Thirsty Soul

New Blog

2011-08-15T10:34:00.006-04:00

I think that this new season I find myself in calls for a fresh new blog, so do you want to join me? (Click here for the About)

A video you should watch (and it has my voice!)

2011-06-29T18:25:00.014-04:00

I'm not back to keeping up this blog yet (that will have to wait until after the wedding, I think!) but I thought I would point you to a youtube channel that belongs to my fiance, Loris, and his friend, Hossein. I actually linked to their videos on this blog at the end of 2009, at which point I only knew Loris as an aquaintance. We had met once during street evangelism, and then I saw him at a

On a cold day in March...

2011-03-31T14:02:00.041-04:00

... (but with sun that warms your skin) Loris had plans. Plans that involved a cozy restaurant and roses at our table... .................................................................................................................... and trail riding at a beautiful little ranch (because I love horses, and even though he had never ridden and was slightly nervous)... a slight detour (which is

I Recommend...

2011-02-01T19:18:00.016-05:00

Lacking many words or much inspiration, and with a new post long-overdue, I thought tonight I'll just share what I've been listening to and reading recently. I love recommendations, so if you have your own, please share in the comments! Reading:What is the Gospel? by Greg GilbertA few chapters in, I'm loving this book. The author cuts through the often foggy or watered-down salvation message

Impatient with the progress

2011-01-18T21:20:00.012-05:00

"It is a sure mark of grace to desire more...For every look at self, take ten looks at Christ..." - Robert Murray M'Cheyne..........I don't think it's an accident when all my grand plans and intentions for a really super spiritual week collide with my sluggish, sinful heart. It's not that I've been neglecting reading the Word, but I know I'm not where I long to be. I want to spend more unhurried

I've been reflecting on my single years...

2011-01-12T19:07:00.015-05:00

Amidst all the excitement of this new season I find myself in, I still remember very well the struggles of the other: desiring marriage - or at least to be in a relationship moving towards it - but having no change of circumstance in view. I know that, at twenty-six, I'm relatively young, but when your choice career goal is to be a wife, make a home, and mother children, waiting through much of

What's been keeping me busy, you wonder?

2011-01-03T15:47:00.012-05:00

Although a whirlwind of busyness, this last month has been full of reasons to give thanks to God. I haven't thanked Him enough...this afternoon, running around with a list of errands, I kept coming back to this thought: You are so good, Father. Like many others, God has taken me through difficult seasons - times of waiting, praying, grasping for hope in the midst of trying circumstances.

Happenings of late

2010-12-07T19:23:00.013-05:00

And just like that, it's December. I can hardly believe how quickly we've slipped from fall to winter, Christmas rapidly moving closer. I'm trying to keep in right order the things that fill up my days - family, friends, work, church, activities. I want to enjoy this season - holiday baking, buying gifts for people I love, spending (some) cozy evenings inside with the glow of Christmas lights and

Seeking and enjoying Christ

2010-11-15T21:01:00.013-05:00

I've heard it many times, but need reminding so often - there aren't any stops in this journey of sanctification. We are either moving forward - pressing into Christ, growing into His likeness - or we're drifting back. Each day presents a choice; will I abide? Will I keep knowing Jesus the main thing, or will I politely ask Him to step back and wait for me while I take care of other things? I am

Learning to Abide

2010-11-03T20:43:00.020-04:00

...............Sometimes, the Lord's presence is so evident. Worship is sweet, spending time in the Word is a delight. There is joy, a calm steadiness of trust. My soul says, all is well.But something changes, almost unnoticeably. I know what it is when finally, desperate and empty, I stop to take notice: I'm not abiding in Christ. Rather than walking moment by moment in an intimate relationship

Exactly what I meant to say.

2010-11-01T07:00:00.007-04:00

Have you read any prayers by the Puritans?I've seen some quoted in part - a line here or there in a book, some phrases turned well-worn in the far spaces of my heart, memorized by accident: Lord, Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit....Finally, earlier this

Consumed with...?

2010-10-27T20:34:00.010-04:00

Trish Ramos, who works with The Way of the Master, wrote an excellent post on a topic that probably hits home with most women. Seeing an older woman pouring over a copy of People magazine in an airplane, Trish was moved over the probable reality that this woman "wanted to be young again and was coveting the beauty of the world's most famous people." I think struggling with self-image and

Cold weather.

2010-10-25T17:59:00.015-04:00

.................Here in Ontario, it snowed the other night - big, wet flakes that immediately got me dreaming about cold cozy evenings and the Christmas season and everything winter brings. Of course, it's still only late-October, not really time to be wholeheartedly welcoming winter yet...but it's edging closer!Although I have my favorites, there is so much to appreciate about every season. I

The searchers, and the God who sees.

2010-10-20T18:43:00.020-04:00

I saw his name come up on facebook and clicked the profile out of curiosity. Yes, it was him. Someone I knew from an old job - barely an acquaintance, but I had sat across from him at a hamburger place with a co-worker, listening to him spill out a story much too private and heartbreaking for our short lunch break meeting. He was barely out of his teens, climbing out of a childhood laced with

True Woman conference

2010-10-18T21:24:00.008-04:00

Laaadies! You can now watch, listen or read all the messages from the True Woman '10 conferences. Nancy Leigh Demoss says that a true woman is: A woman willing to surrender every area of her life to reflect the beauty and heart of Christ to the world. She's serious about obeying God, determined, by His grace, to live up to His Word in her life! There were three conferences held this year, with

Craving Balance

2010-10-17T22:45:00.001-04:00

Confession: I am an odd mix. I love goal setting, making lists, being disciplined, accomplishing tasks and being organized. On the other hand, you will often find me messy, disorganized, scatter-brained, and procrastinating on several projects. The conflict between these two categories is terrible. My "together" side wants it all together, as soon as possible. If it can't be done, I simply resign

Loved, rescued, and made alive!

2010-10-13T18:48:00.011-04:00

Have you thought about the gospel today?This evening I was reading a prayer of Ezra, a godly man who helped lead God's people out of captivity from Babylonia. I was struck with one part of his prayer - his words, although speaking of their bondage as literal slaves, express what was true of every believer:"For we are slaves; yet in our bondage our God has not forsaken us, but has extended

In spite of this

2010-10-06T20:25:00.024-04:00

It's raining.I don't have to go out though, so I'm content with the bone-chilling dampness, the wind and the steady tap tapping of the drops against my windows. It makes me feel safe, cozy - bundled in layers and sipping tea and typing by the warm glow of my desk lamp and a lit candle.I was just writing in my journal, pouring out words that come from a heart obviously laced with anxieties and

I'm loving this season...

2010-10-04T19:04:00.032-04:00

Dear October,I wish you would stay a while. Like, longer than a month..I enjoy your relatives, September and November, but I'm particularly fond of you. . The other evening, I surprised my younger brothers with an invitation to ramble in some nearby woods with me. I am often too busy to spend time with them, and it was a treat. I loved the way you wrapped them in amber light and whisked them down

heart talk

2010-09-29T10:48:00.011-04:00

I'm reading through Proverbs right now, and have been thinking about the significance of the following verse in living as Christ's disciple:Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Prov 4:23"Heart in Proberbs regularly refers to the center of one's inner life and orientation to God, from which a person does all thinking, feeling, and choosing. Taking words

Mercy tastes better than coffee.

2010-09-24T11:33:00.007-04:00

Alarm goes off, early. It's been raining all night and I still hear dripping, my nearly-dark room testimony to the the heavy grey of an overcast sky outside. I've committed afresh to be consistent in my early-morning meetings with God, so (after falling back asleep and waking up almost too late) I will myself out of bed, make a cup of coffee, and retreat to my window seat with Bible and journal.

Birthday thoughts, travels, and a prayer.

2010-09-16T17:15:00.014-04:00

Last year for my birthday I posted a link to a helpful "life evaluation" resource: Ten Questions to Ask at the start of a new year or on your birthday. It doesn't seem like a whole year ago that I took the time to slip away by myself to a nearby lake, Bible and notebook in hand, to think about the answers to these questions, to journal hopeful plans.My birthday is Saturday, so I went looking for

Embracing the adventure

2010-09-13T16:13:00.001-04:00

< Previous post in series Ultimately, if we belong to Christ, then our lives are in His hands. I might want to be married today, but I have to remember that I don’t see everything, I don’t have the whole sweeping, eternal scope of my life in view like my God does. And focusing on what we desire but don’t have has such a way of making our lives turn inward, becoming very small and

Believing God, today

2010-09-06T11:01:00.015-04:00

.< Previous post in series.When we’re struggling with on-going singleness, it can at times be tempting to give in to discouragement – doing little to fight the good fight in the realm of the heart. .But it matters. It matters what we believe about ourselves, about God, about how God is working in our lives. It matters because what fills our hearts will eventually affect our outward

Single, and striving to please. (God)

2010-08-30T21:06:00.009-04:00

< Previous post in seriesSnapshots of what we’ve looked at so far in this series: Marriage is normative (most will marry). A healthy desire and vision for marriage is good. It’s wise to prepare for marriage in the ways that we can now, as singles. Marriage is designed for our good and ultimately God’s glory.Those things said, I think it's time to turn a page to focus on what many of us are

A Vision for Marriage

2010-08-24T18:14:00.007-04:00

< Previous post in series Just as I think it’s wise to prepare for marriage in the ways that we can now, as singles, I also think it’s helpful to have a Biblical vision for marriage, or more specifically, an understanding of what God purposes to accomplish through Christian marriage. Having this vision will help guard us from misconceptions and false ideas about marriage, which abound both in

Wise Preparation

2010-08-19T15:52:00.020-04:00

< previous post in series I can’t speak from experience, but most married individuals will testify that marriage is hard. It is hard to love sacrificially, regardless of the difficulty or current state of emotion. That is true in other relationships, and is brought to a new level in the closeness of the marriage relationship. With this in view, isn’t it wise to use our single years to prepare

A vision for marriage: for the unmarried?

2010-08-12T19:36:00.020-04:00

< previous post in seriesAs I mentioned in my introduction, at times I’ve wondered if it’s better for singles who desire to be married not to think about marriage, in the interest of cultivating contentment and remaining focused on Christ.Yes, as believers, we are to practice contentment, and yes, we need to have an eternal, God-ward focus. But I don’t think these things are at odds with having

Let our lives confess His peace.

2010-08-10T07:00:00.009-04:00

How good it is to belong to the One who can still a storm with a single command.He still calls us to rest in the peace that He brings - are we?

Marriage as the norm

2010-08-08T19:22:00.012-04:00

< series introAs promised, we'll be examining practical reasons why the unmarried should have marriage in mind – specifically, a Biblical vision for marriage.But before we go there, I think a disclaimer is probably necessary:I realize that not everyone is ultimately called to marry. Scriptures such as Matthew 19:10-12 and 1 Corinthians 7 point out that some, for specific purposes and in light of

Intro: A look at marriage and singleness

2010-08-03T14:24:00.034-04:00

Next post in seriesI’ve had some time to think about being single. (Actually, more time than I would prefer, but thaaat’s a rant for another day.) Specifically, what it means to be a young, unmarried, Christian woman who hopes for marriage and family someday - what this season should look like, Biblically, in all facets of daily life.Being single, marriage and family are topics that I’ve given

First in my heart.

2010-07-31T18:10:00.010-04:00

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-2“A holy man will follow after spiritual mindedness. He will endeavor to set his affections entirely on the things

Where God Dwells

2010-07-27T20:05:00.014-04:00

Before Christ came, God's presence filled the temple in a special way - it was a set apart place in which His glory dwelt. I know that Christ is the fulfillment of everything the tabernacle represented, that the curtain separating man from the Holy of Holies was torn in two at His death. I know that now God dwells fully within the believer, that we, as Christians, are His dwelling place. But

simple provision

2010-07-25T19:09:00.017-04:00

God is at work, constantly. I love to see traces of His grace, evidence of His presence in our lives. Little things that halt us in our tracks and pull our gaze outward and upward. Why are we surprised when we see God at work? At least, I often am. I think it's my unbelief. I should be expectant, lingering on the edge of each day's seat to see what my Lord will do next. Expectant, so that I will

pre-dawn peace

2010-07-20T21:34:00.008-04:00

Last night, before going to sleep, I did a radical thing. I set my alarm clock for five-thirty. I debated back and forth for a few minutes - lack of sleep, see the sunrise versus being rested and missing it.The sunrise won.Surprisingly, I didn't even need the alarm this morning. At twenty after five I woke up and was ready to begin a new day. (Did you wake me, Lord? Perhaps You've desired that

Just another reminder to TRUST...

2010-07-19T19:36:00.003-04:00

Hmmm, funny to see that my "readership" is growing, even though I never write anymore! (And we're talking like from a few people up to the startling number of 13, according to my sidebar, hehe) Anyway, I do hope to get writing again - I've met some neat people through the online world, and I like to at least attempt to encourage others by posting things that I've been encouraged by, or am

Labor to shine

2010-06-13T22:27:00.008-04:00

I receive quotes by J.C. Ryle by email, and the following quote was such an inspiration and challenge to me that I want to share it here:"Settle it down in your mind that you will aim at the highest degree of holiness, spiritual-mindedness, and consecration to God—that you will not be content with any low degree of sanctification. Resolve that, by the grace of God, you will make Christianity

Trust the Giver

2010-01-23T21:04:00.009-05:00

Remember this, the next time you're tempted to be anxious or impatient or resentful over the timing or circumstances of your life:"Like an astute coach or a gifted teacher, God prepares his saints for the tasks to which he has appointed them before he uses them. Moses, for example, spent forty years in the desert, herding sheep, before God called him to lead his people out of Egypt. What better

right motives

2010-01-22T12:17:00.008-05:00

Thinking about the disciplines of Bible study and meditation and memorization...of reading good Christian books and working through doctrine and theology... May I never do these things for the wrong reasons, Father...to be seen as a knowledgable, spiritual person...to gain approval or praise for myself...to win debates, to feed my own pride or selfish ambition...God forbid.Rather, may my

assured guidance

2010-01-20T11:44:00.006-05:00

More from Elisabeth Elliot...her wisdom (really from the Lord) steadies my heart. :)"Experience has taught me that the Shepherd is far more willing to show His sheep the path than the sheep are to follow. He is endlessly merciful, patient, tender, and loving. If we, His stupid and wayward sheep, really want to be led, we will without fail be led. Of that I am sure." - Elisabeth Elliot

Re-Post: The Only Real Safety

2010-01-15T21:08:00.008-05:00

Choose Jesus Christ! Deny yourself, take up the Cross, and follow Him -- for the world must be shown. The world must see, in us, a discernible, visible, startling difference.Put your trust in Him. Not in people or circumstances or dreams or programs or plans, not in any human notion of what will or won't happen, but in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, of Daniel and all the others -- The God

MacArthur's Favorites

2010-01-08T11:52:00.013-05:00

Here's a fun link for any fans of John MacArthur, and for lovers of old hymns:MacArthur's Favorite HymnsA couple of mine are on this list - My Jesus, I Love Thee, and A Mighty Fortress. And if you'd like, check out this post, which reminds me to keep moving forward in this new year in my (pretty neglected) goal to know more Christ-exalting, doctrine-rich, soul-stirring songs by heart. ~Note: So

Delays

2010-01-06T20:02:00.010-05:00

Here's a post from the archives...I went looking for this quote and thought I would put it up again. :)Speaking of trusting in God's timing, Elisabeth Elliot says in her book, Secure in the Everlasting Arms,"...what I would have called my own stalling and obtuseness may have been the Lord's own timing. He makes us wait. He keeps us on purpose in the dark. He makes us walk when we want to run,

Covered

2010-01-01T14:38:00.024-05:00

The second I open my eyes, I know I'll get up, resisting the pull to stay nestled in my warm bed. The first day of a new year always fills me with anticipation, like waking up on Christmas morning as a child.A new year. In my mind, I am standing on the brink of a new adventure, about to forge forward into the unknown. Anything could await. Trees wind over the trail, blocking my view from what

Always Active

2009-12-14T09:51:00.007-05:00

A post from The Blazing Center ministered to me. I know that the Lord is ever active in our lives, but sometimes (still waiting on you, Father) we need a good, solid reminder of that truth."...Sometimes we can feel like the Lord is “out of the station.” Maybe he stepped out for a minute or dozed off. Maybe he’s forgotten us completely.The truth is Jesus never takes a break. He never slumbers nor

Shadows and Substance.

2009-12-11T11:55:00.002-05:00

I was reading through some old posts and loved this little quote from Jonathan Edward's musings on the Pilgrim Life.... "God is the highest good of the reasonable creature, and the enjoyment of Him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives,

1nemind

2009-12-03T17:27:00.012-05:00

Check out 1nemind's channel on Youtube for some great videos on apologetic and biblical topics...here's part one of Prophecies & Parallels of Christ in the Old Testament - but be sure to go to the channel for the other parts and much more!

Christ is worthy.

2009-11-28T18:21:00.014-05:00

I just read about a 23-year-old Christian, converted from Islam, that was killed earlier this month. He was reported to an Islamic militant group by a boy whom he had witnessed to. The statement of what happened to this brother is graphic:"In an attempt to extract evidence against him and to gain information about other Somali Christians, the militants knocked out all of Yusuf's front teeth and

Beautiful Resignation

2009-11-22T18:24:00.012-05:00

These lyrics, found in a little 150-year old hymnal, have been a good challenge and reminder to me of the claim that God rightfully has on our lives:It is the Lord - enthroned in light,Whose claims are all divine:Who has an undisputed rightTo govern me and mine.It is the Lord - should I distrust,Or contradict His will,Who cannot do but what is just,And must be righteous still?It is the Lord - who

Sure Guidance

2009-10-03T20:48:00.010-04:00

“If you ask, ‘Why is this or that happening?’ no light may come, for ‘the secret things belong to the Lord our God (Deuteronomy 29:29); but if you ask, ‘How am I to serve and glorify God here and now, where I am?’ there will always be an answer” (The Lord’s Prayer, by J.I Packer, p. 14).

Pastor Envy

2009-09-16T18:47:00.018-04:00

I'm so grateful for the wealth of free sermons and conference messages available online these days. On a good week, my MP3 player holds hours of these to be listened to while I'm at work or driving. I've grown familiar with the teaching style and voices of certain pastors - MacArthur, Piper, Mahaney, Harris, to name a few. I am always challenged to understand more about God, to live a more

That time again

2009-09-07T10:27:00.003-04:00

The weather here in Ontario is already growing cooler, and I am excited for my favorite season! Last year I decided to try and do a personal retreat each fall, and it's hard to believe it's that time already! (You can check out my posts on that retreat here, here, and here. ) Just in time for my upcoming birthday this year, I found a great resource online that I encourage you to check out as

Some pictures for you!

2009-09-06T13:37:00.024-04:00

This past week, with my sister, I drove to the beautiful Province of Prince Edward Island. Walking along the Atlantic, I often wondered if I had slipped into a corner of heaven. :) Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven. (Lam 3:41)Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! (Rev 4:8)Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great!You are

This is our God

2009-09-05T12:57:00.008-04:00

What refreshing reminders of the Lord's character and provision I found this morning in Psalm 145! Just a few things to meditate on as I move into my day...He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, great in loving kindness, good to all! (Ps 145:8,9)He sustains all who fall, raises the humble, provides what we need when we need it, opens His hands to satisfy our desire. (Ps 145:14-16)He is

I trust these hands...

2009-08-19T07:35:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's Grace Gem corresponded well with my last post. I need this kind of truth engraved on my heart like markings in wet cement - so it is there even when changing emotions may tell me otherwise! "He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:32If God has given His Son to die for us, let us beware of

Does my attitude reflect this?

2009-08-18T07:11:00.007-04:00

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate... Return to your rest, O my soul, For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you...What shall I render to the Lord For all His benefits toward me? To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving...(Psalm 116:7,12,17)What a gentle rebuke these words are...do I not often, in my attitudes and thoughts, doubt the Lord's graciousness,

Joy in Dry Places

2009-08-15T21:16:00.003-04:00

From The Daily Spurgeon:To be satisfied in times of plenty, why, any fool can be that! But to be satisfied in days of drought, this is the Christian’s privilege, for he can say,“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in

May I suggest...

2009-08-12T20:12:00.006-04:00

Indelible Grace. From their site:Our hope is to help the church recover the tradition of putting old hymns to new music for each generation, and to enrich our worship with a huge view of God and His indelible grace. I love the rich, Christ-exalting, soul stirring truths in these songs, and the music is great too! You can listen to large clips of the songs on the site - I have my eye on this CD

Solid Rock

2009-08-09T17:31:00.007-04:00

I discovered a new treasure the other day - the words to the hymn, "If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee". It was just what my soul needed to soak in - often the case when I flip through an old hymnbook during my devotional times. The language is archaic, which may or may not be your preference. (I love it!) Read and I hope you'll be encouraged, as I was:If thou but suffer God to guide thee,and

Pause, and seek this One...

2009-07-25T11:22:00.008-04:00

" I know there is One keeping company with me who knows everything about me at this (and every) moment - my thoughts, my motives, my fears, my aspirations, my emotions, my anxieties, my mental and physical condition - and who loves me beyond my comprehension. I know that the One whose presence surrounds me as the universe surrounds the earth has all power and is bringing all the world to His

Serving China's Persecuted Church

2009-07-13T19:27:00.004-04:00

In case you missed the last post, please go HERE to send a Bible to a persecuted believer for free - all you have to do is click the button provided on the page.

Send a free Bible to a persecuted believer!

2009-07-13T19:02:00.005-04:00

I discovered a website today where a simple mouse-click will result in a Bible being sent to a persecuted believer longing for a copy of God's Word. Pretty cool huh? From the site:Right now, 200 million persecuted Christians are living under restriction for their faith in Jesus Christ. Most do not even have their own copy of the Bible, the one weapon they must have in order to be victorious in

Notable moment of the day...

2009-07-11T15:47:00.008-04:00

Running inside to a second-hand shop in a thunderstorm and spotting two books on the shelf that I've wanted to read, but didn't want to purchase at full price. (Safely Home and Surprised by Joy) That settled it - an afternoon at home with a hot drink, candles burning, and a stack of good reads nearby was in order! My mom never sees little things like that as coincidences, but rather, evidences

The Power to Forgive and Conquer Our Sin

2009-07-06T21:24:00.010-04:00

Every other Friday night I have the privilege of listening to some faithful men preach the gospel on the street using a sketch board, and they are always diligent to present the truth that it is because of our sin that we need saving. Such a simple statement, and yet sometimes missed in modern gospel presentations. The main issue is not that we need love, and fulfillment, and purpose in our lives

Good news, no matter what.

2009-07-02T19:32:00.002-04:00

I was encouraged this morning by Spurgeon's devotional:"Blessed is the fact that Christians can rejoice even in the deepest distress; although trouble may surround them, they still sing; and, like many birds, they sing best in their cages. The waves may roll over them, but their souls soon rise to the surface and see the light of God's countenance; they have a buoyancy about them which keeps

Wow.

2009-06-27T22:32:00.001-04:00

HT: Truth Matters

Well hello there.

2009-06-23T18:05:00.014-04:00

This blog has been neglected. Maybe I am the only one who's noticed. :)BUT, I'm planning on getting back to more frequent writing and posting over the summer, starting soon. I hope. Meanwhile, a couple things you might want to check out:The Daily Spurgeon widget on my sidebar - just scroll down to read; click it to add to your own blog. I love Spurgeon, so if you do too, enjoy! Why We Believe

From His Hands

2009-06-06T20:41:00.007-04:00

The words came to my mind as I was putting badminton rackets away in the shed behind our house this evening. The smell of hay and old wood and tools, and the wind brushing my face as I turned and stepped outside again, long shadows from the setting sun sweeping over the lawn - In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.It was a like a whisper in my spirit; I had to

Reason to Rejoice!

2009-05-31T18:26:00.006-04:00

“I am His by purchase and I am His by conquest; I am His by donation and I am His by election; I am His by covenant and I am His by marriage; I am wholly His; I am peculiarly His; I am universally His; I am eternally His.Once I was a slave but now I am a son; once I was dead but now I am alive; once I was darkness but now I am light in the Lord; once I was a child of wrath, an heir of hell, but

2009-05-26T13:19:00.002-04:00

Please check out this post at Challies and have a good laugh with me. :D

Glorious Thirsting

2009-05-24T19:48:00.011-04:00

At the encouragement of a friend, I'm taking a deeper look at the role fasting plays in the life of a Christian. I've been thinking about prayer lately, so I'm especially interested in learning how fasting relates to prayer. A quick search on fasting at Desiring God led me to Piper's book, A Hunger For God. (Did you know all his books can be read for free online?) This is not really a post about

Battle Prep

2009-05-22T08:14:00.004-04:00

"Entering the day without a serious meeting with God, over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons. The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart. We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer.” - John Piper

Live for a future hope!

2009-05-14T19:54:00.017-04:00

Do our lives make sense to the world? They shouldn't - not if we're Christians.In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is addressing believers in Corinth who were saying that there is no resurrection of the dead. He explains that if there is no resurrection, than not even Christ has been raised, and if Christ has not been raised, then our faith is in vain, we are still in our sins. He goes on in verse 20 to

His nearness my good.

2009-05-11T22:24:00.009-04:00

The hush of evening settles around my quiet room, and I find myself doing nothing but sitting, arms clasped around my knees, watching the gentle flicker of candlelight across the walls. Simplicity. The coolness of the starry night breezes softly through my opened window. It is so peaceful that my thoughts seem to echo aloud in the silence. I think of the Lord, of who He is. What He is teaching

None But Jesus

2009-05-09T19:34:00.008-04:00

I haven't heard much of Hillsong's music, but a while back I came across their song, None But Jesus and bookmarked it on YouTube to listen to another time. Tonight I'm listening to it, mingled with the sounds of rain crashing down outside my window. I hope the rich meaning of this beautiful song will minister to your heart as much as it has to mine. :)In the quiet, in the stillnessI know that You

I Want the Whole Gospel

2009-05-07T20:36:00.006-04:00

Every single ounce of truth; give it to me straight just like it is in the Bible.I want the whole gospel:Don’t dilute the living water—it might not quench my thirsty soul.I want the whole gospel:Turn on the light of Jesus Christ and don’t shield my view—I need every beam of His radiant glory to dispel the darkness in me.I want the whole gospel:Don’t block the door, or I might not get through.I

Holy Love

2009-04-28T14:55:00.013-04:00

If we spoke less about God's love and more about his holiness, more about his judgment, we should say much more when we did speak of his love. - P.T. Forsyth Today's Christian culture - often "me centered", soft and easy to swallow - desperately needs to be redefined by this truth. There's a lot that can be taken from this quote - What are your thoughts?

See Your Sin

2009-04-24T07:00:00.008-04:00

"Do you know why most Christians are most commonly defeated by sin? I believe it is because their sin has so totally deceived them, that they never really get to the point where they honestly evaluate its reality. They are not dealing with the issue.They spend so much of their lives justifying their sin as a personality quirk or a product of their environment. They sugar-coat their habitual sins

Nothing good withheld.

2009-04-20T17:35:00.007-04:00

“Reader, if God has given you His only begotten Son, beware of doubting His kindness and love, in any painful providence of your daily life! Never allow yourself to think hard thoughts of God. Never suppose that He can give you anything which is not really for your good. Remember the words of Paul: ‘He who spared not His own Son—but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also

Learning about Islam

2009-04-13T21:32:00.008-04:00

A while back I came across Answering Islam, a website for Muslims who want to learn about Christianity, as well as for Christians who want to better understand Islam in order to refute it from a biblical standpoint. I've only gone through a few of the categories and articles, so read with discernment, but so far this seems like an excellent resource, especially if you are building relationships

Christ - our Passover Lamb

2009-04-09T19:23:00.009-04:00

"Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." 1 Cor 5:7From the Bible places blog:"We read about sacrifice in the Bible but we don't really understand what that means. We read passages that talk about the "life being in the blood," but those are just words that we don't really consider. We "know" that the wages of sin are high, but we don't get the life lesson that the ancient Israelites

More than enough

2009-04-03T21:35:00.015-04:00

God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Ps 73:26'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, and to take him at his word; just to rest upon his promise, and to know, "Thus saith the Lord."Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him! How I've proved him o'er and o'er! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust him more!My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; For Thee all the follies of sin I

Honoring God In Trials

2009-04-01T18:53:00.010-04:00

I was leafing through my journal tonight and found the following quote copied from Trusting God, Even When Life Hurts, by Jerry Bridges. I went through this book last summer but re-reading it is on my list of things to do! "Our first priority in times of adversity is to honor and glorify God by trusting Him. We tend to make our first priority the gaining of relief from our feelings of heartache

Soul Trouble

2009-03-28T11:49:00.006-04:00

The lesson of wisdom is, be not dismayed by soul-trouble. Count it no strange thing, but a part of ordinary… experience. Should the power of depression be more than ordinary, think not that all is over with your usefulness. Cast not away your confidence, for it hath great recompense of reward. Even if the enemy’s foot be on your neck, expect to rise amid and overthrow him. Cast the burden of the

2009-03-25T20:11:00.009-04:00

I took a walk tonight into the cool spring dusk - down along fields and farmland, watching the sun set in a deep pink and orange sky. There's a beautiful grave yard not far from my house; I love to go there and think. (It's not morbid, I promise!) It always amazes me how grateful and renewed I feel after a while spent wandering along the pathways and reading the inscriptions on the headstones.

The Deceitfulness of Sin

2009-03-17T12:23:00.003-04:00

From Grace Gems:Sin is of a penetrating nature. It pierces and winds itself into every corner and chink--into our thoughts, our words, and our works. Sin will wind itself . . . into our understandings to darken them, into our judgments to pervert them, into our wills to poison them, into our affections to disorder them, into our consciences to corrupt them, and into our lives to debase them. Sin

It begins with a renewed mind...

2009-03-13T10:50:00.016-04:00

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 con-formed1. To correspond in form or character; be similar.2. To act or be in accord or agreement; comply3. To act in accordance with current customs or modes.How desperately we need spiritual sight - to

Jesus is more valuable than my comfort.

2009-03-07T08:09:00.016-05:00

I want to go deeper - to know God more fully, to see Him more clearly. To experience more of His power in daily living, for my life to be starkly different because I am a Christian. However, I am the kind of person that leans more toward enjoy-God-in-my-safe-little-comfort-zone kind of living. This is not a good thing. In fact, it's got to go. I have a feeling it will be a life-long struggle, but

To Live is Christ

2009-03-05T16:49:00.005-05:00

Video excerpt from To Live is Christ, by K.P Yohannan

Seeing Christ

2009-03-03T14:08:00.006-05:00

Are you seeking to grow in your love for the Lord? I recently discovered a gem of a message - check out Session 2 from the Seeing & Savoring Jesus Christ conference. (John Piper, 2007 Regional Conference)

Evangelism: The Right Motive

2009-02-23T04:30:00.002-05:00

The church I attend is teaching an eight week class on Evangelism, and part of the suggested reading is The Gospel & Personal Evangelism, by Mark Dever. In it, I found the following quote by John Cheeseman:Love for God is the only sufficient motive for evangelism. Self-love will give way to self-centeredness; love for the lost will fail with those whom we cannot love, and when difficulties seem

Loving Christ

2009-02-19T17:44:00.017-05:00

"Do you love the Lord, Jesus Christ, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength? It was he who said, "If you love me, you'll keep my commandments." It was he who said, "If you love me, you'll keep my word." It was he who said, "If you love me, you'll feed my sheep." That's the issue. That is the issue. That is the heart issue in the Christian life. It's

True, true...

2009-02-18T11:57:00.007-05:00

We cannot kindle when we willThe fire which in the heart resides,The spirit bloweth and is still,In mystery our soul abides;But tasks in hours of insight willedCan be through hours of gloom fulfilled- Unknown

What kind of theologian are you?

2009-02-16T17:30:00.013-05:00

The Girltalk blog has a series running right now on wise living in each "season" of life. Today's post encouraged single women to "seize your single years and become the best theologian you can to the glory of God"! The following quote by Bruce Milne explains the importance of theology:“[As] a matter of plain fact every Christian is a theologian!… By virtue of being born again we have all begun

Lozenge Sucking

2009-02-13T10:00:00.014-05:00

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1

About Me...

2009-02-11T13:42:00.005-05:00

I was recently tagged to complete this on facebook, and thought I would post it here as well. I won't tag anyone but if any of you want to play, post it on your blog and leave a comment to let me know! You're supposed to share 25 random stories, facts, interests, etc. about yourself. 1. I really love hot drinks...coffee and tea, hot chai made with milk especially.2. As a child, we moved ALOT. I

Sunrise Reflections

2009-02-08T18:58:00.014-05:00

Some thoughts from my journal...I'm sitting silently in the near-dark moments just before dawn. Out the window before me is the river - frozen white, cold and still. The sky is grey, but changing as I watch. Suddenly, a streak of pure orange immerges behind the tree line.The sun is rising, the shadows slipping away under the growing intensity of it's light. In the middle of the river the current

I'm Back.

2009-02-07T18:00:00.006-05:00

I'm home, amidst piles of laundry and to-do lists...it was nice to read all of your comments! Blogging is fun but it's even more fun when you know people read and appreciate the posts. :) So thank you to all who took the time to comment! Hopefully I'll be back to posting in the next couple days... By the way, aren't these flowers gorgeous! I found the picture on Jupiter images and am pretending

I'm leaving...but not on a jet plane.

2009-01-23T10:07:00.006-05:00

Just a notice to the two or three people that might read this blog! I'm going to be away for a couple weeks so I won't be posting. And now I'm sitting here trying to think of something else to say but that's about it! Wait, how about this...I'm a little curious about who exactly reads my blog, so whether you've commented before or haven't, if you stop by periodically would you give me a few

If you love audio teaching don't miss this!

2009-01-20T12:59:00.000-05:00

I have to point you to an amazing site I recently stumbled across: Faith By Hearing. Be sure to check it out! From the site:"Soft words produce hard hearts,” says John MacArthur. How true this is. And the preaching that comes from many modern, man-centered churches is soft and unable to tenderize the stony hearts of men. How urgent it is that we find godly preachers who have a high view of God