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].

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 :)

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."

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."

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!