Passion

The Passion 2013 Tour is going on right now! Here you can watch the morning session streamed online! Go Check it out cause it will encourage and equip you! 

These are the sessions that are still online! 

JAN

02

9:00a // Community Groups 
10:45a // Main Session 
1:30p // Main Session 
7:30p // Main Session 
10:30p // Community Groups

JAN

03

9:00a // Community Groups 
10:45a // Main Session 
1:30p // Main Session 
7:30p // Main Session 
10:30p // Community Groups

JAN

04

9:00a // Community Groups 
10:45a // Main Session 
1:45p // Dismiss

Advocate

Our Advocate

1 John 2:1

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

We have such an awesome hope in Jesus because no matter what we do if we return to him He will take us back and love us like we never left. Just as we fight for others; elderly, unborn, disabled, etc...

When we let God fight for us we are essentially giving our problems to him and letting him take complete care of us. That is really all God asks of us. He wants to be our Advocate and trust in him to take care of us. 

Who do you advocate for? How do you fight for others? 

We all fight for something, make it worth while :)

Blessings!! 

Everlasting Father

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

So, to be honest it is really hard to comprehend that God is everlasting. We are finite people and it is so hard for us to understand and infinite God. 

David the Psalmist praised:

1 Chronicles 29:10
"David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, LORD, the God of our fatherIsrael, from everlasting to everlasting."

Jesus is the beginning, middle, and end of our whole existence. He is always with us and always for us. He is a father when we have no father. We are his children and he wants what is best for us even in a hard situation. God is always teaching and training us for His purposes. We have such and awesome God!! I pray today that He will help you understand his everlastingness. 

How have you seen the Everlasting Father show off in your life?

Blessings! 

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

Isaiah 9:6 "For un to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

What is a wonderful counselor, and why do we need him?

To me, a counselor is someone who is wise and whom you can trust to keep all of your secrets. This person must also be honest and give strait feed back on a situation or thought. Even the Psalmist David needed a counselor way out in the fields watching the sheep. 

Psalms 119:23-24

"Though rulers sit together and slander me, Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors."

Have you ever felt like that? That people are just sitting around talking about how annoying you are? Or that some people just don't like you? I sure have, this week in fact. My fiance and I have been battling the devil all week in a situation that should have never arisen. When one thing comes, ten others like to follow. We have been praying about it and consulting counselors and the only counselor that seemed to give us any comfort was one that didn't have to even say a word. Our WONDERFUL COUNSELOR Jesus Christ. He came to the world to be our counselor and direct us in the ways of righteousness. It is amazing to think that even the smallest amount of faith can comfort a person so much, in good and bad times. I don't know what I would do without the Almighty. Sometimes I feel as though God needs me but it is always the opposite. I need God. I need him everyday and in every way. God knows what he is doing and it is for our good. The Prophet Isaiah says it best: 

Isaiah 40:13 "Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor?"

Trust in Him, our Wonderful Counselor! 

Blessings,

P.S. Happy Finals Week! I hope they all go well and we all finish strong! 

The First Day of Advent!

Christmas is often a whirlwind of decorations, presents, and food! All of which I am totally okay with, but this season I am trying to devote myself to remembering the season for what it is. I grew up Pentecostal Holiness and never really celebrated Advent as apart of Christmas. My brothers and I always knew there was no such thing as fat man who came down our chimney to leave us presents under the tree, but we did believe and honor St. Nick of long ago. I was never scared or injured in anyway by not believing in Santa Clause. I simply had a respect for the man he was. We also got to play along just like everyone else that some presents were from “Santa.” 

I would like to take a moment and share what Advent is really and why I would like to celebrate it more during the Christmas season. The word Advent means simply coming, or arrive. So the season of advent is all about celebrating the coming of our savior 2000 years ago and waiting for His soon coming return. As a Christian it is so exciting to wait for the return of the Almighty! I think it is extremely important to teach children about the celebration of the advent season. I am gathering all sorts of cute ideas for one day when I have children to teach it to! 

Everyday this month I intend to post something knew about the advent season in hopes of helping you find the peace and joy in the real reason for the season. I am doing this for myself as well, in means of teaching myself to step back and really celebrate the Saviors return and not worry about money or school. I need to be reminded of the real reason for the season everyday and especially this month of December. I pray this month that you may be encouraged by my blog and be in awe of the Christ Jesus. 

Isaiah 9:6 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Musical Friday : Us and Our Daughters

This couple has been my listening obsession since fall has decided to storm in. Their music is perfect for a nice calm day at home, drinking tea, and reading a romantic book. They also join me for many road trips! :) This couples story about the album is quite amazing! I promise, once you hear the whole album you will be in love yourself! 

Check them out!

Blessings!

MOVEMBER

Thats right I am sure you have heard of "No Shave November" but now the growth of fall facial hair is at it's peak! Movember is a organization to help raise money for men's health awareness. During the month of November, Movember participants are shaving all but their manly mustache's! 

 Since I can't really grow a mustache I am making these crocheted mustache's for the cause! 

The pattern I used for them is here by a lovely Mo sista! 

To help with Movember go to there website here and sign up to help raise awareness for men's health! 

Men Get Your Heath On!!!! 

A Blissful Fall Weekend

Tony and I got to spend another weekend together! He drove to school for the David Crowder Band concert on Thursday and then stayed till Sunday!  It was so wonderful to have him near by and not 5 hours away! The David Crowder Band is on their last tour together so it was a wonderful treat to be at the concert.

  

Sadly there was still work to be done so while he was here we studied at the Library like old times! 

My man can make me smile no matter what!!!!

This was our view on the way to church Sunday morning! I love fall!

 

Then after church we caught up on some Saturday night live! 

 

French press from Starbucks! 

 

I think our lives are centered around coffee! 

Well that was my weekend! How was yours?

Lonely One

When I think of the word “lonely” I think of not having anyone around, a state of quietness, or deserted. So, what happens if that is not how life is and there are people around who love and care for you, yet the feeling of loneliness remains inside? What is there to do about this deep feeling of being alone? 

For the past few weeks, since I have been at school, I have felt like this so much! I believe that my homesickness and frustration in being at school has increased much more this year than my first year here at school, when I was new and had no one I knew. At school I am five hours away from my home and family, so there is no just dropping everything and running home. I have to wait it out for certain weekends, or plan much in advance to get to my family and loved ones.

Well, I looked up the meaning for the word lonely and I was given generic descriptions such as: (without companions, solitary) and for a place (unfrequented and remote). I found the definitions of this word to be bare and hopeless. So as I turn to the bible to look up some encouragement apart from the desolate word, I discovered that David, the writer of Psalms felt just as I do right now. Psalms 25:16 says, “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” I read those words and prayed an imitative prayer to God, but I think to myself, “how did David, a man after God’s own heart, get to a place of loneliness and torment?” I scrolled up to the beginning of chapter 25 and read verses 1 and 2 which say, “In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.” How can this be the same chapter that I am reading? In verse 1 David is putting his trust in God and believing in the Lord to not let anything harm him. Reading down David asks God to show him the ways of the Lord, to guide him, and to teach him, while all of David’s hope is in God. 

As I try and imagine how David can be so lonely, as shown in vv.16, when he is so close to God; I find a footnote in my NIV study Bible, which says that David was the target of his enemy’s words. In a sense, David was mostly dealing with spiritual warfare to not let his spirit take in all the nastiness that was being said to him. 

I find it so encouraging that David has gone through this situation, because in our world today there are so many “bullies” that come against us. Satan tries to tell us “you are all alone” or “you are worthless”, but through this cry of David we continue down to see that in verses 19-21 David says to God, “See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May my integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.” David is completely trusting in God! David knows that God is holding him through the hard times no matter what, because David does not let anything askew his faith, trust, and hope in God! 

As I feel hopeless and lonely in my dorm room praying the same prayer as David did; I am encouraged to know that I am not alone! God is with me, and I know that He is holding on to me because I remain faithful to Him. Loneliness is not supposed to be a lesson of selfishness, but a lesson of giving. Give yourself to God today and let Him use you in this trial season of your life. Choose not to let your heart be troubled but to speak in faith as David has shown us how to do. 

A few more encouragement verses to look up are:

• Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
• 1 Corinthians 3:16 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in your midst?”
• Psalms 119:116 “Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.” 
• Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
• 2 Thessalonians 2:16 “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,”
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

EC Fitness Chalenge 5K

Today is day 3 of my official EC Fitness Chalenge 5K training! I am entering a race on November 12th! This will be my first ever 5K experience and I have just 8 short weeks to train! I am super excited to accomplish this goal! I has several friends a loved ones who are pushing and encouraging me! 

So, Since this is day 3, let me tell you what my previous two days were like.

Monday the 12th I Ran/Walked for 30 minutes ( 2 miles).

Tuesday the 13th I did circuit training with a group in our Student Activity Center. This training is provided for the EC Fitness Chalenge coordinators. As well as Run/walked about 40minutes (about 2 miles *outside*) I am soo sore from the group training and the run! My muscles are YELLING at me! 

Today will be a 30 min Run/walk with more running than walking I assure you. I will probably run on the treadmill. I find that I can run much longer on a treadmill than outside, I am not quite sure why but I hope to be just as good out side in the near future! 

In the mean time I live in the practice rooms playing music all the time, and studying! I am so relieved this semester seems to be going by quickly! Life is so difficult when not around the one’s I love! 

Small Achievements that Make Me Smile!

I am so excited because I weighed my self last night on 3 separate scales (2 at my house and 1 at a friends) and they all said that I weighed 170.0 lb.!!! This excites me to no end!! I am so thrilled and I know it is a small step because last time I went to the doctor I was 174. lb. so that means I am down about 4 pounds!! But that is a step in the right direction! My realistic goal weight is about 160 right now but my overall goal weight is 150. Since I am about 5'3" in height I think both are a good manageable goals to reach! I have always and will always be a curvy girl but my entire goal is to be healthier than I am now. I would also like to be able to run a 5k which is 3.1 miles. Growing up with asthma made the idea of running unimaginable, but I have been able to learn how to control my asthma to the point that now I can run about a mile and a half pretty well! I am hoping to be in a 5k race by next summer!

Recent Picture

This was the only full body picture I could find!

I am so excited for the things God is teaching me and equipping me to do. Being a college student is hard on our bodies and our spiritual lives! I hope to overcome both obstacles this coming school year, and have a social life. Well, its time to start packing again!

Does anyone have any tips for packing? I would love some advice and new tips and tools to get this moving process over with!

Proverbs 15:30 (NIV)

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

Violin Camp

So today all of the campers came for institute! The campus is hopping tonight! Honestly, my best and worst memories were made at Suzuki Institute and I wouldn’t trade any of them! I have made life long friendships, life long mentors, and i have learned more lessons about who I am opposed to how well I play! No matter where I am I know I have a connection with everyone here. Music makes a person connect unlike anything else! Suzuki is unlike any other music curriculum I have seen. They call it an “approach to learning” so there is always room for self expression or experimental elements. What I love about Suzuki is that the parents involvement is so crucial to how well a student improves. So a lot of the teaching is taught to the parent who in turn helps the child to understand. The parents are a key role in their children’s musical education. Dr. Suzuki thought of learning music like a language. It is easer and faster to learn a language if a person is immersed through a constant environment. So the thinking is to immerse the student in music to help the learning process.

“The destiny of a child is in his parents hands”- Dr. Suzuki

To me I love that my mom was so involved and I think it is just what parents need to give their children the one on one attention they want. Suzuki is a great music curriculum!!

Brain Storming New Ideas

With the rise of behavioral disorders in children and the amount of problems within the educational world, it has come to my attention that as a future educator I will deal with these issues. So many children are way to highly medicated and under disciplined. I was at our church camp and noticed that over half of our campers in the grades of 4 and 5 were on at least two daily medications. And most of the medications were to treat a behavioral issue, such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, etc.. Now I do realize that for many kids these types of medical issues are very real and require some form of treatment. I myself am on ADHD medication to help me finish college. So I totally understand this treatment as a valid solution. But, is there anything more we can do? Are there other options beyond the traditional world of medicine? Is there a way to give a child an outlet for bad behavior or good behavior? I have been a Sizuki Violin student and teacher. I believe that there is so many benefits to children learning an instrument! I believe learning to play an instrument can help with all sorts of behavioral issues! I also believe that learning an instrument can help with learning disabilities! So I am wondering if anyone has some questions, comments, or input about me blogging about music incorporated in ADHD therapy and treatment? I feel like this could be a new stomping ground for some to understand. So if anyone is interested in reading about this topic please let me know! I am interested in seeing any kind of response! Or if anyone doesn’t like the idea let me know that as well! I am trying to understand and research all this out too. Thanks for your input!