Every Thurdsay night, all the sophomores pile into our basement for Bible Study!! 23 girls are in the group this year, and its awesome!! This semester were going through the Lies Women Believe book & study guide, which I think is very relatable and important for all women. The lies we have talked about so far deal with lies we believe about God, ourselves, and even talking about the nature of Satan- he uses things that look pleasing and appealing, even good things, to entrap us and lure us in. My prayer is that through this Bible study, the girls would really start to uproot some of the lies that they have been believing for years!
2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
Friday, October 22, 2010
Awesome Sophomores!
Every Thurdsay night, all the sophomores pile into our basement for Bible Study!! 23 girls are in the group this year, and its awesome!! This semester were going through the Lies Women Believe book & study guide, which I think is very relatable and important for all women. The lies we have talked about so far deal with lies we believe about God, ourselves, and even talking about the nature of Satan- he uses things that look pleasing and appealing, even good things, to entrap us and lure us in. My prayer is that through this Bible study, the girls would really start to uproot some of the lies that they have been believing for years!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
happy birthday Karen!

Karen is a sophomore at Furman from Pennsylvania. If you saw my video from the summer, you've met Karen!!
About a month ago, we had a party for Karen at my house for her Birthday!!!
Karen is one of the girls who always asks me how Im doing- and really has taken the time to get to know me, ask me questions. Her genuine heart and tender spirit always warm my heart:)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
I will sing of my redeemer...
I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
From the curse to set me free.
Sing, oh, sing of my Redeemer,
With His blood He purchased me,
On the cross He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt, and made me free.
I will tell the wondrous story,
How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy,
He the ransom freely gave.
I will praise my dear Redeemer,
His triumphant pow'r I'll tell,
How the victory He giveth
Over sin, and death, and hell.
I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His heav'nly love to me;
He from death to life hath brought me,
Son of God with Him to be.
The composition was found in a piece of baggage rescued from a fiery train wreck on the day of December 20, 1876. The poem’s author, 38-year-old Philip P. Bliss, has been traveling with his wife to Chicago to fulfill an engagement at D. L. Moody’s Tabernacle.
Near Ashtabula, Ohio a bridge collapsed and the train plunged into an icy river bed. It is said that Bliss survived the fall and climbed out through a coach window only to return, looking for his wife. Reunited, they died together in the flaming wreckage.
a beautiful, simple hymn.
And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
From the curse to set me free.
Sing, oh, sing of my Redeemer,
With His blood He purchased me,
On the cross He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt, and made me free.
I will tell the wondrous story,
How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy,
He the ransom freely gave.
I will praise my dear Redeemer,
His triumphant pow'r I'll tell,
How the victory He giveth
Over sin, and death, and hell.
I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His heav'nly love to me;
He from death to life hath brought me,
Son of God with Him to be.
The composition was found in a piece of baggage rescued from a fiery train wreck on the day of December 20, 1876. The poem’s author, 38-year-old Philip P. Bliss, has been traveling with his wife to Chicago to fulfill an engagement at D. L. Moody’s Tabernacle.
Near Ashtabula, Ohio a bridge collapsed and the train plunged into an icy river bed. It is said that Bliss survived the fall and climbed out through a coach window only to return, looking for his wife. Reunited, they died together in the flaming wreckage.
a beautiful, simple hymn.
Monday, August 23, 2010
fun things.
today, despite things not going by my plan, God blessed me greatly. If you know me, you know that my like and dislikes lists must include the following:
likes:
reading and journaling
exercise
people
life stories
any small animal
dislikes:
well, i was born a pessimist so i wont fill that out, but lets just say, when i dont accomplish all i want/plan to :(
Today, I woke up at 6:30, had 2 hours with God, all to myself, THe house was so quiet you could hear a mouse run across the floor if it dared. I studied acts 2, journaled, read my fav blog (scotty smith's http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith/), and really heard God speak to me in Acts 2 about community, and trusting the Lord to add to our number daily, not Lindsay owens to add to the number and do all the work.
Later, I took a short nap, went to the halls at Furman and had a heart to heart with Laura, a sophomore...God is doing amazing things, so much that we both were almost in tears at HIS faithfulness, HIS work, HIs power.
Then, I went to ZUMBA!! a dance class...interestingly enough in the old building where we had our meetings. It was crazy, but so energizing and completely FUN. I even got a treat to see my old boss from atlanta bread!!
At my favorite time of day, nearing sunset when the sky is periwinkle, I went to furman by the lake. What appeared in my path by God's sovereign grace?? A tiny dog!!! what a joy...turns out the lady was a christian, we sat and talked for an hour. Our pasts were so similar, and for one of the first times, I had victory in the Lord to share my wounds with another wounded. amazing grace that we are saved by.
Then, I got to come home and talk to lynn. We never get to talk on weekdays because of our schedules,but God knew we needed to laugh and pray together.
One of my conclusions is that God knows what we need. I had planned on going to the dorms for 3 hours. Even now I feel guilty...and am repenting of this need to control and do all things. Even small interruptions, chance encounters, and dance classes are gifts from HIm.
Father, help me trust you with these girls at Furman. I want them to know you first, I want to love them and share you with them, but I want to be led by the Spirit, and to trust you completely. Help me trust you and not myself, and thank you that you give me rest, even when I think I dont need it. Thank you that my job allows me to share daily and grows me like nothing else. Give me an undivided heart. I love you Dad.
likes:
reading and journaling
exercise
people
life stories
any small animal
dislikes:
well, i was born a pessimist so i wont fill that out, but lets just say, when i dont accomplish all i want/plan to :(
Today, I woke up at 6:30, had 2 hours with God, all to myself, THe house was so quiet you could hear a mouse run across the floor if it dared. I studied acts 2, journaled, read my fav blog (scotty smith's http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith/), and really heard God speak to me in Acts 2 about community, and trusting the Lord to add to our number daily, not Lindsay owens to add to the number and do all the work.
Later, I took a short nap, went to the halls at Furman and had a heart to heart with Laura, a sophomore...God is doing amazing things, so much that we both were almost in tears at HIS faithfulness, HIS work, HIs power.
Then, I went to ZUMBA!! a dance class...interestingly enough in the old building where we had our meetings. It was crazy, but so energizing and completely FUN. I even got a treat to see my old boss from atlanta bread!!
At my favorite time of day, nearing sunset when the sky is periwinkle, I went to furman by the lake. What appeared in my path by God's sovereign grace?? A tiny dog!!! what a joy...turns out the lady was a christian, we sat and talked for an hour. Our pasts were so similar, and for one of the first times, I had victory in the Lord to share my wounds with another wounded. amazing grace that we are saved by.
Then, I got to come home and talk to lynn. We never get to talk on weekdays because of our schedules,but God knew we needed to laugh and pray together.
One of my conclusions is that God knows what we need. I had planned on going to the dorms for 3 hours. Even now I feel guilty...and am repenting of this need to control and do all things. Even small interruptions, chance encounters, and dance classes are gifts from HIm.
Father, help me trust you with these girls at Furman. I want them to know you first, I want to love them and share you with them, but I want to be led by the Spirit, and to trust you completely. Help me trust you and not myself, and thank you that you give me rest, even when I think I dont need it. Thank you that my job allows me to share daily and grows me like nothing else. Give me an undivided heart. I love you Dad.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
This prayer really spoke to my heart.
God is desiring more freedom in my life, and teaching me about what it means to be fully broken, real, and needy of HIm. Scotty Smith writes,
A Prayer About More Freedom from Jesus
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
Dear Lord Jesus, I’m still not as free as you intend. Though you’ve already freed me from trying to earn my salvation by anything I do or based on anything in me… though you’ve already liberated me from the illusion that I can earn more of God’s love by ramping up my obedience and decreasing my foolishness… though the chains of condemnation have already been broken and the fears of death, Judgment Day and the future have been sent packing… I’m still not as free as you intend.
I’m still a babe… a neophyte… a raw rookie in so many gospel-freedoms. Only the gospel helps me see and acknowledge these things. Only your grace keeps me from going to shame and self-contempt as I offer these prayers…
Jesus, please free me for being less irritated… more often… with fewer people. Please turn my hair-trigger reactions into slower, wiser responses. Please help me to use less words and more listening, when engaging others. Please unshackle me from the illusion of control and my commitment to a pain-free heart.
Jesus, please liberate me from thinking about the next thing, so I can be present in the current moment. Please help me make better eye contact and heart connection with others. Please help me to be more intrigued with people I don’t know and less timid around strangers.
Jesus, please break even more of the chains of my insecurities. Please free me from the grave-clothes of feeling incompetent about important things in life. Please unfetter me from thinking too much about what I’m not… by showing me more of you and who I am in you.
Jesus, please free me for greater spontaneity… louder laughter… saltier tears… and quicker repentances. So very Amen, I pray, in your most compassionate name.
God is desiring more freedom in my life, and teaching me about what it means to be fully broken, real, and needy of HIm. Scotty Smith writes,
A Prayer About More Freedom from Jesus
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
Dear Lord Jesus, I’m still not as free as you intend. Though you’ve already freed me from trying to earn my salvation by anything I do or based on anything in me… though you’ve already liberated me from the illusion that I can earn more of God’s love by ramping up my obedience and decreasing my foolishness… though the chains of condemnation have already been broken and the fears of death, Judgment Day and the future have been sent packing… I’m still not as free as you intend.
I’m still a babe… a neophyte… a raw rookie in so many gospel-freedoms. Only the gospel helps me see and acknowledge these things. Only your grace keeps me from going to shame and self-contempt as I offer these prayers…
Jesus, please free me for being less irritated… more often… with fewer people. Please turn my hair-trigger reactions into slower, wiser responses. Please help me to use less words and more listening, when engaging others. Please unshackle me from the illusion of control and my commitment to a pain-free heart.
Jesus, please liberate me from thinking about the next thing, so I can be present in the current moment. Please help me make better eye contact and heart connection with others. Please help me to be more intrigued with people I don’t know and less timid around strangers.
Jesus, please break even more of the chains of my insecurities. Please free me from the grave-clothes of feeling incompetent about important things in life. Please unfetter me from thinking too much about what I’m not… by showing me more of you and who I am in you.
Jesus, please free me for greater spontaneity… louder laughter… saltier tears… and quicker repentances. So very Amen, I pray, in your most compassionate name.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Discipline:The Glad Surrender
Right now I'm reading Elisabeth Elliot's book called Discipline: the Glad Surrender. Its really making me think about what God really calls us to when He calls us to Himself, to come and die and live a new life.
She says, "the conditions are not such as attract multitudes. Jesus stated them :
1. He must leave self behind
2. he must take up his cross
3. and come with me
The result of the decision is guaranteed:
1.Whoever cares for his own safety is lost
2.but if a man will let himself be lost for my sake, he will find his true self
Elisabeth says that to be a Christian MEANS we are disciples...means that we leave ourselves behind.
So often I hear myself saying, like those she mentions, "Yes, I'll be a disciple, but no, I certainly don't want to leave self behind."
This is the essence of being a Christian. And its very hard...I know God is teaching me about how selfish and self reliant I am right now. Following Christ is not as simple and easy as praying a prayer, reading the Bible, and going on your merry way..it is about denying self and living for Christ! Before I was a Christian, I lived totally for myself, so the same sin creeps into my life as Christian- selfishness. I know God is changing me day by day, and I have to trust Him that He can and will. And that the Gospel isnt about me, not about doing enough good things...but this challenges me
Do I really believe that Christ is worth it? Do I believe He deserves my all? Is He my treasure alone?
Gal 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Praying that will be true for me every day.
She says, "the conditions are not such as attract multitudes. Jesus stated them :
1. He must leave self behind
2. he must take up his cross
3. and come with me
The result of the decision is guaranteed:
1.Whoever cares for his own safety is lost
2.but if a man will let himself be lost for my sake, he will find his true self
Elisabeth says that to be a Christian MEANS we are disciples...means that we leave ourselves behind.
So often I hear myself saying, like those she mentions, "Yes, I'll be a disciple, but no, I certainly don't want to leave self behind."
This is the essence of being a Christian. And its very hard...I know God is teaching me about how selfish and self reliant I am right now. Following Christ is not as simple and easy as praying a prayer, reading the Bible, and going on your merry way..it is about denying self and living for Christ! Before I was a Christian, I lived totally for myself, so the same sin creeps into my life as Christian- selfishness. I know God is changing me day by day, and I have to trust Him that He can and will. And that the Gospel isnt about me, not about doing enough good things...but this challenges me
Do I really believe that Christ is worth it? Do I believe He deserves my all? Is He my treasure alone?
Gal 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Praying that will be true for me every day.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
fundraising
My blog has been staring at me today, but somehow theres not that much to write about all my girls....Im fundraising. Most definitely the most challenging part of being a missionary in America! All the time I experience things like..."What a minute..where are you going?"
me: "what do you mean?"
"i mean, where are you going to be a missionary?"
Me: "the college campus. Furman University."
"oh. I thought you said you were going to be a missionary."
Sometimes I feel guilty that Im not in the 10/40 window, doing the real thing. Hang on.. This IS the real thing, Maybe not forever here in America, but for now. I know that people who think that missions exist only outside america dont mean to be rude or anything, maybe they have never talked to anyone outside a church about Jesus, faith, God, eternity, But, I challenge you- do it. Talk to someone that you may have known forever and not talked about spiritual things to, or someone you have just met, at the store, getting your nails done, wherever, and experience the truth - most people dont know HIm. Theyve heard of Him but they dont deeply know Him. Live for Him, treasure Him, spend time with HIm. we must tell people in our nation about the only One who can save us. Jesus.
Once upon a time, I had no idea there was more to being a Christian than just going to church and being a good person. I thought missionaries only needed to go to where people were hungry and physically broken. Somewhere not as fortunate. But, ironically, someone was a missionary TO ME. Someone came to me on the college campus. Someone helped me see the truth, and the need that right next door to my dorm room, across the hall, in the library, the dining hall, everywhere, people were wasting their lives. Ive learned this year how needy every single person is of a Savior. They may look like they have it all together on the outside, but what about their heart? We must be Jesus to the hungry, the poor, the brokenhearted, but we must also be Jesus to the rich, the businessman or woman, the arrogant teenager who is living for the future, the middle class mom who relies on herself to get things done. I was one of those people, searching for something, nothing was working. Until God changed me. I really really really really see a need for us to send people to our own children and youth. No one ever asked me about my personal relationship with Jesus till i was 19 years old.
Anyways, I have about 2 weeks to try and raise the remainder of my financial support! Pray that God provides. I have about 400 dollars a month left to raise, and I am praying that God supply it by July 21st. A big prayer I know, but please join me in it. I can tell you that while I have been meeting with people, I have been SO ENCOURAGED. Seeing people in Rutherfordton living for something greater than themselves. Seeing how they raise their children to be godly. Seeing how they want to be a part of reaching this next generation of leaders. And getting to share the joys of this past year with people.
here is a verse i am praying for this time in my life:phil 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I
press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
me: "what do you mean?"
"i mean, where are you going to be a missionary?"
Me: "the college campus. Furman University."
"oh. I thought you said you were going to be a missionary."
Sometimes I feel guilty that Im not in the 10/40 window, doing the real thing. Hang on.. This IS the real thing, Maybe not forever here in America, but for now. I know that people who think that missions exist only outside america dont mean to be rude or anything, maybe they have never talked to anyone outside a church about Jesus, faith, God, eternity, But, I challenge you- do it. Talk to someone that you may have known forever and not talked about spiritual things to, or someone you have just met, at the store, getting your nails done, wherever, and experience the truth - most people dont know HIm. Theyve heard of Him but they dont deeply know Him. Live for Him, treasure Him, spend time with HIm. we must tell people in our nation about the only One who can save us. Jesus.
Once upon a time, I had no idea there was more to being a Christian than just going to church and being a good person. I thought missionaries only needed to go to where people were hungry and physically broken. Somewhere not as fortunate. But, ironically, someone was a missionary TO ME. Someone came to me on the college campus. Someone helped me see the truth, and the need that right next door to my dorm room, across the hall, in the library, the dining hall, everywhere, people were wasting their lives. Ive learned this year how needy every single person is of a Savior. They may look like they have it all together on the outside, but what about their heart? We must be Jesus to the hungry, the poor, the brokenhearted, but we must also be Jesus to the rich, the businessman or woman, the arrogant teenager who is living for the future, the middle class mom who relies on herself to get things done. I was one of those people, searching for something, nothing was working. Until God changed me. I really really really really see a need for us to send people to our own children and youth. No one ever asked me about my personal relationship with Jesus till i was 19 years old.
Anyways, I have about 2 weeks to try and raise the remainder of my financial support! Pray that God provides. I have about 400 dollars a month left to raise, and I am praying that God supply it by July 21st. A big prayer I know, but please join me in it. I can tell you that while I have been meeting with people, I have been SO ENCOURAGED. Seeing people in Rutherfordton living for something greater than themselves. Seeing how they raise their children to be godly. Seeing how they want to be a part of reaching this next generation of leaders. And getting to share the joys of this past year with people.
here is a verse i am praying for this time in my life:phil 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I
press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
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