Whew, I am so glad it is finally the weekend! This week has just been one of those long weeks. Not hard, not bad; just long. There was a lot of work to be done, a lot of decisions to be made and just a lot of "stuff".Somewhere in all of the hustle and bustle my energy reserves were depleted. We are talking bone dry! You know that feeling where you are just mentally and physically exhausted and you just need that breath of fresh air to keep you going? Well this morning I reached that point. I came up with two solutions; run outside barefoot in 18 degree weather or pick up the good book for a little spiritual awakening.
Seeing how I typically cuddle up under a blanket even if it is 72 degrees inside, I opted for option number 2. As I turned to the pages of Deuteronomy I muttered something along the lines of "I am in a desperate need for a little pick-me-up Lord."
This was the his response:
Deuteronomy 31:6 " Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 32:4 "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."
Deuteronomy 33:26 "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds his majesty."
And the verse that brought it all home was Deuteronomy 33:12 " About Benjamin he said: "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders."
What a peaceful feeling it is to find rest in the security of the promises that we have in Christ. In every situation we face throughout the day can rest assured that he will never leave nor forsake us and he will ride across the heavens to help us. Despite any uncertainty that lies before us in the days or weeks ahead we know that his works are perfect.
I am thankful once again for the reminder to let go all my worries and just rest in the arms of Christ. Instead of trying to survive on my own strength I must remember to humble myself before the Lord each day and just rest in the security of his promises because no matter what God is in control.
-Emily
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Purpose in the Wilderness
On this peaceful Saturday morning as the sun was shining through the window it felt like the perfect opportunity to open my Bible and spend some time in the Lord's word. Before I even unzipped my beautiful Vera Bradly cover, I asked the Lord to speak to me in a special way and boy did He ever!
Purpose can be defined as the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists (Google). I do not know about you but I am one of those people who needs a purpose in order for life to make sense. I have to know that there is a reason that I am doing what I am doing. As a result, I am one of those people who likes to ask "why?".
My college years have left me with a lot of those "why" questions such as "Why do I need to know about Global Literature in order to be an Exercise Physiologist?" or "Why do professors require us to purchase textbooks that we will never use again once the semester is over?". Perhaps one of the most pertinent questions I have faced is "Why or what is the purpose for this season?"
This morning the Lord gave me a very clear answer in Deuteronomy 8:2-3:
"Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
I just get so excited when the Lord reveals to me how his words that were written so long ago are relevant in my life today!
My "wilderness" has been filled with many trials and tribulations. Some of those trials were out of my control and others were consequences of my own actions. Either way it has been a season filled with heartache and spiritual growth. In the moments where my circumstances seemed overwhelming I recall holding my breath and praying, "God, please reassure me there is a purpose for all of this".
As I look back at Deuteronomy 8:2-3 I see how the trials that I faced in the past were meant to break me so that the Lord could build me back up. The Lord had to teach my very stubborn heart that his way was best and that if I could just learn to rely on him I was going to make it through. The Lord intended to use my season in the wilderness to draw me closer to his side. He was teaching me that he alone could and would sustain me if I was willing seek him with all of my heart.
The Lord has been very faithful to bring much healing and redemption to my life in regards to the previous season of my life. However, I find myself in a new wilderness of sorts. As a college senior there are so many unanswered questions that I have in regards to my future. "What am I going to do with my life?, Where am I going to live?, Am I ever going to meet Mr. Right?". In this time I pray that I would learn to embrace the purpose the Lord has for me this season. I pray that I would faithful to live off of his life-sustaining words that satisfy my soul no matter how uncertain my circumstances may seam!
I think Love & The Outcome says it best:
We believe
There is purpose, there is meaning
In everything
We surrender to His leading
He wants nothing more
Than to have us close
There is purpose, there is meaning
In everything
We surrender to His leading
He wants nothing more
Than to have us close
(He Is With Us)
So if you are finding yourself lost in the wilderness take heart in knowing that the Lord has a divine purpose for this season and that in fact it may be more for your personal growth than anything else!
God Bless!
-Emily
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
LOVE Redeemed 2013
"Therefore I am now going to allure her;
I will lead her into the wilderness
and speak tenderly to her.
There I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
There she will respond as in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came up out of Egypt."
Hosea 2:14-15, NIV
Those of you that know me, know that reading is not exactly my favorite hobby but the idea of a warm fire, hot coffee and a good book was even too great for me to resist during this cold, rainy winter. I must admit that I actually have a list of new books that I would like to read but yet again I could not resist the temptation to pick up Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers for what I believe is probably the 5th or 6th time. There is just something about a love story evolving a handsome, western farmer that gets me every time. Needless to say I am a fan even if it is almost 500 pages. If you are like me anything over 200 pages is pushing it, oh who am I kidding 100 pages is probably more accurate.
Anyways...
Redeeming Love is a fictional love story based on a retelling of the book of Hosea in the Bible. Without compromising the integrity of the story in case you plan to read it yourself, the novel is about a man who continually displays his love for a young woman despite betrayal, pain and rejection much like Christ's continual pursuit of His children.I never cease to be amazed at how something new jumps out at me every single time I read this novel and I think it must have something to do with perspective.
A few weeks ago Beth Moore posted a video titled "The 12th Month that Redeems a Whole Year" (Please check out her video A 12th Month That Redeems a Year. She is fantastic and I just love the way that God speaks through her. My description just does not do it justice!). In the video she talks about how 2013 may have been a challenging year, a year that we wish to forget but she points out Biblical examples where 12th month was a time of reversal. Historically it is a time where things intended to destroy were turned around and used ultimately for God's glory. She presented a challenge asking that we might be so bold as to ask the Lord to do an outstanding work in December that would redeem the entire year despite the hardships and challenges that have been faced.
A recent theme in my personal study in the word has revolved around the story of Joseph in Genesis 50:20:"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives". As I was reading Redeeming Love last night, I could not help but feel this verse come to life as I kept noticing the parallels between the main character and the Lord in regards the way He displayed the depth of His love for me this year.
2013 at a glance was a trying year personally in regards to my faith. The combination of several heartbreaking events for both myself and a few of my close friends left me questioning God and His faithfulness. I found myself asking, "If God is good, why do bad things happen to good people?" , "Is God still sovereign when I am continually disappointed that things don't go my way?", "What is the point in holding out hope?". My frustration and doubt led me to a place where I felt numb. I was in survival mode, were I felt it was best not to hope at all because hope just led to disappointment. But somewhere in the wilderness God's sweet voice tenderly drew me back to His word (Hosea 2:14-15). In the midst of my doubt God spoke truth to my heart through the testimonies of cherished friends and devout leaders of the faith and I can now answer all of those questions with a resounding "YES". God is faithful, God is just and God is sovereign in all things and He is working everything together for our good even if it isn't according to MY plan.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose(Romans 8:28) ."
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).
After listening to Beth Moore's devotion I began praying that God would redeem my 2013 in this December month and last night I realized that He already had, even though it was not the redemption I had imagined. It was much greater! Christ poured out His love for me in 2013 and He pursued His wayward child and mercifully drew me back to His side. He poured His Grace out over me and brought Genesis 50:20 to life as He took a year that was intended for my harm and re-purposed it into good through growth, strength and maturity of my faith.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)
2013 may have been a tough year for me spiritually but God prevailed victorious and the battle ended well!
May He receive all the glory and all the praise!
-Emily
I will lead her into the wilderness
and speak tenderly to her.
There I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
There she will respond as in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came up out of Egypt."
Hosea 2:14-15, NIV
Those of you that know me, know that reading is not exactly my favorite hobby but the idea of a warm fire, hot coffee and a good book was even too great for me to resist during this cold, rainy winter. I must admit that I actually have a list of new books that I would like to read but yet again I could not resist the temptation to pick up Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers for what I believe is probably the 5th or 6th time. There is just something about a love story evolving a handsome, western farmer that gets me every time. Needless to say I am a fan even if it is almost 500 pages. If you are like me anything over 200 pages is pushing it, oh who am I kidding 100 pages is probably more accurate.
Anyways...
Redeeming Love is a fictional love story based on a retelling of the book of Hosea in the Bible. Without compromising the integrity of the story in case you plan to read it yourself, the novel is about a man who continually displays his love for a young woman despite betrayal, pain and rejection much like Christ's continual pursuit of His children.I never cease to be amazed at how something new jumps out at me every single time I read this novel and I think it must have something to do with perspective.
A few weeks ago Beth Moore posted a video titled "The 12th Month that Redeems a Whole Year" (Please check out her video A 12th Month That Redeems a Year. She is fantastic and I just love the way that God speaks through her. My description just does not do it justice!). In the video she talks about how 2013 may have been a challenging year, a year that we wish to forget but she points out Biblical examples where 12th month was a time of reversal. Historically it is a time where things intended to destroy were turned around and used ultimately for God's glory. She presented a challenge asking that we might be so bold as to ask the Lord to do an outstanding work in December that would redeem the entire year despite the hardships and challenges that have been faced.
A recent theme in my personal study in the word has revolved around the story of Joseph in Genesis 50:20:"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives". As I was reading Redeeming Love last night, I could not help but feel this verse come to life as I kept noticing the parallels between the main character and the Lord in regards the way He displayed the depth of His love for me this year.
2013 at a glance was a trying year personally in regards to my faith. The combination of several heartbreaking events for both myself and a few of my close friends left me questioning God and His faithfulness. I found myself asking, "If God is good, why do bad things happen to good people?" , "Is God still sovereign when I am continually disappointed that things don't go my way?", "What is the point in holding out hope?". My frustration and doubt led me to a place where I felt numb. I was in survival mode, were I felt it was best not to hope at all because hope just led to disappointment. But somewhere in the wilderness God's sweet voice tenderly drew me back to His word (Hosea 2:14-15). In the midst of my doubt God spoke truth to my heart through the testimonies of cherished friends and devout leaders of the faith and I can now answer all of those questions with a resounding "YES". God is faithful, God is just and God is sovereign in all things and He is working everything together for our good even if it isn't according to MY plan.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose(Romans 8:28) ."
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).
After listening to Beth Moore's devotion I began praying that God would redeem my 2013 in this December month and last night I realized that He already had, even though it was not the redemption I had imagined. It was much greater! Christ poured out His love for me in 2013 and He pursued His wayward child and mercifully drew me back to His side. He poured His Grace out over me and brought Genesis 50:20 to life as He took a year that was intended for my harm and re-purposed it into good through growth, strength and maturity of my faith.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)
2013 may have been a tough year for me spiritually but God prevailed victorious and the battle ended well!
May He receive all the glory and all the praise!
-Emily
Sunday, September 1, 2013
"Here in the power of Christ I'll stand"
Lately I have been rather hesitant about blogging. I guess it is because I find myself thinking, "I am just a simple, small town girl, why does anything I say matter? Who on earth would want to stop and read anything I've written? I am not an English major and I definitely cannot spell, even if my life depends on it. Better yet, what's the point or what is my motive?"
I think I found my answer in the passage that our pastor shared this morning:"26Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.28God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”1 Corinthians 1:26-31
I am not wise, not influential, not of noble birth. I am often weak and lowly. I've made more mistakes than I care to admit. I am stubborn, proud, independent. I have spent the last year of my life being aggravated with myself for letting circumstances of loss and disappointment make me question my faith. "I've been the one to try and say I'll overcome by my own strength I've been the one to fall apart and start to question who you are." (MercyMe-You are I am). I am just a sinner saved by grace.
"But by the grace of God I am What I am, and his grace to me was not without effect." I Corinthians 15:10
Take a look at verse 30 & 31 again.
"It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore as it is written: "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."
I have made a mess of things time and time again but because of him my life has been redeemed. It is because of him that I am a new creation. It is because of him that I woke up this morning. It is because of him that I have the strength to face each day with hope. Because of him, I live.
As was appropriate our service ended today with one of my favorite songs:
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the World by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the World by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
-es
Friday, August 23, 2013
New definition for sexy
According to Ashton"Chris" Kutcher the rules to being sexy are: "Be smart. Be Kind. Be Compassionate". I have to say that he definitely earned some respect from me after watching his speech at the Teen Choice Awards this year. This a message that all young ladies and even young men should hear! You're worth is not defined by how your physical body looks! There is so much more to you than that! Check it out! Way to go Chris!!!
-es
-es
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Let's try this again...
"I found us in a photograph
I saw me and I had to laugh
You know I'm not who I was."
-Brandon Heath, I'm Not Who I was
A similar feeling surfaced as I logged back on the blog that I start my senior year of high school. (I refuse to delete the earlier posts because of the irony!) You can imagine how funny it was to read the words that I wrote as an innocent, naive, high school girl.
As I sit five days away from the beginning of my SENIOR YEAR of COLLEGE I can't help but think, "Where has the time gone?" and "FINALLY, light at the end of the tunnel." (And why on earth am I writing this at 12:30 p.m.? What can I say, once I get an idea in my head there is no time like the present to put it into practice!)
In four years time a lot of things have changed/happened in my life while other things remained constant (Details to follow, eventually!). But in all things I take heart in knowing his TRUTH in Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
As the Lord would have it, I will not graduate from my "dream" college or my "dream" degree (Did I mention this was the "dream" of a high school girl and not a young, adult woman? Just checking!) Instead I will graduate with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science. (Hints my passion for personal wellness and fitness.) I still have no idea what is next!
One thing that I do know is that God has had his hands on throughout the entire process, even when I resisted (Me stubborn? Never!!!). I have found that his path is usually the best!
So as I begin on the journey of my senior year I hope to be able share something that will encourage you, bless you or inspire you whether it be in the realm of fitness, music, books, crafts, etc.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."-1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Yep, that one still stings! Preaching to myself here: Am I really doing everything for God?
To set the tone of the blog I would like to share a short story with you:
While at dinner with my mother the other night I happened to run into some old high school friends. Friends that I used to feel inferior too. I wish I could say that body image has never been an issue for me, but for now lets just say that I did not escape my college years without a few major melt downs. Satan knew all too well that this was an area where he could break me down, and break he did!
Either way, before the end of the meal I made a trip to the restroom. To set the stage, I did happen to be wearing a cute outfit but my makeup and hair were a bit of a mess from my Sunday afternoon nap. I was slightly bummed that I was not dressed to a "T". (Let's be honest, that would be a rare occasion for me.)
As I started to wash, my hands a young girl walked in. As soon as she noticed me she stopped and said "Woah, you're pretty". It seemed as though her words were from the lips of an angel. Just when those old, self-doubts could have crept back in and ruined my perspective, the truth of the Lord rained down upon me! In God's eyes I am beautiful and that is all that matters. (Yes, I do still have trouble accepting that truth. especially with the pressures of today's society.Notice the title of my blog says "molding" not "complete".)
Today remember to listen to the Voice of Truth instead of lies! And why don't we look for a way to lift each other up whether it be a compliment or a recognition for a job well done?
To the little girl who took the time to notice me that day, "Thank you". I can't tell you how much your words blessed my heart!
-es
I saw me and I had to laugh
You know I'm not who I was."
-Brandon Heath, I'm Not Who I was
A similar feeling surfaced as I logged back on the blog that I start my senior year of high school. (I refuse to delete the earlier posts because of the irony!) You can imagine how funny it was to read the words that I wrote as an innocent, naive, high school girl.
As I sit five days away from the beginning of my SENIOR YEAR of COLLEGE I can't help but think, "Where has the time gone?" and "FINALLY, light at the end of the tunnel." (And why on earth am I writing this at 12:30 p.m.? What can I say, once I get an idea in my head there is no time like the present to put it into practice!)
In four years time a lot of things have changed/happened in my life while other things remained constant (Details to follow, eventually!). But in all things I take heart in knowing his TRUTH in Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
As the Lord would have it, I will not graduate from my "dream" college or my "dream" degree (Did I mention this was the "dream" of a high school girl and not a young, adult woman? Just checking!) Instead I will graduate with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science. (Hints my passion for personal wellness and fitness.) I still have no idea what is next!
One thing that I do know is that God has had his hands on throughout the entire process, even when I resisted (Me stubborn? Never!!!). I have found that his path is usually the best!
So as I begin on the journey of my senior year I hope to be able share something that will encourage you, bless you or inspire you whether it be in the realm of fitness, music, books, crafts, etc.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."-1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Yep, that one still stings! Preaching to myself here: Am I really doing everything for God?
To set the tone of the blog I would like to share a short story with you:
While at dinner with my mother the other night I happened to run into some old high school friends. Friends that I used to feel inferior too. I wish I could say that body image has never been an issue for me, but for now lets just say that I did not escape my college years without a few major melt downs. Satan knew all too well that this was an area where he could break me down, and break he did!
Either way, before the end of the meal I made a trip to the restroom. To set the stage, I did happen to be wearing a cute outfit but my makeup and hair were a bit of a mess from my Sunday afternoon nap. I was slightly bummed that I was not dressed to a "T". (Let's be honest, that would be a rare occasion for me.)
As I started to wash, my hands a young girl walked in. As soon as she noticed me she stopped and said "Woah, you're pretty". It seemed as though her words were from the lips of an angel. Just when those old, self-doubts could have crept back in and ruined my perspective, the truth of the Lord rained down upon me! In God's eyes I am beautiful and that is all that matters. (Yes, I do still have trouble accepting that truth. especially with the pressures of today's society.Notice the title of my blog says "molding" not "complete".)
Today remember to listen to the Voice of Truth instead of lies! And why don't we look for a way to lift each other up whether it be a compliment or a recognition for a job well done?
To the little girl who took the time to notice me that day, "Thank you". I can't tell you how much your words blessed my heart!
-es
Saturday, March 27, 2010
God's Path
"For I know the plans I have for you"-(this is) the Lord's declaration- "plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
It is always amazing to see how God is at work, whether is means it envolves something small or something life changing. I am currently in the process of begining my college journey. I recently found out that I have been accepted to my dream school The University of Georgia. The entire process was overwhelming, terrifying and stressful. I had applied to several schools just to prepare myself incase I didn't get accepted. I was deffered in the fall, and although I expected it still hurt. But last week, my parents and I spent the day in Athens touring the campus and attending an information session and baseball game. Sometime during the day, a peace came over me and I knew that things were going to work out just as I had hoped. I really wanted to go to UGA but I prayed that God would help me to see his path for my life, and that I would accept the path he has chosen for me even if it wasn't what I wanted. This past Friday, I found out that I really had been accepted. Although my intended major is still undecided, I know that things will work out as they should. I'm looking forward to seeing where this path will lead!
-es
It is always amazing to see how God is at work, whether is means it envolves something small or something life changing. I am currently in the process of begining my college journey. I recently found out that I have been accepted to my dream school The University of Georgia. The entire process was overwhelming, terrifying and stressful. I had applied to several schools just to prepare myself incase I didn't get accepted. I was deffered in the fall, and although I expected it still hurt. But last week, my parents and I spent the day in Athens touring the campus and attending an information session and baseball game. Sometime during the day, a peace came over me and I knew that things were going to work out just as I had hoped. I really wanted to go to UGA but I prayed that God would help me to see his path for my life, and that I would accept the path he has chosen for me even if it wasn't what I wanted. This past Friday, I found out that I really had been accepted. Although my intended major is still undecided, I know that things will work out as they should. I'm looking forward to seeing where this path will lead!
-es
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