Definitely feeling a bit homesick. I am so happy that summer is almost here! God has been doing amazing things in my life and I am so excited to get to go back home to share them to others! God is soooo good all the time and all the time He is Good!
I am going to miss a bunch of my friends but I am quite thankful that I may get to at least spend some time in Farmington with one of the best friends, Nicole. She is such a hoot and maybe this time her father wont make her work 14-16 hour days and we may actually get to chill. LOL
I am hoping to get to come to Hannibal once over the summer to visit some friends and I can't wait to hang with the Craigs and Clara again. Calvary Baptist will forever be my home church and I can't wait until I can move to Hannibal Missouri for good. This is where I feel I belong. I may not be able to teach here and if so...well may God lead me where I need to be.
Have a blessed week and a Happy Easter!! :)
Much Love,
Bre`
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Procrastinating or Helping Out Others?
In my attempt to keep procrastinating, here is a blog on 25 ways to procrastinate....
So, without further ado, here are 25 ways to procrastinate (some good, some bad, many horrible):
- Play games on-line
- Do some work you really enjoy (at the expense of what actually needs doing)
- Help someone else
- Check Facebook for updates
- Colour code your Day Planner
- Make your fantasy/virtual sports picks
- Re-label your GTD folders just because you can
- Install yet another productivity software solution and transfer all your information
- IM the guy in the office next to you
- Check Facebook for updates
- Tape that same guys work to his desk when he’s out to lunch
- Go get your 10th cup of coffee (it is only 11am after all)
- Work out how many ways you can convince yourself that you’ll eventually do that piece of work
- Write even very short tasks in your to-do list instead of just doing them
- Check Facebook for updates
- Sit and worry about a big project (make sure its in front of you) then file it again
- Walk around the office with a piece of paper in your hand (The paper is important, otherwise people will think you’ve got nothing to do)
- Pick new colours or theme for your desktop
- Look through your in-box/pending-box just in case there’s something that’s actually interesting to do there
- Spend half a day working on an Excel spreadsheet using amazing functions to produce a list you could have typed in 10 minutes
- Go to someone else’s office/cubicle and discuss the weekend’s game for 20 minutes
- Change your fantasy/virtual sports picks
- Check Facebook for updates
- Make a list about how to stop your procrastination
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Belarus or USA
I have been doing a lot of praying and seeking lately with God and I have made quite a few changes in my life. I no longer have a Facebook so it is allowing me to draw nearer to God as I was allowing Facebook to become more like a god than God was to me. I truly was losing my close relationship with Christ.
As well as dropping Facebook, I have begun praying more and more asking God to reveal what my true calling was and what He has for me at this school. He has finally answered me. He wants me to be a missionary and stay with my teaching degree, but minor in intercultural missions.
I think I may do this...it sounds enticing and it is where God is leading me soooo it must be for my best interest....NOW the hard part is telling my mother!
As well as dropping Facebook, I have begun praying more and more asking God to reveal what my true calling was and what He has for me at this school. He has finally answered me. He wants me to be a missionary and stay with my teaching degree, but minor in intercultural missions.
I think I may do this...it sounds enticing and it is where God is leading me soooo it must be for my best interest....NOW the hard part is telling my mother!
ProChoice or ProLife??
I went to a ProLife Rally in Jefferson City yesterday with an amazing group of friends and one amazing teacher, Mr. C. He is as enthusiastic about Abortions and why it is wrong. There were soooo many great speakers at this rally. We were standing in the Rotunda of the Capital Building and all FOUR floors were packed with red shirts, or those who were PROlife! It was such a great witness to the prochoice people who were hardly there.
I sat in goosebumps at some of the stories as I remember my own personal one.
A few years ago, I was raped and got pregnant because of it. I had no intentions whatsoever in aborting the baby (yes, I said BABY). I had quite a few friends tell me that I should abort so my mother wouldn't find out....I told them it was murder and it was wrong and that I would take care of this child, MY child. A few weeks later, I miscarried. I now know this was for my own good, as I was meant to be at HLGU and become a Christian to serve my Lord in any and every way possible.
I have listed ten biblical reasons below why abortion is WRONG.
ABORTION
Ten Bible Reasons Why It Is Wrong
Prior to the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision of 1973, about 500,000 illegal abortions were occurring per year. By 1975, over 1,000,000 babies were being aborted in the United States. Today, about 1,500,000 abortions occur each year. That's over 4000 per day, and nearly three per minute!
Ninety-three percent of the abortions in America are for convenience. The mother's health is an issue only three percent of the time, and the baby's health is an issue only three percent of the time. Rape or incest are issues only one percent of the time. Ninety-three percent of all abortions in America are performed just because someone doesn't want a child!
There are four basic types of abortion being performed in America today, while two more types may be added in the near future.
First, there's the suction type abortion. This is where the unborn child is literally vacuumed from the mother's womb during the early stages of pregnancy.
The currette-type abortion is where the child is cut from the mother's womb with a spoon-like object.
A third type is similar to a Caesarean operation. The baby is surgically removed from the mother and allowed to suffocate, because the child's lungs aren't developed.
The fourth type of abortion is the Salt Brine technique. With this method, the unborn child is literally "pickled" to death by the injection of a strong salt solution. A few days after the injection the child is still born.
There is currently much debate about partial-birth abortions. This is where a child is partially delivered, then stabbed in the skull to have his or her brains sucked out.
There is also much talk about the RU-486 abortion pill from France, also called "mifepristione" in America. This pill works by inhibiting pregnancy hormones, and is normally used within seven weeks from conception. At the present time, mifepristone is illegal in the U.S., but there is much political pressure to make it legal.
Abortion Is An Act of Murder
In reference to pregnant women, the term "with child" occurs twenty-six times in the Bible. The term "with fetus" never occurs once.
In Luke chapter one, verses 36 and 41, we are told that Elisabeth conceived a "son" and that the "babe" leaped in her womb. God does not say that a "fetus" leaped in her womb! He says THE BABE leaped. This is the exact same word that God uses to describe Christ in the manger AFTER He is born (Luke 2:12, 16). In God eyes, an unborn babe and a newborn babe are the same. They are both living human beings!
Dear reader, please answer a question: What is an "infant?" Get the answer in your mind and keep it there for a moment. Do you have it? Okay, please consider Job 3:16: "Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never saw light." Did you see that? Job referred to unborn children as INFANTS. Not fetuses! Not masses of tissue! INFANTS! In God's eyes, an unborn child is a living human baby. God never says once that an unborn child is anything less than a human being.
David said in Psalm 51:5, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." He did not say that a fetus was shapen in iniquity and conceived in iniquity. David, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said that HE was conceived. David, not a blob of tissue, was conceived.
The same is the case in Psalm 139:13-16:
"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."
Who was in the womb? David! A literal and living person. The Bible never uses anything less than human terms to describe the unborn.
Notice that in Jeremiah 1:5 we are told that God KNEW Jeremiah:"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."
To further confirm the fact that God views the unborn child as a person, please consider Exodus 21:22-23:
"If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,"
If the woman has a premature birth and the child lives ("no mischief follows"), then there's no death penalty. However, if the child dies (or the woman dies) God says the death penalty applies: "thou shalt give life for life." Why would God require the death penalty if He didn't consider the unborn child to be a human being?
Friend, like it or not, God says that life begins at conception, and the unborn child is a human being.
But the Bible isn't alone in declaring this truth. Science also declares that an unborn child is just as much an independent human being as you. The original human cell consists of 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent. At no point during pregnancy does the mother contribute any new cells to the child. The original cell divides itself and multiplies to provide development and growth for the child. Scientifically speaking, the child is just as independent at six months before birth as he will be six months after birth. Yes, the mother does provide nourishment to the unborn child, but she also provides nourishment to the newborn child!
At two weeks pregnancy, the "fetus" can move alone. By four weeks the child has limbs, muscle tissue, a heart and heartbeat. Ears, eyes, and small hands are visible by the fifth week. The child responds to touch sensations by the sixth or seventh week. At eight weeks, the baby sometimes tries to take a breath when removed from the mother. At twelve weeks, the child will often struggle for life two or three hours when removed from the mother.
Friend, abortion is wrong because abortion is MURDER!
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Abortion Involves the Shedding of Innocent Blood
Proverbs 6:16-17 says that God HATES those who shed innocent blood! Deuteronomy 27:25 says, "Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen."
Who could possibly be more innocent than an unborn baby?! Yet, our society has become so wicked that it condones the slaying of 1.5 million innocent children every year. The Bible says that God HATES people who do this.
Abortion Is A Violation of the Golden Rule
In Matthew 7:12, the Lord Jesus Christ said, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
Would it be your desire to suffer and die while someone traps you in a cage and literally tears your arms and legs from your body?
Abortion is a violation of the golden rule.
Abortion Attempts To Destroy A Work of God
"I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him." (Ecc. 3:14)
God is eternal, so His work is also eternal. Abortion is an attempt to do away with unwanted people--an attempt to make a liar out of God by bringing an end to His work. However, Jesus said you can destroy a person's BODY, but not their SOUL (Mat. 10:28). Parent, if you've had an abortion, your aborted child is in Heaven right now, because you only destroyed the body!
Abortion Often Brings Shame, Heartache, and Deep Regret
After his sin with Bathsheba, King David confessed these words to God: "For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me." (Psa. 51:3) David was living under constant conviction and regret for what he had done. He couldn't get away from it!
Most women who decide to have an abortion spend the rest of their lives regretting it. Are you thinking about an abortion? I challenge you to visit with some woman who have had abortions. Ask them if they would do it again. Ask them if they have any regrets.
In the book, The Christian and Social Issues, by Tom Wallace, a reference is made to a full page Washington Post ad, dated June 13, 1983. A lady who had undergone a saline abortion six months earlier describes the mental torments that she now suffers every day. She speaks of her "...everyday hell of never hearing a baby cry without crying within myself; counting days to see how old the baby would have been; wondering what contributions my baby would have made to our desperate society; and wondering if there will ever be another chance for motherhood."
Of the abortion itself, the lady recalls, "...sitting in a crowded waiting room studying each others fearful, anxious faces...signing death certificates for what is very much alive within you...seeing crying women given tranquilizers and sent home to recuperate and try to forget."
Abortion is wrong because it brings shame, heartache, and deep regret.
Abortion Disannuls A Plan of God
If God allows a child to be conceived, then God obviously has a plan for that child. Mary's parents didn't know that she'd give birth to the Savior of the world, but she did. God has a plan for unborn children (Jer. 1:5; Lk. 1:13-17; Gen. 4:25; Jud. 13:3-5), so to abort an unborn child is to stop a plan of God.
Abortion De-values Human Life
God created man to be the highest form of life on earth (Gen. 1:26-28). Human life is very precious to God. In fact, it is so precious that God Himself instituted the Death Penalty for anyone who takes the life of another (Exo. 21:12; Num. 35). God places great value on human life!
However, abortion promotes the message that life is NOT so valuable, and that man can do as he pleases with it. How long will it be before our nation decides that the killing of elderly people and sick people is justifiable? Why stop there? How long will it be before it becomes lawful to kill Bible believers who refuse to conform to the world system? It won't be as long as you may think (Rev. 13:16-18; Rev. 20:4). Abortion devalues human life, and it pushes our nation a step closer to that wicked day when it becomes lawful to murder innocent people.
Abortion Shows A Lack of Natural Affection
Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:3 that the last days will be characterized by people who lack "natural affection."
I believe the pro-abortion movement is a perfect example of this. It is NATURAL to conceive a child, grow to love that child, take care of the child during pregnancy, give birth to the child, and then raise the child with the best care possible. That's the natural process that God has ordained. It is NOT natural to kill the child! To commit such an act is to show a lack of natural affection, which is sin.
Abortion Encourages Sin
"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." (Ecc. 8:11)
Why will 1,500,000 women have abortions this year? Largely because it has become popular. It is no longer illegal, and it is no longer considered a shameful sin by our society. Every time a woman has an abortion she helps society to become more comfortable with it. She's advertising it! By her example, she's encouraging others to commit the same sin, and other sins as well. The convenience of abortion will only lead to an increase of other sins such as adultery and fornication. Friend, abortion is wrong because abortion encourages sin!
Abortion Shows A Lack of Faith
Romans 14:23 says, "...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God.
To have an abortion is to take matters into your own hands, rather than to trust God to work things out. This shows a lack of faith in God, which the Bible labels as SIN.
A desperate woman says, "I can't afford to have a child. I'm not ready for this." Lady, you need to start trusting God and claiming His promises. You need to STOP trying to run your own life for a change and START trusting God. You don't need an abortion, for such will only INCREASE your troubles. The devil has you thinking that abortion is the answer, that it will take care of everything, and you're very close to giving in to his subtle temptation. If you do, you'll regret it forever, and God will hold you accountable! Why not turn your life over to the Lord Jesus Christ right now? Why not make Him the Lord of your life and trust Him to work things out for you?
K.F.
Be content to know that Jesus is the Lover of our souls! ~K.F.~
The quote above is one said about a week ago and then again today to me by a dear friend. K.F. truly has inspired me to be a better woman in Christ and this is based upon those two times that I have heard this phrase.
I had been struggling with self image and who God created me to be verses who I thought I was, etc etc etc...and K.F. totally helped me...without even meaning too, I think. The first time I heard this from her, we were talking about BOYS! (What else do girls talk about, lol) I was telling her all about this guy....not so good things either and she asked told me to be content in knowing that Jesus is the lover of our souls. I had never thought about that before...however its absolutely TRUE!
This has forever rang true even til today...So true I wrote a poem about contentment and my view.
Contentment, sometimes, seems out of my grasp;
So many things, for which I long!
It’s so easy to selfishly forget,
That it’s Christ to whom I belong.
I forget His promises to provide
Things that are important for me.
He chooses the path of my lot in life,
And He longs to help me to see,
That whatever He brings into my life
Are the things that He knows are best.
And to know I have Him to lean upon,
Then, He will provide all the rest.
Dear God, help me learn to be so content
With the things You give me in life.
Then, with joy, I can face each brand new day
Without living with inner strife!
Help me to be obedient to you;
And carefully lean on Your Word,
Knowing fully, You have charge of my plans;
And each of my prayers has been heard!
The quote above is one said about a week ago and then again today to me by a dear friend. K.F. truly has inspired me to be a better woman in Christ and this is based upon those two times that I have heard this phrase.
I had been struggling with self image and who God created me to be verses who I thought I was, etc etc etc...and K.F. totally helped me...without even meaning too, I think. The first time I heard this from her, we were talking about BOYS! (What else do girls talk about, lol) I was telling her all about this guy....not so good things either and she asked told me to be content in knowing that Jesus is the lover of our souls. I had never thought about that before...however its absolutely TRUE!
This has forever rang true even til today...So true I wrote a poem about contentment and my view.
Contentment, sometimes, seems out of my grasp;
So many things, for which I long!
It’s so easy to selfishly forget,
That it’s Christ to whom I belong.
I forget His promises to provide
Things that are important for me.
He chooses the path of my lot in life,
And He longs to help me to see,
That whatever He brings into my life
Are the things that He knows are best.
And to know I have Him to lean upon,
Then, He will provide all the rest.
Dear God, help me learn to be so content
With the things You give me in life.
Then, with joy, I can face each brand new day
Without living with inner strife!
Help me to be obedient to you;
And carefully lean on Your Word,
Knowing fully, You have charge of my plans;
And each of my prayers has been heard!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Free At Last!
Today was the day I was finally set free from a double life. I have been living two lives for a little over two years. One of the lives I was living was quiet and insecure...it was one that dealt with the trauma of life, and the other was the outgoing BUBBLY Bre` that most of my friends know. There are only the important few that have seen both sides of Bre` and I was told that I was too much of a burden, that I was too clingy, and was even told that they were going to give up on me....
However, there was one amazing person today, that God just knew I needed an encouraging word from. He put her in my life to be an accountability partner, a sister in Christ, and even a dear friend. He gave her some sharp toned words to speak to me, and for me to learn from. I thank Him for this, as well as her for obeying like she was made to do. Her words are STILL ringing in my head and this conversation happened over six and a half hours ago.
She said, "I have been told by a few people today that I should just let you go and give up on you.....and I keep telling them NO!" "I LOVE you and God knows why we are in this together. We need to trust Him and it will work out."
This really showed me how loving she is, without her even saying anything else. She cares enough about me, that she is keeping up with my classwork, my eating schedule, and just my me and God time. To most of you, this would sound controlling, however to me it sounds LOVING. Not many people in my life would do this, or even take the time to acknowledge that I am more than just an ear for them to rant to. I have come to realize I have about three TRUE friends on campus, then the rest here are just talking buddies, acquaintances as some say. I yearn to have more TRUE friends, but I cannot force them, they have to be willing to go through thick and think and some of them are not mature enough for that just yet. One day they will be and that is when life is going to have a whole new meaning for them!
At about ten minutes before eight p.m. this evening, I was set free. Set free from all sin, guilt, and anguish I have been put through the past two and a half years. I got to talk to this friend, AND I finally spoke up about what happened those many awful years ago...My grandmother was so understanding and we even got to pray. Grandmothers are the BEST! <3
I give Glory to God FOREVER for allowing me to come to this school and to be able to lead a semi normal life after being Raped those few years back. He had a mercy and understanding filled cloud of protection over me and as I, for the first time, told my grandmother what happened. As we cried and as she listened, it was the first time I felt "heard" by anyone in the family. I thank God for giving her the ears to listen and me the strength/courage to speak out against the evil that had been done against MY WILL. This was never God's will nor mine...God's will is for His children to lead a holy and pleasing life in his Name. God always forgives His children, if you come to Him. Tonight, I asked my abba (father) to forgive me for the sin in which I had committed (premarital sex)...he told me, my daughter, you have done no wrong...It was against your will and you said NO....I Love you and I appreciate you for standing up for my works. I am pleased.
Tomorrow is the day in which we, we being me and my grandmother, will sit down with my mother and tell her all of it...beginning to end...I pray God puts a hand of protection over her emotions and that it goes decently. I dont want to see her upset...I have already forgiven the "boy" who did it to me, and I want to move on. My process of moving on includes letting my family know and it is helping. This is the lightest and the most free I have felt in allllllll my life. Thank you Jesus for shedding your blood, so that I may live for you daily and bear your cross.
SIDE NOTE: For any female reading this....If you have ever, or know someone who has ever been raped or violated sexually, TELL SOMEONE. Whether that be the cops, a trusted friend, or a loved one...tell them. You dont have to be alone in this..I promise you, it WILL get better and you will be able to live your life normally again. It will take time and the sooner you talk the better it will get and the quicker it will get there. Talking to someone about being violated against your will is probably one of the hardest things you will do, however, in the end, it will be one of the best things you will have done.
I LOVE YOU, AND I AM PRAYING FOR YOU.
HANG IN THERE...YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS!!
GOD is with you in this, and he LOVES you either way....YOU are His creation and are created in His beautifully, perfect image... :)
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Many Blessings in Christ,
Bre`
However, there was one amazing person today, that God just knew I needed an encouraging word from. He put her in my life to be an accountability partner, a sister in Christ, and even a dear friend. He gave her some sharp toned words to speak to me, and for me to learn from. I thank Him for this, as well as her for obeying like she was made to do. Her words are STILL ringing in my head and this conversation happened over six and a half hours ago.She said, "I have been told by a few people today that I should just let you go and give up on you.....and I keep telling them NO!" "I LOVE you and God knows why we are in this together. We need to trust Him and it will work out."
This really showed me how loving she is, without her even saying anything else. She cares enough about me, that she is keeping up with my classwork, my eating schedule, and just my me and God time. To most of you, this would sound controlling, however to me it sounds LOVING. Not many people in my life would do this, or even take the time to acknowledge that I am more than just an ear for them to rant to. I have come to realize I have about three TRUE friends on campus, then the rest here are just talking buddies, acquaintances as some say. I yearn to have more TRUE friends, but I cannot force them, they have to be willing to go through thick and think and some of them are not mature enough for that just yet. One day they will be and that is when life is going to have a whole new meaning for them!
At about ten minutes before eight p.m. this evening, I was set free. Set free from all sin, guilt, and anguish I have been put through the past two and a half years. I got to talk to this friend, AND I finally spoke up about what happened those many awful years ago...My grandmother was so understanding and we even got to pray. Grandmothers are the BEST! <3
I give Glory to God FOREVER for allowing me to come to this school and to be able to lead a semi normal life after being Raped those few years back. He had a mercy and understanding filled cloud of protection over me and as I, for the first time, told my grandmother what happened. As we cried and as she listened, it was the first time I felt "heard" by anyone in the family. I thank God for giving her the ears to listen and me the strength/courage to speak out against the evil that had been done against MY WILL. This was never God's will nor mine...God's will is for His children to lead a holy and pleasing life in his Name. God always forgives His children, if you come to Him. Tonight, I asked my abba (father) to forgive me for the sin in which I had committed (premarital sex)...he told me, my daughter, you have done no wrong...It was against your will and you said NO....I Love you and I appreciate you for standing up for my works. I am pleased.
Tomorrow is the day in which we, we being me and my grandmother, will sit down with my mother and tell her all of it...beginning to end...I pray God puts a hand of protection over her emotions and that it goes decently. I dont want to see her upset...I have already forgiven the "boy" who did it to me, and I want to move on. My process of moving on includes letting my family know and it is helping. This is the lightest and the most free I have felt in allllllll my life. Thank you Jesus for shedding your blood, so that I may live for you daily and bear your cross.
SIDE NOTE: For any female reading this....If you have ever, or know someone who has ever been raped or violated sexually, TELL SOMEONE. Whether that be the cops, a trusted friend, or a loved one...tell them. You dont have to be alone in this..I promise you, it WILL get better and you will be able to live your life normally again. It will take time and the sooner you talk the better it will get and the quicker it will get there. Talking to someone about being violated against your will is probably one of the hardest things you will do, however, in the end, it will be one of the best things you will have done.I LOVE YOU, AND I AM PRAYING FOR YOU.
GOD is with you in this, and he LOVES you either way....YOU are His creation and are created in His beautifully, perfect image... :)
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Many Blessings in Christ,
Bre`
Spring Break!
When I was younger all I heard about Spring Break was that it was a time for college students to parrrtttaayyy! However, this is my first real Spring Break as a college student and I am going to be spending it for Christ. Now THAT is a real break. God is going to use me in His way and how He wants to use me. I am DIGGING it!! ^__^
A group of my friends will be headed to do Beach Reach, in I believe Florida, and it is going to Rock. I pray God blesses them and gives them a wrap of protection as they go throughout their days of walking the beach and spreading God's Word. It will be a great experience for all involved.
I will be able to go home for a few days, and at first I HATED that idea...but the closer it is getting to departure day, the happier I am getting to see some family. I am not a mushy person, but I do feel a bit emotional about this reunion. The Holy Spirit has been working in my family's life and I am proud to say that we are starting to get along a lot better. When both sides try, it makes things sooo much easier! :)
I love how God has moved in my life so far since being a Christian and even more so in the past few weeks. All I can say is how much I LOVE it! It is great to know that a God has such an Agape (unconditional) love for his people. :D
#warmfuzzyfeeling
A group of my friends will be headed to do Beach Reach, in I believe Florida, and it is going to Rock. I pray God blesses them and gives them a wrap of protection as they go throughout their days of walking the beach and spreading God's Word. It will be a great experience for all involved.
I will be able to go home for a few days, and at first I HATED that idea...but the closer it is getting to departure day, the happier I am getting to see some family. I am not a mushy person, but I do feel a bit emotional about this reunion. The Holy Spirit has been working in my family's life and I am proud to say that we are starting to get along a lot better. When both sides try, it makes things sooo much easier! :)
I love how God has moved in my life so far since being a Christian and even more so in the past few weeks. All I can say is how much I LOVE it! It is great to know that a God has such an Agape (unconditional) love for his people. :D
#warmfuzzyfeeling
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
New Eyes
We had a Bible Study with our dorm wings and our RA's and I think it was one of the best ones to date. I LOVED learning more about Moses and the Burning Bush in Exodus. All the girls on my wing have such deep thinking minds and its amazing that one topic, GOD, can bring us all together. It is what He wants...togetherness and compassion. My roommate is becoming a close friend and I really like the feeling of that. After a rough start this year, and a few apologies from both parties, I am seeing who the true Claire is and I am savoring every awesomeness. :D
Our RA, Massaly, challenged us for twenty-four (24) hours to experience God's beauty and love in many ways; by feeling it, seeing it, and just observing it through other things around us. I really took this challenge to heart and man have I experienced God in EVERYTHING today. I never really new how MUCH He was with us. It is literally like He says....I am with you ALWAYS. God's desire to love us and have us love Him is extreme. His LOVE is UNCONDITIONAL. We as humans have a conditional love. As much as we try and try and TRY to love unconditionally....we Cannot. We Fail. We NEED God to help us. If we LOVE God, we will LOVE People.
And then we all saw the world one day, just like every other day, with our eyes. This day, as we viewed, we didn't see trees, grass, flowers, people; this day we saw more. We saw the oxygen-making thick-stem like plants growing up from the ground - defying all forces of gravity. The individual green flourishing blades of flush grass that could be a comfortable place of rest, if we so desired to rest upon it. And what about those flowers? Who ever knew that radiant color and deliciate forms of life where just at our nose end?!
Then, there were "the people." We see them everyday, those creatures that we live with. They, just like me, see what I see. But I wonder if today, they are seeing what I am seeing. Looking at the person briskly walking past me, I notice their spirit and zest for life. "Going to class," I say, as they ignore me with their determined mind. Such blessed souls I was surrounded by. They could all walk, talk, breathe, smile, laugh, grumble, whatever they choose.
All they had to do was choose.
Today, I saw the world. And its beauty encompassed all understanding that I've ever had for the definition of beauty. For this beauty that I was seeing today, it could not be defined. It was definitely a God thing.
One Bible verse that has stuck out all day to me regarding God's Love for us is John 15:13. It says, "Greater LOVE has no one than this, that he lay down His life for His friends."
I read this and my heart, soul, and mind are just torn to pieces. HE, the ruler of all the UNIVERSE, cares for me, you and everyone soooo much that He gave his only son for US. WHOA!! INSANE! I myself, can barely give 30 minutes a day for a Bible Study, a one on one with my Abba, but He has offered me eternity...Sounds a bit selfish to me.
There is this poem that is rocking my heart for all to read about how amazing God's Love is.
Blessings In Christ,
Bre`
Our RA, Massaly, challenged us for twenty-four (24) hours to experience God's beauty and love in many ways; by feeling it, seeing it, and just observing it through other things around us. I really took this challenge to heart and man have I experienced God in EVERYTHING today. I never really new how MUCH He was with us. It is literally like He says....I am with you ALWAYS. God's desire to love us and have us love Him is extreme. His LOVE is UNCONDITIONAL. We as humans have a conditional love. As much as we try and try and TRY to love unconditionally....we Cannot. We Fail. We NEED God to help us. If we LOVE God, we will LOVE People.
And then we all saw the world one day, just like every other day, with our eyes. This day, as we viewed, we didn't see trees, grass, flowers, people; this day we saw more. We saw the oxygen-making thick-stem like plants growing up from the ground - defying all forces of gravity. The individual green flourishing blades of flush grass that could be a comfortable place of rest, if we so desired to rest upon it. And what about those flowers? Who ever knew that radiant color and deliciate forms of life where just at our nose end?!
Then, there were "the people." We see them everyday, those creatures that we live with. They, just like me, see what I see. But I wonder if today, they are seeing what I am seeing. Looking at the person briskly walking past me, I notice their spirit and zest for life. "Going to class," I say, as they ignore me with their determined mind. Such blessed souls I was surrounded by. They could all walk, talk, breathe, smile, laugh, grumble, whatever they choose.
All they had to do was choose.
Today, I saw the world. And its beauty encompassed all understanding that I've ever had for the definition of beauty. For this beauty that I was seeing today, it could not be defined. It was definitely a God thing.
One Bible verse that has stuck out all day to me regarding God's Love for us is John 15:13. It says, "Greater LOVE has no one than this, that he lay down His life for His friends."
I read this and my heart, soul, and mind are just torn to pieces. HE, the ruler of all the UNIVERSE, cares for me, you and everyone soooo much that He gave his only son for US. WHOA!! INSANE! I myself, can barely give 30 minutes a day for a Bible Study, a one on one with my Abba, but He has offered me eternity...Sounds a bit selfish to me.
There is this poem that is rocking my heart for all to read about how amazing God's Love is.
| Amazing Love How is it that the blind could see That the lame could walk That the deaf could hear And the mute talk How is it that the sea obeyed And that the nets were filled How could the prophets know That The Son was destined to be killed How is it that the wise men came To praise the newborn King How on earth were shepherds picked To hear the angels sing How is it that King David Could write about the cross Knowing that Messiah's sacrifice Would signal Satan's loss How is it that the leper Could see his hands made clean How could it have happened And what could it mean How could His chosen people Turn upon The Son And let a ruthless killer free As they scourged The Holy One How did the water turn to wine And how was the stone rolled away How could He speak so assuredly Of how He'd rise that day How is it that the veil was torn And that a virgin bore a Son How amazing that He'd die for us So our victory could be won How is it that Lazarus rose And that He walked upon the sea How could He forgive the tormentors As He hung upon the tree How is it that Bethlehem was chosen That His birthplace was foretold That John The Baptist spoke of Him In words so sharp and bold How is it that His disciples fled On that fateful night Only to die a martyr's death Convinced that He was right How is it that we go on living As if His words weren't true How amazing that He still awaits Sinners like me and you |
Blessings In Christ,
Bre`
Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled
I have seen so many things today that have blessed me, and it is only 2:13 p.m. God has really used a lot of people and things in my life lately to speak to me! I am just soaking up every moment of it and trying to learn as much as possible.
God is so good and I thank him daily for all he has given me and all the opportunities that have been put in my path since getting to know Him.
So to brag on God a bit......
I was told today in one of my classes that I am a great encourager. I then proceeded to tell the person that it is not me by any means who is doing the encouraging. I told them that on the inside I could use it myself, but that God gives me the words when needed and sometimes he even uses what he gives me to have me learn.
Here are a couple of verses that have been brought upon my heart that you should study, memorize, or just read when you need an encouraging word. They sure have helped me all day today!
Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. - Romans 15:5 -
Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me. - John 14:1 -
I really enjoyed reading these and just getting to truly understand what God has in store for me. I have been asking God why these two verses have popped in my head and heart all week and all day. I found out just a few minutes ago. A really good friend of mine, C-dog for purposes of concealing her name, father passed away unexpectedly. God gave me these verses as encouragement to her. We thank God that He was in her father's life. :)
Remember to not let your heart be troubled....Trust in God and rely on Him.
Monday, February 27, 2012
B.S.
When you see the initial "B.S." what do YOU think of? It shows us what type of people we are when we see simple initials and immediately think something of this world. When I see the initials B.S. I used to think "Bull S***." However, I now think immediately of "Bible Study."
So on the topic of Bible Study here is a good one I did this evening and just HADDDD to share my thoughts on it!
It was entitled, "Spray On Mud" and was based out of 2 Timothy 3:5 which says, "Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"
It talked about how a British company had developed a product called "Spray On Mud" so city dwellers can give their expensive 4x4 vehicles the appearance of having been off-road for a day of hunting or fishing without ever having to leave their town. The mud was even filtered to remove stones and debris that might have scratched the paints. According to teh company sales were going well.
Think of this...There is something within each of us that values how we look on the outside more than who we are on the inside. It causes some people to pad their resumes or embellish their memoirs. But it has no place in our lives as followers of Jesus.
Paul warned Timothy about people in the church who had a form of godliness but denied its power. "They will maintain a facade of 'religion', but their conduct will deny its validity. You must keep clear of people like this" (2 Timothy 3:5 Phillips). The inward reality of Christ is what counts, because ti will produce the outward signs of faith.
Paul's authority to instruct the church about spiritual authenticity came through his suffering, not by "spraying on mud."
"I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus," said the apostle.
(Galations 6:17).
God calls us to authentic living today.
We fuss over form and we put on face,
All the while showing God disrespect,
Not seeing how pride is eclipsing God's grace
That the light of Christ's life should reflect.
If you are true to God, you won't be false to others.....
So on the topic of Bible Study here is a good one I did this evening and just HADDDD to share my thoughts on it!
It was entitled, "Spray On Mud" and was based out of 2 Timothy 3:5 which says, "Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"
It talked about how a British company had developed a product called "Spray On Mud" so city dwellers can give their expensive 4x4 vehicles the appearance of having been off-road for a day of hunting or fishing without ever having to leave their town. The mud was even filtered to remove stones and debris that might have scratched the paints. According to teh company sales were going well.
Think of this...There is something within each of us that values how we look on the outside more than who we are on the inside. It causes some people to pad their resumes or embellish their memoirs. But it has no place in our lives as followers of Jesus.
Paul warned Timothy about people in the church who had a form of godliness but denied its power. "They will maintain a facade of 'religion', but their conduct will deny its validity. You must keep clear of people like this" (2 Timothy 3:5 Phillips). The inward reality of Christ is what counts, because ti will produce the outward signs of faith.
Paul's authority to instruct the church about spiritual authenticity came through his suffering, not by "spraying on mud."
"I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus," said the apostle.
(Galations 6:17).
God calls us to authentic living today.
We fuss over form and we put on face,
All the while showing God disrespect,
Not seeing how pride is eclipsing God's grace
That the light of Christ's life should reflect.
If you are true to God, you won't be false to others.....
Birthday Surprises!!!
Well, to start off...I had the most amazing Birthday Presents ever!!! They are called my FRIENDS!
My surgery went extremely well and I am doing loads better. There are still a few complications as with any surgery where you spend 7.5 hours or more on the table under General Anesthesia. However, When I got back my friends had ballooned my room for my birthday.
That leads me to my wonderful birthday! My friends had thrown me a surprise party before the surgery, but when i got back my bestie, Clara, had thrown ANOTHER one! She is the bomb!
I am now officially 21, and dont know what to do with myself! :) I love being 21 because I feel sooooo old and responsible. however, I may feel like this but we all know I am NOT. :D
Now, i have to get ready for my wonderful friends' birthday here in March. Clara will be 19 years old....she says SHE'S getting old. I am now officially THREE years older and I feel ancient. lol
Happy Birthday to my Dear Friend...Bet you feel good having a whole blog on you. lol
Blessed Be,
Bre`
My surgery went extremely well and I am doing loads better. There are still a few complications as with any surgery where you spend 7.5 hours or more on the table under General Anesthesia. However, When I got back my friends had ballooned my room for my birthday.
That leads me to my wonderful birthday! My friends had thrown me a surprise party before the surgery, but when i got back my bestie, Clara, had thrown ANOTHER one! She is the bomb!
I am now officially 21, and dont know what to do with myself! :) I love being 21 because I feel sooooo old and responsible. however, I may feel like this but we all know I am NOT. :D
Now, i have to get ready for my wonderful friends' birthday here in March. Clara will be 19 years old....she says SHE'S getting old. I am now officially THREE years older and I feel ancient. lol
Happy Birthday to my Dear Friend...Bet you feel good having a whole blog on you. lol
Blessed Be,
Bre`
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Movies, Movies, Movies
There have been soooo many good movies on today that I have had to sit down and have a movie marathon with the Bestie, Clara Stewart.
Movie one was called "One Day", and it was the most touching and romantic movie EVER! I am not one for romance...however....This one ROCKED! ^_^
The next movie that was watched was part one of "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows." Come to find out it was pretty good as well. I am in love with all the Harry Potter movies, but due to the nature of the films and my past I had decided not to watch them for a while. My bestie, Clara, talked me into watching again and if I were to start feeling weird then to just start praying. So far it has worked and part one has been really good. One part of the movie really made me jump and i ended up almost peeing myself...Thank you Clara!
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| The wonderful Best Friend that the movie day is with!! <3 Gotta love her |
Movie one was called "One Day", and it was the most touching and romantic movie EVER! I am not one for romance...however....This one ROCKED! ^_^
The next movie that was watched was part one of "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows." Come to find out it was pretty good as well. I am in love with all the Harry Potter movies, but due to the nature of the films and my past I had decided not to watch them for a while. My bestie, Clara, talked me into watching again and if I were to start feeling weird then to just start praying. So far it has worked and part one has been really good. One part of the movie really made me jump and i ended up almost peeing myself...Thank you Clara!
The next part is part two of "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows." We started watching part two and OMGSH it is INSANE! I jumped like ten feet in the air a few times and Clara has just sat there and laughed at me. Funny thing is, in the middle of it she jumped and screamed and I got in a lovely laugh as well.....
Well guess who laughs last!!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
V-Day and Parrrtttaaayyyy
There are so many things going on in life right now that I can't seem to understand all of them. Although there is a bunch going on, I realize that I have many fantastic friends here at school.
Last night, as an early birthday gift, my wonderful friends threw me a surprise birthday party. I was soooo overwhelmed, I just didn't know what to say!! :D
Then I wake up this morning, fully aware of how single I am, and I was given a rose made of chocolate Hershey kisses, a balloon and some sour worms from my best friend in the dorm, Clara. It was the sweetest thing EVER! Thanks guys! There were two amazing parts to my day....number one was that I got to spend the day with amazing friends and I got to go to a Valentine's Day party and chill with some of the guys. Cheyenne, Jules, and Shelbs...you ROCK!
The second part is that I got asked out for coffee with a crush of mine. I know the whole love at first sight isnt always true...but this time it feels like it. I have never thought that about any guy before. I pray that whatever happens in my relational life it is done for the Glory of God.
I go into surgery on Friday and I am quite worried, well...concerned. I was told some things by the doctor that they shouldn't have told their patient and now it has my head spinning in confusion! I pray it all works out.
Until next time,
Bre`
Last night, as an early birthday gift, my wonderful friends threw me a surprise birthday party. I was soooo overwhelmed, I just didn't know what to say!! :D
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| Some of the lovely girls who were at the party. |
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| Cheyenne, One of my best friends |
Then I wake up this morning, fully aware of how single I am, and I was given a rose made of chocolate Hershey kisses, a balloon and some sour worms from my best friend in the dorm, Clara. It was the sweetest thing EVER! Thanks guys! There were two amazing parts to my day....number one was that I got to spend the day with amazing friends and I got to go to a Valentine's Day party and chill with some of the guys. Cheyenne, Jules, and Shelbs...you ROCK!
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| Me, Lauren, and Kailey. Two of my good friends who were at the party. |
I go into surgery on Friday and I am quite worried, well...concerned. I was told some things by the doctor that they shouldn't have told their patient and now it has my head spinning in confusion! I pray it all works out.
Until next time,
Bre`
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