Be Still My Soul

This morning during my quiet time, I was listening to the awesome music of Page CXVI.

Be still, my soul: your God will undertake
To guide the future, as in ages past.
Your hope, your mind, your will let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's joys restored.

Be still my Soul, Be still my soul (6x)
And praise Him, and praise Him, (4x)

As I reflected, I thought of all the moments God calls me to "be still". It doesn't necessarily mean, just sit in a chair, do nothing and wait for Him to speak to you. (Which would be hard for me to do! I like to keep myself active and working on something... work or for myself.)

What I do think it means is being patient and choosing to trust Him. And in those "still" moments, you can still be worshiping Him, honoring Him, glorifying Him, praising Him... It could be helping your co-worker out with a task, being a good listener to a friend, praying for someone who shared a prayer request with you recently, making time to spend quality time with the Lord, seeking wisdom of an older wise person you look up to... As believers, I think we need to make the conscious choice to do these types of things!

How will you use those moments of being still and waiting for the Lord?

Some underlined verses in my Bible... #spiritualfood

Joshua 1:5b-6a "... Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous..."

Psalms 1:1-2 "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffer; but his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night."

Psalms 4:3 "... the Lord hears when I call to Him."

Proverbs 23:12 "Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge."

Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."

Matthew 10: 19-20 "... do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

Luke 12:25 "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"

2 Corinthians 11: 30 "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness."

Galatians 5: 25 "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." 

Some things that I've learned in my Old Testament Survey Class (I guess you could say I'm studying for my final exam!)

The God of Abundance

• Jesus quotes the book of Deuteronomy the most of any book in the Old Testament
• Jesus is the 2nd Adam - like the Israelites, He fled to Egypt, crossed the Jordan river, endured 40 days (vs.years) of struggle and temptation.
• HE is the God of abundance!

Topography and Climate 

• In the Ancient days, Israel was the center location - surrounded by Asia, Africa and Europe.
• Water is a sign of fertility.
• Tigris and Euphrates - two important rivers (Tigris is the Top or northern river)
• Assyria defeated the north. It's capital is Ninevah.
• Babylonia defeated the south. It's capital is Babylon.
• In general, traveling East is a bad choice - it symbolizes leaving the sanctuary. (Example: Genesis 13:11 - Lot leaves Abraham, and well, we know his life wasn't that easy after that...)
• Israel isn't that big: 250 miles long, 80 miles wide
• When it comes to topography, high pressure = good (no, rain); low pressure = hurricanes and tornadoes).

Agriculture

• The main industry of ancient times was agriculture, therefore most of Old Testament scriptures comment or refer to weather patterns and seasons.
• When it came to agriculture - there were two main seasons: plowing and planting (Proverbs 20:4)
• Israel's location was dependent on the weather - which we know is controlled by God, therefore bringing dependence on God.
•  There are 3 main things harvested: grain, grapes and olives (Deuteronmy 7:13)

Festivals

•  There are three main festivals: 
• Passover/Unleavened Bread/First fruits - done before the harvesting grain(start grain)
• Lord's supper - fulfilled
• Festival of Weeks - celebrating the end of harvest (end grain)
• Fulfilled at Pentecost with the giving of the Spirit
• Festival of Tabernacles (Booths) - wine is ready for consumption (enjoy grain)
•  Not yet fulfilled - eschatological feast - time of final "in-gathering"
• Each happen once a year and last a week!
• They also rest for the New Moon (once a month) and Sabbath (once a week)
• "The river" in the Old Testament, refers to the Euphrates (southern river)

Archaeology

•  Tell/tel - Hebrew: "ruin", Arabic: "mound"
• Stratigraphic - layers in the ground
• Layer method (studying layer by layer - time and money) vs. Trench method (dig a trench and take a sample of each layer - better method) 
• Archaeology can corroborate general historicity and reliability of Biblical record
• It cannot prove theology of the Bible
• It can illustrate Biblical context 
• Whenever the ancients finished something, they celebrated with a party
• Even in heaven, we will be approximating - we will never have all of God's knowledge. 

April 10th 1998

15 years ago, God spared my life.

I grew up just down the street from my cousins, the Waldos. Eight of them and five of us made a large, fun group of friends to be around. We played together daily - pretend house, street hockey, back yard soccer, bike rides, caught crayfish in the creek - things kids did before electronics took over :)

On this day, after walking back from the library, we decided to play tag in their back yard. Before the game started, we all decided the back door would be the "safe base". Running all around their back yard, we were enjoying the warmer April afternoon. Minutes into the game, I was being chased by my cousin who was "it", so I booked it for the back door.

Their house is one of the several Victorian era homes in Northville, so while it is a beautiful home, it's materials were older. The back door, a singular French style door, had very thin glass. Upon my arrival to the door, my left hand went through shattering the glass. My wrist was cut open, artery sliced - blood gushing out every time my little 10 year old heart beat.

Blood was squirting every where on their white deck. My aunt called 911 and in moments, the ambulance was there to whisk me away to the ER.  My cousin Leah, also was injured as glass shot into her arm during my impact to the door.

What made this all even more crazy, is both of my parents were out of town - and this is pre-cell phone era! My Grandma was at home watching my little brothers. She quickly came over, dropped off the boys with my aunt, and headed to the hospital with me and my cousin.

After lots of Novocaine, cleaning the wound and being sown up - which resulted in 20+ stitches, we eventually headed home. The doctors said I lost a lot of blood for a 10 year old.

But praise God He had His hand of protection watching over Leah and me! He obviously had more in plan for each of our lives.

"...in Your Book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me..." (Psalm 139:16)

Psalm 139

• He knows me
• He knows my thoughts
• He knows my schedule
• He knows me better than I know myself
• He is so dynamic my mind cannot comprehend
• He is everywhere
• His hand guides me
• He is THE Light - nothing can dim Him
• He crafted me intricately in my mothers womb
• He deserves praise for His wonderful works
• He can see all things, even a growing baby in his mother's womb
• He has prepared all my days before me, even before I existed
• His thoughts are more valuable than gold - wisdom!
• His name is misused :(
• He knows my heart and thoughts
• He leads me to an everlasting life

Labelled: The Z Squad

Last night, I attended a new Bible study from the church I visited on Sunday. It has great potential of being my "church home" for my time here in Orlando.

It was somewhat refreshing being the "n00b" to the group. Just go and attend, maybe chirp in here and there. Growing up in the church with my natural strengths (and weaknesses), I always managed to be apart of some sort of leadership team. And I loved it.

It still, however, was refreshing to be the new girl (not quite Zooey Deschanel-like, but I do like to make others laugh) and remember the perspective of being an outsider.

The group and church, is going through a series on "Lies We Believe". Last night, we talked about shame. Feeling shamed, shaming others, shaming yourself...

As I sat there and listened to the girls, I started thinking about areas of my life I've felt shame or shamed others. As most of you know, I was home schooled. In high school, I did attend the public school for electives. I was looking forward to it for various reasons, one being largely surrounded by non-Christians. Growing up, my core group of friends were fellow Believers. And I am still thankful to this day I still consider them friends. Attending the public high school, I saw I could invite these new friends to youth group, retreats, church etc.

Weeks in to freshman year, a kid had labeled me and a few others "The Z Squad". I later learned it mean the Zealot Squad, and he meant it negatively (why are kids so mean??). I was so over high school and ready for college - even after the first day, freshman year. Reaching out to non-Christian friends became a struggle as I was apart of groups that morphed and changed dynamics through out the years or even the extent of being pushed out of cliques. Who wants to feel unwanted? It's safe to say, my college years were much better - friendships, ministry, the experience as a whole - much better.

Anyways, I am thankful that the "shameful" example I thought of didn't weigh me down for forever. By God's grace, He revealed truth to me that what others think of me doesn't matter - especially when it comes to graciously sharing the gospel. And again by His grace, for this season of life, He has lead me to be a missionary. Psh and I'm even using my college degree of marketing to do it!

#whoknew #lieswebelieve #HeRedeems #thezsquad

"Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I stand..."

"Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I stand..."

Such powerful lyrics. Yesterday at church, we sang this song and it hit me. This is not my home.

Especially in America, I think we can get caught up in the materialism society throws our way. In fact, I think it is a level of spiritual warfare. It's a great distraction for those who don't know Christ as their personal Savior, but also for us as believers to do as Jesus instructed in Matthew 28:18-20:

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

For non-Christians, Satan wants nothing more than to keep them from a personal relationship with God. For believers, Satan wants nothing more than to keep us from sharing the Gospel with them. Satan wants all of us to believe that earth, this mortal life we are currently living, is home.

Fact is, it's not. In John 14:1-3, Jesus tells us that "there is more than enough room for us in His Father's home." As believers, His children, Heaven is also our home.

Quick Trip to Orlando

This week, I flew down to Orlando in search of housing. I knew God would give me some direction and lead me to where He wants me to be – even if that meant not finding something right away! But I did!

I really wanted to find something close to downtown so I can invest in the people of Orlando, live near the church I will be apart of and get out of the “Cru Bubble” a bit. As a missionary, it’s easy to see your work as your ministry – but that should not be so! Work is work, even though I happen to be a missionary. I want to get involved with the community and church once I get life set up in Orlando.

I will be living with a woman who also works with Crusade so she understands the workload and perspective of the job! I’d met her before, but learned about her need for a roommate through some co-workers. I will be living real close to downtown, the airport and my gym. Overall, I think it will be great!

It was also great to see friends I’ve made from the past year. It’s nice to know I have a solid group of people in my line of work and in my season of life to do life with when I move there in January.

What’s next on the agenda? Finishing my seminary class that I have been taking simultaneously while raising support. It’s been challenging and educational, as I’ve learned about the New Testament. While I am thankful to be taught these biblical foundations, I will be relieved when the final exam is over! I would love some prayers for finishing, and finishing well.

Until next week…

Modern Day Slavery

“The UNICEF reports that across the world, there are more than one million children entering the sex trade every year and that approximately 30 million children have lost their childhood through sexual exploitation over the past 30 years."

“Belgium, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Thailand, Turkey and the United States are countries ranked “very high” as destination countries of trafficked persons (UNODC, 2006).”

“The sex industry in the Netherlands is estimated to make almost $1,000,000,000 ($1 billion) each year (UNECE, 2004).”

This past Friday, I attended a Human Trafficking Awareness event. The Women’s Ministry of Oak Pointe Church Milford, held this as their theme for their Christmas party. The woman who spoke shared 3 final tips, in which, the final one was “Share at least one thing you have learned tonight.”

In a few weeks, I will be headed to Bangkok, Thailand and will also have a layover in Amsterdam, Holland on my way to Spain. These two cities are known for their “Red-Light Districts”. While my main purpose in visiting these cities is working different conferences representing the Jesus Film, it’s also sobering thinking about going to these places, knowing full well millions are enslaved to this sick industry. Knowing this industry is also in neighboring cities across the States is somewhat surreal and heart wrenching!

Please join me in praying for restoration, freedom, hope and justice for these people.

James 5:16 “…The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working!”

John 8:36 “So if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

Proverbs 31:8-9 “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

www.ijm.org

"Do you smell like Jesus?"

In my quiet time this week, I was reading in 2 Corinthians. Paul was writing to the church in Corinth to address some issues of the early church. 

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing..." 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

These verses struck a cord in me. Wow - do my actions, character and words reflect Christ toward others? Unfortunately, not always. As I become older, I realize the "ugliness" of living out of my own abilities (or 'living out of my flesh' according to "Christianese" haha). As Christians, we have been given the gift of the Spirit, not only to assure our eternal destination, but to live out of His strength in loving others.

I like the picture these verses paint, as the idea is something everyone - Christian and non-Christian alike - can envision. This is what came to my mind: when you walk through a department store, generally you know right where the perfume section is located. Sometimes it's overwhelming actually. But the idea that you know what that counter is all about, just by being near it, is somewhat motivating for me. When others are near me, I want them to, in some way, be encouraged, feel loved and cared for because of the Spirit at work in me. What's cool too, is that He takes the lead. You don't have to be this 'super-Christian' on your own. Man, that would be exhausting! 

I leave you with this video for kicks and giggles...

Merci in November

Life in the Booth household is always crazy, hectic and fun when all seven of us are back under the same roof. With me living at home for a few more weeks and my sisters back from college, Thanksgiving break was great – we even managed a family photo WITH the dogs!

This is my first time home for Thanksgiving in two years. My first year, I spent it across the ocean, living in France. (Side note: France does not sell Turkeys. We bought rotisserie chicken instead to feed to our 29 guests). My team and I hosted a feast for our new friends and explained the meaning of the American holiday. It was a great foundational event that allowed us to get to know our neighbors and some of the locals, on more of a relational level.

Thanksgiving in France 2010

Last year, I spent Thanksgiving in Orlando. I specifically chose to stay because I had randomly met (God’s divine plan) my UK friend, Meena a couple weeks prior. She and I had talked about many things, including American culture. I thought Hello, what other country celebrates AMERICAN Thanksgiving (Keyword: American… I know Canada has a Canadian thanksgiving – a bit different)? Invite Meena to celebrate with you! Which as we all now know, was somewhat of a pivotal point in Meena’s life as she met Bryn and other Christians during our Thanksgiving party!

This year, I was nice to be back home, celebrating with extended family, playing games, watching movies, and doing some Black Friday shopping with my siblings… (Though, I did feel a bit guilty going to Target at 10 pm on Thanksgiving night….) Traditions are still lots of fun.

Waiting in line at Target

Living at home in Michigan this fall, I’ve realized I have much to be thankful for: being home for Thanksgiving, my growing family, having cool hair and knowing how to do it, my new car, the ability to vote, a nice camera to take family pictures, freedom, watching football, meeting friends like Meena and seeing a change in her life, my support team, the use of all five senses, traveling for my job,  and great friends, among many other things. God is so good and always faithful. #Iamthankful

Sharing my "God Story"

Thursday night, I was invited to share my “God Story” at GVSU Cru. It’s a time to share about how God has impacted and shown up in my life.

I took a picture from the stage at GVSU.

It worked out perfectly, because I was already on the West side of the state to babysit a few days for a fun family I met in college. Note: Props to all moms who manage multiple schedules, clean the house, feed the family, drive children to and from places, all while having her own life. Respect. It takes a lot of coordination, selflessness and patience.

As I prepared for my talk, I obviously spent time looking back on the past, on the journey God has taken me on thus far. Going to Grand Valley. Studying marketing. Getting involved with Cru. Attending various Cru conferences. Going on STINT and moving to France. Interning in Orlando with YearOne.

I enjoyed looking back on all these “life events”, which I now see how they all connected. Each fit, perfect for the story God has just for me. It was also encouraging for me, as I acknowledged God’s fingerprints all over these life experiences, reminding myself that I can trust Him. He’s proved Himself over and over.

It frustrated me how many times I doubt Him and His goodness or if He will come through. And then I realized something. Something so elementary to a modern day Christian believer; Its in those moments of doubt and worry, that I am living out of the flesh. Our of my own ability. Out of my own knowledge (limited as it is).

Clearly, if I solely lived out of my own desires and plans, I doubt I would be in ministry. I credit and attribute that to the Spirit’s working in my life. For this season of life, He has me here. Currently raising support, but eventually to be working with the JESUS Film Project, equipping missionaries with digital tools to reach the nations for Christ! With the eternal perspective in mind, that’s pretty rewarding. He obviously knows what He’s doing, and in my time of reflection, I found myself realizing I need to be thankful for that more and more. And also to absorb the peace that comes from knowing He’s got it all figured out.

Provision

God provided big this week. Not only is financial support still coming in (praise for that), this week about 10% came in AS WELL AS I finally found a car and bought it- cash. Straight up, the car is just what I wanted: sporty, yet practical; cool color (I think the official name is “Indigo Lights”), sun roof, A/C that works (my old car did not, which made Florida even hotter), an iPod jack, low mileage and a key fob. Those were generally my criteria.

This isn’t to say that God isn’t a provider during “dry spells”. He is the faithful One who knows all my needs before they even exist, and in His timing, and through His ways, somehow ends meet. They may not always look as I would have pictured, or planned for, but His plans are better anyways, right?

And during those down times, He might be teaching me patience, to trust Him, to get on my knees and pray more – and maybe that’s because He desires a deep and daily relationship with me. An effort that I sometimes, too many times, I don’t offer or give my 100% to Him in it.  This is something I think every Christian struggles with – yet God still continues to be gracious and faithful on His side of things. He’s a pretty great Guy to be in a relationship with, if I do say so myself!

During my car search, which started in July… well actually when I moved home from France, and ended up with a temporary Buick (hey, I moved to Florida, “Buick- central” with all the old folks. My brothers now drive it to school and football, which left me car-less for a couple months. My family has been very accommodating and helpful in letting me borrow their cars as needed.)

Soooo… since July, I’ve been praying for a car daily. There were even a few I made offers on. I think God had this car picked out even before I moved to France two years ago. Each time I have walk up to it, unlocked it, I praise God and see my car as a daily reminder of His provision. I am very thankful for it!

Seasons

I can wait. But, at the same time… I can’t. But I will cause I kind of have to. But I want to because I should as it keeps me focused. (Man, that rambles like Paul’s difficult-to-follow-writings in Romans 7:14-20.)

I’ve been learning I need to enjoy the season of life I am in. Currently, that means living back at home, with my parents and younger brothers (no longer little), in the cool -Michigan - fall, with limited community, relying on the Lord to provide financially through the giving of others. Sometimes, my sisters are home on the weekends, which is awesome. It’s not my ideal world, but for this season, I want to enjoy it cause God knows it’s good for me.

When it comes to times of the year, autumn is my favorite season.  I could take pictures all day long of the changing beauty. Fall is something I don’t really get to experience in Florida. Last year, a friend and her kids (Bethany Montgomery!) mailed me some fall leaves. It made my week when I got that letter! This fall, I am thankful that God has me here in Michigan to experience it.

Three times this week, I got to spend time with my cute niece Addison. She is starting to walk on her own, pointing to everything thing and asking, “What’s that?”.  She impresses me each time with the amount of sign language she knows! Remember when you were a baby? How frustrating it was to communicate but you couldn’t speak yet? (Yeah, me either… but!) Being on this side of the communication wall, it is so cool to communicate with her as she uses the motion of her hands… at age 16 months! She even creates sentences out of them – “Please” “More” “Milk”. 

It makes me think of that movie Baby Genius. The babies eventually “cross over” to adult communication abilities. I wonder if, to some extent, that biologically really happens (and maybe that’s a dumb and obvious fact I just don’t know)… Either way, I love watching this season of her life unfold as she learns to communicate.

Also while being at home, I’m meeting up with lots of supporters, family and friends. It’s great to catch up on life and reconnect with people who I don’t get to see on a regular basis. Especially as I will be moving 22 hours away to work in Orlando. This is a season that I want to learn to appreciate and be thankful for – reflecting on all the people who make it possible for me to be a missionary.

Seasons come and go. It’s good to enjoy where you are and what God is teaching you in that time. It is also important to remember that He is faithful through out all seasons and stages of life. Praise Him for that!

“8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6: 8-10

"God Save the Queen"

"What does it mean?" We were both puzzled, unsure of the origin of this phrase.

Last October, during my internship with Campus Crusade for Christ in Orlando, I met Meena. She had been interning with the Disney program for several months and still wanting to experience some true American culture. As our initial conversation continued to unfold, so our friendship began.

We baked that apple pie right there, oh yes we did.

We ended up spending the classic, American holiday - Thanksgiving - together. I think Meena would agree, that this was a good "taste" of American traditions.

In the next couple of weeks in December and early January, we continued to hang out, going out to eat at classic American restaurants like Cracker Barrel and the Cheesecake Factory. We had many conversations about our internships, living in different countries, culture and religion. Based on the questions she asked, I knew Meena was definitely searching for the satisfaction only a relationship with God could bring.

Dinner at Cracker Barrel - biscuits and gravy! 

As the end of January approached, so did the end of Meena's internship and ultimately, her time in Orlando. As limited as it was, I was excited and thankful for the time we had spent together. We continued to stay in touch through out the spring and summer months. I was trusting God to continue to work in Meena's life as she had moved home.

WHICH HE DID!!! A couple of days ago, I skyped with Meena and she told me she had become a Christian!!! 

She explained to me that our friend Bryn had described the gospel in a creative way. We each have report cards, full of C's and D's, but Jesus has a report card full of A+'s! Because Jesus loves us so much, He is willing to trade His report card with us, so we can succeed and have a relationship with Him.

This August, she was visiting friends in Orlando. During her visit, she faced some challenges and tough choices. Toward the end of her trip, as she was processing life, her future and her journey thus far, she decided she wanted to trade report cards with Jesus. She realized He was pursuing her and wasn't going to stop.

Praise God for technology!

Since then, "I've been focusing on God, learning to really enjoy Him. My job right now is to become more Christian (Christ-like) everyday" Meena said this afternoon. My jaw dropped a little bit at how God has been transforming Meena in her newfound relationship with Him. Truely awesome!

It was so great to hear more of her testimony/story, listen to her questions and experiences as a new Christian. I asked her if I could write about her and share prayer requests.

Please pray:

• First that Meena would continue to trust in the Spirit and His work in her life.
• For a teachable heart to soak up the Word
• For patience and trusting God to heal and lead

And Praise God for a new sister in Christ!!!

Thankfulness, Prayer and Hope: September

Things I am thankful for...

• A supportive family who believes in what I am doing with my life
• Reaching 50% of my support raising goal
• The season of fall: changing color of leaves, apple cider, football games
• Dark chocolate and it's wonderful flavor
• The ability to laugh at myself

Things I am praying and trusting the Lord for...

• Connecting with the other 50% of my support team
• Searching, budgeting and buying a "new" car
• Relationships - a lot of my genuine community is at a distance and I want to use this 'solo' time to draw closer to Him
• The official release of the Jesus Film Media app for Apple products (sooooo soon - check my blog again this week maybe!!!) 
• Daily surrender to trust Him and His leading

Things I am hopeful and looking forward to...

• Eventually buying my own, first, nice car
• Reporting to my job with Jesus Film Media in Orlando
• The New Staff Follow Up conference in October
• Hopefully running the Turkey Trot in the Detroit Thanksgiving Day parade
• Snow... can I say that? It's almost been 2 years!!! I want to snowboard so baddd

Here's a question for ya...

When it comes to blogs, what do you like to read about?

I've realized that a lot of times I write about my job, how I have seen God at work, prayer requests and recently I've posted videos...

The reason I started this blog two years ago, was to stay connected with family and friends when I was living overseas. After being State-side for over a year, I have continued to blog and this and that - and I admit, I've enjoyed looking at the statistics of readers. I'm analytical like that *adjusts nerdy glasses*.

So I was wondering... for you as the reader, what do you like to read about? When I read other people's blogs, I personally like pictures and different kinds of media and obviously cool stories. I want to write posts that are meaningful, playful, fun and refreshing. I want to share stories of encouragement, randomness, joy and amazement. 

Thoughts, ideas, opinions?

"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus"

On Sunday, this song was played at church. I loved it.

When I drive, it's crazy how many times I find myself on "auto-pilot" driving by places, landmarks and roads I've seen hundreds of times before. As I was driving down a familiar road this morning, I found myself looking off into the distance and up to the clouds in the sky. Amazed by it's great vastness, it's unique beauty, it's unending horizon - I remembered God created all of that. Meaning not only is He creative, but He is HUGE.

He is a big, artistic, creative and caring God. In as much thought that went into that scene I saw for a few moments, how much more does He have precious thought, care, love, patience, and desire for what's best for me.

Often times, I find myself getting caught up in the here and now. I start grabbing at the "steering wheel of life" to steer it myself, rather than trust in where the Lord is leading. Sometimes, I take time to reflect on past life situations and experiences; (which I should do more because...) every single time, He has proven faithful. Looking back on the whole story, I can see where and how God was leading. Hind-sight is always 20/20 right? In reflecting on these moments, I want to continue to grow my trust in Him.

1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
   Just to take Him at His Word;
   Just to rest upon His promise,
   And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
2. Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
   Just to trust His cleansing blood;
   And in simple faith to plunge me
   ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
   Just from sin and self to cease;
   Just from Jesus simply taking
   Life and rest, and joy and peace.
4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
   Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
   And I know that Thou art with me,
   Wilt be with me to the end.

In my weakness, He is made strong

God has our best interest in mind, right? 


Think about it. At a first thought, "best interest" to most people probably means ease, comfort, control, ability of knowledge, having our wants and desires fulfilled. 


But, if we were given everything we wanted, or life just seemed to be constantly perfect - going exactly how we have planned, where would our realization of our dependence on the Lord come from? What would drive us to our knees in prayer? Would we really feel liked we "need" the Lord?


Reflecting on my life, it is in those difficult, challenging, hard, uncomfortable moments I feel closest to God.

"... My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."                                                                       2 Corinthians 12:9

In my weakness, His strength shines. 


He is also the Giver of peace.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

Happy Easter

On this Easter Sunday, remember not only the power of His resurrection, but the amount of love God has for us through Jesus' death on the cross.

This video is a Jesus Film production. It is available in several languages: http://tinyurl.com/MyLastDayMovie