So... it has been a pretty good while since I blogged. =/ Sorry about that. As finals came around and summer started, things got a bit crazy. Anyhoo, since I blogged last, I finished my fourth semester of college, got accepted into the NGCSU School of Education, got placed at Kilough Elementary in Dawsonville for the upcoming school year, made all A's again to maintain my 4.0 (YAY!), went to Panama City Beach with my school's BCM for a wonderful week of teaching and relaxing with some wonderful people, and went on a ten day mission trip to Lakeshore, Mississippi.
As the title entails, I'm going to be writing mainly about my MS trip. Going on this trip to Mississippi was a very humbling experience, and one that I have grown a lot from. For some background info, I signed up to do summer missions through a program called SendMeNow. This group sends out multiple missions teams to places all over the US and all over the world. From the 8 NGCSU students that went through SendMeNow this summer, one went to East Asia, one to South Korea, one to Maryland, one to Peru, two stayed in Georgia, and two (including myself) went to MS. Although the trips are vastly different, I'm sure they are all fantastic and I know that God is working through all of them.
But back to my MS trip. If two years ago you had told me that I would be going on a ten day mission trip with 11 people I didn't know to help rebuilding efforts in Mississippi, I would have told you that you were crazy. Never in a million years would I have pictured myself in that situation. But I'm glad that God puts us in the situations He knows we need, and not just the ones that we picture for ourselves. If, at that same time two years ago, you had asked me what my biggest fear would have been about that "hypothetical" trip, I would have told said being around people who I didn't know. Honestly, that has always been kind of a struggle for me, simply because I'm not the best conversation starter in the world, and because I'm generally pretty quiet, I don't really make friends very easily. However, in the days approaching our trip, I wasn't really concerned about the fact that I was about to hop into a van with 11 strangers (Well... pretty close to strangers. I had met them all briefly at our orientation weekend). I can only explain that as God working in my life. God put us all on that trip for a reason, and not once did I feel left out or isolated in any way. And, even more amazing to me was the fact that I was able to easily talk to these people, and I now consider them to be my friends.
But anyway, enough about me. The trip was really awesome. It was super hot, there were nasty biting bugs, and I got really sweaty and gross everyday, but besides all that I was able to give my time and energy to a church that has been giving everything they have since the day that Katrina hit. I was able to go and serve the people that have been serving the Lakeshore community for five and a half years. Although the things that I did may not seem super significant if looked at individually, the fact that I was there doing what needed to be done for this church to continue to run at full potential is a big deal. To give you an idea of the types of tasks that our group did, here's a list: painting, cleaning (kitchen, bunk houses, sanctuary, dining area, pantry, grounds, etc.), SORTING TILE (a job we all grew to hate since the church has collected over 5000 pieces in the past five and half years), hanging t-shirts that groups left over the years (stapling them to a 15-20 foot ceiling in the dining area), shoveling dirt, clearing debris, reattaching a 30x30 foot tarp over an outside eating area, loading and unloading tires and wood, and visiting with some of the church members. I will never forget one church member in particular. Our whole group went over to Ms. Redford's house to get rid of some tires and wood that her son had dumped in her yard 3 months prior. While we were there, we got to visit with her some and hear her talk about surviving Katrina. This woman was older and she shook a lot, so sometimes it was hard to understand her, but if you listened closely you could make out enough to follow along. She talked about how she had stayed at her home when the hurricane came in, and how when the waters started rising, she and her pet chihuahua left her house and swam through the streets in multiple feet of water. I have no idea how this woman and her dog were able to make it through the hurricane. Actually, I know that God got her through that hurricane, because nothing else could have. Ms. Redford got a FEMA trailer and a plot of land after the hurricane came through, but she said, "It was just a rinky-dinky trailer that wasn't fit to live in." So, the church came out and built her a house. It was the first one they built after Katrina. You could tell that Ms. Redford loved her house and that she was forever indebted to the church for taking it upon themselves to build it for her. She talked about how God gave her everything she had and how it was He who sustained her and kept her here on this earth. I truly believe that not a day goes by that Ms. Redford doesn't thank God for her life and everything she has. Just thinking about how much she appreciated us makes me get a little teary-eyed. lol. =)
We visited Ms. Redford on the last day of our trip, and it really brought things into perspective for me. I'll admit that sometimes when I was there working in the 100 degree heat, I didn't really think about what I was doing or who I was doing it for, but after talking with this woman it was clear that I was there for a reason, and what I was doing was important. It's easy to get comfortable in our lives and not really relate to what's going on in the world around us. Actually going to MS and seeing shopping centers and houses that are still completely deserted and in disrepair after 5 years really starts puts things more into perspective for me. I still can't imagine what it would be like to lose everything that I owned, to lose friends, to be completely dependent on other people to survive because I didn't have any belongings at all, but I can begin to see the pain and trials that these people suffered. It makes me really thankful for the things that God has blessed me with, and it makes me more aware of the hurt in our world.
I would really like to go back to Lakeshore one day and continue helping that church that has given so much. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Mississippi or Louisiana, or anywhere else that has suffered a natural disaster (Haiti, Japan, etc), go. I promise it will change your life, even if that natural disaster happened 5 years ago.
Think about it. Pray about it. Go where God sends you and be open to letting Him use you because He has a purpose for you and He won't let you down. =)
God Bless,
Taylor
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Thunderstorms
I love thunderstorms. They are a reminder of just how powerful and magnificent God is. He can create winds that will blow over houses. He can create rains that will wash away cars. He can create lightning bolts that light up the sky for miles. Although sometimes these storms can cause damage, they are beautiful.
Imagine that you're driving through a thunderstorm at night. You're in your car and with your headlights on you can make out the road about 15-20 feet in front of you. You have to focus really hard to stay on the road. The yellow reflectors show you the middle of the pathway, but the white edge lines are hard to make out. Every once in a while, a lightning bolt flashes across the sky, giving you a momentary glimpse at the road farther ahead.
Isn't this just like our walk with Christ? As we chug along through our daily lives, He is the lamp unto our feet. He only lights the path directly in front of us, because that's all we can handle at the time. Sometimes, though, He gives us glimpses into the future so that we will know where to go. He is also the reflectors in the middle of the road. If we stick close to Him, He will keep us safely on the pathway, but if we start to veer toward the blurry edge lines, we may end up falling off the road.
While driving home tonight in the massive thunderstorm, this is all that I could think about. The parallels of that drive and my walk with Christ. At times, I would get antsy when I couldn't see what was coming around a corner or when I hit a puddle and careened a bit. At times I get antsy in my walk with Christ, when I don't understand His reasons or when I don't know what is coming next, but then He'll send a lightning bolt to give me a glimpse, just enough so that I can take comfort in Him. Or, He won't give me a glimpse, and I just have to keep going and trusting that He will show me the way bit by bit. In either circumstance, it is completely God. He knows what He is doing. And just like I trusted Him to get me home through the thunderstorm, I should trust Him with my life every second of every day. If I let Him guide me, He won't lead me astray. The last song I heard on the radio as I was driving home tonight was this:
Light Up The Sky - The Afters
When I’m feeling all alone and so far to go
The signs are nowhere on this road guiding me home
When the night is closing in
It’s falling on my skin
Oh God will You come close
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don’t feel them shining
When I can’t see beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I’ve almost reached the end
Like a flood You’re rushing in
Love is rushing in
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
So I run straight to Your arms
You’re the bright and morning Sun
To show Your love, there’s nothing You won’t do
Light, light, light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You are with me
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You are with me
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
How amazing is that? I'm constantly reminded that God is with me, that He is all around me. Even something as ordinary as a thunderstorm attests to His majesty. I challenge you to find Him in everyday things: a tree, a storm, a face, a cloud. He is everywhere.
I also challenge you to trust Him, even when you can only see right in front of your face, remember that HE can see the entire path. He knows what is coming up, and if you place your trust in Him, He will guide you straight through.
God Bless,
Taylor
Imagine that you're driving through a thunderstorm at night. You're in your car and with your headlights on you can make out the road about 15-20 feet in front of you. You have to focus really hard to stay on the road. The yellow reflectors show you the middle of the pathway, but the white edge lines are hard to make out. Every once in a while, a lightning bolt flashes across the sky, giving you a momentary glimpse at the road farther ahead.
Isn't this just like our walk with Christ? As we chug along through our daily lives, He is the lamp unto our feet. He only lights the path directly in front of us, because that's all we can handle at the time. Sometimes, though, He gives us glimpses into the future so that we will know where to go. He is also the reflectors in the middle of the road. If we stick close to Him, He will keep us safely on the pathway, but if we start to veer toward the blurry edge lines, we may end up falling off the road.
While driving home tonight in the massive thunderstorm, this is all that I could think about. The parallels of that drive and my walk with Christ. At times, I would get antsy when I couldn't see what was coming around a corner or when I hit a puddle and careened a bit. At times I get antsy in my walk with Christ, when I don't understand His reasons or when I don't know what is coming next, but then He'll send a lightning bolt to give me a glimpse, just enough so that I can take comfort in Him. Or, He won't give me a glimpse, and I just have to keep going and trusting that He will show me the way bit by bit. In either circumstance, it is completely God. He knows what He is doing. And just like I trusted Him to get me home through the thunderstorm, I should trust Him with my life every second of every day. If I let Him guide me, He won't lead me astray. The last song I heard on the radio as I was driving home tonight was this:
Light Up The Sky - The Afters
When I’m feeling all alone and so far to go
The signs are nowhere on this road guiding me home
When the night is closing in
It’s falling on my skin
Oh God will You come close
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don’t feel them shining
When I can’t see beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I’ve almost reached the end
Like a flood You’re rushing in
Love is rushing in
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
So I run straight to Your arms
You’re the bright and morning Sun
To show Your love, there’s nothing You won’t do
Light, light, light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You are with me
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You are with me
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
How amazing is that? I'm constantly reminded that God is with me, that He is all around me. Even something as ordinary as a thunderstorm attests to His majesty. I challenge you to find Him in everyday things: a tree, a storm, a face, a cloud. He is everywhere.
I also challenge you to trust Him, even when you can only see right in front of your face, remember that HE can see the entire path. He knows what is coming up, and if you place your trust in Him, He will guide you straight through.
God Bless,
Taylor
Friday, March 25, 2011
Shocked or not shocked? Sin in our society
We, as a society, are hardening our hearts toward sin instead of away from it. We are becoming more and more accepting of the sins of this world. We are no longer shocked at the sin that we see happening around us. If we were, we would do something about it. Instead we stand by and watch, too scared or indifferent to take a stand for God. Jesus would not have stood idly by and let sin take place right in front of His eyes, and we shouldn't either.
I'm guilty of being a bystander to sin. There are countless times when I've watched sin take place and kept my mouth shut. It's not usually what we would call "big sins," but sin is sin to God, and it should be to us too. And by letting sin happen in front of me, I'm basically telling God that it's okay.
Psalm 55:16-19 - But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. God, who is enthroned forever, will hear them and afflict them-men who never change their ways and have no fear of God.
The devotional that sparked this blog only mentioned Psalm 55:19b, but I think it's important to know the context.
I feel like David was talking about physical battle when he wrote this Psalm (I could be completely wrong, because I am by no means a Bible scholar, but that's what I feel like he was writing about). Regardless, his words are true for the people of our generation who are in a battle against sin everyday. There are many people who will oppose us, BUT we serve a God who is greater than anyone else, and He hears our cries morning, noon, and night. He will get us through anything, and through Him we can make a difference.
I'm only one person, but when I'm standing in the shadow of the cross, I have God on my side. If God wants to use me to convict someone of their sin so that He can work in them, then who am I to stand in the way of that? I can't let my insecurities get in the way of God's work.
Satan wants us to compromise on sin, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. But if we continue to compromise, it will not only destroy our testimonies for God, but it will also shed a negative light on Christianity and God. So, from this day forward, I'm going to do my best to harden my heart to sin. I'm going to do my best to stand up for what I know is right. And even though sometimes I may not want to, and sometimes I might get scared, God is and will always be behind me, and He will take care of me if I'm doing what He asks me to do.
How do you deal with sin? Are you willing to put yourself aside and stand up for God?
God Bless,
Taylor
I'm guilty of being a bystander to sin. There are countless times when I've watched sin take place and kept my mouth shut. It's not usually what we would call "big sins," but sin is sin to God, and it should be to us too. And by letting sin happen in front of me, I'm basically telling God that it's okay.
Psalm 55:16-19 - But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. God, who is enthroned forever, will hear them and afflict them-men who never change their ways and have no fear of God.
The devotional that sparked this blog only mentioned Psalm 55:19b, but I think it's important to know the context.
I feel like David was talking about physical battle when he wrote this Psalm (I could be completely wrong, because I am by no means a Bible scholar, but that's what I feel like he was writing about). Regardless, his words are true for the people of our generation who are in a battle against sin everyday. There are many people who will oppose us, BUT we serve a God who is greater than anyone else, and He hears our cries morning, noon, and night. He will get us through anything, and through Him we can make a difference.
I'm only one person, but when I'm standing in the shadow of the cross, I have God on my side. If God wants to use me to convict someone of their sin so that He can work in them, then who am I to stand in the way of that? I can't let my insecurities get in the way of God's work.
Satan wants us to compromise on sin, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. But if we continue to compromise, it will not only destroy our testimonies for God, but it will also shed a negative light on Christianity and God. So, from this day forward, I'm going to do my best to harden my heart to sin. I'm going to do my best to stand up for what I know is right. And even though sometimes I may not want to, and sometimes I might get scared, God is and will always be behind me, and He will take care of me if I'm doing what He asks me to do.
How do you deal with sin? Are you willing to put yourself aside and stand up for God?
God Bless,
Taylor
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Show God's Love
With tomorrow being Valentine's Day, I thought it fitting to write a blog about the greatest love in the universe. God's love for us. There is NOTHING more fantastic, magnificent, or breath-taking than God's love for us. We are SO undeserving of His love. Isaiah 64:6 says that, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." There is nothing we can do to earn God's love. He gives it to us because we are His children and He created each and every one of us.
John 3:16. You're probably reciting it in your head right now. But have you ever taken a moment to really, truly grasp the enormity of that verse? We all know it and for many of us it was the first Bible verse that we memorized. But just because we can say it backward and forward doesn't mean that we understand it's full meaning. So take a minute and truly look at the words that are written.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." ~John 3:16
God loved us SO much that He gave His ONLY Son to die in my place and yours. Jesus died for something. He died so that we, undeserving, filthy human beings, could have a way to Heaven, a way to spend eternity with our Lord, God, Father and His Son who died for us.
Are you really letting this sink in? It's ridiculously crazy. The God who created everything in existence let the Son that He loved die a horrible death so that we would have a way to be with Him. He gave up EVERYTHING for us. What are we giving Him?
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." ~Romans 12:1
God asks for our lives to be a living sacrifice for Him. Are you honestly devoting your entire life to His service? It's not something that happens overnight. Becoming a devoted Christ-follower takes an amazing amount of work. But doesn't God deserve every ounce of you? AND you're never working in vain. If you're working for God then you are building up treasure in Heaven while furthering His kingdom here on Earth. I think that should be every Christian's goal.
So, I present you with this challenge: This Valentine's Day show God's love to someone that you don't know. Smile, not only with your mouth, but with your entire being. Be happy and joyful in God's love and let the world see that you are His.
Happy Valentine's and God Bless,
Taylor
John 3:16. You're probably reciting it in your head right now. But have you ever taken a moment to really, truly grasp the enormity of that verse? We all know it and for many of us it was the first Bible verse that we memorized. But just because we can say it backward and forward doesn't mean that we understand it's full meaning. So take a minute and truly look at the words that are written.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." ~John 3:16
God loved us SO much that He gave His ONLY Son to die in my place and yours. Jesus died for something. He died so that we, undeserving, filthy human beings, could have a way to Heaven, a way to spend eternity with our Lord, God, Father and His Son who died for us.
Are you really letting this sink in? It's ridiculously crazy. The God who created everything in existence let the Son that He loved die a horrible death so that we would have a way to be with Him. He gave up EVERYTHING for us. What are we giving Him?
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." ~Romans 12:1
God asks for our lives to be a living sacrifice for Him. Are you honestly devoting your entire life to His service? It's not something that happens overnight. Becoming a devoted Christ-follower takes an amazing amount of work. But doesn't God deserve every ounce of you? AND you're never working in vain. If you're working for God then you are building up treasure in Heaven while furthering His kingdom here on Earth. I think that should be every Christian's goal.
So, I present you with this challenge: This Valentine's Day show God's love to someone that you don't know. Smile, not only with your mouth, but with your entire being. Be happy and joyful in God's love and let the world see that you are His.
Happy Valentine's and God Bless,
Taylor
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Body of Christ
So I have this devotional, called "365 Daily Answers to What Would Jesus Do?" by Nick Harrison. It's kind of old (1998), but I think it's super awesome. The reading for today really struck me, so I'm putting it up for you guys. =)
1 Corinthians 12:27 - Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
God has created me to do Him some definite service' He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission...
Therefore I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which of quite beyond us. He does nothing in vain.
--John Henry Newman
WWJD? REFLECTION - Have you considered your part in the body of Christ? We each "were created to do Him some definite service," some work "which He has not committed to another." Often our calling can be found in the daily circumstances in which we find ourselves. Look around. Is your part clearly known? If not, ask Him. He does not play hide and seek with His will for us. And it's in knowing His will that we can best know how to do what Jesus would do.
I think these two, small paragraphs can speak volumes if we will let them resonate in our lives. We are all serving a purpose that God has laid out for out lives. To serve Him better, we should be constantly seeking His face. How else will we know His will for us?
Now, since I know all of you may not have your Bible handy at this very second, I'm going to type out 1 Corinthians 12:12, (The parts that are called, "Spiritual Gifts" and "One Body, Many Parts" in my Bible) because I think it is a fantastic representation of our purposes as Christ followers and it's a great chapter to be familiar with. =)
Spiritual Gifts
(1)Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. (2)You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. (3)Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
(4)There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5)There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (6)There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
(7)Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (8)To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, (9)to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, (10)to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (11)All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
One Body, Many Parts
(12)The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. (13)For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
(14)Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. (15)If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be a part of the body. (16)And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. (17)If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? (18)But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. (19)If they were all one part, where would the body be? (20)As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
(21)The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" (22)On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, (23)and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unrepresentable are treated with special modesty, (24)while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, (25)so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. (26)If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
(27)Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (28)And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. (29)Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? (30)Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? (31)But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
I hope that you realize that you are special, that God gave YOU gifts and a purpose that He hasn't ever given anyone else, and that no one else will ever have. Whatever you go through, go through it with a happy heart and praise God knowing that He has put this in your path for a reason, and that it is all a part of His greater plan.
God Bless,
Taylor
1 Corinthians 12:27 - Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
God has created me to do Him some definite service' He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission...
Therefore I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which of quite beyond us. He does nothing in vain.
--John Henry Newman
WWJD? REFLECTION - Have you considered your part in the body of Christ? We each "were created to do Him some definite service," some work "which He has not committed to another." Often our calling can be found in the daily circumstances in which we find ourselves. Look around. Is your part clearly known? If not, ask Him. He does not play hide and seek with His will for us. And it's in knowing His will that we can best know how to do what Jesus would do.
I think these two, small paragraphs can speak volumes if we will let them resonate in our lives. We are all serving a purpose that God has laid out for out lives. To serve Him better, we should be constantly seeking His face. How else will we know His will for us?
Now, since I know all of you may not have your Bible handy at this very second, I'm going to type out 1 Corinthians 12:12, (The parts that are called, "Spiritual Gifts" and "One Body, Many Parts" in my Bible) because I think it is a fantastic representation of our purposes as Christ followers and it's a great chapter to be familiar with. =)
Spiritual Gifts
(1)Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. (2)You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. (3)Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
(4)There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5)There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (6)There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
(7)Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (8)To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, (9)to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, (10)to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (11)All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
One Body, Many Parts
(12)The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. (13)For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
(14)Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. (15)If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be a part of the body. (16)And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. (17)If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? (18)But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. (19)If they were all one part, where would the body be? (20)As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
(21)The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" (22)On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, (23)and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unrepresentable are treated with special modesty, (24)while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, (25)so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. (26)If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
(27)Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (28)And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. (29)Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? (30)Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? (31)But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
I hope that you realize that you are special, that God gave YOU gifts and a purpose that He hasn't ever given anyone else, and that no one else will ever have. Whatever you go through, go through it with a happy heart and praise God knowing that He has put this in your path for a reason, and that it is all a part of His greater plan.
God Bless,
Taylor
Monday, January 24, 2011
Blessed
I just wanted to take a moment to thank God for all His many blessings. He is so good! I have so many people that care about me and so many people who want to see me succeed in life! I don't know where I would be without them, and I know that God has put all of them in my life for a reason. I have been blessed with many Godly influence, both in teachers and peers, and I can't thank God enough for their impact on my life. But Most of all, I am blessed because God sent His son to die for me so that I might live through Him.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
~Eph. 2:8-10
I don't know why this stuck out to me today, but it is something that I pray for, both for myself and for all Christians. I guess it's something I hope to strive towards in my life.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
~Eph. 3:15-19
Anyway, I just wanted to thank all of you who have been Godly influences and tell you how blessed I am to have you in my life. That is all for today. =)
If you really want to read something, read my post from yesterday. It's MUCH better than this one. lol. =) I just felt like sharing those verses with you guys. =)
God Bless,
Taylor
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
~Eph. 2:8-10
I don't know why this stuck out to me today, but it is something that I pray for, both for myself and for all Christians. I guess it's something I hope to strive towards in my life.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
~Eph. 3:15-19
Anyway, I just wanted to thank all of you who have been Godly influences and tell you how blessed I am to have you in my life. That is all for today. =)
If you really want to read something, read my post from yesterday. It's MUCH better than this one. lol. =) I just felt like sharing those verses with you guys. =)
God Bless,
Taylor
Sunday, January 23, 2011
7304 Days
Life is fragile.
Every beat of your heart, every breath in your lungs, every neuron that fires in your brain does so because God tells it to. He loves and cares about us THAT MUCH! It is amazing to me how the Creator of the Universe could love me enough to orchestrate all the tiny things that keep me alive each and every day. He even loves me enough to hold all the tears that I've ever cried! Which... is a load, lemme tell you. lol. =) He's adding a few more to His hands right now. =) It just amazes me how blessed I am. I may not have the latest gadget or the coolest clothes, but I am blessed beyond measure. God has given me everything I NEED! He gave me two Amazing parents who have helped shape me into the woman I am today. He gave me a little sister to look after and be a role model for. He has never left me hungry, without a roof over my head, or unloved.
What else can I do but give Him every second of my life? He gave up SO much for me, I owe Him more than I could ever pay. But I don't have to repay Him, because there is nothing that I am capable of that would even begin to cover my debt. All He asks is that I love Him and follow Him.
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with this angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.'"
~Matthew 16:24-27
He answered: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind': and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
'You have answered correctly,' Jesus replied. 'Do this and you will live.'
~Luke 10:27-28
So, from this day forward I will do my best (which, is not that fantastic given the frail human that I am) to serve Him with all of my mind, body, heart, and soul. He deserves SO much more than that, but that is what He asks.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
-Jim Elliot
Are you giving your all to Him?
Stop and think about it. Take just a minute and think about all the things that He has given you. I can't even begin to list all the things He has blessed me with. Every prayer He has answered, especially the ones that He answered in ways other than what I thought I wanted. I can't even begin to describe how amazing He is.
He has guarded and watched over me every one of the 7304 days that I have been on this earth, not to mention the 9 months before that. My life would be completely different without Him.
Came to my rescue - Hillsong
Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek your face
Lord all I am is yours
My whole life
I place in your hands
God of Mercy
Humbled I bow down
In your presence at your throne
I called you answered
And you came to my rescue and I
I wanna be where you are
In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high
Where would you be without Him? Thank God for every day He has given you, and continue to thank Him for every day He leaves you on this earth. =) NEVER forget how much He loves you.
God Bless,
Taylor
Every beat of your heart, every breath in your lungs, every neuron that fires in your brain does so because God tells it to. He loves and cares about us THAT MUCH! It is amazing to me how the Creator of the Universe could love me enough to orchestrate all the tiny things that keep me alive each and every day. He even loves me enough to hold all the tears that I've ever cried! Which... is a load, lemme tell you. lol. =) He's adding a few more to His hands right now. =) It just amazes me how blessed I am. I may not have the latest gadget or the coolest clothes, but I am blessed beyond measure. God has given me everything I NEED! He gave me two Amazing parents who have helped shape me into the woman I am today. He gave me a little sister to look after and be a role model for. He has never left me hungry, without a roof over my head, or unloved.
What else can I do but give Him every second of my life? He gave up SO much for me, I owe Him more than I could ever pay. But I don't have to repay Him, because there is nothing that I am capable of that would even begin to cover my debt. All He asks is that I love Him and follow Him.
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with this angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.'"
~Matthew 16:24-27
He answered: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind': and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
'You have answered correctly,' Jesus replied. 'Do this and you will live.'
~Luke 10:27-28
So, from this day forward I will do my best (which, is not that fantastic given the frail human that I am) to serve Him with all of my mind, body, heart, and soul. He deserves SO much more than that, but that is what He asks.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
-Jim Elliot
Are you giving your all to Him?
Stop and think about it. Take just a minute and think about all the things that He has given you. I can't even begin to list all the things He has blessed me with. Every prayer He has answered, especially the ones that He answered in ways other than what I thought I wanted. I can't even begin to describe how amazing He is.
He has guarded and watched over me every one of the 7304 days that I have been on this earth, not to mention the 9 months before that. My life would be completely different without Him.
Came to my rescue - Hillsong
Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek your face
Lord all I am is yours
My whole life
I place in your hands
God of Mercy
Humbled I bow down
In your presence at your throne
I called you answered
And you came to my rescue and I
I wanna be where you are
In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high
Where would you be without Him? Thank God for every day He has given you, and continue to thank Him for every day He leaves you on this earth. =) NEVER forget how much He loves you.
God Bless,
Taylor
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