there's power in Your name

salvation. light. redeemer. love. 

father. lord. judge. creator.

healer. sustainer. shepherd. provider.

The Lord has been each of these - and more- in my life. This Easter season (and year-round), it is my prayer that the Lord would be enough. That my soul would find rest in Him. And that through seeking Him, my life would bring him glory. 

I will never find the words to do Him justice. I do know that where sin abounds, grace is infinitely more. I am so thankful that because of His love for us, He was willing to die a most horrible death to absolve me of my sin. 

The cross I see...stained with righteousness,

There where sin should be...I find Holiness.

My Jesus came & conquered death for me!

Jesus, there's power in your name! 

You have washed our sins away...

You have overcome the grave!

All heaven & earth will pass away,

But Your word will never change

And your love will still remain...

Power In Your Name

lyrics & music - Jarod Espy / Jonathan Espy

When all else fades, HE still remains.

Jesus, there IS power in Your name!

Say Yeah!

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Chicago River

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Who all seen da leprechaun!?

Starting with the Man in the Mirror

I've got a friend that is a semifinalist in a Christian music singing contest. Several things are asked of the contestants as they work their way to being the "WIBI Opening Act Champion":

• record a current, popular Christian song that airs on the radio at least five times a week;
• organize a Facebook page and get at least 1000 people to 'like' your fanpage; and
• be interviewed by radio personnel at WIBI and have that interview aired.

All of that, plus being voted on at the semi-final competition, leads to being the Opening Act at Agape Fest in late April/early May. And it's a pretty big deal. There will be thousands of people there listening, and some big names in the Christian music world will show up to perform as well, so the stage has huge potential. 

My friend's life is not one that points to Christ. In fact, I can honestly say, that I've never even asked him if he believes in the Lord, so I couldn't really begin to tell you what he believes. But I know what I THINK about him and his beliefs based on the way he lives his life. 

I found myself harshly judging his intentions in this competition this morning while I was listening to his recorded single on the radio. I kept thinking to myself, "his life is not one that reflects the goodness and love and mercy and justice of God. So why is he singing about it and acting like he cares?"

And I broke down. 

How dare I judge! How dare I look at someone else's life and think those things! Who am I to throw stones when my life is far from being what the Lord intends for me?

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measure to you.Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? HOw can you say to your brother, 'let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."  --Matthew 7:1-5

My friend may not be the "best" example of Christ to others, but through this contest, the Lord's name is being made known. And for that, I am grateful. Praise be to God! that He would allow any of us to be used to tell of His great love for us.

For now, I'm going to work on measuring my life to Christ's. That is the only way a change will be made. 

I'm gonna make a change

for once in my life

I'm gonna feel real good,

gonna make a difference,

gonna make it right.

I'm starting with the man in the mirror.

I'm asking him to change his ways.

No message could've been any clearer:
if you wanna make the world a better place,

take a look at yourself and then make that change.

(Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson)

Things I Love: 30 Rock

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Tracy: Hey! What was that sound? It was opportunity knocking.
Jack: No one knocked, you just barged in.

Pete: We Hornbergers are famous cowards. On D-Day, my grandfather wore a German uniform under his American one...just in case.

Tracy: If I won an Oscar everyone would have to respect me. My obituary would read Oscar-winner, instead of children's soccer heckler.

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Tracy: [forgetting what floor he works on] Six! I knew it was a character from Blossom, but I couldn't find the Joey Russo button.

Jack: Yes my daughter is Canadien-American, but I'm going to treat her just like a human baby.

Tracy: What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers. Wordplay!
Liz: That is solid.

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Tracy: Five years ago I saved your show! I rode in here on a white horse that you made me leave in the lobby.

Kenneth: I can talk to animals. Well not talk to 'em. I can take commands from them.

Liz: Your lizard cannot be the music guest on the show.
Tracy: Of course not! His album doesn't drop until December!

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Sigh No More, No More

Thoughts on the past few months:

• God is good. So, so good. Countless times, He's taken care of me when I had not even the faintest hint of faith. 
• Good friends are hard to find. And I've got some good ones -- ones that speak truth into my life boldly, that encourage me in the best way, and that look out for my best interest. 
• It is nice to be loved by someone and feel that same way about them. Yep, I said it.
• Legitimately working toward getting out of Illinois is the scariest thing. Putting actions to words takes some courage. 
• Mending relationships isn't the easiest thing to do, but is well worth it.
• Time is fleeting...love those around you. Reach out to others. Love continually and unconditionally. 

(Mumford and Sons -- Sigh No More)

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Here's to loving the ones you're with.

xoxo

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Today, I'm thankful for moments of absolute peace and clarity.

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Today, I'm thankful for beauty.

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Thankful for a Love like no other.

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Today, I am hopeful for the future.

God has big, big plans.

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Today, I'm thankful for the opportunity I have to work with children.

I pray that my life would greatly influence theirs for the better.

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Today, I'm reflecting on the goodness and beauty of the Lord.

So thankful for His provision in my life. 

A Smile is a Good Thing

Frown and you frown alone, but smile and the  whole world smiles with you.

Tonight, I watched Passion 2011 live and was both encouraged and challenged by the Word, via Francis Chan. 

whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. then, whether i come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, i will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened by any way by those who oppose you.  (philippians 1:27)

Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. 


Chan talked a lot about what that looked like in his life. How a lot of times, he would read through the Scripture and notice that his life wasn't matching up to what he said he believed. And at those points, he had to choose whether or not to change, so as to better represent Christ. 


He spoke of believers in other countries with nothing to cling to but Christ and how their lives, their manners, were completely different. Their lives made sense to him. Their lives were lived worthy of the gospel. 


He spoke of the raging consumerism in our country. Of our "bigger is better" lifestyle. Of our constant need to appease ourselves by finding the church with the 'best' music/pastor/childcare/small groups. Of our lives not matching up with what we say we believe. 


Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. 


Christ humbled himself.  I work to build myself up as often as possible.
Christ served.  I look to see what I can get from others. 
Christ taught.  I like to sit back and see what I can learn from others. 
Christ gave his life.  I am most selfish with mine. 


If I believe what the Bible says is true...if I believe that Christ is who he says he is...then my life should match up to that. I should be seeking out ways to make my life more about Him and less about me. More about others and less about myself. Proclaiming truth rather than soaking up what others have to say. Pouring out my life so that others might know the love of Christ. 


Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. 


Here's to learning what that means and actually doing it. 

December is for Wishes

won't you take this cup from me? 

fear has stolen all my sleep. 

if tomorrow means my death, 

pray You'll save their souls with it. 

let the songs I sing bring joy to You. 

let the words I say profess my love. 

let the notes I choose be Your favorite tune. 

Father, let my be after you. 

in this hour I see who I am is not just me.

give me strength to die myself,

so Love can live to tell the tale. 

Father, let my heart be for you. 

(garden - needtobreathe)

The holidays are always an interesting time with my family. Lots of laughter, fake karaoke singing, games, general lack of any sort of polish, and screaming children make for a glorious uproar. As I grow older, I find that the holidays are a great source of joy, while at the same time being a time when I feel very alone and troubled in all the expected ways...wondering why I'm still single, living in the middle of nowhere, feeling disconnected from people that I love, and continually wanting to know when God is going to allow for the 'next step.' At the same time, loving the chance to be around my family to show them the Lord's mercy and love. To share with them the real reason we gather and celebrate. 

[Enter conflict]: I am the least worthy person to carry the message of Christ. I refuse to change. I doubt. I lose words. Fail to explain things the way they should be explained. Show the worst of myself to the people I have known all of my life. I am a miserable example of the grace and mercy that has been extended to me. In a family full of nonbelievers...people I love...I shut down and lose precious opportunities to be Jesus to my family. 

[Enter resolution]: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.  -Isaiah 9:6,7 (ESV)

The Christmas message is that there is 

hope for a ruined humanity. 

-Packer

Even before the creation of the world, God was thinking of how desperately I would need him. Before I was close to living, God's plan for my life was put into motion. Though I am the worst of sinners, unworthy of being called a child of God, his love was extended to me through his son.

The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity. That hope is that God's word is true. He will do what he says. 

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call to Him while he is near. Let the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive.  -Isaiah 55:6,7

There are some girls I know that like to give each month a theme.

There's MeLissa. 

And Lydia.

And Grace.

It makes me smile because they give their whole heart and belief to that theme. For one month, they commit to that one thing, in hopes of bettering their lives and the lives of others. 

September was for ladies. October was for magic. November was for love. 

December is for wishes. 

My wish: that December would be about faith. That I would dare to commit to a deeper faith...the kind that will stretch and grow me. The kind that will bring about real, life-altering change. The kind that can only be explained by the One I was created to praise. 

Potter Watch 2010

Password: Gryffindor.

Somebody did this with their time. Maybe even their life. Enjoy.

Stay tuned for the next episode. Password: Expelliarmus.

Potter Watch 2010 -- Things Lord Voldemort Tweets

Password: Mad-Eye

Shocking truth: the LOST island & Azkaban are the same place. Smoke monster was a dementor. Think about it...


Prince William is trending because he's engaged to Kate Middleton. Yawn. The only prince I'm interested in is the Half Blood Prince.


#nevertrust anyone, even yourself. Be honest, you're usually wrong.


Do not reach for the stars. They are giant balls of fiery gas. Waste of time.


I am beautiful on the inside and outside. Mainly the outside.


It's Veteran's Day in America. One day I hope to be a victorious veteran of the war against stupidity. Unfortunately, it's still going on.


Hide your kids, Hide your wife.


One of the Chilean miners finished the New York Marathon. What the hell did you do today?


Always remember that alcohol doesn't make people do stupid things. People do stupid things because they're stupid.


Lil Wayne is free, baby. I might be more excited about this than when I released the dementors from Azkaban.


You know what I can't stand? People.


I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.




Stay tuned for the next episode. Password: Gryffindor.


**follow on Twitter @Lord_Voldemort7

Potter Watch 2010

Password: Mooney

WARNING!!!

Stay tuned for the next episode. Password: Mad-Eye.