WOW. There is absolutely no other way to start a post about my weekend in D.C. WOW. God showed me some amazing things and I can’t help but share them. I don’t know how or where to start but I’m just going to jump right in!
I had a fuller picture of who God is this weekend than I have ever had in my life. It is funny how you can grow up in church your entire life and hear the same things a million times but suddenly after years of hearing it, it just…clicks. The most elementary truths were made so alive to me. God is our Dad…duh, right!? My three year old brother can tell you that. I knew that but this weekend I was closer to understanding how powerful that is than ever. In prayers, I call Him “Father” but I never really focused on how amazing that truly is. Before I pictured Him as a powerful God and in my mind I knew that the relationship was personal and he cared about every area of my life. I knew he came to die for my sins. I knew that I was the reason He had to die. I didn’t often look at Him as my FATHER though. My FATHER came to die for my sins. I was the reason my FATHER had to die. My FATHER cares about every area of my life…and my Father is GOD. Wow. So that is all obvious to you, I know…but it really hit me hard. When I mess up, which is constant, I don’t just stand before a condemning God anymore. I stand before a loving Dad. He is The Creator, The Healer, The Peacemaker, The King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, The Rock, The Redeemer, The Great Provider, The Strong Tower, The Holy One…and My Daddy. Before the words “the Father” didn’t mean “My Daddy.” It just was another way to say God. God, THE Father. My Father. Wow.
It made me realize just how forgiving He is. Duh, again. After this weekend I realize that he truly does forget my mistakes. I am God’s daughter…you are God’s child. As his children, He pours his love on us. I don’t know if you are with me, but so many times I ask for forgiveness for something, and I ask…and I ask…and I ask. This weekend I finally heard God scream “Give it up, Jordan! It’s forgiven. It’s gone! If you stop harping on your mistakes and start focusing on your decisions TODAY I can do so much more with you!”
This weekend I saw a bigger picture of God. What is so cool about it to me is that I didn’t just get “revived” like other retreats, I learned more. Being reminded and revived is necessary, but it is great to know I found something that isn’t going to fade. Yeah, the picture of My God, My Father…My forgiving Father may be hard to see sometimes, but I know now that He is all of those things…and I can’t forget it. It made my worship experience this weekend unlike any other. I felt like I got rid of the “baggage” that Francis Chan talked about. I saw my Dad and I could worship Him with the realization that no matter what I am His and I am forgiven. With that realization I could come before His throne and see Him. It was a piece of Heaven on earth. WOW!
Luke 11:11-13
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Monday, February 25, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
10 Don'ts From This Week
1. Don’t run outside in flip flops when it is covered in ice.
2. Don’t cover up Jerry Ball's deer mounted on the wall with a blanket...even if you can't stand to look at poor ole' Bambi.
3. Don’t try to beat your parents in an argument...you always lose even if you are right!
4. Don't let your parents know about Facebook...they may make their own......
5. Don’t sync your I-Pod on someone else's computer when it is gonna erase all your previous songs. Urgh.
6. Don’t think just because the kid is five he can't beat you up.
7. Don’t leave your bag unattended to when Sammi Ball is in the house.
8. Don’t sing to Hannah Montana when you don't know who is watching.
9. Don’t joke around with new middle schoolers on the softball team...they might think you are serious and cry.
10.Don't eat a cookie out of the box in Kroger's even if you are going to buy them...it is apparently stealing still. Oops.
I'm pretty much a failure.
*Chelsea Ball thinks headaches are contagious
2. Don’t cover up Jerry Ball's deer mounted on the wall with a blanket...even if you can't stand to look at poor ole' Bambi.
3. Don’t try to beat your parents in an argument...you always lose even if you are right!
4. Don't let your parents know about Facebook...they may make their own......
5. Don’t sync your I-Pod on someone else's computer when it is gonna erase all your previous songs. Urgh.
6. Don’t think just because the kid is five he can't beat you up.
7. Don’t leave your bag unattended to when Sammi Ball is in the house.
8. Don’t sing to Hannah Montana when you don't know who is watching.
9. Don’t joke around with new middle schoolers on the softball team...they might think you are serious and cry.
10.Don't eat a cookie out of the box in Kroger's even if you are going to buy them...it is apparently stealing still. Oops.
I'm pretty much a failure.
*Chelsea Ball thinks headaches are contagious
Monday, February 11, 2008
Doing it.
If you are looking for a devotion book that will kick you in the butt every morning and inspire you to become more than a mediocre Christian, pick up David Nasser's A Call to Die tonight. I am half way through it now and I am dreading when it is over. Today I read two...even though you aren't suppose to haha. I just got done reading the section "Be a Doer" and it really got to me so I want to share it.
Nasser says the church is full of "armchair Christians." These are the Christians that sit back and watch people. We judge someone’s heart by their attendance. We recognize a good sermon and wander who in the audience feels convicted and needs to repent. We are quick to tell people to pray but slow to do it ourselves. To me that isn't even mediocre Christianity. It is worse...and unfortunately I think that is where a lot, if not most, Christians in the church are today.
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:22, 25)
By merely listening to the word, we deceive ourselves. We may think we are growing Christians because we know the word, but when we add no action to it we are only fooling ourselves. Yes, we may decide not to curse the name of God or get drunk every weekend, but we are not fully devoting ourselves to Christ. Notice that James says the "perfect law that gives freedom." Isn't it ironic that what seems like a burden(the law) actually gives us freedom? When we follow Christ we have to humble ourselves and we feel like we are missing out on the fun, but we find a joy and contentment like anything the world can offer. At the time it is a very difficult act to deny yourself and choose Christ’s law, but when you put your head on your pillow that night you find joy in your decision.
Being a “doer of the word” doesn’t just mean avoiding sin, though. It means taking action for Christ. Tell others about this law that will give them freedom too. Pastor really hit it yesterday when he said “Evangelism is intentional and confrontational.” Evangelism won’t just “happen.” Situations will arise where it may be very easy to witness, but you still have to take the step. Take it.
Start with prayer. Pray for the people you feel God wants you to reach. Classmates, associates, even family will one day be out of your reach. Reach out now while they are there. Write down names and ways you can reach them. It doesn’t always mean sitting down out of nowhere and talking about God, sometimes maybe, but others it just means hanging out with that kid younger than you that thinks you are the world. Sometimes it means sending a nice email, or inviting them out with your church friends so they can just see the environment of Christ-followers. No matter what it looks like, just reach out to them.
Today.
Lets stop listening and start doing.
Nasser says the church is full of "armchair Christians." These are the Christians that sit back and watch people. We judge someone’s heart by their attendance. We recognize a good sermon and wander who in the audience feels convicted and needs to repent. We are quick to tell people to pray but slow to do it ourselves. To me that isn't even mediocre Christianity. It is worse...and unfortunately I think that is where a lot, if not most, Christians in the church are today.
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:22, 25)
By merely listening to the word, we deceive ourselves. We may think we are growing Christians because we know the word, but when we add no action to it we are only fooling ourselves. Yes, we may decide not to curse the name of God or get drunk every weekend, but we are not fully devoting ourselves to Christ. Notice that James says the "perfect law that gives freedom." Isn't it ironic that what seems like a burden(the law) actually gives us freedom? When we follow Christ we have to humble ourselves and we feel like we are missing out on the fun, but we find a joy and contentment like anything the world can offer. At the time it is a very difficult act to deny yourself and choose Christ’s law, but when you put your head on your pillow that night you find joy in your decision.
Being a “doer of the word” doesn’t just mean avoiding sin, though. It means taking action for Christ. Tell others about this law that will give them freedom too. Pastor really hit it yesterday when he said “Evangelism is intentional and confrontational.” Evangelism won’t just “happen.” Situations will arise where it may be very easy to witness, but you still have to take the step. Take it.
Start with prayer. Pray for the people you feel God wants you to reach. Classmates, associates, even family will one day be out of your reach. Reach out now while they are there. Write down names and ways you can reach them. It doesn’t always mean sitting down out of nowhere and talking about God, sometimes maybe, but others it just means hanging out with that kid younger than you that thinks you are the world. Sometimes it means sending a nice email, or inviting them out with your church friends so they can just see the environment of Christ-followers. No matter what it looks like, just reach out to them.
Today.
Lets stop listening and start doing.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Saturday Morning Ramble
I have bolded the main points of my Ramble for those in a hurry...
The downfall of having two little brothers(well one of them) is Saturday mornings. What are you all doing right now? Probably in your comfortable little beds with your blankies all snuggled up. What is Jordan doing at SEVEN O’ CLOCK IN THE MORNING? Blogging. Just want I love doing on my day to sleep in.
One Saturday morning is not as entertaining as it was when I was little. I pretty much stick to Disney these days. OH, and what is up with all these little kid shows in the morning? Do they not think that older, more mature 18(almost) year olds are watching? WHERE IS THE HANNAH MONTANA?
Oh, ps...my brothers and I spent the night with my grandma last night...you can call her Nunny. I know they are old, but do they really need the TV on the loudest volume possible at SEVEN O’ CLOCK IN THE MORNING? I think they are siding with Banks and Hayes. Seriously, TURN THE VOLUME DOWN!
Chelsea was suppose to come over here last night too. I guess the party is just at my grandparents. Then I got a headache and didn't want her to catch it, so I told her to stay home. CHELSEA THINKS HEADACHES ARE CONTAGIOUS!
SEVEN O’ CLOCK IN THE MORNING?!
The downfall of having two little brothers(well one of them) is Saturday mornings. What are you all doing right now? Probably in your comfortable little beds with your blankies all snuggled up. What is Jordan doing at SEVEN O’ CLOCK IN THE MORNING? Blogging. Just want I love doing on my day to sleep in.
One Saturday morning is not as entertaining as it was when I was little. I pretty much stick to Disney these days. OH, and what is up with all these little kid shows in the morning? Do they not think that older, more mature 18(almost) year olds are watching? WHERE IS THE HANNAH MONTANA?
Oh, ps...my brothers and I spent the night with my grandma last night...you can call her Nunny. I know they are old, but do they really need the TV on the loudest volume possible at SEVEN O’ CLOCK IN THE MORNING? I think they are siding with Banks and Hayes. Seriously, TURN THE VOLUME DOWN!
Chelsea was suppose to come over here last night too. I guess the party is just at my grandparents. Then I got a headache and didn't want her to catch it, so I told her to stay home. CHELSEA THINKS HEADACHES ARE CONTAGIOUS!
SEVEN O’ CLOCK IN THE MORNING?!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Senioritis
I used to think it was just a term for the lazy...the kids that just made an excuse to quit trying in school. I have finally learned though that Senioritis is not a myth. It is a devastating illness that is unavoidable to many people.
How do I know this? First hand experience.
I have been sick before. Never though, have I been so miserable as this Senioritis is making me.
I want to do my work, yes…but my body won’t let me.
I want to go to school, yes…but my body won’t let me.
I want to prepare for my future, yes…but I just CAN’T.
Not only am I unable to do the things I so long for, but society just does not understand that this illness is genuine. I now pity those with ADD. I once criticized these people who claimed to have such an illness, but by experiencing a shunned sickness myself, I now can relate. Just because you are not infected, does not mean that it isn’t sincere. Sure, we may seem to be making an excuse just to get out of work, but we have no control.
For example, yesterday: I REALLY wanted to go to third hour. Really, I did. I was walking to class though when my feet suddenly began to go their own direction. With tears in my eyes, I watched my hand reach in my purse and grab my car keys. I screamed for it to stop, but this was no longer my decision. My mind yelled “pottery!” but by feet took me to my car. After fighting the effects of my illness, I was worn out. I just quit. Next thing I know, I’m sitting in a chair getting my hair trimmed. Devastating.
Below is a list of common questions an answers.
What do I do if I have senioritis?
Keep truckin’. After your senior year it will be gone hopefully. In a worst case scenario it won’t disappear and you may be living on the streets--but the government will help you out.
What do I do if I encounter someone with senioritis?
Keep your mouth shut. When you see a senior in the mall or getting a hair cut in the middle of the day, don’t point your finger or call their parents. Family members are the last people that will understand. Instead, offer a word of encouragement. Pat them on the back and let them know you are there. Offer to take them out to lunch the next time their illness attacks. You never know what your small act of kindness can do.
Is it contagious?
Yes, senioritis is contagious…but only to other seniors. If you are not a senior, don’t fret. This is a question I once received from a friend, Chelsea Ball (a fellow senioritis sufferer). Some seniors, like Chelsea may have a case of Severe Phenomanalpeermediation Senioritis. In such cases, headaches may be caught from anyone else in the room with a headache. Also, the word “drug” may cause an allergic reaction with swelling to the eyes. Severe Phenomanalpeermediation Senioritis Sufferers(try saying that five times) are HIGHLY contagious. It is important that all ages avoid these victims.
I hope that my readers can sympathize now with victims of this disease. Isn’t it enough that we are ill? Do we have to get criticized for our uncontrollable actions? We are already miserable. Please, don’t add to it.
How do I know this? First hand experience.
I have been sick before. Never though, have I been so miserable as this Senioritis is making me.
I want to do my work, yes…but my body won’t let me.
I want to go to school, yes…but my body won’t let me.
I want to prepare for my future, yes…but I just CAN’T.
Not only am I unable to do the things I so long for, but society just does not understand that this illness is genuine. I now pity those with ADD. I once criticized these people who claimed to have such an illness, but by experiencing a shunned sickness myself, I now can relate. Just because you are not infected, does not mean that it isn’t sincere. Sure, we may seem to be making an excuse just to get out of work, but we have no control.
For example, yesterday: I REALLY wanted to go to third hour. Really, I did. I was walking to class though when my feet suddenly began to go their own direction. With tears in my eyes, I watched my hand reach in my purse and grab my car keys. I screamed for it to stop, but this was no longer my decision. My mind yelled “pottery!” but by feet took me to my car. After fighting the effects of my illness, I was worn out. I just quit. Next thing I know, I’m sitting in a chair getting my hair trimmed. Devastating.
Below is a list of common questions an answers.
What do I do if I have senioritis?
Keep truckin’. After your senior year it will be gone hopefully. In a worst case scenario it won’t disappear and you may be living on the streets--but the government will help you out.
What do I do if I encounter someone with senioritis?
Keep your mouth shut. When you see a senior in the mall or getting a hair cut in the middle of the day, don’t point your finger or call their parents. Family members are the last people that will understand. Instead, offer a word of encouragement. Pat them on the back and let them know you are there. Offer to take them out to lunch the next time their illness attacks. You never know what your small act of kindness can do.
Is it contagious?
Yes, senioritis is contagious…but only to other seniors. If you are not a senior, don’t fret. This is a question I once received from a friend, Chelsea Ball (a fellow senioritis sufferer). Some seniors, like Chelsea may have a case of Severe Phenomanalpeermediation Senioritis. In such cases, headaches may be caught from anyone else in the room with a headache. Also, the word “drug” may cause an allergic reaction with swelling to the eyes. Severe Phenomanalpeermediation Senioritis Sufferers(try saying that five times) are HIGHLY contagious. It is important that all ages avoid these victims.
I hope that my readers can sympathize now with victims of this disease. Isn’t it enough that we are ill? Do we have to get criticized for our uncontrollable actions? We are already miserable. Please, don’t add to it.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
MY Blog Day
Well, today was my vote for "Blog Day" or whatever, so I have to at least stick to it. So here goes my random thoughts/discoveries/updates...
1. I'm tired. New Years is a very tiring holiday...especially when five girls are stuck in a room with High School Musical, Ale8, and DDR. Sleep isn't an option in such a situation.
2. It is 2008!!! As in the year I graduate! Ahhhh!
3. Life is going too fast...
4. It snowed today...yay!
5. I hope that we don't have school tomorrow considering I haven’t done any homework yet.
6. I really want to go sledding.
7. Santa brought me a Hannah Montana blanket, two Hannah Montana toothbrushes, a Hannah Montana microphone, and a Hannah Montana shirt! You are jealous.
8. It is really fun to TP.
9. I have an odd urge to go horseback riding...
10. UK basketball is embarrassing.
11. Chips and salsa are not a great breakfast choice.
12. My brothers are beginning to get stronger than me...not cool.
13. I really use "..." too much...
14. Dolly Parton guest starred on Hannah Montana today.
15. I just found out that I have spelled definItely wrong my entire life. It isn't definAtley.
16. I also spelled "Jonas" wrong on my last post. Sorry boys.
17. I cleaned my car out finally!
18. My New Years resolution was to delete the Myspace...definAtley didn't happen yet.
19. Break is too short.
20.When you decide to paint "08" on your face, remember that everything is backwards in a mirror! Mallory was ready for 2080 when she got done.
1. I'm tired. New Years is a very tiring holiday...especially when five girls are stuck in a room with High School Musical, Ale8, and DDR. Sleep isn't an option in such a situation.
2. It is 2008!!! As in the year I graduate! Ahhhh!
3. Life is going too fast...
4. It snowed today...yay!
5. I hope that we don't have school tomorrow considering I haven’t done any homework yet.
6. I really want to go sledding.
7. Santa brought me a Hannah Montana blanket, two Hannah Montana toothbrushes, a Hannah Montana microphone, and a Hannah Montana shirt! You are jealous.
8. It is really fun to TP.
9. I have an odd urge to go horseback riding...
10. UK basketball is embarrassing.
11. Chips and salsa are not a great breakfast choice.
12. My brothers are beginning to get stronger than me...not cool.
13. I really use "..." too much...
14. Dolly Parton guest starred on Hannah Montana today.
15. I just found out that I have spelled definItely wrong my entire life. It isn't definAtley.
16. I also spelled "Jonas" wrong on my last post. Sorry boys.
17. I cleaned my car out finally!
18. My New Years resolution was to delete the Myspace...definAtley didn't happen yet.
19. Break is too short.
20.When you decide to paint "08" on your face, remember that everything is backwards in a mirror! Mallory was ready for 2080 when she got done.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
HANNAH MONTANA!
Girls...remember the Backstreet Boys concerts? When they came out on stage and you felt like they were singing directly to you and you just cried your little eyes out(actually their are some GUY blog readers that I am pretty sure reacted the same way.)
WELL...Backstreet Boys have met their match. Yes, that's right...I said it. I loved a concert more than the Backstreet Boys. Trust me, that is a HUGE statement for me to make...cause i <3 the backstreet boys...but Hannah Montana/Jonus Brothers have taken the lead!
I just want you all to know that Nick, a Jonus Bro, waved at ME. Some eight year olds next to me(and in all the rows surronding me) seemed to think that he was waving to them too. NEWS FLASH> The wave was directed towards Jordan Cornett.
Finally, I had the inspiration to blog. It might me because I don't have a voice to talk about it!
--PS..Don't tell anyone..but I'm Alexis Texas..
WELL...Backstreet Boys have met their match. Yes, that's right...I said it. I loved a concert more than the Backstreet Boys. Trust me, that is a HUGE statement for me to make...cause i <3 the backstreet boys...but Hannah Montana/Jonus Brothers have taken the lead!
I just want you all to know that Nick, a Jonus Bro, waved at ME. Some eight year olds next to me(and in all the rows surronding me) seemed to think that he was waving to them too. NEWS FLASH> The wave was directed towards Jordan Cornett.
Finally, I had the inspiration to blog. It might me because I don't have a voice to talk about it!
--PS..Don't tell anyone..but I'm Alexis Texas..
Monday, November 26, 2007
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