them and be civil and cordial with them. But is it really? I mean, those things are all well and good, but is that really what Christ commands? I have come to realize that what He asks of me is so much harder, but so much better. When I see those people, smiling and being civil is not enough. Letting the anger and frustration seethe just below the surface is wrong. Even if you think (or know) that you are in the right. A friend of mine put it this way. Did Christ just smile and be civil with people He didn't like (that He came to die for)? No, He CHOSE to love the unlovable, even in His heart. He didn't let anger fester or control Him. He saw the person as they really were (warts and all), and somehow, still loved them even when no one could see what He was thinking or feeling. . . . . . . *sigh* I'll never be there. But I have to try. I can't let anger control my opinion of them or my actions towards them. As much as I'd love the chance to let them know how much hurt they cause, I choose to do the opposite. I will love them. I will see them as Christ sees them, souls worth dying for. I will choose to not only be civil and smile, but to love them even when no one seems to be watching. The song Love As I Loved comes to mind.
When our Lord was speaking to the crowd, a beggar came
Who fell down before Christ and called out His name.
The disciples quickly came,
And they turned the man away,
Till they saw the Lord's compassion
And they heard the Savior say:
Love as I loved,
Give as I gave;
These are the people that I came to save.
Love as I loved, and I will shine through.
Let others see My love in you.
Yesterday my time was filled with vain and empty things,
And I was so busy with all that life brings.
People crowded in my way,
But I pushed them all away they were just a senseless bother
Till I heard the Savior say:
Love as I loved,
Give as I gave;
These are the people that I came to save.
Love as I loved, and I will shine through.
Let others see My love in you.
This is my constant prayer. It is an uphill battle, but any of you who know me, know that I don't like to lose. So I will fight until there's nothing left to fight. I will strive to be as loving as I can possibly be toward "those" people, as well as the people that are easy to love. If you see me struggling, help! I can't do it of my own strength, and I need to be reminded of that fact.
Well, I could say more, but I'm exhausted. I'll see you guys around! TTYL!
Rebekah
I thought I'd just share something that is on my heart tonight. I know that this topic is something that I am struggling with, so if you are as well, I hope this helps. You know those people that just rub you the wrong way? Those people that you don't want to love because they don't love you? Those people that you just know are thinking mean things about you? Well I have realized that my response to those people is wrong. Sure, I know the right thing is to love them and be civil and cordial with them. But is it really? I mean, those things are all well and good, but is that really what Christ commands? I have come to realize that what He asks of me is so much harder, but so much better. When I see those people, smiling and being civil is not enough. Letting the anger and frustration seethe just below the surface is wrong. Even if you think (or know) that you are in the right. A friend of mine put it this way. Did Christ just smile and be civil with people He didn't like (that He came to die for)? No, He CHOSE to love the unlovable, even in His heart. He didn't let anger fester or control Him. He saw the person as they really were (warts and all), and somehow, still loved them even when no one could see what He was thinking or feeling. . . . . . . *sigh* I'll never be there. But I have to try. I can't let anger control my opinion of them or my actions towards them. As much as I'd love the chance to let them know how much hurt they cause, I choose to do the opposite. I will love them. I will see them as Christ sees them, souls worth dying for. I will choose to not only be civil and smile, but to love them even when no one seems to be watching. The song Love As I Loved comes to mind.
When our Lord was speaking to the crowd, a beggar came
Who fell down before Christ and called out His name.
The disciples quickly came,
And they turned the man away,
Till they saw the Lord's compassion
And they heard the Savior say:
Love as I loved,
Give as I gave;
These are the people that I came to save.
Love as I loved, and I will shine through.
Let others see My love in you.
Yesterday my time was filled with vain and empty things,
And I was so busy with all that life brings.
People crowded in my way,
But I pushed them all away they were just a senseless bother
Till I heard the Savior say:
Love as I loved,
Give as I gave;
These are the people that I came to save.
Love as I loved, and I will shine through.
Let others see My love in you.
This is my constant prayer. It is an uphill battle, but any of you who know me, know that I don't like to lose. So I will fight until there's nothing left to fight. I will strive to be as loving as I can possibly be toward "those" people, as well as the people that are easy to love. If you see me struggling, help! I can't do it of my own strength, and I need to be reminded of that fact.
Well, I could say more, but I'm exhausted. I'll see you guys around! TTYL!
Rebekah
Friday, March 8, 2013
A Willing Vessel
Hey all! Wow, I haven't been on in a while, I guess that's what school does to one. I'm sooo busy. How have y'all been? I've got a cold, but at least it's not the flu. :)
God's been teaching me a lot over the past weeks. I realize how far I am from where I need to be, and for a perfectionist like me, it's very discouraging. But God gives grace. He's showing me things I already knew. But sometimes you have to hear things over and over until it finally sinks in. He's showing me that it's not what I do that makes me a Christian. It's what His Son did for me. I often try to impress God by showing Him what I can do for Him. That's not what He wants. He just wants a willing vessel that He can work in and through. Well, I guess I'm done. :) hope you all have a great weekend. :) and GO GREEN THUNDER. :D
God's been teaching me a lot over the past weeks. I realize how far I am from where I need to be, and for a perfectionist like me, it's very discouraging. But God gives grace. He's showing me things I already knew. But sometimes you have to hear things over and over until it finally sinks in. He's showing me that it's not what I do that makes me a Christian. It's what His Son did for me. I often try to impress God by showing Him what I can do for Him. That's not what He wants. He just wants a willing vessel that He can work in and through. Well, I guess I'm done. :) hope you all have a great weekend. :) and GO GREEN THUNDER. :D
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
God of Heaven
Hey guys! It's going to be short and sweet tonight because I'm studying for Bible Doctrines. But I wanted to encourage you guys with a song that I have been meditating on over the past few days.
God of Heaven, God of all the earth and sky.
Great Creator, Master of all nature.
Who gives birth to snow from heaven,
Holds the waves at ocean's edge,
Gives the orders to the morning,
Shows each dawn its place to shine?
God of Heaven, God of all the earth and sky.
God of Ages, God who wrote the Book of Time.
Sovereign Ruler, Alpha and Omega.
Saints before, He's guided safely.
History's pages signed by Him.
Author of our days and hours;
Things to come are held secure.
God of Ages, Alpha and Omega.
God of Power! God who breaks the darkness.
Righteous Warrior, Champion of His children,
Goes before us into battle;
Good and evil bow to Him,
Those in bondage freed forever,
Victories won at His command!
God who heals us, God who gives us peace and hope.
God who listens, Carries all our fragile
Dreams and heartaches, wins and failures;
Binds the broken; hides the weak.
New beginnings freely offered;
Who can make us whole again?
God who heals us, God of Power,
God of Ages, God of Heaven,
God of all the earth and sky.
I especially like the second verse. Is is the Sovereign Ruler. He has guided so many before me. He not only cares about my day, but also my hours. That's an incredible thought. Stop and think about that. Down the the nanosecond, God is doing something in our life and cares about our nanoseconds! Wow. How should this affect my life? How should it affect yours? I think if we lived with this mindset, we'd do a lot of things differently, many things would go unsaid, and we'd try to make each minute count. Finish out the week with that mindset! Challenge others to do the same!! Dwell on these truths and let them change the way you live and draw you closer to the image of Him who loved you first, and cares about your every problem and happiness. Let Him be the God of Power for you! Don't let evil control you. It bows to Him in the end! Praying for you guys! Have a fantastic night! Finish out the week strong!
Rebekah :)
God of Heaven, God of all the earth and sky.
Great Creator, Master of all nature.
Who gives birth to snow from heaven,
Holds the waves at ocean's edge,
Gives the orders to the morning,
Shows each dawn its place to shine?
God of Heaven, God of all the earth and sky.
God of Ages, God who wrote the Book of Time.
Sovereign Ruler, Alpha and Omega.
Saints before, He's guided safely.
History's pages signed by Him.
Author of our days and hours;
Things to come are held secure.
God of Ages, Alpha and Omega.
God of Power! God who breaks the darkness.
Righteous Warrior, Champion of His children,
Goes before us into battle;
Good and evil bow to Him,
Those in bondage freed forever,
Victories won at His command!
God who heals us, God who gives us peace and hope.
God who listens, Carries all our fragile
Dreams and heartaches, wins and failures;
Binds the broken; hides the weak.
New beginnings freely offered;
Who can make us whole again?
God who heals us, God of Power,
God of Ages, God of Heaven,
God of all the earth and sky.
I especially like the second verse. Is is the Sovereign Ruler. He has guided so many before me. He not only cares about my day, but also my hours. That's an incredible thought. Stop and think about that. Down the the nanosecond, God is doing something in our life and cares about our nanoseconds! Wow. How should this affect my life? How should it affect yours? I think if we lived with this mindset, we'd do a lot of things differently, many things would go unsaid, and we'd try to make each minute count. Finish out the week with that mindset! Challenge others to do the same!! Dwell on these truths and let them change the way you live and draw you closer to the image of Him who loved you first, and cares about your every problem and happiness. Let Him be the God of Power for you! Don't let evil control you. It bows to Him in the end! Praying for you guys! Have a fantastic night! Finish out the week strong!
Rebekah :)
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Abba, Father
How was you guy's weekend? Mine went by too fast! But guess what?! Day of Prayer is this week!! :D So cheer up!! :)
I had a busy weekend, but it was a very good busy! :) Friday night I had a soccer game and we won (and I scored--fluke shot or not). Then Saturday I went on extension, which was soo much fun! :) I went to a nursing home with four other people and we sang and one of the guys gave a devotion. It was a lot of fun and a blessing. :) Then, today we had a singsperation in my society Sunday school! Even though the projector didn't work again this week, it was still really good and such an encouragement!! :) I love my society! Then tonight, I visited my friends church, and laughed harder than I have in a while! :) We kept dropping stuff and spilling things. . . it was terrible! Haha! :D Overall, I'd say God's blessed me in more ways than I can recount.
I think the thing that God has struck me with most this weekend is that my only true joy and satisfaction are from Him. When I try to run my own life and fit things into my little plans, I can be "happy" for a while, but it doesn't last and it doesn't satisfy. I got tired of losing friends, and struggling to make sense of life. Now that God is back in control of my life, things fit together perfectly. I don't have to wonder what my next step is. He's in control. And His plan is unfathomably better than I could even ask or think. Yes, I still take back the reigns sometimes. But He gently takes them back just like a daddy would. It's as if He's saying, "Let go, Rebekah. I know the road we're on. Every pothole and ditch. Just let me drive, and we'll run into fewer of them." :) He's such a good Daddy! <3 We sang a song in society today that has been stuck in my head since.
Father, hold me safe in Your arms;
Father keep me free from all harm.
I cast my care on You Just like a child should do
Trusting, loving all that You are.
Father, help me lean on You more
Through each valley, through ev'ry storm
Help me when I can't see Your will is best for me;
Love me, hold me sheltered and warm.
Father, mold me, make me like new,
Guide my footsteps, keep my heart true
So that the world may see your like-ness lives in me.
Break me, shape me, make me like You.
Abba Father, I rest in You;
You're always faithful,
You're always true.
Abba, Father, You are my song
Though clouds are dark,
Though night is long.
I cry to You, Abba Father.
I had a busy weekend, but it was a very good busy! :) Friday night I had a soccer game and we won (and I scored--fluke shot or not). Then Saturday I went on extension, which was soo much fun! :) I went to a nursing home with four other people and we sang and one of the guys gave a devotion. It was a lot of fun and a blessing. :) Then, today we had a singsperation in my society Sunday school! Even though the projector didn't work again this week, it was still really good and such an encouragement!! :) I love my society! Then tonight, I visited my friends church, and laughed harder than I have in a while! :) We kept dropping stuff and spilling things. . . it was terrible! Haha! :D Overall, I'd say God's blessed me in more ways than I can recount.
I think the thing that God has struck me with most this weekend is that my only true joy and satisfaction are from Him. When I try to run my own life and fit things into my little plans, I can be "happy" for a while, but it doesn't last and it doesn't satisfy. I got tired of losing friends, and struggling to make sense of life. Now that God is back in control of my life, things fit together perfectly. I don't have to wonder what my next step is. He's in control. And His plan is unfathomably better than I could even ask or think. Yes, I still take back the reigns sometimes. But He gently takes them back just like a daddy would. It's as if He's saying, "Let go, Rebekah. I know the road we're on. Every pothole and ditch. Just let me drive, and we'll run into fewer of them." :) He's such a good Daddy! <3 We sang a song in society today that has been stuck in my head since.
Father, hold me safe in Your arms;
Father keep me free from all harm.
I cast my care on You Just like a child should do
Trusting, loving all that You are.
Father, help me lean on You more
Through each valley, through ev'ry storm
Help me when I can't see Your will is best for me;
Love me, hold me sheltered and warm.
Father, mold me, make me like new,
Guide my footsteps, keep my heart true
So that the world may see your like-ness lives in me.
Break me, shape me, make me like You.
Abba Father, I rest in You;
You're always faithful,
You're always true.
Abba, Father, You are my song
Though clouds are dark,
Though night is long.
I cry to You, Abba Father.
This is truly the prayer of my heart, and I hope it is yours as well. :) He's a good and perfect Daddy that will never leave us or let us down. <3 Just trust Him, and He'll lead you through the valleys as well as the mountaintops. :) On that note, sleep well! Dwell on Daddy! :) Goodnight!
Rebekah
Thursday, February 21, 2013
He Leadeth Me
Hello all! Hope you're doing well. . . It's almost Friday!!! WOOHOO! Only 8 weeks left of the semester after this!! :) I really don't have a ton to say tonight. I'm so exhausted, I can't really think. I've got two tests tomorrow, but I'm studied out. . . . I'm sure you know how that goes. :)
Chapel was soooo amazing today. I needed the message so badly! Rejoice in the Lord was going through my head the whole time. Then when the pianist played He Leadeth Me, it got stuck in my head for the rest of the day! Songs are powerful things. They help me focus. Whenever I'm walking somewhere, if I look like I'm talking to myself, I'm probably singing a song in my head. :) Although I do talk "out loud" to God when I am walking somewhere. For some reason, it helps me get my thoughts verbalized. I promise I'm not going crazy! I'm just talking to my "Daddy"! :)
I guess I'll share something God nailed between my eyes today, so I wouldn't keep missing it. I don't really like myself, like who I am. I am very self-conscious and very much a people pleaser when it comes to some things. So I typically try to hide the "real me" (whatever that means) from people until I get to know them really well. I realized several things today as I was walking back to the dorm today. 1) God made me who I am for a reason, and He doesn't make mistakes or trash. So hiding who I am is basically a smack in God's face. 2) I should focus on the good things God has given me, instead of all the negatives that I have created. and 3) God doesn't want ME to be seen so much as His son. I suppose He made me this way to show Christ to the best of my ability in a way only I can. I have to stop seeing only the negative, and focus on the positive things that God has blessed me with. Whether they are few, or just small things, He didn't have to give me ANYTHING, but He did. :)
I guess that's it. I'm sleepy. And so I'm going to bed!! :) Have a good night!
Rebekah
Chapel was soooo amazing today. I needed the message so badly! Rejoice in the Lord was going through my head the whole time. Then when the pianist played He Leadeth Me, it got stuck in my head for the rest of the day! Songs are powerful things. They help me focus. Whenever I'm walking somewhere, if I look like I'm talking to myself, I'm probably singing a song in my head. :) Although I do talk "out loud" to God when I am walking somewhere. For some reason, it helps me get my thoughts verbalized. I promise I'm not going crazy! I'm just talking to my "Daddy"! :)
I guess I'll share something God nailed between my eyes today, so I wouldn't keep missing it. I don't really like myself, like who I am. I am very self-conscious and very much a people pleaser when it comes to some things. So I typically try to hide the "real me" (whatever that means) from people until I get to know them really well. I realized several things today as I was walking back to the dorm today. 1) God made me who I am for a reason, and He doesn't make mistakes or trash. So hiding who I am is basically a smack in God's face. 2) I should focus on the good things God has given me, instead of all the negatives that I have created. and 3) God doesn't want ME to be seen so much as His son. I suppose He made me this way to show Christ to the best of my ability in a way only I can. I have to stop seeing only the negative, and focus on the positive things that God has blessed me with. Whether they are few, or just small things, He didn't have to give me ANYTHING, but He did. :)
I guess that's it. I'm sleepy. And so I'm going to bed!! :) Have a good night!
Rebekah
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)