What Do I Know?

I just heard this song, What Do I Know by Sara Groves. And it really meant something to me, it touched me. It's a sad song, but it will probably mean a lot to you if you are grieving right now. At least, you'll really understand the emotions of it.
I have seen this, the way life ends "too soon" at 80 or 90 years old. I've seen it a lot doing clinicals in a long-term care facility. I was just talking with a fellow student about why we feel like an aging body that starts breaking down, why death, is so un-natural. Because God made us to live forever. We were created for an eternity.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Precious in the sight of the Lord, Is the death of His saints.
Psalm 116:15

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
Revelation 14:13

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4

"O Death, where is your sting?"
I Corinthians 15:52-57
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

” O Death, where is your sting?

O Hades, where is your victory?”

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

A Poem

The night I first saw you
You were
Scared
       Hurt
              Angry
                     Lost
You wouldn’t look into my eyes
Your gaze was fixed
Downcast
You wouldn’t trust me
Wouldn’t dare
To think that I might last
Any longer in your life
Than those who scarred your past
I loved you, held you,
Gave you a piece of my heart
Gave it up forever,
Though I knew we might part
But you didn’t want
My love
Afraid it was an act
You refused it
Pushed me back
The words I spoke to you for healing
You fought like an attack
You were angry
I don’t blame you
I was angry for you too
Your hurt was deep
Your pain was vast
I didn’t know what I could do
But the God Who made
And loved
You
Is the God
Who’d see us through
With time
You came to trust me
Your numb, closed heart
Began to feel
And it was beautiful
When you smiled
God would whisper, “Spirit, heal”
But then, too soon
Came the fateful day
When we had to say
Goodbye
Yet that could not take my love away
I’ll know your name
I’ll see your face
I’ll love you still
Until I die

Waisting My "Young Years"

A lot of people say I should get a job (or two) and hurry up and enroll in a good college. They tell me, from a good heart, that I need to have savings and a sure source of income for an unsure future.

Well, I’m not juggling jobs and college for one reason: God’s ways are not man’s ways. And I want to follow His will above others, even my own.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold” Proverbs 22:1

I am asking God to give me a greater character in this life than a career.

(PLEASE UNDERSTAND: I am not saying that you are out of the will of God if you have multiple jobs and earning a college degree.)

But God hasn’t called me to do that. Right now, according to a lot of people, I look more like I’m wasting my young adult years. I’m not working very hard to save up for a car of my own, a home for myself, a career for my future.

Maybe God knows exactly what I need, and all the things I have are exactly that. That in turn means that all the things I don’t have, are things I do not need. It is possible that if I had a car, a high salary job, a career or college scholarship, then that is where my confidence would lie. Or maybe I would let my confidence lie in the bank. How much have I saved? Will it get me through what I need for this year, or how about this month? But money doesn’t help anyone, unless the Lord is their first provider. (Ps. 127:1)

Don’t hear what I’m not saying. I’m not saying stay home, and be a slothful bum who says “Oh, but God will provide.” I’m not saying we’re to do nothing and trust God. I’m saying we’re to do something; trust God! And if He calls you to go, go! And if He calls you to stay, stay! And if He says you need to work at this and not at that, then work this way and not that way!

For me, (and most believers and some point or another) that means trusting Him even when it looks wrong to everyone else. Even when it looks wrong to ME, I want to follow His will. Sometimes I think, “God? Doesn’t what they’re telling me make a little sense? Shouldn’t I be doing more? How can I help You when this is all that You have me doing? How can I bless others if I don’t work more? I’m so glad to be a daughter who can live at home with her family, but shouldn’t I support myself a little more?”

And He says  “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.” (Proverbs 22:4) And, “whatsoever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Gal. 6:7)

The fruit of obedience doesn’t come in a day. But the seeds do sprout, and fruit will be harvested. It is stored up for the perfect season, and it does not rot away.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold” Proverbs 22:1

"Veil of Tears" Film Release

Gospel For Asia is opening a film this week in theaters across the U.S., Veil of Tears. Please check for information regarding theater locations, remaining simulcast options, or more information about "Veil of Tears."

Yes, this film does talk about a wieghty subject. It is uncomfortable to hear of a real life tradgedy being lived out along side you in this world. It is easier to ignore, or forget. And though this film is about Asia's most mistreated, it's still described by the Dove Foundation as a film "that will cement your belief in the possibility of hope."

This film will be showing for only one week, starting tomorrow. I hope you are all able to go see it. But if you are not, please pray that God would use this film to bless and move those who do go see it to serve as the Body of Christ should.

What Others Are Saying About "Veil of Tears"

"When I saw it, I knew I would never—could never—be the same. 'Veil of Tears' has taught me how to pray, to give, and to make a difference for Christ." - Joni Eareckson Tada "'Veil of Tears' was so moving and informative. I want everyone to watch it and join us in making a difference in the lives of these women." - Francis Chan

"A well-produced, powerful and shocking exposé. 'Veil of Tears' will have you in tears." - Ray Comfort, Living Waters "A powerful, riveting film . . . that grabs at the heart and won't let go!" - American Family Association

"'Veil of Tears' asks the question, 'Do we care?' Now it's up to us to answer." - John Schlitt, PETRA (Lead Vocalist) "This factual account of the oppression of millions of women in Asia must be told. Though the story begins with tears, the Good News is that help is on the way through the ministry of compassion seen here." - Robert Coleman

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8)

 

 

"The man who would know God must spend time with Him.” - Tozer 

Awards!

The Rules:

1.  link the blog that nominated you for the award.

2.  choose eleven bloggers to nominate that have less than 200 followers.

3.  answer the questions given to you.

4.  let the people who you've nominated know when you've done so.

5.  you can't nominate the person that has nominated you.

6.  create eleven questions for the bloggers you've nominated to answer.

7.  you must follow the blog that nominated you. (yeah, I crossed that out.)

Sarah's Questions:

 

1.  Where were you born? In the desert, a Catholic hospital named after a saint. Funny thing: All of my five siblings were born at a different hospital!

 

2.  If you could meet any ONE fictional character, whether from a book or movie, who would it be?  When I was a little girl, I would have ridden on a magic carpet with Aladdin/Abu! Now, I might just have lunch with Captain America, I feel like he'd have something worthwhile to talk about. Plus he's, like, a superhero!

 

3.  Do you prefer coffee or hot tea? Yes! I crave coffee more often, but I drink twice as much tea because it doesn't have the bad effects of coffee. *sigh*

 

4.  If you had (or do have) an abundance of money, what is your ideal dream vacation? Some place in South America would be my first choice. But I wouldn't care as much where I went as I would with whom I went with. With my family, I would be happy anywhere.

 

 5.  If you could travel to any time period (Medieval era, western 1800s, 1950's, etc), where would you go? I'd love to go back in time to right around 30 A.D. and hear Jesus talk, and see what the culture was really like, and feel what his follower's felt.

 

6.  Medieval or Futuristic? Meh.

 

7.  Would you rather travel cross country in a plane or car? I've never flown in a plane, so for now, I'd have to say car. =)

 

8.  If you could be either an Elf, Dwarf, or Hobbit, which would you be? An elf. (Keebler, please) =P

 

9.  Do you prefer to play a musical instrument or simply listen? I prefer to play only when it sounds good - thus I always prefer to listen. lol

 

10.  Who is your best friend?  (This isn't a test, it could be (me!) a sister, Pippin, or a pet--which, if this is the case, you seriously need to get out in the world more.) I don't have just one. If you want to know who my best friends are, refer to question 4.

 

11.  What is your favorite TV show? This is a tough one. . . I like The Amazing Race, Barefoot Contessa, and The Dick Vandyke Show lots! So I like a variety . . .

My 11 Questions:
Who is one movie/book character you've always related to?
Which of your pets has been your favorite pet?
What is one song you've really been enjoying lately?
If you could change something about yourself what would it be?
Who was the first Christian to really affect you, and leave an impact?
When is your birthday?
What is your favorite snack food?
Would you rather go to the doctor or the dentist?
What is the most difficult thing you've ever done?
How many siblings do you have, and where do you fall?
How many children do you imagine yourself having?
 

----------------------------------

And now for the Sunflower Award!

Rules:

1.  Share 11 facts about yourself

2.  Answer the 11 questions set by your nomination blogger- Nominate 11 bloggers

3.  Set questions for the nominated bloggers.

11 Facts (or fiction) About Me:

 

1. I would love to write children's books someday.

2. Lord willing, my two big sisters and I will be on our first airplane trip, headed to China this June!

3. I'm an extrovert and a social butterfly who feels shy often.

4. I've been trying to learn Spanish my entire life. (Does that say something about my poor work effort or my great dedication??) :/

5. I have very little strength in the area of discernment. When I don't ask for fact-checking/advice in my life, I get duped.

6. I love to watch musicals! Gene Kelly, Doris Day, Fred Astaire. . . I've seen vast collection of musicals, over 30.

7. Along those lines, I'm a fan of 40's fashion.

8. I hated chocolate until I was a teenager. Now I love dark chocolate; 80% -85%!

9. I'm a good cook, but not a great baker.

10. I'm into health. I like to research, exercise, etc..

11. I like to dance. A lot.

Since it was a combination of two awards, Sarah only asked five more questions:

1.  What color are your eyes?
Hazel / Brown.

2.  Would you rather read a book or watch a movie?
Watch a movie -I'm not good at reading.

3.  Who is your favorite Disney princess? (Elsa and Anna count!)
Tiana, from The Princess and the Frog, or Mulan, from. . . ya know, Mulan.

4.  If given the choice, would you rather write a letter or talk on the phone? One or the other, texting is not a choice in this question.  :]
Probably talk on the phone.... although receiving a letter is so sweet!

5.  If you could do something drastically awesome, and wouldn't have to worry about being judged by others, what would it be?  (i.e. get a haircut you normally wouldn't choose, buy an expensive something you've wanted all your life, etc.)

I would learn a song on my guitar. Then I'd go out to a busy street and play and sing for everyone passing to hear.

 

My 11 Questions:

What is your favorite word/phrase?

What are you most thankful for right now?

What is your greatest strength?

What is a pet peeve of yours?

Do you have any funny quirks?

You tend to say ______ a lot?

You have a lot of . . . .?

You need more of . . . ?

Someday, you hope to be . . . ?

You believe strongly in . . . ?

One person who always seems to make you smile is . . . ?

 

And finally, I award:

Mrs. Dake

Rachel

Ava

Kayla

Susanna

Moriah

Haley

Jade

Abby

Michelle

 

 

 Thank you very much, Sarah!

I hope everyone has a lovely day!

 

The Activity of Faith - Devotional

" We also err in thinking that waiting on God ceases when we receive what we’ve been waiting for. It cannot be likened to waiting for your Starbucks “Grande non-fat Vanilla Latte”, or your German Chocolate cake to cool before you can frost it. That kind of waiting is temporal; it has an end. The Christian never stops waiting on God. Waiting on God is not so much an action, as it is a posture of your soul. "

Read the rest here.

 

Lamentations 3:25 KJV The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.


Look for a blogger award post coming next. It's taking a little longer than I thought it would, but it shouldn't be too long of a wait.