tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84724331404825368462023-11-16T05:03:58.906-08:00Me ke Aloha: with love, EmilieEmiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-68247120709194564832013-01-05T10:47:00.000-08:002013-01-05T10:47:01.680-08:00Meet the Crazies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGExR7L9m0gxdAhH0vihd0vC218Km70paabnGTBytVRpgyJSDr-j5IsVRh1YOaOZsx_20XIcJiExrbt4xz_z5DkCeub3YgNFzyBEM66xyH_LJh87Rc5OgKxdCObTEAz2bQFMC_Z0JfO3Nf/s1600/557464_10151314501088609_1932957548_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGExR7L9m0gxdAhH0vihd0vC218Km70paabnGTBytVRpgyJSDr-j5IsVRh1YOaOZsx_20XIcJiExrbt4xz_z5DkCeub3YgNFzyBEM66xyH_LJh87Rc5OgKxdCObTEAz2bQFMC_Z0JfO3Nf/s320/557464_10151314501088609_1932957548_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet the Crazies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brit, Emilie, Marie and Emma.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you met the four of us together, you would probably do one of three things. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Run the other direction.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Report us to a mental institution.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Grab a bag of popcorn and enjoy some entertainment. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
God is a funny character. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He knew what he was doing putting these lovelies in my life, that is for sure. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Through different circumstances, we all became separately till the fateful night we joined forces. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the dictionary, under <b>true friendship</b>, I'm pretty sure you might see this picture. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We laugh. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We Cry.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We EAT <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(a lot).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We get crazy. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Spread over different states we may be, but that doesn't change a thing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am so thankful for each one of them. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Like I said, God knew what he was doing. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-20276226318123272952012-12-05T15:53:00.000-08:002012-12-05T16:00:37.327-08:00acceptanceAn old lesson.<br />
A new meaning.<br />
<br />
Isn't it funny how God works? As I go through a study with the girl I am discipling, I am constantly blown away at how it speaks to me. A reminder of the deeply loving God who has fully justified me.<br />
<br />
"Feelings do not authenticate truth, but they do authenticate our understanding of the truth...and they do change our character."<br />
"A definite, deep sense of being loved is necessary before growth can take place."<br />
<br />
Reminiscing over the Lord's goodness late last night with a friend, I was blown away at his goodness. He is so real. He is so good. He is joy. He is love. He is grace.<br />
<br />
Yet, so often we chose to perceive him as otherwise. We push our circumstances off on God and claim it to be his identity. So far from accurate. And boy do we miss out.<br />
<br />
As it is so often necessary for us to do, I am taking it back to the simplistic. The gospel. Its like my friend said last night, when the word talks about milk and meat as spiritual food, the gospel is not the milk. No the law is the milk. The meat is the gospel. So simple, yet so profound.<br />
<br />
Its all about the gospel.<br />
And even though I have been walking with Jesus ten years, I trageically find myself asking:<br />
What is the <b>gospel?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The pharisees found a woman caught in adultery. They dragged her in front of the group.<br />
Spitting shame and guilt on her.<br />
Humiliating her.<br />
Jesus doesn't condemn.<br />
He doesn't say do better.<br />
He doesn't tell her to go read her bible.<br />
He doesn't ask her anything.<br />
In fact, he silences her accussors.<br />
Stooping down and drawing in the ground, he silences her accusors asking for the one without sin to throw the first stone.<br />
The claims these men made were not false.<br />
Jesus did not silence them because they were false.<br />
Jesus silenced them because that is you and me- adulterous.<br />
Jesus silenced them because that is why he came.<br />
Not to save the perfect.<br />
Who needs a doctor? The sick or the healed.<br />
He came for us and he died on the cross when we were at our worse.<br />
<br />
So why is it that as a church, we find the need to condemn?<br />
A brother or sister comes to us, <b><i>broken</i></b>.<br />
And we feel this need to <i><b>fix</b></i> them.<br />
Its our superhero complex.<br />
We preach the bible and prayer.<br />
We tell them that with God anything is possible.<br />
Truths they may be, but out of heart to "fix" them, we are wrong.<br />
Is this the model Jesus left us at all?<br />
No, not at all.<br />
Jesus silenced the condemnation.<br />
He silenced the attitude of "fixing" them.<br />
Jesus tells us to love them, and let <i>his</i> spirit do the <b>transforming</b>.<br />
We will never be able to do the transforming.<br />
We are called to have <b>compassion- </b>literally step into suffering with them.<br />
We are called to silence their accusers- to speak truth to the condemnation that they feel.<br />
We are called to be<b> Jesus</b> to them.<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Love God.</u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u>Love People.</u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
The church has taught us this mentality that accepting someone who lives in sin, means you are condoning the sin. But what did Christ do with the adulterous woman? He <i>accepted</i> her. Only God can transform hearts. All Glory to him.<br />
<br />
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is <b>at work within us</b>, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen." Eph. 3:20,21<br />
<br />
Christ calls us to have faith in him. To have faith that he will do what he has said he would do. Faith that he will work all things for the good of those who love him. Have faith that he will transform the sinners heart. Having faith that in his timing he is doing his work and we can rest in that.<br />
<br />
"...rest in the knowledge you are <i style="font-weight: bold;">complete</i> in me. The only thing you absolutely need is the one thing you can never lose: my presence with you."<br />
<br />
Jesus accepts us.<br />
Right where we are at.<br />
You do not need to add anything to his sacrifice.<br />
The biblestudy put it this way, when you feel the need to add to Christ sacrifice, it is as if you are saying, "Well thanks God for sending your son, and allowing him to be crucified for my sake. But I'm just not quite sure that is enough. So let me add this and that (most often things that we do by our own strength and measure) and then it will be enough. Let me downplay the sacrifice you made for me."<br />
If that doesn't change you, I'm not sure what would.<br />
Its fundamental.<br />
If you do not know, believe and live that Jesus accepts you then you are missing out.<br />
Missing out on the gospel.<br />
Missing out on grace.<br />
Missing out on the meaning of it all.<br />
Missing out on <b>Jesus.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"True confidence comes from knowing you are complete in my presence."<br />
<br />
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with <b>confidence, </b>so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Heb. 4:16<br />
<br />
"My kingdom is not about earning and receiving; it is about believing and receiving."Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-48023366980776572482012-10-30T08:51:00.002-07:002012-10-30T08:51:51.990-07:00[New Adventures]I am excited to announce the newest adventure in my life.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Uganda. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
What an
amazing opportunity the Lord has called me into for this upcoming summer.
Africa has been on my heart for several years now. Jesus planted a seed in my
heart while I was still in High School. I have waited patiently for him to open
the door and I tell you with genuine joy that he has. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
summer I will be an intern for Show Mercy International in Uganda, Africa. Being
an intern will encompass several different things. <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Show Mercy International’s mission is
to <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">mobilize, inspire</span> and<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> empower</span> individuals all over the
world to<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> live life on purpose</span></i>
while reaching out in love. They do this by providing homes and schooling for orphaned,
abandon<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Sally%20Jo" datetime="2012-10-22T07:37">ed</ins></span> children, educating villages about
clean water, reaching<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Sally%20Jo" datetime="2012-10-22T07:38"> out</ins></span> to villages and providing medical
care. As an intern I will get to take part in all of these things, as well as
help support the short term mission teams that come in through out the summer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Recently
Show Mercy built a medical clinic for the villages that surround the Field of
Dreams (the missionary base). The clinic will serve the people, and help save
hundreds of lives from curable sicknesses. As an intern I will get to help
serve here. I am so excited to gain experience in the medical field, while in the
midst of my pursuit to become a doctor and serve the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
I embark on this adventure that the Lord is taking me on, I would like to ask
you to consider supporting me. First and foremost, I would ask that you would
support me with your prayers. Please pray that the Lord would be preparing me
for whatever he has for me in Uganda. Secondly, as you can imagine, an
internship in Uganda involves<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Sally%20Jo" datetime="2012-10-22T07:40"> considerable expenses</ins></span>. I would like
to ask you to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prayerfully</i> consider
sponsoring me financially. The internship will cost me $2,334 plus airfare,
vaccinations, travelers insurance, a visa, and general transportation costs
once I get to Uganda<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Sally%20Jo" datetime="2012-10-22T07:41">, an estimated total expense of </ins></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Sally%20Jo" datetime="2012-10-22T07:42">approximately
</ins></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Sally%20Jo" datetime="2012-10-22T07:41">$</ins></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Emilie%20Geis" datetime="2012-10-22T10:41">6000</ins></span>. Any
amount will help and is much appreciated. You can give any tax-deductible
amount online through Show Mercy at the link below. You can also send a check
to me at the address below for my trip. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">If you are interested in helping me fund my trip, you can click the link below and give a tax deductible donation under my name. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://www.showmercy.org/donations/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=23
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you do not want to give online, but are interested in giving you can contact me for more information. Thank you for your support! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Christ's love, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Emilie</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-28129360206442941022012-10-08T11:30:00.000-07:002012-10-08T11:30:03.239-07:00[come][<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>come]</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Its like God is this big teddy bear. His arms are out-stretched and he is welcoming us into his arms- to <b>come</b> nestle in and rest. He wants to hold us, whisper his truths of love over us and remind us of who we truly are not what we do. We make so many excuses of why we don't just simply <b>come</b> and receive his everlasting love. W</i></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">e let satan tell us we aren't good enough. We buy into the lie that we can do this on our own. God promises he will continue the work he began in us- but we are not transformed by our works, we are transformed by <b>COMING</b>. We are transformed by resting in our papa's arms. We are transformed by his very spirit that lives inside of us. His love goes deeper. None of the works you do will mean anything unless they come from WHO you are- a beloved child of the king. You will toil and race only to find exhaustion and frustration when you do work because you idenitity rests in it. Let the Holy Spirit empower you. Not only will he give you the energy needed- he will fill you with joy and passion as you walk out his calling. It all starts with <b>come.</b> Yes, this four letter word is where it all begins. <b>Come. Come </b>rest in your father's lap. He will not question you. He will not scold you. He will embrace you. You will feel more loved than you ever have because you are justified. You do not need to strive to be worthy of the Father's love. His son has made you worthy- you don't have to live up to anything. Just <b>come</b>. He is waiting with open arms for you to <b>COME.</b> </i>Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-22678122836765927562012-08-30T14:53:00.002-07:002012-08-30T14:53:52.305-07:00Be Still... Stop Striving"Be still and know that I am God." Ps. 46:10a<br />
<br />
The New American Standard translation says "Cease Striving and know that I am God."<br />
<br />
What does it look like to trust God on a level that you can fully rest in him. You are worth the son. You are confident in this and there is nothing you can strive to be without him. What a beautiful picture of slowing down to a pace that we simply rest in WHO GOD IS. It isn't about who we are. We are only hopefully through the grace of God.<br />
<br />
So what are you fighting for? The battle is WON. Praise God, cause we serve a winner, and get to join in victory with him.<br />
<br />Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-66099744598370129882012-08-30T14:43:00.001-07:002012-08-30T14:43:33.444-07:00Lock Up<br />
"...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5<br />
<br />
What does it look like? To lock up every thought that enters our mind and make it obedient to Christ. What would it look like if we reexamined the thoughts in our own head and delve into the heart behind them? To take every thought and realign it with the Father.<br />
<br />
I picture a great mission. Even a battle if you have it. Where the great white knight comes in with victory, on his white horse and kidnaps our thoughts. Wrangling them and locking them up, beating them into submission.<br />
<br />
We are inherently evil. I heard once that there are three voices in your head: the enemy, you, and Christ, two of which are evil. Lord- I want you to take over my thoughts. Teach me to submit to you completely-not only in speech and action but in thought.<br />
<br />
<br />Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-23882501624548682632012-08-13T13:56:00.000-07:002012-08-13T13:56:42.430-07:00JulieI have a best friend named Julie.<br />
She is a treasure to me.<br />
I love her dearly and I would not have made it through my summer without her.<br />
She is gracious, loving, kind, warm, fun, generous and constantly being Jesus to me.<br />
I love how our Jesus shines through her.<br />
I want the whole world to know that I have the best friend EVER. :) Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-44645457998884918552012-02-29T21:54:00.000-08:002012-02-29T21:54:57.427-08:00Jealous"...I the Lord your God, am a jealous God." Ex. 20:5<br />
<br />
"...for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." Exodus 34:14<br />
<br />
"For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." Deut. 4:24<br />
<br />
Jealousy... not always bad?<br />
<br />
Our God is a jealous God. He is jealous for our hearts. He watches as we offer ourselves to all the things the world has to offer. And being an all knowing God, he watches and hurts knowing that what the world has to offer will only leave us dissatisfied, hurting and alone. He wants all of us. He wants every little bit and in fact he is JEALOUS when we chose to give ourselves to other things... EVEN good things. Sports, school, justice, music... so many good things that God created. But when we give them our heart, God is jealous. He wants it! He wants all of us and everything.Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-43746689935696670612012-02-29T21:43:00.001-08:002012-02-29T21:43:41.711-08:00An encouraging word from my King[Taken from the devotional Jesus Calling]<br />
<br />
"You are on the right path. Listen more to Me and less to your doubts. I am leading you along the way I designed just for you. Therefore, it is a lonely way,humanly speaking. But I go before you as well as alongside you, so you are never alone. Do not expect anyone to understand fully My ways with you, any more than you can comprehend My dealings with others. I am revealing to you the path of Life day by day and moment by moment. As I said to My disciples Peter, so I repeat to you: Follow me."Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-68796376911130595772011-12-23T19:53:00.000-08:002011-12-23T19:53:39.337-08:00I want to be characterized as a woman who carries out the calling to go.<br />
GO.<br />
God doesn't tell us, sit down, ponder it, and then if it fits with your schedule go.<br />
He says GO.<br />
No explanation.<br />
No doubts.<br />
No questions.<br />
No plans.<br />
<br />
He promises his Holy Spirit, his guiding and blessing. He does not say it will be easy or the way will be paved, but he does say that it will be an adventure. One where we trust God and have faith even when we seem to be lost and in the dark.<br />
<br />
So what is the calling. GO... but where?<br />
To quote my pastor, I think as human beings it all boils down to this small statement.<br />
<br />
We are called to make the invisible God visible.<br />
<br />
We are called to shine his light, in even the darkest parts. We are called to be his hands and feet. He has made us more than conquerors. So what is holding us back?<br />
<br />
Comfort?<br />
We would seriously put our own personal comfort before letting the king of the universe use us. We are automatically made WINNERS through Christ. WE CAN'T FAIL. But yet, we are scared to leave our comfort zones to let God use us. If we can't fail, why are we scared?<br />
<br />
You can choose to step into the greatest adventure and love story ever told. You can chose to be the main character. Or you can enjoy the comfort of where you are at, and miss out. Not only in this life but for eternity.Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-62347066582985328042011-11-22T18:57:00.000-08:002011-11-22T18:57:24.467-08:00WIN."Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise." Nehemiah 9:5<br />
<br />
I am continually baffled by God's grace, faithfulness and love for me. <i>We are EYEWITNESSES to his majesty. </i>I get so narrow focused that I forget to open my eyes to the works around me that God is doing every day.<br />
<br />
As a christian, we are called to live with an eternal perspective on life. God has been teaching me lots about this. As I entered an exam for school, feeling under prepared and frustrated with the material, I asked God why he wouldn't allow me to do well and understand the material if it was all for his glory in the end. In a small whisper, I heard, "What if a failure in the world's eyes, brings me more glory than a success." Success in the world's eyes is good grades, money in the bank, a nice car, a good family, etc. Yet God calls us to live for more than grades, give our money away, bring his kingdom and serve him. Success in God's eyes looks far different from the world, yet we all get so wrapped up in meeting the standards of the world rather than of God.<br />
<br />
Dwell in truth.<br />
<br />
God has called you.<br />
You are his.<br />
He has plans for you.<br />
He will use you if you let him.<br />
Its all about him.<br />
He is faithful.<br />
His love is better than life.<br />
<br />
He has provided you with everything you need for life and godliness. [2 Peter 1:3]<br />
<br />
His fingerprint is all over my story.<br />
I will not be ashamed of the gifts he has given me.<br />
God has blessed me.<br />
He has made me smart.<br />
I love learning.<br />
Humility isn't downplaying the gifts God has given us- its giving him the credit because he is the one who created us and gave us those gifts.<br />
He has plans for me beyond what I can imagine- I can't wait.<br />
<i>What a beautiful life, what a beautiful story.</i><br />
<br />
We are called to bring beauty and order around us, to enable people to worship.<br />
<br />
Joyful always.<br />
Pray always.<br />
Give thanks always.<br />
<br />
Intimacy breeds contentment.<br />
<br />
"Teach me to do your will,<br />
for you are my God;<br />
may your good spirit lead me on level ground." [Ps. 143:10]<br />
<br />
"Yet I am always with you;<br />
you hold me by my right hand.<br />
You guide me with your counsel,<br />
and afterward you will take me into glory.<br />
Whom have I in heaven but you?<br />
And earth has nothing I desire but you.<br />
My flesh and my heart may fail,<br />
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." [Ps. 73:23-26]<br />
<br />
<br />
This blog pretty much made no sense, just different jumbled up thoughts on my heart.Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-81437356230956603222011-10-18T21:45:00.000-07:002011-10-18T21:45:19.103-07:00<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Take these hands<br />
I know they're empty<br />
But with You they can<br />
Be used for beauty<br />
In Your perfect plan<br />
All I am is Yours<br />
<br />
Take these feet</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I know they stumble<br />
But You use the weak<br />
You use the humble<br />
So please use me<br />
All I am is Yours<br />
<br />
I give You all my life</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I'm letting it go<br />
A living sacrifice<br />
No longer my own<br />
All I am is Yours<br />
All I am is Yours<br />
<br />
Take this heart</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Set it on fire<br />
Shining in the dark<br />
I wanna tell the world of who You are<br />
All I am is Yours<br />
<br />
I give You all my life</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I'm letting it go<br />
A living sacrifice<br />
No longer my own<br />
All I am is Yours<br />
All I am is Yours<br />
<br />
I give You everything</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
To You I belong<br />
Every beat of my heart<br />
The breath in my lungs<br />
All I am is Yours<br />
All I am is Yours<br />
<br />
I lift my hands up</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
God I surrender<br />
All that I am for Your glory, Your honor, Your fame<br />
<br />
I life my hands up</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
God I surrender to You<br />
<br />
I give You all my life</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I'm letting it go<br />
A living sacrifice<br />
No longer my own<br />
All I am is Yours<br />
All I am is Yours<br />
<br />
I give You everything</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
To You I belong<br />
Every beat of my heart<br />
The breath in my lungs<br />
All I am is Yours<br />
All I am is Yours</span></i></div>Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-86350028839405857132011-09-21T00:11:00.000-07:002011-09-21T00:11:37.853-07:00CAMP TADMORRereading through a lot of my journal entries, prayers, and the heart of my entire summer I have begun to realize what a great work God did this summer. He truely does have his hand in everything and he only wants whats best for us, even when we don't understand it. I felt the need, or I guess the want, to share some of these lessons, verses and prayers.<br />
<br />
"I am the LORD, and there is no other;<br />
apart from me there is no God.<br />
I will strengthen you,<br />
though you have not acknowledged me,<br />
so that from the rising of the sun,<br />
to the place of its setting<br />
men may know that there is none beside me,<br />
I am the LORD, and there is no othere.<br />
I form the light and create the darkness,<br />
I bring prosperity and create disaster;<br />
I, the LORD, do all these things."<br />
Isaiah 45:5-7<br />
<br />
"Where you invest your love, is where you invest your life."<br />
<br />
My Prayer over Summer:<br />
"For this reason I kneel before [you] Father, from whom [our] whole family in heaven and on earth derives [their] name. I pray that out of [your] glorious riches [you] may strengthen [me] with powere through [your] spirit in [my] inner being, so that [you] may dwell in [my] heart through faith. And I pray that [I], being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is [your] love, and to know this lvoe that surpasses knowledge- that [I] may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Eph. 3:14-19<br />
<br />
"Wait for the LORD;<br />
be strong and take heart<br />
and wait for the LORD." Ps. 27:14<br />
<br />
"Dance with me forever,<br />
You and I together,<br />
I will lead and you will follow,<br />
Watch my feet, they will guide you,<br />
Your hand, in mine,<br />
We'll dance through life."<br />
<br />
I am so unworthy- but because of your blood- my spot in heaven is saved- my sin cannot hold me back because you are bigger and you love me more.<br />
<br />
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your mind and all your strength."<br />
<br />
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us, and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Eph. 5:1-2<br />
<br />
SPIRITUAL BATTLE > PHYSICAL BATTLE<br />
<br />
"I took you from the ends of the earth, from the furthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:9,10<br />
<br />
"Break my heart for what breaks yours."<br />
<br />
<b>"WHATEVER HAPPENS, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." </b>Ph. 1:27a<br />
<br />
Indecisiveness/ "I don't care" does not = humility<br />
<br />
Truth in Love --> Edify<br />
<br />
"I believe the greatest trick of the devil is not to get us into some sort of evil but rather have us wasting our time." -Blue Like Jazz<br />
<br />
"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." Ps. 105:4<br />
<br />
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from you mouth; keep corrupt talk far from you lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze DIRECTLY before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. <i>Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep you foot from evil." </i>Pr. 4:23-27<br />
<br />
"Teach me your way, O LORD,<br />
and I will walk in your truth;<br />
give me an undivided heart,<br />
that I may fear your name." Ps. 86:11<br />
<br />
"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;<br />
your love O Lord, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands." Ps. 138:8<br />
<br />
The truth is I am a daughter of the kind and I am loved. In fact, he loves me so much he would drop everything for me. He would do ANYTHING for me because I AM WORTH IT. The lies Satan has planted in my heart will grow NO LONGER. My Jesus is bigger than that, his victory is greater. He loves me and nothing I have done, do , or will do changes that.<br />
<br />
"...but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Ph. 3:12b<br />
<br />
Jesus- Why would you leave your kindgom, your everything, to come pursue me in my little crappy old village? What makes me so special?<br />
"Because I made you! You're a masterpiece! Don't you get that Emilie Lauren. I am your Dad, your kind and I love you! I would give up EVERYTHING for you."<br />
<br />
"[Emilie] listens to my voice; I know here, and she follows me. I give her eternal life, and she shall never perish; no one can snatch her out of my hand." John 10:27-28<br />
<br />
Em-<br />
I have walked before you. I know your steps and your plan. I know exactly what is ahead-there are no surprises for me, I am God. You get scared and anxious for the unknown, you even worry I won't be there. Em- I am there already. I am here. I go before you. I HAVE PREPARED THE WAY MY DAUGHTER. Hold tightly to your truths and cling to me. I promise I will carry you. My love is better than life, continue to seek it. I only have what is best for you in store. Now rest in my grace precious. Rest in the truth that your spot in heaven is already bought and nothing will change that. Focus your energy on loving me, seeking me out. Trust my plans dear one. I left my kingdom to grab your heart. Soak up my abounding love. Keep it close. I would leave it all behind to run into your arms and embrace you. To tell you are worth it because I love you. Hold out for my love dear child. Love, your Jesus.<br />
<br />
<i>Take my heart, make it new, make it true, make it like you.</i><br />
<i>Take my hands, I lift them high, they are yours, not mine to do what you will.</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i> "</i>Em, your sings are forgiven because of my name. Dear one, you know me and I am the beginning of all things. You have overcome the evil one, he has no authority. You my dear are strong, my word lives in you and you are bigger than evil." Rewrite of 1 John 2:12-14<br />
<br />
Die to yourself, so I can carry you.<br />
<br />
"I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." Is. 49:15b-16<br />
<br />
Em- I am a God of peace- let my peace overtake you. Be thankful. Let my words dwell in your heart. And whatever you do, do it for me.<br />
<br />
<b>Do not be afraid to lose a friendship for the sake of loving your king.</b><br />
<br />
My presence is right in front of you. Why not step into it? Don't you see that you are worthy to be in my presence. My son shed his blood and makes you worth to be in my presence. He tore the curtain so you could be with me. Step into my presence.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b>Hold out Emilie. I promise I am here. I am not leaving you. One day, it will all fit. You will be complete in my arms. <u>I am working on you.</u> Don't doubt it. Seek me, as you are. I am here and I am loving on you. I am right here. Keep your eyes up loved one. You are precious and you are beautiful. I have such amazing plans for you daughter- I know you can't see them but trust me and trust them my dear. Hold out your hand.<br />
<br />
I have such a heart for you Em. I am deeply grieved when you hurt. I am protective of your heart and I am jealous for your love.<br />
<br />
I love your heart to do what is right. Your seeking of my will. I know you won't always be in my will but I see your heart and my grace covers you. Don't live in fear- fear of doing something wrong- that is no freedom at all, you are covered by my grace and I love you no matter what. Embrace my love and trust me. I have a plan, I promise and I LOVE YOU.<br />
<br />
Trust me Emilie. Trust that I will show up. Trust that I will fulfill my promises. I will be faithful. I will never give you too much to handle, I will always be working on you and walking alongside you. HAVE FAITH my dear one. Believe in me, trust me even I seem far. BECAUSE I AM RIGHT THERE. Trust me to fill you with indescribably joy and preace. Trust me to fulfill your word.<br />
<br />
I am a daugther of the kind. The authority of heaven and hell LIVES in me. I was created for purposes beyond what I can imagine and WHO can stop me? I serve a BIG, gracious and loving king. I am pursued by the prince of peace. No where can I go away from his hand and his heart.<br />
<br />
The Lord will make me like himself.<br />
<br />
"All that matters is the reality of who you are before God." -Francis Chan<br />
<br />
"Listen to me daughter, hear me Emilie: Before you were born, I called you; from your birth I made mention of your name. I made your mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of my hand I hid you; I made you into a polished arrow and concealed you in my quiver. I say to you, '<i>You are my servant Emilie, in whom I will display my splendor</i>.'" Isaiah 49<br />
<br />
"Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide em; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell." Ps. 43:3<br />
<br />
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the rock eternal." Is. 26:3,4<br />
<br />
"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you." Ps. 116:7<br />
<br />
"But the Lord is faithfuland he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one... May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." 2 Thess. 3:3.5<br />
<br />
"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my spirit on her and will bring justice to the nations." Is. 42:1<br />
<br />
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, YOU ARE MINE. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Is. 43:1,2<br />
<br />
I got a picture of me knelling before the cross with Jesus on it. A light beamed down from heaven on me. With tears, I cried out "not on me, on him!" And God spoke, "because of the blood fo th elamb, you are my glory, my daughter and with me."<br />
<br />
"Since you are precious and honored in my sight and because I LOVE YOU, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." Is. 43:4<br />
<br />
"But now listen, O Emilie, my servant, Emilie, whom I have chosen. This is what the Lord says- he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: DO NOT BE AFRAID, Emilie, my servant. Emilie, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on thirsty land and streams on dry ground. I will pour out blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees, by flowing streams. One will say, 'I BELONG TO THE LORD'; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand: "the LORD's" and will take the name Israel." Is. 44:1-5<br />
<br />
<i>"My whole life is yours, I give it all, surrender to your name. And forever I will pray, have your way, have your way."</i><br />
<br />
<b>WIN.</b><br />
<br />
You have pursued my heart Em. You have diligently labored for my name. You have ran after me. You are my glory. I seek to bless you. Enjoy being romanticized. I created it to be this way. I love you Em. I have whats best in mind for you. Hold out for that my sweet child.<br />
<br />
<b> </b><i> </i>Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-70483518838317823312011-09-02T21:47:00.001-07:002011-09-02T21:47:56.653-07:00<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">"...I"ll show up & take care of you as I promised & bring you back home. I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out -- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me & want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." -- Jeremiah 29.11-13</span></span></h6>Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-68930307836588296872011-08-13T22:31:00.000-07:002011-08-13T22:31:13.584-07:00AnsweredThree Answered Prayers <br />
<br />
[One] <br />
Worship at camp has been amazing. I never knew how much worshiping twice a day could completely change my attitude and my outlook. And now I find it one of the saddest things to see go at the end of the summer.<br />
<br />
This week during worship I was seeking out God's presence as I have most of camp, and as I have most times, feeling empty. Afterwards, we all started to pray for the campers and one of the kids praying thanked God for his presence in worship. My immediate reaction was to become frustrated because I could not feel it. But I felt God put this on my heart instead....<br />
<br />
<br />
My presence is right in front of you. Why not step into it? Don't you see that you are worthy to be in my presence. My son shed his blood and makes you worthy to be in my presence. He tore the curtain so you could be with me. Step into my presence.<br />
<br />
Easier said than done, but as I have been seeking Jesus and asking him to make his words real to me, he answered. The Lord is good. <br />
<br />
[two]<br />
I have been praying for adventure for a while. I thought it came when I was suppose to go to Africa last summer but it was not in God's plans.<br />
Recently, meeting and becoming best friends with a guy from Ireland has opened some doors though. He persistently told me from day one that I would be coming to Ireland. I wasn't sure I quite agreed. Ireland was a whole nother world away and a lot of money. But as I became better friends with him, I wanted to go more, so I selfishly prayed that God would provide and open the doors. In a matter of one week, God provided a job staying at camp for 4 more weeks and my Dad booked the ticket and told me I could pay half of it back over six months and he would cover the other half. I am leaving the country (minus canada) for the first time in seven months to travel across the ocean to Ireland. Needless to say, I'm freaking out and thanking God. <br />
<br />
[three]<br />
I asked God to speak to me in my devo time.<br />
This is what I heard:<br />
<br />
Hold out Emilie. I promise I am here. I am not leaving you. One day, it will all fit. You will be complete in my arms. I am working on you. Don't doubt it. Seek me, as you are. I am here and I am loving on you. I am right here. Keep your eyes up loved one. You are precious and you are beautiful. I have such amazing plans for you daughter- I know you can't see but trust me and trust them. Hold out your hand. <br />
<br />
<br />
Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-55031293696737851912011-07-24T09:44:00.000-07:002011-07-24T09:44:49.333-07:00Too Good for Charity"I love to give charity, but I don't want to be charity. That is why I have so much trouble with grace."<br />
-Donald Miller<br />
<br />
This sentence struck a chord with me. I absouletely love to give to people, but I hate accepting things. Even someone offering to pay for my dinner and I freak out, as if I couldn't afford to. Because I do not like recieving an umerited gift, let alone a merited one, how am I suppose to accept God's grace without doing something? I'd much rather be able to say I earned it.<br />
<br />
...Too bad it doesn't work like that. His grace is there no matter what. Its my heart which has to choose to accept it. Not to earn it. Just like his love, I cannot earn. I just have to accept it.Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-48557596147031111662011-03-21T21:10:00.000-07:002011-03-21T21:10:55.510-07:00Favorite Book of the Bible... Lifes and adventure, right?DISCLAIMER: This quite possibly could be the most jumbled mess of my thoughts, ever put onto paper... <br />
<br />
<br />
So, I know that technically we are not suppose to have favorites, but Ephesians has easily become my favorite book over the coarse of the last couple years. Looking over the pages it covers, it is filled with writing, notes, underling, high lighting... ah, the beauty of a well loved bible. I wish that I could say I loved it more, spent more time digging in, and really living it out.<br />
<br />
This passage was the devotion for Bethany's 40 days of Lent devotional and it came at a really good time.<br />
<br />
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a live of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Eph. 3:29-4:2<br />
<br />
How often do the words that come out of our mouths reflect love? Do we really think before we speak? Is all the joking and sarcasm in the world just a cover? Where is the deep, real relationship?<br />
<br />
I began to think of who in my life I can call on. Who can I call when my day is crappy? Who can I call when I just aced that test? Who can I be one hundred percent real with when I am doubting God? Or forgetting his grace? When I am beating myself up? Or failing to trust God...<br />
<br />
When you die, do you want to be know as someone who live ordinarily? content with the comfortable? or someone who put extra into everyday things? Someone who was never ashamed to serve God, to fall to their knees, to lift their arms, to love.<br />
<br />
How much do you have to hate someone to NOT tell them about Jesus and eternal life? <br />
<i>Powerful right?</i><br />
<br />
I was talking to my good friend the other night about living an extraordinary life. Living life as an adventure- just the way it was meant to be. I loved the way she put it... "It's easy. Live extraordinarily. Take an ordinary task...and add a twist. Like...showering? Sing. Write a letter/paperwork? Do it left handed. TALK WITH AN ACCENT! Skip instead of walk. See how far you can run on snow before you fall in :)"<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>So what perspective are you living your life from? </i><br />
<i>Adventure?</i><br />
<i>Just trying to survive?</i><br />
<i>Race to the finish?</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i> </i>So what makes your life different? When they put you in a box in the ground, what will you be remembered for?<br />
<br />
If there was one thing, that people remembered me by I would hope that it was this simple: loving Jesus. Not doing too hot on this right now but what is life but a huge adventure when we are focused on loving God.<br />
<br />
I want to travel, tell a stranger that Jesus loves them, make someones day, cause someone to laugh, bring smiles to the broken, hope to the hopeless, never go to bed feeling like that day wasn't worth it, never waste an opportunity for the extraordinary. I don't want to fear anymore, I want to live.<br />
<br />
I want to love.Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-23898672141675072172011-02-19T22:15:00.000-08:002011-02-19T22:15:37.667-08:00SelfishnessI realized something today, or rather a couple things.<br />
I have been sitting around and waiting for God to get my attention. As if he'd come down in chariots of fire and light the path for me with flood lamps. I have been waiting for God to plant desire in my heart. I have been waiting for God to change me. I have been waiting for God to make me fall in love with him. I have been waiting for God to move in me.<br />
<br />
There are two things wrong with this picture.<br />
<br />
One.<br />
I had given God no room to move in me.<br />
<br />
Two.<br />
I was not actively pursing God.<br />
<br />
<br />
I cannot expect God to move in me when I give him no room to operate in my life. God calls us to live a life of surrender. He desires to fill us up with all that he has to offer us- love, hope, desire, calling, joy, fulfillment- but when we give him no room to fill us up, he is left waiting... simply waiting for us to pour out our cup. Our cup is never easy to pour out. It is full of all kinds of baggage. Things holding us back. Dreams, desires, materials, hurts, goals, time, and even idols. But in surrendering all that over to God we find true freedom. Freedom to be exactly what God has created us to be. Freedom to love God. Freedom to leave worry behind. Freedom to seek and pursue God with all that we are. When we empty out ourselves, we give God room to fill us up. But God is a gentlemen. He will not pour your cup out for you. The bible does not say that Jesus will take your life from you... what love is that? It says to lay down your life for him. We must start with actively pursuing God. "Come near to God and he will come near to you." I have lived in a lie that past year. I was so worried that the life I was living was one out of religion instead of relationship that I quit reading my bible, and I quit pursing God. I thought that in order for my pursing God to be from pure motive I had to be in love with God. But how do you fall in love with God unless your pursing him?!? Somebody does not just walk into you life and make you love them. You pursue them, you pursue your relationship with them and you FALL IN LOVE.<br />
<br />
So right now I have to things on my heart:<br />
<br />
Surrender<br />
<br />
Actively pursing Jesus<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
.... and through all of this, he is still smiling down on me, his daughter. That is grace and agape.Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-14999253766687564952010-12-07T09:48:00.000-08:002010-12-07T09:48:09.748-08:00I wish I could remember exactly the thoughts that ran through my head as I tossed and turned yet another night away. Sarah and Uncle Wes were heavy on my heart, and a piece of me began to dread to go home. Home is where reminders of them lay. Home means dealing with their loss, that they are not around anymore. And the scariest part about it all, is that I am beginning to forget them.<br />
<br />
I feel like I focused so much on Sarah's death that I completely avoiding dealing with Uncle Wes's. And now, almost three years later, it has slipped away that he is actually gone. Never again will I get to fall into his big hugs. I cannot remember what his laugh sounds like, or his deep deep voice. I can't tell you his favorite meal, or even his birthday. I only know that when we get together with family, he won't be there.<br />
<br />
I now know that he was not a perfect man, nor is life perfect. He may not have been the best man, but he was my Uncle Wes and I miss him. In the end, when his days were few, he cared most about sharing his love.<br />
<br />
I remember our last Christmas together. I complained about having to spend a whole day, driving to Eugene, and having a meal with the whole family. I sat on the opposite side of the table as him. He looked tired, and you could tell this was his biggest outing in a long time. We took a family picture that day. I am not sure who took it, but I wonder where it went. I'd like to see that. We said our goodbye's. I said "Merry Christmas," as if this occassion was the same as all the others.<br />
<br />
It wasn't. Those would be my last words to him. My last hug.<br />
<br />
Staying in Seattle would mean avoiding the anniversary's that bring pain. Avoiding thinking about the days and years that have passed. So many without even a thought of him not being there.<br />
<br />
It never does get easier. As sad as it is to say that, I am being honest. Slowly, you will think about it less, and more and more time will pass between your thoughts, or your "hard days," but those hard days never get any easier. Your heart still aches for one more hug. One more chance to say I love you.<br />
<br />
As I lay in bed last night, I think of the main thing I have learned through loss: to love.<br />
Time is short.<br />
No doubt about it.<br />
Never miss a chance to tell someone you love them.<br />
<br />
So even a couple minutes after the lights went out, I felt the need to break the silence and tell Bryn I loved her. She may never know the significance of this action, in reality she probably just wanted to go to bed, and be left alone.<br />
<br />
<i>For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and melt into the sun?</i><br />
<br />
<i>And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, </i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i> That it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?</i><br />
<br />
<i>Only when you rink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.</i><br />
<br />
<i>And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>-Kahlil Gilram</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-15611757349186285002010-11-05T10:37:00.000-07:002010-11-05T10:37:30.970-07:00November Second...So, I definitely read the wrong day in my devotional, but it was a perfect message and I wanted to share it.<br />
<br />
Consider this a love letter from Jesus to you.<br />
<br />
"Grow Strong in the Light of My Presence. Your weakness does not repel Me. On the countrary, it attracts My Power, which is always available to flow into a <b>yielded</b> heart. Do not condemn yourself for your constant need of help. Instead, come to Me with your gaping neediness; <u>let the Light of My Love fill you. </u><br />
<u> </u><br />
"A yielded heart does not whine or rebel when the going gets rough. It musters the courage to thank Me even during hard times. Yielding yourself to My will is ultimately an act of <b>trust.</b> <i>In quietness and trust is your strength."</i><br />
<br />
I love her use of yielding...<br />
When a car yields... it waits and it aware, only going when it is time.<br />
Our hearts should be yielding... waiting and aware of God, waiting on his timing. <i> </i>Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-51525759953818978422010-10-30T08:00:00.001-07:002010-10-30T08:00:37.035-07:00Loss<style>
@font-face {
font-family: "Cambria";
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }
</style> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">“Pain throws your heart to the ground. Love turns the whole thing around. No it won't all go the way it should, but I know the heart of life is good.” These lyrics played over and over in my head the day they buried Sarah, and I find myself coming back to them often. People leaving, whether through death or choice, is never an easy thing. It can leave you broken, distrusting, and with a hardened heart. Through out my life, I have been challenged to go against the grain. Instead of closing myself off, I’ve had to open up through the loss of people close to my heart and learn the power of tears.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>My parents separated when I was three years old and were divorced by age four. First their business had failed, and then there marriage. Before the divorce was even finalized by dad packed up and moved three hours north in search of work. Once a month, my Mom would pull us out of bed early on a Friday morning, put us on a bus, and wait for our return late Sunday night. At age six, my Dad got remarried and established a new family with my stepmom and her two daughters. Four years later, another marriage failing, my dad moved to his hometown in Texas to take over his dad’s job. My dad was not around for all the things he should have been growing up. He did not celebrate my first lost tooth, learning how to ride a bike, or making the varsity cross country team. I am blessed to say I have an amazing stepdad, (or “Pop” as we call him) who never missed a beat. But at a young age, I was forced to cope with the loss of my dad, which only lead to a hardened heart. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>In the void years between a dad left, and a “pop” found, my Uncle Wes stepped in. He often visited, letting me dance on his toes and steal the change that fell from his pockets when he walked on his hands. At the age of six, my mom did the best she could to explain to me the evil of cancer that had entered his body. Every night as my mom tucked me into bed, we would pray for Uncle Wes and this gross sickness he had gotten. Within a year, he had entered remission and at a delightfully young age I learned the power of prayer. Years passed and my uncle had the pleasure of watching his kids grow up into young men. The summer after my eighth grade year my mom explained to me that Uncle Wes was sick again. I did not cry, or get angry, or sad. I just prayed. After two years of surgery after surgery and treatment after treatment, that gross sickness took my Uncle Wes. My last words to him had been “Merry Christmas” and I was left with no goodbye. It was a Tuesday, and as I sat in the pews of the church I refused to let the tears come. I had to be strong and tears were for the weak.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Sarah and I had gone to school together since the sixth grade. We were not particularly close, but we shared similar friends and had a mutual respect for each other. At the end of our freshmen year, Sarah was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I was devastated. I had watched this evil take over my family and my uncle, and now it was living in a friend and taking over her family and loved ones. Immediately, I began to pray and send Sarah e-mails weekly with encouraging verses and passages. Sarah battle the cancer her entire sophomore year, entering remission that next summer after a bone marrow transplant. Junior year came around, and she was enrolled in classes with us, ready to start a new year. A couple weeks into the school year, the cancer had returned and stronger. Chemotherapy and radiation would not do the trick, and the doctor ordered another bone marrow transplant. It was the week before Christmas break, and Sarah had been recovering from treatment when her kidneys began to shut down. We never lost hope, and neither did Sarah; She was a fighter. On Christmas morning, Sarah’s body failed her and she went home to be with the Lord. The day we celebrate the Savior’s birth, and our gateway to salvation, we said goodbye to a friend. Sarah never complained about being sick. She never asked “why me?” or questioned God’s plans for her life. And just like that, she was gone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>If it had been up to me, I would have swept this loss with all the others under the rug and walked away. Tears were not worth my time, and neither was dealing with it. Thank God that he had a different plan. Allison Rayburn was just another Young Life leader on a Monday night, but she saw the heartache I had buried deep inside me. She took the time to invest into my life, meeting with me over coffee and prying my feelings out. Teaching me the art of crying, and its healing powers. She walked through Sarah’s death with me and was a consistent outlet for prayer. I learned healthy ways to let my frustration and sadness out. God wants a real relationship with us, and that includes when we are mad, sad and angry. Running became my release, and time I could let out my frustration to God. Hiking was a time to enjoy nature and its healing power. I would even go and simply sit at Sarah’s headstone, talking to her and God and thinking through life and its complications. God used running, hiking, resting, and even serving as practical ways for healing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>After losing Sarah, I began to read through the Shack. I would hide away in my room, and let the tears come. Most times, once they started, I had trouble getting them to stop. Sunday’s became my crying days. After church I would cuddle up in my bed, reading the book, and letting my heart ache. William P. Young wrote, “Don't ever discount the wonder of your tears. They can be healing waters and a stream of joy. Sometimes they are the best words the heart can speak." There is no doubt it has been a long journey, and far from easy. Some days I was not sure it was worth the work, but only God can take the hardest parts of life and turn them into something he can use. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-67865103805492007752010-10-30T07:59:00.000-07:002010-10-30T07:59:13.902-07:00Just another Saturday morningJust another Saturday morning...<br />
or not so much.<br />
<br />
How often are we so self-centered that we miss the greatest opportunities that God could grant us? We become so narrow-minded, we have tunnel vision, and we are completely unaware to those around us and the needs that are so great.<br />
<br />
God blesses us, SO we can bless others.<br />
<br />
Just a thought as I sit up, what seems like way to earlier, waiting for Bryn to get her MRI....Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-39809539833963104912010-10-22T10:19:00.000-07:002010-11-17T13:15:37.866-08:00Things to do before I die....This started off as an assignment for my freshmen coarse and I figured I keep up with it. :)<br />
<br />
<style>
@font-face {
font-family: "Cambria";
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }
</style> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Fifty Things to Do (or Be) before I die:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Become a doctor</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Run a marathon</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Work at a summer camp</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Go on a mission trip to Uganda</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Provide medical care to underprivileged in Africa</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span> Read the entirety of the bible</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Learn to play the piano well</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Learn to adequately play the guitar</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Beyond Malibu</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Win a race</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Start an organization to help teenagers with cancer</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Post a blog once a week</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Change someone’s life for the better</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Fluently speak another language</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Adopt from Africa</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Be able to touch my toes</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Forgive my dad</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Hike the entire pacific crest trail</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Go sailing</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Go to Europe</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Take in a homeless youth</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Learn to be patient in manner</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><strike>Compete in mathematics</strike></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Own a Jeep</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Compete in a triathlon</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Hike all three sisters (South, middle and north)</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Have the financial means to give where God leads. (I find joy in giving)</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Sell everything and live in a third world country</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Scuba dive</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Donate blood every eight weeks as my body allows</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Be a blood marrow donor</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Save someone’s life</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Fall so in love with Jesus that I do not need anything else to be secure.<br />
. Sing a worship song in front of a congregation<br />
. Watch my brother win a snowboarding competition.<br />
. Learn how to fly a plane<br />
. Speak at a conference for teens<br />
. Run a sub 21minute 5k.<br />
. Swim with a dolphin<br />
. Learn how to dance<br />
. Watch a meteor shower.<br />
. Watch the stars all night from the roof.<br />
. Have definable abs<br />
. Set foot in all seven continents<br />
. Learn how to surf<br />
. Learn how to play tennis<br />
. save enough money to put my kids and grandkids through college<br />
. <strike> Ride in a hot air balloon. </strike><br />
. Go on a safari.<br />
. Graduate college with a 4.0<br />
<br />
</div>Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-21653775830780293402010-10-13T20:49:00.000-07:002010-10-13T20:49:01.896-07:00roommatesAfter having a room to myself for the last 8 years, I now have a roommate. And it dawned on me this morning the many roles a roommate takes on. Your roommate is your mother when you are sick, your father when you are doing something wrong or "staying out too late", your sibling when you need to argue, your friend when you want to have fun, your partner in crime for adventure, your shoulder when your down, and the person you ultimately begin to share your life with.<br />
<br />
I have been praying for my future college roommate for the last year or so. As my second mother always would tell me, "You are who you hang out with." I prayed two things. One, that God would bring me just the right roommate for me. I wasn't sure what that would look like, but at least I knew God knows best. Two, I prayed that weather that person was someone I would get along with or not, that they'd encourage me to grow in my faith.<br />
<br />
So far, I feel blessed. I guess you could say Bryn inspired this random little post. A girl from Colorado, that I had never met, who is on the gymnastics team, and enjoys talking in a lisp... and already I can confidently say, well, we laugh A LOT.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to a year of memories, of laughter, of love, of adventures, maybe some tears, and a new friend and sister. :)Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472433140482536846.post-10822991236259374012010-10-06T11:48:00.000-07:002010-10-06T11:48:38.675-07:00checklistI don't want to live life like a checklist. I want it to be full, of adventure and fun. I want to be spontaneous, romantic, loving and full of laughter. But I also want to accomplish things. Every day I end up with some sort of an agenda or to do list that I begin to check off until my task are completed. I don't want to live life inside the lines. I want something more. <br />
<br />
brief update from college and the thoughts currently spinning.Emiliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811643355449927427noreply@blogger.com0