My Life, My Passions, My God...

2012-01-31T23:14:00.004-05:00

This is the gospel. The just and loving Creator of the universe has looked upon hopelessly sinful people and sent his Son, God in the flesh, to bear his wrath against sin on the cross and to show his power over sin in the Resurrection so that all who trust in him will be reconciled to God forever.
-David Platt in "Radical" pg. 36

Pics of my Niece and Nephew...

2012-01-30T23:11:00.003-05:00

I just got these pics in the mail today!

My Nephew Connor

My Nephew Connor and my Niece Joanna

My Niece Joanna

My Nephew Connor

30 Day Challenge: Day 30

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Your favorite song

I have lots of songs that I really like...so it's hard for me to pick just one...but there's one song that has been a real blessing to me lately that I want to share.

The First Place

Jesus, the perfect picture of the unseen God
Maker of things we cannot comprehend.
Wisdom, the earth displays Your strength and beauty.
Sovereign, yes, every throne knows You are God.

Chorus
Every inch of this universe belongs to You, O Christ.
For through You and for You it was made.
Your creation endures by the order of Your hand.
So You must have in all things the first place.

Victor, over sin and death You triumphed.
Firstborn, You’ve shown us life beyond the grave.
Bridegroom, we long for You in expectation.
Jesus, Your church rejoices to proclaim.

© 1999 Matthew Westerholm

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~

~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~

~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~

~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~

~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~

~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~

~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~

~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~

~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~

~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~

~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~

~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~

~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~

~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~

~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~

~~Day 16- Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~

~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~

~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~

~~Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them~~

~~Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future~~

~~Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy~~

~~Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else~~

~~Day 23- Something you crave for a lot~~

~~Day 24- A letter to your parents~~

~~Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack~~

~~Day 26- What you think about your friends~~

~~Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge~~

~~Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?~~

~~Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned~~

~~Day 30- Your favorite song.~~

30 Day Challenge: Day 29

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

In this past month, what have you learned?

Well, I'd have to say this month has been a humbling month. At the end of last semester, I thought I'd figured things out. I thought I knew how to live for God, and that I was set for life. But God has been teaching me that living for God is not a "once done" thing...but a continual practice. We will stray, and we will fall...but the important thing is that we never get to the point where we feel like we've "arrived." Our walk with God is a continual striving, and continual seeking of our Lord. It never ends...but when one is continually seeking to know our God better, and we never "get over" Him, our walk with Him will be sweet...

"When God has the correct place in our life, everything else falls into place."
-Dr. Matt Olson

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~
~~Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them~~
~~Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future~~
~~Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy~~
~~Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else~~
~~Day 23- Something you crave for a lot~~
~~Day 24- A letter to your parents~~
~~Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack~~
~~Day 26- What you think about your friends~~
~~Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge~~

~~Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?~~
~~Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned~~
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 28

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

Last Year

This Year

Well, I can't say I look that different, but I'm certainly a much different person this year than I was last year.

The pic from last year was when I was still active duty Navy. We were up on the main deck of the ship working on our Site TV system.

The pic from this year was actually taken yesterday. We had a Freshman tubing activity, and this is me and a group of friends going down the hill together. It was a lot of fun!

How am I different now, from last year? Well, God has certainly taught me a lot since then. I've grown so much in my walk with the Lord. Durring my time in the Navy, I was good at playing the "I'm a Christian" card. Most people on the ship knew I was a Christian, and I was good at acting like I was a Christian, but in my heart I was pretty far from Him. I was really good at fixing my outside, but inside, and privately, I was quite different. Am I perfect now? Certainly not! I never will be, at least not until I'm in heaven...but God is working in my life, and I'm learning more and more how to make Him first place in my life.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~
~~Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them~~
~~Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future~~
~~Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy~~
~~Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else~~
~~Day 23- Something you crave for a lot~~
~~Day 24- A letter to your parents~~
~~Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack~~
~~Day 26- What you think about your friends~~
~~Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge~~

~~Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?~~
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 27

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Why are you doing this 30 day challenge?

Mainly because I did one similar to this last year, and it was just interesting and kind of fun to do.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~
~~Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them~~
~~Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future~~
~~Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy~~
~~Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else~~
~~Day 23- Something you crave for a lot~~
~~Day 24- A letter to your parents~~
~~Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack~~
~~Day 26- What you think about your friends~~
~~Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge~~

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

Roses

2012-01-26T23:20:00.000-05:00

Words and music by Fred Mackrell and Phil Naish

Performed by: Steve Green

Budding roses come and gone,

A callous world still carries on

Vainly trying to look beyond

A pain that knows no soothing.

Little flowers hid from sight,

Many colors dark and light

Are seized and swept into the night.

Roses kept from blooming.

As self indulgence rules our land,

Some children just don't fit the plan

And so we pluck them from God's hand.

Is our destruction looming?

Precious buds of God's design,

Grant a gift of love divine

Where earth and heaven intertwine,

Yet their rose is kept from blooming.

May we learn to hold as dear

What God Himself has planted here.

And may we make the choice in fear,

Lest we keep God's rose from blooming.

The joys this earth will never know,

Little smiles that never glow,

Lives left longing to unfold.

It's a tragedy we're choosing.

The sweetest gift that God could give,

He made to grow, to love, to live.

So help us Lord to let them live

For they're roses meant for blooming.

May we learn to hold as dear

What God Himself has planted here.

And may we make the choice in fear,

Lest we keep God's rose,

We keep each precious rose.

Lest we keep God's rose from blooming.

This song is in commemoration of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, which was this last Sunday.

30 Day Challenge: Day 26

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

What you think about your friends

My friends are all very different. I have old ones from High School, and younger...I have Navy friends...I have church friends...I have friends I met online...and I have college friends. But they all are awesome, and I'm so thankful that God has blessed me with all of them.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~
~~Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them~~
~~Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future~~
~~Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy~~
~~Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else~~
~~Day 23- Something you crave for a lot~~
~~Day 24- A letter to your parents~~
~~Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack~~
~~Day 26- What you think about your friends~~
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

How can I fear?

2012-01-25T13:18:00.000-05:00

by: Ron Hamilton "Patch the Pirate (from Patch the Pirate Goes to the Jungle)

When shadows fall and the night covers all

There are things that my eyes cannot see.
I’ll never fear, for the savior is near

My Lord abides with me.

How can I fear?
Jesus is near.
He ever watches over me.
Worries all cease.
He gives me peace.
How can I fear with Jesus?

When I’m alone and I face the unknown
And I fear what the future may be.
I can depend on the strength of my friend.
He walks along with me.

How can I fear?
Jesus is near.
He ever watches over me.
Worries all cease.
He gives me peace.
I’ll never fear with Him.

30 Day Challenge: Day 25

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

What I would find in your bag/backpack

It's back to almost the busting point with all my books, and other stuff...such is the life of a college student...

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~
~~Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them~~
~~Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future~~
~~Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy~~
~~Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else~~
~~Day 23- Something you crave for a lot~~
~~Day 24- A letter to your parents~~
~~Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack~~
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 24

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

A letter to your parents

Dear Mom and Dad,

I cannot thank you enough for all you've done for me. The time, and money you put in to making me the person I am today...words cannot adequately express my gratitude.

More than anything you did in actions for me, you showed forth the love of Christ in your lives. Your dedication to God has always been an inspiration to me.

Your commitment to disciplining me in a Godly way, even when I know it was not popular, especially with me, I know has shaped me into the person I am today.

Again, thank you so much, and I love you both!

Your Son,
Jason

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~
~~Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them~~
~~Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future~~
~~Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy~~
~~Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else~~
~~Day 23- Something you crave for a lot~~
~~Day 24- A letter to your parents~~
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 23

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Something you crave for a lot

I'm nuts for Peanut Butter...anything and everything is delicious with Peanut Butter...end of story...

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~
~~Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them~~
~~Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future~~
~~Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy~~
~~Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else~~
~~Day 23- Something you crave for a lot~~
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 22

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

What makes you different from everyone else

God made me just the way I am...I have a special purpose...my special purpose makes me different...everyone else has a special purpose too...

I'm Special to Jesus
by: Patch the Pirate

I'm special to Jesus there's no one else like me
I wouldn't trade places with anyone else
I'm special you see
God has prepared a task
He wants me to do
I'm special, I'm special to my Lord
I'm special, I'm special to my Lord

Jesus laid down His life to die for me
When I was lost in sins dark night
Though I did not deserve this gift so free
Each child is special in God's sight

I'm special to Jesus there's no one else like me

I wouldn't trade places with anyone else
I'm special you see
God has prepared a task
He wants me to do
I'm special, I'm special to my Lord
I'm special, I'm special to my Lord

I may be rich, I may be very poor
Still I am special just the same
Christ hears each knock I make on heaven's door
He hears each time I call His name

I'm special to Jesus there's no one else like me

I wouldn't trade places with anyone else
I'm special you see
God has prepared a task
He wants me to do
I'm special, I'm special to my Lord
I'm special, I'm special to my Lord

I'm special to my Lord...

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~
~~Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them~~
~~Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future~~
~~Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy~~
~~Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else~~
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 21

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

A picture of something that makes you happy

I know I've posted this pic before, but it applies to this post.

I really enjoy bird watching...I know to most people that sounds boring, but birds are so cool...I don't care if people think I'm weird...

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Another picture of yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~
~~Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them~~
~~Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future~~
~~Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy~~
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

2012-01-20T21:28:00.000-05:00

by: Margaret Becker

Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labour through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
and I'll follow, though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go -
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

30 Day Challenge: Day 20

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

I honestly have no idea. I used to think, on many occasions, that I knew who I would marry. But each time it didn't work. So I'd like to say I've completely given that over to God, but I haven't...I give it away for short periods, and then I take it back. So, it's a continual thing...giving it over to God...and waiting on his timing...

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Another picture of yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~
~~Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them~~
~~Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future~~
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 19

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Nicknames you have; why do you have them

JJ- This was mostly my nickname when I was little. My brother still calls me this sometimes. I don't know how or why...

Jay- This is most common with my friends and sometimes my sister will call me this. It's just a shortened version of my name.

Bubba (Stinky): This is what my mom calls me. I'm not sure how it started. The stinky part in the parentheses is because sometimes she adds the stinky part, and sometimes she doesn't. The stinky part comes from the fact that when I was little, I wasn't too fond of baths...so I could get quite stinky at times...at least that's what my mom says. Of course my hygiene is WAY better today than it was back then...at least no one complains that I stink...

Bubby- My sister calls me this. It's just her own variation on Bubba.

Hunsy/Huns- This was my nickname when I was in the Navy. It's just a variation on my last name.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Another picture of yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~
~~Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them~~
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

Knowing God...

2012-01-18T01:00:00.002-05:00

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise manglory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not therich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that heunderstandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness,judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saiththe LORD.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Last Sunday night I preached at my church on thisverse. The main reason I preached onthis verse was because it was the main thing that God taught me in my firstsemester at Northland.

Growing up in a Christian home I was always told that I wasto make God first place. Nothing elsebefore Him…but how was I to do this? Read my Bible? Pray? So, I read my bible. I opened it and did my ritual reading…when Iwas done I would pray a short prayer, and I would go right on to doing what Ineeded to do that day, and completely forget what I had read.

Maybe I’m the only one who did this…but I’m pretty sure I’mnot. This was the extent of what Ibelieved a good Christian was supposed to do. So I did these things, and sure my relationship with God was “okay”…Ithought it was better than most, so it must be okay. But I was still struggling with a lot ofthings. I had personal sins that werebeating me into submission all the time. I couldn’t understand why these sins were so hard for me to overcome…Iwas doing what I was supposed to do wasn’t I? I was doing what any good Christian was supposed to do right? Wrong…

It wasn’t until I went to Northland that I found out how atrue deep abiding relationship with God is developed. First semester Freshman have to go to morningdevotions in the White Chapel every weekday morning. The first week of devotions Dr. Olson(Northland’s President) and Doc “O” (Northland’s Chancellor) came in everymorning to give us some help in how to develop good devotional habits. One thing that Doc “O” talked about reallyhit home with me. He talked aboutcreating a “Biography of God.” He talkedabout how cultivating a knowledge of God and His attributes is so important fordeveloping a relationship with our Lord. He said in order for us as Freshman to start out correctly, we needed tohave a good solid knowledge of God to build our faith on.

This isn’t just a head knowledge…it’s a heart knowledge…

A. W. Tozer said, “Your view of God is the most importantthing about you.” The more I’ve takenthe time to study my God, and take the truths about Him into my heart, the moreI realize the truth of this statement.

Our view of God, whether good or bad, affectseverything. When we sin, we areessentially saying, “God, you’re not good enough for me.” It’s so simple…in order to not sin we need toview God as being more important, more valuable than the sin…how do we dothis? We get to know our God, and who Heis.

When we struggle with prayer…we could spend our time tryingdesperately to pray…but if we are not enraptured with God, and wrapped up inthe truth that we can’t get through our day with out Him…how are we going tounderstand how important prayer is?

A lot of times, in our life, our view of God can be skewedby certain things we’ve gone through. Cultivatinga heart knowledge of God can recalibrate our view of God.

I know for me, I once viewed God as volatile, and not alwaysthere, because I have a father who wasn’t there for much of my childhood. The most comforting attributes for me inorder to recalibrate my view of God, were to understand His Love…the fact thatHe is our comforter…and most importantly that He is always the same. He never changes…

So how can we do this? I don’t want to leave you with this inspiring call to get to know Godbetter in your heart, without giving you some practical instruction. Here’s how I do it…study God word in smallportions. God reveals Himself to usthrough His word, but if we read large portions of God’s word, it can be hardto take these truths in, because it’s too much to take in at once. Now, I do believe it is very important tostudy God’s word as a whole…such as reading through the bible in a year…but Ihave a quantitive, and a qualitive Bible reading time. I have a time where I read through a fewchapters in order to get through the bible in a year, but I also have that timewhere I go verse by verse, and break it down. This is where I work to cultivate a heart knowledge of God.

Probably the best book to start with going verse by verse,trying to understand God better, is the book of Psalms. Psalms is filled with attributes of God. So how do I take a head knowledge of anattribute of God, and take it into my heart? Here’s what I do…I journal…I write about how that attribute affectsme. For example, when thinking aboutGod’s love, and his forgiveness He offers me…I picture myself as being like theprodigal son. I’ve run to my Father, theLord Jesus Christ, and I’ve fallen at His feet in shame, because I know I’m asinner. I picture Him lifting me up andholding me in His arms. Thisinternalizes the message…meditating on truths like this, I remember it throughout my day…because it’s not just in my head…it’s in my heart.

Now don’t think that because I’ve written this that I have“arrived”…and that I have reached the peak of knowing God…certainly not. God is so much bigger and greater, and more lovingthan we can ever comprehend. We only butscratch the surface…but the point is to keep trying to get to know Himbetter. I’ve still got a long way togo…and I hope I never come to the point where I think I know my God enough…noone is too big, or too “spiritual” to get to know God better. We all need to get to know Him better.

Think about Adam and Eve in the garden, before thefall. They had a completely open andhonest relationship with the Lord. Therewas nothing between them and the Lord. That was how God intended for us to livebefore Him…are we there? No…will we ever me there? Not until we’re in heaven with Him. But we should always be striving on thisearth to get as close to that as we can. Now does that mean we should all take off our clothes and go into thewoods to get closer to God? I think weall know the answer to that question…we should all be seeking to be open andhonest with our God. Nothing between usand Him…figurative nakedness before Him.

Now if I have people who are reading this, and they have noidea what I’m talking about. You’resaying, “I don’t even know a thing about God! No one has ever told me about Him.” I want to help…Jesus died for you! He came to earth and took upon Himself the punishment for our sin, andwas nailed to the tree, taking the punishment we deserved. He died, and rose again, and He wants to havea relationship with you! If you want toknow how to have a relationship with the Lord, please feel free to emailme. I’d love to help! My email address is posted on the side of myblog. Feel free to drop me an email!

But for you believers who are reading this…get to know yourGod better!

Jeremiah 9:23-24

30 Day Challenge: Day 18

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Plans/dreams/goals you have

First of all I want to keep passing all of my semesters of college.

Next go on to seminary...probably at Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary in Lansdale, PA.

After that, I don't know...wherever God leads.

Somewhere in all that, wherever, and whenever God wills, I would like to find a good girl, and get married.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Another picture of yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
~~Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have~~
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 17

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Honestly, I know that where I am right now is exactly where God wants me...so, I don't really want to switch lives with anyone. But, for the sake of this post...I would want to switch lives with one of Jesus' disciples for a day...so that I could hear Jesus preach. That would be so amazing...

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Another picture of yourself~~
~~Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why~~
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 16

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Another picture of yourself

This pic was taken at Northland when we had our Fit For Life 5k on Campus.

I didn't take it, one of the Northland photographers did, I just found it on their facebook page.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
~~Day 16- Another picture of yourself~~
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 15

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

Word of Promise: Proverbs 13.
The Gardens by David Arnold from the soundtrack for "Amazing Grace."
The Dance At the Gym - Cha-Cha by the "Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra" from "West Side Story."
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing by the Linne Quintet & Orphei Drängar from the CD "The 50 Most Essential Christmas Masterpieces."
Doc Rustles Up Some "Grub Alamode" (Dialogue) by Patch the Pirate from "The Custard's Last Stand."
For You Are Holy by Kevin Inafuku from his CD "He Is."
Phonetic Punctuation by Victor Borge from his CD "The Hilarious Victor Borge."
Mass In Be Minor, BWV 232Dona Nobis Pacem by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra from the CD "The 50 Most Essential Christmas Masterpieces."
Silent Night by the "Moses Hogan Chorale" from their CD "Negro Spirituals."
Word of Promise: Isaiah 62.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
~~Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play~~
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 14

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

A picture of you and your family

This is a portrait my family had done about a week before I went off to Boot Camp.

In the front is my niece Joanna, and my parents are behind her.

Behind that, from left to right are us kids: Rachel, Caleb, Me, and Sara.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
~~Day 14- A picture of you and your family~~
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 13

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you

Dr. Olson,

I know the kinds of things people have been saying about you, but I know your motivations were pure when you did what you did. People don't understand, and they are condemning you, but I support you.

You are an excellent President, and I'm so thankful to be at your school.

Thanks for keeping the main thing the main thing!

By His Grace,

Jason Hunsicker

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
~~Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you~~
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

Why I hate religion, but love Jesus...

2012-01-12T15:31:00.001-05:00

A friend shared this video on facebook. It is so convicting! Please take the time to watch it!

Don't worry...it's not one of those "hate on the church" type things...just watch it...I guarantee you won't regret it...

30 Day Challenge: Day 12

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

How you found out about Blogger and why you made one

Hmm...I've been debating wether to tell the whole story on this one...it's kind of a funny story. You know what...I might as well go for it...

I made a blog because a girl I had a crush on at the time had one, and she didn't have a facebook at the time, so I wanted to keep in touch with what was going on with her, so I made a blog. She hardly ever comes on here anymore, so she probably won't see this. And even if she did, she might not even know I'm talking about her. Anyways...I can laugh about it now, and I'm sure she would too if she knew...

I know...not exactly the most spiritual reason for creating it, but it has evolved to mean so much more now than it did then. I love blogging and I know God has used it so many ways to be a help to me, and for me to be a blessing to others.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one~~
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 11

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Another picture of you and your friends

These were my best friends when I was going through my job training for the Navy.

Left to right: Me, Nick Engelhardt, Sandy Mallozzi, and Marie Miller.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
~~Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends~~
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 10

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)

The Precious Blood by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "So High the Price." 291 times.
I Come by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "So High the Price." 284 times.
'Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "So High the Price." 275 times.
O Great God by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "So High the Price." 263 times.
Here Is Love by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "So High the Price." 256 times.
So High the Price by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "So High the Price." 246 times.
The Look by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "So High the Price." 237 times.
Grace Unmeasured by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "So High the Price." 234 times.
Have You Heard by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "So High the Price." 220 times.
In Your Mercy by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "So High the Price." 216 times.
Mercies Anew by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "So High the Price." 215 times.
Merciful God by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "So High the Price." 200 times.
Be Thou My Vision by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "Higher Ground."169 times.
It Is Not Death to Die by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "Come Boldly." 169 times.
O Church, Arise by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "Come Boldly." 167 times.
More Love by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "Higher Ground." 165 times.
Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "Come Boldly." 162 times.
Chosen As His Children (Born Again) by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "Come Boldly." 162 times.
No Sweeter Subject by the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "Come Boldly." 158 times.
Perfect Peace by Laura Story from her CD "Great God Who Saves." 156 times.
Praise You In This Storm by "Casting Crowns" from their CD "Lifesong." 152 times.
O Love Divine from the "Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team" from their CD "Higher Ground." 147 times.
My Savior by Matt and Christy Taylor from their CD "Everlasting Praise." 143 times.
In the Valley by "Sovereign Grace Music" from their CD "Valley of Vision." 143 times.
What Faith Can Do by "Kutless" from their CD "It Is Well." 140 times.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
~~Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)~~
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 9

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Something you’re proud of in the past few days

Honestly, I have nothing that I can take credit for that I should be proud of in the last few days. God blessed tonight though...I preached a sermon at church, and it went very well. All I can do is give the glory back to God, because He's the one who did it.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
~~Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days~~
Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 8

2012-01-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Short term goals for this month and why

First of all, I want to get as much of my reading for Acts and Pauline Epistles done before the semester begins as I can. If I can, I'd also like to get started on my World History Reading, once the professor get's back go me about whether we can start on it early.

That's pretty much it...

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
~~Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why~~
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 7

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

Well, the someone or something I can't exactly take a picture of. The evidence of Him is all around though. He's in the air around us, He's in the grass, He's in everything...He is God.

I wouldn't even exist if it weren't for him. I wouldn't be redeemed...I wouldn't be saved from my sins. I would be in the depths of sin if it weren't for His grace that saved me. To Him I owe everything...

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
~~Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you~~
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 6

2012-01-06T00:30:00.000-05:00

Favorite super hero and why

My favorite super hero...hmmm...I have a lot! I can remember when I was little, and even still now, I often imagine myself as a super hero. But I usually made up my own...the regular ones like Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Wolverine...etc never really had the abilities I wanted my superhero to have.

When I was little his name was Boy-Boy...don't ask me why...there's a really long complicated explanation for that name, and I want to bore you with the details...let's just say I had a very active imagination, but not much creativity.

Anyways...Boy-Boy's costume was my Blue Plaid shorts, and an old baseball bat swinging glove...you know those kinds with open fingers? Anyways...I'd run around the house in this costume, and my name was Boy-Boy...I was amazing...

What were my powers...back then I'm not sure...I think my power was pure awesomeness...

Today the two superpowers that I think it would be awesome to have would be the ability to heal anyone's injury (this comes from the fact that my name means Jason) and superhuman strength. Wouldn't that me a completely awesome combination?!

Take down some bad guys, and heal the people they've hurt while doing their bad guy things...

But...who would I pick if I had to pick a well known superhero? Hmmm...probably Colossus...or Nightcrawler.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
~~Day 06- Favorite super hero and why~~
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 5

2012-01-05T00:30:00.000-05:00

A picture of somewhere you’ve been to

Out of all the places I visited in the Navy, Palau was my favorite.

This particular picture was taken at Jellyfish Lake.

It's a salt water lake that's completely filled with stingless Jellyfish.

I swam with them...it was cool and kind of weird at the same time.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
~~Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to~~
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 4

2012-01-04T00:30:00.000-05:00

A habit that you wish you didn’t have

One bad habit I wish I didn't have is that I can be quick to judge people. I make up my mind about someone pretty quickly, and too often I'm wrong.

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
Matthew 7:1 - 2

This is a good resolution for the year...

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
~~Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have~~
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 3

2012-01-03T00:30:00.000-05:00

A picture of you and your friends

This pic was taken at my Graduation Open House in the summer of '07.

Left to Right: Mrs Beals, KT Beals, Jenny Beals, Jacki Byler, Zac Markley and I.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
~~Day 03- A picture of you and your friends~~
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 2

2012-01-02T00:30:00.000-05:00

The meaning behind your Blog name

I think my blog title is pretty self explanatory. I wanted to express exactly the kind of things I would be writing about on my blog. I didn't want people coming to my blog with the idea that if my blog title had a specific meaning, that my blog would only be about that one thing. So I wanted to cover all the bases with my title. On my blog, I would talk about my life...the everyday kinds of things I went through.

My blog would also be about my passions...this covered when I would possibly talk about things in society that I saw as wrong.

And finally, most importantly, I wanted to talk about my God. The one who saved me from my sins...to Him I owe everything, so He should be a part of my blog title...

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
~~Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name~~
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge: Day 1

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

This pic is of my Friends Hannah, and Katie when they visited me about a week and a half ago.

I have a freckle in my eye.
My first stuffed animal I remember owning my family found on the side of the road.
My name is Jason, and I was born in July…if you go from July to November taking the firs letter of every month, and you make it into a word, it spells Jason. July, August, September, October, November…JASON.
My grandma, on my dad's side, named me.
My parents almost didn't have me. My dad wanted to stop at three kids, but mom begged him to have one more…dad caved and, 24 years later, here I am.
I've broken two bones in my life, and they were my cheek bones on my left and right cheek.
My favorite toy as a child was my George Armstrong Custard action figure.
Our family dog chewed the above mentioned action figure up.
When I was about 5 years old I pulled my dad around in a wagon with sheer determination.
By the time I was done with kindergarten, two girls had asked me to marry them, and I said yes to both.
The two times I ever got in trouble in Public school was for my mouth. One was for saying a word I didn't know was bad, and the other was for talking during study hall.
I'm actually very socially awkward when placed into a new situation…once I feel comfortable…look out!
Before I got saved at 8 years old, I used to ask people to pray that I would get saved.
When I was younger, there were two things I would have told you I never wanted to be…a Pastor, and I never wanted to be in the Military.
When I was a baby, my parents used to play classical music from a radio under my crib.

~~Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself~~
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

30 Day Challenge for the New Year

2011-12-30T15:21:00.001-05:00

I did one of these last year too, and I just really wanted to do another, but different one this year. So below I have listed what I will do each day of January.

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to the most (if you have iTunes, list the songs on your top 25 most played list)
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has been an inspiration to you
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone (past or present) you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag/backpack
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

I Cannot Tell

2011-12-30T12:26:00.000-05:00

I cannot tell why He the King of Heaven,

Should leave the peace of all eternity,

Why God Himself should lay aside His splendor,

To leave the Father’s side and come to me.

But this I know: our silence filled with singing,

And all our darkness fled from heaven’s light

When Christ the Lord, so human, yet so holy,

In love was born a child for me that holy night.

I cannot tell why Christ the Father’s only Son,

In garden lonely bowed His sacred head,

The ground stained dark with blood-like

sweatfrom holy brow,

The cup of sin He took there in my stead.

But this I know the solders led the Son of God

To walk the street to face the hate-filled ones,

They spit upon the holy, sinless Lamb of God,

Then led Him forth to crucify God’s Son.

I cannot tell why all the hosts of Heaven,

Watched silently this seeming sad defeat,

The mocking words, the crown of thorns

thatpierced His brow,

The tearing flesh, the nail-pierced hands and feet.

But this I know that God the Father turned away,

He could not bear the sin-clad form below,

There all alone, on Calvary’s hill Christ bore our sin,

He bowed His head and conquered our great foe.

I cannot tell why He, the Joy of Heaven,

Should give Himself to suffer for my sin,

Why Holy God should love me in my shamefulness,

Why He should die to draw my soul to Him.

But this I know: that Christ the Lord is risen,

And praise His name, He’s risen now in me!

Because He lives, I’ll rise to life eternal!

He took my guilty heart, and I’m forever free!

I love Peanuts...

2011-12-20T11:41:00.002-05:00

Calvary's Love...

2011-12-20T00:27:00.003-05:00

I found this poem on a friends blog. It's kind of long, but well worth the read!

If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting "Who made thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou hast not received?" then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I find myself taking lapses for granted, "Oh, that's what they always do," "Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that," then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, "Just what I expected" if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand," or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am soft to myself and slide comfortably into self-pity and self-sympathy; If I do not by the grace of God practice fortitude, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself, if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have "a heart at leisure from itself," then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If, the moment I am conscious of the shadow of self crossing my threshold, I do not shut the door, and keep that door shut, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I cannot in honest happiness take the second place (or the twentieth); if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I take offense easily, if I am content to continue in a cool unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I feel injured when another lays to my charge things that I know not, forgetting that my sinless Savior trod this path to the end, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I feel bitter toward those who condemn me, as it seems to me, unjustly, forgetting that if they knew me as I know myself they would condemn me much more, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the praise of others elates me and their blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I crave hungrily to be used to show the way of liberty to a soul in bondage, instead of caring only that it be delivered; if I nurse my disappointment when I fail, instead of asking that to another the word of release may be given, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not forget about such a trifle as personal success, so that it never crosses my mind, or if it does, is never given room there; if the cup of flattery tastes sweet to me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If in the fellowship of service I seek to attach a friend to myself, so that others are caused to feel unwanted; if my friendships do not draw others deeper in, but are ungenerous (to myself, for myself), then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I refuse to allow one who is dear to me to suffer for the sake of Christ, if I do not see such suffering as the greatest honor that can be offered to any follower of the Crucified, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I slip into the place that can be filled by Christ alone, making myself the first necessity to a soul instead of leading it to fasten upon Him, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think in terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joys mine, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I wonder why something trying is allowed, and press for prayer that it may be removed; if I cannot be trusted with any disappointment, and cannot go on in peace under any mystery, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

That which I know not, teach Thou me, O Lord, my God.

-Amy Carmichael

Home...

2011-12-18T23:25:00.001-05:00

Well...by God's grace, finals went extremely well! I passed all my classes too!

I'm home now...we had a Christmas concert at church tonight, and it wen't really well!

I also talked to my pastor today, and he said he wants me to preach while I'm home, so please pray that my preparation goes well, and that God is glorified in my preaching, and my preparation for it!

If I don't do a blog post before Christmas...Merry Christmas to you all!

Almost home...

2011-12-11T00:21:00.001-05:00

Well, finals are this coming week. It's hard to believe I'm already almost done with my first semester of college. It has definitely been an exciting semester. I have learned so much, and have made so many good friends!

My last final in on Thursday, but I'm taking some friends to the Airport Friday morning, so I have to stay until then, but I'm leaving very early in the morning. I should be getting home sometime late in the evening.

In morning devotions on Friday, Doc "O" asked us what the major lesson was that God taught us this semester. I didn't have to think long...it's definitely an increased desire to know God in my heart. To have a deeper understanding of His attributes, and what they indicate about His character. Steadfast love, abounding grace, his Faithfulness, he's the cornerstone, the foundation...the list could go on. The whole bible is filled with descriptive words of Him...and I can't get enough of them...before I had a head knowledge of his attributes, but I hadn't really allowed them to sink in. But I've certainly not "arrived" at a complete understanding of my God, I never will...the Christians life should never cease to seek to understand God better...this is an ongoing process.

Your view of God is the most important thing about you...
-A. W. Tozer

Joy Has Dawned

2011-12-09T13:44:00.001-05:00

by: Keith Getty, Stuart Townend

Joy has dawned upon the world
Promised from creation
God's salvation now unfurled
Hope for ev'ry nation

Not with fanfares from above
Not with scenes of glory
But a humble gift of love
Jesus born of Mary

Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of life
Shelters in a stable

Hands that set each star in place
Shaped the earth in darkness
Cling now to a mother's breast
Vuln'rable and helpless

Shepherds bow before the lamb
Gazing at the glory
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story

Gold, a King is born today
Incense, God is with us
Myrrh, His death will make a way
And by His blood He'll win us

Son of Adam, Son of heaven
Given as a ransom
Reconciling God and man
Christ, our mighty champion

What a Savior, what a Friend
What a glorious myst'ry
Once a babe in Bethlehem
Now the Lord of hist'ry

2011-12-09T10:00:00.001-05:00

When the prosecutor makes you doubt your salvation...get on the phone with your Defense Attorney and never get off...that way, the next time the prosecutor calls, he gets a busy signal...

-Doc "O"

2011-12-03T16:55:00.001-05:00

Stick with your work. Do not flinch because the lion roars; do not stop to stone the devil’s dogs; do not fool away your time chasing the devil’s rabbits. Do your work. Let liars lie, let sectarians quarrel, let critics malign, let enemies accuse, let the devil do his worst; but see to it nothing hinders you from fulfilling with joy the work God has given you. He has not commanded you to be admired or esteemed. He has never bidden you to defend your character. He has not set you at work to contradict falsehood about yourself which Satan’s or God’s servants may start to peddle, or to track down every rumor that threatens your reputation. If you do these things, you will do nothing else; you will be at work for yourself and not for the Lord. Keep at your work. Let your aim be as steady as a star. You may be assaulted, wronged, insulted, slandered, wounded and rejected, misunderstood, or assigned impure motives; you may be abused by foes, forsaken by friends, and despised and rejected of men. But see to it with steadfast determination, with unfaltering zeal, that you pursue the great purpose of your life and object of your being until at last you can say, 'I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do.'

-Anonymous

I know I've posted this quote before...but I need this reminder right now...there are some things going on here at Northland that reminded me of this quote I read on a blog post Dr. Olson wrote about a year ago. Once again people are criticizing Northland and members of its administration...we, the Students of Northland International University, love you Dr. Olson, and we stand behind you...

Political Blog...

2011-11-30T19:19:00.001-05:00

So, a while back I created a political blog, but since I was in the Navy at the time, and this blog proclaimed the fact that I was in the military, I couldn't really advertise my open oppositions to policies of our current president. So I created a political blog under an alias. Seeing as how I am no longer on active duty, I can now be more open in my opposition. But I still like my Alias there, so I don't want to get rid of the blog to start a new one with this name. So, I'm just going to post a link on here for it...follow it if you want!

I just did a post on welfare reform...it's actually my argumentative paper for English class, so if you want to check it out, and give me feedback, especially grammatically, I would appreciate it! Click here to check it out!

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T12:42:00.001-05:00

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:12-17

School winding down...

2011-11-20T01:06:00.001-05:00

Well, classes are winding down. People are getting ready to go home for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I will not be going home for Thanksgiving. I was thinking about it, but I called Mom, and she said that there was no use making the 13 drive home only to be home for what would amount to only 2 days home.

So my dorm supervisor and his wife actually invited me to have Thanksgiving with them, so I'm pretty stoked about that. They actually live in a small appartment inside the dorm buidling, so I don't even have to leave my dorm building.

Final projects are beginning to come up, and most of them I've already gotten a head start on.

Finals will be here before I know it! Most classes I'm not too worried about, except English. That is by far my worst class. You can probably tell based on reading my blog posts!

I've already registered for classes next semester. I'm taking: Historical Books (BIB 112), Acts and Pauline Epistles (BIB 122), Introduction to Cross-Cultural Ministry (CCS 101), Outreach and Discipleship Ministries (CHU 231), Composition and Research (ENG 102), Composition and Research (ENG 112), World History II (HIS 102), and Fundamentals of Speech (SPC 102). Outreach and Discipleship Ministries seems to be my first major specific class...so I'm pretty excited about that class. I'm also pretty excited about Acts and Pauline Epistles because the Professor who teaches it, I have for a class this semester, and he's an awesome teacher!

Christmas break will be here before too long. It starts December 16th and ends January 22nd. I'm pretty excited to be going home. I'm actually singing for our annual church Christmas Concert at our church on the 18th, so I'm also pretty excited about that as well.

I was also officially approved by Northland Camp to work here this summer. I'm going to be working as a Junior counselor. I can't wait! It's pretty much going to keep me here all summer. It begins May 20th, and ends about a week or two before classes start up again next fall.

Right now I'm actually at work. I work ever Saturday night from 11-2. It's a shift I work in our security booth, so it just means answering the phone and loging the reports that the rounds workers relay to me. So, don't worry, I'm allowed to be on the computer right now.

We got about a half inch of snow tonight, and it's pretty funny because it's my extension teams turn to shovel at the church tomorrow morning. I remember about a month ago when our pastor sent us the list I was really hoping we wouldn't get snow, but sure enough we did. Not like I don't like snow, I do, it's just I wish it would have hit on any Saturday night but this one. Oh well, it shouldn't be too bad considering there's not a whole lot of snow.

Well, I think that's about all I wanted to share. I trust all is well with my followers!

Oh the Deep, Deep Love

2011-11-20T00:56:00.001-05:00

Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me
Underneath me, all around me
Is the current of Your love
Leading onward, leading homeward
To Your glorious rest above

Oh the deep, deep love
All I need and trust
Is the deep, deep love of Jesus

Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus
Spread His praise from shore to shore
How He came to pay our ransom
Through the saving cross He bore
How He watches o’er His loved ones
Those He died to make His own
How for them He’s interceding
Pleading now before the throne

Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus
Far surpassing all the rest
It’s an ocean full of blessing
In the midst of every test
Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus
Mighty Savior, precious Friend
You will bring us home to glory
Where Your love will never end

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

Understanding other Religions...

2011-11-17T16:18:00.001-05:00

I never thought I would be learning so much about the worlds religions from World History class. My World History teacher here at Northland takes a tremendous amount of time, when we talk about a civilization, to tell us about that civilizations religious beliefs. The goal being, to instill in us a respect for them. In many situations, with the formations of these religions, you can't help but respect them for their dedication. People like the Jainists who didn't believe in killing anything, and went to far as to carry a broom around with them so that they could sweep away bugs in order to not step on them, and would even wear face masks in order to not breath in a bug and kill it. We as Christians can often be very ignorant, and say things like: "That's stupid!" But, our History teacher here, tells us about these religions in order to instill in us a respect for them. When we have respect for their dedication to their beliefs, it helps us to minister to them, and evangelize to them in the future.

One religion that I have gained a respect for is Islam, and I was completely surprised that I would have respect. Misguided as they were, and are, you can't help but understand how this religion would appeal to people in the situation that the Arabs were when they heard the message Mohammad brought to them. Our teacher presented a theory to us about what gave Mohammad his ideas, and I found very interesting, and frankly, it just made sense. I'd like to share it with you.

The Arab peninsula before the establishment of Islam was sparsely populated. The people were not unified at all. Most of the population were bedouins (nomadic shepherds). The Persians were continually invading and pushing them farther, and farther south into the desert. Most major powers of the known world were unified under monotheistic belief systems...the Persians had Zoroastrianism, the Byzantines had Orthodox Christianity, and the Romans had Catholicism. This was the world that Mohammad was brought up in. Now this idea can't be proven in any way...but it seems like a very posible reality...perhaps Mohammad saw how monotheism unified the people. He saw how countries that were Polytheistic in their beliefs faded away and were conquered. Perhaps he thought he could create a new monotheistic belief system to unify the people of the Arab peninsula, and therein unify his people...and that's exactly what happens. Jihad is the means by which they could conquer...Jihad is their version of a "Great Commission." For us Americans, we have a strong hatred for Islam...I admit, I struggled with the idea that I could muster any amount of respect for Islamic people...seeing as how it is this religion that caused so many deaths of American people...but still, I can understand the appeal for them. But they are like any non-Christian...they are blind to the truth, and misguided by this religion that gives them a sense of community.

Recently we've been learning about Catholicism, and I have even gained a respect for them as well, and have a better understanding about how they became what they are today. Specifically I can understand how the Pope came to be regarded as so highly as he is today.

As the Roman Empire began to crumble, and it's leaders grew more, and more weak the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) began to lead the people. He provided stability when everything else was falling apart. The early Bishops of Rome durring this time, were merely trying to help. There's no evidence that at the beginning they were trying to take their power with greed. They were trying to help their people...they were even fulfilling Bible principles by helping those in need...they actively fought heresy which is again something that we as Christians are supposed to do. Overtime they gradually were given even greater and greater power, again as a means by which to provide stability. Can you blame them for wanting to help their people?

As time went on in the Middle Ages, illiteracy became common place. Life was very monotonous...people worked farms, did chores, and they desperately wanted to have a sense of community, and the church provided that. Religious leaders were educated, and the people looked up to them greatly. As usually happens when people gain a tremendous amount of power...it goes to their head, and all kinds of corruption seeps in.

Hopefully this short description of Catholicism and Islam helps you understand both of them a little better. I actually have a test over all this in class tomorrow, so writing this is almost like studying as well. I trust all in well with my followers!

Christian Unity

2011-11-14T20:46:00.001-05:00

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
II Timothy 2:22-26

Tonight something happened that reminded me of this passage. We've been studying this portion of scripture at my church for the past few weeks. We actually just finished up with it this last Sunday.

Anyways...growing up in fundamental baptist churches as a kid I was always taugt that we should stay away from those who preach false doctrines, which of course I whole heartedly agreed with, and still believe to this day. But I also believe that we kept ourselves divided from other churches over too many petty things. We spend far too much time arguing over things that we feel are so important, that we neglect so many more important things. Like a right relationship with God, and cultivating a deep knowledge of Him.

I don't want to go into detail about what I believe are petty reasons to argue, because I don't want to offend my readers. Why don't we as Christians, ignore these petty differences we have, and share our common beliefs, and unify? I'm not saying this means we should all join one church, and just tolerate one another's difference in music choice, or the like, but I certainly think we should be more open to fellowshipping together. I understand why we won't want to worship together because of music differences, I'm definitely on board with that. I myself am more conservative in my church music choices, and I know I wouldn't want to be forced to be in a church that has a drum set, and similar things.

But, why can't we come together at times and work together for the cause of Christ? I think more unbelievers are turned away from our quarreling than we ever reach with our evangelistic messages.

I think, as a younger person, when I was the one judging other churches, I didn't see this as much of a problem, because no one was judging me, because I was right. But the older I get, the more I realize how wrong I am about most things. Also, I've been on the receiving end of judgements as of late, so I see how much it hurts to be so ostracized from other Christians.

Can I just encourage my Christian friends...don't just assume your elders are right about what's right and wrong. I am by no means encouraging my readers to disobey, or to go against your parents...but study the scriptures, find out what it says is important, and what it says is true. Don't just take their word for it. They're faulted humans...they can get it wrong. Study God's word like the Bereans (Acts 17:10-11) did. Don't let petty unimportant things that aren't found in the Bible keep you from fellowshipping with other Christians!

Veterans Day

2011-11-11T16:01:00.001-05:00

Today we recognize those who have gone and are going to war for us. Today is unlike memorial day, in that we aren't so much focussing on those who have passed on...but those who are still alive. It is a day to walk up to a veteran and shake their hand, and thank them.

Today in Chapel they asked all the veterans to stand up, but I honestly couldn't bring myself to stand. The reason why, is depending on who you talk to, there are different definitions for a veteran. The U. S. Government, when it comes to giving out veterans benefits, defines a veteran as anyone who has served in the military, for any length of time, and in any branch. With that definition, I am a veteran. Some would say that anyone who serves in the military, whether removed from the actual fighting or actively in combat, during a time of war is a veteran. Again, using that definition, I am a veteran. But having served in the military, I find that service members define being a veteran differently.

We would consider it only the person who has been in active combat. The one who had heard the sound of misiles being launched...who's ducked for cover while being shot at...who's trudged through the deserts in scorching heat with packs on their backs...the men who know what it truly means to fear for your life, but to go on fighting anyways. They are the true veterans, the true heroes we recognize today.

Surrender All

2011-11-06T01:19:00.000-05:00

Take all I am, Lord, and all that I cling to
You are my Savior I owe everything to
Take all the treasures that lie in my storehouse
They cannot follow when I enter Your house

So I surrender all to You
I surrender all

Take all my cravings for vain recognition
Fleshly indulgence and worldly ambition
I want so much Lord to make You the focus
To serve You in secret and never be noticed

Take all my hunger for all that’s forbidden
Every desire and sin I keep hidden
Search me and know me I want to bring to You
A life that is holy and sanctified through You
© 2004 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).

Dining Hall Project

2011-11-03T08:45:00.000-04:00

Hello again from Jason at Northland! It’s getting colder, our girls soccer team won regionals, and both the men’s and women’s soccer teams headed to the NCCAA national tournament this Saturday looking to bring back the National Championship next week. Basketball seasons are starting up and the Fine Arts play is just around the corner. Things are getting incredibly busy around campus and as always we’ve reached an exciting point of the semester as we are more than halfway done!

Most likely, you have already on my blog about the Campus Cause fundraiser we're having at Northland and I just wanted to update you on our progress so far. We have about two weeks remaining to raise the remainder of our $150,000 to get the full match. The Lord has blessed us with over $45,000 so far which gives us a total of over $90,000 with the dollar for dollar match! We are excited about this, but we want to reach our goal of getting the full match and raising $300,000. Checks are arriving daily and have been greatly encouraged by the response of so many! We are praying that the support behind this cause will continue to grow!

Would you prayerfully consider how you could impact our student body by supporting this cause? Donations can be made online at www.ni.edu/dhp or by mailing checks in. If you are unable to pay now but would like to pledge an amount to be paid next month please send an e-mail to development@ni.edu.

Thank you for your time and consideration!

PS— We are running a campus-wide contest to see which team of students, faculty, and staff can raise the most support. If you are able to help financially, I would greatly appreciate your noting my name on the check or my name along with your online donation. Thanks!

Active Duty Career Video

2011-10-29T22:40:00.000-04:00

I made a video of a compilation of pictures from my time in the navy, and made a video with it. If you want to check it out, click here.

Balance in the Christian Life

2011-10-23T01:28:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago we had pastor from a local church visit and preach in our chapel service here on campus. He preached on balance in the Christian life, and it's something that I think really needs to be heard.

He told us to envision the Christian life as a wheel with three spokes. One spoke is labeled "Holiness", another "Service for Christ", and the last was labeled "Position in Christ". I'm going to break each one down in the way that he did.

Holiness:
…but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
I Peter 1:15-16
Striving to live a holy life is very important in our Christian life. We should always be aiming for removing those things that are displeasing to the Lord from our life, but talking an emphasis on Holiness can lead to legalism, and a lack of grace.

Service for Christ:
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.Romans 12:1
We should always be striving to serve the Lord in our church, and in whatever way we can. However when we take this one too far it can lead to a strict regimented "duty" oriented Christianity that lacks love and can even lack Holiness.

Position in Christ:
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1
It is very important that we as Christians remember God's grace in our lives. He gave us unmerited favor that we didn't deserve, and we should always be rejoicing in that! However, an over emphasis of this can lead to a lack of Holiness.
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:1-4

I really like the analogy of a wheel when it comes to the Christian life. Because when we overemphasize any one of these we can think of it like an unbalanced wheel. If you tried to ride a bike where one side of the spokes on your wheels were shorter than the other ones, it would be really uncomfortable to ride. You would be bouncing up and down and struggling to get from one place to the next. Much like that, when we overemphasize one of these it will really make our Christian life difficult.

I know for me as a Conservative Christian, and as a Baptist in particular, I at times grew up with an overemphasis on the Holiness part. It honestly wasn't really till I got to college that I really started thinking deeply about my position in Christ. It's so awesome to think about God's love to us, and His grace. I'm overwhelmed by it, and so thankful! But I've even noticed how it can be overemphasized to the point where I forget that I'm supposed to strive to live a Holy life as well!

It can be very hard to find a good balance between these three! We as imperfect humans have a tendency to try to do things on our own, and we seem to be able to focus on only one of these at a time. But with God's help He can enable us to find a good balance between these three.

Northland Dining Hall...

2011-10-20T23:30:00.000-04:00

At Northland we are currently working on raising funds to build a new dining hall. The one we have was build back in the 60s, so we are definitely in need of a new one!

So, if you feel led, and have the money to donate, we, the students of Northland would greatly appreciate your support!

Here's a link for where you can donate: Northland Capital Projects

Even if you can't donate, your prayers are appreciated!

The Poochie Lip Disease

2011-10-20T15:21:00.005-04:00

King Ahab went a-walking in royal garments grand and saw a lovely vinyard while gazing o’er his land. He said, “I’ve got to have it, I always get my way!” But when he could not get it he pouted all the day.

The poochie lip will get you if you don’t watch out. The poochie lip will get you if you start to pout. So take this little tip, please control that lower lip, and chase away the poochie lip disease.

The king went to his bedroom; he looked so sad and blue. He slammed the door behind him and loudly cried, “Boo-hoo!” He said, “Nobody loves me” and fell down on his bed, “If I can’t have the vineyard I won’t eat any bread.”

The poochie lip will get you if you don’t watch out. The poochie lip will get you if you start to pout. So take this little tip, please control that lower lip, and chase away the poochie lip disease.

Now if you are a begger or if you are a king, I’m sure you will discover No man has everything. Whenever you’re unhappy, recall this little tip- remember silly Ahab, and don’t stick out that lip.

The poochie lip will get you if you don’t watch out. The poochie lip will get you if you start to pout. So take this little tip, please control that lower lip, and chase away the poochie lip disease. (Words and music by Ron Hamilton)

2011-10-19T09:01:00.002-04:00

When I, as an earthly minister of God, view the goodness of God I think how hypocritical I am when I urge those around me to live righteously. Because in view of God, there is no righteousness in me. I am a filthy vessel. All I can do as an earthly minister is admit my inadequacy and sin, and direct people's attention to the holy, loving God who saved me.

The Prodigal

2011-10-14T18:37:00.002-04:00

by: Ryan and Meghan Baird
You held out Your arms, I walked away
Insolent I spurned Your face
Squandering the gifts You gave to me
Holding close forbidden things
Destitute a rebel still, a fool in all my pride
The world I once enjoyed is death to me
No joy, no hope, no life

Where now are the friends, that I had bought
Gone with every penny lost
What hope could there be for such as I
Sold out to a world of lies
Oh, to see Your face again, it seems so distant now
Could it be that You would take me back
A servant in Your house

You held out Your arms, I see them still
You never left, You never will
Running to embrace me, now I know
Your cords of love will always hold
Mercy's robe, a ring of grace
Such favor undeserved
You sing over me and celebrate
The rebel now Your child
© 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP).

I Could Not Do Without Thee

2011-10-09T02:11:00.005-04:00

I could not do without Thee
O Savior of the lost,
Whose precious blood redeemed me
At such tremendous cost.
Thy righteousness, thy pardon
Thy precious blood, must be
My only hope and comfort,
My glory and my plea.

I could not do without Thee,
I cannot stand alone,
I have no strength or goodness,
No wisdom of my own;
But Thou, beloved Savior,
Art all in all to me,
And weakness will be power
If leaning hard on Thee.

I could not do without Thee,
For, oh, the way is long,
And I am often weary,
And sigh replaces song:
How could I do without Thee?
I do not know the way;
Thou knowest, and Thou leadest,
And wilt not let me stray.

I could not do without Thee,
O Jesus, Savior dear;
E’en when my eyes are holden,
I know that Thou art near.
How dreary and how lonely
This changeful life would be,
Without the sweet communion,
The secret rest with Thee!

I could not do without Thee;
No other friend can read
The spirit’s strange deep longings,
Interpreting its need;
No human heart could enter
Each dim recess of mine,
And soothe, and hush, and calm it,
O blessèd Lord, but Thine.

I could not do without Thee,
For years are fleeting fast,
And soon in solemn oneness
The river must be passed;
But Thou wilt never leave me,
And though the waves roll high,
I know Thou wilt be near me,
And whisper, “It is I.”

Reflection Lake...

2011-10-09T01:28:00.002-04:00

So, on campus here at Northland we have a lake back in the woods that you can walk to. I took a walk there last week and the fall foliage was beautiful! Unfortunately, at the time, I did not have my camera, so I went back on Friday, and took a bunch of pics. It wasn't as nice as it was the week before, but it was still pretty nice. I hope you enjoy the pics!

So far classes are going very well! So far I've passed all my tests that I've taken. I have a few more this week...

On Saturday we had Artist Series here at Northland, and I went on my 2nd date I've had in my life...it was really good!

God has been doing so much in my life here at Northland...I can't even begin to describe to you how much I love it here...especially after being in the Navy for four years prior to coming here.

Hopefully later this week I'll be doing a post about balance in the Christian life. This past week we had a special speaker in chapel who spoke about this, and it really hit home with me.

I trust all is well with my followers!

College life so far...

2011-10-03T23:18:00.000-04:00

I was just reading my book I have to read for Gospels class, and I realized that I haven't posted on here in a while...

So what have I been up to?

Well, I'll share it in pictures...

This is my room leader's flag...I laughed so hard when I saw this...

These are the Chinese characters for "Old Man." This is hanging on my dorm room door, because my room consists of Walter (35), James (28), Ramsey (25) and of course me (24). So we are the "Old Man" room...also known as the "Geriatric Society."

Photo taken by: Ashleigh Laureen Swayne

Alright, so last weekend we had an event at Northland Camp called "Rodeofest." All of the guys in this group were the "bad guys." We were attacked by 3rd-6th graders all day. It was quite intense, but a lot of fun!

Photo taken by: Ashleigh Laureen Swayne

I started getting tired toward the end of the day...

Photo taken by: Ashleigh Laureen Swayne

Talking to the little kids while I was "behind bars."

Well, so far college life has been really fun, and stressful all at once. The area up here in N. Wisconsin is really beautiful this time of year! This area is known as the Northwoods, so lots of trees in fall...beautiful...

This Friday we're having what we call Artist Series. Everyone is supposed to try to get a date, so I asked one of my fellow Freshmen who I've become pretty good friends with. Ooo, and interesting fact...I'm the oldest Freshman in my class, and I'm also the only Pastoral Studies major in my class...

But besides all that...God has been doing so much in my life. When I have more time I'l be sure to come on here and share what He's been doing...I trust all is well with my followers!

The Gospel

2011-09-23T09:06:00.004-04:00

They showed this video during student Chapel last week...it's definitely worth watching!:
http://vimeo.com/24056263

2011-09-13T14:28:00.001-04:00

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter up of my head.
Psalm 3:3

Not only is it a comfort to know that God is a shield about us, but I especially like the part of this verse that says the Lord is "the lifter up of my head."

It doesn't say what the situation is that God lifts up our head when it is bowed...perhaps it is when we bow our head in shame for sins committed, or perhaps when we bow our heads when our eyes are filled with tears. In either situation we can find solace in the fact that God will lift up our head...

In the situation where we are bowing our head in shame for sins committed, if we are believers, we have no reason for shame, because the Lord has saved us! So He will lift our heads to behold Him face to face...and see the Love in His eyes.

In situations where we are bowing our head because our eyes are filled with tears, He is our comforter. He will lift our heads to behold Him, and He will put His arms around us, and comfort us in our pain.

Still My Soul Be Still

2011-09-12T09:54:00.002-04:00

Still my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow

God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone

Still my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faithAgainst temptations flaming arrows

God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone

Still my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise
As stars appear when day is dimming

God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone

George W. Bush: "Remarks at the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance," September 14, 2001

2011-09-11T14:25:00.000-04:00

It is said that adversity introduces us to ourselves. This is true of a nation as well. In this trial, we have been reminded and the world has seen that our fellow Americans are generous and kind, resourceful and brave. We see our national character in rescuers working past exhaustion, in long lines of blood donors, in thousands of citizens who have asked to work and serve in any way possible. And we have seen our national character in eloquent acts of sacrifice: Inside the World Trade Center, one many who could have saved himself stayed until the end and at the side of his quadriplegic friend. A beloved priest died giving the last rites to a firefighter. Two office workers, finding a disabled stranger, carried her down 68 floors to safety. A group of men drove through the night from Dallas to Washington to bring skin grafts for burned victims. In these acts and many others, Americans showed a deep commitment to one another and and abiding love for our country.

Wrestling with my flesh...

2011-09-09T20:03:00.001-04:00

Since I came to Northland things have been going much better between me and God. As you can see from a post of mine a few days ago, God has been doing a lot in my life since I got here. As I've said in previous posts, I'm so glad I'm here!

There is a downside to doing as well as I am in my walk with the Lord...and I often get this way when I'm doing well...I start to get kind of a big head. I start finding myself, in my head, judging other people. Looking at them and thinking things like: "I'm more spiritual than them!" Of course, this is really bad!

It's like the verse says: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

If I let my pride rule in my life, I'm sure to fall. Lord please help me with this! Humble me before you...break me, and keep me in subjection to your purpose for my life.

I stand with Northland...

2011-09-08T22:44:00.000-04:00

Since I got to Northland, I’ve been thinking about the badrap this school has gotten within the last year. Christian Bloggers all over the Internet have voiced theiropinion about the recent changes made at Northland. I thought…if there are so many who are saying bad things,why not write a blog in favor of this school?

Now, you may say that I’m biased in my opinion aboutNorthland because I go there…and that might be true. But I’ve tried as best as I can to look at it withoutbiased, and see if anything they’re doing is directly against scripture. I can honestly say that I don’t see asingle thing.

I’ve even heard since I’ve been here, that there were rumorsgoing around that Northland had electric guitars in their chapel services. I can tell you that that is certainlynot true…or honestly, I wouldn’t be here. There’s no trap set, and no Christian rock bands playing here. We sing more modern hymns, but they’resung with tasteful backup music. The focus is always on giving God the glory He deserves.

The only change in music philosophy that I’ve heard about isthat they have now said that when it comes to personal music choices, they areallowing us the liberty to make wise music choices. They give us a guide with scriptural references to guide us towardmusic that honors God. But, it isleft up to the individual what they interpret as “God honoring.” I believe this is Biblical…a schoolthat dictates exactly what kind of music that it’s students listen to is tryingto play god in it’s students lives, and I just don’t believe that’s right. Also, Dr. Olson has said there’s nopassage of scripture that tells us exactly what kind of music we should listento. There are merely principles toguide us. But it’s really between theHoly Spirit and us. The HolySpirit guides us. I can say withcertainty that CCM in church makes me very uncomfortable. I find that often when I startlistening to CCM, it is when I’m struggling in my walk with the Lord. I believe God has revealed to me thatCCM is not good for me…but how can I say that others shouldn’t listen to it? I’m merely going off where God hasguided me…but I could be wrong. Maybe these are merely my feelings…I can’t tell people that just becauseI believe CCM is wrong, that nobody should listen to it. That would be playing god, and I can’tdo that. They do, howeverencourage students that we need to show deference. If music we listen to is offending someone, we’re told thatwe should stop playing it, and that is definitely a clear-cut command from theLord.

There have been other changes made that were changed forsimilar reasons, but I don’t want to bore you by going through each one. But ultimately Northland has changedmost of their rules because they realized that they were trying to dictateeverything about their student’s lives. They realized that they were trying to fix the outside of theirstudents…when the most important part was the inside. We can look spic and span on the outside, but be so far fromGod on the inside.

This has been Northlands focus since they wereestablished…that the most important part about a Christians is our heart…ourlove for God, and love for others. All that other stuff that schools do to make their students “lookgood”…was only making them look good on the outside, but not on theinside. Northland just decided tomake their rules match the focus they’ve had for years. I don’t believe there’s anything wrongwith the changes they made.

Ultimately what it comes down to is this…even if there arestill other things you disagree with about Northland…that’s fine. But, I have not heard of anotherChristian school in our country that has the same focus that Northlanddoes. A lot of them may claimto…but none of them, from what I can tell, implement it with quite the samezeal as Northland does. Northlandfocuses on “the more excellent way…” (I Corinthians 12:31)

That focus alone is enough…I’m glad I’m at Northland, and atleast for now, I stand with them. I love this school, and I highly recommend it to anyone, and everyone!

How Deep

2011-09-04T14:42:00.006-04:00

by: Stephen Altrogge

You were broken that I might be healed
You were cast off that I might draw near
You were thirsty that I might come drink
Cried out in anguish that I might sing

How deep is Your love
How high and how wide is Your mercy
How deep is Your grace
Our hearts overflow with praise
To You

You knew darkness that I might know light
Wept great tears that mine might be dried
Stripped of glory that I might be clothed
Crushed by Your Father to call me Your own

How deep is Your love
How high and how wide is Your mercy
How deep is Your grace
Our hearts overflow with praise
To You

Learning to be "Complete in Thee..."

2011-09-03T17:02:00.000-04:00

Since I came to Northland, God has already been teaching me a lot of things. But one thing He's been teaching me, just within the last, probably 16 hours, is the need for me to feel Complete in Christ. I often struggle with a feeling of loneliness...often even when I'm surrounded by people, and people are being nice, and introducing themselves, I find myself feeling lonely. This often leads to me walking up to girls and talking to them, hoping, that if it goes well, there could end up being something there between us. I'm sure my readers know what I mean when I say that...

When I do this, then if it does go well, I start to get excited, and begin to have that feeling of "completeness." After realizing that I do this, I realized something...why can I not feel this same "completeness" in Christ? After all, He does love me more than anyone in this world. He died for me, and all of us on the cross. Why can I not rest in His love, and find that "completeness"? I've often been told by people who are married, or in a happy dating relationship, that God brought along the right person for them, when they learned to rest in Christ love, and find that completeness in Christ. This of course is harder than it sounds when the believer tries to apply it to their lives.

Sure, we are literally completed in Christ when we become a believer, and a follower of Christ, but overtime, we forget that. We slip back into our flesh, and begin to lose sight of that completeness we once had in Christ. The reason I say "we" is I'm sure I'm not the only one who is struggling with this. I think this feeling of needing to feel complete, often leads to people rushing into relationships that God doesn't want them to be in, because that person who they love makes them feel complete. We must be careful about this...I believe that God did ordain marriage to be a "completing" for us human beings. After all the Bible says that when we marry we become "one flesh..." I've often heard from Christians who are married, that they don't feel complete without their husband, or wife.

But, I think we as Christians can rely too heavily on that feeling of completeness we get from a relationship, and we lose sight of the One who can make us feel even more completed. After all, the Christian is supposed to put Christ first, above all else. "In Christ alone, my hope is found..."

So, the Lord just impressed upon my heart, to work on this. Pray, read my bible, and seek the Lord...seek Him for that feeling of "completeness" that He can give me. I, in turn felt the need to share it with my followers. Have I arrived at a feeling of completeness in Christ? No, but it's a work in progress, and I don't think it will ever be a "once, done" thing. It will be a continual life process...

So, I would just encourage my followers, to seek to find completeness in Christ. He is all we need...won't you join me in working on this?

College life...

2011-09-01T10:10:00.001-04:00

Well, the day has finally come...I'm at Northland. I arrived yesterday morning, bright and early. The drive up here was long, and exhausting. I think the worst part was driving through Chicago. It wasn't even rush hour, but I'm really not used to having people around me driving sooo fast, and cutting me off left and right. Trying to get over in the turning lane and there's someone there, and I can't get over, and my exit is coming up! My dad even called while I was just entering the Chicago area, and I just picked up the phone and said "Sorry, I can't talk right now, trafic is crazy. I'll call you back later!" I'm used to country driving, and small city driving...but I do not like driving in a big city! I talked to my room leader last night, and he said if I drive up through Michigan, the drive is much more relaxed. So I think next semester I'll be taking that way.

Anyways...once I got through that, trafic got much better as I went North.

So, yesterday when I got here, the first thing I did was get my Northland ID, then I went to my dorm room and got unpacked. No one was in the room, but thankfully I was able to get some help carrying my stuff into my dorm room. Then durring the day, I mostly just walked around campus and worked on my registration. I signed up for my Concert Choir interview. The only thing I'm worried about, is I'll be graded on how well I sight read...which I'm not good at, at all! We'll see though...it's in God's hands!

In the evening we had a opening service with Dr. Ollila. He let people stand up and talk about things God has been doing in their life. I really wanted to get up and talk about what God had done in my life to lead me to Northland, but I was worried I would talk too long, because I know my story is a long one! So, I chose to just sit and listen to everyone else. The things I heard about what God did to get people to Northland, or how God provided money that was needed to come back to Northland...wow...we serve a great God! He can do anything He wants...

After that Dr. Ollila gave a brief devotional from Joshua, and after that, we broke up into small groups to pray. Then I went back to the dorm, and went to Walmart in Iron Mountain to get some extra stuff I needed.

The when I got back, we had a hall meeting where we sang, ate cookies, and they gave out some announcements. Then we broke up into groups again to pray. After that I went to bed.

Today we've got some orientation classes, and I'm taking, basically what is the equivalent of a "CLEP" exam for Basic Computers. Hopefully I pass, and can take some extra classes this semester!

So, overall my assessment at this point about Northland, is I really like it. The students are really nice, and really friendly. I've met so many people, and honestly forgot most of their names. But it's been good, yesterday I was really struggling with nervousness, but today I'm much more relaxed. I like the focus of prayer that there is here...Dr. Olsen said that night "the greatest work we do as a Christian, is on our knees." I like that, and I know if I keep prayer at the center of everything I do, then God will be at the center of everything I do.

Classes don't start until Monday, and both nervous and excited.

I trust everything is going well with all my followers!

James A. Garfield and some quality time with my parents...

2011-08-27T02:03:00.002-04:00

Well, as many of you, who are my followers know, it's getting close to when I'm going to be going off to college. In fact I'll be leaving in three days. Going to probably start getting packed tomorrow, and finish up on Monday.

A few weeks ago we began to discuss what we were going to do before I left for college as a family. There's just me, my mom, and my dad at the house since everyone else has moved out. And of course I was out of the house for four years, but came back for the summer before I started college. So, we tossed around many different ideas. But we decide we were going to simply go to the lake and spend the day there, and come back home in the evening for dinner, and a movie. But we woke up this morning and we figured out the day was going to be colder than we expected, and a trip to the beach would probably not be much fun.

So after some debate, we decided we would go to James A. Garfield's house in Mentor, and then go into Willoughby Hills to see a movie.

So below I'm going to post the pictures I took at his house.

Garfield's house from the back as we approached on our tour.

James and Lucretia Garfield's summer bedroom. They slept on the first floor durring the summer because it was cooler of course.

Another part of their summer bedroom.

A painting of Eliza Ballou, President Garfield's mother. She lived in the house till her death, and in fact outlived her son, living for 7 years after his assassination.

The parlor in the Garfield house...also known, of course, as the living room. The Piano was the Garfield's oldest daughter Mary's...they bought it for her on her 13th birthday.

Eliza Ballou's room. She was naturally very fond of her son. She had the stained glass window type thing in the corner made in memory of her son when he was assassinated.

Fireplace in the family dining room. The tiles around the fireplace were hand painted by Mrs. Garfield, and the Garfield children.

The dining room.

A picture of President Garfield in full military uniform. This was at the top of the stairs, and was exactly how Lucretia had it set up after he died.

Piano in the Garfield library inside the house. This is actually known as the first presidential memorial library. It was added onto the house after President Garfield's death, and housed most of his extensive book collection.

All the previous un-captioned pictures are various pictures taken in his presidential memorial library.

The door to the vault in the presidential library.

A small safe inside the vault.

Notice the spider web, and the bug? During this time spider webs were considered to bring good luck.

The previous three pictures are of Zeb Rudolphs room in the house. He was Lucretia's father, and of course James' father-in-law. He ran the farm durring the presidency, and I believe continued to run it after his assassination.

The Garfield boys room.

Chandelier in the hallway.

The previous two pictures are of James and Lucretia's winter bedroom.

Mary Garfield's room. Of course, you can see that Mary was definitely spoiled. She had her own piano, and big bedroom to herself.

Fireplace in Garfield's office. You may notice it says "In Memoriam" above the fireplace? This was added after Garfield's death.

Another picture of his office. The chair was specially designed for Garfield, so that he could sit in it sideways with his back resting against once side, and his legs hanging over the other.

Dad and I standing behind the house after the tour.

Mom and I standing behind the house after the tour.

The front of the house. Durring his presidential campaign...Garfield often gave speeches while standing on his front porch.

A windmill on the property.

If any of you ever get a chance to see this historical site, I highly recommend it! It is very educational, and cheep! The tour only cost $5 per person. The house is pretty much kept exactly the way it was when the Garfield's lived there, and if you're a history buff, you will definitely enjoy it!

Oh, and I realized...you might want to know where this is right? It's in Mentor, OH...on the north side of Rt. 20...about a mile east of the Great Lakes Mall.

Trusting Jesus

2011-08-27T00:52:00.001-04:00

by: Edgar P. Stites

Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly does His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

2011-08-22T11:53:00.000-04:00

Lord, as I seek Your guidance for the day, I find my thoughts unyielding; confusion crowds my way. But then when I bow to You, the challenges You guide me through. Your promises are ever new; I claim them for today. Your will cannot lead me where Your grace will not keep me. Your hand will protect me; I rest in Your care. Your eyes will watch over me, Your love will forgive me. And when I am faltering, I still will find You there.

-Carolyn Hamlin

The King of Love My Shepherd Is

2011-08-20T11:39:00.002-04:00

by: Henry W. Baker 1821-1877

The King of love my Shepherd is,

Whose goodness faileth never;

I nothing lack if I am His

And He is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow

My ransomed soul He leadeth,

And where the verdent pastures grow,

With food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,

But yet in love He sought me,

And on His shoulder gently laid,

And home, rejoicing brought me.

In death's dark vale I fear no ill

With Thee, dear Lord, beside me,

Thy rod and staff my comfort still,

Thy cross before to guide me.

Thou spread'st a table in my sight;

Thine unction grace bestoweth;

And O the transport of delight

With which my cup o'er floweth!

And so through all the length of days

Thy goodness faileth never;

Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise

Within Thy house forever.

College days are almost here...

2011-08-20T09:23:00.003-04:00

As you can see from my countdown I have on the side of my blog, I have 10 days before I head off to Northland!

I'm pretty excited. I bought my books on Amazon last week, and I also registered online for Concert Choir.

I'm going to miss spending time with my parents, but seeing as how I was away from them for most of the last 4 years, I'm ready to leave again. I've had a good time with them this summer, but it's time for me to move on to the next stage in life. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me!

I don't have to be to Northland until 4PM on the 31st, but I'm leaving on the 30th, and staying at a hotel in Green Bay, and driving the rest of the way the next day. I didn't really want to show up on the 31st exhausted because I just drove 12 hours. So this way I'll be getting a good nights sleep before I arrive at Northland.

Classes don't actually start until the 5th...so we have about a week for registration and orientation.

I know of at least one of my followers who is starting college this year as well, but there may be more of you. So, to everyone who's starting college...I trust God that you will have a safe trip to college, and that God will help you to do the best you can in all of your classes.

Appointment with the Doctor...

2011-08-09T14:27:00.001-04:00

This is just a short post to give you all an update on my doctors appointment. He checked me out and said that everything looks fine. So, that's a big praise! Thanks everyone for praying!

2011-08-06T11:44:00.002-04:00

‎There is a place in the religious experience where we love God for Himself alone, with never a thought of His benefits. And there is a place where the head does not reason from admiration to affection. True, it all may begin lower down, but it quickly rises to the height of blind adoration where reason is suspended and the heart worships in unreasoning blessedness. It can only exclaim, 'Holy, holy, holy,' while scarcely knowing what it means.

-A. W. Tozer from The Root of the Righteous

God is good...

2011-08-02T19:51:00.003-04:00

So, here's an update on what's going on in my life. Yesterday was my 16th Christian Birthday! I got saved on August 1st, 1995. God has brought me so far from then, I thank the Lord so much for every year I've been able to spend in Him. And I look forward to the day I'll be going home to be with Him...but until then, He has stuff for me to do here.

Also I got a letter from Northland today saying I owe them half of my tuition by August 5th...naturally I was confused...the GI Bill is supposed to be paying for my college. So I emailed my financial aid contact and Northland and asked what I was supposed to do. She told me not to pay it...she made a note of the fact that I'm using the GI Bill, and they won't start getting the money from the VA until I start school. Whew...I must say I was worried for a little while. One of the blessings of military service...

Also, I scheduled my appointment with the Dermatologist to check out my questionable mole. It's at 1PM on Monday the 8th. So if my followers could be praying...I would appreciate it!

More and More Like You

2011-07-29T13:59:00.003-04:00

Lord, Change my heart from deep within,

Oh purify me once again.

Renew my mind to love your truth;

Make me more and more like You.

More and more like You,

More and more like You;

Do whatever you must do

To make me more and more like You.

Lord, cause my will to choose Your ways

In each temptation that I face,

Until your glory's shining through;

Make me more and more like You.

More and more like You,

More and more like You;

Do whatever you must do

To make me more and more like You.

Lord, now I rest in Your great love;

Secure in Your own righteousness,

Because You Spirits work of grace,

Makes me more and more like you.

More and more like You,

More and more like You;

Do whatever you must do

To make me more and more like You.

If you want to watch the Galkin's version of this song...here's the link for it on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVsSlMfi1YU

Musings...

2011-07-22T11:39:00.002-04:00

So, tomorrow I turn 24. Not so sure about how I feel about that...it's kind of scary actually. In one more year I'll be half way to 50! Sometimes I feel like time has gone by faaaar too quickly...I feel like I'm still a teenager...

Well, enough of me complaining about age...I got my class schedule today! Here are the classes I'm taking: Foundations for Biblical Living, Creation to Consummation, The Gospels, Basic Computer Skills, Fundamentals of Composition, World History I, and Fundamentals of Speech I. I'm hoping to also get into Concert Choir, or one of the smaller ensembles, but I'm pretty sure I have to wait till I get to Northland to audition for those.

Anyways...keeping sort of busy. Working for some people from church off and on. It's been good! I trust all is well with my followers, and I hope you are all having a blessed summer!

Merciful God

2011-07-21T19:29:00.002-04:00

by: Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend

Merciful God, O abounding in love,

Faithful to all who draw near You;

Hearing the cries of the humble in heart,

Showing the cross they may cling to.

Helpless I come, broken in sin,

Found at the feet of Your mercy.

Father, forgive; may my sin be remembered no more.

Merciful God, O abounding in love,

Faithful through times we have failed you;

Selfish in thought and uncaring in deed,

Foolish in word and ungrateful.

Spirit of God, conquer our hearts

With love that flows from forgiveness.

Cause us to yield and return to the mercy of God.

Merciful God, O abounding in love,

Faithful to keep us from falling;

Guiding our ways with Your fatherly heart,

Growing our faith with each testing.

God speed the day struggles will end;

Faultless we'll gaze on Your glory.

Then we will stand overwhelmed by the mercy of God.

"Setting Captives Free Cross-Centered Mind" course is dangerous!

2011-07-15T13:57:00.003-04:00

So the other day my dad comes home from work and mentions that there's a new course on Setting Captives Free's website. Here's a description from their website:

You have arrived at the Setting Captives Free Cross-Centered Mind course, the 30-Lesson interactive course that will teach you to enjoy a newfound relationship with the Lord and how to find freedom from anxiety, depression, fear, and all psychotropic drugs. It is possible, and you can learn how.

Sounds harmless right? And some people can definitely be helped by this course, as a lot of people in the world, I believe, don't need these drugs because they just need the Lord, but some people most certainly do! So I decided yesterday I would ask to have clarification about how far they take this idea. Like, would they tell someone who's been diagnosed with Bi-Polar that they should go off their medication...so I did. I went on their facebook page and I asked that question. I explained the fact that 12 years ago my dad attempted suicide and was diagnosed with Bi-Polar, and that I wanted to know if they would advise even someone like my father to go off his medication. Their answer was that he should. They essentially said that he was a prisoner to his medication. Their argument is that there's no test to prove that people have any mental illnesses, so they must not have them. Their idea is that it's all been made up by Psychiatrist and Prescription distributors as a way to make money. And their right about one thing, there is no test that can prove someone has a mental illness...but did you also know they still can't find out how and why people develop Autism...and yet no one would tell a mother who's child has all the symptoms of Autism that her child just needs to draw closer to God, and he'll overcome this fake disorder! It just doesn't make sense!

The whole idea that they promote is that through a close relationship with God anyone can overcome depression, fear, and anxiety. The verses they use to support this, are verses that, when taken out of context seem to suggest that Christ should be our only source of help...that any outside help is wrong. Well, when this idea is taken to it's ultimate end, you should even go so far as to say that someone with cancer shouldn't see a doctor. They should just pray really hard and God will heal them...sure, He might choose to do so...but maybe his way of healing you is by using a doctor to do so! Why can't it be the same with people who have mental illnesses? For some people medication is the only way for them to function in society!

You know how I know this? My dad struggled with depression for years...he got one-on-one counseling, he memorized scripture, he tried so hard to figure out what he was doing wrong to cause him to slip into depression, but nothing worked! It took my dad attempting suicide before they discovered what was wrong with him and put him on medication. I believe God did that! By God's grace my dad hasn't had a suicide attempt in 12 years! And I can honestly say that my dad is the most stable, and probably the closest he's ever been with the Lord, thanks to the medication he takes that makes him stable!

I used to support Setting Captives Free...as they helped me with a sin I was struggling with...but this new course is soooo dangerous. It could potentially lead to people with all kinds of mental illnesses to go of their meds...and could lead to them killing people, or killing themselves. Sure...it might not happen right away...some people with Bi-Polar can be on a "high" for 5 years...but with every rise, with someone who has Bi-Polar, there will be a fall. And when these people do, I hope and pray that Setting Captives Free realizes the folly of what they're doing. Because if they don't...they could cause the death of a lot of people.

Thankfulness As a Moral Therapeutic

2011-07-07T23:37:00.002-04:00

In this world of corruption there is a real danger that the earnest Christian may overreact in his resistance to evil and become a victim of the religious occupational disease, cynicism. The constant need to go counter to popular trends may easily develop in him a sour habit of faultfinding and turn him into a sulky critic of other men's matters, without charity and without love.

What makes this cynical spirit particularly dangerous is that the cynic is usually right. His analyses are accurate, his judgement sound. He can prove he is right in his moral views; yet for all that he is wrong, frightfully, pathetically wrong. But because he is right, he never suspects how tragically wrong he is. He slides imperceptibly into a condition of chronic bitterness and comes at last to accept it as normal.

It would be convenient indeed if it were possible to have a spiritual experience at some altar of prayer that would cure this condition completely and for good. And some sincere persons seem to believe that it is. I do not think so. It is like trying to get an infusion of health once for all that would take care of our physical condition for the rest of our lives, obviously and impossible thing. No matter how healthy we are, unless we cultivate correct bodily habits we will not stay healthy long. And an experience of heart cleansing that is not followed by right spiritual habits will be disappointing in the end. Continued spiritual health will result from right heart habits. If these are neglected the inner life will degenerate, no matter how wonderful our past experiences may have been.

Now, as a cure for the sour, faultfinding attitude I recommend the cultivation of the habit of thankfulness. Thanksgiving has great curative power. The heart that is constantly overflowing with gratitude will be safe from those attacks of resentfulness and gloom that bother so many religious persons. A thankful heart cannot be cynical.

I do not here recommend any of the applied psychology nostrums so popular in liberal circles and among starry-eyed poets of the sweetness-and-light school of religious thought. The output of the "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" jockey makes painful reading for the man or woman who has been introduced to God through the miracle of the new birth. But I do recommend the cultivation of gratitude as a cure for spiritual sourness. There is good scriptural authority for this and experience teaches us that it works.

We should never take any blessing for granted, but accept everything as a gift from the Father of Lights. Whole days may be spent occasionally in the holy practice of being thankful...for every man and woman of every race and nationality who may have contributed anything to my peace and welfare I am grateful, and I shall not let God forget that I am.

-A. W. Tozer. Excerpt from his book "The Root of The Righteous."

I've been gradually working my way through this book for a long time, but I haven't picked it up for probably about a year, and I just happened to pick it up and resume at this chapter. This has something that has been on my mind for a while. We see this cynical attitude in Christian circles so often. I find myself at times slipping into it...we must be very careful about this. And I think it's so important to remember a point that Mr. Tozer brings up. There are so many sins in our life that we fall into, and we repent in tears at the altar in church, but we find ourselves right back in that sin soon enough. We must replace that sin that we struggle with with a "right spiritual habit." This is so important, and I love how Mr. Tozer addresses it so clearly.

Well, I hope and pray that these thoughts from Mr. Tozer were a blessing to you!

Update...

2011-07-07T12:05:00.002-04:00

So a couple of weeks ago I told you all about my mole on my back that might be cancerous, and the fact that I only had till August 4th to get it checked out because that would be when I would lose my insurance...well, I just found out a couple of days ago that I can still be put on my Dad's health insurance because I'm going to be a college student. I'll be able to stay on my dad's insurance for another two years! God is so good...this is something I had been worrying about for a while now, but God was in control. I had no need to worry...

Thank you for the prayers everyone!

"O Church Arise"

2011-07-05T14:18:00.002-04:00

by: Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

O church, arise and put your armor on;

Hear the call of Christ our Captain;

For now the weak can say that they are strong

In the strength that God has given.

With shield of faith and belt of truth,

We'll stand against the devil's lies;

An army bold whose battle cry is "Love!"

Reaching out to those in darkness.

Our call to war, to love the captive soul,

But to rage against the captor;

And with the sword that makes the wounded whole,

We will fight with faith and valor.

When faced with trials on ev'ry side,

We know the outcome is secure;

And Christ will have the prize for which He died--

An inheritance of nations.

Come see the cross where love and mercy meet

As the Son of God is stricken;

Then see His foes lie crushed beneath His feet,

For the Conqueror has risen!

And as the stone is rolled away

And Christ emerges from the grave,

This vict'ry march continues till the day

Ev'ry eye and heart shall see Him.

So Spirit, come put strength in ev'ry stride;

Give grace for ev'ry hurdle

That we may run with faith to win the prize

Of a servant good and faithful.

As saints of old still line the way

Retelling triumphs of His grace,

We hear their calls and hunger for the day

When with Christ we stand in glory.

Latest Musings...

2011-06-20T12:37:00.002-04:00

So as many of you probably know, I am now on terminal leave. I've been home for almost two weeks now. It feels to good to finally be home! Last Friday night I had a bonfire with all my old High School friends. I had a blast! Some of them I hadn't seen since I graduated 4 years ago. It's so hard to believe It's been that long since I graduated...my how time flies!

Registration starts at Northland on August 31st...it's going to be a 12 hour drive, so I'll probably have to leave the night before, and I'm probably going to have to stay in a hotel in Chicago. Lord willing I'll be able to get a job this summer...but even if I don't, I'm still going to be paid by the military till the 4th of August.

Oh, I also have a few prayer requests. First of all, my sister(Sara) and her husband moved to Hornell, NY yesterday. So if you could be praying that they would settle in up there, and find a house. Also my brother(Caleb) got engaged on Saturday, so if you could be praying for them as they will probably be starting to make plans for the wedding pretty soon. And finally, I've had some moles on my back that I got from some bad sunburns in the last few years, and one of them looks kind of "questionable." So, probably within the next week, or sometime this summer, I'll be going to the doctor to get it checked out. I'll still have insurance through the military till August 4th, so I need to go to the doctor before then. So please be praying about that!

I trust all is well with all my followers!

Abba Father

2011-06-20T12:34:00.001-04:00

by: Ron Hamilton

Father, hold me safe in Your arms;

Father, keep me free from all harm.

I cast my care on You

Just like a child should do--

Trusting, loving all that You are.

Chorus

Abba, Father,

I rest in You;

You're always faithful,

You're always true.

Abba, Father,

You are my song

Though clouds are dark,

Though night is long.

I cry to you,

Abba, Father

Father, help me lean on You more

Through each valley, through every storm.

Help me when I can't see

Your will is best for me;

Love me, hold me sheltered & warm.

Father, mold me, make me like new.

Guide my footsteps, keep my heart true--

So that the world may see

Your likeness lives in me.

Break me, shape me, make me like You.

Delayed one day...

2011-05-14T06:43:00.003-04:00

Well, my flight has been delayed for one day. I leave tomorrow morning on the bus for Yokota Air Base at 8AM, and my flight leaves at 1250PM...Lord willing... next time I post on here, I'll either be home in Ohio, or in Seattle...

Please pray for the safety of the bus, and for the safety of my flight!

Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace

2011-05-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

by: Fanny Crosby

Come, ye who from your hearts believe
That Jesus answers prayer,
Come boldly to a throne of grace
And claim His promise there,
That, if His love in us abide
And we in Him are one,
Whatever in His Name we ask
It surely will be done.

Refrain

Come lovingly and trustingly,
Take Jesus at His Word,
For He has said, “the prayer of faith
Was never yet unheard.”

If in the fountain filled with blood
Our sins are washed away
Come boldly to a throne of grace,
Rejoicing that we may
Come boldly to a throne of grace,
And bless the Lord our King—
Who fills our grateful hearts with praise,
And tunes our tongues to sing.

Refrain

From every precious, golden hour
We spend in fervent prayer,
We gather strength from day to day
For each returning care;
And, while with true, believing hearts
We bow before His throne,
There’s not a promise He has made
But we may call our own.

Refrain

Things I will miss, and things I wont miss about the Navy...

2011-05-06T21:45:00.003-04:00

Well, as I reach my 1 week mark, it has caused me to reflect on my time in the Navy. I've been thinking about the things I will miss about the Navy, and also the things I won't miss about the Navy. I will make two lists...

Things I won't miss:
1. Room inspections
2. Uniform inspections
3. Standing at attention
4. Shipboard food
5. Navy Haircuts
6. Shaving every work day
7. Spotchecks
8. 3M (Material Maintenance Management, it's the program we use on the ship to perform maintenance on equipment on the ship)
9. Shipboard drills (GQ, ATFP, MTT...)
10. Underways
11. Shipboard watches
12. Writing all in capital letters
13. Wearing a military uniform
14. Being called by my last name
15. Being so far away from family and friends
16. The language that most sailors use
17. The alcohol usage that runs rampant in the navy
18. Navy terminology (Head, Deck, Bulkhead...)
19. Sea Sickness
20. Having to have a liberty buddy in foreign countries

Things I will miss:
1. The Camaraderie (You can go anywhere, meet a fellow sailor, and immediately have a full out conversation with them, that no one else would understand. Also when you're underway, it feels like you're a family)
2. The Foreign port visits (During my time in the Navy, I was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, and these were the ports I visited: Nagasaki, Japan; Fukuoka, Japan; Otaru, Japan; Okinawa, Japan; Manila, Philippines; Singapore; Busan, South Korea; Vladivostok, Russia; Hong Kong, China; Da Nang, Vietnam; Pattaya, Thailand; Kuala Lampur, Malaysia; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; Guam, USA; Korror, Palau; Jakarta, Indonesia; Noumea, New Caledonia; Cairns, Australia; and Sydney, Australia.)
3. The varied group of people I work with

As you can see...my list of things I'll miss is way shorter than my list of I won't miss. Don't get me wrong...I've said this before, but I do not regret my time in the Navy. I do regret some things I did along the way, but I know that ultimaley God has taught me so much through my time in the Navy, and I know that He put me in the Navy to teach me those things.

I've often wondered what I would tell my children (if I ever have any that is) if they told me they wanted to join the Navy. I know first of all I would encourage them to make sure it was what God wanted them to do. And if they did determine it was, I would sit them down and not sugar coat it at all. I would say something like: "The Navy will either make you or break you, depending on how you choose to handle it. Will you go through it depending on the Lord, and relying on Him for strength, or will you try to do it all in your own strength? This decision is what will determine whether it makes you or breaks you. It can strengthen your faith in ways you never believed possible, but it can also draw you so far away from God that you can hardly talk to him at times, if you are not careful."

Like I said, if it's what they beleived God wanted them to do, I would support them in their decision, but I must admit I would be more likely to support a son joining the Navy, than I would a daughter. Before I have all my girl followers up in arms against me, allow me to expound. I don't know what it is, but the Navy does something to girls. I have never met a single good Christian girl who joined the Navy, and wasn't changed for the worse. I have, on the other hand met many more guys who were able to stand up to the pressures that are put on them in the Navy. I could go into why I think that's the case, but I don't think it would be right...I can only tell you what I have observed. Sorry if I may have offended some people, but I'm just trying to be honest and truthful. If my daughter was earnestly able to prove to me that she knew it was what God wanted for her life, obviously I couldn't argue with her, because I would be arguing with God, but I must admit it would be very hard for me.

Well, 1 more week left in Japan, and 3 days to two weeks in Seatle, and finally homeward bound! Next week I'll be mailing all my stuff home, so it's going to be a busy week. I trust all is well with all my followers! Make sure you all wish your mothers a happy mothers day! I know yesterday I ordered some flowers to have them sent to my mom for mothers day...if any of my followers know her, please don't tell her! It's supposed to be a surprise. Unfortunately I ordered them so late, that they won't get to her until Thursday, but I know she will still love them.

2011-05-03T08:25:00.003-04:00

I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.

— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Much needed spiritual house cleaning...again...this is really ongoing for a Christian...

2011-04-27T06:48:00.004-04:00

Starting after I turn of my computer, I'm putting myself on restriction. No more spending up to four hours every night on the internet. In fact, I've decided, no more internet usage in my room period. The way it works right now, is the internet is my roommates, and I pay him each month to let me use it. But after I'm finished writing this, I'm making my computer forget his password, and shutting down my computer.

Why am I doing this? Well, lets just say, like my iPhone used to be, the internet has become. Too much of a distraction, and too much stuff out there for me to see on the internet, that I just don't need to see. Just like with the iPhone, where I tried to justify it by saying that I had the "Bible Application," I've tried to justify it in my head by telling myself that there's "Biblegateway" and other sites I can use to study the Bible...but to be honest...I can do all the same things with my ESV Study Bible. Plus, I find myself spending waaay too much money on things on the internet, that I really don't need.

But don't worry, I'm not going to disappear from the internet world altogether...I will still log on to some computer, at least once a day. I'll still respond to posts when I can, and emails when I log on, so don't worry about losing touch with me altogether, you're just going to see less of me online.

Don't think by saying this, that I think all people should do the same...by no means! I know there are people who don't have issues with it. It is not a source of stumbling for them, but unfortunately for me, it is.

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

James 4:17

So what am I going to do with my time now? Spend more time reading, both the Bible, and other books. Probably spending more time outside, just walking around. Trying to focus more on Christ throughout the day, and trying to pray to him more, because I know that is something I've always struggled with.

It Is Not Death to Die

2011-04-25T08:34:00.002-04:00

It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne
Delivered from our fears

O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore

O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

Almost home...

2011-04-25T08:15:00.002-04:00

So, I realized, my ship has been in port for about two weeks now, and I never updated my blog followers with that information. Sorry!

We pulled in primarily because it seems the danger with the Fukushima Nuclear power plant was no more. But, it was determined that the accident was as bad as the Chernobyl accident. So please continue to pray for the Japanese people as they continue to pick up the pieces, and try to repair the damage.

On another note, I got my separation orders, and my itinerary! I officially leave Japan to head for Puget Sound, WA on May 14th! You'll notice I updated my countdown on the side of blog. I can't give details, and dates, but I can tell you that I only have one more underway before I leave! I can't wait!

On another note entirely, my parents have officially moved to Northern Ashtabula. Living on my Grandmas old property was just getting way too much for them to handle. I hate to say this, but they're both getting kind of "up there" in age, so they need to start slowing things down a little bit. My sister and brother-in-law are going to be living in my grandmas old house, until it can be sold. So, I'll be living with my parents up in Ashtabula when I get home.

I think that's about it for now. I trust that all my followers had a blessed Easter this year. I think we, as Christians, should treat every day as if it were Easter...always reminding ourselves the sacrifice that the Lord made for our salvation.

"Here am I Lord, Send Me"

2011-04-23T17:02:00.002-04:00

by: Ron Hamilton

Lord, I give my life to you,
Take control each day.
I will follow anywhere
Near or far away.

Here am I, Lord send me,
Here am I, Lord send me!
I will serve you faithfully
Here am I, Lord send me.

Lord, I want your perfect will
Be my faithful Guide
I will never be afraid,
You are close beside.

Here am I, Lord send me,
Here am I, Lord send me!
I will serve you faithfully
Here am I, Lord send me.

Let me see my Mission field,
All around each day.
Fill my heart with Jesus love,
Use me Lord, I pray!

Here am I, Lord send me,
Here am I, Lord send me!
I will serve you faithfully
Here am I, Lord send me.
Here am I, Lord send me......

In Christ Alone

2011-04-15T20:43:00.001-04:00

by: Michael English

In Christ alone will I glory

Though I could pride myself

In battles won

For I've been blessed beyond measure

And by His strength alone, I overcome

Oh, I could stop and count successes

Like diamonds in my hands

But these trophies could not equal

To the grace, by which I stand

In Christ alone

I place my trust

And find my glory

In the power of the cross

In every victory

Let it be said of me

My source of strength

My source of hope

Is Christ alone

In Christ alone will I glory

For only by His grace

I am redeemed

And only His tender mercy

Could reach beyond my weakness

To my need

Now I seek no greater honor

Than just to know Him more

And to count my gains but losses

And to the glory of my Lord

In Christ alone

I place my trust

And find my glory

In the power of the cross

In every victory

Let it be said of me

My source of strength

My source of hope

Is Christ alone

2011-03-27T08:33:00.002-04:00