Perspective

I haven't been writing very much lately.

I would say that's mostly because I haven't been inspired.

I would also say that it's completely my fault.

Life is interesting, in that, we can be surrounded by inspiration but be too closed off to drink it in. There is grace simply in waking up to a new day filled with new mercies. There is grace in the things we take for granted, thanklessly grumbling about the responsibilities in our lives. There is grace in the thousands of kindnesses we encounter that completely slip past the attention of our self-absorbed hearts.

What would my life look like if I woke up everyday humbled? If I didn't always try to take my life in my own hands but realized that I have been bought with a price? Perspective is so crucial to our joy. A lack of gratitude encourages us to become foolish, promotes pride, and is contrary to God's will for us. But its presence gives us courage and peace, honors God, puts a song in our hearts, and allows us to put others before ourselves. Gratefulness comes from the love of God, not our circumstances.

What circumstances are distracting you from living your life the way it was meant to be lived? Sometimes, we just need to remember how much we truly have been given.

The Best Thing

I have been wracking my brain all week trying to figure out how to bring you "the best of the best" of my week at camp.

Would it perhaps be the competition?

The zip line?

The intense water games?

The singing and the messages?

The...gulp...mud pit?

The friends?

Or might it be all of the above?

I'm so amazed by the maturity of our youth group and their desire to learn and grow in Christ! Really, the best thing of all was their attitudes and their willingness to change. It is awesome to see God working in hearts and knowing we will never be the same! "...That in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ..." (1 Peter 4:11).

Due to my camera being mostly broken, photos 1-6 are taken by Josh Huang; photo 7 was taken by my friend, Bekah. :)

Take Heart

Well, I just got back from another amazing week counseling at Sr. High camp, which I hope to tell you about in my next post. In the meantime, here is a song I have really fell in love with. In this case, I actually like the cover better than the original, I think. :) Enjoy!

Photo Friday

Here are a few photos from a baby shower I threw for my friend, Janelle, a couple of weeks ago. I will leave the "people photos" to her. :)

Calmer of the Storm

When everything is wrong

The day has passed and nothing's done

And the whole world seems against me

When I'm rolling in my bed

There's a storm in my head

I'm afraid of sinking in despair

Teach me, Lord, to have faith

In what You're bringing me will

Change my life and bring you glory

There on the storm I am learning to let go

Of the will that I so long to control

There may I be in Your arms eternally

I thank You, Lord, You are the Calmer of the storm

You rebuke the wind and the waves

Once again, I find I'm amazed

By the power of Your will

'Cause I'm a child of little faith

I feel the wind and forget Your grace

And You say, "Peace, be still."

Teach me, Lord, to have faith

In what You're bringing me will

Change my life and bring you glory

There on the storm I am learning to let go

Of the will that I so long to control

There may I be in Your arms eternally

I thank You, Lord, You are the Calmer of the storm

Oh, when the torment blows

The middle of the sea

May I never trust, never trust in me

'Cause there in Your arms I find

No tragedy

There on the storm I am learning to let go

The white wave's high, it's crashing o'er the deck

And I don't know where to go

Where are You, Lord, this ship is going down?

The mast is gone, so throw the anchor

Should I jump and try to swim to land?

There on the storm teach me God to understand

Of Your will that I just cannot control

There may I see all Your love protecting me

I thank You, Lord, You are the Calmer of the storm

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