...the greatest of these is love

I just finished watching some 10 yr anniversary 9/11 coverage.... I really hadn't planned on saying much in person or online about the anniversary today. I'll admit I am incredibly blessed not to have known anyone directly affected by the tragedy. I suppose I feel a little unqualified to say much. And yet, watching the coverage, I'm reminded that we're all affected in some way or another. Freedom and our way of life as a nation was attacked that day.

There have been many wars before this one and I recognize that I grew up in a post-world wars and Vietnam war era that my grandparents lived through. There are memorials in DC that I've visited but have no real connection to. I've never visited New York but I'll forever remember the day the towers came down and now the building of the memorial.

My children and grandchildren may someday ask me what I remember about the day that American life as I knew it changed. I'll tell them that I was in a high school English class. Our teacher took us to an assembly in the gym where the principle told us what had happened. I think at that point, both planes had hit. The teacher had us journal our thoughts and record where we were. We spent the rest of the day watching the classroom tv's and on the computers gathering information as it unfolded. In our last class of the day, the teacher (who had been at home that morning as she was part time) brought in a vhs of the coverage she'd recorded. She talked to us about Bin Laden and the seriousness that our world just changed forever.

It's amazing to me to think that there are children alive today who do not remember the events of September 11, 2001. In a way, this is evidence of our nation's resiliency and growth despite opposition. We will not back down, we will not succumb to the pure evil intentions of the enemy. In other ways though, its so much more sobering. These children do not remember a pre-9/11 world. All they know is our nation at war against those who would gladly take our freedom and consider us unworthy to co-habitate the planet.

In church this morning, we saw a video commemorating the anniversary. The main idea was centered around one of my favorite concepts: Faith, Hope and Love. Faith in God, Hope in Him, sharing His love with a hurting wold. It also addressed the resolution of the country: to never forget. Our challenge then is what we wish to remember. The terrorists' plot? The number of lives lost? Disdain for another nation?

Don't get me wrong, I fully support our troops and am thankful every day for the sacrifices they make so I can live such a privileged life. But real healing is never in retaliation. Its in the hands of Jesus. As we continue to rebuild structures and lives in our nation, let us focus on the master architect and supreme healer.

Even though so many spent the hours, days and weeks following the tragedy wondering where God was, His hands, feet, words and tears were on display even at Ground Zero. The firemen that rushed in, the countless Good Samaritans who helped others to safety, the relief workers, those who comforted and provided for grieving friends and family members....

How, in the face of such devastating grief and turmoil, did so much gentleness, compassion and sacrifice arise? Only because Christ first loved us, are we capable of loving, serving and sacrificing for one another. I'm not assuming that every act of grace or love that day or in the years following was enacted with the intention of being Christ's hands and feet but the evidence of what our Creator empowers us to share is there.

So instead of remembering why the enemy began this crusade against our freedoms (including those of religion) or the devastation that was inflicted, I want to remember how God's love was displayed and how His strength continues to sustain.

Mr. and Mrs. Hassell!

On Aug 13, I had the privilege to serve as a bridesmaid for my sweet friend, Meredith. God's love, identification with our struggles and heart for what is best for us are so evidently seen in her relationship with her now husband, Aaron. God truly is faithful. Their romance is a beautiful story of God's faithfulness. I enjoyed walking through the college and some post college season with Meredith watching her continually turn to the Lord and how He has blessed her life. Looking forward to what God has planned for these faithful servants.

Nesting

Has it really been almost 2 months since I've posted??? Oh dear...
There are a few very good reasons! (and perhaps a little forgetfulness/lack of anything to say somewhere in there as well)
The first good reason is that I've been in a month long training course for work. Another class is on the horizon! I usually end up coming home from work and wanting to find anything but a computer screen! Some of what I've been studying/working with is actually rather interesting but but that doesn't typically translate to blogging Ask me in person or give me a call if you want to know about that :)
The other big reason I've been occupied outside the blogging world is that I moved! My new place is quite cute and becoming more homey each day! I spent a good bit of the last few weeks idea searching, shopping and otherwise focused on home details. Its been fun but I'm also excited to see the whole thing put together! Through this, I've become convinced that you don't have to be pregnant to nest! I've been most excited lately about the little details. One such adventure includes plants!Peace Lily
Moth Orchid
Greenery to bring some color to the light walls.


**The disclaimers: I'm not a green thumb....in fact, it could be considered rather brown.
I picked out attractive but also at the least, "tolerant" small potted plants
If you hear nothing further about my new home residents you may infer that I have merely forgotten to post an update or that you should observe a moment of silence for the poor things and do not expect to hear anything further about green living things in my care**
All in all nothing terribly exciting to report. Moreso thankful to be settled and enjoying a little downtime before new assignments and training at work to be followed up by the holidays with fall football throughout.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!

Antics from the Cube Farm

One of our teams in the office keeps quite busy testing systems for compliance. Its often hard to keep track of where they are with so much travel! One of the leads created this ....relaxation aid...for them the other day...

Certifiable ;)

Its been a pretty crazy month! For the most part, I was busy studying for a certification for work. I'm very thankful to God to say I passed!! (to which Dad jokes that I'm certifiable...hmm haha) I've loved learning new things at work and feeling more a part of the team as I've taken on new roles. This will open some very exciting doors career-wise. I'm looking forward to what God has planned down the road!
To prepare for the certification exam, I was given the opportunity to stay with my parents while I attended a one-week class. It was wonderful to spend the week with them although all too short as I was in class 8 hrs/day and studying at night! We did get some family time in as I flew up a couple of days beforehand and stayed a couple extra days. We also had dinners as a family in the evenings. One of my favorite family events of the trip was having lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, PF Changs, to celebrate passing the certification exam. Dad and I also got to enjoy a "Daddy-Daughter Date" to see the new X-men movie (yes I do like action/sci-fi! great movie!!!)
I'll likely continue to attend classes and take certification exams in the next few months as I work towards more in-depth involvement in this field. I'm excited but soaking in this break. I've been thoroughly enjoying time with new friends and those who have moved to the area after college. I can see how God is working in my life; presenting new, exciting opportunities and teaching me more about His faithfulness as I learn to depend on Him more fully.

Beauty and Value

Quotes from a sermon I heard recently (taken from the church's fb page)

We all have shallow preoccupations about life, money, status, acceptance, etc and our emotional reward is worry. Worry shows we are not in a trusting relationship with God the way we should be; He is taking care of all of the things we need.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Wouldn't you rather live with peace than worry in your heart?

"Most of us don't provide God an opportunity to show us His greatness in our lives." Do you trust yourself more than you trust God?

"Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance"
Isaiah 40:12 ESV
Shouldn't we trust the same God who holds the water in his hand and weighs the mountains?

In America, especially with ladies, it's all about the outward beauty and people forget to look at the inside. America wants an outward transformation, while God values the inward transformation. Where are you focused?

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6ESV
Aren't you glad it's not up to us to do the transforming, but that God will bring it to completion for us if we allow Him?

We are born wanting to be king over our kingdom (life). We feel stress and anxiety as we try to control every aspect of our lives. But when we accept Christ as our savior, we are called to live in such a way that we crawl off our thrones and invite Him to take the throne of our lives.

This message almost hurt with conviction but healed at the same time...
I know I don't trust God as I should and I pay an emotional price for it. Phil 1:6 is one of my favorite verses. Its so comforting to know that God is faithful. He has a plan for pursuing and growing me. He doesn't give up!

Do You Trust Me?

In this post, I shared about a lesson Pastor Steve gave on trusting God when you have no idea how He'll work in a situation. I have been reminded of this more lately....following Christ, trusting Him is challenged when we must do so by faith not by sight. In the times it seems God's quiet, He's working mightily, pushing me past comfort zones and safeguards to rely on Him alone.
I love this song by Jeremy Camp. Although it sounds like a lament its actually a victory cry. When I can't, God does.


Jeremy Camp- Healing Hand of God

I have seen the many faces of fear and of pain
I have watched the tears fall plenty from heartache and strain
So if life's journey has you weary and afraid
There's rest in the shadow of His wings

I have walked through the valleys, the mountains, and plains
I have held the hand of freedom that washes all my stains
If you feel weight of many trials and burdens from this world
There's freedom in the shelter of the Lord

And I have seen the healing hand of God
Reaching out and mending broken hearts
Taste and see the fullness of His peace
And hold on to what's being held out
The healing hand of God

And I have touched the scars upon His hands to see if they were real
He has walked the road before me, he knows just how I feel
When you feel that there's not anyone, who understands your pain
Just remember all of Jesus's suffering

'Cause I have seen the healing hand of God
Reaching out and mending broken hearts
Taste and see the fullness of His peace
And hold on to what's being held out

Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you
He's near to the broken and confused
By His stripes our spirit is renewed
So enter in the joy prepared for you

I have seen the healing hand of God
Reaching out and mending broken hearts
Taste and see the fullness of His peace
And hold on to what's being held out

The healing hand of God
The healing hand of God
The healing hand of God

And hold on to what's being held out
(Hold on)
And hold on to what's being held out
(Hold on)
The healing hand of God, oh, oh