We have been enjoying a week long missions conference at church this week! I cannot tell you how my heart has been challenged as I have heard testimony of God's grace in the hearts of the missionaries who are with us, and as we have been exposed to various cultures.
One of the things that has struck me as I have watched the various presentations is the faces. Faces of people. People who need Jesus, just like I need Jesus.
The following text from a hymn has come to mind over and over again this week:
"Look to the Throne for the sake of His name;
Think of the throng who will share in His reign.
Some for whose souls we pray
Will share our joy that day,
Joining our song for the sake of His name!"
God is drawing people from every tribe, tongue and nation...for the sake of His name. Am I obeying the commission He gave to me to make disciples? Starting in my home, outside my doorstep, and around the World? We serve a Great God, the One True God. We have a relationship with our Creator if we know Christ! Thank you, Jesus!!!
"The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever." Psalm 37:18
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
87/365
I do not know where our camera is. I must get my hands on it soon! It's time to update the blog with some new pictures.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
86/365
Today was our last day of Bible Club for this year. I am so thankful for the opportunity God gave me to be a part of it this semester. The teaching was just as much for my own heart as it was for the kid's! Amazing how God's word never gets old!!!
Monday, March 28, 2011
83, 84, 85/365
83. It was a spring cleaning day. Acutally more like spring decluttering. More cleaning is needed, but "less is more" is becoming more of a reality! Sarah helped me. I love my sister!
84. We began missions conference at church. I was so thankful for Sunday morning's message. A reminder that the call to "discipleship" isn't just for us with unbelievers/new believers, it is for the whole church, all the time, with each other. We are to be encouraging and exhorting one another in Christ and growing together in Him. Not just chatting about the weather :). Guilty as charged! Oh that I would grow in my love for fellow believers. God has been gracious to convict my heart of this need over the last few months.
85. This was part of my reading for today...
Joshua 21
43 So the LORD gave to Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it and dwelt in it. 44 The LORD gave them rest all around, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers. And not a man of all their enemies stood against them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. 45 Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.
My God accomplishes His will because He is God. He keeps His promises to men, even when we are not faithful to Him. He is our deliverer. He does what is good for His children. I think about the children of Israel from the moment they left Egypt until they made it to the Promised Land (the ones who actually made it). Sometimes I feel like I am a child wandering in the wilderness, and honestly I don't deserve to see the promised land! God is so longsuffering toward us. In Christ is my only hope, because apart from His work on the cross, and His intercession for me, there is no hope! "What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus."
84. We began missions conference at church. I was so thankful for Sunday morning's message. A reminder that the call to "discipleship" isn't just for us with unbelievers/new believers, it is for the whole church, all the time, with each other. We are to be encouraging and exhorting one another in Christ and growing together in Him. Not just chatting about the weather :). Guilty as charged! Oh that I would grow in my love for fellow believers. God has been gracious to convict my heart of this need over the last few months.
85. This was part of my reading for today...
Joshua 21
43 So the LORD gave to Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it and dwelt in it. 44 The LORD gave them rest all around, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers. And not a man of all their enemies stood against them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. 45 Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.
My God accomplishes His will because He is God. He keeps His promises to men, even when we are not faithful to Him. He is our deliverer. He does what is good for His children. I think about the children of Israel from the moment they left Egypt until they made it to the Promised Land (the ones who actually made it). Sometimes I feel like I am a child wandering in the wilderness, and honestly I don't deserve to see the promised land! God is so longsuffering toward us. In Christ is my only hope, because apart from His work on the cross, and His intercession for me, there is no hope! "What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus."
Friday, March 25, 2011
82/365
I appreciate texts of hymns that point us to scripture. Here is one I was meditating on this morning. Many more verses would fit, I realize, but there are the few that came to mind today.
In Christ alone my hope is found,
[Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for(B) he who promised is faithful]
He is my light [1 John 1:5 in Him there is no darkness at all],
my strength [Psalm 62],
my song;
[Habakkuk 3:17-19 17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.]
this Cornerstone [Ephesians 2:19 ff], this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love [Ephesians 3:14-21], what depths of peace [Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.]
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease [Psalm 46]!
My Comforter [John 14], my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand [Romans 5:8].
In Christ alone my hope is found,
[Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for(B) he who promised is faithful]
He is my light [1 John 1:5 in Him there is no darkness at all],
my strength [Psalm 62],
my song;
[Habakkuk 3:17-19 17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.]
this Cornerstone [Ephesians 2:19 ff], this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love [Ephesians 3:14-21], what depths of peace [Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.]
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease [Psalm 46]!
My Comforter [John 14], my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand [Romans 5:8].
Thursday, March 24, 2011
81/365
We enjoyed spending time with Grammie Campbell tonight. I do wish we could see her more often. It is not too often great grandchildren get to spend time with Grammies. I remember my GiGi (Grammie's mom). She would be 112 if she were still living. I have vivid memories of visiting her in the nursing home, and I never remember a time when we saw her when she couldn't still play the piano. Her name was Carrie Belle. I am named after her, only Carrie Elizabeth. Mom couldn't do the Belle I guess :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
80/365
Joshua 1:8-9
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
79/365
I am reading a book called Respectable Sins and last night read a chapter that dealt with a couple of the sins that we so easily excuse, specifically anxiety and worry. I would like to say I have these sins conquered and there is never a trace of either, but it's just not true! Today God was gracious to remind me to keep my focus on Him and off of my circumstances. Here is my testimony of His grace in my life...
My mind being distracted by the cares of the day, as I was driving to Bible club and pulled into the parking lot, the Lord convicted my heart to pray for my 5th grader Z (name changed :). He's been skipping out half way through the Bible Lessons and has really seemed to be under conviction. Well I asked the Lord today to just do something specific in Z's life. God answered. After the lesson He responded to God's working in His heart and received Christ as His Savior. An amazing work of God's Spirit! I almost had to do a double ask "Lord, did you really do that for me." I know He didn't do it for me...He saved Z for His glory and the sake of His name. My own doubts and faithlesness are so quickly revealed, but our God is at work in the hearts of people to draw them to Himself. God used this moment to remind me "look Carrie. This is what it's all about. Put aside your selfish ambitions, your own desires, your anxious heart and trust me. Look to me. Gaze on me. I AM WORKING."
My mind being distracted by the cares of the day, as I was driving to Bible club and pulled into the parking lot, the Lord convicted my heart to pray for my 5th grader Z (name changed :). He's been skipping out half way through the Bible Lessons and has really seemed to be under conviction. Well I asked the Lord today to just do something specific in Z's life. God answered. After the lesson He responded to God's working in His heart and received Christ as His Savior. An amazing work of God's Spirit! I almost had to do a double ask "Lord, did you really do that for me." I know He didn't do it for me...He saved Z for His glory and the sake of His name. My own doubts and faithlesness are so quickly revealed, but our God is at work in the hearts of people to draw them to Himself. God used this moment to remind me "look Carrie. This is what it's all about. Put aside your selfish ambitions, your own desires, your anxious heart and trust me. Look to me. Gaze on me. I AM WORKING."
Monday, March 21, 2011
68-78/365
68.
Friday, a week ago is a long time ago! I had a great time helping Rachael host a shower. We sure are going to miss them when they move to Arizona.
69.
A Saturday at home :).
70.
I love Sundays! So grateful for Ephesians 2.
71.
Lots of potlucks this week. The first one was Monday.
72.
The second potluck was Tuesday at the Gruendlings. Lots of memories of our high school days flood my mind when I enter their home.
73.
Wednesday. The Lord is growing me in my obedience to 1 Cor. 13.
74.
We enjoyed great fellowship with some friends at the Botanical Gardens. There is definitely a hint that spring has sprung!
75.
We helped with a wedding rehearsal for Ran and Xin.
76.
Ran and Xin's wedding was beautiful. So Christ honoring and Gospel filled. They were both saved while students at Clemson, and we have had the privilege of getting to know them! It was one of my most favorite weddings ever! And the reception was potluck. That's the way to do it! 2 songs were sung..."The Look" and "How Beautiful." "How Beautiful" talks about the Body of Christ, and it was such a neat reminder to me on this day as we watched so many friends work together to help Ran and Xin with their wedding that we are a Body. And we do need each other. Not just to do "stuff" but to love one another, and to help one another as we endeavor to walk with God and point others to Him.
77.
Psalm 3 - A Shield of Grace - Very thought provoking. It was neat to see how God used my reading in Deuteronomy to prepare me to hear this message. So thankful for His sovereignty in my life!
78.
Dan just looked over my shoulder and said "boy, looks like you are behind." Yes, I am behind, but i am caught up now! I am so thankful for this past week. It has been a wonderful week. Perhaps trying in some ways, but only whem my gaze isn't fixed on Christ.
Looking forward to what God has for me to learn this week. He has been so faithful not to let me get content and to remind me that it is all about HIM. I read this verse this morning in Deut. 29:29
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law."
Our God is so great and the way He works is beyond our comprehension, yet He delights for us to know Him, and to seek after Him. I have a relationship with Him. Truly His ways are unsearchable! I do not deserve His grace, yet He has freely given it! So thankful for my salvation!
Friday, a week ago is a long time ago! I had a great time helping Rachael host a shower. We sure are going to miss them when they move to Arizona.
69.
A Saturday at home :).
70.
I love Sundays! So grateful for Ephesians 2.
71.
Lots of potlucks this week. The first one was Monday.
72.
The second potluck was Tuesday at the Gruendlings. Lots of memories of our high school days flood my mind when I enter their home.
73.
Wednesday. The Lord is growing me in my obedience to 1 Cor. 13.
74.
We enjoyed great fellowship with some friends at the Botanical Gardens. There is definitely a hint that spring has sprung!
75.
We helped with a wedding rehearsal for Ran and Xin.
76.
Ran and Xin's wedding was beautiful. So Christ honoring and Gospel filled. They were both saved while students at Clemson, and we have had the privilege of getting to know them! It was one of my most favorite weddings ever! And the reception was potluck. That's the way to do it! 2 songs were sung..."The Look" and "How Beautiful." "How Beautiful" talks about the Body of Christ, and it was such a neat reminder to me on this day as we watched so many friends work together to help Ran and Xin with their wedding that we are a Body. And we do need each other. Not just to do "stuff" but to love one another, and to help one another as we endeavor to walk with God and point others to Him.
77.
Psalm 3 - A Shield of Grace - Very thought provoking. It was neat to see how God used my reading in Deuteronomy to prepare me to hear this message. So thankful for His sovereignty in my life!
78.
Dan just looked over my shoulder and said "boy, looks like you are behind." Yes, I am behind, but i am caught up now! I am so thankful for this past week. It has been a wonderful week. Perhaps trying in some ways, but only whem my gaze isn't fixed on Christ.
Looking forward to what God has for me to learn this week. He has been so faithful not to let me get content and to remind me that it is all about HIM. I read this verse this morning in Deut. 29:29
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law."
Our God is so great and the way He works is beyond our comprehension, yet He delights for us to know Him, and to seek after Him. I have a relationship with Him. Truly His ways are unsearchable! I do not deserve His grace, yet He has freely given it! So thankful for my salvation!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
66 & 67/365
66.
Pioneer Woman comes through again...Prune Cake and meatballs. Worth every calorie if I might say so myself! Moderation. Yes. Moderation is the key!
67.
The sun is shining beautifully outside this morning. It rained all day yesterday. I love the rain. It makes me sleepy. I am still sleepy today, but the sunshine helps wake me up!
Pioneer Woman comes through again...Prune Cake and meatballs. Worth every calorie if I might say so myself! Moderation. Yes. Moderation is the key!
67.
The sun is shining beautifully outside this morning. It rained all day yesterday. I love the rain. It makes me sleepy. I am still sleepy today, but the sunshine helps wake me up!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
65/365
Let me begin by saying that I do not have an obsession with the Pioneer Woman. I have just enjoyed her recipes!
Tonight I made her creamy mashed potatoes and blackberry cobbler. Delicious as usual! I have made the mashed potatoes a few times. You can make them ahead and then bake them the day you serve them. The way I found out about PW was from googling for a mashed potato recipe. I did not know anything about her. Shortly thereafter I learned about her cinnamon rolls, and the rest is history.
Tonight I made her creamy mashed potatoes and blackberry cobbler. Delicious as usual! I have made the mashed potatoes a few times. You can make them ahead and then bake them the day you serve them. The way I found out about PW was from googling for a mashed potato recipe. I did not know anything about her. Shortly thereafter I learned about her cinnamon rolls, and the rest is history.
Monday, March 7, 2011
62, 63, 64/365
On Sunday, our choir sang the text that is below. I have highlighted the portion that has been going through my mind this week. The thought that Christ, who knew no sin became sin for me has overwhelmed me. What a great Savior!
When love came down to earth
And made His home with men,
The hopeless found a hope,
The sinner found a friend.
Not to the powerful
But to the poor He came,
And humble, hungry hearts
Were satisfied again.
What joy, what peace has come to us!
What hope, what help, what love!
When every unclean thought,
And every sinful deed
Was scourged upon His back
And hammered through His feet.
The Innocent is cursed,
The guilty are released;
The punishment of God
On God has brought me peace.
Come lay your heavy load
Down at the Master’s feet;
Your shame will be removed,
Your joy will be complete.
Come crucify your pride,
And enter as a child;
For those who bow down low
He’ll lift up to His side.
Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Thankyou Music
When love came down to earth
And made His home with men,
The hopeless found a hope,
The sinner found a friend.
Not to the powerful
But to the poor He came,
And humble, hungry hearts
Were satisfied again.
What joy, what peace has come to us!
What hope, what help, what love!
When every unclean thought,
And every sinful deed
Was scourged upon His back
And hammered through His feet.
The Innocent is cursed,
The guilty are released;
The punishment of God
On God has brought me peace.
Come lay your heavy load
Down at the Master’s feet;
Your shame will be removed,
Your joy will be complete.
Come crucify your pride,
And enter as a child;
For those who bow down low
He’ll lift up to His side.
Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Thankyou Music
Friday, March 4, 2011
60 & 61/365
By nature, I am NOT a still person. I get it honestly, I do believe from both my Mother and my Grandmother. We do do do and go go go. But one verse the Lord impressed on my heart during my college years was Psalm 46:10. I struggle. I have to ask the Lord to help me be still. I have learned that He will put us in places to make us be still, as well. Those aren't always easy times, but they are the most beneficial, because He is my Shepherd, leading me beside "still waters" no matter how the world might view my circumstances!
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
Still my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow
God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone
Still my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows
Still my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise As stars appear when day is dimming
(Getty and Townend)
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
Still my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow
God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone
Still my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows
Still my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise As stars appear when day is dimming
(Getty and Townend)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
58, 59/365
58.
Tuesday afternoon is our Bible Club time. I am always grateful to see how God calms tired, wrestless children, especially during the teaching times. As I looked over the crowd yesterday, my heart is overwhelmed to think that one day each of them will stand before the Lord. How I pray that the seeds of the Gospel being planted will bring for fruit that remains.
59.
Wednesday. Benton is coming to play! The weather is beautiful. A trip to the park may just be in order!
Tuesday afternoon is our Bible Club time. I am always grateful to see how God calms tired, wrestless children, especially during the teaching times. As I looked over the crowd yesterday, my heart is overwhelmed to think that one day each of them will stand before the Lord. How I pray that the seeds of the Gospel being planted will bring for fruit that remains.
59.
Wednesday. Benton is coming to play! The weather is beautiful. A trip to the park may just be in order!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)