tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379190432024-02-08T05:46:16.921-08:00sea of facesI am not just a man, vastly lost in this world, lost in a sea of faces. Your body's the bread, Your blood is the wine, because you traded Your life for mine.amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-13567159510354894072007-09-13T22:30:00.000-07:002007-09-14T05:53:31.594-07:00It's been quite a while since I've posted on here, I know. But a quick update. I've moved on from Answers in Genesis. I had a great time, I miss everyone, but I know it was time for me to move on. I'm now staying with my parents for a time. Still looking for a job; nothing has turned up yet, but I know God will lead when He sees fit. Also, I am working on my driver's license (Yes, I know; about time!). But I didn't really have time until now. So that's underway.<br />For those of you who have wondered, yes, I am looking into adoption. And, no, it's not for finding new parents (Chris). I've had this on my heart for a few years now, and I can finally make a move towards fulfilling my dream. I just pray that this is of God, and not of myself. I know single parenting is difficult (not that I've experienced it myself yet :-)), but I'm moving on faith that this is of God, and that He will fulfill my dream as He sees fit. Just like Jeremy Camp's song, Walk By Faith:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> Will I believe you when you say </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Your hand will guide my every way </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Will I receive the words You say </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Every moment of every day </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Well I will walk by faith </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Even when I cannot see </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> because this broken road </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Prepares Your will for me </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Help me to rid my endless fears </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You've been so faithful for all my years </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> With the one breath You make me new </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Your grace covers all I do </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Well I will walk by faith </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Even when I cannot see </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> because this broken road </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Prepares Your will for me<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I pray that this is God's will. I appreciate your prayers as He guides me.<br /><br />I will admit, it has been difficult adjusting to smaller surroundings here at home. But God is gracious, my family is wonderful, and I'm glad I made this move. I'm looking for friends in this area that I can get to know and spend time with.<br /><br />I'm sorry that I haven't kept in better touch with you all during the summer. I'll work at it during my time at home.<br /><br />My life hasn't always been what everyone thinks. I've struggled a lot over the summer, even with working in a Christian organization alongside fellow believers. God has not always come first in my life, and I could feel a hunger and thirsting for what I once had. I am SO thankful that He has not given up on me. My life is not what it should be, but I know all is not lost. I'm going through a cleansing process. Flushing out that which should not be and getting the 'vitamins and minerals' of what I need most. Jesus is all I need.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">When the day is done</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And there's no one else around</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> While I'm lying here in bed</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You're in my heart, You're in my head</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You're all I need, You're all I need</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> There are a million voices</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Calling out my name</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> But You're the One I want to hear</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> So make the others disappear</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You are all I need when I'm surrounded</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You are all I need if I'm by myself</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You fill me when I'm empty</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> There is nothing else</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You're all I need</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> When the morning comes</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And Your mercy is renewed</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> There's a fire in my bones</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I'm not afraid to go alone</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You're all I need</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You're all I need</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> The sun on my face</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I hear You whisper loud</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You're still the God that opens seas</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Every flower, even me</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You're all I need</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You're all I need</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I'm drawn to everything that You do</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Nothing compares with You</span><br /><br />Bethany Dillon<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This is my prayer.<br /><br />Peace.<br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-7174657715776002742007-03-19T13:42:00.000-07:002007-03-19T13:43:16.386-07:00Dancing Pillsbury Doughboy<br /><br /><br />http://www.pillsbury.com/AaLL/dancingdoughboy.aspx?WT.mc_id=FRD&p=Mu7LD6kgYj4gqVVhO8vnHg==amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-91651483491207717122007-03-19T13:23:00.000-07:002007-03-19T13:37:02.508-07:00<span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">50 Fun Things to Do at Wal-Mart</span></span><p><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"> 1. Take shopping carts for the express purpose of filling them and stranding them at strategic locations.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"> 2. Ride those little electronic cars at the front of the store. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">3. Set all the alarm clocks to go off at ten-minute intervals throughout the day. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">4. Start playing Calvinball; see how many people you can get to join. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">5. Contaminate the entire auto department by sampling all the spray air fresheners. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">6. Challenge other customers to duels with tubes of gift-wrap. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">7. Leave cryptic messages on the typewriters. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">8. Re-dress the mannequins as you see fit. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">9. When there are people behind you, walk really slowly, especially in thin aisles. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">10. Walk up to an employee and tell him in an official tone, "I think we've got a code 3 in housewares," and see what happens. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">11. Turn all the radios to polka stations; then turn them off and turn the volume up to full blast. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">12. Play with the automatic doors. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">13. Walk up to complete strangers and say, "Hi. I haven't seen you in so long." etc. See if they play along. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">14. While walking through the clothing department, ask yourself loud enough for all to hear, "Who buys this junk anyway?!" </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">15. Repeat #14 in the jewelry department. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">16. Ride a display bicycle through the store; claim you aretaking it for a test drive. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">17. Follow people through the aisles, staying about 5 feet behind them. Do this until they leave the store. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">18. Play soccer with a group of friends, using the entire store as your playing field. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">19. As the cashier runs your purchase over the scanner, look mesmerized and say, "Wow, magic!" </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">20. Take off your shoes and tell them you want to return it and when they say you didn't buy it there say "Hmmmm....I thought the customer was always right!" </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">21. Move "Caution : Wet Floor" signs to carpeted areas. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">22. Set up a tent in the camping department; tell others you will only invite them in if they bring pillows from Bed and Bath. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">23. Test the fishing rods and see what you can catch from otheraisles. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">24. Ask other customers if they have any Grey Poupon. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">25. Drape a blanket around your shoulders and run around saying,"I'm Batman. Come Robin, to the Batcave." </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">26. Teepee as much of the store as possible. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">27. Randomly throw things over into neighboring aisles. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">28. Play with the calculators so that they all spell "hello"upside down. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">29. When someone asks you if you need help, begin to cry and say, "Why won't you people just leave me alone?" </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">30. When 2 or 3 people are walking ahead of you, run between them yelling "Red Rover." </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">31. Make up nonsense products and ask employees if there are any in stock. (i.e.: Shnerples) </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">32. Take up an entire aisle in toys by setting up a full-scale battle with G.I. Joe vs. X-men. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">33. Take bets on the battle from above. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">34. Test the brushes and combs in cosmetics. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">35. While handling guns in the hunting department, suddenly ask the clerk where the anti-depressants are. Act as spastic aspossible. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">36. Hold indoor shopping cart races. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">37. Dart around suspiciously while humming the theme from Mission Impossible. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">38. Attempt to fit into very large gym bags. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">39. Attempt to fit others into very large gym bags. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">40. Say things like, "Would you be so kind as to direct me to your Twinkies." </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">41. Set up a "Valet Parking" sign in front of the store. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">42. Two words: Marco Polo. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">43. Leave Cheerios in lawn and garden, pillows in the pet section, etc. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">44. "Re-alphabetize" the CD's. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">45. In the auto department, practice your Madonna look with various funnels. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">46. When someone steps away from his or her cart to look at something, quickly make off with it without saying a word. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">47. Relax in the patio furniture until you get kicked out. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">48. When an announcement comes over the loudspeaker, drop to your knees and scream, "No, no, its those voices again." </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">49. Pay off layaways 50 cents at a time. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">50. Drag a lounge chair over to the magazines and relax. Go to the food court, buy a drink, and explain that you don't get out much and ask if they can put a little umbrella in it. </span></span></p><hr /> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">*BONUS* </span></span><p> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;">Attempt to do all of the above in the same visit, without getting kicked out. </span></span></p>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-57990981105386109682007-03-08T12:46:00.000-08:002007-03-09T12:47:43.346-08:00<span style="font-size:180%;">Missions Conference 2007</span><br /><br /><br />What an exciting conference! We heard from many different missionaries about their field work and deputation travels. It has been a very awesome time! I have been challenged in my own life about my willingness to serve as a missionary. Even as an M.K. (Missionary's kid, for those of you who don't know :-} ), I had to examine my own life and see if I really was willing to surrender to that kind of ministry. One mission field that has been brought to my attention several times within the past 6 months is that of Zambia, Africa. A missionary from my church, <a href="http://www.bmm.org/BMM/WhereWeServe/Africa/News/eve+a+douglas.htm">Eve a Douglas</a>, is on deputation to go to Zambia as a full-time missionary. Her neice and I have been talking about going there for about a year, give or take, to help out with the ministry. Then another missionary came to the conference and presented his ministry in Zambia as well. <a href="http://www.faithinzambia.com/">Phil Hunt</a> has been in Zambia since 1992. Some of his areas of ministry include <a href="http://www.cabcollege.org/">Central African Baptist College</a> and <a href="http://www.faithinzambia.com/site/pages/orphanage.aspx">Faith Children's Village Orphanage</a>. I was ready to jump on the plane and fly to Zambia after hearing and seeing the presentation. But I can't allow my emotions to get in the way of what's really there, and what I'm not seeing. I have to make sure that my decisions are based on God's will for my life. Whether or not God has me going to Zambia, I need to be willing to go anywhere that He might have me go, and also be a missionary where I'm at now.<br /><br />That's another thing. Missions is not all about going overseas. It's about being a missionary to the people around you where you live. All God's children are missionaries. You don't have to go on deputation, to raise money, to travel all over the country in order to be a missionary. You can be a missionary at your workplace, at your school, in your grocery store, gas station, restaurant, the list goes on. People don't seem to get every aspect involved in missions. If we can only see what is going on around us, and take action in reaching out, we will be able to see the fruit of our labor, and also eventually see even more missionaries come out of the evangelism.<br /><br />The Apostle Paul is one missionary that fascinates me, the one I consider my 'favorite' missionary. His life is reflective of what a true missionary should be. He suffered torment, near-death situations, imprisonment, rejection - he suffered it all! And yet, he did not give up and leave the ministry because things got tough. NO! He counted it a joy to suffer for Christ! But there came a time when he was ready to go Home. In Philippians, he said, "Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."<br /><br />Paul had a desire to be with his Maker. What child of God wouldn't? Or rather, why do God's children not desire that? Paul was ready to go home, but he knew that his mission was not complete. He knew God had more work for him to do. Paul said, "it is better for you." In speaking to the Philippians, he was saying, "For your sake, I will continue on the ministry God gave me a burden for." Is it selfish to want to leave this world, even the ministry God gave him, to want to be gone from all this sin? I don't think so. Paul didn't view it that way. He put the needs of others in front of his own desires.<br /><br />So I have to ask myself this question: Is "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" my life's philosophy? Or is, "For me to live is gain, and to die is Christ"? I have to clearly evaluate my life, leaving no area out, and ask myself if I am truly willing to die for the cause of Christ. And is it such a desire in my heart to go Home that I get homesick? Or do I dread the thought of dying? I want to go to Heaven. No questions about that. But is it such a desire in my life that I can't desire anything other than being with my Savior?<br /><br />I can't wish away my life, though. I need to consider the ministry that God has given me to do to further His Kingdom. I need to re-evaluate what I'm doing with my life and take into consideration what I need to do to reach out to people for Him. If I get too caught up in the materialistic part of life, then I allow the world's view of life and death to cloud God's view. I can't allow that.<br /><br />I have so many things running through my head about this whole thing, that nothing may seem to make sense. Most likely this whole posting is a series of rabbit trails and ramblings. But I know what I mean, and I hope that it's a challenge to any that read this.<br /><br />Prepare for Rain.<a href="http://www.cabcollege.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-74694760986885950182007-03-02T22:21:00.001-08:002007-03-02T22:21:29.305-08:00<table width="350" align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"><tr><td bg align="center" style="color:#DDDDDD;"><span style="'color:black;font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><b>You Are a Mac</b></span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><center><img src="http://images.blogthings.com/areyouamacorapcquiz/mac.jpg" height="100" width="100" /></center><span style="color:#000000;"><br />You are creative, stylish, and super trendy.<br />You demand the best - even if it costs an arm and a leg.</span></td></tr></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/areyouamacorapcquiz/">Are You a Mac or a PC?</a></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-88338250267117377222007-03-02T22:17:00.001-08:002007-03-02T22:17:58.083-08:00<table style="color: black;color:black;" align="center" border="1" border cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"><tr><td bg align="center" style="color:#99DDFF;"><span style="'color:black;"><strong>American Cities That Best Fit You::</strong></span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#ADDAFF">70% Chicago</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#C2D6FF">65% Los Angeles</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#D6D3FF">60% Honolulu</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#EBCFFF">60% Washington, DC</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF">55% Miami</td></tr></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whichamericancitiesbestfityouquiz/">Which American Cities Best Fit You?</a></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-60808402847321965032007-03-02T21:52:00.001-08:002007-03-02T21:52:32.259-08:00<table width="350" align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"><tr><td bg align="center" style="color:#DDDDDD;"><span style="'color:black;font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><b>You Belong in Paris</b></span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><center><img src="http://images.blogthings.com/whateuropeancitydoyoubelonginquiz/paris.jpg" height="100" width="100" /></center><span style="color:#000000;"><br />You enjoy all that life has to offer, and you can appreciate the fine tastes and sites of Paris.<br />You're the perfect person to wander the streets of Paris aimlessly, enjoying architecture and a crepe.</span></td></tr></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whateuropeancitydoyoubelonginquiz/">What European City Do You Belong In?</a></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-9763237780891084712007-03-01T12:44:00.001-08:002007-03-01T12:44:35.084-08:00Check out my Slide Show!<div><embed src="http://widget-a7.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=216172782118194087&site=widget-a7.slide.com" width="400" height="325" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:450px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?ad=0&tt=0&sk=13&cy=bb&th=0&id=216172782118194087&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a7.slide.com/p1/216172782118194087/bb_t000_v000_a000_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?ad=0&tt=0&sk=13&cy=bb&th=0&id=216172782118194087&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a7.slide.com/p2/216172782118194087/bb_t000_v000_a000_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-19299430257117747892007-02-28T13:36:00.000-08:002007-03-01T11:37:07.626-08:00Walking with Jesus<br /><br />Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk beside our Saviour as He ministered to the sick, healed the lame, talked to the woman at the well, and so on? I've thought about it every so often and just wondered: what would it have been like? What would I have done when He came to my city, provided I lived in the Middle East. Could I say that I would accept Him into my home? That I would bring my loved ones suffering from sickness and disease to be healed? That I would have been there at the cross when He died?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Would I fall down and worship</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"> Leave all that I treasured behind<br />For a chance to be closer to<br />The man who might<br />Be the One who saves my life<br /></div><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"></blockquote>This song gives an idea of what it could have been like. Only a glimpse...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />2000 Years<br />~~~<br />Travis Cottrell<br /><br />If I could see<br />2000 years ago<br />Travel back in time<br />And walk in the day<br />When just one man<br />Turned the world upside down<br />Oh, Whoa<br /><br />If I could be<br />A guest at the wedding<br />And taste the wine<br />That was water moments before<br />Would I realize what was really in store<br />That there would be so much more<br /><br />Would I fall down and worship<br />Leave all that I treasured behind<br />For a chance to be closer to<br />The man who might<br />Be the One who saves my life<br /><br />If I hear His voice<br />Call to Lazarus<br />Stand and stare as my friend stumbles<br />Out of the tomb<br /><br />Or witness blind men<br />See their first morning sky<br />Would I believe what He says to be true<br /><br />If I was there the night<br />Soldiers took Him away<br />Would I flee the scene<br />Like most of His friends<br />Then watch on the cross<br />What I thought was the end<br />What would I do then<br /><br />Would I fall down and worship<br />Leave all that I treasured behind<br />For a chance to be closer to<br />The man who might<br />Be the One who saves my life<br /><br />And what would it be like<br />After three days gone by<br />Would I believe what they said<br />Or wanna see with my own eyes<br />Put my hand on the scars<br />Only then realize<br />My Lord, my God, alive<br /><br />Will I fall down and worship<br />Leave all that I treasure behind<br />For a chance to be closer<br />‘Cause He is still alive<br />And the One who saves my life<br /><br /><br />Kent Hooper / Scott Kirpayne ©2006 Kent Hooper Music (ASCAP) (admin. By Integrated Copyright Group) / Sally Rim Music (BMI)<br /></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-53326416598379007952007-02-19T18:20:00.000-08:002007-02-19T18:22:27.983-08:00I'm at the point in my life where I don't know what to do anymore. Basically, I'm giving everything up to God, and I need Him to take control. I only pray that I will conform my will to His, and be willing to do everything He asks of me.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ready For You<br /><br /> Lord, You take my heart away with Your love<br />and I am willing to put on my faith in Your plan.<br /><br />Come and take my life.<br />Make my soul refreshed in truth now.<br /><br />I am ready for You.<br />Take my heart and make me new now.<br />I am ready for You<br />to come and fill my soul.<br /><br />Cleanse all of my mind that is not of You.<br />Break me, teaching me how to find rest in Your hands.<br /><br />Come and take my life.<br />Make my soul refreshed in truth now.<br /><br />I am ready for You.<br />Take my heart and make me new now.<br />I am ready for You<br />to come and fill my soul.<br />To come and fill my soul.<br /><br />Whatever it takes,<br />I'm needing to make Your will be done<br />and I'm letting go of my control,<br />for I see what You've done in me.<br /><br />I am ready for You.<br />Take my heart and make me new now.<br />I am ready for You<br />to come and fill my soul.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">from Kutless<br /></div></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-66476637240958809702007-01-08T14:29:00.000-08:002007-01-08T14:51:47.891-08:00Christmas break was fun. Lots of traveling. Lots of food. Family. Games. Movies. Music. The works...I was at 3 different churches on Sundays. So I wore the same outfit every Sunday...makes packing lighter. The last Sunday on break we spent in an inner-city church in Indianapolis. Let's just say it was a very awesome experience. I saw different methods of worship there that I'd never seen before. There was something called "Expressions of Worship" or something along those lines. It was a dance program. A woman did something like interpretive dance to Selah and Nichole Nordeman's duet, "Glory", and some other song I didn't catch the name of. It was awesome. This woman expressed her worship to God in the form of dance. This is something that a lot of Christians don't think of and consider to be worship. Which is really sad, because David danced before God in an act of worship. Shouldn't we also worship God in this way? I think we get too caught up in the legality of the church and forget what we're really there for. I'm not saying that we should all break out into interpretive dance to "Amazing Grace." That might be a little weird. What I'm saying is that we shouldn't allow the beliefs and preferences of people within the church to stand in the way of our method of worship. Raise your hands toward Heaven. Worship God in this way. Look towards the sky. Close your eyes and belt it out. If we concentrate on looking at the person directing the song, it's almost as though we're singing to them. This should not be the case.<br />But you may not feel comfortable raising your hands or looking toward the sky. That's fine. But please, PLEASE, don't scorn or frown on those who do. They may view these acts of worship differently than you do. If you don't frown on them, they won't feel like they have to sit in a stiff-back church pew with their hands clasped in their lap and their eyes on the songleader.<br />For the songleader, don't direct attention to yourself. We're not at church for you. We love you immensely (I hope everyone does), but we're at church to worship our God. Part of your job is that you make sure we direct our attention towards God.<br />For everyone: I am only addressing this from my own experiences and view on the subject. At this time, I have not reached the point of raising my own hands towards Heaven while singing, but it's not because I don't want to. I grew up differently, and haven't quite left that behind. One day, hopefully soon, I will be raising my hands in song to my God. But I don't look down on those who do. In fact, I applaud their love and worship for their Savior. It helps me to see that there are others who want the same for their church.<br />This song from Charlie Hall kind of addresses this, only more vaguely.<br /><br /><div align="center">Give us Clean Hands</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">We bow our hearts, We bend our knees </div><div align="center">O' spirit come make us humble </div><div align="center">We turn our eyes, From evil things </div><div align="center">O' Lord we cast down our idols. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Give us clean hands, Give us pure hearts </div><div align="center">Let us not lift our souls to another </div><div align="center">Give us clean hands, Give us pure hearts<br />Let us not lift our souls to another<br /> </div><div align="center">O' God let us be, A generation that seeks, </div><div align="center">That seeks Your face, O' God of Jacob </div><div align="center">O' God let us be, A generation that seeks,<br />That seeks Your face, O' God of Jacob.</div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-65870100215861803902006-12-19T22:05:00.000-08:002006-12-19T22:35:38.076-08:00Why do I?<br /><br />You know, God has His perfect timing for everything. So why do I worry about what's going to happen? I don't know what He's going to do as far as school payments go. Buying books. Art supplies. The works. But then it gets to even more serious stuff. What about where I'm going to work after graduation? Living expenses? House or aparment? Car or bike? What about dating? Should I date? or not? Stay single? Adopt kids?<br />So some of you may think I'm a little wacky in the head right now. Rightfully so. I did just get off of school...sounds like an addiction or something. But, seriously, I've had these kinds of things running through my head...and rightfully so! God puts desires for certain things in life in each person's heart. I have a desire to work in the cities, work with my current church, adopt a child, and perhaps, one day, get married! But my sense of timing is totally off. I think that my own timing is right. But it's not. I'm wanting to wait until after school, but He may have different plans. And you know? I'm peachy with that. As long as I'm in God's will, I'm okay with anything He has for me....<br />But I always fall! Whenever I think I'm doing ok, I'm really just kidding myself. And I have to stop and say, "Ok, so who's really driving?" Something like that...I am so thankful that God is the author of patience! Because, where I'm concerned, He's gonna need a lot when it comes to working with me!<br />So, I'm posting this song. It may seem a little off subject to you, but I think it applies in the long run, to where I'm at.<br /><br /><div align="center">Made to Worship</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">You and I were made to worship,<br />You and I are called to love,<br />You and I are forgiven and free.<br />When you and I embrace surrender,<br />You and I choose to believe,<br />You and I will see how we were meant to be </div><div align="center"><br />Before the day<br />Before the light<br />Before the world revolved around the sun;<br />God on high stepped out into time and<br />wrote the story of his love for everyone.<br />He has filled our hearts with wonder,<br />so that we will always remember— </div><div align="center"><br />You and I were made to worship,<br />You and I are called to love,<br />You and I are forgiven and free.<br />When you and I embrace surrender,<br />You and I choose to believe,<br />You and I will see how we were meant to be </div><div align="center"><br />All we are and all we have is all a gift from God we see<br />Brought to life,<br />We open up our lives,<br />To see the majesty and glory of the King.<br />He has filled our hearts with wonder,<br />so that we will always remember—</div><div align="center"><br />You and I were made to worship,<br />You and I are called to love,<br />You and I are forgiven and free.<br />When you and I embrace surrender,<br />You and I choose to believe,<br />You and I will see how we were meant to be… </div><div align="center"><br />You and I</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>Words and Music by Chris Tomlin</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="left">So it may take me a little time before I reach those goals, but I know that that's not the sole purpose of why I'm here. I was made to worship God! And I want to surrender every goal and desire I have for His purpose. Please pray for me as I push for that goal....</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-45206546347290691132006-12-13T19:13:00.000-08:002006-12-13T19:58:04.649-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">You have my heart</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">And I am yours forever</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">You are my strength</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">God of grace and power</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">And everything</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">You hold in Your hand</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Still You make time for me</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I can't understand</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Praise You, God of earth and sky</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">How beautiful is Your unfailing love</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Unfailing love</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">And You never change, God, You remain</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">The Holy One and my unfailing love</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Unfailing love</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">You are my rock</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">The One I hold on to</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">You are my song</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">And I sing for You</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">And everything</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">You hold in Your hand</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Still You make time for me</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I can't understand</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Praise You, God of earth and sky</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">How beautiful is Your unfailing love</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Unfailing love</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">And You never change, God, You remain</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">The Holy One and my unfailing love</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Unfailing love</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">This song by Chris Tomlin is a reminder of how great and wonderful God is. This morning I had my Scientific Thought final. I was dreading it. Not because I didn't like the class, mind you. But because I wasn't doing well in the class (It went a lot better than I thought it might). But as I think back to the final, to the class itself, I am reminded at how awesome God is. He created the world and everything in it. Birds, animals, sea, land, sky - everything was created by Him and for a purpose.<br /><br />Then He created me. Man. Woman. Why? Because He wanted someone He could fellowship with. Someone that could worship and praise Him. He loves us and wants us to love Him back. He shows us His love through Creation. Through providing what we need. Through salvation. There are so many ways He shows us love, and yet, how much does it take for us to show our love to Him? A lot more than we're willing to give. He gave us so much. He did so much for us. He could be doing anything else right now, but He chooses to listen and answer our prayers. He chooses to give us things we need - and don't need. He is amazing!! It's so hard to describe it...<br /><br />In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. I John 4:9-11<br /><br />Ultimate love. Unfailing love. God's love.<br /><br />Awesome.<br /></div></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-1165878089976732282006-12-11T14:40:00.001-08:002006-12-11T15:05:14.603-08:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Ok, so how do I start? So I've been having some...issues...lately. Not a surprise. Just the fact that everything seems to happen at once is what really irks me. But I've learned to adjust and take things as they come. God doesn't give me anything that I can't handle ~ it's just how I choose to handle it that makes it harder than it really is. So I sometimes tend to do that: make things harder than they are. For example, my final sketch today was really getting on my nerves. I'm doing this four-person portrait of my sisters and I. I'm seriously considering starting over completely and pulling myself out of the picture. It doesn't help any that I'm doing a sketch of those that I know and love the most here on earth. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">And it really doesn't help that I'm a picky perfectionist. Every single detail needs to be so perfect or it's out the window! But as I take a break from this final sketch and breathe...I find that I can't be perfect. I can strive for perfection, but I'll never actually make it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">In light of this fact, I will not give up in defeat and throw down my pencil. I will not do a slop job on the final and be satisfied with a preliminary sketch. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I will do my best. God expects me to do my best, and I will. Whether or not I achieve that is up to Him. But right now, I will do as He wants me to and do it until He wants me to be done. Because I'm such a perfectionist, I will strive for perfection until there is no more....Then I will be satisfied because I know I've done my very best for Him.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >"Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48, NASB</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Father, help me to be as You want me to be and nothing else. Help me to strive for that perfection that only You can possess. Help me not get discouraged at that, but to only want to be more like You. Please help me to be faithful to this goal and to always strive for perfection.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Amen.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">And amen.</span><br /></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-1165547751147297502006-12-07T19:15:00.000-08:002006-12-07T19:15:51.146-08:00You know you have issues if....<br /><br /><br />Your e-mail bulk folder has more messages than your inbox.<br /><br />You can't remember your friends' last name (and she lives right on campus).<br /><br />You leave your key in your dorm room door and expect to find everything just as you left it....(yeah)<br /><br />You set your alarm to get up in time for a test, but overslept and missed it...<br /><br />You can't remember anything else you have issues with...amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37919043.post-1165547669242222532006-12-07T19:08:00.000-08:002006-12-07T19:14:29.253-08:0025 questions that will actually tell you something about me...<br />1. What is more difficult for you, looking into someones eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone's eyes when they are telling you how they feel?<br /><br />When I am telling them.<br /><br />2. Think of the last time you were REALLY happy. WHY were you happy?<br /><br />I've been really happy since God has been working in my life. He gave me a summer job that was unbelievable, a job during school that has taught me so much and caused me to grow in both my relationship with Him and with others, and a desire to grow in my daily walk with Him.<br /><br />3. You are on a flight from Honolulu to Chicago non-stop. There is a fire in the back of the plane. You have enough time to make ONE phone call. Who would you call?<br /><br />My parents<br /><br />4. You are at the doctor's office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live.<br /><br />(1) Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die?<br /><br />I'd tell those closest to me, and if the opportunity came up, share it with someone who is unsaved as an opportunity to witness.<br /><br />(2) What do you do with your remaining days?<br /><br />Live normally. Spend more time getting to know people and building friendships/relationships. Grab at more chances to witness. Take a road trip with a friend.<br /><br />(3) Would you be afraid?<br /><br />Sure! I've never faced death before. But I trust God with my life and hopefully, it would pass.<br /><br />5. You can have one of the following two things: trust/love. Which do you choose?<br /><br />Trust is the groundwork for love. We can't love someone and not trust them. We can't help but love someone we trust. I can't not trust God without also loving Him....and vice versa.<br /><br />6. You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late even once more, you are fired. Do you save the dog?<br /><br />Is a job more important than the life of any creature, human or animal?<br /><br />7. You are unfaithful to your spouse/significant other. Do you tell him/her? Why or Why not?<br /><br />I hope that I will never be unfaithful. God help me, I won't. But if the situation ever occurs, and I find that I am unfaithful, may God grant me the wisdom and ability to tell that person. If the same happened with the other person, then I would want to know about it.<br /><br />8. Your best friend confesses that he/she has feelings for you more then just friendship. He/she is falling in love with you. What do you do/say?<br /><br />I can't really say. It would probably surprise me, but at the same time, if that guy is my best friend, there is all the more reason to have a deeper relationship. Not that I'm saying it will happen. Most of my best friends are girls. But I do have great relationships with several guys.<br /><br />9. Think of the last person who you know that died. You have the chance to give them 1 hour of life back, but you have to give one year of your life. Do you give up the year?<br /><br />In order to get Ben back? Definitely<br /><br />10. Are you the kind of friend that you would want to have as a friend?<br /><br />I'm not sure. If I could get along with the crazy type like that, then probably.<br /><br />11. Does love = sex?<br /><br />Definitely not.<br /><br />12. Can you be happy in a relationship and never truly know what the other person is thinking?<br /><br />How? That can't be possible. If a person can truly be happy in that kind of situation, then something's got to be wrong.<br /><br />13. When was the last time you told someone HONESTLY how you felt regardless of how difficult it was for you to say? What did you have to tell the person?<br /><br />Felt about him?<br /><br />A long time ago, but it was some schoolgirl crush.<br /><br />About a behavior or such?<br /><br />Tonight. But it wasn't difficult, just coming to an agreement.<br /><br />14. What would be (or what was) harder for you to tell a friend, you love them or that you do not love them back?<br /><br />I don't think I've ever told a friend that I don’t love them back.<br /><br />15. What do you think would be the hardest thing for you to give up? Why would it be hard to lose?<br /><br />All of my friendships and the ministry opportunities at my church.<br /><br />16. Excluding romantic love, when was the last time you told someone you loved them? Who were they to you?<br /><br />Just for the record, I've never had a "romantic love", and probably my parents and sisters when I left Kansas City.<br /><br />18. Imagine. It is a dark night, you are alone, it is raining outside, you hear someone walking around outside your window. WHO do you wish was there with you?<br /><br />I really don't know for sure.<br /><br />19. Would you give a homeless person CPR if they were dying?<br /><br />I would give anyone CPR if they were dying! (I'm certified!!)<br /><br />21. You are holding onto your grandmothers hand and the hand of a newborn that you do not know as they hang over the edge of a cliff. You have to let one go to save the other. Who do you let fall to their death?<br /><br />Hopefully I wouldn't have to come to this kind of situation (probably not anyone falling off a cliff, since I live nowhere near). Knowing that my grandmas are both saved and that they would be ready to meet their Lord, I would hang on to the newborn, because they would get a chance to live and experience life and maybe one day come to Christ and grow in Him.<br /><br />22. Are you old fashioned?<br /><br />Not in every sense. Perhaps in romantic relationships.<br /><br />23. When was the last time you were nice to someone and did NOT expect anything in return for it?<br /><br />I can't honestly say. Not that I haven't, I just can't think....<br /><br />24. Which would you choose, true love with a guarantee of a broken heart, or never loved at all? Why?<br /><br />True love. Never having the opportunity to love someone like that would be difficult. Broken hearts can heal in time.<br /><br />25. If you could do anything or wish anything, what would it be?<br /><br />I would love to finish school early and find an inner city ministry that I can work in (or just stay on with the one I'm at), and meet that one person I haven't...officially....amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987745308263791006noreply@blogger.com0