One Truth Remains

Yet another transition...

2011-04-11T08:44:00.003-04:00

Yeah, I might say I'm getting rather tired of the idea of moving..but just a little bit. Due to some apartment policy changes, we may be released from our lease (less than 4 months in) and have to find a new place within 30 days. This is usually an easy task, but we have German Shepherds. Its nearly impossible to find a place to rent that will allow them. Apartments, town homes, condos, and rental houses alike seem to have the same insurance stuff preventing our dogs from being allowed. We aren't really ready to buy a house, so I spend a lot of time on craigslist looking for possibilities. We should know everything by Tuesday. Except the government shutdown part, that's on like Thursday.

The weather has been gorgeous and I am thrilled to have spent a few days in Long Beach, CA a few weeks ago. It wasn't the outer banks, but it was a nice solitary time with sand, the ocean, and lots of walking. It was therapeutic and inspiring. It stirred up desires to do crazy things like walk every inch of coastline in America, or hike the Appalachian trail. If I wasn't a (crazy happily) married woman, I just might try an adventure like that. For now, I'll take the wonderful adventures set before me.

I did begin journaling again in CA. Sitting on the beach, no cares, no responsibilities, it just felt good to start writing again. I feel like I'm thinking a little more clearly and processing better because of it. Its always helped me to put pen to paper.

I can only pray that the helpful habits continue, and that I see sin die more and more each day. My affections for my own anger, selfishness, and entitlement have been a disease in me. One day at a time, building and focusing.

-S

What a winter this will be.

2010-12-13T11:41:00.003-05:00

There is a lot going on around the Norman household right now. With our new puppy, everything seems to be a little more...exciting? We love her, but she sure is a puppy.

I have an incredible assortment of thoughts going on. I don't think Matt and I will know how to process this move until we get there on Saturday and see our new apartment. We'll be dropping off our stuff, arranging, sight-seeing, then heading home for Christmas. We wont really get to settle in until the new year. What a way to start a year, right? Whole new place to live, whole new city, whole new jobs. I'm looking forward to building a list of things to do day by day. I want photo taking/editing to be at the top of it. School work will also take up priority again, as will a lot more activity-based things. I would love to be biking and walking/jogging a lot more. Hopefully with the dogs, and friends. Friends would be nice.

I guess the real thoughts will be flowing in January, when all the real adjusting happens. For now I'm just packing everything we have and trying to remember Christmas presents at the same time. craziness. At least I wont have to put up/take down any Christmas decorations this year. I am quite happy about that.

Transitions

2010-11-06T20:17:00.003-04:00

Well, our life is getting flipped around again. We will be leaving in just over a month to take our stuff to Knoxville, be back for Christmas, then we'll be living in Knoxville for...many years. Crazy times are ahead and I am both excited and feeling uprooted.

We have moved 5 times since we've married (6 if you count moving from a temp apartment in Boulder to the real one) and we are both really ready to be settled in somewhere. Finding a place to stay in Knoxville that allows German Shepherd has been a huge challenge. Most places were too far away from his work, had rent too high, only allowed dogs under 50 lbs, or didn't allow "aggressive" breeds. We finally found a place and are really happy about it overall.

The other challenge has been finding a selection of churches to visit. We have really fallen in love with our current church (www.tccraleigh.com) and we are not really looking forward to having to find another one. However, we believe that there is a family for us there and we are excited about the chance to get to know new people, have new experiences. I was not enjoying the online search. I had a lot of trouble finding any places that we could really consider.

We eventually came to a list of about 3. One we really like, one we are OK with, and one as a back-up to retry. We need to visit to see how real life blends with the theology and things we saw online. I am actually beginning to be excited about that part, at the same time being saddened by the thought of missing the people here. I feel like we always leave people as we begin to develop real friendships.

Right now I'm also going through a music thing. Deleting lots of old music and finding new stuff which is really good for me. Musically creative, lyrically deep. Very, very hard to find. I got discouraged for a while, but its been good to find stuff that really fits that. A good searching.

Otherwise, I am working through a few things I haven't addressed in awhile. With my job now over, I am wanting to spend a lot of time on some things I have let sit on the side. Some hobbies I have neglected, personal disciplines I have not kept up, and heart issues that need to be looked into. I hope to give all of these things attention during my time here in Raleigh, and once we move. Look out Knoxville, my mind is full of ideas.

I feel odd.

2010-07-16T13:45:00.002-04:00

The past few months or so I've felt a bit like I was sitting by and watching a lot of things float around me. I was somewhat overwhelmed in seeing things that need to change and I became quite sorrowful at times.

Its been difficult for me to remember to walk in the Spirit. It seems like the kind of thing that I would keep in the forefront of my mind, but I got more caught up in what wasn't right, rather than why. I listened to man instead of Christ. I was searching for worth and affirmation when it had already been given to me, in abundance. I'm still trying to put it all together, but my heart aches for truth.

I am thankful for the difficulty. The past few years have been marked with a lot of trials, things I had never faced before, and I truly see how Christ was teaching me to not depend on myself, and to trust completely in Him. I had no strength to continue, I had no wisdom to answer questions, and I had no vision of what is to come. But He does.

So, I guess the question might be, "what now?".. And its a great one. Now, I take it one day at a time. I learn to say no to my feelings and to obey Christ. My emotions deceive me, Christ never has. I dont feel like loving others more than myself, but Christ has commanded me to. I dont feel like being accountable, but Christ has commanded me to be. I have to learn to say no to these feelings that lie to me, and to obey Christ, in faith that those feelings will change. That I will love others, even those that are difficult to love, more than myself. That I will invite others to inspect my walk with Christ, and do it joyfully.

It will take a lifetime, and the lessons will change, but I am thankful that it means He will always be with me, and changing me. Less of Shannon, more of Christ.

:)

2010-04-15T14:30:00.002-04:00

I hate to sound like every other blog on the internet, but it has been so long since I wrote anything. I am currently waiting to see how my job situation will work out. Waiting to see how our future unfolds and what direction it will take. I don't feel anxious anymore, and I don't feel afraid. I mostly feel excited about possibilities, some more than others.

A few things I would like to get back into doing: painting, reading for fun, studying the Word for connection and promise, going to the gym regularly and enjoying it, journaling, and photography. All parts of my past at some point that have slipped by me recently. I should pick one or 2 and make those a priority, then work my way around to any that really stick out.

I feel right now like I'm in some crazy place with God where He feels close the instant I think of Him. So closely linked to my emotions, so present. I feel like I don't deserve it because I haven't been taking time for Him like I feel I should, but thats not how He works anyway. I want to obey and seek Him out of love and joy, not to get a return. God owes me nothing, including His love, thats for sure.

Thats it for now. Another thing for my list above should be "blogging".

Apple Juice and walking shoes.

2009-08-18T10:50:00.002-04:00

I want to start by saying that I really wish North Carolina made it easier for people to walk around. Even if there are sidewalks in the downtown areas, people don't usually yield to pedestrians/bikes which is dangerous..and it gets worse as you get further away from downtown. I enjoy being able to walk to a coffee shop/grocery store/bookstore, whatever. That's probably my favorite thing about Boulder..that and the stunning mountains here at the Flatirons. If only they made sweet tea... We did have Beau Jo's pizza last night, and I must admit that Colorado style pizza might be my favorite. I mean, the pizza is great (and served by slice or pounds..haha!) but then you get a honey-bear to put honey on the crust as a built in dessert. I was hooked.

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love North Carolina. I just wish I could mesh them together and have some of both. If we ever settled here I would miss grits and collards, eastern NC barbecue, and being at the beach any weekend we want. Plus, we have family o close, and a church that continues to push me to treasure Christ more, and my sin less.

Its days like today that I want to make a "fresh start" and do things differently. But then I get overwhelmed and end up like before. So I think the best thing to do is see what need change and work on what I can..dedicate myself to one or two things at a time. Number one being prayer and quiet time. After that, my heart will be better able to take hold of other changes. The grace of God is powerful and I don't ever want to take it for granted. He gave me new mercies this morning to face this day and be obedient. I want to follow His Words and love more. I want to put aside the selfish tendencies in my heart and allow His fullness to guide me. My heart is still sick and hurting. I will never be out of need for Grace nor exhaust it.

Hos 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.

Home!

2009-08-06T22:40:00.002-04:00

It feels good to say that we are home. Right now i'm hearing the sounds of Matt cleaning up and arranging his office, mixed with the sounds of Mira attacking the squeaker in her toy. It feels great. Having a puppy makes things more difficult, yet entertaining. She loves to cuddle and snuggle close to you, and she also goes a little crazy and does laps around the apartment which is a lot of fun to observe.

My husband has been a huge help during the move and all the transitioning. He's been really encouraging and willing to rummage through boxes for me.. its really great to hear him say, "How can you have another box of kitchen stuff?". Oh, I need 2 kitchens for all the wonderful things I was blessed with at our wedding, and the "small" things I collected along the way.

He only complains when packing and unpacking, not when I cook with it all.

My prayer for the coming weeks is that Matt and I grow in both obedience and patience. I would love to see both of us working towards progress in these areas and fully seeking more surrender. It will take some time and a lot of grace with one another, but Christ is far more valuable than my comfort or my own time. Even in knowing Christ I use my time in such selfish ways when I'm not broken and seeking to fight sin more.

Fight well, and love like Christ.

Shannon

Rain, Shine, rain, shine

2009-05-01T14:35:00.002-04:00

I decided to go with a new look... I will probably change it as often as I do my desktop..which is like, weekly. I wanted to express some random things, like the fact that I really love coffee shops. I love just sitting with a coffee and my computer listening to really weird music. And the baristas are usually really nice people. I actually end up having more random conversations with people in coffee shops than other places. It just feels comfortable and happy, but its probably just the coffee talking. :)

I've been in Greenville for the week while Matt was in New Mexico. I had lots of time to run around with my sister and friend Leslie. I also had a lot of emotional things go on with the family. I've had a lot of time to think, and I want to do a little personal study on worship. I wrote down lots of questions or points I'd like to look into Biblically, to see what God told us about worship and not what we made up ourselves. What does He enjoy in worship and what does He desire from us in worship. I've heard things before, but I've never studied it for myself. I want to have lots of references and things put together in one place where I can go back when I need a reminder. The attitude and environment for corporate worship has had a lot of ups and downs for me, and I'd like to get my mind in the right place for what it involves and what God expects of me. Any thoughts or links would be appreciated. :)

I called this post "Rain, Shine, rain, shine, " because that's what its doing outside right now. It rains for like a minute, then stops. Then rains again. Which I have always thought was cool. I like the rain. Its so weird when you think about it...water falling from the sky.

One of the things I have been learning lately are the lies that emotions often tell. I had quite the up and down earlier this week with some family stuff, and it really did just completely wreck me for like an hour or so..then I got distracted in a bookstore and I was fine. Thankfully, God allowed me to remain level headed when it all came up and I could help my mom without the emotion..it all just flooded in later. It clouds everything, but it passes just as easily..but only when I am praying for peace and for Christ to teach me how to handle whats going on. He's so quick to rescue me when I cry out.

So, thank you to my wonderful friends who have helped me learn more about Christ along the way. You have been a great tool for the Creator in shaping my view of Him and the Church. Thank you for your obedience.

Settled..kind of.

2009-04-23T10:19:00.003-04:00

Well, here we are in Tennessee. For the last couple of months living in Colorado, we were waiting for these days to come. One step in life closer to being settled in for longer than a few months. I have to say, it will be nice to have a place where we can really unpack, and not dread re-packing soon after.

On a different note, I really actually like Oak Ridge. We thought it was going to be a really small town with nothing more than the government labs and some houses and a grocery store, but its definitely better than that. Its not a big town, but it does have some decent restaurants and stores. There's one Food City grocery store, which is closest to us, but the produce section is lacking. There is also a Kroger, but its a little further away..but totally worth it. I usually bike or walk everyday to get where I want to go. My day usually involves washing dishes, shower, the gym, some internet time at Starbucks, then back home for laundry and meal prep. I'm enjoying it.

I'm really glad I have the gym. We don't have a TV in our apartment, because it was just too much to pack. We also don't have internet just yet, and we may not get it at all. Any TV we want to see, we catch on Hulu.com or the show website while sitting at Starbucks or Panera Bread. It has been great during the week because we spend much less time with TV type stuff, but on the weekends, there's nothing to do around here after like 6-7..so it would be nice to be able to catch a show or 2. However, we have Netflix and things like that so its been pretty easy so far.

We visited Cornerstone Church of Knoxville this past week. Its a Sovereign Grace church that was recommended to us by our pastor at TCC and turned out to be a good place for us this summer. We really enjoyed the worship environment and the serious nature of Communion. The sermon was a little different than we are used to but was encouraging for me. Its definitely bigger than I thought it would be, but as long as we can get into a small group, I think we'll be OK. We have learned that small/community groups are where a lot of real accountability and fellowship happen, and that environment is really important to us.

So, I get to be in Greenville this week, which I am greatly looking forward to. Matt will be in Santa Fe from Sunday-Friday morning, so I'll have those days to myself. I plan on spending a decent amount of time with my sister/family, and I'll try to get to Community Group Wednesday night. Hopefully, I can find a way to keep up my workout so things don't fall behind. Its always weird not having him there though. So I need plenty to do to keep me busy. :)

I guess, anyone who might read this, could be praying for me to use my time wisely. I have some school things I need to be working on and the gym which I want to be faithful in attending. I would love to find some people at church or Matt's coworkers that we can spend some time with, so we aren't totally isolated from fellowship. I ask for prayer when difficulty comes, that I know His peace and trust Him instead of letting my emotions take over. Please, call or e-mail me letting me know how I can be praying for you.

The Countdown

2009-03-09T23:25:00.002-04:00

Well, we have about 18 real days left in Colorado, and many of those will be spent packing. I plan to take some mornings to do a little more photography, I don't want to let that slip past me. I'll try to do the same in Tennessee, to take the time to reboot my system and take in whats there. Matt and I have truly enjoyed our time here, and the people will be unforgettable.

Lately I have felt a real drawing to get back into reading my Bible more, it used to be the first thing I did with my free time, and lately its taken the back seat. This probably explains a lot of my difficulties with mood and attitude. I've started reading Ephesians, so I'll continue in that...but I want to read for the sake of reading and hearing from Christ, rather than always reading like a "study". Ultimately, I want to find my refuge, strength, and my drive to further pursue Christ in that time.

Matt and I will be updating the blog (www.bouldernating.blogspot.com) soon with a lot of our pictures that ended up on facebook, but never our blog. The trip home will certainly have lots of pictures. In case anyone is interested, we will be taking a more southern route home than we took up here, going through Wichita, KS; Norman,OK; Memphis and Knoxville, TN.

We plan on stopping for pictures in Norman, OK and Toad Suck, AR. We will probably be able to stop in and see Jonathan Smith when we go through TN.

Much love everyone.

Just Happy.

2009-02-15T11:25:00.003-05:00

There is really no point to this post other than I'm awake, and Matt is asleep, and I want to be constructive. The past few months here have been a whirlwind. It seemed for the longest time that we have forever to be in Colorado. Not a bad thing, it was just moving a bit slow. Then it got to be close to the holidays, and now we are halfway through February. We leave in a little over a month. Its craziness.

I have been encouraged lately with lots of people. We have been hanging out with people and having some great conversations which is always a great help. I really never thought I would desire to settle down, I've always wanted to float around and travel constantly. I guess I was always running from responsibility and wanting to be free to move, but now I have great reasons to settle in and built relationships. I know that most of the people we know right now would never have recognized me as I was in college. I thank God for the grace He showed me in flipping my life around. Its been an incredibly hard but mightily rewarding process.

On the practical side of things, I'm a little scared of all the packing we have to do. We ordered a very large bag for the roof of our car, so we can take more stuff with us. We still have to space-bag everything so all our jackets and blankets don't take up the whole car. A wonderful invention I must say. We pack up here, move home, repack what we need for Tennessee, and then we head out again. Three months of craziness there, and we are finally home. I have no idea what Tennessee will be like. Matt will be working fuller days, so I'll be focusing on getting schoolwork done, and taking/editing more pictures. If I don't need to work of course. We are certainly taking our bikes with us, hopefully be close enough to a coffee shop or library to be able to bike there and cut down on gas usage.

Coming home will be different. Living near friends, and with a friend. Settling back in to what we remember from first being married. Having friends who have kids..kids who are much older than we remember. Seeing family regularly again. Lots of changes, lots of differences, but we are still us. The family of God is still around us. God Himself is still with us.

I do ask for prayer, in deciding some things about a job when I get back. I have some options to look into, and pray about. If you would like to know more or want to share with me, please e-mail me. I'd really love that.

Shannon

5-5-5

2009-02-04T17:51:00.005-05:00

I got tagged, so here we go... 5th picture folder, 5th picture:

Its from our trip to Black Canyon in Gunnison, CO.

The pictures can never show how huge this was.

I don't even know 5 people who might see this at all except my husband. So I tag him. He just might end up posting the same picture... :)

Missions

2008-11-22T15:11:00.004-05:00

I'm sure a lot of people have heard me say that I want to do missions work, but far fewer have ever heard me really dive into why, or have heard me talk about how strong that desire is. See, even as a child, I told my grandparents I wanted to travel. At that point I just wanted to see the world, I wanted to meet new people and experience new things. As the years went on, and I started following the convictions I had, I started to feel a very strong pull towards international missions. Now, as a dreamer, I wanted to pack a bag and leave as soon as I got some money. Reality brings it back into focus, and also tells me to be more cautious of where I go. I almost went to China, to do some work there, but i began to feel like I was trying to make something happen, rather than follow.

Later, in February of 2007, I was given the chance to go to Thailand, with Matt. My father approved (a miracle in itself at the time) and the money was more than taken care of. I knew I was supposed to go. Now, it was a great first trip. I was exposed to a completely different culture, and had great people to teach me. It wasn't quite what I had in mind as far as sharing the Gospel with people who haven't heard it, or who haven't heard much of it. There were decently nice hotels and food along the whole trip, though I do repent for complaining when I had to resort to rice and soy sauce..(the food at the place we were for the majority of the time was...less than desirable.)

If I find myself in a situation where there is that much comfort..that much "stuff"...how will I do when there is far less? When the hotel or room is cramped and dirty? When the only choice I have for food is something I really don't like? Will I prove true to the teachings of Paul about being a missionary and a minister of the Gospel...being content in all things? That trip brought out parts of me I loved, and parts I have been trying to kill.

I don't see a missions trip on our agenda anytime soon, but Lord willing, one will come. I'll try to post some pictures from our time in Thailand, for any who are interested. For now, check out this website that was such a great inspiration to my early dreams of missions work. www.traveltheroad.com

View some of their episodes. Pray for them and the places they go. And if you would like, pray for me. That the vision God gave me would not be lost. That my passion would continue to burn, and that I would know when the right opportunities come.

Thank You.. God be with you.

-Shannon

Scripture that speaks for itself.

2008-11-08T13:04:00.003-05:00

Isaiah 53

1 Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
3 He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
9 And they made His grave with the wicked—
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
11 He shall see the labor of His soul,and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.

I absolutely love this scripture. No matter when, or how many times I read it, it speaks to me. Its all amazing, but the last part is what speaks out to me today. "By His knowledge my Righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities." "And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors." Its really enlightening for me. Things I know and hear on a regular basis, but...made intercession for the transgressors? So while I slap His face and choose my own way over His, He intercedes on my behalf. While I run from Him and deny Him in my life, He is calling out to the Father for me. How clear a picture, that when my heart returns, He is so close. He is their waiting, interceding for me, and when He sees me turn around, He runs to welcome me.

I cant ever imagine finding a love like that on earth, I've just never seen anything like it. Humans cant do it. We are always hurt and that casts shadows in our minds that don't allow us to love unconditionally. But we should strive. I should pray for my friends, my husband, my family in this manner, and should rejoice to be there when all is made right. And more so, I should remember the sacrifice that allows me to return. I should continue to kill the pride that would have me be stubborn and quick to anger. It feels like a long hard road, but it only is if its traveled alone.

Today, I'll read some more of Ecclesiastes, take some time to evaluate what causes my heart to run to anger instead of patience, and cry out for mercy to be able to choose the right way in my heart.

A day of differences.

2008-10-11T15:39:00.002-04:00

I woke up this morning..like uber-happy. (that means really happy). I was really excited that it was cold again, a high of like 42. I was also happy that I was going to be baking..which I love.

Well, the weather stayed the same, cold and rainy, but my cake failed miserably. It tasted great, but couldn't be used for what I wanted, so now I'm searching through backup ideas for something I can have for tomorrow. For some background information, I'm baking this for a Chocolate Sunday event at the church here, its all chocolate desserts, being judged. I want to have something that looks nice, and hopefully my #2 idea is going to work out, its a little easier.

Overall, the past week has been refreshing. I've been reading in the first few chapters of Acts, remembering what the first Church family was like. Seeing the changes in the apostle Peter. Its a great book about change. I've been seeing a lot of need for change in myself, and it helps to see a real case of true change, passionate following of Christ, and a family that supports each other. I have to wonder, what happened to a community of believers who sell everything to live together and give to each other as they need? What happened to loving the whole Church more than your own gain?

On a lighter note, it is supposed to snow tonight, a possible accumulation of an inch or so, then rain tomorrow. But at least its some snow. Which makes me happy. Snow in October?? Not in NC! We are excited. :)

Vanity?

2008-10-02T12:10:00.002-04:00

So,on Friday nights our group has been studying Ecclesiastes. And of course, everyone agrees about how depressing, or negative most of the book is. Strangely enough, I've never looked at it that way. I've always found this book to be refreshing. It kind of feels like a grandpa sitting down to tell his kids/grandkids "Nothing we do on this earth is really worth anything, unless we do it for the Kingdom of God. So enjoy whats here, because its a gift from God, but live to further the eternal Kingdom" That idea, for me, is refreshing and freeing. I don't have to live fore whats here, because it all passes away and comes to nothing. Only the eternal remains. So only whats done for Christ will remain. That really makes me happy. Its not about the pain, grief, struggle, and injustice..(or economy) of this world. That all really means nothing, except what it refines in us for Christ's sake!! Matt and I caught up with the group by reading through Chap 3, and here is what stuck out to me:

12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives,
13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.
14 I know that whatever God does,
It shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it,
And nothing taken from it.
God does it, that men should fear before Him.
15 That which is has already been,
And what is to be has already been;
And God requires an account of what is past.

So after all the negativity about meaningless things, we have here a beam of light. He wants us to see here that even though all the labor and strife of the world is for no real gain, we are to enjoy the good of our labor as a gift from God. Not to be bound to it...or to gain our worth from it, but to enjoy. Why? Because we have the assurance that what God does...He does forever. It lasts, it does not pass away. Our work for the Kingdom does not pass away as this earth will, it stands firm to the end. (Only, of course, because God gave us the grace and strength to do it in the first place.)

And God requires an account. So to waste the life away doing nothing for others, and wasting our money with no conviction...we will give an account. This book as to be seen in light of other scripture. We cant see the meaninglessness as a freedom to do nothing. It simply means our work here is not our master. Enjoy the fruit of our work...not work double the hours just to have a higher grade house or car at the expense of family or the Church body.

Its complicated to think about sometimes. For me, it is a breath of fresh air. This world has nothing for me, except a way to serve Christ faithfully until He sets up the real Kingdom I live for. Until then, I just pray that I can be faithful in my work, and in my relationships, and in my life. To please Him. That is the goal.

For what is eternal life?

John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

Hebrews

2008-07-02T12:58:00.003-04:00

Well, I thought I might start off by making my first real post about a scripture that interested me recently. I read Hebrews yesterday for a school lesson. The whole thing is pretty intense, and it has some really passionate parts. The one that hit me the most, was when the author described the faith of the OT believers... :

"And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth."

Then he comes to a point...He says that even with this testimony of faith, they did not see the Christ and His new covenant. But we have. That was the next thing pointed out here. What should our response be? :

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

The right hand of the throne of God...where He remains today. As described earlier in the book, he sits there as our High Priest..interceding for us and providing that communion with God. How great a Savior! We were not just saved...we were brought near. We have one who intercedes to the Father on our behalf. So we should lay aside every weight, every sin. What room is there for that in the life of one for which so much was given?

Its a very odd place, to read something like that and know that we still have a sin nature. Our only real option is to go to that High Priest, that Savior. To ask for strength to withstand. To be humble enough to know what we cannot do on our own. We want to please God, and the only way to do so is in the way He made, and by His strength. how weak we are without Him!

My prayer is for us all to consider the weight of what the OT saints endured..what the apostles endured, and what millions of believers worldwide still endure for the sake of the Gospel. Not for TV, not for XBox, not for music or entertainment, and certainly not for prestige. They risk(ed) all for the sake of spreading the gospel...how much more should we with all this opportunity learn to be humble, and to sacrifice, and to live for others.

Be Blessed!

New Beginning

2008-07-01T13:23:00.002-04:00

I deceded to go with a new blog, considering all the new things that have been going on for me in the last year or so.

Myonly goals in having this blog is to bring out some issues of my own, or issues in the world that I find interesting, or want to share. I may also show some pictures (i'm getting the new camera body for my Canon in the mail within a day or 2).

I really want to focus on my lessons every now and then. Sharing something from the books i'm going through. Who knows. Hopefully i'll have lots to share.

Thanks for your interest.