I know this is delayed, but I decided that I need to keep writing on this. I learned so much from my birthday this year -- It will be one of my favorite birthdays for a long time!
So at 5:00 in the morning, my room mate, Sam, woke me up by jumping on my bed and yelling "Heather! Wake up, it snowed!" I shot out of bed, and groggily ran outside. Sure enough, there was almost 2 inches of snow, covering everything around. There were still snowflakes lazily drifting down. Praise the Lord! He answered my prayers.
I couldn't believe how faithful God is. So many of my friends woke up on Thursday and thought "Hey, look at the snow! Heather's going to be so happy!"
Over steaming cups of hot chocolate, Sam told me of a conversation she had with one of the guys. "I knew it was going to snow." He said. I expected a smart continuation like "They changed the forecast" or "of course, the wind last night rolled the clouds and coldness in." But no. His reply was "We prayed for it."
He knew it was going to snow, because we had been praying for it. What faith! I wish that I had that much faith.
So, the part two to the best birthday present was not only snow, but faith.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The Best Birthday Present: Part 1
Today has been a day of learning and of re-learning. These last couple of weeks, I have been praying to God, asking Him for snow on my birthday. I know it's a small thing, but to me, it was big enough to pray about. To me, my birthday has always been full of fun out in the snow, when it's warm enough. (The day I was born it was -50 F. Not much stuff going on outside then.) We had nice weather last week, with temps hoovering around 0 F. The snow reminded me of home, and all I wanted was for it to last until tomorrow.
It didn't. Last night, as I walked up to the dorm, the rain that ran down the road was blurred by the tears that ran down my cheeks. My snow was gone! And it was so close!
As my feet trudged up the hill, my mind tried to wade through the mud of my thoughts. Lord, I know you're heard my prayers. I want to accept your will here! Please encourage me tonight.
Feeling like being solitary, I sat on a couch by myself in worship. I bet the look on my face spelled "bad mood, coming through." A few songs went by before I got the encouragement I had asked for. "Jesus, what a help in sorrows! While the billows o'er me roll. Even when my heart is breaking, He my comfort helps my soul. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Hallelujah! What a friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end."
Isn't God good? He knew exactly the words I needed to hear. I know that even though my heart is breaking, He will comfort my soul! Even if I don't get snow, I know He loves me, and will bless me.
"For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Phi 4:11 NKJ). I think that Paul, if anyone, had reason to be unhappy with his life, and wonder why God didn't bless him more. But he had learned something. God's blessings don't always come as answers to our wishes. God knows what is good for us. Like a parent encouraging a child to eat broccoli, God will encourage us to trust Him, even though the situation is tough.
Oh the lessons of God's love! He wants to teach me to be happy with the lessons and even the trials that come my way. What an amazing gift God is trying to give me: Contentment. Now that's even better than snow!
It didn't. Last night, as I walked up to the dorm, the rain that ran down the road was blurred by the tears that ran down my cheeks. My snow was gone! And it was so close!
As my feet trudged up the hill, my mind tried to wade through the mud of my thoughts. Lord, I know you're heard my prayers. I want to accept your will here! Please encourage me tonight.
Feeling like being solitary, I sat on a couch by myself in worship. I bet the look on my face spelled "bad mood, coming through." A few songs went by before I got the encouragement I had asked for. "Jesus, what a help in sorrows! While the billows o'er me roll. Even when my heart is breaking, He my comfort helps my soul. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Hallelujah! What a friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end."
Isn't God good? He knew exactly the words I needed to hear. I know that even though my heart is breaking, He will comfort my soul! Even if I don't get snow, I know He loves me, and will bless me.
"For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Phi 4:11 NKJ). I think that Paul, if anyone, had reason to be unhappy with his life, and wonder why God didn't bless him more. But he had learned something. God's blessings don't always come as answers to our wishes. God knows what is good for us. Like a parent encouraging a child to eat broccoli, God will encourage us to trust Him, even though the situation is tough.
Oh the lessons of God's love! He wants to teach me to be happy with the lessons and even the trials that come my way. What an amazing gift God is trying to give me: Contentment. Now that's even better than snow!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Rock or the Sponge?
The other day, I was talking to a friend about how different people control their anger. He worded it this way: "There are two types of people: Rocks and sponges. Whenever it rains on a rock, the water just bounces right off, without affecting the rock at all. When it rains on a sponge, all the water just gets soaked up. Eventually, when you squeeze the sponge the right way, the water explodes everywhere."
I realized how true that is. I know I tend to be like a sponge. I don't let things just bounce off me. Problems and grudges and sins build up inside until I just can't take it any more. What an unpleasant experience for anyone around me!
I was thinking how unfortunate that is. Why can't God just take away the water? I wouldn't have a problem with that. Doesn't that sound nice? Then I realized just how selfish that would be, for me to deprive God of His means of changing and building my character for His kingdom. God doesn't want me to suffer, but He knows that if I want to be right and ready for His kingdom, I need to get through the trials, with His help.
Later that week, I was sorting carrots (which happens to be a very inspirational task). I was wondering what I, as a Christians, need to be if I can't be a rock or a sponge. Something in between maybe, like coral. The water goes in me, and kinda falls out the other end. I live in the water, but I'm not really affected or changed by it. That didn't really work.
Then all the sudden, I realized what I need to be: a plant. A plant starts as a seed -- kinda hard. It may not seem like its doing any better than a rock. But look at it. It grows! How amazing, that something that should be dead can have life like that!
If a plant goes without water for too long, it won't survive. The rain may seem to pelt the plant and cause it to slouch, but not for long. God uses the water to bring life to the plant, and life to us too. There are cells in the plant that take the water and basically make life-giving oxygen out of it.
Isn't God amazing? When I give Him my trials, He will make them into blessings. If I choose to give Him my life, He will be able to impact others through me. Only when I live like the plant, living to give, will I be able to grow closer to Christ.
I realized how true that is. I know I tend to be like a sponge. I don't let things just bounce off me. Problems and grudges and sins build up inside until I just can't take it any more. What an unpleasant experience for anyone around me!
I was thinking how unfortunate that is. Why can't God just take away the water? I wouldn't have a problem with that. Doesn't that sound nice? Then I realized just how selfish that would be, for me to deprive God of His means of changing and building my character for His kingdom. God doesn't want me to suffer, but He knows that if I want to be right and ready for His kingdom, I need to get through the trials, with His help.
Later that week, I was sorting carrots (which happens to be a very inspirational task). I was wondering what I, as a Christians, need to be if I can't be a rock or a sponge. Something in between maybe, like coral. The water goes in me, and kinda falls out the other end. I live in the water, but I'm not really affected or changed by it. That didn't really work.
Then all the sudden, I realized what I need to be: a plant. A plant starts as a seed -- kinda hard. It may not seem like its doing any better than a rock. But look at it. It grows! How amazing, that something that should be dead can have life like that!
If a plant goes without water for too long, it won't survive. The rain may seem to pelt the plant and cause it to slouch, but not for long. God uses the water to bring life to the plant, and life to us too. There are cells in the plant that take the water and basically make life-giving oxygen out of it.
Isn't God amazing? When I give Him my trials, He will make them into blessings. If I choose to give Him my life, He will be able to impact others through me. Only when I live like the plant, living to give, will I be able to grow closer to Christ.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Load the buses!
We are getting ready to head out on our annual California Tour! I am so excited! Yesterday, we spent packing and getting ready for that. Of course, after Cali Tour, we have Christmas Break. I can not wait to go home.
In class today, we sang hymn 626. It goes like this:
Let us sing a song that will cheer us by the way,
In a little while we're going home;
For the night will end in the everlasting day,
in a little while we're going home.
In a little while, in a little while,
We shall cross the billow's foam;
We shall meet at last,
When the stormy winds are past,
In a little while we're going home.
We will do the work that our hands may find to do,
In a little while we're going home;
And the grace of God will our daily strength renew,
In a little while we're going home.
We will smooth the path for some weary, way-worn feet,
In a little while we're going home;
And may loving hearts spread around an influence sweet!
In a little while we're going home.
There's a rest beyond, there's relief from every care,
In a little while we're going home;
And no tears shall fall in that city bright and fair,
In a little while we're going home.
What powerful words! I know most of us were thinking about our earthly homes when we sang this morning, but we were all also thinking about our heavenly homes. We are getting ready to go home, even today. So let's load the bus!
In class today, we sang hymn 626. It goes like this:
Let us sing a song that will cheer us by the way,
In a little while we're going home;
For the night will end in the everlasting day,
in a little while we're going home.
In a little while, in a little while,
We shall cross the billow's foam;
We shall meet at last,
When the stormy winds are past,
In a little while we're going home.
We will do the work that our hands may find to do,
In a little while we're going home;
And the grace of God will our daily strength renew,
In a little while we're going home.
We will smooth the path for some weary, way-worn feet,
In a little while we're going home;
And may loving hearts spread around an influence sweet!
In a little while we're going home.
There's a rest beyond, there's relief from every care,
In a little while we're going home;
And no tears shall fall in that city bright and fair,
In a little while we're going home.
What powerful words! I know most of us were thinking about our earthly homes when we sang this morning, but we were all also thinking about our heavenly homes. We are getting ready to go home, even today. So let's load the bus!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Senior Survival
"Go get your packs and meet me out back. You have 5 minutes."
The noisy speaker crackles, bringing every grade 12 student to full awareness. These words have long been waited for, dreaded by some, longed for by others. We all know that the day is coming when we will be called from our cozy spots in the warm school building to the buses waiting for us outside. Five minutes after the call is made, they will roll off campus and carry us to the most astounding part of our Health Class experience: Senior Survival Camp-out.
I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to the “Senior Survival” experience of Life. That will be the day when Jesus calls us to come home with Him. So many people dread that day. They hide from the consequences that their current actions will give them then. Others, however, can't wait to experience that most glorious, astounding moment of their Christian experience, when at the trumpet sound and the voice of God, all people in the world will be snapped to attention by their Savior descending to meet them face to face.
In Health Class, we have been getting super ready for the awaited day. Mr. Ras. has made 100% sure that we will be prepared, so long as we listen to his instructions. There will be no ten-virgin parables in this class, if we pay attention. Everything from shelter-building to fire-starting to wild edibles; I've tried to learn as much as possible. In fact, studying this material has invaded every other part of my life. I quiz myself as I walk down to school. While I harvest, I work on identifying the “bothersome weeds” that may end up save me from starving in an emergency. I know the material, I just need to practice it.
Christ has made all provisions for me, to make sure that I am ready to join His kingdom. As I go about my day, I work on the Bible verses I have memorized. These portions of the Bread of Life will keep me from starving when the epic test of faith comes.
What ways has preparation changed your life? Have you devoted the time and energy into learning the inspired material provided? Are you practicing trusting your teacher? Remember that He knows which things are “edible” and which are not? Is your pack ready, checked and rechecked by the capable hands of your Master? Are you ready for the day when the loud trumpet sounds, and the voice of the archangel shouts,? Always be ready! You never know, you may only have five minutes!
“Prepare to meet your God, O Israel.” Amos 4:12 NIV
The noisy speaker crackles, bringing every grade 12 student to full awareness. These words have long been waited for, dreaded by some, longed for by others. We all know that the day is coming when we will be called from our cozy spots in the warm school building to the buses waiting for us outside. Five minutes after the call is made, they will roll off campus and carry us to the most astounding part of our Health Class experience: Senior Survival Camp-out.
I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to the “Senior Survival” experience of Life. That will be the day when Jesus calls us to come home with Him. So many people dread that day. They hide from the consequences that their current actions will give them then. Others, however, can't wait to experience that most glorious, astounding moment of their Christian experience, when at the trumpet sound and the voice of God, all people in the world will be snapped to attention by their Savior descending to meet them face to face.
In Health Class, we have been getting super ready for the awaited day. Mr. Ras. has made 100% sure that we will be prepared, so long as we listen to his instructions. There will be no ten-virgin parables in this class, if we pay attention. Everything from shelter-building to fire-starting to wild edibles; I've tried to learn as much as possible. In fact, studying this material has invaded every other part of my life. I quiz myself as I walk down to school. While I harvest, I work on identifying the “bothersome weeds” that may end up save me from starving in an emergency. I know the material, I just need to practice it.
Christ has made all provisions for me, to make sure that I am ready to join His kingdom. As I go about my day, I work on the Bible verses I have memorized. These portions of the Bread of Life will keep me from starving when the epic test of faith comes.
What ways has preparation changed your life? Have you devoted the time and energy into learning the inspired material provided? Are you practicing trusting your teacher? Remember that He knows which things are “edible” and which are not? Is your pack ready, checked and rechecked by the capable hands of your Master? Are you ready for the day when the loud trumpet sounds, and the voice of the archangel shouts,? Always be ready! You never know, you may only have five minutes!
“Prepare to meet your God, O Israel.” Amos 4:12 NIV
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Freedom?
Today at 8:46 AM, several of us students had a memorial service remembering those who died ten years ago today. "Taps" was played, flags were raised to half mast. Moments of silence were taken, and prayers said. A speech was made, and anthems were sung. I never realized how devastating those attacks were to the United States. 2,996 people lost their lives that day. The sacrifice that they made, to many people around the world, represents the cost of freedom.
So many people have died in the course of history for the freedom of this nation. Many battles have been fought and countless lives lost to secure freedom, but I want to turn our thoughts to the one person who died for the freedom of the entire world. Why was His sacrifice so much more emancipating than the other lives that were lost?
"Jesus said 'Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'" (John 8:34-36 NKJV)
Free indeed! That is more than just freedom here on earth, but freedom for eternity. To me, that is so much more important than freedom here for a little while. However, just like here, freedom is a a choice that each one of us has to make. We can chose to be free from sin and slavery, or we can let ourselves be made captive by Satan and our own desires. What is your choice today?
Monday, June 13, 2011
Thunderings!
The other day was an amazing day. The weather was beautiful, and sunny. Then suddenly there came a rain storm. It wasn’t too wet, but down the valley, we could hear thunder. I even saw the flash of lightning once. It was such a comfort to me. I had missed the thunderstorms that we have at home sometimes, and was glad to hear rumble and feel the power of the storm.
In Bible class, we have been studying the Seven Trumpets of Revelation 8-11. One of the things we were looking at was “voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake” in Revelation 8:5. When I was sitting there, listening to the thunder, I heard the rumbling of the Bible truth: Jesus is coming soon! I heard the power of the message. Jesus is coming soon!
Accept this message in your heart. God will put His power in your life so that you can be a powerful witness for him.
In Bible class, we have been studying the Seven Trumpets of Revelation 8-11. One of the things we were looking at was “voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake” in Revelation 8:5. When I was sitting there, listening to the thunder, I heard the rumbling of the Bible truth: Jesus is coming soon! I heard the power of the message. Jesus is coming soon!
Accept this message in your heart. God will put His power in your life so that you can be a powerful witness for him.
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