The Christmas Glow..

the glittering white snow,

the snow covered trees,

the crisp biting wind,

the peace, the joy, the laughter,

the simple story of the first Christmas

that is the Christmas glow. 

The Gospel in 11 heart-beating minutes!

My wonderful cousin Christy introduced me to Leslie Ludy, who eventually led me to her husband Eric. He is a preacher at the Ellerslie Mission Society in Colorado. They have become two wonderful witnesses in my life and have been a true blessing to many others. This thanksgiving I am especially thankful for them and the work they do with teens and married couples. I've never met them but one day I hope that I will so I can thank them personally. 

Below is the first time I heard Eric preach. It's just a few minutes long, but it makes my spine tingle every time I listen to it. His sermons are available to listen to online (click here) which I also enjoy listening to.

Thankfulness from Hosea?!

This coming week is Thanksgiving and I thought I'd post something a bit early...

This morning I read Hosea 11 (one of my favorite chapters, from my favorite book of the bible). God has raised and taken care of Israel, yet they do not turn back to him. His holiness compels him to stay far from sin, but his compassion compels him to show love and mercy. He calls the Israelite's back to him and again shows them forgiveness. Love and Mercy win! 

God does the same for us. He forgives and forgets, throws our sins into the Sea of Forgetfulness. He doesn't hold grudges, like us. He controls his anger, his anger doesn't control him. We truly do have a wonderful God. It's beyond my understanding sometimes how he can forgive us, time after time. But, that is the power of UNFAILING LOVE being shown by our heavenly father. 

This year I'm thankful for Gods love toward me. 

I'm thankful that he forgives me and then forgets my past sins. 

Any "Amen's"?

Mary Lathrop - "A Woman's Answer to a Man's Question"

"Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing 

Ever made by the hand above--

A woman's heart, and a woman's life

And a woman's wonderful love?

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing

As a child might ask for a toy,

Demanding what others have died to win,

With the reckless dash of a boy?

You have written my lesson of duty out,

Man-like you have questioned me;

Now stand at the bar of my woman's soul

Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot,

Your socks and your shirt be whole;

I require your heart to be true as God's stars,

And as pure as heaven your soul.

You require a cook for your mutton and beef;

I require a far better thing.

A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts;

I look for a man and a king.

A king for the beautiful realm called home,

And a man that the maker, God,

Shall look upon as he did the first

And say, "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose will fade

From my soft, young cheek one day,

Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves,

As you did 'mid the bloom of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and deep,

I may launch my all on its tide?

A loving woman finds heaven or hell

On the day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true,

All things that a man should be;

If you give all this, I would stake my life

To be all you demand of me.

If you cannot do this -- a laundress and cook

You can hire, with little to pay,

But a woman's heart and a woman's life

Are not to be won that way."

 

I read this a while ago in a book by Joshua Harris and came upon it again the other day. Just thought it was a wonderful poem for all! 

Something Added becomes a Blessing...

"Oh the wonderful cross (2x)

Bids me come and die and find

That I may truly live.

Oh the wonderful cross (2x)

All who gather here by grace

Draw near and bless your name."

At my church we sing the hymn called The Wonderful Cross. Michael W. Smith put the words above into a chorus for the hymn and every time we sing that song at church his words go through my head. 

The words go so well with the verses. It's such a great chorus...maybe one day I'll tell them about it! 

You can hear Michael's version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-g1ry6wa5s

A Experience worth Remembering...

Last night was a gift. From two sources.

It was a gift from my Aunt and Uncle who told my family about the Michael W. Smith concert.

It was also a gift from God; He knew exactly what I needed to hear.

I loved all the songs Michael sang last night. This was a new first timer he preformed for us "New Yorkers" (written by his son-in-law)

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in this life with school and work, and we forget who gives us the chance to take part in this life in the first place. I know that it happens to me. I admit that sometimes I forget to do my bible reading in the morning because I have to go to school or the hospital. It's sad. I know it's wrong and I've been getting up earlier to make more time for it. He always has time for us; in our sorrows and joys and fears. he doesn't forget us and is "Perfect In Love."

Last night I heard some great songs that reminded me what God did for me and how much I love him. 

I don't want to skip over him anymore. He is more important that anything or anyone in my life and I want to keep it that way! Don't you? 

Wholly Surrendered.

At the cross You beckon me

You draw me gently to my knees, and I am

Lost for words, so lost in love,

I'm sweetly broken, wholly surrendered.

God's Not Dead!

I can't wait to see this movie!