In thinking about everything that's happened since the last time I've posted, a comedian line comes to mind. A guy is talking about life. The Christian life, to be specific. Christians are promised life more abundantly, which begs the question: what is life? Well, life is pain, hard work, joy, tears, ect. And the Christian gets this...more abundantly?? great.
Well, since the end of June I've taken and passed another CLEP, so I now have 42 hours. Other things on my schedule have included teaching piano and horseback riding lessons, helping a mom take care of her 5 kids (which happened to be 9 and under!), multiple random projects, math class, and a concussion. Well, the concussion wasn't exactly in my schedule. It just sorta happened. Last Friday actually. So now I've had the wonderful experience of a CT scan among other things. Who knew getting whacked in the head with a stick (ok, small log) could be so bad? My dear sweet brother even wrote a song about my headaches. I felt so special.
Slowing down is hard for me. I haven't been roller blading in almost a week! And I can't ride! Or do anything else 'strenuous.' I'm redefining strenuous to mean something like climbing Mt. Everest. All I have to do is make Mr. Webster and the doctor agree with me. Couldn't be too difficult, right?
Joking aside, I have been thinking alot. (What else can I do when I can't do anything else I want to do?) What am I doing that matters? What will count for eternity? Am I truly living abundantly?
'Til next time...
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Be Still...
The Power of Stillness
Posted by jerrywhite on Jun 24, 2010
“It was a ‘still small voice’ or the ’sound of gentle stillness.’ Is there any note of music in all the chorus as mighty as the emphatic pause? Is there any word in all the Psalter more eloquent than the one word, Selah (Pause)? Is there anything more thrilling and awful than the hush that comes before the bursting of the tempest and the strange quiet that seems to fall upon all nature before some preternatural phenomenon or convulsion? Is there anything that can so touch our hearts as the power of stillness?
The sweetest blessing that Christ brings us is the Sabbath rest of soul, of which the Sabbath of creation was the type. There is, for the heart that will cease from itself, ‘the peace of God that passeth all understanding’; a quietness and confidence, which is the source of all strength; a sweet peace, ‘which nothing can offend.’ There is, in the deepest center of the believer’s soul a chamber of peace where God dwells, and where, if we will only enter in and hush every other sound, we can hear His ‘still voice’….
We cannot go through life strong and fresh on constant express trains, with ten minutes for lunch; but we must have quiet hours, secret places of the Most High, times of waiting upon the Lord, when we renew our strength, and learn to mount up on wings as eagles, and then come back to run and not be weary, and to walk and not faint.
The best thing about this stillness is that it gives God a chance to work. ‘He that is entered into His rest hath ceased from his own works, even as God did from His.’ When we cease from our works, God works in us; when we cease from our thoughts, God’s thoughts come into us; when we get still from our restless activities, ‘God worketh in us both to will and to do his good pleasure,’ and we have but to work it out.
Beloved! Let us take His stillness; let us dwell in ‘the secret place of the Most High’; let us enter into God and His eternal rest; let us silence the other sounds, and then we can hear ‘the still, small voice.’”
Dr. A. B. Simpson (1844-1919)
~~~Saints through the ages learned the necessity, privilege, and blessing of time alone with the Lord Jesus to sit at His feet in silence like Mary (Luke 10:39). We do well to learn from them what the Lord Jesus said was the good portion—the one thing necessary.
Posted by jerrywhite on Jun 24, 2010
“It was a ‘still small voice’ or the ’sound of gentle stillness.’ Is there any note of music in all the chorus as mighty as the emphatic pause? Is there any word in all the Psalter more eloquent than the one word, Selah (Pause)? Is there anything more thrilling and awful than the hush that comes before the bursting of the tempest and the strange quiet that seems to fall upon all nature before some preternatural phenomenon or convulsion? Is there anything that can so touch our hearts as the power of stillness?
The sweetest blessing that Christ brings us is the Sabbath rest of soul, of which the Sabbath of creation was the type. There is, for the heart that will cease from itself, ‘the peace of God that passeth all understanding’; a quietness and confidence, which is the source of all strength; a sweet peace, ‘which nothing can offend.’ There is, in the deepest center of the believer’s soul a chamber of peace where God dwells, and where, if we will only enter in and hush every other sound, we can hear His ‘still voice’….
We cannot go through life strong and fresh on constant express trains, with ten minutes for lunch; but we must have quiet hours, secret places of the Most High, times of waiting upon the Lord, when we renew our strength, and learn to mount up on wings as eagles, and then come back to run and not be weary, and to walk and not faint.
The best thing about this stillness is that it gives God a chance to work. ‘He that is entered into His rest hath ceased from his own works, even as God did from His.’ When we cease from our works, God works in us; when we cease from our thoughts, God’s thoughts come into us; when we get still from our restless activities, ‘God worketh in us both to will and to do his good pleasure,’ and we have but to work it out.
Beloved! Let us take His stillness; let us dwell in ‘the secret place of the Most High’; let us enter into God and His eternal rest; let us silence the other sounds, and then we can hear ‘the still, small voice.’”
Dr. A. B. Simpson (1844-1919)
~~~Saints through the ages learned the necessity, privilege, and blessing of time alone with the Lord Jesus to sit at His feet in silence like Mary (Luke 10:39). We do well to learn from them what the Lord Jesus said was the good portion—the one thing necessary.
This post was so timely for me. I stuggle with being still, with being quiet enough to listen. I think many people do without realizing it. We are constantly caught up in noise, music, conversations, and thoughts. Not often do we get quiet, release busyness to sit at the Lord's feet and listen. But that's where God works. In the time that we're silent before Him, that's when He speaks.
The part that struck me the most, though, was this:
We cannot go through life strong and fresh on constant express trains, with ten minutes for lunch; but we must have quiet hours, secret places of the Most High, times of waiting upon the Lord, when we renew our strength, and learn to mount up on wings as eagles, and then come back to run and not be weary, and to walk and not faint.
So often, my life is like this. This afternoon I got home in time to shower and then grab my lunch as I ran out the door again. I forget to spend quiet in a secret place, with the only One my strength can come from.
This was very convicting, and a perfect reminder of what I need the most: to be still.
I would strongly encourage each of you to subscribe to http://www.adisciplesnotebook.com/ It's probably the most worthwhile reading in my google reader. :)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Midsummer-morning crisis
A dreadful thing happened. No, really. It's awful. I'm rather depressed, actually.
My snooze button on my alarm clock broke.
Stop laughing. This is a crisis. I don't know how I'm going to manage getting up at 5 tomorrow morning to leave our house by 6! This is summer! I sleep in until 6!
So now my alarm clock is practically useless. The "collection for a new alarm clock for Leah" fund is now open...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
7:26am
Such are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of the godless shall perish. His confidence is severed, and his trust is a spider's web. Job 8:13-14
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
I want to live like I'm alive
The moment after the sun sinks beyond the horizon when time seems to stand still…the methodical sound of hoof beats on asphalt…the feeling that I’m truly flying as I go over a jump. The moment I hold a newborn baby, and hear its mother tell me all about every detail of her precious blessing…the pain and heartbreak death brings, yet the hope of life to come. The adoring gaze of a newly married couple as they look into each other’s eyes, and the tears of the little bridesmaid trying so hard to be happy for her sister’s sake. The excitement of the graduate; the loneliness of the little sister who will be alone when the graduate leaves for college. The sweet, shared memories between sisters. The loss felt when I realize the moments I’ve missed, just by not stopping to give a hug or smile, a word of encouragement or a shared tear.
And yet Time goes on, unkind to the moments slipping away…unknown.
Does anyone realize what they miss by failing to live?
Does anyone realize what they miss by failing to truly love sacrificially?
Does anyone realize the value of friendship? The moment when there is a true need for comfort? The moment when TRUTH needs to be declared.
I know. I’ve been that person. Failing to live by passing by opportunities of a lifetime, presented in small ways to impact the people around me. Failing to love, to give up my will and time to benefit others and crushing them in the process. Failing to be a true friend. Failing to comfort by often not even realizing the need. Failing to speak truth when it is desperately needed.
Then there are those that know the value of each moment.
Those that have impacted me beyond what they could dream, simply by living a life dedicated to Christ. Those who have loved me at the risk of being hurt, rejected, and unappreciated. Those who have been true friends. Those who’ve comforted me. Those who’ve spoken truth, even when it hurt, even when I didn’t want to hear. Moments taken advantage of...used to the greatest potential imaginable.
This is what I want my life to be. I want to impact moments, making them into monuments. I want to love like Christ did. I want to be a true friend, willing to lay down my life for someone. Comforting and being sensitive to needs. One who speaks truth.
I want to live like I’m alive, because with Christ, I truly am.
And yet Time goes on, unkind to the moments slipping away…unknown.
Does anyone realize what they miss by failing to live?
Does anyone realize what they miss by failing to truly love sacrificially?
Does anyone realize the value of friendship? The moment when there is a true need for comfort? The moment when TRUTH needs to be declared.
I know. I’ve been that person. Failing to live by passing by opportunities of a lifetime, presented in small ways to impact the people around me. Failing to love, to give up my will and time to benefit others and crushing them in the process. Failing to be a true friend. Failing to comfort by often not even realizing the need. Failing to speak truth when it is desperately needed.
Then there are those that know the value of each moment.
Those that have impacted me beyond what they could dream, simply by living a life dedicated to Christ. Those who have loved me at the risk of being hurt, rejected, and unappreciated. Those who have been true friends. Those who’ve comforted me. Those who’ve spoken truth, even when it hurt, even when I didn’t want to hear. Moments taken advantage of...used to the greatest potential imaginable.
This is what I want my life to be. I want to impact moments, making them into monuments. I want to love like Christ did. I want to be a true friend, willing to lay down my life for someone. Comforting and being sensitive to needs. One who speaks truth.
I want to live like I’m alive, because with Christ, I truly am.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…Galatians 2:20
Sunday, May 16, 2010
When dreams distract from diligence, remember....
"God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame." ~E.B.Browning
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. ~James 1:17
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Life Stuff
In thinking about everything that's happened since the last time I've posted, a comedian line comes to mind. A guy is talking about life. The Christian life, to be specific. Christians are promised life more abundantly, which begs the question: what is life? Well, life is pain, hard work, joy, tears, ect. And the Christian gets this...more abundantly?? great.
Well, since the end of June I've taken and passed another CLEP, so I now have 42 hours. Other things on my schedule have included teaching piano and horseback riding lessons, helping a mom take care of her 5 kids (which happened to be 9 and under!), multiple random projects, math class, and a concussion. Well, the concussion wasn't exactly in my schedule. It just sorta happened. Last Friday actually. So now I've had the wonderful experience of a CT scan among other things. Who knew getting whacked in the head with a stick (ok, small log) could be so bad? My dear sweet brother even wrote a song about my headaches. I felt so special.
Slowing down is hard for me. I haven't been roller blading in almost a week! And I can't ride! Or do anything else 'strenuous.' I'm redefining strenuous to mean something like climbing Mt. Everest. All I have to do is make Mr. Webster and the doctor agree with me. Couldn't be too difficult, right?
Joking aside, I have been thinking alot. (What else can I do when I can't do anything else I want to do?) What am I doing that matters? What will count for eternity? Am I truly living abundantly?
'Til next time...
Posted in: life, ramblings, random on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at at 9:20 AM 6 comments
Be Still...
The Power of Stillness
Posted by jerrywhite on Jun 24, 2010
“It was a ‘still small voice’ or the ’sound of gentle stillness.’ Is there any note of music in all the chorus as mighty as the emphatic pause? Is there any word in all the Psalter more eloquent than the one word, Selah (Pause)? Is there anything more thrilling and awful than the hush that comes before the bursting of the tempest and the strange quiet that seems to fall upon all nature before some preternatural phenomenon or convulsion? Is there anything that can so touch our hearts as the power of stillness?
The sweetest blessing that Christ brings us is the Sabbath rest of soul, of which the Sabbath of creation was the type. There is, for the heart that will cease from itself, ‘the peace of God that passeth all understanding’; a quietness and confidence, which is the source of all strength; a sweet peace, ‘which nothing can offend.’ There is, in the deepest center of the believer’s soul a chamber of peace where God dwells, and where, if we will only enter in and hush every other sound, we can hear His ‘still voice’….
We cannot go through life strong and fresh on constant express trains, with ten minutes for lunch; but we must have quiet hours, secret places of the Most High, times of waiting upon the Lord, when we renew our strength, and learn to mount up on wings as eagles, and then come back to run and not be weary, and to walk and not faint.
The best thing about this stillness is that it gives God a chance to work. ‘He that is entered into His rest hath ceased from his own works, even as God did from His.’ When we cease from our works, God works in us; when we cease from our thoughts, God’s thoughts come into us; when we get still from our restless activities, ‘God worketh in us both to will and to do his good pleasure,’ and we have but to work it out.
Beloved! Let us take His stillness; let us dwell in ‘the secret place of the Most High’; let us enter into God and His eternal rest; let us silence the other sounds, and then we can hear ‘the still, small voice.’”
Dr. A. B. Simpson (1844-1919)
~~~Saints through the ages learned the necessity, privilege, and blessing of time alone with the Lord Jesus to sit at His feet in silence like Mary (Luke 10:39). We do well to learn from them what the Lord Jesus said was the good portion—the one thing necessary.
This post was so timely for me. I stuggle with being still, with being quiet enough to listen. I think many people do without realizing it. We are constantly caught up in noise, music, conversations, and thoughts. Not often do we get quiet, release busyness to sit at the Lord's feet and listen. But that's where God works. In the time that we're silent before Him, that's when He speaks.
The part that struck me the most, though, was this:
We cannot go through life strong and fresh on constant express trains, with ten minutes for lunch; but we must have quiet hours, secret places of the Most High, times of waiting upon the Lord, when we renew our strength, and learn to mount up on wings as eagles, and then come back to run and not be weary, and to walk and not faint.
So often, my life is like this. This afternoon I got home in time to shower and then grab my lunch as I ran out the door again. I forget to spend quiet in a secret place, with the only One my strength can come from.
This was very convicting, and a perfect reminder of what I need the most: to be still.
I would strongly encourage each of you to subscribe to http://www.adisciplesnotebook.com/ It's probably the most worthwhile reading in my google reader. :)
Posted in: life, ramblings on Friday, June 25, 2010 at at 8:37 AM 1 comments
Midsummer-morning crisis
A dreadful thing happened. No, really. It's awful. I'm rather depressed, actually.
My snooze button on my alarm clock broke.
Stop laughing. This is a crisis. I don't know how I'm going to manage getting up at 5 tomorrow morning to leave our house by 6! This is summer! I sleep in until 6!
So now my alarm clock is practically useless. The "collection for a new alarm clock for Leah" fund is now open...
Posted in: ramblings, random on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at at 8:42 PM 10 comments
7:26am
Such are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of the godless shall perish. His confidence is severed, and his trust is a spider's web. Job 8:13-14
Posted in: nature, nikon D5000, sunrise on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at at 9:34 PM 4 comments
7:25am
In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus...Posted in: nature, nikon D5000, sunrise on Sunday, June 6, 2010 at at 7:22 PM 3 comments
I want to live like I'm alive
The moment after the sun sinks beyond the horizon when time seems to stand still…the methodical sound of hoof beats on asphalt…the feeling that I’m truly flying as I go over a jump. The moment I hold a newborn baby, and hear its mother tell me all about every detail of her precious blessing…the pain and heartbreak death brings, yet the hope of life to come. The adoring gaze of a newly married couple as they look into each other’s eyes, and the tears of the little bridesmaid trying so hard to be happy for her sister’s sake. The excitement of the graduate; the loneliness of the little sister who will be alone when the graduate leaves for college. The sweet, shared memories between sisters. The loss felt when I realize the moments I’ve missed, just by not stopping to give a hug or smile, a word of encouragement or a shared tear.
And yet Time goes on, unkind to the moments slipping away…unknown.
Does anyone realize what they miss by failing to live?
Does anyone realize what they miss by failing to truly love sacrificially?
Does anyone realize the value of friendship? The moment when there is a true need for comfort? The moment when TRUTH needs to be declared.
I know. I’ve been that person. Failing to live by passing by opportunities of a lifetime, presented in small ways to impact the people around me. Failing to love, to give up my will and time to benefit others and crushing them in the process. Failing to be a true friend. Failing to comfort by often not even realizing the need. Failing to speak truth when it is desperately needed.
Then there are those that know the value of each moment.
Those that have impacted me beyond what they could dream, simply by living a life dedicated to Christ. Those who have loved me at the risk of being hurt, rejected, and unappreciated. Those who have been true friends. Those who’ve comforted me. Those who’ve spoken truth, even when it hurt, even when I didn’t want to hear. Moments taken advantage of...used to the greatest potential imaginable.
This is what I want my life to be. I want to impact moments, making them into monuments. I want to love like Christ did. I want to be a true friend, willing to lay down my life for someone. Comforting and being sensitive to needs. One who speaks truth.
I want to live like I’m alive, because with Christ, I truly am.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…Galatians 2:20
Posted in: life, ramblings on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at at 10:27 AM 2 comments
When dreams distract from diligence, remember....
"God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame." ~E.B.Browning
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. ~James 1:17Posted in: nikon D5000, pictures, quote on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at at 5:54 PM 0 comments
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