My dear friend Sara is eligible for m88 Prom Queen honors... Text “prom Sara Wortman” to 55678. Please and thank you.
In the midst of my Project, I have failed to exalt our great God for His provision and blessing. The Lord continues to affirm that I am supposed to be at Patrick Henry College next semester, and this week He has blessed my family and I with a renewable scholarship from PHC that I never dreamed I could earn. Under eight grand a year to go! :)
God is so good, and though the win-loss record may not display this, I counted our trip to the NCHBC an overwhelming success. The Lord blessed me personally with games I’ll be happy to remember my entire career on, and He truly knitted the team closer together than ever before. I count this to be a true victory. The 2-3 record at Class 2A for the first time in Angels history is not something to be ashamed of either. :)
Attacking the list of complaints from the bottom-up, number eleven was...
11. Curse spring. Lizards are back.
I’ve always struggled to see why the good Lord created lizards, but I suppose they do reduce the pesky bug population. Spring in general (with its winds, dust, and disgusting reptiles) is a big topic of complaint for me, but what a blessing to see the return of life after winter. It’s an annual reminder of the Lord’s mercies being made new every morning and the life He freely offers us though our human condition leaves us dead in our trespasses.
In the words of Hosea (chapter 6, verses 1 and 3):
“‘Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us... So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth.’”
And our great God does not lie. Amen and amen.
Can I truly be thankful for the lizards spring time brings?
I’ll hold to His promises and rejoice in the reminder of the life offered...
But I cannot... and I probably never will... put my fear of lizards to rest.
They’re far too scary.
I’ll praise the Lord for His mercy that lets them stay alive.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Tomorrow is as Today...
My journal is jammed through with promises of recording a certain event “tomorrow” which inevitably means that it will be done sometime within the next six months. This has been a pattern since fourth grade.
The Corrie-ten-Boom Project is following accordingly. Today is just as adequate as “tomorrow” was, and I may just add to this list for awhile. The National Christian Homeschool Basketball Tournament dawns next week, which means everyone will be in close quarters, and emotions will run high. Complaints are sure to come. ;)
My list of complaints currently includes (and these would all be phrases darting through my mind or being audibly voiced):
1. Why do some people have to be so friendly?
2. Why on earth is she not in here? I asked for assistance a good five minutes ago.
3. My mom cannot be calling me right now.
4. Life would be so much simpler if we had three cars again.
5. I have no idea what I will wear.
6. Why do people knock on my door at midnight?
7. People should not leave their things lying around.
8. I cannot stand allergies.
9. Why do people not comprehend that I am busy?
10. I have to send out graduation announcements. That means schools need to have their plans together.
11. Curse spring. Lizards are back.
Goodness knows what ludicrous things will be added.
The Corrie-ten-Boom Project is following accordingly. Today is just as adequate as “tomorrow” was, and I may just add to this list for awhile. The National Christian Homeschool Basketball Tournament dawns next week, which means everyone will be in close quarters, and emotions will run high. Complaints are sure to come. ;)
My list of complaints currently includes (and these would all be phrases darting through my mind or being audibly voiced):
1. Why do some people have to be so friendly?
2. Why on earth is she not in here? I asked for assistance a good five minutes ago.
3. My mom cannot be calling me right now.
4. Life would be so much simpler if we had three cars again.
5. I have no idea what I will wear.
6. Why do people knock on my door at midnight?
7. People should not leave their things lying around.
8. I cannot stand allergies.
9. Why do people not comprehend that I am busy?
10. I have to send out graduation announcements. That means schools need to have their plans together.
11. Curse spring. Lizards are back.
Goodness knows what ludicrous things will be added.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Experimentation
Tomorrow I will begin a Corrie-ten-Boom-style experiment.
I will write down everything I complain about (and the list will be lengthy).
I will spend the next few days (as many as are necessary, and this could take well over a month) discovering how I can be thankful for every one of these things.
God is good all the time.
I believe this. My comments about my day should show it.
Let the experiment begin.
I will write down everything I complain about (and the list will be lengthy).
I will spend the next few days (as many as are necessary, and this could take well over a month) discovering how I can be thankful for every one of these things.
God is good all the time.
I believe this. My comments about my day should show it.
Let the experiment begin.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
When the Queen will be crowned...
I was repulsed at the idea of an m88 prom queen. I hate dances, and I hate popularity contests. However, this contest is evidently different than a typical quarterback-cheerleader prom court.
My nomination is for one of the best friends I have ever and probably will ever have. In the event that:
A) Someone else other than myself is reading my blog by the time prom comes around,
B) This "someone" happens to be voting for the m88 prom king and queen, and
C) She is chosen as one of the top three nominees,
I hope that you will take to heart these words that are so inadequate to describe what how precious and deserving of your vote she is...
Certain believers are given the spiritual gift of serving (Romans 12). These are the individuals who willingly to do whatever is needed to help another and never seek recognition or accolade. Sara Wortman is one of these people.
I have been blessed to count Sara as one of my best friends for the past four years. The worst thing that can be said about Sara is that she cares too much. The best: that she is a perfect example of a friend.
Sara willingly gives up her own interests and desires to simply sit and comfort a friend mildly distressed. She will underplay her own accomplishments to overplay that small victories of another.
On one particular occasion, I was simply down. Confused about relationships, stressed with school and two jobs, and just removed from a fight with my mother. Though she was engaged that evening, she abandoned her plans, drove straight to my house, and spent the rest of the night drinking coffee and laughing about nonsense with me. I will never forget this seemingly simple act, because the heart of service behind it was so apparent.
Other people have been given the gift of service, but Sara Wortman is one of the best examples I’ve seen of someone surrendered to the Father and truly letting Him serve through her. She is truly deserving of the recognition that she has never sought.
My nomination is for one of the best friends I have ever and probably will ever have. In the event that:
A) Someone else other than myself is reading my blog by the time prom comes around,
B) This "someone" happens to be voting for the m88 prom king and queen, and
C) She is chosen as one of the top three nominees,
I hope that you will take to heart these words that are so inadequate to describe what how precious and deserving of your vote she is...
Certain believers are given the spiritual gift of serving (Romans 12). These are the individuals who willingly to do whatever is needed to help another and never seek recognition or accolade. Sara Wortman is one of these people.
I have been blessed to count Sara as one of my best friends for the past four years. The worst thing that can be said about Sara is that she cares too much. The best: that she is a perfect example of a friend.
Sara willingly gives up her own interests and desires to simply sit and comfort a friend mildly distressed. She will underplay her own accomplishments to overplay that small victories of another.
On one particular occasion, I was simply down. Confused about relationships, stressed with school and two jobs, and just removed from a fight with my mother. Though she was engaged that evening, she abandoned her plans, drove straight to my house, and spent the rest of the night drinking coffee and laughing about nonsense with me. I will never forget this seemingly simple act, because the heart of service behind it was so apparent.
Other people have been given the gift of service, but Sara Wortman is one of the best examples I’ve seen of someone surrendered to the Father and truly letting Him serve through her. She is truly deserving of the recognition that she has never sought.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
An Analytical Introduction
I am an analytical person. It is close to ridiculous. With that so eloquently stated, I can now explain the significance of this fact.
The first order of business for me in any circumstance is to attempt to completely and thoroughly understand my surroundings. Understanding eventually leads to me feeling like I am in control of what it going on.
Much of the past couple of years have been spent learning to surrender this need to control, because I am utterly incapable of running my life in a way that is glorifying to my King. I am stubborn, proud, impatient, dogmatic, argumentative, and self-reliant.
I am apparently a very audacious person, as well, to dare to write under the title of “Idylls of the King.” However, I’ll argue the legitimateness of this title:
“Idylls of the King” is actually a volume of poetry written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson to chronicle the stories of the legendary King Arthur. An “idyll” is defined by my Mac (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary currently alludes me...) as “an extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, typically an idealized or unsustainable one.”
I’m appearing more impudent by the minute. However, I’ll strive to never write “Idylls of Me” because they’d quickly become “Travesties of a Life Ill-Lived.”
As a Christian, I believe that the God Who produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control abides in me as I ask Him to guide each step of my life. While life’s circumstances aren’t alway described as “happy,” I submit that there is no happier place than knowing you’re in the center of God’s will. Those times that I’m surrendered as useable in the hands of the Master Craftsman will be extremely joyful and peaceful not because of anything I have done but because of the good and gracious God I serve. And these will be idylls of the King of Kings.
Having analyzed my own blog title, I’ll invite you to join me in following the Lord in reckless abandon wherever He leads. He’s leading me 2200 miles away from home to a situation I certainly cannot “control,” but He “will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in [Him].” (Isaiah 26:3)
The first order of business for me in any circumstance is to attempt to completely and thoroughly understand my surroundings. Understanding eventually leads to me feeling like I am in control of what it going on.
Much of the past couple of years have been spent learning to surrender this need to control, because I am utterly incapable of running my life in a way that is glorifying to my King. I am stubborn, proud, impatient, dogmatic, argumentative, and self-reliant.
I am apparently a very audacious person, as well, to dare to write under the title of “Idylls of the King.” However, I’ll argue the legitimateness of this title:
“Idylls of the King” is actually a volume of poetry written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson to chronicle the stories of the legendary King Arthur. An “idyll” is defined by my Mac (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary currently alludes me...) as “an extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, typically an idealized or unsustainable one.”
I’m appearing more impudent by the minute. However, I’ll strive to never write “Idylls of Me” because they’d quickly become “Travesties of a Life Ill-Lived.”
As a Christian, I believe that the God Who produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control abides in me as I ask Him to guide each step of my life. While life’s circumstances aren’t alway described as “happy,” I submit that there is no happier place than knowing you’re in the center of God’s will. Those times that I’m surrendered as useable in the hands of the Master Craftsman will be extremely joyful and peaceful not because of anything I have done but because of the good and gracious God I serve. And these will be idylls of the King of Kings.
Having analyzed my own blog title, I’ll invite you to join me in following the Lord in reckless abandon wherever He leads. He’s leading me 2200 miles away from home to a situation I certainly cannot “control,” but He “will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in [Him].” (Isaiah 26:3)
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