High Five for Friday!

It's Friday!
Which means one more week spend with my family, one more week until I see Bradley and my best friends who are overseas spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, and one LESS week for me to get prepared to move into my apartment--eek!

But it's Friday, which calls for me to reflect on how awesome of a week it was:

I'm linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday!

ONE.

Saturday morning my sister, Ashley and I had a coffee date.  Coffee dates are my fave thing to do. Especially when they're downtown.

We went to Port City Java and talked, laughed, and read.

And afterward we went shopping and found some awesome deals...and discovered just how eclectic downtown Wilmington is.

TWO.

I made this banana quinoa spread Tuesday morning for breakfast.

It was so good, I had some with dinner that night, and every breakfast since.

Be on the lookout for a new recipe post on Tuesday :)

THREE.

I've been eating up Romans lately...and chapter 8 hit my type-A, results-oriented heart like a ton of bricks.

FOUR.

Sunday lunch was spent with my family as per ush, and we went to Bluewater, a restaurant that is right on the Intracoastal Waterway.

The view from our table.

A and me.

FIVE.

Yesterday, Bradley turned 21!
I am SO excited to celebrate his birthday more when he returns from Serbia!

Happy Friday!

Take Note: Watchman Nee

Watchman Nee:

"The Lord is all and in all.  If today I am patient, it is not I but He who lives in me who is patient.  If today I love, it is not because I try my best to love, for the power of love is not in me; but it is because there is One who loves in me.  If today I am humble, it is not because I remind myself how proud I am and, therefore need to be humble.  He is my humility, therefore I am humble."

Romans 8: 1-11

Such Truth.

In Need of Rope.

Humanity's depravity has been so abundantly clear to me as of late.

And it's baffling...the evil that is here.  Questions are raised; hope is shattered; trust begins to falter.

This world has nothing for me, including myself.  I cannot trust my own thoughts, desires, plans, and dreams. I must trust the One who will not be crushed under the weight of worship.  The One who died for my doubt and unbelief.

This verse has taken on a whole new meaning.

"Whom have I in Heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:25-26).

He does not make me strong, rather, He is my strength.  

Therefore I must be weak.

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.  But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with my weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:8-10).

Break our hearts in worship.

"Farther Along"

(Chorus)

Farther along we'll know all about it

Father along we'll understand it

Cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine

We'll understand this, all by and by

Tempted and tried, I wondered why

The good man dies, the bad man thrives

And Jesus cries because He love 'em both

We're all cast-aways in need of rope

Hanging on by the last threads of our hope

In a house of mirrors full of smoke

Confusing illusions I've seen

Where did I go wrong, I sang along

To every chorus of the song

That the devil wrote like a piper at the gate

Leading mice and men down to their fate

But some will courageously escape

The seductive voice with a heart of faith

While walking that line back home

There so much more to life than we've been told

It's full of beauty that will unfold

And shine like you struck gold my wayward son

That deadweight burden weighs a ton

Go down into the river and let it run

Wash away all the things you've done

Forgiveness all right

(Chorus)

But still I get hard-pressed on every side

Between the Rock and a compromise

Like the Truth and a pack of lies fighting for my soul

I've got no place left to go

'Cause I got changed by what I've been shown

More glory that the world has known

Keeps me rambling on

Skipping like a calf loosed from its stall

I'm free to love once and for all

And even when I fall I'll get back up

For the joy that overflows my cup

Heaven filled me with more than enough

Broke down my levees and my bluffs

Let the flood wash me

And one day when the sky rolls back on us

Some rejoice and the others fuss

'Cause every knee must bow and tongue confess

The Son of God is forever blessed

His is the kindgom, we're the guests

So put your voice up to the test

Sing "Lord, come soon"

(Chorus)

Take Note: Paul

These words have been putting my type-A, success-driven, fearful, results-seeking heart to rest.

{Romans 4:1-8}

Jesus is my righteousness; not me.

Be still me heart.

Take Note: Relationships

Relationships are huge to me.  For one, relationships, by and large, are enjoyable to me.  People are interesting; conversation is interesting, and holds my attention.  

With that in mind, engaging in relationships is necessary as a human, and commanded by God for believers.

Relationships: A Mess Worth Making is a book that my mentor gave me months some time ago that I have yet to return. 

I was reading it yesterday, and stumbled across this:

This quote was extremely relevant to a sermon that I had watched a few hours prior that the small groups pastor at my church, Spence Shelton, gave last week.  His message was on the community of believers and how integral it is to our walks with Christ.  

Hebrews 3:12-14 says:

"Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.  But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.  For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end."

Spence explained that we must share our thoughts, sin, disappointments, marriages, and relationships with other believers--to prevent any one from "[falling] away from the living God."  We also must "exhort one another every day", to remind each other that Christ is better.  He is better than financial; marital; relational; personal success.  We are sons and daughters that have the privilege of laboring for our King who rescued us.  

We must confess to, share with, and exhort one another.

Relationships are for the purposes of sanctification and witness to the Gospel.

They are not supposed to make us uncomfortable--that is where our sin destroys God's perfect design.

Spence stated that when you are finally known for who you really are and you experience love and not condemnation, you experience the Gospel...and it changes you.

Wonderful Wednesday!

FINALS ARE OVER AND I AM A JUNIOR!

This was the view for my last final.  

At home, in my parents' office, sipping coffee out of a mug (not a disposable cup), and chomping on an egg my mom boiled for me.

From the looks of it, you'd think I was tranquil. Ha. 

After five finals, a paper, and a portfolio...I am pooped.

But oh, so relived! 

My hearts breaks for people who are still arduously studying...

I am so thankful for this semester's final two weeks that I spent in misery with people I love.

BUT it is Wednesday and the start to my summer--so let's celebrate, shall we?

Wonderful Music:

This is a clip that I found on YouTube from the Summit's Night of Worship last Sunday.

This is one of our worship leaders leading us in "You Are" from their new CD "Jesus in My Place". 

(It's on iTunes!)

I own no rights to this music.

Wonderful Scripture:

Romans 1:21-25

This passage spoke to my prideful heart and graciously led me to repentance.  

Wonderful Food:

Coffee. Again.  

Boy am I glad to be home...where real food lives.

Wonderful Family:
Yesterday, after a day full of packing and studying, I drove straight to Trey's basketball game.

By the way...they won 73-36.  Booyah.

Wonderful Outing:

Bradley and I attended a conference, The Gospel Summit, our church put on for church leaders.  We desire to devote our lives to ministry, so we went.  

More to come on this event!

I heart Wednesdays.

Wonderful Wednesday!

This Wednesday will likely not be as wonderful as next Wednesday. 

Thank you, final exams.

As an education major, I know that the results of a cumulative test usually has little do show for what I have actually gleaned from a semester-long class.  It's a blessing and a curse.

If you are a student, I feel your pain.

My sweet friend, Leah, encouraged me a few weeks ago to pray for motivation and focus--I have seen that He is faithful to give it! (Why have I never done this prior to this semester?)

I've seen this week so many of my limitations...which has been super humbling.  My mind is limited, my attention-span is limited, my time is limited, my self-control is limited, my love is limited.  I fall short constantly.

Here are a couple of the ways that the Lord has offered me grace despite my limitations:

Wonderful Scripture:
Galatians 3:11-14

In reading through Romans, my ESV notes led me to this passage.
I will always fall short of His perfect law, and the promise of Jesus' sufficient work.
Praise the Lord.

Wonderful Outing:

Bradley and I went hiking at Umpstead Park on Friday afternoon!

He attempted to cross the large body of rushing water...

While he was being uber adventurous, I sent this picture to Laura...and soon after this was sent, we saw a water moccasin in the water.  Lord, sometimes I loathe Your creation.

Wonderful Friends:

Saturday night the girls went to a thai restaurant--I was nervous, but it was delicious!

Wonderful Food:

Free donuts in the Bragaw Activity Room.
(It's called the BAR, but I thought that would prove eyebrow-raising if stated without explanation.)

I didn't eat just this one either...good thing I ran...this week.

This is just something wonderful for which I do not have photographic evidence:

My mommie and sister, Ashley, came to Raleigh Sunday afternoon to take my futon and most of my clothes. Aaaand they came to Summit's Night of Worship/CD release!
...which leads me to:

Wonderful Music:

The CD, "Jesus in My Place" is currently number THREE on the most popular Christian & Gospel albums on iTunes!!!

You can preview the album here!

Wonderful Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday!
This week is dead week--because I'll be dead by Friday.
Then next week I die again because final exams commence...gulp.

So I am happy classes are nearly over, but not ready to lock myself in the library for hours at a time.
No thank you.


 But tonight is small group and Bradley was extra sweet today...so let's focus on the good, shall we?

Wonderful Scripture:
Romans 1:16-17
Romans 12, particularly verses 14-21 were so impactful on my heart and life last week, so I've decided to read through Romans.

Wonderful Friend:

H and I so kindly sharing some dead week delirium...

Wonderful Picture:

Thanks Prof Knight...a baby with a mouth full of sand is super inspiring.

Wonderful Food:
Black coffee. My energy/life source. Poor life decisions.

Wonderful Outing:
Bradley and I went to dinner on Saturday night with two other couples that we met through the church (not Summit) softball team that he plays for.

Wonderful Pin:

It happens.

I hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday and are much more optimistic than I!

Wonderful Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday! 
My second year of college has been BY FAR the best--Jesus has become bigger, there has been greater challenge, deeper relationships, and more fun.  I want to savor this time in my life and use the resources and relationships I have to become more sanctified and sacrificial.

I am continually amazed at the people Jesus had given me with whom to share this life.

Wonderful Song:

I drove home and back alone this weekend, which was great (although I always prefer company) for my prayer life.  Highways, country music, and long prayers are wonderfully cohesive. I don't listen to country music any other time, but I heard this song multiple times and think it's super cute.

Wonderful Scripture:

Romans 12:19-21
On Monday, Bradley was telling me about this scripture--I have never studied this passage extensively, but I've heard and been confused by the phrase "...for by doing so you will heap burning coals on their head." He explained that by returning kindness for sin, people will be awakened to Jesus in you (because responding to hurt with grace is antithetical to the human nature).  Your Christlike character will "heaping burning coals on their head" and will provoke others to realize their need for the Gospel. 

Don't you love that?  The Spirit's power in me to give the forgiveness to others that God has given me, will make others awakened to the reality and Lordship of Jesus.

Wonderful Friend:

I got some one-on-one time with this chubster and his beautiful mom late last week :)

Wonderful Picture:

On Monday, I went to Bradley's softball game (he plays on one of his friend's church's softball team--it's a big deal in Smithfield, NC!). I met two sweet girls whose boyfriends play on the team, I connected with them, and the three couples are going to hang out Saturday night!

Wonderful Food:

NOODLES! I made them for the first time in my life this weekend!

Wonderful Outing:

Last night Bradley and I went to Summit's monthly EQUIP Leadership Forum! This one was a little different in that the men and women were separated. I was given a wealth of wisdom to glean from women in our church. The two sessions I attended were "The Whole Bible for the Whole Woman" by Lauren Ashford and "Women Discipling Women: Digging Deeper Wells."

Not Pictured:
Lots of time with my parents and my brother.  I took a video of Trey (who is 16 years old) singing and dancing with some scuba gear and my boots on his hands...but there's a little too much booty shaking. The vision is sufficient to disturb.

What is a small way that has God shown You love this week?

Wonderful Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday! 

I'm taking a break from writing this excruciating thesis paper for my History of the Middle Ages class to share with you some wonderfulness!  

Wonderful Song:

"The Church" - Elevation Worship
I love running to this song, mostly because of the charge it gives to the Church. Regardless on your thoughts (or mine) about Elevation Church, this song exhorts believers to preach the Gospel--and the Church needs to be exhorted more, no doubt.

Wonderful Scripture:

Exodus 8:18-19

How cool is that? Even the Egyptian magicians recognized God's superior and ultimate power.

Wonderful Friend:

My brother, Trey.
After I went to my family's Easter church service, my family and Bradley went to visit Nana and Papa Earl (my mom's parents) at Papa Earl's nursing home.
Trey partook in a self photo shoot with my phone
(unedited, in full glory):

So I joined him.
He is seriously awesome.

Wonderful Picture:

Gertie, Bradley's 15-year-old first love/dog. When we pulled into his driveway on Wednesday for Easter break, Gertie ran up to me.
A 15-year-old dog ran. Made my day.

Wonderful Pin:

Paint swatches as gift tags--seriously, how smart is this?

Crying in Public & a Heart for Lost People.

I went to the library earlier this afternoon to write a paper, and instead ended up praying and dwelling on Scripture (common occurrence)—but so is reading other blogs, blogging, pinteresting, excessively writing in my planner, and making lists.  Type A, I know. 

I was sitting at a table by myself in a small common area.  There was minimal chatter and lots of goose bumps.  Our library is freezing. 

A group of students convened to work on a group project at a larger table to my forefront; one student was blind and had a guide dog accompanying him. 

Once about half an hour passed, I finally collected myself after shedding several tears over God’s heart for a group of people I love—I’m accustomed to crying in public; I do it so often it’s hardly embarrassing anymore. 

The group disassembled and the student who was blind stood up and began to leave the table.  The walkway was short before he had to turn right to descend the stairs and exit the library.  However, as he made his way down the walkway, his guide dog didn’t make him turn right, and the student walked directly into another student who was working at another table.  The collision was audible and my heart broke for the blind student’s embarrassment. 

The student quickly found his way around the corner, down the stairs, and practically ran out of the double doors—only heightening the number of eyes on him. 

Since I had been crying only a couple of minutes beforehand, I proceeded to march myself to the bathroom, as I was a basket case.  I wanted to glare at every person that was staring at the student, as if that would alleviate his humiliation and make me feel better.  I’m glad that I didn’t.  I’m half as bold as I think myself to be—even if it’s about chastisement. 

Here comes the analogy…

Does my heart break for spiritually blind people?  Do I weep at the sight of a person who does not know and love Jesus Christ as Lord?  Am I filled with sorrow when I see a nonbeliever “collide” with their sin and disappointments and their lack of a God to seek for security and atonement?

The funny thing is, I was dwelling on Psalm 126 when I was praying a few moments before the incident (and had even shared it with a friend this morning!).

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.  Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’  The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.  Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb!  Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!  He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him” (v. 1-6, ESV).

Jesus has graciously granted me undeserved salvation, so I am joyful and glad and tell others that “The Lord has done great things” for me.  But I also go “out weeping” because others do not know Jesus, and I bear “the seed for sowing.”  Because I know of God’s goodness to me displayed on the Cross, where He stood in my place and paid my punishment for my sin, there is a internal, produced desire to share the Gospel with people who do not know/believe it.

I don’t just want people to know about Jesus—I want them to experience the joy of being freely forgiven. 

The Psalm concludes with the coolest assurance—those who desire and labor for the salvation of nonbelievers “shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”  If my heart is joyful at Jesus’ sacrifice on my behalf and breaking for people who do not believe the Truth of His message, He is faithful to use me in the salvation of others.  

Wonderful Wednesday!

I GET TO GO HOME TODAY!!!!!

After my last class today that dismisses at 2:45, Bradley and I are headed home for Easter!  I miss my family so much.  It feels like we're going on a vacation every time we pack up the car and head down I-40 East.

More on the wonderful-ness of this week, posted on Wednesday!

Wonderful Song:

Ben Rector, "Loving You is Easy"

Such a cute song, and then someone from the audience gave him the subject of "cats" on which to improv for the third verse.  Just watch.

Wonderful Scripture: 
Revelation 21:1-8

Wonderful Friend: 

I have a new roommate, Rebekah! We are both very thankful she is now living with me :) I found this sweet note on my desk on Tuesday, the afternoon of the day she moved in:

Wonderful Picture:

I found honeysuckles on campus last Thursday and enjoyed a snack:

Wonderful Pin:

but for real...I would not stop talking.

Wonderful Food:
Monday afternoon I walked to Cup-a-Jo to work and enjoyed black coffee, hummus on a wheat bagel (why hasn't this been a part of my life until now?), and silly conversation with the stranger that sat at the table with me.