Watch it here. 

"Everybody wants this ladder..."

God is God

This Sunday afternoon was mellow. My mom and I spent some time together this afternoon. At the gas station, I flipped on the Christian radio station while she was busy filling the tank. The following song was playing. It happens to be a previous favorite; but this afternoon it took on special meaning. More than just a song... a means of seeing a glimpse of an invisible God.

And the pain falls like a curtain
On the things I once called certain
And I have to say the words I fear the most
I just don’t know

And the questions without answers
Come and paralyze the dancer
So I stand here on the stage afraid to move
Afraid to fall, oh, but fall I must
On this truth that my life has been formed from the dust

God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting
God is God and I am man
So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God

And the sky begins to thunder
And I’m filled with awe and wonder
‘Til the only burning question that remains
Is who am I

Can I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without God giving it to me
He is first and last before all that has been
Beyond all that will pass

Oh, how great are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge
How unsearchable for
to Him and through Him and from Him
are all things

So let us worship before the throne
Of the One who is worthy of worship alone...

Oh Now Wait a Minute Now

"Hey Noah, keep cool. Hey Noah, I'll take care of the rest, I'm the weatherman."

From WorshipGod 08

The following videos were just posted on the SGM youtube channel. These recitations were a powerful part of the conference for me. To hear scripture orated put life into the words. They're worth watching. I considered posting them one at a time so that the videos would be watched one at a time. Instead I'll just make a suggestion: when you watch them, watch all the way through. Stopping in the middle of the passage, I think you'd miss out.

Psalm 145


Psalm 25


Psalm 22

Guest Post for Forthright Fixation

This post is to let you know that I don't plan to post anything today because you can go read this.
...it's a long one.

Someday I'll Learn

Yesterday we set out to get my driver's learner permit. 
We made sure we had everything needed- forms, payment, ID. 

Driving learner's centers are closed on Mondays.  

So we went again today. They are open on Tuesdays. And everyone knows it- it was 2 pm. The room was filled. 

I didn't know there was a distance vision test... and my glasses were at home in my school tote bag.
I use them during math class to see the chalkboard. 

Third times the charm? 

The boys kept asking, "When are we leaving for your driving lessons? Are we going with you for your driving lesson?"

All this reminds me somehow of Driving Miss Daisy.

Minor News

Yesterday marked a major advance on the getting-my-locker-open front. 

I asked the girl next to me to help me (this was the second time) and took note of what she did and how. In the process I learned her name, that she's a senior, the colleges she's looking at and that she's a cheerleader. I met someone! 

I practiced the combination this morning during the 15 minutes I have when the only people in the building at 6:45  are the janitors and a few devoted teachers. It's taken two and a half weeks, but as of today, I am now able to open my locker.

What minor news that seems in light of all of life right now. School has been like a gigantic wave, pulling me under with its power and sheer volume. But as this week closes, I recognize that God IS faithful. He has calmed the waters, even just a little, so that my head is above, and I am able to take a deep breathe of His grace and peace... whether or not I got a passing grade on my pre-calc test today. 

I'm so grateful to be able to head out tonight to enjoy the company of friends He has gifted me with... at our book study kick-off!

Proverbs 24

If you say, "Behold, we did not know this,"
   does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,
 and will he not repay man according to his work?

My son, eat honey, for it is good,
   and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
Know that wisdom is such to your soul; 
   if you find it, there will be a future,
   and your hope will not be cut off.

...for the righteous falls seven times and rises again...

Prepare your work outside;
   get everything ready for yourself in the field,
   and after that build your house.

A Strong Branch

“Imagine you are on a high cliff and you lose your footing and begin to fall. Just beside you is a branch sticking out of the edge of the cliff. It is your only hope and seems more than strong enough. How can it save you?

If you’re certain the branch can support you, but you don’t actually reach out and grab it, you are lost. If instead your mind is filled with doubts and uncertainty that the branch can hold you, but you reach out and grab it anyway, you will be saved. Why?

It is not the strength of your faith but the object of your faith that actually saves you. Strong faith in a weak branch is fatally inferior to weak faith in a strong branch.”

—Timothy Keller, The Reason For God (New York, NY: Dutton, 2008), 234

found on FirstImportance.org

Empowered Traditionalist Blog

I just spent a chunk of time browsing here. Real and useful fashion information, challenging questions and Biblical truth are all in abundance. It's now a favorite.

Q: Is Character, intelligence, and personality more important than physical beauty?

A: “There is one that is more in love with you than any man can ever be. You are incredibly valuable to Him, and you never need question His commitment…He thinks you’re beautiful in the morning without your makeup, and He’ll think you’re just as beautiful when you’re 80. He is Christ. There is no need to attract a man to you- Christ will lead the right man to you. And when someone that loves you as much as Christ, arranges a marriage, you may rest assured it will be far better than anything you could have done. You are His-be content there.”

From the Modesty Survey

With God at the center like the sun satisfying a woman’s longing for beauty and greatness, truth and love all the planets of food and dress and exercise, cosmetics, posture and countenance will fall into their proper orbit.

John Piper, The Godward Life

When we look to Him, we put ourselves in proper perspective. As His love, and glory and holiness are magnified in our eyes we suddenly feel so ingsinificant, but we are also feel most at peace. I am most content and most satisfied when all of my selfish motivations are cast aside; and I stand in awe of this glorious King who crushed His Son...because He loved me. Isaiah 53- He bore our sins. Girls Preach the gospel to yourself, proclaim it to your soul!!

Christa Taylor, Empowered Traditionalist blog

Shadowfeet & Albertine

Two songs by Brooke Fraser.





The purpose of this post: I like these videos. I like these songs. I'm sick on the couch with pneumonia and figured, why not, put them on the blog to share! Lots of videos lately... ah well.

WG08 Opening Video

I am so glad this was posted!

It tuned my heart to worship as I sat in my seat the first night of the conference. Watching it again tonight, the way in which it so beautifully pulls together truths from the psalms was just as meaningful.

"If there's one thing to take away from this message it's this:

the psalms are about what your/my life is about."

-David Powlison, Enduring Hardship with the Psalmist

Revolutionary Media + Education

What one thing would I do to change the world if I could?

What will I do about it?

-Christina Dickson for Revolutionary Media 

"Change the World, Today?" @ the Rebelution

I don't have answers to those questions. But I want them... real, and deep. As raw and strong as the emotions and struggles of kids like those pictured in that video- I want my answer, my conviction and my calling to be like that. 

I'm still left with the question: what will I do about it?

Another realization: College isn't just about college. So many people in our culture further their education because its the thing to do, for the sake of not being left behind. Only a percentage have a vision, whether it is a specific field or just a mentality, for an ends by which education should be a means. As Christians, how much more should we pray, should I pray, to obtain an education that God can use.

What kind of impact would it have if we each educated ourselves with the vision of providing with that education change, good, and hope for others?

It's a challenge to move beyond the fulfillment of goals and titles and say to the Lord, "Here I am, use me."

When we think of God as both Creator and Ruler of everything, "we are dealing with a non-human level of dealing with life."

-Craig Cabanis, "Knowing God with the Psalmist"

How about you?

Okay, So now what do I do?

That's just one of the questions I was left with tonight after a ten minute conversation bringing back the reality of school. This summer has been full. The past month has been full. It could have even been alot more so if I had gotten my license by now... that's another story altogether. I've traveled several times, growing in decision-making, common sense, and wisdom in what it means to function well as a group and an individual apart of a said group. I am being challenged to see my family and home as a true training ground in responsibility, serving, diligence and having a joyful heart. My parents and I have grown closer through conversations in which they help me to see my sin and turn toward God; to trust Him in the circumstances I've been in. He's been at work.

That aforementioned conversation, which centered around the application process for colleges, has me thinking. Three years ago, I dreamed of attending an Ivy League school and was, if not already on that track, ready to put myself there- long, grueling hours, days completely full of schoolwork, dedication and excellence, or rather, excellence by my own perception and definition. Between then and now a story has unfolded.

Sophomore year was marked by falling asleep in my beanbag chair while reading biology or world history; I was sick with mono and I had no control or choice. I rearranged my bedroom to be able to do school and watch movies all from my bed. I saw Fiddler on the Roof for the first time during those months! God's grace shone as I completed four semesters of work in three. He showed me that it can be just as gratifying and beautiful to complete a requirement as to go beyond it.

Junior year is the hardest academically; senior year is the hardest emotionally.
Or so I'd heard. I still find myself analyzing that statement and rummaging through my mind to try to determine whether I'd say my life has agreed with that common generalization. Academically, wasn't my best. I had achievements... I got through APUSH. History and English/writing were solid core courses. Bible, volunteering and other electives were numerous. Amid that, it seems I didn't get all I needed and balance was lacking. Chemistry labs and Spanish were shady. But the Lord knows, and there lies my trust. Truth is truth, despite any fears. Emotionally- wow. We moved. I'd dreaded that event for my whole preteen and teen life. My childhood is over. We left the place where it happened; its memory. For the sake of honesty and reality, yes it would be memory still if we hadn't moved...

I held great plans for my schoolwork this summer; it was to be a launching point. None of them have happened yet. Not a single study book for the SAT or ACT test has been opened let alone registered for. Only two colleges have been visited. I have no idea how to write an application essay. I still have no solid idea for a senior project let alone any work done on one. The home economics course I finally sought to do has only sort of panned out. No garden, and a little reading. A desire to cook has emerged that I'd never really had, lots of cleaning has been done and much general care given as Mom's been sick. Faith is having hope for what one doesn't see... I don't see much; but God makes something out of nothing everyday.

Disclaimer: I would delve into the ways that this summer produced great things, despite my "great plans" not coming about... but that would take me into numerous other directions from where this thought train is heading. So. Ask, and sure, I will gladly tell some stories of the beautiful and lovely things that have come my way!

An underlying realization- I don't know what I am supposed to do. For months, I've been in a state of holding unanswered questions. Oh God has been good. He's shown me I truly am His chosen daughter. I am free from condemnation from sin; and do not need to fear making mistakes. I need not seek man's approval but rather if I shall open my heart to my Abba, Father and just be His, according to the glorious calling He has given me, all will be well. He is truly my best friend and only through His love for me do I love Him or anyone else. I spent last week being refreshed and anchored by truth and God's presence. "...and all my questions that are unresolved don’t change the wisdom of Your will..." -Out of the Depths Light is just starting to shine in this area. Every season has its purpose. 

He ordained that ten-minute conversation just as He has ordained my occupation with other areas of life outside of education the past few months. There is a reason I haven't thought of it and that I am thinking of it now. God is in control of time.

He's molding me, into what I don't know, but is that knowledge something I need?

Is not the process of creation just as beautiful, meaningful and adventurously challenging if not more than any finished piece of art?

On Femininity [mostly]

" We may be fallen, but we are redeemed by the good Savior to glorify Him and fulfill His purposes.

_____
Woman was that helper made just for man, and the Lord blessed them and called it very good. Man was ultimately given the leadership of their union and the responsibility for creation. Woman was made to be his helper. When they sinned, Adam, not Eve, was the one God first addressed and called to account for their disobedience. Adam, not Eve was held responsible. Biblical femininity follows this precedent set in Eden—women are made to follow, to submit, to nurture, to affirm and to receive. Men are the leaders, the initiators, the protectors and the providers.
_____
Men and women were designed to work together as in a dance, complimenting each other with joy and equally partners in the dance.
_____
God has designed us to desire these things [to be beautiful, to love and be loved], and through His Son’s redeeming work on our behalf, we have access to the joy of seeing these good desires
fulfilled in Him. "

Treasures

I find myself praying often for God to lead me throughout my day.
Decisions big, small, hard.

To be led, one has to walk. 

By faith and in His faithfulness we walk, not by sight. 
It's not necessarily easy or comfortable-- exercise. 
But it can be and is meant to be peaceful and joyful.

Though I cannot see clearly, I believe and hold His truths as true. 
"He will never deceive me." - Whatever My God Ordains is Right

He is the author and perfector of all--
the faith we receive from and through Him, of our days, decisions and lives.

"But Mary treasured these things, pondering them in her heart." 

Luke 2:19

 

Hymn

If to distant lands I scatter
If I sail to farthest seas
Would you find and firm and gather 'til I only dwell in Thee?
If I flee from greenest pastures
Would you leave to look for me?
Forfeit glory to come after
'Til I only dwell in Thee

If my heart has one ambition
If my soul one goal to seek
This my solitary vision 'til I only dwell in Thee
That I only dwell in Thee
'Til I only dwell in Thee

Today this has been playing on repeat... all day. 
What a beautiful piece of music! The fact that it is so much more than just music because of the truth and perspective it contains only adds to its beauty.

By Brooke Fraser

Simplicity

is the definition of my posting of late.
Writing stories and posts about life will return... but this is now.

"I’ve got to fling myself upon His truth and promises and wait for His will with the utterly abandoned delight of a small child trusting the good purposes of a parent to bless them." [Unconformed]

God has and is using Proverbs 3 so heavily in my life this year. Reading that scripture in that post brought a moment of sitting in contented awe with God. That He reminds me of His presence in my life and cares for my soul through continuing to remind me of such truth in simple, real life, understanding who I am ways- no words.

Imagine That

what an original cake.
lime at that.
plus a groom's cake, which is also unique.

and make sure to note the silver stands they're resting on.

should you decide to follow the link, you'll be taken to a blog post which is hosted on a photography blog that I thoroughly enjoy keeping up with. it's a fave.