HE Makes Himself Known.

Wow. So it’s been a while. This semester has been insanely busy! Student teaching has kept me going 24/7 it seems…but I LOVE IT! At this point in time, I know God’s calling for me is to be a public school teacher. What an honor it is to spend 7 hours every day with 7 year olds! I love love LOVE my first graders! 

This past week I had prayed every day that God would show how He was at work in and around me. When we pray, we best expect Him to answer! I have seen God in so many ways in the classroom this week! Thursday, however, God just blew me away. The kids had come in and I was grading their homework from the previous night. They were working on their morning work, which was writing sentences using about 4 or 5 different words. One of the words was ‘son.’ As I am grading papers, this is the conversation I hear…”Yes, Jesus is God’s son!” Many of them did write that down on their papers! Wow. Thank you, GOD for revealing yourself in that moment to so many. 

That afternoon, though, a little boy in my class reminded me of something I just tend to forget about…

It was the very end of the day, and we were packing up our backpacks and lining up at the door. I was sitting at the computer for a moment when a little boy came to me and said, “Miss Stephanie, I’m glad that I don’t have nails in my hands or a crown of thorns on me head. That would really hurt!” I said back to him, “But doesn’t that make you even more glad that Jesus died for us?” He replied, “Yes, Miss Stephanie. I am just glad it wasn’t me because that would really hurt.” 

Oh the minds of 7 years olds. Little did that boy know…he reminded me that it should have been me. Jesus did not deserve those nails in his feet and hands…to have a crown of thorns on His head…to hang on a cross. But He willingly laid HIS life down (John 10). To glorify the Father, HE died. But praise God, the story does not end there. Tomorrow we will celebrate the empty tomb…HIS rising from the grave!

Hallelujah! 

New Year Praise.

Hello 2012.

This is a big year! May 5, 2012 is the day I graduate from Tennessee Tech with a degree in Elementary Education. Woah. I cannot believe I am four short months from graduating college and entering into the “real world.” What is wonderful about this statement though?…The wonderful thing is…the Lord confirmed in November 2011 that I was indeed called to public education following graduation in May. Praise HIM for speaking that to me. I will never forget the EXACT moment that I felt the Lord reach down and tell me that public education was my calling for here and now. I would have broken down crying if I had not been in front of a room full of 1st graders! For some reason, I spent so long thinking that I would never end up teaching after I graduated. However, the Lord’s plans and ways are so much higher than mine! I long to do HIS will. So I begin student teaching on January 17th in a 1st grade classroom, and I could not possibly be any happier about it!!

I just returned home from Atlanta, GA yesterday, where I attended Passion 2012 with my church. This was my second year to this conference, and it is truly nothing short of amazing. It is not amazing because of the speakers, worship, small groups, etc. It is amazing soley because of the encounter you have with God. And oh, how I long for those types of encounters EVERY DAY with my Lord. HE is in my heart every single day, and HE desires to be my all in all. I honestly do not know how to sum up my time at Passion. The Lord has given me so many things to pray about and to chew on in order to make me more into the likeness of my Savior Jesus Christ.

Here is to 2012.

“Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me…let me be singing when the evening comes.”

Strangers.

Sometimes the Lord just decides to remind you of things at random moments. Yesterday (Monday), I was walking from class to the BCM. It had rained earlier and the clouds were still low with a slight drizzle. I was listening to some Jesus music as I walked through campus, and when I looked up to the sky…it was like the Lord spoke. In the blink of an eye the Lord reminded me that this world I live in is not my home. This is a difficult concept to grasp. Paul says in Philippians 3:20, “ but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” We hear all the time that we are to live in the world and not of the world. That. IS. Hard. As I continued to walk with the thought of Philippians 3:20 in my mind, I started to thing about my two experiences over seas…

I will never forget my first day in the city of Udon Thani, Thailand. The country and people were so beautiful. However, I do recall being stared at…EVERYWHERE I went. I mean, when you are the only person walking around with light skin and light hair it causes heads to turn. That’s just part of it. It was the same way in India. We would walk around in the slums, and once again, heads would turn…because of how we looked. With this thought in mind, I remembered what it felt like to be the odd man out. The isolated feeling…the feeling that no one is like you…

Is this not how I should feel in this world I live in? As a Christian, I am called to be set apart. I am a stranger here. The only reasoning for this is because we were not made for this world. I love the famous quote by C.S. Lewis…

“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” -C.S. Lewis

As a stranger in this world, my life needs to look so radically different from those who do not believe in the everlasting God. HIS word is my guidebook. The more I read it, the more I am convicted by the Holy Spirit, and the more HE shows me how to be less like the world and more like Christ.

I LOVE this passage about Moses in Hebrews…

“By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” -Hebrews 11:24-26

Moses found so much value in the Kingdom of God, and furthering the kingdom of God! He had his eyes on the eternal and not the temporary. This world is our temporary home. May we LONG for our permanent home in Heaven. May we say, “Come quickly Lord Jesus!” This world is not our home.

I am a stranger.

 

The Well

I listen to this song on repeat MANY times every day. Praise God for music that pierces the heart and soul.

 

The Well-Casting Crowns

Leave it all behind,
Leave it all behind,
Leave it all behind,
Leave it all behind,

I have what you need,
But you keep on searchin,
I’ve done all the work,
But you keep on workin,
When you’re runnin on empty,
And you can’t find the remedy,
Just come to the well.

You can spend your whole life,
Chasin what’s missing,
But that empty inside,
It just ain’t gonna listen.
When nothing can satisfy,
And the world leaves you high and dry,
Just come to the well

CHORUS:
And all who thirst will thirst no more,
And all who search will find what their souls long for,
The world will try, but it can never fill,
So leave it all behind, and come to the well

So bring me your heart
No matter how broken,
Just come as you are,
When your last prayer is spoken,
You’ll feel the change my child,
When you come to the well

CHORUS:
And all who thirst will thirst no more,
And all who search will find what their souls long for,
The world will try, but it can never fill,
So leave it all behind, and come to the well

Yeah
Leave it all behind

The world will try, but it can never fill… leave it all behind

And now that you’re full,
Of love beyond measure,
Your joy’s gonna flow,
Like a stream in the desert,
Soon all the world will see that living water is found in me,
Cuz you came to the well

CHORUS:
And all who thirst will thirst no more,
And all who search will find what their souls long for,
The world will try, but it can never fill,
So leave it all behind, and come to the well

Speak to Me.

‘Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sin.’ -Psalm 130

SPEAK – Lindsay McCaul

I’ve been through the valley of the shadow of death // And I’ve lived in the land of despair // But here in the silence, alone and afraid // Is a sadness I could not compare // So visit me here in the dark // Let me know Your light // I’ll linger as long as it takes // I will wait with all of my might // I’m crying out // Speak to me // I’m longing to hear Your voice in the night // Calling out // Come meet with me // You’re all I desire, for Your love is better than life // I waited at twilight for signs of relief // From an ache that arrested the day // But now sunset is gone and I’m still here alone // Yet in fierce desperation I’ll stay // So visit me here in the shadows // Restore my sight // I’ll linger as long as it takes // I will wait with all of my might // I’m crying out // Speak to me // I’m longing to hear Your voice in the night // Calling out // Meet with me // You’re all I desire for Your love is better than life // And all  need // is here in Your presence, here in Your Word // Speak to me, to me // Lend Your ear to my cry // I need You, I need You // You alone, You satisfy // Come meet me, You alone complete me

Strive for Purity

This past weekend I had the privilege to go as a leader on a youth retreat for my home church here in Cookeville! I have been able to go for the past three years, and this year was top notch. I am SO glad I went! I am also very thankful for all the students who went because I think they were greatly impacted by the message of the weekend.

The weekend was about purity. I think for most of us, when we hear the topic of purity we automatically think about sexual purity. However, the focus of the weekend went across the spectrum of purity. We talked about the music we listen to, the shows and movies we watch on TV, sexual purity, what kind of food we put in our body…our temple, and lastly we discussed what a pure life looks like.

Here is the definition of purity that we looked at throughout the weekend:

Purity- being free from anything that debases, contaminates, or pollutes our right relationship with God and others.

I was very challenged this past weekend with the music I listen to and the movies/shows I watch on television. I would encourage everyone to think about the type of music you listen to and READ THE LYRICS. I am such a lyrics person…especially with my Jesus music! I love words. We looked through a song that is very popular right now, and just being honest…I was disgusted. And because of the good beat and catchy tune…tons of people are singing along with it.

I was a junior in high school when the Lord told me to be careful to the type of music I listened to. At the time, I completely cut out secular music. All I wanted was music that praised and honored the Lord. Today I do like to listen to some secular music, but if you know me…you know that I LOVE my Jesus music and that it’s all I really want to listen to. It’s a desire I know that is from the Lord.

Being careful about what I watch on TV and in movies is where I stumble though. A lot of times we like to think, “That won’t affect me…I can look past it.” Referring to language, violence, sexual content, etc. We tend to think we are strong enough to look past those parts of movies, when in reality we are affected by them whether we realize it at the moment or not. Dave (our youth minister) gave some stats. Your brain can read 8 frames per second when watching a movie or TV. Movies shoot approximately 28-32 frames per second. And remember…we can only fully take in 8. Those other 20 or more frames are what we call subliminal messages. We do not realize it, but all those other frames are affecting us through subliminal messaging. Crazy.

I am astounded by what media has done to our society. And for us Christians…what media has done to our purity…

What am I putting into my life that is contaminating my walk with God?

Proverbs 4:23 was our theme verse for the weekend. It says, ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.’ –Proverbs 4:23

Above all else- more than you worry or think about anything else.

Wellspring- the source or starting place of a stream or spring.

The heart is…
The great vital spring of the soul,
The fountain of actions,
The center of principle,
The seat of motives.

It is so important for us to remain pure before the Lord. In 1 Peter 1:16 the Lord says, “Be holy, because I am holy.” I want to strive for this. For holiness…for purity. Not to toot my own horn and say “Look at me!” I want to strive for this because I want to honor the Lord. He is worthy.

Strive for purity.

Satisfied.

Can I please tell you that only the Lord truly satisfies?

I am finding more and more every day that there is nothing in this world that will ever truly satisfy me. For so many of us, we think that if we just had this or that we would finally be fulfilled. I know I am guilty of this. I have known for a long time now that only Jesus will satisfy me. But that’s just it…I have ‘known.’ I can know something without living it out like I fully believe it. I am ready to live like I believe that only the Lord TRULY satisfies my soul!

I am reading a book called The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer. This book stems off from the ideas found in the movie Courageous, which I just saw a few weeks ago. I was eager to get started with this book and began reading it last night. I can already tell that it’s going to be good!

The book nailed me right when I began the first chapter. It was talking about how we always long for that next step in life, and how we tend to neglect our current stage. If we are single, we can’t wait to find a spouse. If we are married, we can’t wait to have kids. If we have a great job, we can’t wait for that next promotion. You probably get the point by now…

This is what Shirer states, “Instead of relishing each moment, each year, each opportunity, each step on the journey, I’m constantly overeager to get to the next thing, which always looks more enticing than what’s currently before me. I’m rarely satisfied in full with my present station.” ……Yep, that’s me. Been there. Done that. She then goes on to say, “And if I chose to hurry through them in an attempt to avoid the parts I didn’t like, I’d simultaneously miss all the things I did like about this season.” How many blessing do I miss out on each day because I’m stuck in the mindset that I wish I were somewhere else in life? There are definitely some days that I just remember to thank the Lord for where HE has me RIGHT NOW. But there are MANY MANY days when I wish my circumstances were a little different. When I am an unhappy with my circumstances, I am not satisfied with where the Lord has me. I find myself in want of what is usually worldly things. Shrier continues later to say, “Whatever He’s given or not given, He’s done for a specific reason- a reason known only to Him perhaps but one you can trust with full confidence, sight unseen.”

After following Jesus for almost 12 years now, it has been a continual process in getting to know HIM better and better. Through the reading of HIS word I can see HIS deep love for me and all HIS children. ‘HE is jealous for me.’ As I continue to learn more about the Lord, I truly believe that I become more satisfied in HIM and secure with who I am in HIM. Let it be known that I am NOTHING without Jesus!

Some lyrics from a new artist that I have recently been listening to has some great lyrics that have really spoken to me over the past few days. Her name is Lindsay McCaul. From her song Say My Name there is a line that says, “Wishing for a fairy tale. I thought we agreed how it should be. So now I am an afterglow too afraid to let it go. I need to believe there’s more than I see…” I love this because I know so many times I lay my ideas out before the Lord thinking that my plans sound pretty good. I’m sure the Lord gets a laugh out of that! How many times does He have to remind me…”For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the havens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”-Isaiah 55:8-9….HIS plans are BETTER. They are GOOD. And they are to work everything out for HIS glory!

I also got the new Casting Crowns cd yesterday, Come To The Well. The song “The Well” plays on repeat! Listen to these lyrics…”And all who thirst will thirst no more. And all who search will find what their souls long for. The world will try, but it can never fill. Leave it all behind. And come to the well.”…the world offers us so many temporary things. I am a living testimony to say that the things of this world will never fully satisfy you. The world tells us that we need this and we need that. No. I. Don’t. I serve the God of the universe. HE only satisfies my every longing. HE satisfies my soul.

Whatever this world tells us we need, I challenge you to ask yourself, ‘Will this further the kingdom of God?’ ‘Will this matter into eternity?’ ‘How does this grow my walk with the Lord?’ ‘Will this hinder my walk with the Lord?’

Even today as I was thinking about the satisfaction that the Lord provides, I was tempted to be unhappy with certain areas of my life. In those moments I have to choose joy. I have to remind myself of the deep satisfaction that is found only in Jesus. I have to thank the Lord for where He has me RIGHT NOW. All I have need Thy hand has provided. Great is HIS faithfulness.

Can I please tell you that only the Lord truly satisfies?

A much needed break!

Oh Fall break, you have come to an end TOO soon! This break has truly been like a breath of fresh air. It was needed! Relaxing. No stress. Fabulous!

Fall break has consisted of:

• Casting Crowns, Sanctus Real, and The Afters at Bridgestone Arena with my Dad!:)
• Knitting. Lots and lots of knitting.
• Football with my mom and dad
• Visiting with friends and family
• and many small moments that mean so much…

I am so thankful for the small things.

• Watching the Sing Off with my dad
• Having lunch with my grandparents
• watching a hail storm with my grandparents
• making pancakes with my mom

There are so many other things, but I have realized over this short break how often I miss the small moments in life that really make life special.

I am truly thankful for this time to recharge so that I can finish up the semester strong. I’m heading back to school in the morning knowing that a big project is due Thursday, and my 1st grade practicum begins Monday. Life. Is. Chaos. I’m looking forward to the Lord’s plans for the rest of this semester, and I know that I am fully relying on HIS strength to carry me through.

Through the chaos of life…be still and know that HE is God.

Choose Joy.

Fall break is SO close! I have 2 classes tomorrow and then it’s homeward bound! YAY! I have not seen my family in almost 2 months! crazy! Fall break plans consist of relaxation, Casting Crowns (also with The Afters and Sanctus Real…SO excited!) concert Friday with my daddy, time with friends and family, and more relaxation.

Wednesday mornings are such a blessing for me every week. Today I got to catch up with a friend to talk and pray about what is going on in each other’s lives, then meet with some more friends for our weekly bible study, and then meet with my discipleship girls. Blessings. Blessings. Blessings. I am so thankful for the encouragement that comes from my fellow sisters in Christ!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”- 1 Thessalonians 5:11

This week I was reminded by the Lord to choose joy. Tuesday morning I definitely woke up an hour late, did the wrong assignment for class…I was hoping that it wasn’t going to be another “one of those days.” That morning I made the decision that it was going to be a good day and that I was going to choose joy. I truly have SO much to be thankful for. It’s been a good reminder to write the words choose joy on my hand.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

Now I just want to list a few scriptures that have made an impact on me this week…

“Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” – 1 Timothy 6:11

“…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” – Ephesians 6:18

“You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to Him, and by His name you shall swear. He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen.” – Deuteronomy 10:20-21

“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:8

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? ‘I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind’…”- Jeremiah 17:7-10

“Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the One I praise.” – Jeremiah 17:14

The Joy of the Lord is my strength.

Constant

It has been a crazy week! This has definitely been the busiest semester I’ve had since I started college. I am constantly on the go…which I don’t really mind. I enjoy staying busy, but I definitely need to have my down time. I have had MANY moments of feeling overwhelmed this week. But at the end of every day, I am reminded by the Lord that only HE is constant and that my foundation is in HIM!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” -Hebrew 13:8

Praise Him.

 

Constant- by Charlie Hall

Just like the sunshine
You have been our light
Leading us into beautiful places
We’ve walked through fire
But You made us brighter
Leading us into beautiful places

Faithful Jesus, healing savior
Compass, center, bread of life
Faithful Jesus, cherished treasure
Our portion, wisdom God’s great light

Just like the starlight
You shine in the black night
Leading us into beautiful places
Just like the atmosphere
You’ve come to surround us here
Leading us into beautiful places

Faithful Jesus, healing savior
Compass, center, bread of life
Faithful Jesus, cherished treasure
Our portion, wisdom God’s great light

God You are here with us
Constantly here with us
You are our everything
Faithful and true