Name: Shannon Rachelle
Age: 18
Relationship: "Adopted Sister"
Hand in Hand
I officially adopted Shannon as my little sister. We decided this while walking down the lane from our safari hut to the dinner hut in the wild mountains of Africa. Shannon said she always wanted a big sister. I told her that when I watched her it was like looking at myself four years ago. Except... I pray that the hardships I have encountered in the last four years will help her avoid making the same mistakes.
All About Shannon
Siblings: 7; Caleb, Chloe, Breann, Samuel, Sadie, Trevor and William
Hobbies: Worship Dance, reading, being with her family, being with homeschooling friends, baking, Springerle molds, hide-and-go-seek in the dark, missions and more!
Movies: I am not sure what her favorite movie is, but I know she enjoys the following: Anne of Green Gables, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and any other good chick flick.
Dreams: Get married, have a dozen children, be a midwife missionary and go back to Africa.
Nickname: Shanny (I have heard her family call her something else but I cannot remember it!)
Memories
Cheyenne Frontier Days- meetings, practice, clowning, teaching Eric dance moves, video evangelism (Shannon is AWESOME!), rodeo and Grandma's house.
New Year's Eve- Food, worship, games, hide-and-go-seek in the dark, sparklers and families!
Africa- Too much to say here! Ummm... Orphanages, pastors, dancing, children, heat, food, bug bites, Swahili lessons, walk in Babati, Safari, scaring Stacey, Dutch Blitz in Holland, Amsterdam pancakes, home!!!
Practical Joke Participant
On the note of Africa... one of my funniest memories of Shannon happened while were scaring Stacey. This is definitely worthy of more details:
Meet five kind, loving, good, Christian homeschooling friends: Ben, Bethany, Darrah, Shannon and Jaclyn. They have just been through two exhausting weeks of ministry and missions. They are tired. They are hungry for familiar food. They are relaxing on an African safari. They are feeling mischievous.
Meet the unsuspecting victum: Stacey. She was a third-party participant on the mission trip. Most of the team met her at the airport when they left. She was fun-loving, outgoing, mid-twenties and had voiced fears of being on a safari. She was particularly afraid that lions would attack the tents at night.
During dinner, with Stacey sitting at one end of the table and the friends at the other, they devise a ruthless plan. (The debate continues as to who had the idea in the first place!) Darrah, who was sharing a tent with Stacey, voiced that she would act normal as they readied for bed. The signal for the others would be when their light went off. With most decisions finalized, they finished dinner quickly, rushing off to practice and perfect the scheme.
The safari tents were situated in such a way that it was perfectly possible to walk up without being heard. It was dark. It was late. It was quiet. The four friends gather at the walkway entrance to Darrah and Stacey's tent. They stand 15 yards away trying not to laugh. The light clicks off and the tent goes black. Ben holds a flashlight, to remain off unless absolutely needed. Jaclyn holds a blanket for strategic "rustling grass". Shannon hold a water bottle for "comedy effect". Ben and Bethany prepare their feet. They had practiced their stomp to be as loud and rythmic as possible.
They sneak around the side of the tent to where Stacey and Darrah's heads lie inside. The stomping becomes louder. Ben snorts and growls. Jaclyn swishes the coat in the brush. Ben reaches his long arm, as they all surpress laughter, towards the tent to the very place where Stacey's head should be. He begins a quiet scratching and progressively gets louder. Suddenly Ben stops and nods his head toward Shannon. Slowly Shannon pours the bottle of water out on the ground. When she is done Ben gives a satisfied snort. (Shannon was about ready to DIE of laughter!!!)
The friends hear a voice. The voice belongs to Stacey as she frantically yells for our team leader, "Dave!" Then all becomes quiet again. We begin our animal impersonation again and she cries, "DAVE! CAROL! (Pause) DAVE! CAROL!" At this point the group outside cannot contain their giggles. They move toward the door... and BURST into laughter!
The entrance to the tent is opened to reveal a truly scared Stacey and a laughing Darrah. Darrah had played along with Stacey's fright, even saying things like, "Do you hear that?" and "It sounds like it is right outside our tent." Stacey shares that the place where Ben was scratching was at the exact spot where she had placed her snacks. Duh, Ben knew that for he had been in her tent during the planning.
Stacey tells the friends," I never would have guessed that you five, Christian, nice, Godly... and especially HOMESCHOOLED friends were capable of pulling off such a grand plan."
We have it all on video too.
Mission Minded
Anyone who meets Shannon cannot help but learn one thing about her. After talking with her for five minutes it shines through. She is passionate about missions. Missions at home and missions abroad. She has a love for culture, people and spreading God's fame. I remember talking to Shannon while in Africa. On this particular day we had been served a half a dozen warm sodas. Some members on our team were beginning to openly complain. Not Shannon. Shannon drank every single one. She knew that the natives had provided us with a treat. A treat that probably cost them a great deal.
So there is my Shannon. A treasure. A beauty. A friend. There is so much more that I could say about her. I love you Shannon!
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Trip to North Platte
My mom and Samuel at our picnic dinner stop to see Lake McConaughy before completing our journey to North Platte. 
Diaper Baby!!!
Samuel's Discovery- He had a great time pushing the dead fish around with the stick. 
Big sister and little brother- Samuel and I playing in the water and me holding him at our picnic. He is so precious. He has taught me so much about life, children, responsibility and maturity. Did you know that "maturity" can be crawling on the floor with a toddler?Monday, September 19, 2005
Friend 1- Brother, Musician, Travel Buddy
Name: Benjamin John
Age: 18
Relationship: Brother
"So, how did you two meet?"
This question was posed to us as we introduced ourselves to someone this weekend. Ben jokingly replied, "I was born." Well, that is the truth. I was almost four years old when my first baby brother entered this world.
All About Ben
Food: Pizza, Dr. Thunder, doughnuts, anything fatty, sugary, unhealthy and greasy. Basically a typical eighteen-year olds diet. Yes, he stays skinny.
Music: Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Charlie Hall
Authors: Louie Giglio, Oswald Chambers, A.W. Tozer, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis
Hobbies: Guitars, guitars, guitars... did I say playing his guitar? Ok, playing the guitar.
Enjoys: Ultimate frisbee, movies, music, family, board games, sleeping, etc.
Movies: Lord of the Rings, Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, The Man from Snowy River, Return to Snowy River and others
Characters he has starred as: Peter Pan and Jim Elliot (what a variety!)
Nicknames
He was Ben-Ben for the majority of our younger years. As we grew this changed to a number of affectionate titles such as, "GET BACK HERE!!!!" and "STOP THAT" as I chased him through the house. Wait, those aren't nicknames. I am sure he thought they were! Seriously now, I have called him Benji and Benny the most. More interesting names I will keep in strict family confidence. Oh, yes... Matthew Cuthbert is one of his "nicknames" which I will explain next.
Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert
We tease each other that we will never marry since no one around seems to match...yet. Therefore, we will live together until a ripe old age like the famous brother and sister Cuthberts. We may even adopt a red-headed orphan. Nah, we'd rather run a whole orphanage in the middle of a deep jungle. I would teach and Ben would lead music. We kind of act like Matthew and Marilla sometimes. Ben can be passive. I can be too serious. Praise God that we are a work in progress, always growing and changing through His power!
We have done everything and been everywhere together. The following is truly a brief list :
- Skiing, singing, sleeping, eating, walking, talking, riding, running, swiming, biking, drawing, painting, cooking, cleaning, sledding, shopping, vacuuming, hiding, tattling, hiking, driving, gleaning, meetings and many other "ings".
- Laser tag, ultimate frisbee, touch football, softball, baseball, tennis, etc.
- Mission trips, vacations, homeless shelters, orphanages, concerts, stores, lock-ins, conferences, doctor, dentist, salon, theater, stadiums, churches, museums, airports and much more.
-Cars, trucks, buses, planes (one flown by Ben), boats, trains, taxis, ferry, go carts, wagons, bumper cars, roller coasters, ferris wheels, horses, elephants and Safari Jeeps.
- Romania (x2), Tanzania (without either parent), Austria, Holland (x2, once without either parent), Canada and over 30 U.S. states.
I think you get the point...
Memories
Most of these only Ben will know what I mean... "HI COW!" Austrian rain. Flaggler. Aspen. Love, Liberty, Disco. Babati roads. Extreme sledding. Concert in the rain. Cattles Wart. And more and more and more.
Faithful Friend
Growing up my mother always told us that we would be the best friend each other would ever have. How true that has been. My friendship with Ben is not like others. He sees me at my worst and sees me at my best. I have criticized, tortured, got in trouble, slapped, bossed around, begged and yelled at him. But do you know what?
He still loves me. He still kisses me goodnight before he heads to bed. He still listens to my crazy ideas. He still encourages me to grow. He is always there.
I love you, Ben. I admore your courage, honesty, playfulness, responsibility, talents, memory, knowledge, goals, convictions and passions. I am honored to be your sister.
Age: 18
Relationship: Brother
"So, how did you two meet?"
This question was posed to us as we introduced ourselves to someone this weekend. Ben jokingly replied, "I was born." Well, that is the truth. I was almost four years old when my first baby brother entered this world.
All About Ben
Food: Pizza, Dr. Thunder, doughnuts, anything fatty, sugary, unhealthy and greasy. Basically a typical eighteen-year olds diet. Yes, he stays skinny.
Music: Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Charlie Hall
Authors: Louie Giglio, Oswald Chambers, A.W. Tozer, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis
Hobbies: Guitars, guitars, guitars... did I say playing his guitar? Ok, playing the guitar.
Enjoys: Ultimate frisbee, movies, music, family, board games, sleeping, etc.
Movies: Lord of the Rings, Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, The Man from Snowy River, Return to Snowy River and others
Characters he has starred as: Peter Pan and Jim Elliot (what a variety!)
Nicknames
He was Ben-Ben for the majority of our younger years. As we grew this changed to a number of affectionate titles such as, "GET BACK HERE!!!!" and "STOP THAT" as I chased him through the house. Wait, those aren't nicknames. I am sure he thought they were! Seriously now, I have called him Benji and Benny the most. More interesting names I will keep in strict family confidence. Oh, yes... Matthew Cuthbert is one of his "nicknames" which I will explain next.
Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert
We tease each other that we will never marry since no one around seems to match...yet. Therefore, we will live together until a ripe old age like the famous brother and sister Cuthberts. We may even adopt a red-headed orphan. Nah, we'd rather run a whole orphanage in the middle of a deep jungle. I would teach and Ben would lead music. We kind of act like Matthew and Marilla sometimes. Ben can be passive. I can be too serious. Praise God that we are a work in progress, always growing and changing through His power!
We have done everything and been everywhere together. The following is truly a brief list :
- Skiing, singing, sleeping, eating, walking, talking, riding, running, swiming, biking, drawing, painting, cooking, cleaning, sledding, shopping, vacuuming, hiding, tattling, hiking, driving, gleaning, meetings and many other "ings".
- Laser tag, ultimate frisbee, touch football, softball, baseball, tennis, etc.
- Mission trips, vacations, homeless shelters, orphanages, concerts, stores, lock-ins, conferences, doctor, dentist, salon, theater, stadiums, churches, museums, airports and much more.
-Cars, trucks, buses, planes (one flown by Ben), boats, trains, taxis, ferry, go carts, wagons, bumper cars, roller coasters, ferris wheels, horses, elephants and Safari Jeeps.
- Romania (x2), Tanzania (without either parent), Austria, Holland (x2, once without either parent), Canada and over 30 U.S. states.
I think you get the point...
Memories
Most of these only Ben will know what I mean... "HI COW!" Austrian rain. Flaggler. Aspen. Love, Liberty, Disco. Babati roads. Extreme sledding. Concert in the rain. Cattles Wart. And more and more and more.
Faithful Friend
Growing up my mother always told us that we would be the best friend each other would ever have. How true that has been. My friendship with Ben is not like others. He sees me at my worst and sees me at my best. I have criticized, tortured, got in trouble, slapped, bossed around, begged and yelled at him. But do you know what?
He still loves me. He still kisses me goodnight before he heads to bed. He still listens to my crazy ideas. He still encourages me to grow. He is always there.
I love you, Ben. I admore your courage, honesty, playfulness, responsibility, talents, memory, knowledge, goals, convictions and passions. I am honored to be your sister.
My Friends
I love my friends. God has blessed me with amazing friends. Some I know very well. Others I am just getting started. Some I see almost daily. Others I have never seen at all. Some I have traveled with around the world. Others have only seen my picture. Some live with me. Others I see a few times a year. Regardless of the differences they all have one thing in common. The true bond that unites our friendship is Jesus. My closest friends are in love with their Savior and seek to please Him.
So, with all that said I have decided something. I am going to blog about my friends. I will choose some by name, others will be as a group. Please do not feel left out if I do not pick you as a friend by name. You are ALL important to me and I love you very much.
Who should be my first candidate? Hummmmm....
So, with all that said I have decided something. I am going to blog about my friends. I will choose some by name, others will be as a group. Please do not feel left out if I do not pick you as a friend by name. You are ALL important to me and I love you very much.
Who should be my first candidate? Hummmmm....
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Believing God- Part 2: Be Like a Duck?
A woman decided to take a walk on a beautiful Saturday morning. During the night rain had fallen, leaving the ground moist and the air crisp. As the woman approached a hill at the edge of her neighborhood she noticed two ducks in a puddle. She knew that right over the crest was a gorgeous lake where these ducks could swim. Lake. Freedom. Puddle. Cramped. Lake. Creator’s design. Puddle. Second (or tenth) best.
What are some responses the ducks could give the woman?
1- The puddle is just fine for me.
2- The hill is too steep to climb.
3- Are you judging me for staying in the puddle?
4- The puddle is all I have ever known.
5- I’ve never seen the lake, how can I trust it is there?
6- The lake is only for important ducks.
7- I always thought there was more to being a duck than this.
Now shift to God’s perspective. No, I am not talking about ducks. This is about me and you.
Do you ever wonder if there is more to the “Christian life” than what you are experiencing? Do you ever watch great Christian men and women longing to have their type of relationship with God? Do you ever open the pages of your Bible and stare like it is a foreign language? Do the sins in your life seem overwhelming at times? Is victory over those sins short lived or non-existent? Do you have a burning desire to know God deeper? Do you long to follow Him the way the ancient men of old did? Have you ever thrown up your hands and cried, “There has GOT to be more to it than this!”
Join my club. The club of the Seekers. The club of the Believers. The club of the Sometimes-Like-a-Duck-Puddle-Dweller-Instead-of-Lake-Owning-Christian.
I think many times God calls out to me, “JACLYN! I have a lake prepared for you and you are in the puddle! YOU ARE IN THE PUDDLE!!! I have given you everything you need to know me deeper. You have the strength to overcome sins. You have all the promises of my Word. If only you will BELIVE Me!!! Get out of the puddle!”
And what are some of my or our foolish responses to God? Strange, they sound almost like the duck…
1- The puddle is just fine for me… translation- “I like my life the way it is even if I wonder sometimes if there is more to it than this.”
2- The hill is too steep to climb… translation- “I do not want to do the work it would really take to be the follower of God that I want to be and know I should be. Memorize Scripture? I can’t. Read my Bible EVERY day? I don’t have time. Give up the movies and music I love? I don’t think so.”
3- Are you judging me for staying in the puddle? Translation- “I know that there are some Christians who live their faith out to the fullest, but I am content with just knowing I am going to heaven when I die. Are you judging me for the type of Christian I am?”
4- The puddle is all I have ever known… translation- “This is the way I was raised. This is all I have ever known. I am scared to step out of my comfort zone.”
5- I’ve never seen the lake, how can I trust it is there? Translation- “If God wanted me to know more of Him He would have shown me by now. Some Christians make up their close relationship with God to try to look better.”
6- The lake is only for important ducks… translation- “God does not let all Christians that close to Him. Authors, pastors, missionaries and great speakers are the only ones that get close to God. If I got closer to God people might think I am arrogant.”
7- I always thought there was more to being a duck than this… translation- “I want to know God more. I really do. I have no idea where to start. I am no longer content with mediocrity.”
So where do we start? What is the first move in becoming closer to God? In my own journey and discussing with others their walk of faith I have found several key beginnings. There is no formula. There is no three step method. No cure. No easy way out.
I am sure you have read verses like…
Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
… and wondered, me? HOW?
Then we have encouragement and promise…
2 Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
We can do it through Him. We CAN become more like Christ with the Spirit’s help. We CAN be godly. We CAN be holy. I don’t know about you, but that is encouraging to me. I pray that we will rise up and become believers that are recklessly willing to believe God!
What are some responses the ducks could give the woman?
1- The puddle is just fine for me.
2- The hill is too steep to climb.
3- Are you judging me for staying in the puddle?
4- The puddle is all I have ever known.
5- I’ve never seen the lake, how can I trust it is there?
6- The lake is only for important ducks.
7- I always thought there was more to being a duck than this.
Now shift to God’s perspective. No, I am not talking about ducks. This is about me and you.
Do you ever wonder if there is more to the “Christian life” than what you are experiencing? Do you ever watch great Christian men and women longing to have their type of relationship with God? Do you ever open the pages of your Bible and stare like it is a foreign language? Do the sins in your life seem overwhelming at times? Is victory over those sins short lived or non-existent? Do you have a burning desire to know God deeper? Do you long to follow Him the way the ancient men of old did? Have you ever thrown up your hands and cried, “There has GOT to be more to it than this!”
Join my club. The club of the Seekers. The club of the Believers. The club of the Sometimes-Like-a-Duck-Puddle-Dweller-Instead-of-Lake-Owning-Christian.
I think many times God calls out to me, “JACLYN! I have a lake prepared for you and you are in the puddle! YOU ARE IN THE PUDDLE!!! I have given you everything you need to know me deeper. You have the strength to overcome sins. You have all the promises of my Word. If only you will BELIVE Me!!! Get out of the puddle!”
And what are some of my or our foolish responses to God? Strange, they sound almost like the duck…
1- The puddle is just fine for me… translation- “I like my life the way it is even if I wonder sometimes if there is more to it than this.”
2- The hill is too steep to climb… translation- “I do not want to do the work it would really take to be the follower of God that I want to be and know I should be. Memorize Scripture? I can’t. Read my Bible EVERY day? I don’t have time. Give up the movies and music I love? I don’t think so.”
3- Are you judging me for staying in the puddle? Translation- “I know that there are some Christians who live their faith out to the fullest, but I am content with just knowing I am going to heaven when I die. Are you judging me for the type of Christian I am?”
4- The puddle is all I have ever known… translation- “This is the way I was raised. This is all I have ever known. I am scared to step out of my comfort zone.”
5- I’ve never seen the lake, how can I trust it is there? Translation- “If God wanted me to know more of Him He would have shown me by now. Some Christians make up their close relationship with God to try to look better.”
6- The lake is only for important ducks… translation- “God does not let all Christians that close to Him. Authors, pastors, missionaries and great speakers are the only ones that get close to God. If I got closer to God people might think I am arrogant.”
7- I always thought there was more to being a duck than this… translation- “I want to know God more. I really do. I have no idea where to start. I am no longer content with mediocrity.”
So where do we start? What is the first move in becoming closer to God? In my own journey and discussing with others their walk of faith I have found several key beginnings. There is no formula. There is no three step method. No cure. No easy way out.
I am sure you have read verses like…
Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
… and wondered, me? HOW?
Then we have encouragement and promise…
2 Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
We can do it through Him. We CAN become more like Christ with the Spirit’s help. We CAN be godly. We CAN be holy. I don’t know about you, but that is encouraging to me. I pray that we will rise up and become believers that are recklessly willing to believe God!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
$20.60
Destination: Unique Thrift Store
Quest: Find new clothes to revive my wardrobe
Outcome: Mission Completed
Completion Details: 1 skirt, 2 shirts, 1 capri, 1 shawl for sister, 1 video for brother
Total Cost of Mission: $20.60
Mall Total of Same Items: $189.99
Quest: Find new clothes to revive my wardrobe
Outcome: Mission Completed
Completion Details: 1 skirt, 2 shirts, 1 capri, 1 shawl for sister, 1 video for brother
Total Cost of Mission: $20.60
Mall Total of Same Items: $189.99
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
My Life
Birthdays- Timothy turned the big 10 yesterday! He has been so excited the last few months. Yesterday he said it seemed like just another day. It is amazing to watch him grow, mature and learn so much! He is a blessing to all of us with his love for God, smile and thoughtfulness. We will celebrate with a party on Saturday. Our birthday parties are always grand events for they only happen every couple of years on our "big" birthdays! Happy Birthday, Ducky!
Church- I will not go into much detail here. All I have to say is that every day it becomes more clear to me why there are thousands of pastors leaving the ministry. Pastors and their families who are tired, depressed, apathetic, joyless, weary, weak and worried. Where are the valiant men of character that left seminary ready to change the world for Jesus? I have one phrase for you: church politics. The death of all pastors, all visions, all energy and all that the Holy Spirit wants to do.
Do NOT get me wrong here... I love the Church. I know God Is. He is Sovereign. He is Control. He is Grace. He is Mercy. But the Church, His Bride, is so far from where we need to be. And the men that God has placed a call on their lives to lead and refine the church are "dying" because the church is wallowing in mediocrity.
Maybe I will post on this sometime. I desperately want to write a book. I want the "common" church member to know the life of the pastor. I also want to encourage the fellow pastors and their families to remain true to the King... no matter what the King's people do.
Bicycles- I have had an increasing interest in bicycles. I am not a runner. I am not a jogger. I lvoe riding the bicycle. Timothy, Victoria and I have been riding 3 miles on selected days. We are almost under 20 minutes. Pretty good for the terrain we are riding and the age of the youngest. My legs fair well. My backside on the seat has not. I keep telling myself that the pain will go away after more consistant riding. We'll see.
Church- I will not go into much detail here. All I have to say is that every day it becomes more clear to me why there are thousands of pastors leaving the ministry. Pastors and their families who are tired, depressed, apathetic, joyless, weary, weak and worried. Where are the valiant men of character that left seminary ready to change the world for Jesus? I have one phrase for you: church politics. The death of all pastors, all visions, all energy and all that the Holy Spirit wants to do.
Do NOT get me wrong here... I love the Church. I know God Is. He is Sovereign. He is Control. He is Grace. He is Mercy. But the Church, His Bride, is so far from where we need to be. And the men that God has placed a call on their lives to lead and refine the church are "dying" because the church is wallowing in mediocrity.
Maybe I will post on this sometime. I desperately want to write a book. I want the "common" church member to know the life of the pastor. I also want to encourage the fellow pastors and their families to remain true to the King... no matter what the King's people do.
Bicycles- I have had an increasing interest in bicycles. I am not a runner. I am not a jogger. I lvoe riding the bicycle. Timothy, Victoria and I have been riding 3 miles on selected days. We are almost under 20 minutes. Pretty good for the terrain we are riding and the age of the youngest. My legs fair well. My backside on the seat has not. I keep telling myself that the pain will go away after more consistant riding. We'll see.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
All Threes
Three things you like about yourself:
- my smile
- my handwriting
- my teaching ability
Three physical things you don't like about yourself:
- untoned legs
- untoned stomach
- oliy skin
Three things that scare you:
- garbage disposal
- the death of my family
- my weaknesses
Three of your everyday essentials:
- time with my Jesus
- food
- family time
Three things you are wearing now:
- clothes
- my "something blue" bracelet
- rings
Three of your favorite bands or musical artists:
- Chris Tomlin
- Caedmon's Call
- Watermark
Three things you want in a relationship:
- love
- forgiveness
- understanding
Two truths and a lie: (in any order)
- I went out to dinner last night
- I used to live in Nebraska
- I wear a size 7 shoe
Three physical things that turn you on:
- eyes
- smile/ laugh
- hands
Three of your favorite hobbies:
- reading
- being with my family
- scrapbooking
Three things you really want to do right now:
- lose fat, gain muscle
- be a wife
- be a mommy
Three careers you'd consider:
- Teaching
- Midwifery
- Counseling
Three places you want to go on vacation:
- Australia/ New Zealand
- Africa
- India
Three things you want to do before you die:
- Be married
- Have children
- Know, see and believe as much of God as a human is able to handle
- my smile
- my handwriting
- my teaching ability
Three physical things you don't like about yourself:
- untoned legs
- untoned stomach
- oliy skin
Three things that scare you:
- garbage disposal
- the death of my family
- my weaknesses
Three of your everyday essentials:
- time with my Jesus
- food
- family time
Three things you are wearing now:
- clothes
- my "something blue" bracelet
- rings
Three of your favorite bands or musical artists:
- Chris Tomlin
- Caedmon's Call
- Watermark
Three things you want in a relationship:
- love
- forgiveness
- understanding
Two truths and a lie: (in any order)
- I went out to dinner last night
- I used to live in Nebraska
- I wear a size 7 shoe
Three physical things that turn you on:
- eyes
- smile/ laugh
- hands
Three of your favorite hobbies:
- reading
- being with my family
- scrapbooking
Three things you really want to do right now:
- lose fat, gain muscle
- be a wife
- be a mommy
Three careers you'd consider:
- Teaching
- Midwifery
- Counseling
Three places you want to go on vacation:
- Australia/ New Zealand
- Africa
- India
Three things you want to do before you die:
- Be married
- Have children
- Know, see and believe as much of God as a human is able to handle
Monday, August 29, 2005
Believing God- Part 1
"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me." Isaiah 43:10
It has been almost one year since this verse spawned an incredible journey for me.
The day was cold and dark. Silence illuminated every thought that coursed through my mind. The burden pressing on my shoulders was unbearable. “Jaclyn,” whispered the soft voice. The call was so real and personal that my eyes grew wide. I knew the voice. I loved the voice. He was calling to me. So tender. So compassionate. So inviting. The tears flowed.
Tears of pain. Tears of sadness. Tears of joy. Tears of surrender. Every kind of tear that you can imagine spilled onto my face. The year had been full of pain. But it had also been full of freedom. Freedom from bondage I had willingly subjected myself to. I had idolized something and God had destroyed it. For that I praised Him.
The new burden I was feeling was different. It was not bondage… but a call. A call to another quest. The next level of freedom. The pleading came from the Lover of My Soul to do something that would alter my life- FOREVER.
“Jaclyn,” God appealed earnestly,” are you ready? Are you ready to set aside your plans for your life? Are you ready to embark on a journey that will leave you breathless?”
“Oh, God,” I barely sighed, “yes.”
“Believe me, Child.”
“I do believe in You,” I ignorantly responded.
“No, I said, believe Me. Believe Me like You have never believed me before. Believe with all Your soul that I AM. Believe Me that I know what I am doing. Believe Me for all I have ever been in history. Believe me that I know everything about everything. Believe Me that I am who I say I am and no other. Believe Me that I can do what I say I can do. Believe Me that You are who I say you are. Believe that I am sovereign over all, in all, through all and to all. I AM the Great I AM.”
Stunned I sat. “YES!!! I want to believe You. I want to know You.”
Stunned I would continue to be for the next month, six months and year. Little did I know what God was truly going to do to me! And I have enjoyed every moment.
Believing God has taken on a whole new meaning. It goes beyond the saving faith that says “Jesus is my Savior. I’m going to heaven.” Believing God is so much more. More exciting. More daring. More fulfilling. More dangerous. More satisfying. More. Whatever I “experience” and know of God… He is MORE.
The Church of America is stifled by unbelief. Most Christians are content with going to church and maybe cracking open their Bibles once in a while. We continue sinning with the label of “grace” or “weakness”. We either worship miracles or believe they do not exist anymore. We hesitate to tell others about Jesus because we are scared or use the excuse that we “have not been called” to missions. We are raising children that are rebellious, disinterested in God, atheists and relativists. What has gone wrong? Where did the passionate, bold, enthusiastic and faith-defenders go?
We believe little because we see little and we see little because we believe little.
Mediocrity is not my heritage. Christ is. I want to know Him. I want to believe Him. I want to take Him at His Word. I want to live a life unashamed of the gospel. I will.
Will you? Will you be one that truly believes? Untold blessings await those who step into the threshold of believing God. Beware, it is not full of comfort. Beware, it is not predictable. Beware, it is not easy.
The day was cold and dark. Silence illuminated every thought that coursed through my mind. The burden pressing on my shoulders was unbearable. “Jaclyn,” whispered the soft voice. The call was so real and personal that my eyes grew wide. I knew the voice. I loved the voice. He was calling to me. So tender. So compassionate. So inviting. The tears flowed.
Tears of pain. Tears of sadness. Tears of joy. Tears of surrender. Every kind of tear that you can imagine spilled onto my face. The year had been full of pain. But it had also been full of freedom. Freedom from bondage I had willingly subjected myself to. I had idolized something and God had destroyed it. For that I praised Him.
The new burden I was feeling was different. It was not bondage… but a call. A call to another quest. The next level of freedom. The pleading came from the Lover of My Soul to do something that would alter my life- FOREVER.
“Jaclyn,” God appealed earnestly,” are you ready? Are you ready to set aside your plans for your life? Are you ready to embark on a journey that will leave you breathless?”
“Oh, God,” I barely sighed, “yes.”
“Believe me, Child.”
“I do believe in You,” I ignorantly responded.
“No, I said, believe Me. Believe Me like You have never believed me before. Believe with all Your soul that I AM. Believe Me that I know what I am doing. Believe Me for all I have ever been in history. Believe me that I know everything about everything. Believe Me that I am who I say I am and no other. Believe Me that I can do what I say I can do. Believe Me that You are who I say you are. Believe that I am sovereign over all, in all, through all and to all. I AM the Great I AM.”
Stunned I sat. “YES!!! I want to believe You. I want to know You.”
Stunned I would continue to be for the next month, six months and year. Little did I know what God was truly going to do to me! And I have enjoyed every moment.
Believing God has taken on a whole new meaning. It goes beyond the saving faith that says “Jesus is my Savior. I’m going to heaven.” Believing God is so much more. More exciting. More daring. More fulfilling. More dangerous. More satisfying. More. Whatever I “experience” and know of God… He is MORE.
The Church of America is stifled by unbelief. Most Christians are content with going to church and maybe cracking open their Bibles once in a while. We continue sinning with the label of “grace” or “weakness”. We either worship miracles or believe they do not exist anymore. We hesitate to tell others about Jesus because we are scared or use the excuse that we “have not been called” to missions. We are raising children that are rebellious, disinterested in God, atheists and relativists. What has gone wrong? Where did the passionate, bold, enthusiastic and faith-defenders go?
We believe little because we see little and we see little because we believe little.
Mediocrity is not my heritage. Christ is. I want to know Him. I want to believe Him. I want to take Him at His Word. I want to live a life unashamed of the gospel. I will.
Will you? Will you be one that truly believes? Untold blessings await those who step into the threshold of believing God. Beware, it is not full of comfort. Beware, it is not predictable. Beware, it is not easy.
Beware, it is the most amazing life of all.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Things I am sure you wanted to know...
Dawn did it and I thought it fun as well...
1. If you were to choose a new name for yourself, what would it be?
When I was younger I would have said Rachel or Elizabeth. I thought Jaclyn was too plain and not romantic enough. Well, now I am a little older and realize that NO ONE is named Jaclyn. My poor daughters, though, may get the names that I once dreamed I bore.
2. If you were given an extra $10 in change at Walmart, what would you do with it and why?
If it was given to be by mistake I would return it.
3. What's the biggest lesson you've learned from your past relationships?
The biggest lesson I have learned from past AND present relationships is to listen. Not that I have perfected the skill, but I am working on it. Another key to healthy relationships is patience. Patience with faults, patience with slowness, patience with circumstances, patience with time... I am not perfect either.
4. What's one of your worst habits?
Picking at my fingernails. NOT chewing... that habit was broke years ago.
5. What was the best day of the past week for you - why?
Thursday- my birthday!!!
6. What are you wearing today which is most reflective of who you are?
Hummm... everything. I am wearing a brown skirt with soft mint green, pink and tan flowers; a pink shirt and tan light sweater. I love soft, natural colors that accent my dark hair and skin. I am also wearing my new earrings and necklace. It is not my signature jewelry, but fun to wear something new. Of everything I am wearing, though, my shoes and rings are most reflective of who I am. My shoes are from Africa... a contstant reminder of my heart for unreached people. My rings. My precious rings. On my middle finger of my right hand I wear a thin, simple, white gold band engraved with a delicate design. This ring was given to me by my dad's mother about 10 years ago. She told me that it was my great-grandmother's wedding band. I am honored to wear a part of the legacy of a godly woman. On my ring finger on my left hand I wear my purity ring. Made of white gold with a simple heart and tiny diamond, it is a reminder that is always with me of the commitment I have made to my future husband, future children and my family. It is a reminder to be pure in speech, thought, actions and lifestyle.
7. Choose a unique item from your wallet and explain why you carry it around.
Just a sec... I have to look. (I actually don't have a wallet, but built in pocket in my purse) Hahaha... My SAM's card? There is nothing that is really unique. Membership cards, debit card, checkbook, lotion, chapstick, etc.
8. If you could change one thing about your physical appearance what would it be and why?
The allergy dark cirlces under my eyes in the spring!
9. Share one of your most embarrassing moments.
Fainting in front of my friends... Read all about it here!
10. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to go back in time and fix all your mistakes which would you choose?
I would take the money. My mistakes are a part of who I am and who God WANTS me to be! If I take away the mistakes, I also have to take away the personal growth, the glory God has received because of my weakness and people I have been able to help in similar situations. If you take all of those things away, I am no longer Jaclyn. I cannot even imagine who I would be or what fire I would have. Pain produces passion. Weakness encourages growth.
11. If you were given a million dollars and 24 hours to spend it in, (no depositing it in the bank or investing it) what would you buy?
I would pay off my parents house, buy mom a new car, buy a little cabin in the mountains, build a house in the country, muy dad a camp to manage, buy me a house (to use as a rental until I am ready to live in it with my husbadnd and15 kids), buy airplane tickets that never expire to every corner of the earth, donate money to World Vision, Gospel for Asia, Voice of the Martyrs and Compassion International, give Ben money to start his dream conference (maybe a TAYLOR guitar too)... are my 24 hours up yet??? I think my money is gone too...
12. When you look at yourself in the mirror, what's the first thing you look at?
Ummm... I have no idea. It depends why I was going to look in the mirror in the first place...
13. How much cash do you have on you?
I think a nickel.
14. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"?
Rest.
15. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
Momma.
16. What is your main ring tone on your phone?
I don't know what it is called... it is pretty... almost time for a change, though!
17. Do you prefer a bright or dark room?
Well, not black dark, but I do not mind a wall painted a darker color for dramatic effect. Overall, I like brighter colors like blue, yellow and green.
18. What did you have for breakfast?
Raisin Bran.
19. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Sleeping.
20. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say?
I do not have text capabilities.
21. Do you ever click on "Pop Ups" or Banners?
Nope.
22. Who told you they loved you last?
My momma.
23. Last furry thing you touched?
Furry? Katie's cat, Madison.
24. How many hours a week do you work?
16- 20
25. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed?
One or two. I have 5 to pick up.
26. Favorite age you have been so far?
Oh my... 22 is good so far!
27. Your worst enemy?
Satan. My own sinful flesh.
28. What is your current desk top picture?
Some kind of pretty yellow flower off of a wallpaper website.
29. What was the last thing you said to someone?
"We have enough to spare!"
1. If you were to choose a new name for yourself, what would it be?
When I was younger I would have said Rachel or Elizabeth. I thought Jaclyn was too plain and not romantic enough. Well, now I am a little older and realize that NO ONE is named Jaclyn. My poor daughters, though, may get the names that I once dreamed I bore.
2. If you were given an extra $10 in change at Walmart, what would you do with it and why?
If it was given to be by mistake I would return it.
3. What's the biggest lesson you've learned from your past relationships?
The biggest lesson I have learned from past AND present relationships is to listen. Not that I have perfected the skill, but I am working on it. Another key to healthy relationships is patience. Patience with faults, patience with slowness, patience with circumstances, patience with time... I am not perfect either.
4. What's one of your worst habits?
Picking at my fingernails. NOT chewing... that habit was broke years ago.
5. What was the best day of the past week for you - why?
Thursday- my birthday!!!
6. What are you wearing today which is most reflective of who you are?
Hummm... everything. I am wearing a brown skirt with soft mint green, pink and tan flowers; a pink shirt and tan light sweater. I love soft, natural colors that accent my dark hair and skin. I am also wearing my new earrings and necklace. It is not my signature jewelry, but fun to wear something new. Of everything I am wearing, though, my shoes and rings are most reflective of who I am. My shoes are from Africa... a contstant reminder of my heart for unreached people. My rings. My precious rings. On my middle finger of my right hand I wear a thin, simple, white gold band engraved with a delicate design. This ring was given to me by my dad's mother about 10 years ago. She told me that it was my great-grandmother's wedding band. I am honored to wear a part of the legacy of a godly woman. On my ring finger on my left hand I wear my purity ring. Made of white gold with a simple heart and tiny diamond, it is a reminder that is always with me of the commitment I have made to my future husband, future children and my family. It is a reminder to be pure in speech, thought, actions and lifestyle.
7. Choose a unique item from your wallet and explain why you carry it around.
Just a sec... I have to look. (I actually don't have a wallet, but built in pocket in my purse) Hahaha... My SAM's card? There is nothing that is really unique. Membership cards, debit card, checkbook, lotion, chapstick, etc.
8. If you could change one thing about your physical appearance what would it be and why?
The allergy dark cirlces under my eyes in the spring!
9. Share one of your most embarrassing moments.
Fainting in front of my friends... Read all about it here!
10. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to go back in time and fix all your mistakes which would you choose?
I would take the money. My mistakes are a part of who I am and who God WANTS me to be! If I take away the mistakes, I also have to take away the personal growth, the glory God has received because of my weakness and people I have been able to help in similar situations. If you take all of those things away, I am no longer Jaclyn. I cannot even imagine who I would be or what fire I would have. Pain produces passion. Weakness encourages growth.
11. If you were given a million dollars and 24 hours to spend it in, (no depositing it in the bank or investing it) what would you buy?
I would pay off my parents house, buy mom a new car, buy a little cabin in the mountains, build a house in the country, muy dad a camp to manage, buy me a house (to use as a rental until I am ready to live in it with my husbadnd and15 kids), buy airplane tickets that never expire to every corner of the earth, donate money to World Vision, Gospel for Asia, Voice of the Martyrs and Compassion International, give Ben money to start his dream conference (maybe a TAYLOR guitar too)... are my 24 hours up yet??? I think my money is gone too...
12. When you look at yourself in the mirror, what's the first thing you look at?
Ummm... I have no idea. It depends why I was going to look in the mirror in the first place...
13. How much cash do you have on you?
I think a nickel.
14. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"?
Rest.
15. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
Momma.
16. What is your main ring tone on your phone?
I don't know what it is called... it is pretty... almost time for a change, though!
17. Do you prefer a bright or dark room?
Well, not black dark, but I do not mind a wall painted a darker color for dramatic effect. Overall, I like brighter colors like blue, yellow and green.
18. What did you have for breakfast?
Raisin Bran.
19. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Sleeping.
20. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say?
I do not have text capabilities.
21. Do you ever click on "Pop Ups" or Banners?
Nope.
22. Who told you they loved you last?
My momma.
23. Last furry thing you touched?
Furry? Katie's cat, Madison.
24. How many hours a week do you work?
16- 20
25. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed?
One or two. I have 5 to pick up.
26. Favorite age you have been so far?
Oh my... 22 is good so far!
27. Your worst enemy?
Satan. My own sinful flesh.
28. What is your current desk top picture?
Some kind of pretty yellow flower off of a wallpaper website.
29. What was the last thing you said to someone?
"We have enough to spare!"
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Another year gone by...
Well, it has happened again. Another year has been added to my life today. A year full of joy, trials, growth and experiences. What a blessing to have had another year to breathe, laugh, cry, sleep, walk, eat, play, learn and love. It has been a good year.
I wonder what twenty-two will hold for me? I look to the future and to my Savior with anticipation knowing that He is in control. Of this I am confident... as long as I have my Jesus everything will be just fine.
So here is to a new year, to the mother who gave birth to me and to the King of Kings that I will follow all the days of my life!
I wonder what twenty-two will hold for me? I look to the future and to my Savior with anticipation knowing that He is in control. Of this I am confident... as long as I have my Jesus everything will be just fine.
So here is to a new year, to the mother who gave birth to me and to the King of Kings that I will follow all the days of my life!
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
"Let him who boasts...
...boast in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:31
The passage including this summary verse was my focus this morning in my time with The Almighty. The entire passage says: (bold are my thoughts)
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
*What is the message of the cross? Hope. Forgiveness. Eternity. Peace. Joy. Love. For those who are perishing is seems stupid and unbelievable. It is a message hard to believe. It seems crazy. God sent His Son to die for me??? Scandalous. BUT to those who do believe it is the power of God. God's ultimate power is displayed in the life, death and resurrection of, well, Himself. The message of the cross is the power of God! Soak it in. Praise His name. The greatest paradox is found in the message of Jesus. Lion of Judah slain on the cross as the Lamb of God. King of the Universe murdered by His own creation through a plot by the King's own pen. It is no wonder that the next verse (19) says what it does. In the act of the cross God completely destroyed the wisdom of the "wise" and all human intelligence is frustrated when it ponders Jesus Christ.
I LOVE the next section of questions... Remember who wrote them- Paul. Someone who used to think of himself as wise, a scholar and a philosopher!
20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
*So, where is the wise man? Scholar? Philosopher? Attention, attention anyone who can solve the mystery of the cross! God answers and says He made foolish the wisdom of the world. He crushed all of our "wisdom" under the weight of the cross. The world, through whatever wisdom it thinks it has, cannot understand God. The next phrase is so funny... it pleased God to have a plan so crazy to preach to those being saved! I can just imagine God sitting on the throne of heaven smiling. The mighty little humans think they are so smart, so He used something WE would think was foolish to show HIS greatest wisdom and power! This reminds me of a beloved song by Michael Card which says, "So we follow God's own Fool, for only the foolish can tell. Believe the unbelievable and come be a fool as well." Sure, call Jesus and the plan of the cross foolish, I'll believe it and you can call me a fool too!
22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
*I am squirming in my seat with excitement! We are getting to the climax of what Paul is writing here!!! Jews look for miracles. That is what they see from the Old Testament. They see a Miraculous and Judging God. Therefore,that is how they expect the Messiah to come. Greeks, on the other hand, rely on intelligence, philosophy and whatever other "wisdom" they can understand. Christ was a stumbling block to both. Jesus did not come as the Jews expected and wanted. Jesus was foolish to the Greeks. Those that did see... both Jews and Greeks... they saw what each of them needed to see. The Jews saw the power of God, the answer to their desire for miracles. The Greeks saw the wisdom of God in the unbelievable. "For the foolishness of God (if He had any) is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God (if He had any) is stronger than man's strength." One of the deepest philosophical verses ever. God has no foolishness nor weakness. So why does Paul say this? If God has no foolishness and that foolishness (or lack of) is WISER than man's wisdom... and if God has no weakness and that weakness (or lack of) is STRONGER than man's strength... the only conclusion I can draw is that we have no wisdom or strength at all. Whatever abilities, smarts or strength we have comes from Him alone. Period. End of story.
The passage including this summary verse was my focus this morning in my time with The Almighty. The entire passage says: (bold are my thoughts)
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
*What is the message of the cross? Hope. Forgiveness. Eternity. Peace. Joy. Love. For those who are perishing is seems stupid and unbelievable. It is a message hard to believe. It seems crazy. God sent His Son to die for me??? Scandalous. BUT to those who do believe it is the power of God. God's ultimate power is displayed in the life, death and resurrection of, well, Himself. The message of the cross is the power of God! Soak it in. Praise His name. The greatest paradox is found in the message of Jesus. Lion of Judah slain on the cross as the Lamb of God. King of the Universe murdered by His own creation through a plot by the King's own pen. It is no wonder that the next verse (19) says what it does. In the act of the cross God completely destroyed the wisdom of the "wise" and all human intelligence is frustrated when it ponders Jesus Christ.
I LOVE the next section of questions... Remember who wrote them- Paul. Someone who used to think of himself as wise, a scholar and a philosopher!
20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
*So, where is the wise man? Scholar? Philosopher? Attention, attention anyone who can solve the mystery of the cross! God answers and says He made foolish the wisdom of the world. He crushed all of our "wisdom" under the weight of the cross. The world, through whatever wisdom it thinks it has, cannot understand God. The next phrase is so funny... it pleased God to have a plan so crazy to preach to those being saved! I can just imagine God sitting on the throne of heaven smiling. The mighty little humans think they are so smart, so He used something WE would think was foolish to show HIS greatest wisdom and power! This reminds me of a beloved song by Michael Card which says, "So we follow God's own Fool, for only the foolish can tell. Believe the unbelievable and come be a fool as well." Sure, call Jesus and the plan of the cross foolish, I'll believe it and you can call me a fool too!
22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
*I am squirming in my seat with excitement! We are getting to the climax of what Paul is writing here!!! Jews look for miracles. That is what they see from the Old Testament. They see a Miraculous and Judging God. Therefore,that is how they expect the Messiah to come. Greeks, on the other hand, rely on intelligence, philosophy and whatever other "wisdom" they can understand. Christ was a stumbling block to both. Jesus did not come as the Jews expected and wanted. Jesus was foolish to the Greeks. Those that did see... both Jews and Greeks... they saw what each of them needed to see. The Jews saw the power of God, the answer to their desire for miracles. The Greeks saw the wisdom of God in the unbelievable. "For the foolishness of God (if He had any) is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God (if He had any) is stronger than man's strength." One of the deepest philosophical verses ever. God has no foolishness nor weakness. So why does Paul say this? If God has no foolishness and that foolishness (or lack of) is WISER than man's wisdom... and if God has no weakness and that weakness (or lack of) is STRONGER than man's strength... the only conclusion I can draw is that we have no wisdom or strength at all. Whatever abilities, smarts or strength we have comes from Him alone. Period. End of story.
Now Paul gets personal to the group he is writing to, but it also applies to us!
26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
*Gee, thanks Paul.
27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not to nullify the things that are,
*God CHOSE it to be that way to shame the wise and the strong. Why? Why did He do that? Why would He choose the smelly fisherman, the cheating tax collector, the shamed prostitute, the filthy beggar, the helpless blind, the outcast leper, the wandering homeless, the Jesus-follower persecutor and the crucified thief? Why did He choose you? ME?
29 so that no one may boast before Him.
*That's why.
30 It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God, that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
*It is because of Him that I am in Christ Jesus. He is FOR us the wisdom of God. When we could not understand, He became our Understanding. He is our Righteousness. When we could not be right, He became our Covering. He is our Holiness. When we could not be perfect, He became our Answer. He is our Redemption. When we were slaves to sin, He paid the ransom for our deliverance with His life.
31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
*Enough said.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Who am I?
There are gobs of quizzes at Quiz Farm. I took two yesterday to see what kind of a person I am. Hahaha... like I did not know already.
The first quiz was to see what kind of worldview I have. Guess what it said? I am a fundamentalist. Duh.
You scored as Fundamentalist. (Emphasis mine for laughs!)
Fundamentalism represents a movement in opposition to Modernism, stressing the highest importance on foundational religious tradition. Science has brought on corruption of society. God is real and is watching. Scripture leaves little room for interpretation; man is God's creation. About a quarter of the population in the U.S. is classified as Fundamentalist.
My final results:
Fundamentalist- 63%
Cultural Creative- 56%
Romanticist- 44%
Postmodernist- 25%
Modernist- 0%
Materialist- 0%
Idealist- 0%
Existentialist- 0%
The second quiz I took was titled, "What is the right religion for you?" I knew the answer already of course, but was curious to see the questions. The quiz told me that Christianity would be the best religion for me. Duh again.
You scored as Christianity. Your views are most similar to those of Christianity. Consider being baptized, if you aren't already Christian.
My final results:
Christian- 100%
Islam- 60%
Judaism- 30%
Paganism- 10%
Satanism- 0%
Atheism- 0%
Hinduism- 0%
I am not sure where the 10% Paganism comes from, but even pagans agree to love others and not hurt animals (questions on the quiz).
The first quiz was to see what kind of worldview I have. Guess what it said? I am a fundamentalist. Duh.
You scored as Fundamentalist. (Emphasis mine for laughs!)
Fundamentalism represents a movement in opposition to Modernism, stressing the highest importance on foundational religious tradition. Science has brought on corruption of society. God is real and is watching. Scripture leaves little room for interpretation; man is God's creation. About a quarter of the population in the U.S. is classified as Fundamentalist.
My final results:
Fundamentalist- 63%
Cultural Creative- 56%
Romanticist- 44%
Postmodernist- 25%
Modernist- 0%
Materialist- 0%
Idealist- 0%
Existentialist- 0%
The second quiz I took was titled, "What is the right religion for you?" I knew the answer already of course, but was curious to see the questions. The quiz told me that Christianity would be the best religion for me. Duh again.
You scored as Christianity. Your views are most similar to those of Christianity. Consider being baptized, if you aren't already Christian.
My final results:
Christian- 100%
Islam- 60%
Judaism- 30%
Paganism- 10%
Satanism- 0%
Atheism- 0%
Hinduism- 0%
I am not sure where the 10% Paganism comes from, but even pagans agree to love others and not hurt animals (questions on the quiz).
Monday, August 01, 2005
Home Again Home Again
Good morning to all! We returned home safe and sound!
God did amazing things through us and with us. He continually blew me away with His presence, guidance and strength. I learned so much about our team. I learned so much about leadership. I learned to overcome fears and to be bold.
We talked to many people one on one about their "spiritual lives". We saw one person accept the message of Jesus and one person come very close. We were amazed at responses like, "I have never thought about heaven and hell." "I believe in Jesus, but think I still have to do good works to get into heaven." "I don't care if I go to hell." I knew these would be some of the answers, but it never ceases to amaze me that people say them. We all walked away from various conversations shaking our head. Several of us broke into tears during our evening devotion over the souls that are still blind.
It breaks my heart. We touched so few lives in the scope of the world. We were overwhellmed, saddened, burdened and hit full in the face with the reality of people's beliefs. YET, we all came home knowing God better and having a renewed boldness to share the love of God with others. Therefore, the trip was a "success". We did not see gobs of people bend the knee toward heaven. We did not speak to thousands. We came home changed. We touched as many people as we could and now we pray that God will use us to draw the people to Him.
Very sad news... I forgot to take pictures of me as a clown. I am serious. We have a group picture of us clowns. But not on the digital camera. I am sooooo sorry! I am going to try to scan the group pic and upload it!
Thank you for your prayers! I am excited to see what the future holds for our team!
God did amazing things through us and with us. He continually blew me away with His presence, guidance and strength. I learned so much about our team. I learned so much about leadership. I learned to overcome fears and to be bold.
We talked to many people one on one about their "spiritual lives". We saw one person accept the message of Jesus and one person come very close. We were amazed at responses like, "I have never thought about heaven and hell." "I believe in Jesus, but think I still have to do good works to get into heaven." "I don't care if I go to hell." I knew these would be some of the answers, but it never ceases to amaze me that people say them. We all walked away from various conversations shaking our head. Several of us broke into tears during our evening devotion over the souls that are still blind.
It breaks my heart. We touched so few lives in the scope of the world. We were overwhellmed, saddened, burdened and hit full in the face with the reality of people's beliefs. YET, we all came home knowing God better and having a renewed boldness to share the love of God with others. Therefore, the trip was a "success". We did not see gobs of people bend the knee toward heaven. We did not speak to thousands. We came home changed. We touched as many people as we could and now we pray that God will use us to draw the people to Him.
Very sad news... I forgot to take pictures of me as a clown. I am serious. We have a group picture of us clowns. But not on the digital camera. I am sooooo sorry! I am going to try to scan the group pic and upload it!
Thank you for your prayers! I am excited to see what the future holds for our team!
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Today is the day!!!
Excited. Ready. Excited. Anxious. Excited. Pondering. Excited.
That is how I am feeling right now about the mission adventure to Cheyenne. Everything is falling into place. 4 hours left until departure.
Once we arrive in Cheyenne we will set up sleeping arrangements at my grandparent's home, have dinner and then go see the town. We will show the team where we will be for the pancake breakfast, parade and rodeo. While seeing the locations of ministry we will prayer walk.
Tomorrow will be full! We will awake early for the pancake breakfast served by the Cheyenne Boy Scouts to over 5,000 people each morning! We will eat and then begin our witnessing! Tomorrow afternoon we will do video evangelism and practice our clowning.
Saturday we clothe ourselves in clowning costumes and head to the parade! People usually arrive at the parade route an hour before it starts. They save seats on the street. They are a captive audience! So, we go into the middle of the street and share Jesus! I get nervous about being told that we cannot do it in the street... it is the best location! We will do more video evangelism in the afternoon and finish our night with the rodeo!
Please pray for:
* Safe travels
* Health
* Unity
* Boldness
* Openness for clowning in the street!
* Our team to grow in our faith
Thank you all for your support and prayers! I look forward to telling you what God has done through us and with us! May His name be praised and Jesus glorified!
That is how I am feeling right now about the mission adventure to Cheyenne. Everything is falling into place. 4 hours left until departure.
Once we arrive in Cheyenne we will set up sleeping arrangements at my grandparent's home, have dinner and then go see the town. We will show the team where we will be for the pancake breakfast, parade and rodeo. While seeing the locations of ministry we will prayer walk.
Tomorrow will be full! We will awake early for the pancake breakfast served by the Cheyenne Boy Scouts to over 5,000 people each morning! We will eat and then begin our witnessing! Tomorrow afternoon we will do video evangelism and practice our clowning.
Saturday we clothe ourselves in clowning costumes and head to the parade! People usually arrive at the parade route an hour before it starts. They save seats on the street. They are a captive audience! So, we go into the middle of the street and share Jesus! I get nervous about being told that we cannot do it in the street... it is the best location! We will do more video evangelism in the afternoon and finish our night with the rodeo!
Please pray for:
* Safe travels
* Health
* Unity
* Boldness
* Openness for clowning in the street!
* Our team to grow in our faith
Thank you all for your support and prayers! I look forward to telling you what God has done through us and with us! May His name be praised and Jesus glorified!
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Crunch Time
There are about 52 hours left before we head to Cheyenne for our "little" mission adventure. So much to do and so little time! I have a feeling I will be getting less sleep than I have been... which means almost none.
I am glad that you all liked my picture frenzy. I will be silent on the blogging end for a few days so get used to looking at the pictures! I hope to have a bunch of them to upload when I return. Dawn has always wanted to see me as a clown... but maybe I am not ready for the WHOLE world to see that just yet.
To Do List:
* Letter to Parents
* Permission/ Medical Slips
* Vacuum
* Rip up caulking around bathtub and scrub so it can dry while we are gone
* Finish food shopping
* Meet with my financial planners
* Have one last prep meeting (tonight)
Alright, it does not look as bad on paper as it seemed in my brain.
I am glad that you all liked my picture frenzy. I will be silent on the blogging end for a few days so get used to looking at the pictures! I hope to have a bunch of them to upload when I return. Dawn has always wanted to see me as a clown... but maybe I am not ready for the WHOLE world to see that just yet.
To Do List:
* Letter to Parents
* Permission/ Medical Slips
* Vacuum
* Rip up caulking around bathtub and scrub so it can dry while we are gone
* Finish food shopping
* Meet with my financial planners
* Have one last prep meeting (tonight)
Alright, it does not look as bad on paper as it seemed in my brain.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Samuel this winter
He LOVED sledding! He would giggle and laugh all the way down, even with snow flying in his face. Once we reached the bottom he would clap his hands and say, "Mo!" (More!)
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