So theres this newsletter that's going around to all the SoCal Church of Christ college groups, and my friend asked me to write an article for the womens only section. So I did....and here it is :)
The “Foundation” of Confidence
By Sarah Beth Hall
My friend Carrenia and I decided to go a week without wearing makeup. It is harder than it sounds, really! We decided this because we needed to remind ourselves that our beauty is on the inside, and not on the outside. Our beauty comes from our heavenly Father, and that is what is important. Psalm 139:14 says “I will praise you, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know [this] very well.”
Today’s society, whether it be television, or magazines, tells us women that we should “wear this makeup and it will make you look ten years younger”; or “use this foundation, it will cover all your blemishes!” Not that there is anything wrong with wanting to look nice, mind you; but that we get so caught up in “improving” ourselves, that we lose sight of the important fact. Genesis 9:6 says that God made man in His image. My own personal translation on that is “God doesn’t make ugly things.” God doesn’t mess up. Why would I try to perfect something that the very Creator of life Himself has created? This week without makeup will be a growing week for me. It is going to push me to realize that my beauty doesn’t come in the form of perfectly lined eyes; it comes from my Almighty God who created me in His image.
I want to end this article with one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.”
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Punk Rocker
So the first time I heard this song, I thought it was stupid. Until I heard it again and looked up the lyrics. The girl, Sandi Thom, has an amazing voice and the lyrics are awesome. Here it is.
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
In seventy-seven and sixty-nine revolution was in the air
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
When the head of state didn't play guitar
Not everybody drove a car
When music really mattered and when radio was king
When accountants didn't have control
And the media couldn't buy your soul
And computers were still scary and we didn't know everything
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
In seventy-seven and sixty-nine revolution was in the air
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
When pop stars still remained a myth
And ignorance could still be bliss
And when god saved the queen she turned a whiter shade of pale
My mom and dad were in their teens
And anarchy was still a dream
And the only way to stay in touch was a letter in the mail
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
In seventy-seven and sixty-nine revolution was in the air
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
When record shops were still on top
And vinyl was all that they stocked
And the super info highway was still drifting out in space
Kids were wearing hand me downs
And playing games meant kick arounds
And footballers still had long hair and dirt across their face
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
In seventy-seven and sixty-nine revolution was in the air
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
I couldn't get the regular video to imbed... so here's this one... but you can look up the original video
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
In seventy-seven and sixty-nine revolution was in the air
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
When the head of state didn't play guitar
Not everybody drove a car
When music really mattered and when radio was king
When accountants didn't have control
And the media couldn't buy your soul
And computers were still scary and we didn't know everything
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
In seventy-seven and sixty-nine revolution was in the air
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
When pop stars still remained a myth
And ignorance could still be bliss
And when god saved the queen she turned a whiter shade of pale
My mom and dad were in their teens
And anarchy was still a dream
And the only way to stay in touch was a letter in the mail
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
In seventy-seven and sixty-nine revolution was in the air
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
When record shops were still on top
And vinyl was all that they stocked
And the super info highway was still drifting out in space
Kids were wearing hand me downs
And playing games meant kick arounds
And footballers still had long hair and dirt across their face
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
In seventy-seven and sixty-nine revolution was in the air
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
I couldn't get the regular video to imbed... so here's this one... but you can look up the original video
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Reflections
So...here' s list of things I've realized since living in Lubbock
1.How to fall in love with Jesus
2. How amazing my family is
3. Just how much I need my family
4. How much I miss my siblings
5. How country I really am
6. How much I love California weather
7. How much I love the country
8. How huge my house in California is (compared to a tiny 2 bedroom apartment with 3 girls living in it)
9. How rare my relationship with my family is
10. How lucky I am to have the parents I have
11. SACRIFICE
12. How much I love West Texas
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I hope your time is filled with Praise, and family, and good memories. I love you all!
1.How to fall in love with Jesus
2. How amazing my family is
3. Just how much I need my family
4. How much I miss my siblings
5. How country I really am
6. How much I love California weather
7. How much I love the country
8. How huge my house in California is (compared to a tiny 2 bedroom apartment with 3 girls living in it)
9. How rare my relationship with my family is
10. How lucky I am to have the parents I have
11. SACRIFICE
12. How much I love West Texas
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I hope your time is filled with Praise, and family, and good memories. I love you all!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Song
Hello my faithful readers! I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been super busy with AIM.. it's wonderful and stressful...and I wouldn't have myself be doing anything else. So I know this is a lame post... but I've just been listening to this song..and it's wonderful...so I thought I'd post the lyrics. :)
Like the Rain by Clint Black
Like the Rain by Clint Black
I never liked the rain until I walked through it with you
Every thunder cloud that came my way was one more
I might not get through
On the darkest day there's always light and now I see it too
But I never liked the rain until I walked th
rough it with you
I hear it falling in the night and filling up my mind
All the heaven's rivers come to light I see it all unwind
I hear it talking through the trees and on the window pain
And when I hear it I just can't believe I never liked the rain
Like the rain I have fallen for you and I know just why you
Liked the rain always calling for you I'm falling for you now
Just like the rain
When the cloud is rolling over thunder striking me
It's as bright as lightning and I wonder why I couldn't
see
That it's always good and when the flood is gone
we still remain
Guess I've known all along I just belong here with you falling
Like the rain I have fallen for you and I know why you
Liked the rain always calling for you, I'm falling for you no
w
Just like the rain I have fallen for you
I'm falling for you now just like the rain
And when the night falls on our better days
And we're looking to the sky
For the winds to take us high above the plains
I know that we'll find better ways to look
into the eye
of the storms that will be calling
Forever we'll be falling
Like the rain I have fallen for you and I know just why you
Liked the rain always calling for you, I'm falling
for you now just
Like the rain I have fallen for you and i kn
ow just why you
Like the rain always calling for you, I'm falling
for you now just
Like the rain I have fallen for you and I know just why you
Like the rain always calling for you, I'm falling
for you now just
Like the rain
Like the rain
Like the rain
Like the rain
Like the rain
Friday, August 8, 2008
Who, Me? Why ME? SEND ME!!!
I used to struggle a lot with what God's plan was for my life. I remember being brokenhearted, tired, and jaded. I remember lying in my bed, crying, and having this dialogue with God
"God, I give up... I just... give up"
And God said "I know you want to, but you can't"
"BUT GOD!!!" *whiny voice* "Life is tooo hard and I don't know what You want from me... Just tell me what to do...tell me what you want me to do"
and God said "I want you to explore AIM. Step out of the box. You can do it"
"You tell funny jokes, God"
God said: "AIM. Do AIM"
"Um, no thanks...." So I ran. I ran away from God... How do you even do that?! But I did. I ran from church, I ran from my friends, my family, my church family... I just.........ran Obviously, my stubbornness didn't get me anywhere but more disappointment and unsatisfaction. Once again, there I was, crying in my bed, talking to God, bruised, beaten, and tired.
"GOD!!! HEY! Remember me? Look, I know I haven't talked to you in a while, and I'm sorry... but I need your help"
God: "I know, and I'm here. I've always been here"
"Oh, right, that whole omnipresent, omnicient thing...I'm ready to give my life to you"
God: "So... you're going to do AIM?"
Me: "yup. I'm going to do it"
And that's it.. that's the story... I went from being Who, Me? To Why me? And now, finally... SEND ME! I'm in Lubbock and I'm chillin in my hotel room. Anxiously counting down the hours until I can register, move in, and meet my roommates. I have no idea what's going to happen over the course of the next 2 years; all I know is that I'm excited and I'm firmly holding His hand and RUNNING.
Now, don't get me wrong, I know there will be times when I fall... but that's the great thing about MY Jesus...He carries you.
I still struggle with giving Him control... but I'm getting better. If you struggle with these same things, let me pray for you. I encourage you to lean on your family and friends, too.
Lord, thank you for my family, thank you for my friends, and thank you for my supporters. Thank you for sending your Son to die for us. As I enter this new exciting phase of my life, I ask you to help me stay humble, and focused. Please help me shine Your light wherever I go. Please help us to reach people who are broken, wounded, and searching for You. In Your Son's name I pray.
Amen
"God, I give up... I just... give up"
And God said "I know you want to, but you can't"
"BUT GOD!!!" *whiny voice* "Life is tooo hard and I don't know what You want from me... Just tell me what to do...tell me what you want me to do"
and God said "I want you to explore AIM. Step out of the box. You can do it"
"You tell funny jokes, God"
God said: "AIM. Do AIM"
"Um, no thanks...." So I ran. I ran away from God... How do you even do that?! But I did. I ran from church, I ran from my friends, my family, my church family... I just.........ran Obviously, my stubbornness didn't get me anywhere but more disappointment and unsatisfaction. Once again, there I was, crying in my bed, talking to God, bruised, beaten, and tired.
"GOD!!! HEY! Remember me? Look, I know I haven't talked to you in a while, and I'm sorry... but I need your help"
God: "I know, and I'm here. I've always been here"
"Oh, right, that whole omnipresent, omnicient thing...I'm ready to give my life to you"
God: "So... you're going to do AIM?"
Me: "yup. I'm going to do it"
And that's it.. that's the story... I went from being Who, Me? To Why me? And now, finally... SEND ME! I'm in Lubbock and I'm chillin in my hotel room. Anxiously counting down the hours until I can register, move in, and meet my roommates. I have no idea what's going to happen over the course of the next 2 years; all I know is that I'm excited and I'm firmly holding His hand and RUNNING.
Now, don't get me wrong, I know there will be times when I fall... but that's the great thing about MY Jesus...He carries you.
I still struggle with giving Him control... but I'm getting better. If you struggle with these same things, let me pray for you. I encourage you to lean on your family and friends, too.
Lord, thank you for my family, thank you for my friends, and thank you for my supporters. Thank you for sending your Son to die for us. As I enter this new exciting phase of my life, I ask you to help me stay humble, and focused. Please help me shine Your light wherever I go. Please help us to reach people who are broken, wounded, and searching for You. In Your Son's name I pray.
Amen
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
"Oh what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in"
I teach preschool...at church. I have for a while now, and I love it. Mind you, they still drive me crazy from time to time, but for the most part, it's a joy. To watch a child's faith form, is an incredible thing. That wide-eyed innocence is amazing. I co-teach with my mom. And we do VBS (vacation Bible school) all year round now.
Usually, we spend two weeks on one lesson. So last week's and yesterday's lesson was about Jesus walking on the water.
Just a quick re-cap. The apostles were in the boat, and Jesus went up a mountain to pray. There was a storm, and the boat was being tossed around. So, Jesus, being the Savior that he is, started walking on the water towards the boat.
Let me just pause for a second and say... WOW... I think, because I was raised in a Christian household, and I've heard it all my life, that I take that kind of stuff for granted.
WHO ELSE could walk on water but my Jesus?... no one...that's who.
Ok..back to the story... So the apostles (being the silly humans they were) got freaked out because people really can't walk on water...And Jesus told them "Don't be afraid...It is I"... So Peter (who proves time and time again to be lacking some common sense) says "Alright, if you're really Jesus, then let me walk out to you"... So Jesus says "ok...come on"Peter starts walking on water towards Jesus....and instead of fixing his eyes on Jesus, he looked down at the waves and the wind, and got scared! Then he started to sink (serves him right!)
And of course Peter yells "Jesus! Save me!"And Jesus extended his arm and pulled Peter up...then says "Why didn't you trust me?"
Why didn't Peter trust Jesus?...
And then it hit me... I'm Peter... I've been trying to raise support for AIM and I've completely left God out of it. Why haven't I trusted Jesus?
I've sent support letters, I've made calls, I done presentations...but what haven't I done?
PRAYED!
I'm Peter... I'm sinking and I'm yelling for Jesus to pull me up out of this water I'm in. I'm splashing around making a big scene...but all I have to do is have faith.
I'm tired of being Peter. I'm trusting Jesus. He knows what He's doing. God has called me to missions... and He's trying to teach me something. But I won't shut up long enough to hear Him. I'm sorry, Jesus for hurting you and losing faith.
So from you, my faithful readers, I bequeath prayers. Pray for me to maintain faith and walk out on this water and NOT LOOK DOWN even when the waves are above my head.
As you well know...music is such a huge part of my life and while I wrote this blog, I was reminded of the Casting Crowns song "Voice of Truth"
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand
But the waves are calling out my name And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again.
"Boy, you'll never win!""You'll never win!"
Chorus: But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Usually, we spend two weeks on one lesson. So last week's and yesterday's lesson was about Jesus walking on the water.
Just a quick re-cap. The apostles were in the boat, and Jesus went up a mountain to pray. There was a storm, and the boat was being tossed around. So, Jesus, being the Savior that he is, started walking on the water towards the boat.
Let me just pause for a second and say... WOW... I think, because I was raised in a Christian household, and I've heard it all my life, that I take that kind of stuff for granted.
WHO ELSE could walk on water but my Jesus?... no one...that's who.
Ok..back to the story... So the apostles (being the silly humans they were) got freaked out because people really can't walk on water...And Jesus told them "Don't be afraid...It is I"... So Peter (who proves time and time again to be lacking some common sense) says "Alright, if you're really Jesus, then let me walk out to you"... So Jesus says "ok...come on"Peter starts walking on water towards Jesus....and instead of fixing his eyes on Jesus, he looked down at the waves and the wind, and got scared! Then he started to sink (serves him right!)
And of course Peter yells "Jesus! Save me!"And Jesus extended his arm and pulled Peter up...then says "Why didn't you trust me?"
Why didn't Peter trust Jesus?...
And then it hit me... I'm Peter... I've been trying to raise support for AIM and I've completely left God out of it. Why haven't I trusted Jesus?
I've sent support letters, I've made calls, I done presentations...but what haven't I done?
PRAYED!
I'm Peter... I'm sinking and I'm yelling for Jesus to pull me up out of this water I'm in. I'm splashing around making a big scene...but all I have to do is have faith.
I'm tired of being Peter. I'm trusting Jesus. He knows what He's doing. God has called me to missions... and He's trying to teach me something. But I won't shut up long enough to hear Him. I'm sorry, Jesus for hurting you and losing faith.
So from you, my faithful readers, I bequeath prayers. Pray for me to maintain faith and walk out on this water and NOT LOOK DOWN even when the waves are above my head.
As you well know...music is such a huge part of my life and while I wrote this blog, I was reminded of the Casting Crowns song "Voice of Truth"
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand
But the waves are calling out my name And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again.
"Boy, you'll never win!""You'll never win!"
Chorus: But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
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