God answers prayer!!

We should not be surprised to experience God at work in our lives. Today, in my case, though not surprised, per se, I am exulting in the joy of seeing a fervent prayer answered. Not only does God answer, but He responds to specific requests. I think it’s ok to be happy--giddy even-- when we see a specific response of God. It’s all right to be blown away by His compassionate mercy and grace gently deluged on us. I don’t know how to put this situation into the right words—it seems so obvious, so overstated. Of course God answers prayers! No duh. Tell me something I didn’t know before. It seems like that should be one of the foundational truths of our faith, yet so often we are shocked when God actually responds in the affirmative.

Two days ago, a friend came to me with not just a heavy heart, but a conflicted one. He was at a crucial point in his walk, and I knew it. Before we talked, I prayed for wisdom and the right words. While we talked, I spoke what was on my heart—the truth, because I care, and any good knowledge or wisdom God has wrought in me is due to His prerogative and for His glory. After we talked, I prayed that God would use the good things I may have said, and neutralize the effect of anything bad I may have said.

Today, this friend again sought me out, with a radically different countenance. He had made a choice, the right one, and was free. I am sure he will face struggles and challenges in the future. But I am choosing to hope in the power of God to change a life: a pivotal choice can be made, and a person can be changed in a moment, to begin walking down a different path than the one they had previously chosen. God works miracles. And you and I, and my friend, are living proof .

Do we expect God to answer? Or do we think that because He’s sovereign, what He wants for us won’t be fun or enjoyable or easy. True, it’s often hard or painful, what He chooses for us, but surely He delights to give good gifts. And when we want what He wants, He is glad to give it. When we are obedient, it pleases Him greatly. We do not perform good works to earn favor, or even merely out of gratitude for what He’s done for us, but because He made us to do them—and made them for us to do—and any being or organism or device that does what it was meant to do is beautiful and fulfilling to behold. A soaring aria is a joy to hear, swirling up the emotions; a finely-woven tapestry stirs wonder in its beholder as it tells a story, just as a superbly-written phrase or paragraph resonates with its reader, or a blazing sunset takes one's breath away. Things done well in the right way for the right reason, with the right direction, result in joy. I want to remember this for a long time, that I might more readily bless the LORD at all times. He is good; that word does not lose its meaning no matter how many times I say it!! Why would anyone confide in me, but that the Lord was choosing to use me? That blows me away.

Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Ps. 105.3
M

The "Why," not just the "What," of Obedience

Read here a brief, excellent statement on why we as Christian women dress modestly. :)

Sweet

Today was a bit bitter-sweet. Mostly sweet, but tinged with sadness because I was confronted yet again with the fact that I am graduating in three weeks from today (technically, it's Friday, though I have not yet shut my eyes on Thursday). We seniors received our caps and gowns this afternoon at a meeting. I cried a few moments after I'd been holding it. This is it! It felt like an announcement to everyone who saw me walk by-- hey everybody, see this bag I'm clutching? It contains a black robe and tickets and it's all for this big ceremony-milestone-thing coming up. I'm leaving soon; you better get a good look at me before I'm gone for good!

Not toooo sober a moment, just a smidge. It's not all about me, after all. It is time, for as Micah James was quick to remind me, God is sovereign. His plan is good! I am excited for the future, whatever it may hold. God already has a plan. My job is to be obedient in the daily small tasks. How can I be anything but grateful? I am supremely grateful for wonderful friends... Sean, Elizabeth, Erin, Kaitie, Shane, Brian, Naomi, Katy & Shawn, Grant, Turtle, Kai, Paul, and so many others. There is quite a preponderance of bloggers among my friends, isn't there! What wonderful encouragement these friends are to me, and what fun we have! Last weekend a bunch of us camped near Nike Point to watch the sunrise the next morning (see above and below). We had fun talking, laughing, and before bedtime, singing songs to God, courtesy of Shane and his guitar-- and remembering His sacrifice, for it was Maundy Thursday at the time-- just enjoying the company of one another. We took quite a few pictures in the morning, after roughly two hours of sleep. It blows me away that I have had the privilege of knowing these people for the last three years. What a special time it is. (I couldn't quite muster the fortitude to write what a special time it "has been." It's not quite past tense yet!)

Tonight, I was happy to attend an "optional recital" of a dear, old friend. It's cool that I can consider him that. That story by itself is a testimony to God's grace and ever-merciful work in the lives of His children. I am grateful for his friendship. I was most happy, though, that the entire event was so God-honoring. It was very evident in Jason's demeanor and in the whole thing who the concert was for... and it wasn't anyone contained in a mortal body. It was extremely fun, too! He sang in German as well as English, and enjoined his voice with Christin's for two numbers (one in Italian, and a cute little ditty in English), and reunited with Karl, Jason Hunt, and Randy for two numbers as their quartet: Slaves By Trade. Their blend was sublime, truly one of the most unified performances I have heard. J-sun's fiancee, Dana, was a wonderful help to him in the preparations and reception afterward. I am so happy for them; it's a good match. His accompanist, Melissa Brink, is outstanding. I don't know how she does it; those Mozart pieces were so fast and note-y. The concert went smashingly, all around.

Flanked by good men: my brother Mark and Jason

Later today (tonight): Duo-ling Pianos concert, of which I will be part. I'm excited!

But, because of the concert, I need to get good sleep so I'll be rested. Mum and Da are coming down! It's gonna be great.

God's grace is so good. I have tasted and seen. Today I was reminded afresh of it, in so many ways. Just read Ephesians 1 and delight in the almost incomprehensible riches of blessing God has given us. Treasure His Word. Just read it; you can't help but be changed. Turn your gaze again to the Cross. It's not just for Christmas or Easter, but every day! Christ lives, and because of that we have hope and our faith is not in vain. The Spirit, whose power raised Jesus from the dead, dwells within us!

His,
M

P.S. I've been quoted! And yes, I did say something to that effect...

The Look

After such a dearth of posting, I've decided to endeavor to post more frequently, developing this habit first to "stay in touch" with others, school friends namely--this medium being much more of a necessity after I graduate, or so I anticipate--and second, to discipline myself in the art of writing regularly. It's not always fun or easy, and I don't always feel inspired, but those are insufficient reasons to prevent me from doing it.

So... a bit of musing from earlier tonight that will hopefully encourage you (excerpts):

...God does not love me because I am worthy of love. He does not bless me because I deserve blessings. He loves me because He has chosen to do so.

...What am I using as a standard for “should’s”? Obedience pulses throughout the pages of Scripture; it’s a healthy thing. But we are not performing to earn favor. We are not to do it in our own strength. I must not seek to do what is right just to circumvent feeling guilty. How lame is that! What would the right attitude be, in seeking to do the right actions?
–Asking for the Lord’s enablement, sustenance, and strength to do what He has asked me to do.
–Intentional dependence on Him; a relinquishment of self-sufficiency.
–An awareness of doing all for His glory, no matter what the task is.
–A willingness to let go… of anything I may grasp too vehemently, any time I start to trust in myself or look to my own resources for help.

I need more than Eleanor Roosevelt telling me, “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” I need more than willpower. I need the power of the Holy Spirit. I face no small foe. So often I am easy prey for his schemes, for I deprive myself of the defense possible, in staying close to my Savior’s side. In fixing my gaze ever toward His cross. In choosing to reject lies and believe completely in truth. In seeking help from the only source that can truly save me, has already saved me.

I can’t just sit back and relax while You do my work for me. I still have to work; you empower me to do so. I won’t pretend to understand that perfectly. How about “barely”? Here goes.

God, I want to do this right… and not just so I don’t have a guilty conscience. You have already cleansed me from slavery to the law of sin and death, so I am not guilty. Forgive me for dwelling on my feelings and not Your truth, the truth You have so clearly given to me in Your Word. Please forgive me for thinking my works earn me favor with You; I know that nothing I do could attain Your favor or assuage your mighty justice. Only the sacrifice of Jesus Christ can do that. Thank You for sending Him to Earth—to live, to die—in order to save me. Thank you, Yeshua, for being obedient to Your Father, giving me an example to follow, and the opportunity to practice following because of the new life you have given me through Your death. You were blameless, perfect, holy. And You came down into filthy squalor, becoming a Man. You became like one of Your creations, that you might rescue all people from the rebellion they have chosen. What love...

My response is to surrender everything to You. Only You can make it worthwhile. I’m not giving you my all because it’s worth anything on its own. I’m not giving it to You to somehow try to repay You, for that is impossible. I’m not committing to follow You (once again) because I think that this time, I’ll do it perfectly. I’m doing this because I have nothing to bring. Only your holiness saves me. That is truly “my only hope.” So I surrender myself to You because that is all I can do. I recognize my need for help, my inability to do things right on my own. I am not a good savior, or boss, or leader. My example is often not worthy of being emulated. You are the source of everything worthwhile in me.

May my life be a testimony to You. To Your greatness, Your mercy, Your patience, Your power, Your compassion, Your joy. Fill me with joy! I bless Your name, though I am weak. I praise You for preserving my life, though I complain and dislike my circumstances at times. I trust You, though I struggle with fear of the future. I place my future into Your hands, where it should be anyway. I acknowledge I cannot control myself, others, or bring my plans to fruition. Everything happens according to Your plan, somehow. It all works together for good. I believe Your Word. I love Your Word, teach it to me! Cause me to crave it. Help me be obedient, Lord.

Something I appreciate about lyrics set to music is the factor of time newly indwelling the words. How easy it is to read a stanza without pause, minimizing the potential import of powerful words. But when a phrase is sung, or a syllable emphasized, an interlude observed... how impactful those same words can be. It's part of the inexplicable power of Music, an almost-magical component I think God built into us to respond to music in a unique way. All that to say, the following is one of my favorite songs, a poignant visualization of a massively significant day... and a perspective we'd do well to consider.

The Look

I saw one hanging on a tree
In agony and blood
Who fixed his loving eyes on me
As near his cross I stood
And never till my dying breath
Will I forget that look
It seemed to charge me with his death
Though not a word he spoke

My conscience felt and owned the guilt
And plunged me in despair
I saw my sins his blood had spilt
And helped to nail him there
But with a second look he said
“I freely all forgive
This blood is for your ransom paid
I died that you might live”

Forever etched upon my mind
Is the look of Him who died
The Lamb I crucified
And now my life will sing the praise
Of pure atoning grace
That looked on me and
Gladly took my place

Thus while his death my sin displays
For all the world to view
Such is the mystery of grace
It seals my pardon too
With pleasing grief and mournful joy
My spirit now is filled
That I should such a life destroy
Yet live by Him I killed

“The Look”, original lyrics by John Newton, new and alternate lyrics by Bob Kauflin, music by Bob Kauflin.
© 2001 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Ministries.
From Upward: The Bob Kauflin Hymns Project.
All rights reserved. International copyright secured. North American administration by Integrity Music.
International administration by CopyCare International. Used by permission.

Isn't He good?
M

I've discovered something infinitely more entertaining than homework...

Yes, BLOGGGING!! (And the 3 G's in the center of the word were intentional...)

Well, it's been awhile. Too much has happened to recap. Let's just say March was a busy month, if internally rather than academically. This semester I'm plugging away with 13 units, so there's ample time to think, ponder, meditate, muse, cogitate, contemplate... well, no need to be a thesaurus.

I'm getting wise! Hopefully in more ways than one, for not only are my classes spiritually and intellectually stimulating, my wisdom teeth are making an appearance! No longer coyly couched in their pink beds, at least one is boldly making its way into society, a debutante of sorts, only my mouth is no Southern ball! But neither is this tooth a belle, for it is causing pain. The experience is not without its fun, though. I derived enjoyment from the fact that I was right in my self-diagnosis! And second, since today is the first day of the last several that I've been out of bed and felt alive, being sick with the stomach flu (so I thought?), it's quite the drastic difference to have energy. Thus, a multi-media presentation to revolutionize your universe! or at least make you smile ruefully and waggle your head in a bemused fashion.

The industrious student's solution for comfortable free-handedness: the hoodie-holder! Homework must go on, ice pack or no... but it's nice to not have to hold it as one types!

This is kind of working...?

Can I still sing while it's numb??

Is it gonna hurt more??

~Sigh... oh well!

Yes, I am a ham. Especially after being cooped up in a room for a few days... and eating nothing but crackers, rice, and jello.

A nice diversion, but now I must return to homework. A half-page of writing, then I'm done for the night.

Toodles!
M

--from the Book of Proverbs--

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline...

[turn] your ear to wisdom and [apply] your heart to understanding...

For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding...

By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place...

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding...

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding...