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Helpful Words from Mr. Spurgeon

December 2
'I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved' (Psalm 16:8)

"This is the way to live. With God always before us, we shall have the noblest companionship, the holiest example, the sweetest consolation, and the mightiest influence. This must be a resolute act of the mind, 'I have set,' and it must be maintained as a set and settled thing. Always to have an eye to the Lord's eye, and an ear for the Lord's voice - this is the right state for the godly man. His God is near him, filling the horizon of his vision, leading the way of his life, and furnishing the theme of his meditation. What vanities we should avoid, what sins we should overcome, what virtues we should exhibit, what joys we should experience if we did indeed set the Lord always before us! Why not?
This is the way to be safe. The Lord being ever in our minds, we come to feel safety and certainty because of his being so near. He is at our right hand to guide and aid us; and hence we are not moved by fear, nor force, nor fraud, nor fickleness. When God stands at a man's right hand, that man is himself sure to stand. Come on, then, ye foemen of the truth! Rush against me like a furious tempest, if ye will. God upholds me. God abides with me. Whom shall I fear?"
-C.H. Spurgeon
Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith

NEXT 2010

Yes, it's that time again. Time to start talking about NEXT '10. I'm so excited. The website is up and running and blog posts are flying. The speaker line-up is way cool. I think I'm most excited that Jeff Purswell is preaching this time! I love listening to him! Another cool thing is that the conference registration opens early this time 'round... like as early as tomorrow! Yeppers, Next '10 registration opens December 1st. Check out the website and especially the blog. One of the primary bloggers this year is none other than my sister, Jess. :)

Turtle Bites

I made these for Care Group last week. They're so yummy. We normally make them during Christmas time.

Turtle Bites

Caramel Squares

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Pecans

Cover a baking sheet with wax paper. Grease the wax paper with cooking spray. Melt your caramel, adding the slightest amount of water. Individually dip the pecans into the caramel, so that most of the nut is covered. Place each dipped pecan onto your greased wax paper. Once the pan is full, place it in the freezer for about 8 minutes or so, allowing the caramel to mostly harden. Then melt your chocolate. Dip the caramel pecans into the chocolate, completely covering the nut. Place the pecans back onto the wax paper. Again, once the pan is full, place it in the freezer for about 8 minutes or so. The chocolate should be hardened. Keep in frig (in Ziploc bag) until serving. This allows the candy to stay mostly hard, but you wont' chip a tooth on it. :)

Sweet Assurance

I was reading these verses this morning and was freshly encouraged. What a kind and loving God I serve! My hope and my peace are in Him and Him alone!

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4-7

"God's impossible commands are always wrapped up in the promises of the Gospel." -Jim Britt

Some More Editing

Click on images to see bigger pictures.

Lovin' Fee

So, I just bought my first Fee album. Yeah, I know... some of you are probably wondering what's taken me so long. Oh well. I LOVE We Shine!!! I had so much fun worshipping my God while driving down the road the other day. The lyrics just proclaim God's greatness, glory and holiness. Lookin' for music that's pure praise and focuses your heart on your Savior? Try this one!

Day with the Rawlings Kids

The singles painted Matt & Julie's house this past Saturday. Julie and I took the kids out for several hours while the painting craziness was going on at home. We hung out at the McDonald's playground, stopped by a couple of stores and went to the Hispanic Heritage Festival at the Greenville library downtown. It was a very full day, but lots of fun!

Ecstatic Rejoicing!

"What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:1-11 (ESV Bible)

"The amazing truths of passing through the waters of judgment safely, of dying and rising with Christ, and of having our sins washed away, are truths of momentous and eternal proportion and ought to be an occasion for giving great glory and praise to God." -Wayne Grudem

So Exciting!!!

I finally have caught my check book up!!! Yeah, this sounds like a silly thing to post about, but I'm excited! It's such a weight off my shoulders... mostly because I stopped procrastinating and actually did it. I'm glad God forgives my slothful behavior! Hopefully I'll keep up with it a little better now. :)

We Sing!

Verse 1
We’ve come together in Your name
We’ve come together to proclaim
How great You are
Once we were going our own ways
Now we’re a people for Your praise
How great You are

Chorus
We sing as sons and daughters
Sing to God our Father
All because of JesusWe sing, His blood has bought us
Sing, Your mercy called us
All because of Jesus we sing

Verse 2
Jesus, You’re powerful to saveJesus,
You’ve risen from the grave
How great You are
Your blood gave us peace with God
Your love has broken down our walls
How great You are

Bridge
By grace we have been saved
To be Your dwelling place
You took our curse and made us one
It’s nothing we could do
Our only boast is You
So we rejoice in what You’ve done

"We Sing" by Joel Sczebel, Pat Sczebel, and Todd Twining.
© 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).

Dabbling at Photo Editing

I'm Right Where God Wants Me

What reason have I to doubt

Why would I dwell in fear

When all I have known is grace

My future in Christ is clear



My sins have been paid in full

There’s no condemnation here

I live in the good of this

My Father has brought me near

I’m leaving my fears behind me now



The old is gone, the new has come

What You complete is completely done

We’re heirs with Christ, the victory won

What You complete is completely done



I don’t know what lies ahead

What if I fail again

You are my confidence

You’ll keep me to the end

I’m leaving my fears behind me now

"Completely Done" by Jonathan Baird, Ryan Baird, and Rich Gunderlock.
© 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP).

Titus 2... starting early :)

Great Book!!!

I bought a novel at Barnes & Nobel this past Sunday. What's weird (and very exciting) is that we actually know the author!!! Dan Walsh, author of The Unfinished Gift, is the Senior Pastor of the SGM church in Daytona Beach, FL. The book just came out. I started it yesterday and am already over halfway finished. For me, that's record time... just ask my family. :) Needless to say, I'm thoroughly enjoying and highly recommend Mr. Walsh's book. The sequel, The Homecoming, comes out in June of 2010. Can't wait!

Promised WG Pics

WG09

Ok, so we're home from the Worship Conference. It was an amazing trip!!!!! I think that's been my favorite part of the year so far. I'll hopefully get more pics up soon, but here's a quick data dump.

• Drove off at 0500 on Wed. morning


• Stopped at Starbucks in Statesville


• Arrived in Gaithersburg around 1400


• Watched all worship rehearsals (except one)


• Sat on the second or third row each session (woot!)


• Heard some awesome teaching


• The singing time was great


• Sound seminars were helpful


• The late night hang out on the back lawn of CLC each night was fun


• Biblical fellowship


• Conviction


• Encouragement and some hard growing


• 2 days in DC


• Cameron and Jimmy did an amazing job leading, caring and watching out for the three girls... very impressed, blessed, and encouraged!


• Starbucks, McDonalds (too much!), Hunans Best, Chipotle and some amazing pizza joint in DC... oh and a street vendor for lunch on Saturday (and no one got sick!)


• Friend from FL getting food poisoning... don't get an egg sandwich late at night :(


• Seeing a sniper on top of the White House... don't know why that's a highlight, but it is


• Blistering heat on Sunday while in DC... felt so good!


• A wrestling match in the back seat on the way home today... Jimmy lost :D


• Chocolate Ice Cream and Utz potato chips... on separate occasions today


• SGM and CLC bookstore purchases!


• A 20-30 minute talk with an old friend at WG. I love Angela!


• Lots more, but I'm off to bed for some much needed rest...
  

My Sweet Little Monkey

Adoniram was born last week. I was able to hold him for about 20 minutes on Saturday evening. He's so precious and I love him dearly. I still can't decide who he reminds me of. He has dark hair and fairer skin. His little sneezes remind me of Boaz, but that really isn't much to go on. Guess we'll have to wait and see. Kelli looks great... of course. :)

My Week

So, I thought I give a little update as to what my week will look like. Tomorrow, Jess and I will run errands, getting ready for WorshipGod09. Tuesday, I'll work and feverishly get all my ducks in a row before I leave for a week. Tuesday night, Wendy and Cameron will come over for dinner and spend the night. Wednesday morning (0500), Jessica, Wendy, Jimmy, Justin, Cameron and I will start the drive up to Gaithersburg (hoping to miss the VA/DC traffic). Wed. night-Sat. morning, four days of attending WG09!!! My first worship conference... full of the gospel, learning to worship my great God and Savior better, aaaaaaand... lots of fun sound stuff! I'll even get to go on a tech tour of CLC. Saturday afternoon, still up the air... mayb just hanging out or DC. Sunday, early service at CLC and then off to DC for the rest of the day. Monday, crammed in the back seat with Jimmy and Cam... for 9 long hours. :) Lots of fun and craziness ahead. I'd love some prayers! I so want to grow closer to my God and learn to love and glorify Him better.

Today's Purchases

I know... amazing.

Love this Song!

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace

Hallelujah!
All I have is Christ
Hallelujah!
Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You

"All I Have Is Christ" by Jordan Kauflin.
© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).

Happy Birthday, Abbi!

Happy Birthday, sweet girl! I love you so very much and am grateful for you. I love hanging out with you and your family whenever I get the chance. Thank you for how you serve you Mommy by helping with Esther and loving her so dearly. Thank you for your help with the CG children each week. You'll make a great Mommy one day! :) I enjoy watching you unselfishly play with younger children, just to bless them. I pray the Lord blesses you with a passionate love for Him and His glorious gospel! I love you so much, Abbi!

Antidote for (Dis)contentment = God

"Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me,bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity,who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit,who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses,his acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide,nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins,nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth,so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west,so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children,so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass;he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, O you his angels,you mighty ones who do his word,obeying the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts,his ministers, who do his will! Bless the Lord, all his works,in all places of his dominion.Bless the Lord, O my soul!"
Psalm 103 (ESV Bible)

M&M Bliss

So, I saw these at Ingles today and decided to try them. WOW! They are so very good and are bursting with rich, coconuty flavor... and of course chocolate!

Happy Birthday, Boaz!

Hey, bud! Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday! Can't believe you're already 12! I'm so grateful for you and the rest of your family. I pray you continue to grow in the Lord and in becoming a godly leader.

Next09 Live Album is HERE!

The songs on the download album are:

God Over All (Devon Kauflin)
His Name is Jesus (All Hail the Power) (Judah Groveman)
He Is Jesus (Stephen Altrogge)
Praise the Lord (Doug Plank)
By This We Know Love (Judah Groveman)
All I Have (Jordan Kauflin)
Jesus Thank You (Pat Sczebel)
I Need You (Kristian Stanfill/Eddie Kirkland)
The Name above All Names (Judah Groveman)
What a Savior (Devon Kauflin)
I Will Glory in My Redeemer (Steve & Vikki Cook)
Blessed Is the One (Doug Plank)
Oh the Deep, Deep Love (Bob Kauflin)

All of the songs are so amazingly good! I recomend it for the lyrics alone. And the bands were pretty awesome. :) Follow the link if you wish to purchase. It's only $5.

Pictures

I finally have started to actually use my camera. AND, I finally uploaded the pics to my computer. Here are a couple that I like.

So, I have officially started to get excited about WorshipGod09! This will be my first Worship Conference. God very kindly provided the time and finances. I'll be taking all of the sound seminars. That'll be fun! The trip up and back could be interesting. :) Jessica, Jimmy, Wendy A., Cameron and I will all be driving up to Gaithersburg, MD. I'm not sure how come I get stuck in the back seat with Jimmy and Cam. :P

30 days and counting!

Dream Vacation

So, Jimmy and I bought Mom a year's subscription to Southern Living. The July addition has some pretty cool stuff... including an article on what is now one of my dream vacation spots. Never thought I'd so want to go to Missouri. The founder of Bass Pro Shops deigned and owns "a lodge property on a nearly 60,000-acre lake just outside Branson, Missouri... The Bass Pro spirit and [the man's] gentle call of the wild fill all 81 cabins, 3 lodges, 4 restaurants, and 100 boat slips." Yeah... I know, a bit random. But, that's just me! I can dream, can't I? :)

Encouragment from this morning

Neither of the below sections are from my head. I was sent two different e-mails during the last few weeks, each containing one of the below. I was reading them this morning and was freshly encouraged and spurred on. Hope you enjoy them as well.

"The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the Lord,“I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown” (JE 2.1-2).

When my wife Kristi was a young bride she followed me into the wilderness because she loved me. In our first year of marriage I quit my secure teaching job and came on staff as a pastor-in-training in a small, fledgling church where neither the pastor nor myself really had any idea of what we were doing. At least I didn’t. Even scarier, within 2 years I became the Sr. Pastor. In those early years our church navigated some dry times when it looked like the church wouldn’t make it. Times when more people were bailing than joining. Times when it seemed like nothing was happening, mostly when I preached. Yet Kristi still followed me.

That’s what it’s like to run after Christ. He gives us such a love for him, we follow him in the wilderness, where we aren’t sure where our provision will come from. Sometimes it’s a wilderness of suffering, or a desert of having no idea what in the world to do with our kids. It may be the solitary wasteland of loneliness or the badlands of being sinned against.

That’s what it is to love Jesus. To follow him in the wilderness and trust him, no matter what the outcome. To keep following him when we’re dry and thirsty, tired and weary. Where it’s bleak and boring. What devotion he implants in our hearts, to go, not knowing where, to walk with him in arid places because he alone can satisfy our thirsty souls.

Are you in the wilderness today? Is it because you followed Jesus? Know this, the Lord Jesus takes great delight in your desert devotion."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I've been thinking and working through and failing at...repentance. Approximately one month ago, I attended NEXT and God revealed (again) areas of my life that were not under His prememinence. Repentance was in order.

Yet I did not want begin, and even then, where to begin? Here I was staring at a long standing sin pattern and only seeing all the failed attempts to change.

Tired of failing. Tired of trying. Tired of knowing that I should change.

But God.

He reminded me~ "...for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11:6b, KJV). If I would climb that mountain in repentance, it must be with faith, believing that He will work and change me. He is a REWARDER of those who diligently seek Him. (I realize that this verse is refering to faith, but that is simply repentance in action. If I believe, I leave my sin behind. I step forward, knowing there is grace for my failed attempts, but that step-by-step, God will change me and make me like him.)

He reminded me~ I am called to repent today. Present tense. Tomorrow hasn't been written and I am not called to look at it without God's grace or imagine failing and repenting for years to come. If I keep repentance in the NOW (which would be biblical), repentance is tangible.

He reminded me~ The Gospel gives grace and power to change. "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Cor. 1:18). It's the means by which all of God's favor and transforming power are lavished on my life. Christ came to redeem me from the bondage of even this sin, and not just to save me from this sin, but to lavish on me His richest kindness and blessings (Eph. 1 & 2). What hope! What joy! What wonder!

Repentance is a verb.It is me humbly begging God to help me repent today.

Repentance is a verb.It is a life actively pursuing God and turning from sin.

Repentance is a verb.It is God transforming a life one step at time."

Blessing Anna M.

So, Anna commented today that I needed more "fun" stuff on my blog. I do admit I've neglected it lately. So, here's a random picture or two that I took a while ago. I need start actually using my camera. Novel idea since I bought it.

A Testimony of God's Faithful Goodness

I grew up in the church. I grew up hearing the gospel. I prayed one night at 5 years old and asked Jesus into my heart. For a long time I really thought I was a Christian. But now, I'm not sure if I really was saved at the time or not. At age 9 I started my "homeschooler's rebellion" as Dad calls it. In my heart, I was running from God. Submission, obedience, and repentance were extremely distasteful words to me at that time. For 4 years I struggled with God. My way and sinful desires were more important. I did not want to repent and change, whether it would have been for the first time or not. I was scarred that I was not a Christian. Not scared enough to submit to God and let Him be Lord of my life instead of me. I just desired to escape Hell, not have a relationship with Jesus. I was a little "god" to myself. I was the most important. I certainly deserved for God to strike me dead for my blatant and continual idolatry and rebellion against Him in His holiness.
But, God in His rich and incomprehensible mercy did the one thing I could not control - He changed my heart. He started to change me from the inside out. By 13 God had really started working in my heart. I don't remember much of what happened. But, two instances clearly stick out in my head. The first one started late at night. Dad and I were having another one of our conversations and I still was not willing to submit. At the end of the conversation, I had the thought, "I'm not a Christian." I asked Dad if I could still pray to God. If I really was not a Christian, I could not pray to God, only cry out for mercy. This scarred me badly. I was horrified that I had no ability to communicate with God, except plea for mercy. And I did. Oh how I pleaded. I felt totally alone. It was horrible. I repeatedly cried out to God for mercy. I don't remember much after that. The next thing I remember was probably several months later. I was sitting on a couch in our family room in Bradenton, FL. The thought occurred to me, "I can get baptized now." I finally had a peace about it. I'd never considered being baptized because I never knew for sure, until those last couple months, that I genuinely was a Christian. Needless to say, I was very excited. So my Daddy baptized me one warm evening in our neighbor's pool, in front of my dear care group. I so wanted to share this amazing moment in my life.
The next couple of years were rough. I knew I was a Christian and that I love God, but still really struggled with submission to His will and repentance. I so hated those word. In the midst of this struggle however, the theology of grace came alive in my heart. The Holy Spirit was teaching me about God's undeserved favor towards me, in spite of my sine... in spite of my sin. As I learned more about grace and grew in focusing on my Savior, submission and repentance started to get easier. Though I did not see it at the time, I believe I had climbed over a second major hill in my spiritual journey. Sine then, I have still had many a bitter struggle a sinned a whole, whole lot. I still struggle with obedience and putting God first. I still struggle with repentance. But my gracious and amazing Savior has also been changing my heart a whole, whole lot. I love God and desire to obey and glorify Him so much more than I ever asked for or dreamed of. I continue to constantly be awed by God's faithfulness and love towards me, the worst sinner I know ('cause I know me the best). God continues to reveal His love, mercy, kindness, faithfulness, sovereignty and holiness to me each and every day. I am so grateful and joy in my God, my Lord, my Savior!
Thank you for 20 years of faithfulness, God... years of being known and loved by the One holy God... years of getting to know and love You... years of growing and being made holy as You are holy. What an incomprehensible, awesome God! What a gospel I get to be apart of, one that I get to revel in every single day of my life on earth; and one day for all eternity in heaven! Why do you love me, oh Lord? I don't deserve you. Thank you for loving me in spite of my sin. Thank you for choosing me from eternity past. Thank you for Your amazing eternal love - for ME! Why me? I don't think I'll ever fully comprehend Your mysterious love. It's too high and holy for me to ever fully understand. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me, my God! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can't wait to cast my crowns out Your feet one day. To you be all glory, all honor and all praise, the One True God! I worship you - MY God! How AWEsome you are!
[Aaaaaah, these human words are not enough to express how good and kind and amazing He is. I cannot praise him adequately with mere human speech. I seriously cannot believe I just wrote all of the above. I am amazed at how far God has brought my ol' sinful self. I am in complete awe of my God. I will never be able to thank Him enough!]

Renewed Hope

"Oh, the power, the melting, conquering, transforming power of the dear Cross of Christ. My brothers, we have but to constantly tell ourselves the matchless story, and we may expect to see the most remarkable results. We need not despair of our hearts now that Christ has died for this sinner. With such a hammer as the doctrine of the Cross, this most flinty heart will be broken and such a fire as the sweet love of Christ will melt this most mighty iceberg. I need never to despair of my inability or my bad habits if I can but find occasion to bring the doctrine of Christ crucified into contact with my nature. It will yet change me and Christ will be my King."
- C.H. Spurgeon

"Are You There?"

Yes, I'm still here. Life has been super crazy busy. But, God is good and still preeminent in business! So glad I get to know Him and be loved by Him. Next was wonderful. All the messages were good. My favorite was Josh Harris' on Jesus' Preeminence. Worship was great. Seeing old friends was fun. Helping a little with sound stuff and watching rehearsals was so way cool! The bus ride was awesome! 4 days hearing truth after truth taught about my Savior. So incredibly worth the time and money. What a blessing from God! Thanks for yet again providing the finances to go, Lord!
The next big thing is the church picnic. That's coming up in 2.5 weeks. It'll be fun! Pray for Jess and her admin staff (Jess especially). Still lots to do.
I love my God! I love my parents! I love my brother and sister! I love my church! I love Sovereign Grace Ministries. I love SC! Yay for God's faithfulness and kindness to this so undeserving sinner. He's simply amazing and wonderful. All praise and glory be to Him, and Him ALONE!

Next Anticipation

She's Famous!

My sister is famous: http://www.thisisnext.org/blog/packing_list_twitter .

Quick Update

Yes I am still among the living. Lots going on. Here's a quick list:

• Cleaning for grandparents arrival
• Church on Sunnday
• Mother's Day (Kelli took some pics of us kids and we surprised Mom!)
• Grandparents arrived on Sunday afternoon
• Lots of eating
• Lots of yard work (it looks beautiful!)
• More eating
• Lots of talking
• More yard work
• More eating (yummy desserts too, Mom's such a great cook!)
• The girls will take Gran & Mom out to lunch tomorrow and we'll go shopping!
• Grandparents leave on Sunday morning
• Really looking forward to Next (I can't believe it's next week!!!)
• Praying for Next
• A bit of a sun burn, but a nice tan too! Sweet!
• Can't wait to see everyone on Sunday

Me and My Mommy

Here's some pictures of me and my best friend. Love you, Mom!

Late Night Laugh

Ok, I really am going to bed. But, I just read this on the Girl Talk Blog. It made me laugh out loud... which I needed. :)

"One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it. The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, 'Good morning Alex.'

'Good morning Pastor,' he replied, still focused on the plaque. 'Pastor, what is this? The pastor said, 'Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.' Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque. Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked, 'Which service, the 8:30 or the 10:45?'"

Perspective in Trials

"More than anything else I could ever do, the gospel enables me to embrace my tribulations and thereby position myself to gain full benefit from them. For the gospel is the one great permanent circumstance in which I live and move; and every hardship in my life is allowed by God only because it serves his gospel purposes in me. When I view my circumstances in this light, I realize that the gospel is not just one piece of good news that fits into my life somewhere among all the bad. I realize instead that the gospel makes genuinely good news out of every other aspect of my life, including my severest trials. The good news about my trials is that God is forcing them to bow to His gospel purposes and do good unto me by improving my character and making me more conformed to the image of Christ.

Preaching the gospel to myself each day provides a lens through which I can view my trials in this way and see the true cause for rejoicing that exists in them. I can then embrace trials as friends and allow them to do God's good work in me."
-A Gospel Primer for Christians, by Milton Vincent, Copyright 2008

It's Official

Exactly three more weeks!!!

Summer's on the Way!

I'm Still Alive

Yeah, I'm still here. It's been a crazy month or so. We've had two sets of company (and they stay in my bedroom... which I love being able to give up for a couple days in order to bless someone!). And my grandparents are coming in like 1 1/2 weeks. And the week after we head off to Next for 4 glorious days! Needless to say, I've been a bit busy. But, it's all been good. This evening I spent a couple hours shoveling dirt. I had lots of fun! :) Yes, I did... honest. We're getting our garden ready to plant. Dad & Mom ordered this ginormous mound of dirt. The people we ordered it from quoted us a wrong amount I think, 'cause we still have a LOT of dirt left. Wow!

God is good and continues to show Himself faithful to me, even when I'm unfaithful and faithless. I'm so glad He chose me to be His very own and saved me, though I so don't deserve it! I love getting to know God, and know Him in such an intimate way. Wow! That really is grace. I am saved by grace alone through faith alone.

I realized today that Next is only 3 1/2 weeks away! Yayness! I really want to start praying about the conference: the people going from my church, the speakers, the admin staff and the huge amounts of work that they're putting into this, the trip up and back (yay for a charter bus!), safety, 4 glorious days of simply focusing my heart on my Savior without the distractions of normal life (normal life is good, don't get me wrong... it is nice to have a break every now and then), my own heart and what God wants to teach me, how can I serve those around me, how can I earnestly love those I'm traveling with, how can I be humble and open to whatever God has in store for me, how can I enjoy the fellowship and fun that God will provide?! Those are just some thoughts running through my heart and head. I would covet your prayers!

Ok. There's my little update. Yay for CG tomorrow night. I so love "my kiddos."

Today's Picture Fun

I recently bought a new camera with some of my tax return money. I was able to have some fun with it today. Here's a couple shots that turned out.

What do ya think?

So, Alaina made some beautiful pics for my title! I had to change my blog template in order to use them since they didn't go with the Asian theme of my former template. What do you guys think? I'm still not totally sure if I like this template. I kinda do though. I don't really like changing my template very often because it takes so much work and I like things just so. :) Thoughts?

My Boy

I'm so grateful to God for my brother! He's such a joy and specific means of God's grace. I've been struck lately at how much he is maturing and growing into a godly young man. The other night we said goodnight as we passed eachother in the hallway. Jimmy stopped turned around and embraced me in a huge hug. He then proceeded to ask me how I was feeling (our fam has been having some allergy stuff lately) and made sure I was ok. I was deeply blessed by Jim's tender care for me. That same night I had a situation in which I wasn't quite sure what to do... nothing big, but I still wasn't sure. I asked Jimmy his opinion and he lovingly lead in that specific situation. It made my life easier. I'm so thankful God has provided leadership in my life. It's a privilage to the one Jimmy gets to practice on as he prepares to lead his wife one day. Bud, I love you so very much and am so grateful to God for you. You're one of my bestest friends and I can't imagine what my life would be without you! I can't wait to see what God has in store for you. Keep focusing on our Savior. Thanks for seeking to glorify the Lord in all you do. Thanks for seeking to keep your heart pure. Thanks for serving and loving me. Thanks for your unselfishness and patience. I love you!

Levi & Me

Spring Cleaning

I've taken part of the week off to help my parents do some spring cleaning, inside and outside! It's been fun. The weather has been perfect!

I'm also working on organizing my closet. Here's some stuff that I'm looking at using:

Faithful Power

"Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and sould and body be kep blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, ESV Bible

My Faithful Shepherd

The Lord Is
The depths of Your grace who can measure
You fully supply all I need
You restore my weary soul again and again
And lead me in Your righteousness and peace

You’re with me through every dark valley
There’s nothing that I have to fear
You are there to comfort me again and again
Protecting me, assuring me You’re near

The Lord is
The Lord is my shepherd
The Lord is
The Lord is my shepherd
I shall not want

You gave Your own life for my ransom
So I could rejoice at Your side
You have shown Your faithfulness again and again
There’s nothing good that You will not provide

I will dwell in Your house
All the days of my life
I will dwell in Your house
All the days of my life
Music by Pat Sczebel, Words by Pat Sczebel and Bob Kauflin.
© 2008 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff,they comfort me. You prepare a table before mein the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meall the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
-ESV Bible

Joy in My Morning
When darkness falls
Temptations call
And all around me seems undone
You hear my pleas
Supply my needs
And tell me of Your wondrous love

You are the joy in my morning
You’re my song of praise
Just like the new day dawning
Flooding my world with grace

Though trials come
And every one
Can take me further from Your truth
You calm my fears
Dry all my tears
And draw me closer, Lord, to You

In You there’s no shadow of turning
Constant in all Your ways
You’re growing my faith and I’m learning to lean
On You all of my days
By Peter Gagnon. © 2008 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP).

Shane & Shane Concert

So, have you ever watched a concert from the sound board? God blessed me this past Sunday evening and I got to! This may sound weird and quirky... it is, but I don't care. That's how God made me. I like sound!!! Shane & Shane played at Fairview Baptist Church in Greer Sunday. Jess, Glendaliz, I got their about an hour early to make sure we could get our tickets and a good seats for everyone (kinda felt like NA all over again... except no one was running). Having never been there before, we parked in the back lot of the church. A kind lady walked us all the way up front to the entrance (it was a bit of a walk up the winding hallway). We met the Youth pastor while buying our tickets. We found out that he knew a couple people from our church, including Cesar. Right after the tickets were bought, we noticed a line forming outside... and no one being allowed to come in. We felt kinda bad for "sneaking in" the back door. The Youth pastor said that wasn't a problem and "Any friends of Cesar's" could wait inside. :) Sweet!

The doors to the auditorium were open and we could hear the band practicing. I really wanted to watch the rehearse and see Fairview's set-up. So, I asked the Youth pastor if I could watch, promising I would not save any seats. ;) He let me go in and watch Shane & Shane rehearse! So fun. The best part of it was that the sound guys actually had a number of problems. I found much evil delight in that fact... and I wasn't responsible for any of it! :) Later, after they were done practicing, the "crowd" rushed in, Jessica about number 3 in line. That's my girl!

I really wanted to go up the the sound "nest" and see the church's board. After struggling with my pride, I again went up to the Youth pastor and asked if I could look at their stuff. Again, he graciously said yes and led the way up the back stairs, across the second story walk-way and out to the "nest." It was so fun to see! They had a whole rack of 10-15 wireless units, all blinking their little signal lights on and off. The digital board and light consul took up a good bit of the table room. The three sound/media techs were very kind and actually let me stay up there for the concert, along with answering any of my questions. Needless to say, I had a blast! That's one of the biggest reasons I like to actually go to concerts... look at the sound equipment, watch the lighting and video stuff, and listen to the bass speaker boom as it literally vibrates your insides. :) Fun times! I was immensely blessed by God's particular (and sovereignly ordained) kindness to that night. He is so good and kind and merciful. I certainly don't deserve it!

I was so impressed by Shane & Shane. Their focus was God and His gospel. They had fun and were goofy, but that wasn't their point. They didn't show off and draw attention to themselves. They were there to glorify God and draw attention to Him. Half of the evening was spent just worshipping... singing to our God and King; our Savior and Lover of our souls. It was such an encouraging concert and pointed my gaze to my Savior. Thanks, God, for a wonderful time!

Afterwards the singles and McCarnans all went to Applebee's for a 10:00pm dinner. We had a wonderful time of fellowship and laughing. :)

63 More Days

Truth vs. Feelings: Means to Fight the Good Fight this Week

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come,your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts,as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:5-14 (ESV Bible)


"I WILL NEVER BE PUNISHED FOR MY SIN BECAUSE JESUS FULLY SUFFERED IN MY PLACE!" -James Naisang


Isn’t He Good

Verse 1
Your goodness found us in the darknessRescued us and freed usCleansed us from withinYou saved us freely You forgave usCounted us as righteousAnd heirs with Your own Son

Chorus
Isn’t He good isn’t He kindHasn’t He blessed us time after timeIsn’t He good all of our daysWith endless mercies and ceaseless graceOh let us sing He is good

Verse 2
Your mercies meet us with the daybreakAnd every breath that we takePoints us to Your graceYour power keeps us till the hourEvery knee will bow andWorship Christ alone

“Isn’t He Good” by Stephen Altrogge. © 2004 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).
Used by permission. CCLI #2421722.

One Last Post for the Night... I Promise!

Next is only 70 days away!!!!!!! So crazy excited!!!!!!!

Modesty Heart Check

Check out this link! There's some good stuff there. Prepare to be refreshed, encouraged, and convicted. :)

A Sound Geek's Dreaming...

They actually make a 40-channel sound board. Can you imagine how fun it would be to mix with this thing?!?! The bad part is that it's a bit out of my price range: $5,400. The magazine has a much better picture, btw.

Why do wireless monitor systems have to be so expensive? *Sigh* This little gem costs about $2,000.

Terrific Tuesday Quiet Time

Yes, I like alliteration! :) Anyways... God was wonderfully kind and really blessed my devotions this morning. I thought I'd share it!

The Gift of Gifts
"O Source of all good, what shall I render to thee for the gifts of gifts. thine own dear Son, begotten, not created, my redeemer, proxy, surety, substitue, his self-emptying incomprehensible, his infinity of love beyond the the heart's grasp. Herein is wonder of wonders; he came below to raise me above, was born like me that I might become like him. Herein is love; when I cannot rise to him he draws near on wings of grace, to raise me to himself. Herein is power; when Deity and humanity were infintely apart he united them in indossoluble unity, the uncreate and the created. Herein is wisdom; when I ws undone, with no will to return to him, and no intellect to devise recovery, he came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost, as man to die my death, to shed satisfying blood on my behalf, to work out a perfect righteousness for me. O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds, and enlarge my mind; let me hear good tidings of great joy, and hearing, believe, rejouice, praise adore, my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose, my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father; place me with ox, ass camel, goat, to look with them upon my redeemer's face, and in him account myself delivered from sin; let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child to my heart, embrace him with undying faith, exulting that he is mine and I am his. In him thou hast given me so much that heaven can give no more."

The Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions. © The Banner of Truth Trust 1975. Reprinted in 2007.

Romans 8:1-11

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."

White Beauty

Poor Little Blog

Ok. So it's been a while since I've posted anything. Thus, bullet points are in order. Here we go!

• 4 hour conversation with a dear, dear friend who lives out of state! Best part of last week!!! I didn't go to bed until 2:30am!
• Girls's CG on Friday night. Had dinner with Sarah beforehand. I can't believe I actually suggested Jason's Deli!!! I never eat there. It was actually good though. You can't go wrong with a salad. And since that's kinda what I'm eating now, it was a good choice! Great fellowship with my Sarah. Love that girl! CG afterwards was wonderful!
• Church on Sunday. Then I got to hang with my big sis and little bro that night. We watched movies and snacked.
• It started snowing Sunday afternoon.
• We lost our power at 9:00pm that night and didn't get it back until 12:00pm on Tuesday.
• Our family slept in the family room for two nights, in front of the wood stove. Dad and Jimmy are the heroes of the week! They had to get up every two hours or so to keep the fire going. We stayed warm though and our pipes didn't bust! The Lord was very kind go us!
• I took a walk in the snowy woods with Jimmy on Monday. It looked like Narnia. :)
• Jess and I went to Panera on Tuesday. It was nice to get out of the house. We were going a little stir crazy. It's amazing how much you can take electricity for grantid.
• I got to babysit the kids at the Naisang CG tonight! That was fun. We had a lego contest- boys against girls. Let's just say there was some competition going on. Packs of Welch's gummie fruits were the prizes. I was asked for seconds. :)
• The Naisangs are having a boy!!! Yay! Another little guy I'll get to babysit. :)
• Esther N. is getting too big. She's about 2 1/2 now. My little baby is actually starting to do things on her own now. :( Aren't they supposed to stay little FOREVER?
• I get to eat Mom's fantastically wonderful Cuban food tomorrow night for dinner!

So that's been my life for the past week or two.

God Honoured

"O God, praise waiteth for thee, and to render it is my noblest exercise; this is thy due from all thy creatures, for all thy works display thy attributes and fulfill thy designs; the sea, dry land, winter cold, summer heat, morning light, evening shade are full of thee, and thou givest me them richly to enjoy. Thou art king of kings and lord of lords; at thy pleasure empires rise and fall; all thy works praise thee and thy saints bless thee; let me be numbered with thy holy ones, resemble them in character and condition, sit with them at Jesus' feet. May my religion be always firmly rooted in thy Word, my understanding divinely informed, my affections holy and heavenly, my motives simple and pure, and my heart never wrong with thee. Deliver me from the natural darkness of my own mind, from the corruptions of my heart, from the temptations to which I am exposed, from the daily snares that attend me. I am in constant danger while I am in this life; Let thy watchful eye ever be upon me for my defence, save me from the power of my worldy and spiritual enemies and from all painful evils to which I have exposed myself. Until the day of life dawns above let there be unrestrained fellowship with Jesus; until fruition comes, may I enjoy the earnest of my inheritance, and the firstfruits of the Spirit; until I finish my course with joy may I pursue it with diligence, in every part display the resources of the Christian, and adorn the doctrine of thee my God in all things."

The Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions.
© The Banner of Truth Trust 1975. Reprinted in 2007.

Grace To You!

"Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." (Romans 8:34)

..."and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:6-7)

Heart-Focusing Scripture

I'm reading the book Because He Loves Me by Elyse Fitzpatrick. Wonderful book! She has almost an entire chapter's worth of Scripture. Here's a section that I read yesterday morning. This really encouraged my soul. The Holy Spirit used these passages to draw my gaze back upwards, towards Him. I pray that they do the same for any that read them here! What an awesome Savior I get to serve! How I pray that I would continue to learn to glorify Him better and stop being so consumed and focused on myself. Thank You, Jesus, for dying for these very sins!!!!!!!

"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." - Colossians 3:3

"And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him." - Mark 16:6

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins... But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved..." - Ephesians 2:1, 4-5 

"Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." 

- Romans 6:8-11

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." - Romans 8:1

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:35, 38-39

"Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." - John 20:27

Next Promo Video

Check it out: http://www.thisisnext.org/

Saturday, Part 2 & Sunday

Ok. So here's the rest of my Saturday story. Emily, Jess, and I got to Gordon's house (where the dinner was held) at 6:00pm. Barry was a bit confused as to why we were there. "You know it's at 7:00pm, right?" So, we headed over to Starbucks and CrossWay to while away the hour. When we got there later, the boys were ready for us. The tables were set with red table cloths, candles, and utensils. After they got our drink orders, the salads were brought. I had ranch dressing and black olives on my tossed greens. Yum! The steaks, baked potatoes, and warm rolls came next. For desert we had Rice Krispy Treats and Red Velvet Cake. It was all so delicious! We each took home a red rose. The guys did such a good job displaying Christ's love as they served and blessed their sisters. Thank guys! You did an awesome job!

Sunday- I got to spend the afternoon and evening with one of my favorite families- the Naisangs! We went with the Lowrimores to Tony's Pizza. Then we headed back to the Naisang's for an hour or so of snoozing and reading. :) James, Kelli, and Joshua left for CrossCurrent at about 4:20pm. The kids (Boaz, Micah, Abbi, and Esther) and I had a fun evening. While the boys played the Wii, Abbi & Esther made them brownies. Abbi topped them off with a pool of chocolate sauce. :) Needless to say, the boys were pretty excited. Then we had a Treasure Hunt. They had to do silly little things and then follow the clues to there surprise- Fruit Roll-ups. I didn't realize Fruit-Roll-ups could make 4 children so excited. Esther decided she wanted to put the whole 1/2 piece that I'd given her into her tiny mouth all at once. While they ate their snack, including popped corn, we watched 2 episodes of Roy Rogers. Bed time came next. Esther did a wonderful job! She stayed in her new bed in Abbi's room and didn't get up. When I peeked in their room a little later, she was sound asleep. I love those kids!!!

Saturday, Part 1

Ok. So, I really need to go to bed, but I wanted to at least give a glimpse into my fantastically fun evening! The single guys cooked dinner for all of the girls, just simply to bless us and let us know that our church loves us! It was so fun to watch them eagerly serve and be such godly gentlemen. They did a wonderful job! Dinner was amazing and so tasty! I was most blessed by watching God's grace at work in each of our guys. So fun! Alright, nighty night. I'll give more details, including our scrumptious menu, later on. :)

A Lovely Evening

So, Jess and I had a sister date tonight. She surprised me and we went to the Powdersville Sonny's. Yum! Then we went to the Dollar General right next door and finished getting Dad & Jimmy's Valentines Day presents. We spent an hour or so at Kohl's looking for clothes (yeah, it's that time again... I need some new ones... bleh!). Jess picked out lots of different stuff for me to try on. I HATE clothes shopping and much prefer if someone just hands me stuff to try on. I don't really know what I like. Then we went to Starbucks and talked, while I drank my Hot Calm Tea. Yummy! (Thank you Josh R. for introducing me to this particular Tazo Tea.) I'm so grateful for my sister. She's such a joy and delight to be around and look up to and learn from. Thanks for the delightful evening my dear friend! I love you!!!

I'm a Nexter

Yes, I'm a Nexter. I can't wait for May to come! My favorite conference, Next (used to be New Attitude), is scheduled for May 23-26. This year we'll be in Baltimore, MD. I've never been to Baltimore, so that will be exciting! I'm super excited about the topics for the '09 conference. What are they? Check out the Next website: www.thisisnext.org. 

Welcome!

So here we go! I'm starting a blog. We'll see what happens. I'm not a blogging fanatic. I thought it would be fun to mess around with one though. I've had the blog name in my head for a while now. It makes me smile. :) I plan on posting bible verses and quotes from books that God is using in my heart. I'll also post what's going on in my life, what I'm interested in. I'll even slip in some goofy/random stuff. After all... it is me!