leslie reavely

last post.

2011-03-11T17:36:00.000-08:00

I've moved my blog to tumblr this week, so this is my last post on this blog. I would love it if you kept reading on my tumblr. I will be posting more frequently than I have been. Little thoughts, quotes, pictures, lessons. Hope you'll visit me there.

Thanks...

he has come for us!

2010-12-26T15:37:00.000-08:00

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and Angels sing. Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. Chains shall he break, and in his name all oppression shall cease.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through. The cross be borne for me, for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the Babe, the Son of Mary.

Fall on your knees! Christ is the Lord!

how long?

2010-12-26T14:21:00.000-08:00

There's a restlessness.
It penetrates the hollow of the heart and breaks the innermost.

If only to hear the words and see the One for which this heart yearns, then this earth-harnessed soul would be released!

But until then, these noisy groans will not be silent.

groanings for heaven

2010-10-02T08:42:00.000-07:00

Sitting in accounting class this week, I was bombarded with bad news. My teacher told us of corruption in businesses, bankruptcy in famous corporations, rampant selfishness and greed for money, and countless cases of cheating and deceit as a result. Hearing it all made me feel sick. "It's all about money," My teacher told us again and again. "Here's how to get a job with a six figure salary...If you can get that, then you know you're successful."

My heart sank. All of these permeating lies grieved me. What a broken, empty, messed up world! I wanted to stand up in class and scream that wealth and reputation are not what this life is about. It's about Jesus! Success isn't a good job and more money. It's being found righteous in Jesus by grace. We don't even achieve it by our own effort. Having a good life means losing it now for the joy set before us. It doesn't mean conniving others to get a better position at work. Why do we keep striving for useless things?

Everyone is longing for something. Something better or something more. Sadly, so many people nullify their longing with trivial things, attempting to fill the void with temporary pleasures, when the longing is only fulfilled by Jesus in Heaven.

The more this surrounding world breaks my heart, the more I long for my true Home. I want to go there. To find eternal satisfaction for all these yearnings. And the more I want to go there, the more I don't want to rust in comfort, wealth, and prestige while I'm still here. I want to live this life for that place, wearing myself out following and making much of Jesus. If it means poverty, let me go there that I might long more for treasures in Heaven. If it means rejection, may I remember Jesus on the cross and cling to it tighter. And if it means death, let me embrace it as gain.

The Christian life was not supposed to be comfortable and affluent. Jesus says the rich man has a hard time even entering the Kingdom of Heaven let alone living for that Kingdom. No, the Christian way is different and harder. It's a daily act of losing ourselves because we have everything in Jesus. David Brainerd, a missionary to American Indians in the 1700s, wrote about his suffering in relation to eternity. "Such fatigues and hardship as these serve to wean me more from the earth; and, I trust, will make heaven the sweeter."

I've been recently listening to Andrew Peterson's song, The Far Country, which so vividly portrays the reality of this fallen world. Peterson's heart cries in the midst of it though, saying "This is a far country, not my home." May these words shape us.

I can see in the strip malls and the phone calls
The flaming swords of Eden
In the fast cash and the news flash
And the horn blast of war
In the sin-fraught cities of the dying and the dead
Like steel-wrought graveyards where the wicked never rest
To the high and lonely mountain in the groaning wilderness
We ache for what is lost
As we wait for the holy God

I was made to go there
Out of this far country
To my home

Oh how I long for that place and that day when we see Jesus and all our striving is fulfilled!

the happiest place on earth

2010-09-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

We walked briskly towards our next ride. People hurried past us, brushing into our shoulders as they made their way through the crowd. Some families rested on benches outside little shops, while others sat at restaurant tables eating the food we hungrily craved. Mickey Mouse hats, princess dresses, and giant Winnie the Pooh stuffed bears speckled the landscape with Disney.

As we weaved our way through the mob, I made a quick glance toward my family on my left to make sure I was still with them. To my surprise, I saw my mom holding on to Layne who started throwing up. Looking at the littered pavement, the rest of us kids wondered how to help. While Layne and mom hurried off to find a bathroom and the oblivious crowd walked past without a glance, we guarded the mess on the ground so no one would step in it. We were a little embarrassed, but more than that, our hearts broke for Layne.

It was our first day in Disneyland – “the happiest place on earth” – and Layne was miserable.

She wasn’t the only one though. I heard a family grumble about a ride that was closed, saw a little boy cry because the ride was too scary, and watched a pregnant mother wait alone next to her stroller while the rest of her family enjoyed a roller coaster.

I realized “the happiest place on earth” wasn’t as happy as it was made out to be. It still disappointed, left people wanting more.

The day Layne got sick, one thought rarely left my mind.

Everything is meaningless under the sun

…even Disneyland.

The pleasures in this life are a striving after the wind. Fleeting. Momentary. Short-lived. Why worry yourself over having your best life now? It’s a wasted effort. Meaningless.

Rejoice that the Happiest Place is still to be enjoyed.

We’re ready for you. Come soon, King Jesus!

grace

2010-09-25T22:43:00.001-07:00

The chasm was far too wide
I never thought I'd reach the other side
But Your love never fails

spinning another web

2010-09-12T23:39:00.001-07:00

I returned home from my walk a couple mornings ago just in time to watch a spider spin its web. Each movement was careful and the placement of the silk was exact. Spider legs often creep me out, but this time they were graceful and captured my attention. It was easy to tell that the spider was designed to spin a web.

As I continued to watch it circle the structure it was creating, carefully repeating its steps again and again, it struck me that this spider must get pretty tired of the same routine each day. Spin a web, sit on it, wait for a bug, kill the bug, drink its blood. That's the spider's life. It sounds extremely boring and monotonous but that's what God created it to do. And each time the spider does it, it brings glory to its Maker.

I then thought about my life. I quickly grow tired of the dull tasks in each day and long for a change of pace, a new adventure - something to get me out of the routine. It hit me recently how I'm often looking forward or rushing ahead to the next big thing in life, thinking it will be more important and more exciting than today. After all, a lot of life is organized in a way that points us to the next thing. We want more, want to move on, and experience something new.

This past week, I figured out school for this year and grew anxious for what the year would hold. It hit me though, while I was dreaming of what was to come, that I don't exist for those "next things". Even though our lives are working towards the next thing...school, getting married, having kids, etc...we exist to bring praise and glory to the King today. I'm not created to be satisfied in the next things when they come. I'm designed to be satisfied only in Jesus. It's great to plan and push towards the next thing and it's often hard work, but it's greater and sometimes harder to remember to worship Jesus today, when things are going slow and I'm constantly doing seemingly meaningless tasks.

A spider spins its web and glorifies Jesus doing so. It doesn't have a "next thing", that I know of anyway. Like me, it was designed to bring glory to Jesus. I ought not let the next thingsin my life get in the way of my worshiping Jesus today. That's what it's about. Jesus.

I may never even get to the next thing, but may today's "spinning of a web" be pleasing to Jesus.

homesick

2010-07-04T23:31:00.001-07:00

I have found myself longing for heaven in a way I don't think I ever have before. The desire to see Jesus overwhelms me at times...

It was a month or two ago, that we heard the news. A dear friend of ours was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Each day she grew weaker. Every update told us she was even sicker. But one thing never changed. Her joy in Jesus lit up her face like it always had... Earlier today, she fell into a coma.

Six months ago, a family of five rejoiced at the news that they were expecting their fourth child. Last week, the ultrasound showed that their baby had no heartbeat. Even in their flood of tears, it is still evident that Jesus is their anchor... Yesterday was their second day of labor. Labor without the joy of a healthy baby in the end.

I have experienced similar suffering before, but that doesn't mean it gets easier. Each time I hear news like this, it is still hard to understand. But, one thing I have found is that death, sorrow, and pain give me a deeper longing for my real Home. A longing for the place where tears are wiped away and the grave is overcome by victory in Jesus, where the presence of Jesus casts out fear and overwhelms us with joy and peace.

David Brainerd, a missionary to American Indians in the 1700s, wrote about his suffering in relation to eternity. "Such fatigues and hardship as these serve to wean me more from the earth; and, I trust, will make heaven the sweeter."

It's true. Suffering loosens our grip on the world and strengthens the longing and desire we have to be with Jesus...

"Oh, that I might not loiter on my heavenly journey!"

I'd rather have Jesus

2010-04-14T23:42:00.000-07:00

Spirit, now living and dwelling within me, keep my eyes fixed ever on Jesus' face. Let not the things of this world ever sway me. I'll run till I finish the race.

O how easy it is to lose sight of Jesus and fall in love with this world! It's like a runner getting so caught up in the outfit he's wearing or the brand of shoes on his feet, that he forgets about the prize he's running to win. The silliest things steal our focus from where it ought to be.

The Bible says, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."

Ipods, cell phones, fashion, friends, money, fame...it doesn't last forever. Let go of it. Throw it off. Don't let it slow you down or distract you from the race you've set out on. You're running now for a greater prize than what this world has to offer.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise. Thou mine Inheritance, now and always. Thou and Thou only, first in my heart. High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

Not only do we run to wear the cool jersey, but some of us are running to hear the fans cheer. We long for the praise of man. It drives us - spurs us on. O that we would solely long to hear Jesus say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

May Jesus be our fortune, our prize, our desire. May we keep our fixed on His face. May we run just to hear Him say, "Well done." And may He be enough.

I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.

easter isn't over yet

2010-04-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

This past week I've been meditating a lot on Jesus. Yes, it's been Easter, and naturally you tend to contemplate His death and resurrection then. But I think the thing that has challenged my heart most is how Christ's death and resurrection should change us. The gospel shouldn't be just a celebrate-on-Easter kind of gospel. It should be a daily-rejoicing, thought-consuming, heart-adoring kind of gospel. Jesus is just as good of news today as He was yesterday. Why don't we celebrate him today too?

Paul writes in Colossians 3:1-3:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Paul doesn't let us get away with saying, "Ok, Easter break was fun. Now back to school." No, he gives us a response to the resurrection. "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. " It's like Paul is saying, don't let Easter become a one-weekend event. Since Jesus is alive and you're alive in Him, you've got to set your heart and your mind on Jesus and the hope you have in Him continually. Meditate on Him. Let eternal things consume your thoughts. Don't think too highly of school, money, or friends, that your mind wanders from heaven and Christ who is reigning there. Let Christ be good news to you even today. Keep celebrating!

Richard Baxter says it this way, "Why are not our hearts continually set on heaven? Why dwell we not there in constant contemplation?…Bend thy soul to study eternity, busy thyself about the life to come, habituate thyself to such contemplations, and let not those thoughts be seldom and cursory, but bathe thyself in heaven’s delights."

I've always loved the words Paul writes in the next verse "...Christ, who is your life..." Every time I read this passage I have to ask myself, is Christ really my life? Yes, I'm saved. I've died to the old self and am hidden in Christ, but do I live like Christ is my life? So often, I find myself getting distracted by the things of this world that I lose sight of Jesus. When Christ is your life, everything is about Him. School, work, play, or whatever it is...it's all about, because of, and for Jesus. Everything. I believe Paul is trying to show us that celebration of Jesus, which we tend to save for Easter, ought to be our life. It ought to be what we're living for.

Easter isn't over yet. Let's celebrate Jesus again today!

the day that True Love died

2010-04-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

live it

2010-03-27T21:58:00.000-07:00

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without living them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

I was greatly challenged by this passage this morning. I've heard it many times before but realized that I have to consistently check my life to make sure I'm living out what's in my heart and mind. So often we gain knowledge that piles up in our brains collecting dust or boosting our self esteem. It becomes our life to simply know more of the God in heaven, to unveil the mysteries of His character. We go to church on Sunday mornings and listen to sermons about Jesus and then spend every morning during the week in the word simply trying to understand it better.

I'm not saying those are bad things, because they aren't. I'm saying faith can't simply be that. Show me that you believe in God by how you live. In other words, don't let your faith be head knowledge and that's it. Display it by reaching out to the world.

Faith without works is dead. Live it.

[James 2:14-26]

don't give up

2010-03-13T15:08:00.000-08:00

"As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good"

2 Thessalonians 3:13

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."

Galatians 6:9

at the first pop of the popcorn

2010-03-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

This last week, a Japanese friend of ours from church came over for popcorn and a movie. She had never had popcorn before or seen it made over the stove. I pulled out our metal popcorn pot and poured into the pan some hard kernels. She looked in the pan before I closed the lid and then I started stirring while the kernels heated up. We couldn't see inside the pan, but we listened for the pop of the corn. Soon, it sounded like fireworks were going off in the pan. She looked at me with wide eyes and asked, "Is it safe?" I reassured her that it was, and once the corn had finished popping, I opened the lid and let her look inside. White fluffy corn filled the pot.

When she asked if it was safe, I couldn't help but think of when Jesus will come back. We don't know the hour when Jesus will arrive, but we can only keep our ears and hearts open to that day. When we hear the first pop of the corn or the first shout of the trumpet, I believe it will be terrifying and people will ask, "Is it safe?" And I guarantee you that for those who don't know Jesus, it will be the most frightening and dangerous day of their life. The bible says that every knee will bow on that day, whether that person believed in Jesus or had nothing to do with Him. The magnificence of Jesus will demand glory from us whether we like it or not.

Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.

Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready."

Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God."

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. "

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

not my home

2010-03-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

My Uncle visited us from Missouri this weekend. Being a chaplain in the army, he moves a lot. His wife and five kids are still living in Kentucky, until he finds a house in Missouri. As we visited with him this weekend, I once again marveled at the heart of this man. He hasn't seen his family for three weeks but still smiles and speaks of the greatness of God in every conversation.

Although, "home" changes for this family often, their life describes what Paul said in Philippians 3.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ...

abandon retirement

2010-03-06T11:02:00.001-08:00

rejoicing in rejection

2010-03-04T23:46:00.000-08:00

...They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Satan used persecution to try to stop the apostles from spreading the good news of Jesus. But instead, they considered it an honor to suffer rejection for Christ's name. In the same way, when we are faithful in sharing the Gospel, hardships will come our way. Don't be surprised by them, but rejoice in them.

If Satan wants to stop you, you're doing the right thing...

[Acts 5:40-42]

you'll want armor in this battle

2010-03-03T22:47:00.000-08:00

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

I noticed two things from this passage today that I hadn't noticed before. Normally, when I read about the armor of God, I picture the Bibleman movies when Bibleman puts on his armor before going out into the world. It's almost like I view this passage as only for kids. It's the passage that excites them, one of the first passages they memorize. All that thinking was turned on its head today when I realized what is being implied behind these verses.

First, God gives us a command to be strong, but then He doesn't just leave us to accomplish it by our own capabilities, he gives us the means to carry out the command. "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." We're not in this fight alone.

Second, the passage gives a clear warning and implication that there will be trials. There will be a battle. There will be hard times ahead. Like I already mentioned, it's easy to picture Bibleman when I read this verse and simply end with that. God's warning us and commanding us to be strong on purpose. This is real life. These are real battles that can only be withstood by daily being strengthened by the power of God and protected by the armor of God.

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

[Ephesians 6:10-18]

with nothing left

2010-03-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

"Oh, how sweet it is to be spent and worn out for God!" These are the simple but wonderfully true words of David Brainerd, a missionary to American Indians in the 1700s. Brainerd was saved at the age of 21 and died when he was only 29, but looking at his life it is clear to see the impact he had in that short time. Though weak and painfully ill in the last few years of his life, he spent himself to the end, riding for miles on horseback just to reach more Indians with the Gospel. His life is a testament to the truth that he preached.

Examining David Brainerd’s life should cause us to question what we are spending our lives on. Are we focused on Facebook, Wii, shopping, and sports, or are we all about advancing God’s kingdom for the sake of the Gospel? It occurred to me that I don’t want to reach the end of my life full of energy, time, money, or talent that I could have spent on the advancement of God’s kingdom. And I don't want to spend what I do have on the wrong things. When I stand before God, I want to be spent, wasted, and exhausted, because I chose to give every part of my being to His work.

We can’t know the end of our lives, whether it will be when we’re 89 or 29 like it was for David Brainerd. But we can decide today how we want to spend those remaining days. How are you going to spend yours? On fleeting comforts of this world or on mission for God? Before David Brainerd died he wrote these words, “I declare, now I am dying, I would not have spent my life otherwise for the whole world.”

Oh, that we may be able to say those words on our death bed and enter God’s presence completely spent on advancing the kingdom of God!

far more stunning than before...

2010-01-27T10:24:00.000-08:00

When I left my house for school this morning, the sun shone brightly and a Robin's egg blue patched the sky like a giant quilt. I smiled at the Sparrows' morning melody and squinted from the gleam of light spilling through the windows of the car. Beautiful.

I soon merged onto the freeway still squinting from the sun until a thick cloud sank to the road before me. The sun disappeared, and I felt as if I were in a bubble of fog. All I could see was a few yards of street ahead of me and the couple cars that shared the road beside me. Here and there a glimmer of dim sunlight squeezed it's way through the cloud reassuring me that it was still there and I only had a little longer until I would see it. So I drove on.

For several more minutes fog swirled around me and its canopy hid the sun. Then one golden sun beam split the gray fog. And then another. Soon all the sun's light broke through the cloud I'd been in and scattered the fog until, once again, I focused my gaze upon the beautiful morning I had anticipated from the start. But, it was even more stunning than before.

This experience reoccurred a couple more times during the rest of my drive, yet each time I escaped the foggy world around me, I knew I'd never seen the sun shine so bright. The cycle of fog to sun reminded me of my walk with the Lord. As a new Christian, the journey starts off with a clear view of Jesus. Everything is exciting and beautiful... until the fog sets in. The things of this world begin to steal our focus, and we lose sight of the One for which we're striving. We feel distant from God, as if He isn't there, and we can't see but a few feet around us. Nevertheless, even when we can't see God, He hasn't forgotten us. Just as the sun dimly peaked through the fog reminding me of its presence, so God reminds us that He is still there. He constantly draws us back to Himself, melting the fog that separates us, until we refocus our gaze on His glory.

Sadly, it's hard to keep our eyes on Jesus all the time, so this process is often repeated. But every time we're rescued from the haze, God is only more beautiful in our eyes. We see Him more clearly, love Him more deeply, and hold on to Him more tightly.

Before I knew it, my drive to school had ended. As I stepped out of the car, I immediately felt the warmth of the sun which flooded the campus with light. In the same way, soon our journey to heaven will end. The cycle of fog to sunshine we'll be over, and we'll know for sure the journey was worth it. When we finally step into the presence of our God, we will be drenched in the warmth and splendor of His light.

And it will be far more stunning than before.

my resolution

2010-01-20T14:16:00.001-08:00

"Resolved, never to do anything which I would be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life." Jonathan Edwards

pray for Richelle Heacock

2010-01-18T21:49:00.000-08:00

Please pray for college student, Richelle Heacock, who, after getting in a horrible car accident on January 4th, is going through rehabilitation to hopefully regain the use of her now paralyzed legs.

love this christmas

2009-12-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

Last week Lauren and I handed out 3 H2O bags and were really encouraged. The first two bags went to a couple young men probably in their early twenties. We pulled out of Wal-Mart and both of them stood waiting with their signs by the stop sign. They were specifically requesting bus tickets, but when we handed the bags out the window, their faces lit up like it was Christmas. They grinned, laughed, and one of them even did a little dance as they exclaimed, "Food!" The eagerness with which they received the bags, brought a smile to my face and filled my eyes with tears. As we drove off, I looked back to watch them as they set down their signs and began to open the bags.

We had only driven a few yards, when we reached a stoplight. There an older lady, bundled thick in her winter jacket, paced the sidewalk next to the road, holding her sign for the drivers to see. As she approached our car, Lauren grabbed a bag sitting on the floor, rolled down her window, and held the bag out so the lady could see it. Once the bag caught her eye, she jogged the rest of the way to us and smiled as she received her bag. Immediately she began opening the package as she walked back to her belongings, which were leaning against a road sign. Then our light turned green.

While we were out Christmas shopping, these three panhandlers waited patiently and hungrily for a bus ticket and food. It was an honor to share Jesus' love with them.

John 4:19 "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the satisfaction for our sins."

How will you share Christ's love this Christmas?

I am a Disciple

2009-12-13T22:39:00.000-08:00

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
I have Holy Spirit power.
The die is cast.
I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I am a disciple of His.

I will not look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed.
My present makes sense.
My future is secure.

I am finished and done with low-living,
sight-walking,
small planning,
smooth knees,
colorless dreams,
tamed visions,
worldly talking,
cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position,
promotion, or popularity.
I do not have to be right, first, tops,
recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.

I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience,
am uplifted by prayer, and labor by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven.
My road is narrow, my way rough, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away,
turned back, deluded or delayed.

I will not give up,
shut up,
or let up.
I will go on until He comes, and work until He stops me.
I am a disciple of Jesus.

[the Zimbabwe covenant]

10by10 Challenge

2009-12-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

According to statistics, the average American spends about $750 dollars on Christmas gifts each year. Why is it that we don't hesitate to buy gifts for our relatives but think twice before we give to those who really need it? To encourage you to give more this Christmas, Hope2Others invites you to be a part of the 10by10 Challenge.

What is 10by10?

It's pretty simple: give away 10 H2O bags by 2010. You can either make 10 bags yourself or visit the map on our website to see if there is an H2O location near you where you can buy bags.

If you're unable to hand out bags yourself but still want to be involved, connect with someone who wants to hand out bags but can't afford it and help support them. If you want to hand out bags but don't have money to buy or make them, talk with someone who can't give out bags but still wants to support the event. The two of you working together can both complete the 10by10 challenge.

Why do it?

1. To give hope to the homeless this holiday season. When more bags are given out, more homeless people find hope. It's easy to view Christmas as a time when family comes over, a tree lights up the living room, presents are opened, and everyone's happy. For homeless people, though, Christmas is just the opposite—lonely and cold. By taking on the 10by10 challenge, we can show homeless people that Jesus came into the world for them too.
2. To increase bag distribution. Think about this. If 100 people give out 10 H2O bags each, that means 1000 bags will be handed out in just this month. That's almost half of what was handed out this year combined!
3. To have fun! Finding 10 homeless people to give bags to might not be as simple as driving down the block and handing a bag out your window, but use your creativity, be purposeful, and have fun loving on the homeless people. Email lesliereavely@h2obags.com to tell us your stories of handing out your 10 bags.

How does it work?

First, create a MY10by10 account where you'll be able to keep track of your 10by10 challenge status, download fliers and banners, and more. Spread the word by passing out fliers, and putting the banners on your blog or website. Then make 10 H2O bags or get them from your local H2O chapter. Then pass out your bags!

I John 3:18 "Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

Two Gallons of Love

2009-11-02T23:04:00.000-08:00

I set my two milk jugs down and waited in line at Safeway. It was a Sunday evening, and Mom sent me to the store for milk, since we were on our last gallon. A short lady, probably in her twenties, stood in line in front of me with a few items. She turned around and looked at me, smiling softly and mumbling something which I didn't understand.

It was soon her turn to pay and as she opened her check book she told the cashier lady, "Why don't you ring her milk up with my stuff."
My mouth probably hung open for a few minutes, until I finally found words. "You don't have to do that," I said.
"I know. I just want to bless a stranger."
"Wow, thank you."

Her simple act of kindness left me speechless. I wondered if it was the love of Jesus that compelled her to love others in this way. I felt overwhelmed at her generosity, but also somewhat guilty. Shouldn't I have been the one doing that?

I walked to the car still amazed at this woman. Thanking God for the tender heart He gave her, tears filled my eyes. Sadly, you just don't see that kind of selfless giving very often these days.

I wonder what kind of impact Christians could make in the world, if each one of us took advantage of all the little ways to show Christ's love to others. It could be paying for someone's milk at the grocery store, buying a Starbucks drink for the homeless man sitting out in the cold, or handing out candy to kids playing at the park. What we do doesn't matter...as long as we do something.

I want to love like that. Who's with me?

Wasted

2009-10-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

I want to live my life as if it were the last day of a week of camp.

After an intense week, the staff and counselors are always ready for a break. Voices are gone. Energy is spent. Sleep is craved. But if you were to watch the counselors on the last day of camp, when all they want to do is just sleep, you would see them do exactly the opposite. They sprint in the races and shout in the songs, giving everything they have left. Each one gives their all to make the last day of camp the best for the campers.

This kind of sacrifice and commitment is not just for the last day of camp but for every day of our lives. Christ commands us to take up our cross and follow Him and calls us to lose our lives to save them.

I want my life to be a continual pouring out of my time, my energy, my resources, so that Christ's name may be lifted high among the nations. I don't want to give only what is convenient to me, but to give until there is nothing more to give, until I've spent it all on Christ.

When I reach the throne room of the Living God, I want to be able to say that I gave Him everything I had.

God, use me. Break me. Ruin me. Take me. All I have and am is for You.
Waste me on You, My King.

A Kiss Goodbye

2009-10-11T22:37:00.001-07:00

My throat was parched, so I set down my rake and went inside for a cool drink. It was a nice autumn day, and we kids were in charge of raking up the pine needles blanketing our yard. I sipped down my water and nervously looked at the clock in the kitchen. It seemed like forever since Mom and Dad had left for the ultrasound. What was taking them so long? Then a haunting thought sunk my heart. This baby is dead.

My parents finally pulled into the driveway, and I dreaded the words they would say when the entered. Something in me told me I was right. All I wanted to do was run and keep them from telling me the news.

Dad called us into the living room, and two-year-old Lisa climbed onto Mom's lap, smiling at the baby hidden in her belly. It was now only a couple weeks until the baby's due date. Mom sat next to us kids, while dad told us. I don't remember the exact words he used, but I remember all of us sobbing. I buried my head in my arms, too afraid to look up.

Why again, God? Wasn't one time enough? Why us?

The next morning was full of soccer, volleyball, and football games. None of us felt like playing, but we did anyway. My mind was consumed with thoughts of my brother, and my heart cried as I tried to play the sport that used to be fun.

We spent the night at our cousins' house and went to church the next morning, hearing that our brother, Thomas Scott, had been born during the night and we'd get to see him after church. All morning I dreaded going to the hospital...

Thomas was wrapped loosely in a soft blanket, with a yellow hat covering his dark hair . His eyes were shut. His lips were bright red. And his hands were cold.

We took turns holding him and posed for a few pictures, but the time with him was far too short. Before I knew it, it was time for us to say goodbye and go home. I stood in front of my mom, who sat on the hospital couch holding Thomas. I looked at him as long as I could, before I left the room. Then the only words I remember hearing that day were said. "Give Thomas a kiss goodbye."

With those words, the floodgates let loose once more and tears flowed freely. I knelt over him and kissed his silky forehead. It was the first and last kiss I ever gave him. One that I will never forget...

Thomas would be eight now. He'd be running around doing what all boys do. We celebrated his birthday this week by looking through his keepsake box, feeling the blankets that had held him, and looking at pictures of his precious face. At church, the weekend he was born, a book was passed around the congregation for people to write in. This week I read through many of the letters from old and dear friends of ours in the church. At the end of one note it said, "God does still love you!"

I started to cry, thinking back on how doubtful I had been of God's love in the midst of my grief. I was blinded by sorrow and bitterness, when all the while, God's love was constant. He never once let go of us but held us safe in His unfailing love. Not even death can separate us from Him.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither 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."

The Metal-Detector Man

2009-09-25T23:26:00.000-07:00

I laid out my towel on the dry sand and sat down to watch the ocean. The sun beat down on my face, and I squinted behind my sunglasses so I could see the crashing waves in the distance. As I watched and smiled at the beauty before me, a white-bearded man with a baseball cap caught my attention. In one hand he held a gardening shovel and in the other a metal-detector. He slowly walked towards the water and then down the length of the beach, constantly waving his detector over the coarse sand. I laughed to myself at the sight. Whether or not he was picking up metal litter or looking for treasure, I don't know. But the sight of that old man in his persistent search came across as funny to me.

I continued to glance over at him occasionally as he made his way down the beach, but didn't pay close attention to him until he stopped and for several minutes waved his detector over a certain section of sand. He dropped his shovel and bent over, still waving. Had he found something? Before I knew it, he picked up his shovel again and continued on, walking and waving.

What had caused him to stop? Why didn't he start digging? I was disappointed. He was supposed to find a treasure! Moments before I had laughed at the seemingly meaningless task of walking up and down the beach searching for something that probably wasn't there. Now I was wishing he had found that mysterious object for which he searched.

I continued to think about this metal-detector man as I went back to watching the ocean and my family, who excitedly sculpted a sandcastle near the tide. Although I had considered him crazy at first, I thought twice about it now. What if he had found a treasure - a big one? I wouldn't have considered him crazy when his small shovel uncovered a treasure chest of gold. Here I was sitting, watching, and laughing at him as he persistently searched for what I figured was impossible to find. My family and others around me were building their treasures out of sand, into sculptures that would crumble as soon as the tide came in. But even though none went with him, people laughed at him, and others ignored him, this man continued on, searching for something that would last.

All this reminded me of what it means to be a Christian. It's searching and striving for a hidden treasure that is worth more to you than anything else you could possibly obtain. It's worth being laughed at by those standing by. It's worth far more than the man-made visible treasures of this earth which crumble before our eyes. It's crazy, but worth it.

I want to be like the metal-detector man and ignore the vain striving and mocking of the world, to pursue a far more valuable treasure in the end.

Matthew 13:44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."

Hugging a Homeless Person

2009-09-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

We walked up to the door of the downtown mission, and homeless men and women crowded the sidewalk. I looked down at one man sitting on his mat, leaning against the brick wall. With a smile I said, "Hi." He looked surprised to hear me greet him but smiled and nodded back.

This summer I read a book called, "Under The Overpass." The book describes life as a homeless person, and one thing the author says is that even just a "hello" makes all the difference for a man or woman on the streets. So often people walk past them without even looking in their direction. Taking one moment to acknowledge their presence and make eye contact with them, turns their lonely world upside down. They are loved. They are important. They are human.

That inspired my goal for the evening at the mission. In the past it had been to speak Spanish or intentionally smile. But this time, it was simply to make much of these people.

We served dinner that night, and I walked up to one table, asking if there was anything they needed me to get for them. A little lady with short dark hair told me "thank you" for the food and that they were doing fine. And just as I turned to leave, I remembered my goal for the night. I was walking away from the perfect opportunity to make much of this little lady.

I quickly stepped back to face her again and asked her name. She had just taken a bite of her food, but quietly replied, "Dawn." Then as I introduced myself, she stood up and came over to me. Before I knew what she was doing, she had her arms wrapped tightly around me. This was far from what I was prepared for. She didn't smell clean. She probably hadn't had a shower in weeks. But, despite how comfort zone stretching it was for me, that hug probably meant the world to her. And it probably was the means that God had intended for me to love her. Only He knows the last time she was hugged.

My idea of making much of her was simply asking her her name, but God taught me that sometimes it's doing what you're not prepared to do - doing what's uncomfortable for you. For me, that was hugging a homeless woman.

Matthew 25:40 "'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.'"

1 John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."

Take Me There...

2009-09-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

I went to bed that night crying, "I don't like God's decision!" My five-year-old heart had broken to pieces at the news of my baby sister's death...

On September 13, 1996, we welcomed Lindsey's empty frame into the world. Her spirit had already been welcomed into Heaven. Although I wasn't old enough to know all the details of those days, two things I remember - the tears and the funeral.

My memory of the hospital room is foggy. Like watching a film through a blurry lens. I vaguely remember standing next to my Aunt Molly, who knelt by my mom's hospital bed. I remember watching the tears roll down their cheeks. And I remember asking, "What's wrong?" I don't think it had hit me yet.

I remember the funeral, or at least parts of it. We sang "Jesus Loves Me", requested by Lauren, who was two at the time. The other songs, the message, the people, and the flowers decorating the stage escape me. But I remember clearly when the funeral ended. I looked over to my Aunt Molly once again, but asked this time, "Does Jesus really love me?" In my heart was a battle. The year before I had been certain of His love for me. I even asked Him to save me. But now that He took my baby sister from me, I couldn't be sure. My Aunt Molly graciously told me, "Yes, He loves you...very much." She must have known how I doubted His love by daily asking Jesus to save me, because she went on to assure me that I only had to ask Him to save me once. His love was forever. It never ceased. After that day, I never asked Him again.

Looking back 13 years later, I know for certain that in those moments when I thought Jesus had forsaken me, He was loving me more than I could know. His hands were holding me. His arms were sheltering me. His grace was sustaining me.

I thought then that God didn't love me, but now I'm confident His love was with me. I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for His love comforting me in that time. If to do it over again, I would change my heart's cry to "I trust God's decision." Why? Because what God was doing then caused me to fall more in love with Him, to trust Him more fully, and to look with greater hope to the glories of His presence in Heaven, where there will be no more death, no more crying, and no more pain. The love of Jesus is stronger than the grave. It was her death that showed me how boundless and how eternal His love really is.

If it means walking through the valley of the shadow of death, Lord, take me there.

Culture Shock

2009-09-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

This isn't profound. This isn't long. This is just a simple thought.

As I waited in line at the college to validate my photo ID, I watched a burly guy and blond girl reconnect after a busy summer, or so it appeared. I was trying not to listen to their conversation, but sometimes that is hard to do when there is nothing else to listen to. They shared about their summers and asked about each others families. Then he asked her, "So, are you married yet?" She smiled and said, "No. Probably not for a while." "Well...any babies yet?" Once again she replied, "No."

My heart dropped as I heard his question. No one should need to ask this when someone's unmarried. This question shouldn't even exist. Unfortunately, for our culture...it does.

The Love of a Baby

2009-09-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

I couldn't stop watching the sleeping baby nestled in my arms. She was too perfect. Everything about her. Her velvety lips. Her long eyelashes. Her tiny fingernails. Her button nose. Her silky skin. Everything.

As I watched her sleep, I thought about the life that still awaited her and tried to imagine her grown up. Will she play on the Varsity softball team her senior year? Will she lead worship for her youth group? Where will she go to college? What will she want to be? Who will she marry? The answers to these questions were hard to imagine when all I could picture was this tiny baby. A helpless little person, needing me to feed her, change her, and rock her to sleep.

I can imagine similar thoughts going through Mary's mind as she rocked baby Jesus to sleep each night. But to think that the perfect, but entirely dependent infant sleeping in her arms was the very person of God!

God became a baby.

Leaving the breathtaking wonder of His Father's glory to enter a dark, sin-infested world, Jesus became a baby.

He was a baby!

I can't get over it. Newborn babies can't do anything on their own, not even hold their own head up. And the Almighty King over heaven and earth gave up His glory to become a helpless infant!? That's crazy!

Oh, to grasp how and why it was accomplished...

Love.

Better Things Ahead

2009-08-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

She was wasting away. Cancer ate at her insides, as she struggled to hold onto her remaining life. Although the doctors did what they could to save her, it didn't help. After years of battling her disease, a new life was waiting for her at death's door.

Just before her death, she shared with her church the story of her diagnosis and disease. Through tears, she poured out her heart. She wanted more time. She wanted to see her kids get married, grand kids graduate. She wanted to be there for the holidays, to spend time with her family. But then she said something, which I've since pondered...

"Do you think when I go to heaven and see Jesus, that I'll look back over my life and say, 'I wish I could have lived ten more years? Even one more year?'"

Of course not! Jesus will be so satisfying, so glorious, that we'll wish we could have been with Him sooner.

C.S. Lewis asked a similar question. "Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind."

Are You Blessed?

2009-08-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

My hands were smelly and sore from the countless cloves of garlic I had just finished peeling in the kitchen...

Instead of doing what I had hoped and planned on - serving and talking with the homeless at their tables - I was "stuck" in the kitchen with stinky garlic. All the way to the mission that evening, I had rehearsed in my mind the Spanish phrases I had memorized. I could hardly wait to use them on the Hispanics there. To my dismay, that wasn't going to happen that night. Boxes of garlic cloves were set in front of us. All of them needed peeling.

After 40 minutes or so of peeling the garlic, there were still several men and women finishing up the remains of their meal when I left the kitchen. I quickly walked around the dining hall, looking for dirty trays to clear, and found two men in the corner of the room finishing their last bites of food. As I cleared their trays, one man introduced himself to me as James. I expected our conversation to end there, but he smiled as he said with tenderness, “I can just see in your eyes that you’re blessed, young lady. Are you blessed?” I was still frustrated from the seemingly wasted time in the kitchen and the missed opportunity to speak in Spanish with someone, but I still answered "yes" to his question. Moments ago, I hadn't felt blessed. So why did I answer this way?

While I’ve always been thankful for God’s gifts in my life, James’ comment caused me to reflect on just how much the Lord has blessed me, even if it included giving up my desires to serve Him by peeling garlic. I realized I am blessed to be the one serving at the mission, and not being served. Ultimately, I am honored to be able to serve at all! I may not always get my first choice of ministry or job that God calls me to, but still He blesses me. I easily get blinded by my disappointments and complain, but imagine what James' days are like and how much more reason he has to complain than I do. This man's point of view helped focus my perspective on what being blessed truly means.

"I can just see in your eyes that you're blessed, young lady. Are you blessed?"

Still I Will Praise You...

2009-06-24T13:49:00.001-07:00

I stood next to his table, glancing over at him repeatedly. In my heart and mind, I was desperately working up the courage to say something to him. He was a little Hispanic man sitting hunched over his tray of food. He looked over his shoulder at me, smiled, and then quietly continued eating. I arrived at the Rescue Mission a few minutes before with the goal of speaking with someone in Spanish, yet now that my opportunity had arrived, my tongue tied up in a knot, and a lump nestled snugly in my throat. What was I to say? Would I even understand him?

As my mind clouded with questions and fears, the Hispanic man looked again over his shoulder at me, and with a smile said, "Hola! Como estas?" With excitement, I shoved my fears behind me and responded. Even though I spent the conversation stumbling over Spanish phrases that I recently learned and at times made a fool of myself, I can confidently say that it was worth it. Why had I been so afraid?

After dinner was cleaned up, I joined the homeless for Chapel. I sat in the second to front row listening intently to the encouraging words coming from the speaker. He shared about how God is our refuge and shelter in times of storm, how we can rely on Him, run to Him and be safe. I smiled as I heard the wonderful promise of God's presence and power in our life, but I knew the promise was far more precious for the others sitting in the room, for those who feel no security or peace. I glanced over to the man sitting nearest to me and watched him as the words comforted his heart. His scraggly beard shifted and his eyes squinted slightly, holding a soft gleam. He must have been smiling too.

When the speaker finished, he prayed and then the worship leader began leading us in songs of praise to our Refuge and Strength. As we sang the words, "Oh no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm...", I looked back to the men seated behind me. One man across the room was on his knees, with his hands stretched to heaven and tears streaming down his cheeks. My eyes filled with tears as I watched him unashamedly worship his Comforter, his Healer, his Shelter, his Redeemer. Imagine the burdens he carried, the fears he battled with, the fatigue that weakened his body. Every day was a new storm of its own. Yet as he worshiped, I saw on his face the peace and love he felt from the Everlasting Arms which held him. "I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on. And there will be an end to these troubles, but until that day comes, still I will praise You. Still I will praise You..."

It is so easy for me to say, "God is my Refuge and Strength, an ever present help in times of storm" and not really know what that means. It is easy for me to read the Bible and simply smile at the words on the pages, because I'm unaware of how His presence and nearness should bring me to my knees. It is easy to take lightly what David writes in Psalms, "Be my Rock of refuge to which I can always run" and fail to run to Him myself.

I want to sing of my Refuge, fully believing and understanding the promise that He will never let go.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Your perfect love is casting out fear. And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life, I won’t turn back. I know You are near..."

A Lesson from Plucking Eyebrows

2009-06-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

The other morning, I spent a good many minutes plucking my eyebrows. This may sound like something you don't want to read, but let me tell you what I learned from the job. Plucking eyebrows reminds me a lot of getting sin out of your life.

First of all, you can't just shave your eyebrows or that will cause more problems. You have to get the hair all the way out. In the same way, you can't just shave your sin to make it look better for a day or hide what's really there. You have to get it out. C.S. Lewis writes in the perspective of Jesus, "I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down. I don't want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked--the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead." According to Jesus, it is not enough for us to simply fill the cavity, shave the eyebrow, literally cover over the sin. To be a Christian means to destroy the sin. Pluck it out and wash it down the drain.

Plucking eyebrows and getting rid of sin are also similar in the fact that they hurt. This is pretty self-explanatory. If you've ever plucked your eyebrows or watched someone do it, you know it hurts. With sin, when you work hard to get rid of it or overcome the bad habit, it doesn't come easy. In fact, in brings pain. To give up of a selfish sinful desire is to give up of temporary pleasure...and that hurts. It is a sacrifice to pluck sin completely from your life, but it is worth it in the long run.

You may be asking yourself, "Doesn't the hair grow back?" Of course it does. Otherwise I wouldn't have been plucking my eyebrows again yesterday. But this doesn't ruin the comparison. Just because we have God's strength and forgiveness to help us destroy sin, that doesn't mean we won't keep sinning. Christians still sin. As a result, we must continually pluck the sin out. Until we're given a new body after we die, we will still have to pluck eyebrows and sin.

Where does Jesus come in? We obviously can not pluck eyebrow hairs out on our own or sin, for that matter. I have tried using my fingers to pull one of my eyebrow hairs out. And just for the record, it doesn't work. We need another tool to do the job - tweezers. In the same way, I can not get rid of sin on my own. It is my nature to disobey and disappoint God. How can I do otherwise on my own? God gives us the tool to destroy sin - His Son, Jesus Christ. Without Christ's death and the gift of the Holy Spirit, sin would still be rampant in our lives...and like a bushy eyebrow, it wouldn't be pretty.

If you haven't plucked your eyebrows before, hopefully this note has allowed you the opportunity to think about sin without going through the painful process of pulling hair out of your head. And if you have plucked your eyebrows and do on a regular basis, may you remember the sadness of sin while you pluck.

All that to say, sin is what I think about when I pluck my eyebrows.

Serving Leftovers to a Holy God

2009-06-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

"It's amazing how much the church changes when you haven't been there in a while. I think it's been 1.5 years since we've made it to a service. We've been so busy, and there just hasn't been enough leftover."

A friend of mine said this to me last night. And as I heard her say this, my heart cringed at her words.

I've been reading the book, "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan for a while, and I just finished the chapter where he says again and again that you can NOT serve leftovers to a holy God. A holy God demands more from us than a Sunday or two every other year. He even deserves more than just Sunday morning worship. Are we really saved if all we have to give God is our leftovers?

Think about it. A fresh casserole is far tastier than the dry crispy remains eaten the day after. Nachos a day old are soggy and bland. This is what it is like for us when we save the remains of our life for God rather than giving Him everything. Only it is far worse.

The One who spoke the whole universe into being in 6 days and now sits on His throne in fathomless glory is the God who we serve.

Don't serve Him leftovers. Give Him what He deserves.

Glimpsing At Eternity

2009-06-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

Standing on the stage at church this morning, I held a microphone in my hands and attempted to sing the words to "How Great Thou Art." When we reached the last verse, my lips trembled as I tried to sing.

"When Christ shall come, with shouts of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

As my heart sung the words, I looked out at the congregation. I saw towards the front of the room a beautiful mother worshiping her Comforter. Only months before, she gave her stillborn son back to Jesus. Her eyes were closed as she sang, and a gentle smile graced her face. Her whole body was moving to the music as if she were right then walking down the golden streets to meet her son. I imagine that images of radiant joy and glory were going through her mind as she sang. "What joy shall fill my heart!"

My eyes then met those of a small but strong widow. She smiled warmly in my direction, and I watched her as she didn't miss a beat but continued singing with such peace and confidence. A couple years ago, the love of her life was diagnosed with cancer. The strength of the little man rapidly faded, and he went to be with his Savior last year. Through the past several months, this widow's anchor has been her great Savior. As she sang this morning, I sensed the peace she felt from the promise in the hymn's words. "Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, and then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

These women worshiped with such passion and peace. Tears filled my eyes just from watching their hearts meet God's during the service. The last year for both of them has been one of great loss, but also of great gain. Just imagine what the simple word "heaven" means to them now. Both of them have nibbled from the banquet in eternity. Both have sipped from the glassy stream flowing from the throne of God. Both have squinted at even the smallest ray of God's magnificent glory. Just imagine having that in full!

I know from experience that it is easy to become angry at God for allowing bad things to happen to us. When my baby sister was born as a stillborn, I was five years old. I may have been young, but I knew what was happening. I cried myself to sleep at night saying, "I don't like God's decision! I don't like God's decision!" If I could go back to that year, I would change my reaction to "I trust God's decision." Because thirteen years later, I see that God's decision opened the window just a crack, so that I could peak into eternity.

I can only imagine what it will be like on that day "when Christ shall come, with shouts of acclamation,
and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, and then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!""

Baby Robins and Ducklings

2009-05-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

Worship Concert

2009-03-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

What: Six teenagers who love music, love camp Jonah, and love Jesus are putting on a benefit concert for anyone and everyone to be a part of! The night will be full of worship music and will be an opportunity to learn about and support Jonah Ministries (www.campjonah.com).

When: Sunday, April 19th. 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Where: Crossroads Ministry Center, 8803 NE 76th St., Vancouver, WA.

Why: To worship Jesus, to learn about Camp Jonah, and to raise support for their ministry to youth.

Free Admission!

Only Remember This

2009-02-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

Soapy water dripped from my baggy gloves, as I rinsed the crumbs out of the dish rag and continued wiping down the tables. Passing between the men and women sitting hunched over their trays of food, my nose crinkled under the stench emanating from their dirty jackets. The men's faces were half-hidden by facial hair, and wrinkles tainted the once young faces. Although the odor could have easily turned someone off from engaging with these people, somehow my heart was beating for them.

After an hour of wiping down tables, serving cups of water, and clearing trays, I sneaked inside the chapel doors to where the guitar was ringing out songs of worship. I quietly walked to the far corner of the room, and listened. Several men belted out in praise along with the leader, while others still fumbled around with the words. I heard an unfamiliar song in the background. It was the men who slept, snoring in their chairs. No one knows where they had slept the night before, or if they had slept at all. But in the safety of the chapel and the music, they slept unafraid.

I scanned the room, watching the men worship. One little man near the front caught my attention. I had seen him earlier serving his friends, but I didn't guess that he was homeless like them. In the front, he stood. He was the only one standing. He stretched his arms to heaven, and from the back of the room, I heard him singing. He knew all the words, and I saw an unexplainable passion shine from within him. Unashamed, he sung out, unafraid, he lifted his hands, and unaware of my watching, he closed his eyes meditating on every word he sang. A man, whose world and dreams had been shattered by homelessness, still held on to a promise that could never be dashed by the storms of life. His hope was rooted in Someone bigger, in Someone who promised him life. Watching his determination and belief in that promise bubble forth in his worship really moved me.

As the chapel session came to a close and the sleeping mats and blankets were all laid out for the homeless men, we made our way out the door, saying goodbye to the many grateful hearts who thanked us as we left. One lady who served alongside me that night told me about her conversation with the same little man who I still couldn't get out of my mind. She told me she had asked him his name over dinner. But he had only replied with, "Ah, that's not important. All you need to remember is this: that you came to the Rescue Mission tonight and were really blessed!"

His words stuck with me.

I had mixed feelings about leaving that night. I was tired but also heartbroken that while I was sleeping on a bed full of warm blankets, these men were only sleeping on thin mats or cement. I had a roof over my head, while these men only had a canopy of stars. I had promised food for breakfast the next morning, when these men had no guarantee when their next meal would be. As I wiped down tables earlier, I asked one man if he was getting enough. His plate was partially full, and I knew that seconds were unlikely. He replied with a grin, "More than enough!"

How could these poor, dirty, hopeless people still be smiling and thankful, when all they knew and loved had been stripped away from them? How could their hearts be so full, when they had so little? Even in a couple hours that night, their hearts' reaction to a simple meal and a few worship songs had really touched me. Their joy and love encouraged me. Their faith in the midst of their trials strengthened me. Their gratitude and contentment blessed me. While I went there to bless them, God used them to bless me.

"All you need to remember is this: that you came to the Rescue Mission tonight and were really blessed!"

_______________
www.h2obags.com

Loving the Unlovable

2009-02-14T22:03:00.000-08:00

www.h2obags.com

It's All About Jesus

2009-01-15T14:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

The chapel rang with blaring music and shook as Jr. Highers jumped and danced for Jesus. While I was on stage behind the keyboard, I watched a 12-year-old girl stretch her hand to heaven with eyes sealed shut. Another boy knelt to the ground as he sang. As I witnessed hearts unashamedly surrender themselves to Jesus, I choked back tears. Jr. highers, who usually are looked down upon for their immaturity, were getting it - what life is really all about.

Late on Saturday night, we had a session packed with acoustic songs, the Gospel message, and a convicting challenge for the believers. Soka, one of the speakers, encouraged the Christian teens to make their life all about Jesus. As he spoke, tears filled my eyes. "Philippians 1:21, 'For to me, to live is Christ...' Life is all about Jesus," he said. "We are all about Jesus! If we go to school and it isn't about Jesus, than we are doing something wrong. If we go to church every Sunday, but it isn't about Jesus, than something is wrong. If we sing these songs and it isn't about Jesus, than it's wrong. Everything is about Jesus!" He went on to tell a story, "In the beginning of the Bible, God created the world. On the sixth day, He knelt into the dirt to make man, knowing full well that later He would have to die for that dirt. Knowing that death awaited Him, He made us anyway." What Soka pointed out in His story struck me hard. A holy King died for dirt. Jesus bought us at a price far greater than what we're worth.

The students weren't the only ones challenged to make everything about Jesus. I was too. How is any of this life about us, when we are but dirt compared to God's majesty and holiness? And how can we respond in any other way but to give Him everything, when He has given everything to us? Jesus takes my breath away!

Last weekend was fantastic (as well as the camp after Christmas). Not only because of the snow, games, and fellowship, but because Jesus was there, convicting and saving the lost and challenging the believers to take the next step in their walk with God.

Remember, "If it's not about Jesus, you're doing something wrong."

Honored to serve Him,
Louie

Cousins Come

2009-01-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

Last week, my cousins, Kara and Calvin, came over. Our many adventures included visiting the ocean in the rain, scattegorizing, competing in a homeade Rook tournament, risking our lives by skating up to the Multnomah Falls' bridge, and shopping until we dropped. Fun memories...never to be forgotten!

Snow Day!

2008-12-21T15:32:00.000-08:00

Taken by Lauren Reavely

Taken by Lauren Reavely

Taken by Lauren Reavely

Taken by Lauren Reavely

Truly Living

2008-12-04T11:04:00.001-08:00

I wasn't sure if I wanted to see her, because I knew if I did, I wouldn't forget the image...

She lay stiff with waxy hands resting on her chest. Her eyes were sealed shut and a slight blush colored her cheeks. A trace of a smile touched her lips giving her a look of joy and peace.

As I gazed upon the old ruined body of my grandma, I couldn't help but smile, repeating again and again in my head, "She's free!" A beautiful promise was illustrated before me.

No longer was my grandma trapped within frail and sick flesh. No longer was she handicapped by her crippled hands and legs. No longer would she be frustrated by her inability to speak. She was free!

I stood there, pondering and marveling over the beauty of that promise. Part of me wanted to cry and part of me wanted to laugh. Briefly, I would hear the voice of my grandma attempting to stutter out a sentence and then give up with, "Oh! I don't know." In the next moment, I listened to the melodies in heaven of her singing with the angels. For a time, I pictured myself pushing her in her wheel chair throughout the house. But as that memory faded, I saw her dancing along streets of purest gold to enter the mansion prepared for her.

Gazing upon the shell of who I once knew my grandma to be, I was reminded that there is so much more. Who she was went far deeper than what I saw laying abandoned before me. Jesus had transformed her heart. Not the muscle which ceased to beat, but the soul, the very core of who she was which lived forever.

I was reminded of the cross, of the very death that brought us life. I was reminded of the grace of which we are so undeserving. I was reminded of the resurrection which sealed the hope we have in salvation. I was reminded of the never-ending life promised us through the Son.

Now I know for sure...

Life doesn't end when our bodies give in to death. Life begins when our souls give in to what is truly living.

Hello Home Sweet Home

2008-11-25T23:05:00.000-08:00

Last night at 9:45, my Grandma had the grandest party of her life, walked for the first time in years, and sang with thousands of angels. Last night, my Grandma saw with perfect vision (no more glasses) her Savior who was nailed to the cross. Last night my Grandma said her final goodbye to the pain and sorrow of this life and was welcomed into paradise, saying hello to the glory before her.

Revelations 21:4 paints the picture of the promise of Heaven, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

My dad told me of his evening last night as he told us the news of Grandma. "The little girls were unsure how to pray for this whole situation as I tucked them in to bed. Layne prayed for a good night's sleep (as usual), for Mom and finished by saying, 'Help Grandma to have a good day tomorrow.' Then Lisa prayed and I finished -- our normal rotation for bedtime prayer. I looked up at Layne and said, 'How did you know to pray for that? Tomorrow will be the best day Grandma's ever had.' And sure enough, an hour later she entered the presence of the Lord."

As I pondered over the never-ending joy promised us in the Bible and pictured my Grandma entering into it, I was reminded again that THIS is what we are living for. We are living for that moment of seeing Jesus face to face, of worshiping and glorifying Him with all the angels. We are living for more than what we can see, something that extends past what we can comprehend. In my head, I could picture my Grandma lying on her death bed, with nothing left to offer this world. We all will face a similar experience, but it is what happens in the next moments that matters. With this thought, the small trifles of life seemed to fade away, and the glory of God shown forth in my soul as the ONLY true purpose of my life.

My Grandma taught me many things in her life...Don't touch a hot iron, how to wash dishes by hand, and how to sew simple patterns. But I'm learning something far more valuable in her death.

I wrote a song this last week in honor of my Grandma...

For eighty-one years, she'd seemed so strong
But now the time had come for letting go
She'd always smiled to hide the pain
Fighting to live another day.

But as she lay upon her bed
Helpless, old, and empty
She whispered off a prayer and said
"I'm ready."

Goodbye memories
Goodbye yesterdays
Goodbye
Goodbye fears and shame
Goodbye tears and pain
Goodbye, but hello home

He was only sixteen
When the doctor said
"Son, you only have a few more weeks."
Late at night, he'd cry
Himself to sleep
Dreaming of the future he'd never see

But deep inside his heart he knew
That there was something more
He whispered off a prayer and said
"I'm yours."

Goodbye memories
Goodbye yesterdays
Goodbye
Goodbye fears and shame
Goodbye tears and pain
Goodbye, but hello home
--------
Hello joy unending
Hello shining city
Hello
Hello choir of angels
Hello mighty Savior
Hello, my home sweet home

Goodbye...Hello
I'm home

Little Sisters - You Gotta Love 'Em

2008-11-14T22:44:00.000-08:00

Leslie: "Layne, can you go get me two grapefruits from the garage."

Layne: "Sure."

Layne enters the garage and returns with one grapefruit.

Layne: (looks up with a smile) "Here."

Then she goes back for the next.

Leslie: "Thanks, Layne!"

Layne: "What's it for?"

Leslie: "What's what for?"

Layne: "What's the grapefruits for?"

Leslie: "For dinner."

Layne: (confused) "But what's it for?"

Leslie: "For dinner."

Layne: "Then, why is there only two?"

Leslie: "Because there are four of us, and we are splitting them."

Layne: (shakes head in embarrassment) "Oh!"

Layne walks off.

Leslie: "Thank you, Layne."

Hidden Beauty

2008-10-31T19:10:00.001-07:00

I couldn't help but take it in...a baby sat in her stroller wailing while her mom dug through a pile of blankets and clothes. Barbecue smoke billowed from behind several rows of hanging jackets. Hundreds of people pushed and shoved to get first pick at the hats and scarves. As they swarmed past and bumped into me, my nose resisted to wrinkle under the odor that emanated from their stained tattered coats.

Although my surroundings appeared gray and dirty, hidden beauty somehow attracted me to it.

Earlier that morning my sister and I joined a small group of teenagers in leading games for Portland's homeless. Our assigned games consisted of a peculiar ring toss and dart throw at balloons. We received no directions but were told, "Just make it fun." Clueless in where to start making rules and organizing prizes, we feared that no one would care for the "homemade" games.

As the first players trickled in, we were surprised with how they responded. Their pleasure wasn't in the game itself but in the simple competition with each other. One short young man dressed in slacks and a tie stepped forward with a giant grin on his face. Leaning over to his friend, he jokingly boasted, "How much do you want to bet that I can pop a balloon on the first try?" He closed one eye and carefully aimed the dart. Then with a step and a windup he sent the dart whizzing toward the pink targets. With a thud, the dart missed and fell.

At the failed attempt, he and his friend erupted into laughter. "I bet I could do better," the latter challenged. The two of them took several turns challenging each other back and forth. Their joy in competing and winning reminded me of how real these people are. Unfortunately, I often fail to see the men and women on the street corners as individuals with friends and feelings, desires and dreams. But watching these men smile and laugh as if they were kings encouraged me to treat them like they really were the richest men on earth.

Meanwhile, a married couple was trying on different hats, debating over the best ones to choose. The wife pulled out a rainbow beanie and slid it over her blond hair. She then walked up to the widows of the building to see her reflection. She turned as if she was a model in front of a crowd. After observing herself, she then returned to her husband saying she'd keep it.

To prepare for the cold weather, every homeless person made a stop by the table of blankets. Each of them spent considerable time choosing their favorite print. Most of them were outdated, ones we'd get rid of right away. Others were faded. I overheard a lady telling her friend, "Look at this blanket I got! Don't you like the pattern?" She lifted up a faded blue comforter with a flowered print covering it.

A rainbow beanie and outdated quilt are two things I probably would never buy. But even the used, unpopular items of our culture were valuable to them.

Spending a morning with the poor is more eyeopening then I ever imagined. I got a taste for their life but also a new perspective on my own.

Know Me

2008-10-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

I read through Ezekial not too long ago and was struck by one phrase which reappeared continuously. "Then you will know that I am the Lord."

The Lord's people repeatedly rebelled against him, denying His sovereignty and might. As a result, God punished them saying every time, "Then you will know that I am the Lord."

In every paragraph I read it. In every chapter it was said at least 8 times. For every punishment, it was the reason. God was jealous for His fame-for His glory.

As I was reading, I was pondering how much God wants to be known and how much He wants to be our everything. Is my life an ever reflection of who Christ is? When I interact with others, does Christ say, "Now they will know that I am the Lord"?

I want people to know that He is the Lord, that He is the awesome Creator of the universe, that He deserves the glory, that He was broken for us. I desire to live my life in such a way that declares to the world..."HE IS THE LORD!"

Slow Dance

2008-09-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,'Hi'

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
____________________
By a teenager with terminal cancer, NY.

Ruined For Normal Life

2008-09-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

Tears choked her as she told us what had happened. She was no longer the same person; no longer the same girl.

Crippled by depression, she never knew how long it would be before she would throw herself in front of a truck and take her life. Nothing satisfied her. She disguised the secrets of her heart and forced a smile. She fell asleep night after night angry at God and the world. No hope. No peace. No joy.

When she couldn't take it any longer; once the pain and fear hurt too much, she broke. All that had been pressed down inside her released...She wept.

But as soon as she fell, her Savior fell too. When she cried, her Redeemer shed tears of blood. As her heart broke, her Lamb was beaten, bruised, and crushed. While she threatened to take her life, He gave His own.

When the overwhelming sense of guilt and shame fled from her heart and surpassing peace swept through her and took control, she couldn't describe what had happened. It was as if she was transformed into a whole new person.

In fact, that is exactly what had happened. But as she told us the wonder of this transformation, she realized how serious it was. There was no going back. There was no returning to the old way of living; the old self had died. It had ruined her for the death she was enduring, and fixed her for life...

As C.S. Lewis writes:

"The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, "Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down. I don't want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked--the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours...Keep back nothing. Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in."

...That is what it means to be Ruined for Normal Life.

Your Will Be Done

2008-09-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

I woke up with a smile on my face, prayer in my heart, and butterflies in my stomach. It was my plan to take the driver's test and hopefully get my license this morning. Unfortunately, we forgot that you have to call in ahead of time to set up an appointment. So, my dad called the DMV and made an appointment for the soonest open slot - the 26th of September.

My heart dropped. I had so badly wanted to go and get it today, but now I had to wait for two weeks!

While I'm still dealing with my disappointment, I'm also learning much. It is all summed up in James 4:13-15: "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'"

I had a very humbling, eye-opening experience this morning. And I'm very glad for it too. I want to remember how fleeting my life is and how great God is. Based on what I've done, I don't deserve to live this day, but He gives it to me because of what His Son accomplished on the cross. May His will be done in me, whether it means a license or not.

Know What You Believe

2008-09-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

I have created a new blog for NCFCA apologetic students. Check it out!

Happy Tears

2008-09-04T16:13:00.001-07:00

Hi, my Friends!

Last night was amazing!! At the end of every camp we have a worship time that we call "The Well." I helped plan about 45 minutes worth of songs and then we got the drum set from the church and set it up in the chapel here at Jonah. We had an amazing night of worship with pretty much a full band. :) Aww! So much fun!

The sad part was that we finished up camp for the summer. Yes, we still have another week, but all the camps are over and some people are leaving today. :'( I have bittersweet emotions.

One more week just as a staff, and we leave on Friday. I'm going to really need prayer this week since it is our last and it's going to be a little hard. Also, I'm playing violin in a wedding for my friend on Friday, and I'm a little nervous about that. Tomorrow morning Tractor and I are singing the song I sang on Easter. He's sort of losing his voice, so you can pray that that will go well too.

Thank you so much for praying for me this summer. I can't wait to tell you what God did through your prayers.

Louie

This is the Hunt!

2008-09-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

It is once again the end of an amazing week of camp. We had Jr. High Adventure Camp this week which was very similar to the High School Adventure Camp last week. Because it was our second go at it, everything ran a little smoother. Wednesday was my birthday, and I had a great day! :) It was different than all the other years I've had, but it was different in a good way. I was surrounded by a whole bunch of brothers and sisters in the Lord. The sad part was that I didn't see Tractor that day until about 10:00 at night when I went out to the place he and the campers were spending the night. We hugged a lot. :) I had missed him. Then after I said goodnight to him, my night began. Two other guys and myself stayed up till 3:45 working on the Eco-challenge. :) It was a blast. We took about a half-an-hour to stargaze since we were out in the dark...it was about 1:30 in the morning.

The theme of the Adventure camps is The Hunt. The directors chose the name without realizing how much it applies to our lives. Before the campers left they were challenged to abandon themselves to Christ. We challenged them to live everyday like it was the Hunt, seeking God and making Him their focus. Then someone would yell, "This is the Hunt!" And the campers would shout, "Huh!"

Our theme song for the week has been "The Stand". The chorus ties in really well with the Hunt.

"So I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
I'll stand, my soul, Lord, to You surrendered
All I am is Yours."

When we sang this song, every Junior Higher was standing and probably 99% of them had their hands spread wide. I melted at what I saw. These kids took the Hunt seriously, and I could tell how much they loved Jesus.

Presently, I'm recovering from lack of sleep. Last night I was so tired and did the math...apparently I got about 10 hours of sleep in the last 72 hours. But it was all worth it!

This is the Hunt!

Louie

A Behind the Scenes Battle

2008-09-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!

I'm in the middle of another long week. Every week is long but very good. :) Last week was Jr. Variety Camp led by Tractor. I was originally supposed to help with worship, but after Sunday night's session (which I did help with) plans changed and I was in the kitchen every day from 7:30 in the morning to 2:00. Although I wasn't on the worship team, I did make powerpoints and help plan the songs, because the leader was extra busy.

Kitchen duty was very stretching for me. ;) Since it was my first time this summer, I had a lot to learn. The first day wasn't too bad. I helped make 80 PB&J sandwiches and did thousands of dishes...or so it seemed. Every time I turned around there were more dishes to do. About midweek, I was getting stuff ready for lunch outside at the picnic tables, and I felt like I couldn't go on. I sat down for a couple moments and sort of pouted to myself about how sore my feet were and how tired my legs and arms felt. Then I saw another girl who was in the kitchen with me and who had worked extra hours the last couple days. She leaped up the stairs back to the kitchen, skipping every other one. I had seen her earlier that day. She was dragging and quiet due to fatigue. Watching her quickly skip steps to go do another job was like a slap on the cheek for me. She was more tired than I was, a nd she kept going. She went the extra mile. She didn't complain. Her example stood me up and pushed me through the rest of the week. Like that moment, several times last week I never thought I could go on, but every time I forced myself to do it, I did.

This week is High School Adventure Camp. :) I've been in the kitchen the last couple days getting stuff ready for the Eco-challange and helping with meals. Yesterday another girl and I sorted through the costume closet which was a total wreck! I thought to myself, "If only they'd keep it clean, we wouldn't have to spend 4 hours cleaning this out." And then I recalled the hours I spent in my own closet cleaning it out because I never kept it clean. Wow! I have a lot to work on. ;)

All the campers are gone on a backpacking trip right now. It's quiet around here and meals haven't been difficult, so we're having a nice break this afternoon. Tomorrow is the Eco-challange that I've been telling you about. I'm not sure what all I'll be doing, but I do know it is going to be a long and good day. I let you know how it goes, if I get a chance this weekend.

On Monday morning I read in Isaiah 2:22, "Stop trusting in man who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?" I meditated over it for a couple minutes trying to figure out who I was trusting in. I couldn't name anyone at the time, but later that day it came back to my mind.

I was washing dishes in the kitchen, and above the sink there was a laminated sign that said, "Pray...for the campers, the staff, and anyone you want." I was somewhat frustrated because I wanted to be out with the campers reaching them face to face rather than in the kitchen. But when I saw that sign it hit me. I have the best job there is. :) I get to spend all day just praying for God to reach the heart of the campers. The counselors, the leaders, the worship team, none of them have hours upon hours to pray with hardly any distractions. I am blessed. And it also came to my mind that prayer is more powerful than being on the front lines of battle. Through prayer I can be in the kitchen and still impact the heart of a camper. "So who am I trusting in?" I asked myself again. I was trusting in myself. I was trusting in myself to impact campers, trusting in myself to change lives. I have just a breath running through me. Of what account am I? Being in the kitchen this week, I have been reminded that I am only able to make a difference through Christ's power not my own.

Tonight I'll be doing dishes again, but I'll be praying. :) If you can pray with me, I'd love to have prayer for tomorrows eco-challange, for energy and safety. Also prayer for a good night's sleep. I've been coughing a lot at night, because I have a tickle in my throat. And I'd really like to sleep well the rest of the week. :) If you could also pray that I cherish every moment that would be great. I don't want to let any memory slip by.

Thank you for praying for me. I'm thinking about you guys.

See you in a couple more weeks.

Louie

Flying by...

2008-08-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Sorry it has been so long since I wrote you last. I can only check email on the weekends, and those are often really busy. This weekend we're having our staff retreat. Yesterday we went to the beach and just hung out all day. We're all sunburned, even the ones who put sunscreen on. :-/ But despite that, we had a great relaxing day with frisbee, football, swimming, and volleyball! Last week I played piano for church and sang. Tractor, I and another guy sang "Clinging to the Cross" for communion.

The last couple weeks have been great too. The week before last I went on the High School Missions Encounter. Lauren may have already shared about that with you. But the thing that I learned the most was how much we should value salvation and how that should change our lives. We met with several missionaries who truly understood what they'd been saved from. We also spent time talking with muslim people. I realized that what they believe really changes their lifestyle. What they wear, eat, do is all based upon what they believe. But then I asked myself, why is it that these people who are believing in false hope have such changed lives when people like us believe in Christ but don't live changed lives? It saddened me to see the difference. Since then I've been encouraged to make my life a living testimony of what I believe.

That week was a good week, but getting back to Jonah was really good. I was Jonah-sick a lot of the week. Coming home made me so happy.

Last week was a blast. It was Kids Mission Camp with a tribal theme. :) The kids went to a wooded area and lived like tribes for a night. It was really neat. A couple guys and myself led worship for the kids, and I was so encouraged by it. All the kids sang so loud. One of the sessions there were three little girls in the front row who had their eyes closed and hands raised. I almost cried as I played the keyboard. :')

The first couple days I was around and helping out with the camp, but besides leading worship, I wasn't involved much. The two guys I did the worship with I'm also planning a big part of the HS Adventure Camp with. We three are plannning what we call an Eco-challange. A 9 hour long hike through the woods, caves, swamps, with different challanges, clues, and assignments along the way. It is really fun brainstorming ideas and making a vision with them.

That is what I've been doing lately. I haven't been assigned kitchen duty yet like I was expecting. I've mainly just been on reserve for counselors, leading worship, making powerpoints everyday, and planning future camp stuff. I'm very blessed to be given these roles. It is what I had hoped for, and I've almost been surprised at how much I've been able to use my gifts for the Lord.

This week Tractor is directing camp. He has delegated a lot to other people this year which will make it easier on him. I'll be helping with worship and also continuing the work on the Eco-challange. :) You can pray for safety, energy, joy, and wisdom for Tractor especially!

I really appreciate you all and look forward to being able to write more stories later.

Love you,

Louie

Walking on water? You've got to be joking!

2008-08-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

I can't believe my first week of camp is over. :) It has been an amazing experience. Last Sunday I had a hard time leaving home and saying goodbye to my family, but by Monday I had almost bonded completely with my group of staffies. We've gone hiking, camping, rafting, caving, low ropes coursing, high ropes coursing, and pinacle adventuring (that's not exactly how you'd say it, but you get the picture). ;) We've been focusing and learning a lot about emptying our cup of pride and sin and letting the Lord fill us up. We've also been challenged to step out of the boat. We're reading a book called, "If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat." It has been good for me to identify my boats of safety and security, and then step out of those comfort zones and walk in faith.

The biggest boat to get out of for me this week has been the high ropes course. I got up there, thank goodness, without too much trouble. But once I had done the first element, I was determined to go right back and just go down the zipline and be done. Much to my dismay, Taylor came to me to be my partner and force me to go on and do more of the course. I got mad at him and cried. I was so scared and frustrated. But he continued to grab my hands and look me in the eye saying, "Louie, this is your boat. You've got to get out of it."

I answered, "Taylor (yes, I used his real name 'cause I was mad. I owe several pushups because of that.), I don't want to! I can just do it next time I'm up here." By this time I had tears streaming down my face.

Taylor replied, "No. You're going to do it now! If you don't, you won't be able to do it later."

So, as I shook and cried, Taylor and I went on to the next element and the next on the ropes course. We kept going until we had finished the whole course...something I had never done and had never wanted to do.

What did I learn, you may ask, from this horrifying experience? Well, several things...

First of all, I relearned what I learned last time I was on the ropes course. That the strength of the harness doesn't change due to the height of the course. In the same way, the strength of my God doesn't change due to the differences of my situations or circumstances. My God will hold me safe the same.

The second thing I learned was that fear of heights is definitely one of my boats that I need to get out of. I never thought that my boat would be something so small as that, but I was reminded that the small steps I take to get out of my boats will strengthen me for the next times I have to get out of others.

Finally, I was reminded that I really love my brother. I'm so glad I did the whole ropes course even though it was hard and terrifying and against my will. He challenged me, helped me, and encouraged me through it all. I'm so thankful for him!

Well, that and all the other challenges I have faced this week have really stretched me. I wish I could include all I've learned in this letter, but there just isn't room.

I have met so many great close friends here. I've only known them for a week, but it feels like I've known them for my whole life. :) Actually, one of the girls writes lyrics to songs, so I helped her put one to music this week. And another girl wants me to teach her how to play worship songs on the piano. So that is exciting!

We're getting ready for the first week of camp which starts tomorrow. We're all excited, but it will be a change from our awesome week just as staff. I'm really looking forward to spending time with campers and being an example to them. I also have the opportunity to help lead worship for this camp.

Well, I'd better get going. I miss you all and love you! Have a blessed Sunday. =D

Your Louie

1 Corinthians 4:2 - "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."

2008-08-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."
1 Corinthians 4:2

2008-06-07T21:47:00.001-07:00

"We are half hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."

C.S. Lewis

Sweet Home Alabama

2008-06-04T12:57:00.001-07:00

Monday morning at about 4:30 a.m., my mom and I are flying out to Alabama for a national Speech and Debate tournament. Some of my speech and debate friends from Oregon and myself are partnering together to update you all about the tournament on a blog we made.

-les

2008-05-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Teach me Your way, O Lord;
And I will walk in Your truth.
Give me an undivided heart
That I may fear Your name.

Psalm 86:11

An Echo of Voices

2008-04-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Last Summer, we as a family spent several hours wandering through old cemeteries, giving me much time to observe the variety of tomb markings. Some of the grave stones were tall with an epitaph deeply engraved in it. Others were small stumps of rock barely peaking up through the overgrown grass. Some were decorated with roses and ornaments. Others were alienated and forsaken.

Walking through the cemetery for the first time, it was easy to let my mind think that the deceased with the derelict grave markings were the type of people that nobody had cared about, that no one had really noticed. Maybe they hadn't impacted people in the way the others had. Regretfully, my thoughts started to define the person by the stone in the ground.

As I paced through the gardens and weaved through the stones, my mind began to imagine the different lives of the individuals buried beneath me. I listened for the laughter of children running into their father's arms, the angelic melodies from carolers in the snow, the thundering boom of a Grandpa's chuckle, and the soft hum of a mother's lullaby. And as the voices drifted away, somehow my heart began to question whether it would be remembered with a fortressing pillar or a mere pebble, whether it would be adorned with roses or be abandoned beneath the grass. That is when I realized...Life is not defined by the grave. Life is not characterized by the stone. No, life is viewed by how long the laughter echoes, by how sweet the melody sounds, by how uplifting the chuckle becomes, and by how comforting is the hum. A life resounding with words and actions that ripple on forever is a life that is remembered.

I may not have known the names or the lives of the men, women, and children whose graves were hidden beneath my feet. But I did know that the condition of their graves did not effect the legacy of those individuals. It was their actions, their voices that will echo in the hearts of others.

And that is what my heart longs for...

Easter Sunday

2008-04-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a segment of the song I sang for Easter. We ran out of room on the video camera, so we only got a little of it.

Pray for us...

2008-04-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

I know this is still a couple months away, but Taylor and I have been given the opportunity to work at a camp in Washington this Summer. As excited as I am for the new experience, part of me wants to cling to the familiar and friendly.

Please pray this Summer that:

1. My homesick heart will be filled with Jesus.
2. Taylor and I will be instruments for God.
3. We will grow in our relationship with the Lord.
4. I will step out of my comfort zone to do as much for Jesus as I can.
5. We will have fun!

Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate your prayers. :)

Leslie

New Do!

2008-04-02T12:42:00.001-07:00

I encourage you to check out the new look on the H2O site. A lot of exciting opportunities are coming up in regards to this ministry, so we will be updating it frequently.

Amazing Love, How can it be?

2008-03-21T16:58:00.000-07:00

You were broken that I might be healed.
You were cast off that I might draw near.
You were thirsty that I might come drink,
Cried out in anguish that I might sing.

How deep is Your love,
How high and how wide is Your mercy.
How deep is Your grace,
Our hearts overflow with praise to You.

You knew darkness that I might know light,
Wept great tears that mine might be dried.
Stripped of glory that I might be clothed,
Crushed by Your Father to call me Your own.

How deep is Your love,
How high and how wide is Your mercy.
How deep is Your grace,
Our hearts overflow with praise to You.
------------------------------------------
Stephen Altrogge
Sovereign Grace Music

Romans 8:35-39 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Don't Blink...

2008-02-12T08:51:00.000-08:00

This morning we looked through many old photos of us as little kids. My mom told us that her mom used to say, "I wish I could go back and spend one day with you as little kids."

Don't blink because soon you realize your life is almost gone.

Happy Birthday, Andie!

2008-02-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

[.made by Lauren Reavely.]

Legacy

2008-01-26T21:43:00.000-08:00

Several men from my church have passed away in the last month. Through there lives and deaths I've learned a lot about living a life that will leave a lasting impact on my friends here. At each man's funeral our church was packed. They made a difference...left a legacy.

2008-01-23T17:51:00.001-08:00

Howdy!

The Voice of a Hidden Deity

2008-01-02T18:35:00.000-08:00

[A paper I wrote for school]

Within the Bible, God clearly displays miraculous wonders proving His presence and power. After Jesus ascended into Heaven, the Disciples continued to minister and vigorously shared the Gospel. The Bible tells us that thousands were added to their number. Why did so many believe then, when today it seems that so few are saved? Is it that God isn’t showing His power anymore? If God wants people to believe Him, why does He seem to hide Himself from them? This seems to be a big problem today, but the reason it seems that fewer people are becoming Christians isn’t God’s fault. We’ll look at why it isn’t His fault, whose responsibility it really is, and finally what should be done about the problem.

When observing the growth of the church in America’s culture today, it is easy to blame God and say it is His fault for the slow progress. Why doesn’t He do the miracles and signs that we see Him perform in the Bible? If only He’d show Himself, people would believe. While I do believe that if the Almighty God walked into our presence today many would believe, I also believe that God is showing and proving Himself in other means today. Romans 1:19-20 testifies, “What is known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and diving nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so men are without excuse.” God is making Himself known, but He’s choosing to do it through His creation. Psalm 19:1 is just one example, “The Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” We can’t blame God for the problem today. He is here and it is evident in what He has made.

So whose problem is it that fewer people seem to believe today? If God is showing Himself, who do we blame? When it gets down to it, we can’t blame anyone but ourselves. It is our responsibility as Christians to spread the Gospel. Just before Jesus’ ascension, He commanded believers to go and make disciples of every nation (Matt. 28:18-20). We are God’s instruments designed to carry out His work. Unfortunately, many believers today disobey God and decide that evangelizing is not for them. According to Howard Tryon of “Praying for You, Inc.”, only 3% of Christians are involved in evangelism, which leaves 97% disobedient. This is a staggering statistic, especially when we remember it is God we are disobeying. We easily accuse Him for something He isn’t guilty of when, all the while, we are the ones worthy of the blame.

Now that we realize it is Christians’ responsibility and our problem to deal with, what should we do to accomplish the task which God designed for us? It is easy to say go evangelize and spread the Gospel, but it isn’t always easy knowing just how to go about it. The simplest, but most effective means of evangelizing, is merely telling unbelievers with our own words. Romans 10:13-14 says, “‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” In order for them to hear, we must speak.

It isn’t right to accuse God of hiding himself resulting in a slow growth of believers in the church. It isn’t the problem of a hidden Deity but rather an opportunity to obey Christ. It is our responsibility as Christians to share the Good News with our own words. We were not made to stand by and watch hoping that God will do something amazing. We were made to obey God and serve Him with what we do and say in order to further His kingdom. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” He wants you to help reap the harvest…will you obey?

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T09:44:00.001-08:00

[.I wish you all a very merry Christmas.]

How You Live

2007-12-16T20:50:00.000-08:00

For my birthday, my mom gave me Point of Grace's new "How You Live" CD. However, she ordered it and it wasn't supposed to get to our house until August. That means I couldn't get it until we got back from our trip in September, because we left the day after my birthday. :(

But never fear...while we were staying in Virginia, I had the chance to watch this video of their title track. The meaning of it has stuck with me, and on my trip I sure tried to capture every moment. I hope it blesses you like it did me. :)

Never Teeter-totter with Taylor!

2007-12-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

We stopped in the Dakotas several times. On one specific instance, we stopped briefly at a playground for lunch. Taylor wanted to torture me on the teeter-totter, of course. And unknowingly I accepted. :( Bad idea. He would sit on his end until I was practically falling off and screaming for my life! It was dreadful! I think they should make seat belts on these things. I almost had a heart attack!

Ole Buffalo Jump

2007-11-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

Years ago buffalo roamed the prairies of Montana. Indians, taking advantage of the numerous bison, ate the animal and used its hide to make tepees and clothing. How did the men kill the giant beasts?

Many times they would ride their horses into a stampede and shoot the bison with their bows and arrows. But when the landscape allowed, the Indians would herd or rather chase the animals over a steep cliff. The buffalo couldn't see the drop off and unknowingly jumped into the deep bed of jagged rocks.

My Granddad owns land on which one of these cliffs exists. We call it 'Ole Buffalo Jump'.

A Series of Stories...

2007-11-21T17:16:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

I was brainstorming what I would post about and thought it might be neat to post series of stories from our trip with pictures to illustrate. A lot of humorous events took place, and I learned several neat facts which I'd like to share with you. So to start things off......

Land of the Free

2007-11-16T13:07:00.001-08:00

Footprints In the Sand

2007-11-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,

“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

----------------------------------

Mary Stevenson

Live In the Moment Tour!

2007-11-06T17:52:00.001-08:00

My family was blessed to receive tickets to the Steven Curtis Chapman concert! It was fabulous! Here are just a few pictures of it (including Bethany Dillon and Sanctus Real)

Candy Anyone?

2007-11-03T23:15:00.001-07:00

Yes...I was a scarecrow for Halloween.

Why Halloween is Special...

2007-10-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what is so special about Halloween? Here is a list of some important events that took place on Halloween:

1. Well...my mom's granddad was born on Halloween in the year 1621. If he hadn't been born...my Granddad would not be born...and then my mom would not have been born...and if my mom wasn't born, I wouldn't have been born. This is very important!

2. About three years ago, our beloved dutch bunny, Oreo, died on Halloween. She was a loyal rabbit that died of old age. We were truly sad to see her go. Here is just a little video of our adventures together...

3. My old Sunday school teacher became a Christian on Halloween back when he was 16 or so. He has been a great leader in our church and a godly example to me. Because of the change in his life this has been possible! THIS IS SIGNIFICANT!

4. Alright, last but definitely not least. :) In 1517, Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. If it hadn't been for his confidence to proclaim the truth. We may still be believing that we could pay off our sins on our own. THIS IS SOOOOO SIGNIFICANT!

2007-10-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Don't let me lose my wonder...

Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer

2007-10-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

Jesus, draw me ever nearer
As I labor through the storm.
You have called me to this passage
And I'll follow though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

Jesus, guide me through the tempest,
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love you even more.

May this journey bring a blessing
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go.
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.
________________________
Margaret Becker and Keith Getty

Fun In The Leaves

2007-10-19T18:41:00.001-07:00

2007-10-17T22:13:00.000-07:00

"I have learned the paradox
that if I love until it hurts
there is no hurt
only more love."
Mother Teresa

7-year-old Boy Singing National Anthem

2007-10-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

Beautiful

2007-09-25T12:49:00.001-07:00

Mirror, Mirror on the wall
Whose the fairest one of all?
Mirror, Mirror on the wall
Would you call me beautiful?

I get so wrapped up in me.
That I can't hear my Father whispering...

You're beautiful, lovely
My wonderful child
A beautiful princess
Daughter of Mine.

The image you see is a reflection of Me.
What can be more beautiful to Me.

You're beautiful, treasured,
Daughter of Mine
You are valued, accepted.
You're one of a kind...
__________________
I wrote this song knowing the tendency to strive for outward approval. We must remember that our Heavenly Father loves us just the way we are...and that should be enough.

Home Sweet Home!

2007-09-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

We are back from our seven week vacation! We are very glad to be back!

Last nigh we sat on that porch after dinner and shared all the funny stories and special moments we could think of. We laughed and sometimes almost cried. This trip brought us a lot closer, and I'm very thankful for that.

Abraham Lincoln

2007-08-12T09:26:00.001-07:00

Friday we went to Lincoln's birthplace and boyhood homestead as well as several museums. Here are some pictures there with the Searls.

The little kids. :)

Vicki and I.

All of us kids with the ranger!

TODAY:

We just got home from church and are now getting ready to eat. We are slow at making plans so I have no idea what we're doing after lunch.

Anyway, miss you all.
Leslie

This Week...

2007-08-11T07:05:00.001-07:00

This week we went through North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky. Now we are with the Searls for several days. It has been very fun and relaxing. I'm relieved to be (1) out of the car and (2) out of hotels.

Here are a few pictures of our week. I got to see a lot of Oregon Trail stuff which I completely enjoyed.

Here we are waiting for the train. ;)

This is me sitting in a wagon swale (rut).

This is Lauren blogging...the old-fashioned way.

I miss you all and look forward to seeing you in about 5-6 weeks. :)
Leslie

Vacation 2007

2007-08-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

We are in Glendive/Wibaux, Montana right now and we leave tomorrow for South Dakota.

I won't be posting pictures and reports very frequently so to see a detailed account you can go to my dad's blog.

I miss you guys!
Leslie

Capture

2007-07-28T20:45:00.001-07:00

Time is fleeting.

Hold on to the passing moment of today...

Important Poll...

2007-07-21T18:12:00.001-07:00

How do you like Taylor's hair the best?

Long?

Short?

Pink?

Green?

Be honest!

Happy 4th of July!

2007-07-05T15:14:00.002-07:00

[Photo credit: Lauren Reavely]

[Photo credit: Scott Reavely]

Still

2007-07-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

The more I get alone
The more I see I need to get alone more, more.
Cause just when I think I'm alone
Your Spirit calls out to me
And even silence has a song
Cause that's when You come
Sing over me.

Still, let me be still
Let me be okay
With the quiet in my heart.
Still, I want to be still
I'm so quick to move
Instead of listening to you
Shut my mouth,
Crush my pride,
Give me the tears
Of a broken life.
Still.

Oh this world, it falls around me
And flutters all it's beauty in my eyes
But let me choose the solitude
Simplicity has always simply changed my life.
And even stillness makes me move
Cause that's when my heart
Learns to dance with You.

Still, let me be still
Let me be okay
With the quiet in my heart.
Still, I want to be still
I'm so quick to move
Instead of listening to You
I'm Your child
Tame my heart
Obedience
To me impart.
Still.

La la la la la, Hold me
La la la la la, Cleanse me
La la la la la, Change me, Oh God
Change me while I am...

Still, let me be still
And know that You are God
And You're always enough.
Still, I want to be still
To take all that I am
And simply lift it up.
Shut my mouth,
Crush my pride,
Give me the tears
Of a broken life.
Still.

-------------------
Watermark

This song has really touched me this week.
It has reminded me that being still before the Lord is okay...I don't always have to talk.

Who Am I?

2007-06-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

I took a Jane Austen test to find out which character I am most like.
This is my result:

Take the Quiz here!

Beauty I Cannot Describe...

2007-06-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

"The Heaven's declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."
Psalm 19:1