We are gathered here today so I can tell you about my life. Someone recently asked me what my latest revelation was....and I thought about it....and it was cool. But! I also realized that I haven't really said much about how I'm experiencing BSSM and life in Redding! So I will do that:)
My Life in Redding List:
Okay. Newest thing I've been learning (not in school). One warm-enough-for-shorts-fall, November day, my roommate Clara and I went on a walk at a new place we found called Lema Ranch. When we found a place to land, I started reading from the book of Psalms, like 30-36. There may be a misconception that because I'm in a ministry school, I read the Bible every day and know it inside and out, but I don't. I mean, I do read it, but the last time I read from Psalms was like....a month ago. Good Christian. Anyways, as I was reading, I noticed the fear of the Lord being mentioned quite often. Ps. 31:19 says, "How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you..." I like good things. And Ps. 33:8, "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him." 33:18, "But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love..." 34:7,9 "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them,"that's a good thing, angels camping around you and stuff... "Fear the Lord, you His holy people..." Yes. And also, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..." (Ps 111:10) and of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7), and how many of you want to be fools or stupid? I know I don't!!!
So I was wondering what it looks like to actually live this out. I mean, I know it's not like being scared of God...that's silly...but then what does it look like in every day life? So I thought about it and prayed about it, 'cuz I'm Christian and stuff...we pray...and this is what I decided would suffice as an answer to my question:
> Knowing and acknowledging (in your mind, heart, in worship...etc.) WHO God is, what He says about Himself-- is in a way, fearing Him. A way to fear God is to respect Him and care enough to KNOW who He is and keep discovering different facets of His character.
> Having faith is fearing Him. The kind of faith I'm talking about is where you rely on God in a way that if He doesn't come through, whatever you're doing or faith-ing in won't work. This is saying, "I believe that You are who You say You are, You are faithful and I trust You." This is reverence and this is essentially fearing God.
> Keeping in mind and heart His promises and the things He said to you through His Word or other people is fearing Him. This totally shows how you value His words. Sometimes when I talk to God, I say, "I remember You told me this! You showed me this! You promised this! And although I don't see it happening right now, I know I will eventually because You are who You say You are! Know that I remember."
> Noticing and valuing what He is currently doing in your life or teaching you also shows reverence and therefore, fear.
So that was crazy cool for me:) Knowing how to fear God is important because I WANT GOOD THINGS;) AND ANGELS CAMPING AROUND ME! S'MORES! Whassup. ;)
I know this isn't all there is to it and if you have any insights, I'd love to hear them. Leave a comment:)
SO MUCH TYPING.................BLEH.............!
And Mission Trip!! GUYS! I'm going to South Africa! Super excited (partly because I still can't get over angel s'mores....)! I've had some questions about it, hopefully I answer them all here.
Who: Me, Danielle and Rich Schmidt (the trip leaders), and about 25 other students:)
What: A mission trip...obv...I already said this...pay attention. To be more specific, I'll include the trip description:
The fires of revival have been lit and are steadily growing in Johannesburg, South Africa! Leaders in Transformation (a kingdom based campus outreach) has asked us to partner with them in fanning the flames by supporting their campus ministry and pouring into their leadership. LIT’s vision is to see kingdom transformation in the first generation of student leaders post apartheid. We will also be ministering the Father’s love in the townships (slums), helping relaunch a His People church and prophetically ministering at key businesses that are supporting the revival. From the dirt to the boardroom and every place in between!
Where: South Africa, baby.
When: March 18-31:)
Why: To spread goodness, love, Jesus, hope, light.
How: Planning on flying there.
Be a part of this. Pray for us and our team, the people we will meet there, so God will already be preparing hearts and places and everything. Also if you want to donate for my trip, go here: https://trips.ibethel.org/transactions/new/7889
That's all for now, folks.
My Life in Redding List:
- I make a lot of lists
- I'm a barista at a cafe called From the Hearth
- Barnes and Noble is where I go to process my life and thoughts (and listen to the amazing Christmas music)
- Sleeping at Last is my new favorite band (for now)
- Oatmeal is pretty much my life here
- I miss home
- Honestly, sometimes life is overwhelming
- I don't know what makes a list a list, but I may have broken the list rules
- I just read The Kite Runner and it was super crazy
- I dream to intern for Kris Vallatton someday
- I like non-fat vanilla lattes
- I encourage everyone to make a dream list
- End of List.
Okay. Newest thing I've been learning (not in school). One warm-enough-for-shorts-fall, November day, my roommate Clara and I went on a walk at a new place we found called Lema Ranch. When we found a place to land, I started reading from the book of Psalms, like 30-36. There may be a misconception that because I'm in a ministry school, I read the Bible every day and know it inside and out, but I don't. I mean, I do read it, but the last time I read from Psalms was like....a month ago. Good Christian. Anyways, as I was reading, I noticed the fear of the Lord being mentioned quite often. Ps. 31:19 says, "How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you..." I like good things. And Ps. 33:8, "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him." 33:18, "But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love..." 34:7,9 "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them,"that's a good thing, angels camping around you and stuff... "Fear the Lord, you His holy people..." Yes. And also, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..." (Ps 111:10) and of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7), and how many of you want to be fools or stupid? I know I don't!!!
So I was wondering what it looks like to actually live this out. I mean, I know it's not like being scared of God...that's silly...but then what does it look like in every day life? So I thought about it and prayed about it, 'cuz I'm Christian and stuff...we pray...and this is what I decided would suffice as an answer to my question:
> Knowing and acknowledging (in your mind, heart, in worship...etc.) WHO God is, what He says about Himself-- is in a way, fearing Him. A way to fear God is to respect Him and care enough to KNOW who He is and keep discovering different facets of His character.
> Having faith is fearing Him. The kind of faith I'm talking about is where you rely on God in a way that if He doesn't come through, whatever you're doing or faith-ing in won't work. This is saying, "I believe that You are who You say You are, You are faithful and I trust You." This is reverence and this is essentially fearing God.
> Keeping in mind and heart His promises and the things He said to you through His Word or other people is fearing Him. This totally shows how you value His words. Sometimes when I talk to God, I say, "I remember You told me this! You showed me this! You promised this! And although I don't see it happening right now, I know I will eventually because You are who You say You are! Know that I remember."
> Noticing and valuing what He is currently doing in your life or teaching you also shows reverence and therefore, fear.
So that was crazy cool for me:) Knowing how to fear God is important because I WANT GOOD THINGS;) AND ANGELS CAMPING AROUND ME! S'MORES! Whassup. ;)
I know this isn't all there is to it and if you have any insights, I'd love to hear them. Leave a comment:)
SO MUCH TYPING.................BLEH.............!
And Mission Trip!! GUYS! I'm going to South Africa! Super excited (partly because I still can't get over angel s'mores....)! I've had some questions about it, hopefully I answer them all here.
Who: Me, Danielle and Rich Schmidt (the trip leaders), and about 25 other students:)
What: A mission trip...obv...I already said this...pay attention. To be more specific, I'll include the trip description:
The fires of revival have been lit and are steadily growing in Johannesburg, South Africa! Leaders in Transformation (a kingdom based campus outreach) has asked us to partner with them in fanning the flames by supporting their campus ministry and pouring into their leadership. LIT’s vision is to see kingdom transformation in the first generation of student leaders post apartheid. We will also be ministering the Father’s love in the townships (slums), helping relaunch a His People church and prophetically ministering at key businesses that are supporting the revival. From the dirt to the boardroom and every place in between!
Where: South Africa, baby.
When: March 18-31:)
Why: To spread goodness, love, Jesus, hope, light.
How: Planning on flying there.
Be a part of this. Pray for us and our team, the people we will meet there, so God will already be preparing hearts and places and everything. Also if you want to donate for my trip, go here: https://trips.ibethel.org/transactions/new/7889
That's all for now, folks.