Yesterday was "the big game". Carolina Pride on the line. The Gamecocks came away with bragging rights for the year. Don't get me wrong, I cheer for my Tigers and love it when they win but my time at Clemson (THANK YOU LORD!) was NEVER solely about athletics. Listening to some of the "friendly rivalry smack talk" going on even in my church group the last couple of weeks I was reminded how easy it is to get entirely too wrapped up in the temporary; turning good things into God things (idols).
I really loved the dinner blessing a friend of mine gave after another loss earlier this season: "Thank you Lord that our identity is not in a football team". It was meant mostly in jest but it really set my focus back on why I really love Clemson: b/c of what God did in me and for me there. My identity is daughter of the Most High. I learned so much about this during my time at Clemson.
As I've mentioned before here and here: looking back, I recognize that God did a great deal of spiritual maturing in me during my time in TigerTown. Saying I'm a Tiger brings to mind the faces of many brothers and sisters God has used in my life. I was tremendously blessed to share a season with them; to be poured into and blessed to learn from and follow their examples.
It also reminds me of how great my God is. He ordained my steps to allow me to grow in the knowledge of His Truth and to daily experience His character and His love. God showered His grace on me then, knowing exactly where I needed to be in that time in my life. He knew the people I needed to meet, the surroundings I needed to be in, the trials I needed to learn and grow through. So many times God met me where I was. He continues to shower that grace on me now, building on truths; foundations of which were begun in my college years.
Win or lose, I will always say with thankfulness, I am a Tiger. Its so much more than an athletic record....
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Growing and Learning Day by Day
God is....
sovereign (I Tim 6:14-16), holy (Lev 19:2), worthy of honor and glory (Heb 3:3), forgiving (Ps 86:5), comforter (2 Cor 1:3-4), gracious and merciful (Ps 103:8).....
and so many more things...
God's been teaching me some pretty powerful lessons regarding His power and grace. Fear, anxiety, and discouragement are never tools God uses when He's dealing with us directly to correct and discipline. When faced with these obstacles, I have an instinct to ask what I've done wrong and why God wont answer my cries for guidance. While my attention is distracted by the enemy's lies of "unworthy", "unwanted", "not good enough", "powerless", "defeated", I neglect the truth: God alone loves me so much that He died for me (Rom 5:6).... The devil is the liar, God Almighty is Lord!
I was reminded tonight that my God is mighty but He does not force us to do His will. He is not a tyrant. He is a loving Father. His voice is gentle yet unwavering. He is the God of peace not confusion or fear (I Cor 14:33, 2 Tim 1:7). He may allow the enemy to use these tactics to force me to turn to Himself but He will never love me less or force me into submission. I get to choose Him each day. He offers renewal and grace afresh each morning.
I will stand firm in the faith and in the promises of my Savior. I am washed clean by the blood of the lamb. I am wanted (Ps 139). I am adopted (Phil 3:12). I am justified (Rom 5:9). My debt has been wiped clean and my God has a purpose for me! (Jer 29:11)
"The father of lies....is preaching the song of the redeemed....cursed and gone astray I cannot gain salvation...singing the first verse so conveniently, He’s forgotten the refrain: Jesus saves" (Embracing Accusation-Shane and Shane)
sovereign (I Tim 6:14-16), holy (Lev 19:2), worthy of honor and glory (Heb 3:3), forgiving (Ps 86:5), comforter (2 Cor 1:3-4), gracious and merciful (Ps 103:8).....
and so many more things...
God's been teaching me some pretty powerful lessons regarding His power and grace. Fear, anxiety, and discouragement are never tools God uses when He's dealing with us directly to correct and discipline. When faced with these obstacles, I have an instinct to ask what I've done wrong and why God wont answer my cries for guidance. While my attention is distracted by the enemy's lies of "unworthy", "unwanted", "not good enough", "powerless", "defeated", I neglect the truth: God alone loves me so much that He died for me (Rom 5:6).... The devil is the liar, God Almighty is Lord!
I was reminded tonight that my God is mighty but He does not force us to do His will. He is not a tyrant. He is a loving Father. His voice is gentle yet unwavering. He is the God of peace not confusion or fear (I Cor 14:33, 2 Tim 1:7). He may allow the enemy to use these tactics to force me to turn to Himself but He will never love me less or force me into submission. I get to choose Him each day. He offers renewal and grace afresh each morning.
I will stand firm in the faith and in the promises of my Savior. I am washed clean by the blood of the lamb. I am wanted (Ps 139). I am adopted (Phil 3:12). I am justified (Rom 5:9). My debt has been wiped clean and my God has a purpose for me! (Jer 29:11)
"The father of lies....is preaching the song of the redeemed....cursed and gone astray I cannot gain salvation...singing the first verse so conveniently, He’s forgotten the refrain: Jesus saves" (Embracing Accusation-Shane and Shane)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Timm!
Yesterday was a beautiful celebration of God's faithfulness as Joshua and Peg joined in the covenant of marriage. The story of how God brought them together is absolutely beautiful. You can read about their love for the Lord and faithfulness to His timing in their own words.
The ceremony, by all American accounts, was very different but this is because they and their guests held a worship service to the Lord in thankfulness for his faithfulness. We sang worship songs along with the bride and groom and prayed over them as a body of believers lifting the marriage of our siblings to the Father for guarding and for use according to His will.
One of the songs was "How Beautiful"
How beautiful the hands that served
the wine and the bread
and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful the feet that walked
the long dusty roads
and the hills to the cross.
How beautiful
how beautiful
how beautiful is the body of Christ.
How beautiful the heart that bled
that took all my sin
and bore it instead.
How beautiful the tender eyes
that chose to forgive
and never despise.
How beautiful
how beautiful
how beautiful is the body of Christ.
And as He laid down His life
we offer this sacrifice
that we will live just as he died:
willing to pay the price
willing to pay the price.
How beautiful the radiant Bride
who waits for her Groom
with His light in her eyes.
How beautiful when humble hearts give
the fruit of pure lives
so that others may live.
How beautiful
how beautiful
how beautiful is the body of Christ.
How beautiful the feet that bring
the sound of good news
and the love of the King.
How beautiful the hands that serve
the wine and the bread
and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful
how beautiful
how beautiful is the body of Christ.
God-honoring couples like Joshua and Peg, which God has graced me to be able to observe, are a continual reminder to wait for His best. He is the great sustainer. His faithfulness is unmatched by far.
Mr. and Mrs. Timm!!
Joshua and Peg have such hearts for the country of India. Joshua served as a Journeyman there for two years; during which, he and Peg sought God's will for their lives as a couple. Joshua also proposed to Peg in India so it was very befitting to see touches of India in their wedding!
Beautiful Clemson girl bridesmaids! I love these ladies!!! I am always so encouraged after time with them! Peg bought their shawls in India on the trip when Joshua proposed! Just one of several beautiful touches of India in their wedding.
Beautiful bride and brides-to-be. It's so encouraging to see my sisters find such wonderful Godly men and to have the privilege to celebrate with them!
The ceremony, by all American accounts, was very different but this is because they and their guests held a worship service to the Lord in thankfulness for his faithfulness. We sang worship songs along with the bride and groom and prayed over them as a body of believers lifting the marriage of our siblings to the Father for guarding and for use according to His will.
One of the songs was "How Beautiful"
How beautiful the hands that served
the wine and the bread
and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful the feet that walked
the long dusty roads
and the hills to the cross.
How beautiful
how beautiful
how beautiful is the body of Christ.
How beautiful the heart that bled
that took all my sin
and bore it instead.
How beautiful the tender eyes
that chose to forgive
and never despise.
How beautiful
how beautiful
how beautiful is the body of Christ.
And as He laid down His life
we offer this sacrifice
that we will live just as he died:
willing to pay the price
willing to pay the price.
How beautiful the radiant Bride
who waits for her Groom
with His light in her eyes.
How beautiful when humble hearts give
the fruit of pure lives
so that others may live.
How beautiful
how beautiful
how beautiful is the body of Christ.
How beautiful the feet that bring
the sound of good news
and the love of the King.
How beautiful the hands that serve
the wine and the bread
and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful
how beautiful
how beautiful is the body of Christ.
God-honoring couples like Joshua and Peg, which God has graced me to be able to observe, are a continual reminder to wait for His best. He is the great sustainer. His faithfulness is unmatched by far.
Mr. and Mrs. Timm!!
Joshua and Peg have such hearts for the country of India. Joshua served as a Journeyman there for two years; during which, he and Peg sought God's will for their lives as a couple. Joshua also proposed to Peg in India so it was very befitting to see touches of India in their wedding!
Beautiful Clemson girl bridesmaids! I love these ladies!!! I am always so encouraged after time with them! Peg bought their shawls in India on the trip when Joshua proposed! Just one of several beautiful touches of India in their wedding.
Beautiful bride and brides-to-be. It's so encouraging to see my sisters find such wonderful Godly men and to have the privilege to celebrate with them!
Clemson Groundbreaking
On October 27, I had the opportunity to attend the ground-breaking for Clemson's new Wind-Turbine testing facility in Charleston!! I am so excited about Clemson's presence here but more-so about the purpose. Before I graduated, Clemson opened the ICAR facility in Greenville for testing and innovation in automotive research. They have now moved to Charleston to continue efforts toward renewable resources with wind turbines. As many of the political leaders present noted, this will have a great impact on the economy and job market in the Lowcountry as well as contributions to conservation of our natural environment. The details are much better explained in this article I was so encouraged hearing in the speeches of how the project came together through great collaboration among the University, state and city. Our political leaders fought hard to award $45 Mill to the project which was matched in the private sector with $53 Mill! I was especially impressed, however, with how even political leaders took time to acknowledge that it's God's grace and creation that allows us these resources and that the overall project will make strides in stewarding these blessings. I am continually blown away with the leadership and blessings God has provided to Clemson. He is doing great things with His campus and His people. I am blessed to have attended a university with so many who love and seek to honor the Lord. Father, to you be the glory for all you provide!
Because the project moved onto the old Naval base, the facility already exists! It's wonderful that the actual structure was provided as part of the 87 acres granted by the city but it did mean that there was not an actual "ground breaking" just a symbolic turning over of some fun orange dirt!
Quick Catch-Up
Hard to believe over a month has passed since I've posted anything. I did think about it. I even still have some great notes from Cru over the summer... To be honest, it's just been a BUSY few weeks!
So, catching up.....first of all, THANK YOU! to those who have prayed for and loved on my family in the passing of my grandfather. We were overwhelmed with the calls, cards, thoughts and generous gifts sent. The family is doing well. Glory to God, Papa is home with Him!!!
What's kept me so busy is a rapid series of changes: the weekend after I returned from my grandfather's funeral, I moved into another house with a couple of sweet girls (much closer to work!!) It's difficult at times not being closer to the church and therefore to friends but overall, its been a great transition! I am continuing to adjust to the new position which has (Praise the Lord!) mostly been smooth.
These are two of the wonderful ladies I work with. My cube-mate is on the far right.
Such a sweet blessing! I am daily learning from her about maintaining a Christ-like attitude in the workplace. I have such a tendency to carry things so much longer than I should. She is an example and reminder to "reset" (as she puts it!) and not carry the little annoyances and aggravations that should barely be momentary especially in light of our purpose here.
We also have a sweet brother nearby who has us laughing most of the day. Overall, I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by the team that I have. God continues to reassure me that He has a purpose and a plan.
So, catching up.....first of all, THANK YOU! to those who have prayed for and loved on my family in the passing of my grandfather. We were overwhelmed with the calls, cards, thoughts and generous gifts sent. The family is doing well. Glory to God, Papa is home with Him!!!
What's kept me so busy is a rapid series of changes: the weekend after I returned from my grandfather's funeral, I moved into another house with a couple of sweet girls (much closer to work!!) It's difficult at times not being closer to the church and therefore to friends but overall, its been a great transition! I am continuing to adjust to the new position which has (Praise the Lord!) mostly been smooth.
These are two of the wonderful ladies I work with. My cube-mate is on the far right.
Such a sweet blessing! I am daily learning from her about maintaining a Christ-like attitude in the workplace. I have such a tendency to carry things so much longer than I should. She is an example and reminder to "reset" (as she puts it!) and not carry the little annoyances and aggravations that should barely be momentary especially in light of our purpose here.
We also have a sweet brother nearby who has us laughing most of the day. Overall, I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by the team that I have. God continues to reassure me that He has a purpose and a plan.
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