Colossians 3:3

"For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God."

about snowboarding

Here's a couple of things I learned yesterday...
terrain park Rule #11. Inverted arials are not recommended. (really?)
I am an unmarked obstacle.

so...

So, I noticed that all my posts begin with so. weird

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Deuteronomy 10:12-22

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the LORD's commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good. The highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD your God. Yet the LORD chose your ancestors as the objects of his love. And he chose you, their descendants, above every other nation, as is evident today. Therefore, cleanse your sinful hearts and stop being stubborn."The LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes. He gives justice to orphans and widows. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. You, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must fear the LORD your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. He is your God, the one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done mighty miracles that you yourselves have seen. When your ancestors went down into Egypt, there were only seventy of them. But now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky!"

the disaster zone

I thought I might put up these pics as evidence of my cooking catastrophe. The yellow stuff got everywhere. I washed so many dishes and have been noticing more that should be cleaned. Now, I just wipe down the table or wash my cups before using anything. It's weird to think that in just a few hours the place looked normal again. A dirty sink always bugs me and seeing it this bad shows what we had to work with. I broke that vase in the corner of the picture and ended up cutting my knee on a sliver of glass when I was cleaning under the oven. The burn on the stove probably took the longest to clean, but I was willing to work extra hard so we wouldn't be charged for damages. And I like the last one since you can see all the footprints.

little bit of a crisis

So here's the story... I just got back from a run and wanted to start dinner before I showered. I put veggie oil in a pan on the stove and was ready to add the meat for beef stroganoff. Then it BURST INTO FLAMES. What the heck? It was so freaky. At least two of my roomies were here and helped handle the situation. It would be so funny to hear our conversation now because we really controlled the entire ordeal in an orderly fashion. The scary part was the fire alarm, all the smoke, talking with the csd and policeman. After the place was such a mess because the fire extinguisher coats everything with powder. I think I cleaned for four straight hours. And of course having to tell my parents was hard. They even started in on the whole "you should have done this" or "that's not the way you are supposed to do it." Well, there were no injuries or damages. Thank God. Now I just have to get all the adrenaline out of my system so I can actually sleep soundly tonight.

15 differences between guys and girls

Found this on boundless.org and they're pretty funny and true. The last one has got to be my favorite.
1. Even though a guy has 50% more brute strength than a girl, she is able to withstand higher temperatures than he can.
2. A girl has a larger stomach, kidneys, liver, and appendix than a guy, but she has smaller lungs, thus giving her less breathing capacity than a guy.
3. The right hemisphere of guys’ brains are better developed, therefore they are more visual, mathematic, exploring, more sex oriented, and commit most violent crime. Girls, though, have the left hemisphere more developed and are therefore more verbal, communicative, sensitive, and more prone to phobias and depression.
4. Guys use restrooms solely for biological reasons — to drain their bladder. Girls, on the other hand, use restrooms as social lounges. Guys will never speak a word or make eye contact with others they don’t know there. But girls who’ve never even met will, by the time they’re finished, leave laughing out loud together like old friends.
5. When the restaurant check comes, each of the guys will throw big bills out on the table to supposedly pay for the tab. When the check comes for the girls, each will get out her calculator to verify the total and figure her down-to-the-penny part.
6. All week, a girl will thoughtfully make an extensive list of things to purchase at the store and when she arrives, she walks directly from item to item, comparing prices and coupons. When the frig is empty and starting to grow things, a guy will just show up at the closest store and start cruising up and down every aisle, throwing in his basket anything that looks appealing. Even though his cart is jam-packed, he will try to butt in the 10 items-or-less checkout line.
7. A guy has five items in his bathroom — a razor, shaving cream, a bar of soap, a toothbrush, and towel from Holiday Inn. The average number of items in a typical girl’s bathroom is reported to be as high as 437, the majority of which a guy couldn’t even tell what they are or used for.
8. When a girl says she will be ready in five minutes, she’s using the same meaning of time as when a guy says the football game has just five minutes left to play. Neither the guy nor the girl is counting time-outs, commercials, or replays!
9. A girl believes that visitors will be impressed by a clean house. A guy believes the visitors will be impressed by his large stereo.
10. Guys don’t decorate their handwriting, they just chicken-scratch. Girls will pull out their scented, color coordinated stationary and use ridiculously large circles, hearts, and loops to finish off their “i’s”, “p’s”, and “g’s.” It is a real hassle to read a letter from a girl. Even when she is dumping a guy, she’ll finish it off with a smiley face at the end!
11. If a girl is out driving and she finds herself in unfamiliar surroundings, she will stop at a gas station and ask for directions. Guys, of course, consider this to be a sign of weakness. A guy will never stop and ask for directions. They will drive in a circle for hours, all the while saying things like, "Looks like I've found a new way to get there," and, "I know I'm in the neighborhood. I recognize that Ace hardware store."
12. With the exception of female bodybuilders who call each other names like "Ultimate Pecs" and "Big Turk," women disdain the use of nicknames. If Amber, Suzanne, Katherine, and Natalie get together for lunch, they will call each other Amber, Suzanne, Katherine, and Natalie. But if Mike, Dave, Rob, and Aron go out on the town, they will affectionately refer to each other as Bullet-Head, Godzilla, Peanut-Brain, and Yard-Dart.
13. A girl worries about the future until she gets a husband, while a guy never worries about the future until he gets a wife.
14. A girl marries a guy expecting him to change, but he usually doesn’t. A guy marries a girl thinking she will always be the same — and, of course, she isn’t.
15. Girls love cats. Guys say they love cats, but when girls aren’t looking, they kick cats.

legacy by nicole nordeman

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

And I enjoy an accolade like the rest

You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery

Of all the who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best

At such 'n such...it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights

We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"

But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides

the temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love?

Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?

I want to leave an offering

A child of mercy and grace who blessed

Your name unapologetically

And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile

To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy

It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile

Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred

Just want to hear instead, "Well done" good and faithful one

Romans 5:19

Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God's sight.

better is one day

How lovely is

Your dwelling place

Oh Lord Almighty,

For my soul longs

And even faints

For You

For here my heart

Is satisfied

Within Your presence

I sing beneath

The shadow ofYour wings

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

One thing I ask,

And I would seek,

To see Your beauty

To find You in

The place Your glory dwells

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

My heart and flesh cry out

For You, the Living God

Your Spirit's water to my soul

I've tasted, and I've seen

Come once again to me

I will draw near to You

Better is one day

Better is one day

Better is one day

Than thousands elsewhere

Better is one day in Your courts

Better is one day in Your house

Better is one day in Your courts

Than thousands elsewhere

the weekend

So, the last couple of days have been crazy. Saturday night was the Relient K concert, which was totally awesome. When we got there and waited in line forever, I hadn't realized they were checking student ID cards with the admission tickets, but one of the people let me in anyways. I was so jazzed about that since I didn't have to walk all the way back to our apartment and wait in line all over again, and because I recognized her when she was on stage particpating during a Smile and Nod show. The concert was so packed with little kids too. House of Heroes was one of the openers that I really liked. The lead singer had nice hair- even while he was rockin out it went back to the same place all smooth. (I wish my hair could do that.) Relient K was really fun to watch and listen to. The lead singer acted just the way I had always pictured in my mind. They even played the theme song to Full House which was random but awesome! We didn't stay for MxPx but went to Denny's for milkshakes and played Cranium with our neighbors until really late. Before we started the game, one of the guys plays the bagpipes, so he went out by the staircase/courtyard area and played a couple of songs. It was so great, and everyone was cheering. Well, except for one jerk, but besides that they loved it.
Sunday was our little pre-Thanksgiving. I spent most of the afternoon making funfetti cupcakes for two birthdays and snacks for small group tonight. The oven was going all day, and the turkey was roasted next door, and some pies went upstairs to another friend's apartment. So, that means we used three ovens yesterday. Dinner went way better than I expected. We had 18 people in our apartment and plenty of food. I was so tired once I had finished eating and sat down. After cupcakes, cleaning, onion-roasted potatoes, and a quick run, I needed time to catch my breath. Clean-up was pretty easy, but by then I had to finished my physics assignment that was due this afternoon. wow, it was a night.
And today, my bio class was cancelled because of the short week, I got a high B on my physics midterm, and I'm going over to my Bible study leader's place for dinner (enchiladas!). Plus, this time tomorrow I will be going home!

how true is that?

"We tend to rely on our own energy, instead of being energized by the power that comes from identification with Jesus." - Oswald Chambers

drastic measures

The first eight weeks of school I was lazy and did not participate in any physical activity besides walking or moving boxes at work. Since last Saturday, I have gone running in Poly canyon four times. In a week no less! Well, that's what stress will do to you.

i look upon your hill by seven places

I look upon Your hill

Your broken body hanging still

Your blood drips down

Your face and brow

You brought me life through death

No greater Love than this

Surely He's borne our grief

Carried our sorrow

Though we've gone astray

It's by His stripes and wounds

We were healed

On that glorious day.

Oh Lord, You've worn the crown

I've placed uponYour head

Oh Lord, I've pierced Your hands

Yet Your blood declares my innocence

success is not forever, failure is not fatal???

So, this quote was on the top of our quiz today in engr 213. Profs just trying to be funny, but I beg to differ. I really disagree with this quote the more that I think about it. "Success is not forever" is quite true at least in the sense of earthly possessions and achievements. God's success will remain eternal. The part that really disturbs me especially in an engineering class where we are supposed to grasp the idea that our decisions can mean life or death for people who cross a bridge or live in a high-rise. I mean look at Apollo 13... the catch phrase for the movie was "failure is not an option." And if we are thinking in terms of NASA, the Challenger and Columbia space shuttles were fatal flights because of a failure. Anyways, I wanted to share my disappointment in the (attempted) humor.

Isaiah 54:7-8

"For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will take you back. In a moment of anger I turned my face away for a little while. But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you," says the LORD, your Redeemer.

Habakkuk 3:2

I have heard all about you, LORD, and I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. And in your anger, remember your mercy.

yesterday...

Monday was filled with lots of wandering thoughts that I wanted to get cleared up. It started off at work. I hole-punched and stitched over 600 California Agriculture Teacher's Directories. So, I was warned about the book stitcher being a huge staple gun with no safeties. I was being careful with the machinery (which doesn't scare me too much since I worked in a machine shop over the summer where I cut my finger to the bone with a drill bit, ouch, but I am still afraid of stitching my finger to a booklet) when I opened the next box and stabbed my thumb with a box cutter. I was mad at myself for being so clumsy even though it is practically healed now.
Class was pretty insignificant besides the fact I got an A on my bio quiz! At small group last night, we finally had a discussion about guys. It has taken us a few weeks of getting to know one another, but I could see this topic coming up. Everyone seemed to agree on the fact that they want to get married and raise a family. Of course, for now, they are all concentrating on an education and career to provide for themselves until that happens. On the other hand, there's me, who isn't even sure if she wants to settle down. I've always pictured myself living in a big city apartment working full time in an awesome position that challenges me daily. The only company I plan on having is a cat or two maybe a dog. Well, it must be for the best that I am not seeing a family in my version of the plan since it is actually God's divine plan, and He will place the right desires in my heart at the most appropriate time.

get your laughs

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/faintinggoats.html
So, these goats just stiffen their legs and look hilarious when they fall over. And the puppy is adorable.
http://www.funnyclipcentral.com/content/sleepypuppy.php

breathtaking

Right when I felt there was nothing important going on, God blesses us with the vibrant colors of the sky packaged in something as simple as a sunset.

cakes?

Why are they called rice cakes? There is nothing cakey about them. I mean they are practically the opposite of cake yumminess. Don't get me wrong I am addicted to the salty kind, but the name doesn't make any sense to me. They look more like patties or, even better, slices.

i don't understand sometimes

Why must girls be so moody!?!

when graphic artists get bored

here are some of my favs...

ramblings

So, all of the sudden it seems like I have too much on my mind. I mean, besides school of course which by the way is looking less daunting. I'm not sure if that is due to over-confidence or disillusionment. Its just that my thoughts seem to be swirling all over the place. I just found out a friend is dropping out and moving back home. Now it is just a matter of when the school says to move out. I'm struggling with the fact that I don't know what to think. I saw this coming about a year ago. But it is definitely not the time to say, "See I told you so." I feel really bad since I (well this includes every person but it just convicts me so hard right now) am supposed to have this godly impact on people around me. I am not understanding the better promise and hope in this situation that God could have in store. Note to self, remember:

And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.

-Philippians 1:6

Then there is the fact that I have been making some more new friends. This is a good thing in and of itself. But I'm not sure about some of my feelings when I want to tell this one new friend about something important (see above) rather than a close, older friend. I am usually a rational person, and this doesn't make any sense! So I had all these things laying heavy on me during Bible study. We kinda closed with the fact that we don't take the time to,

"Be silent, and know that I am God! "

-Psalm 46:10a

I decided on my walk back home to sit and have devotionals under the stars outside (since it has been stormy there weren't any stars). I guess I was expecting something super profound or encouraging. I finally got back after my toes were frozen and realized that I hadn't waited for God to speak, which is what I was really after. Oh, how easily distracted I am. So, I just got back from a little walk that has at least calmed the anxiousness of my heart and soul and instead has replaced the stress with the love and comfort only found in my Heavenly Father. Saying that sounds so easy and simple but was my answer all along for every one of these worries I have blabbed about. Thank goodness for the patience of God.

round 2

Quarters are wonderful. As in the school system, although the coins are awesome too. But it is my second batch of midterms, and this week is looking pretty hairy. My bio 213 quiz went ok this afternoon. The frustrating part was I knew two out of three or three out of four characteristics. And it seemed like they were every question. Tomorrow morning, well I guess its today now, is mate 210. It wouldn't be so bad if I had bothered to read or do practice problems. Since I am a procrastinator, it is cramming time. Then phys 141 homework and quiz plus a math 241 exam. Wow, I am not sleeping much this week. At least Friday is a holiday!

camping in our apartment

So last night my roommates and I came up with the idea of having a slumber/sleepover party. Obviously we pitched a tent and pulled out our sleeping bags. We even had smores! microwave style-no fires indoors rule still applies. Our neighbors said we wouldn't make it all night on the ground, but it wasn't that bad except it gets bright really early since all we have is that thin drape. I did have a scary dream about huge spiders though.

already?

The Kings are 0-2. What is happening? I mean I barely recoginze the players anymore since they have been trading like crazy.

undoing self-sufficiency

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
-Jim Elliot

Matthew 17:20

"...even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed... Nothing would be impossible."

a lesson from the cows

I went home over this weekend, and on the drive back I noticed something unusual/funny. I was just cruising along 46, and out in the field there was this long line of cows just single-file following one another. It seems strange that just one cow walking home to the barn got every other cow follow her in. And I know its a weird parallel, but it got me thinking about how many people would follow my actions. (not that they would fall into line right behind me) but the influence I have on others seems like a powerful thing.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Whatever we do, it is because Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for everyone, we also believe that we have all died to the old life we used to live. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live to please themselves. Instead, they will live to please Christ, who died and was raised for them.

i am so worthless

Last Sunday at Calvary SLO, we learned about Paul's journeys in Acts 14. Afterward, I had made the comment to one of my roommates how easy it was to see that Paul was hand selected by God for a very specific but great purpose. He was a Roman citizen which came in handy; he was born Jewish so he could identify and speak to the people; and Paul was a Pharisee which allowed him to walk into any synagogue and start teaching to a group of people. When I hear all that I wonder why I am not equipped in every fashion like Paul. Then the light bulb kinda clicked. This is where the whole submission deal begins where I have no gifts and abilities that can actually further God's kingdom. But it also begins the part of God giving me a purpose and mission to add and strength my character and eventually spread to my skills. Its such a great encouragement to be reminded of God's eternal promises. That they never fail and it doesn't have a thing to do with me!

so, the other day...

I was just walking to physics class not really thinking about anything in particular, and it just hit me. I really like being an engineer. Or eventually becoming one. It makes me really excited to think about engineering, that I am at a great college, learning all kinds of stuff, meeting really interesting people all on my way to having a cool job one day. (Well, maybe except for the stress and not sleeping much part of the deal.)

2 Corinthians 5:17

What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!

fall retreat

So, I finally found a block of time where I could just sit and share what I have learned this last weekend. This was my first time at Campus Crusade's Fall Retreat, and I did my best to go in without any expectations. Wow, everything about it totally exceeded any pre-conceived ideas. So I was going to organize my notes and just have them for the record. I mean it sounds like a good idea to have all this in a place that is easy to find and hard to lose.
Anyways, our speaker was this awesome guy who always cracks me up, but he got down to business and just shared straight from the heart of God.
Friday night:
I got there late and didn't have anything to write on. I had a pen but no paper, and I was actually thinking about tearing out those weird pages from the back of my checkbook. He spoke about Three Things We Need To Know from Ephesians 1:15-23

"Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people. I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence."

There was also this amazing video he showed that just gave me the goosebumps all over. Check it out:

http://www.verticalsky.com/thatsmyking.asp

Saturday morning:

Six Things We Need To Be from Titus 2:11-3:8

"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God, while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right. You must teach these things and encourage your people to do them, correcting them when necessary. You have the authority to do this, so don't let anyone ignore you or disregard what you say. Remind your people to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not speak evil of anyone, and they must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us.But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did. He declared us not guilty because of his great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life. These things I have told you are all true. I want you to insist on them so that everyone who trusts in God will be careful to do good deeds all the time. These things are good and beneficial for everyone."

1. Subject to rulers and authorities

• Romans 13:1- "Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. "

2. Obedience

• We usually have a negative reaction to obedience because of our pride.
• 1 John 5:1-4- "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. We know we love God's children if we love God and obey his commandments. Loving God means keeping his commandments, and really, that isn't difficult. For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. "
• God does not give us burdensome commands. Why can't we follow ten simple rules?
• Obedience is showing our love.

3. Ready to do whatever is good

• Titus 2:7- "And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. "
• Titus 2:14- "He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right."
• Titus 3:1- "Remind your people to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good."
• Titus 3:8- "These things I have told you are all true. I want you to insist on them so that everyone who trusts in God will be careful to do good deeds all the time. These things are good and beneficial for everyone. "

4. Slander no one

• Romans 8:31b- "If God is for us, who can ever be against us?"
• James 3:1-12- "Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness. We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals and birds and reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Can you pick olives from a fig tree or figs from a grapevine? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty pool."
• Galatians 5:13-15- "If you are wise and understand God's ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don't brag about being wise. That is the worst kind of lie. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil."
• malign-words that cause a negative influence (*cause an influence* seems to be the key here because gossip and slander are so easily recognizable as harmful, but instead any comment that creates negativity counts toward malign)

5. Be peaceful and considerate

• 2 Timothy 2:22- "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts."
• James 3:17- "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. "
• What is our motivation for debating? (correcting in truth? or arguing our rightness?)
• be thoughtful of the rights and feelings of others

6. Have true humility before all men

• Philippians 2:2-8- "Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross."
• (humility is a funny thing. Once you think to yourself, I'm being humble, the heart has actually transitioned from humility back to pride-in being humble of all things)

I'm thinking that the rest of my notes will get posted later because 1) I am tired 2)there is quite a bit more and 3) it still speaks to my heart even after the fact and three days worth is alot to handle at once.

its practically a miracle

So, in math 241 we got our exams back. I got a 68%, but it was curved to the B+/A- range. How awesome is that!?

marvelous light

I once was fatherless,

a stranger with no hope;

Your kindness wakened me,

Awakened me, from my sleep

Your love it beckons deeply,

a call to come and die.

By grace now I will come

And take this life, take your life.

Sin has lost it's power,

death has lost it's sting.

From the grave you've risen

VICTORIOUSLY!

Into marvelous light I'm running,

Out of darkness, out of shame.

By the cross you are the truth,

You are the life, you are the way

My dead heart now is beating,

My deepest stains now clean.

Your breath fills up my lungs.

Now I'm free. now I'm free!

Lift my hands and spin around,

See the light that i have found.

Oh the marvelous light

Marvelous light

Lift my hands and spin

See the light within...

-by Charlie Hall

sunsets

sunset from apartment

"The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is silent in the skies; yet their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world."

-Psalm 19:1-4

profoundness

"We are finite and cannot understand an Infinite Being."
-my Bible study leader

strange signs

Adam and Eve

"So the Lord God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. He took one of Adam's ribs and closed up the place from which he had taken it. Then the Lord God made woman from the rib." -Genesis 2:21&22

This quote from Matthew Henry's commentary on Genesis beautifully sums up the relationship between Adam and his "suitable companion." "Eve was not taken out of Adam's head to top him, neither out of his feet to be trampled by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be loved by him." -Henry

2 Corinthians 5:21

"He(God) made Him(Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

your annual checkup

made for the ordinary

Again, Oswald Chambers has just been teaching me so much through simple daily readings. This one is about how Christians, or anyone for that matter, cannot live on a spiritual high. We long for that mountaintop experience. We feel comforted and supported by fellow believers and the Holy Spirit. But therein lies the problem-we start to feel comfortable where we stop learning and being tested by everyday life.

"We are not made for the mountains, for sunrises, or for the other beautiful attractions in life-those are simply intended to be moments of inspiration. We are made for the valley and the ordinary things in life, and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength."

-Chambers

grapes

I've been absorbing so much the last few nights from my devotions. I'm reading My Utmost for His Highest by Chambers. Yesterday's reading was about the call God has placed in each individual's life. This one passage struck me so hard, about how He uses people and my lack of patience to show me His calling. Chambers says, "He uses someone we dislike, or some set of circumstances to which we said we would never submit, to crush us, then we object. ...If we are ever going to be made into wine, we will have to be crushed-you cannot drink grapes. Grapes become wine only when they have been squeezed."

the working world

So, I started my first day of work at Mustang Graphics “counting out” Cal Poly magazines and strapping them for delivery all over campus. It has left me exhausted. But tonight, Campus Crusade really challenged me by asking, “Are you passionately pursuing and wholeheartedly following Christ?” So many times I want the answer to be an unwavering yes but the fact of the matter is I rarely do. It is so easy to put up this façade that my life is all dandy, but the reality is I mess up so much that it seems grace cannot cover the distance. But thankfully it does and encourages me to try again.

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers- Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew- fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen. Jesus called out to them, “Come be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and went with him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, mending their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.

Matthew 4:18-22

the beginning

I am starting this as a place to organize the significant and insignificant happenings in my life that either draw me closer to or pull me away from my Heavenly Father. A place for quotes, verses, thoughts, and random stories. So to begin this as a blessing, I want to share a verse that speaks to me as a special gift from God.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39