My new textbooks are here! I am excited, slightly overwhelmed, tired just thinking about it, excited, anxious, etc. I love to learn, and I ordered these bad boys just over 10 days ago, so I was starting to get a tad impatient (but can't complain when you choose the free shipping option). I'm glad they are here. And I'm glad to start classes in a week (need to read some pages ahead of time...and orientation starts tomorrow! Ah).
Anyway, as usual for me, the intro isn't really what the whole post is about, but usually what started my train of thought. So that's why I started with it.
As I look through my past with Facebook (and other online social media whatevers), there are many times when I just need to take a break. Sometimes the breaks are mandated by myself, and other times the breaks are mandated by my location and lack of internets. Most of the time these facebook breaks are either around the start of the school year, summer, or lent. Ah, you say, that's why she started out with the textbooks. It is the start of the school year and she is feeling like things are about to get busy.
Yes. That is part of it. But the other part is also that I have been thinking a lot lately about status updates, and now, recently, twitter updates, and how I want to use them. Do I really want to just do a boring play-by-play of my life, or do I want to be more thoughtful? Either way, I waste a lot of time, not only updating my status/twitter, but also and moreso with reading other people's statuses and twitterings. Disclaimer: it is not a waste of time to keep in touch with people. It IS a waste of time to know what someone you went to kindergarten with ate for lunch. Most of the time, anyway. Especially when you have a box of books to read, and a new job to figure out. So anyway, when the books arrived today, I was tempted to update my status, letting the world know about my books arriving. But I decided against it.
The people that were around when I picked up the books know that I got them. And those that are truly interested will ask. And for everyone else, it is just one more thing that they are spending too much time reading, when there are so many more meaningful things to do.
So anyway. I am taking a September break from facebook. I will check it from time to time, in case there is anyone who needs to communicate to me, or in case there is someone I need to communicate with....and have no other means to outside of the facebook world. I don't want to downplay the importance of fb, I like it. I like that I can see what people are up to and so easily drop them a note or a comment. But so often, I am prone to use it for wasting time.
So. What does that mean for blogging? Not much. I will probably blog when I can. I have a lot of thoughts these days, and especially now with all these books to read.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Quote of the moment, again
The entire post where I found this quote can be found here.
It’s sad to see so many Christians confusing Mormon politics or American nationalism with the gospel of Jesus Christ. But, don’t get me wrong, I’m not pessimistic. Jesus will build his church, and he will build it on the gospel. He doesn’t need American Christianity to do it. Vibrant, loving, orthodox Christianity will flourish, perhaps among the poor of Haiti or the persecuted of Sudan or the outlawed of China, but it will flourish.
It’s sad to see so many Christians confusing Mormon politics or American nationalism with the gospel of Jesus Christ. But, don’t get me wrong, I’m not pessimistic. Jesus will build his church, and he will build it on the gospel. He doesn’t need American Christianity to do it. Vibrant, loving, orthodox Christianity will flourish, perhaps among the poor of Haiti or the persecuted of Sudan or the outlawed of China, but it will flourish.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Shoe shopping
Ok. So I left a bunch of shoes behind in Lithuania. And before we moved there, I gave a lot of my shoes away. So today I went out in search of some simple, black, flat, dressy but not too dressy, shoes. My requirements were (I thought) simple:
1. Cute
2. Inexpensive*
3. My size (9 1/2)
My first try, Target, was unsuccessful. All the cute shoes did not have my size or were too expensive. All the shoes that were my size were ugly or too expensive (or both). All the inexpensive shoes were either ugly, or not my size. Target, is it so hard to carry shoes in a half size? The good news, is they had some cute slippers that fit me, so I got some of those (left my slippers behind in Lithuania, too).
So then I went to the nearby Marshalls, which is usually right up my alley, but they seemed to have a shortage of shoes as well.
So THEN I went to the next door Ross, a place that I don't go to that often, but am not against. And I was astonished. Not necessarily in a good way...but in such a way that I said, "You're kidding me" out loud and had to laugh as I walked out of the store empty handed. I wish I had thought to take a picture, but I didn't so you get to see what it was like through Paint. It's just as good as a picture, trust me.
They had an entire wall dedicated to shoes size 10 and bigger. Then in front of the wall, they had about 4 aisles of shoes, each size had at least an aisle dedicated to it. Except size 9.5, which had an eighth of an aisle with a few shoes on each shelf. I looked around thinking that maybe they would continue the size near the 10s, but no such luck. It was either big shoes or pillows on the wall. So I didn't get any shoes there.
My assumption at Target was that everyone must be the same size as I am with regards to shoes. My assumption after I left Ross is that no one wears that size, because they don't even bother to have an entire aisle devoted to my size (Steve told me later that since Ross probably gets the leftovers from other stores, it is safe to assume that it is just a really common shoe size, and that's why they don't carry that many of them).
Anyway, I ended up having to go to the mall, and found a suitable pair for only $10. They were pretty cute (not the cutest ones of the day, but suitable. And inexpensive. And fit my feet).
*I try really hard to use the word "inexpensive" when I am talking about low cost. For me the word "cheap" suggests low quality. Sometimes, yes, low cost can mean low quality, but not always. And that is why I make the distinction.
1. Cute
2. Inexpensive*
3. My size (9 1/2)
My first try, Target, was unsuccessful. All the cute shoes did not have my size or were too expensive. All the shoes that were my size were ugly or too expensive (or both). All the inexpensive shoes were either ugly, or not my size. Target, is it so hard to carry shoes in a half size? The good news, is they had some cute slippers that fit me, so I got some of those (left my slippers behind in Lithuania, too).
So then I went to the nearby Marshalls, which is usually right up my alley, but they seemed to have a shortage of shoes as well.
So THEN I went to the next door Ross, a place that I don't go to that often, but am not against. And I was astonished. Not necessarily in a good way...but in such a way that I said, "You're kidding me" out loud and had to laugh as I walked out of the store empty handed. I wish I had thought to take a picture, but I didn't so you get to see what it was like through Paint. It's just as good as a picture, trust me.
They had an entire wall dedicated to shoes size 10 and bigger. Then in front of the wall, they had about 4 aisles of shoes, each size had at least an aisle dedicated to it. Except size 9.5, which had an eighth of an aisle with a few shoes on each shelf. I looked around thinking that maybe they would continue the size near the 10s, but no such luck. It was either big shoes or pillows on the wall. So I didn't get any shoes there.
 |
| Picture not to scale. |
Anyway, I ended up having to go to the mall, and found a suitable pair for only $10. They were pretty cute (not the cutest ones of the day, but suitable. And inexpensive. And fit my feet).
 |
 |
| The flat toe is what sold it for me. That and the fact that they were 10 dollars. |
*I try really hard to use the word "inexpensive" when I am talking about low cost. For me the word "cheap" suggests low quality. Sometimes, yes, low cost can mean low quality, but not always. And that is why I make the distinction.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Neats moskeets
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Quote of the moment
I am currently rereading the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy by Douglas Adams again. I love it, as always. In college, for an announcing class, we had to record ourselves quite a bit, and often I would record myself reading passages of Douglas Adams' wit.
Here is the most frequent one that I read that I loved:
What else was pleasant? he asked himself. Well, so many things: the red and gold of the trees, now that autumn was approaching; the peaceful chatter of scissors a few feet from his bath where a couple of hairdressers were exercising their skills on a dozing art director and his assistant; the sunlight gleaming off the six shiny telephones lined up along the edge of his rock-hewn bath. The only thing nicer than a phone that didn't ring all the time (or indeed at all) was six phones that didn't ring all the time (or indeed at all).
Found in Chapter 32 of The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, Wings Books, New York, 1980.
Here is the most frequent one that I read that I loved:
What else was pleasant? he asked himself. Well, so many things: the red and gold of the trees, now that autumn was approaching; the peaceful chatter of scissors a few feet from his bath where a couple of hairdressers were exercising their skills on a dozing art director and his assistant; the sunlight gleaming off the six shiny telephones lined up along the edge of his rock-hewn bath. The only thing nicer than a phone that didn't ring all the time (or indeed at all) was six phones that didn't ring all the time (or indeed at all).
Found in Chapter 32 of The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, Wings Books, New York, 1980.
My latest challenge
Maybe you've noticed a couple of blog posts with tons of Bible verses with little to no explanation. It's my latest project, and it's taking longer than I expected!
I thought it would be interesting to see if I could find the fruits of the Spirit in each book of the Bible. Sometimes doing a word search isn't enough, and I end up reading an entire book looking for evidence of a certain fruit. Time consuming, but I loves it.
Anyway. So that's what that is. Enjoy if you want.
I thought it would be interesting to see if I could find the fruits of the Spirit in each book of the Bible. Sometimes doing a word search isn't enough, and I end up reading an entire book looking for evidence of a certain fruit. Time consuming, but I loves it.
Anyway. So that's what that is. Enjoy if you want.
Fruits of the Spirit in the Bible -- Joy
Genesis 30:13
And Leah named him Asher, for she said, “What joy is mine! Now the other women will celebrate with me.”
Exodus 15:20 -- evidence of joy
Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing.
Leviticus 9:24
Fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When the people saw this, they shouted with joy and fell face down on the ground.
Numbers 28:17
On the following day—the fifteenth day of the month—a joyous, seven-day festival will begin, but no bread made with yeast may be eaten.
Deuteronomy 16:15
For seven days you must celebrate this festival to honor the Lord your God at the place he chooses, for it is he who blesses you with bountiful harvests and gives you success in all your work. This festival will be a time of great joy for all.
Joshua 13:33
But Moses gave no allotment of land to the tribe of Levi, for the Lord, the God of Israel, had promised that he himself would be their allotment.
Judges 9:19
“If you have acted honorably and in good faith toward Gideon and his descendants today, then may you find joy in Abimelech, and may he find joy in you.
Ruth 4:14
Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel.
1 Samuel 4:5
When all the Israelites saw the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord coming into the camp, their shout of joy was so loud it made the ground shake!
2 Samuel 6:15
So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.
1 Kings 1:40
And all the people followed Solomon into Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound.
2 Kings 11:20
So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was peaceful because Athaliah had been killed at the king’s palace.
1 Chronicles 15:16
David also ordered the Levite leaders to appoint a choir of Levites who were singers and musicians to sing joyful songs to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals.
2 Chronicles 7:10
Then at the end of the celebration, Solomon sent the people home. They were all joyful and glad because the Lord had been so good to David and to Solomon and to his people Israel.
Ezra 3:13
The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance.
Nehemiah 8:12
So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.
Esther 9:22
He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy.
Job 8:21
He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
Psalm 9:2
I will be filled with joy because of you.I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.
Proverbs 2:10
For wisdom will enter your heart,and knowledge will fill you with joy.
Ecclesiastes 9:7
So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!
Song of Solomon 3:11
[ Young Woman ] Come out to see King Solomon,young women of Jerusalem. He wears the crown his mother gave him on his wedding day,his most joyous day.
Isaiah 12:3
With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!
Jeremiah 15:16
When I discovered your words, I devoured them.They are my joy and my heart’s delight,for I bear your name,O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.
Lamentations 5:21
Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again!Give us back the joys we once had!
Ezekiel 7:6-8
The end has come. It has finally arrived. Your final doom is waiting! O people of Israel, the day of your destruction is dawning. The time has come; the day of trouble is near. Shouts of anguish will be heard on the mountains, not shouts of joy. Soon I will pour out my fury on you and unleash my anger against you. I will call you to account for all your detestable sins.
Daniel 2:19-23
That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded.”
Hosea 9:1
[ Hosea Announces Israel’s Punishment ] O people of Israel,do not rejoice as other nations do.For you have been unfaithful to your God,hiring yourselves out like prostitutes,worshiping other gods on every threshing floor.
Joel 2:21
Don’t be afraid, my people.Be glad now and rejoice,for the Lord has done great things.
Amos 5:20
Yes, the day of the Lord will be dark and hopeless, without a ray of joy or hope.
Obadiah 1:12
“You should not have gloated when they exiled your relatives to distant lands. You should not have rejoiced when the people of Judah suffered such misfortune. You should not have spoken arrogantly in that terrible time of trouble.
Jonah 2:9
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.”
Micah 2:11
Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you,“I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol!”That’s just the kind of prophet you would like!
Nahum 3:19
There is no healing for your wound;your injury is fatal.All who hear of your destruction will clap their hands for joy.Where can anyone be found who has not suffered from your continual cruelty?
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Zephaniah 3:17
For the Lord your God is living among you.He is a mighty savior.He will take delight in you with gladness.With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Haggai 1:8
Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord.
Zechariah 8:19
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The traditional fasts and times of mourning you have kept in early summer, midsummer, autumn, and winter are now ended. They will become festivals of joy and celebration for the people of Judah. So love truth and peace.
Malachi 4:2
“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.
Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
Mark 1:11
And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
Luke 2:10
but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
John 15:11
I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
Acts 2:45-47
They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity —all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Romans 4:7
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven,whose sins are put out of sight.
1 Corinthians 7:30
Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions.
2 Corinthians 1:24
But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm.
Galatians 4:15
Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then? I am sure you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible.
Ephesians 1:5
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Philippians 4:4
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
Colossians 1:11-12
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
1 Thessalonians 1:6
So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
1 Timothy 3:1-5
This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position.” So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
2 Timothy 1:4
I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.
Titus 1:8
Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.
Philemon 1:7
Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
James 1:2
[ Faith and Endurance ] Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
1 Peter 1:6
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.
2 Peter 1:17
when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
1 John 1:4
We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.
2 John 1:12
[ Conclusion ] I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.
3 John 1:4
I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.
Jude 1:24
[ A Prayer of Praise ] Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.
Revelation 19:7
Let us be glad and rejoice,and let us give honor to him.For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb,and his bride has prepared herself.
And Leah named him Asher, for she said, “What joy is mine! Now the other women will celebrate with me.”
Exodus 15:20 -- evidence of joy
Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing.
Leviticus 9:24
Fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When the people saw this, they shouted with joy and fell face down on the ground.
Numbers 28:17
On the following day—the fifteenth day of the month—a joyous, seven-day festival will begin, but no bread made with yeast may be eaten.
Deuteronomy 16:15
For seven days you must celebrate this festival to honor the Lord your God at the place he chooses, for it is he who blesses you with bountiful harvests and gives you success in all your work. This festival will be a time of great joy for all.
Joshua 13:33
But Moses gave no allotment of land to the tribe of Levi, for the Lord, the God of Israel, had promised that he himself would be their allotment.
Judges 9:19
“If you have acted honorably and in good faith toward Gideon and his descendants today, then may you find joy in Abimelech, and may he find joy in you.
Ruth 4:14
Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel.
1 Samuel 4:5
When all the Israelites saw the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord coming into the camp, their shout of joy was so loud it made the ground shake!
2 Samuel 6:15
So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.
1 Kings 1:40
And all the people followed Solomon into Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound.
2 Kings 11:20
So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was peaceful because Athaliah had been killed at the king’s palace.
1 Chronicles 15:16
David also ordered the Levite leaders to appoint a choir of Levites who were singers and musicians to sing joyful songs to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals.
2 Chronicles 7:10
Then at the end of the celebration, Solomon sent the people home. They were all joyful and glad because the Lord had been so good to David and to Solomon and to his people Israel.
Ezra 3:13
The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance.
Nehemiah 8:12
So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.
Esther 9:22
He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy.
Job 8:21
He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
Psalm 9:2
I will be filled with joy because of you.I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.
Proverbs 2:10
For wisdom will enter your heart,and knowledge will fill you with joy.
Ecclesiastes 9:7
So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!
Song of Solomon 3:11
[ Young Woman ] Come out to see King Solomon,young women of Jerusalem. He wears the crown his mother gave him on his wedding day,his most joyous day.
Isaiah 12:3
With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!
Jeremiah 15:16
When I discovered your words, I devoured them.They are my joy and my heart’s delight,for I bear your name,O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.
Lamentations 5:21
Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again!Give us back the joys we once had!
Ezekiel 7:6-8
The end has come. It has finally arrived. Your final doom is waiting! O people of Israel, the day of your destruction is dawning. The time has come; the day of trouble is near. Shouts of anguish will be heard on the mountains, not shouts of joy. Soon I will pour out my fury on you and unleash my anger against you. I will call you to account for all your detestable sins.
Daniel 2:19-23
That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded.”
Hosea 9:1
[ Hosea Announces Israel’s Punishment ] O people of Israel,do not rejoice as other nations do.For you have been unfaithful to your God,hiring yourselves out like prostitutes,worshiping other gods on every threshing floor.
Joel 2:21
Don’t be afraid, my people.Be glad now and rejoice,for the Lord has done great things.
Amos 5:20
Yes, the day of the Lord will be dark and hopeless, without a ray of joy or hope.
Obadiah 1:12
“You should not have gloated when they exiled your relatives to distant lands. You should not have rejoiced when the people of Judah suffered such misfortune. You should not have spoken arrogantly in that terrible time of trouble.
Jonah 2:9
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.”
Micah 2:11
Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you,“I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol!”That’s just the kind of prophet you would like!
Nahum 3:19
There is no healing for your wound;your injury is fatal.All who hear of your destruction will clap their hands for joy.Where can anyone be found who has not suffered from your continual cruelty?
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Zephaniah 3:17
For the Lord your God is living among you.He is a mighty savior.He will take delight in you with gladness.With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Haggai 1:8
Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord.
Zechariah 8:19
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The traditional fasts and times of mourning you have kept in early summer, midsummer, autumn, and winter are now ended. They will become festivals of joy and celebration for the people of Judah. So love truth and peace.
Malachi 4:2
“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.
Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
Mark 1:11
And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
Luke 2:10
but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
John 15:11
I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
Acts 2:45-47
They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity —all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Romans 4:7
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven,whose sins are put out of sight.
1 Corinthians 7:30
Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions.
2 Corinthians 1:24
But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm.
Galatians 4:15
Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then? I am sure you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible.
Ephesians 1:5
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Philippians 4:4
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
Colossians 1:11-12
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
1 Thessalonians 1:6
So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
1 Timothy 3:1-5
This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position.” So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
2 Timothy 1:4
I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.
Titus 1:8
Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.
Philemon 1:7
Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
James 1:2
[ Faith and Endurance ] Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
1 Peter 1:6
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.
2 Peter 1:17
when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
1 John 1:4
We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.
2 John 1:12
[ Conclusion ] I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.
3 John 1:4
I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.
Jude 1:24
[ A Prayer of Praise ] Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.
Revelation 19:7
Let us be glad and rejoice,and let us give honor to him.For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb,and his bride has prepared herself.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Reminiscing and reminding
Today I was reminded why I don't regularly edit photos with picnik.com. It slows my normally slow computer way down, and drives me a bit crazy.
Anyway, I was reminiscing about Tallinn in the Christmastime, and played around a bit with these pictures.
Anyway, I was reminiscing about Tallinn in the Christmastime, and played around a bit with these pictures.
Friday, August 20, 2010
T5 reasons Being without your own shopping bags is comparable to being without pants
I'm to the point where using my own cloth shopping bags seems just as normal and right as wearing pants.
1. When you're just starting out, you probably forget to bring your own shopping bags/wear pants.
2. The more you see the importance of bringing your own shopping bag/wearing pants, the more you notice when others don't.
3. There are benefits to bringing your own shopping bags/wearing pants to the store. (You don't have to pay for your plastic bags/get credit for bags you aren't using...and they will let you in the door, etc).
4. You feel naked when you are at the store without your own shopping bags/pants.
5. At the end of a long day, sometimes you just don't care about bringing your own shopping bag/wearing pants, and that's ok too. Sometimes.
1. When you're just starting out, you probably forget to bring your own shopping bags/wear pants.
2. The more you see the importance of bringing your own shopping bag/wearing pants, the more you notice when others don't.
3. There are benefits to bringing your own shopping bags/wearing pants to the store. (You don't have to pay for your plastic bags/get credit for bags you aren't using...and they will let you in the door, etc).
4. You feel naked when you are at the store without your own shopping bags/pants.
5. At the end of a long day, sometimes you just don't care about bringing your own shopping bag/wearing pants, and that's ok too. Sometimes.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Fruits of the Spirit in the Bible -- Love
Genesis 39:21
But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.
Exodus 20:6
But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."
Numbers 14:19
In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 6:5
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
Joshua 22:5
But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”
Judges 16:4
[ Samson and Delilah ] Some time later Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in the valley of Sorek.
Ruth 4:15
May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”
1 Samuel 20:17
And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.
2 Samuel 2:6
May the Lord be loyal to you in return and reward you with his unfailing love! And I, too, will reward you for what you have done.
1 Kings 10:9
Praise the Lord your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king so you can rule with justice and righteousness.”
2 Kings...hit a rough patch. Lots of good things in this book...and I do believe that love is referred to indirectly. So, here is a good one, that doesn't mention love by name, but implies it, especially when you consider the command from Deuteronomy (above).
2 Kings 23:25
Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.
1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!His faithful love endures forever.
2 Chronicles 6:14
He prayed,“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.
Ezra 9:9
For we were slaves, but in his unfailing love our God did not abandon us in our slavery. Instead, he caused the kings of Persia to treat us favorably. He revived us so we could rebuild the Temple of our God and repair its ruins. He has given us a protective wall in Judah and Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 1:4-6
When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned!
Esther 2:17
And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti.
Job 10:12
You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love.My life was preserved by your care.
Psalm 5:12
For you bless the godly, O Lord;you surround them with your shield of love.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up quarrels,but love makes up for all offenses.
Ecclesiastes 3:8
A time to love and a time to hate.A time for war and a time for peace.
Song of Solomon 4:10
Your love delights me,my treasure, my bride.Your love is better than wine,your perfume more fragrant than spices.
Isaiah 55:3
“Come to me with your ears wide open.Listen, and you will find life.I will make an everlasting covenant with you.I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
Jeremiah 9:24
But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone:that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,and that I delight in these things.I, the Lord, have spoken!
Lamentations 3:22
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.
Ezekiel 16:8
And when I passed by again, I saw that you were old enough for love. So I wrapped my cloak around you to cover your nakedness and declared my marriage vows. I made a covenant with you, says the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.
Daniel 9:4
I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands.
Hosea 1:7
But I will show love to the people of Judah. I will free them from their enemies—not with weapons and armies or horses and charioteers, but by my power as the Lord their God.”
Joel 2:13
Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,but tear your hearts instead.”Return to the Lord your God,for he is merciful and compassionate,slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.He is eager to relent and not punish.
Amos 5:15
Hate evil and love what is good;turn your courts into true halls of justice.Perhaps even yet the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will have mercy on the remnant of his people.
Obadiah...I am having a hard time finding love specifically....but the whole thing is a great account of what happens when people don't love.
Jonah 4:2
So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.
Micah 7:18
Where is another God like you,who pardons the guilt of the remnant,overlooking the sins of his special people?You will not stay angry with your people forever,because you delight in showing unfailing love.
Nahum hum hum...it's hard with these short books. Here is a good verse, that I think demonstrates the Lord's love:
Nahum 1:3
The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet.
Habakkuk 1:3
Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look,I see destruction and violence.I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.
Zephaniah 3:17
For the Lord your God is living among you.He is a mighty savior.He will take delight in you with gladness.With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Haggai 1:13
Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave the people this message from the Lord: “I am with you, says the Lord!”
Zechariah 1:14
Then the angel said to me, “Shout this message for all to hear: ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong.
Malachi 1:2-3
“I have always loved you,” says the Lord. But you retort, “Really? How have you loved us?” And the Lord replies, “This is how I showed my love for you: I loved your ancestor Jacob, but I rejected his brother, Esau, and devastated his hill country. I turned Esau’s inheritance into a desert for jackals.”
Matthew 5:46
If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.
Mark 10:21
Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Luke 10:27
The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
John 3:16
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Acts...huh. I did not see this coming. No mention of the word love in Acts. What does this teach me about mission? I do know that the Holy Spirit is very present in the book of Acts, and that love is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, so I can guess that like other books, even though it is not mentioned, love is present.
Acts 2:4
And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
Romans 5:5
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
1 Corinthians 8:1
[ Food Sacrificed to Idols ] Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.
2 Corinthians 5:14
Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.
Galatians 5:13
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Ephesians 3:17
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
Philippians 1:9
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
Colossians 2:2
I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
1 Timothy 1:5
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
2 Timothy 1:13
Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.
Titus 1:8
Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.
Philemon 1:4-6
I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.
Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
James 2:8
Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
1 Peter 1:22
You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.
2 Peter 1:5-9
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.
1 John 3:18
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
2 John 1:5
I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning.
3 John 1:5-6
Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God.
Jude 1:2
May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.
Revelation 3:19
I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.
Exodus 20:6
But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."
Numbers 14:19
In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 6:5
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
Joshua 22:5
But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”
Judges 16:4
[ Samson and Delilah ] Some time later Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in the valley of Sorek.
Ruth 4:15
May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”
1 Samuel 20:17
And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.
2 Samuel 2:6
May the Lord be loyal to you in return and reward you with his unfailing love! And I, too, will reward you for what you have done.
1 Kings 10:9
Praise the Lord your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king so you can rule with justice and righteousness.”
2 Kings...hit a rough patch. Lots of good things in this book...and I do believe that love is referred to indirectly. So, here is a good one, that doesn't mention love by name, but implies it, especially when you consider the command from Deuteronomy (above).
2 Kings 23:25
Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.
1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!His faithful love endures forever.
2 Chronicles 6:14
He prayed,“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.
Ezra 9:9
For we were slaves, but in his unfailing love our God did not abandon us in our slavery. Instead, he caused the kings of Persia to treat us favorably. He revived us so we could rebuild the Temple of our God and repair its ruins. He has given us a protective wall in Judah and Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 1:4-6
When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned!
Esther 2:17
And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti.
Job 10:12
You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love.My life was preserved by your care.
Psalm 5:12
For you bless the godly, O Lord;you surround them with your shield of love.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up quarrels,but love makes up for all offenses.
Ecclesiastes 3:8
A time to love and a time to hate.A time for war and a time for peace.
Song of Solomon 4:10
Your love delights me,my treasure, my bride.Your love is better than wine,your perfume more fragrant than spices.
Isaiah 55:3
“Come to me with your ears wide open.Listen, and you will find life.I will make an everlasting covenant with you.I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
Jeremiah 9:24
But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone:that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,and that I delight in these things.I, the Lord, have spoken!
Lamentations 3:22
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.
Ezekiel 16:8
And when I passed by again, I saw that you were old enough for love. So I wrapped my cloak around you to cover your nakedness and declared my marriage vows. I made a covenant with you, says the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.
Daniel 9:4
I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands.
Hosea 1:7
But I will show love to the people of Judah. I will free them from their enemies—not with weapons and armies or horses and charioteers, but by my power as the Lord their God.”
Joel 2:13
Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,but tear your hearts instead.”Return to the Lord your God,for he is merciful and compassionate,slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.He is eager to relent and not punish.
Amos 5:15
Hate evil and love what is good;turn your courts into true halls of justice.Perhaps even yet the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will have mercy on the remnant of his people.
Obadiah...I am having a hard time finding love specifically....but the whole thing is a great account of what happens when people don't love.
Jonah 4:2
So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.
Micah 7:18
Where is another God like you,who pardons the guilt of the remnant,overlooking the sins of his special people?You will not stay angry with your people forever,because you delight in showing unfailing love.
Nahum hum hum...it's hard with these short books. Here is a good verse, that I think demonstrates the Lord's love:
Nahum 1:3
The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet.
Habakkuk 1:3
Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look,I see destruction and violence.I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.
Zephaniah 3:17
For the Lord your God is living among you.He is a mighty savior.He will take delight in you with gladness.With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Haggai 1:13
Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave the people this message from the Lord: “I am with you, says the Lord!”
Zechariah 1:14
Then the angel said to me, “Shout this message for all to hear: ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong.
Malachi 1:2-3
“I have always loved you,” says the Lord. But you retort, “Really? How have you loved us?” And the Lord replies, “This is how I showed my love for you: I loved your ancestor Jacob, but I rejected his brother, Esau, and devastated his hill country. I turned Esau’s inheritance into a desert for jackals.”
Matthew 5:46
If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.
Mark 10:21
Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Luke 10:27
The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
John 3:16
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Acts...huh. I did not see this coming. No mention of the word love in Acts. What does this teach me about mission? I do know that the Holy Spirit is very present in the book of Acts, and that love is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, so I can guess that like other books, even though it is not mentioned, love is present.
Acts 2:4
And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
Romans 5:5
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
1 Corinthians 8:1
[ Food Sacrificed to Idols ] Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.
2 Corinthians 5:14
Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.
Galatians 5:13
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Ephesians 3:17
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
Philippians 1:9
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
Colossians 2:2
I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
1 Timothy 1:5
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
2 Timothy 1:13
Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.
Titus 1:8
Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.
Philemon 1:4-6
I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.
Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
James 2:8
Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
1 Peter 1:22
You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.
2 Peter 1:5-9
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.
1 John 3:18
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
2 John 1:5
I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning.
3 John 1:5-6
Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God.
Jude 1:2
May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.
Revelation 3:19
I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Weird Western PA?
Please plan your road trip to Western PA soon. We may not have Paul Bunyan or Statues of Big Fish, but we do have Rhinos and Stallions.
Thanks,
Laura
Monday, August 9, 2010
Future aspirations.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Check my list twice
Time to look at my New Year's Resolution List again.
1. Relearn the guitar.
I have not started this yet. I don't know what's keeping me. I have internet access, a guitar, and time. I guess motivation is a factor. I need that.
2. Take a full load of classes in the Fall.
I am well on the road for that! I was accepted to this school, which is in my county, and I am registered for a full load of classes there!
3. Take on a grown-up's schedule and routine (waking up and going to bed at a decent hour, doing dishes and laundry on a regular basis, eating meals at consistent times, etc).
If anything, I've gotten worse at this. My sleep schedule is all out of sorts. And I am well beyond the time frame where I can blame it on jet lag. I think it will get better once school starts, and I am forced to wake up super early for classes. In other news though, my laundry and dishes, for intents and purposes, are done.
4. Find a job that doesn't require a "work email" or checking it often.
Yes! Done, done, and done! I will be working close by at the coffee shop. The emails are few and far between. I am super excited.
5. Blog whenever I feel like it, about whatever I want, with no patterns or self-imposed rules and guidelines.
As the summer comes to a close, and I have internet access, this is becoming more and more possible, as you may or may not have noticed over the past few days.
6. Read my Bible as often as I brush my teeth.
I need to work on this. I brush my teeth a lot. I need to read my Bible more. I know I want to.
7. Sing more. Laugh more. Be myself more.
I've been able to do this more! Praise the Lord!
8. Grow my hair long
I am trying to. A couple of weeks ago, I went to get my hair trimmed for the first time in months, and she cut off a little more than I would've liked (not that my hair isn't cute, just a little shorter than someone who is growing their hair long should have). Luckily there is still a bit of 2010 left.
9. Print and frame and hang some pictures
We are in our apartment now. We are 99% unpacked and settled. The 1% that is left is this resolution. I don't know why this one is taking so long. Probably for the same reasons as 1 and 6.
10. Give away things I never use
We did this in Lithuania before we left, and also here when we were unpacking everything. I feel like we could do it again soon. Where on earth did we acquire so much stuff? And why?
1. Relearn the guitar.
I have not started this yet. I don't know what's keeping me. I have internet access, a guitar, and time. I guess motivation is a factor. I need that.
2. Take a full load of classes in the Fall.
I am well on the road for that! I was accepted to this school, which is in my county, and I am registered for a full load of classes there!
3. Take on a grown-up's schedule and routine (waking up and going to bed at a decent hour, doing dishes and laundry on a regular basis, eating meals at consistent times, etc).
If anything, I've gotten worse at this. My sleep schedule is all out of sorts. And I am well beyond the time frame where I can blame it on jet lag. I think it will get better once school starts, and I am forced to wake up super early for classes. In other news though, my laundry and dishes, for intents and purposes, are done.
4. Find a job that doesn't require a "work email" or checking it often.
Yes! Done, done, and done! I will be working close by at the coffee shop. The emails are few and far between. I am super excited.
5. Blog whenever I feel like it, about whatever I want, with no patterns or self-imposed rules and guidelines.
As the summer comes to a close, and I have internet access, this is becoming more and more possible, as you may or may not have noticed over the past few days.
6. Read my Bible as often as I brush my teeth.
I need to work on this. I brush my teeth a lot. I need to read my Bible more. I know I want to.
7. Sing more. Laugh more. Be myself more.
I've been able to do this more! Praise the Lord!
8. Grow my hair long
I am trying to. A couple of weeks ago, I went to get my hair trimmed for the first time in months, and she cut off a little more than I would've liked (not that my hair isn't cute, just a little shorter than someone who is growing their hair long should have). Luckily there is still a bit of 2010 left.
9. Print and frame and hang some pictures
We are in our apartment now. We are 99% unpacked and settled. The 1% that is left is this resolution. I don't know why this one is taking so long. Probably for the same reasons as 1 and 6.
10. Give away things I never use
We did this in Lithuania before we left, and also here when we were unpacking everything. I feel like we could do it again soon. Where on earth did we acquire so much stuff? And why?
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Photo Scavenger Hunt
A while ago, my friend Emily inspired me to partake in a photo scavenger hunt. I did not realize it would be so much work! Oh well, I still had fun. I don't even know if I got all the pictures. We shall see, won't we? All pictures were taken in or near Beaver County.
Here is what I needed to find with my camera:
Here is what I needed to find with my camera:
1. arrow
2. crushed
3. duct tape
4. hole
5. your state
6. money
7. contrast
8. western
9. nothing
10. vending machine
11. missing
12. four
13. old-fashioned
14. laundry
15. weapon
16. the letter “A”
17. puff
18. red
19. palm
20. water tower
21. game
22. wrong
23. ownership
24. label
25. toy
1. arrow
 |
| Arrow to Slate Lick Road. We went straight. |
2. crushed
 |
| Crushed steps to nowhere. |
3. duct tape
 |
| Duct tape I found on the ground by the dumpster. |
4. hole
 |
| Hole in a poor little egg that we found next to our car the morning after a storm. |
5. your state
 |
| Not our car, but our State. |
6. money
 |
| A dollar and one cent. In oldish coins. |
7. contrast
 |
| I went to "edit photo" and contrasted the heck out of this one. |
8. western
 |
| A sign for Walmart with a McDonalds in the background. Western. |
9. nothing
 |
| What's this a picture of? Oh, nothing. |
10. vending machine
 |
| Standing right outside our apartment door, in fact. |
11. missing
 |
| Missing a C. It should say College Hill. |
12. four
 |
| Four Jars of Plum Jelly. I don't care if this or a similar picture is already on the blog. |
13. old-fashioned
 |
| Old Fashion Soda. |
14. laundry
 |
| Our laundry, actually occupying the machines for this picture. |
15. weapon
 |
| Weapon. Also, see the note for the picture titled four. |
16. the letter “A”
 |
| u.s.mAil |
17. puff
 |
| Any other day of the week, I'd call them small clouds. Today, they are puffs. |
18. red
 |
| One of my favorite buildings in Beaver Falls, made of Red brick (taken while waiting at a Red light). |
19. palm
 |
| The money from before, in Steve's palm. |
20. water tower
 |
| This is what I could find for Beaver Falls. |
21. game
 |
| It's a little Game I like to play called "Try to take a picture of the water tower for a photo scavenger hunt whilst driving over the Beaver River and instead miss it completely, only getting a picture of the Beaver Falls and hills." |
22. wrong
 |
| My a jerk? |
23. ownership
 |
| Apostrophe S means ownership. I don't know what a Sprankle is. |
24. label
 |
| "Yinz" is Western PA for "You Guys" or "Y'all." |
25. toy
 | ||
| This kid wishes he could take home this Troy Polamalu Toy, but a phantom hand urges him away. |
Friday, August 6, 2010
Outdoor stadium fan
This summer we had the privilege of going to two outdoor baseball games. The new stadium of the Twins where we had awesome seats, and the beautiful stadium of the Pirates, where we were about as far away as you could possibly be, but the view was amazing. If the Twins ever come to play against the Pirates, I am there. When we saw the Twins, they beat Colorado by A LOT. When we saw the Pirates, they were beat by A LOT. This weekend, Colorado will play the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Who will win?
PS....doesn't it seem like I am a sports fan? My younger self would be so disappointed if she knew that my last 2 blogs were about sports and politics. ;)
PS....doesn't it seem like I am a sports fan? My younger self would be so disappointed if she knew that my last 2 blogs were about sports and politics. ;)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Helpful resource, for me at least
Taking a look back at my post that was clearly written out of some reverse culture shock angst, I decided to delete it. It doesn't mean that I still don't have some of those same feelings, but it does mean that I am going to try to be less rant-like about them. I want to be a likable blogger, not someone who is always disagreeing with something (or, if I do disagree, to do it better). Anyway, I didn't like it, so I deleted it.
All that to say, I am still trying to figure out what it means for me to be a good citizen, and to eventually come out of the political closet once and for all. So I decided that the best place to start would be to really read the constitution. I mean, really read it. Not just skim it. Not just pull out one part that I like or don't like. Maybe I will use some of the same principles that one might use while reading the Bible. But maybe that's not a good comparison. I just thought that any citizen worth their salt has probably studied this thing.
So. I will try to read the constitution. Hopefully it is helpful.
All that to say, I am still trying to figure out what it means for me to be a good citizen, and to eventually come out of the political closet once and for all. So I decided that the best place to start would be to really read the constitution. I mean, really read it. Not just skim it. Not just pull out one part that I like or don't like. Maybe I will use some of the same principles that one might use while reading the Bible. But maybe that's not a good comparison. I just thought that any citizen worth their salt has probably studied this thing.
So. I will try to read the constitution. Hopefully it is helpful.
Monday, August 2, 2010
gmail
Sometimes I think I need to jump on the bandwagon and get a gmail account (actually, I did get one a while back, and never told anyone about it...and then forgot the username and password). More so lately, because I don't like the changes that hotmail (or, windows live mail, or whatever) has done. But is it really worth it? Sometimes I forget I even have an email address, since it is not my primary way of communicating. Nor my secondary or...tertiary. So would me getting a gmail account be a lot like an amish person changing their phone number? Plus there are all the people who still haven't gotten over the last time I changed my email address years ago. Sometimes Steve will get a mass email that I won't because I no longer check my lauracluka account, and the person sending failed to update their address book when I sent out my own mass email telling them not to send to the lauracluka account. All that to say...I don't remember the last time I sent a mass email, or a forward...or anything like that. What was this post about again? Oh yeah. The pros and cons of getting a gmail account. Does anyone have any sway either way?
In other news, I think I am going to go get some canning equipment today...and then hit the farmer's market here in BF to get some ingredients.
In other news, I think I am going to go get some canning equipment today...and then hit the farmer's market here in BF to get some ingredients.
De-cluttering
I am trying to de-clutter our apartment. I found a couple of note cards that had some verse written on them. I would like to throw the note cards away, but keep what's on them (even though I'm sure I could just look them up if I wanted to).
For no one can ever be made right in God's sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God's law, the clearer it becomes that we aren't obeying it. Romans 3:20
So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. Romans 3:28
Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law. Romans 3:31
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to its wistful desires. Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God. Romans 6:12-13
For no one can ever be made right in God's sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God's law, the clearer it becomes that we aren't obeying it. Romans 3:20
So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. Romans 3:28
Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law. Romans 3:31
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to its wistful desires. Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God. Romans 6:12-13
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