Fire-Fueled Grace

Couldn't say it any better...head over here and read.  http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/02/how-women-can-get-really-radical-for-their-sisters/
Let the fire of grace be the catalyst to change the world, whatever your passion may be.
"Real gratitude doesn't make you apathetic-it makes you a real activist.  Real gratitude isn't an anesthetic-real gratitude makes you catalytic."

February 21st, 2013
Gift #418: Organizing my folders and tabs on my computer.
Gift #419: Listening to two professors share their scholarly papers and learning something new from them.
Gift #420: My white ear buds so I can listen to music.
Gift #421: My white USA soccer jacket that I wear to keep warm and support my team.
Gift #422: Surprise birthday party for a friend.
Gift #423: Learning a new, fun song with hand motions.

February 22nd, 2013
Gift #424: Seeing a fun street name...Robin Hood Street.
Gift #425: New clean lines placed down in the Big Room.
Gift #426: Noah's Ark figurines.

Gift #427: Yummy corn bread.
Gift #428: Letter from a friend.
Gift #429: Seeing a mini waterfall streaming through the cracks in the stones.

February 23rd, 2013
Gift #430: Saturday afternoon nap.
Gift #431: A much needed prayer of encouragement and perseverance from a friend.
Gift #432: Hard thanks: getting schoolwork done even hen my energy is low and the day is long.
Gift #433: Song: Worn by Tenth Ave. North...lyrics speaking into somewhat of what I'm feeling. Redemption and joy in Him

February 24th, 2013
Gift #434: Teaching Sunday School for the preschoolers.
Gift #435: Creative minds on display through a picture drawn or a tower being built with toy bricks and blocks.
Gift #436: Finishing Love Does by Bob Goff and taking bits and pieces for my life.
Gift #437: A rainbow of walk in love shirts!

February 25th, 2013
Gift #438: Sining a song in another native tongue during chapel.
Gift #439: Song: Reign in Us
Gift #440: Creating a bulletin board for the month's cause.

Gift #441: Coloring this... (USA soccer player)

Gift #442: Refreshing strawberry yogurt.
Gift #443: Creating a fun finger caterpillar.
Gift #444: Wonderful websites that I can get ideas and resources from for my lesson plans.

February 26th, 2013
Gift #445: Heated car seats.
Gift #446: The beautiful Rockland Lake frozen over.
Gift #447: Class field trip to an Early Childhood care center and being exposed to a new setting.
Gift #448: Celebrating a dear friend's birthday with pizza and cake.
Gift #449: Getting a sweet treat during work.
Gift #450: A nice heart pumping night bike ride in the rain.

February 27th, 2013
Gift #451: God speaking through His mighty and powerful wind.
Gift #452: "Cracking" eggs using white balloons.
Gift #453: The roaring waves of the river.
Gift #454: A sweet and encouraging text from a dear friend.
Gift #455: An unexpected love gift.
Gift #456: The wonderful provision of God and the power of answered prayer.
Gift #457: Calls home to my mom and dad.
Gift #458: Late night milkshakes after a study session.
Gift #459: Lamp post lighting my path in the evening.
Gift #460: The beautiful and glowing full moon.

At His Feet

It's has been a nice week so far.  Classes are going and I've been hitting the books.  God is making His presence known in all aspects of my life.  He is teaching something new each day and the blessings are offered up back to Him as thanks.  This past Sunday our church began a new series called: at His feet, and it will focus on Matthew 5-7.  I am very excited to dive into the Beatitudes, because I know there will be many ideas that will challenge me and cause me to draw closer to Christ.  Here are some of my take backs from this week's message.  First off, Jesus is not calling us to the unknown, but to His feet.  When we think of a disciple, we usually think of someone that goes out and serves others, but in the context of the first verse in Matthew 5, a disciple is learning from Jesus, sitting at His feet.  When we come and sit at Jesus' feet He flips our mindset around.  In essence we are laying down our understanding about how the world works and come to realize that reality is only found at His feet.  Jesus wants to change the perception of what our life is like right now and when we bring our circumstance to His feet, Jesus will release His promises and favor in our lives.  When we come and sit in His presence we gain everything.  The Kingdom transcends our reality.  The challenge is that we come to His feet, learn from Him, and then so quickly want to get up and take action.  He is calling us to be patient and linger longer at His feet and become more receptive of His voice.  The discipline is coming and sitting at His feet daily, not just on Sundays.  And only from the posture of sitting, kneeling, at His feet are we then able to go forth and serve others.  Come into His presence and sit at His feet.

February 16th, 2013
Gift #385: Opening up a new tube of Chapstick.
Gift #386: Studying at the library on a Saturday afternoon.

Gift #387: Bible verses about perseverance.

February 17th, 2013
Gift #388: The small touch of seeing a Superman figurine flying on a car antenna.
Gift #389: Talking with little Cole and helping him make his bagel.
Gift #390: Fresh strawberries immersed in water.
Gift #391: The Beatitudes and Jesus' reminder to us that He desires us to just come and linger at His feet and from there He will release His promises and perspectives in our lives.
Gift #392: The quiet moments after the message to linger and sit at His feet.
Gift #393: A much needed Sunday afternoon nap.

February 18th, 2013
Gift #394: An entertaining and profound message at chapel today from Pastor Nathan.
Gift #395: Being an honorary Good Fight winner.

Gift #396: Learning something new.  I now know what a chuppah is.
Gift #397: The song: Worthy is the Lamb http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jJ2ZDcjrP0
Gift #398: Luke 15:20- the love of God on display through a father who runs towards his son and welcomes him home, forsaken all that happened in the past.
Gift #399: Being in community with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Gift #400: My brothers, warriors of Christ, who stand together and are willing to accept the call in honoring Him, becoming a leader and protecting their sisters.
Gift #401: The banner over us is love. Song of Songs 2:4

February 19th, 2013
Gift #402: A reminder that God is always faithful.  He was able to feed the 4,000 people and still have plenty left over.  Matthew 15: 29-39
Gift #403: Opening up class by listening to classical music.
Gift #404: Getting up in class and moving with various classical pieces with my classmates.
Gift #405: Singing in class to 1000 Dukes of York along with doing the motions.  (reliving the child years)
Gift #406: My green rain jacket.
Gift #407: A colorful chicken wrap with chips and salsa.

Gift #408: A fun rivalry basketball game bringing out the campus crowd.

Gift #409: 3 point dynamite shots!
Gift #410: School step team performance during half time.

February 20th, 2013
Gift #411: Breakfast- Potassium from bananas.
Gift #412: Song-All Creatures of Our God and King.
Gift #413: The subtleness of a balloon floating across the gym and hovering ever so often at different places.  (I wanted to grab it when it stopped over me, but I didn't want to stand up in the middle of chapel.  It definitely intrigued me.)
Gift #414: Lunch- a hot bowl of Italian Wedding soup.
Gift #415: Blessing of having Pastor Nathan speak to the Nyack campus the past few days and his heart for our generation.
Gift #416: Dinner- reconnecting with a teammate over dinner.
Gift #417: Falling in love with the sweet sounds of The Rend Collective. (great new find)  Here's a little taste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GouQKa6kyXs

Graffiti Grace

When you see graffiti different feelings can come to you.  For some, graffiti is a form of artistic expression and looks awesome.  To others, they may see graffiti and respond with "why is property being vandalized/damaged by written words?"  Well sometimes graffiti can be graces from God.  What may seem like a defacement may actually be a glimpse of His face.  "All the writing on the walls could be love notes."  "The real mystery of grace is that it always arrives in time.  Like the wind, grace finds us wherever we are and won't leave us however we were found."  When we are able to slow down, shift our perspective, it's possible that we can read the impossible: "the divine language of love written on all the walls."  I love what Ann says about grace: "Grace isn't a mere Pollyanna feeling.  It's a force.  It's a powerful force.  As startling as the power of electricity.  Grace is the power of God pulsating with this passionate love of God, this jolting, blazing, dangerous love that pierces all of humanity's pitch-black.  
Grace always shocks.  
Grace always stuns.
Grace is always what we need."

As you get into His Word, let Him help you decode his hidden messages, His love letters to you.  And open your eyes to the messages He writes to you all around.

February 11th, 2013
Gift #339: The way the fog half covers everything.

Gift #340: Red birdhouses standing out in the white snow.
Gift #341: A quiet computer lab, getting work done.
Gift #342: Preparing for tomorrow's lesson plan.

Gift #343: Rubber stamps and ink pad.

Gift #344: Letters ready to be mailed out with fun Disney postage stamps.

February 12th, 2013
Gift 345: Sharing my lesson activity and smiling at my classmates' reaction.
Gift #346: My professor and her constructive input and suggestions.
Gift #347: An unexpected surprise waiting for me at the post office.
Gift #348: The beautiful bike ride back to my room.
Gift #349: These awesome shoes! Go USA!!

Gift #350: A gracious blessing from a dear friend.
Gift #351: Hearing some difficult news but giving thanks to a God that I can pray to and know that He is in control.

February 13th, 2013
Gift #352: A basket of dirty clothes ready to be washed...as a result of a fun, filled week.
Gift #353: This shirt...

Gift #354: An organized packed lunch.
Gift #355: Behind a door #1: food in fridge.

Gift #356: Afternoon walk in downtown Nyack.
Gift #357: Laughing at a 3 yr. old quote.
Gift #358: A nice back massage.
Gift #359: My friendly geese mates.

Gift #360: An unlikely beauty...art on a trash can.

Gift #361: Sidewalk quote.

Gift #362: A hallway sprinkled with confetti hearts.

February 14th, 2013 (Happy Valentine's Day)
Gift #363: A sweet box of love...doughnuts!

Gift #364: I feel the love of God when I read His Word.
Gift #365: Watching the snow drifts fall all around me on my bike ride to class.
Gift #366: Snow covered all over tree limbs.
Gift #367: Walking into class and seeing a yellow rose on my desk.
Gift #368: I feel the love of God when I look out at the skies and see the pink, purple, and red colors of the skies.
Gift #369: A wonderful dinner filled with tons of laughter and stories.
Gift #370: A beautiful Valentine's card from my Mommy and Daddy.
Gift #371: The song: Hide Your Love Away by Anthem Lights...speaks on keeping your heart and body pure for your future spouse & that we should pray for them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgRFAY7gEmM
Gift #372: Beautiful night with friends and cheesecake.

Gift #373: Delicious white chocolate raspberry truffle cheesecake!

Gift #374: Special note found on a $1 bill.

February 15th, 2013

Gift #375: Watching children slide down the hill like little penguins.

Gift #376: Spray bottle with colored water....snow colored in various colors.

Gift #377: Children and their cute snow gear. (I wish I could have a machine where I could enlarge some of their hats and gloves!)

Gift #378: Hands forming a ball of play dough.

Gift #379: A fortune cookie quote: "Never give up until you reach the finish line."

Gift #380: A game of capture the flag with the 4 yrs. old.

Gift #381: Eating sushi at snack time and watching the excitement of the 2 yrs. old as they try it and liking it.

Gift #382: Seeing a lighthouse on the drive back to school.

Gift #383: Letters waiting for me in my mailbox.

Slow Down & See

This weekend I was reminded in my devotions to slow down, be in the moment, and open my eyes to the beauty of Christ.  I love how Ann Voskamp describes these moments as cathedral moments.  Slowing down and being in the moment allows us to come into the presence of God.  When we allow our minds to rush and think about our future, it gives us a sense of control because it is harder to control the current moments, but God is the one in control of everything.  He is the Great I Am.  "In God, there is no time, only eternity-or simply, only now.  His name is I AM.  Here-wherever my feet are-is where I can love Him."  This weekend, Snowstorm Nemo blew in all around the Northeast.  Personally I would say that the snow we received was a blessing.  First off, I did not have classes on Friday and Saturday!  Secondly, because classes were canceled I was able to slow down, rest, and soak up more of God's glorious creation.  Every time I went outside to play in the snow or take a walk, my eyes were open to the beauty of Christ.  And even in the quietness of my room, the presence of God was there.  Thank you Lord for the snow and for reminding me to slow down and see.

February 8th, 2013
Gift #318: Watching the snow fall out my window.

 

Gift #319: Snow day= no classes!
Gift #320: Song: 10,000 Reasons by The Rend Collective http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPI_DIqICP0
Gift #321: Fun Under Armor pants.

Gift #322: Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gift #323: Snow gear on + sled + music= successful nighttime sledding adventure.

Gift #324: A beautiful night listening to the wind blow and the snow fall.

February 9th, 2013
Gift #325: Opening up the window and seeing the snow covering everything and the Sun shining brightly.

Gift #326: Wool socks.
Gift #327: A productive day of schoolwork and reading.
Gift #328: Watching the USWNT (United States Women's Soccer National Team) play live via internet stream.
Gift #329: Walking to dinner with my friends and seeing the snow-clad mountains in the distance.

Gift #330: A tilting tree and a sign covered in the snow that I never noticed before.

Gift #331: Receiving a text and having you Lord to remind me of a Bible verse to share.

February 10th, 2013

Gift #332: Quiet time in the morning to read Your Word and pray.

Gift #333: Beautiful formation of icicles over leaves and branches.

Gift #334: The untouched snow.

Gift #335: The beautiful sun shining bright in the sky.

Gift #336: Smiling and laughing while reading Bob Goff's book Love Does.

Gift #337: Craft time cutting out paper hearts and writing messages.

Gift #338: Wonderful fellowship and prayer with my brothers and sisters in Christ tonight at Athletes in Action.

I leave with this prayer from the One Thousand Gifts Devotional: "Father, with all the gifts I count, You are filling me, giving me more time to recognize the significance of the story You are writing on these days.  Cause me to see more of these beautiful cathedral moments You place in my life every day.  I want to slow down today-and truly taste of Your goodness."

Live out eucharisteo. Blessings.

An Abundance Of Thanks

This week has been filled with an overflowing of blessings and I cannot wait to share the experiences God placed me in.  The Deeper Life series took place this week at my school, I turned the big 21, and currently I am in a snow storm.  I am thankful, thankful, and thankful.  Starting off with the blessings I counted this week...

February 3rd, 2013
Hard Gift #262: Unexpected ants welcoming me in the morning.
Gift #263: Orange and lime slices in a pitcher of water.

 











Gift #264: The table of thanks and remembrance.

Gift #265: When we look at your face, you are beautiful! (Phil Wickham's Beautiful)
Gift #266: Walking in the snow with my lovely friends.
Gift #267: Pre-birthday celebration with my close friends, eating cake and sharing stories.

Gift #268: Dinner with sweet Olivia.

Gift #269: A new creative handshake.

Gift #270: An evening walk with a friend hand in hand.

Gift #271: Exciting Superbowl game with these lovely ladies. 

February 4th, 2013

Gift #272: Living in the declaration that "the enemy has been defeated, and death couldn't hold You down, we're gonna lift our voice in victory, we're gonna make Your praises loud!" (Hillsong: Shout Unto God)

Gift #273: Gift found bent down: animal prints in the snow.

Gift #274: Fun pattern made when stacking up the mats.

Gift #275: A birthday card received in the mail from my parents.

Gift #276: Receiving a picture text from a close friend that makes me smile.

Gift #277: Strawberry yogurt and cereal.

Gift #278: Hearing the body of Christ declare who He is...the Great I AM.

Gift #279: Seeing and being in the presence of my brothers and sisters receiving healing and for the body of Christ praying for one another to be the witnesses and vessels of healing for others. 

Gift #280: Power in breaking every chain. (Will Reagan: Break Every Chain)

Gift #281: Hugs from my teammates.

Gift #282: Restoration and freedom among my sisters in Christ.

Gift #283: God's awesome redemption story in a sister's life.

Gift #284: Skype date with Ashley.

February 5th, 2013

Gift #285: Class led discussion that was successful.

Gift #286: Trampolines, foam pits, and dodgeball.

Gift #287: Wonderful friends to pre-celebrate my birthday.

Gift #288: Blessings received from my friends.

Gift #289: A surprise cake and ice cream to end off the pre-birthday meal.

February 6th, 2013!! 21 blessings of thanks

Gift #290: 21 wonderful years of life.

Gift #291: Balloons and a banner welcome me in the morning.

Gift #292: Walking through a archway of trees.

Gift #293: The song: Jesus At The Center By Israel Houghton http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MO0tI3t3fM

Gift #294: A colorful birdhouse on the side of a tree trunk.

Gift #295: A flag blowing in the wind.

Gift #296: A beautiful hand crafted birthday card given from the 4's class.

Gift #297: Beautiful birthday cards received.

Gift #298: Loving messages through texts, Facebook messages, and in person from my friends wishing me a Happy Birthday.

Gift #299: The pure joy playing with the three years old.

Gift #300: Coming into the cafeteria during dinner and seeing balloons and a table of friends singing Happy Birthday to me. (got some sneaky friends)

Gift #301: The starry night.

Gift #302: Balloons blowing in the wind as I ride back to the dorm.

Gift #303: A special treat of the sweet sounds of the saxophone during praise and worship tonight.

Gift #304: The deep profound presence of the Holy Spirit during praise and worship.

Gift #305: A dear friend and teammate praying God-breathed words over me.

Gift #306: Three wonderful and powerful days of Deeper Life.

Gift #307: Stamina and passion from the worship team as we sang, clapped, and danced for over an hour.

Gift #308: Cutting, organizing, and gluing pictures together.

Gift #309: The final product-a decorated front and back cover.

Gift #310: Quad muscle stretched after an eventful, packed day and rest in bed.

February 7th, 2013
Gift #311: Filtered water
Gift #312: Gift @11:30am-lunch with friends and laughing over childhood stories.
Gift #313: Talking with a professor and sharing experiences from the past few days.
Gift #314: Getting the creative juices flowing as I'm brainstorming for a lesson plan.
Gift #315: Gift @2:30pm-opening of class with prayer.
Gift #316: Expanding my mind of theology through a picture of art.
Gift #317: Enjoyable evening of pick up basketball.