Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year...?!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!...right? Well, from what I've heard, most people aren't having too great a time right now. Whether it be no money for food, the death of a loved one, loss of rights to see a relative, or maybe just being bummed out about the way their life is headed in general, peoples' lives are taking their toll. They feel hopeless. They feel abandoned. They feel betrayed. But who cares? What can they do about it? Whether they like it or not, trials and temptation are burdening them heavily. ...Right? Yeah, hard times are building up and sinking in. Yeah, people are losing their jobs and loved ones. Yeah, sometimes life just bites. But hopeless? Abandoned? Betrayed? NEVER! "How can you say that with such confidence?" you might ask. Aside from personal experience, the Bible tells me so! Who cares about what some book tells me? Well, the great thing about that is, it's not just "some book." It's God's Holy Word to US! To me; to you. It's to everyone. It's God's great love letter! It's "God-breathed!" (2 Timothy 3:16). Okay, so if that's true, what does this Scripture tell me about life?
First of all, it's not hopeless.
"So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth." (Job 5:17).
"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;My flesh also will rest in hope." (Psalm 16:9).
"For You are my hope, O Lord GOD;You are my trust from my youth." (Psalm 71:9).
"For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off." (Proverbs 23:18).
"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5).
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23).
Secondly, even if people on this earth have abandoned you, God has not and will not abandon you. Ever.
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut 31:6).
"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:5).
"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” (Hebrews 13:5).
And last, but certainly not least, God will never betray you (see previous verses). In fact, He loves you! So much that He sent His one and only Son to this earth to be betrayed, murdered, and risen from the dead, that YOU might be saved!
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16).
See that? "whosoever." That includes me, you, everyone! God WANTS you to accept His gift of salvation.
"Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish." (Matthew 18:14).
And after you've accepted this most precious gift, Christ lives IN you!
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20).
And God doesn't stop there. He wants a relationship with you. No, you didn't read that wrong. YOU.
"' And it shall be, in that day,' Says the LORD, ' That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’ And no longer call Me ‘My Master,’" (Hosea 2:12).
And He will ALWAYS be there for you, even when no one else is around.
"Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." (Isaiah 58:9).

So basically, there is hope, there is love, and you've got me and Jesus :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBi68gF5FOg

Friday, September 19, 2008

Shine On, Baby! =D

"This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine!"

Why? "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16).

If you are redeemed, you have G-d in you. If you are redeemed, you have a consuming fire in you (Deut 4:24, Heb 12:29). If you are redeemed, you are "the light of the world." What does that mean? That means that you are now filled with an "inexpressible and glorious joy!" (1 Peter 1:8). Yeah, it's inexpressible. But does that mean that we are to "hide it under a bushel? Oh no!" Isaiah proclaimed that we are to be a light unto the nations (Is 42:6, 49:6). I don't know about you, but "I'm gonna let it shine!"

How do you let your little light shine "so that they may see your good works"? Study your Bible daily. Pray often. Develop a close relationship with G-d. Try your hardest to obey G-d's Word. Express, in the best way you can, the joy that is within you. Smile. Laugh. Be happy! And when things get tough, "Don't let Satan blow it out." Let your little light shine.

How do we make sure that Satan won't blow it out? Well, first, we have to realize that we are weak. We have to realize that G-d is our strength. We have to realize that without G-d, we will stumble. And heck, we're gonna fall! Keep strong in your faith, knowing that when you are weak, He is strong. (1 Corinthians 1:25). Put on the full armor of G-d, that you may "stand your grounds" (Eph 6:10-20). Light cannot have fellowship with darkness (2 Cor 6:14).

How long should we let our little light shine? "Let it shine till J-sus comes." Keep studying. Keep praying. Keep shining. Until all the redeemed are taken up into heaven to be with our Maker, there are still unsaved among us, and we need to continue living as witnesses for our L-rd, "baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" (Matt 28:19.) Until then, SHINE ON, BABY! =D

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I was shocked. Yup-yup.

As I was checking out my new comments on godtube the other day, something caught my eye. The featured video was called "Revenge of the Nerds," and being the odd, random chica that I am, I was curious. So I watched it. And as I watched it, I discovered that I like hip-hop music. Shouldn't have been a surprise, seeing as I enjoy all types of music, but, for some reason, it shocked me. Anywho, I listened to several other songs by KJ-52, and I realized that (along with the fact that it's pronounced "five-two" not "fifty-two") Kj truly writes his songs and sings his lyrics for G-d and that he may witness and help others that are struggling. This also came as a shock to me, seeing as basically every other Christian band I've listened to seems to have a band just because they felt like it (aside from Flyleaf, Mercy Me, Casting Crowns, and Third Day. They rock, too). But yup. I'm on a KJ-52 kick and I'm lovin' it (great, now I want some fries from Mickey D's <_<). And...that's about it =P

Ta ta 4 now!

Lil-Eh.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Mexico-Reflection

Hey, guys. Sorry I took so long to post this. Here's something I wrote awhile back about my Mexico trip. WARNING: Long read....
Nature

Melding shades of pink and peach and purple cover the sky as the clearest and brightest sun I’ve ever seen peeks over the horizon…just like in The Lion King. Lol. White and gray clouds are scattered over the soft blue sky. The soft lines of water that fill them are so different from the huge, puffy clumps of clouds that fill the humid sky in Tennessee. Bright green leaves and dark trunks make the small forests of trees that fill Mexico, as compared to the spastic sticks of trees that exist here. The birds are different, too. An exotic squeal bursts forth from the voices of birds in Mexico, which is new to me from the melody the birds that I know sing. At night, you can see thousands of twinkling stars. Some are small and faint; others are big and bright. They all just dance around a deep black sky for you. A milky moon filled with craters, small and large, smiles down at you in the night—a silent, comforting companion. I can’t believe it’s over. Arguably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

Miracles

As for miracles, this trip has abounded with the greatness and the presence of G-d. On the way to Del Rio, Texas, I was sick with allergies. As I’m decently confident I was catching Strep Throat, the people in the van prayed for me, and by the grace of G-d, I was healed by the time we were at the Ehlers’ home. I was fine for the rest of the week, with the exception of a rough coughing fit one night.
Another day, one of the girls had been reading about some miracles in Luke, so she prayed to G-d that He would heal some people on the trip. In the same day, although she had been drinking more than enough water, she became dehydrated and started to faint. We sat her down and poured some water into her mouth. The Pastor immediately came over to her, placed his hand firmly on her head, and began praying with confidence in the L-rd for strength and healing, as his wife took my water bottle and poured water on the girl’s head. After about a minute, the girl, who had been pale and weak, jumped up off the ground, the color returned to her face, and by the mercy of G-d began walking quickly up a steep hill. Of course, we made her continue drinking her water, but it was still an amazing experience.
On the same day, G-d did three obviously amazing things (I say obviously because there were many great things done in the day), although I only encountered one of them. In my group, while I and another girl were in another room, a lady had told the rest of my group that her child, who looked about 5 or 6, had not been able to walk. After my group prayed over the child, she stood up and began walking! Praise be to G-d! At the same time, I and another girl were in another room. While I was playing with a few children who had wondered into the sanctuary, I glanced over at the other girl, only to see her praying strongly through G-d over the pastor’s wife, I believe she was. Once I saw her, G-d’s presence began shooting throughout my body like electricity. The girl was shaking her head back and forth as she prayed, frequently making exclamations about the strength of G-d’s presence. We could both feel it so amazingly. I thought she was going to collapse she was so moved by the Spirit.
In the other group, another amazing thing happened that we heard about later that day. Apparently, two of the girls had an awful feeling all morning that something was spiritually wrong where they were going. They walked around for awhile doing door-to-door ministry, asking for prayer requests and inviting people to VBS. In one of the houses, a little girl was shaking. They did the usual stop by, invite, pray gig, then began moving on to the next house. But one of the girls felt strongly that she needed to go back to the home and told one of the youth leaders. So she went back and prayed over the girl. She felt a burning through her body, the girl stopped shaking, and everyone’s sure that an evil demon had left the girl.

Other Stuff

On the way to Del Rio, Texas, where we were staying, we had several opportunities to pray with some people at fast food restaurants. During the trip, two women were saved, and MANY seeds were planted. I finally forgave myself for the awful things I’ve done in the past year and some other things, as well as many others in my group. I bonded with the whole group, but I became really close to two people. I’d call them my brother and sister, probably. On the way to Texas/Mexico, me and one of the guys kept people up with discussions over the Bible, and on the way back, with pillow fights and randomly bursting into hysterical laughter—usually for no apparent reason.

EDIT: I can’t believe that in all that I wrote I left out a very important detail to my trip. All I can assume is that I thought about it so much, it escaped my mind at the early hour I wrote this. While we were in Mexico, I saw a shy little girl, 5 years old, clinging to her mama. We had music playing loudly, so, smiling, I inched my way forward to her. “Bailar?” (to dance), I asked her. Cautiously, she glanced at her mother, but she reluctantly allowed me to take her hand as I swirled her around and around to the beat of the music. She didn’t smile, just stared directly into my eyes with her huge, gorgeous dark brown eyes. Her long, black, wavy hair moved with her petite, perfect little body when she moved. Later, during the Bible story skit, she sat in my lap, her tiny, precious body fitting too perfectly with my longer, bonier body, her fingers laced delicately into mine. Like half of the children, she didn’t focus through most of the skit, but she looked up at my unfamiliar blue eyes frequently, silent, foreign thoughts probing through me, causing my heart to thud at something that felt like a lack of oxygen, only much more anxious to taste its sweetness. I noticed the jagged little scar above her right eyebrow and had to wonder where it came from. Probably the same place as the dirt caked on the bottom of her feet and the oil concentrated into her black hair. Probably the same place as most children. She’d been playing too hard and fell. But still, I wanted to know what she was thinking. I wanted to feel what she felt. My sweet little Mexican baby Cecilia, I love her so much, and I pray I won’t forget to pray for her, and ask for her when I leave for Mexico again. I pray that she’ll be on my mind daily, unlike my little South Carolina baby for whom I never understood her name. I pray to remember them both—always.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Mexico, Here I Come!

After a month of continuous babysitting, fundraisers, shopping, praying, and discussion, the time is drawing nearer when I leave with my group of new friends and brothers and sister in Christ for Mexico to share Christ's love with people of a different culture. We have two more drama practices/sessions before we leave on Saturday at four in the morning. We're driving there. 24 hour trip, baby. That means about 25-30 people, the majority of those teenagers, hyped up on J-sus, chocolate, and LOTS of caffeine. Oooh, yeah.... We're all so excited it's starting to spread. A few of the girls in my group were just talking about G-d and the trip at a Sonic when their waitress came up to them. They asked if she wanted to pray with them and she said, "Sure, I've never had anyone pray with me before." The next day, the girls went back and she had told ALL of her co-workers about them! It's such a blessing that G-d used them and they were able to pray with some of the other people. As they put it, "There's a revival starting down at the Sonic." With all these crazy stories we've had lately, we're beginning to feel a random teenage revival down here in the South, and we're ready to share it with Mexico! I ask that y'all will keep us in your prayers and that G-d will soften the hearts of the Mexicans towards Him.

Thanks!
Lilly

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Mexico Vs. Boot Camp

For those of you whom I have not yet told, I will be able to go to both the "Boot Camp" (aka leadership training camp) AND the Mexico Trip!!! I've been praying so much lately, as have many others, for G-d's will to be done in my decision rather than what I wish to do. After praying for an answer the other night, I read my Bible for what seemed forever, searching for an answer, hoping I would find it through reading. First I read in John. There was the story of J-sus washing his disciples' feet, much talk of preaching and teaching G-d's Word, and also sharing G-d's love with everyone. By this point I was sure that I was going to Mexico. However, I felt led to read parts of Proverbs. I glanced through several chapters, reading the highlights and underlines. Most of them were about "gaining knowledge and understanding" and training for G-d's will. Obviously, I was left with much confusion over where I should go. A couple days later I received a SECOND letter from the camp in which I had been accepted. My mother and I assumed they had just accidentally sent me two. A few days ago we realized that it was for the SECOND camp!! We were still unsure of whether they had made a mistake or not, so we e-mailed them. Monday it was confirmed that I HAVE been accepted into the second training camp. But get this: I was never supposed to be accepted into the first camp. It wasn't recorded anywhere! My mother and I had been praying for a clear path of G-d's Will and we feel as though this is our "big hint" from G-d. Now we are trusting that G-d will take care of the expenses, and we are just thankful for G-d's Will to be clear to us.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Prayer

What do you think of when you hear the word "prayer"? Do you think of the old men at church who drag out a five minute long prayer, filled with lovely words that kill the time you could be spending at home, eating and watching a football game?
What do you think of when you see the word "prayer"? Do you think of the way your heart races when people ask who wants to pray, and you know you should, but you worry what people will think of you?
This is what the world tempts you to think. This is what Satan wants you to think. However, the Bible tells us differently. As for the long fancy words that confuse our little minds, G-d says " "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men" (Matthew 6:5). Now, this is not to say that you cannot pray in public. While this may seem contradictory, when you read the verse again it uses the word "hypocrites." If one is sincere in his words, he will be speaking to G-d, not to man.
As for fear, there are numerous instances in the Bible where G-d commands us, "Do not be afraid." According to Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." No one else's opinion matters when we pray. We are talking to G-d!
Now, if prayer isn't meant for our own personal torture and agony, what is it? Prayer. According to Dictionary.com, prayer is a "devout petition to G-d" or a "spiritual communion with G-d...as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession." The only thing I disagree with here is the "or" where an "and" should be. It is a spiritually intimate conversation accompanied by reverence, humility, thanksgiving, adoration, and confession. It is a relationship. A relationship in which G-d is aching to hear you talk with Him. He created you. He desires you. He loves you, and He wants so badly for you to love Him back. In fact, He commands "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests..." (Eph. 6:18).
Now you may be thinking "HA! Me? There must be a catch here. Why would G-d...G-d! want to talk to me? I'm not worthy." Well, if you were thinking that, you were right about the last part. You are unworthy. As am I, and every other being on this planet we call earth. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of G-d" (Romans 3:23). However, because of our sinful nature, G-d sent His one and only Son to this earth He created to die, so that we, that includes you, may accept His awesome gift of salvation, and be forgiven (John 3:16).
In spite of our awful quirks that drive people crazy, and our sinful actions that cause embarrassment, and our need for a Savior, G-d still loves us, and He wants us to talk to Him; He wants us to pray.
Why does He love you? Because He is G-d. He is perfect. And He created you. You are special. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13).
You might say, "Okay, but...that whole bowing my head and closing my eyes thing...that's not really my style." Well, that's fine. However, I do believe that it is a sign of reverence. There's nothing supernatural or magical about it. But, as a speaker I heard once put it, it's just a way to be like "Wow...you're G-d!" It is an act of awe and worship. In certain cases, bowing your head and closing your eyes will be a nice way to show G-d some respect.
Now you might be thinking "Woah woah woah woah...hold up a second. What happened to my 'close, personal relationship with G-d you were talking about?" It's still there. You don't have to sit on your knees at the altar and cry until your eyes hurt every time you speak with G-d. You can lay in bed and stare at your wall, talking aloud. You can take a long walk with your earbuds in, listening to music. You can even drive and watch the road while you talk to G-d, if you want to! The main idea of bowing your head and closing your eyes is reverence, but G-d wants you to talk to Him as a friend, a brother, and a mentor, as well.
Prayer is about every aspect of one's relationship with G-d--the reverence of Who G-d is, the awesomeness of His friendship, and the comfort of J-sus' brotherhood.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Why I Think Bible Studying Is Important: An Essay

(First of all, I would like to point out that this was something I wrote about two hours before I had to send it. Second of all, because this had to be a half-page long and it is a rough draft, basically, I may elaborate at some point in time).


Why do I think that studying the Bible is important? While half a page will not cover it all, I will attempt to summarize.
According to Psalms 1: 1-3 (NIV), “Blessed is the man…[whose] delight is in the law of the Lord. On His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Not in my words, but in God’s, the man (or woman) who studies God’s Word will be blessed. He will be rooted in the truth. He will create good fruit. He will prosper.
For one to defeat Satan through God, he must not wither. For one not to wither, he must “meditate” on God’s word often. In reading His Word, one will discover that they must “put on the full armor of God, so that [they] can take [their] stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rules, again the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms,” (Eph. 6: 10-12, NIV).
Through studying God’s Word, young people can learn that no matter how young they are, they can make a difference, just as Daniel, John, and many others who God favored made a difference in their teenage years. Although young people are constantly being judged and harshly criticized by others daily, they can learn through studying God’s Word that they can exist as anti-conformity. “Don’t let any one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity,” (1 Tim. 4: 12, NIV).
Another lesson one can learn through the Bible—challenging, yet worth the effort—is to make their faith public. “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift….” (1Tim. 4:13-14, NIV). In accepting and practicing this challenge, one may allow God to speak through them, becoming a part of the process of another’s salvation. “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see our progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers,” (1 Tim. 4:15-16, NIV).
Through studying God’s Word, one can be blessed, rooted in God’s Word, create good fruit, prosper, stand against Satan’ schemes, set a Christian example, and influence others greatly.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Short Story: Faith

As I was walking the other afternoon, earbuds in place, listening to my worship music, enjoying the warm weather with G-d, I started thinking for the billionth time about Peter when he walked on water (Matthew 14). Whenever I ponder this topic, I dwell on it for awhile, trying to understand why Peter took his eyes off of J-sus; Why he didn't have more faith. I mean, he WAS one of J-sus' disciples! He walked with Him, talked with Him, trusted Him daily. Why did he stop believing all of a sudden? Why did he take his eyes off of J-sus?
As usual, my conclusion to discovering the answer came through prayer.
I said aloud, earbuds still in place, "G-d, why did Peter have such little faith? He knew You! Why did he start to sink?" Then another question came to mind--the same question I always wonder about eventually. I ask G-d, "Do I have little faith? I mean, I trust You with my life, my all, my friends, my family, me! Do I have that little of faith...?"
I decided to walk on water. Metaphorically speaking, at least.
As I was walking on the sidewalk of the condiminium I live in, mailboxes every few feet, curbs, random holes in the cement, I suddenly had one of my "brilliant" ideas. At first, the idea seemed ridiculous, but I am ridiculous, I remembered. So, after asking G-d's approval, I closed my eyes, still walking, earbuds still in place, and trusted that G-d wouldn't let me fall. I was pretty comfortable for about thirty seconds, and then all of a sudden my heart started beating faster, I started walking un-evenly, and I was afraid of running into a mailbox. So I opened my eyes and stopped walking.
Now, if that's not little faith, I don't know what is.
I looked around, realized I was perfectly fine in the middle of the sidewalk, far from the mailboxes, holes in the cement, rocks scattered about randomly, even.
Immediately I started apologizing to G-d for not trusting Him.
I, like Peter, took my eyes off of J-sus and watched the waves crash around each other.
We were both safe. We were both being ridiculous. And we both had little faith.
I decided to share my story of ridiculousness for any of you who question your faith. Now, while I can't answer for you directly, I would like to point out that we're all going to be tried, most likely more than once. We're going to be asked to "walk on water." And suddenly, most of us are going to begin sinking.
However, if you keep your eyes on J-sus, He will guide you.

Hewlp!...pwease:(

Now that I have my blog about me, let's move on to more important things (;)). I vote J-sus. And the Bible. And G-d. What about them? No clue. This is the blog I'm going to really need some feedback for. Basically, if you have any suggestions, ideas, etc., leave a comment and I'll see what I can do:) Thanks!

Lilly!!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Hmm...fine. Lol.

So, I really want to post something meaningful about my J-sus. However, I'm having much difficulty choosing a topic that is not repeated by Christians constantly, nor do I wish to steal Nate's topics. Lol. So...I guess I'm going to sound conceited for the while and talk about myself;)
Well, first of all, I'm a time-waster. Despite the fact that I'm a full-time high school student (haha), I go to church on Sunday mornings (although Saturday is the Sabbath) and Wednesday nights, dance class four hours a week (even though I couldn't stay still if my life depended on it), and drama class one to two hours a week, I generally waste the rest of my hours waiting for someone to log in AIM or call me. Lol.
I love to read--currently I'm attempting to read the Circle trilogy and I'm being my ridiculously impatient self as I wait for Breaking Dawn to come out =O
People assume that I listen to music constantly (apparently I'm that "type," lol), while really I only listen to music about...85% of my day. Haha. I'd list all of my favorite musical artists, but that would take a century, considering I love almost everything, so if for whatever reason you're curious enough, you can check out my tiny list of musicians on "My Complete Profile."
I also love to write. Currently I'm writing a reality fiction novel titled Grace. I'd summarize, but generally people are weirded out by all of the drama included, so I think I'll pass on that.
I don't wear make-up, I'm not interested in a boyfriend, or marriage for that matter, I don't text, I hate fingernail polish, my favorite colors are black, red, and white, if I'm surrounded by people whom I love, but I have my Ipod and book with me, you can bet I'm going to be ignoring you for awhile. Basically, I'm the social outcast, and I'm okay with that.
Much to my dismay, my friends finally discovered one word to desribe me as a whole: tolerable. What is THAT supposed to mean?! Out of all the words in the world, I get "tolerable." *sighs* Oh, well. It kinda does fit. Lol.
The only plans I have for my future are to follow G-d wherever He leads me. So far, I see myself (in the future) in Kenya, Africa, teaching dirty-haired kids how to read, playing football (not coaching, I might add, lol) with dirty-headed teenagers, and sharing G-d's love with people. But, G-d loves to shake up my world, so I never know what's going to happen. But I'm okay with that. So long as he lets me in on the plans, eventually;)
I have four absolutely amazing friends that keep me in line, love me, and call me at twelve in the morning because they're insane (jk, guys;)).
Both of my parents have been married for 16 years now, which is amazing compared to the amount of divorced couples in the world. I also have a twelve year old imp for a sister who was recently saved. W00T!! Still evil as ever, but hopefully that will change:) Hehe.
WOW this is long--but, in my defense, you asked for it;) Hehe.

Otay well I have some Algebra to catch up on, so, ta ta 4 now! Mwuah!!
Lilly!!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

G-d Is Good.

My Sunday school teacher showed my youth group a picture of this cute 5 or 6 year old kid. He had glasses, and a little bit of a buzzcut, and he was sightly on the pudgy side. He had a smile that was so full of joy and happiness it made me giggle. He was precious.
My Sunday school teacher made sure we had all had a good look at the picture, walking around the room, row by row. He didn't look really upset or mad...or happy as he walked around, showing the little boy to everyone. He asked, "Did you all get a good look at the picture?" Someone hadn't, so he walked closer and held it out. My Sunday school teacher returned to his little podium, glanced at the picture once more, and held it up again. His face was red now, and his mouth puckered. "I helped his mommy and daddy bury him yesterday," he shared with us.
The room was so loud in the silence. Everyone's thoughts thickened the air.
My Sunday school teacher showed us about how tall the kid was--only about as tall as a toddler. Apparently, the child had been REALLY sick. Ever since he was born. He had tubes and bottles and bottles of medication to take daily, maybe more frequently than that.
But nothing slowed this kid down. According to my Sunday school teacher, the kid would lead his own church, this little 5 or 6 year old boy, in music. At his short height, he would stand in front of the microphone and lead his church in song. His favorite, of which, was something about not feeling at home, until he was at HOME.
It was beautiful.
My Sunday school teacher said he never complained. Not once.
This little boy accomplished so much more for J-sus in his 5 or 6 years, than most do in a lifetime.
Time is short. Life is good. No, I'm not joking. Life may be hard sometimes, but G-d is good. Life is good.
Really, after hearing this story, I felt so guilty of my daily complaints about every little thing. I am one whiney human. But this kid...well, is story is motivating me, to say the least.
Make the most of your time here on earth, for soon it will pass away.
G-d is good.

Friday, February 29, 2008