Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Friday, September 16, 2011
a slap in the face
John 19:19-22 “Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.’I have spoken openly to the world,’ Jesus replied. ‘I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.’ When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. ‘Is this the way you answer the high priest?’ he demanded.”
The other day, I was reading the story of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus and Jesus’ crucifixion in John, and these verses in chapter 19 really hit me, specifically verse 22. It says that one of the officials struck Jesus in the face. As in, this guy slapped the King of kings. He hit Jesus. On the face. With the hand that Jesus created, actually. My initial reaction was anger at this guy…how dare he hit my King? How could he be so blind to the fact of who Jesus was, and is!? But then as I continued to think about it, I realized that the official did what we as sinners do every day. Yeah, there’s not a physical Jesus that we punch with our fist, but every time we chose sin and the desires of the flesh over the incredible blessings that are offered to us through Christ, we are pretty much slapping Him in the face. When we chose our old sinful habits over the grace of Christ, we’re saying “Yeah, God, what You’ve got is whatever…I’d rather not take part of it. I mean You gave your life, but it’s not really worth it to me to live for You.” That’s a slap if I’ve ever heard one.
Not worth it. That’s what our lives scream when we continue to stand in our sinful ruts. Not worth it. That’s what we say when we claim that our bodies aren’t beautiful. Punch, slap, smack, ouch. Why do we claim to live for Christ and love Him with our lives but then slap Him in the face in our lives? It breaks my heart. Truly, honestly, breaks my heart.
Friday, April 8, 2011
POEM!
So this spring break, I was with my best friend Kenna in Indiana for the week. We wrote a poem that sums up everything that we've done together this week, and I thought I would share it with you all. (The "you" refers to McKenna, by the way)
KENNA PRENNA
Your name is McKenna, I'm sure you're aware
On top of your head is lovely brown hair
You're great at Violin, and I like to hear you play
Some time we'll go to the zoo for the day!
We're best friends, through thick and through thin
Our friendship is made of stuff that's stronger than tin!
Talking to you always makes me feel better
And you're so nice - you let me borrow your sweaters!
Sitting in a hot tub was pretty darn fun
Although girls to boys it was six to one.
I like frolicking with you, especially at night
And we leave when the dark starts to give us the frights :)
Studying History can be quite creative
Although we're not always that motivated...
Grouchpants and SPICEQUEENS have no place among us
Or movies with characters who carelessly cuss!
I feel safe telling you things, I trust you completely,
I hope that you never change your name to "Bill Wheatley"
You can come live in my room and NOT sleep on a cot
I'll even clean up and let you use Emerson's robot!
You're at your lesson, playing with passion
And I'm looking at Tumblr, at blogs full of fashion.
You live in a cute city called Carmel, Indiana
Although I doubt that here it has ever rained manna...
This summer, we'll hang out together, you'll see!
Maybe we could even go climb in a tree!
We both have stomach problems that equal funny noises
And we see that high school dating is usually pointless
I LOVE YOU, MCKENNA KATE!
and hey, guess what? HATERS GONNA HATE!
but like JBiebs taught us, we'll never say never
Even if our sunrise breakfast is ruined by foul weather!
Wisdom Builders was fun, and so was Ben-Hur,
Although his chest looked like it was covered in fur.
I'm sad that tomorrow I have to go home,
But no worries, we'll still talk on the phone!
If you ever get toe cramps, don't be alarmed
It happens to people, even if you don't live on a farm
Some days are just made for poking your eyes
And doing special dances that will bring in the guys!
We're not very good at picking out pickles
When Lucy jumps on my legs, it certainly tickles!
We both like the smell of chlorine and cookies
At baseball, Patch would beat us, because we're only rookies.
In the Arts District of your fine town
There's a restaurant called Bubs which on the wall has a hound
Ice cream there looks really good
But you'll get mugged if you take it in the hood
Someday we'll go on our first dates
And the guys better be really first-rate
If there's a shaking in the bushes, don't be alarmed
It's your BEST FRIEND, making sure you're not in harm!
Every Friday we'll wear dresses
And do something pretty with our tresses
It's a female revolution
Taking place at our institutions!
At Chick-Fil-A, they always say "My pleasure!"
And their ice cream is certainly served in large measures
There's an old man named Grandpa who creeped us out quite a bit
And he walks around, giving out mints!
As our time here together comes to a close
And we sit in the car reading pieces of prose
You and me together, a pod with two peas
And thats the way very best friends should be :)
McKenna and Emily, 4/2011
KENNA PRENNA
Your name is McKenna, I'm sure you're aware
On top of your head is lovely brown hair
You're great at Violin, and I like to hear you play
Some time we'll go to the zoo for the day!
We're best friends, through thick and through thin
Our friendship is made of stuff that's stronger than tin!
Talking to you always makes me feel better
And you're so nice - you let me borrow your sweaters!
Sitting in a hot tub was pretty darn fun
Although girls to boys it was six to one.
I like frolicking with you, especially at night
And we leave when the dark starts to give us the frights :)
Studying History can be quite creative
Although we're not always that motivated...
Grouchpants and SPICEQUEENS have no place among us
Or movies with characters who carelessly cuss!
I feel safe telling you things, I trust you completely,
I hope that you never change your name to "Bill Wheatley"
You can come live in my room and NOT sleep on a cot
I'll even clean up and let you use Emerson's robot!
You're at your lesson, playing with passion
And I'm looking at Tumblr, at blogs full of fashion.
You live in a cute city called Carmel, Indiana
Although I doubt that here it has ever rained manna...
This summer, we'll hang out together, you'll see!
Maybe we could even go climb in a tree!
We both have stomach problems that equal funny noises
And we see that high school dating is usually pointless
I LOVE YOU, MCKENNA KATE!
and hey, guess what? HATERS GONNA HATE!
but like JBiebs taught us, we'll never say never
Even if our sunrise breakfast is ruined by foul weather!
Wisdom Builders was fun, and so was Ben-Hur,
Although his chest looked like it was covered in fur.
I'm sad that tomorrow I have to go home,
But no worries, we'll still talk on the phone!
If you ever get toe cramps, don't be alarmed
It happens to people, even if you don't live on a farm
Some days are just made for poking your eyes
And doing special dances that will bring in the guys!
We're not very good at picking out pickles
When Lucy jumps on my legs, it certainly tickles!
We both like the smell of chlorine and cookies
At baseball, Patch would beat us, because we're only rookies.
In the Arts District of your fine town
There's a restaurant called Bubs which on the wall has a hound
Ice cream there looks really good
But you'll get mugged if you take it in the hood
Someday we'll go on our first dates
And the guys better be really first-rate
If there's a shaking in the bushes, don't be alarmed
It's your BEST FRIEND, making sure you're not in harm!
Every Friday we'll wear dresses
And do something pretty with our tresses
It's a female revolution
Taking place at our institutions!
At Chick-Fil-A, they always say "My pleasure!"
And their ice cream is certainly served in large measures
There's an old man named Grandpa who creeped us out quite a bit
And he walks around, giving out mints!
As our time here together comes to a close
And we sit in the car reading pieces of prose
You and me together, a pod with two peas
And thats the way very best friends should be :)
McKenna and Emily, 4/2011
Monday, December 20, 2010
unspeakable love.
the heavy tread of soldiers boots
horses snorting
fires flickering
tents pitched
tense waiting...waiting
a battle cry
a mother's sob
swords, clashing
children, wailing
families, broken
lives torn apart.
all of Israel crying,
where is our Messiah?
our Savior?
our Deliverer?
our Victorious One?
a silent night
except for the moans
of a woman in labor.
heavy breathing, quiet wailing,
and then a baby's cry
pierces the silent night
in a tiny stable
buried in the heart of Bethlehem
God's beloved
born to us.
more soldiers.
more wailing.
more crying.
more questioning.
more waiting.
while they waited
the baby grew
and grew and grew
into a man.
the infinite God, who had no beginning,
became man, and still God,
and had a beginning,
among His beloved,
among those He came to save.
although He was not the military victor people expected, this man still won victories.
except these victories were far more important than any war or battle fought with human hands.
these were victories won in the very essence of our beings,
in our souls,
in our deepest of places.
with each victory came the expansion of His kingdom and freedom to those who believed,
who had once been slaves to their own earthly natures.
He was a mighty victor.
His most glorious victory of all
came unlike any other.
without a big battle
or a giant overthrow of government.
instead, He died.
He died that we might live.
that those elected to be a part of His kingdom would truly be freed, once and for all.
but He didn't stay dead.
He was victorious over the grave.
it had no power over Him.
and the freedom that He died to give still remains
open to any and all
who accept the free citizenship in His kingdom.
John 3:16. what a Mighty Savior we serve.
horses snorting
fires flickering
tents pitched
tense waiting...waiting
a battle cry
a mother's sob
swords, clashing
children, wailing
families, broken
lives torn apart.
all of Israel crying,
where is our Messiah?
our Savior?
our Deliverer?
our Victorious One?
a silent night
except for the moans
of a woman in labor.
heavy breathing, quiet wailing,
and then a baby's cry
pierces the silent night
in a tiny stable
buried in the heart of Bethlehem
God's beloved
born to us.
more soldiers.
more wailing.
more crying.
more questioning.
more waiting.
while they waited
the baby grew
and grew and grew
into a man.
the infinite God, who had no beginning,
became man, and still God,
and had a beginning,
among His beloved,
among those He came to save.
although He was not the military victor people expected, this man still won victories.
except these victories were far more important than any war or battle fought with human hands.
these were victories won in the very essence of our beings,
in our souls,
in our deepest of places.
with each victory came the expansion of His kingdom and freedom to those who believed,
who had once been slaves to their own earthly natures.
He was a mighty victor.
His most glorious victory of all
came unlike any other.
without a big battle
or a giant overthrow of government.
instead, He died.
He died that we might live.
that those elected to be a part of His kingdom would truly be freed, once and for all.
but He didn't stay dead.
He was victorious over the grave.
it had no power over Him.
and the freedom that He died to give still remains
open to any and all
who accept the free citizenship in His kingdom.
John 3:16. what a Mighty Savior we serve.
Friday, December 10, 2010
standing on the promises.
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:18
Praying my heart out for the Oppers. I know that God is in control of all of this, and that His will is going to be done through this. As hard as it is to see His plan, I do know He has the bigger picture.
Here's the lyrics to a song I've been thinking about a lot today.Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;
standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
listening every moment to the Spirit's call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God.
The bold parts are the phrases that have really stuck out to me. My friend Stephanie wrote a wonderful post of verses...go check it out here. -Em
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
identity.
well, if you haven't heard by now, I am going back to Haslett at the semester change (end of January-ish). I've made this choice for a lot of different reasons...basically, the bottom line is that homeschooling isn't working out as well as I'd hoped. I'm going to miss everyone a lot, except we'll still be hanging out and everything so I won't have to miss you guys! :) ok, now on to what this post is actually about:
I read this quote by A. W. Tozer the other day, which really got me thinking. Here it is:
I read this quote by A. W. Tozer the other day, which really got me thinking. Here it is:
"A great deal can be learned about people by observing whom an what they imitate. The weak, for instance, imitate the strong; never the reverse. The poor imitate the rich. The self-assured are imitated by the timid and uncertain, the genuine is imitated by the counterfeit, and people all tend to imitate what they admire.
By this definition power today lies with the world, for it is the world that initiates an the church that imitates what she has initiated. By this definition the church admires the world. The church is uncertain and looks to the world for assurance. A weak church is aping a strong world to the amusement of intelligent sinners and to her own everlasting shame."
-A. W. Tozer
By this definition power today lies with the world, for it is the world that initiates an the church that imitates what she has initiated. By this definition the church admires the world. The church is uncertain and looks to the world for assurance. A weak church is aping a strong world to the amusement of intelligent sinners and to her own everlasting shame."
-A. W. Tozer
Guys, this is really true. I mean...we say we want to walk and talk and be like Jesus, but then who (or what) do we look to to define us? I know for girls it's so easy to be defined by the moral standards of the world - to wear really tight jeans or that one shirt that dips just a tiiiiiny bit lower than is probably "good". I fall into that trap all the time...I find myself buying into the lies of the world, claiming my identity in the lies that are preached through our culture. When I think about it, I realize that's not where I want to be. I don't want to be a world worshipper...I want Jesus to be the One who forms every aspect of my life, my true Maker. When I think about my "identity" and where it should be, 1 Peter 2:9 comes to mind. It says, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Does that blow anyone else's mind? We were specifically called out of the bondage that held us in the darkness before our salvation. We aren't slaves to it anymore. We don't have to just try to become what the world tries to bend us to. The world doesn't hold our ultimate agenda anymore. Our agenda, our schedule for life, is found in Jesus Christ alone.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
happy things.
Today and yesterday were just happy sort of days. I've been reading through the Psalms before bed every night, and I've been thinking a lot about Psalm 23. I memorized it as "The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want." I had never really thought about what those words mean, until a friend posted them on Facebook in a different version of the text. Her status said, "The LORD is my Shepherd, I have all that I need."
The last part of that really made me think. Do I live like I have all that I need? Do I live like Christ is my all?
The picture of the Hebrew word above is the word "shalom". Most people I know would say that this word means peace. However, I was talking to my youth pastor, and he said there was also another meaning for the word. Instead of peace, it can also mean "the way things are supposed to be."
The way things are supposed to be. Wow. I don't know what mental image you get with that phrase, but for me, it's a world that's perfect. A world that doesn't have the pain and suffering that inhabits it right now. A world that hasn't taken perverted the most sacred parts of life. A world of living in the Light, instead of being shrouded in the darkness that so frequently suffocates us.
Living in the Light. The way things are supposed to be.
Guys, they're just phrases until we start living them out.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
friendship :]]
today I spent the day with one of my best friends, Callie. We had a wonderful day, and I was so thankful to be able to spend time with her. She's one of those people who can always make me smile, even when I'm having a downer of a day. She has incredible faith, always encouraging me in my walk with Christ, and I know that I can share anything with her and trust her to keep it a secret, if it's private. Callie, I love you so much and I'm so thankful to have you in my life! Here's a few pictures of our shenanigans (shenanigans is such an interesting word!)....
Love you Cals!
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| Our perfect tree...hahaha |
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| they're just really cool. |
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| Christmas Cookies! |
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| decorating the tree! |
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| making cookies :]] |
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| Christmas tree shopping - SO COLD. |
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving
Today was Thanksgiving, as I'm sure you know, and so I decided to make a list of things I'm thankful for. This is no where NEAR the complete list, and it's not really a lot of like...the basic things that I'm really thankful for, like showers and a house, but these are kind of little perks that just make me smile and I would be sad if I didn't have them.
Yeah. So I stole pretty much all those pictures from the web...sorry. But I do really appreciate all of these things, and I'm very thankful for them! I'm also thankful for books, and showers, and cars, and a house, and my hilarious, lovable family, and being homeschooled, and...yeah. tons and tons of stuff.
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| Isn't that just pretty? I love flowers :) |
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| I like cupcakes. I think they're cute. |
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| I'm so thankful that I have a Bible. We're really blessed. |
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| my favorite shoes in the world - www.toms.com |
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| I LOVE RAINBOWS AND STORMS |
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| best friends. Love them. |
What are YOU thankful for? :]
Monday, November 22, 2010
rep the King
Lately I've been thinking about the idea of "rep the King" - meaning representing Jesus with our lives. It's really easy for me to sometimes just put God away, not really thinking about Him until I actually "need" Him.
Obviously, that needs to change.
Lecrae is a Christian rapper. Usually, I'm not really into his type of music...however, his lyrics are legit. Instead of rapping about the usual drugs, girls, alcohol, and money, Lecrae uses his music to share the Gospel. There's a particular lyrics set that I've really been thinking about...it goes like this:
"If you didn't know Him would your life look the same?
Can they tell you value Jesus by the way you rep his name?
Man what's the point of living if I'm living for myself
Lord empty out my life before I put you on the shelf"
Obviously, that needs to change.
Lecrae is a Christian rapper. Usually, I'm not really into his type of music...however, his lyrics are legit. Instead of rapping about the usual drugs, girls, alcohol, and money, Lecrae uses his music to share the Gospel. There's a particular lyrics set that I've really been thinking about...it goes like this:
"If you didn't know Him would your life look the same?
Can they tell you value Jesus by the way you rep his name?
Man what's the point of living if I'm living for myself
Lord empty out my life before I put you on the shelf"
That's pretty powerful stuff. Do I actually mean that I want God to use me, no matter what? Can people around me tell that I serve Jesus? I don't know. Even if you're not into Lecrae's "style" of music, you can't deny the truth in his lyrics. This is real, you guys. We can't just be "comfortable" Christians anymore. I know that it's not okay for me to just sit in my little clique of friends in my church pew with my Bible comfortably on my lap. I mean...anyone can do that. It doesn't take a life sold out for Christ to be comfortable. Actually, I don't really think that being sold out for Christ will result in being comfortable. I know I have to carry my cross and follow Christ with my whole life.
It's not that I've never though about this before...I have. I guess my thought process just has been reinforced lately. I know it's time for a change.
-Em
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Mexico.
Today the team from my church left for Tijuana, Mexico. I was originally planning on going on this trip, so it's a little bittersweet to not be going. My parents pulled me out of the trip because of safety issues, which I respect and understand, but I wish I was going. Anyway, please keep the team in your prayers this week, as there is quite a bit of violence going on down there. Thanks and love you all! (Pictures below are from last year's trip...taken by me)
The Beautiful Pacific Ocean
Leaving...San Diego Airport
My Girls! Cali before driving over the border.
Also...like the new layout? :)
Friday, November 19, 2010
The Message
I've been thinking about different translations of the Bible and how lucky I am to have access to many of them (biblegateway.com) and then I started thinking about The Message. To me, The Message is more of a paraphrase and "modern" language than an actual translation...anyway, Psalm 1 in The Message is so different from NIV that I had to share it. Verse one is what gets me....I'll post both NIV and The Message so you can compare.
Psalm 1 (NIV)
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Psalm 1 (The Message)
How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon,
you don't slink along Dead-End Road,
you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.
2-3 Instead you thrill to God's Word,
you chew on Scripture day and night.
You're a tree replanted in Eden,
bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
always in blossom.
4-5 You're not at all like the wicked,
who are mere windblown dust—
Without defense in court,
unfit company for innocent people.
6 God charts the road you take.
The road they take is Skid Row.
Really now? Smart-Mouth College? Where is that in the original?
sooo leave a comment and tell me what you think of The Message! :]
Psalm 1 (NIV)
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Psalm 1 (The Message)
How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon,
you don't slink along Dead-End Road,
you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.
2-3 Instead you thrill to God's Word,
you chew on Scripture day and night.
You're a tree replanted in Eden,
bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
always in blossom.
4-5 You're not at all like the wicked,
who are mere windblown dust—
Without defense in court,
unfit company for innocent people.
6 God charts the road you take.
The road they take is Skid Row.
Really now? Smart-Mouth College? Where is that in the original?
sooo leave a comment and tell me what you think of The Message! :]
Friday, November 12, 2010
TWLOHA
So today is TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms) day, and pretty much everyone I saw had LOVE emblazoned on their arms. It's a cool idea...I wrote LOVE on my arm, too. However, it got me thinking. It seems like we [as humans] frequently think that we can "fix" things with LOVE. A lot of popular music and movies have LOVE as a main theme, and I'm all for a little LOVE in the world! This post is making me sound like I don't approve of LOVE, but I do. But the thing is, this LOVE we try to spread around by ourselves is our own minuscule version of LOVE. It's an emotion that we try to project towards others, but true LOVE is only from Jesus. We can't fix the world with our human version of LOVE. Sure, things may seem a little better and run a little smoother, but the only lasting change as a result of LOVE comes from Jesus Christ and no one else. I was reading 1 John 4:7-21...check it out.
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first. If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first. If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.
(By the way, I feel like I should say that I added the bold-ness to the LOVE in the passage. It's not that way in the actual text, but I thought it was pretty interesting to read it with the LOVE emphasized.)
So yeuup.
my thoughts, if you cared to know. and if you didn't, well...now you know them anyway!
Em
Monday, November 8, 2010
busy?
hi :]]
So I've been incredibly busy lately. Not an awful sort of busy, just a crazy sort of busy. I supposed I prefer being busy to not, but all the same, it'd be nice if I could just pause the world, go take a nap, write some letters, read a book, and drink some chai. But, since that's not going to happen, I'll just update you on what's been happening since my last real post!
1. I took Driver's Ed - beware. (Actually, I tell myself I'm not that bad. I haven't hit anything yet...that's got to count for something, right?)
2. I babysat all last weekend. As in Friday to Monday morning. It was quite intense, and I have a new respect for single parents. I honestly have no idea how anyone could do that for more than a weekend.
3. Last night, I got home from being with my best friends in IN. We were together for such a short time (something like 36 hours!) but it still felt so good to be back with them and everything. I'm just so thankful that I get to be friends with such cool people.
4. I watched Alice in Wonderland (the Johnny Depp one!) and I LOVE IT.
5. Basically this was an incredibly self-centered post. I'm sorry.
Anddddd I have a cool quote that is officially one of my favorites. Here it is: “I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world, there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love, and at this hour millions of men would die for Him.”-Napoleon Bonaparte
Yeah. Ok. Think about that one for a while. :]
byeeeeee.
Em
So I've been incredibly busy lately. Not an awful sort of busy, just a crazy sort of busy. I supposed I prefer being busy to not, but all the same, it'd be nice if I could just pause the world, go take a nap, write some letters, read a book, and drink some chai. But, since that's not going to happen, I'll just update you on what's been happening since my last real post!
1. I took Driver's Ed - beware. (Actually, I tell myself I'm not that bad. I haven't hit anything yet...that's got to count for something, right?)
2. I babysat all last weekend. As in Friday to Monday morning. It was quite intense, and I have a new respect for single parents. I honestly have no idea how anyone could do that for more than a weekend.
3. Last night, I got home from being with my best friends in IN. We were together for such a short time (something like 36 hours!) but it still felt so good to be back with them and everything. I'm just so thankful that I get to be friends with such cool people.
4. I watched Alice in Wonderland (the Johnny Depp one!) and I LOVE IT.
5. Basically this was an incredibly self-centered post. I'm sorry.
Anddddd I have a cool quote that is officially one of my favorites. Here it is: “I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world, there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love, and at this hour millions of men would die for Him.”-Napoleon Bonaparte
Yeah. Ok. Think about that one for a while. :]
byeeeeee.
Em
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
ayyye.
So hey.
I'm working on my school like there's no tomorrow, but it's ok because I am SO excited for this weekend! I get to go see all my best friends and it's going to be amazing. I shouldn't even be posting, but I'll try to actually have a for real long post later!
byeee!
Also, check out Nehemiah 9 if you haven't ever read it.
byeee!
Also, check out Nehemiah 9 if you haven't ever read it.
Friday, October 22, 2010
I'm so thankful that we have the privilege of a personal, intimate relationship with our Savior and LORD.
Extravagant (Casting Crowns)
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Cause Your love is extravagant
Chorus:
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Your love is extravagant
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
Extravagant (Casting Crowns)
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Cause Your love is extravagant
Chorus:
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Your love is extravagant
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
Thursday, October 14, 2010
the love of God.
Hey everyone!
I recently discovered this song....sorry for all the poems/lyrics that I post on here, but this song just made me think about how great and how big and how awesome our God is.
The Love of God
I recently discovered this song....sorry for all the poems/lyrics that I post on here, but this song just made me think about how great and how big and how awesome our God is.
The Love of God
- The love of God is greater far
- Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.- Refrain:
Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
- Refrain:
- When hoary time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song. - Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
He is so mighty, isn't He? :]
Monday, October 11, 2010
makes you think
For my American Lit class, we've been reading poetry from American History. The following is a poem written by early American poet (poetess?) Anne Bradstreet, after her house burned down. Her outlook on life made me stop and look at my own life, wondering what my perspective would be if all my earthly possessions were burned into literal ashes. It certainly made me stop and think, and I hope it will do the same for you.
Upon the Burning of Our House
by Anne Bradstreet
In silent night when rest I took,
For sorrow neer I did not look,
I waken'd was with thundring nois
And Piteous shreiks of dreadfull voice.
That fearfull sound of fire and fire,
Let no man know is my Desire.
I, starting up, the light did spye,
And to my God my heart did cry
To strengthen me in my Distresse
And not to leave me succourlesse.
Then coming out beheld a space,
The flame consume my dwelling place.
For sorrow neer I did not look,
I waken'd was with thundring nois
And Piteous shreiks of dreadfull voice.
That fearfull sound of fire and fire,
Let no man know is my Desire.
I, starting up, the light did spye,
And to my God my heart did cry
To strengthen me in my Distresse
And not to leave me succourlesse.
Then coming out beheld a space,
The flame consume my dwelling place.
And, when I could no longer look,
I blest his Name that gave and took,
That layd my goods now in the dust:
Yea so it was, and so 'twas just.
It was his own: it was not mine;
Far be it that I should repine.
I blest his Name that gave and took,
That layd my goods now in the dust:
Yea so it was, and so 'twas just.
It was his own: it was not mine;
Far be it that I should repine.
He might of All justly bereft,
But yet sufficient for us left.
When by the Ruines oft I past,
My sorrowing eyes aside did cast,
And here and there the places spye
Where oft I sate, and long did lye.
But yet sufficient for us left.
When by the Ruines oft I past,
My sorrowing eyes aside did cast,
And here and there the places spye
Where oft I sate, and long did lye.
Here stood that Trunk, and there that chest;
There lay that store I counted best:
My pleasant things in ashes lye,
And them behold no more shall I.
Under thy roof no guest shall sitt,
Nor at thy Table eat a bitt.
There lay that store I counted best:
My pleasant things in ashes lye,
And them behold no more shall I.
Under thy roof no guest shall sitt,
Nor at thy Table eat a bitt.
No pleasant tale shall 'ere be told,
Nor things recounted done of old.
No Candle 'ere shall shine in Thee,
Nor bridegroom's voice ere heard shall bee.
In silence ever shalt thou lye;
Adieu, Adeiu; All's vanity.
Nor things recounted done of old.
No Candle 'ere shall shine in Thee,
Nor bridegroom's voice ere heard shall bee.
In silence ever shalt thou lye;
Adieu, Adeiu; All's vanity.
Then streight I gin my heart to chide,
And didst thy wealth on earth abide?
Didst fix thy hope on mouldring dust,
The arm of flesh didst make thy trust?
Raise up thy thoughts above the skye
That dunghill mists away may flie.
And didst thy wealth on earth abide?
Didst fix thy hope on mouldring dust,
The arm of flesh didst make thy trust?
Raise up thy thoughts above the skye
That dunghill mists away may flie.
Thou hast an house on high erect
Fram'd by that mighty Architect,
With glory richly furnished,
Stands permanent tho' this bee fled.
It's purchased, and paid for too
By him who hath enough to doe.
Fram'd by that mighty Architect,
With glory richly furnished,
Stands permanent tho' this bee fled.
It's purchased, and paid for too
By him who hath enough to doe.
A Prise so vast as is unknown,
Yet, by his Gift, is made thine own.
Ther's wealth enough, I need no more;
Farewell my Pelf, farewell my Store.
The world no longer let me Love,
My hope and Treasure lyes Above.
Yet, by his Gift, is made thine own.
Ther's wealth enough, I need no more;
Farewell my Pelf, farewell my Store.
The world no longer let me Love,
My hope and Treasure lyes Above.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
school again?
:] + :[ + :\ + :|
that pretty much sums up my day today.
As most of you probably know, today was the first day of school! It was rather bittersweet, as this year I'm choosing not to attend the local public high school but instead go back to homeschooling. I had a hard time realizing that I wasn't going back - today was the first time that reality really sunk in. I woke up at 6:00, got ready, and was out the door by 7:15. We dropped Calvin off at school, and my mind was suddenly filled with flashbacks of last year and walking in as the new kid, the first day. Anyway, I was pretty emotional as we showed up at TW, ready for orientation (NOT). I walked in, feeling like the new kid, realizing that I had missed so much and yet...everything was the same, as if I had missed nothing at all. I reconnected with old friends, and overall it was a pretty good day. Anyway, if any of you Haslett kids read this (probably not!), here's a shout out to you and everything you did last year to make it so wonderful. You guys really made an impact in my life, and I'll never forget it.
Love you all :]
Em
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Lansing Mission Trip, part 2
I'm back from the Lansing Mission Trip that I went on with Ignite! There were 12 of us on the team, and we went for 5 days to serve the people of Lansing. The week was very powerful- we served at food banks, retirement centers, food pantries, churches, gleaning a field, and an outdoor concert event called Bless Fest. It was amazing to see how much need there is in the community surrounding us, just literally 5 miles from South. We stayed in a church directly in downtown Lansing called Christ Community Church. It was quite an experience- we slept on cots/air mattresses in the Sunday School rooms, which were quite interesting. The basement of the church was mold infested, and it was sad to see the church in such disrepair. My favorite service project was probably at Grand Haven retirement center, where we got to talk to many of the residents. I talked with a woman named Dolly (really Delores) for the majority of our time there. She had dementia, which meant that she repeated a lot of what she said. Whenever there was a pause in conversation, she would come up with “I have 4 children. My husband was injured in WWII. Never rust the V.A. – they always lie to you.” which was a little confusing since I wasn’t sure what exactly the V.A. was, but it ended up being really cool to hear her stories about her husband and her kids. She was wearing her 55th wedding anniversary ring, and she was able to tell me all about how he gave it to her, what a surprise it was, what an amazing man her husband was, and a bunch of other stuff. It was sad because unlike some of the other residents, she had never known Jesus as her personal Savior, which meant that she didn’t really have any hope/joy left in the world (or after it!), because her husband died and her children never visit her. Anyway, because of all this, I learned a lot about how God loves everyone, even the elderly that we might not really see as people/active citizens. It was a really cool experience that I’m really thankful for.
Our devotions for the week were on the book of Jonah. We went through the whole book, using a book that the leaders had put together specifically for the trip. My “favorite” day (the one I learned the most from) was Day 2, when we looked at Jonah 2. Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the fish is quite convicting- reading it and thinking about the situation that he’s in is quite intense. Here are the verses that really spoke to me: “‘Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.’ And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” (verses 8-10) The idea of when we choose to follow after things that are not of God causes us to forfeit grace and blessings that could be ours if we just follow God and what He commands is pretty staggering to me. I think that if we as believers fully understood what that verse is saying, then we would (hopefully) choose to follow God with whatever He commands, no matter what the cost. In our devotion book, it also talked about verse 10 as Jonah being saved unto something – that he was saved with a purpose, that his job wasn’t over. The devotional challenged us to think about what we have been saved unto. Why did Christ die for us? Because He loved us, and now it is our job to tell others about His breathtaking, amazing love. It isn’t a mission- you can turn down a mission, choose not to complete it, and failing a mission is an option. It’s a command- you can’t turn down a command or just chose not to follow through. You must complete a command given to you by your master, who is Jesus Christ.
So yep. That’s a large majority of what I learned- I’ll probably think of different experiences (by the way, I can’t ever spell experiences correctly the first time I try) that I want to share with you.
Em
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