Monday, November 22, 2010

May we learn to see the problem of suffering through new eyes...

I have so enjoyed Bible class this year. We are going through the book, "How Now Shall We Live" by Colson. It can sometimes be a little on the boring side, but has some great insight. We have discussed life issues and having a biblical worldview. Right now, we are discussing the question, "WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?" Such a tough question. I have been researching a reading different books lately to help me understand and deal with this question as we start studying it. I am reading the book, "If God is Good" right now. It is so good ( a must read!). This story has really made me think. I can not get it out of my head. I am going to share it with you.


Someone told me the story of a teenager who didn’t want to be seen in public with her mother, because her mother’s arms were terribly disfigured. One day when her mother took her shopping and reached out her hand, a clerk looked horrified. Later, crying the girl told her mother how embarrassed she was. Understandably hurt, the mother waited an hour before going to her daughter’s room to tell her, for the first time, what had happened. “When you were a baby, I woke up to a burning house. Your room was an inferno. Flames were everywhere. I could have gotten out the front door, but decided I’d rather die with you than leave you to die alone. I ran through the fire and wrapped my arms around you. Then I went back through the flames, my arms on fire. When I got outside on the lawn, the pain was agonizing, but when I looked at you, all I could do was rejoice that the flames hadn’t touched you.” Stunned, the girl looked at her mother through new eyes. Weeping in shame and gratitude, she kissed her mother’s marred hands and arms.  


I love that story. I have learned through reading this book that God is in charge and He is good. 

Friday, November 19, 2010

ANYWAY

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It never was between you and them anyway.

-Mother Teresa

Monday, November 8, 2010

SO much to do. So little time.

countdown to germany.....4 days. oh my gosh. what?? it seems like just yesterday i received the letter saying i was going. i am so excited to go on my third and final global next leadership trip. i have been to three of their wonderful trips. sophomore year i went to italy. then junior year, i went to england. this year, it is germany....babbyyy!!! i can't wait!

i packed a lot on saturday. i have all my clothes ready. i have a few quick errands to run tomorrow to finish off the packing list. yay! i feel like i have tons to do before i leave. ahhh, a little stressful!!

i can't wait to see what God has in store for our germany team. it is going to be such an amazing experience.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Stress Much?

I don't know if you know, but i stress. A LOT. Sometimes, I almost feel like I find things to stress about. I know, I am seriously crazy. Right now, the stress is all on college plans and my future. For some reason, I feel like I have to know where I am going to college, what I am majoring in, and what my career will be after college..NOW! I have such a difficult time handing over all of my stress and worries to the Lord.

I am so thankful for the people God has placed in my life. I love getting facebook messages, text messages, and emails about how people are praying for me and thinking about me! How awesome. The love and encouragement has been amazing. Thank you!

God is so BIG. He has great plans in store for me and I can't wait to see what they are! He is faithful, loving, comforting, sovereign....the list goes on and on and on. I love this quote: "If we are facing in the right direction all we have to do is keep walking." I pray that God leads and guides me to take the right path. If I fully rely on Him, listen to Him, and  obey Him, I am confident He will reveal to me the path and roads I should take. Then, from there, all I have to do is continue to walk daily with HIM!

Psalm 143:8
"Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning, for I trust You. Reveal to me the way I should go because I long for You."