new years eve:
Beth and Jason did a great job of capturing the evening. I have left my camera at home lately... but it was truly a blessing to bring in the new year worshiping our King and reflecting on what we are truly thankful for as we look back over what has happened since this time last year.
end of semester thoughts:
The question was asked... what have you seen God do this semester? It was a beautiful thing to go around the room and hear and celebrate all He has done. Matt did a great job recording the words spoken at that meeting. For me, it has been different than I thought. From the get-go I have felt 'at home' here and it's hard for me to separate the 'before' and 'after' of my life in HK. I still feel I have simply stepped into what He has called me to do and be. I am far from perfect at it but know I am growing towards fulfilling more deeply role He has called me to play in His grand story. All I can think is it's...
-His Invitation-
As I look back over this semester I am more and more happy about accepting it. There's something special about responding to that which the God of the Universe invites us into, and it starts when He invites us into His very life by our faith in Christ. As the song in the video below states: "...And this is grace: an invitation to be beautiful..." So there's not really an ending point here, but I remain on a journey- of sanctification, or, in other words, being made more holy, more like Jesus. Not just performing well or doing the right thing but growing in the GRACE of God. Trusting Him more. Trusting Him to be ALL I need. Trusting Him to illuminate my person to make Himself known in this world. HE IS all that is beautiful... and receiving His redemption for myself, for my failures, for where I feel I am lacking, and letting Him fill me is all I know to do--simply receive, and declare that message of reconciliation to those around me.
The promise is, "come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." He, as I surrender, will do this. Not my own independent effort but His own strength in and through me. This is true life. In knowing Christ we have something to INVITE others into. There's something in the human soul that God has mades us to desire and respond to this invitation. Ultimately from Him, but through vessels of love like us.
I pray we all discover what it is to live by grace, moment by moment, and respond as the Shepherd leads us one step at a time. He won''t lead us too far ahead (even when we get anxious to MOVE) from where he intends or keep us in the same place unless he feels its best. He is good. He knows us well and He lead us in His perfect timing. I pray you can trust the Shepherd and hear His invitation to simply 'follow...'
sentimental.
most of you probably won't watch this lovely 4 minute video, but that's ok.... i made it more for my own record anyway. For anyone that is interested- it's 4 minutes long and has one of my favorite songs by Sara Groves. (Lyrics below- full of my favorite words for today: invitation and grace...) It ties together all things and that which I desire strongly to see Him do in our world today. The value of the people God has made in His image- they need to know their worth, their purpose, and drink deeply of the GRACE He so freely gives...
The promise is, "come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." He, as I surrender, will do this. Not my own independent effort but His own strength in and through me. This is true life. In knowing Christ we have something to INVITE others into. There's something in the human soul that God has mades us to desire and respond to this invitation. Ultimately from Him, but through vessels of love like us.
I pray we all discover what it is to live by grace, moment by moment, and respond as the Shepherd leads us one step at a time. He won''t lead us too far ahead (even when we get anxious to MOVE) from where he intends or keep us in the same place unless he feels its best. He is good. He knows us well and He lead us in His perfect timing. I pray you can trust the Shepherd and hear His invitation to simply 'follow...'
sentimental.
most of you probably won't watch this lovely 4 minute video, but that's ok.... i made it more for my own record anyway. For anyone that is interested- it's 4 minutes long and has one of my favorite songs by Sara Groves. (Lyrics below- full of my favorite words for today: invitation and grace...) It ties together all things and that which I desire strongly to see Him do in our world today. The value of the people God has made in His image- they need to know their worth, their purpose, and drink deeply of the GRACE He so freely gives...
Add To The Beauty
We come with beautiful secrets
We come with purposes written on our hearts,
written on our souls
We come to every new morning
With possibilities only we can hold,
that only we can hold
Redemption comes in strange place, small spaces
Calling out the best of who we are
And I want to add to the beauty
To tell a better story
I want to shine with the light
That's burning up inside
It comes in small inspirations
It brings redemption to life and work
To our lives and our work
It comes in loving community
It comes in helping a soul find it's worth
This is grace, an invitation to be beautiful
This is grace, an invitation
YOU are INVITED!!!!!!
...
