Back Home from DG

We have arrived back home from an active and encouraging conference weekend. Although both Mom and I are pretty exhausted, we are thankful for the opportunity to worship and learn with 3,000 other believers. Our hearts are full.

I cannot wait to expound more on what the Lord is in the process of teaching me from the sessions and speakers; hope you are up to hearing them! I can't wait to process through my notes and implant what truths God has for me - and write to secure what I'm learning.

While at the conference I met a few fellow bloggers, Olivia, and Abraham and Molly Piper (and little Morrow!), and Carolyn McCulley, which was uniquely exciting. They were all incredibly nice and remain true to their perception found on their blogs. It is rather exciting to meet people face to face whom you would only otherwise only meet in blogosphere. God is so good.

I also met John Piper. (Yeah, I know!) That was an amazing experience. For so long I have enjoyed his books and writings, and to finally meet him face to face was incredible. He signed the inside cover of my Bible and we got to talk for a short while. For such a powerful and passionate speaker, in conversation he is sincerely gentle and interested in everyone. Even after preaching intensely for over an hour he was constantly smiling and never rushed any of us along. I am so thankful to Lord allowed me to meet him.

Well, I have many insights swirling around in my head that will hopefully rest on paper soon. Again, I thank you for all your prayers and kindness with your comments. I have missed you all! But I am back with many words in my heart, and instruction on how to properly and biblically let them out.

God has spoken. God is speaking.

The Desiring God conference opened with the thunderous anthem of singing, "God has spoken..." For me it was a settling call to listen with an open, Spirit-prepared heart to the Word of God especially for me this weekend. As I sang, I realized with new clarity that God has spoken, and He gave me ears to hear. And I am overwhelmingly thankful.

My thoughts carried me deeper. Imagine for a moment if God would have sat in silence before a formless and void earth, resolving to never utter the words, "Let there be light." Our world, our lives, would be nothing. No singing would fill this hall with praise. No speakers would minister to our souls with words of conviction and truth. Words powerfully shape our worlds, our souls, our vitality, our hope, and our futures.

Which brings me to the special encouragement the Lord brought to me as I continued to sing (and meditate). God is still speaking. We open the treasure of the Word and His breath is as fresh today in our souls as it was the day it was penned with the quill. He not only spoke long ago, but inside our beings He continues to speak holy words personally through something we call the Word.

God is not silent. He is still speaking. I want to be quick to listen.

Desiring God is amazing...

This is going to be a rather quick update, but I wanted to let you know that I am loving this conference! All of the sessions have been a conviction and blessing, giving me lots to think on for the flight home. My heart and head are full of truth and I am processing it all into practical application, which will probably take the rest of my life considering the vast and important subject we are studying.

We are about to go and hear Paul Tripp, which I am looking forward to. And John Piper is scheduled for tomorrow. All in all, I am having a blast and being richly blessed. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. You'll be hearing from me soon!

Here I Go...

Today my Mom and I are getting on a plane and heading to Minnesota for the Desiring God Conference! I am sure you can imagine my excitement... to see John Piper (and others) preaching right before my eyes. It should be an event I will remember the rest of my life. Ah, I can't wait...

I will try to update while I am there, although I don't know how well my internet service will be. Please pray for Mom and my safety, and for the Lord to prepare us for the work He will do in our hearts. I am truly looking forward to the lessons to be learned and understood. (and spending some special alone time with Mom) :)

Hope to bring you an update soon!

Follow your heart. Really?

We have all heard it before. The greatest advice the world (and sadly, sometimes even Christians) can offer us, especially young people, is “Follow your heart…”

But is that really good advice? Does the Bible give this instruction?

Jesus said in His sermon on the Mount, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21) The logical question every Christian must ask would be: is it possible for your heart to value (treasure) something that is wrong or harmful - something that isn’t biblical or solely Christ Himself?

Umm, yes. It is a struggle all fallen humans face, to value Jesus as our infinite Treasure at all times. We treasure many other things like friends, cars, music, education, video games, money, and/or fame more than Christ. I am guilty of it, sadly. That is why this “follow your heart” advice has the potential to be very dangerous. Our hearts can at many times be in the wrong place, like focusing on ourselves instead of Christ, or enticed by worldly things instead of treasures in heaven.

We should follow Christ above our hearts.

Our hearts can lie to us. They are deceitful, as Jeremiah tells us. “The heart is more deceitful than all else… who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9)
So who can understand the heart? God can. “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the result of his deeds.” (Jer. 17:10)

When we can't trust our own hearts, we can come and rely on God to test the motives and conditions of our hearts, and reveal what is truly there. 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try my and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there my any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”
Psalms 139:23-24

Tea and Books: September

Well the month has almost passed me by and books are being finished. Early in the month I didn't make a lot of time to read, but I have refocused and hope to finish at least a few books before this month is gone. Despite my tardy reading habits, my "book wish list" is steadily growing. I don't ever see it slowing down. And I am totally fine with that. Below are a couple of the great reads I am enjoying.

Please feel free to share what literary and infused findings you have with me too. My favorite discussions are oftentimes encompassed around books and tea.

Books:

A Place of Quiet Rest - Nancy Leigh DeMoss
If you are searching for a resourceful book devoted entirely to your "devotion time", I highly recommend this book. I honestly didn't know a book like this existed, but here is a gem. Reading only the first few pages excited my heart with the need for this book in my life. Devotions are a subject kindred to my heart. Written in a creatively practical and gently instructing tone, I have found answers to the silent questions I have in my heart about my devotion time. Highly recommend this one.

Lies Young Women Believe - Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh
I am actually reading this one out loud to my sisters before bedtime. It has been an awakening for us all as we begin to recognize the subtle lies we believe that effect us deeper than we know. The lies we believe about God and ourselves (plus many more areas) can cripple any growth the Lord desires for us. I would enthusiastically recommend this book for ladies of all ages. It is a powerful tool for the kingdom.

Tea:

Tangerine Orange Zinger is becoming one of my favorite herbal teas. Mom and I like to rotate between this the Raspberry Zinger tea.  As the weather begins to cool down I know my tea mug is going to be refilled more often throughout the day. (maybe that's why I like cooler weather?) I sure hope the price of tea doesn't go up or I will have to ration out my amber delight. :)

Summer's last moments

The trees whizzed past me as I drove down the country road. The speed of my vehicle created a pleasant breeze that I enjoyed with my windows down. The sun was beginning to lower into it's slumber for the night and the crickets awoke to play their music. Old barbed wire fences channeled the road and protected the drowsy cattle on the other side. A whirlwind of freshly fallen leaves followed behind my car. The tall aging grass swayed in the fields. Trickles of color splashed among the fence rows blooming before summer breathes it's last.

With the birth of new seasons comes the death of old seasons. Their last moments are their most brilliant. The vivid colors, happy weather, and sheer beauty bid us goodbye before they fade into the next season. God is gentle in His revolution of seasons. Sometimes we hardly recognize summer is over before autumn begins. We just wake up one morning and enter a new season. But sometimes we eagerly appreciate the slow metamorphosis that happens before our eyes.

Tomorrow we welcome the new season of autumn. I am probably bias since autumn is my favorite time of the year, but I am ready for this new season. But I am learning to relish the season I am in, so this afternoon on my drive I enjoyed every moment I could.
Because for everything there is a season...

Stay with Me...

I am in the process of teaching my dog to walk on a leash. Honestly is has been quite challenging. I don't intend to drag him everywhere we go, but a lot of times that is what happens. But he is slowly catching on. I can foresee peaceful walks in the future.

As you all know, practically everything gets me to thinking about life as a follower of God, and this incident is no different. This morning the Lord again directed me to some verses in Psalms that are becoming a real treasure and guidance in my life right now. Psalms 32:8-9 reads,

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Be not like the horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

How I need to learn this lesson!
While training my dog, I found myself constantly repeating "stay with me" to him. He naturally tries to run after any moving object except me, so keeping him by my side is the battle I fight. The same is true with my relationship with the Lord. I can be a stubborn mule and dig in my heels wanting my way. But God is faithfully calling to me, "Stay with Me, stay with Me..."

And it is only when I am near Him that I find the peace I search for. Submitting to His authority is when we receive calm assurance, looking up to our Master for His next command or counsel. Unlike my own character, He never gets frustrated or impatient with my progress, but faithfully teaches me to stay near Him for joy in heart and peace of mind. I am in good hands.

Update:



Just for everyone who wants to see my real dog, this is him. His name is Braveheart. Isn't he sooo cute?! I know, I know. An update on his training, he is doing really good. I think he is starting to catch on. I only hope I learn just as fast with the things the Lord is teaching me. :)

A Beautiful Summer Run

The golden summer light filters through the trees and prances on the ground as I wander through the woods. A tender breeze pushes me from behind as if urging me to discover something ahead. My feet quicken to glide with the wind. A tantalizing urge to run is almost overcoming my soul. I consent for relief.

The rhythm of my footbeats reverberate throughout the trees. Slowly the pulse from my heart begins to flourish. My damp brow cools as the wind splashes my face and refreshes my mind. Trees swish by and reach for my arms with their outstretched branches. A stray hair from my ponytail tickles my cheeks.

The wooded path climbs up the bank. My breathing grows deeper. Stronger. Faster. Suppressed feelings begin to emerge. The rapid exhaling dulls the static in my mind. My heartbeat pulses in my ears. The giant oaks sway in harmony and form a wooded silhouette against a yellow backdrop. A bright sun calls me to come closer. My eyes are fixed on the light. I keep running.

The path curiously comes to an end and I stop at last. Face to my feet I recapture my breath. Heart rate starts to descends. I slowly raise my head as light overwhelms my vision. An enormous field green with health and color hushes my breathing. God's beauty weakens my strength.

It is in this moment, when my mind is quiet and my heart fully awake, I realize more fully the Lord's captivating beauty. I recognize that I rarely think on the Christ's beauty. His strength, power, sovereignty, grace, and love invade my thoughts quite often. But the Lord's beauty is seldom reflected on. Yet is offers us a wealth of good. His beauty is incorrupt. It will not perish. It needs to be looked upon.

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." Psalms 27:4

I encourage you to take a walk or run outside today just to gaze upon the Lord's beauty manifested in His creation. You'll be amazed at the wonder it supplies your soul.

Renewed to a true likeness

Every morning we make a choice, a decision that will effect everyone we encounter throughout our day. Although this decision is slightly underrated, it is uniquely important:
we decide what to wear.

You might laugh at my seriousness, and as usual, I do have a spiritual point I hope to make, but this reality of getting dressed just recently dawned in my thoughts. Every morning I choose what to wear for today, and my adornment will be visible to everyone I meet. Who I am (or want to portray) radiates through my clothing.

So when I was reading through Romans the other morning, this verse fleshed out the above principle.

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to it's lusts." Romans 13:14

Just as I decided what to wear today, I also in a similar manner decided what (or Who) to "put on" as I walked through today. This is very important. What should this "Jesus adornment" look like? God brought me to these verses in Colossians to help compose my "wardrobe".

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." (3:12-14)

This is the adornment of Christ Himself. He displayed all of these attitudes and traits, consistently attracting disciples to be clothed with Himself. When I adorn myself with the above attributes, I am being renewed to a true likeness of the One who created me and called me to walk in the newness of life.

"And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator." Colossians 3:10

And, to use the familiar phrase, it looks great on you! :)

Winds of new seasons

I am sitting beside my open window feeling a nippy breeze push through, bringing with it a fresh awareness of approaching seasons. Autumn is coming. New seasons are here. Just when I was resigning myself to unchanging times, God again comes through bringing the winds of desired seasons.

I have spoken before about rushing the seasons and God's teachings on patience and thankfulness in my life. And it is encouraging when seasons do change, like the transition we are in right now.

My life is in a similar place. Today brought a sweet conformation that the winds of new seasons are in the air, and I am simply enjoying the transformation. Through this somewhat tardy process I have been reminded that God is faithful. Really. He doesn't give up on me - not even when I give up on myself. His plan will not be thwarted and His goodness is persistent. The seeds He has sown, if nurtured in obedience, produce a harvest rich in faith. And I am thankful.

As I read a precious chapter in Psalms this evening, God again washed over my soul with the trust and gladness of His presence.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalms 16:9-11

The aroma of knowledge

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

Does knowledge have a fragrance? Well according to this verse it does. Any kind of knowledge? Most specifically, the knowledge of Christ. But I would debate that all knowledge has a fragrance. Recount the people you've brushed by this past week. As you listened to their words, observed their attitudes, experienced their judgements what aroma did you detect? The knowledge of God? Of the world? Of corruption? Of the Savior?

Incredible isn't it? What people know diffuses through potently to others.

Such is what God intended. And He intends it to spread His fragrance, His knowledge. Our foul world reeks of deception and destruction. People are dying. Lives are wasting. What people don't know can hurt them. And the aroma is toxic...

When Christ comes into a heart, He transforms the atmosphere of the soul with the fragrance of His knowledge. Grace justifies. Truth purifies. Peace spreads an aroma of holiness. Relentless love from a Holy God fills the pores of the heart with the oil of gladness. Life flourishes with purpose and passion. Life becomes eternal.

And amazingly, the knowledge of God can spread throughout the world by diffusing through us...

Lessons on Love

I receive an email newsletter every week by different authors about random subjects. This morning the encouragement in my inbox brought a helpful and wise perspective on love that I wanted to share with you. Max Lucado reminds us that when it comes to love:

Be careful.

Until love is stirred, let God's love be enough for you. There are seasons when God allows us to feel the frailty of human love so we'll appreciate the strength of his love. Didn't he do this with David? Saul turned on him. Michal, his wife, betrayed him. Jonathan and Samuel were David's friends, but they couldn't follow him into the wilderness. Betrayal and circumstances left David alone. Alone with God. And, as David discovered, God was enough. David wrote these words in a desert: "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.... My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods" (Ps. 63:3, 5 NIV).

Be prayerful.

What if it's too late? Specifically, what if you're married to someone you don't love--or who doesn't love you? Many choose to leave. That may be the step you take. But if it is, take at least a thousand others first. And bathe every one of those steps in prayer. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. Ask God to help you love as he loves. "God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love" (Rom. 5:5 CEV). Ask everyone you know to pray for you. Your friends. Your family. Your church leaders. Get your name on every prayer list available. And, most of all, pray for and, if possible, with your spouse. Ask the same God who raised the dead to resurrect the embers of your love.

Be grateful.

Be grateful for those who love you. Be grateful for those who have encouraged you to do what is right and applauded when you did. Do you have people like that in your world? If so, you are doubly blessed. Be grateful for them. And be grateful for your Father in heaven.

Evergreen Devotion

Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalms 1

A day late: but let's not forget

So I am a day late in getting around to my September 11th post, but maybe it is more appropriate today on account of my forgetfulness and the theme of our remembrance. Yesterday we replayed the horrific tragedies inflicted on our country only seven years ago. I can remember the shock, anger, and fear that washed over me as I watched the planes crash into the towers, field, and Pentagon on that fateful morning. And to see my beloved country unite in such passion, such resolve, made me proud to be an American.

Despite our anthem to "never forget", sadly I do. Last night I wrote in my journal: "We will never forget... but so often I do. Forgetfulness is the great enemy of our resolve. Yes, in the break of the moment nothing can shake us. But time washes over our concrete promises turning them into castles made of sand swept out to sea. Lord, I don't want to forget. Strengthen the lessons you have taught me."

The lessons God has taught America are fiercely urgent. I believe that above all the patriotism and firm resolve to remember history's lessons, is a cry from the heart of God: don't forget ME...

Advertising the greater Treasure

I am constantly amused (in a discerning way) at the world's cleverly devised system of advertising. Those who can look through the deception behind the product can see the world's market is quietly proclaiming the greater God.

Usually you can simply substitute the product with the Provider.

The boisterous promises the salesmen make or the seduction of lies morph into empty pleasures when compared to the Living God. Christ is the treasure buried in a field, and when unearthed provides encompassing joy that results in reckless surrender and supreme satisfaction.

Although the lies are still alluring to the weary eye, the heart has memorized her great Comfort and faithful Hope. No one can persuade us otherwise. Our tongue's have tasted the transforming water of life, and all the world's fountains remain bitter.

Blog... to develop an eye for what is meaningful

In honor of my one year blogoversary, I have decided to do a small series on why I blog based on an excellent article by Abraham Piper. Even though the article was written to persuade pastors to blog, I have found the reasons and principles to be true for any Christian blogger.

I most appreciate this aspect of blogging: it helps you develop and eye for what is meaningful.

Abraham Piper writes:

For good or ill, most committed bloggers live with the constant question in their mind: Is this bloggable? This could become a neurosis, but I’ll put a positive spin on it: It nurtures a habit of looking for insight and wisdom and value in every situation, no matter how mundane.

Funny, but it really does. I think this can apply to journalling as well, but with blogging the whole wide world can see what you are thinking. And that should effect what we blog. I am learning to keep my readers in the forefront of my mind, and to blog what you and I consider valuable.

Even without blogging, my mind is consistently filtering information and events, probing though what is profitable and questioning if the Lord is teaching me something through this. Blogging only enhances this practice, because it gives a place to record these reflections. Life is full of valuable treasures. But we must search for them.

If you live life looking for what is worthwhile in every little thing, you will see more of what God has to teach you. And the more he teaches you, the more you can teach others. As you begin to be inspired and to collect ideas, you will find that the new things you’ve seen and learned enrich far more of your life than just your blog.

hush child

The busyness of the day was catching up with me. Thoughts were swirling around my brain like the rushing of a cyclone. The noise about me provided an annoying buzz in the background that only added to the chaos of my soul. All these combined into a swelling climax unknown to me, but when the place suddenly went quiet I almost jumped in shock.

Like a weeping baby finally held by her mother, my soul quieted quickly. I could hear my own breathing. A window was open in the kitchen allowing an evening breeze to push through the room and I only felt it for the first time. All these quiet experiences that I was ignoring, or simply couldn't hear, were welcoming me into the peace I longed for. The voices of silence were urging me into the awareness of God's nearness.

It was then I realized God's endless attempts to retrieve my attention and simply listen for a while. Something special happens when a mouth is closed. It gets quiet.

I can only hear the Lord's voice when I am listening. It may seem basic, but I need reminding of that. Life's deafening volume is a killer of silence, and with it the opportunity to hear God clearly. My caring Father loves me enough to gently put His finger over my lips and hush my soul.

There is much to learn. So I must be quiet and listen.

"I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore." Psalms 131:2-3

Blog... to interact

In honor of my one year blogoversary, I have decided to do a small series on why I blog based on an excellent article by Abraham Piper. Even though the article was written to persuade pastors to blog, I have found the reasons and principles to be true for any Christian blogger.

Blogging is a great way to interact.

This aspect is probably the most rewarding because connecting with people similar (or contrasting) bring unique personalities and outlooks which add a meaning to blogging. After all, people are the target of any ministry. I have interacted with many enjoyable and encouraging people through blogging, and many friendships continue into regular emails.

The world holds endless possibilities for friendship... and confrontation, which is all a part of the "interaction". The Lord continually teaches me a "cyber grace", recognizing that, as Abraham Piper once put it, "you are dealing with real human beings who are having real days that can really be ruined." Just because I can't physically "see" the person with whom I am interacting doesn't entitle me to rudeness or insensitivity.

The "cyber grace" also overlaps into the discernment of blogging. Let's not pretend all internet interactions are safe and friendly. Rather, all connections should be carefully reviewed with a flavor of grace and discernment. In light of the overall interactions I've had through blogging, I am happy to say that the encouraging and beneficial friendships far outweigh the negative responses. And I am thankful for that.

time won't stop

Time won't stand still for me. I must use time to work for me. The days are evil. The battle is fierce. Time must be redeemed or all is lost. Moments void of purpose are fading flowers of the field which wither and blow away without a memory or impact. 

My hands must be busy, my mind focused, my heart resolved, my flesh restrained, and my passion flaming. Lift the banner high. All must see it.

Does one second matter? It is just a slit of time. An eye can blink and all be gone, or a lung can fill and sing. Every breath does matter, if it breathes with eternity in mind. Time won't stop for the weary or careless. Focus is required of us. With the cross as our motto, and the Spirit as our guide, let us fight for the time we have left. No moment is as critical as now.

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

A few updates

Some of you may have noticed the address change for Alabaster Box a few weeks ago. If not, then I will announce that this blog has moved from alabasterboxblog.wordpress.com to alabasterboxblog.com - don't fret, both URLs will work, but if you don't mind changing your links I would be grateful. I thought it was time I invested in my own domain name. Hopefully it will be a little easier to remember.

Also, I have been reorganizing the Features page to make it easy to browse and locate the different features and series on this blog. I have decided the create pages instead of posts for the Alabaster Heart interviews and list them all on one page for simple browsing. From now on I will alert readers to new Alabaster Hearts with a short post or update in the sidebar. Speaking of which, there are two new Alabaster Hearts for your encouragement... go on and check them out! :)

Erica's Alabaster Heart and Ashley's Alabaster Heart

Alabaster Heart: Ashley

I am honored to introduce another inspiring and loving young woman for you to get to know and be encouraged by. I know you will be encouraged by her writings just as I was. Enjoy!

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My name is Ashley, and I’m fifteen years old. I’m a rising sophomore at a public high school in Georgia where I’ve lived all my life. I thought and prayed about this a lot and I feel that God is leading me to become a teacher, specifically to special needs children. It’s something I’m passionate about and have spent a lot of time volunteering with these kids and I love it. I’m also interested in the medical research side of this, however I’m continuing to listen and pray about this. I’m also a bookworm and read in most every spare minute. I also enjoy writing and hope to spend more time doing that. I enjoy being challenged, I love kids, and most importantly God is and will be the center of my life no matter what.

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1) How and when did you first come to know Jesus as your Lord?

I was raised in churches and accepted Jesus into my life at a young age but it wasn’t until I was 11 that I let down some barriers I didn’t know I had that my faith became real to me in the sense that I was thirsty for God and I understand that I could trust him no matter what. It’s a long story, but although I was raised in the church and accepted it. I didn’t grow up in what you would consider a Christian home. I never saw that life lived out at home where I was most of the time so I thought believing was all that I needed to do. When I “discovered” God, I realized I needed to live out my belief all the time, and I began to contemplate how amazing what Jesus did for you and me was. I was able to give God my problems at home, my fears, etc and in return I got this amazing peace and my faith became so much richer and deeper. Although I mess up, and sometimes forget to put God first I know He is always there and there is power in His word and in prayer. I’m really involved in my church and its youth group. And now my family has started going to church together more often. I can’t really explain all that he has done but I’m no longer afraid knowing that I walk with my Savior.

2) What has been the biggest change in your life as a result of salvation?

I used to become really worried and stressed easily. As a little girl I was afraid of not being liked or loved. I tried to take responsibility for problems around me. Since my salvation I no longer do that. I am able to give it to God and walk with confidence knowing that He loves me. That in turn has touched everything I do. I was able to begin using the gifts God gave me rather than being afraid I wasn’t good enough at it. It’s made me a more loving and compassionate person.

3) What is your favorite thing about Jesus?

His love and compassion.

4) What do you feel God's purpose for your life is?

As stated above, teaching, and I also desire very much to be a Godly wife and mother, but most of all just that I seek Him and His will in everything I do.

5) What is the hardest thing for you to live out as a set apart woman?

It’s hard for me to show love when I’m unsure of somebody’s reaction. When I’m not sure how they will react (ie in anger) I tend to make myself scarce and then harbor anger at them and myself. God has been showing me I need to show love anyway and draw strength from him. It’s worked especially in the relationship with my mom!

6) What woman has impacted your walk with God more than anyone else?

Mrs. Kim, she was one of my conformation leaders. Once I began my new walk with Christ she was one of the first people I saw living out her faith. I loved not only her insight and guidance, but also the joy she had in Christ and in everything. She was a great role model for me and encouraged me so much.

7) In your daily walk with God, what are a few things that you do to remain renewed and focused on God?

I make it a point to pray at least once a day, and then right before bed I read a chapter in the bible. The next day, sometime in the morning, I read it again and then right down scriptures from the chapter that caught my attention. Then later I write down my thoughts and explanation of the passage. I have a bible notebook where I keep this stuff. Sometimes when other things come up I have to move things around but I try my best to at least read the chapter and reflect. 

8 ) If you could say one thing to other Christian girls what would you say?

Keep your eyes on God and be sure to seek God’s will in your life, especially God’s time schedule, because God’s plan for you is greater than yours could ever be.

9) What do you do to entertain yourself?

Read, write, knit, volunteer, spend time with friends, sing in my churches choir (we’re currently on a break for summer).

10) What are some of your favorite books?

 Well I love all of Karen Kingsbury’s books I have read which are almost all of them. I love books by Robin Lee Hatcher, and Robin Jones Gunn. I enjoy the left behind series, the bible (of course! :), Lori Wick, Terry Blackstock, Beverly Lahaye. In addition many of the star wars books. I recently finished a good book by Jerry B. Jenkins called "though none go with me" as well. This is mostly authors but the books (even just some) would take a long time to list!

11) What is one of your favorite things to do in the course of a day?

Smile or do something that is pleasing or helpful to those around me.

12) What is your favorite bible verse?

Matthew 4:4. It reminds me just how important praying and reading the Bible is.

13) As far as music goes, who is your favorite artist and why? (Also name a couple of your favorite songs)

Now that is tough- I love so many. I guess I would say Steven Curtis Chapman because his songs always make me think and help me connect to God and I like listening to songs that do that for me rather than are meaningless.

 A Few Favorite songs- Dive- SCC (Steven Curtis Chapman), Great Adventure (SCC), Average girl – Barlow girl, Resurrection – Nicole sponberg, Harder than the first time – Barlow Girl, Open the eyes of my heart, Heart of worship, Let it rise, Love of Christ, I’ll fly away, and most stuff by Jeremy camp

14) Can you describe yourself in one word?

Contemplative

15) What is your favorite quote? (From someone other than Christ)

"A woman's heart should be so close to God that a man should have to chase Him to find her." (C.S. Lewis) 

16) What is your favorite thing about this blog?

The fact that I can learn so much about my spiritual walk from someone who’s been there, and that I can see God working through it.

Ashley, thank you for taking the time to do this interview for us. I was blessed by your heart for the Lord and honesty about life. You are a blessing to many...

Blog... to recommend

In honor of my one year blogoversary, I have decided to do a small series on why I blog, based on an excellent article by Abraham Piper. Even though the article was written to persuade pastors to blog, I have found the reasons and principles to be true for any Christian blogger.

Another great reason to blog is to recommend: 

I personally love this aspect of blogging, mainly because I enjoy recommending books, disciplines, blogs and Jesus Christ. It is always fun to recommend something to only one person, but by blogging you can suggest something to hundreds of people. Which is another reminder to be careful what you advertise and what tone you suggest with. Abraham Piper writes:

Blogs are not generally good places to be didactic. Rather, they’re ideal for suggesting and commending. I’ve learned, after I write, to go back and cut those lines that sound like commands or even overbearing suggestions, no matter how right they may be. Because if it’s true for my audience, it’s true for me, so why not word it in such a way that I’m the weak one, rather than them?

Yes, a very good reminder. Grace is needed even in blogging. I have found that the more transparent the writer is about a struggle while offering a helpful recommendation, the more liable I am to accept their suggestions. For example, if someone admits their battle with depression and endorses a certain discipline or resource to aid, the victims of similar struggles will likely try or buy the recommendation. The joys of recommending hang heavily on the integrity and honesty of the recommender. 

Recommendation, however, is more than pointing people to helpful things. It’s a tone of voice, an overall aura that good blogs cultivate.

Let us cultivate the character of honesty and humility in our blogging and beyond.

Needy Souls

I was working in a flower bed the other afternoon when I heard the weeping voices of baby bluebirds in a nest nearby. I followed my ears and saw the mother bird franticly flying back and forth from the nest feeding her noisy babies. They were awfully impatient, showing no consideration for their diligent mother, but only remembered their endless appetites.

Which set me to thinking, as everything always does, about the relentless condition of my own soul. It seems as if I am never content, but always want more and will search vigorously to find fulfillment; many times in the wrong places. The emptiness inside reveals my need for fullness.

I don't believe this appetite is all bad. In fact I am convinced that we are created with it. King David honestly wrote about this hunger:
"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" (Ps. 42:1-2)

This hunger is healthy if we recognize the importance of fulfilling it with Christ alone. I often find myself relying on harmful antidotes to subside my deepest hungers: TV, internet, food, friends, activities, shopping, sleep. But I am learning slowly that these things don't really fulfill this hunger. Only the Lord can calm this restless heart that always has it's mouth wide open.

"There is nothing on earth I desire but You ... the nearness of God is my good..."
(Ps. 73:25, 28)

Blog... to teach

In honor of my one year blogoversary, I have decided to do a small series on why I blog based on an excellent article by Abraham Piper. Even though the article was written to persuade pastors to blog, I have found the reasons and principles to be true for any Christian blogger.

Another important reason I blog is to teach:

A blog is a perfect place for those 30-second nuggets of truth that come in your devotions or while you’re reading the newspaper. You may never write a full-fledged article about these brief insights or preach a whole sermon, but via your blog, your people can still learn from them just like you did.

Mr. Piper is right. My blog is pretty much completely comprised of these little "nuggets of truth" the Lord shows me in my quiet time. Some things are just too good not to share! In addition, as I mentioned in my last post in this series, blogging helps you formulate complete thoughts. It aids in taking a simple reflection to a fully considered and well-rounded thought.

All Scripture is useful for teaching (2 Timothy 3:16), thus one of the best things to blog about is Scripture, if your purpose is to teach. I have never considered myself much of a "teacher", but the Lord is a great Teacher. I only relate what He teaches me. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another." (Col. 3:16) You'll also be surprised what you learn.