Last Tuesday marked my last day of my first year of college. (Sorry for my lack of updates during that year... ;) )
I
have grown SO much through that year - I don't even know where to
begin. I love how God has taken me, this small, timid girl on this
journey from my first day of school, to my last day as a freshman. My
first day at school went smoother than I had ever expected. And by my
second day, I made a life-long friend. I've gone through many ups and
downs through this first year... insecurities, and victories. My main
concern was getting good grades so I could keep my scholarships - the
only way I can go to a private Christian university. That was the most
scary thing about it. But it really wasn't as hard as I thought it
would be.
Looking back at my last post, anticipating
college, I have to laugh. Nervous? What is there to be nervous about?
The faculty at my school are wonderful - caring, knowledgeable,
professors. Once I found all my classes, it was easy to find my way
around the school, and I made it to every one of my classes on time.
The students there are wonderful too! That was another concern I had.
Would I find any friends there? Would I be accepted? But I felt like I
fit right in from the first day. And I really think that God was
watching over me, putting me in key places, sitting next to the right
people in my classes. The friendships I've made just by being at the
right place at the right time have been just a huge blessing in my
life. And I hope that I have been a blessing to them.
What
about classes, you ask? Well, little homeschooled, determined me made
sure that she did all her work on time, and did it well. It got
stressful sometimes, and there were times where I felt like giving up.
But I did it! I was able to understand everything I was supposed to do,
and I did it. Probably my most stressful class was English
Composition, because I felt like I was never done with my papers when I
handed them in. There was always something I could improve on. While I
never got a perfect grade on a paper, I am satisfied with my grades.
My
major classes, while I only took two this year, were also a cause for
stress. I kept wondering if this was the right major for me, and if I
was competent enough, had enough training in this area. But by the end
of the year, I really feel like I'm where God has called me to be. And I
really do enjoy my major.
So through all that, I can
see how much I've progressed in every area of life. I'm stepping out
and doing things I never dreamed of doing before college. This summer
I'm going on a school trip to Europe with some other students and a
professor from my school. It'll be the farthest I've ever been from
home, and the longest I've ever been away from my family. But it's
something I felt a peace about doing. I"m looking forward to seeing how
God moves on this trip.
So that's a brief summary of my first year of college. Hope you weren't too bored with my ramblings. :)
Blessings!
-V4C
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
College
Hello again everyone!
I'm sure you've all noticed the new blog layout; I thought I'd address it so you're not distracted about it for the rest of the post. :) I decided it was time for a change, especially since the old layout hid some of the links and buttons and such. I may play around with backgrounds more. I definitely want to keep the banner because it fits me so well. Just need to find a good background to go with it.
Anyway, that said, on to my post.
It's the biggest transition I have made in my life, and the only way I'll make it successfully is by keeping my focus on Jesus, the One Who never changes and is by my side no matter what happens. Only He knows the unknown, and with Him there's no reason to fear.
But it's all rather bittersweet. I'm going to miss my violin teacher so much. We've become close friends over the years and made it through some tough times together. And the thought of a new teacher whom I have never met is a bit intimidating.
And all the things that I've been a part of... my part in them is ending. I'll miss seeing all those beautiful 4 and 5 year olds at church twice a month. I'll miss all the free time I've been enjoying this summer. I'll miss the times I've been able to have with my sister. I am commuting to college, but I don't think I'll have much time for anything but studying. So I'm going to adjust and be flexible. One of the books I've been reading is called "Fearless," by Max Lucado. One chapter talks about how when you're going through a storm, or a situation that throws you significantly off-balance - to keep your eyes fixed on the pilot - on Jesus. He is the light that lets you see what the next step is. He's the point of reference when the rest of the world is shifting crazily. And He is the One Who will keep you steady in the midst of a world falling apart. So for all of us who are going to college or through a big transition, I pray this: Jesus, I know You're going to walk us through this. Give us gentle reminders throughout the day of Your presence, and strengthen us to pursue excellence in everything.
When I tell people I'm starting college I get mixed reactions. 1. "Wow! Are you excited?" 2. "Ooh are you nervous?" 3. "You really don't look old enough to be a college student." (That last one scares me. Lol.)
1. Yes! 2. I'm trying not to be. 3. Yes, you're the 20th person to say that this month. (Maybe I'm exaggerating, but really... it's starting to get annoying.)
The first question is asked by people who know me well and have the utmost confidence that I WILL succeed in college. They've seen that I work hard and am strong in my faith. They're the ones that really help me see that college is an adventure, and that I will have fun even in the midst of all the hard work.
The second is asked by well-meaning friends/acquaintences. I never know what to say to that. "Um, not right now, but once it gets closer to the first day, I'll probably be nervous." But y'know... I don't even want to anticipate getting nervous. I don't have to be. Excited, focused, energized... that's what I want to be on the first day and throughout the next four years.
The third is asked by people who just found out my age. I've been told that I look younger than my age since I was around 11. But then there is that rare occasion when someone says I look my age or older. (I like those people. Lol!) But every time someone says that, I wonder if I'll fit in in college. Will people see me as beneath them because I'm short and look younger? Will I always be looking up at people, trying to change my appearance to be accepted? Or will I accept that God made me this small and use it to be a comfort to others in the same boat as me?
I think I'll choose the latter.
So anyway, those are my rather disorganized thoughts about college. And to those who will join me in this new and exciting adventure, welcome aboard! Let's keep our eyes on the Captain of the ship and not weary in our faith in Him.
I'm sure you've all noticed the new blog layout; I thought I'd address it so you're not distracted about it for the rest of the post. :) I decided it was time for a change, especially since the old layout hid some of the links and buttons and such. I may play around with backgrounds more. I definitely want to keep the banner because it fits me so well. Just need to find a good background to go with it.
Anyway, that said, on to my post.
It's the biggest transition I have made in my life, and the only way I'll make it successfully is by keeping my focus on Jesus, the One Who never changes and is by my side no matter what happens. Only He knows the unknown, and with Him there's no reason to fear.
But it's all rather bittersweet. I'm going to miss my violin teacher so much. We've become close friends over the years and made it through some tough times together. And the thought of a new teacher whom I have never met is a bit intimidating.
And all the things that I've been a part of... my part in them is ending. I'll miss seeing all those beautiful 4 and 5 year olds at church twice a month. I'll miss all the free time I've been enjoying this summer. I'll miss the times I've been able to have with my sister. I am commuting to college, but I don't think I'll have much time for anything but studying. So I'm going to adjust and be flexible. One of the books I've been reading is called "Fearless," by Max Lucado. One chapter talks about how when you're going through a storm, or a situation that throws you significantly off-balance - to keep your eyes fixed on the pilot - on Jesus. He is the light that lets you see what the next step is. He's the point of reference when the rest of the world is shifting crazily. And He is the One Who will keep you steady in the midst of a world falling apart. So for all of us who are going to college or through a big transition, I pray this: Jesus, I know You're going to walk us through this. Give us gentle reminders throughout the day of Your presence, and strengthen us to pursue excellence in everything.
When I tell people I'm starting college I get mixed reactions. 1. "Wow! Are you excited?" 2. "Ooh are you nervous?" 3. "You really don't look old enough to be a college student." (That last one scares me. Lol.)
1. Yes! 2. I'm trying not to be. 3. Yes, you're the 20th person to say that this month. (Maybe I'm exaggerating, but really... it's starting to get annoying.)
The first question is asked by people who know me well and have the utmost confidence that I WILL succeed in college. They've seen that I work hard and am strong in my faith. They're the ones that really help me see that college is an adventure, and that I will have fun even in the midst of all the hard work.
The second is asked by well-meaning friends/acquaintences. I never know what to say to that. "Um, not right now, but once it gets closer to the first day, I'll probably be nervous." But y'know... I don't even want to anticipate getting nervous. I don't have to be. Excited, focused, energized... that's what I want to be on the first day and throughout the next four years.
The third is asked by people who just found out my age. I've been told that I look younger than my age since I was around 11. But then there is that rare occasion when someone says I look my age or older. (I like those people. Lol!) But every time someone says that, I wonder if I'll fit in in college. Will people see me as beneath them because I'm short and look younger? Will I always be looking up at people, trying to change my appearance to be accepted? Or will I accept that God made me this small and use it to be a comfort to others in the same boat as me?
I think I'll choose the latter.
So anyway, those are my rather disorganized thoughts about college. And to those who will join me in this new and exciting adventure, welcome aboard! Let's keep our eyes on the Captain of the ship and not weary in our faith in Him.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Confidence
This morning I was listening to a Christian podcast. The subject was dating, and how the process of breaking up destroys confidence.
But then... isn't that one of the reasons some people date? To build confidence?
To have someone express interest in you. To enjoy the little quirks about you. The way you laugh, catch phrases you use... to have someone that appreciates you for who you are - not just what you can do for them To encourage you and build you up. And you in turn do the same for them.
But then if something happens, and you break up...
That whole world is shattered. Confidence that was built on shifting sands is destined to fall into despair and self-doubt. Confidence built in someone else's view of us is so dangerous, so finite. When our whole view of ourselves depends on what one individual thinks of us, what will we do when the day comes and we don't meet their expectations?
We begin to question our identity. All of the sudden, we aren't on top of the world anymore. Because we have lessened in their eyes, we are insecure in ourselves. We are no longer good enough. Our support has been pulled out from under us, and as we fall we frantically grip the air for something to stable us.
This post really isn't about dating. It's about who we place our trust in. How we see ourselves. Who we really are.
Have you ever wondered that? Who am I, really? What defines me and makes me myself? It's sobering, especially if you don't have a ready answer. When we change with every gust of wind, aiming to please everyone but pleasing no one, it is so easy to lose sight of our identity. Is that person in the mirror me, or is it the person I'm trying to be for others?
"On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand."
The world is so confused. They have no fixed point of reference. No firm foundation. And when we lose sight of the rock on which we stand, venturing out into the ways of the world, we are soon caught in the same trap.
To really know who we are, we need to know who HE is. To have confidence in ourselves, we need to have confidence in Him. Without Him, we fall. With Him, we stand strong through every storm.
Once we understand what He has done for us, we begin to realize that our identity is not found in someone else's view of us, but in how GOD sees us. Our Maker is the only One who can truly define us. Not the mirror. Not our friends and family or even enemies. God and God alone. We are no longer dependent on sand to hold us up, but the everlasting firm rock of Christ's love for us! We are self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency (Phil 4:13, AMP).
So how DOES God see us? We all know this verse, but to rebuild our foundation we must go back to the basics.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
First of all, God loves us SOO much more than we can ever fathom. So much so that He gave His ONLY Son to die for us, so we could be with Him! How amazing and crazy and passionate is the Father's love for us!
Next, He made us with His tender love and mercies. Psalm 139 shows us that God knows all the details of our life. He has our whole life planned out, and He saw the dark valley we would be in, even before the foundation of the world. We are His, and He is ours. He sees all the people we have and will impact. We will never know until we get to Heaven just how many people we have blessed.
There are so many Scriptures that demonstrate His wonderful love for us. 1 Peter 2:24 says, "He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds, you have been healed." He died so we could live. Now that's love. To give up all your rights, and everything good that belonged to you so that the other person could have it. And He did all that for the least of us. And it's when we meditate on that - on JESUS - that we can truly look upon ourselves with pure eyes and see who we really are. Suddenly, we aren't looking for the next compliment, or person to fulfill us. Our relationship with God is more than enough and sustains us through our darkest hours. We focus more on Him and less on us. He must increase and we must decrease.
So if this post was for you... take His love to heart. Realize that even if the people who should be loving you look down on you instead, that the Father cherishes you, and loves you above and beyond what you could ever grasp or imagine. It's not just words. It's not just Violinist4Christ who's saying this. God says it over and over again in His Word. And He is longing for you to read His love letter to you, and to run to His embrace. Won't you taste and see that the Lord is good?
2 Corinthians 1:10
And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.
2 Corinthians 3:11-12 So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! 12 Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.
Philippians 3:3b
We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort.
1 Thessalonians 5:8
But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
Titus 3:7
Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”
Hebrews 6:18
So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.
Hebrews 13:6
So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper,so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”
*All Scripture taken from the NLT unless otherwise noted. Courtesy of Biblegateway.com
But then... isn't that one of the reasons some people date? To build confidence?
To have someone express interest in you. To enjoy the little quirks about you. The way you laugh, catch phrases you use... to have someone that appreciates you for who you are - not just what you can do for them To encourage you and build you up. And you in turn do the same for them.
But then if something happens, and you break up...
That whole world is shattered. Confidence that was built on shifting sands is destined to fall into despair and self-doubt. Confidence built in someone else's view of us is so dangerous, so finite. When our whole view of ourselves depends on what one individual thinks of us, what will we do when the day comes and we don't meet their expectations?
We begin to question our identity. All of the sudden, we aren't on top of the world anymore. Because we have lessened in their eyes, we are insecure in ourselves. We are no longer good enough. Our support has been pulled out from under us, and as we fall we frantically grip the air for something to stable us.
This post really isn't about dating. It's about who we place our trust in. How we see ourselves. Who we really are.
Have you ever wondered that? Who am I, really? What defines me and makes me myself? It's sobering, especially if you don't have a ready answer. When we change with every gust of wind, aiming to please everyone but pleasing no one, it is so easy to lose sight of our identity. Is that person in the mirror me, or is it the person I'm trying to be for others?
"On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand."
The world is so confused. They have no fixed point of reference. No firm foundation. And when we lose sight of the rock on which we stand, venturing out into the ways of the world, we are soon caught in the same trap.
To really know who we are, we need to know who HE is. To have confidence in ourselves, we need to have confidence in Him. Without Him, we fall. With Him, we stand strong through every storm.
Once we understand what He has done for us, we begin to realize that our identity is not found in someone else's view of us, but in how GOD sees us. Our Maker is the only One who can truly define us. Not the mirror. Not our friends and family or even enemies. God and God alone. We are no longer dependent on sand to hold us up, but the everlasting firm rock of Christ's love for us! We are self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency (Phil 4:13, AMP).
So how DOES God see us? We all know this verse, but to rebuild our foundation we must go back to the basics.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
First of all, God loves us SOO much more than we can ever fathom. So much so that He gave His ONLY Son to die for us, so we could be with Him! How amazing and crazy and passionate is the Father's love for us!
Next, He made us with His tender love and mercies. Psalm 139 shows us that God knows all the details of our life. He has our whole life planned out, and He saw the dark valley we would be in, even before the foundation of the world. We are His, and He is ours. He sees all the people we have and will impact. We will never know until we get to Heaven just how many people we have blessed.
There are so many Scriptures that demonstrate His wonderful love for us. 1 Peter 2:24 says, "He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds, you have been healed." He died so we could live. Now that's love. To give up all your rights, and everything good that belonged to you so that the other person could have it. And He did all that for the least of us. And it's when we meditate on that - on JESUS - that we can truly look upon ourselves with pure eyes and see who we really are. Suddenly, we aren't looking for the next compliment, or person to fulfill us. Our relationship with God is more than enough and sustains us through our darkest hours. We focus more on Him and less on us. He must increase and we must decrease.
So if this post was for you... take His love to heart. Realize that even if the people who should be loving you look down on you instead, that the Father cherishes you, and loves you above and beyond what you could ever grasp or imagine. It's not just words. It's not just Violinist4Christ who's saying this. God says it over and over again in His Word. And He is longing for you to read His love letter to you, and to run to His embrace. Won't you taste and see that the Lord is good?
2 Corinthians 1:10
And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.
2 Corinthians 3:11-12 So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! 12 Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.
Philippians 3:3b
We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort.
1 Thessalonians 5:8
But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
Titus 3:7
Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”
Hebrews 6:18
So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.
Hebrews 13:6
So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper,so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”
*All Scripture taken from the NLT unless otherwise noted. Courtesy of Biblegateway.com
Monday, June 6, 2011
Unity
Ephesidans 4:11, 16 (AMP) "And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us,] some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers."
"For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts closely) joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly (in all its functions) grows to full maturity, building itself up in love."
We are the body of Christ. Do you ever think about that? To each one of us God has given us a gift, a calling, a place in the church. Everyone has their place. I think too often we put ourselves in competition with each other - wishing we were as friendly and outgoing as this girl is, or as willing and able to serve as he is, or to teach Sunday School as well as they do.
But think about it. If everyone was good at the same thing, there would be so many areas lacking in the body of Christ! If everyone did acts of service, who would be there to encourage? If everyone encouraged, who would teach? We need to find out who God has made us to be - the strengths that He has given to us - and cultivate it.
We each build each other up. You know what would happen if your stomach wanted to become a lung, or your foot an ear. Disaster! You could no longer function correctly. The church is stagnant, crippled, unless we each stand up and do what God has called us to do. We are closely knit together as Christ's body, with Him as the head. God doesn't give us the power to do someone else's job - He gives us the power and strength and grace for OUR position. The key is to find out what that is and focus on serving God with it in love.
C.S. Lewis used this as an illustration. One day a boy wanted to buy his dad a gift, but had no money for he was too young to work. So he asked his father, "Dad, could I have some money so I can buy you a present?" And the father chuckled and gave his son the money. Could the son take credit for the money or the present? No, because it came from his father. It's the same with the gifts God gives us. Everything good we can do - every good desire, strength, and ability - it comes from God, and we give it back to Him by using it according to His will. And when our gifts and our callings mature as we use them for His glory out of love, we build ourselves up. We have joy and peace, knowing that we're doing what we are meant to do.
So don't look at others and covet the gifts that they have. You might think that if only you could play the guitar like so-and-so, you could be happy. But if we're not happy doing what we're supposed to do, we won't be happy if we had the best guitar skills in the world. Our focus needs to be on using the gifts we have to spread the love of God. To God be the glory, for all He has done for us! Amen.
"For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts closely) joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly (in all its functions) grows to full maturity, building itself up in love."
We are the body of Christ. Do you ever think about that? To each one of us God has given us a gift, a calling, a place in the church. Everyone has their place. I think too often we put ourselves in competition with each other - wishing we were as friendly and outgoing as this girl is, or as willing and able to serve as he is, or to teach Sunday School as well as they do.
But think about it. If everyone was good at the same thing, there would be so many areas lacking in the body of Christ! If everyone did acts of service, who would be there to encourage? If everyone encouraged, who would teach? We need to find out who God has made us to be - the strengths that He has given to us - and cultivate it.
We each build each other up. You know what would happen if your stomach wanted to become a lung, or your foot an ear. Disaster! You could no longer function correctly. The church is stagnant, crippled, unless we each stand up and do what God has called us to do. We are closely knit together as Christ's body, with Him as the head. God doesn't give us the power to do someone else's job - He gives us the power and strength and grace for OUR position. The key is to find out what that is and focus on serving God with it in love.
C.S. Lewis used this as an illustration. One day a boy wanted to buy his dad a gift, but had no money for he was too young to work. So he asked his father, "Dad, could I have some money so I can buy you a present?" And the father chuckled and gave his son the money. Could the son take credit for the money or the present? No, because it came from his father. It's the same with the gifts God gives us. Everything good we can do - every good desire, strength, and ability - it comes from God, and we give it back to Him by using it according to His will. And when our gifts and our callings mature as we use them for His glory out of love, we build ourselves up. We have joy and peace, knowing that we're doing what we are meant to do.
So don't look at others and covet the gifts that they have. You might think that if only you could play the guitar like so-and-so, you could be happy. But if we're not happy doing what we're supposed to do, we won't be happy if we had the best guitar skills in the world. Our focus needs to be on using the gifts we have to spread the love of God. To God be the glory, for all He has done for us! Amen.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
I can see clearly now...
...that I have glasses. :) I'm slightly near sighted, so I recently got glasses - mainly for use when driving at night. It's pretty amazing at how much clearer and crisp everything looks. I can read signs for further away than I ever remember being able to read. And everything looks like an overly sharpened photograph. Outlines are clearer, flowers, grass, and trees are spectacular... It all just looks that much better with glasses.
So I started thinking... what about my spiritual eyes? Do I need "spiritual glasses"? If physical eyes can falter so much, what does that say about how I view people? I think of that song, "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath... if you listen to Christian radio at all, you've probably heard it. :) The song talks about how people are so much more than face value. We have no idea what might be going on in the lives of people around us. The guy we pass on the street might've been laid off. The rude cashier could have had a recently deceased family member.
But then it goes even deeper than that. All we can see is the results of the influences and things upon a person. We can't see who they are on the inside - the heart of a person - without investing time and effort in a person. And even then our eyes can falter. A habit that they've developed may be normal in their family, but it might be strange or even distasteful in our eyes. The examples could go on and on. We often see people at face value - for what we see immediately. How does God see people?
God sees them as valuable. He loved the world so much that He gave His only Son. He gave them a way to be saved. Even if no one accepted His gift, He still would have died. Every person is special to Him; He saw every moment of their lives before the earth was even formed. Imagine! As He was creating light He thought of you. And every other individual. He was there, personally forming each baby in their mother's womb. His thoughts about us are ENDLESS! Every person is valuable in His sight. He loves every detail of their lives, and delights in their individual qualities... even ones we might find annoying.
When we are constantly thinking about how God views the world... when we filter everything we see through His lenses, we won't be so quick to judge. Hurtful thoughts or even words we might have said no longer seem relevant. As we seek God, Who is Love, we understand His love for people, and we act as He does. So whether you wear glasses or not, don't neglect to wear God's glasses. You might end up seeing something beautiful.
So I started thinking... what about my spiritual eyes? Do I need "spiritual glasses"? If physical eyes can falter so much, what does that say about how I view people? I think of that song, "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath... if you listen to Christian radio at all, you've probably heard it. :) The song talks about how people are so much more than face value. We have no idea what might be going on in the lives of people around us. The guy we pass on the street might've been laid off. The rude cashier could have had a recently deceased family member.
But then it goes even deeper than that. All we can see is the results of the influences and things upon a person. We can't see who they are on the inside - the heart of a person - without investing time and effort in a person. And even then our eyes can falter. A habit that they've developed may be normal in their family, but it might be strange or even distasteful in our eyes. The examples could go on and on. We often see people at face value - for what we see immediately. How does God see people?
God sees them as valuable. He loved the world so much that He gave His only Son. He gave them a way to be saved. Even if no one accepted His gift, He still would have died. Every person is special to Him; He saw every moment of their lives before the earth was even formed. Imagine! As He was creating light He thought of you. And every other individual. He was there, personally forming each baby in their mother's womb. His thoughts about us are ENDLESS! Every person is valuable in His sight. He loves every detail of their lives, and delights in their individual qualities... even ones we might find annoying.
When we are constantly thinking about how God views the world... when we filter everything we see through His lenses, we won't be so quick to judge. Hurtful thoughts or even words we might have said no longer seem relevant. As we seek God, Who is Love, we understand His love for people, and we act as He does. So whether you wear glasses or not, don't neglect to wear God's glasses. You might end up seeing something beautiful.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Reflections
So George Herbert is probably one of my absolute favorite British Literature writers so far in my studies on the subject. One of my favorite poems by him is called, "Love." It so beautifully portrays the repentant sinner and Jesus.
Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
If I lacked anything.
"A guest," I answered, "worthy to be here."
Love said, "You shall be he."
"I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee!"
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
"Who made the eyes but I?"
"Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve."
"And know you not," says Love, "who bore the blame?"
"My dear, then I will serve."
"You must sit down," says Love, "and taste My meat":
So I did sit and eat.
It's so beautiful. I love it when the poet asks to be made a guest worthy to sit at the Lord's table. It's a perfect picture of how much God loves us in spite of how unworthy we are in ourselves; in spite of the mess we've made. Love beckons us to come.
Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
If I lacked anything.
"A guest," I answered, "worthy to be here."
Love said, "You shall be he."
"I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee!"
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
"Who made the eyes but I?"
"Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve."
"And know you not," says Love, "who bore the blame?"
"My dear, then I will serve."
"You must sit down," says Love, "and taste My meat":
So I did sit and eat.
It's so beautiful. I love it when the poet asks to be made a guest worthy to sit at the Lord's table. It's a perfect picture of how much God loves us in spite of how unworthy we are in ourselves; in spite of the mess we've made. Love beckons us to come.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Comments
Hi all!
So it's come to my attention that there was a problem commenting on my blog. I've made a couple adjustments to my blog settings... you should be able to comment now. If not, please email me at violinist4Christ@yahoo.com
Thanks, and God bless! Hope everyone has a blessed new year. 2011 is going to be great!
So it's come to my attention that there was a problem commenting on my blog. I've made a couple adjustments to my blog settings... you should be able to comment now. If not, please email me at violinist4Christ@yahoo.com
Thanks, and God bless! Hope everyone has a blessed new year. 2011 is going to be great!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
From my prayer journal...
"No other could ever be as beautiful.
No other could ever steal my heart away.
I am captivated by You."
-Captivated, by Vicki Beeching
No creature can be as beautiful as its creator. No human can be as beautiful as Jesus. It's sometimes hard to remember that, though. Some people catch my attention with how kind and beautiful they are. Oh how easily my eyes turn from You!
Lord, help me always remember how beautiful You are. May no one ever take Your place. They could never fulfill the void You so perfectly fill. You're beautiful and I love You!
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace."
-Taken from my prayer journal in hopes that it will be a blessing to you as it is to me.
Merry Christmas!
No other could ever steal my heart away.
I am captivated by You."
-Captivated, by Vicki Beeching
No creature can be as beautiful as its creator. No human can be as beautiful as Jesus. It's sometimes hard to remember that, though. Some people catch my attention with how kind and beautiful they are. Oh how easily my eyes turn from You!
Lord, help me always remember how beautiful You are. May no one ever take Your place. They could never fulfill the void You so perfectly fill. You're beautiful and I love You!
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace."
-Taken from my prayer journal in hopes that it will be a blessing to you as it is to me.
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Open Door
"And You've opened the door for me
And You laid down Your life to set me free
All that I am will serve You Lord."
Oh You Bring ~ Hillsong United
God's opened the door for us. The door to healing. The door to His presence. The door to freedom. The door to worship Him in spirit and in truth. The door to everything - everything He has for us. All we have to do is walk in. Push through all the debris that's in the way. Push through the distraction, the doubt, the worry, the fear. Push through the apathy, the lack of passion for God, the idolatry - the love of this world instead of God. Present it all to God. It's okay to admit to Him where you're at, 'cause He meets us where we are. He gets down on our level where we've fallen and helps us back up again; helps us back to the path again. Give Him your life. Worship Him - with your life. Do everything as unto the Lord, with excellence.
And You laid down Your life to set me free
All that I am will serve You Lord."
Oh You Bring ~ Hillsong United
God's opened the door for us. The door to healing. The door to His presence. The door to freedom. The door to worship Him in spirit and in truth. The door to everything - everything He has for us. All we have to do is walk in. Push through all the debris that's in the way. Push through the distraction, the doubt, the worry, the fear. Push through the apathy, the lack of passion for God, the idolatry - the love of this world instead of God. Present it all to God. It's okay to admit to Him where you're at, 'cause He meets us where we are. He gets down on our level where we've fallen and helps us back up again; helps us back to the path again. Give Him your life. Worship Him - with your life. Do everything as unto the Lord, with excellence.
Perfect Peace
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! 4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock."Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT)
For several years I've dealt a lot with fear... mostly at night. I don't know what it was, but I used to get so scared at night that I couldn't go to sleep. I won't go into detail, but a lot of the time there was no reason for it. God's brought me SO far from where I was all those years ago when it was the worst. If I knew the Scripture and promises I know now back then, I would have had more peaceful nights. Thank You, God, for delivering me from fear and the effects thereof.
Over the years, God has shown me things in His Word about peace and dealing with fear. Every time I heard a sermon about peace, I'd jump at the chance to learn more about it. My favorite Scripture I've found over the years is Philippians 4:4-7."Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."-NKJThese are the instructions God's given us to walk in peace! Start out with praise. Sing a worship song to Him, delight myself in God, read a Psalm to God, etc. Then I'd examine my life, and if I'd done anything to someone that day that wasn't gentle or considerate I'd repent and make it right with them. And I brought every one of those worries to God. Every time I started getting in fear, I'd give it over to Him. I would pray about what I was scared about, and thank God for answering my prayers. And then I took hold of His promise. That HIS peace would guard my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.
So God has come through in so many ways over the years. He's given me His perfect peace; about the near and far future. The theme for church camp this year was Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." This is my last year of high school and college is coming up fast. I do not at this time know what to major in. I've considered a couple of different things, but... yeah. I've learned to trust God and realize that He has got my whole life mapped out, and He wants me to know the next step exactly when I need it. He'll let me know at the exact right time, and I WILL know His voice when He speaks.
So I want to encourage you today that no matter what you might be facing that God has a GOOD plan for you - to prosper you and give you hope - a great expectancy of what is to come. Maybe you've been dealing with fear too. Get in the Word. Find out God's promises for you about that area. Keep your mind stayed on Him, and He will keep you in PERFECT peace. With no weak points. Rely on His strength and grace, and He will carry you through it. Follow the wonderful instructions of Phil 4:4-7. And trust God through it all. When your mind is stayed on Him, your problems don't look as big. Magnify God and watch the problems shrink in comparison. God will carry you through.
For several years I've dealt a lot with fear... mostly at night. I don't know what it was, but I used to get so scared at night that I couldn't go to sleep. I won't go into detail, but a lot of the time there was no reason for it. God's brought me SO far from where I was all those years ago when it was the worst. If I knew the Scripture and promises I know now back then, I would have had more peaceful nights. Thank You, God, for delivering me from fear and the effects thereof.
Over the years, God has shown me things in His Word about peace and dealing with fear. Every time I heard a sermon about peace, I'd jump at the chance to learn more about it. My favorite Scripture I've found over the years is Philippians 4:4-7."Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."-NKJThese are the instructions God's given us to walk in peace! Start out with praise. Sing a worship song to Him, delight myself in God, read a Psalm to God, etc. Then I'd examine my life, and if I'd done anything to someone that day that wasn't gentle or considerate I'd repent and make it right with them. And I brought every one of those worries to God. Every time I started getting in fear, I'd give it over to Him. I would pray about what I was scared about, and thank God for answering my prayers. And then I took hold of His promise. That HIS peace would guard my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.
So God has come through in so many ways over the years. He's given me His perfect peace; about the near and far future. The theme for church camp this year was Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." This is my last year of high school and college is coming up fast. I do not at this time know what to major in. I've considered a couple of different things, but... yeah. I've learned to trust God and realize that He has got my whole life mapped out, and He wants me to know the next step exactly when I need it. He'll let me know at the exact right time, and I WILL know His voice when He speaks.
So I want to encourage you today that no matter what you might be facing that God has a GOOD plan for you - to prosper you and give you hope - a great expectancy of what is to come. Maybe you've been dealing with fear too. Get in the Word. Find out God's promises for you about that area. Keep your mind stayed on Him, and He will keep you in PERFECT peace. With no weak points. Rely on His strength and grace, and He will carry you through it. Follow the wonderful instructions of Phil 4:4-7. And trust God through it all. When your mind is stayed on Him, your problems don't look as big. Magnify God and watch the problems shrink in comparison. God will carry you through.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The Cost
Hi all,
Sorry it's been so long since I've blogged. I can't promise I'll post x amount of times a month, but as God leads I'll post.
My church has a noon time prayer meeting open on the weekdays, and my dad and I attended it one day. Part way through our time there, I felt impressed to pray for the youth in America. My heart aches for my generation, and even the Christian youth - so many have wandered away from God. I wanted to make a difference - be a voice that draws their attention back to Christ. And then I believe God spoke to me - that I could be that voice online.
Something else that happened during that prayer time was that my thoughts started wandering to a scene in a move. When I realized that I'd gotten distracted, I snapped back to the present and was about to keep praying. Immediately I heard God say loudly in my spirit something that related to the said movie.
This is the scene from the movie I was remembering, at which I was disgusted when I saw it: a man's daughter had come to a proper age to be married. She was beautiful and had captured the attention of a couple men. Her father was willing to give her away to the man who had the largest pig. And he did. (Like I said, I was disgusted, so I quit watching the movie.)
But I heard God say so clearly that some have done just that - carelessly traded something so precious and valuable for a life with the pigs. They have traded a beautiful life with God - walking with Him every moment of every day and living out the amazing plan He has for them - for ease and complacency.
This is where so many of us have missed it, including myself. Too often I've traded obedience for something easier. Have you ever noticed how relieved one is when one comes up with an excuse not to follow God? It's hard! It's hard to go against the crowd, to deny self of things in the world that look good in order to do what you know God has told you to do. For instance, I believe God wants me to wait to have a boyfriend at this time in my life. It's so hard sometimes to wait, though. I see so many "couples" my age or even younger than me. It looks so good. But I have to go back to what I have heard from God about this, believe that He knows best for me. I have faith in God - in His power, His wisdom, and His goodness.
Then my flesh rises up and I think, It's so hard to always follow God! I have all these things I want to do - that I feel like doing. And what if He calls me to go somewhere I don't want to go, or tells me to say something that goes completely against my personality? What if...?
“If you want to be My disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow Me, you cannot be my disciple. 28 But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’" - Luke 14:26-30 NLT
"I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless (loss) because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!"
-Philippians 3:7-11. NLT.
Lord, never let it be said of us that we traded Your plan for ours. God, I have seen what it takes to be Your disciple - to follow after You with everything no matter what I feel or don't feel comfortable doing. God, all that means nothing to me - nothing - compared to knowing You! I want to be one with You in purpose and desire. Let Your plans be my plans; Your thoughts my thoughts. Nothing else is comparable to this! Everything else falls short and will end in vain. Your plans and thoughts are so much higher and better than anything else. I know that You have an incredible plan for my life, and that even when You tell me to do something hard, it is for the best and I will do it. Thank You, God for having such a great plan for my life!
Sorry it's been so long since I've blogged. I can't promise I'll post x amount of times a month, but as God leads I'll post.
My church has a noon time prayer meeting open on the weekdays, and my dad and I attended it one day. Part way through our time there, I felt impressed to pray for the youth in America. My heart aches for my generation, and even the Christian youth - so many have wandered away from God. I wanted to make a difference - be a voice that draws their attention back to Christ. And then I believe God spoke to me - that I could be that voice online.
Something else that happened during that prayer time was that my thoughts started wandering to a scene in a move. When I realized that I'd gotten distracted, I snapped back to the present and was about to keep praying. Immediately I heard God say loudly in my spirit something that related to the said movie.
This is the scene from the movie I was remembering, at which I was disgusted when I saw it: a man's daughter had come to a proper age to be married. She was beautiful and had captured the attention of a couple men. Her father was willing to give her away to the man who had the largest pig. And he did. (Like I said, I was disgusted, so I quit watching the movie.)
But I heard God say so clearly that some have done just that - carelessly traded something so precious and valuable for a life with the pigs. They have traded a beautiful life with God - walking with Him every moment of every day and living out the amazing plan He has for them - for ease and complacency.
This is where so many of us have missed it, including myself. Too often I've traded obedience for something easier. Have you ever noticed how relieved one is when one comes up with an excuse not to follow God? It's hard! It's hard to go against the crowd, to deny self of things in the world that look good in order to do what you know God has told you to do. For instance, I believe God wants me to wait to have a boyfriend at this time in my life. It's so hard sometimes to wait, though. I see so many "couples" my age or even younger than me. It looks so good. But I have to go back to what I have heard from God about this, believe that He knows best for me. I have faith in God - in His power, His wisdom, and His goodness.
Then my flesh rises up and I think, It's so hard to always follow God! I have all these things I want to do - that I feel like doing. And what if He calls me to go somewhere I don't want to go, or tells me to say something that goes completely against my personality? What if...?
“If you want to be My disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow Me, you cannot be my disciple. 28 But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’" - Luke 14:26-30 NLT
"I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless (loss) because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!"
-Philippians 3:7-11. NLT.
Lord, never let it be said of us that we traded Your plan for ours. God, I have seen what it takes to be Your disciple - to follow after You with everything no matter what I feel or don't feel comfortable doing. God, all that means nothing to me - nothing - compared to knowing You! I want to be one with You in purpose and desire. Let Your plans be my plans; Your thoughts my thoughts. Nothing else is comparable to this! Everything else falls short and will end in vain. Your plans and thoughts are so much higher and better than anything else. I know that You have an incredible plan for my life, and that even when You tell me to do something hard, it is for the best and I will do it. Thank You, God for having such a great plan for my life!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Pure In Heart Tag
Thanks so much to Loca Chica for tagging/awarding me!! I'm not sure what the questions have to do with having a pure heart, but they're still fun, so...
Here are the rules: If you are tagged:1. Post about the tag 2. Pick 10 bloggers who deserve this award 3. Leave a comment on the blogs of the people you tagged letting them know they were awarded
Answer the questions along with your post 1: Apples, Oranges or Bananas? Oooh tough choice. I think I'd have to say bananas.
2: How many siblings do you have? 1 sibling - an awesome younger sister. :D
3: How old are you? Sorry, that's classified. :P
4: Do you live on a woodland, swamp, city, or other? City.
5: Scissors or glue? Scissors. Such handy things. :)
6: Describe your dream house: Big enough for family, not too elaborate though. Preferably with a green belt in the back yard to give the feeling of being in the country/woods.
7: Is your room clean? Depends on your definition of clean. There are a few odds and ends out, but I can honestly clean it in one or two minutes.
8: If you could be a movie character for a day, who would you be? Um... maybe Eowyn in the Lord of the Rings.
9: Italy, Greece, France, Spain or England? England all the way!!!
10: What denomination are you? Non-denominational. :)
11: Do you sleep with a stuffed toy (BE HONEST!!!!) I maybe slept with one a couple of nights when I was like 7, but it wasn't for security. It was just a special doll since I was with my uncle when I got it, so I guess I thought it would be fitting to sleep with it. Lol.
12: Gum, chocolate, or jelly beans? Chocolate!!
13: What is your favorite book? The Bible by far. After that I don't really have a favorite book.
14: Favorite ice cream flavor? Don't really have one... I don't eat ice cream much.
15: If you had to eat one type of food for two weeks, what would that food be? A fruit salad, I suppose. :)
.16: What is your favorite Olympic sport? Tennis. :)
17: If you woke up and discovered that you had turned into Miley Cyrus for the day, what would you do? 3 seconds of absolute disbelief and shock, then immediately after that pray and seek God about why this had happened. Then I follow His instruction.
18: Describe yourself in three words: Creative, quiet, studious.
19: What do you dislike the most? Bugs that bite... like mosquitoes.
20. What is your favorite season?* Spring. :)
And before I list the taggers, let me say what I mean by having a pure heart. No one is perfect. Everyone has struggles in life. But it's the ones that sincerely seek God from a heart that says, "God, I can't do this on my own. I mess everything up apart from you. Show me how to live my life, and give me grace to follow You." Those people whose hearts have been cleansed by God - they are the pure in heart.
(Oh, and if you don't want to answer all the questions, that's fine. I won't keep you accountable. Lol. :) )
Having said that, I hereby tag:
Alexandra at Firmly Fixed on the Father
Zoe at Joyful Sounds
Prism
Maiden of Emmanuel
A Twin for God
Holly at Point of View
Sorry, I can't think of anyone else...
Blessings,
V4C
*#20 Changed from original.
Here are the rules: If you are tagged:1. Post about the tag 2. Pick 10 bloggers who deserve this award 3. Leave a comment on the blogs of the people you tagged letting them know they were awarded
Answer the questions along with your post 1: Apples, Oranges or Bananas? Oooh tough choice. I think I'd have to say bananas.
2: How many siblings do you have? 1 sibling - an awesome younger sister. :D
3: How old are you? Sorry, that's classified. :P
4: Do you live on a woodland, swamp, city, or other? City.
5: Scissors or glue? Scissors. Such handy things. :)
6: Describe your dream house: Big enough for family, not too elaborate though. Preferably with a green belt in the back yard to give the feeling of being in the country/woods.
7: Is your room clean? Depends on your definition of clean. There are a few odds and ends out, but I can honestly clean it in one or two minutes.
8: If you could be a movie character for a day, who would you be? Um... maybe Eowyn in the Lord of the Rings.
9: Italy, Greece, France, Spain or England? England all the way!!!
10: What denomination are you? Non-denominational. :)
11: Do you sleep with a stuffed toy (BE HONEST!!!!) I maybe slept with one a couple of nights when I was like 7, but it wasn't for security. It was just a special doll since I was with my uncle when I got it, so I guess I thought it would be fitting to sleep with it. Lol.
12: Gum, chocolate, or jelly beans? Chocolate!!
13: What is your favorite book? The Bible by far. After that I don't really have a favorite book.
14: Favorite ice cream flavor? Don't really have one... I don't eat ice cream much.
15: If you had to eat one type of food for two weeks, what would that food be? A fruit salad, I suppose. :)
.16: What is your favorite Olympic sport? Tennis. :)
17: If you woke up and discovered that you had turned into Miley Cyrus for the day, what would you do? 3 seconds of absolute disbelief and shock, then immediately after that pray and seek God about why this had happened. Then I follow His instruction.
18: Describe yourself in three words: Creative, quiet, studious.
19: What do you dislike the most? Bugs that bite... like mosquitoes.
20. What is your favorite season?* Spring. :)
And before I list the taggers, let me say what I mean by having a pure heart. No one is perfect. Everyone has struggles in life. But it's the ones that sincerely seek God from a heart that says, "God, I can't do this on my own. I mess everything up apart from you. Show me how to live my life, and give me grace to follow You." Those people whose hearts have been cleansed by God - they are the pure in heart.
(Oh, and if you don't want to answer all the questions, that's fine. I won't keep you accountable. Lol. :) )
Having said that, I hereby tag:
Alexandra at Firmly Fixed on the Father
Zoe at Joyful Sounds
Prism
Maiden of Emmanuel
A Twin for God
Holly at Point of View
Sorry, I can't think of anyone else...
Blessings,
V4C
*#20 Changed from original.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Better than I was
Today I got home early from orchestra practice - not because I had to leave early, but because they only needed the first four stands in each strings section for certain songs. Every time I go to orchestra practice, I'm reminded of the fact that I'm last chair in the second violins. It's not the most encouraging thing in the world. Sometimes I think I should be at least one stand up, but this is where I am. When I first found out which chair I got, I determined that I was going to be the best player I could be, regardless of position.
Even so, it's still kind of discouraging to take my seat in the last spot in the violin section - especially when they forget to put down a chair for me. Lol. Oh sure, there are advantages, like always knowing where to sit, and being in the back so no one hears any mistakes you make. But still.
Now all that's at orchestra. Outside of orchestra, I play at concerts and events with my dad, who plays piano professionally. I've gotten many compliments, tips (as in money), and encouragement.
I play at church with my youth group, and can improvise and play by ear. I'm still learning, but I'm better than I used to be.
And that's the key phrase here: "I'm better than I used to be." I may not be concert mistress of the orchestra. I may not even be in the first four stands that are playing the other songs. But look how far I've come! From scratching out notes on the violin in an attempt to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, to playing well advanced songs like Tchaikovsky and worship songs like "The Revelation Song." And the good news is I don't have to stay here. I can keep progressing; practicing my violin and being a good steward over the "talents" I have been given from the Master. (See the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14.)
That's something I heard Joyce Meyer say recently - that we shouldn't be discouraged by always looking at how far we have to go, how good someone else is compared to us, etc. We shouldn't be content to stay where we are - we should always be progressing - but we can rejoice at how far we've come in our relationship with God, our instruments, sports, writing, and whatever else you're working on.
And that's another thing - comparing yourself to someone else. And really, that's not doing anyone a favor. God has placed unique gifts in you. Yeah, several other people may play classical music on the violin better than I could ever imagine, but I know that I'm not called to play in an orchestra for a living. So I work on the kind of music I'm supposed to be playing, and get my training from orchestra. Only you can do what you do. No one else will or can ever play exactly the way you do. Some will play worse, some better. But we don't look to other people for the standard - you look to God's expectations. He wants your best, not a half-hearted try. So do it for Him above all else.
Lately I've been realizing how precious and fleeting time is. Between school, orchestra, work, and everything else, it's hard to really find time to do everything else one is supposed to - such as practice different kinds of music, exercise, do chores, spend time with family, and for me, studying to get my license, being head admin of two message boards and actually trying to keep them active. (The last I've always had trouble with, with or without time.) But all this is especially hard when I use free time to get on face book, edit pictures, etc.
So this is where prioritizing comes in. Which, I've done several times before, but I never really stick with it because my schedule keeps changing. So that's why we really need to pray and seek God about which things we should be working on first, how long we should be working on them, etc. Yes, we can spend time relaxing and doing things we enjoy, but don't use every spare moment doing it.
So as soon as I finish this post, that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to pray, and then figure out what I need to be spending the most time on. And if that means fasting some things like face book, so be it.
Anyway, those are my thoughts for the day. Blessings to you all!
-Violinist4Christ
Even so, it's still kind of discouraging to take my seat in the last spot in the violin section - especially when they forget to put down a chair for me. Lol. Oh sure, there are advantages, like always knowing where to sit, and being in the back so no one hears any mistakes you make. But still.
Now all that's at orchestra. Outside of orchestra, I play at concerts and events with my dad, who plays piano professionally. I've gotten many compliments, tips (as in money), and encouragement.
I play at church with my youth group, and can improvise and play by ear. I'm still learning, but I'm better than I used to be.
And that's the key phrase here: "I'm better than I used to be." I may not be concert mistress of the orchestra. I may not even be in the first four stands that are playing the other songs. But look how far I've come! From scratching out notes on the violin in an attempt to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, to playing well advanced songs like Tchaikovsky and worship songs like "The Revelation Song." And the good news is I don't have to stay here. I can keep progressing; practicing my violin and being a good steward over the "talents" I have been given from the Master. (See the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14.)
That's something I heard Joyce Meyer say recently - that we shouldn't be discouraged by always looking at how far we have to go, how good someone else is compared to us, etc. We shouldn't be content to stay where we are - we should always be progressing - but we can rejoice at how far we've come in our relationship with God, our instruments, sports, writing, and whatever else you're working on.
And that's another thing - comparing yourself to someone else. And really, that's not doing anyone a favor. God has placed unique gifts in you. Yeah, several other people may play classical music on the violin better than I could ever imagine, but I know that I'm not called to play in an orchestra for a living. So I work on the kind of music I'm supposed to be playing, and get my training from orchestra. Only you can do what you do. No one else will or can ever play exactly the way you do. Some will play worse, some better. But we don't look to other people for the standard - you look to God's expectations. He wants your best, not a half-hearted try. So do it for Him above all else.
Lately I've been realizing how precious and fleeting time is. Between school, orchestra, work, and everything else, it's hard to really find time to do everything else one is supposed to - such as practice different kinds of music, exercise, do chores, spend time with family, and for me, studying to get my license, being head admin of two message boards and actually trying to keep them active. (The last I've always had trouble with, with or without time.) But all this is especially hard when I use free time to get on face book, edit pictures, etc.
So this is where prioritizing comes in. Which, I've done several times before, but I never really stick with it because my schedule keeps changing. So that's why we really need to pray and seek God about which things we should be working on first, how long we should be working on them, etc. Yes, we can spend time relaxing and doing things we enjoy, but don't use every spare moment doing it.
So as soon as I finish this post, that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to pray, and then figure out what I need to be spending the most time on. And if that means fasting some things like face book, so be it.
Anyway, those are my thoughts for the day. Blessings to you all!
-Violinist4Christ
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Spring Greetings
Hello again!
Well, it's not like I've completely forgotten about blogging... it's more like I've been uninspired to do it. I didn't really have anything to write. But today I thought I'd write a note of encouragement to whomever is reading this.
The Health Care Bill finally passed last week. It seems like our nation is on a downward spiral, doesn't it? What could possibly bring our nation back to repentance? Back to where God wants it to be?
I mean, even if the best president were elected today, here and now, would that really bring the right kind of change to America? Probably not. This isn't something that one person can do, or even a group of people.
But it's something that God can do. Only God can change the hearts of people. Only He can cause the greatest awakening that our country has ever seen. And only an awakening TO GOD will really save America.
What part do we play in this? God has not called us to sit back and blame everything on end times. We can still pray. And we can still earnestly seek God about what our part is in the awakening.
It starts with us. No one else will do our part for us - no one else CAN do our part for us. Spend extra time seeking God about this. You know those moments of spare time you have? Waiting in line at the store, driving here and there in the car. Waiting for a concert to start. Those are all times when we can pray. When we're running or bike riding or whatever form of exercise you do, you can pray then. What better way to spend your time? And you don't always have to pray out loud, unless God directs you to. Sometimes you're not in a position where it would be right to pray out loud. God still hears silent prayers.
James 5:16 says, "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."
Matthew 21:21-22 says, "Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. 22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Have a great week!
-Violinist4Christ
Well, it's not like I've completely forgotten about blogging... it's more like I've been uninspired to do it. I didn't really have anything to write. But today I thought I'd write a note of encouragement to whomever is reading this.
The Health Care Bill finally passed last week. It seems like our nation is on a downward spiral, doesn't it? What could possibly bring our nation back to repentance? Back to where God wants it to be?
I mean, even if the best president were elected today, here and now, would that really bring the right kind of change to America? Probably not. This isn't something that one person can do, or even a group of people.
But it's something that God can do. Only God can change the hearts of people. Only He can cause the greatest awakening that our country has ever seen. And only an awakening TO GOD will really save America.
What part do we play in this? God has not called us to sit back and blame everything on end times. We can still pray. And we can still earnestly seek God about what our part is in the awakening.
It starts with us. No one else will do our part for us - no one else CAN do our part for us. Spend extra time seeking God about this. You know those moments of spare time you have? Waiting in line at the store, driving here and there in the car. Waiting for a concert to start. Those are all times when we can pray. When we're running or bike riding or whatever form of exercise you do, you can pray then. What better way to spend your time? And you don't always have to pray out loud, unless God directs you to. Sometimes you're not in a position where it would be right to pray out loud. God still hears silent prayers.
James 5:16 says, "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."
Matthew 21:21-22 says, "Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. 22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Have a great week!
-Violinist4Christ
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Prayer: Ask Him Anything
How much do we involve God in our lives? Lately I've been realizing how much I try to do on my own. Sometimes even after I read the Bible, I'll be like, "All right, I'm going to be humble all day today," and not even ask God to help me with it.
Then a couple of days ago, I was kind of in a bad mood and was trying hard (on my own strength) to get out of it. Then I came across this verse:
Psalm 105:4 "Search for the Lord, and for His strength. Seek Him continually."
And for some reason, even though I'd seen it before several times, it jumped out at me. Search for Him, and then His strength! So I don't have to try to do everything on my own. When I'm really tired and have to go to work anyway, I don't have to try to get through it on my own. I can ask Him for the strength I need for it! But above His strength, I need to search for HIM. I need to involve Him in my life.
When I'm tempted, I'm not on my own. I don't have to try to fight it on my own strength. Even if I do succeed, it's still my own "righteousness" and looks like filthy rags to God. I need to ask God to help me, to give me the strength to do what's right, no matter how hard it is.
Thank You Jesus for the grace that You give us every day as we ask for it!! Thank You that You are glorified in our weakness when Your strength lifts us up. It's then we know that we cannot possibly do anything good without You. Every talent that You give us, every strength, is a result of You actively working in our lives. Help us, Lord, to let You be involved in our lives. Remind us when we try to do things on our own, that without You, we can do NOTHING. All praise and glory to You, God!
Amen.
Then a couple of days ago, I was kind of in a bad mood and was trying hard (on my own strength) to get out of it. Then I came across this verse:
Psalm 105:4 "Search for the Lord, and for His strength. Seek Him continually."
And for some reason, even though I'd seen it before several times, it jumped out at me. Search for Him, and then His strength! So I don't have to try to do everything on my own. When I'm really tired and have to go to work anyway, I don't have to try to get through it on my own. I can ask Him for the strength I need for it! But above His strength, I need to search for HIM. I need to involve Him in my life.
When I'm tempted, I'm not on my own. I don't have to try to fight it on my own strength. Even if I do succeed, it's still my own "righteousness" and looks like filthy rags to God. I need to ask God to help me, to give me the strength to do what's right, no matter how hard it is.
Thank You Jesus for the grace that You give us every day as we ask for it!! Thank You that You are glorified in our weakness when Your strength lifts us up. It's then we know that we cannot possibly do anything good without You. Every talent that You give us, every strength, is a result of You actively working in our lives. Help us, Lord, to let You be involved in our lives. Remind us when we try to do things on our own, that without You, we can do NOTHING. All praise and glory to You, God!
Amen.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Happy (late) New Year!
Greetings!
So I was wondering if anyone made any New Year's Resolutions. Do you have any goals for the New Year?
I haven't spent a lot of time on coming up with a list, but here are my goals:
1. To have a closer relationship with God every day.
2. To allow God to work in my life; taking away everything that is not pleasing to Him, and replacing it with His love.
3. To exercise physically on a regular basis
4. To excel in playing violin
5. To learn to worship God with my talents no matter what I'm playing/doing.
6. To be bold in talking about Jesus.
The reason I call them goals and not resolutions is that resolutions don't seem to last, while goals tend to be something that I reach for on a regular basis. So have you made any goals for the new year? If so, what are they?
Blessings,
V4C
So I was wondering if anyone made any New Year's Resolutions. Do you have any goals for the New Year?
I haven't spent a lot of time on coming up with a list, but here are my goals:
1. To have a closer relationship with God every day.
2. To allow God to work in my life; taking away everything that is not pleasing to Him, and replacing it with His love.
3. To exercise physically on a regular basis
4. To excel in playing violin
5. To learn to worship God with my talents no matter what I'm playing/doing.
6. To be bold in talking about Jesus.
The reason I call them goals and not resolutions is that resolutions don't seem to last, while goals tend to be something that I reach for on a regular basis. So have you made any goals for the new year? If so, what are they?
Blessings,
V4C
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Waiting and Security
Psalm 62:1-2
I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress, where I will never be shaken. (NLT)
Waiting quietly before God is something I think a lot of people struggle with - myself included. If any of you've seen Prince Caspian (Disney version), you've seen a pretty good example of what happens when you don't wait on God and do things His way. The point is that we need to wait on God, because THAT's where are victory comes from. Him - not ourselves. It's so hard for me because sometimes I think that there are pressing decisions that I can't wait long enough to take time to hear from God. Sometimes I'm scared I won't be able to hear Him speak to me when I need to hear Him... but that's where the waiting quietly part comes in, huh?
It's times like these I'm reminded that in ALL of my ways - not just the ones I feel uncomfortable with - I need to acknowledge Him, and then He will direct my path. It's a promise. So I wanted to encourage you today that God is ever faithful, and will keep His promises. Step out in faith, and He will do the rest. :-)
Verse 2. "He alone is my rock and my salvation..." do we truly believe that? That God and ONLY God is our rock and salvation? That we turn to Him and Him only for safety and deliverance? Sure, God often uses people and things to bring us through difficult times, but is our confidence and hope - all of it - in Him? Or do we put more confidence in things and people than we do the One who created them? That's another thing I've dealt with... it can seem scary to put ALL of our trust in God - in Someone we've never seen - when we've got people surrounding us that seem to be capable of helping us with our problems. And God can use people to help us - don't get me wrong. But before we turn to people or things, we need to turn to God, who holds all the answers and is always faithful.
I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress, where I will never be shaken. (NLT)
Waiting quietly before God is something I think a lot of people struggle with - myself included. If any of you've seen Prince Caspian (Disney version), you've seen a pretty good example of what happens when you don't wait on God and do things His way. The point is that we need to wait on God, because THAT's where are victory comes from. Him - not ourselves. It's so hard for me because sometimes I think that there are pressing decisions that I can't wait long enough to take time to hear from God. Sometimes I'm scared I won't be able to hear Him speak to me when I need to hear Him... but that's where the waiting quietly part comes in, huh?
It's times like these I'm reminded that in ALL of my ways - not just the ones I feel uncomfortable with - I need to acknowledge Him, and then He will direct my path. It's a promise. So I wanted to encourage you today that God is ever faithful, and will keep His promises. Step out in faith, and He will do the rest. :-)
Verse 2. "He alone is my rock and my salvation..." do we truly believe that? That God and ONLY God is our rock and salvation? That we turn to Him and Him only for safety and deliverance? Sure, God often uses people and things to bring us through difficult times, but is our confidence and hope - all of it - in Him? Or do we put more confidence in things and people than we do the One who created them? That's another thing I've dealt with... it can seem scary to put ALL of our trust in God - in Someone we've never seen - when we've got people surrounding us that seem to be capable of helping us with our problems. And God can use people to help us - don't get me wrong. But before we turn to people or things, we need to turn to God, who holds all the answers and is always faithful.
So those are my thoughts for the day - things that I've been learning in my prayer life. Thanks for reading - I pray you have a blessed week!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
NaNoWriMo
Well, I started NaNoWriMo today. I am so far at over 1600 words, a number with which I am fairly happy. For those of you who don't know, NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, and ones goal is to write a story from the beginning and reach 50,000 words by the end of November. One month, basically. This is my first year doing it, so I'm pretty excited. I kind of know where I want to go with this story, because it's been one that I've been working on for a lonnngg time. Not many people may know about it because I don't talk about it much. Which might be because I started reworking the beginning of the story and never got to a place where I was happy with it. So I'm starting over from scratch, and I really like what I've got so far.
Is anyone else doing NaNoWriMo? If so, what is your story about? Or, if you're not doing NaNoWriMo, do you have a book that you're working on anyway? I'd love to hear about it!
Blessings!
V4C
Is anyone else doing NaNoWriMo? If so, what is your story about? Or, if you're not doing NaNoWriMo, do you have a book that you're working on anyway? I'd love to hear about it!
Blessings!
V4C
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Strength - Psalm 28:6-8
Psalm 28:6-8
Praise the Lord!
For He has heard my cry for mercy.
7The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust Him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
8The Lord gives his people strength.
He is a safe fortress for His anointed king. (NLT)
Praise the Lord!
For He has heard my cry for mercy.
7The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust Him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
8The Lord gives his people strength.
He is a safe fortress for His anointed king. (NLT)
One of the things we humans seem to do a lot is try to rely on our own strength. After all, to do something "all by ourselves" brings a feeling of accomplishment... and pride. To feel like you no longer have to rely on someone else to help you.
But the reality is, apart from Jesus we can do nothing. It is He who put the world in motion, and He who continues to make it possible for us to move and do things. Yes, without God, nothing would be possible.
The last couple of days I've been lacking strength. I'm not sure why, but I was just really out of it. This was especially annoying because yesterday I was scheduled to volunteer in the 5 year old class at church, and today I had to work for a few hours at my job.
Just a few minutes before it was time to leave for church, all of the sudden I felt really tired... weak. I laid down for a few minutes, but it didn't help much. I felt better once we arrived, however, during the lesson I felt tired again. I kept saying under my breath, "The joy of the Lord is my strength!" But I couldn't really tell a difference. Then, I got called to the 2 and 3 year old class for a few minutes while one of the teachers was away. I greeted the children, who were playing happily. One 2 year old stopped what he was doing and just looked at me and smiled. He made some car noises, which I imitated, which made him laugh. He was so cute! We continued playing for a little while, and then the teacher came back, so I went go back to the 5 year old class.
As I walked back, I realized that I was not near as tired as I was before. After class was over, I was even able to drive back home! (With my mom in the passenger seat, of course.) But the point is that once I forgot about myself - played with this precious two-year-old even though I'm sure I looked silly - strength came.
This morning I slept in almost an hour without realizing it. Around 9:30 AM that tired, weak feeling came over me again. But this morning I had looked up Scriptures with the word, "shield" in them. I came across Psalm 28:6-8. I spoke it aloud as a prayer, and claimed the promise for myself. I started work with renewed vigor, and all fatigue was gone. Hallelujah!!
So my encouragement to you today is this: God's strength is made perfect in your weakness. (2 Cor 12:9) Next to God, your strength looks like weakness. Instead of relying on your own strength today, even if you "feel" like you can handle it "all by yourself," allow God to work through you. And if you feel like I did - weak and tired - ask Him to be your strength today. He is the One who gives His people strength, and He won't disappoint.
-V4C
P.S. - Sorry again about not posting so long! This wasn't what I was planning on posting about when I wrote the last post. But this just seemed like the right thing to post about today. Oh, and just so you know, I might not have much time to write during November because I'm doing NaNoWriMo for the first time. :)
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Been Awhile
Hey all! Just a quick note to say that I'm still here, and I really have been meaning to post more. Really sorry for letting a whole month slip by without a word!
God's been showing me a LOT in His Word lately, that I really want to share with you, but as it is nearing 10 PM, I don't have time to get into it now. Hopefully I'll have time in the next couple days to blog about it!
So did anyone take a Fall break last week? Do anything special?
Blessings!!
Violinist4Christ
God's been showing me a LOT in His Word lately, that I really want to share with you, but as it is nearing 10 PM, I don't have time to get into it now. Hopefully I'll have time in the next couple days to blog about it!
So did anyone take a Fall break last week? Do anything special?
Blessings!!
Violinist4Christ
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