Trust God with your homework

"God loves math and that's why he gave humans the idea of math. If you are having trouble with math you should pray about it. In the Bible it says all things are possible through Christ who strenghthens me. If you pray to God about your trouble with math God will help you get it eventually. You should trust God. All you have to do is believe in Him because He works MIRACLES! "

A 13 year old wrote this!
And here are some verses that I found related to work/wisdom/future, oh boy are there more!

1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.

Pains of Surgery

I read this today from the book "Real Christians don't
Dance". I admit when I have a problem I try to fix my
environments, by getting rid of the idol but what
about the idol in my heart. We have to be cleansed
from the inside out and let me tell you what, it
hurts. humbling yourself before God and being
vulnerably is not the most comfortable place to be at
but that is what needs to be done. Pray with me not
just for me but for anybody else who is going through
this too.



The cartoon character Pogo's famous statement says it
best: "We have met the enemy and he is us." A pure
environment doesn't necessarily make pure people.
Avoiding movies, burning records, staying away from
dances, or turning off the radio does not make anyone
spiritually strong. In fact, these actually tend to
produce the opposite effect, developing fragile
Christians who must live in a controlled, censored
environment � much like people who are so sensitive
to germs and chemical pollution that they have to live
in sterile rooms and breathe only filtered air.

The real problem of evil is inside us and not on
our walls or our stereo turntables. The purifying
process must begin in the heart and mind. The Bible
says: "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those
who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure"
(Titus 1:15). God works from the inside out, not
outside in. A pure heart makes for a pure world, not
vicversasa.

A pure heart comes from knowing Jesus Christ and
having Him recreate our hearts and minds through His
Word. It's strictly an inside job. Once that process
of change has begun, we begin to see differently. The
Word of God becomes a compass that points us toward
truth. With our new-found eyesight, we begin to sift
out truth from wherever we find it � even in the
most unlikely places. "To the pure, all things are
pure."

"Every Warrior of the Light
has felt afraid of going into battle.

Every Warrior of the Light
has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.

Every Warrior of the Light
has trodden a path that was not his.

Every Warrior of the Light
has suffered for the most trivial of reasons.

Every Warrior of the Light
has, at least once, believed he was not a Warrior of the Light.

Every Warrior of the Light
has failed in his spiritual duties.

Every Warrior of the Light
has said 'yes' when he wanted to say 'no.'

Every Warrior of the Light
has hurt someone he loved.

That is why he is a Warrior of the Light,
Because he has been through all this
and yet has never lost hope of being better than he is."

Paulo Coelho, Brazilian Author
From his book: 'Warrior Of The Light'

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ~ John 13:34

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven
I'll walk with Joy to know my debts are paid
I know my name is clean before my father
I am his child, and I am not afraid
So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother
The law of love I will gladly obey

I then shall live as one who's learned compassion
I've been so loved that I'll risk loving too
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges
I dare to see another point of view
And when relationships demand commitment
Then I'll be there to care and follow through

Your Kingdom come around and through and in me
Your power and glory let them shine through me
Your hallowed name, O may I bear with honor
and may your living Kingdom come in me
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor
And may you feed a hungry world through me

My, Your, Our Sovereign God

Is God sovereign in your life? I mean is he really? Do you have the fear of God in you? Are you afraid to pray powerful prayers because you know they will come true. Ask and you shall receive. YOU SHALL RECEIVE. So what do you ask for and how do you react when you get it. When I was younger I would make birthday lists and Christmas lists that way my family wouldn't have to figure out what I wanted. The lists consisted of at least 10 items. Along would come Christmas and I would get stuff that was on the list but yet I wasn't completely thankful because even though my request was granted I really wanted the other items on the list(After 5 years I finally got a CD player that I wanted!) or I wasn't completely satisfied with the item that I did get(I wanted the red ball not the blue one). My point is when we pray and God answers our prayers how thankful are we? Did we want him to answer one prayer before another, did we even want him to answer a certain prayer and are we grateful for the way he answered the prayer?

The reason I brought this up is because yesterday I was faced with the reality that God answers prayers. I prayed in the morning for him to be sovereign in my life and to break me. I took pride in this prayer because I felt so Spirited and decided that it would be a good day because I did my Christian duty. Quickly before I knew what happen he put a big struggle right in front of me and all I could do was face it head on. He decided to break me and show to me that he is sovereign in my life. I wanted to run but he reminded me that I asked for it. I asked for a ball and well I got it. Don't run Christian! Or at least don't run from him but instead run right into his arms. Humble yourself and let go of all your pride and the mask that you wear to look strong. Trust in him to guide you and to comfort you. Sovereign sustaining grace.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4

"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:6-7

Here is the song that is powerful and can't be song without understanding what you are singing. Everytime I sing it I find myself on my knees because God has answered my prayers. I ask you all pray it for yourself if you want God to be sovereign in your life.

Break Me
Travis & Sarah Swan/Katrina Jansson

Wake me
Shake me from my sleep
Move me
And I fall to my knees
Breathe on me
DonÂ’t let my heart be cold
Burn in me
A fire I canÂ’t control

Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
Have Your way with me

When IÂ’m weak, you understand my cry
Holy Spirit come, IÂ’m ready for Your life
Call me, and name me as Your own
Set my mind upon Your ways as I let my way go

Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
Have Your way with me

Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
So Your glory can be seen

Glory for the world to see
Show yourself to the world through me 4x

Maker of Heaven and Earth

Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895)
Maker of Heaven and Earth

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.

The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
God made them, high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.

The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
We gather every day;--

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

Courage to not Run

When faced with something do you choose to run from it or do you choose to take it head on? Pause before you answer this!

"The wicked man flees though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion. - Proverbs 28:1"

I'm not referring to anything particular. Financial problems, school problems, relationships, temptations, surrendering of idols, your own sins, your weaknesses or any struggle that you find yourself in. For me I guess it is all of these, I confess. I'm a runner and not in the one foot in front of the other way but the one where avoidance is my way of life.

But there is hope! WE have the Spirit in us and God is on our side.

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Phil 4:13"

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. - 1 Corinthians 16:13"

Road marked with Suffering

"Drowned eyes
Dark skies
Lonely nights
Fading lights

You will wipe my tear
every word you hear
Change my heart of stone
For I am not alone

My God is good
for there I stood
looking to the cross
now I count my sin as loss

All my life to give
is the only way to live
Endure the race
to see His Face!"

I wrote these words this evening, reflecting on my most resent struggles and on my past struggles. I was reminded today that dwelling is not good. Dwelling on the negative, dwelling on my sorrows, dwelling on my struggles, and worst of all dwelling on the lies Satan tells me. But Christ died for me and for ALL, no need to dwell. Rejoice instead for he has saved me and I bring pleasure to his eye.

"Blessed be Your Name
On the Road marked with suffering
Though there is pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name"

Grandma and Me!

I went to church with my grandma Sunday and then lunch together afterwards. I thought of something I heard from John Piper that before I became Christian somebody maybe many more were praying for me. Because of their faithfulness and even more because of God’s faithfulness I am a Christian, going on 16 months! My grandma was one of those and I know that when I told her last year she rejoiced. Imagine praying for somebody for 18 years and then getting a letter declaring an answer to your prayer. Imagine the joy and I can still see it in her eyes and feel it in her hugs. It was great to sit and chat with my grandma and to go to her church. I remember when I was younger when my brothers and I would stay at my grandparents’ house on the weekend. They would take us to their church. Entering the church this time was totally different because I liked to be there, God’s spirit was in this church. Like my church in Fort Collins this one focuses on the great commission that God has called us to work for. But at the same time when I saw the alter all I could think of was my grandpa’s memorial service. The same screen that we watched old pictures of his life I was reading lyrics about the Hope I have in Christ. Painful but yet joyful. I thought of my recent stroll through the cemetery thinking about the pains of being a widow. Many going years after their spouse has died, years that I imagine are lonely and depressing. But then I think of my grandma and I think of the old lady that has breakfast alone every Saturday morning at Elmers, local breakfast restaurant. You give your heart to somebody and then after 50 years or so you find yourself without them. Nights so sad that you can’t even cry but there is hope. I looked at that alter and read what was written below, “Christ is Lord”. There is our hope, there is their hope and there is the hope that we live everyday for. That hope and joy is reflected in my grandma’s eyes and smile. The same smile that God has blessed me with, like a friend of grandma’s said, “I can tell you gals are related”.

Praise God for my grandma and her faithfulness, praise him for my salvation, praise him for the hope we all have in Christ. Praise Him!

Hello dear blog, I haven’t forgotten about you I just don’t know what to write. It’s not a lack of thought but really a lack of understanding. The only thing I am sure of anymore is that God is almighty and his way leads to victory. He is faithful with our prayers and he is always with me despite my many failures. More soon I hope.

Stars and Us

Even the moon is not alone
it is surrounded by many stars
most you can't even see
They each have a part
in lighting up the sky for God

With my fellow
brothers and sisters
I too have the duty
no the privledge
of lighting up this world
for GOD!

"children of god without fult in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" - Phil 2:15

I wish to be a tree - Abra

I wish to be a tree
In all of it's glory
Firm in stand
Not shaken by another hand
Either dressed or bare
It will always be fair
Stretching to the sky
And never living a lie
Identity as he see
God made him a tree
In a yard or countryside
That is for God to decide

A poem by me

I walked into a cave
Thinking it was a tunnel
No light it gave
Only into darkness via a funnel

Down, Down, I went
Into the dark abiss
No way to vent
Hoping to not miss

But everytime I closed my eyes
there my Savior stood
With all the tearful goodbyes
He will always be perfectly good

Life is now worth living
I now have a plan
To always be giving
Love received by a holy man

God Sent Me An Angel
by Tommy Q

I was walking along a country road one calm and cloudy day
Feeling down about the problems that had seemed to come my way
My pain was very great and my tears I could not hide
And was calling God to help me as I was hurting deep inside

I then thought about what I've believed and how I've rarely called
For sometimes I have wondered if God were there at all
As I lifted up my head and looked down that road a spell
I spotted someone coming - from the distance hard to tell

As he got a little closer I could then see all the signs
Of someone who'd been down that road quite a number of times
His clothes were old and dusty and his shoes were pretty worn
But there seemed a glow about him - at least I could have sworn

His face appeared real friendly as he peered up in the sky
He said, the weather is pretty calm today, hope the rain will pass us by
He first talked about the weather, but there seemed to be much more
That we both had in common, except for what we wore

He started talking about his life and the places he had been
And he spoke as if he knew me, like we were next-of-kin
From the problems that he had, to the happy times he found
Our likeness was uncanny and was becoming more profound

We had so much in common - I couldn't believe how much alike,
That I decided to tag along, we continued on our hike
He said he's from all over and his name was just like mine,
And hoped one day that we would meet as he had a real short time

I was feeling sort of baffled, as we went on with our walk
But he had held my interest, so I listened as he talked
He said, I know you're hurting - as your life has been so hard
But it seems today that you found God, where once you'd disregard

From the point that I was calling and was asking for God's hand,
Is the point where he had first appeared, as this was in God’s plan
He said to take more time for prayer - that I could bend God's ear
That He is always listening, and He is always near

God knows about my struggles but better times will be ahead,
As long as I keep believing and will no longer be mislead.
We then turned onto a sidewalk and now very close to home,
And it was then it struck me that I was suddenly now alone.

This stopped me in my tracks and I began to call his name
And it was then I understood, why to me that day he came.
I then realized God had heard me, as my Angel He then sent
To relieve me of my worries, and all my discontent.

Today I pray more often and feel blessed with my God's Love
As He was there and listening - and sent an Angel from above

Reflections - Harry Conte

So many times we do not see,
that all of life is a memory:
Of days gone past both bad and good,
and so we dream, as dream we should:
But one should always keep in mind,
that a memory is a day behind:
Live for today with its joy and sorrow,
for today is the memory we dream of tomorrow.

Hope

What is most dear to you? Do you even know? When you lose it or just think you have, that is when the truth is revealed. My roommate told me that my fish died, my 'Hope'. My world crumbled in that moment. For many she is just a fish, mmm sushi they joke. To me she is more than a fish. Her name is Hope, because Hope keeps me going. Everyday keeps going because of the hope that we will all be in heaven, hope that Jesus just might return on this day and I won't have to wonder where I'm going for Christmas, hope that today will glorify him, hope that I'm here for a reason. What if all the hope in the world faded away, died? That is how I felt. That is what happens when you give your fish a name like 'Hope' the time will come when I'll have to face reality that my fish will die, yet another thing to leave me, but I'm promised this 'blessed hope'

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" - Titus 2:11-13

Thanksgiving Break Wrap-up!

Friday night: Monika, Brittany and I went to Denver. Brittany's parent's bible study lead by Paul, a man gifted with prophecy (I'm still pondering all he said) Said up talking with B's parents and then bed. (For my sign language class I was silent on Friday, made things even more interesting)

Saturday: Brittany took Monika and me to the airport. I slept the whole plane ride. Mom, dad and Craig greeted me at the airport. We later went for a walk, I cooked some VERY spicy stirfry and watched 'Coach Carter'(not a bad movie)

Sunday: Movie theatre for 'Chicken Little' (a must see, it was too funny, I love the pig!) Grocery shopping. My next door neighbors found out I was home so I played with them for a couple hours.

Monday: Went to my old high school to observe a math teacher, my old volleyball coach. Came back for lunch and help my dad rack the leaves. Back to school for 6th period and a forever long conversation afterward, I always forget that Mr. Healy is a talker.

Tuesday: Oatmeal for breakfast! Listened to music on computer and then chess board shopping with my parents. 1:30 I went to my old elementary school to walk Katie home from school and to see my old 6th grade teacher. I realized how much older I am. I saw my old 6th grade teacher Mr. Raino (the best teacher ever), my 4th grade teacher (she now has a 6 year old, when I had her she wasn't even married!), My 2nd grade teacher and my first grade teacher. They all remembered me and all shared a embarrassing story for Katie to laugh at me for. They all encouraged me for my desire to become a math teacher! For the next couple hours I played with Katie and her sister, that included climbing to the top of the tree in the front of my house. Back home for my mom's pre thanksgiving turkey dinner. Went to a string trio recital in Caldwell. Kent arrived around midnight but I was already in bed.

Wednesday: Breakfast with mom at a cute cafe downtown. Shopping for CD's and clothes, it was a fun time. I convinced my family to go ice skating well all except Kent. It was fun I skated for a straight hour and of course fell on my butt once. Craig gave me and Kent our Christmas presents early. He had messed up on his order of a MP3 player and so we each got one. Sweet because I've been thinking about getting one and so I spent the rest of the evening putting songs on it.

Thursday: Turkey day! Went to grandma's at noon. My aunt Bev and precious arrived a little later with the food. My cousin Lacey and her boyfriend also came. Watched football, ate (real potatoes!), watched more football, played UNO like always, ate pie (YES! My aunt's apple pie!) and called it a night. Watched 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 days'

Friday: Craig and mom went to the mall for fun! I was a sleep of course! Took Katie downtown for the Festival of Trees and then back home. We then took a drive to Bogus, 6000ft elevation mountain? I drove the windy roads and that was fun. Dad made macaroni and Cheese! Watched James Bond movie, Numb3rs and the end of 'Hook'

Saturday:I woke up long enough to see a beautiful sunrise and the freshly fallen snow before falling back asleep. Craig and I fought over sifted flour and then made cookies. We joked the whole time. 12 dozen was the total! The five of us went on a walk which include passing a football around and pushing mom on the swing until she almost vomited. Craig and I slaughtered mom and dad at the game Rook. Learned the lesson that cell phones aren't washable! Packed and watched the Notre Dame/ Stanford football game!

Sunday: woke up at 2 and was to excited to fall asleep. Got ready at 4:30. Got to the airport at 5:30, plane left at 7 and arrived in Denver at 9. Took the 10:20 shuttle back to the Fort.

Let go of the edge

Have you ever been Ice Skating? I went on my second try today and I must say there is a valuable lesson to be learned. The only way to get better is to get away from the edge and brave the open ice.

How often does God calls us to do something and we just run to the safety edge where we know that we won't fall, where no body well come along and knock us down. I cry out for freedom but when he gives it to me I run cause I'm blind of the gifts and strengths he has given me. Yes we will fall as I did today but it really doesn't hurt that bad compared to the lost opportunity to see if you could do it.

Jesus my Groom

I wrote this last fall, during one of my alone times with God and a guitar. It's about the love I've found in Jesus.

My heart was cold and empty
I was hungry and in search of love
In search of a man like the movies
to love me, care for me until
I am old and gray
I hope to find a man that would
give me all I wanted
who would make me happier and hold me tight
we would have beautiful children and live in
a perfect little home

But to my surprise
the man I would fall in love with
was more than I imagined
He has loved me from the beginning
despite all my faults, and imperfections

I never thought that
the one I ignored
the one I denied
the one I despised
would be the one I would love

Now I will dedicate myself to you
Give you all I have
because it was your grace that saved me
Now I live by a new plan

Jesus I long to be your bride
Whisk me away on your mighty stallion
ride me off into the sunset of my dreams
and we can live happily ever after
in your mighty kingdom, that I call home

Message of Love

Yesterday I was walking to class listening to the Building 429 CD and "No one Else Knows" played. It was one of those I've listened to this song a couple times before but now, this moment in time it resonates with me. I had to stop and soak it in, I was only a little late to class.

"I have come to you in search of faith
Cause I can’t see beyond this place
Oh You are God and I am man
So I’ll leave it in Your hands"

I try not to give songs too much great, or use them as my only link to God. But there are those verses like the above one that are just poetic versions of my own prayer. I could ramble on but there aren't words to express or explain what God has been telling me this week. A message of love despite of me, I'll I have to do is leave my life in his hands.