tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72293218501795426232024-03-13T15:43:14.321-04:00LindseyTherefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
-Romans 15:7Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-65331086843136597942011-03-14T19:37:00.004-04:002011-03-14T20:18:25.841-04:00Go BIG or go HOME?AJ and I have been hoping and praying that through time and trust, God will show us how he wants us to specifically live out his love together, not only to each other, but to the world around us. How can we make a difference? How can we gear our lives to do significant, kingdom works? <br /><br />Growing up, and especially in my adult life, I've heard several different perspectives, both Biblical, about living out a life that "runs and finishes the race." One message is that of radical trust. Seeking to do big things that are out of the norm, requiring much sacrifice, and great trust in God to come through. I'm sure you've heard it: something like- "Pray for things that only God can do." or "God equips the called, he doesn't call the equipped." This idea would really ring strong in my ear during times of missional service, conferences or seminars, or while reading an article which broadened my world view or awareness. My heart strings were pulled. I'd see examples of people using their creativities, or just a dream, and plunging into uncertain situations with nothing trumping their surrender. I would think, "I can't live my life without finding one of these causes and doing something about it. These people get it. I want to <span style="font-style:italic;">get</span> it, and not lose sight. <br /><br />There's also the semi-opposite perspective. It is one of steadfast endurance and submission to the Lordship of Christ in daily situations and relationships. Seeking to make an impact in the "mission field" around you. Seeking the humility of day-to-day opportunities to serve and respond, rather than the "platform" of a rare and noteworthy way of life. I've heard people say that this best models the ministry of Jesus as a whole. Maybe the big and radical thing is more the Potter trying to make His clay soft; to make us do <span style="font-style:italic;">something</span> rather than <span style="font-style:italic;">nothing</span>. Who knows.<br /><br />We visited a church last week where local and North American missions were being emphasized throughout the service. Statistics and ideas were being shared. Several video testimonies were shown of young couples who had decided to invest in local causes, specifically local orphan adoption and another couple, foster parenting. Both couples shared that after much prayer, this was the way God was leading them to build the kingdom in "East Cobb." I was encouraged because this seemed like a perfect balance of the big and small. It's a pretty BIG thing to adopt a child, locally or internationally. It's also crazy big to begin to foster parent without children of your own. But it's SMALL in this way: they didn't start a business, or a non-profit. They didn't sell all they had to go to a new place. They found a system (in reference to foster parenting) that is full of opportunity. A broken system sometimes, but a system set up to achieve a great purpose. And they joined it. They are going to love and keep children and raise them up in the training of the Lord. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Super </span>cool. <br /><br />Even though the speaker at this church left us with the "do BIG things, or your life won't be remembered" spill, I left with a heart that just wants to be willing. A little confused on which side I lean on? Yes. Curious as to which type of picture my life will paint? Sure. But I talked to my heart: I don't have to have a clear picture of how we will impact the kingdom as a couple, a family. I <span style="font-style:italic;">do</span> want to pray a willing prayer on a regular basis. I want to be ready for God. I so don't want to miss what He is doing!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-36012906055451898272010-12-30T15:24:00.005-05:002010-12-30T15:59:22.049-05:00Polar Express AnalogyPolar Express is one of our favorite Christmas movies. I got to watch it again at school this year on Polar Express day, and I realized some neat parallels between the Santa character and Christ. That alone may sound cheesy if you know someone who is constantly making spiritual parallels and stretching situations just to do so. But for me, it doesn't happen as often as for some. I have to pray for God to reveal himself to me in day to day situations. It's just one of those things. So I got excited when I started putting some pieces together. :)<br /><br />The scene that got me thinking was when the boy (nameless), after being skeptical and full of questions, decided to simply believe in Santa. Up to this point in the movie, he hadn't tried to pretend to believe. He stayed fairly quiet and soaked up everything he saw on his "journey" that started with the train ride. In this moment, though, he had seen enough, and wanted to experience what the others got to experience-- hearing the bells and getting to see and interact with Santa. He saw a bell on the ground, picked it up, closed his eyes tightly, and said, "I believe." At that moment, the scene jumps to Santa, who all of a sudden, in the middle of the noise of the elves and the music, seems to hear what the boy says. He makes his way through the crowd, and approaches the boy from behind. Meanwhile, the boy discovered that he could now hear the bell when he shook it. As he stilled his bell, he saw the reflection of Santa's smiling face behind him. From that moment, Santa reached out to the boy specifically. He had the elves escort him to the sleigh in celebration. He sat with the boy on the sleigh and asked him what he wanted for Christmas, and then sent him on his way with the conductor and the other children on the train. In response to a small step of faith, Santa pursued the boy and welcomed him into his world. He communicated with the boy. Both this, and hearing the bell, affirmed the boy's step of faith. <br /><br />At this point in the movie, I was wishing Santa would have let the boy stay on the sleigh, so he could enjoy the ride, which would make for a good parallel for Christ being with us here on earth until we meet him in heaven. The crazy "ride" of the Christian life of trusting God and letting him lead us in the midst of tragedy, uncertainty, and disbelief. <br /><br />But Santa leaves the boy in the trusted care of the conductor to take him home. The conductor, as each child boarded the train to go home, punched a word in each of their tickets- something that they could either improve in-- "Humility", or something they were good, "Leadership" was the little girl's word. Or something they could grow in or do more of-- "Believe" was the little boy's word. <br /><br />It seems as though the conductor is sort of acting like the role of the Holy Spirit. He lead the boy to Santa, just like the Holy Spirit leads us to Jesus- not only in our initial realizations that lead to accepting and believing, but over and over when we run from Him and try to live self-reliantly. The conductor also didn't answer every question directly. No explanation needed there. :) And when he took the boy home from his journey, he encouraged him specifically. He affirmed some, and convicted others, according to what they needed at that time. This is exactly what the Holy Spirit does for us. One experience shared by others in the body of Christ can teach many unique lessons, personal lessons and encouragements from God to remind us that we are known and cared for. <br /><br />When the boy returns to his house, he opens a special gift on Christmas morning. It is the bell which he lost at some point during his interactions with Santa during the night. This gift reassured him that Santa was real and he wanted the boy to continue to believe. Just like this, the Lord gives us little reminders that He is still real and alive in the middle of a world where disbelief and mockery are more popular than faith and discipleship. Specific conversations with other believers, tears shared over a common struggle, scripture brining peace to a situation. These are all our little gifts from God to keep trusting Him.<br /><br />All of this happened for me while sitting in a squatty student chair in the middle of a 1st grade classroom. It was one of God's ways of receiving glory in the middle of the season which so easily gets clouded and busy before our intentions of stopping to adore Him first can become realities. <br /><br />I hope for more of these little analogies throughout my days. It's quite refreshing, and definitely a gift from above.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-59955587849533118192010-04-21T20:08:00.004-04:002010-04-21T21:42:59.607-04:00ExtremesI've been able to take some time this week in the middle of wedding planning to do some leisure reading, and it has done my mind and heart good. (I sat in on a video bible study recently where the point was made that if our minds aren't engaged, they become bored, and are more likely to think sinfully, or turn small things big, being destructive to ourselves and those around us. Great point. I want to keep my mind active.)<br /><br />In reading some challenging articles in <a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/">Relevant</a>, and humorous paragraphs from <a href="http://stuffchristianslike.net/">Stuff Christians Like</a>, I began to think about how often we live in "extremes" to avoid being perceived as whatever it is we don't want to be. I'm pretty passionate about noticing when people go to the "extreme" because I feel like deep down, it is a fear issue, and a crowd-pleasing issue. I'm also passionate about it because it is personal to me. I have a tendency to BE this pleaser, this person who has, many times, tried super hard to not be "seen" as one way by going the total opposite way. These thoughts are not to criticize as much as they are to question why and ponder the effects of this "image preserving" strategy.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The crowd</span> could be your fellow church-goers, the person you want to notice you as a pursuable mate, or any number of people or people groups whose approval you seek. Here are some personal examples, and then some spiritual/church culture examples.<br /><br />Personal<br /><br />You don't want to be seen as needy, so you put up walls and don't know how to depend on someone.<br />You don't want to seem bossy, so you over-apologize in case someone has been pushed around a little too much by someone that day.<br />You don't want to seem inconsiderate, so you verbalize total willingness to rearrange your plans to accommodate someone else when they are the ones who can't keep their plans.<br />You don't want to seem thoughtless or passionless, so you engage often in intense conversation about current topics (but don't plan to do anything about your strong opinion.)<br /><br />(Honest insert: I'm pretty aware that these fears come from the fact that when people do these things to me, I judge them and think wrongly of them, so to avoid those judgments from others, I run hard from what I quickly judge. One thing I've learned about myself is that being a pleaser stems from being a judger. To say I am a pleaser is a nice way of saying I am a manipulator of reactions perceptions so people don't have room to be as critical as I typically am.)<br /><br />Church Culture<br /><br />Don't want an empty salvation prayer, so you do away with altar-calls or invitations all together.<br />Don't want the worship of your congregation to be strictly emotional (lacking in truth or conviction), so you keep the drums light, the hymns frequent, and words like "Hillsong" or "lights" or "new song" make you cringe.<br />Don't want to be a distraction in worship, so the thought of allowing our body to reflect our heart's response to God is so squashed (through extreme/cautious upbringing) that lifting a hand actually DOES seem intentional rather than a response because of how stifled you've been. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(It's the debate: How would we worship in Spirit and truth if there were no limitations or expectations put on us from day 1 until now? Aside from heaven, I don't think we'll ever know. Would we be MORE weepy by nature if emotion wasn't so criticized and viewed as a sign of immaturity or lacking spiritual disciplines? Would we dance freely and naturally to worship music if it wasn't associated with charismatic experiences where scripture wasn't obeyed? Would we speak in scriptures and songs more often if we didn't have TV, movies, radio, i-tunes, blogs, secular self-help books, that define and decide our norm of spoken language? (That's an easy one.) Would our prayer-closet worship look different, therefor our corporate worship? Has the latter shaped the former?)</span><br /><br />Don't want to seem cheesy in the beginning of a dating relationship, so you avoid talking about the things that matter, like boundaries, testimony, life goals, and values? <br />Don't want the youth group kids to lose interest or stop showing up, so you cut your teaching time to 8 minutes, and keep it on topics like "Friendship" and "Obeying your parents" rather than the gospel.<br /><br /><br />As I ponder on why we act this way (FEAR of being misunderstood, misrepresented, or judged, or fear of misrepresenting Jesus and the joy He gives), I can only conclude that it's a selfish, narrow-minded way of approaching the world around you. It's not leaving any room for others to make a decision based on the truth (or for God to take our efforts and flaws and turn them into His glory). It is only allowing them to make decisions or opinions based on a manipulated portrayal, which sits on a shaky hope of being taken as the thing you are acting out so diligently. :) There's so much room in the middle of it all to forget who you are, and the motive seems hardly justified. <br /><br />I think the only thing that will cause people (or churches) to find the balance in the middle of the extremes is to be just as hurt or frustrated by the opposite extreme as you were from the idea of the extreme you did not want to be.<br /><br />I know this because it's happened to me. It's happened through steady, intentional relationship with people who see how hard I work to not be something, that it destroys who I am in the process, and insults the way God made me, and the process he's taking me through to make me holy. It shows a huge lack of trust in God's ability to love and provide for me in my weakness.<br /><br />I'm trying to let God be the potter of the clay. It's difficult. It's scary, because your clay may not look like someone else wants it to. Or like you think someone else wants it to look to approve it. But it has been and can be liberating. <br /><br />What extremes are you living in, and what are their motives? How can you crack them?Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-4714965386343532872010-01-01T11:18:00.002-05:002010-01-01T11:43:44.527-05:00when in doubt, remember welli've wanted to update my blog for a while now. my last one was written in june of 2009. lots of life has happened for me since then--many great things, many awesome and unforseen changes, and many joys that i feel are definitely worthy of expression. one of them is that i am engaged to be married to the most amazing man of God i know. :) aj and i are planning a wedding for june of this year and are so excited and thankful for God's sovereign hand in bringing us together in the special way that He did. i reckon we may start a blog for our wedding (or for our life together!) some time soon, though he is not much of a blogger. a writer, expresser, communicator? yes. an excellent one. but he doesn't feel the need to share his ponders with the world like i do. and so....we'll see how that goes. :)<br /><br />so back to wanting to write. i've tried to analyze and figure out why i haven't taken time, or even had a slight urge, to blog through some of my big and joyous moments over the last six months. i've come to the conclusion that i write best, and desire to put it on paper (or on screen) way more when i am going through a trial or difficulty of some kind. the difficulty hasn't always been the topic of my writing, but it leads me to write. i think that is the only way i can explain to myself why i haven't written in some more recent times. not that there aren't challenges placed before me during these times: they're there.....but not the kind that cause my heart to need a release.<br /><br />switching gears a little bit (but it all relates in my mind, because i'm true to the stereotype of a 'all things run together like spaghetti' woman), i like that i can look back through my journals and blogs and be reminded of what God was teaching me and how He was changing me. i was listening to a sermon online this morning by Brent @ In Focus Church and his main point was how important it is to REMEMBER the things God has done, and specific things about who He is, to carry us through difficult times when we may easily feel tossed by the wind, confused by emotion, mislead by "signs" and assumptions, or just plain discouraged and down. i find myself sometimes quickly forgetting the specific workings of God's spirit in my life, the specific ways He showed His faithfulness during a time of doubt, and i like Brent's challenge to actively remember God and remember truths about him to keep us grounded in what's important when we think through decisions or respond to hardships.<br /><br />as 2010 begins, i want to actively remember God and His unwavering friendship and guidance in my life. <br />i may or may not blog about what i'm going through, or what i'm learning throughout this year. i'm not sure why i actually buckled down today to even write this one, but we'll see. <br /><br />i am ok with not having a plan. :)Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-82332848944915880182009-06-23T16:59:00.003-04:002009-06-23T17:20:27.312-04:00illusionLately I've noticed how much our culture (or maybe just those who are around 30 and under) is content with the illusion of company. For instance, I'm bored sitting at home by myself, so I decide to twitter and let the world know what I'm doing or thinking. All 40 of them. :) Or I'm waiting at a doctor's office, and I'm not interested in flipping through magazines. So I get online on my phone, read an email, read a blog, check my facebook notifications, text a few people I haven't heard from in a few hours, and I feel a little more content with the time I've had to wait. As if I've spent my time actually interacting with someone. <br /><br />But the truth is, I have not. I have only been occupied (not interacting) with something that is not alive, breathing, emotional, feeling, or loving. I have allowed its substitute, a mere representation of a person (if on a social network) to be enough. And I have allowed the exposure and expression of my own self to take the place of real scheduled encounters with people I call friends. <br /><br />Is there a healthy guilt that should come with recognizing this substitution? I think so. We all like to find justifications for it, claiming that we spend as much time on the phone or in person with those who really matter to us as we would without these networks, but I'm not sure that is true. I'm pretty sure my phone would be ringing more, or I would be calling people way more to find out about<span style="font-style:italic;"> their</span> lives, if the world wide web didn't already provide us such an easy way to stalk people and stay in-the-know, without them ever knowing. <br /><br />I like how <a href="http://infocuschurch.org/blog/">Brent</a> makes points and gives truths in his sermons by saying what things are NOT, and then what they ARE. So I'm going to list things that are NOT company, they are only an illusion. Just something to occupy our time. Think about how often we are tricked.<br /><br />Things that don't make great company (how rude):<br /><br />Facebook<br />Twitter<br />Twitpics<br />Blogs<br />Myspace<br />Texts<br /><br />Things that make great company:<br /><br />PeopleLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-28377930803883315332009-06-21T17:15:00.002-04:002009-06-21T17:33:21.887-04:00far from homeLately my heart has been comforted by the fact that this earth is not my home. We know it, we sing about heaven, but I know I'm one of the ones who doesn't usually live like it. My heart typically responds more passionately to the things that I will be leaving behind instead of the One I will be with forever. And I have been challenged lately to reverse this way of responding to life and to circumstances. <br /><br />I wanted to post some lyrics to two songs that have spoken true of this fact: that our existence on earth will not ever be fully resolved, and that is how it is meant to be. 1 Peter 2:11 refers to us as "aliens and strangers in the world". On days where I have felt a longing for more, a discontent with the way I am, or the way sin affects our existence, I have embraced this part of God's plan, with these lyrics helping me. <br /><br />If I find in myself <br />Desires nothing in this world can satisfy,<br />I can only conclude <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">That I, I was not made for here</span><br /><br />If the flesh that I fight <br />Is at best only light and momentary,<br />Then of course I'll feel nude <br />When to where I'm destined I'm compared<br /><br />Speak to me in the light of the dawn<br />Mercy comes with the morning<br />I will sigh and with all creation groan <br />As I wait for hope to come for me<br /><br /><a href="http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHpuTGGRCbY">C.S. Lewis Song</a> by Brooke Fraser<br /><br />Soon and very soon my King is coming<br />Robed in righteousness and crowned with love<br />When I see Him I shall be made like Him<br />Soon and very soon<br /><br />Soon and very soon I"ll be going<br />To the place He has prepared for me<br />There my sin erased, my shame forgotten<br />Soon and very soon<br /><br />I will be with the One I love<br />With unveiled face I'll see Him<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">There my soul will be satisfied</span><br />Soon and very soon<br /><br /><a href="http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EBSvFlBoIs&feature=related">Soon</a> by Hillsong UnitedLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-29929046144135924832009-06-12T15:16:00.008-04:002009-06-12T16:04:17.509-04:00how far i haven't come<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SjKrQQKuTMI/AAAAAAAAAQM/qvCXW427Ilo/s1600-h/apple+.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 345px; height: 348px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SjKrQQKuTMI/AAAAAAAAAQM/qvCXW427Ilo/s400/apple+.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346524003348401346" /></a><br /><br /><br />i realized, recently, that much of my spiritual turmoil, 99% of the time, can be traced back to eve and the original sin.<br /><br />reluctance, fear, impatience, hesitation, and manipulation are things (i've started to notice) i portray when it comes to my response or approach to God and decisions that present themselves to me. big and small. i also portray these things in relationships around me and as it is being revealed to me, i relate to our first lady. <br /><br />these things are all rooted in sin. the very sin eve committed: wanting to KNOW. eve wanted to know good and evil. she thought that knowing these things would make her like God in her knowledge. <br /><br />i'm not sure i consciously have thoughts of wanting to be <span style="font-style:italic;">like</span> God (in the way eve did), but i definitely am way too driven by thoughts of wanting to <span style="font-style:italic;">know</span>. wanting to know... WHEN? WHY? WHO? HOW? WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? HOW CAN I HELP? <br /><br />the frequency in which these questions arise demonstrates that at least part of me thinks that God needs my help. that i need to be in charge. and if i'm not in charge, i somehow am driven by the desire to at least <span style="font-weight:bold;">know</span> something until i can be in charge. sick. <br /><br />God has been teaching me submission lately. that it really is part of His plan for me to never fully know <span style="font-weight:bold;">His plan</span>! sometimes it's painful to see areas where i am the most weak, and need the most help, and this is one of them. i can't submit to friends, family, authority, wisdom, and a future spouse, if i am not actively submitting to God in my daily worries, decisions, and aspirations. roof off (me and God). walls down (me and others). <br /><br />it's no coincidence that Brent preached Sunday on the topic of <a href="http://http://www.infocuschurch.org/streamarchive09.html">"the art of waiting."</a> it was so timely and convicting. as i aspire to be more purposeful (and less anxious) in waiting, i know that God will continue to guide me and give me humility to submit and trust.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-90067399396053867202009-05-18T17:36:00.010-04:002009-05-18T18:03:17.782-04:00God's workmanshipi was talking to a friend today who said there was joy and contentment in my voice.<br /><br />my response was yes, there is. hallelujurr! (in madea's words)... God is good like that. He gives us days that are light. days when the burdens of yesterday aren't so heavy, and the glass is half full rather than half empty. i love that about Him. it is the gentle Lamb allowing us to trust and rely on His Lion characteristics. just when i think life has become too intense, or that i have become too stuck in my ways or foolish thinking, He lifts me up and out of my "pits", sometimes flesh pits, sometimes just pits made out of my own boredom or self pity....and He sets my feet upon a rock, a solid place, of rest and reassurance. <br /><br />sometimes, i think i take myself, other people, life, or ministry too seriously. on heavy days, i can quickly become anxious and untrusting because of my determination and self-reliance. they make me too serious because i feel i have the power or responsibility to fix or control every problem. it's so funny to think about, really. i sometimes think...."and WHO ever told you to bear the weight of the world?? really?..." yes. yes, i know. <br /><br />on other days, even the light ones, i realize that while i can be a bit intense, it doesn't change the fact that people are, in fact, very important and complex creatures and do require most of our time, attention, affection, grace, and way too many other things to take lightly without study or concern or attention to detail. without LOVE. <br /><br />i read an article yesterday in "relevant" that confirmed this thought. i will end with a section of it-with the comforting thought in mind that God gives us the tools to love people and do all we can to make a difference to those around us, and to come out of our own pits to do so, if we can allow ourselves to trust Him first.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">people will say, "we shouldn't take ourselves so seriously," which to some extent is true. but it's also important to remember, as the ever-direct (but occasionally ironic) C.S. Lewis famously noted: "There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." existence is inescapably serious. as stupid as people can be, and as silly as this world sometimes seems, we cannot forsake the truth that people are holy beings who will eternally exist- for better or worse. if our generation will realize this- that not everything can be made light of and that irony has its limits- perhaps there is hope for us yet. -brett mccracken<br /></span>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-84980124767811164302009-05-07T13:47:00.004-04:002009-05-07T14:11:42.780-04:00moments lateri have seen lately how manipulative and intentional the enemy can be in the life of a Christ follower.<br />i have felt him, observed his ways. they are tricky, painful, and exhausting. i am in a battle and i think for the first time in my life, i realize the full need to armor up. it is clear to me that if i don't, i will quickly and pathetically be swallowed by defeat. <br /><br />for me, he makes his playground in my mind. <br /><br />he knows how to ruin me, not even days....moments sometimes...after i resolve to think differently. to take every thought captive and make it obedient. for instance...<br /><br />i resolve to believe the truth and dismiss the lies; he enables me to relive and replay scenes in my mind that pull me into negativity and critical thinking-- failures, pasts, statistics, what if?s...<br /><br />i resolve to trust God more; the enemy reminds me of all the reasons to be skeptical, cautious, and to resort to what I know<br /><br />i resolve to wait; the enemy tells me that no decision IS a decision and that i am disobeying if i'm not making one<br /><br />i resolve to rest; the enemy shows me all of my commitments and pursuits and laughs in my face<br /><br />i resolve to follow God, even in the risk; satan reminds me that the safe places feel good, and are a lot less lonely<br /><br /><br />for these reasons, with my resolve and my determination, i absolutely MUST spend the moments that follow, and the rest of my <span style="font-style:italic;">LIFE</span>, re-submitting to God, re-trusting Him for power, and renewing my mind with the beautiful truth of His word and who He is. i also must re-think the level of difficulty, and the amount of strength i thought it might <span style="font-style:italic;">not</span> require....ha. thank you, satan, for reminding me how quickly i must hasten to my God to supply all of my needs. when i recognize you again, may i be quicker. and the next time, quicker.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-8506586658983558872009-05-05T12:00:00.006-04:002009-05-05T12:05:24.527-04:00shout outI found this monthly post by Leslie Ludy on her site, <a href="http://setapartgirl.com">Set Apart Girl</a>.<br /><br />It challenged and reminded me of the urgency I want to feel when it comes to spending time with God. Hope it spurs you on to pick up your pace as we chase our Father, the "Wild Goose" who never stops! :)<br /><br /><em>Spiritual Determination by Leslie Ludy<br /><br />In some of my books, I’ve mentioned how I love to listen to Scripture on my IPOD–while I’m driving, cleaning, or waiting for an appointment. This week as I was cleaning out my closet (part of the whole “nesting” instinct, since I have another baby coming in a few weeks!) I was listening to the book of Mark, and heard the story of the sick man who’s friends were so determined to get him to Jesus that they climbed up onto the roof and let his bed down through the ceiling:<br /><br />And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. (Mark 2:4)<br /><br /><br />When Jesus saw their faith, he forgave the man’s sins and healed him from his sickness. They knew that Jesus was the only one who could help their friend. So they loaded him onto a bed and brought him to the place where Jesus was. When they saw that it was impossible to get to Jesus because of the crowds, they didn’t turn back and say, “Oh well, at least we tried.” They refused to give in to defeat. They were willing go to any and all means to remove the obstacles keeping them from laying their sick friend at Christ’s feet. This is the kind of dogged faith and spiritual determination that God responds to. Their determination and commitment yielded great rewards.<br /><br />This story convicted and challenged me in a whole new way as I heard it. How many times do we allow the “crowds” to keep us from laying our cares at Jesus’ feet? Without Him, we can do nothing – He is the one who has everything we need for life and godliness. But how often to we allow circumstances, busyness and distractions to keep us from Him? The past few weeks, my life has been exceptionally full with travel, deadlines, household projects and of course caring for three little munchkins under the age of four! During busy seasons, it’s all too easy to make a half-hearted attempt to guard my time in God’s presence – rather than being willing to do whatever it takes to come and kneel at Jesus’ feet. Andrew Bonar once said,<br /><br />O brothers and sisters, pray; in spite of Satan, pray; spend hours in prayer; rather neglect friends than not pray; rather fast, and lose breakfast, dinner, tea, and supper – and sleep too – than not pray. And we must not talk about prayer, we must pray in right earnest. The Lord is near. He comes softly while the virgins slumber. <br /><br />Are we willing to lose sleep, food, productivity, social status, and “down time” in order to come before our Lord every day and make Him the highest priority of our life? Do we have a spiritual determination that says, “no obstacle will keep me from my King – even if I must go to the rooftop and break through the house tiles to get to Him!”? Or do we make half-hearted attempts to spend time in prayer, and when distractions arise say, “Oh well, at least I tried.” God has been challenging me on this point at a whole new level. I have realized afresh that I must allow nothing to become an excuse to keep me from Him. <br /><br />Whenever I catch myself saying, “Well, I didn’t get much sleep last night and I’m 7 months pregnant, so I probably should just have a short quiet time and call it good,” that’s when I know that my spiritual determination has weakened, that I’ve allowed the cares of this world to creep in and keep me from my King. May we never be content with a paltry, half-hearted spiritual life or say, “once I’m done with this busy time, I’ll get back to true prayer.” Rather, let us doggedly, determinedly remove any and every obstacle that keeps us from coming to Him daily, spending hours in His presence, and receiving everything we need for life and godliness!<br /><br />Monday, April 27, 2009</em>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-678121568475669412009-04-28T10:34:00.002-04:002009-04-28T10:38:49.074-04:00praisespraise God for:<br /><br />His undeniable leadership <br /><br />my job for next year!<br /><br />the book "Wild Goose Chase" by Mark Batterson that has changed and is changing my life<br /><br />my church, In Focus<br /><br />roommates with big hearts and love for God and me<br /><br />rest <br /><br />friends who challenge the way I live and respond<br /><br />conviction<br /><br />sunshine <br /><br />colors<br /><br />smiles and new chancesLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-19275016296774310752009-04-17T18:30:00.011-04:002009-04-17T19:45:03.836-04:00faith ragefaith rage= faith like road rage<br /><br />i think i have it. <br />i woke up from a nap today with this analogy in my head. <br />probably because lately, i've wrestled with the seemingly contrasting ideas of waiting on God and responding to God. <br />what if my response to God is just to wait on Him?<br /><br />here's why it's difficult: as someone who has impatience running thick through her blood, paired with terrible road rage when it comes to being at the mercy of traffic jams, i can't help but think my faith has suffered from these traits. <br /><br />i'm the person who has to "work" to slow down and rest. <br />so i'm also a christian who has to actively pursue the wait.<br />it is difficult for someone like me who likes to seek certainty in something and then respond by moving forward or moving on. sometimes i feel a decisive response is necessary when things are most uncertain and anxiety-causing. surely i must take action. make a decision. change the way i live and pursue God<br /><br />instead of interpreting those times as God's indication to move, what if they are actually His way of getting me to stay. and wait. what makes it hard is that it requires a complete surrender of control. and i apparently do not, by nature, enjoy giving up control when i feel it isn't necessary. <br /><br />on the road, i am constantly looking for ways to change my situation and get back control. can i ease out? can i take a short cut? how can i solve this problem? how can i gain back control? i think i treat God the same way sometimes.<br /><br />this is a problem, but i'm glad to be wrestling with it.<br />the times where i am not in control of my life, and not even able to explain myself, are sometimes the best times for God to strip me, convict me, draw me, and change me. and remind me to TRUST HIM and not my theories. i'm excited that my trust can more easily be put in Jesus when i'm not the one maneuvering around like a maniac. <br /><br />in the words of emmy rossum, "i need you to slow me down."Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-16024618741254205242009-04-12T14:14:00.003-04:002009-04-12T14:19:32.733-04:00Hallelujah, King foreverThere's a secret I must tell<br />Of all the love I've found<br />And it's hidden in my heart<br />The day you tore my world apart<br /><br />Hallelujah, King forever, friend and Saviour<br /><br />Jesus' blood never fails me,<br />Jesus' blood never fails me,<br />Jesus' blood, Jesus' blood<br /><br />And this secret, it will run<br />To the corners of the earth<br />Where every woman, every son<br />Will carry high their chains undone<br /><br />Hallelujah, King forever, friend and Saviour<br /><br />Jesus' blood never fails me,<br />Jesus' blood never fails me,<br />Jesus' blood never fails me,<br />Jesus' blood, Jesus' blood<br /><br />Sing your songs of freedom<br />Praise the God of heaven<br />Love that never fails me<br />Jesus' blood, Jesus' blood<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EJJWijp98jE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EJJWijp98jE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-36111315191212809332009-04-02T11:57:00.004-04:002009-04-07T13:52:54.329-04:00wowzer.so i think if i could compare my life to something right now...it wouldn't be the hurricane i found myself in about a year ago.<br /><br />but it WOULD be a jack or jill rolling down the hill uncontrollably. limbs flailing around wildly. i'm actually ready for the slope to level out, and the roll to slow down so i can brush off the grass, leaves, and mud. so i can have a clear thought again, and start walking. :) not a dizzy, crooked walk. a semi-straight one. :)<br /><br />the past few months of my life in a nutshell:<br /><br />car wreck<br />car wreck #2 (totaled)<br />new (used) car purchased (made possible by the huge blessing of a gift of $1000 for my south africa trip....see www.thetrackingblog.com for the full testimony blog...)<br />seeing God answer prayer and provide!!! my PORTION<br />SOUTH AFRICA march 6-17<br />..........................wow. <br />(see karla's most <a href="http://http://karlagarrard.wordpress.com/2009/03/27/ps-to-previous-picture-blog/">recent blog</a>)<br />getting back into teaching<br />reflecting on Africa and my heart's condition<br />preparing for ITBS test<br />summer job search<br />next school year job search<br />interviews<br />wedding music practice<br />wedding decorating<br />church stage set up<br />youth group fundraiser<br />birthdays<br />lunch dates<br />naps?? NO TIME FOR THAT.<br />laundry?? NO TIME FOR THAT.<br />eating right?? I WISH.<br />relationships?? SPORATIC.<br /><br />spring break has finally arrived. i am breathing and i think i've slowed my roll. :)<br />i thank God for all of the amazing ways He has provided and pulled my heart in during the middle of a very busy time in my life. <br /><br />while some things require "wind-down" and "preparation", i'm thankful that my worship does not. as things slow down, and as i MAKE myself slow down, i hope i can clearly see and not miss what God has for me next. He is so good and faithful.<br /><br />can't wait to start writing again!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-3901912035066981632009-02-17T15:24:00.004-05:002009-02-17T19:53:47.279-05:00earth debatesToday while I was subsituting and teaching about Pangaea and Plate Tectonics, our principal came in and assisted in a discussion about old earth vs. new earth, and how Christians have differing opinions and beliefs. She made some great points that I wanted to blog, if for no other reason than for ME to look back and remember her wisdom and knowledge...<br /><br />First know that she is an "old earth" Christian and taught Science in a Christian school for many years. She also loves Jesus and finds it of most importance to present the gospel above all else. She was gentle with my students who were asking questions like, "Do you think he (Alfred Wegener...) went to hell for believing that?" She gave some very good explanations dealing with creation and whether a day was really a "day", and whether the flood really covered the entire earth, etc...<br /><br />But something I did not know was this:<br />There is a website for the <a href="http://www.icr.org">Institute of Creation Research</a> which she said ridicules those who believe in the old earth. She said the site and the people supporting it have made rude and assuming comments towards those with different views than them.<br /><br />On the contrary, the website for the opposing group, <a href="http://reasonstobelieve.org">Reasons to Believe</a>, presents its views in a way that points people to Jesus and salvation. She said that many scientists, science professors, and liberalists have come to know Christ through the ministry of this website and its presentation of the gospel. <br /><br />I couldn't help but be drawn towards exploring the website that has produced obvious fruit. I'm not sure what I am, but I'm no scientist, and I'd like to have trustworthy, Christian, science-minded friends help point me towards less-ignorant responses when it comes to these matters.<br />Are these matters of major importance in the Christian faith? Some would say no, and others would beg to differ, saying that sometimes, they are the KEY matter in keeping certain people engaged in discussion about Jesus, and the validity of the Bible.<br /><br />Dr. T also mentioned that unanswered questions are OK to have, and that one of the greatest gifts God gave us was mystery. He loves our searching and curious hearts and also loves concealing parts of Himself for the sake of the search, the mystery. She quoted a scripture that said Kings search and God conceals...I searched BibleGateway and found nothing. :) Cool idea, though. Like a parent keeping a secret from their child for the sake of a surprise, or just for the sake of the mystery.<br /><br />She reminded the students that throughout life, they will encounter Christians who are afraid of unanswered questions, and will take defense when their answers are challenged. She encouraged the class to be "thinking Christians", and to be slow to respond with defense, and quick to consider the mystery of God and the occasional unanswered question.<br /><br />I felt like I was the student today! I liked it. :)Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-60224464452634212562009-02-04T13:06:00.002-05:002009-02-04T13:14:08.249-05:00sex talk at churchI'm super excited about the sermon series for this month @ InFocus: Sex Talk! One of the things I am hoping and praying for during this month is that people would allow their hearts and sin to be <span style="font-style:italic;">found</span> rather than <span style="font-style:italic;">hidden</span>. This is something Eliza and I talked about yesterday as she wrote an article for the singles newsletter. We focused on what God wants to REPLACE our junk with...how there isn't just a removal, but a replacement, of something BETTER. <br /><br />Job 11:13-16 was read by Brent to end the first message this past Sunday. READ IT. It is powerful!<br /><br />Don't trade naked and unashamed for a better place to hide (Derek Webb).<br />Let exposure bring with it the fullness and richness of God's grace, healing, forgiveness, power, and beauty from ashes. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.sextalkseries.com"></a>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-85045672005103638882009-01-30T13:29:00.004-05:002009-01-30T13:51:20.348-05:00timehow come i get REALLY angry and frustrated when i waste time sitting in traffic...<br /><br />yet somehow, i am not phased when i waste hours of my day on the internet; mainly facebook, twitter, blogs, and email...?<br /><br />i get upset that something beyond my control steals my time...but i am perfectly content when i am in control of my time...and how and when i use it waste it.<br /><br />this is not ok, and i am ashamed at this realization.<br /><br />what's more shameful is the thought: i fight for my time, but then what do i do with it when i get it?<br /><br />and how hard am i fighting for my time with my Jesus?!? <br /><br />DISCUSS!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-821509559385246882009-01-18T20:30:00.003-05:002009-01-18T20:52:28.616-05:00orderless bitson my mind today...<br /><br />it's God's kindness that leads us to repentance.<br />when left on our own, nine times out of ten, we don't self correct.<br />it is GOD'S kindness that beckons us to Him. to despise our sin and desire righteousness.<br />none is worthy of this kindness. not one.<br />it is HE alone who brings light to darkness, who overcomes evil with His good.<br /><br /><br />God wants to be ALL of Himself to me. at times, He is dominantly one or two attributes in my finite mind. i am learning lately how narrow my view is of God and the role He wants to take. i see God as teacher. as discipliner. as the one who gives and takes away. as one who withholds or allows pain to force patience and endurance, to always teach a lesson, to show how deceived or selfish i am. <br /><br />He is SO MUCH MORE. PRAISE HIM. thank you Lord for being so much more. thank you for things about yourself that are <em>at work</em> without my awareness. "You dance over me while I am unaware." thank you that you lead me. you gently restore. you uphold. you go before me and prepare a path. <br /><br />isaiah 42:16<br />and I will lead the blind<br />in a way that they do not know<br />in paths that they have not known<br />I will guide them<br /><br />I will turn darkness before them into light<br />the rough places into level ground<br /><br />these are the things I do<br />and I do not forsake them<br /><br /><br />philippians 1:6<br /><br />...He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-11917734024989543732009-01-10T13:27:00.014-05:002009-01-10T14:07:10.490-05:00time for some pics!here are a few from our new years party at the house.<br />"it's a celebration..." :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SWjpMmruiKI/AAAAAAAAAIs/xKn1WRblHZQ/s1600-h/IMG_7658.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 154px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SWjpMmruiKI/AAAAAAAAAIs/xKn1WRblHZQ/s320/IMG_7658.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289734165098301602" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SWjroyrnmMI/AAAAAAAAAJE/TuSrsnu6Nm8/s1600-h/IMG_7681.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 170px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SWjroyrnmMI/AAAAAAAAAJE/TuSrsnu6Nm8/s320/IMG_7681.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289736848378665154" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SWjsUB3-XgI/AAAAAAAAAJY/85zoPmhdQH8/s1600-h/IMG_7814.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SWjsUB3-XgI/AAAAAAAAAJY/85zoPmhdQH8/s320/IMG_7814.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289737591191395842" /></a><br />one of my in focus friends, holley, was given a "celebrity birthday party" last night. many famous figures strolled the red carpet.<br />eliza was scarlett johanson and joanna was june cleaver!<br />stephen came as adam lavine from maroon 5. <br />i came as a "celebrity in disguise", but was soon being called miley. a fabulous event!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SWjwOGPH2dI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/3wrhheJaiFM/s1600-h/IMG_7771.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SWjwOGPH2dI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/3wrhheJaiFM/s400/IMG_7771.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289741887329524178" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SWjsk_y_-5I/AAAAAAAAAJo/mHIxvpeD6jI/s1600-h/IMG_7824.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SWjsk_y_-5I/AAAAAAAAAJo/mHIxvpeD6jI/s400/IMG_7824.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289737882691435410" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SWjst5etSyI/AAAAAAAAAJw/EYyjny5n1_k/s1600-h/IMG_7826.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 233px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/SWjst5etSyI/AAAAAAAAAJw/EYyjny5n1_k/s400/IMG_7826.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289738035614534434" /></a>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-9090998304948472972009-01-03T01:34:00.002-05:002009-01-03T01:37:24.703-05:00this weekso. i'm definitely one of those people who, when given a break, takes a true BREAK.<br /><br />this week, my car has only moved when i've ventured up to the church a few times to help out with stage set up.<br />i haven't shopped.<br />i only cleaned for a new years party.<br />i've basically nibbled on junk food for days in a row.<br />i've slept.<br />i've lounged in pajamas.<br />i've showered at the end of the afternoon rather than the beginning of the day.<br />i've got nothing to show for the past week except for a support letter.<br /><br />i am one of those.<br />and i am proud of it.<br />it is now 1:36am and i'm only considering going to bed.<br />i've played the wii for the past 24 hours with my roomies.<br /><br />fun times. right?! :)Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-72442370157422583532008-12-26T12:35:00.003-05:002008-12-26T12:59:42.469-05:00information and ideassometimes i am overwhelmed with the thought of how many people there are living on this planet. how many problems there are, people trying to help these problems, religious issues, political issues, opinions, facts, ways to get your information; media, the news, books, blogs, opinions galore. it's just a bit exhausting thinking about how small i am and how much there is for me to learn and contribute to as i grace this planet. how much potential i have, how far i have to go, when it comes to living with purpose, on purpose, and using my time and my life wisely and not selfishly.<br /><br />i was reading my new issue of <a href="http://relevantmagazine.com">relevant magazine</a> this morning (which sometimes reminds me how small i am, and how much there is to be done) and, though i've not finished it, wanted to mention two great articles i already read:<br /><br />"the untold story"- p. 6- cameron strang<br />"the problem of pride in the age of twitter" p. 24- brett mccracken<br /><br />"the untold story" applauds George W. Bush for his huge contribution to global health via the PEPFAR intitiation in Africa in 2003. cameron strang gives amazing and appropriate recognition to our soon former president for doing the right thing- not for political benefit, but because it was the right thing.<br /><br /><em>"i believe to whom much is given, much is required," -President Bush<br />"i believe in the universality of freedom, and i believe freedom is universal because of an almighty God." -President Bush</em><br /><br />"the problem of pride in the age of twitter" is piercingly true and convicting to me, someone who finds herself communicating and profiling on the internet way too often. it is scary how accurate brett mccracken's analysis is on how the internet has affected our generation- making us people who want to provide information and ideas rather than absorb ones that already exist, and are worth absorbing. it's way scary. <br /><br />i can't even find just one or two quotes from this article to post. i just recommend that you read the entire article. if you are not a relevant subscriber, you'll be able to read it on their site soon. <br /><br />i am humbled this morning by the fact that life is precious.<br />people are real.<br />profiles are not. <br />problems are real.<br />talking about them doesn't solve them.<br /><br />i am going to go clean my room now. put up my christmas gifts. pray for a balanced life. of conviction followed by action. of awareness followed by education. <br /><br />i want my life to count. <br />but not in a way that makes ME interesting to talk to, to read about. <br />not in a way that makes ME glamorous.<br /><br />in a way that shows i am denying myself, and humbly following Christ.<br />the task is big, but God is the one who is required to be big, not me.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-26959754926184597722008-12-24T22:52:00.002-05:002008-12-24T23:01:03.185-05:00merry christmasFor a bit, I've wanted to somehow, in a witty way, refer to some of my blog visitors by their location. I was thinking tonight that telling them Merry Christmas would be an appropriate acknowledgment. Some of the locations lead me to think of an obvious person or group of people who may be reading, but some of them leave me wondering. And I know some visits are hits from links on other pages, but I know some of the hits (ehum....some of YOU...) are not just random hits. You have visited several times. I know because <a href="http://sitemeter.com ">SITE METER</a> tells me so. :)Please, feel free to identify yourself whenever you see fit. At least tell me Merry Christmas back or something. :) <br /><br />Soo....MERRY CHRISTMAS to:<br /><br />Missouri City, TX<br />North Augusta, SC<br />Oklahoma City, OK<br />Knoxville, TN<br />Fort Worth, TX<br />Raleigh, NC (Jenni and Paul!)<br />Winter Park, FL<br />Kennesaw, GA (Tara and Andrew! AJ!?)<br />Snellville, GA (Erin? Rachel?)<br />Statesboro, GA<br />Jacksonville, FL<br />Athens, GA<br />Griffin, GA<br />Alpharetta, GA <br />Daytona Beach, FL<br />Macon, GA (Lauren?)<br />Hattiesburg, MI<br />Evans, GA (my house?)Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-64990964965385561852008-12-13T21:21:00.005-05:002008-12-13T21:36:08.086-05:00christmas time is herewell.<br />we are no longer teetering on the fence, waiting to land on the side of Christmas season in full force. it is now HERE. WHEEEE. <br /><br />it's weird how i anticipate this season every year, how quickly it comes, and how abruptly it always ends. there's always a battle within, reminding me not to anticipate it for reasons like good feelings. but for reasons like, Emmanuel, God with us, came to US. a beautiful proving of His love. i get emotional as i sit here and think how precious it is to have a Savior whose blood covers all sin. past, present, future. He was, is, and is to come. how glorious a hope i have in my Father. His mercy has made me free. my soul is secure and hidden in Him alone. He is the only certain thing. <br /><br />as i finished my last online purchase today, and i've been crossing off my gift list, i feel Jesus saying, "slow down, yet again. i am the author and perfecter of your faith. the one who creates seasons, feelings, delightful things, joyous moments. i am the most sensational of all things you could ever know or have. enjoy me. i never end. i never end. i never leave."<br /><br />during this next week, may you delight in the ONE who created you, created this earth, its joys, its sorrows, and its hopes. all for His sake. for His glory.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-87437018656906280802008-12-09T23:41:00.006-05:002008-12-09T23:59:22.207-05:00photo fun!so i'm no joanna, eliza, or stephen (edit master) when it comes to photography.<br />but i definitely stole eliza's camera for the day to take some snaps of some of my favorite people. :) here are some of my faves.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/ST9MZo4RBCI/AAAAAAAAAIE/vcGVNOTfAiU/s1600-h/IMG_6945.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/ST9MZo4RBCI/AAAAAAAAAIE/vcGVNOTfAiU/s320/IMG_6945.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278021291655365666" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/ST9MUblwxiI/AAAAAAAAAH8/ucLovrP_iGQ/s1600-h/IMG_6936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/ST9MUblwxiI/AAAAAAAAAH8/ucLovrP_iGQ/s320/IMG_6936.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278021202188748322" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/ST9MNmnbrwI/AAAAAAAAAH0/9jWGr6An8U0/s1600-h/IMG_6933.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/ST9MNmnbrwI/AAAAAAAAAH0/9jWGr6An8U0/s320/IMG_6933.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278021084889460482" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/ST9LyC88jUI/AAAAAAAAAHs/XKcj-NB_Ls0/s1600-h/IMG_6894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/ST9LyC88jUI/AAAAAAAAAHs/XKcj-NB_Ls0/s320/IMG_6894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278020611459550530" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/ST9KQauUkSI/AAAAAAAAAHk/8YLoadS8sbg/s1600-h/IMG_6887.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vITtGNfcR1A/ST9KQauUkSI/AAAAAAAAAHk/8YLoadS8sbg/s320/IMG_6887.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278018934213480738" /></a>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229321850179542623.post-88218737722312437102008-12-09T20:24:00.002-05:002008-12-09T20:32:08.088-05:00One good thingOne good thing about moving (I've done it too much over the past few years) is that it forces you to uproot, to go through things, to clean up life, and to read old notes and journals. :) I found myself doing this tonight. Laughing, thinking, being reminded of my heart, prayers, and the things that overwhelmed me at times.<br /><br />I found an attempt at a poem. Thought I would share. (It's one that doesn't follow the rules. Naturally. :))<br /><br />Blank pages are my current state<br />And what feel like my eternal one<br />In days gone by my pages were full<br />Colorful, sporatic, used, revisited, shared<br />Sometimes I feel my pen's ink has dried<br />And it's for some reason my fault<br />I am tempted to believe that I must quickly splash something onto them<br />But just something?<br />No.<br />I want to carefully fill each page with beautiful colors and stories.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816880297214865352noreply@blogger.com0