Life as a School Teacher in Oklahoma- The Wild Midwest

Life as a school teacher in Oklahoma is many things... I finished up my Year One as an elementary music teacher in May, and I learned so much, gave so much, it's a bit overwhelming to contextualize into words...

So for some help with this post, I'd like to enlist the word "wild" as a supportive adjective to help define my experiences. Let's check out some of its Merriam-Webster definitions, while keeping in mind how these might befit a first-year elementary music teacher's classroom:

WILD
1. not ordinarily tame or domesticated (ha. haha.)
2. unruly (nah...) 
3. deviating from the intended or expected course (as a first year teacher? never......)
4. indicative of strong passion, desire, or emotion (okayyy you caught me) 

Okay! So it was wild. Now to push the word a bit further, let's make an adverb out of it! (are we sure I taught music?)

WILDLY
1. Wildly exciting, to be the sole individual responsible of making sure learning is happening.
2. Wildly surreal, to be in a walkout your first year of teaching in public education. *It was like  stepping up to bat in the seventh inning of the World Series (wearing pinstripes against the Red Sox, no doubt).*
3. Wildly satisfying, to offer a musical concept to young minds, to share knowledge with a child who has never heard what you're sharing before. Also wildly thrilling. This gave me life this past year.
4. Wildly exhausting, constantly on the grind to create exciting ways for your students to experience everything you want them to.

I caught myself wishing all year that I already had a year of teaching under my belt. I'm ready to go back, stripes earned, for Year Two.

so this is the new year...

I don't know if 2012 could have flown by ANY faster. Freal tho. SO fast. 

Travels of 2012

-Atlanta, GA

-Joplin, MO

-Falls Creek, OK

-San Antonio, TX

-Glorieta, NM

-Santa Fe, NM

-Little Rock, AR

-Eureka Springs, AR

-Dallas, TX

-Tyler, TX

-Beijing, China

-Red River, NM

-Taos, NM

of course with intermittent and countless travels to Tulsa, OKC/Norman, Fayetteville, etc.

So. On the to-do travel list for 2013:

NYC (round 3) 

SanFran (round 2)

China (round 4)

Who knows where else!!

I love travelling and seeing all the beautiful people my Heavenly Father created, all in His image, all beautiful people in search of love and truth!! Travelling helps remind me of the mighty love God has on a global scale, and how I have that same ability to love within me. 

Quick eval of 2012:

2012 brought me two of the greatest friends I've ever had, girl friends whom I've prayed for for years and have been extremely blessed to know, get to know, and be a good friend to in return. [halleberryhallelujah]

2012 also brought me into the cusp of amazing musical opportunities through the lovely DuPree family in Tyler, to recording opportunities here in ole Talleykwa, plus bunches of performances, some with my band AUTM, some with my family music quartet, and some on my own. 

2012 helped me to see more of who I am and why God made me the way He did. Let me explain. 

"Why am I this particular way?" was a common question I wrestled with all throughout the year. "Why does this bother me?" and "Why do I enjoy this?"... but the more I looked into those questions, the solution became clear to me that I didn't have to know all of those answers. 

Instead, I began feeling selfish focusing my thoughts on ME ME ME. What I began to see what that yes, certain things bother me, certain things bring me joy, and that's lovely. But the same is true for others as well. So my question evolved from "Why am I this particular way?" to "How can I get to see how this person is a particular way?", followed by "How can I love this person by knowing them more intimately?" 

 I'm by no means a mind-reader, but by trying to see others in the light the Father sees others, as worthy of sacrifice, of value, I have a shift from "ME" to "OTHERS". 

\\

I'll be graduating in May [whoopwhoop] and after that... we shall see :)

*that one thing that changes everything*

-h

benna elenco!

As part of my journey to begin dreaming, I began my bucket list yesterday! Yes, it's already rather extensive, but dreams don't include limitations, ey?

• go skydiving
• get a tattoo [ 19 april 2016]
• play a solo gig 
• write a book
• learn a foreign language [Chinese, 2014-present]
• befriend an enemy
• live abroad for more than a year [2013-2014, China]
• go sailing
• get a motorcycle license
• ride a zipline in a jungle/forest
• go snowboarding
• go hang gliding
• see the Northern Lights
• go to a ball
• grow a vegetable garden
• visit an ancient castle
• visit Loch Ness
• go to Bonnaroo
• go to Glastonbury
• go to Hawaii
• see the Taj Mahal
• become ambidextrous
• see the Egyptian Pyramids
• visit Jerusalem and historic Biblical landmarks
• climb up in a lighthouse
• ride in a hot air balloon
• get married to a man who loves God more than I do
• visit D.C. and tour the White House
• write an investigative journalism article for a newspaper
• skip a rock all the way across a river  [16 june 2012]
• scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef
• be the last man standing in dodgeball
• have a pet reptile
• walk a tightrope at least 50ft. above the ground
• catch a homer at a pro baseball game
• watch a Premier League match in England [go Blues!]
• change someone's life for the better
• learn to cook
• learn to sew
• do a paper route
• take a stranger to dinner
• have really short hair [2014]
• have really long hair
• win a musical competition
• sleep in a cave
• sing in a gospel choir
• ride in a Venetian gondola
• visit: London, Dublin, Paris, Vienna, Barcelona, Vancouver, Rome, Athens, Moscow, Florence, Buenos Aires, Auckland, Tokyo, ....

I hope to keep updating as I continue to dream. Enjoy! :)

• learn to play soccer
• go kayaking [summer 2013]
• go horseback riding
• take a belly dancing class
• go zorbing
• go to Carnival, Rio de Janeiro
• go to Loy Krathong [festival of lights] in Thailand
• learn to juggle
• be an extra on a major network television show
• drive a Lamborghini
• design an article of clothing and have it sold
• go to the World Cup
• go to Wimbledon
• go whitewater rafting

-H

23 avril 2012/ 4 mai 2012

I just remembered I had this post sitting in my drafts. It's been here about 2 weeks now... 

To start us off, a haiku by my dearest friend, Chelsi:

Walking through the tall grass

My legs get tickled

Thanks, Chels. 

And on to the dreams.

This past week in my weekly meeting with my mentor, she asked me what my dreams are. I immediately spouted out what I've programmed myself to respond when someone asks what I want to do with my life:  serve overseas, live in a big city, be around people all the time, etc... But she challenged me. What specifically are my dreams? What are my goals? What do I anticipate, pray for, move towards, on a daily basis? Well, that one got me thinking...

History: I have never been one to set goals. I've experience life in more of a "walk-through-the-open-door-right-in-front-of-you" way. I have faith God will open a door, and He does. Earlier in life that maybe wasn't my reasoning. Before I never really set goals so I wouldn't get disappointed... worked out great for Christmastime as a kid!

So what are my dreams. Dreaming. Dreams. Dreamer. I began searching. What passions do I have? Where did these passions come from? Why am I wired the way I am? What purpose does the Father have for the setup of a human he's made me to be? It's not random, I know this. I have faith that my future is in the hands of the Creator, so I've never really cared to give the future much thought because I know God will outline my steps as I seek Him. He's got me taken care of, so why in the world would I wonder and fret over things out of my control? I love being happy with what life has now, because it's where I am and I love to enjoy it. But where does He want to take me? Am I preparing myself for the paths ahead? 

Dreams. Is a dream a shooting star propelling past stagnant thoughts fixated in the milky way? Do dreams move, or do I move towards my dream? Am I the shooting star, and my dream is the sun? How does one dream, or learn to dream? 

Thoughts: I once read that someone was "dreaming the Father's dream". This small phrase left an impression on my heart. My initial response to reading this was "I want to do that!" So I thought well, how would I do that? What does that mean, to dream the Father's dream? Perhaps being so intimate with the Creator that my thoughts, passions, dreams, pleasures, and desires align with the dream He has for me: life in love. Yes. A dream that transcends my daily living and delivers a message beyond the confines of one day. 

Life in love. 

Not the most specific thing in the world, but a dream shouldn't be a goal, rather the actions and purposes of daily life are threaded with love into the strand of life, just a bead at a time, all in place. It becomes the defining piece I state. 

___________________________________________________________________________________

Sometimes it takes me writing to actually figure out what is going on in my mind. Things become so blurry I can't focus on anything quite clearly. This is why it is important to write and to seek understanding of the things already in my head. Just because it's there doesn't mean I've devoted time into discovering who it is. This blog was dedicated to definition such as this #dreamsareiridescent 

9 avril 2012

I've fallen on my back, 

and oh did it hurt.

I slapped him across the cheek with my

worn

rugged

filthy

diseased 

shoe, trodden on prideful paths I shaped alone.

But there is love. 
Not the cliché love of novels crafted for 
blushing and pleasure,
but a love
incomprehensible
beyond knowledge
full of faith
and blessings.
Love is a man, and he pours.

The wind pains each facet of the tree, 

overwhelming it, it seems
...

and yet the tree grows taller, 

greener still.

Let the roots deepen.

Let the branches stretch.

Let the rains pour,

because they will.

They always will.

16 mars 2012

People are extraordinarily bizarre.

I am a person.

Therefore, I'm extraordinarily bizarre as well...

Actually, this is debatable.

But, 

one could make a valid argument I am based on the upcoming blog post,

if someone wanted to. 

Ok.

Here are a few of my thoughts on the 16th of March, the Ides and a day. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

I experience life in colors. 

I see in color. 

... well, Haley, doesn't everyone?...

Yes, this is true 

(unless you are colorblind. In this instance, my deepest apologies.)

Let me explain.

As I experience life, each day, moment, sound, and person has a color. I don't know why, but I know it's always been like this for me. One time, I felt grey. It was terrifying. Most days I feel green, purple, orange, or sometimes yellow. Sometimes even blue, but not in the connotation most associate "blue" with (being blue). And I don't just feel a general color such as "green". I feel a very specific intensity of the color, such as a pastel green, or tropical rainforest green. In labeling the colors, I need to give credit to the Crayola 96 pack, which has literally helped me define the moments of my life.

So, this is apparently pretty. odd., and it's certainly not something that comes up in casual conversation. Well, I suppose it could:

 "Hey, Haley! How are you today?"

"Periwinkle blue, thanks for asking! And yourself?"

I don't remember when I realized I had "color powers", but I know I at least had realized by the 8th grade because my science teacher, Mr. Hudgens, would ask me every day, "What's the color today?" and every day I would have an answer for him.

It's an odd "condition". Letters, numbers, and words all have colors as well, which sometimes helps in knowing the color of a person. I suppose this makes me a very visual person. I always like to know how someone's name is spelled when I meet them, and it helps me to figure them out, in a sense. 

I've had a few "aha!" moments of relating to others in my color condition. These are a few.

1. In the movie "Baby Mama", Amy Poehler's character talks about how she can sense people's auras and the color associated with it... while it's portrayed in a comical sense in the film, I can do that stuff in real life. Frreal. 

2. Once on the news there was a segment featuring a condition where people could see colors while listening to music. The segment  focused on people who associated color with music only, but it was the first moment I think I realized there were other people who had the color condition, too. I remember being really excited. Eeeeeeeeee!

3.  I studied voice at NSU for 2 years. At the end of my first year, I was comfortable enough with my instructor to tell her I sing in colors, just to see what happened. Her eyes widened. She wanted to test it out. So I would sing one passage in different shades: "brick red", then "forest green", then "sunshine yellow". They were all distinctly different to me, but I was curious if she could tell the difference as strongly as I could... and she could. So for the rest of the semester, she began to teach me in colors, and it was the neatest thing. Unfortunately, she was only in residence for one year, and so we were unable to add more colors to the canvas [jokes]. But it was still really awesome. 

Now, I hope I'm not pitting myself as saying "Look at me, I'm so different and unique!" but I was just thinking about colors today, and decided to share all about it. 

I love seeing this majestic display in addition to the one I see each day. I wish my artistic skills were as sharpened as my imaginative skills. So often I want to articulate a colorful feeling or experience, but I can't get it past my thoughts. All the more for me to enjoy, I suppose, but I want to share them. Maybe someday.

I suppose that's all I have to say about colors today. Call me bizarre.

30 janvier 2012

Father spoke to me tonight, and this is what he said:

Be calm, daughter. You know the storms will come. But remember, I have already overcome the trials of this world! Abide in me, dear child, and I will give you rest. Seek my face, and you will inherit my favor. 

Be still, daughter. You try to live life so quickly. But remember my timing is perfect, and your life is planned accordingly. Serve me and bear my fruit, so others may see whose you are, my precious one. 

Be confident, daughter. You are unsure what the days will bring. But remember I have placed significance on each of yours. Glorify me in your days, and boast all the more in your weaknesses so they may see my strength. I've armored you, child. 

Daughter, let me be your strength. TRUST ME. Please do not give a care to the eyes of favor among men. You are an elect exile, not of this world. Act as such! Be filled with my Spirit and sup with my will. 

27 janvier 2012

i am excited to become a wife

i anticipate the day i become a mother

but i'm most proud of being a daughter

a daughter of the king of kings

21 janvier 2012

Life in interesting, always consisting of realizations, revelations, and responses. I know I've been through this process before... But it is always helpful to evaluate situations in this light. Today I was reminded of the fact that I, Haley Elizabeth Stocks, am the Lord's possession. He gave himself for me, and I accepted his gift of grace which has given me life and revived my soul from the grave. This being said, I realize I have worth of a heavenly value, which affects my response to daily life. I am no longer called to live amongst the dead, for I am now alive.

What good news!

Titus 3:3-7 are a few of my favorite verses:

"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of the works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Thank you God for being larger than life and more intimate than a lover.

17 janvier 2012

Wow, I haven't blogged on here in a while. Lots of life events occurring... please pardon me. :)

Since last blogging [at least on this site]:

• I went to China [sujiali.wordpress.com for stories+pics]
• ...and then came back
• Taylor Weston and I recorded and released an E.P. with our band AUTM [facebook.com/autmisaband] [find us on iTunes!!]
• I've evolved out of a group of friends, found some really great ones, and am moving into a different phase in life [a good one]
• I realized I travelled a lot this past year...
• Hong Kong, China
• Zhongshan, China
• Ft. Collins, CO
• Albequerque, NM...then AZ...then... Cali!!
• LA, CA
• Malibu, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Fresno, CA
• Galveston, TX
• Denver, CO
• Detroit, MI
• Shanghai, China
• Weifang, China
• Qufu, China
• Qingdao, China
• Beijing, China
• Seattle, WA
• Atlanta, GA
• AR, then TN, then MS, then AL, then GA...
• So many memories!!! 
• I attended Passion 2012 in Atlanta, GA. Something amazing happened there. Not only did I get to worship the creator of the universe with 45,000 others with top notch worship leaders [Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Kristian Stanfill, Christy Nockels, Hillsong United, Charlie Hall, David Crowder Band, and Lecrae] and hear from some excellent speakers [Louie Giglio, Beth Moore, Francis Chan, John Piper, and more...], but the theme of the week was "Freedom"; freedom from sin through Christ and what He did for us on the cross, yes, but also an awareness of the 27 million people in modern-day slavery. I was shocked, stunned, and appalled. Throughout our time at Passion, we were set a goal of $1million to raise to go towards ending slavery... but God worked through us, and we raised over $3million... I'm blown away at how BIG and STRONG my God is!!

But I think one of my favorite things about God is not only that he does God-sized things, but that he cares so much for me that he takes interest in the small little things in my daily life. It overwhelms me. Example: I prayed yesterday for focus on Christ and to be set free from distractions, and I found my usual distractions to be not as commanding as they usually are. I have also been praying for strong Christian women to be my nearest friends, and God has provided in an amazing way. I realize these are small answers to prayers, but they are still 

God moving

God healing

God guiding

I'm so excited to be molded into the woman God plans for me to become. :)

On a different note:

 I'm what you might call the opposite of a fan of Taylor Swift's [whew, good to get that off my chest]. This being said, she did a song with The Civil Wars [who I get to see in concert tomorrow!] for the Hunger Games soundtrack... and I love it. A lot. 

Check it.

http://youtu.be/YFEDTtKaFzU

Life is good

:)

30 septembre 2011

I ran across this picture this week and it reduced me to tears. Such a heartbreaking yet real image of life for so many around the world, while we are consumed with the clothes we wear and what we should do with our empty Thursday evenings.

We have a life so many would do anything to have. Yes, there are hardships and trials. But only a fraction of the American existence has ever experienced anything which would remotely compare to the reality so many live each and every day.

Sometimes, at least for me, it is heartbreaking to see these images, yes, but the more concerning question is "What am I supposed to do about it?" or "How in the world do I even begin to take the first step towards helping?" or "Is this starving person in a third world country even my responsibility?" Sometimes it is a severe case of "out of sight, out of mind". Regardless of what your view is, there are people starving, and they need help.

I've been convicted lately of my worldly possessions. I feel that while I don't live lavishly by American standards, I live like a queen by most worldly standards. There have been recent opportunities for me to share what I have.

Two nights ago in the NET Lab, I had just finished my homework and there was a lady there that wanted to use my phone. She looked foreign, and I was terrified she was wanting to place and international call, but I let her use it. Luckily she called locally. When the person she was attempting to reach didn't answer, she asked for a ride. I tried to pretend I didn't hear her ask because I didn't have a lot of gas, but I couldn't ignore her offer. It was late, I was tired and had just finished my homework, but I knew this was an opportunity to help my fellow man.

She told me she lived out almost to Ft. Gibson, and I told her I would give her a ride. Come to find out, this lady is a professor at NSU. Once we were in the car, I smelled alcohol heavy on her breath. She absolutely broke my heart.

I said "So, you don't have a phone. The person you were trying to get a hold of didn't answer, and you don't have a car. What would you have done if you didn't find a ride?"

Her response shocked me. "If I didn't find a ride, I would've just gone back to the bar and tried to go home with a guy."

Wow. I told her how she is worth so much more than to just be used. She continued to share with me, and told me how the God that provides for me and loves me (and also loves her) had betrayed her. I told her he never would do anything like that, but she wouldn't hear. By this point we were at her house. I let her know how glad I was to be able to give her a ride home. She thanked me, and stumbled inside her home. I sat in her driveway and cried for her.

There are ways to give to those in need, whether it be giving funds to projects that provide meals (http://www.changethisworld.com/) or just giving your time and resources to those around you. People are in need, and people need love. We just have to be sensitive to others and willing to help.

21 septembre 2011

Today's jam of the day is definitely "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Wanna know why? Because in the song they sing exclusively of the 21st of September. Here's a link to the video in case you wanted to hear for yourself.

So God has been teaching me a lot lately. The biggest lesson I've been learning is one in patience and faith. This is an awesome God story. You ready? Didn't think so. Check this.

I'm headed back to China in 16 days. My flight there and back is entirely paid for, as well as my lodging while I'm there. All I have to cover financially is the cost of food, travellings, and souveneirs and such. Here is the situation: I have no job (because realistically, it doesn't make much sense to hire someone for one month and then they leave the next. I understand). I'm lacking (very) in funds. The fam is going through a situation of its own... so I'm without.

This is where the story gets good. I've been lifting up my situation in prayer for the past month consistently, knowing God will provide because He promised He would. The passage I learned this concept in is Luke 12:22-31 which says:

"And he said to his disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you."

Yesterday, someone anonymously dropped off $200 for me at the BCM dedicated to my China trip. PTL! But it gets better. Today as I was checking my email, there was one out of the ordinary. An email about my change check? Firstly, I have never received a change check in all of my college years. Usually I have to pay an additional amount at the end of the year. So this is a complete surprise blessing. I got a change check for $1287.60! PTL!!

I'm completely overwhelmed with God's blessings, his faithfulness, his fulfilled promises, and his unending love. It has been difficult just to sit and receive God's blessing and favor, but there is nothing I could have done to become worthy of his blessing and love.

Thank you, Jesus!

11 septembre 2011

Thank you, God, for new life despite the path sin paves. No matter what this physical life brings, I have confidence in my Saviour who promises new life in his Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. the old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Today marks the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. While I've participated in normal daily activities today and gone along just as I would any other day, there has been a somber resembrence with me all day long. Thinking about all those families, all of the dreams, all the worlds shattered in a moment's time affects me deeply and sends a shocking realization through me saying "the time on this earth is short. tomorrow is not a guarantee."

There are so many lost around me. I see them everyday, everywhere I go. They are searching for love and acceptance, the very thing I find laced in the grace of God. How selfish am I if I choose to remain in silence, harbouring the love so thickly lavished on every corner of my life?

This weekend was the Momentum conference. Afshin Ziafat was the speaker, and some of the things he said really hit home with me. He highlighted 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10 which says
"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you  not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come."

This gospel is gripping. The gospel comes to life once we have a realization that God wants to do something through me so I can live a life beyond myself. If we try by our own will power and strength to seek God, it becomes a good work. It is ALL about who God is, how much He loves us, what He did for us, and out of realising God's eternal love for us, inspiring and driving us to a response, rekindling and revival of the only relationship that is eternal, unconditional, never-failing, and greater than any love there ever was, or ever will be. Our spirit is secure in God's love.

30 août 2011

Let's celebrate Christ and His Father, our Creator; God!


If there's only one thing
I desire in this life
It's to honor You.
To love You,
To know You,
To bring glory to Your name.
Adonai
El Shaddai
Redeemer
Holy

You are God. We praise you!

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29 août 2011

You don't have to be attracted to me, but come on... at least be nice to me! Geez lasneeze. It's not like I'm a heathen or something.

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28 août 2011

Galatians 2:20 says "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." 


Crucifixion was not an impersonal, mechanical transaction, but a personal expression of Christ's love for people as individuals. 




It has taken 10 years of Christian life to realise that no matter how many times I've been told to read my bible, spend time in prayer, or to live life a certain way, it just doesn't work like that. 


For my life to be transformed took a complete revelation of God's love for humanity, His son, and shockingly, for me. God moves in love. Jesus was sent out of love. I am saved by love. 


Revelation and Response. 


Understanding God's love and realising that it provides life and ultimately leads to the life church people try to instruct people to live. When I see that God loves me, is perfectly divine, eternal, Healer, and so much more, my response is to develop a desire to want to know Him more, so I read the Word. I want to communicate with Him and receive His word spoken to me in secret, so I spend time in prayer. I desire to glorify my Father with my mind, soul, and body, so I align my life with Biblical values and follow the example Jesus led.


It is through love and dedication to continue seeing God reveal Himself to me that revelation and response come, day after day. 

17 juillet 2011

2 Peter 3:18 says to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

Jeremiah 15:16 says "Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts."

Romans 8:31 asks "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" 

These verses have become some sort of a life-theme for me over the summer. 

2 Peter 3:18 because I honestly have no higher desire than to glorify my Father in heaven, and to do so by following the example Jesus led. Also, the promise of grace and the gift of knowledge through the word keep me in complete awe of who God is revealing Himself to be (Rom.1:18), and fulfilled in the promises the Bible proclaims.

Jeremiah 15:16, because I find myself craving the word of God, and to learn more about His character. I am filled with joy when I read God's word and discover more of His truths, and He truly is becoming the complete delight of my heart <3

Romans 8:31 because it boasts of God's love, commitment, and desire for the best for us as humans. It is remarkable how much God actually loves us. It goes on in Romans 8:37 how we, as children of the King, are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus who saves us, covers us with His grace and love, and brings us to the Father (John 14:6).

God's word is altogether perfect, masterfully crafted, and true to itself. I love it!

In other news, I played for a wedding today, and bawled like a baby. Their honest, raw, sincere love for each other was plain. I desire a love like that, someday. Selfless, true, and God-driven. So excited for what the future holds... plenty of adventures, I'm sure :)

Also, was called a gypsy twice today when telling of my year and future plans/ opportunities ahead... God is just SO awesome. :) 


祝福

1 juillet 2011

I can't believe it's July already. I can't believe how much I've grown in who I am in Christ this summer. I can't believe how God has used me. I can't believe where God is leading me.

I'm so overwhelmed with God's love; His perfect, holy, merciful, graceful, magnificent and binding love that covers my sins with the cleansing blood of His son, Jesus Christ. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, just in the same way Paul was not as he wrote to the Romans. I have been transformed, renewed, and covered by grace. My old, sinful condition was nailed to the cross. And even though I may stumble and sin, there is NOTHING I can do that can or will ever separate me from the love of God. 

Knowing this, I can live the new life He's called me to live. A full life of victory. Because I am MORE than a conqueror. I am a victor in Christ. 

Unbelievable. He's so amazing, glorious, God of everything. Wow.

9 juin 2011

RATATAT plays Cain's- 8june11



One word: LEGEND

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25 mai 2011

Today was a success.

I decided that I don't want, need, or have any desire to meet my husband yet. In fact, I prayed that God would hide him from me until the time is absolutely perfect. I realize that yes, perhaps I've already met my husband. And in that case, I pray that God would keep his hand between us. 

This is my plea because I know that I'm not spiritually, emotionally, or maturely ready to begin dating my husband. I can't imagine becoming married at such an early time in my life. I feel that the world is my oyster, and there are big things life has in store for me before I find the man I will enjoy life with. God and I have a great adventure planned together before that time. I just don't know what it is yet... and that's perfectly alright with me. 

Having said this, perhaps this isn't the plan. Perhaps my man will enter my life earlier than I imagine. I cannot predict anything. And if this is the case, I will gladly welcome him... But I pray God would let us both ripen a bit before then.

And deciding/realizing this made my day VERY successful.

Also,

Today was a success because I made some fall plans, ate delicious food, and made steps towards getting my body back in shape. All great things.

Side note,

I've written two songs in the past week. Besides these two, I haven't written a song since the eighth grade. You could say I've been "inspired". . . and I feel another one coming on. . .

"oh sweet symphony, I can't believe that you found me"

H

P.S. walls are in place for a reason, and hearts are meant to be guarded. proverbs 4:23