Completely

This song is one of my favorites!

I was listening to it last night and the words were just such a blessing to me!

The secret of life is letting go

The secret of love is letting it show

In all that I do, In all that I say

Right here in this moment

The power of prayer is in a humble cry

The power of change is in giving my life

And laying it down, Down at Your feet

Right here in this moment

Take my heart, Take my soul

I surrender everything to Your control

And let all that is within me

Lift up to You and say,

"I am Yours, and Yours alone completly"

This journey of life is a search for truth

This journey of faith is following You

Every step of the way, Through the joy & the pain

Right here in this moment

Take my heart, Take my soul

I surrender everything to Your control

And let all that is within me

Lift up to You and say,

"I am Yours, and Yours alone completly"

Right here, right now

And for the rest of my life

He Didn't Throw The Clay Away

Empty and broken, I came back to Him.

A vessel unworthy; so scarred with sin.

But He did not despair-

He started over again,

And I bless the day He didn't throw the clay away.

(Chorus)

Over and over He molds me and makes me.

Into His likeness, He fashions the clay.

A vessel of honor I am today-

All because Jesus didn't throw the clay away.

He is the Potter and I'm just the clay,

But molded in His image, He wants me to stay.

When I stumble and I fall, my vessel breaks-

He just picks up the pieces,

He doesn't throw the clay away.

Over and over He molds me and makes me.

Into His likeness, He fashions the clay.

A vessel of honor I am today-

All because Jesus didn't throw the clay away.

So many times I fail and so many times He picks me up again. He never gives up on us.

 Sometimes it seems all our strength is gone and all hope of holiness is vanished:

But Jesus is standing there, ready to give us the victory if we ask Him!

Oh, the Lord is SO good! He is so merciful, loving, longsuffering...

I just can't comprehend why He is so good to me!

"Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Ephesians 3:13-19

Winter Break On Campus!

Due to several things, it happened so that I stayed on campus over most of the winter break. (about a 5 week break!) I learned soon that this was the time that so many fun memories would be made! I've met people I never knew were on campus, and became better friends with those I already knew. The chef, I believe, has been spoiling us with exceptionally good meals! (t-bone steak, homemade pizza, etc...!)
There were some interesting times, tiring times, and just plain wacky times!
(We have many insane videos with proof! lol)

So many things happened, can you believe this... I haven't been taking many picture!
LOL. So I'll just share a few pics and narrate:

One great memory was that Bro.Ferrso asked me one day to be in charge of a group of callers for him! I was honored to be asked and had a wonderful time!

Here I am in my cubicle!...

My friend Stefany and I were definatly having a fun time!...

Upon not knowing if I was able to go home for Christmas (which, I was able to!!), I was sad of the possibility of missing out on all the great holiday decorations, so I went to the store and bought my own little Christmas tree and decorated it for my room and named him "Happy Joy" *Ü*...

Another fun time was when I was in the GA on my laptop, a family playing Uno Attack asked me to join in! It was such a fun time as two more of my friends came along and we got to know this great family!

After going through a whole semester of longing to play basketball, one evening, we finally had our chance to get out on the court!!

One morning, upon talking to my Gramma in the gazebo, my friend came along and we decided to go... on the playground! (Ü)... it was a fun time of swinging, chatting, and feeling like kids again! Getting up on the fun little bridges are one of my favorite parts!...

Finally, yet, I'd say, the best memory yet, was the day it snowed!! Yes! It SNOWED in desert California! As I was relaxing in my dorm one afternoon, girls started running up the stairs screaming, "IT'S SNOWING!!" I looked outside, and sure enough, little light and fluffy flurries were starting to sprinkle down upon us! We ran outside so excited!...

It was so lovely walking to church during light flurries. However, upon walking out from church, the grounds were just covered! It snowed a lot more and was about 3-4 in.!

So after supper, we had the biggest snowball fight you'd ever see! After the fight, some of us went to the gazebo for a time of relaxing and hot cocoa! It was so much fun and a great blessing from the Lord!

It was definatly an awesome winter break! Very relaxing, yet crazy!

God has also been speaking to me alot during break. He's been teaching me many lessons, some of them very painful, but worth the better relationship with Him.
He has been good and has proven Himself over and over again.
He has been so good to keep me going even when I felt like giving up.
Just remember...

"Don't doubt in the night

What God gave you in the light"

---Dr.Chappell

That Ye May Know...

Time to time, I've struggled with assurance.
I've been sometimes worried that I doubted my salvation,
because I thought if I really was saved, I would know it!
I thought that I was the only one, but over the past few months,
I've realized how other dear Christian friends
I have struggle with the same thing!
I've been praying about it for quite some time,
and thought I'd share what the Lord has revealed to me,
in case any anyone else has struggled as well.

I remember when I was 5 years old,
I understood I was a sinner, that Christ died for me,
and I didn't want to go to hell.
I knelt by my bed and prayed and asked Jesus to
forgive me and come into my heart and save me.
When I was about 9, I felt I may not have
really been saved and that I was basing my assurance
on a 'profession' I had made.
So I told the Lord I was sorry for my sins
and that I wanted Him to forgive me,
come into my heart and save me.

Age 12 I struggled.
Age 14 I stuggled.
I have to say, though, that I've struggled the most in 2008.
In March I said a prayer to 'make sure'.
In June I said another one to 'make sure'.
But after a while, I'd start doubting again.
Sometimes I just didn't feel saved.
Finally, on October 16 2008, I told the Lord about it.
Somehow, I figured He didn't know or care I felt no assurance.
I knelt beside my bed and cried out to Him.
I told Him I was doubting and that I was tired of it!
I was so scared...
did I repent enough? did I say the right thing?
did I have enough faith? did I base it all on a prayer?

But then He stopped me and reminded me...
It's not if what I did was good enough,
It's about what Christ did.
He reminded me that His blood was enough.

Romans 10:13 came to me...
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
All I need is enough faith to just ask Him
and to know I'm a sinner and am sorry.
He reminded me of the time I did that.
When I really called to Him.
I was saved... am saved!
My assurance comes from trusting Him to keep His promise!


I thought I'd share some verses He used to speak to me...

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
John 6:37

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 

"If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if [he ask] a fish,
will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children:how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"
Luke 11:11-13

I knew I was saved... I just needed to trust Him
that He really did hear me and save me and keeps His promises.

It's not God's will for us to be doubting our salvation.
The devil tries to get us to doubt.
Since he cannot have our souls,
he wants to keep us from doing as much for God as he can.
If we spend so much time wondering if we're saved,
we become discouraged and not as useful for Him...
we can forget about all those souls we need to tell, too.
That is our job as a Christian,
and satan tries to keep us too busy with ourselves.
Also, doubting is a sure sign of backsliding.
And when I heard that in a message,
I looked back and realized it was so in my life.
Anytime I wasn't in God's Word,
or did something I knew the Holy Spirit 'pricked' me about,
I would sure enough start doubting.
And after a while, the Holy Spirit will stop 'pricking'.
God will always be there to come back to,
but if we're going to ignore Him, He'll sit back.
Then I really started doubting, since I felt so numb
to the things of the Lord.
But when we're completely right with God,
completely trusting in Him and His Word,
we're not going to doubt!

Praise the Lord that He never gives up.
His mercy and grace never end!
We fall aside so many times,
and when we come back, He's always forgives us!
This wonderful God sent His son to die for our sins.
All we have to do is believe and accept His gift.
If you have done that but are doubting,
I encourage you to tell the Lord about it.
He knows and cares that you are, and He will help you.

"These things have I written unto you that
believe on the name of the Son of God;
that ye may know that ye have eternal life,
and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."
1 John 5:13

Valencia Trip... Mall & Iceskating!!

During the last few weeks of the semester, we had a college trip to donwtown Valencia, where we shopped at the mall for 3 hours, then headed over to an ice skating rink! It was SO much fun!!!
Here's some random pics from the mall...

Along the way, there were many nice things that caught my eye.

But of course, I was trying hard not to be...

One of our favorite stops was the Disney Store!

"Ducky" and his favorite cowboy shirt

Me and my Lady

After the mall, we all piled into the bus and headed over to the ice rink.

I was so excited to go ice skating for the first time ever!!

I soon caught on and was off on my own at a fast pace!!

I didn't even fall once!

That trip was definatly one of the highlights of this semester's activities!! Ice skating was so much fun... and a lot colder than I thought! LOL

My First Semester At College...

The end of fall semester was so busy and full!
(hence, the lack of posting... sorry!)
God has been so good in working my life personally, and so many people's around me. There have been wonderful chapel messages, heart-to-heart talks with friends, and great memories. Toward the end of the semester, there were plenty of fun activities!
Included were:
Thanksgiving Break Trip with Ashley
Charlie Brown Christmas Play (by LBS highschool)
Winter Orchestra Concert
Music Majors to the Wall's House (chairman of music)
Valencia Mall / Iceskating Trip
Christmas Banquet


But among many of the special activities,
we were always sure to find time to just "hang out"...

Music Major Fellowship...

Me and Mrs.Wall at their house...

Ashley and I at the GA, waiting for coffee!

Me and my Grammar teacher, Mrs.Dunwoody

Me at the GA with the 'First Lady', Mrs.Chappell

My first semester at college was definatly full of wonderful memories that I will carry with me the rest of my life! I'll be posting about different events individually/in groups within the next few days.
 Lots of pictures coming up!! Be prepared!! LOL

Putting Old Things Behind and Reaching Ahead...

January 1, 2011~
The very first time I type the new year! How exciting! A brand new year... who knows what will be in store? As I look back over this previous year, I see how many different lessons I've learned. There were times of happiness, tears, laughter, meditation, and inspiration. I've learned lessons in submission, humility, patience, trust, and most of all, faith.


I'd have to say, overall, it's been a faith-testing year.
By faith, I prayed my family to California.
By faith, I left the place I knew so well in NC.
By faith, I stepped out on my own for the first time.
By faith, I sat back and watched God work so many miracles,
saw Him prove Himself, and stood in awe as He preformed
the impossible over again.
I've grown closer to Him and He's become more real to me.


So much has happened. A year ago, I never would have thought I would be here. So what will I be doing a year away? What things will happen? Only God knows and I sure am glad He is in control!
May this year of 2011 be a full one, used for Christ, my Beloved. I'm very excited to see what this new year brings. My God be glorified in everythings. Who knows, maybe He will come back this year. May it be a year of growth for all of us; in spirit, maturity, and academically.


Well, it's time to push aside old things and
reach for all the new memories to be made.

Stand Amazed

What does it take to amaze you?
Is it a person’s incredible intellect and mental capacity?
To solve deep mysteries and discover new technologies?
Creativity and skill? Accomplishments?
Watching a beautiful sunset over snow-capped mountains?
I find it interesting that not everyone’s amazement
level is peaked by the same things.


A new do-dad of technological advancement may be just
what every teenager ‘needs’, but to others it’s just a
new toy on the shelf, soon to be outshone again.
Two people watching the sunrise may appreciate it,
but one soon wishes to do something else while
the other still can’t get enough of the view.
To one, a new tune of music may just be another song
added to the bunch of them. But to a musician,
it may be their very breath and emotion,
as they can only sit back and soak in each and every note.


What’s the difference?
It was the same song, the same sunrise, the same technology.
Why did it amaze only some?


Some people actually stop to think about what’s important to them.
Some people actually stand back and look at what is really there.
Some people are too caught up in real life,
things of this world, and the things of tomorrow.
They’re so busy reaching for things they long to have,
that they miss enjoying the things that are right in front of them.
How many times is that the sad condition of God’s children!


Are we caught up in all the blessings the Lord is giving us,
that we forget to cherish the Giver?
Am I too worried about the situations rising up against me
that I forget to trust in the One Who promises to lead me through it?
Do I look to the future, think of what I want to do
and not even consider the plan of the One Who made me for a purpose?
Many times we even long for love and a romantic relationship,
and ditch the perfect, holy, unconditional, & eternal Love right there.


If I were to tell you that Jesus left heavenly riches
to come to earth, suffer as a human being, die in your place
so that you could live in heaven… would you be amazed by that?
Well, duh! I’m saved, of course I’m amazed.
Are you still? Were you really?
Just reading about that should bring tears to one’s eyes.
I’m convicted myself, since I should have made so many
mistakes typing that statement from trembling hands,
blurred eyes from weeping, and overwhelming conviction
that it should have brought to me.


How was it when you got saved?
Did you feel like falling on your face and worshipping God?
Did it move you enough to surrender every desire,
every dream, every decision to His perfect plan?
That’s what should come when we actually look at salvation.
But you know what?
That’s not the end of my amazing God!
Something so amazing, I can’t even comprehend this:


Not only did He make a way of salvation for me,
He made it with no cost from me.
He paid everything. He doesn’t require anything.
But He does have a perfect plan for you since before birth.
This plan, instead of containing all the pain and suffering we deserve,
He planned it to be full of joy, peace, and love!
He has a wonderful life in store for us!
A personal relationship with Him!
A reason and purpose to live!
But, He loves me so much,
that He’s not going to force me to have this great gift.
I have a choice.
Even if I choose not to accept His plan for me,
He still leaves the opportunity there and continues to call me.
He never gives up on me!
If I start to stray, He loves me enough to chastise me,
accept the anger from me, and still lovingly woo me to Him again.
WHAT IN THE WORLD?!
What have I done to deserve such grace?
NOTHING!
I’ve done everything possible and so much more NOT to deserve it!
Yet He still not only offers it, He BEGS me to accept it!
Now isn’t that AMAZING?!


I often have to stop and ask myself,
“What do I get amazed by?
What is important to me?
What am I living for?”


It’s fun to dream about things.
It’s easy to worry about things.
But we all have to make a decision.
Am I going to spend my life worrying about real life
and dreaming of a life that might never be?
Or will I take the Lord’s hand as He guides me into my future,
trust Him to work out the current situations,
and stand still in amazement of my Beloved Creator?


I encourage you, especially as this new year is coming around,
stand still and be amazed at your God. Don’t forget Him.
Don’t get caught up in material goals or plans for this year.
Seek first His Kingdom and His fellowship,
then stand amazed at Who He is and What He does.



"Stand ye still and see the salvation of the LORD...
Fear not nor be dismayed... for the LORD will be with you."
2 Chronicles 20:17

AllAlong

This has come to be my life song.

Every word clearly tells my story and gives God

the glory for always being there for me.

I hope you enjoy the music video I made for it...

All Along:

Time just drifts away and as I look back through the years;

Memories of happiness and bitter tears.

Through it all, there was a common threat that cannot be ignored;

You were there teaching me to be Your servant, Lord.

All along, Your hand has been guiding me;

Shaping my life to be a beautiful song.

All along, You've led me through

The things that You do,

Would make me strong.

Your love has been there all along.

Every joy and pain had a reason of it's own

Now I realize that I was not alone.

The changing seasons of my life were not left up to chance;

Lord, I know You were working to fulfil Your plan.

All along, Your hand has been guiding me;

Shaping my life to be a beautiful song.

All along, You've led me through

The things that You do,

Would make me strong.

Your love has been there all along.

Tomorrow when I turn around, and I look back at today.

I will understand Your purpose, and my thankful heart will say:

All along, Your hand has been guiding me;

Shaping my life to be a beautiful song.

All along, You've led me through

The things that You do,

Would make me strong.

Your love has been there all along.

Dear Mom... Missions Conference Week

Monday

Today began our annual missions conference at church.

We support over 200 missionaries and just took on 20 more!

Classes during the conference are only 25 minutes long!

Here's some random pics...

A typical day at lunch in the dining hall!

Me & Brett

(we found out that our moms have known eachother online

for a while! I also am friends with his Mom on FB! LOL)

Me & Bryan

(some think we look like bro. & sis. lol)

At my dorm, we had a movie night watching "Parent Trap"

or "Beauty and the Beast"... but I was sleepy & went to bed.

Here's me and my "dorm soup", Dana:

(what we call the dorm supervisors)

Tuesday

Today was a WONDERFUL day at Missions Conference!

In the morning chapel service, Dr. Don Sisk spoke

on surrendering our lives to the Lord and living by faith.

I went forward and completely surrendered every area

of my life to the LORD and commited myself to Missions giving.

This evening the choir sang "Faces", which nearly makes

me cry every time I sing it! Today was a great day!!

Wendesday

After classes and such, I went to a session about

"How To Win Moslems To Christ"... VERY good!

My friend and I talked about it afterwards and

we both just felt like going soulwinning!

I also got to hear of several friends surrendering to

foreign mission fields, and to the Moslem people.

Here's a random picture of my friend, Lea, and I:

Thursday

Today classes were back to normal 1 hour times.

O well, had a great time anyway!

Today was the last Home game for our Eagles

volleyball team, and we ever so sadly lost. :-(

I also went to football intramurals with a friend

and we were studying during the first 3 games.

(I had to memorize all 48 prepositions for a

Grammar quiz the next day! AHHH!)

I was freezing cold and had to go to bed at 11:30,

but intramurals lasted until about 2am!!!

Friday

Today was FULL of fun!! I got a 100 on Grammar quiz!

We also arranged a 'surprise' birthday celebration

for my friend Adam at the Great Awakening Cafe...

left2right - Franklin, Johnathon, Me, Steve

left2right - Nicholas, Adam (his b-day!), & Johnathon

Cameron & Brett goofing off!

Me and Abby :-)

Saturday was our anuual Harvest Festival at church,

and I was working with the soccer game.

Afterward I enjoyed cotton candy, hanging with friends,

and going to bed early and sleeping in late!! Yahoo!