Difficulty for blessing.

Understand why? Not a chance!

Suffering shows you for who you really are.

Joy in all circumstances. Maybe not delightful, but joyful.

You know how awhile ago I posted about asking for trials? Well I’ve got them now. (Not the trials I was quite imagining, but when do you ever expect what God throws your way?) This semester is going to be quite the interesting time. I’ve been trying to write more in a journal of sorts. A place where I can really throw out all my pent up feelings. Quite lovely. I’m still not the magnificent journaler, but I’m trying. That’s why I haven’t been posting quite as often. I have three major studio classes. And I’m debating about what to do for the summer. I am contemplating staying here and taking pictures at a camp. This would mean that I could pay for the mac that I am required to get for next semester by myself and not have to worry about it, and then with the “extra money” give some of it to mom and dad to help pay for some of tuition.

I was looking at some old sermon notes from camp and it was talking about frustrations. Sudden riches are not the cure. Everything suddenly being perfect is not the cure either. Frustration is:

• Things you want but don't have
• Things you can't control
• Not getting your own way

It mentioned Philippians 4:4-11.Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.

It’s hard to obey God and be frustrated. I am often very frustrated with my schoolwork. If I offered my time up to God (and less to facebook) and focused more on my projects and showing glory to God through them, perhaps I will be less frustrated. Sure I might still stay up until three every morning. But the quality of my work just might improve. Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good.” The God of the universe is on MY side. I need to give up my own ideas and thoughts to him. Completely. Hebrews 12:2 says to fix our eyes upon Jesus. He should be our only thought. We are also not to covet. I so often am jealous of the work my fellow students are doing and thinking that it comes effortlessly to them.

Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Easter

I was able to be with one of my friend's, Joy, over Easter break and go to her house. I had a blast and was actually able to help out with the Sonrise service! :) Some sermon notes from Joy's dad:

Most people didn't value Jesus, even if they were really close to Him. In the same way, people today often don't value the cross. The climax of Easter was when Jesus cried out "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Jesus was utterly rejected. Rejected by the Roman soldiers. By the people He had come to save. By His disciples. By His own Father. Jesus endured rejection for us! He was mocked for not being able to save Himself, but as Robert Coleman says, "He didn't come to the world to save Himself, He came to save the world." And this rejected King became the Savior of the world. Have you praised Him for His willingness to be rejected?!

AMAZING Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....

I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
`

T'was Grace that taught
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
the hour I first believed.
`

Through many dangers, toils and snares
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
and Grace will lead us home.
`

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
`

When we've been here ten thousand years

bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
then when we've first begun.
`

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

`
`

These wonderful and amazing lyrics were written by John Newton. John Newton went from slave to slavetrader to a gifted songwriter. My mom and I went to a different church today. The wonderful sermon was on grace. The pastor pointed out the line "Saved a wretch like me." He made the comment that many Christians (and non-Christians) don't see ourselves as wretches. Well, if we don't give our lives to Christ, we will be wretches forever!

Grace is amazing! We don't deserve it, God wasn't required to give it. The sermon was so good! Okay, a couple notes from the sermon:

No one is exempt from grace. But, God has provided righteousness by grace apart from human works. (Romans 3:21-27) Everyone needs grace and although some people abuse it it is always available.
`

Distinctive marks of grace:

• Grace can be received.
• Grace is a means of salvation.
• Grace is the opposite of works.
• Grace is absolutely free.
• Grace sets Christianity apart.
• Grace is unaffected by sin's degree.

A "righteous" person needs just as much grace as a condemned criminal.

• Grace is always under attack.
• Grace is amazing and awesome.
• Grace is unconditional.

Let grace into your life:

Admit humanity
Attitude of humility
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Unfortunately, we had to leave early because my mom was singing with the group Alive! at the Jamestown prison today. By the way, pray for that today-- that the prisoners' hearts would be opened and that everyone singing, especially the soloists, would remember all the words. When we were leaving they were showing a video clip, my mom thought it was for the movie, Amazing Grace. Is anybody going to that? (You or someone that you know)

I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be.
I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be.

And by the grace of God, I am what I am.

~

John Newton

Jesus AND PETER walk on the water

Matthew 14:29-31

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.




This Sunday was Harvest Fest/Missions. The guest speaker (one of our former pastors who has been a missionary to Lithuania) talked about Peter. He mentioned that there are two people who have walked on water: Jesus and Peter. Peter is not generally noted for walking on the water, rather he is noted for not (completly) trusting Jesus. However, Peter did walk on the water for awhile. It was only after Peter noticed his surroundings (the crashing waves and how far away the boat was), that Peter began to sink. The Bible says in Matthew 14: 31 that "immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him." In the sermon, it was said that obviously Jesus was very close to Peter if he could just reach out his hand and grab him. In the same way, Jesus will immediately reach out his hand to us when we are in trouble.