tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81803462319466462782024-02-20T09:42:16.586-06:00The Alabaster JarNothing but a servant, laying myself at the feet of Christ, giving him everything I am and everything I will bespadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-48604112164844588402013-01-05T20:44:00.003-06:002013-01-05T20:44:50.368-06:00And it was Night<b>"Then they got up and went away that night" - 1 Samuel 28:25b</b><br />
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Night. The visual evokes emotion as I think about it - loneliness, fear, hopelessness. For some time now, I have been intrigued by this simple and familiar word.<br />
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The night was never created by God. It was named, but it has been the "void" since the beginning.<br />
<u> Gen. 1</u> says, "The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep...And God saw light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day and the darkness night."<br />
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In contrast, Jesus describes himself in <u>John 8</u>, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life"<br />
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If <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">light symbolizes God</span>, then <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">darkness connotes everything that lacks the presence of God</span></span>. It is the absence, the void of him.<br />
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In <u>1 Samuel 28</u>, Saul is facing a major crisis, but Yahweh is nowhere to be found. His words in verse 15 open our eyes to the true anguish of a life abandoned by God, "I am in terrible distress".<br />
Saul's response to this misery reveals the state of his heart; he runs to a medium, hoping to bring up the prophet Samuel to aid him and show him favor. Saul sought affirmation, not reconciliation. What he truly needed was not to prepare for battle, but to recover God's presence, God's communion.<br />
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Samuel's words to Saul instilled fear; he would die. His kingdom had long been taken from him and his end had come. With sheer hopelessness, the author writes those last words, "Then they got up and went away that night" (v. 25b).<br />
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Why? Why would the author draw such attention to a small detail as such?<br />
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<u>John 13:30 </u>"So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night"<br />
A similar phrase, used to describe Judas' exit. Surely, John was not merely telling the time. He wants to tell us it was night; it was like entering into darkness itself.<br />
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Darkness can be scary; people lock their doors, walk in pairs.<br />
At night there is less inhibition, "spending" time with a certain someone doesn't seem quite as inappropriate, drinking the extra glass of alcohol won't really be that bad, etc.<br />
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But here is the glory that shines through the truth of the gospel. God's Son went through the darkness of God's absence for us, the darkness and agony of God-forsakeness. Jesus cries out in Mark 15 saying "My God, my God why have you forsaken me." He experienced true misery in that moment, he entered into darkness itself. Jesus Christ walked through utter darkness, utter separation from his Father, so that we might walk in the light of life.<br />
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Saul went away that night, hopeless and abandoned by God. But, Jesus Christ came and died so that we do not have to ever experience the rejection of our Father. He is the light that shines in that darkness.<br />
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<b>Have you been seeking the one who has endured the darkness for you? </b><br />
<br />spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-19882273784969687382012-07-17T21:57:00.002-05:002012-07-17T22:01:08.332-05:00Here Master, in this quiet placeMy favorite Hymn
"Here Master, in this quiet place"<br />
Here Master, in this quiet place, where anyone may kneel.
I also come to ask for grace, believing You can heal.<br />
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If pain of body, stress of mind destoys my inward peace,<br />
in prayer for others may I find the secret of release.<br />
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If self upon the sickness feeds and turns my life to gall,<br />
let me not brood upon my needs, but simply tell You all.<br />
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You never said, "you ask to much" to any troubled soul.<br />
I long to feel Your healing touch, will You not make me whole?<br />
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But if the thing I most desire is not Your way for me,<br />
may faith, when tested in the fire, prove its integrity.<br />
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Of all my prayers, may this be chief till faith is fully grown.<br />
Lord disbelieve my unbelief and claim me as Your own.<br />
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Author: Fred Pratt Green (1974)
Scripture:Matthew 7:11; Mark 5:28; Mark 6:31; Mark 9:24spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-36834139516737349362012-07-03T17:51:00.000-05:002012-07-03T17:53:11.242-05:00So long college...3 years. What they say is true, my college career has come and gone quicker than expected. It ended on a VERY high note.
Here are a few Highlights:
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<b>
Freshman year:<b> Geocaching with the CROWS </b>
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This group of young men and lovely roommates really made my freshman year a LOT of fun! We definitely went on some great adventures together.
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<b>
Sophomore year: <b>JOES</b></b>
Managing Joes for 2 years was an incredible opportunity! I can easily say it shaped my Moody time. Not only were these people my friends, but they became my family. Through the ups and downs, I learned so much about leading a team and managing a business.
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<b>Junior/Senior year (i was on the 3 year track): <b>FUNCH</b>
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These are my best friends. I have never experienced community like this before nor will I probably ever again. From male modeling, to spring break videos, cinco de funch, toasts, and roundtable delight, I will never forget the memories I made with them. Each one is going to do great things for God's kingdom.
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<b>
Ready or not world, here I come.
Moody Grad 2012</b>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-45735366687406425022011-04-23T22:52:00.001-05:002011-04-23T23:11:52.669-05:00Passover & Jesus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dailyworldbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/passover-foods-500x738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.dailyworldbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/passover-foods-500x738.jpg" width="216" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Passover is a festival celebrated to mark the exodus from the Jews out of Egypt and out of captivity. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Present-day, many Jews still celebrate passover with a seder, a long dinner composed of Matzah (unleavened bread), karpas, maror, charoset, zero'ah, and beitza. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The <u>karpas</u> is one of the vegetables on the seder plate. This green vegetable is the symbol of rebirth and rejuvenation.</span></span><br />
<div style="display: block; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Maror</u> is the bitter herb that reminds us of the embittered lives of the slaves. In one part of the seder, you make a Hillel sandwich made with two pieces of matza, maror and charoset.</span></span><br />
<div style="display: block; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The <u>charoset</u> is a pasty mixture of nuts, dates, apples, wine and cinnamon. This mixture reminds of the mortar the Israelites used to make the pyramids for the Pharoahs.</span></span><br />
<div style="display: block; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the eve of Passover, the Jews were instructed by God to sacrifice a <u>lamb</u>, have it for the meal, and paint the blood on the doorpost of their house. Now on our seder plate we use a shankbone to remind us of the lamb they sacrificed.</span></span><br />
<div style="display: block; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The <u>beitzah, or egg</u>, is another symbol of spring, or new beginning. Some animals are born from eggs, and the beitzah also reminds us that the Israelites were reborn when they left. The beitzah is also a symbol of the hagigah, or second offering that was made on the eve of Passover. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At the seder at my school the most powerful part for me was the <b>Dayenu song, literally meaning "It would have been enough". </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Passage by passage the song goes through a series of blessings that God granted to the Israelites and proclaims that if the Lord had given them that alone; it would have been sufficient. Yet, God gave more and over and over again blessed his people. This song reminded me deeply of God’s grace and mercy on us to this day through his beloved Son and the blessings that he has promised are yet to come.</span><br />
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</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the night before Jesus was crucified, he celebrated the Passover with his disciples. With guest of honor, Judas, seated on his left (after must conflict between the disciples as to who was the greatest..they settled upon him for reasons left unsaid...maybe because he was the money guy, the most scholarly, trustworthy, or from Jerusalem), he shared his very last meal before his death. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This must have been a time of anguish for Jesus. Spending time with the disciples whom he loved, knowing that soon he would be gone, and this bunch of nobodys who were still fighting about who was the greatest among them, would spread his good news to the world. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yet in his last moments, knowing well that the time had come, he still chose to serve. Jesus chose to bend his knee and wash the disciples feet, a powerful display of service. Little did these men seated beside him know, that just 14 hours later this man would be nailed upon a cross and they would have deserted his side. Even knowing this, and understanding the situation at hand, Jesus loved. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of my favorite stories is that of Jesus in Gethsemane before the Upper room discourse, after being welcomed over the moutn of olives by men and women singing "hosanna, king of kings". Jesus wept. He wept over Jerusalem. They didn't understand. He cried for his people, whom he loved so dearly, because they didn't get it. He came as a suffering servant and not as a conquering king. They were ready for him to overthrow, but he was preparing to suffer and die. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I watched as hundreds took communion at our Good Friday Service at church, I couldn't help but wonder..<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">do we really understand who Jesus is</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">? Do I? Do they? It hurt my heart and brought me to tears. Even now, as tears fall, I wonder, "Lord, do they get it. Do they really understand what this day means? Does the words of communion penetrate their hearts. Or is today just a "church day"". I am guilty just the same. My heart is callous, and my mind prone to wander. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Oh Lord,</span></i></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I long to know you, intimately, passionately, deeply. I fail and I desert, running away at first fearful thought. Father forgive me, help me to understand. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and words to say taht I might glorify you with my every breath. Lord, I beg you, for the sake of your children, Reveal yourself to us, help us to understand. Father give me faith like Moses, to hold fast to you, to choose you over the pleasures of sin and to look forward to an eternal hope. Indwell in my heart and mind, and consume me that I might speak truth to your chosen. Though i am flawed, a nobody, and unworthy of your grace, you have chosen me. Praise your name. Thank you for opening my eyes. For your glory, take my life. Pick me, choose me. I am willing. </span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Your beloved servant</span></i></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></i></b></span></span><br />
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</span></div></div></div>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-13549941490042195232011-03-24T15:12:00.001-05:002011-03-24T15:19:58.176-05:00Draw Closer<div class="MsoNormal">God,</div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel like my words are many. There are so many things to pray for, so many people that are hurting. I feel overwhelmed. I don’t feel like there is enough minutes in the day to truly pray for each one of the things that need prayer and I am feeling burdened for. I feel like the Gentiles in some sense in matthew when it says, <i>“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:7-8)</i>. I pray empty and numerous prayers trying to make sure I pray for each one of the things I say I will pray for. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>But father I thank you. I find comfort </b></span>in Hebrew 7:25 which says<i>, “Consequently, he is able to save the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> Even though Jesus lived long ago, his ministry is present. <b>He is sitting, because his saving work is done, at the right hand of God praying for exactly what I need before it is uttered. </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>You know my heart</b></span> and you know what I am burdened for. You hear the cries for prayer and know the pain in my heart for the needs of camp and friends, family, relationships, struggles, and circumstances. Oh Father, even just reading this I find peace in knowing all you want is for me to draw close to you. <b>Your intention in bringing these burdens to my knowledge and to my heart is not for me to get overwhelmed, but create a reason for me to draw close to you.</b> In the midst of this anxiety, you tell us to </span><i>cast our cares on you.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> Just yesterday I studied Matthew 6 the last portion which tells us </span><i>to not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough worry on its own. We are to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33).</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> Father, in the midst of pain after pain and burden after burden, you are calling me. Y<u>ou have been saying LOUD AND CLEAR “Christy, draw close to me”. </u>God, you don’t want me to pray empty prayers just because I said I will pray for someone. You want me to stop, and take time to be with you, and allow you to comfort me as I prayerfully give you my anxieties and the burdens of others. I do not have to bear it on my own. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><u>You are at work; your will will be done. It is not all up to me! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Praise the Lord!!</span> I am so blessed to be on your team.</u></b></span> </span><i>If God is for us, WHO can be against us! (romans 8:31). </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lord, today you know all the people and situations that need prayer. But God there are a few I want to take special time to lift up to you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">First off, </div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Carla & the Byron community</i>. God, there has been several deaths that have shaken up this city and my dear friend. Lord, I have no idea what you are up to, but father in the midst of your great plan, provide comfort and peace to a restless and hurting people. They need your divine strength, and your loving comfort to make it through this trial. Lord, I may not know this girl, but I am burdened most especially for Carla. Father, so much has been going on in her life lately and I hurt for her. Even just reading about divorce for my class, I am burdened even more deeply for her and how and proud of how she has sought you through her life. Praise your name for being so faithful to her. Father, be with her, grow her, comfort her, love her, and draw her into your presence. In the midst of this trial reveal yourself in big ways. Help me to be a good loyal friend to her and to show unconditional love to her. Thank you for the blessing of her friendship.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Second father,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Pavia</i>. Father, she too is struggling. Lord, I don’t know the full extent due to the lack of communication options, but I can tell her time in Cuba has been painful. Father, please, please please for the sake of a good friend, comfort her, love her, heal her. Lord, there has been so much pain in her story and it brings me to tears just thinking about it. God, even as she returns to spend a summer serving as a counselor it will be HARD. Lord, I know it was a struggle to adjust for me as well and I know it will be for her. God, give me supernatural understanding as we begin the summer together. Help me to be a good friend to her as I listen as she struggles to move back and become apart of the US culture once again. It truly is a shock to be back and I pray she can rise up to the challenge seeking you first in the midst. And lord, be with her over there. Help her to stay strong amidst opposition. Help her to find strength to resist temptation and fall more deeply in love with you. Thank you for her devotion. Thank you for her deep pursuit of you. Thank you for her servant heart. I admire her so much. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lord,</div><div class="MsoNormal">I also pray for my relationship with Jamie. Lord, I want her to be my best friend. She is my sister and I love her. Lord, mend that relationship. Help us to become each other’s biggest fan and to build a healthy friendship. You can do that and I ask for your help.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally God,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lord, I lift up this summer, specifically unity amongst the staff. Father, I pray that godly men and women would be drawn to Covenant harbor. I pray for leaders especially. Ones that are willing to serve the campers with everything, but also lead the staff in drawing close to Christ. Lord raise up leadership amongst the counselors to be women and men of influence, that challenge the staff to deeper longing to love Jesus more, to serve deeper, and draw close to you. Father, I pray for unity. Lord, may it start at staff training and continue to grow throughout the summer. My prayer is that we would be like the fellowship of the believers of Acts 2:42-47. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> <i>“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lord, I beg of you, plead with you. Father, may this staff <b>LONG</b> for you, may they crave for you. May this staff be a team that <u>prays daily</u>, may this be a staff that <u>devotes themselves to personal spiritual growth.</u> <b>Lord may they not be content with where they are but desire for more of you</b>. Father, may their fixation be one and may they have all things in common as they seek you and you alone. Lord I pray that this team <b>would have everything in common as their purpose is single-minded</b>. <i>May they seek first your kingdom, and have healthy eyes of single purpose, serving only one master (Matthew 6:22-24 excerpts)</i>. God, I can’t do this. I can’t “create” a staff that longs for you. Father I am so thankful that this is not a burden I have to bear. <b>You are at work already in their hearts, drawing them to yo</b>u. THANK YOU. I am thankful that you in control. I am blessed to be on your team. <i>James 5:16b-18 says, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. The he prayed again and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” </i><span style="font-style: normal;">God, my God, I pray, that you would bring unity to the staff at Covenant Harbor father. Not just any unity father, but unity that would draw us closer and closer to you. Lord, may we witness your power and glory revealed this summer in the campers hearts and in the lives of the counselors. You have the power to transform upside down. Father, you did that in my life and I know it to be true. Lord, please father, reveal your glory. <b> In the name of your Son, bring unity this summer! Refine us to be devoted servants of your throne!</b></span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <i>John 14:12-14 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it!’<o:p></o:p></i></div>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-49201929312776231562011-03-22T23:52:00.000-05:002011-03-22T23:52:05.883-05:00Beautiful desire<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>You have said, "Seek my face!"</b></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>My heart says to you, "Your face, Lord, do I seek."</b></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>Psalm 27:8</b></span></span><span></span><span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just a lovely thought based off of my study of Matthew 6:22-24 today. I cannot serve two master, Christ alone is the fixation of my eyes, the longing of my heart, and the foundation of truth in my mind.</div>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-70862969891433930062011-03-22T00:29:00.001-05:002011-03-22T00:30:55.601-05:00Creative loveTomorrow night I am hoping to go spend the night with a friend and have "craft night".<br />
<div>I LOVE having craft night with her because she gives me ideas that i can copy :) and watch her do. </div><div>So, tonight I was surfing Google to find some blogs and various crafty ideas hoping to contribute, and know what to buy at the store. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Then it dawned on me. I really struggle with coming up with creative handmade things, yet i LOVE them so much. My favorite things to have are those that are handmade, such as handmade journals, scrapbooks, and accessories. Seriously, even just thinking that someone would make me something "crafty" and "artsy" gets me excited. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK_dOmZ5RHYSKCLFp3YF9nJylYBzc9wl1NL5fcSUhswVHWnnmOiW_i9SC-pZqU1d9yNfA1XowAu0BOWLYJt3ImVf12aUISqPLDLuLLFsPFnw6h7R31Za7b0vco84V4AidLwnUioU-2hUp/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK_dOmZ5RHYSKCLFp3YF9nJylYBzc9wl1NL5fcSUhswVHWnnmOiW_i9SC-pZqU1d9yNfA1XowAu0BOWLYJt3ImVf12aUISqPLDLuLLFsPFnw6h7R31Za7b0vco84V4AidLwnUioU-2hUp/s320/2.JPG" width="183" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://www.plaincraft.com/imfal/15742/Caroline'z%20Patch%203-400x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.plaincraft.com/imfal/15742/Caroline'z%20Patch%203-400x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>This year 2 friends made me "artsy" journals and i CHERISHED them. I love them so much. Then, a friend made me a vase that is decorated with tissue paper and art and again i value it so much. Just recently another friend made me a scarf that I adore! </div><div><br />
</div><div>People have bought me nice things from stores, yet to be honest, what speaks love to me is things that have taken time to make and thought has been put into it! </div><div><br />
</div><div>God may not have created me to have the ideas and thoughts to create "crafty" and "artsy" things, but he did give me a mind that values it highly & when others let me appreciate that art everyday by giving me something they have put work into, man, I am so encouraged. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Thank you Lord for gifting people with such talent and ability to see beauty and masterfully create. </div><div>I am encouraged by them and see you through their beautiful work. </div><div><br />
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</div>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-39122588641130833132011-03-20T19:29:00.002-05:002011-03-20T19:31:06.587-05:00Busted!Well, week 1 of spring break has come to a close and week 2 seems to be dominated by the idea of HOMEWORK :)! I'm glad I enjoy my classes!<br />
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This break has mostly consisted of time in Kansas thus far, with both of my nieces. We made the 14 hour trek home today (longer witha 7month old in the car) and to be honest most of it was quite delightful. I LOVE roadtrips. It is focused time where I get to 1) spend in prayer (i drove at 3am while the others slept-GREAT God time always) 2) silence 3) listening to music 4) good discussion 5) and processing 6) and i did homework!<br />
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Yet on the way home, I was driving and low and behold if I don't see lights on the other side of the expressway. I slow down, but assume the police is rushing to an accident. But, as I speed by the lights flick off as I pass, and he immediately plowed through the grass median to a wide open expressway with no other cars but my own. I knew I was stuck. <br />
Bad news is I got an 83$ ticket for going 10 over. Good news is he was a Christian guy, listening to K-love and was very pleasant to talk to. I forgot my license (minor detail..another bad news), BUT good news, they were able to find it in the system with no problem. I am thankful i had a NICE cop :)!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBUGdQB44BxnubqTEyqYTULwn_akm23Zm-HNt5avqqgwPMr2KglqLYlZlUtV651FTBJn1hxr57snl1zgMgDYqrhQqhRRdyziq4s3XrMIBpOY9VWxeFJSzKYNiBWDw8kzYJr5hpFbw8ik/s1600/cop+stop+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBUGdQB44BxnubqTEyqYTULwn_akm23Zm-HNt5avqqgwPMr2KglqLYlZlUtV651FTBJn1hxr57snl1zgMgDYqrhQqhRRdyziq4s3XrMIBpOY9VWxeFJSzKYNiBWDw8kzYJr5hpFbw8ik/s200/cop+stop+2.jpg" width="146" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgzRiQyRDd2piEdr6q37UHjWbtyxIYpzo2T_dhuNKk5y1I2c5j238GtEuMinCDYrVFqNlgMMT9wAA7nXnNdP28OtIIQhW2dxVnxZLkSnwaAfwO_B2rXZboK6B4pZzLhYG04kSFSOR2Ew/s1600/cop+stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgzRiQyRDd2piEdr6q37UHjWbtyxIYpzo2T_dhuNKk5y1I2c5j238GtEuMinCDYrVFqNlgMMT9wAA7nXnNdP28OtIIQhW2dxVnxZLkSnwaAfwO_B2rXZboK6B4pZzLhYG04kSFSOR2Ew/s200/cop+stop.jpg" width="146" /></a><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">After that...<b>Elyse</b> decided she should drive.. :)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>>>>THE STORY HAS NOT FINISHED> >></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Pass by multiple hours, multiple stops and dropping off Jamie and Elyse...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">AND...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihF2UT6knLe1F7cRMJOZFjizmtADnhH89TMTExR2PJOjqwykEa9Sh3U11jnFfp5v6ynfDzaaFe0lR_-zKD6oZBGDpEBC9Z7nOvRu4x0tFLoShvnEhpp0gFyFEtU-rszkXJqP9ne0VHeyk/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihF2UT6knLe1F7cRMJOZFjizmtADnhH89TMTExR2PJOjqwykEa9Sh3U11jnFfp5v6ynfDzaaFe0lR_-zKD6oZBGDpEBC9Z7nOvRu4x0tFLoShvnEhpp0gFyFEtU-rszkXJqP9ne0VHeyk/s320/IMG_0428.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">18 over :(... 2 in one day and a not so happy check writing party. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>ENOUGH SAID, LESSON LEARNED</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">my <b>VERY FIRS</b>T ticket :). </div>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-11800111003788690432011-03-18T21:57:00.000-05:002011-03-18T21:57:48.709-05:00Digiornos Party!So, I'm in Wichita Kansas this week with my 2 sisters and 2 beautiful little nieces. We've had quite the adventure, heading to the zoo, taking walks in the 80 degree weather, and watching them play. They are 7 months and 11 months. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlshDTKNXWRcRyxF2x5BTymEpYpLV5Mz1UY7wGOziRW8F6_7iP_m459z2XxUCa8f4BcqIlbRKrbYLYZuNdDuAwpqHUbv6I6f4AyyArJyW7S8F-m9kmZ09pWwfyYmjXh96LNIuNyLsYbY/s1600/199585_925218637500_22909616_48834048_922351_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlshDTKNXWRcRyxF2x5BTymEpYpLV5Mz1UY7wGOziRW8F6_7iP_m459z2XxUCa8f4BcqIlbRKrbYLYZuNdDuAwpqHUbv6I6f4AyyArJyW7S8F-m9kmZ09pWwfyYmjXh96LNIuNyLsYbY/s320/199585_925218637500_22909616_48834048_922351_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My sister Julie is quite the party planner. Not only is she the planner, but she is also coupon guru. If you need to save money, she can help! She went online and signed up to host a Digiorno pizza party. They send her a box of a timer, pizza slicer, nametags, a bball hoop mini size (it was a march madness theme), and SO much more along with coupons for FREE pizza and drinks. <br />
Tonight we had the party with 20+ of her friends and their children, with over 10 pizzas, drinks and more. How much did she spend to pay for all of this... 2$. A party for 20 on 2$. Astounding!! (This picture PLUS more pizzas, and a box of goodies!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Jh7QyCZoOXZqSMYdcobyxhGrFWUXeWBfwq7LqqRzxZao1jhu070MzYy5q_hNqK3AlDg2FGxyQGSwkknU2yYyik6Yd0SRvFCVpm1QsFKqUqnVLruYipfpcAlRJUkIoE3Wykd4BJHzNrc/s1600/172762_538890443709_163801311_31439520_3103438_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Jh7QyCZoOXZqSMYdcobyxhGrFWUXeWBfwq7LqqRzxZao1jhu070MzYy5q_hNqK3AlDg2FGxyQGSwkknU2yYyik6Yd0SRvFCVpm1QsFKqUqnVLruYipfpcAlRJUkIoE3Wykd4BJHzNrc/s320/172762_538890443709_163801311_31439520_3103438_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>She checks blogs and finds coupons in every area. With her eye for saving a penny here and a penny there, she throws parties for less than 5$.<br />
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<b>**my lesson of the day: </b>You don't have to have lots of money to host parties! As my mom says, "A penny saved is a penny earned". I just need to keep my eyes open and hold onto those coupons!spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-3999649641494304792011-03-15T01:13:00.002-05:002011-03-15T01:14:49.111-05:00Emotionally Healthy Spirituality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jameyjjohnson.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341e70ae53ef01156f6fce1b970c-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://jameyjjohnson.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341e70ae53ef01156f6fce1b970c-800wi" width="213" /></a></div>"When we deny our pain, losses, and feelings year after year, we become less and less human. We transform slowly into empty shells with smiley faces painted on them."<br />
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"At the very least, the call of discipleship includes experiencing our feelings, reflecting on our feelings, and then thoughtfully responding to our feelings under the lordship of Jesus."<br />
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"Unconsciously we have a 'rule' against feeling, we don't think we should have intense feelings such as anger or sadness"<br />
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"The problem is that when we neglect our most intense emotions, we are false to ourselves and close off an open door through which to know God"<br />
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"The issue is not, by any means, to blindly follow our feelings, but to acknowledge them as a part of the way God communicates to us."<br />
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1 John 4:1 "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God"<br />
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"God intends that we mature in learning to recognize how he speaks and guides us through our feelings"<br />
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"Emotions are the language of the soul. They are the cry that gives the heart a voice."<br />
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CHALLENGE-<br />
"Allow yourself to experience the full weight of your feelings. Allow them without censoring them. They you can reflect and thoughtfully decide what to do with them. Trust God to come to you through them. This is the first step in the hard work of discipleship"<br />
<br />
Quotes from Peter Scazzero's <u>Emotionally Healthy Spirituality</u>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-9223787829081428852011-03-13T21:28:00.007-05:002011-03-13T21:55:24.739-05:00Resolved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHzKt3X-8dEcKzflGQyGMyD4s3FuAkiLA4sJ5lpqYTnkfgV9uNyaf2-HNmSJHlAGTHqt-5uMrKzt1-W-H6bXEwt99a6-pmg866SYGHg9gC0BYSjYSOmOC_gq-y0D__ZE1SQBdPBGHVLTH/s1600/resolved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHzKt3X-8dEcKzflGQyGMyD4s3FuAkiLA4sJ5lpqYTnkfgV9uNyaf2-HNmSJHlAGTHqt-5uMrKzt1-W-H6bXEwt99a6-pmg866SYGHg9gC0BYSjYSOmOC_gq-y0D__ZE1SQBdPBGHVLTH/s320/resolved.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h5 style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Adultery</span></span></h5><h5 style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> <i> </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> </i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23262" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>27</i></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’</i></span></span><sup class="footnote" style="line-height: 0.5em;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-23262e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>[</i></span></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23262e" title="See footnote e"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>e</i></span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>]</i></span></span></sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> </i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23263" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>28</i></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.</i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> </i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23264" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>29</i></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.</i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> </i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23265" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>30</i></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.</i></span></span></span></span></h5><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Matthew 5:27-30</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">As I have been studying through Matthew, i came across this passage and read through it quickly.I doubted that the Lord would want to teach me anything from this passage. Yet, it has been on this passage that I have found much strength in the past few weeks. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Let me restate...in my version :). </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">*Christy's Application Version of Mt. 5:27-30*</span></u></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"You have heard that the Bible says, "You shall guard your heart/you shall fixate on Christ/you shall abide in Christ alone/etc." But I tell you that anyone who rests their mind on the things of this world, or sets their hearts on a future fantasy has already let their guard down. We must take caution, actively! Be careful not take a passive approach lest our whole bodies fall into sin."</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, this is a very edited and applicational approach, but nevertheless got me thinking. My mind wanders, whether on unwholesome thoughts, or comparisons, judgments, daydreaming, etc. It happens. We may not be able to control a passing thought or what the world displays to us, but we<b> do</b> have a choice on what our minds rest. With the Lord's help, we can resolve to think upon pure and good things that will benefit us. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. </b></i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Philippians 4:8</b></i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lord,</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I resolve to choose you. I resolve to rest my heart and mind on you. Yet, without you Father, I am incapable. I need your strength and your wisdom. More of you and less of me. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></div>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-37487839309251905512011-03-09T23:08:00.000-06:002011-03-09T23:08:38.335-06:00ControlThe idea of control has been the focus of my week thus far. Whether class, convictions, or conversations, all have centered around this theme. And, to be honest, it is a topic I try to avoid, a topic that penetrates with Truth and when not complimented with grace, condemnation.<br />
<br />
Trust and control go hand-in-hand and to be honest I'm not very good at either. I like control, then blame is on me when something happens, or I can do what I prefer, or my heart doesn't get hurt. I am the one calling the shots, I have the power. I manipulate, I control, I assert myself in pride. Yet this is exactly what Christ warns against, time and time again. He calls us to surrender, to trust, yet I say No. Trust is the lifeblood to faith.<br />
<br />
Interestingly I call Galatians 2:20 my life verse, yet I've never even studied it. "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me"<br />
<br />
He loved me enough to give himself up for me. Since the foundations of the world he chose me for adoption (Eph 1), and was faithful even when I screwed it all up with my sin. <br />
<br />
He is sovereign, he is all-knowing, unconditionally loving, good, holy, just, forgiving, the renewer, omnipotent... and I think I know best??? Who do I think I am? <br />
<br />
My old self, the controlling manipulating, prideful self has been crucified on the Cross and Christ dwells within me. I am not condemned but offered freedom through Christ. If I am to live by faith, I need to trust. I must surrender myself to the will and plans of the Lord, allowing him to call the shots. This should be a RELIEF. Praise the Lord, ultimate freedom. I do not need to feel the weight of that responsibility. Gods got it under control. <br />
<br />
I only need to continually seek his will, and submit to his purposes. He leads me...oh thats music to my ears. and The blessing is: He is GOOD.spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-13969969393564362442011-03-05T23:05:00.000-06:002011-03-05T23:05:36.030-06:00GraceGod's is so faithful.<br />
A few weeks ago I sat on the train, contemplating my life, connecting the dots.<br />
Some have said:<br />
<i>"don't over-analyze" or "enjoy life, don't live in the past</i>"<br />
But, this isn't how I am thinking at all...<br />
When I think over my life, it is more of a praise, time or rejuvenation, or a point of vulnerability where I allow the Lord to search my heart.<br />
<br />
A friend once asked me,<br />
"<i>Christy, how have you seen God pursue you</i>"<br />
this question has haunted me and it wasn't until this train ride that I saw his PASSIONATE pursuit of me, his perfect timing, and patient love.<br />
<br />
As I began to recall my senior year, I relived a few ups and downs, but rested on a particular night, the night when the Lord had allowed me to run long enough. I was on the path to my own destruction, treading deeper into murky waters, losing sight of my first love. Yet, that night, in a powerful way he made himself known to me. He put his foot down and said "no more". I was His. I was running away, I had rejected him, betrayed him, and forgotten him, but he remained. His overwhelming favor, his undeserved grace, his steadfast love, he pursued me. The time was right. His grace was sufficient. His plan perfect.<br />
<br />
The Lord is at work. He watches over his own and I am his chosen one. Even when I turned my back on him, he had not abandoned me. His impeccable timing saved me from utter destruction and he did so that profoundly demonstrated his presence in even the darkest places. <b>Grace, undeserved, yet richly given. </b><br />
<br />
As tears rolled down my cheeks on that train I couldn't help but praise the Lord, for his love endures forever.spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-56541975656592195742010-08-09T02:32:00.000-05:002010-08-09T02:32:58.685-05:00Bring em in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktXo-ma8DnzvxJXa6V6c8k33aGUebHogrjHMqfw1UX1ouHM1e96Y6zxhXOPBqTpr1hJLkEd2tT5wGZMoNBP-t2qTB6_kB4GYvPEmsKq247qEVw4lG4iTSuunK8zG-2g3XbxVaUw3mB-E/s1600/cccm08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktXo-ma8DnzvxJXa6V6c8k33aGUebHogrjHMqfw1UX1ouHM1e96Y6zxhXOPBqTpr1hJLkEd2tT5wGZMoNBP-t2qTB6_kB4GYvPEmsKq247qEVw4lG4iTSuunK8zG-2g3XbxVaUw3mB-E/s320/cccm08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6RfYxz580O2HCQWOOGY0BRJq84mVURi04w-B2Mf0-CK7t2va4OgPea1klq3RebP-ZZQoYTDgqOCaPlcp4B9KUOTsoOJLZ8xGkYE57NZ6jFakyMvH8sC4GpOx6hYQGdFRzAJpBqoWXvQ/s1600/cccm15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6RfYxz580O2HCQWOOGY0BRJq84mVURi04w-B2Mf0-CK7t2va4OgPea1klq3RebP-ZZQoYTDgqOCaPlcp4B9KUOTsoOJLZ8xGkYE57NZ6jFakyMvH8sC4GpOx6hYQGdFRzAJpBqoWXvQ/s200/cccm15.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
I grew up in Suburbia. My church was the bling bling on the side of randall road. You look in the windows and there it is..37+ flat screen tv's, a cafe, pool, pinball, karaoke, wi's playstations, every teenagers dream. Next comes the childrens ministry windows, with our climbing area riddled with children scaling wood beams that the entire world can see. We were the suburban mega church. I loved my church. We had been there forever, so seeing people we knew wasn't difficult, the messages were inspiring and biblically sound. and i was involved. <br />
<br />
Living in Chicago this summer, I experienced a different feel than my suburb lifestyle and even MOody lifestyle. I decided to stay in the city, hoping to be a light in the secular world, but realized how discouragin and lost our world is. Along with being mocked and ridiculed in sarcastic tones and even people taking advantage of me being the "nice girl", Christianity to them was exactly what my church was, rich and a feel good escape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_TT_Le_axcxUCZj2nOrKcya8gECMTSu28umSyOBY7D8WKMz-IctatUG5j3Xl4lHQJ_fyETIXlzxqXait8MbBLPfgMNio8Nv-9Xh1M9JAvHTMRSD8SRWhyYAkS5AiRtiBdFQ0otKd6OQ/s1600/20070531090315_img_8170-sm-02-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_TT_Le_axcxUCZj2nOrKcya8gECMTSu28umSyOBY7D8WKMz-IctatUG5j3Xl4lHQJ_fyETIXlzxqXait8MbBLPfgMNio8Nv-9Xh1M9JAvHTMRSD8SRWhyYAkS5AiRtiBdFQ0otKd6OQ/s320/20070531090315_img_8170-sm-02-600.jpg" /></a></div>I was living in boys town, working in the heat of it. One day at work i got to experience the gay pride parade go right past our door. Images like this, and 10 times worse were walking in and out of my work. I wonder how suburbia would have treated that situation. Those people I worked with were working at what I call a "high school" job, full-time, partying every night, enjoying every gossip that could be found. Church was that condemning gropu of rich people who judged and said "burn, burn, burn". Suburbia had life 'easy', but sheltered. On the day of the gay pride parade I almost lost my cool at the manager when he proceeded ot tell all the workers...and i quote, "according to Christy, all those sinners are going to burn in hell". I stood up for myself on that one. I did not nor would I say that. Yes, i disapprove of their actions but i love them, they were intricately created and knit together by the all-loving master craftsman. They may very well be going to hell, but I have no right to condemn them there, that is for GOd to judge, not me.<br />
<br />
My default in life to sharing the Gospel has been, find a way to get them to church.. bring them in. My home church, plastered that idea in my mind. They built that huge student building for that purpose, to bring them in. It became a cop-out and I believe has become that way for many students in our generation. I will get them to church and let the pastor win them to Christ. I'll do my part, and he can do the rest (with God's help of course). Even today at lunch, a woman my parents knew had lunch with us and explained how her church wouldn't build a gym, because they wanted the people to go join a basketball league and be amongst the not yet believers, to dine with them, build relationship with them. My church, built the gym, the studnet center, the auditorium, as a "seeker-friendly" environment. Quite the opposite.<br />
<br />
My approach this summer was wrong. I spent dozens of converstaions with one guy particular, trying to get him to come with me to church, when he just wanted to hang out..a perfeect opportunity for ME to share the Gospel. Yet in my own fear i felt the pastor should do it..i mean he's more trained than me...right? <br />
<br />
My question is, what is our society, training up the next generation to do iwht our faith. Have we created thousands of students, that think the only way to "become a Christian" is by following me to church? Did Jesus say in his great commission, to "COME in, and make disciples"...no, he told us to GO. The church is so important and there is a time where invitation is necessary, but has that become the excuse? oh, they won't come to church with me so I guess they won't ever be reached. Has church become our shield so we don't have to face quesitons we may not know, or rejection, or persecution?<br />
<br />
Obedience to the call to make disciples isn't always easy, but the Lord challenges us to GO, and find them and be a light in darkness.<br />
<br />
Jesus left the comfort of heaven to come down to an unfamiliar, sinful, pain filled world. He meets us right where we are at and loves us in the midst of our pain and hurt and sin. Shouldn't we be doing to same?spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-69793951169349716432010-07-30T22:49:00.000-05:002010-07-30T22:49:16.422-05:00The ConnectorSO...<br />
<br />
Tonight I had the opportunity to hear Francis Chan speak at Moody Bible Institute after working during the Legacy conference there. It blew my mind...<br />
<br />
Why? :<br />
Because God tied a year's worth of wrestling and confusion into one, showing me the truth behind the small things that continuously bugged me and i experienced this year.<br />
<br />
Summer: encouragement circle. Everyone said, "You are the epitome of a godly women" "Prayer warrior" "Truly a woman seeking the face of the Lord"...I cried. Not out of flattery, but out of pain...<br />
REACTION: confusion of why I felt hurt and frustrated.<br />
<br />
Fall: Identity Crisis. Looking into the past and issues that have brought me to where I am now and growing from them and getting through them. <br />
REACTION: reason. Shined on true motives and underlying intentions in my actions. Is it pure love or is it selfish<br />
<br />
Winter/Spring: Growth. The power of a vision. The Lord lays ideas and burdens my heart for things and with friends beside me we witnessed the power of God through prayer and fasting. <br />
REACTION: burden for the lost. a reputation amongst the people around me. friendship.<br />
<br />
Spring/Summer: Questioning. This is where my last blog coincides. The idea of a hierarchy. It tore me up inside. A fear was growing after the ministry. This expectation from the people around me, one that i didn't feel like i was living up to. <br />
REACTION: give up, toss in the towel, run from people and from God. Cover up my fear. Mask it all. Maintain the reputation<br />
<br />
Summer: Loneliness & ministry. What does it mean to bear fruit? Is it converts. No, it is a lifestyle of love as Pastor Aaron Youngren talked about in church last Sunday (ironically the one sunday I go to the Line Church), talks exactly on what i have been struggling with in bearing fruit in our lives today.<br />
REACTION: hope, but still a sense of fear and failure in the eyes of God.<br />
<br />
Tonight: the message. I will just rewrite what i wrote in my journal tonight.<br />
All these little things that I've been wrestling with & feeling the Lord really used Francis Chan's message tonight to speak to me. Rev. 3:1 was written to a church & says "I know your reputation for being alive but you are dead" I have been scared of dying for fear of this hierarchy of cities according to works. I have been wrestling with the concept of "bearing fruit" I read a biography on missionaries in Africa and grew aware of my jealousy for those who have the blessed ministry in the burbs..pastor's of a church, seeing growth, but yet the largest struggle is the broken car. I get caught up with reputation and what people see me as. At passion 2010 they challenged us to think not "what you want to be when you get older" but "who you will become". My 2 things were a woman of prayer and love. Well, not that i am trying to live according to those ambitions..things have gotten a bit tougher than just becoming a leader in the church. I use godliness and Jesus as a mask to be desirable to the poeple around me. I am giving to the Lord, but is it my first fruits or am I giving solely what others can see. They see life, but God "searches me and knows me". I feel not good enough, but is there reason behind that. Is God convicting me that I am holding on to my sin, my pride, my mask? Am I madly in love wiht JESUS, or am I creating a mirage hoping that people see me over Him. Some tough stuff right there.<br />
<br />
I leave with this.<br />
Rev. 2:4-5<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30706" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">4</sup><span class="woj">But I have this against you, that you have abandoned<sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30706H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)">(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%202&version=ESV#cen-ESV-30706H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)</sup> the love you had at first.</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30707" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">5</sup><span class="woj">Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do<sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30707I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)">(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%202&version=ESV#cen-ESV-30707I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)</sup> the works you did at first. If not,<sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30707J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)">(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%202&version=ESV#cen-ESV-30707J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)</sup> I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My response to this:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1. Consider: Remember my first love, the love and intimacy I once have. Rekindle the flame of love</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 2. Repent: Recognize the sin the has caused the abandonment and me to forget my first love</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 3. Bear Fruit: Do the works I did at first: LOVE God, LOVE people. Live boldly, passionately, and fully in intimacy with Christ</span>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-81625159624808368092010-04-25T11:03:00.002-05:002010-04-25T11:03:49.837-05:00DISC: whats yours<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
What does it mean to be a…?<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 460px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td>D</td><td>Personality (Choleric)<br />
<em>Driven</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td></td><td colspan="3"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td>I</td><td>Personality (Sanguine)<br />
<em>Inspiring</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top">·adventuresome<br />
·aggressive<br />
·arrogant<br />
·authoritative<br />
·blunt<br />
·bold<br />
·bossy<br />
·brash<br />
·bull-headed<br />
·career-driven<br />
·confident<br />
·controlling<br />
·crafty<br />
·decisive<br />
·determined<br />
·disciplined<br />
·doer<br />
·dominates a group<br />
·domineering</td><td valign="top">·driven<br />
·effective<br />
·emphatic<br />
·fast<br />
·firm<br />
·focused<br />
·hard<br />
·harsh<br />
·hostile<br />
·hot-tempered<br />
·impatient<br />
·impetuous<br />
·impulsive<br />
·initiating<br />
·insensitive<br />
·intense<br />
·intuitive<br />
·manipulative<br />
·opportunist</td><td valign="top">·optimistic<br />
·outgoing<br />
·over- bearing<br />
·persuasive<br />
·practical<br />
·productive<br />
·quick<br />
·restless<br />
·self-confident<br />
·self-disciplined<br />
·self-sufficient<br />
·single-minded<br />
·short-tempered<br />
·strong- willed<br />
·task-oriented<br />
·temperamental<br />
·tenacious<br />
·thick-skinned<br />
·unaffectionate<br />
·unemotional</td><td></td><td valign="top">·bubbly<br />
·carefree<br />
·changeable<br />
·charismatic<br />
·charming<br />
·childlike<br />
·compassionate<br />
·compromising<br />
·conversation has a contagious quality that induces similar mood in hearers<br />
·curious<br />
·disorganized<br />
·easily distracted<br />
·easygoing<br />
·emotional<br />
·enjoys life<br />
·enthusiastic<br />
·exaggerates</td><td valign="top">·expressive<br />
·extroverted<br />
·eye for nature and art<br />
·friendly<br />
·impractical<br />
·impulsive<br />
·influencing<br />
·insecure (masked by apparent self-confidence)<br />
·insensitive<br />
·inspiring<br />
·lacks coherence in life because too “now” focused and too open to impressions<br />
·lively<br />
·loves being in the limelight</td><td valign="top">·natural magnetic grace<br />
·optimistic<br />
·outgoing<br />
·people-centered<br />
·persuasive<br />
·popular<br />
·positive<br />
·responsive<br />
·restless<br />
·self-indulgent<br />
·spontaneous<br />
·superficial<br />
·talkative<br />
·tender<br />
·undependable meeting deadlines<br />
·undisciplined<br />
·warm<br />
·weak-willed</td></tr>
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<tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr>
<tr><td>C</td><td>Personality (Melancholy)<br />
<em>Analytical</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr>
<tr><td>S</td><td>Personality (Phlegmatic)<br />
<em>Avoids conflict</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top">·artistic<br />
·calculating<br />
·cheerless<br />
·competent<br />
·concise<br />
·conscientious<br />
·conservative<br />
·consistent<br />
·contemplation leads to paralysis<br />
·controlling<br />
·correct<br />
·creative<br />
·critical<br />
·dependable<br />
·depressed<br />
·depressing<br />
·detailed<br />
·dissatisfied<br />
·dissects self<br />
·efficient<br />
·faithful<br />
·feels unapproved</td><td valign="top">·Follows rules<br />
·hard to get along with<br />
·idealistic<br />
·impatient<br />
·impossible to please<br />
·impractical<br />
·inflexible<br />
·intolerant<br />
·introverted<br />
·intelligent<br />
·investigative<br />
·irritable<br />
·knowledgeable<br />
·loyal<br />
·methodical<br />
·moody<br />
·negative<br />
·opinionated<br />
·organized<br />
·overly self – critical<br />
·perfectionist</td><td valign="top">·pessimistic<br />
·precise<br />
·proud<br />
·quality centered<br />
·reserved<br />
·revengeful<br />
·rigid<br />
·sacrificial<br />
·self-centered<br />
·self-examining<br />
·self-sacrificing<br />
·self-torturous<br />
·sensitive<br />
·structured<br />
·suspicious<br />
·task-oriented<br />
·theoretical<br />
·thin-skinned<br />
·traditional<br />
·uncompromising<br />
·unemotional<br />
·not talkative<br />
·values quality of life</td><td></td><td valign="top">·avoids risk<br />
·calm<br />
·cautious<br />
·compromising<br />
·consistent<br />
·cool-headed<br />
·cooperative<br />
·dependable<br />
·desires security<br />
·diplomatic<br />
·easily influenced<br />
·efficient<br />
·encourager<br />
·faithful<br />
·fearful<br />
·flexible<br />
·follows rules<br />
·free-spirited<br />
·good-natured<br />
·indecisive<br />
·kind<br />
·lacks confidence</td><td valign="top">·lacks drive<br />
·loyal<br />
·naive<br />
·needs affirmation<br />
·non-confrontational<br />
·not brittle under stress<br />
·not easily aroused or disturbed<br />
·passive<br />
·patient<br />
·peaceful<br />
·people-oriented<br />
·persistent<br />
·placid<br />
·planner<br />
·practical<br />
·protective<br />
·puts down and limits feelings</td><td valign="top">·reserved<br />
·self-protective<br />
·sensitive<br />
·shy<br />
·sincere<br />
·slow to change<br />
·specialist<br />
·stable<br />
·steady<br />
·stubborn regarding change<br />
·submissive<br />
·sweet<br />
·team-oriented<br />
·thoughtful<br />
·timid<br />
·unambitious<br />
·unassertive</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table>What does God Say About My Personality…?<br />
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<tr><td valign="top" width="49%"><strong>D</strong> personalities need to learn to listen and not always speak their own opinions.<br />
<em>James 1 :19 …Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…</em><br />
<strong>D</strong> personalities need to be aware of their tendency to be angry.<br />
<em>Proverbs 16:32 – Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.</em><br />
<strong>D</strong> personalities need to learn that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are not options for a Christian.<br />
<em>Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…</em><br />
<strong>D</strong> personalities need to forgive others.<br />
<em>Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.</em><br />
<strong>D</strong> personalities must place their faith in God and not in their own self-sufficiency.<br />
<em>Mark 11:22 ‘…Have faith in God,’ Jesus answered.</em><br />
<strong>D</strong> personalities are generally successful because of their strong will and determination.<br />
<em>I Corinthians 9:24-27 …Run in such a way to get the prize…</em><br />
<strong>D</strong> personalities are aggressive and display leadership qualities.<br />
<em>Acts 17:4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul…</em></td><td width="2%"></td><td valign="top" width="49%"><strong>I</strong> personalities need to learn that there is a time to be still.<br />
<em>Psalm 46:10 …be still and know that I am God.</em><br />
<strong>I</strong> personalities need to learn to listen to others.<br />
<em>Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel…</em><br />
<strong>I</strong> personalities need to recognize the need for structure and organization.<br />
<em>I Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner.</em><br />
<strong>I</strong> personalities need to learn to be sensitive to feelings of others.<br />
<em>Colossians 1:12 …put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.</em><br />
<strong>I</strong> personalities must work to have discipline in their lives.<br />
<em>II Timothy 2:15 Study to present yourself approved to God…</em><br />
<strong>I</strong> personalities are bold in sharing their faith.<br />
<em>Acts 4:20 …for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.</em><br />
<strong>I</strong> personalities look opportunities to help others.<br />
<em>Galatians 6: 10 …let us do good to all men.</em><br />
<strong>I</strong> personalities do not waver between God’s call and immediate action once they understand it.<br />
<em>Mark 1:17-18 ‘Follow Me’ ,…And they immediately left…</em><br />
<strong>I</strong> personalities do not find it hard to obey God’s command to assemble together.<br />
<em>Hebrews 10:25 …not forsaking our own assembling together…</em></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong>C</strong> personalities must recognize that much of has to be lived by faith.<br />
<em>I Corinthians 12:12 …now I know in part…</em><br />
<strong>C</strong> personalities struggle with forgiving those who have wronged them.<br />
<em>Ephesians 4:32 …forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has forgiven you.</em><br />
<strong>C</strong> personalities often allow their thinking to be negative and can allow this negative thinking to lead to depression.<br />
<em>Philippians 4:8 …what ever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.</em><br />
<strong>C</strong> personalities need to guard against using words to criticize others.<br />
<em>Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.</em><br />
<strong>C</strong> personalities do not struggle with being humble.<br />
<strong>C</strong> personalities set the example when it comes to having things done properly and in order.<br />
<em>I Corinthians 14:40 But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner.</em><br />
<strong>C</strong> personalities strive to keep doctrine pure and unadulterated.<br />
<em>II Timothy 2:15 …handling accurately the word of truth to show thyself approved, rightly dividing the word.</em><br />
<strong>C</strong> personalities do not struggle with the command to correct wrongs when they are obvious.<br />
<em>II Timothy 4:2 …reprove, rebuke, exhort with great patience.</em></td><td></td><td valign="top"><strong>S</strong> personalities use their soft, sensitive words to resolve conflict.<br />
<em>Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath.</em><br />
<strong>S</strong> personalities stay loyal even when someone has failed them.<br />
<em>Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times…</em><br />
<strong>S</strong> personalities are able to bring peace to unsettled situations by their words and attitude.<br />
<em>Ephesians 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.</em><br />
<strong>S</strong> personalities often lack confidence.<br />
<em>Exodus 4:1 What if they will not believe me, or listen to what I say?</em><br />
<strong>S</strong> personalities must learn not everyone is sincere and truthful.<br />
<em>Ephesians 4:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words…</em><br />
<strong>S</strong> personalities need to have confidence in the gifts God has given them.<br />
<em>Romans 12:3 …God has allotted to each a measure of faith.</em><br />
<strong>S</strong> personalities shy away from responsibilities that require exposure of wrong/harsh action.<br />
<em>Ephesians 4:11 …do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>How does my personality affect my thinking?<br />
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<tr><td valign="top">D Personality (Choleric)<br />
D’s are known for their keen, quick minds. They use their sharp and highly intuitive perceptions of people and situations to “know” what needs to be done; they then focus themselves and others on the ideal kind of action that gets things done. As realists who are relatively practical, D’s may only think deep and long enough to create a workable plan without much concern for underlying theory. Thus, their thinking can be crafty, driven, and purposeful, but also lack calm foresight, imagination, and sufficient planning. D’s can be commonplace, humdrum, tiresome, dull, unimaginative, and boring in their thinking, and often find it hard to develop an inner life of meaningful reflection.</td><td valign="top">I Personality (Sanguine)<br />
I’s are awakened by and responsive to exciting and thrilling experiences. Their responses in life are direct and not particularly reflective or planned. I’s tend to process their thoughts aloud and spontaneously, without organizing them in advance. Their thinking may come across to some other personalities as unclear, illogical, inconsistent, confused, and superficial. However, because they are always looking for “the new,” they can often appreciate completely different approaches to dull things, and speak of the ordinary in very charming ways. I’s need to learn the thinking arts of reflection and self-examination to combat their tendency to distraction, tangents, and shallowness.</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top">C Personality (Melancholy)<br />
C’s have the most complex layered mental abilities of the four personalities. They want to get to the bottom of everything, and their thinking is deep, thorough, and reflective. C’s will never be accused of being superficial or phony, but this has down sides. Their strong imagination tends to lead to romanticism, their analysis can lead to being judgmental, and their ordering can lead to perfectionism. Their tendency for idealism and perfectionism can lead to frequent disillusionment, which may fuel serious doubts and a desire to remove themselves even more from the real world through daydreaming. Still, C’s are highly creative and sharply stimulating; their thoughts are well considered, expressed with originality, and they are highly conscientious.</td><td valign="top">S Personality (Phlegmatic)<br />
S’s tend to have a calm, clear intellect that is unclouded because of their generally unemotional nature. This tends to give them a good range of intellectual ability, although it may not be as deep or insightful as that of some other personalities. S’s are often able to put to practical use the brilliant ideas of others. They have a no-nonsense, practical mind, which is less prone to “wishful thinking.” However, they drift too easily into rationalism, and also tend to modify their ideals until they are workable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>How does my Personality affect my emotions & how I control them?<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top">D Personality (Choleric)<br />
When it comes to emotions, D’s are noted for being quick-tempered, abrupt, and hard. They are the most likely of the personalities to react in anger. Not only is their emotional nature unemotional, they have no use for sensitivity and can be unfeeling. This means they do not sympathize well with others’ pain or grief. They may appear very thick-skinned, and do not comprehend what is tender, delicate, and fragile in life. It can be difficult to interest D’s in religion, as they see it as mere emotionalism.</td><td valign="top">I Personality (Sanguine)<br />
Intense but inconsistent feelings predominate in the world of I’s. They are very sensitive and have a rich, broad-ranged emotional life. Their emotions are easily stirred by impressions from the outside world – either in constructive or destructive directions – and their typical overreactions often lead to “a mood.” But emotions are fleeting, and I’s frequently experience quick reversals of feeling. They may go from sulking to elation. This emotionality affects their involvement in causes, by which they are easily and intensely interested… for the moment. In expressing their feelings, I’s tend to be talkative, extreme, vivid, and emphatic.</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top">C Personality (Melancholy)<br />
Feelings predominate C’s, giving them a rich, sensitive nature (often over- sensitive, easily crushed). Ironically, C’s typically feel more than they can express. For instance, C’s are not quick-tempered, but can erupt in pent-up anger. Sadly, they are pessimistic, moody, and preoccupied with their own emotional pain. C’s constantly dissect themselves, and see little in their worlds that is encouraging. Impressions of self can dig and bury deeply and work actively in their imaginations, leading to depression – as when promises they break or errors they make may distress them for a long time or even a lifetime!</td><td valign="top">S Personality (Phlegmatic)<br />
S’s are frequently described as dependable, tranquil and cool. They maintain their inner emotional balance and come across as easy-going and levelheaded in all situations. Because S’s are clear-minded and levelheaded, they do not become restless or annoyed by imperfection. They are not caught off guard, not tense, and not into reform and change. They have the strength and presence of mind to assess risky situations calmly, consider the possibilities, and choose the best way out. But for all the potentially positive dimensions of those character qualities, on the downside, S’s are also sometimes empty-hearted, dispassionate and indifferent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>How does my Personality affect my will and my self-discipline?<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top">D Personality (Choleric)<br />
For D’s, will is the controlling factor. Life consists of action and work as a show of their urge toward self-determination and a response to external factors. (D’s also like making decisions for others.) They possess strong will power, a sharp mind, focus, and stamina which helps their actions be quick, bold, and decisive, though perhaps hasty and impulsive. D’s are not dismayed by barriers or adversities, but see oppositions as challenges that spur them on in their adventures. They are risk-takers, avoiding the safe and everyday, and drawn to the hazardous and unknown. D’s often are active, but unreflective, unyielding, but over the edge, persistent but practical, fiery but foolhardy.</td><td valign="top">I Personality (Sanguine)<br />
When it comes to self-discipline, I’s have good hearts but undependable follow-through. Their will is not particularly stirred, and so their actions are unpredictable and inconsistent, even if they show initiative in new ideas or projects. I’s may prove spontaneous and surprising, but are also shallow, forgetful, and distracted. They may even invent excuses for why they “could not” (actually, “did not”) carry out their obligations. They may be the Personality most likely to enjoy life, but also to leave this world with a trail of unaccomplished goals. The bottom line: They have good intentions in their promising, but are unreliable in deciding, and weak-willed in persevering.</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top">C Personality (Melancholy)<br />
Making decisions and engaging in calculated risks are not strong points for C’s, in part due to their passive nature. Also, their capacity for endless analysis of every possible angle and consequence paralyzes them. The more possible outcomes C’s find, the more difficult it is for them to decide. They finally act only when they must, and then with ongoing doubts and small measures of boldness. C’s are also relatively self-disciplined and know their limitations. They would rather commit to fewer and safer things, and finish what they undertake than make promises they know they can’t keep. Though they are not risk-takers, C’s are self-sacrificers and dependable servants.</td><td valign="top">S Personality (Phlegmatic)<br />
Decision-making and self-discipline are problems for S’s. They are often slow, sluggish, and easygoing. Because they don’t like inconvenience, they are unwilling to exert themselves or be in a hurry. They do consider issues before acting, but still find it hard to overcome their inertia and tendency to procrastinate. Once S’s get moving, they can lay out good plans, efficiently execute them, and prove themselves dependable in follow-through. More often, though, they are calm spectators who are not swayed by emotion. They take the easiest ways instead of being farsighted, and stagnate instead of persevere. S’s can be so practical they compromise their standards when convenient.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>How does my Personality affect how I relate to other people?<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top">D Personality (Choleric)<br />
Relationships can be a problem for D’s, who often act out their Personality in self-centered ways that show disrespect and lack of consideration for others. D’s are seen as overly self-confident, proud, and haughty. Although they can be good leaders, they can also be domineering in relationships, lack patience with people, and not appreciate the abilities in others. D’s often lack compassion for those who are suffering, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They also use their good judgment of human nature to gain information for their own advantage. Because they see people as tools for their plans, they may be clever, manipulative, and show false concern to get their way. D’s consider apologizing as perhaps the ultimate humiliation; thus, committing to apologizing consistently can help conquer their relational weaknesses.</td><td valign="top">I Personality (Sanguine)<br />
Overall, I’s have the ability to establish heartwarming relationships with a wide range of people. They are warm, cheerful, and extravagant in relating. They accept people as they are, and aren’t bothered by whether people meet certain standards or not. An I’s receptive spirit helps them adjust to others and be genuinely interested in hearing their concerns. They do not disturb others’ happiness with skepticism, criticism, or ridicule, but instead enter into their feelings and thoughts. I’s are tender, sympathetic, and comforting. They are unlikely to become calloused toward people, and will consistently rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. However, they also function by “out of sight, out of mind.” This makes them unreliable, and easily charmed. Fortunately, of the four personalities, I’s can humble themselves and apologize the most easily.</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top">S Personality (Phlegmatic)<br />
S’s exercise a stabilizing influence in relationships, even in the midst of disturbing circumstances. They are evenly balanced, calm, and seldom stirred up. They are neither quick-tempered nor in a fuss about “stuff.” S’s are good-natured, easy to get along with, pleasant, cheerful, comfortable, and witty. But they can be apathetic, blasé, not cordial or demonstrative, to the point of being indifferent about others. S’s often study people but have little interest in them, except when their opportunist tendencies see something on which they can capitalize. Otherwise, they can be disinterested spectators who seem apathetic. Their presence has a softening, conciliating effect upon others, and their love of peace and harmony gives them a base for relating with many different kinds of people successfully, and even bringing a unifying presence to groups.</td><td valign="top">C Personality (Melancholy)<br />
C’s have significant problems in relating. They do not make many friends, but those they make, they keep by being faithful, loyal, and dependable. They consider promises a point of honor to keep. However, C’s are hard to get along with or touch, and they are proud. Their sharp ability to analyze lets them see faults in others clearly, and they become critical and judgmental. But their self-centeredness focuses them on how things affect them, not how they affect others. So they cannot analyze their own faults. Their romantic search for the ideal leads them to be uncompromising, disappointed, and self-protective. C’s are easily hurt, suspicious, distant, and not joyful. They may have a persecution complex. They tend to daydream and harbor grudges, which can increase to unbearable proportions. C’s may be the most likely Personality to create disharmony, and to blame, whine, and complain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>How does my Personality affect my leadership roles?<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top">D Personality (Choleric)<br />
D’s love to lead and will often volunteer to do so. Ironically, D’s want an environment of freedom and of control so they can do what they want. Their action-orientation does not mean their plans are any better than those developed by other personalities, but their aggressive, firm and consistent nature pushes their plans through. The leadership/authority style of D’s tend to be energetic, impulsive, self-confident, reckless, forceful, crafty, achievement-minded, dictatorial, and bossy. D’s bring goal-orientation and action to a group; they can also bring an opportunistic end-justifies-the-means mentality, and a stubborn spirit.</td><td valign="top">C Personality (Melancholy)<br />
Primarily passive, C’s would rather be followers, not leaders. Still, they display helpful leadership qualities, such as their self-denial and service, uncompromising nature, and willingness to work behind the scenes. C’s effectively analyze plans for their strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, this can make it appear they are against projects. But an ability to judge well does not necessarily mean one is judgmental. C’s are prone to be negative, in part because they truly can anticipate upcoming and approaching flaws in plans and actions. They battle disappointment over outcomes that do not match promises. C’s know their limitations and rarely take on more than they should/could do.</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top">I Personality (Sanguine)<br />
Ironically, I’s enjoy being free and unrestrained, while at the same time they are controlled and driven by external forces. I’s embrace freedom, and are not governed by rules and regulations. They are easily molded by their environment. I’s are also susceptible to “conning” themselves and others into following a path where the end justifies the means.</td><td valign="top">S Personality (Phlegmatic)<br />
S’s generally won’t take leadership upon themselves. They are, however, quite capable when called into a leadership role. S’s value freedom, yet, ironically, stubbornly oppose change and can control situations by dragging their feet or even damaging a project when they don’t really want to participate in it. When forced into the activities of others that turn out poorly, this fuels a deeper resistance to future activities. S’s do not start projects. They are too much work for their laid-back disposition. S’s are especially subject to compromising their ideals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>How does my Personality affect my communication style?<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top">D Personality (Choleric)<br />
D’s may be extroverted, but that does not mean they communicate clearly or kindly with people. D’s are often known for finding it difficult to apologize or show approval, and often for communicating disapproval. They can speak in ways that are blunt and sarcastic, cutting stinging, unaffectionate and harsh. D’s are so driven by their own goals that they tend not to focus on others or listen to what they are saying. They don’t care if people disagree with them, they’ll do what they want to anyway. Their communication is direct and to the point. Others generally know what they think about a subject or another person. They are extremely good at communicating goals and direction for themselves and others.</td><td valign="top">I Personality (Sanguine)<br />
I’s are sociable; words come easily to them. They process their thoughts aloud in a stream that does not include much thinking before they speak. Their style can be noisy, boasting and friendly, impressive, direct, and fascinating. They draw people in, but dominate discussions with topics of personal interest. Still, their conversation is contagious, and it creates similar moods in the listener. I’s speak charmingly about everyday things, and are dramatic and colorful storytellers because of their emotional nature. I’s are restless, making it hard to concentrate on listening to others. But they do apologize readily.</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top">C Personality (Melancholy)<br />
C’s generally have opinions (and are often well-informed) about many topics and issues, but they generally withhold them from a conversation unless asked directly what they think. They are accurate and detailed, and tend to dislike exaggeration and ill-advised words. C’s often are suspicious and depressing, which does not endear them to others in conversation. Others find it extremely easy to follow their directions because they are patient when communicating details. They do not communicate words they do not mean. What they say is what they mean. There are no hidden motives in their communication.</td><td valign="top">S Personality (Phlegmatic)<br />
S’s rate very different evaluations on their communication style. On the one hand, they are said to sometimes have an easygoing manner that makes it easy for them to listen to others, and that they can be quite counselor-oriented. On the other hand, they have been noted for their hesitation to become involved with others. They communicate in a calm and peaceful tone and do not generate lots of excitement for those listening. They bring harmony through their words and tend to use words that are not strongly positive or negative. They rarely communicate their disapproval of others. Even when they do, it may be difficult to detect.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>How does my Personality affect how I act when I’m offended?<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top">D Personality (Choleric)<br />
D’s are known for being revengeful. They do not easily forgive or forget an insult or an injury. Instead, they allow these to encourage them into future actions where they repay people for what they perceive as injustices or wrongs committed against them. D’s tend to be bitter, wrathful, and angry, which, along with the other elements in their response to offenses, makes them ulcer-prone.</td><td valign="top">I Personality (Sanguine)<br />
In general, I’s forget the past easily and live in the present. Therefore they tend to quickly forget offenses against them and move on.</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top">C Personality (Melancholy)<br />
C’s are revengeful. In many ways, they live in the past, and find it difficult to forget any kind of insult or offense. Their unforgiving spirit serves to compound the impact of the offense and push it into the future; reflecting on the hurt drives it deeper as the slow-burner on their emotions makes them prone to boil with resentment inside. They carry grudges, and become bitter and prejudiced against people because of unforgiveness.</td><td valign="top">S Personality (Phlegmatic)<br />
S’s wave off offenses as irrelevant, and so do not take offense as easily as other personalities. They live more in the present, not the past, and so do not carry grudges when they have felt offended. They are peace loving, have a high boiling point, and seldom explode in anger. However, when they do explode it is in a cold and vengeful manner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-51428112720055499532010-03-17T23:41:00.000-05:002010-03-17T23:41:08.954-05:00Moody Revival Part 2Oh my, I put this off so much...not sure why.<br />
Well, here it goes..<br />
<br />
So after we each committed to finding 2 people a day to join with us, we were pumped and right away things got moving. All of us were sharing and the vision grew and people joined with us, not just fasting once throughout the 40 days but once a week, twice a week, for extended periods etc. It was so encouraging. Just a week following began Founders week at our school, a time when we go to Moody Church and listen to incredible pastors, evangelists, ministry founders, etc share their hearts with us. It was so encouraging... in many ways..<br />
<br />
On Wednesday I believe, during the night, a man named Mark Jobe spoke. His passion was contagious and at the very beginning said to us. "I pray a lot before I speak, asking that what I say wouldn't be just an encouraging message, but a prophetic word from the Lord". Well, what Mark Jobe spoke on was Holy Hunger, fasting and waiting upon the LOrd. Our ministry, our passion, was spoken to that entire group. Not only this but he gave us a challenge. This challenge was to fast for an extended time during the next 21 days. Those who took the challenge stood and as I watched this happen (via TV cuz i was working at the coffee shop that night) I was literally going "omgosh omgosh, Lord, you are so much bigger than me, omgosh". Now, it was out of our hands. Throw away the list, 80 people pssshhh at least that many stood up...much more..but it was incredible! I was speechless and could say nothign but praise the Lord for his work.<br />
<br />
The next morning was no different. A woman named Nancy Leigh Demoss got up and spoke on devotions and being faithful in reading the Word and prayer. Honestly, the message wasn't incredible, but what impacted me and the others was the challenge. At the end she said, I challenge you, in partner with Mark Jobe's fasting, to commit to 30 days of prayer and dedication to faithful devotions. This wouldn't have been huge except that, our 40 days of prayer and fasting had exactly 30 days left. Just another way God affirmed what we were doing.<br />
<br />
Every Sunday night we met together, and consistently 35 people were there. It was truly beautiful to watch conservative, more traditional Moody students literally crying out to the Lord, on their knees begging him on behalf of the studnets to rain down on us, revive our hearts, spare the city, heal this land 2 Chron. 7:14.<br />
<br />
Things continued to be pushed forward and 80 people came no problem. There were many studnets even ones we didn't recognize fasting and praying all over campus, committing Joel 2:12-17 to the Lord. <br />
<br />
Honestly about 3/4 of the way through, things got tough. Our progress felt like a rollercoaster. We had some highs and lows, but we pressed forward even on those days we really didn't feel like fasting and those mornings we really didn't want to get up and pray. There were even a bunch of students that began to meet every night and pray for revival. It was so encouraging. One of the greatest blessings was watching all these random small prayer groups that had been meeting together unbeknownst to us, join in. A revival prayer student group, then a floor, then a small group, then another group praying for revival, then freshman stu co. We just joined together as one body, our purpose to begin with.<br />
<br />
As the last weeks arrived things began to get intense. Myself and a few others were in charge of planning the final week which was insane. Friday was a prayer vigil (stu co led this thank the Lord), Sat was service in the city, sunday was the prayer night, monday at midnight right after the prayer meeting, Culby 2 chapel was transformed into a new room, with sections for different prayer topics, for 24 hour prayer for the next four days, then came the worship night on thursday night with Jamie Kay and thursday night praise. Along with this, I was doing a longer fast and midterms, which just added to the chaotic ness. <br />
<br />
In the end, the people that helped were incredible! I was so blessed ot have people really step up and be faithful in doing all they could. The 24 hour prayer was great. I will probably never know if everyone stayed commited to their time slots, but the room looked incredible and really added to the atmosphere of worship in my opinion. <br />
<br />
Then the worship night on thursday. Honestly there was so much chaos that went on before. Rooming issues, miscommunications, lots of planning, and utilizing funds from different groups, it was just unexpected. What resulted though, was fantastic. By thursday morning we were still looking for the speakers for each prayer point, but by golly the speakers were amazing. Each one presented their point beautifully and just said exactly what needed to be said. Our focus was on 4 things: Repentance, Surrender, Holy Hunger, Faith/Expectancy. Each one was done differently and there was worship in between. The spirit was so evident and people were challenged and brought to their knees. I had no idea how many would come. We publicized, but it was midterms, and honestly, for all that moody is and does, people can get relaly caught up with the academic part of it. <br />
<br />
Other people can tell you all the ways the spirit moved in their hearts that night, but there was one main thing that will stick with me forever. I had so many comments of people after saying how the Spirit had spoke to them, that it was so encouraging, that it was so effective, but for me, the Spirit spoke to me someway diffferent. Each pereson I talked to knows exactly how.<br />
<br />
At the very beginning of our journey, when we cast our vision, it was for 40 days, 80 people joined with us, unified as one body. We exceeded that, for God's glory, by his grace. Jamie Kay told us after that she has done many concerts of prayer and when it is Moody alone, we rarely get many to come out, but that night, we had 80 people. 80 people came for this prayer. It hit me like a semi truck. OF COURSE we would have 80 people come. Why did I stress that 0 would show (one of my lack of faith things)? We asked the Lord for 80 and that is what he provided. What a blessing this was. To me, this is how the Lord revealed himself in my life. <br />
<br />
No, no Spirit go crazy impact the world happened, but let me say this. Many hearts were revived to the Lord throughout these past weeks. Many people have been humbled and drawn into God's arms once again. Many people have been brought back to the heart of worship and the rememberance of why we are there at Moody. <br />
Not only this, but those 7+, probably around 15 of us are a family. I know what the church looks like. We are the body of Christ, all putting 100% in and willing to sacrifice for one another. We have different friend groups, different activities, but we would give up anything for each other and had the same fixation on Christ. We were serving one God, with one task, and in one Spirit. I think of the tower of babel when the Lord looks at them and says, nothign will be impossible for them when they all come together. I think of Nehemiah when they rebuild the walls in 52 days. Nothing is impossible for the Lord's people if they come together with a purpose, a strategy, and with the green light from God. Praise the Lord for that.<br />
<br />
I have learned so much and I can't wait for what is next. So many have come to me and said, Christy, Im in this for the Long Haul. Where God leads this ministry, I am going with it.<br />
Praise God.<br />
Moody Revival 2010<br />
<br />
more4moody.typepad.comspadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-57058268598184415602010-02-28T00:14:00.003-06:002010-02-28T00:26:09.946-06:00Old Writing: Eyes on HIm<a href="http://www.outdoorbound.com/images/photos/san_jose_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.outdoorbound.com/images/photos/san_jose_thumb.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Eyes on Him<br />
“Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” Hebrews 12:1-2<br />
<br />
This morning I went for a run outside of Port. It had been awhile; a long while. My legs were out of shape, my body not fully prepared, but my heart and mind ready for the task that lie ahead. I knew the goal. Coronado; a 15 minute jog from the school. Not an unreasonable goalm but for one who is out of shape; like myself, an undertaking. On certain days when the sky is clear, the tip of the cathedral in Coronado is able to be seen. On those days, I make the greatest progress. It’s a compelling goal, with my eyes set on the prize. Some days though, like today, something is corrupting my view. One time it will be rain or clouds, other times, like today, it was the sun. During these days the run is arduous. My eyes are focused downward to avoid the sun and I watch the sun so that I won’t fall. The goal is forgotten. Even my thoughts are against me. Inwardly, my mind after just a few minutes, is debating whether my body is up for the task.<br />
As long as we can see our goal in sight, there is no run we can’t achieve. But take away the vision, block the cathedral and the result is as discouraging as the journey. Why continue if there is no relief in sight. We are what we see and if we only see ourselves, we are screwed. Luckily, humans were never meant to be kept from seein the goal. God has every intention to being the clearly seen cathedral in Coronado. He came near to us purposely to be seen. That is why the journey is so different when we have the clear view. Those who see him are never the same. His glory, his majesty, his beauty, gives us the strength to never stop until we reach him. Seeing Jesus is what Christianity is all about and this is why those who see him today are never the same. Its not possible to give up.</span>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-39302531034021572632010-02-28T00:13:00.006-06:002010-03-19T08:31:54.342-05:00Old Writing: Ray of hope<a href="http://www.downeast.com/files/images/2751-IMG_0030.preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.downeast.com/files/images/2751-IMG_0030.preview.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">La Cumbre-my ray of warmth<br />
“The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they display knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words, yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out from his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run its course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other, nothing is deprived of its warmth.” Psalm 19:1-6<br />
<br />
As I sit here reflecting on life, God, and how tired I am in the upper room of the hotel at la cumber, I feel cold. But there is hope, the moon has gone and the sun, though unseen, is lighting the skies. I sit here saying God what is it you want to say to me and teach me. Show me. When nothing significant comes to mind, I begin to bundle up with my blanket and drift off, feeling somewhat desolate and unsatisfied. Just as my mind begins to blur, I feel a sensation small at first, then gradually progressing into full on warmth and light. My life gets cold sometimes, whether I feel alone, whether I am just not growing, or im living in sin. I just sit with a blanket or nothing at all sulking in despair, wishing for something to just warm my nose. Then, after desiring and waiting, that ray comes and how glorious it feels. How perfect, how important, how joyful it is. Even after hard times in my life, God is that ray of hope. He is going to be there, he is just preparing me. That sounds strange but I believe hard times come for our sake. God wants us to realize how amazing his warmth and his light are. He wants us to rejoice when we see the sun peek out from above the mountains. The question is though, where am I? Am I in a room of windows eagerly searching, and patiently waiting for the light to come? Or am I hiding in a closed room feeling sorry for the situation I’m facing. God is there, he is faithful, just as the sun faithfully makes its way across the sky each morning. Are you prepared for what God is saying to you. Are you listening, and watching, and waiting? No worries, he is there. “Nothing is deprived of his warmth"</span>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-20852325007413564992010-02-28T00:13:00.005-06:002010-02-28T00:33:40.626-06:00Old Writing: Voice of God<a href="http://www.sivertson.com/Images/Gentle_waters_website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://www.sivertson.com/Images/Gentle_waters_website.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">So, a few things have randomly lined up interestingly in my Bible reading.<br />
1. I am reading the Psalms<br />
2. I am reviewing the Semp manual<br />
3. I just took a class on 1 Kings<br />
<br />
I started reading through the Semp manual, and as a part of revising it, I am also doing it myself. The theme this summer is wired for sound. Last night as I was reading through the first day, we studied the passage of Isaiah 55. I had never really read through it and its focus was on listening to God. Are you hearing what God is saying to you. It then makes you take a more indepth look at verses 1 to 3 in which i found this part<br />
0"Come, all you who are thristy, come to the waters"<br />
I immediately remembered Psalm 23 which i had read just a few days before which says something similar<br />
in vs 2<br />
"He leads me besides quiet waters and restores my soul"<br />
<br />
THEN i remembered also the story of Elijah and his experience in listening to the voice of GOd. He was out on the mountain waiting for the Lord to pass by and he witnessed a great and powerful wind, an earthquake, and finally a fire, but the Lord wasnt in any of those. Then it says in 1Kings 19<br />
"an after the fire came a gentle whisper" this is where the Lord was.<br />
<br />
As I meditated upon those veres I realzied their common traits. Quiet waters, gentle whispers, water. They are all places of solitute, silence, openness. So often we find ourselves lost in the busyness of life, complaining that we haven´t heard God´s voice speak to us. God is there...he´s talking... but we can´t hear him over the noise of life. It is in the quiet we hear the Lord.<br />
<br />
Well, then today i read this in Psalm 29<br />
"The voice of the Lord is over the waters. The God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. THe voice of the Lord is powerful, the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedarsñ the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon...The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning, the voice of the Lord shakes the desert, The Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists the oaks, and strips the forest bare"<br />
<br />
So this got me confused, really confused. I thought the Lord was in the quiet the lord was the whisper in the wind. But here it describes the strength the fire, earthquake, and powerful wind had, yet God wasnt in. Im still a bit confused about this whole idea, but this is my take on it currently..<br />
<br />
I think God draws us to the waters to show us his thundering voice. His voice is majestic and powerful and oh so important, but we dont take the time to seek it to draw close to him because when we do, we will see what David did. That the voice of the Lord is HUGE. Its sad to think that even through flashes of lightning and shaking deserts, that we can still miss and be distracted from the voice of God. Our focus is so off. We spend our time worrying, or planning, or talking, when if we just would listen, he would guide us.<br />
<br />
My challenge to you this week, if your readin this, is to take a half an hour to yourself and let the lord lead you beside quiet waters to restore your soul. Let him show you his majestic and powerful voice. Open your heart to what he has to say. Come, listen and live<br />
<br />
Isaiah 55-3<br />
"Give ear and come to me, listen that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David"</span>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-8444046799969612652010-02-27T23:56:00.000-06:002010-02-28T01:17:43.152-06:00I....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"></span><br />
<div align="center">(idea taken from Kailin Bennett)</div><div align="center">I am: a woman, passionate, a leader, passive, an introvert, people-lover, God-fearing, a friend, a sister, a daughter<br />
I think: about the future, about God, about the past<br />
I know: that I want to serve God all my life, that without him I am lost, that I'm still learning<br />
I have: family, friends, a home, a great school, a wonderful job, and an incredible God<br />
I wish: Christ in all his glory would come: no more tears, no more pain, no more hunger, no more sickness</div><div align="center">I hate: the cold, feeling guilty, being rejected<br />
I miss: family, comfort, climbing trees, summer, Costa Rica<br />
I feel: burdened, shameful<br />
I crave: summer nights, sleep, love, grace, intimacy<br />
I wonder: what my life will be like, what legacy i will leave, who I will marry (if)<br />
I pray: for a contrite heart, that I would fear the Lord, for my friends, through Eph. 3:16-19, for revival, aloud<br />
I regret: caring what people think, being gluttonous<br />
I love: a hot cup of coffee, the Bible, and a warm summer sunrise (all combined), stars, friends, popcorn, rest</div><div align="center">I always: overanalyze, make my bed<br />
I care: about my family, about Christ, for the not-yet believers, and people<br />
I am not: an extravert, shy,<br />
I believe: in Christ alone<br />
I dance: in my car, in my bedroom, while im running,<br />
I sing: by myself, in chapel<br />
I laugh: for real just sometimes, i wish i laughed more<br />
I cry: at almost all movies, in worship and prayer,<br />
I don’t always: think before speaking, prioritize my time well, speak humbly<br />
I write: letters,thoughts, journals, notes<br />
I lose: everything<br />
I never: quite understand, make fast decisions, have enough time<br />
I listen: to rascal flatts, to authority, to friends, to Christ<br />
I can usually be found: at Joes, or in Stacy and Justines room<br />
I am scared: that I'm not enough<br />
I need: Jesus<br />
I can’t wait: for Him to take my hand and walk me through the pearly gates</div>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-17908319654212481042010-01-31T00:59:00.001-06:002010-02-28T00:23:26.396-06:00Waiting upon the Lord<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">*How would you like to learn to live triumphantly above fear and anxiety?</span><br />
<div>*How would you like to learn to truly enjoy life?</div><div>*How would you like to be free to experience and express true love and to triumph over being critical and judgmental?</div><div><br />
</div><div>The secrets of these blessings unfold as one learns to wait on God. The truth of "waiting" is found throughout the Bible. We can observe the following descriptions of waiting on the Lord:</div><div>*wait continually (Hosea 12:6)</div><div>*wait silently (Lamentations 3:26; Ps. 62:1,5)</div><div>*wait patiently (Ps. 40:1)</div><div>*wait eagerly (Isaiah 26:8)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Mary was commended not because she was idle while Martha worked. Actually Mary was "waiting" on the Lord as she listened to His Word. Her life is an illustration of what it means to abide in the Lord. She was listening to Him and willing to do anything He desired. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc33cc;">Waiting does not necessarily mean inactivity, but it does mean a life of obedient faith.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>The spirit of Mary who chose the "good part" opens one up to see the needs of others and cooperate with God in His loving plan. This waiting on the Lord is also the attitude of prayer.</div><div><br />
</div><div>As we abide in the Lord we can do an eternal work even in the midst of the routine of life. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3366ff;">We are able to accomplish nothing of eternal value apart from the enablement of Christ</span> (John 15:5).</div><div><br />
</div><div>The benefits of "waiting" are quite numerous. These are some that the Bible mentions:</div><div>*Freedom from shame (Ps. 25:3)</div><div>*Courage (Ps. 27:14)</div><div>*Strength (Is. 40:31)</div><div>*God's promises (Ps. 37:9)</div><div>*Deliverance from the bitter fruit of self-effort (Ps. 106:13-15; Is 30:15-18)</div><div>*Vindication (Prov. 20:22)</div><div>*God's favor (Ps. 147:11)</div><div>*God's salvation (Lam. 3:26)</div><div>*God's support (Is. 64:4)</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>ALL this was taken <b>directly</b> from</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>A Journey to Victorious Praying by Bill Thrasher</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-18279887305256262432010-01-25T22:10:00.001-06:002010-01-25T22:10:19.916-06:00God's Favor<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Man, God is great.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Isn't that just a phrase at which we can sigh at relief. phew!<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">God is good to us.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The one who made this world, who made us, is good to us. Does he have to be. No!<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I think sometimes I just assume God has to be good to us. It is in his nature. But he doesn't have to be. First of all, he could have been an evil God, but he is not. Second of all, I rebelled, so he could have stayed mad and angry, but he didn't. Third, he not only forgives, but he puts his favor on me for reasons i have NO idea.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Why me? What did I do to deserve such favor before God? -nothing. That is the clincher. God is just so good. Let me tell you why.<br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Yesterday my phone screen shattered. Yes, completely my fault, but in God's graciousness, the man fixed the 220$ problem for free. Praise God. Back up an hour or so walking to the store, God and i were having a little chat. I knew it was my fault. I had dropped the phone. I had been careless with something valuable. I deserved to pay the price for the phone. But I gave it to God and said, "God i know I deserve this consequence. I deserve to pay for this phone, but if for some reason, or somehow it is free, whatever the cost is for that phone will be yours. I want to give you that money. I will not be dishonest in doing so though" After talking with the mac genius, it was set. I owed 219.40 for the phone and he asked if there was any damage to the data or phone any internal problems. There wasn't and I responded likewise. But then a look came in his eyes and he looked at me and pointed at the phone and said oooh, you see this crack?? I looked and said umm, no i don't. Well, he continued, showed his friend, and his friend winked at me and said oh i see it don't you. I really didn't and wasn't about to lie to get a free phone. But then he flat out and said it. Well, there is a tiny crack beginning to form, which I can account to internal damage even though it hasn't begun or something of the sorts. Ultimately, he told me by the end, there isn't anything wrong, but I'm going to give you grace. From that point I was able to tell him about my prayer to God and giving the money to someone and brighten his day, knowing that he would be also the reason for someone benefiting from that money. He was a Christian too. Praise God for him, and Praise God for his grace. Just a big way he showed his love today.<br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Not to mention, 40 day chain of fasting began today :)! Praise God. I got to recruit 2 more people to jump on board with us as well. Praise God again. I did well on all my quizzes. Praise God. I'm feeling better. Praise God. Finally got to work things out with a friend that had a lingering confusion. PRAISE God. Man, what a blessing today has been. God you are so gracious and merciful to me. You lavish your love on me and why? I have no idea. Why me? I have done nothing spectacular. I have no special talents, but yet you just pour out yourself to me! praise your<br />
</div>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-3803767215050883582010-01-22T00:16:00.001-06:002010-01-22T00:21:11.604-06:00Why<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Why</span></i></b></span><br />
Such a small word, with such a deep meaning. <br />
*Why is the sky blue<br />
*Why am I here?<br />
*Why does this school have curfew?<br />
<br />
I go to God almost everyday with the question of Why. Today is no different. <br />
Why God? What do you have up your sleeve? I don't know something that I want to know. In my finite brain, I can't comprehend, or see, or distinguish what is happening, or *why* it is happening. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">"All things work together for good for those who love him, for those who are called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: cyan;">"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11</span></b><br />
<br />
I like how God says in Jeremiah 29. <b>I </b>know. He doesn't say, <b>you</b> know the plans i have for you. He is calling us to trust him. Trust him with our future. Trust him with our doubts. Trust him even when we just don't understand.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">"See I have refined you though not as silver. I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another" Isaiah 48:10-11</span></b></span><br />
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There are so many things I like about Isaiah 48:10-11. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;"><b>First</b></span>, tried you in the furnace of affliction. That ain't small stuff. We are talking about a blazing fire. Now I'm pretty sure that is no small trial. God is refining me in the blazing freaking furnace. I think of Shadrach, meshach, and abednego in the furnace where even the guys throwing them in died because it was so hot. God is refining me, but it isn't easy. He has cranked the heat up so that I NEED him!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>Second</b></span>, The fact that it repeats "for my own sake, for my own sake" Obviously this is a message God wants to get across. I imagine him speaking this to me and saying it once, but then looking me in the eye, turning my head, and saying "Christy" before he says it. He wants me to know it is for him. Seems selfish yea? My very first thought process said. "Wait, so i have to go through the flames for God's sake...uhhh...thanks God" No Way!!! He wants us to magnify him, because when we magnify him our joy is made complete. He is emphasizing this out of love. God wants us to know that he will not be defamed. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Third</b></span>, for the sake of his elect, he will not allow us to yield the glory he deserves to another. He wants the control. Honestly, he is the only one that deserves it. When he sees us give glory to another, he is jealous. He deserves our glory AND he knows that its only when we are glorifying him that we are satisfied. The nation to which this passage refers, would not become pure as silver, but they would still be tested and refined and the Lord is constantly doing that to us.<br />
<br />
Who would ever like going through fire. No one. But we must be refined. I must be refined. I too often yield the glory to another. I focus on something other than God and Christ. And God looks at that and turns me head and says<br />
<br />
"Christy, I will NOT let my name be defamed". I want to be number one. Not anyone else or anything else. "Christy, in my you will be satisfied. Find that in me. Come to me you who are weary and I will give you rest. Fixate your eyes on me, the author and perfector of your faith. I know the plans I have for you Christy, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. I knew you and loved you before the foundation of the world. Cast your cares on me, and I will care for you. Draw near to me and I will draw near to you. Trust in my unfailing love. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I have chosen you Christy. I demonstrated that in while you were still a sinner, I died for you. I love you. Trust me. Put me on top. Give me the glory. Let me refine you. Rejoice in you affliction, for what results is beautiful"spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180346231946646278.post-10680720922902000642010-01-18T00:04:00.000-06:002010-01-18T00:04:34.304-06:00I surrender All<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Pastor Judy, the speaker at Deep Freeze (January 15-17, 2010) told us a story about a little girl who fell in love with these cheap, plastic pearls at the grocery store…<br />
<br />
The little girl went grocery shopping with her mom and as they were checking out, she saw these pink pearls in the check-out aisle. When she saw these plastic pearls, she KNEW she had to have them. The little girl begged her mom, “please mommy, oh please can I get these pink pearls?” The mom reminded her daughter that they had just come to the grocery store to buy groceries and nothing else. The little girl kept begging and her mom came up with a deal. Her mom said, “How about you save up your money and when you have enough, I will bring you back to the store so you can buy those pink pearls”. The little girl was so excited, she immediately went to her piggy bank when she got home and found just enough money for those, in her eyes, beautiful, pink pearls. She ran up to her mom, begging to go back to the store to buy her necklace. As the mom promised, the two of them went back to the store.<br />
<br />
The little girl was so excited when she bought her pearls. To her, they were everything. They were pink. They were HER pearls. They were beautiful!<br />
<br />
Every night, her father comes in to read her a bed time story and tuck her in. One night the father asked his daughter, “How much do you love me?”<br />
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“Oh daddy, I love you so much.”<br />
<br />
“If you love me, will you give me your pearls?”<br />
<br />
“Oh daddy, you know I love you, but these pearls are so special to me”.<br />
<br />
“That’s okay. I love you.”<br />
<br />
The next night, the father asked the same thing…and got the same response.<br />
The night after that, he came to tuck his little girl in and found her sitting at the edge of her bed crying.<br />
<br />
“Oh d-d-daddy, you know I love you so much…H-here, you can have my pearls. Because I love you”.<br />
<br />
The little girl’s father took the cheap, plastic, pink pearls in his hand…and with his other, reached out to his precious little girl. In his hand was a black box.<br />
<br />
The little girl opened the box and there was a pearl necklace…a REAL and beautiful pearl necklace.<br />
--Pastor Judy<br />
<br />
Isn’t this just like what God does with us? There are things we cherish so much in this world, things that God asks us to give to Him. Of course we are hesitant at first…those are our treasures, our plastic pearls…we can’t give them away…we can’t give them to God, they are ours.<br />
<br />
But when we do give our gifts to God, when we hand over the cheap pearl necklaces…God blesses us with beautiful, real pearls. Pearls that are so much better than our pink pearls, our cheap and plastic pearls we bought with our piggy bank money.<br />
<br />
The little girl in the story tried so hard to keep her pearls. They were so special to her. But when she finally decided to give them to her daddy, he surprised her and gave her something so much more special.<br />
--reposted from Carla Huber</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc7QV750AHX3s9e4ryuQB7PVMAyaBsxcrT3javaSVDln9yZeC5Ced_xNIrN_MS6vh2zM6rG7JbRETkjwY3UyTx0HMhqBWRjuijZFKy3vV_yCoRFOxb_NReksssImJ3nrYf669DrqGy3w/s1600-h/51heSKbI+aL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc7QV750AHX3s9e4ryuQB7PVMAyaBsxcrT3javaSVDln9yZeC5Ced_xNIrN_MS6vh2zM6rG7JbRETkjwY3UyTx0HMhqBWRjuijZFKy3vV_yCoRFOxb_NReksssImJ3nrYf669DrqGy3w/s320/51heSKbI+aL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">My life seems So comical sometimes. God is constantly teaching me new things and challenging me to pick up my cross and legit follow him. I'll never get it perfectly together, but day by day I choose to place one foot in front of the other and walk against the the swarms of people coming at me. I choose to give up of myself in order to gain something more valuable than any human standard of wealth. Just recently I've been learning to surrender a particular area. For so long I clung to this "pearl" that was mine. Anytime anyone else even wanted to hold my "pearl" i got fearful and snatched it back. Part of me always desired a better pearl, but I wasn't willing to give mine up. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Then, just recently God told me to sit down and look at the pearls I had. He said look at what you have. Oh my was I in awe of this "pearl" that I had. I loved it. I never ever wanted to part from this "pearl". I saw it in a new light and treasured the "pearl" and was ready to finally put it on and not just hold it firmly in my hand. I was ready to wear my "pearl" with pride and joy and love. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Not a day later God came to me and said, you love me? Give me that pearl. WHAT??? You just showed me the value of my pearl. You just pointed to all the beauty and worth in this pearl and now you want it? Wait, no! I've held on to this for so long, I don't knwo what I would be without this pearl. I don't know who I would be without this pearl. I don't want anyone else to have this pearl. It's MINE! Those dreaded words. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Just like the girl in this story though. With tears in my eyes I decided a few days before hearing thsi analogy, to give God my pearl. Oh man, with tears and hurt all attached. Walking away from the thing you value so much is not an easy feat. Walking away from something you have held on to for so long is not easy at ALL. Though God hasn't revealed his greater pearl to me yet, I know he has it coming. And honestly, right now he is offering me something even more valuable. He is offering me himself. I add my own part of the story and it comes right before he pulls out the better pearls, he says:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">My girl, I love you. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">You are beautiful with or without these pearls.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Let me dry your tears.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Thank you for choosing me. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">I want to spend time with you.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">I want to show you that I love you. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Come dance with me.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Come eat with me.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Come, darling.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Let me show you my love for you.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">I am in the moment before he reveals his new greater pearl. I am in the moment when he looks deeply into my eyes and dries my tears and says, "just be with me". I will love you more than those pearls could ever love you. I will show you the wonders of the world and the joy I give. Just come, spend some time with me and you will forget about that pearl. Then, when you become so in love with me and so fixated on me. Then, then, my little girl, my child, my beloved, I will show you the greater pearl that I have in store for you and together we will rejoice!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
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</span></span>spadr827@yahoo.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17283316047637423496noreply@blogger.com1