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.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
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.
"'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.
Friday, February 27, 2009
ADVANCE Capital Campain
In many ways, I feel as though I spiritually grew up in Clemson. God's been so faithful in guarding my college years to be a time of great growth with Him. One of the ways He provided was a very loving, encouraging, and challenging church body: Crosspoint Church. Since planting in 2005, God has done some amazing things with Crosspoint. Many of the brothers and sisters and experiences God used to draw me closer to Himself especially over the last couple of years have been through this wonderful church body. With many dedicated, gospel-centered churches and ministry organizations in the area, Clemson is a training and sending ground to advance the Gospel to the nations. Even though I'm no longer a student, I still feel led to pray for this church and God's work on the campus having seen His prescence so clearly at work!
I wanted to share a prayer request for my church family: the lease for the facility they are currently using ends in August. The church has begun the Advance Capital Campain with anticipation of God providing the next location. He has been so faithful in the last three years (this will be the 4th location for the church -each one larger and better fitting to the needs of the church than the last! I know I've repeated the word "faithful" but its really the best fitting description of what I've seen of Him through the church!)) We are anticipating seeing Him do great things as He has never failed to take care of the body more lovingly and fully than we could have imagined. I wanted to share this 1) as an uplifting example of God's consistent faithfulness and provision 2) to ask for prayer for my church family.
The campaign includes 21 days of prayer (Feb 22-March 15). For those of you who have never been to Crosspoint, I understand that you won't feel as connected to the campaign. I'd ask you, though, to please lift up your brothers and sisters in prayer during this time of needing to put full faith in God's perfect timing. If you're a former Crosspoint member, you probably remember one or more of the previous moves and God's work through the church. Please pray for continued growth and for outreach to the campus and community. Crosspoint members, you know all the details so please also know that even those who can't be with you in person are praying for you!
I Cor 9:23
I wanted to share a prayer request for my church family: the lease for the facility they are currently using ends in August. The church has begun the Advance Capital Campain with anticipation of God providing the next location. He has been so faithful in the last three years (this will be the 4th location for the church -each one larger and better fitting to the needs of the church than the last! I know I've repeated the word "faithful" but its really the best fitting description of what I've seen of Him through the church!)) We are anticipating seeing Him do great things as He has never failed to take care of the body more lovingly and fully than we could have imagined. I wanted to share this 1) as an uplifting example of God's consistent faithfulness and provision 2) to ask for prayer for my church family.
The campaign includes 21 days of prayer (Feb 22-March 15). For those of you who have never been to Crosspoint, I understand that you won't feel as connected to the campaign. I'd ask you, though, to please lift up your brothers and sisters in prayer during this time of needing to put full faith in God's perfect timing. If you're a former Crosspoint member, you probably remember one or more of the previous moves and God's work through the church. Please pray for continued growth and for outreach to the campus and community. Crosspoint members, you know all the details so please also know that even those who can't be with you in person are praying for you!
I Cor 9:23
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
...As Worship
The Restore Conference focused on relationships and family as worship. (The four general sessions were titled: Dating, Marriage, Parenting and Sex as Worship) Each general session and breakout session pointed to everything we do, our whole lives, being worship. Every instance of worship is to be to the Glory of God. I learned so much this weekend of how God wants me to apply this- offering every aspect of my life as an act of worship with the constant purpose of glorifying God in everything I do and say. As I'm learning more about the application of dying to self to best glorify and worship God, I find myself thinking more about the meaning of the lyrics of praise songs. Worship should spur response and change. I reflected more about a couple of the praise songs this weekend. Here's one of them:
We Stand--Lee McDerment
Come all and join the chorus
our hands are lifted high
as one we lift our voices
we raise this battle cry
We stand with the One Victorious
We stand with One Alive
We stand with One glorious
Jesus the crucified
Come weary, worn and broken
His arms are open wide
Our lives will not be shaken
We raise this battle cry
We stand....
Our lives will not be shaken
cause our God is still alive!
We stand with One glorious
Jesus the crucified
The Christian life is not passive. We ARE in spiritual battle. I choose to stand with the ONE Victorious, the ONE ALIVE! The phrase: "I will not be shaken" has been repeated for me in scripture and praise songs recently. Coming to the safety of God's arms, just as I am, even broken, is so comforting. It makes God's abundant Grace so much more real!
We Stand--Lee McDerment
Come all and join the chorus
our hands are lifted high
as one we lift our voices
we raise this battle cry
We stand with the One Victorious
We stand with One Alive
We stand with One glorious
Jesus the crucified
Come weary, worn and broken
His arms are open wide
Our lives will not be shaken
We raise this battle cry
We stand....
Our lives will not be shaken
cause our God is still alive!
We stand with One glorious
Jesus the crucified
The Christian life is not passive. We ARE in spiritual battle. I choose to stand with the ONE Victorious, the ONE ALIVE! The phrase: "I will not be shaken" has been repeated for me in scripture and praise songs recently. Coming to the safety of God's arms, just as I am, even broken, is so comforting. It makes God's abundant Grace so much more real!
Restore Conference
This past weekend was the Restore Conference in Clemson. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to have attended this conference! It really was a blessing to be under such wonderful teaching and immersed in the fellowship of wonderful brothers and sisters. It was such a sweet time of seeking God's heart on dating, marriage, sex and discipleship. Theres so much I could discuss from the weekend! I'm sure God will be using what I've heard through the next several seasons of my life! I would highly encourage anyone to download the 4 general sessions and as many of the 15 breakouts as are fitting to your season of life. They will be available on the Restore Conference website by the end of this week!! I'm looking forward to listening to sessions I did not get to attend as well as listening to those I did again!
One of the most insightful and convicting things I heard during the conference was during a breakout session with Justin Perry: "Just because you're learning new things doesn't mean you're growing in Christlikeness" That resounded so much with me! I have a tendency to be a bit of a "resource junkie". I love listening to sermons, reading blogs and good books; soaking up wisdom and insight. I'm also very much enjoying a new reading plan that will take me through the Bible in a year (my first time doing so!) There's nothing wrong with these. In fact, we're called to grow in knowledge and truth. The sign of a committed believer is a craving for God's word. The problem arises when we neglect the most important stage: application. Knowledge without application is wasted and poor stewardship. This challenge convicted me to more dilligently seek the Lord on how He wants me to apply what I'm learning rather than just absorbing information.
I'm so thankful God used this time to speak to my heart! The fellowship with Him was so sweet especially on the drive home as I began processing what He's been teaching me. I sincerely pray that these things will be a catalyst for growth and greater intimacy with Him.
One of the most insightful and convicting things I heard during the conference was during a breakout session with Justin Perry: "Just because you're learning new things doesn't mean you're growing in Christlikeness" That resounded so much with me! I have a tendency to be a bit of a "resource junkie". I love listening to sermons, reading blogs and good books; soaking up wisdom and insight. I'm also very much enjoying a new reading plan that will take me through the Bible in a year (my first time doing so!) There's nothing wrong with these. In fact, we're called to grow in knowledge and truth. The sign of a committed believer is a craving for God's word. The problem arises when we neglect the most important stage: application. Knowledge without application is wasted and poor stewardship. This challenge convicted me to more dilligently seek the Lord on how He wants me to apply what I'm learning rather than just absorbing information.
I'm so thankful God used this time to speak to my heart! The fellowship with Him was so sweet especially on the drive home as I began processing what He's been teaching me. I sincerely pray that these things will be a catalyst for growth and greater intimacy with Him.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Waiting as Worship
Reading back over the lyrics of "While I'm Waiting"by John Waller, I thought of a Mark Driscoll sermon I heard recently on the "Doxological View of Culture". Part of the lyrics are "I will serve you while I'm waiting I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord". Mark Driscoll described worship not as an event but as all of life. It doesn't start and stop. It's life with God. Worship is defined as the continual pouring out of all that I am to a chosen god. This could be the God of the Bible or a substitute, an idol (or idols).
All of life is worship.... culture is created as worship acts.... we were created to give ourselves in worship to someone or something.....you will sacrifice for who or what you put in the position of glory... everyone worships The question is, who or what? ....
The question for me out of all this is if all of life is worship, how will I use this time to worship, serve and glorify the Lord? I'm definitely in a season of waiting. I've heard in the past that waiting isn't passive, its active obedience. It can still be quite a helpless feeling sometimes. Though I don't clearly know where God's calling me, I do know I've only begun to explore the gifts, abilities and passions He's given me to be used for His glory.
The latest GirlTalk Blog post suggest that singles "Use This Time". Here's an excerpt from the post:
"Despite the many, legitimate, demands on your life, you have great freedom to choose how you spend your time. [referring to women in the single season]
Please don’t waste a moment of this precious and limited season. Be a student of God’s Word. Study eagerly, study deliberately, study faithfully.
When you dedicate your time to growing in your knowledge of God and you’ll make deposits into your future life that will yield blessing upon blessing".
Sounds like a great place to start in seeking to wait on the Lord as an act of worship. :)
All of life is worship.... culture is created as worship acts.... we were created to give ourselves in worship to someone or something.....you will sacrifice for who or what you put in the position of glory... everyone worships The question is, who or what? ....
The question for me out of all this is if all of life is worship, how will I use this time to worship, serve and glorify the Lord? I'm definitely in a season of waiting. I've heard in the past that waiting isn't passive, its active obedience. It can still be quite a helpless feeling sometimes. Though I don't clearly know where God's calling me, I do know I've only begun to explore the gifts, abilities and passions He's given me to be used for His glory.
The latest GirlTalk Blog post suggest that singles "Use This Time". Here's an excerpt from the post:
"Despite the many, legitimate, demands on your life, you have great freedom to choose how you spend your time. [referring to women in the single season]
Please don’t waste a moment of this precious and limited season. Be a student of God’s Word. Study eagerly, study deliberately, study faithfully.
When you dedicate your time to growing in your knowledge of God and you’ll make deposits into your future life that will yield blessing upon blessing".
Sounds like a great place to start in seeking to wait on the Lord as an act of worship. :)
Beautiful the Blood
I never knew death could be so sweet
I never knew surrender could feel so free
I never seen such meekness in majesty
That the blood of Jesus was bled for me
And now I sing freedom for all my days
It's only by the power of the cross I'm raised
The King of Glory rescued me
How beautiful the blood flow
How merciful the love show
The King of glory poured out
Victorious are we now
Never knew through these nails would love unfold
And never knew these wounds would heal my soul
I've never seen such beauty and sorrow meet
The blood of Jesus was bled for me
And now I sing freedom for all my days
It's only by the power of the cross I'm raised
The King of Glory rescued me
[Repeat Chorus]
Now I'll sing freedom for all my days
It's only by the power of the cross I'm raised
The King of Glory rescued me
[Repeat Chorus]
How beautiful you are
How merciful you are
How glorious you are
Christ the Savior
How beautiful you are
How merciful you are
How glorious you are
Christ the Savior
Steve Fee
I never knew surrender could feel so free
I never seen such meekness in majesty
That the blood of Jesus was bled for me
And now I sing freedom for all my days
It's only by the power of the cross I'm raised
The King of Glory rescued me
How beautiful the blood flow
How merciful the love show
The King of glory poured out
Victorious are we now
Never knew through these nails would love unfold
And never knew these wounds would heal my soul
I've never seen such beauty and sorrow meet
The blood of Jesus was bled for me
And now I sing freedom for all my days
It's only by the power of the cross I'm raised
The King of Glory rescued me
[Repeat Chorus]
Now I'll sing freedom for all my days
It's only by the power of the cross I'm raised
The King of Glory rescued me
[Repeat Chorus]
How beautiful you are
How merciful you are
How glorious you are
Christ the Savior
How beautiful you are
How merciful you are
How glorious you are
Christ the Savior
Steve Fee
"Beautiful The Blood"
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