Pounding

Since moving to Bowling Green we have been amazed at the generosity of the people from Second Baptist Church. Last Sunday they had a pounding for us. If you’re not famaliar with it, church members bring “pounds” of things to fill a new staff member’s pantry. We got tons of stuff!!



I have at least a 6 month supply of pasta and sweets! Now if I can just get around to making them…haha. We were extremely blessed with everything we received. God has been so gracious to us and provided for us in so many ways over the past couple of months.

Bring the Rain

There's a song by Mercy Me that I have come to really love. It's called Bring the Rain.
The lyrics take me back to the book of James, chapter 1. In James we are urged to consider it "pure joy" when we are faced with trials of all kinds because it gives us perseverence.
The song states how no matter whether good is happening or bad is happening, it doesn't change who I am as a believer, who I am in Christ.
I know that everything we go through is for a reason; the primary reason being that God may get the glory regardless of the situation.
It wasn't until recently when I was able to help someone through the same things I went through that I realized, wow Lord. You really did know what you were doing. All the trials I'd encountered were experience for me to be there for that someone just when they needed it. Most of all, I believe those trials were to offer hope to the hopeless, drowning in their sorrow right now. I went through it, I made it through with the help of Christ. You can too.

Whatever you're going through Christ can use later on to help someone else. All you have to do is asked to be used and He is faithful.
Anyhow, just what's been on my mind lately. :)

Student Life Camp

Just got back from Student Life Camp with the youth last week in Toccoa, GA. We had an awesome time. It was amazing to see the work that God is doing in these student's lives. Of course I brought the camera along so here are just a few photos.

My girl Zoe's shoes.

Some fun painting the hallway of the boys and girls club screamin green...

Before and after of a house we painted for a 96year old woman. Brandon was way excited.

I found this fitting.

Defining Beauty

Flip through the most recent Cosmo magazine and you're likely to find pictures of skin bearing women, thin bodies, perfect breasts, and beautiful faces. They all have long slender legs and the look on their faces screams sex. Being a woman, it's hard not to compare yourself to these flawless images. We want to torture our bodies to look as thin as them. We cover our faces with thick makeup to hide what's underneath. We dress as though they define our beauty. What is true beauty? And what defines true beauty?

The Bible says, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised." (Proverbs 31:30)

True beauty is from within, and beauty comes from the Lord. So many times we try to please others, wanting their attention. The thing is, as much as I try, as much as I selfishly desire to be something I'm not, I'm always disappointed. I will never be that woman in that magazine. I'll never have long sexy legs or have guys showering me with affection. I wonder if those women in the media ever feel ugly. Every woman wants to feel beautiful, and every woman desires to be told she is beautiful. Some days you may not feel very beautiful whether it be the inside or the out. But there's someone who sees you for all your beauty.

"The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor Him for He is your Lord." (Psalm 24:11)

I'm reminded of a song by Barlow Girl called "Mirror":

Mirror, Mirror on the wall: have I got it?
'Cause Mirror, you've always told me who I am
I'm finding it's not easy to be perfect
So sorry, you won't define me
Sorry, you don't own me

Who are you to tell me
That I'm less than what I should be?
Who are you? Who are you?
Yeah, yeah
I don't need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won't try, no, I won't try

Mirror, I am seeing a new reflection
I'm looking into the eyes of He who made me
And to Him, I have beauty beyond compare
I know He defines me

Christ defines our beauty and we don't need makeup,
or trendy clothes, or the newest haircut for him to see
that. The King of all Creation delights in your beauty,
your true beauty! Isn't that worth more than tens and
thousands of men?

Be the City.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).

In July 2000, my small-town family and I vacationed to the big city of New York. This was my first experience in a large city, as well as the first time I saw what a beauty the city can be.

I am a true country girl. There's nothing more beautiful to me than a harvested corn field in the country while the sun is setting. It's so peaceful, quiet, and beautiful. However, there's something truly breathtaking about a big city at night.

We had the opportunity to go to the top of the Empire State Building at night. There we were, riding all the way to the 102nd floor in the elevator. I myself was only 14 and cared little about seeing monuments or historical things. That is, until the doors of the elevator opened. We made our way through the gift shop and out to the balcony. There it was — the city of New York. It was truly a beautiful sight. New York is a wonder in itself with its endless possibilities; however, at night is when she truly shines. I was completely captivated by everything about the city: the sight, the sound, the smell. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen. It was loud, it was vibrant, it was exciting! When my family was ready to go, I didn't want to leave.

Like myself riding in the elevator, not knowing what I was about to encounter, those who are lost may have little interest in what we claim to "live for" as Christ followers. Imagine how things would change if we were like the city, shining so bright that others were drawn to the beauty of God's love through us, they were left breathless, and they never wanted to leave His presence.

Growing up, many of us were taught to be a light in the darkness. Sunday School lessons have used the illustration of a flashlight in a dark room, or a candle lit. But I think it’s bigger than that. Angela Thomas challenges us in her Bible study to "Be the city." So in agreement with her, I challenge you and myself as well.

Be the city.