Chosen Vessels

Happy Easter, dear readers!  I originally planned to write a free verse poem for Easter this year, but it just didn't work out. I hope you find this quotes as inspiring and uplifting as I did. :) "The death of Jesus Christ on the Cross was not something that ‘happened’ to Him –something that could have been prevented. His death was the very reason He came." – Oswald Chambers "The New Testament writers speak as if Christ’s achievement in rising from the dead was the first event of its kind in the whole history of the universe. He is the ‘first fruits,’ the pioneer of life,’ He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because He has done so." – C.S. Lewis  "The Gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever

~ Description  How do you capture who Jesus really is? What words would you use to describe Him? Explore the endless possibilities with these 100 names and attributes, pulled directly from Scripture, and presented with uncommon clarity and depth. Full in scope. Rich in devotion.  Through prayers and insights that widen your view of Jesus’ nature and purpose, you will see Him in ways you’ve perhaps never noticed before—specific to your need, complete in His love for you. You won’t just be informed. You’ll be transformed. One day at a time, 100 days in arow, inspired toward a deeper, more knowing sense of worship . . . for a lifetime. ~ My Rating  3 stars  ~ My Review I don't like writing negative/ranting reviews. I really don't. I feel even worse about it when it's a Christian book. But since a review is meant to be an overview of my thoughts and opinions on the book along with an accurate rating, I'll do my best.  Along about the 40% m

Dear Beautiful...  Yes, you. The one hiding in the corner, trying to fade into the shadows, slip out of the spotlight. The girl turning her head, hiding her face, averting her eyes. Because, why would anyone be looking at you? You're nothing special. You think you're plain and ordinary and nowhere near beautiful. But it's not true, dear. Don't believe the lies. Attune your ears to the truth. Plain and ordinary are nonexistent. We were created in the image of our Creator, each of us uniquely and wonderfully made. He fashioned you with His hands and He was well-pleased with His masterpiece. He is perfect, my friend, incapable of creating messed-up and ugly people. Have I convinced you yet? Let's take a look at His words... For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.   I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.   // Psalm 139:13-14

Good morning, friends. :) I forgot to schedule this post last night, and I woke up thinking about it. Now, having only been up about twenty minutes, I'm sitting on my bed to write. And I'm thinking back over the past week. I don't always do this on weekends, but I like to. Reflection can be nice—to see what I've gotten accomplished and remember how God has worked in the past six or seven days. This morning, I'm recalling that this week was kind of crazy. Several days found me stressing over all the things I needed to get done. The to-do list with reminders of homework, editing, blogging, writing. (And reading? I haven't read a book for the pure enjoyment of it in two weeks... O.o) Things going on in our family and church family. The science midterm that I'm still not sure how well I did on was the cause of much of this stress. But even in the busy seasons of life, when we just can't seem to keep up, has God forgotten us? Left us to fend for o

This song has really touched me lately, as I've prayed for a few different friends concerning different situations. When we say we'll pray for someone, how seriously as we really? Are our words as true and dear and loving as these lyrics?  Check back next week for some more thoughts on prayer, but for now, enjoy this beautiful song. <3  I know that You got the weight of the world, there on your shoulders I know that you’re feeling your whole life is starting to crumble Wish I had words, that didn't sound cheap Wish I had answers, in times like these But I will stay right here, through the tears you cry And I'll hold you close while you ask "God, why?" It might be the tallest mountain But there is One who can make it move Until the night becomes the day Until He shows the way I will pray with you I know that it's hard to see but still, He's standing here with you And you're not alone, no matter how deep a

I've had some good, lengthy, deep talks with some dear friends in the last few months. Some thoughts from then, some things discussed, and some lessons God has been teaching me lately led me to write this.  My prayer is that is touches someone's heart. <3  I don't know why...  I don't see the purpose in pain and trouble. I don't know why good people have to experience pain and confusion. I don't know why some people pray for years for a child of their own, while hundreds of thousands of innocent babies are aborted every year. I don't understand why some people desire love and marriage so much, and others toss feelings aside like they're nothing. I don't understand why it seems like some people have it so easy, and some have it so hard. I don't know why some can see their futures so clearly, while others struggle years to find some direction. I don't understand why some are called to wait, when they want to move, and som