from Him, through Him, to Him = all things

Just for the record, I hate the word "coincidence" and the Christian-ized version, "God-incidence".

Let's just say that God is in control of everything and we should all really stop acting so surprised by that fact.

Pondering this evening why God allows certain people to tell me certain things.

Exhibits A & B:
I am LOVING the opportunity I have this quarter to both assist and lead gymnastics & dance classes for mentally/physically handicapped ladies of all ages. It's VERY easy to believe that God is passionate about defending their cause and speaking up for them.

But a couple weeks ago, one of the ladies, Leslie, "randomly" began talking about her dad with me. How he had been crying all the time recently and wasn't acting like himself. I asked her if I could pray for him and she said yes, because her mom was really tired, too.
Her dad's name is Vincent, if you care to pray with me.

Just this evening, another girl turned me and said, "My mom's having surgery tomorrow. I hope her stomach feels better after that." I can't just smile and nod at something like that; this young lady needs to know that I'm standing and agreeing with her that GOD can heal her mom.

Need to begin living again as if I BELIEVE that EVERY appointment is a "divine appointment".



What a shift.

Maybe that's why God has been gracious enough to let me look forward to monthly doctor appointments.
It's really not about me or even how I'm feeling. It's about Dennis & Kelly in the chairs next to me every month needing to see Jesus. Needing someone next to them who can they can relate to & laugh with. (and this whole once-a-month deal is a really easy commitment to keep, haha.)

Maybe that's why I don't believe people when they tell me that, "Oh that professor is ok, but he can get really boring when he talks for a while."
Seriously? Newsflash: so can YOU. I thought it was silly before to make random notes about personal stories & random facts that teachers would share, but it's not! What a sweet way to see people with titles as just being people. Still with respect, but minus the unrealistic expectations.



That's all I've got for now.
Just wanting to live like I believe everything I read in the Bible.

Qualified

"qualified": be entitled to a particular benefit or privilege by fulfilling a necessary condition

My younger sister said something to me this past weekend that finally cause me to see her as much older than her 16 years -

"You know, Emily, I if I could, I would have your MS for you."

My sister has plenty of health issues on her own, that I would consider much scarier than mine.
It's so different to empathize rather than owning it for yourself. I am still so humbled by her statement.

Being seven years into this particular stretch of the journey that the Lord has me on, I know I wouldn't trade what He has done. Because of my "disability", this on-again/off-again illness, I'm suddenly (or not so suddenly) finding myself qualified for positions that I would otherwise have no business being a part of.

If I choose to, I can humbly walk in this grace-filled path before me and pour into others along the way.
I have such a gift! As I complete my undergraduate degree over the next five months, I'm so eager to see what doors will continue to open as I serve diligently and forge more relationships. I just love being a living example of the Truth that He makes ALL things work together for my good. all things.

Lord, that I would use this authority You've given me with wisdom, tact and grace.

This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God's way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.

And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along.

~Ephesians 3:6-9, The Message

weakness window

Ponder-
several "strong" people that I know are currently facing some serious physical weaknesses.

Yet, it's through their frustration, angst and questions that I'm now able to see Jesus so clearly in their lives.

As they cry out - He answers.
As they surrender - He delivers.
As they weep - He comforts.
As they draw near - He draws near.

O Lord, help me do whatever it takes to lay down my pride...that my own weaknesses might be a window for others to see YOU. Help me to seek YOUR GLORY, and not my own.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;

a stranger, and not your own lips. - Proverbs 27:2, ESV

It is not good to eat much honey,

nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory. - Proverbs 25:27, ESV

Passionate?

passionate (adjective)

-having, compelled by, or ruled by intense emotion or strong feeling; fervid

Somehow the deeper thoughts of my life goals and ambitions always come up during finals time.

Am I passionate or just emotional?

Am I purposeful or just idealistic?

I feel like I give a different answer EVERY time someone asks me what I'm "passionate" about or what my goals are. I know there are causes, people, purposes and activities that motivate me, but I have a difficult time condensing it all down and expressing it clearly within a few minutes. (haha, maybe that's why I enjoy limericks? They don't have to make sense, just rhyme!)

How would I narrow this down?

I'm passionate about:

-God. Jesus. Holy Spirit. His Name + His Renown = the desire of my soul.

-People! family, friends, enemies, strangers, all of them. Whoever and wherever, God is the One who allowed our paths to cross and He has a purpose for that moment - whether the moment lasts for 2 seconds or 20 years.

-Serving others. Understanding what would MOST bless the other person, then carrying that out.

-Helping others believe that they're perfectly capable of doing more than they think they're able to do. *Specifically my motivation for wanting to pursue recreational therapy - take a different avenue to convince someone that they can still physically use whatever they have.

-Greeting others cheerfully! I've noticed that people are not as likely to smile unless they feel obligated to return one that's being extended to them. (or they get creeped out & avoid eyesight altogether. :-)

-Praying. God has been so faithful to teach me how simple it is to remain in His will (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) by preparing myself to remain joyful, prayerful and thankful. As I'm lifting up the needs of others before the Father and leaving them in His hands, I cannot help but rejoice, be thankful & compelled to pray even more.

-Ending slavery. Due largely to the influence that the 268 Generation has had in my life over the past 3 years, my focus for the Kingdom of God to come on earth has expanded beyond my own community. (Though I do LOVE the community God has placed me in and I KNOW that He is seen through me, in every interaction I have with people.) My perspective has shifted to the point that I truly DO believe that all things are possible with God (Mark 10:27). Why not give the copper coins that I have and believe that my God will multiply all that I surrender to Him?! He created the universe. He knows the thoughts and motives of every single person that He created to exist in the universe. GOD IS MASSIVE! How small of me to think that just because I cannot wrap my finite thoughts around a "problem" means that there's no point in doing anything.

-Eliminating debt. (which will help me do more - financially, at least - to end slavery!) I'm a bit ashamed at the thought of entering a marriage with my student loan debt, so that causes me to practice frugality, have a plan and wisely use the resources God has entrusted to me.

-Instructing others (specifically, younger girls) in purity. (and I don't just mean the clothes they wear, though that is important, too.) I've had such a gift from growing up with four brothers to learn from, a little sister to set an example for and parents that fed us Proverbs on a daily basis. I deeply desire for younger girls to know their worth in Christ and that nothing & nobody else is able to fulfill or complete them. He's better.

-Steadfastness. (this is the word God is having me focus on this year.) I'm enjoying my time in college because I know that it will bear fruit and help prove that I am able to make a commitment and complete it with excellence. I enjoy the coursework and all of the people I'm able to meet and encourage during this process, but it's only the Holy Spirit interceding for me that has me following through.

-Patience. I've recently purposed to remove the phrase, "I can't wait!" from my vocabulary...because when I say that, what I really mean is that I'm so excited, I can wait. Ready example for many 20-something girls, their future spouse. I'm so convinced of God's higher thoughts and ways that I can wait for His timing to unfold and write a story that's worth sharing with future (& present) generations.

-Diligence. The reason why I must end this thought onslaught and go pick up my flashcards again. :-) First final of the week in 12.5 hours? No problem.

Also, rather fittingly, the song I've been stuck on lately: "You Are My Passion" (Jesus Culture)

Verse 1:

I'm alive to bring glory to You, King
God of victory, You are my passion
It's in the way You are, You don't change at all
Great and humble God, You are my passion

Pre-chorus:

My strength in life is I am Yours
My soul delights because I am Yours

Your will on earth is all I'm living for

Chorus:

Jesus, I glorify; Jesus, my love is Yours
You are my heart's desire; I live to know You more

Verse 2:

Light that breaks the darkness, showing what true love is
Always full of goodness, You are my passion
You never do me wrong, the meekest Man, but strong
The most perfect song, You are my passion.

Dentist

I have to share this story. (again)

My life was changed/challenged/encouraged at the DENTIST last week.

I mean, beyond the normal plaque, floss more, buy this toothpaste jazz.

the DENTIST!

Of all the places for God to reach down and say, "Hello, Emily! Here's My word for you!", this friendly, 6-month check up is one of the last places I would expect.

April was my dental hygienist and she was the exact image of what a life lived for and through Jesus looks like. She had cleaned my teeth 6 months prior, but I had totally forgotten how kind she was. Thankfully, I was quickly reminded when she cheerfully came out to greet me & we plunged into our dialog. (haha, though it eventually became a monologue :) Within the first several minutes we had covered school & relationship statuses...typical 'small talk' but such a blessing to be encouraged to continue preparing my outdoor work (Prov. 24:27) and seeking Jesus first (Matt. 6:33) right where He has placed me. My mind is so quick to run off & attempt to plan the future and overwhelm myself with imaginary scenarios - thankful to be encouraged right where I am! (but April didn't know that I was facing a week full of tests, wondering if I had really done enough to adequately prepare myself...)

From there, April shared on what the Lord had been revealing to her during her quiet time (seeing the Lord as her friend, and also her husband - so good!)...and how God had led her to share that revelation with another lady she met who had been recently widowed. From there, April was able to help connect with this group of other widowed women from April's church, and just surround her with community. (but April didn't know that I'd been questioning when/if God would have me share the truth & revelation & wisdom that He so freely pours out on me every morning...)

Another story was about this gentleman at April's church who struggles with chronic pain, and how he had recently started a Bible study for others who deal with chronic pain. I loved her statement: "Of course we're still praying and believing that the Lord will heal him, but if the pain is still there, then God still has a purpose for it." Yes; yes He does. She also mentioned to me after that how MS could provide a similar opportunity for people. :-) Very true. (but of course, April didn't know that God knows that I know that I've been pondering how He would have me continue to reach out to MS peeps...)

Finally, as I'm walking out to my car, I realize, that I want to be a dental hygienist so I can tell people about Jesus! As April said, "I say I'm a dental hygienist, but I'm really a Christian in disguise!" She wasn't pushy or annoying or judgmental in any way - she was just doing her job, cheerfully and with excellence. (I had mentioned Passion 2012 a bit, but April didn't know that she was a living example of Louie's final talk/GOD'S purpose to simply speak up, and reach out to those that He has placed within our circle of influence - WHEREVER that may be.)

As I've processed this encounter over the past week, it occurred to me that my visit may not have been the norm. She might not have had the chance to share with someone else as extensively as she did with me. But that's ok! We're not supposed to have the exact same, rehearsed speech to share with everyone we come into contact with. 1 - how boring that would quickly become, and 2 - how narrow to think that God will only be heard if I put just the right inflection on certain words.

April left me with the perfect reminder, encouragement and challenge to wake up everyday with the expectation that God has already prepared the good works that He has for me to walk in (Eph. 2:10). For every single person that comes across my path, every single day - God allows that to happen and He has a purpose for them and for me.

But I don't need to walk around all tense and freaked out that I might 'miss God'. If I am simply in relationship with Him, trusting that as His words abide in me then I abide in Him (John 15:7), then there is NO ROOM for worry or fret within my life.

Everything

is

in

His

hands.

All of a sudden, August can't come soon enough! (next 6-month check up, you know.) I am so energized to continue following Christ, working with ALL of my heart/soul/mind/strength for Him, and not for man...though man will surely see the fruit and freedom of a life that finds all of its worth and purpose from the cross.

Colossians 1:27-29

The Message (MSG)

^26-29This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That's what I'm working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me.

"This is not a death
This is us waking
This is a return back to life
Oh your life all I'm living for
Your life in my life oh it's life that I'm dying for"
--DC*B, "Oh, Great Love Of God" from Give Us Rest or (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys])
one plug: ^^^BUY THIS ALBUM. even if you have it already. someone you know needs it as a gift. from you. =D

P.e.r.f.e.c.t.

haha, just saying "acronym" makes me think of my Ochem professor...she pronounced it more like "uh-crow-knee-um".
=) love her.


So when I feel gloomy and/or frustrated, I'm quickly reminded that the only place I'll find truth/encouragement/the perfect perspective is in the Word.

Psalm 18:30
This God—His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.

Philippians 3:12
[ Straining Toward the Goal ] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

Hebrews 10:14
For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.


One of my leaders also reminded me several weeks ago that God has the PERFECT plan for me.
(Why is it so easy to quickly forget such basic truths?)

Then today, I came across my perfect acronym:

Prompt (done, performed, delivered, etc., at once or without delay: a prompt reply...ready in action; quick to act as occasion demands.)
Effective (adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result)
Righteous (Slang - absolutely genuine or wonderful)
Freeing (enjoying personal rights or liberty, as a person who is not in slavery)
Eternal (without beginning or end; lasting forever; always existing ( opposed to temporal): eternal life.)

Complete (having all parts or elements; lacking nothing; whole; entire; full)
Trustworthy (deserving of trust or confidence; dependable; reliable)




Give Me Faith - Elevation Worship
I need You to soften my heart
To break me apart
I need You to open my eyes
To see that You're shaping my life

All I am, I surrender

Give me faith to trust what you say
That You're good and Your love is great
I'm broken inside, I give You my life

I need You to soften my heart
To break me apart
I need You to pierce through the dark
And cleanse every part of me

All I am, I surrender

I may be weak
Your Spirit's strong in me
My flesh may fail
My God You never will

ps - Happy December! :-) Praying this Advent season will renew & rekindle affections for our Savior as we raise our expectations of all that HE is able to do.

Cause.

noun
1. a person or thing that acts, happens, or exists in such a way that some specific thing happens as a result

¹⁵But He saves the needy from the sword of their mouth
and from the hand of the mighty.
¹⁶So the poor have hope,
and injustice shuts her mouth.
-Job 5

Monday of this week brought me a conversation about child trafficking - from Atlanta to India.
I followed up the conversation with an email containing various organizations that I've gotten to partner with, and it occurred to me that even more people need to be in the loop. (and since this week is another FB fast :D blogging is the timely answer, woohoo!)
And before I had the trafficking convo, I was in Job Sunday night and Job 5:16 LEAPT off the page and has continued to sit heavily in my spirit...I believe it couples perfectly with child slavery and this truth could be made tangible in the lives of so many people --- if we're willing to DO SOMETHING.

(and now, the email.)


These are some local trafficking organizations that I've gotten to volunteer with/donate to before...hopefully you can find an easy way for you to plug in and help stop the demand! :)

Stop Child Trafficking Now (SCTNow)
http://sctnow.org/
I first heard about this organization back in January 2010 at a conference I went to. Then, a lady at my church actually stepped up to be the coordinator for the Atlanta walk/run in 2010 and 2011, so I was able to participate in a more tangible way than just donating money (which is STILL necessary & helpful & awesome, but it's different when you're physically doing something.) This is probably the organization I mention the most, because they're all over the U.S. Their focus is on raising funds to pay for private investigators to find and stop all these different sex trafficking rings.

Wellspring Living
http://www.wellspringliving.org/
This is an Atlanta-based organization that provides healing, restoration, and counseling for women & girls that have been sexually abused. They have also come and partnered with the SCTNow walks we've had in Atlanta. (another thing I SO appreciate about these trafficking organizations -they're so quick to combine resources & work together, because they all have the same goal!!) Wellspring has tons of different volunteer opportunities and easy ways to donate.

Do Something Now
http://268generation.com/passion2012/#!/do-something-now/
I will be attending Passion 2012 in January (a 4-day conference for 18-25yr olds -- all about making JESUS famous & combining worship with justice!), and each year (this will be my 3rd time going) they have a "Do Something Now" center. With 20-30,000 students in attendance, the past 2 years we've been able to help raise a couple million dollars for dozens of different causes (from water, to food, to trafficking, child sponsorship...).

THIS coming year, "During the four days of the conference, our goal is to raise $1 million to fund incredible organizations that are fighting to bring prevention, freedom, and restoration to those trapped in slavery." They have 6 different organizations listed that you can read more about and see if you're led to invest in one of those, too.

Honestly, organizations like these are the propelling force that makes me want to eliminate my student debt as quickly as possible, so I can pour any extra funds towards this need. Especially within the U.S., it's not like this is un-stoppable...it's absolutely heart-breaking, but it's not something that people can remain silent about once they're aware it's going on.

I'll stop now. :-) Hope this helps as you continue to pray & find an area to plug in!!


Truly and really - please DO something. Now.