Standing in Wonder

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.

{Charles Gabriel}

 

A Tale of a Week...

Grad school...has been interesting.

Perhaps what makes it so interesting is the 8-week sessions. (So technically I already have 2 semesters under my belt. Sort of.)

Or maybe it was that I've worked anywhere from 18-35 hours during my 4- and 6-credit sessions (and grad credits count twice as much as undergrad. In case you didn't know).

Or the literally HUNDREDS of pages of reading I had to do. Each week.

Or the 40ish pages of papers I wrote between September and December.

Or maybe because I'm still trying to figure out how to organize and plan and coordinate work and school and family and church into an integrated whole.

But whatever the reason, I saw a lot of late nights, a lot of early mornings, and then came finals week. Only one of my two classes actually had a final, but there were the typical "last minute" projects that teachers love to give. :)

Because I know you love to share my joys tears week, here's a glimpse...

:: my plan to get it all done on time ::

:: sometimes caffeine,

sometimes just a hot & cozy drink ::

:: middle of the night, trying to stay awake... ::

:: but the Christmas lights and Christmas music helped :) ::

:: praise God for His grace and strength...

I finished it all! ::

(And I promise that someday, my posts will be less grad school-ish. Someday. :)



Sometime I Forget to Wonder

I forget how big God is and how small I am.

"He looked down from his holy height;

from heaven the LORD looked at the earth"

{Psalm 102:19}

I forget my righteousness is only because of a sinless, bruised, blood-stained Son of God who became a Man

I forget that I am a created being

"And the vessel he was making of clay

was spoiled in the potter's hand,

and he reworked it into another vessel,

as it seemed good to the potter to do."

{Jer 18:4}

I forget, and so I forget to wonder ~
 and begin demanding...
   *I demand answers
   *I demand change
   *I demand my rights
   *I demand now

And then God graciously reminds me of who He is, and who I am, and what I am here to do.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,

 

nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

{Romans 8}

I Wish You...

I Wonder...But Thanks Be to God!

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I;
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

When Mary birthed Jesus

'twas in a cow's stall
With wise men and farmers

and shepherds and all
But high from God's heaven,

a star's light did fall
And the promise of ages

it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted

for any wee thing
A star in the sky or

a bird on the wing
Or all of God's Angels

in heaven to sing
He surely could have it,

'cause he was the King.

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I;
I wonder as I wander

out under the sky.

{John Jacob Niles}

"When I look at Your heavens,

the work of Your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which You have set in place,

[I wonder...] 

what is man that You are mindful of him,

and the son of man that You care for him?"

{Psalm 8:3-4}

"For God so loved the world,

that He gave His only Son,

that whoever believes in Him

should not perish but have eternal life."

{John 3:16}

"Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!"

{II Corinthians 9:15}

different context...

same great thought :)

Mary's Baby Boy...Our Deliverer

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one
day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will save
our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has
come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver you...

{Mark Lowry}

I hope you're stopping to be amazed during this season.

I love the lights...the music...I love the fact that this is the beginning of Easter.

In the mind of God, Christmas and Easter were all planned before time began. And all of the Old Testament pointed to the coming of the Messiah. But Christmas--the Incarnation--when Emmanuel came--this is the beginning of the miracle of redemption.

I probably said the same thing last year. But exciting things are worth mentioning more than once. :)

The reading for my class these past few weeks have been about salvation. Redemption. Justification. Forgiveness. God imputing His righteousness to us.

That's an amazing concept. That God would humble Himself and become the baby of a sinful woman (obedient and faithful, yes, but still a sinner), to grow up to die a horrible death. Not because He had to...but because He loved us and wanted to redeem us.

Have you ever thought about what humility really looks like? For those of us who grew up in church and even have memorized Philippians 2 before, we can easily take it for granted. But Mary's little Boy was not a normal child, not even just a prophet or a good rabbi. He was God.

He became like one of us...so that we could become like Him.

But when the fullness of time had come,

God sent forth his Son,

born of woman, born under the law,

to redeem those who were under the law,

so that we might receive adoption as sons.

For those whom he foreknew

he also predestined to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

in order that he might be

the firstborn among many brothers.

And those whom he predestined he also called,

and those whom he called he also justified,

and those whom he justified he also glorified.

{Galatians 4:4-5, Romans 8:29-30}

Sometimes I Wonder

* I wonder...what would it have been like to walk through the red sea?

*What would it have been like to be a Canaanite girl sitting by the Jordan River and all of a sudden the water flowed by and was no more (for awhile at least...and then to be there when the water started to flow again)?

*What would it have been like to grace myself against a fiery furnace only to begin walking through the flames like it was a flower garden...with God?

*What would it have been like to see Jerusalem again after 70 years...the joy, yet the heartbreak at its ruin?

*What would it have been like to be a shepherd kneeling at a manger? Would I really have understood?

*What would it have been like to eat the fish and loaves? Would I even have realized it came from nothing?

*What would it have been like to be praying for Peter, and know that God miraculously opened the prison doors?

*What would it have been like to see a friend fall from a window but to be assured by Paul he was okay?

*I wonder what it would have been like to be Mary. To be Joseph. To be Mary's parents or Joseph's parents.

Sometimes I wonder...

Do you?

Giving Thanks...

...Even when walking on streets of gold.

"Although sins and punishments

will be forgotten,

this  will  not  lead

to forgetting its liberation,

or being ungrateful to its liberator."
{St. Augustine}

Giving Thanks...

for grace that never runs out
for mercy that has an endless flow
for patience that does not grow weary
for love that never fails
for peace than transcends understanding
for compassion that comforts my soul
for strength that gives me eagles' wings
for goodness that follows me always
for promises that always are fulfilled
for blessings that overwhelm me
for eyes that see the hurt 
for ears that hear the anguish and desire
for hands that have my name written on them

Shout for joy to God, all the earth;

sing the glory of His name;

give to Him glorious praise!

Say to God, "How awesome are Your deeds!

So great is Your power that

Your enemies come cringing to You.

All the earth worships You

and sings praises to You;

they sing praises to Your name."

Come and see what God has done:

He is awesome in His deeds

toward the children of man.

{Psalm 66:1-5}

Giving Thanks: Church

I am grateful for...

*the freedom to worship in public

*the fellowship of believers

*a building to worship in

*opportunities to minister (to be a part of evangelism, to cuddle babies :), to pray for needs...and that was just yesterday alone!)

*our encouraging ladies' Sunday school class

*godly pastors and other leaders.
  ~our church is blessed to have a pastor and associate pastors; I have enjoyed (yes, and been convicted by, as well) their sermon series this year--John, James, and Malachi!

Giving Thanks: Grad School

I had thought about posting Thursday. I had wanted to post on Friday. Here I am, posting on Saturday when I probably should just go to bed instead. Or at least finish my reading assignment... (but after 140 other pages, 4 writing assignments, and 2 lectures to listen to...you know.)

Grad school has been a tough adjustment. I've had to get used to a new school (Northland), a new format (8-week sessions online), and a new schedule (working 30+ hours with no set schedule in addition to either 4 credits one session and 6 credits another). Oh--I almost forgot: and a new grading system. So far, I've decided that I kinda prefer the usual 10-point grading scale over the 6-point grading scale Northland uses. :)

But I've seen God graciously at work. And so even though I've been tempted to be anything but grateful for grad school at times, and as overwhelmed as I've been on occassion, I'm reminded to be grateful.

I don't know for sure where this path will lead, but I'm confident that God goes before me and He knows where the path is going!

So I'm grateful for...

*strength, peace, and the knowledge of His presence
*that God has the answers and sees the future
*that I can't see the future
*that God guides the future
*that this life isn't all. We are being prepared for a glorious place where we will see Jesus face to face!

We Don't Focus on Our Circumstances...

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

{II Corinthians 4:17-18}

We focus on Christ.

Thought: Am I Willing and Submissive?

O Lord, we pray, "Thy will be done,"

Or "Master, here am I."

We pray You'd do a mighty work

That to the flesh we'd die.

And when the anwer comes to us

In form of trial and test,

We fail to see Your loving hand,

Refining fire is best.

...May it purge me now

And make of  me what You require.

...Lord, send Your great refining fire.

~Mac Lynch

Sister Date

"I thank my God in

all my remembrance of you,

always in every

prayer of mine ... making

my prayer with joy..."

Lazy Saturday :)

Remember my other research paper? That was the first one of two. That one really wasn't that big of a deal. This one...kinda was. But it's in now, and I'm actually done with my first 8-week session of grad school! Hoo-ray. :)

So, with the one day (besides Sundays...which in my book don't count :) between my 8-week sessions without anything to do, I cleaned. And organized. And slept in (after pretty much staring at my computer screen for almost 24 hours straight, that was needed). And ran some errands. And made granola.

I tried out a new recipe that should "clump" like the store kind, at least better than my old recipe I hope. :)

That's my excitement for today...hopefully I'll be around a tad more next week!

Thought: Is Confession and Forgiveness a Priority?

Blessed is the one

whose transgression is forgiven,

whose sin is covered.

Blessed is the man

against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,

and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

For when I kept silent,

my bones wasted away

through my groaning all day long.

For day and night

Your hand was heavy upon me;

my strength was dried up

as by the heat of summer.

I acknowledged my sin to You,

and I did not cover my iniquity;

I said, "I will confess

my transgressions to the LORD,"

and You forgave

the iniquity of my sin.  

{Psalm 32:1-5}

I don't know if you've ever been to YLCF--I'm not a frequent fan, but go there often enough and browse occasionally.

What I enjoy even more is Gretchen's blog, The Little Pink House. I went there this afternoon and ran into her post from yesterday.

I appreciate her blessings posts...it's a reminder to me to count my own more often. And I love the running count she keeps.

So what am I thankful for and blessed by today?

~Beautiful fall day, reading (and napping ) outdoors

~Mom and I making BLT sandwiches with yummy garden tomatoes for lunch

~a day off

~God's Word and His promises:

"Sing praises to the LORD,

O you His saints,
and give thanks to His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
and His favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning."
{Psalm 30:5)

Obviously not all-inclusive. It's a start ~ what about you?

Thought: Is Jesus my Treasure?

"Jesus, You are the Treasure,

Treasure of my heart.
 I'm amazed at Your beauty

and all that You are.
 My everything, the song I sing,

my sun, moon, and stars,
 Jesus, You are the Treasure,

Treasure of my heart."

by Ron Hamilton and Cheryl Reid

from "We are Your Church"

Deadline Approaching

Research Paper #1

Seeking God's Face

This question was asked in our ladies' Sunday school discussion a few weeks ago:

Am I seeking God's face...

or am I seeking what's in His hand?

When we come before Him--when we pray, when we're having our devotions, when we have a long-term request we constantly bring before Him--are we delighting in Him for who He is, or are we merely delighting in Him for what He does? We should rejoice and be grateful for God's blessings, but we shouldn't let our focus shift from the Giver to the gift.

It Happened :)

The excitement I'd been waiting for came to fruition last Thursday!

When my betta fish died about a month ago, at first I thought I'd take a break from the fish thing.

BUT...I missed my little fishy.

AND...I decided to "upgrade." ;)

A friend from work sold me a fish tank. Originally, I thought I'd go with 10-gallon. But when she brought it for me to look at, I realized how small it seemed. No problem--she had a 20-gallon tank (neither of which she needs, as her fish live in a 150-gallon tank. Maybe someday. ;) I was very excited not to end up with a rectangle box but a "stylish" half-moon-shaped tank!

My dad got excited about my fish tank, and asked if he could buy a couple fish to put in it. :) We had to wait for a day when we both could go "fishing" as he liked to say! When that day finally came, it ended up being a tank-set-up day rather than a fishing trip, because we realized we didn't have a table strong enough to hold the tank. And I had to set up the tank and let the filtration system run for at least 24 hours before putting fish in. So at least we found a nice aquarium stand and set that up, and then I put together my fish home and got everything running.

Things were starting to get exciting. :) I was able to go back to the pet store 2 days later, and get the first catch of fish that Dad and I picked out.

First, though, the last minute touches--I was excited to find frog and turtle decorations to put in my tank. It's the simple things. :)

The fish first have to acclimate to the water temperature in the tank to avoid shock or something like that. (There's really only 1 red fish...it's a reflection; there's a total of 4 fish. The black and black/white ones are Dad's and the other two are mine!)

Sigh. It's so much fun. I'm actually not a huge "animal-lover" but I very much enjoy my fishy-friends!

September Winds

Along with Grandma's visit and another happening yet to fully happen :), September has been a full month (and it's not over yet!). Enjoy an overview...

It wasn't actually a tornado.

Just high winds.

And...we slept through it.

Praising God for His protection!

This is right in front of my brother's bedroom window.

Our landscape has changed!

* * *

My Squishy-friend is no longer with us...

so it was time to re-decorate.

I like it--but it's definitely missing something.

But maybe that's related to the

"happening yet to happen." ;)

* * *

A new Bible.

I decided it was time for

new notes and new underlinings...

It is a sad and exciting thing to switch Bibles!

* * *

A new project?

Maybe. :)

It's been on my list for a couple of years,

but at least I finally bought something...

* * *

Shopping. :)

* * *

Lots of work and shifting schedules.

* * *

That is definitely not leisure reading.

Hello, grad school.

Don't worry--2 1/2 of those were consumed

in just 3 weeks of school so far...

And, Peeps, that's just 4 credits.

As I said, goodbye sleep!

* * *

I am very thankful for God's grace that sustains and enables! I've been hurdling several challenges this month, but I've certainly seen God at work!

I will give thanks to the LORD

with my whole heart;

I will recount all of

Your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in You;

I will sing praise to Your name,

O Most High.

The LORD is a stronghold

for the oppressed,

a stronghold in

times of trouble.
And those who know Your name

put their trust in You,

for you, O LORD,

have not forsaken

those who seek you.
Sing praises to the LORD,

who sits enthroned in Zion!

Tell among the peoples

His deeds!

(Psalm 9:1-2, 9-11)



Grandma's Visit :)

Hope you've had a good week :)

Remembering

It's been 10 years. Pre-9-11 I lived in an innocent, okay world. Yes, I knew there was sin and evil, but it had never affected me big time before. And even 9-11 was not "personal"--I didn't know anyone remotely close to the attacks.

But a lot of things changed. I've realized how much evil and sin is out there. But I also know how much God works. He is sovereign. Our little finite minds can't really grasp that--but God is in charge, He hates sin, and yet He uses it to bring Himself glory.

I know a lot of good things happened post-9-11. Missionaries were able to go places and reach people they formerly couldn't. And maybe it's just me, but I think God was reminding us He is still working. The 10-year anniversary is on a Sunday--maybe that won't necessarily make people stop and think...but I do know that God plans details.

In the nitty-gritty, it's hard to remember, but we must never allow ourselves to forget: God is at work all the time. Trust Him, rest in Him, love Him, serve Him!

White: Purity

I'm sure you're surprised. :)

I had known the Bible talked a lot about purity, but I have to admit my e-sword search results were a little different than I thought--the topics were very diverse.

The Bible speaks of...

purity of ministry

"We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, ... by purity, ... the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God..."

{II Corinthians 6:3-7}

the Word of God

"The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times..."

{Psalm 12:6}

my heart

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."

{II Timothy 2:22}

human sinful nature

"Who can say, 'I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin'?"

{Proverbs 20:9}

God's work in human hearts

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word."

{Psalm 119:9}

my life's aim

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

{Philippians 1:9-11}

a woman's characteristic

"...train the young women ... to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind..."

{Titus 2:5} 

my thought life

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

{Philippians 4:8}

God's wisdom

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."

{James 3:17}

responding in hope

"And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure."

{I John 3:3}

all ESV