choices

My friend forwarded this message to me today:

We always have a choice between hope and despair, no matter the circumstances. We always have a choice between fear and faith, no matter how bleak things may look. We always have a choice to give and serve no matter how little we may have.

My pastor preached from Psalm 1 yesterday for the beginning of a sermon series through Psalms. The comparison in this chapter between the righteous and the wicked should grab our attention.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

We have a choice to delight in the instruction of the Lord. We have a choice to let it be in our thoughts throughout the day. Will we ponder and study?

Standing in the path where sinners walk is a choice too. It could be active (purposeful and intentionally) and inactive (unwilling to change your actions). Will we sit down to relax and rest where scoffers and mockers gather?

Charles Spurgeon said, "Sinners cannot live in heaven. They would be out of their element. Sooner could a fish live upon a tree than the wicked in paradise."

For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God's will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought). verse 6, Amplified

my weekend in photos

cake, a snake, and the wedding dress

I'm afraid the snake has been speaking to [many of us]. He's been sneaking up and whispering, "God is stingy. He dangles that beautiful fruit called marriage before your eyes and won't let you have it. He refuses you the only thing you need for deep personal growth, the one thing in all the world that would solve all your problems and make you really happy." ~Elisabeth Elliott

Last weekend, I had the privilege of helping host a bridal shower for my best friend from high school. How refreshing to see a couple follow God and seek His honor and glory. There is so much rejoicing in that! I cried tears of joy and happiness as we prayed over my friend, and was beside myself with excitement when I saw her dress for the first time. She will be a beautiful bride! I eagerly soaked up all the details and planning and preparations. My heart will be full on her wedding day. I am so overwhelmed to be a part of her special day.

It makes the contrast of my own life seem even harsher. I know that God's plans for my life are different than the plans He has for others. I cannot compare myself with other people. Even though it is the complete opposite of what I had dreamed of as a little girl, I choose to believe that God's plans for me are better than my own. Whatever He has in store for me is good.

I wouldn't want what the snake has to offer anyway. I have seen that path and don't want to be anywhere near it. I have fixed my gaze and will follow Jesus "though none go with me."

It is well with my soul.

not a typical week

I decided to let myself have a vacation this week. So I only worked 8 hours a day AND I got the whole day off on Wednesday! What a deal! I only clocked 32 hours; quite a break from the 45-48 hour weeks I have been working. Then I started thinking and I realized that I have only taken 7 days off this year. Five of those days being the week I took off for the mission trip in March. That was the only week I have had off for two years. That's crazy. Next week I will be back to my usual schedule. Lots of bills and deadlines!

Ah yes, the shoes. I have been shopping for shoes to wear in my friend's wedding. I am very picky, and I didn't want really tall heels because 1) I don't want to be 6 feet tall, 2) I do want to be somewhat comfortable and 3) I don't want to trip walking down the aisle. I tried on several pairs - like the ones I posted earlier and these Coach shoes that I tried on just for fun!

But here are the ones I fell in love with...

I call them my Cinderella shoes. I feel like a princess when I wear them! :)

It's a girl thing for sure.

more to come...

Wednesday

This morning when I was getting something to eat before work, I saw a disgustingly ginormous spider. I was suddenly wide awake and wishing I could jump back in bed, hide under the covers, and scream like a girl. Instead, I grabbed my trusty friend: a can of Black Flag (my shoe wasn't even big enough to smash the darn thing). Bye bye creeper.

This afternoon, I ran a red light. On purpose. I was waiting for the left turn light to change to green...and waiting and waiting. The traffic going all other directions got to go four times (yes, of course I counted how many lights I sat through...what self-respecting citizen wouldn't?) and the line behind me was getting longer. I was talking myself into running the light when the lady behind me said "just go." So I did. Left on red. Smile for the camera. I just joined the most-wanted list in Small Town USA.

I would also like you to know that I started something new and you should be so proud of me. I have been getting up earlier than usual so I can work out before I get ready for work. Booyah. My health situation has got to change and I decided maybe I can beat these terrible feelings out of me. Hence the exercise. So far, no major improvement. But I will to do it anyway, which makes me feel tough. Except when that alarm goes off in the morning, I'm pretty sure the only thing I am feeling is grumpy. Make that Grumpy with a capital G. I think God finds humor in my morning mess. :) Random question: have any of you ever done your workouts with your eyes closed?

Wyoming: check

When Kaley and I were in Colorado a few weeks ago, we had a free afternoon so we jumped in the car and headed for Wyoming. We were so close to the border, we simply couldn't let this grand opportunity slip by us. I wanted to say that I've been to Wyoming.

So, ahem...

I have been to Wyoming.

Alright, please look closely at the above picture. What do you notice about my hair? Perfectly straight. Another reason why I find Colorado so beautiful. My hair likes the air. It has never been that straight in my entire life and never will be again...until I go back. :) I have been back almost a month and I only tried straightening my hair once since then. It was a complete and utter disaster and I vowed that I wouldn't do it again until, well, maybe the end of summer.

Kaley and I had such exciting adventures that afternoon in CO/WY. The details may never be disclosed to the general public, but they will live in our hearts forever. Sister moments aren't always fully appreciated by those outside the moment and its hard to explain why something was hysterically funny at the time when everyone else is looking at you like you are crazy. There was, however, one place that we didn't get pictures. Kaley, when we go back, I think we both know where we will be headed at the first opportunity.

Trivia: Wyoming is the least populated state in our nation. I believe it.



Our roommates: Diane and Ashley Morecraft from Illinois.

Eric and Leslie Ludy. We stood in line for a looong time for their autographs and a picture. What an amazing ministry they have! I am so grateful for them and the discipleship work they are doing.