God's Still God and He's Still GOOD!

It shouldn't be much longer before I find out if I got the job I applied for about a week ago. I definitely have moments of being more nervous of the results- especially thoughts of where I'm supposed to be if not there. The past few months have been such a roller coaster of crying to God in fear, frustration and repentance over my failure to firmly put my trust in Him. I keep trying to remind myself that no matter what happens, God's still God and He's still good! Anything He does is for His glory and my good. It's hard to see and remember that sometimes...especially in the midst of a storm. Maybe God's trying to teach me the freedom of singing and dancing even in the rain...
2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline
Rom 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. Any by Him we cry, Abba Father.

God uses so many things to minister to His children. My reminder tonight to keep trusting in His goodness and perfect will is a sweet sister I met in a summer Bible Study in my early college years. She and her husband just had their first child: a healthy, sweet baby boy, about two weeks ago. A recent blog post was a reflection of adjusting to life with a newborn and being grateful for these moments and brief years even despite lack of sleep! I've been so encouraged by her over the last few years! I remember sitting with her over lunch during a school break shortly after her life was essentially turned upside down. Every plan and path she truly thought God had led her to vanished. I know she went through a very tough adjustment period that I didn't witness directly as we attended different schools. But I was floored and greatly encouraged by the sister who sat across from me that day. It was so evident that she still loved and clung to the Lord with everything in her. As I think back on the last few months and my frustration that my plans have not turned out as I'd expected, I realize how self-centered I can be. Also, how much bigger a canvas on which God is painting my life story--and with how much more love, compassion, and invested interest He does so than I'm capable of understanding.
She's endured so much (including moving across the country during pregnancy and a difficult delivery!). I don't know if I'd be so quick to praise after all she's been through. But I suppose that's a reason God chose this path for her: she's bringing Him great glory in the way that she's responded to trials. And He's greatly blessing her for her faithfulness.
No more than a year after she and I sat down to lunch together, my sweet sister was walking down the aisle towards her groom. And now they've welcomed their son. Such a wonderful example of what it means to trust the Lord whole-heartedly.


Ps 33:20-21 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.

Rebel

"Rebel rejects the notion that being a Christian means a passive approach to our theology and an undedicated lifestyle. The definitions of what we believe and value affect how we live in our short time on this earth [....] From belief to walking it out, our Faith is not a game. And with a majority of society pursuing a life away from Christ, we need rebels who will counter the culture and follow hard after Jesus. It's a call to action, it's a call to believe, it's a call to be radical. Be a rebel and go hard for Jesus."
http://reachrecords.com/audio/6441

"Rebel - I'm in rebellion
Jesus was a rebel, a renegade, outlaw/ A sanctified troublemaker but He never sinned, naw/ and He lived His life by a different set of Rules/ the culture ain't approve/so you know they had they had to bruise em/ that's the way they do/ man, they swear they so gangsta but everyone's the same/ everybody do the same stuff [...] I'm scared to worship money or wants over Elyon/ I'll remain a rebel while the rest of them just carry on/this is what I live fo/ this the hill I'm buried on/ if Jesus is the truth/ that means one of us is VERY wrong/ think about it
No glory in me/ all glory to the King on the throne (Jesus)/ you either love Him or leave Him alone but you can't do both"...
Rebel Intro- Lecrae

"I know in our day Rebel means sinner But everyone is sinning so it's no longer rebellious to sin
Jesus was a rebel who was counter-cultural [...] If you really wanna be a rebel, Read your bible, Because no one's doing that, That's rebellion. It's the only rebellion left.
Rebel Intro- Mark Driscoll
http://reachrecords.com/lyrics/2638


"Your money your singleness marriage talent and time/ they were loaned to you to show the world that Christ is Divine [...] /see my whole world is built around him He's the life in my lines/ I refuse to waste my life [...]/ here's my gifts and time cause I'm constantly trying to be used to praise the Christ/ If he's truly raised to life/ then this news should change your life/ and by his grace you can put your faith in place that rules your days and nights.
Don't Waste Your Life- Lecrae
http://reachrecords.com/lyrics?disc=6441

Celebration!!

Liz, another of our pastor's wives (I'm so blessed to have these amazing women in my life! They're such encouraging examples!!), posted the giving totals from last nights celebration service on her blog. I'm so excited for my church family! God is definitely good! I know its been faith stretching but also so encouraging to see Him provide for His church. We were praying for 40% of the cost to cover the downpayment and be able to move forward. He provided that and then some!

From Liz's blog:
"Last night was another amazing milestone in the life of Crosspoint church. Since Crosspoint was first started back in August 2005 we have met for worship at the BCM building, the Clemson House, Tillman, and the old Methodist church building. God has been so faithful to His church in every move we've had to make. It is such a privilege to be a part of this fellowship of believers! As our pastor says, 'God has continually led us to the red sea where it looked like there was nowhere to go and then He called us to be still and watch!' Our church has been in another season of being still and watching".

One-time gifts in hand: $1,643,492.00 - this is 49.2% of $3,320,000.00
3 year commitment totals: $476,619.00
Grand Total: $2,120,111.00

ADVANCE Update

(From a recent campaign update email) "Last Sunday, March 15, the membership of Crosspoint Church voted to approve the purchase of the Lakeview Plaza facility for $1.75 million and to move forward with plans to upfit-and renovate the facility. The vote was unanimous in support of the proposal with 167 votes cast."
Cayce, one of our pastors' wives, posted an update on her blog with more recent news. The church family will gather tonight to celebrate the end of 21 days of prayer for this property especially financial provision; planning and prayer that initially began months ago. Check out the Advance website for current updates. Please continue to pray for Crosspoint as the body makes financial commitments for the next three years. Its so exciting to see God continue to work through and bless His bride.
For those not able to attend the services today, April, a sweet friend at Crosspoint, posted a video on her blog commemorating God's goodness over the last four years.

...Something in these Hills .....

As I thought about how best to describe my experience at Clemson, I thought about one of my favorite hobbies. I started to develop a greater interest in photography as a freshman. What better way then, to highlight my college experience than in pictures ;)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I will lift my eyes up....

As I'm adjusting to this new season of life, I've been reflecting on the last. I've spoken to a few other new Tiger Alumni. I think we're all finding it somewhat difficult to put our college experience into words. What we all seem to agree on, however, is that there truly is no place like Tigertown especially when it comes to fellowship. I spoke to a alum a bit further removed from graduation. He and his wife have said that they couldn't express back then what made Clemson so special- what about this small college town that impacted them so meaningfully. It hasn't been until years later they've realized it was God's presence. God, of course, is not just in Clemson but His prescence seems easier to identify when you're immersed in a community of believers all in the same season of life. For me, it was living away from home for the first time, making my own decisions about whether or not to continue growing in my faith; finding other believers who were also striving to live for Christ amongst the abundant temptations of college life. There's no doubt to me that it was the community that made Clemson so different from anywhere else I'd ever known. There is nothing like living within minutes of (and thus spending the majority of time with) those with whom you worship, serve, work, study, and fellowship. This became real especially after SummerLINK when I returned home and realized it was the community that I missed so much.
I thank the Lord for the opportunities He has provided. It's still difficult to know that those seasons have ended as they were so greatly growing and encouraging to me. I'm finding though, that God is ever faithful to provide. Even in this new season as I somewhat mourn the loss of great blessings, I've seen God provide new opportunities for fellowship. I pray wherever He sends me, I'll find believers who are also eager to build authentic community. Clemson was a very unique season in my life; one I'll always treasure as a gift from Him. A friend recently told me to look forward to what God will do by asking Him what good works or acts of service He has for me in each new day. Each day is, afterall, a precious gift from my maker as I'm not promised tomorrow. My prayer is to be a good steward of His gifts, glorifying Him with each one.

Child of God....Royalty

I'm currently reading Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I came across a passage today that I wish I could share with each of my sisters!


"'Do you know who you are? God made you a woman. Accept His gift. Don't be afraid to be feminine and to add physical and spiritual loveliness to the setting where He has placed you. You are a child of God. You are a part of the bride of Christ. You belong to the King--you are royalty. Dress and conduct yourself in a way that reflects your high and holy calling. God has called you out of this world's system--don't let the world press you into its mold. Don't think, dress, or act like the world; inwardly and outwardly, let others see the difference He makes in your life.'
We as Christian women should seek to reflect the beauty, order, excellence, and grace of God through both our outward and inner person."


This is such a challenging reminder that I was made in the image of Christ. My life is to point to Him in everything I do; not to be a mirror reflecting culture back to culture (Mark Driscoll). It's also so uplifting to remember who I am. No one can ever take from me that I am God's loved and cherished daughter. With great privilege comes great responsibility. I wouldn't trade my inheritance for the world, though. Being counted in His family is the ultimate undeserved gift. Nothing else comes close to being worth it.