So I am in my 3rd week at Southern and it feels like I have been here for years...I thought I would share some reasons why I love this place/school
1. We open ever class with prayer (coolest thing to me!)
2. All the books I am reading are books I would have read if I had the time but I didn't and now I have the time
3. The teachers and faculty here care about not just our academic life but our personal spiritual life
4. The bells ring every half hour and ever hour it's amazing!
5. the campus is so beautiful
6. WE HAVE SPURGEONS BIBLE IN OUR LIBRARY.....haha I am a nerd, it is in glass and you can see his personal notes
7. Mark Dever randomly comes and hangs out here in the guys dorm (the only time it would have been good if I was a boy lol) and one of my guys friends decided to debate him and Dever put him in his place
8. We have the coolest women's director who really cares about the women on campus
9. The events for women are so encouraging and uplifting
10. I feel like I am apart of a family already
11. The people here crack me up "he is one of the solid trees, and he is like a tree in a hurricane"
12. Chapel 2xs a week is amazing and man do the preachers bring it
13. Louisville...the Lord is giving me a heart for the people around me
14. The wood chucks (a group that goes street evangelizing every week)
15. The churches here are amazing..so hard to choose
16. In class I here things like "when I was hanging out with J.I. packer he said...."
17. These professors are the best at what they do and are amazing preachers as well, many of them teach at local churches
18. Having Lifeway as the campus book store
19. the conversations I get in with people here on a daily basis
20. The encouragement I get from my sisters...who happen to live next to me :)
so that's some of the reasons why I love this place...time to go walk around the square for a while :)
Discipline yourselves for the purpose of Godliness 1 Timothy 4:7b
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Is your first desire in life God?
Today my scripture reading was Psalms 73-75. Three verses from these chapters really made me stop and think, and reflect on my own life from these verses, and I thought I would share sense we are all humans and I am guessing I am not the only one who has thought these things or struggled through some of this stuff. These verses are Psalm 73: 25-26 whom do I have in heave but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Also, Psalm 73: 28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
These verses really stuck out to me. I started to ask myself if I could say these verses with all honesty. Is there anything on earth that I desire but God or before God? Because I am human, I sometimes desire the gifts of God more than I do God, for example at this time in many of our lives the gift of marriage is something that a lot of us myself included think about. I need to make sure it is not my main desire, that God is always my desire. It makes me think of God is the Gospel by John Piper, he says we normally want the gifts of God like forgiveness, peace, grace ect which is all good things until we want them more than we want God. He says to ask people what they are looking forward to the most in heaven to prove that concept, he said most people would say no more suffering, pain, or tears, things like that, but few people the first thing they say is to see Jesus.
I think of this same thing every time I sing the worship song enough, I always wonder do I live like God is more than enough for me or do I live like I am searching for something else to fill some void? It reminds me of a conversation I had this summer with a good friend about that song, and that because we are humans we can never say it honestly we can say God I want you to be enough I want you to be more than enough, but it is hard to say you are enough...that's the point I want to get too...does it take brokenness to get to that point? Does it take losing everything like Job to say God you are enough. I say God is enough but than a day or so later my flesh wants something else, I know I am not alone in this, this is where materialism comes from look at the world around us and you will see people maybe yourself who does not live like God is enough. So does it take losing everything like Job did all his possisions and family to say God you give and take away but I will praise you...basically you are enough, I enjoy your gifts but I want you more...just things to ponder
Another thing I thought of was verse 28 and if for me is it good to be near the Lord. Do I enjoy doing quiet times or has it become a burden do I long to be in God’s presence or do I live this life for myself? God is a tricky God sometimes haha because in class today we talked about this, and how sometimes the things we are supposed to becomes a habit, routine, or drudgery but we should enjoy things. When it becomes a habit we should remember what God has promised us in Romans 8:29 and what we will one day become. We read the Bible, we pray, and we draw near to God to discipline ourselves in Godliness, the purpose is Godliness...1 Timothy 4:7...I love how I hear stuff like that in class and how it is going with my own quiet times...how sweet it is to hear Jesus' name in class!
These are all hard questions that over the next few days I will be honestly reflecting on. I want to say with all honesty and conviction that God is more than enough for me and that I desire nothing more than God himself! I hope that you too will think about these questions and your verses in your own life. Is God more then enough? Is God your first desire or do you desire the things of him more, do you desire a relationship, success, a good job, ministry position, ect. more than God. One way to think about that is where are your thoughts most of the time, are they on God or things listed above. God blesses us and gives us gifts, great gifts and he gives us desires like marriage and serving him in ministry so none of that is wrong at all, don't think I am saying that, it is wrong when we think about and desire those things more than the God who gave them to us in the first place.
These verses really stuck out to me. I started to ask myself if I could say these verses with all honesty. Is there anything on earth that I desire but God or before God? Because I am human, I sometimes desire the gifts of God more than I do God, for example at this time in many of our lives the gift of marriage is something that a lot of us myself included think about. I need to make sure it is not my main desire, that God is always my desire. It makes me think of God is the Gospel by John Piper, he says we normally want the gifts of God like forgiveness, peace, grace ect which is all good things until we want them more than we want God. He says to ask people what they are looking forward to the most in heaven to prove that concept, he said most people would say no more suffering, pain, or tears, things like that, but few people the first thing they say is to see Jesus.
I think of this same thing every time I sing the worship song enough, I always wonder do I live like God is more than enough for me or do I live like I am searching for something else to fill some void? It reminds me of a conversation I had this summer with a good friend about that song, and that because we are humans we can never say it honestly we can say God I want you to be enough I want you to be more than enough, but it is hard to say you are enough...that's the point I want to get too...does it take brokenness to get to that point? Does it take losing everything like Job to say God you are enough. I say God is enough but than a day or so later my flesh wants something else, I know I am not alone in this, this is where materialism comes from look at the world around us and you will see people maybe yourself who does not live like God is enough. So does it take losing everything like Job did all his possisions and family to say God you give and take away but I will praise you...basically you are enough, I enjoy your gifts but I want you more...just things to ponder
Another thing I thought of was verse 28 and if for me is it good to be near the Lord. Do I enjoy doing quiet times or has it become a burden do I long to be in God’s presence or do I live this life for myself? God is a tricky God sometimes haha because in class today we talked about this, and how sometimes the things we are supposed to becomes a habit, routine, or drudgery but we should enjoy things. When it becomes a habit we should remember what God has promised us in Romans 8:29 and what we will one day become. We read the Bible, we pray, and we draw near to God to discipline ourselves in Godliness, the purpose is Godliness...1 Timothy 4:7...I love how I hear stuff like that in class and how it is going with my own quiet times...how sweet it is to hear Jesus' name in class!
These are all hard questions that over the next few days I will be honestly reflecting on. I want to say with all honesty and conviction that God is more than enough for me and that I desire nothing more than God himself! I hope that you too will think about these questions and your verses in your own life. Is God more then enough? Is God your first desire or do you desire the things of him more, do you desire a relationship, success, a good job, ministry position, ect. more than God. One way to think about that is where are your thoughts most of the time, are they on God or things listed above. God blesses us and gives us gifts, great gifts and he gives us desires like marriage and serving him in ministry so none of that is wrong at all, don't think I am saying that, it is wrong when we think about and desire those things more than the God who gave them to us in the first place.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
some of the new
So it has been a while sense my last post...sorry ya'll things have been crazy here, good, hard and painful at times but good, sometimes hard is truly beautiful. If you know me you know I find beauty in brokenness. This has been such an experience already in just 2 weeks. Sometimes it is too much to take in at one time, this would be challenging for anyone. In one week I moved from the only state I have ever lived in to a new one that is so different, I had to leave my church family and now have to start over and weed through all the GREAT Church's in this area, I have to leave my friends behind and try not to compare them to people here, I need to find a place where I can serve, mix in classes, culture shock (I have never been around anything like this before but love it), the insecurities I sometimes have that I did not grow up in a Christian school and you have one girl who could explode! But man I love it, God is moving in this place and God is moving in my heart. It can be painful at times what he showing me and how he is refining me and correcting me but so sweetly beautiful. We don't like to be corrected especially by the ones we love but man how good it is when we are! I feel alone at times here even those I have amazing friends but than I remember God said he would never leave me or forsake me, God is here and I can sense it and feel it.
I love the people here, I love the friends I have been making they are amazing and I am learning so much from them. I want to soak it in all the time. I am learning how to balance my time as well which is much needed here! (That is why I have been neglecting catching up with everyone sorry!!!) I love living in the dorms again, big difference from the last 4 years but so good I am living with my sisters and when I need to laugh, talk, or cry they are right next door I love it!
So classes started yesterday, man it's going to be a lot of work but I am so excited! This is stuff I love and want to learn...let me give you a quick run down of my Tuesday/Thursday's
8:30-9:45 New Testament 1: which is just the gospels and the life of Jesus!
my prof. is a pastor at a church here and class yesterday was like church it was amazing. He spoke very fast though and it was hard to keep up with the notes and he said he was going to speed it up on Thursday :) I think a tape recorder will be my next purchase here. Basically this class we are going through the gospels and we are reading along with the * A Harmony of the Gospels * Jesus and the Gospels * Jesus the Messiah and * Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels
Chapel is from 10-11
1:00-2:15 is systematic theology I with Dr. Ware who was also my Sunday school teacher at the church I visited on Sunday....he is one of the best prof so I have heard for theology. In this class we are reading Systematic Theology by Grudem, The Doctrine of God by Frame, Scripture its power authority and relevance by Saucy, Father son and the Holy spirit by my prof and Gods lesser glory a book about open theism by my prof. I have scripture meditations that I have to do three days a week for 7 weeks than write a reflection on it and than for the next 7 weeks I have a new set and than a reflection. We have a position paper on a theological issue either concerning God or Scripture and we have a few quizzes
2:30-3:45 is Personal spiritual Disciplines with Dr. Whitney who wrote personal spiritual disciplines which I think everyone should read! It is not like a text book I read it this summer to get ahead and it was amazing! This class will have the most work but I think it will be my favorite class and the one that is beneficial in my personal walk with God the most. We have to write 18 journal entries 9 on a life experience throughout the semester and than bring in scripture and than 9 and scripture and what we learned and than apply it to life. We have 10 journals that are based on readings. We have to write one on reflections from Pilgrims Progress, one on George Mullers bio (another one you should read) and the rest are from his book each chapter is a diff discipline like fasting so we have to fast than write about it, we have to take a 4 hour silent retreat than write on it. Than I have to go to Chapel 20 out of 24 times and write 20 entries on that, and than meet with an accountability partner 10 times and do 10 entries on that. Our exam we can take any time during the semester and we have to write down the books of the Bible in order spelled write, the 10 commandments, and than 1 Timothy 4:7 and 1 Timothy 4:16
I have my work cut out for me but I am so excited to be here, I was so anxious and ready to come home a few days ago but after being in class God confirmed in my heart this is where I belong, and these classes I am taking for a reason. I also have a fall break class and an online class all first semester students take on the SBC which is good because I am new to all this.
Thank you for all of your prayers and emails, facebook messages and texts keep them coming I love and miss you!
But as for me I will always have hope. I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. Psalm 71:14-15
I love the people here, I love the friends I have been making they are amazing and I am learning so much from them. I want to soak it in all the time. I am learning how to balance my time as well which is much needed here! (That is why I have been neglecting catching up with everyone sorry!!!) I love living in the dorms again, big difference from the last 4 years but so good I am living with my sisters and when I need to laugh, talk, or cry they are right next door I love it!
So classes started yesterday, man it's going to be a lot of work but I am so excited! This is stuff I love and want to learn...let me give you a quick run down of my Tuesday/Thursday's
8:30-9:45 New Testament 1: which is just the gospels and the life of Jesus!
my prof. is a pastor at a church here and class yesterday was like church it was amazing. He spoke very fast though and it was hard to keep up with the notes and he said he was going to speed it up on Thursday :) I think a tape recorder will be my next purchase here. Basically this class we are going through the gospels and we are reading along with the * A Harmony of the Gospels * Jesus and the Gospels * Jesus the Messiah and * Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels
Chapel is from 10-11
1:00-2:15 is systematic theology I with Dr. Ware who was also my Sunday school teacher at the church I visited on Sunday....he is one of the best prof so I have heard for theology. In this class we are reading Systematic Theology by Grudem, The Doctrine of God by Frame, Scripture its power authority and relevance by Saucy, Father son and the Holy spirit by my prof and Gods lesser glory a book about open theism by my prof. I have scripture meditations that I have to do three days a week for 7 weeks than write a reflection on it and than for the next 7 weeks I have a new set and than a reflection. We have a position paper on a theological issue either concerning God or Scripture and we have a few quizzes
2:30-3:45 is Personal spiritual Disciplines with Dr. Whitney who wrote personal spiritual disciplines which I think everyone should read! It is not like a text book I read it this summer to get ahead and it was amazing! This class will have the most work but I think it will be my favorite class and the one that is beneficial in my personal walk with God the most. We have to write 18 journal entries 9 on a life experience throughout the semester and than bring in scripture and than 9 and scripture and what we learned and than apply it to life. We have 10 journals that are based on readings. We have to write one on reflections from Pilgrims Progress, one on George Mullers bio (another one you should read) and the rest are from his book each chapter is a diff discipline like fasting so we have to fast than write about it, we have to take a 4 hour silent retreat than write on it. Than I have to go to Chapel 20 out of 24 times and write 20 entries on that, and than meet with an accountability partner 10 times and do 10 entries on that. Our exam we can take any time during the semester and we have to write down the books of the Bible in order spelled write, the 10 commandments, and than 1 Timothy 4:7 and 1 Timothy 4:16
I have my work cut out for me but I am so excited to be here, I was so anxious and ready to come home a few days ago but after being in class God confirmed in my heart this is where I belong, and these classes I am taking for a reason. I also have a fall break class and an online class all first semester students take on the SBC which is good because I am new to all this.
Thank you for all of your prayers and emails, facebook messages and texts keep them coming I love and miss you!
But as for me I will always have hope. I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. Psalm 71:14-15
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Embracing the new
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43: 18-19
New, that is defiantly the word to use, and something I am trying to get used to and embrace. Everything in Kentucky is new and everything is different than what I am used to, but I love it. It is so beautiful on campus and the weather has been amazing, the sun does not set until 9pm because we really should be on a different time zone. At night lately it has been dropping to the 60's which is not usual so after dinner I go outside in a sweatshirt and read and than walk around the great lawn which is really a great lawn unlike CNU a few times for exercise.
I love the people here, I have never been in a place with so much diversity and people from all over including different countries. I went to dinner last night with a girl from South Africa, the girl who lives across the hall goes to John Pipers church, I went to church with a girl from India and down the hall is a girl from South Korea, there are people from every type of back ground here and I love it. Most people have gone to Christian school before unlike me so that is a little different, the atmosphere is a lot different than the schools I grew up in but this is exactly what I have been longing for. I already have enjoyed great fellowship, people in the community invite us into their homes for meals and fellowship. I went to the zoo yesterday but I left my memory card in my dorm so no pictures...sad....but were going back when it gets cooler.
Classes start next week, a little anxious about that because this week I have fallen into a routine which will change a lot once classes start. But it has been so nice to have a week to relax, rest, read, and just be after such a busy summer. I am excited to start classes and to learn and meet more people. The campus is still sort of empty more people will be moving in this weekend and than the halls will be full and the lawn will have more activity.
My quiet times have been in Psalms which has been so sweet just to read those and focus on them. I love it, the psalmist are so real and I love how one psalm he will be praising God and the next one he is questioning God, it is so like us, at least it is like me. They are so beautiful and rich I could meditate on them constantly.
Thanks for your prayers and for those of you who have contacted me this week, I love it here but I am homesick some days a lot more than others so it helps to hear from people at home!
Isaiah 43: 18-19
New, that is defiantly the word to use, and something I am trying to get used to and embrace. Everything in Kentucky is new and everything is different than what I am used to, but I love it. It is so beautiful on campus and the weather has been amazing, the sun does not set until 9pm because we really should be on a different time zone. At night lately it has been dropping to the 60's which is not usual so after dinner I go outside in a sweatshirt and read and than walk around the great lawn which is really a great lawn unlike CNU a few times for exercise.
I love the people here, I have never been in a place with so much diversity and people from all over including different countries. I went to dinner last night with a girl from South Africa, the girl who lives across the hall goes to John Pipers church, I went to church with a girl from India and down the hall is a girl from South Korea, there are people from every type of back ground here and I love it. Most people have gone to Christian school before unlike me so that is a little different, the atmosphere is a lot different than the schools I grew up in but this is exactly what I have been longing for. I already have enjoyed great fellowship, people in the community invite us into their homes for meals and fellowship. I went to the zoo yesterday but I left my memory card in my dorm so no pictures...sad....but were going back when it gets cooler.
Classes start next week, a little anxious about that because this week I have fallen into a routine which will change a lot once classes start. But it has been so nice to have a week to relax, rest, read, and just be after such a busy summer. I am excited to start classes and to learn and meet more people. The campus is still sort of empty more people will be moving in this weekend and than the halls will be full and the lawn will have more activity.
My quiet times have been in Psalms which has been so sweet just to read those and focus on them. I love it, the psalmist are so real and I love how one psalm he will be praising God and the next one he is questioning God, it is so like us, at least it is like me. They are so beautiful and rich I could meditate on them constantly.
Thanks for your prayers and for those of you who have contacted me this week, I love it here but I am homesick some days a lot more than others so it helps to hear from people at home!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
I am in Kentucky!
I am in Kentucky now. I'm in the hotel on campus with my parents. Tomorrow I move into my dorm, and register my car and laptop. I showed my parents around campus and they loved it, they thought it was beautiful. I found the pool which I didn't see last time and they laughed at me because it would have been right in front of my face.
The drive was no fun, mountains and thunder storms mixed together are no fun. I told my parents I was never leaving Kentucky because of the drive...don't worry I'll visit VA
On the ride I did a lot of thinking and releasing the last few years to God so I could take in the NEW once I got here. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43: 18-19
as I was driving Bebo Normans song tip of my heart came on my ipod and the end stuck out to me for this new journey I am on so I will leave you with a few lines
"You open the sky, and open my eyes And all my fears are scattered away So I walk in grace, because I've seen your face You are all that matters to me So I'm gonna live, I'm gonna love I'm not afraid because your grace will always be enough I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna be set free And let you hold all that my soul has deep inside of me You have shown me where to start It's on the tip of my heart" Bebo
The drive was no fun, mountains and thunder storms mixed together are no fun. I told my parents I was never leaving Kentucky because of the drive...don't worry I'll visit VA
On the ride I did a lot of thinking and releasing the last few years to God so I could take in the NEW once I got here. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43: 18-19
as I was driving Bebo Normans song tip of my heart came on my ipod and the end stuck out to me for this new journey I am on so I will leave you with a few lines
"You open the sky, and open my eyes And all my fears are scattered away So I walk in grace, because I've seen your face You are all that matters to me So I'm gonna live, I'm gonna love I'm not afraid because your grace will always be enough I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna be set free And let you hold all that my soul has deep inside of me You have shown me where to start It's on the tip of my heart" Bebo
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
crazyness
So the last few days have been crazy! Getting ready to leave, and being sick is no fun, so I have tried to rest as much as possible
Thank you to everyone who came to my goodbye party! I love all of you and will miss you so much, thanks for who you are and who you have been in my life.
I was able to go to By Grace Sunday my home church which I have not been able to attend all summer sense I worked at Bethel. Kevin has been going through a sermon series on Luke we will be in it for at least 2 years. Well this Sunday was exactly what I needed to hear. It was convicting and encouraging all at the same time. I love how all knowing God is and how big God is, he knew what I needed to hear right before I left NN. The sermon was on money and not worrying, Luke 12: 13-32, which goes hand in hand. It was pretty much exactly what I needed. I have been so stressed about leaving, and especially how I was going to afford to live this semester and how to eat ect. ect. I love when God does things like that and speaks to us through other people. As I type this I must admit I'm still stressing
Tomorrow I drive to Kentucky and even those I will be following my parents I'm freaking out about driving especially through the mountains. I also am getting so nervous about leaving everyone and everything I know...I asked my parents to move to Kentucky with me hahaha...didn't work, I guess it's time to grow up
Anyway pray for the next few days, as I drive tomorrow, move in Friday and make a huge transition...thanks loves!
Thank you to everyone who came to my goodbye party! I love all of you and will miss you so much, thanks for who you are and who you have been in my life.
I was able to go to By Grace Sunday my home church which I have not been able to attend all summer sense I worked at Bethel. Kevin has been going through a sermon series on Luke we will be in it for at least 2 years. Well this Sunday was exactly what I needed to hear. It was convicting and encouraging all at the same time. I love how all knowing God is and how big God is, he knew what I needed to hear right before I left NN. The sermon was on money and not worrying, Luke 12: 13-32, which goes hand in hand. It was pretty much exactly what I needed. I have been so stressed about leaving, and especially how I was going to afford to live this semester and how to eat ect. ect. I love when God does things like that and speaks to us through other people. As I type this I must admit I'm still stressing
Tomorrow I drive to Kentucky and even those I will be following my parents I'm freaking out about driving especially through the mountains. I also am getting so nervous about leaving everyone and everything I know...I asked my parents to move to Kentucky with me hahaha...didn't work, I guess it's time to grow up
Anyway pray for the next few days, as I drive tomorrow, move in Friday and make a huge transition...thanks loves!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
I hate packing
I hate packing....it is so stressful, the more boxes I fill the more stressed I get wondering how it will fit in my car. Than I remember the stuff I have packed at my parents house and get stressed wondering how all of this will fit in my dorm (lets just say I got spoiled at cnu).
I cannot believe tomorrow is my last day in NN. I said goodbye to all my students at Bethel last night, I cried on the way there. I love Bethel so much and was so blessed to be able to intern for the 2nd year, those girls are my girls and I put my heart into it. It will be so hard not to see them and not to be able to hang out with them every day.
Tomorrow will be my final day in NN, I have to finish packing and than I'll go to By Grace to say bye to everyone and for my goodbye party. Monday is Danville to see the fam and Thursday Kentucky/Friday move into my dorm. I'm trying not to be stressed with the fact that I am moving to a different state away from my friends and family and that I am starting school. God is God no matter where I am.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:6-8
I cannot believe tomorrow is my last day in NN. I said goodbye to all my students at Bethel last night, I cried on the way there. I love Bethel so much and was so blessed to be able to intern for the 2nd year, those girls are my girls and I put my heart into it. It will be so hard not to see them and not to be able to hang out with them every day.
Tomorrow will be my final day in NN, I have to finish packing and than I'll go to By Grace to say bye to everyone and for my goodbye party. Monday is Danville to see the fam and Thursday Kentucky/Friday move into my dorm. I'm trying not to be stressed with the fact that I am moving to a different state away from my friends and family and that I am starting school. God is God no matter where I am.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:6-8
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