I am commenting on Rob's "Heart of Worship?" post on my own blog, because the comment I wrote was too long for the comment section on Rob's blog!!!
Here is the link to his post, so that you can understand what I am saying
http://rcoll-rorscharch.blogspot.com/2011/10/heart-of-worship.html
I like some of the points that you have made babe, and now that you have made these points known, understand why you are confused! However, I might understand your confusion but I don’t relate to it… I have opinions on your points, and some possible answers.
It is interesting what you say about how you prefer to listen to music, and you don't really listen to the words, which is the reason why you find it difficult to worship. I actually understand what you mean.
Well, I personally listen to words when I sing, but the music is a big part of how I feel about the song as well. I don’t tend to listen to a song if the music sucks.
You make a good point about how singing along/listening to a CD for leisure, doesn’t seem like true worship… especially since we are always hearing about how we should pay attention to the words and meditate on them.
My opinion is that there is nothing wrong with listening to worship on a CD, and my reason is that the difference between listening to non-Christian music and worship music is that the worship music was written for God. In fact, the person who wrote the music was inspired by God to write it! Think about the worship team at church... They are wonderful musicians,,, but they aren’t (Or at least should be) there at all to simply play music, they are there to worship with their music. Music moves the human race... it gives us ‘umf’ in life, and we don’t have to be musically talented to feel the ‘umf’. We appreciate music... and the awesome thing is, so does God! God created music, and there is constant music in heaven!!! So if the music team can worship with music at church, then it makes sense for it to be ok for us to listen to worship songs on CD.
When I worship in church, I definitely let the music carry me away, And it is often the reason why I like the songs so much. I guess why they like us to meditate on the lyrics, is that we need to mean what we say. Yes, worship is for God alone, but I do believe we are allowed to appreciate it. We are humans; we can’t help appreciating music, as well as worshiping God at the same time!
I really liked your point about how after SMASH camp, everyone wanted to know what the songs were so that they could listen to it... and I completely agree with you, that it was very likely because they wanted to keep the SMASH worship experience with them. The thing is, I did the same thing and I don’t find any fault in this! These campers want to keep God in their life, they hunger to worship like they did on SMASH, because a lot of their churches probably don’t have worship like SMASH camp... and the only way they could keep that alive, was to find the songs. They wanted something to relate to. I think they also did really want this music so that they could worship. I keep listening to these songs, because they are really good songs, and they help me reflect on what God has done in my life.
I would also like to make a random point (that I know you didn’t question on this post) about the singing side of things. One of my friends told me about how they were sick of singing “The Stand” because it is old, and we always sing it... I remember feeling this way a while ago about The Stand, and a bunch of other songs that we do all the time... but my thoughts have changed about it, because it came to my mind that the songs are for God, not for us.... and I know I just said that I don’t like a song unless I like the music, and I just talked about how music moves me….. But I do think that the key thing that we need to remember is that although it is ok to let the music move us, it should only be, because we are worshiping to God. I believe it is wrong to not like a worship song, just because we are sick of it…. Worship is meant for God… the words of the song, and the music is all meant to be for God!!!
Please let me know if I have confused you even more, or if any of this doesn’t make sense!
I want to share with you, this link:
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KKWK67NX
It made me giggle admittedly... Although the main point in this wasn’t to make us laugh, but for us to realize that often the way we worship can be all wrong. This song probably only makes us laugh, because for the most part, we relate to it! This song wouldn’t be very funny to an Atheist if you think about it!
The people singing this, used the music to worship songs that most people know, and sung it with what would appear to be the same passion that they would normally sing worship songs with. The first point the song is making, is that when we worship on Sunday, our hearts can be in it… but we can sometimes let the feeling leave us by Monday! The second point was that there are times where we only surrender some of ourselves, not all of ourselves. What I got out of the third point was that we get distracted at least during some point in our worship! It is natural for our minds to wonder. Satan uses our week points to distract us! We end up paying attention to silly things like our hair doo!!! The fourth point, I believe hit me the most “How great is this song”! I am often left worshiping because I am into the song, and not really caring about what I am singing, and why I am singing. The fifth point wasn’t really about how we worship, but how a lot of people are so busy living their life that they only go to church at Easter or Christmas, because they think that if they go to church on those days, they are Christians! The 6th point was that we sing songs, just because it is tradition, but we don’t mean it at all. Lastly, the 7th point was about exalting ourselves instead of God. I’m sure there are more points to pick at, but I guess I felt like sharing this, because it relates to how we worship.
As for the Hillsong stuff that you said… I think I told you my opinion on that on Friday. I think that the people raise their hands, not because everyone else is, but because the type of people who go to Hillsong are really into worship, and would worship like that weather they were at another church or not. I personally wouldn’t make Hillsong my home church, but if I did go there, I would be as much into the worship as they are. I know there are probably people there who aren’t worshiping wholeheartedly, but you would find that the majority are, or are at least trying to! Remember that the music is really strong, and singing with thousands of people, makes it louder and more brilliant. Worshiping with that many people is like a glimpse of heaven!
About the Brian Houston stuff…. Yeh he can be a bit wishy washy. I do recall him apologizing on one of the morning shows and changing some of his views. It just reminds me of how we as humans all make mistakes, but God always picks us up!
I love Hillsong music, but I agree with what you’re saying about how it is greedy making money by asking us to buy the rights to play the song in church. If I were a worship singer/songwriter, I would put copywrite on the music, but I wouldn’t make anyone pay anything to use the song in church. Hillsong already make enough money off their CD’s, ITunes, DVD’s, their TV channel, their conferences etc... it is ridiculous to charge us to play their songs in church… especially since these songs are written for God!
Hmm anyway enough about Hillsong... I wanted to share that Worship is important, and I know it is hard for you. I have said this to you before, but I will say it again... I think we need to learn to worship wholeheartedly in at least one form... remember praying, and giving offering is part of worship. I can’t comprehend not worshiping through song, but I do understand that you struggle for a lot of reasons. I hope that you can at least worship wholeheartedly in some form... I will continue to pray for you, I don’t think you should give up! Xoxo I love you!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
A random survery about me... I'm bored
Basic Info:
Full name: Elissa May Kingsford
Nickname: Take your pick... Liss, Lissa, Eeeelissa, E
Date of Birth: 23/06/1992
Place of Birth: Royal Women's in Brissy
Current Location: I live in Brisbane, Australia
Eye colour: Brown.... and may I say, I think my eyes are quite pretty :)
Hair colour: Sandy Blond
Build: Petite-ish
Do you wear contacts or glasses? Glasses
Are you right or left handed? Right handed
Do you have any siblings? Yes, two older brothers... Matt and Tim
Do you live with your parents? Yep! I will until I marry!
What is your favourite...
Movie? The Lion King
TV show? F.R.I.E.N.D.S
Singer/ band? Relient.K and Hillsong
Song? This is our God
Actor/Actress? Johnny Depp... I guess... or Colin Firth....
Food? Shepherds pie
Number? 777... no idea why
Soapy? Home and Away!!!! <<< Love it!
Cartoon character? Hmmmm.... probably Daria
Colour? It is a tie between pink and purple
Sport? I'm not much of a sport person, but if I had to choose a sport to play... probably badminton... as for favourite sport to watch... NRL footy ftw!
Quote? This is one of them.... "Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival"- C. S. Lewis
Memory? I have many favourite memories.
Dream? I don't have a favourite dream
Place to relax? My bedroom.... but if I could... I would love to sit on a mountain and look down at God's creation!
Hero? Jesus!
Book? The Shack (If you want to know more about it, I wrote a post about it earlier on in the year!).... I also enjoy Lori Wick's books
Drink? Probably V or Dr.Pepper.... but I really like water :)
Would you prefrer...
Music or TV? AHHH!!!... I can't imagine my life without either! Sorry, I can't answer this question!
Guys or girls? If this question is about love interests, then my answer is guy..... but if this question is about if I would rather be a guy or a girl, then my answer is girl ;)
Green or Blue? Blue
Pink or purple? Lol as I said earlier... my favourite colour is a tie between pink and purple... I seriously can't decide between either.
Summer or winter? Winter, because it is more snugly weather, and winter deserts are really yummy!
Night or Day? I tend to be a night owl, I have more energy at night...... but I do love the day as well, because it is easier to see God's creation!
Dopey or Funny? Hmmm.... I think Dopey people can be pretty funny
Diamond or Pearl? Again, I struggle to answer this question... It is nearly a tie, but if I had to choose, then it would be diamond.
Sunset or sunrise? Sunrise probably... when I am awake to see it that is.
Funny or Scary movies? I HATE scary movies, I refuse to watch them!!!!
On the Phone or in person? In person
Hugs or kisses? Hugs from friends, and both from Rob!
Rich or famous? Probably Rich
McDonald's or KFC? Maccas!
Single or group dates? Before I met Rob I didn't go out on dates... so probably single dates, but I would like to know what a group date would be like
Chocolate or Vanilla? What kind of a question is this???? CHOCOLATE!!!!! DAAHH!!!
Cappuccino or Coffee? I have never had a cappuccino before.... personally I prefer Tea
Relationships:
Who is the nicest person you know? I know a lot of nice people... can I say Rob?
Who is the funniest person you know? I don't know many funny people! Maybe Fred
Who is the loudest person you know? Hehe uncle Ian!
Who is the hottest person you know? I can't answer that... Rob might not be too happy lol ;)
Who is the all-round person you know? Hmmm.... probably Phil Peterson... He is nice, Funny, friendly, talented, and dare I say it attractive!! (Sorry Rob!)
Who are the four people you are most open with? Does Jesus count? Rob, Ruth, Kat, Steph
Are you/have you ever been in love? I am in love with Rob right now... who would have guessed?
Do you think it is right to flirt if you have a bf/gf? Not really... but if you are attracted to someone as well as your boyfriend , then you can't really help it... as long as those feelings aren't strong, and as long as you do nothing about it (e.g. Kiss them)
How far would you go on a first date? Kissing maybe
Where would you want to go on your honeymoon? Hmmm... maybe Hawaii, but that isn't going to happen, so probably Tasmania.
Describe the type of person you would want to spend the rest of your life with? Lol ok... well he would be tall, and have brown hair and gorgeous eyes, he would have to be a christian, he would be witty, romantic, thoughtful and caring.... oh and for some strange reason, his name would have to be Robert ;)
When was the last time you talked to the person you like? Yesterday.
What are the qualities you find most attractive in the opposite sex? Hmmm... well I think that all guys are different and there can be some really attractive and un-attractive things about them. I find them most attractive when they are romantic, and caring, and want to listen.
Music:
Which song are you listening to right now? I'm not listening to any songs at the moment, but I was listening to Hillsong earlier tonight.
What is the next CD that you are going to get? R.K's new album "Relient.K is for Karaoke"
Which song reflects you the most? I don't have any specifics, but I tend to relate to a lot of R.K's songs.
If you were on Australian Idol, which song would you pick to sing and why? I haven't quite found a song that suits my voice... maybe "Only Hope" by Mandy More.
If you had your own band, what name would you give it? I would probably be a solo artist... so I would call myself Elissa Kingsford.... but if I did have a band, I would call it Impression.
Have you ever...
Met Santa Clause or the Easter bunny? Teehee... yes!
Gone skinny dipping? Nope
Danced in a public place? Yep... I didn't dance very well though
Smiled for no reason? This is a silly question... everything happens for a reason!
Laughed so hard you cried and/or peed your pants? Yes for both, I won't say any more than that!
Written a song? I have written many, but none of them were good.
Made out in a movie theatre? Of course!
Lied when someone asked you "Do I look good in this?"? Nope... well not that I remember anyway!
Lied to make someone happy? yep probably
Threatened someone? Hahaha lol many times.... funny one though.... when I was little, my brothers and I sometimes fought at the dinner table and when I got really angry, I used to tell them that I would kill them with my fork!!!
Been threatened by anyone? Yer, but nothing serious
Finish the line...
I am: a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ
My heart is: Full of hope
If I were a: Lion, I would be friendly
I Wish: to be married to Robert
So many people don't know that: I lived in PNG from when I was 6 months old to 3 and a half years old, because my parents were missionaries.
If I could be anyone I would be: COOKIE MONSTER!!!!!!!!
If I could change one thing about the world, It would be: sin... but no need, Jesus already saved us.
If you had super powers would you rather...
Control weather or read minds? I wouldn't want to read minds... I know that it would be nice to know what people think about me, and some people would say some funny things.... but I would also hear some terrible things, and it would be depressing.............. I think it would be pretty cool to control the weather!
Be good or evil? Good
Be invisible or have super speed? If I could turn my invisible powers on or off, then I would love it..... but if not, then I think super speed would be pretty fun.
Have super strength or flight? Strength
Random
What was the last thing you cried about? I cried this morning because I was feeling sick and I had to do my first day of relief work at a childcare centre.
Are you happy? If I had been asked this about 2 months ago, I would have said no.... but God filled the gap in my life, and now I am happy!
What is something you can't live without? Water!
When was the last time you were depressed? I was depressed for nearly the whole of this year, up until two months ago.
Do you sleep with stuffed animals? OF COURSE I DO!!! Jeeves the Wombat, the four members of the Cookie Monster Family, Rusty the dog, Arthur the bear, Millie the echidna, and Lindie the wombat.
Are you an alcoholic? NOPE!
Do you have any piercings? Ears pierced once
What is your weakness? I have many weaknesses... jealousy, lack of patience, lack of confidence... God could name them all.
What is your greatest fear? Someone I love being killed or murdered.
What makes you happy? God does, family, friends, Rob.... and so much more!
What was the best advice given to you? Follow Jesus
What are three words that you would use to describe yourself? Insightful, compassionate, bubbly
Describe your perfect life? I can't comprehend what a perfect life would be like... I will have to wait till Jesus comes again.
If you had 3 wishes what would they be? That I could be married to Rob, That I could have the ability to hear God when He talks to me, That the whole earth would know that Jesus is the Son of God!
What are your first thoughts when you wake up in the morning? "Can I go back to sleep?"
What is your best physical feature? My eyes
What is your most missed memory? I miss being able to imagine the way a child does.
Do you smoke? Ew no! My uncle died of lung cancer because he smoked.
Do you sing? I sure do... I would say that I am pretty good at it too... but not fantastic.
Do you swear? Nope, swearing is disgusting.... I will admit though, when I am really angry I might slip out the occasional swear word.... but lets face it, we are all sinners!
Have you ever been drunk? No, not even tipsy.
How would you want to die? I would want to die of old age, peacefully with my loved ones by my side.
What is your biggest regret? Not telling people about Jesus when I have the chance.
Are you shy? A little bit, but not as much as I used to be.... I don't think I would be answering these questions if I was really shy.
Are you selfish? Not one person on this earth isn't selfish. On the selfish scale, I would rate about 5 out of 10.
Are you spoiled? We are all spoiled.... We don't even deserve to live.
Do you believe in magic? No, but I do believe in Miracles
Have you ever skipped classes? Yeh I did once or twice... to hang out with the Chappy
Was highschool your best or worst years? Neither best or worst.
What was the last thing you ate? A bit of peanut brittle
If you had a million dollars, what would you spend it on? I would spend it on my wedding, buying a house, I would save enough to pay my bills for a while, and my families bills, and I would send some of it to charity and use it for offering.
Where would you go if you had the chance to go anywhere in the world? England
What do you have handy at your bedside? Tissues, my bible, a notebook, my phone.
What is the most annoying tv commercial to you? The stupid BCF "That ain't livin" adds
What do you think about before you go to bed? "I wonder how long it will take me to get to sleep?"
So that kind of took longer than I thought.... I am doubting unless you are really bored, that you will read through the whole thing. Oh well I had fun, sort of.
Xoxo
Love-E-
Full name: Elissa May Kingsford
Nickname: Take your pick... Liss, Lissa, Eeeelissa, E
Date of Birth: 23/06/1992
Place of Birth: Royal Women's in Brissy
Current Location: I live in Brisbane, Australia
Eye colour: Brown.... and may I say, I think my eyes are quite pretty :)
Hair colour: Sandy Blond
Build: Petite-ish
Do you wear contacts or glasses? Glasses
Are you right or left handed? Right handed
Do you have any siblings? Yes, two older brothers... Matt and Tim
Do you live with your parents? Yep! I will until I marry!
What is your favourite...
Movie? The Lion King
TV show? F.R.I.E.N.D.S
Singer/ band? Relient.K and Hillsong
Song? This is our God
Actor/Actress? Johnny Depp... I guess... or Colin Firth....
Food? Shepherds pie
Number? 777... no idea why
Soapy? Home and Away!!!! <<< Love it!
Cartoon character? Hmmmm.... probably Daria
Colour? It is a tie between pink and purple
Sport? I'm not much of a sport person, but if I had to choose a sport to play... probably badminton... as for favourite sport to watch... NRL footy ftw!
Quote? This is one of them.... "Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival"- C. S. Lewis
Memory? I have many favourite memories.
Dream? I don't have a favourite dream
Place to relax? My bedroom.... but if I could... I would love to sit on a mountain and look down at God's creation!
Hero? Jesus!
Book? The Shack (If you want to know more about it, I wrote a post about it earlier on in the year!).... I also enjoy Lori Wick's books
Drink? Probably V or Dr.Pepper.... but I really like water :)
Would you prefrer...
Music or TV? AHHH!!!... I can't imagine my life without either! Sorry, I can't answer this question!
Guys or girls? If this question is about love interests, then my answer is guy..... but if this question is about if I would rather be a guy or a girl, then my answer is girl ;)
Green or Blue? Blue
Pink or purple? Lol as I said earlier... my favourite colour is a tie between pink and purple... I seriously can't decide between either.
Summer or winter? Winter, because it is more snugly weather, and winter deserts are really yummy!
Night or Day? I tend to be a night owl, I have more energy at night...... but I do love the day as well, because it is easier to see God's creation!
Dopey or Funny? Hmmm.... I think Dopey people can be pretty funny
Diamond or Pearl? Again, I struggle to answer this question... It is nearly a tie, but if I had to choose, then it would be diamond.
Sunset or sunrise? Sunrise probably... when I am awake to see it that is.
Funny or Scary movies? I HATE scary movies, I refuse to watch them!!!!
On the Phone or in person? In person
Hugs or kisses? Hugs from friends, and both from Rob!
Rich or famous? Probably Rich
McDonald's or KFC? Maccas!
Single or group dates? Before I met Rob I didn't go out on dates... so probably single dates, but I would like to know what a group date would be like
Chocolate or Vanilla? What kind of a question is this???? CHOCOLATE!!!!! DAAHH!!!
Cappuccino or Coffee? I have never had a cappuccino before.... personally I prefer Tea
Relationships:
Who is the nicest person you know? I know a lot of nice people... can I say Rob?
Who is the funniest person you know? I don't know many funny people! Maybe Fred
Who is the loudest person you know? Hehe uncle Ian!
Who is the hottest person you know? I can't answer that... Rob might not be too happy lol ;)
Who is the all-round person you know? Hmmm.... probably Phil Peterson... He is nice, Funny, friendly, talented, and dare I say it attractive!! (Sorry Rob!)
Who are the four people you are most open with? Does Jesus count? Rob, Ruth, Kat, Steph
Are you/have you ever been in love? I am in love with Rob right now... who would have guessed?
Do you think it is right to flirt if you have a bf/gf? Not really... but if you are attracted to someone as well as your boyfriend , then you can't really help it... as long as those feelings aren't strong, and as long as you do nothing about it (e.g. Kiss them)
How far would you go on a first date? Kissing maybe
Where would you want to go on your honeymoon? Hmmm... maybe Hawaii, but that isn't going to happen, so probably Tasmania.
Describe the type of person you would want to spend the rest of your life with? Lol ok... well he would be tall, and have brown hair and gorgeous eyes, he would have to be a christian, he would be witty, romantic, thoughtful and caring.... oh and for some strange reason, his name would have to be Robert ;)
When was the last time you talked to the person you like? Yesterday.
What are the qualities you find most attractive in the opposite sex? Hmmm... well I think that all guys are different and there can be some really attractive and un-attractive things about them. I find them most attractive when they are romantic, and caring, and want to listen.
Music:
Which song are you listening to right now? I'm not listening to any songs at the moment, but I was listening to Hillsong earlier tonight.
What is the next CD that you are going to get? R.K's new album "Relient.K is for Karaoke"
Which song reflects you the most? I don't have any specifics, but I tend to relate to a lot of R.K's songs.
If you were on Australian Idol, which song would you pick to sing and why? I haven't quite found a song that suits my voice... maybe "Only Hope" by Mandy More.
If you had your own band, what name would you give it? I would probably be a solo artist... so I would call myself Elissa Kingsford.... but if I did have a band, I would call it Impression.
Have you ever...
Met Santa Clause or the Easter bunny? Teehee... yes!
Gone skinny dipping? Nope
Danced in a public place? Yep... I didn't dance very well though
Smiled for no reason? This is a silly question... everything happens for a reason!
Laughed so hard you cried and/or peed your pants? Yes for both, I won't say any more than that!
Written a song? I have written many, but none of them were good.
Made out in a movie theatre? Of course!
Lied when someone asked you "Do I look good in this?"? Nope... well not that I remember anyway!
Lied to make someone happy? yep probably
Threatened someone? Hahaha lol many times.... funny one though.... when I was little, my brothers and I sometimes fought at the dinner table and when I got really angry, I used to tell them that I would kill them with my fork!!!
Been threatened by anyone? Yer, but nothing serious
Finish the line...
I am: a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ
My heart is: Full of hope
If I were a: Lion, I would be friendly
I Wish: to be married to Robert
So many people don't know that: I lived in PNG from when I was 6 months old to 3 and a half years old, because my parents were missionaries.
If I could be anyone I would be: COOKIE MONSTER!!!!!!!!
If I could change one thing about the world, It would be: sin... but no need, Jesus already saved us.
If you had super powers would you rather...
Control weather or read minds? I wouldn't want to read minds... I know that it would be nice to know what people think about me, and some people would say some funny things.... but I would also hear some terrible things, and it would be depressing.............. I think it would be pretty cool to control the weather!
Be good or evil? Good
Be invisible or have super speed? If I could turn my invisible powers on or off, then I would love it..... but if not, then I think super speed would be pretty fun.
Have super strength or flight? Strength
Random
What was the last thing you cried about? I cried this morning because I was feeling sick and I had to do my first day of relief work at a childcare centre.
Are you happy? If I had been asked this about 2 months ago, I would have said no.... but God filled the gap in my life, and now I am happy!
What is something you can't live without? Water!
When was the last time you were depressed? I was depressed for nearly the whole of this year, up until two months ago.
Do you sleep with stuffed animals? OF COURSE I DO!!! Jeeves the Wombat, the four members of the Cookie Monster Family, Rusty the dog, Arthur the bear, Millie the echidna, and Lindie the wombat.
Are you an alcoholic? NOPE!
Do you have any piercings? Ears pierced once
What is your weakness? I have many weaknesses... jealousy, lack of patience, lack of confidence... God could name them all.
What is your greatest fear? Someone I love being killed or murdered.
What makes you happy? God does, family, friends, Rob.... and so much more!
What was the best advice given to you? Follow Jesus
What are three words that you would use to describe yourself? Insightful, compassionate, bubbly
Describe your perfect life? I can't comprehend what a perfect life would be like... I will have to wait till Jesus comes again.
If you had 3 wishes what would they be? That I could be married to Rob, That I could have the ability to hear God when He talks to me, That the whole earth would know that Jesus is the Son of God!
What are your first thoughts when you wake up in the morning? "Can I go back to sleep?"
What is your best physical feature? My eyes
What is your most missed memory? I miss being able to imagine the way a child does.
Do you smoke? Ew no! My uncle died of lung cancer because he smoked.
Do you sing? I sure do... I would say that I am pretty good at it too... but not fantastic.
Do you swear? Nope, swearing is disgusting.... I will admit though, when I am really angry I might slip out the occasional swear word.... but lets face it, we are all sinners!
Have you ever been drunk? No, not even tipsy.
How would you want to die? I would want to die of old age, peacefully with my loved ones by my side.
What is your biggest regret? Not telling people about Jesus when I have the chance.
Are you shy? A little bit, but not as much as I used to be.... I don't think I would be answering these questions if I was really shy.
Are you selfish? Not one person on this earth isn't selfish. On the selfish scale, I would rate about 5 out of 10.
Are you spoiled? We are all spoiled.... We don't even deserve to live.
Do you believe in magic? No, but I do believe in Miracles
Have you ever skipped classes? Yeh I did once or twice... to hang out with the Chappy
Was highschool your best or worst years? Neither best or worst.
What was the last thing you ate? A bit of peanut brittle
If you had a million dollars, what would you spend it on? I would spend it on my wedding, buying a house, I would save enough to pay my bills for a while, and my families bills, and I would send some of it to charity and use it for offering.
Where would you go if you had the chance to go anywhere in the world? England
What do you have handy at your bedside? Tissues, my bible, a notebook, my phone.
What is the most annoying tv commercial to you? The stupid BCF "That ain't livin" adds
What do you think about before you go to bed? "I wonder how long it will take me to get to sleep?"
So that kind of took longer than I thought.... I am doubting unless you are really bored, that you will read through the whole thing. Oh well I had fun, sort of.
Xoxo
Love-E-
Thursday, October 6, 2011
How could you not love Him?
Even if you say that there was no Jesus you are wrong.... despite if you believe that He did miracles... there was a guy called Jesus, who was crucified. This guy obviously did believe He was the Son of God.... and I don't know a single person who would go through this pain for anyone....... Therefore it makes sense that He surely was the son of God!....
Mark 15:33- 41
The Death of Jesus
33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").t35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."
36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.
37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph,t and Salome.41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.
Seriously, how could you not love Him?
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
I want to be whole!
I have been thinking this week about how desperately I hunger for a close relationship with Jesus..... it is possible, but it can be quite difficult. Distractions of the world are all around me, and even when I am in complete silence, I find myself getting distracted by my thoughts. I yearn to please Him, to grow with Him in my heart. I want Him to completely fill the gap in my heart, in my life, so that I can feel whole! Every time I think about His unconditional love, and His eternal devotion to me, I can't help but want to praise Him. He has done so much for me this year. My year has been rather dramatic, and about a month before SMASH camp, I really started listening to Him and I realized that I can do so much more with God by my side! I can't fully escape my pain, but I can trust that God will help me. Now it is the week after camp, I really hunger for a close relationship with Jesus. I was talking to Rob last Friday when we got back from camp, about how important it is to worship God! I told him that we should wholeheartedly worship in the way that we find easiest!.... I worship God through singing and music, and I know what it is like to fully surrender to Him that way... but Rob doesn't find it easy to worship like I do... So we talked about how we can also worship through prayer, and sort of through bible reading. At camp, I listened to Hillsong on my Ipod every morning, to wake me up, and so that I could start my day motivated. Unlike Rob, I find it hard to pray, but listening to worship before I prayed, helped me to pray. I have kept my morning SMASH camp tradition, going through this week, and it has helped so much... It will be hard when I get a job, to do this in the morning, because I will be in a rush.... but I have decided that if it really does get me motivated in the morning, than I may as well wake up earlier! I just want to be so close to Him, and this time, I am desperate to grow deeper in my relationship with Jesus, and not go downhill again.
God is so good :) May He bless you all!
Love -E- xoxo
God is so good :) May He bless you all!
Love -E- xoxo
Saturday, October 1, 2011
The withered plant
So I just came back from an AMAZING week at SMASH camp!!!
Words can not even describe how I feel right now. It was my second year as a leader, and my 6th time on camp, so I pretty much new what was coming.... but the thing is I didn't REALLY know what was coming. I didn't have a clue what God was going to do through me and in me. I knew that I was on the camp for a reason, but I didn't know what that exact reason was...... On camp I learnt how to rely on God and have more faith in Him. We went through the book of Mark, which I had read several times, and I still learnt so much from reading it again! It was so cool to explore Jesus' life story and how it connects with ours. I didn't get to convert anyone, but God certainly used me ... He gave me answers to the campers questions in Small Group times, and in Night Time Cabin Devotions. I can't tell you every single amazing thing that happened obviously, because there is way too much to talk about, but I would love to tell you about something that happened inside me at quiet time.
On Wednesday I was sitting on the wood deck of my bungalow, having my quiet time. While I was thinking, I noticed a young plant in the garden in front of me. The plant looked normal at first glance, but when I looked closer, I realized that insects and plant parasites had eaten away at the leaves... the tips of some of the leaves had holes in them, and some of the leaves were also shriveled up. I sort of formed a bit of an analogy in my head (I dunno if analogy is the right word?)..... I thought about how my life was a bit like the plants life:
The plant has barely begun life,,,, and I have barely begun life (I know that I am older than this plant, but I still have a long life ahead of me).
The plant hasn't had a chance to be the best it can be, because insects and parasites have eaten through it's leaves,,, and I haven't been the best I can be, because Satan has eaten away at my heart.
One thing that is amazing though, is that God has watered me with His Holiness and cared for me with His love and made me feel whole,,, this plant hadn't been watered enough, and cared for enough... This made me want to water it!! When I thought about this plant, I felt sympathetic, and I was suddenly feeling rather motivated to water the campers lives, like God watered my life. I truly wanted to be His servant and pass on His good news!
God has done so much through me, and I am looking forward to reading my bible more, as well as praying and worshiping wholeheartedly!
Here are some links to YouTube for the songs we sung this year....
How He loves us
His Glory Appears
Like incense/ Sometimes by step
My heart is overwhelmed
Your Love Never Fails
Desert song
The Stand
And my all time favorite worship song that I have loved for ages...
This is our God
God bless
Love, me xx
Words can not even describe how I feel right now. It was my second year as a leader, and my 6th time on camp, so I pretty much new what was coming.... but the thing is I didn't REALLY know what was coming. I didn't have a clue what God was going to do through me and in me. I knew that I was on the camp for a reason, but I didn't know what that exact reason was...... On camp I learnt how to rely on God and have more faith in Him. We went through the book of Mark, which I had read several times, and I still learnt so much from reading it again! It was so cool to explore Jesus' life story and how it connects with ours. I didn't get to convert anyone, but God certainly used me ... He gave me answers to the campers questions in Small Group times, and in Night Time Cabin Devotions. I can't tell you every single amazing thing that happened obviously, because there is way too much to talk about, but I would love to tell you about something that happened inside me at quiet time.
On Wednesday I was sitting on the wood deck of my bungalow, having my quiet time. While I was thinking, I noticed a young plant in the garden in front of me. The plant looked normal at first glance, but when I looked closer, I realized that insects and plant parasites had eaten away at the leaves... the tips of some of the leaves had holes in them, and some of the leaves were also shriveled up. I sort of formed a bit of an analogy in my head (I dunno if analogy is the right word?)..... I thought about how my life was a bit like the plants life:
The plant has barely begun life,,,, and I have barely begun life (I know that I am older than this plant, but I still have a long life ahead of me).
The plant hasn't had a chance to be the best it can be, because insects and parasites have eaten through it's leaves,,, and I haven't been the best I can be, because Satan has eaten away at my heart.
One thing that is amazing though, is that God has watered me with His Holiness and cared for me with His love and made me feel whole,,, this plant hadn't been watered enough, and cared for enough... This made me want to water it!! When I thought about this plant, I felt sympathetic, and I was suddenly feeling rather motivated to water the campers lives, like God watered my life. I truly wanted to be His servant and pass on His good news!
God has done so much through me, and I am looking forward to reading my bible more, as well as praying and worshiping wholeheartedly!
Here are some links to YouTube for the songs we sung this year....
How He loves us
His Glory Appears
Like incense/ Sometimes by step
My heart is overwhelmed
Your Love Never Fails
Desert song
The Stand
And my all time favorite worship song that I have loved for ages...
This is our God
God bless
Love, me xx
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