My God has shown just how amazing he is to me this week! It's been a new thing for me to move away from home and my group of christian friends. Especially while I am at college is when I need support as I enter a new phase of my life.
I've been praying about a few things, the first is that I could find a bible study or church to go to while at school. The second was that I would be able to find a way to go to Passion 2011, which is basically a multi-day conference with worship, prayer and messages. It's a chance to gather with thousands of other college students in worship, and prayer. Wow, the idea is just amazing!
Anyways the other day God answered both those prayers within hours of each other. And in such amazing ways that I can't stop being amazed at it all, all day I was in shock at how it all happened.
First I had tuned in online to Passion Live Link earlier this week and posted a picture of me tuning in. Went to bed wishing even more that I could attend the Passion 2011 conference, but realizing that I probably wouldn't be able to go due to not having the money. Woke up the next morning and went online, only to be shocked and amazed when I found out that I had won a chance to register for free! This was truly an answer to a prayer, because it helped a lot with the money side of it all. I just couldn't believe my eyes, I was chosen - one of fifteen- to register for free.
My day only proceeded to get better a few hours later, when after looking at other people's pictures from Live Link. I stumbled across a girl who mentioned a bible study in the same state as me. I commented on the off chance it was in the same city as me. Only to moments later get not one but two messages - one from the girl, and another from the leader of the group, saying that it was indeed in the same city as me! What are the odds that I would come across this!
My God is Awesome!!! He brought the answers to two prayer requests in a marvelous way!!
Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You
CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
BRIDGE
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?
I love my God, more than I can ever describe, for he is the answers to my prayers each and every day. <3 <3 <3 <3 - GypsyGirl
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Influences
One thing that stays on my mind as I begin this college experience away from home, is how to be good christian influence among non christians. Learning to be a good influence without being influenced in a bad direction. Basically how to be in the world but not of the world. It's going to be hard, but I'm determined to stand strong.
I think that my best bet is to limit the time I hang out with people who might influence me in a bad way. And to make the most of the time I do spend with them. It makes me think of a quote I've heard, it goes like this -
Watch your thoughts, they become words
Watch your words, they become actions
Watch your actions, they become habits
Watch your habits, they become your character
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny
It's so true, and this is why we must be careful who we hang out with. Who we are around influences our thoughts which in turn influences your words etc. This is why it is important to have fellowship time with other Christians that can help encourage us.
Wish I had more to say, but it's late and I'm tired.
I've been working my way through Psalms so I will end with a verse I read the other day.
Psalms 59:16-17
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning of your love;
for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble
O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God
Goodnight World!!
I think that my best bet is to limit the time I hang out with people who might influence me in a bad way. And to make the most of the time I do spend with them. It makes me think of a quote I've heard, it goes like this -
Watch your thoughts, they become words
Watch your words, they become actions
Watch your actions, they become habits
Watch your habits, they become your character
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny
It's so true, and this is why we must be careful who we hang out with. Who we are around influences our thoughts which in turn influences your words etc. This is why it is important to have fellowship time with other Christians that can help encourage us.
Wish I had more to say, but it's late and I'm tired.
I've been working my way through Psalms so I will end with a verse I read the other day.
Psalms 59:16-17
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning of your love;
for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble
O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God
Goodnight World!!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Blink
Teach me to number my days
And count every moment
Before it all slips away
Take in all the colors
Before they fade to grey
-Blink by Revive
Currently one of my favorite songs to listen to, and it is so true. Things are changing in my life and the world around me and it happens so fast. I've been hit by this bittersweet feeling as I head on to a new chapter in my life. I'm leaving for school. Although I'm excited by the adventures that await me, I am also sad, and scared to leave all that I know behind. It's made me realize that I need to appreciate every moment that I live and not take anything for granted.
During a conversation with a friend, we were talking about stopping and taking notice of things around us. This made me realize just how many people just rush through life, trying to get to the next thing that is happening never taking the time to enjoy what is happening now. How many times do you count down the minutes, days, weeks or even months for that event that is going to happen? How many days do we waste waiting for those future moments, ignoring everything else that is happening?
I confess that I fall prey to that myself, right now I am counting down the days until a weekend later next month. I've been counting the days until I leave for school. I'm counting down the months till something in the spring. It's okay to look forward to things but at the same time we shouldn't forget what is going on around us. Make sure to take a moment to appreciate what God has given us, and to enjoy the glory of his creation. For me I love the beauty of the clouds in the sky, especially in the evening as the sun is setting. My favorite times spent with friends are the ones were I cherish every moment I have with them.
Because our lives are so fragile, we never know when they might end or how long we really have. What if you spent your days waiting for something in the future that you didn't live to see? Would it have been worth it to miss out on those moments just to never see the one you were waiting for? So next time you are in a rush to get to work or wherever it is you are going – stop, take a deep breath and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. God created this marvelous world around you, and he also created some really talented beauty. So take a moment and not only enjoy his creation, but enjoy the works that came from the talents that he gave the people around you.
And count every moment
Before it all slips away
Take in all the colors
Before they fade to grey
-Blink by Revive
Currently one of my favorite songs to listen to, and it is so true. Things are changing in my life and the world around me and it happens so fast. I've been hit by this bittersweet feeling as I head on to a new chapter in my life. I'm leaving for school. Although I'm excited by the adventures that await me, I am also sad, and scared to leave all that I know behind. It's made me realize that I need to appreciate every moment that I live and not take anything for granted.
During a conversation with a friend, we were talking about stopping and taking notice of things around us. This made me realize just how many people just rush through life, trying to get to the next thing that is happening never taking the time to enjoy what is happening now. How many times do you count down the minutes, days, weeks or even months for that event that is going to happen? How many days do we waste waiting for those future moments, ignoring everything else that is happening?
I confess that I fall prey to that myself, right now I am counting down the days until a weekend later next month. I've been counting the days until I leave for school. I'm counting down the months till something in the spring. It's okay to look forward to things but at the same time we shouldn't forget what is going on around us. Make sure to take a moment to appreciate what God has given us, and to enjoy the glory of his creation. For me I love the beauty of the clouds in the sky, especially in the evening as the sun is setting. My favorite times spent with friends are the ones were I cherish every moment I have with them.
Because our lives are so fragile, we never know when they might end or how long we really have. What if you spent your days waiting for something in the future that you didn't live to see? Would it have been worth it to miss out on those moments just to never see the one you were waiting for? So next time you are in a rush to get to work or wherever it is you are going – stop, take a deep breath and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. God created this marvelous world around you, and he also created some really talented beauty. So take a moment and not only enjoy his creation, but enjoy the works that came from the talents that he gave the people around you.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Being a Sponge
I feel like a sponge lately, wanting to absorb all that I can about God, which right now feels like a lot. I want to be out there doing something, helping people, learning from people who know more than me, read all that I can and just learn in general. It's weird feeling. I grew up in the church, but I never felt like this before. I knew plenty of people who had this passion and desire to learn that I wanted to feel but never did.
Now something has changed in my heart and its been happening for awhile now. And I just want to praise God and thank him for changing my heart. Now learning about God, and going to church doesn't feel like something I'm just supposed to do, it's something I want to do. It's something I can't seem to get enough of.
I know that I won't always feel this way, that some days will be harder than others. There will be days I just want to turn away and focus on worldly things. And that is where all this absorbing and worshiping come into play. Because I find the more I focus on him now, the less I desire those other things. By creating a strong foundation in my faith and relationship with God, I then make it easier to turn back to him in times of trouble.
I guess its kinda like building a good foundation first before you build a house. If I take this desire to learn and use it to build up my foundation in my faith; it then makes it easier for my faith to stand in times of trouble. Just look at what Jesus says in Matthew 7: 24-27
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
By putting what I learn into action, the rock, which my faith stands on grows stronger everyday. It's an amazing thing. Whether it be reading your bible, attending a bible study, or just worshiping God, I challenge you to find a way to strengthen the rock your faith stands on. It's kinda ironic that by being a sponge and absorbing, that it can create a solid foundation for your faith to stand on. =D
Now something has changed in my heart and its been happening for awhile now. And I just want to praise God and thank him for changing my heart. Now learning about God, and going to church doesn't feel like something I'm just supposed to do, it's something I want to do. It's something I can't seem to get enough of.
I know that I won't always feel this way, that some days will be harder than others. There will be days I just want to turn away and focus on worldly things. And that is where all this absorbing and worshiping come into play. Because I find the more I focus on him now, the less I desire those other things. By creating a strong foundation in my faith and relationship with God, I then make it easier to turn back to him in times of trouble.
I guess its kinda like building a good foundation first before you build a house. If I take this desire to learn and use it to build up my foundation in my faith; it then makes it easier for my faith to stand in times of trouble. Just look at what Jesus says in Matthew 7: 24-27
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
By putting what I learn into action, the rock, which my faith stands on grows stronger everyday. It's an amazing thing. Whether it be reading your bible, attending a bible study, or just worshiping God, I challenge you to find a way to strengthen the rock your faith stands on. It's kinda ironic that by being a sponge and absorbing, that it can create a solid foundation for your faith to stand on. =D
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Ready to jump
I've decided to start blogging. I kinda did for awhile because it was something some of my friends were doing so I decided to start doing it to. I know, I know if your friends all jumped off a bridge would you? But what can I say at least it was blogging not jumping off a bridge. Haha So a lot has changed and is changing in my life right now. I'm leaving and starting over new in a new place with new people and its scary. But I have to trust in my God. For he is far smarter than me and seeing as he is all knowing.
I should be able to trust that he knows what he is doing. But it can be hard. We are only human, we don't always make the right choices, we lie and do things that can harm others. I think this is why it can be hard to trust in a God we can't see. It's hard to comprehend the idea that there is one who is truly only looking out for our benefit and knows what is best for us. But he does.
I'm still learning to trust in him, sometimes its easier than others. Like when things are going good in my life, its much easier to trust him. Than when everything seems like a disaster and you can't tell where things are going, its a lot harder to just hand it all over to him and say “Here, take it, I trust you, take my life and do with it as you will” How many of us actually think that when things are going wrong? Our first instinct is to question God, and ask him why this is happening, and assume that it is all a bad thing. But in hindsight we often realize that what we had at the time perceived as a bad thing, actually brought about something amazing. One of my current favorite songs is The Stand and the lyrics go
I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the one who gave it all
I'll stand my soul, Lord to you surrendered
All I am is yours
If only we could take a second and give our heart abandoned to him, surrender our soul to our Lord and let him take control of it all. Not just for a moment, but really give our heart and soul in every moment. Because we are his, and he is just waiting for us to realize this and give it all over to him.
Have you ever had something you were planning go horribly wrong, and you have that one friend you can call and say “hey, can you help?” Then when they show up, everything seems that much easier because you no longer have to carry it all by yourself. We have someone who is willing to take our burden, and carry it for us. We just need to see that God is waiting for that call, he wants to hear us say that we need his help. He wants to take our burden and carry it for us.
I should be able to trust that he knows what he is doing. But it can be hard. We are only human, we don't always make the right choices, we lie and do things that can harm others. I think this is why it can be hard to trust in a God we can't see. It's hard to comprehend the idea that there is one who is truly only looking out for our benefit and knows what is best for us. But he does.
I'm still learning to trust in him, sometimes its easier than others. Like when things are going good in my life, its much easier to trust him. Than when everything seems like a disaster and you can't tell where things are going, its a lot harder to just hand it all over to him and say “Here, take it, I trust you, take my life and do with it as you will” How many of us actually think that when things are going wrong? Our first instinct is to question God, and ask him why this is happening, and assume that it is all a bad thing. But in hindsight we often realize that what we had at the time perceived as a bad thing, actually brought about something amazing. One of my current favorite songs is The Stand and the lyrics go
I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the one who gave it all
I'll stand my soul, Lord to you surrendered
All I am is yours
If only we could take a second and give our heart abandoned to him, surrender our soul to our Lord and let him take control of it all. Not just for a moment, but really give our heart and soul in every moment. Because we are his, and he is just waiting for us to realize this and give it all over to him.
Have you ever had something you were planning go horribly wrong, and you have that one friend you can call and say “hey, can you help?” Then when they show up, everything seems that much easier because you no longer have to carry it all by yourself. We have someone who is willing to take our burden, and carry it for us. We just need to see that God is waiting for that call, he wants to hear us say that we need his help. He wants to take our burden and carry it for us.
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