God is good, & I am very blessed to know Him personally!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Now I'm A Graduate...
"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." - Philippians 3:13
I have been a college graduate for about 2 1/2 weeks now. Honestly, this time in my life right now is bittersweet; I am glad to be done, but there are some things about Oklahoma Baptist University that I dearly miss. However, I believe that my time on Bison Hill has really prepared me for a great future. I have grown in so many ways during the past 4 years, and I praise and thank God for it all. Only He deserves the glory for everything that's occurred.
When I think about Philippians 3:13, I realize this verse greatly applies. At this point of my life, I have no choice but to move forward and not look back and reminisce. I am in the process of learning to think more like an adult while, at the same time, allowing God to prune me of what doesn't belong. Sometimes I do not understand this journey He has me on; I don't have all the answers. In just a few months, I will be moving to a place and a school where I barely know anyone. Still, I trust my Savior to lead me safely.
My family is so supportive. In all things, they have been behind me every step of the way. I am so thankful for them everyday. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to know that I have a family who will always love me. That's part of the flame that ignites my motivation. I can't thank them enough for their constant help, even it the difficult times. Their presence in my life truly blesses me; God has definitely spoiled me. :)
I must now take this time out to say a few words to a few young ladies who have been a huge part of my journey through OBU:
- Alexis Thurmond: I cannot thank you enough for your constant encouragement and support. You never cease to supply an uplifting word or remind me of my dreams at times I feel like throwing in the towel. I am so inspired by your drive and diligence to be responsible. To me, your life is a reminder to leave behind that which has already past and press on to the blessings God may have right in front of me. Thank you. :)
- Sharneece Pratt: There is WAY too much I could say to you right now. Haha. But it simply boils down to this: You are my little sis. That in itself has meant so much to me, because you have shown me what loyalty, care, and trust looks like throughout everything we have experienced together. It's so nice to know that I have someone who keeps me sharp; iron sharpens iron, for real! Thank you. :)
- Erica Daniell: My Ms. E...I always smile when I think of you, because your very presence makes me think, "Victory." I must say, your life story has encouraged me in more ways than I can count (you probably never knew that). I have no doubt that your future is bright, and I wish you best of luck in the Miss Oklahoma Pageant!
- Clarissa Watkins: I don't know anyone else who has your level of trustworthiness. I know I can always count on you when I need love and support. You were the one who stuck by my side through the most painful times and STILL kept a smile on your face and a joyful spirit in your heart. I cannot begin to tell you how comforted I was by that. "The Resolution" will follow me wherever I go - LITERALLY. God bless you. :)
Lastly, but most definitely not least, God I want to thank You. I definitely could not have made it this far without You. You deserve all the glory, power, honor, and praise for everything. You have constantly taught me that Your ways are not my ways; they are much higher and much greater. Thank You for teaching me humility, for after it always comes honor. I thank You for what is behind me now, because it all helped shape me for what is ahead. Thank You in advance for what You have in store for my future. Give me strength and grace to do my part no matter what as You continue to use me for Your glory. In Your name, Amen.
"I run, and I do not look back. For, in so doing, I stay on the right track." - Jacqueline Walter
I have been a college graduate for about 2 1/2 weeks now. Honestly, this time in my life right now is bittersweet; I am glad to be done, but there are some things about Oklahoma Baptist University that I dearly miss. However, I believe that my time on Bison Hill has really prepared me for a great future. I have grown in so many ways during the past 4 years, and I praise and thank God for it all. Only He deserves the glory for everything that's occurred.
When I think about Philippians 3:13, I realize this verse greatly applies. At this point of my life, I have no choice but to move forward and not look back and reminisce. I am in the process of learning to think more like an adult while, at the same time, allowing God to prune me of what doesn't belong. Sometimes I do not understand this journey He has me on; I don't have all the answers. In just a few months, I will be moving to a place and a school where I barely know anyone. Still, I trust my Savior to lead me safely.
My family is so supportive. In all things, they have been behind me every step of the way. I am so thankful for them everyday. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to know that I have a family who will always love me. That's part of the flame that ignites my motivation. I can't thank them enough for their constant help, even it the difficult times. Their presence in my life truly blesses me; God has definitely spoiled me. :)
I must now take this time out to say a few words to a few young ladies who have been a huge part of my journey through OBU:
- Alexis Thurmond: I cannot thank you enough for your constant encouragement and support. You never cease to supply an uplifting word or remind me of my dreams at times I feel like throwing in the towel. I am so inspired by your drive and diligence to be responsible. To me, your life is a reminder to leave behind that which has already past and press on to the blessings God may have right in front of me. Thank you. :)
- Sharneece Pratt: There is WAY too much I could say to you right now. Haha. But it simply boils down to this: You are my little sis. That in itself has meant so much to me, because you have shown me what loyalty, care, and trust looks like throughout everything we have experienced together. It's so nice to know that I have someone who keeps me sharp; iron sharpens iron, for real! Thank you. :)
- Erica Daniell: My Ms. E...I always smile when I think of you, because your very presence makes me think, "Victory." I must say, your life story has encouraged me in more ways than I can count (you probably never knew that). I have no doubt that your future is bright, and I wish you best of luck in the Miss Oklahoma Pageant!
- Clarissa Watkins: I don't know anyone else who has your level of trustworthiness. I know I can always count on you when I need love and support. You were the one who stuck by my side through the most painful times and STILL kept a smile on your face and a joyful spirit in your heart. I cannot begin to tell you how comforted I was by that. "The Resolution" will follow me wherever I go - LITERALLY. God bless you. :)
Lastly, but most definitely not least, God I want to thank You. I definitely could not have made it this far without You. You deserve all the glory, power, honor, and praise for everything. You have constantly taught me that Your ways are not my ways; they are much higher and much greater. Thank You for teaching me humility, for after it always comes honor. I thank You for what is behind me now, because it all helped shape me for what is ahead. Thank You in advance for what You have in store for my future. Give me strength and grace to do my part no matter what as You continue to use me for Your glory. In Your name, Amen.
"I run, and I do not look back. For, in so doing, I stay on the right track." - Jacqueline Walter
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Don't Lose the Game Before You Even Start to Play
"Tomorrow, our seeds will grow. All we need is dedication." - Lauren Hill
We all have dreams. Some of them are easily attainable; others seem impossible to achieve. Usually, we say that we are willing to do whatever it takes to make our dreams come true, but are we? In reality, we do not want to put in all of the work it takes for our dreams to come to pass; we would rather have them handed to us. But take these wise words from Lauren Hill into consideration - "All we need is dedication."
So, ask yourself, are you dedicated? Are you really committed to becoming all that you were created to be? Proverbs 24 states, "...I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - the poverity will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber" (verses 32-34). This proverb explains that we will not have what we so desire if we decide to be lazy and not do our part to make things happen.
So, what are you waiting for? Don't lose the game before it even starts; have some integrity and do what's right and necessary to succeed.
We all have dreams. Some of them are easily attainable; others seem impossible to achieve. Usually, we say that we are willing to do whatever it takes to make our dreams come true, but are we? In reality, we do not want to put in all of the work it takes for our dreams to come to pass; we would rather have them handed to us. But take these wise words from Lauren Hill into consideration - "All we need is dedication."
So, ask yourself, are you dedicated? Are you really committed to becoming all that you were created to be? Proverbs 24 states, "...I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - the poverity will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber" (verses 32-34). This proverb explains that we will not have what we so desire if we decide to be lazy and not do our part to make things happen.
So, what are you waiting for? Don't lose the game before it even starts; have some integrity and do what's right and necessary to succeed.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
He Goes Before Me
"I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved." - Psalm 16:8 NKJV
Have you ever felt like everything was going wrong? Maybe you've had one of those days that you felt nothing good even happened. You probably even wish for an early sunrise when it's still evening. Like it or not, we've ALL been there.
Psalm 16:8 reminds us that as we keep the Lord before us - always thinking of Him and keeping our focus on Him and His plan for our lives - He is always with us. Since He is right beside us, we will not be shaken. It does not matter what comes our way; we will stand firm when our lives are focused solely upon Him.
How is your foundation today? Is it rocky? Do you shiver and shake when the storms of life bring a cold chill to your heart? Or are you firm in the Lord, staying warm and toasty regardless of life's chills? Keep the blanket of Jesus wrapped around you tightly in the midst of a cold storm. There is no need to worry; He'll keep you safe and warm. :)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
What "Whale" Must God Use to Get Your Attention?
"Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone."
Then the L
What is the "whale" in your life that has swallowed you? Are you in a place right now that you are only in because God is trying to get you to think about the decisions and choices you have made? Turn back to Him, and He will send you on your way to do what He has called you to do. As His child, He will always warn you when you are about to make a wrong decision. Are you willing to listen?
What "Nineveh" is God calling you to that you are trying to avoid? Could it be the need to stop an addiction, let go of a relationship, etc? God loves you and believes that you are precious, but He will not let your preciousness become your God.
It's time to wake up and exit the "whale" by surrendering to God's call to "Nineveh." Will you go?
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Value of Spending Time
"We can't stop the stresses of life...So I keep calling on the Repairman to patch up my soul." - A Worker in China
We were made servants through Jesus Christ so that we can spread the Gospel. But we need to be strengthened and renewed daily if we are going to stay on task for Him. & with the daily stresses and demands of life, our souls need frequent repair. That's why daily time with God is so important. The less time we spend with Him in His Word and in prayer, the less effective we are for His kingdom. We cannot spend our entire lives simply summarizing what the Bible says; we must get out and do what God is instructing us to do. Seek to spend time with Him, and then respond with obedience.
Daily time with God is what keeps a missionary going. In the same way, daily time with God is your fuel for each day. Without it, you will become weary and tired - maybe even injured. Daily time with God will keep you alert, and you'll likely have a more successful Christian walk. Consider Joshua 1:8, "This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do."
As you begin 2011, thank God for His gift - Jesus Christ - and the reestablishment of relationship with Him through this gift. Thank Him for new beginnings, fresh starts, and new mercies. Then ask God to forgive you for any lack of reverence for His time, and ask Him to restore you through your daily quiet times with Him. Lastly, thank Him for the changes He will bring in your life as a result of your diligence. What better way to start the new year than to rekindle that precious time spent with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
We were made servants through Jesus Christ so that we can spread the Gospel. But we need to be strengthened and renewed daily if we are going to stay on task for Him. & with the daily stresses and demands of life, our souls need frequent repair. That's why daily time with God is so important. The less time we spend with Him in His Word and in prayer, the less effective we are for His kingdom. We cannot spend our entire lives simply summarizing what the Bible says; we must get out and do what God is instructing us to do. Seek to spend time with Him, and then respond with obedience.
Daily time with God is what keeps a missionary going. In the same way, daily time with God is your fuel for each day. Without it, you will become weary and tired - maybe even injured. Daily time with God will keep you alert, and you'll likely have a more successful Christian walk. Consider Joshua 1:8, "This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do."
As you begin 2011, thank God for His gift - Jesus Christ - and the reestablishment of relationship with Him through this gift. Thank Him for new beginnings, fresh starts, and new mercies. Then ask God to forgive you for any lack of reverence for His time, and ask Him to restore you through your daily quiet times with Him. Lastly, thank Him for the changes He will bring in your life as a result of your diligence. What better way to start the new year than to rekindle that precious time spent with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
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