Hey everyone!!
Let's see.....my last post was to announce my engagement to the most amazing man on the face of the earth....and now, I will fill you in on what happened after that.
After another week of time well spent with family and friends, Jeremy and I headed here to Mississippi. Instead of taking the "normal" route we drove to Nashville to spend time with Abby, one of our good friends. After that we took the Natchez Trace (an old indian path turned into a country road that took us across the most beautiful parts of Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. It was SO much fun! We stopped at waterfalls, and scenic over looks and things like that along the way, which made the trip very enjoyable.
The next day I had to return to dance, so Jeremy and I got to announce our engagement and celebrate with everyone at Ballet Mag.
Thursday morning Jeremy left for Chicago....and Saturday morning he headed off to Israel! If you haven't bee following his story, I would highly recommend it. You can access his blog here.
I want to start off by making sure that you all know that I am THRILLED that Jeremy is in Israel. I am fully convinced that this is what the Lord wants for him right now. The things that he's learning, the places he's visiting, the people he's meeting are/will make a huge impact on his life for the kingdom. I'm SO excited about that!
However, that doesn't necessarily make life easy right now. This last week was ROUGH. Having him in Israel isn't really the hardest thing.....it's not being able to be with him. I'm called to be here, he's called to be there, and that's just the way it is. In my mind, it seems better for us to minister and learn together....but that's not what the Lord thinks is best (and his plan is always the best).
The Lord is so good. He always uses these situations for his good, for his glory. He is WORTHY of all of my praise, no matter how I feel about any situation. My life cannot be lived by circumstance. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Period. No qualifiers. Whether I am rich, or poor....sick or healthy....joyful or miserable....BLESSED BE HIS NAME. That is not an easy thing to say, and even more difficult to live out.....but it's the cry of my heart. I want to bless the Lord at all times, I want to have his praise be continually on my lips. Lord, please use this for your glory! Pain is worthless if it doesn't draw me closer to you. Not for my sake, but for the sake of your name and your glory.
Amen??
1/24/2009
1/01/2009
Mrs. Jeremy Slager
This is the story of our engagement, as told by my amazing fiance. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! (Well.....not quite ;-)
Love,
Julie
Once upon a time.......a long time ago....or last night.....
Happy New Year just doesn't cut it. Elated New Year? Best New Year ever? (I forgot that it was the New Year I was so excited?) For anyone who hasn't heard, I have stepped out of the single world and into the world of an engaged man. I am Julianna Rubio's fiance. I'm sure you all want to hear the story, so I'll try and make a picture version of it so it feels like you were actually there.
Wednesday Morning--6:45 AM December 31st.
I didn't get much sleep. I had asked Julianna's parents on Monday night, and hadn't thought that I would propose quite so soon. But the night before I decided that this was the day, which meant that I got NO SLEEP. I woke up and drove to Meijers to pick up a bouquet of red roses (because every engagement needs roses). So I was planning on going to work at 8, so I made a card that said, "I love you--Don't make plans after 4:30," left it on her car (scraped the ice off her car), then went home to figure out how to do the rest.
Wednesday Afternoon--12:30 PM December 31st.
Made another card which said, "I still LOVE you--we've had a long week, but I love you even more. You deserve a special night. Wear something casual, something stunning, and something you can stand in the snow in." I dropped it off in her room and went home to finish getting everything ready.
Julianna and I always make dinner together for our dates, so I transformed my room from disaster to romantic restaurant. I had a gold tablecloth down, with red ribbons and flowers and candles and the nicest china out.
Wednesday Evening 4:45 PM December 31st.
Picked Julianna up at her house (she was stunning as promised). We made dinner and I completely surprised her with my room transformation. I left on her plate a card which said, "I will ALWAYS love you." I didn't know if this would hint at my later intentions or not, but she didn't catch on...thankfully. My mom had painted two pictures for us, one of each of us praying, and they were on the table as well. We had a lovely meal, and we were both lost in each others eyes the whole time...(awww).
Wednesday Night 6:30 PM December 31st.
The last part of the date was a surprise. I had put a sled in the back of the car, because Julianna had never been sledding before (!!!). Meanwhile, her best friend was preparing the top of the sledding hill for us, but was running 20 minutes late. She called while we were on our way, and I needed to kill 20 minutes. I remembered that the Jackson Co. Fairgrounds were having a Christmas lights festival, but didn't remember if I had money or if they were still going. Fortunately, it worked out. I didn't know this, but Julie had been dropping hints all break that she wanted to go...did not pick that up. Oops.
Wednesday Night 7:00 PM December 31st.
Off to go sledding! As we pull up to Cascades, Julianna remembered that this was where, 1 1/2 years ago I asked her to be my girlfriend (but I convinced her that we were still going sledding). Kelley (her best friend) had finished setting it all up, and as we came to the top, we saw a circle of candles with all the snow shoveled out and rose petals down in the middle. Julie thought it was a seance, so we went for a closer look. It might have been the bouquet of roses in the middle that tipped her off that this was planned. We walked into the circle together, I pulled out my Ipod and speakers and played Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling in Love." (which is the song we danced to when we first started dating). We danced, enjoying the time we had together. When the song finished, I said, "Julianna Rubio, we started dating 1 1/2 years ago, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I will always love you. Will you marry me?" Reply: yes...yes of course....)FJKDLJFKDSJ)(@!$U)UFDDXJC(@U$@!$$KNCNDEF:KJE:KXMNCMNF:KEJ:LKFJN:LKJf (gasp) jfeja;3P#Jp;IF:jr;ij;adjf;iehan;kdjf;akj. It was all a blur. We sledded down the hill as a newly engaged couple. This was the face I saw (!?!?!?!)
Wednesday Night--7:45 PM December 31st.
My new fiancee and I went to my brothers apartment to see everyone there. After the screaming and dancing, I pulled out my last surprise. I had compiled all the emails we had sent before we started dating into a book entitled, "Beginnings." At the end of the book it said, "1 Year, 6 Months, and 11 Days later" with a picture of us at our formal dinner underneath it, and pictures of all the cards and roses next to it. And that is how Jeremy Slager and Julianna Rubio became engaged.
January 1st, 2009 until Death Do Us Part
Eternal bliss.
Love,
Julie
Once upon a time.......a long time ago....or last night.....
Happy New Year just doesn't cut it. Elated New Year? Best New Year ever? (I forgot that it was the New Year I was so excited?) For anyone who hasn't heard, I have stepped out of the single world and into the world of an engaged man. I am Julianna Rubio's fiance. I'm sure you all want to hear the story, so I'll try and make a picture version of it so it feels like you were actually there.
Wednesday Morning--6:45 AM December 31st.
I didn't get much sleep. I had asked Julianna's parents on Monday night, and hadn't thought that I would propose quite so soon. But the night before I decided that this was the day, which meant that I got NO SLEEP. I woke up and drove to Meijers to pick up a bouquet of red roses (because every engagement needs roses). So I was planning on going to work at 8, so I made a card that said, "I love you--Don't make plans after 4:30," left it on her car (scraped the ice off her car), then went home to figure out how to do the rest.
Wednesday Afternoon--12:30 PM December 31st.
Made another card which said, "I still LOVE you--we've had a long week, but I love you even more. You deserve a special night. Wear something casual, something stunning, and something you can stand in the snow in." I dropped it off in her room and went home to finish getting everything ready.
Julianna and I always make dinner together for our dates, so I transformed my room from disaster to romantic restaurant. I had a gold tablecloth down, with red ribbons and flowers and candles and the nicest china out.
Wednesday Evening 4:45 PM December 31st.
Picked Julianna up at her house (she was stunning as promised). We made dinner and I completely surprised her with my room transformation. I left on her plate a card which said, "I will ALWAYS love you." I didn't know if this would hint at my later intentions or not, but she didn't catch on...thankfully. My mom had painted two pictures for us, one of each of us praying, and they were on the table as well. We had a lovely meal, and we were both lost in each others eyes the whole time...(awww).
Wednesday Night 6:30 PM December 31st.
The last part of the date was a surprise. I had put a sled in the back of the car, because Julianna had never been sledding before (!!!). Meanwhile, her best friend was preparing the top of the sledding hill for us, but was running 20 minutes late. She called while we were on our way, and I needed to kill 20 minutes. I remembered that the Jackson Co. Fairgrounds were having a Christmas lights festival, but didn't remember if I had money or if they were still going. Fortunately, it worked out. I didn't know this, but Julie had been dropping hints all break that she wanted to go...did not pick that up. Oops.
Wednesday Night 7:00 PM December 31st.
Off to go sledding! As we pull up to Cascades, Julianna remembered that this was where, 1 1/2 years ago I asked her to be my girlfriend (but I convinced her that we were still going sledding). Kelley (her best friend) had finished setting it all up, and as we came to the top, we saw a circle of candles with all the snow shoveled out and rose petals down in the middle. Julie thought it was a seance, so we went for a closer look. It might have been the bouquet of roses in the middle that tipped her off that this was planned. We walked into the circle together, I pulled out my Ipod and speakers and played Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling in Love." (which is the song we danced to when we first started dating). We danced, enjoying the time we had together. When the song finished, I said, "Julianna Rubio, we started dating 1 1/2 years ago, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I will always love you. Will you marry me?" Reply: yes...yes of course....)FJKDLJFKDSJ)(@!$U)UFDDXJC(@U$@!$$KNCNDEF:KJE:KXMNCMNF:KEJ:LKFJN:LKJf (gasp) jfeja;3P#Jp;IF:jr;ij;adjf;iehan;kdjf;akj. It was all a blur. We sledded down the hill as a newly engaged couple. This was the face I saw (!?!?!?!)
Wednesday Night--7:45 PM December 31st.
My new fiancee and I went to my brothers apartment to see everyone there. After the screaming and dancing, I pulled out my last surprise. I had compiled all the emails we had sent before we started dating into a book entitled, "Beginnings." At the end of the book it said, "1 Year, 6 Months, and 11 Days later" with a picture of us at our formal dinner underneath it, and pictures of all the cards and roses next to it. And that is how Jeremy Slager and Julianna Rubio became engaged.
January 1st, 2009 until Death Do Us Part
Eternal bliss.
12/15/2008
Ransom Captive Israel
Israel has been on my mind a lot lately. Omega (one of our ballet companies) just went a couple of weeks ago. Jeremy is headed there next semester. My precious grandmother and grandfather on my dad's side have taught me a lot about Judaism.....the Jewish people.....and the country of Israel. They are Messianic Jews, and so they have a very special place in their hearts for Israel....as do I.
The Jews are the apple of God's eye.....his first love. We, the gentiles, are the new comers, the adopted child of GREAT price. He loves us both....and none of us can come to the Father except by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, his only son. There is no replacement theology in His mind, just two lost children....and he deals with us differently.
As believing Gentiles, it is our responsibility to pray and intercede for....not scorn and turn away from....our lost brother, Israel.
This is my new favorite Christmas carol. The words alone make me want to weep. I can hardly sing this song without being on my knees crying out for the nation of Israel. This song beautifully displays God's heart for his people.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
The Jews are the apple of God's eye.....his first love. We, the gentiles, are the new comers, the adopted child of GREAT price. He loves us both....and none of us can come to the Father except by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, his only son. There is no replacement theology in His mind, just two lost children....and he deals with us differently.
As believing Gentiles, it is our responsibility to pray and intercede for....not scorn and turn away from....our lost brother, Israel.
This is my new favorite Christmas carol. The words alone make me want to weep. I can hardly sing this song without being on my knees crying out for the nation of Israel. This song beautifully displays God's heart for his people.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
12/11/2008
I Believe
It is hardcore snowing in MISSISSIPPI. Just thought I'd let you know. I'm one of the few dancers who knows how to drive in the snow.....hence I and my fellow northerners are the DDs until the weather clears!
I spent yesterday afternoon at Baptist Children's hospital reading books to sick kids, praying for them and their families and just simply holding them. It was awesome. Ms. Cassandra (my Trainee director), myself, and my friend Jade decided to go and spread Jesus to these kids.....and I think I was more touched then they were.
I don't understand why Jesus lets little ones suffer. I don't know why he doesn't prove himself mighty and just act. I don't understand why God let's me struggle instead of fixing my heart RIGHT NOW. I don't understand him, the magnitude of his plan, or the responsibility of being his ambassador.
But I believe in Him. I believe that he has power.....because I've seen it. I believe that he is good.....because I've tasted it. I believe that he is LOVE....because I've felt it.
There are many things that I don't understand.....but that's why this is faith. "Faith is being SURE of what we hope for and CERTAIN of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
Yes, there are a lot of things that don't make sense. There is so much in my journey with the Lord that makes NO sense! But the bottom line is that I believe in a baby in a manger....a man on a cross.....and a king who is coming IN GLORY. To HIM be all the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Love,
Julie
I spent yesterday afternoon at Baptist Children's hospital reading books to sick kids, praying for them and their families and just simply holding them. It was awesome. Ms. Cassandra (my Trainee director), myself, and my friend Jade decided to go and spread Jesus to these kids.....and I think I was more touched then they were.
I don't understand why Jesus lets little ones suffer. I don't know why he doesn't prove himself mighty and just act. I don't understand why God let's me struggle instead of fixing my heart RIGHT NOW. I don't understand him, the magnitude of his plan, or the responsibility of being his ambassador.
But I believe in Him. I believe that he has power.....because I've seen it. I believe that he is good.....because I've tasted it. I believe that he is LOVE....because I've felt it.
There are many things that I don't understand.....but that's why this is faith. "Faith is being SURE of what we hope for and CERTAIN of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
Yes, there are a lot of things that don't make sense. There is so much in my journey with the Lord that makes NO sense! But the bottom line is that I believe in a baby in a manger....a man on a cross.....and a king who is coming IN GLORY. To HIM be all the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Love,
Julie
12/03/2008
Psalm 37
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
Psalm 37:3-7
That is one of the most beautiful promises in scripture. Trust. Commit. Delight. Befriend faithfulness. The Lord WILL act. He IS faithful. Amen?? That's it. Just pressing on toward the goal. Love. Faith. Hope. We must fix our eyes on Jesus. Perseverance. Trust. Diligence. We will win the battle. Struggle. Surrender. Repent. Continue. We fight the good fight of faith.....and we win.
What are you doing today?? Are you actively following the Lord? Is your faith active? Are you trusting the Lord in your actions, not just your words?? Are you delighting in him? Or is faith a drudgery?? Are you finding yourself trying to do good in your own strength? Surrender. He WILL supply. You must first surrender. His yolk IS easy, his burden IS light. Cast all your anxieties on HIM because he cares for you. Be joyful always, patient in affliction, fervent in prayer. It is a DELIGHT to be with the Lord......getting the desires of your heart is just a bonus.
This life is so temporary. The words of the Psalmist are absolutely true:
Your presence is too wonderful for words!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Even a small sparrow makes a home near your altar! A young swallow makes a nest for herself in a place near to you, El Elyon, God Most High!
Blessed are those who dwell in your house!! They have no task but to praise you.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who pursue you with their whole hearts.
Even in the hard times they rejoice. The Valley of Baca is a place of springs! The desert times are as an oasis because you are there with them.
They do not become weak, but go from strength to strength until you take them home.
Father, hear me, this is my one desire! Please grant this to me, because I am your daughter, look upon me with favor.
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For you oh Lord are beautiful and terrible, awesome and to be feared.
You are the giver of all good things; you bless those that love you.
O my El Shaddai, Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you!
Psalm 84 (paraphrase)
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
Psalm 37:3-7
That is one of the most beautiful promises in scripture. Trust. Commit. Delight. Befriend faithfulness. The Lord WILL act. He IS faithful. Amen?? That's it. Just pressing on toward the goal. Love. Faith. Hope. We must fix our eyes on Jesus. Perseverance. Trust. Diligence. We will win the battle. Struggle. Surrender. Repent. Continue. We fight the good fight of faith.....and we win.
What are you doing today?? Are you actively following the Lord? Is your faith active? Are you trusting the Lord in your actions, not just your words?? Are you delighting in him? Or is faith a drudgery?? Are you finding yourself trying to do good in your own strength? Surrender. He WILL supply. You must first surrender. His yolk IS easy, his burden IS light. Cast all your anxieties on HIM because he cares for you. Be joyful always, patient in affliction, fervent in prayer. It is a DELIGHT to be with the Lord......getting the desires of your heart is just a bonus.
This life is so temporary. The words of the Psalmist are absolutely true:
Your presence is too wonderful for words!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Even a small sparrow makes a home near your altar! A young swallow makes a nest for herself in a place near to you, El Elyon, God Most High!
Blessed are those who dwell in your house!! They have no task but to praise you.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who pursue you with their whole hearts.
Even in the hard times they rejoice. The Valley of Baca is a place of springs! The desert times are as an oasis because you are there with them.
They do not become weak, but go from strength to strength until you take them home.
Father, hear me, this is my one desire! Please grant this to me, because I am your daughter, look upon me with favor.
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For you oh Lord are beautiful and terrible, awesome and to be feared.
You are the giver of all good things; you bless those that love you.
O my El Shaddai, Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you!
Psalm 84 (paraphrase)
11/22/2008
Life in the real world
Hey y'all.
Where to start? I haven't written in a while......which was actually intentional. There have been a million thoughts swirling all around and inside of me lately, and somehow I couldn't quite write any of them down.
Let's see. Work?? Work is good. I really enjoy my job. It DEFINITELY has good and bad days, but overall it's awesome. I love people watching (not the creepy kind! I just find humans fascinating, I like to study how people work). So anyway, being a server definitely lends itself to that. I have AMPLE opportunity to share about Jesus, I find myself talking about Him a lot, because there are always questions as to why I'm so different. I love talking to them about Jesus. I'm blessed with the ability to talk to people easily, making friends has never been a problem....and it's a very useful tool in evangelism. The Lord has really given me a heart for them....I want them to know Jesus! It's exciting....but not always that easy......
This is what I hate. It's SO EASY to become like them. The bad language, the coarse humor, the racism....it's much easier to join in then it is to resist. The fact of the matter is that it is exhausting to stand up for Jesus. Being in the "real world" is challenging. I've never been in THIS much of a secular enviroment before. Even last year, my boss was a "christian" and most of my coworkers were somewhat sympathetic to christianity. Not so with this crowd. There are many hurting people. Some involved in cults, some in homosexuality, some are single moms, some do drugs.....all of them get drunk on the weekends. It's funny how much they want to see me fail! They're waiting for the day that I cuss someone out, or take a cigarette, or sleep with one of our coworkers, or do ANYTHING....big or small.....that would make them feel better about their lifestyle. They want me to be okay with how they act....and it's hard to disagree in love! I either want to tell them that they're crazy, or I want to sweep it under the rug.....it's hard to stand for my values, but still relate to them and love them.
I have to be on my knees, I have to be in the Word.....or I would be easily swept away by the sin that surrounds me. Danielle (my roommate) is wonderful. It's really nice to have someone else their for moral support!
So, is it too late for me to say that I really feel for my friends that went through public school?? I never gave you guys enough credit. It's a hard thing to be immersed in all that crap everyday. I see now why many fell away....and I have a lot of respect for those of you that didn't.
I need more of you Jesus. More grace, more love, more strength, more passion, more self control, more ability to serve you.....to reach out to the lost.
Love,
Julie
Where to start? I haven't written in a while......which was actually intentional. There have been a million thoughts swirling all around and inside of me lately, and somehow I couldn't quite write any of them down.
Let's see. Work?? Work is good. I really enjoy my job. It DEFINITELY has good and bad days, but overall it's awesome. I love people watching (not the creepy kind! I just find humans fascinating, I like to study how people work). So anyway, being a server definitely lends itself to that. I have AMPLE opportunity to share about Jesus, I find myself talking about Him a lot, because there are always questions as to why I'm so different. I love talking to them about Jesus. I'm blessed with the ability to talk to people easily, making friends has never been a problem....and it's a very useful tool in evangelism. The Lord has really given me a heart for them....I want them to know Jesus! It's exciting....but not always that easy......
This is what I hate. It's SO EASY to become like them. The bad language, the coarse humor, the racism....it's much easier to join in then it is to resist. The fact of the matter is that it is exhausting to stand up for Jesus. Being in the "real world" is challenging. I've never been in THIS much of a secular enviroment before. Even last year, my boss was a "christian" and most of my coworkers were somewhat sympathetic to christianity. Not so with this crowd. There are many hurting people. Some involved in cults, some in homosexuality, some are single moms, some do drugs.....all of them get drunk on the weekends. It's funny how much they want to see me fail! They're waiting for the day that I cuss someone out, or take a cigarette, or sleep with one of our coworkers, or do ANYTHING....big or small.....that would make them feel better about their lifestyle. They want me to be okay with how they act....and it's hard to disagree in love! I either want to tell them that they're crazy, or I want to sweep it under the rug.....it's hard to stand for my values, but still relate to them and love them.
I have to be on my knees, I have to be in the Word.....or I would be easily swept away by the sin that surrounds me. Danielle (my roommate) is wonderful. It's really nice to have someone else their for moral support!
So, is it too late for me to say that I really feel for my friends that went through public school?? I never gave you guys enough credit. It's a hard thing to be immersed in all that crap everyday. I see now why many fell away....and I have a lot of respect for those of you that didn't.
I need more of you Jesus. More grace, more love, more strength, more passion, more self control, more ability to serve you.....to reach out to the lost.
Love,
Julie
11/08/2008
Prayer
Mmmmmmm...."oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear! All because we do not carry...everything to God in prayer!"
Can I get an amen??
I'm such a dummy sometimes. I mean really, why do I neglect prayer? Of all the things in the whole world, it's my favorite. No kidding. I'd rather spend time in prayer then do anything else....and YET, it's the one thing that always seems to be pushed aside. An hour spent totally alone with the Lord is SO refreshing. It restores my heart, my mind, my body, my joy....so wonderful....yet I find it difficult to make time for it. I need to prioritize my time better.
Anyway, I had a really wonderful time with the Lord today. I sat out on my balcony, listened to some music, and just talked to the Lord. Wonderful. Much to my surprise (and amusement) I opened my eyes about 30 minutes into my prayer time, and two precious little kids were standing below my balcony, jaws dropped, with a puzzled look on their faces. I smiled, waved, and went back to praying. I can hardly believe how captivated I was by Him. An hour went by like a minute. SO WONDERFUL. It was one of those times where I really felt like I got to pray through everything, and got to prayer for everyone that I wanted to. It is SUCH a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. The freedom and joy found in casting your cares on him is immeasurable. I am so thankful for prayer.
Thank you Jesus, that we can come to God, through you, our high priest. It is such a privilege. Amen.
Love,
Julie
Can I get an amen??
I'm such a dummy sometimes. I mean really, why do I neglect prayer? Of all the things in the whole world, it's my favorite. No kidding. I'd rather spend time in prayer then do anything else....and YET, it's the one thing that always seems to be pushed aside. An hour spent totally alone with the Lord is SO refreshing. It restores my heart, my mind, my body, my joy....so wonderful....yet I find it difficult to make time for it. I need to prioritize my time better.
Anyway, I had a really wonderful time with the Lord today. I sat out on my balcony, listened to some music, and just talked to the Lord. Wonderful. Much to my surprise (and amusement) I opened my eyes about 30 minutes into my prayer time, and two precious little kids were standing below my balcony, jaws dropped, with a puzzled look on their faces. I smiled, waved, and went back to praying. I can hardly believe how captivated I was by Him. An hour went by like a minute. SO WONDERFUL. It was one of those times where I really felt like I got to pray through everything, and got to prayer for everyone that I wanted to. It is SUCH a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. The freedom and joy found in casting your cares on him is immeasurable. I am so thankful for prayer.
Thank you Jesus, that we can come to God, through you, our high priest. It is such a privilege. Amen.
Love,
Julie
11/04/2008
Election Day
Father, your will be done. We want godly leaders....but you know what's best for this country. You choose the man you want, you put him in the white house.....and we will remember that you are still our king. No matter what.
Isaiah 40 (select parts)
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?
Who has understood the mind [d] of the LORD,
or instructed him as his counselor?
Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,
and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge
or showed him the path of understanding?
Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
they are regarded as dust on the scales;
he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
He brings princes to naught
and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
No sooner are they planted,
no sooner are they sown,
no sooner do they take root in the ground,
than he blows on them and they wither,
and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
"To whom will you compare me?
Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one,
and calls them each by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.
Isaiah 40 (select parts)
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?
Who has understood the mind [d] of the LORD,
or instructed him as his counselor?
Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,
and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge
or showed him the path of understanding?
Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
they are regarded as dust on the scales;
he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
He brings princes to naught
and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
No sooner are they planted,
no sooner are they sown,
no sooner do they take root in the ground,
than he blows on them and they wither,
and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
"To whom will you compare me?
Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one,
and calls them each by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.
11/02/2008
It's all about Jesus......no really, it is.
I had quite the weekend. I got to share the gospel twice (once to a Muslim man, once to a drunk customer), I was robbed and I (along with my roommates) drove a drunk coworker home from work (he was hardcore drunk, throwing up and finally passing out in the back seat of Megan's car...Dani and I prayed...). It was all very surreal. I don't really want to tell you the whole story, because that would bring credit to me. It makes me sound like some sort of hero, or saint, or something really amazing and cool.....and that's a bold face lie.
Lately I've been struggling. I don't "feel" close to the Lord....I crave more time with him in prayer and in the Word, but haven't done anything about it. I go to prayer meetings, but mainly out of obligation. I've been frustrated and even mildly depressed about dance. Work is going well, but it's not without its frustrations. I've been pretty consumed with myself, my own emotions and desires, my own relationship with the Lord....This is not a pity party, the point is, I'm not a super christian.
It's all about Jesus.....no really, it is.
He's done some incredible works during these last 24 hours.....and I just happened to be the vessel. It amazes me. I didn't go out looking for evangelism opportunities...I literally walked right into them. I wish you guys could see how beaten down I've been lately. I feel like the walking testimony for 2 Cor 12:9-10 "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
I'm in awe. Really Jesus?? Really?? You want to use me to share about you? I'm weak, I'm sinful, I'm not a good example......you want to use me?? Incomprehensible.
At the same time, it's strangely exciting. It's amazing to speak and know that it's not you, but He that lives inside you. Sometimes it's an almost out of body experience....yet completely natural...to react in such a Christ like way. It's just simply not me. Julianna Arwen Rubio does not have that much goodness, Jesus Christ of Nazareth does.
Just goes to show that it's not AT ALL about me. Yes, I need to follow the Word, I need to be in prayer, I need to be ready to evangelize at any moment....but when I am doing those things and I simply don't feel sufficient, his grace is more then enough.
Thank you Jesus....since I seem to forget so often, I'll say it again, it's all about you, it really is.
Lately I've been struggling. I don't "feel" close to the Lord....I crave more time with him in prayer and in the Word, but haven't done anything about it. I go to prayer meetings, but mainly out of obligation. I've been frustrated and even mildly depressed about dance. Work is going well, but it's not without its frustrations. I've been pretty consumed with myself, my own emotions and desires, my own relationship with the Lord....This is not a pity party, the point is, I'm not a super christian.
It's all about Jesus.....no really, it is.
He's done some incredible works during these last 24 hours.....and I just happened to be the vessel. It amazes me. I didn't go out looking for evangelism opportunities...I literally walked right into them. I wish you guys could see how beaten down I've been lately. I feel like the walking testimony for 2 Cor 12:9-10 "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
I'm in awe. Really Jesus?? Really?? You want to use me to share about you? I'm weak, I'm sinful, I'm not a good example......you want to use me?? Incomprehensible.
At the same time, it's strangely exciting. It's amazing to speak and know that it's not you, but He that lives inside you. Sometimes it's an almost out of body experience....yet completely natural...to react in such a Christ like way. It's just simply not me. Julianna Arwen Rubio does not have that much goodness, Jesus Christ of Nazareth does.
Just goes to show that it's not AT ALL about me. Yes, I need to follow the Word, I need to be in prayer, I need to be ready to evangelize at any moment....but when I am doing those things and I simply don't feel sufficient, his grace is more then enough.
Thank you Jesus....since I seem to forget so often, I'll say it again, it's all about you, it really is.
10/22/2008
Hosea
Hey y'all.
Well....I started this entry last week sometime.....I just never finished.
Last weekend Jeremy came down for a few days, and we had a marvelous time. We did a lot of different things, but one fun thing we did was go to see the movie Fireproof. For those that haven't seen it, it's EXCELLENT. Definitely a low budget film, but the message is AMAZING. It's about a married couple, and their marriage issues.....and how they work through them, to God's glory.
After going to see the movie, it made me think a lot about how God acts toward us. Actually, a similar story is told in the Bible....you can find it in the book of Isaiah. I've been studying Hosea these last couple of weeks. I love this story. It's sad, it's frustrating at times, but it shows the incredible, unwavering, immense, steadfast love of God.
Hosea was a prophet during a time when Israel had turned COMPLETELY away from the Lord. They were worshiping idols....prostituting themselves with other gods. The Lord was furious. He had chosen Israel to be his bride, his people, his one and only, and she turned her back on him. Heartbreaking.
In the past I've read that story and it seemed like God was so mean! The things he says to/about Israel are terrible. A few years of life experience, a little more wisdom, and having a relationship of my own have made me realize that all that God did was out of love. Yes, he was angry....but he wasn't being vengeful. He loved Israel SO much, that he let her go her own way. He knew that by letting her go, she would see how terrible life without him was, and she would return. All the things that happened to Israel were out of his GREAT love for her. He knew that the best way to pursue her, was to let her go. Yet he never let her leave his hand...he still had complete control, he knew exactly how much he would allow until he would restore her. He wasn't done with her, he continued to love and look after her. Many years later, he sent his only son to die for her...it wasn't about anger, it was all about love.
God does that in our lives as well. Once you know the Lord, once you have truly tasted his goodness, you can't enjoy sin. Oh you may, for a time, but God loves us SO much that he doesn't allow us to enjoy our sin for long! Those temporary pleasures always turn sour, and we are driven back into his ever loving, ever open arms. What great love! It hurts him to see us run from him, but he knows that letting us taste life without him is the best way to bring us back.....so he let's us go.....out of his great love.....all the while eagerly awaiting our return.
That's a beautiful picture of how marriage should be. I think that's why I loved Fireproof so much. That's the kind of love that a husband should have for his wife....and vice versa. So many people jump ship when things get tough. True love "always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, love NEVER fails."
Well....I started this entry last week sometime.....I just never finished.
Last weekend Jeremy came down for a few days, and we had a marvelous time. We did a lot of different things, but one fun thing we did was go to see the movie Fireproof. For those that haven't seen it, it's EXCELLENT. Definitely a low budget film, but the message is AMAZING. It's about a married couple, and their marriage issues.....and how they work through them, to God's glory.
After going to see the movie, it made me think a lot about how God acts toward us. Actually, a similar story is told in the Bible....you can find it in the book of Isaiah. I've been studying Hosea these last couple of weeks. I love this story. It's sad, it's frustrating at times, but it shows the incredible, unwavering, immense, steadfast love of God.
Hosea was a prophet during a time when Israel had turned COMPLETELY away from the Lord. They were worshiping idols....prostituting themselves with other gods. The Lord was furious. He had chosen Israel to be his bride, his people, his one and only, and she turned her back on him. Heartbreaking.
In the past I've read that story and it seemed like God was so mean! The things he says to/about Israel are terrible. A few years of life experience, a little more wisdom, and having a relationship of my own have made me realize that all that God did was out of love. Yes, he was angry....but he wasn't being vengeful. He loved Israel SO much, that he let her go her own way. He knew that by letting her go, she would see how terrible life without him was, and she would return. All the things that happened to Israel were out of his GREAT love for her. He knew that the best way to pursue her, was to let her go. Yet he never let her leave his hand...he still had complete control, he knew exactly how much he would allow until he would restore her. He wasn't done with her, he continued to love and look after her. Many years later, he sent his only son to die for her...it wasn't about anger, it was all about love.
God does that in our lives as well. Once you know the Lord, once you have truly tasted his goodness, you can't enjoy sin. Oh you may, for a time, but God loves us SO much that he doesn't allow us to enjoy our sin for long! Those temporary pleasures always turn sour, and we are driven back into his ever loving, ever open arms. What great love! It hurts him to see us run from him, but he knows that letting us taste life without him is the best way to bring us back.....so he let's us go.....out of his great love.....all the while eagerly awaiting our return.
That's a beautiful picture of how marriage should be. I think that's why I loved Fireproof so much. That's the kind of love that a husband should have for his wife....and vice versa. So many people jump ship when things get tough. True love "always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, love NEVER fails."
10/17/2008
Consider my servant ______.
We've been talking about the names of God in my Bible study. This week we talked about "El Elyon" which translates "God most high". The names of God all speak to different attributes of his character.....they reveal him in different ways to us. I LOVE learning about this. I have this weird fixation on names. I love to find out what they mean, because many times they reveal a particular strength or character flaw in their bearer. When I have children I'm going to give them names that tell of the kind of person I want them to be. My parents did things that way (to some degree) and it's really cool.
Anyway, sorry, that was a bunny trail, that was not the point of this entry.
I wanted to talk about Job. Now, don't worry, I'm not going through anything terrible....usually that's when people fixate on his story.....I just find the way God is revealed in this story to be incredible. Take a look.
Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
Okay, stop. Look at who starts this conversation about Job. Satan doesn't want to pick on Job.....God brings him up. How amazing is that?? God, in his sovereignty knew that Job would stand up to what Satan was going to throw against him. HE KNEW. God wouldn't have said that if Job was going to fail....what a compliment!
What does that look like in my life?? When I face trials and hardships I'm tempted to ask why. This story makes it seem like that is DESIRABLE not only for the testing of my faith, but also because it shows that God knows that I will stand."Consider my servant Julie. There is no one on earth like her; she is blameless and upright, a woman who fears God and shuns evil." I want that to be true of me. What an amazing thing it would be to be complimented by the God of the universe....and for him to know and to trust you to stand....knowing all the while that your faith will bring him glory. That's not a prideful request. I want God to be glorified. I want him to know that I will stand against trials, for HIS namesake. It is for this very reason that the apostles in Acts 5 "left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." It is a privilege to suffer. It is a privilege to be one who God knows will stand.
Put your name in the blank...."Consider my servant ______." Does God think that you are worthy of suffering for his name? And when he does bring those trials, do you rejoice??
Love you all. Peace.
-Julie
Anyway, sorry, that was a bunny trail, that was not the point of this entry.
I wanted to talk about Job. Now, don't worry, I'm not going through anything terrible....usually that's when people fixate on his story.....I just find the way God is revealed in this story to be incredible. Take a look.
Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
Okay, stop. Look at who starts this conversation about Job. Satan doesn't want to pick on Job.....God brings him up. How amazing is that?? God, in his sovereignty knew that Job would stand up to what Satan was going to throw against him. HE KNEW. God wouldn't have said that if Job was going to fail....what a compliment!
What does that look like in my life?? When I face trials and hardships I'm tempted to ask why. This story makes it seem like that is DESIRABLE not only for the testing of my faith, but also because it shows that God knows that I will stand."Consider my servant Julie. There is no one on earth like her; she is blameless and upright, a woman who fears God and shuns evil." I want that to be true of me. What an amazing thing it would be to be complimented by the God of the universe....and for him to know and to trust you to stand....knowing all the while that your faith will bring him glory. That's not a prideful request. I want God to be glorified. I want him to know that I will stand against trials, for HIS namesake. It is for this very reason that the apostles in Acts 5 "left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." It is a privilege to suffer. It is a privilege to be one who God knows will stand.
Put your name in the blank...."Consider my servant ______." Does God think that you are worthy of suffering for his name? And when he does bring those trials, do you rejoice??
Love you all. Peace.
-Julie
10/12/2008
SO many thoughts......SO little time.....
So, this entry has no real topic....it's just a kaleidoscope of thoughts from the last week.
The loving nickname for the Ballet Magnificat Trainee program is the "B&B Boot camp".....and no, B&B does not stand for "bed and breakfast" it stands for "bible and ballet."
Lately, it's been more of the former, less of the other. The Lord has been challenging me to move to the "next level" in him. He is no longer letting the little things slide. No. They need to be cut out of my life. There is no more room for these "harmless" habits or personality defects.
He's also been asking me to step out of my comfort zone in terms of leading.....and following. I've been given a lot of responsibility here. I'm leading two prayer groups, one for my student bible study, one for the B. Mag intercession group. That is how he's challenging me to lead....I'm responsible to hear from him, to seek him, on the behalf of others. It's not just about my walk with the Lord, it's about following Christ so that others have an example to follow. Humbling. The other thing that he's been testing is my ability to follow. I don't always agree with the leaders here. I don't always like what the important people in my life have to say. NEVERTHELESS, I am still responsible to be humble and to accept correction. Just because God is asking me to lead in some areas, DOES NOT mean that I have it all together. I am under authority still....that's a hard balance sometimes. It's hard to switch from being the leader to the follower, but it's an important balance that I'll need for the rest of my life.
The other thought I've been having lately: I am so comfortable being an adult. I've always wanted to be one, really, since I was five I've wanted to be "all grown up".....it finally dawned on me the other day that I am one. Not that I have it all together, not that I'm done learning, not that at all....just that this is MY life and I'm living it. Last year I felt like a little kid playing dress up....like this wasn't really my life, it was just pretend. It's slowly dawned on me that this is my life, it's not a dress rehearsal. I enjoy it so much. The independence, the freedom to discover who I am, who God is, the joy of living life with the amazing girls here. This is a WONDERFUL phase of life, I love it.
Last thing: Come Lord Jesus, come! I've been thinking a lot about him coming back, I hope it's soon! I love this verse of the song, "You're beautiful" by Phil Wickham.
When we arrive at eternity's shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we'll sing You're beautiful
Amen. Come Lord Jesus, come!
The loving nickname for the Ballet Magnificat Trainee program is the "B&B Boot camp".....and no, B&B does not stand for "bed and breakfast" it stands for "bible and ballet."
Lately, it's been more of the former, less of the other. The Lord has been challenging me to move to the "next level" in him. He is no longer letting the little things slide. No. They need to be cut out of my life. There is no more room for these "harmless" habits or personality defects.
He's also been asking me to step out of my comfort zone in terms of leading.....and following. I've been given a lot of responsibility here. I'm leading two prayer groups, one for my student bible study, one for the B. Mag intercession group. That is how he's challenging me to lead....I'm responsible to hear from him, to seek him, on the behalf of others. It's not just about my walk with the Lord, it's about following Christ so that others have an example to follow. Humbling. The other thing that he's been testing is my ability to follow. I don't always agree with the leaders here. I don't always like what the important people in my life have to say. NEVERTHELESS, I am still responsible to be humble and to accept correction. Just because God is asking me to lead in some areas, DOES NOT mean that I have it all together. I am under authority still....that's a hard balance sometimes. It's hard to switch from being the leader to the follower, but it's an important balance that I'll need for the rest of my life.
The other thought I've been having lately: I am so comfortable being an adult. I've always wanted to be one, really, since I was five I've wanted to be "all grown up".....it finally dawned on me the other day that I am one. Not that I have it all together, not that I'm done learning, not that at all....just that this is MY life and I'm living it. Last year I felt like a little kid playing dress up....like this wasn't really my life, it was just pretend. It's slowly dawned on me that this is my life, it's not a dress rehearsal. I enjoy it so much. The independence, the freedom to discover who I am, who God is, the joy of living life with the amazing girls here. This is a WONDERFUL phase of life, I love it.
Last thing: Come Lord Jesus, come! I've been thinking a lot about him coming back, I hope it's soon! I love this verse of the song, "You're beautiful" by Phil Wickham.
When we arrive at eternity's shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we'll sing You're beautiful
Amen. Come Lord Jesus, come!
10/05/2008
The things of earth will grow strangely dim.....
.....in the light of his glory and grace.
Amen??
Why do we put so much hope in the things of this world?? Today the one that made an impression on me was the vanity of women. My goodness. Everyone at my church is dressed to the nines.....people hardly wear an outfit more then once......looking perfect is a good enough reason to be late to church.....what the heck?!?! There's something wrong with that.
It's not that I don't understand....I do. In and of myself, I'm in that race with everyone else. Who has the best hair? Who looks the cutest? Does she have the same shirt as me? Blah, blah, puke, blah.
However, because it is no longer I that live, but CHRIST lives in me, looking great is close to the bottom of my list. Women are so deceived. Why do we sacrifice time with the Lord, our attitude with our husbands, children, roommates and friends....and our God given resources, just to have something that doesn't matter? The Lord made women beautiful....period. All the extra frills and frivolous charms are vanity.
I'm not trying to be self righteous....really. I'm just frustrated. Ladies, if you want to be treated like more then just a pretty face.....then act like it! I'm all for looking pretty, it just can't be your focus. Getting angry over what you're wearing to church is just stupid. Who cares? God doesn't. If I ever get the chance to be a leader in a church, that's going to be a big deal to me. I want the elders to wear the same outfits (because they've given everything else to those in need). I don't want the worship team wearing all designer clothing (because the money could be better spent reaching the lost here and abroad). I don't want the youth group to shun kids that are wearing the WalMart brand jeans (because Jesus died for them just as much as he died for the Abercrombie model clones)......I don't want to create an atmosphere in which you feel ashamed to go to church if you don't have the latest and greatest! Women we should build each other up in the Lord, not compete for some imaginary title of "best looking girl at church."
Shame on us for that.
"And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."
Amen??
Why do we put so much hope in the things of this world?? Today the one that made an impression on me was the vanity of women. My goodness. Everyone at my church is dressed to the nines.....people hardly wear an outfit more then once......looking perfect is a good enough reason to be late to church.....what the heck?!?! There's something wrong with that.
It's not that I don't understand....I do. In and of myself, I'm in that race with everyone else. Who has the best hair? Who looks the cutest? Does she have the same shirt as me? Blah, blah, puke, blah.
However, because it is no longer I that live, but CHRIST lives in me, looking great is close to the bottom of my list. Women are so deceived. Why do we sacrifice time with the Lord, our attitude with our husbands, children, roommates and friends....and our God given resources, just to have something that doesn't matter? The Lord made women beautiful....period. All the extra frills and frivolous charms are vanity.
I'm not trying to be self righteous....really. I'm just frustrated. Ladies, if you want to be treated like more then just a pretty face.....then act like it! I'm all for looking pretty, it just can't be your focus. Getting angry over what you're wearing to church is just stupid. Who cares? God doesn't. If I ever get the chance to be a leader in a church, that's going to be a big deal to me. I want the elders to wear the same outfits (because they've given everything else to those in need). I don't want the worship team wearing all designer clothing (because the money could be better spent reaching the lost here and abroad). I don't want the youth group to shun kids that are wearing the WalMart brand jeans (because Jesus died for them just as much as he died for the Abercrombie model clones)......I don't want to create an atmosphere in which you feel ashamed to go to church if you don't have the latest and greatest! Women we should build each other up in the Lord, not compete for some imaginary title of "best looking girl at church."
Shame on us for that.
"And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."
10/02/2008
Galations 1:10
Am I now seeking the approval of men? Or of God? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ Jesus.
So, lately I have NOT been able to dance. At all. No, really, I've been terrible.....this is not false modesty.....I used to be able to dance much better then I have been dancing these last few weeks. Some of it is being out of shape, some is dancing with REALLY good dancers.....but a lot of it is the attitude of my heart.
I didn't realize it until yesterday, but there's been something ugly lurking in my heart and mind these past few weeks. I've been WAY too focused on the opinion of my teachers and peers (something I thought wouldn't happen to me, because I'm not focused on getting into the company). However, that's the truth. I was complaining to a friend about how bad I was, and how my talent for dance seemed to have left me.....she didn't respond the way I thought she would.
"Julie, why are you complaining?? Sounds to me like you're being refined. You always pray for the Lord to refine you, and now that he's doing it, you're complaining. The Lord is stretching you outside of what you are comfortable with, in order to make you rely on him. Are you learning humility? Selflessness? Are you learning to work for the LORD not for men?? Aren't those good things? WHY are you complaining??"
Mhhmm. Thanks for that.......tough love. I needed it, I really did. It was a hit to my pride and self indignation, but it was exactly what I needed to hear. Especially because it was on the car ride to our first performance.
After that I spent some time in prayer...just pouring my heart out to the Lord and asking him to change me. I realized that I wanted people to see Jesus IN ME.....I wanted to glorify God with MY DANCING.....no. That's not how it works. I have to leave out the "me" part. I just want people to see Jesus......for God to be glorified, no matter what.
It's amazing what the Word, the Spirit, and a good friend can do for you. My attitude was transformed, almost instantly. My cares about other people, the teachers, the audience, my peers.....suddenly seemed ridiculous in the light of JESUS CHRIST, the son of the living God, and an opportunity to worship him with my whole body. The performance was awesome. I danced like a free woman. The chains of fear, doubt and discouragement were released....I felt like a different person.
Praise the Lord. Isn't that a cool testimony to HIM?? Isn't it amazing how he can change hearts (even stubborn ones!) God gets the glory. Amen?
So, lately I have NOT been able to dance. At all. No, really, I've been terrible.....this is not false modesty.....I used to be able to dance much better then I have been dancing these last few weeks. Some of it is being out of shape, some is dancing with REALLY good dancers.....but a lot of it is the attitude of my heart.
I didn't realize it until yesterday, but there's been something ugly lurking in my heart and mind these past few weeks. I've been WAY too focused on the opinion of my teachers and peers (something I thought wouldn't happen to me, because I'm not focused on getting into the company). However, that's the truth. I was complaining to a friend about how bad I was, and how my talent for dance seemed to have left me.....she didn't respond the way I thought she would.
"Julie, why are you complaining?? Sounds to me like you're being refined. You always pray for the Lord to refine you, and now that he's doing it, you're complaining. The Lord is stretching you outside of what you are comfortable with, in order to make you rely on him. Are you learning humility? Selflessness? Are you learning to work for the LORD not for men?? Aren't those good things? WHY are you complaining??"
Mhhmm. Thanks for that.......tough love. I needed it, I really did. It was a hit to my pride and self indignation, but it was exactly what I needed to hear. Especially because it was on the car ride to our first performance.
After that I spent some time in prayer...just pouring my heart out to the Lord and asking him to change me. I realized that I wanted people to see Jesus IN ME.....I wanted to glorify God with MY DANCING.....no. That's not how it works. I have to leave out the "me" part. I just want people to see Jesus......for God to be glorified, no matter what.
It's amazing what the Word, the Spirit, and a good friend can do for you. My attitude was transformed, almost instantly. My cares about other people, the teachers, the audience, my peers.....suddenly seemed ridiculous in the light of JESUS CHRIST, the son of the living God, and an opportunity to worship him with my whole body. The performance was awesome. I danced like a free woman. The chains of fear, doubt and discouragement were released....I felt like a different person.
Praise the Lord. Isn't that a cool testimony to HIM?? Isn't it amazing how he can change hearts (even stubborn ones!) God gets the glory. Amen?
9/23/2008
Pictures
Hey all!
Nothing serious today! If you want some deep content, try the last two entries....I'm tired, and just thought I'd put up some pictures, mmk?? Oh, you may not recognize me, I got my hair cut.....and it's straight....so I'm the girl in the white, with jeans on and dark, straight hair.
These are from our trainee 2 outing to a lake in kosciusko:
*EDITED TO ADD*
Isn't this picture awesome?? Roxy and I on the tire swing.
We got lost.....two miles from our destination....
Nothing serious today! If you want some deep content, try the last two entries....I'm tired, and just thought I'd put up some pictures, mmk?? Oh, you may not recognize me, I got my hair cut.....and it's straight....so I'm the girl in the white, with jeans on and dark, straight hair.
These are from our trainee 2 outing to a lake in kosciusko:
*EDITED TO ADD*
Isn't this picture awesome?? Roxy and I on the tire swing.
We got lost.....two miles from our destination....
9/20/2008
Hebrews
Hey all.
All summer....and the end of last year....I realized that I really didn't have a passion for the Word of God. I read it, I understood the basic meaning, I got excited about it sometimes, but I didn't crave it. That was my prayer for the past 6 months or so. "Lord, I want to have eyes that are open to your word, eyes that see all that promises and truths, and a heart that is soft and receptive to put them into practice."
I waited.
When I moved back here to Mississippi I really felt the need to have a consistent time of day for my prayer and reading of the Word. That's not a formula for success, but it really helps me (in case you didn't know, I'm a schedule person....I don't like to admit it, but I function better when I plan out what I need to do and when, it helps me to focus.) So anyway, I've been doing my devotions every morning when I get up (which for me is the best time for my brain to function.....pbj sandwich, Bible and coffee....I LOVE my mornings!!) and it's been SO amazing.
For the last couple of weeks, I've been studying the book of Hebrews. It may be my favorite book of the Bible. The Lord has answered my prayer, and has given me eyes that are open and a heart that is receptive to what he wants me to learn. I love that Hebrews explains WHY Jesus' blood takes away sin. Of course, I believe on faith, but Hebrews makes my faith so much more logical. It explains why Jesus is the ONLY one who can take a away sin. It is a logical step by step proof to the Jewish people on why the new covenant of Jesus blood is better then the old covenant of animal sacrifice.
Not only do I love how logical and sensible Hebrews is, I also am SO excited about how it's changed my perspective. I have a new found awe of what Jesus did for me on the cross. Worship is like a brand new experience, because I understand how special it is to come before the father BOLDLY, instead of being separated by my sin. I've always thought of Jesus as savior and Lord, but now he's showing me how he is also my high priest. This is one of my favorite verses: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Isn't that awesome?? Jesus doesn't give us grace when we need it just because he knows that we need it, he actually sympathizes and understands what it's like to be human. That puts a whole new spin on God's love for us!! He loves us SO MUCH that he become one of us so that he could understand first hand how we work. Jesus understands what it is to struggle (though he did it without sinning), and so when we struggle, he goes to God on our behalf and brings us grace and mercy in our time of need!! How amazing is that?? No other religion has such an intimately involved God.
The Word is so exciting! I actually enjoy getting up in the mornings now, because I love spending the first part of my day learning about our great God.
All summer....and the end of last year....I realized that I really didn't have a passion for the Word of God. I read it, I understood the basic meaning, I got excited about it sometimes, but I didn't crave it. That was my prayer for the past 6 months or so. "Lord, I want to have eyes that are open to your word, eyes that see all that promises and truths, and a heart that is soft and receptive to put them into practice."
I waited.
When I moved back here to Mississippi I really felt the need to have a consistent time of day for my prayer and reading of the Word. That's not a formula for success, but it really helps me (in case you didn't know, I'm a schedule person....I don't like to admit it, but I function better when I plan out what I need to do and when, it helps me to focus.) So anyway, I've been doing my devotions every morning when I get up (which for me is the best time for my brain to function.....pbj sandwich, Bible and coffee....I LOVE my mornings!!) and it's been SO amazing.
For the last couple of weeks, I've been studying the book of Hebrews. It may be my favorite book of the Bible. The Lord has answered my prayer, and has given me eyes that are open and a heart that is receptive to what he wants me to learn. I love that Hebrews explains WHY Jesus' blood takes away sin. Of course, I believe on faith, but Hebrews makes my faith so much more logical. It explains why Jesus is the ONLY one who can take a away sin. It is a logical step by step proof to the Jewish people on why the new covenant of Jesus blood is better then the old covenant of animal sacrifice.
Not only do I love how logical and sensible Hebrews is, I also am SO excited about how it's changed my perspective. I have a new found awe of what Jesus did for me on the cross. Worship is like a brand new experience, because I understand how special it is to come before the father BOLDLY, instead of being separated by my sin. I've always thought of Jesus as savior and Lord, but now he's showing me how he is also my high priest. This is one of my favorite verses: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Isn't that awesome?? Jesus doesn't give us grace when we need it just because he knows that we need it, he actually sympathizes and understands what it's like to be human. That puts a whole new spin on God's love for us!! He loves us SO MUCH that he become one of us so that he could understand first hand how we work. Jesus understands what it is to struggle (though he did it without sinning), and so when we struggle, he goes to God on our behalf and brings us grace and mercy in our time of need!! How amazing is that?? No other religion has such an intimately involved God.
The Word is so exciting! I actually enjoy getting up in the mornings now, because I love spending the first part of my day learning about our great God.
9/14/2008
The POWER of the Gospel
Dear Lukewarm Christian,
We all know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has power. How many of us believe that? Not many. How many of us are a testimony of that? Even fewer.
As Christians, we are to be devoted to the "ministry of the Word." (Acts 6:4) Do you know what that means?? A pastor or minister is more or less, a servant of his church. The Greek word used in that text is diakonos....which means, "to wait upon" or to "serve".....a waitress or waiter. I'm a waitress, so to me that is a very clear picture of how we should live. When the Bible talks about the "ministry of the Word" it is talking about the "serving of the Word."
Picture this: you are the server.....the Bible is the customer. The Bible is sitting at the table, telling you what it wants from you....this is your response, "sorry, I'm fresh out of obedience today.....no sir, we don't serve mercy at this church.....ummm, I can talk to the pastor, but I'm afraid that the use of the word "hell" in sermons is considered unkind, and unsafe for the general public.....well, I'd like to give you what you want, but you're asking too much, can you order something else??
Are you serious?? Would you really say that to a customer? Of course not! You'd say, "Fruit of the Spirit? Coming right up sir. With a side of repentance? Why certainly, I'll get right on my knees. And for dessert, you'd like some missionary work in India, which requires me selling all that I own? It'd be my pleasure."
If the Bible is real, why don't you live it out? It says to give away all that you have, so why are you still hoarding away money for retirement? Where in the Bible does it say to pay all your bills before you tithe, before you give to those that have even less?? The Bible says not to let "ANY unwholesome talk come out of your mouths," so why do you gossip and call it a prayer request. The Bible says to only think on things that are true (you're not allowed to believe the lies of the enemy), lovely, noble, excellent (the excludes a lot of media), admirable (excludes even more media) and praiseworthy (no self-condemnation)....so why are you depressed watching pointless television?
Loved ones, when people look at your life it should be like reading a book......the Bible. The unsaved at work should feel like they've just read the New Testament when they look at your life. There should be miracles, the power of God, faith, unconditional, perfect love, you should be COMPLETELY different
If God is the Creator, then why are you still telling him what to do? Why are you still giving him conditions on how far you are willing to follow him? You are created for HIS purpose, so why do so many other things in your life come before him??
If Jesus is real, if he REALLY is the son of God, why are you living in the world?? Why are you spending your time on sin and frivolous pursuits? Do you know that he has set you free?!?! His blood paid for your sin. Your debt was PAID IN FULL, yet you return to your sin over and over and over. Why don't you tell more people about Him? He has given you EVERYTHING, yet you are still ashamed to mention his name in the presence of those that need him most, your unsaved friends.
Do you know who you are? If you profess to know Christ, you are his AMBASSADOR. "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 What is an ambassador?? "a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment." Do you see what this says?? We are assigned by God (the king of a sovereign nation) on a temporary diplomatic assignment (sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ until he takes us home) to a foreign nation (this world). Now, look back at the passage in 2 Corinthians 5. That says that in order to be a good ambassador, we must be reconciled to God (REPENT!!!) An ambassador doesn't give his own opinions, right? He only says what he has been told to say by the one in authority. So, you CANNOT just say whatever you want to the people of this world. You need to be reconciled to God so that your actions display only him, not yourself. I mean, you are appointed as God's righteousness, that's amazing! He took our sin, so that we could be his ambassadors, his righteousness to the world.
Too hard you say? Too much work?? Too radical?? Shut up. Get behind me Satan. Don't you think the cross was hard? I mean really, we have been given a gift!! Jesus Christ, the son of the LIVING GOD, has freed us from sin! Do you really want to tell me that abstaining from a few petty, sinful pleasures, and giving away a bit of time from your life (which is meaningless without him anyway) is too hard a task? Come on now.
By the way, I'm not writing this to you, I'm writing it to me.
Love,
Julie.
We all know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has power. How many of us believe that? Not many. How many of us are a testimony of that? Even fewer.
As Christians, we are to be devoted to the "ministry of the Word." (Acts 6:4) Do you know what that means?? A pastor or minister is more or less, a servant of his church. The Greek word used in that text is diakonos....which means, "to wait upon" or to "serve".....a waitress or waiter. I'm a waitress, so to me that is a very clear picture of how we should live. When the Bible talks about the "ministry of the Word" it is talking about the "serving of the Word."
Picture this: you are the server.....the Bible is the customer. The Bible is sitting at the table, telling you what it wants from you....this is your response, "sorry, I'm fresh out of obedience today.....no sir, we don't serve mercy at this church.....ummm, I can talk to the pastor, but I'm afraid that the use of the word "hell" in sermons is considered unkind, and unsafe for the general public.....well, I'd like to give you what you want, but you're asking too much, can you order something else??
Are you serious?? Would you really say that to a customer? Of course not! You'd say, "Fruit of the Spirit? Coming right up sir. With a side of repentance? Why certainly, I'll get right on my knees. And for dessert, you'd like some missionary work in India, which requires me selling all that I own? It'd be my pleasure."
If the Bible is real, why don't you live it out? It says to give away all that you have, so why are you still hoarding away money for retirement? Where in the Bible does it say to pay all your bills before you tithe, before you give to those that have even less?? The Bible says not to let "ANY unwholesome talk come out of your mouths," so why do you gossip and call it a prayer request. The Bible says to only think on things that are true (you're not allowed to believe the lies of the enemy), lovely, noble, excellent (the excludes a lot of media), admirable (excludes even more media) and praiseworthy (no self-condemnation)....so why are you depressed watching pointless television?
Loved ones, when people look at your life it should be like reading a book......the Bible. The unsaved at work should feel like they've just read the New Testament when they look at your life. There should be miracles, the power of God, faith, unconditional, perfect love, you should be COMPLETELY different
If God is the Creator, then why are you still telling him what to do? Why are you still giving him conditions on how far you are willing to follow him? You are created for HIS purpose, so why do so many other things in your life come before him??
If Jesus is real, if he REALLY is the son of God, why are you living in the world?? Why are you spending your time on sin and frivolous pursuits? Do you know that he has set you free?!?! His blood paid for your sin. Your debt was PAID IN FULL, yet you return to your sin over and over and over. Why don't you tell more people about Him? He has given you EVERYTHING, yet you are still ashamed to mention his name in the presence of those that need him most, your unsaved friends.
Do you know who you are? If you profess to know Christ, you are his AMBASSADOR. "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 What is an ambassador?? "a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment." Do you see what this says?? We are assigned by God (the king of a sovereign nation) on a temporary diplomatic assignment (sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ until he takes us home) to a foreign nation (this world). Now, look back at the passage in 2 Corinthians 5. That says that in order to be a good ambassador, we must be reconciled to God (REPENT!!!) An ambassador doesn't give his own opinions, right? He only says what he has been told to say by the one in authority. So, you CANNOT just say whatever you want to the people of this world. You need to be reconciled to God so that your actions display only him, not yourself. I mean, you are appointed as God's righteousness, that's amazing! He took our sin, so that we could be his ambassadors, his righteousness to the world.
Too hard you say? Too much work?? Too radical?? Shut up. Get behind me Satan. Don't you think the cross was hard? I mean really, we have been given a gift!! Jesus Christ, the son of the LIVING GOD, has freed us from sin! Do you really want to tell me that abstaining from a few petty, sinful pleasures, and giving away a bit of time from your life (which is meaningless without him anyway) is too hard a task? Come on now.
By the way, I'm not writing this to you, I'm writing it to me.
Love,
Julie.
9/08/2008
Endless Song
Hey all!
It's been a while......sorry!
Life is really good here. I'll write more when I have time. Right now I'm off to work! I'm working at Chili's in Madison w/roommate Danielle. It's really wonderful!
So many things to say, so little time. For now, here are the lyrics to my new favorite song. These words basically sum up how I've been feeling. Praise Jesus. Hallelujah! He is SO worthy of my praise. He is perfect, faithful and true.
Endless Song- Shannon Wexelberg:
Here's my life
It is not my own
Such a debt I owe
For I have been ransomed
What a price
You have paid for me
For my liberty
Freedom is my anthem
Let me not forget your sacrifice
Everyday recount the ways you've changed my life!
Let my heart sing an endless song
And let it rise from a child forgiven
Let my life tell the story of
Your redeeming love
Jesus, Lamb of God
Such amazing love
Here's my heart
It belongs to you
Let my gratitude
Overflow in praises
What a joy
Savior and friend
Love that never ends
The one who is unfailing
Let me not forget your sacrifice
Everyday recount the ways you've changed my life!
Let my heart sing an endless song
And let it rise from a child forgiven
Let my life tell the story of
Your redeeming love
Jesus, Lamb of God
Such amazing love
It's been a while......sorry!
Life is really good here. I'll write more when I have time. Right now I'm off to work! I'm working at Chili's in Madison w/roommate Danielle. It's really wonderful!
So many things to say, so little time. For now, here are the lyrics to my new favorite song. These words basically sum up how I've been feeling. Praise Jesus. Hallelujah! He is SO worthy of my praise. He is perfect, faithful and true.
Endless Song- Shannon Wexelberg:
Here's my life
It is not my own
Such a debt I owe
For I have been ransomed
What a price
You have paid for me
For my liberty
Freedom is my anthem
Let me not forget your sacrifice
Everyday recount the ways you've changed my life!
Let my heart sing an endless song
And let it rise from a child forgiven
Let my life tell the story of
Your redeeming love
Jesus, Lamb of God
Such amazing love
Here's my heart
It belongs to you
Let my gratitude
Overflow in praises
What a joy
Savior and friend
Love that never ends
The one who is unfailing
Let me not forget your sacrifice
Everyday recount the ways you've changed my life!
Let my heart sing an endless song
And let it rise from a child forgiven
Let my life tell the story of
Your redeeming love
Jesus, Lamb of God
Such amazing love
8/29/2008
A New Start
I'm in Mississippi!
Wow. These last few days have been a rush......of everything, time emotions, prayers, conversations, there's been a lot going on.
In a lot of ways I'm really excited about this next year. There are some obvious dampers.....I MISS my loved ones back home....but the silver lining is that we won't be apart forever, and we serve the same God who will bring us through this often difficult time of life. However, by God's grace, that sadness is not going to be allowed to outshine the joy I have and the peace that has been granted to me by my precious Father.
It's a new year. A new start. A new beginning.
Last year I tried far to often to rely on myself.....and fell flat on my face.
This year I will have hard times, but God's grace will more then cover that.....and I will draw strength from him.
Last year I lived in fear.
This year I know that the Word is clear that "perfect love casts out fear."
Last year I was self-focused.
This year, by his power, I have more love, more joy and more grace to give away to those around me.
Last year I couldn't wait to go home.....so much so that it made me miserable while I was here.
This year, because I know that "He works all things for good for those who love him", I can't wait to go home! But I am content and enjoying the present.
Last year God was INCREDIBLY faithful, and I still ran from him.....
This year, I'll do the same thing more then once, but I'm trusting that the Holy Spirit will be even more evident in me as I see the error of my ways and run back to Him.
The Lord is good. His plan is perfect. His peace is incomprehensible. His joy is unspeakable. His love is never ending. His grace is always available. His hand is always on us. For that reason, this will be a good year.....because I serve a good God. It really is that simple. Hallelujah!
I love you all. May you rest in the peace of our Savior.
Wow. These last few days have been a rush......of everything, time emotions, prayers, conversations, there's been a lot going on.
In a lot of ways I'm really excited about this next year. There are some obvious dampers.....I MISS my loved ones back home....but the silver lining is that we won't be apart forever, and we serve the same God who will bring us through this often difficult time of life. However, by God's grace, that sadness is not going to be allowed to outshine the joy I have and the peace that has been granted to me by my precious Father.
It's a new year. A new start. A new beginning.
Last year I tried far to often to rely on myself.....and fell flat on my face.
This year I will have hard times, but God's grace will more then cover that.....and I will draw strength from him.
Last year I lived in fear.
This year I know that the Word is clear that "perfect love casts out fear."
Last year I was self-focused.
This year, by his power, I have more love, more joy and more grace to give away to those around me.
Last year I couldn't wait to go home.....so much so that it made me miserable while I was here.
This year, because I know that "He works all things for good for those who love him", I can't wait to go home! But I am content and enjoying the present.
Last year God was INCREDIBLY faithful, and I still ran from him.....
This year, I'll do the same thing more then once, but I'm trusting that the Holy Spirit will be even more evident in me as I see the error of my ways and run back to Him.
The Lord is good. His plan is perfect. His peace is incomprehensible. His joy is unspeakable. His love is never ending. His grace is always available. His hand is always on us. For that reason, this will be a good year.....because I serve a good God. It really is that simple. Hallelujah!
I love you all. May you rest in the peace of our Savior.
8/25/2008
It is Well...
A new year. A new start. More to learn. New challenges to face. Old problems to work on. Hallelujah, my life is hidden in Christ, and I have NO reason to fear!
Wow you guys, I can't believe summer is over. I dropped Jeremy off at Moody yesterday, and leave for Mississippi in a little over 48 hours. Summer is officially over.
A week ago, my heart was about to break......a couple days ago I was scared and afraid of leaving all my loved ones......but not today...his mercies are new EVERY morning! God gives grace, and He has given me a lot today!
I can't even express how I feel right now. I'm excited, joyful, peaceful, content....just SO thrilled to be going where God wants me. He has turned my mourning into dancing.....and I can't explain it! All my fears and doubt are washed away. Don't worry, I'm not delusional. I know that there WILL be hard times, and that I WILL want to give up more then once, but I know that the Lord IS faithful, and he is doing what is best.
Now I have a choice. When things get rough, when I'm scared or nervous, depressed or lonely, angry or frustrated, I have a choice. I can cling to Jesus, I can continue to believe in his promises, or I can fall back into fear. I have a feeling that consistent time alone with the Lord is the key to keeping my mind where it is right now. I have got to fix my thoughts on the author and perfecter of my faith.
The reason I want to tell you guys this is to give testimony to the goodness of the Lord, and power of prayer. I've wanted to have this outlook all summer, I've been praying for it (as have others)....I've wanted to be peaceful about going back, I've wanted to be excited, I've wanted my heart to change from apprehensive to excited.....and praise the Lord, it has!
All in all, "it is well with my soul." Because "perfect love casts out fear." Amen?
Wow you guys, I can't believe summer is over. I dropped Jeremy off at Moody yesterday, and leave for Mississippi in a little over 48 hours. Summer is officially over.
A week ago, my heart was about to break......a couple days ago I was scared and afraid of leaving all my loved ones......but not today...his mercies are new EVERY morning! God gives grace, and He has given me a lot today!
I can't even express how I feel right now. I'm excited, joyful, peaceful, content....just SO thrilled to be going where God wants me. He has turned my mourning into dancing.....and I can't explain it! All my fears and doubt are washed away. Don't worry, I'm not delusional. I know that there WILL be hard times, and that I WILL want to give up more then once, but I know that the Lord IS faithful, and he is doing what is best.
Now I have a choice. When things get rough, when I'm scared or nervous, depressed or lonely, angry or frustrated, I have a choice. I can cling to Jesus, I can continue to believe in his promises, or I can fall back into fear. I have a feeling that consistent time alone with the Lord is the key to keeping my mind where it is right now. I have got to fix my thoughts on the author and perfecter of my faith.
The reason I want to tell you guys this is to give testimony to the goodness of the Lord, and power of prayer. I've wanted to have this outlook all summer, I've been praying for it (as have others)....I've wanted to be peaceful about going back, I've wanted to be excited, I've wanted my heart to change from apprehensive to excited.....and praise the Lord, it has!
All in all, "it is well with my soul." Because "perfect love casts out fear." Amen?
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