I am trying out a new blog site. I cannot deicde what to make it look like just yet. So here is the link. It is not permanant. Just tell me what you think.
http://jennysmith.wordpress.com/
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Monday, July 09, 2007
American Church Trends
The state of the american church is devastating. Yet, when Gordon spoke Tuesday night about the church as a whole it was amazing to hear that the problems we have in America are not unlike any other. They have the same degrees of trouble in Scotland also. I guess when I was there I did not see it with the discerning eye he has. I was more caught up in that they are so deeply rooted in christian history, I could not see past their decline. Brad taught from Rev 3.
"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. 15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Wow - these words pierced. I have read this passage many times and yet it had a totally different meaning Tuesday night. It was staggering to think upon the disarray of the church today. All of the passage gives a stern word of wisdom to those living in complacentcy. I find myself all to often too comfortable in my skin. Yet, I had never really applied the passage as it should be, a passage speaking to a group, a church, possibly the American church. When I finished reading it I saw the last verse, let him who has ears hear, I began thinking about that verse. Everyone has ears, yet how many are in tune with the Father? As christians we all have the capability to follow God's will and hear His voice, but many of us have gotten comfortable with turning off our hearing aids. It is crazy. Preachers will preach from the pulpit without fresh words from God. Families will function as the world demands without regard. People will live without careful instruction from the Lord. We act in impulse, but rarely contrast our actions to scripture. We cannot grasp the sufficiency of scripture and turn to many other things to answer our questions, self-help boks, counseling, etc. I am not saying these are bad things, but many have not exhausted the scriptures before putting on the help light. Oh how this troubles me. People are so content with not hearing and waiting on the Lord, reading the Word is laborous. It troubles me to see artificial growth measured by less than godly means. As churches grow and programs expand, many times spiritual decay goes unnoticed. People learn not to discern the will of God, or rely on the truth that they are part of the royal priesthood, or draw on scripture for guidance, but turn to other softer, more comfortable things. We know that Christ is the Word. It is also living and acive, sharper than a two edged sword. Christ is also the Bread of Life. As christians, living without partaking of the word, is learning to live on starvation. It all makes little to no sense.
"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. 15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Wow - these words pierced. I have read this passage many times and yet it had a totally different meaning Tuesday night. It was staggering to think upon the disarray of the church today. All of the passage gives a stern word of wisdom to those living in complacentcy. I find myself all to often too comfortable in my skin. Yet, I had never really applied the passage as it should be, a passage speaking to a group, a church, possibly the American church. When I finished reading it I saw the last verse, let him who has ears hear, I began thinking about that verse. Everyone has ears, yet how many are in tune with the Father? As christians we all have the capability to follow God's will and hear His voice, but many of us have gotten comfortable with turning off our hearing aids. It is crazy. Preachers will preach from the pulpit without fresh words from God. Families will function as the world demands without regard. People will live without careful instruction from the Lord. We act in impulse, but rarely contrast our actions to scripture. We cannot grasp the sufficiency of scripture and turn to many other things to answer our questions, self-help boks, counseling, etc. I am not saying these are bad things, but many have not exhausted the scriptures before putting on the help light. Oh how this troubles me. People are so content with not hearing and waiting on the Lord, reading the Word is laborous. It troubles me to see artificial growth measured by less than godly means. As churches grow and programs expand, many times spiritual decay goes unnoticed. People learn not to discern the will of God, or rely on the truth that they are part of the royal priesthood, or draw on scripture for guidance, but turn to other softer, more comfortable things. We know that Christ is the Word. It is also living and acive, sharper than a two edged sword. Christ is also the Bread of Life. As christians, living without partaking of the word, is learning to live on starvation. It all makes little to no sense.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Travel Time
This is short and to the point mainly because it is late on a Saturday night.
I would appreciate your prayers as I begin to travel. I am going on two mission trips in a week.
Mexico - Pharmacy Technician, July 15-20
Puerto Rico - Team Leader, July 21-28
I will post details later. Just please keep me in your prayers.
I would appreciate your prayers as I begin to travel. I am going on two mission trips in a week.
Mexico - Pharmacy Technician, July 15-20
Puerto Rico - Team Leader, July 21-28
I will post details later. Just please keep me in your prayers.
Chatterbox
Wow. I have not published anything in a long time. I just feel that I am not an intelligent blogger. Who wants to read about what I am doing? I am not sure, but I will try again to keep things fresh.
I just noticed that Kathy tagged me in her eight post. I am not sure if I have eight good facts.
1. I love chocoalte and coffee. You cannot forget all of the other lesser candies, chocolate is the wa to go especially when there is a cafe mocha in your other hand. Chocolate covered espresso beans is a great example of a happy marriage between coffee and chocolate.
2. I was born in Chicago. I did not live there long. I moved to SC, then TX. I have lived in TX for 13 years or so.
3. I wear bandannas because I bought one in seventh grade for a play. I was a western banker from the old west and I thought it would be a nice prop. I never intended to wear them for the rest of my life. In fact, I do not think they should be a part of anyone's standard dress. I ended wearing them out of convience.
4. I cannot cook. I have set something on fire almost every time I get the chance. (bagels, toasters, spaghetti) Yet, I do love trying to cook.
5. I like reading, but I struggle with finishing books. I read several at a time and I guess that has somethig to do with it. I rarely read nonfiction. One of the colleges I visited asked in an interview what books I was reading and when I responded all theology books and mainly the Bible, the interviewer was not impressed. He asked what fiction I read and I said I read only what is profitable for my mind. He stared at me funny.
6. I can do a thumbs up with both of my big toes.
7. I know I already mentioned chocolate, but nothing says happiness like a chocolate chess pie. Chocolate chess pies are a family special.
8. I like funny t-shirts. I believe I only own one, but everyone should have a t-shirt that gives you a laugh. If you were at the John Bunyan conference, you saw it. Thanks Kathy!
So, I do not really know of anyone else to tag. That is really sad. I have a limited audience.
I just noticed that Kathy tagged me in her eight post. I am not sure if I have eight good facts.
1. I love chocoalte and coffee. You cannot forget all of the other lesser candies, chocolate is the wa to go especially when there is a cafe mocha in your other hand. Chocolate covered espresso beans is a great example of a happy marriage between coffee and chocolate.
2. I was born in Chicago. I did not live there long. I moved to SC, then TX. I have lived in TX for 13 years or so.
3. I wear bandannas because I bought one in seventh grade for a play. I was a western banker from the old west and I thought it would be a nice prop. I never intended to wear them for the rest of my life. In fact, I do not think they should be a part of anyone's standard dress. I ended wearing them out of convience.
4. I cannot cook. I have set something on fire almost every time I get the chance. (bagels, toasters, spaghetti) Yet, I do love trying to cook.
5. I like reading, but I struggle with finishing books. I read several at a time and I guess that has somethig to do with it. I rarely read nonfiction. One of the colleges I visited asked in an interview what books I was reading and when I responded all theology books and mainly the Bible, the interviewer was not impressed. He asked what fiction I read and I said I read only what is profitable for my mind. He stared at me funny.
6. I can do a thumbs up with both of my big toes.
7. I know I already mentioned chocolate, but nothing says happiness like a chocolate chess pie. Chocolate chess pies are a family special.
8. I like funny t-shirts. I believe I only own one, but everyone should have a t-shirt that gives you a laugh. If you were at the John Bunyan conference, you saw it. Thanks Kathy!
So, I do not really know of anyone else to tag. That is really sad. I have a limited audience.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
I never wear watches
I thought I hit publish, obviously I did not.
I have no sense of time. I should wear a watch to keep track of time but I find that even when I have one on my wrist I rarely pause to see the time. Before I know it, the sun has already gone down and the day is almost gone. I have found that one thing I find in my life that can cause me to stumble is time. I fill my schedule up with so much stuff I miss giving more time to God. I am busy with a lot of things that are not all bad, but I rarely take the time to stop and be still and just know God in my silence.
I have no sense of time. I should wear a watch to keep track of time but I find that even when I have one on my wrist I rarely pause to see the time. Before I know it, the sun has already gone down and the day is almost gone. I have found that one thing I find in my life that can cause me to stumble is time. I fill my schedule up with so much stuff I miss giving more time to God. I am busy with a lot of things that are not all bad, but I rarely take the time to stop and be still and just know God in my silence.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
School's Out For Summer
High school is almost over and I could not be more pleased. I only have one more official day of school left, Monday. Tuesday is my PTCBE, so I will be downtown and Wednesday through Friday, there are finals I will be skipping out on. I am excited.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Godless Coffee
I found this article online after a friend told me I should check out what she had heard. So, what I am saying is this could be completely a farse. I will be really sad if this is true, but not surprised. Check it out.
"Michelle Incanno says she was offended by this quote on a Starbucks cup: "Why in moments of crisis do we ask God for strength and help? As cognitive beings, why would we ask something that may well be a figment of our imaginations for guidance? Why not search inside ourselves for the power to overcome? After all, we are strong enough to cause most of the catastrophes we need to endure." After reading that, she says, "I wouldn't feel right going back [to Starbucks]." (Dayton Daily News)
"Michelle Incanno says she was offended by this quote on a Starbucks cup: "Why in moments of crisis do we ask God for strength and help? As cognitive beings, why would we ask something that may well be a figment of our imaginations for guidance? Why not search inside ourselves for the power to overcome? After all, we are strong enough to cause most of the catastrophes we need to endure." After reading that, she says, "I wouldn't feel right going back [to Starbucks]." (Dayton Daily News)
Monday, April 09, 2007
Live moves fast - if you blink you just might miss it
I can't believe I only have 33 more days of school left. I am so tired of it already and it is almost over. I do not know what I want more, school to end, or to relish in these fleeting friendships I have. I know life will change and I am mixed. I am happy to be getting rid of high school and I am sad to be saying goodbye to all of my friends. I know not completely, some will stick, but for my brother, life drastically changed. I am not ready to move on completely. This summer should be interesting. I am going on four trips with the church. One, the Puerto Rico trip, I am now in charge of. This is crazy. I am sure if this is a good idea or not. I am giving this to God obviously. Life just moves fast. I went to visit the newest Littlefield last week and I thought, Kathy was my babysitter. This is just odd. Things have almost made a complete circle. I have known her long enough to see her have her first kid. (I am so excited for her though.) Sometimes I wish I could stop the world from spinning, just to get a glimspe of where I am going. Right now, I wander and pace around the house because I have virtually nothing to do for school and yet at the same time complain when my teachers assign work to do. It is an odd paradox. Next week is TAKS and well, I will be checking out almost everyday.
"Life takes work. Do you know what I mean when I say I don't want to be alone?" - Jars of Clay
"Life takes work. Do you know what I mean when I say I don't want to be alone?" - Jars of Clay
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Black is Back
Well this is it. This is the very first post from my new computer. I am typing on my new MacBook. It is smooth. I highly recomend it to all people. Especially those in seacrh of a new computer that is sleek and satisfying.
So it is the last day of spring break and I am at the Littlefield's. It seems that I just can't get away from dear old Kathy. I started my week with her Sunday night and now I am going to finsh it with her. Oh it is pretty sweet. Well, tonight, on our friendship date, she gave me several words of wisdom. I will be so kind to share with you one of her many words.
"Beware of the anti-kathies. They come in many shapes and sizes. They are like wolves in sheep's clothing."
Oh yes, this changed my life. I had never realized that I had come into contact with so many anti-kathies and they were harming my relationship with the one true Kathy. I just wish that every person would have the joy of knowing the one true Kathy like I do. I am so blessed to say that we have shared many memories together such as sharing hairy towels and scottish ice-cream. If you only knew the little joys we share together.
All in all, it has been a good spring break. I am just thankful to have spent some of the time with Kathy. I can't say there will ever be another spring break quite like this one, college and children have the power to do that. Until next year . . . .
I thought that sounded really cool and spacey.
So it is the last day of spring break and I am at the Littlefield's. It seems that I just can't get away from dear old Kathy. I started my week with her Sunday night and now I am going to finsh it with her. Oh it is pretty sweet. Well, tonight, on our friendship date, she gave me several words of wisdom. I will be so kind to share with you one of her many words.
"Beware of the anti-kathies. They come in many shapes and sizes. They are like wolves in sheep's clothing."
Oh yes, this changed my life. I had never realized that I had come into contact with so many anti-kathies and they were harming my relationship with the one true Kathy. I just wish that every person would have the joy of knowing the one true Kathy like I do. I am so blessed to say that we have shared many memories together such as sharing hairy towels and scottish ice-cream. If you only knew the little joys we share together.
All in all, it has been a good spring break. I am just thankful to have spent some of the time with Kathy. I can't say there will ever be another spring break quite like this one, college and children have the power to do that. Until next year . . . .
I thought that sounded really cool and spacey.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Spring Break Break Down
I have been so busy with life. Just looking back at previous posts, I am sad that I have not had anything better to say. I am not an intelligent blogger. So, here is another snip-it of my life.
I really needed this break to slow down and relax. I started reading "Knowledge of the Holy" by Tozer. It is really good. I made a list the other day of all of the books I wanted to read and I had a long list!! I really had a ton of Piper to read and some other authors. For all of these years Kathy has read a book and told me everything about it, I never felt compelled to read it myself. So, now that she is having Josiah in less than a month, I hope to do the same for her. I love reading but because I do not read frequently, I read really slowly.
Second, I have been watching my friend's house and picking up their mail and last night the alarm went off. I got a call from the family this morning as I was on my way to tutor. I had to call the alarm company and talk to them about what happened. It was really weird. I am not sure what happened because the alarm went of one hour later after I left their house, so maybe I did not set the alarm correctly. I am not sure. I am just confused because if I had set it incorrectly, it should have gone off earlier than an hour later.
Third, this seems to be like my life. I feel like I am doing things right and later God sets off the alarm. Last night when I heard the sirens in the neighborhood, I ignored them. I have a hard time being sensitive to God's voice. He sets the alarm off and I am too busy to pay attention and listen. If I had decided to go to their house last night when I heard the sirens three streets over, the mess this morning could have been avoided. I often miss God's warnings and find myself in a mess. I really need to become more sensitive to listening and hearing His voice, not mine.
So, it is the last day of Spring break and well, I have a lot of homework to do. I have a whole play to memorize. ARRGG! I never understand why teachers give work over a break. It is a break from school. I guess not.
I really needed this break to slow down and relax. I started reading "Knowledge of the Holy" by Tozer. It is really good. I made a list the other day of all of the books I wanted to read and I had a long list!! I really had a ton of Piper to read and some other authors. For all of these years Kathy has read a book and told me everything about it, I never felt compelled to read it myself. So, now that she is having Josiah in less than a month, I hope to do the same for her. I love reading but because I do not read frequently, I read really slowly.
Second, I have been watching my friend's house and picking up their mail and last night the alarm went off. I got a call from the family this morning as I was on my way to tutor. I had to call the alarm company and talk to them about what happened. It was really weird. I am not sure what happened because the alarm went of one hour later after I left their house, so maybe I did not set the alarm correctly. I am not sure. I am just confused because if I had set it incorrectly, it should have gone off earlier than an hour later.
Third, this seems to be like my life. I feel like I am doing things right and later God sets off the alarm. Last night when I heard the sirens in the neighborhood, I ignored them. I have a hard time being sensitive to God's voice. He sets the alarm off and I am too busy to pay attention and listen. If I had decided to go to their house last night when I heard the sirens three streets over, the mess this morning could have been avoided. I often miss God's warnings and find myself in a mess. I really need to become more sensitive to listening and hearing His voice, not mine.
So, it is the last day of Spring break and well, I have a lot of homework to do. I have a whole play to memorize. ARRGG! I never understand why teachers give work over a break. It is a break from school. I guess not.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Spring Break!!!
Whoop! I am so excited about spring break! I am tired of smelling burnt rubber and mulch in my nose. The smells never leave my nose. I brought a camera to school to take pictures and document the construction. I am not doing anything during the break. So, it will be nice.
This is a shout out to Robin "I love you and miss you! How are you doing in DC?"
This is a shout out to Robin "I love you and miss you! How are you doing in DC?"
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Reading List
I want to read more books. If you have any good books please comment on this post and give me a brief synopsis of the book. I love reading new books and right now I have no idea what book I should start reading next.
Joshua Project
As you can see, on the sidebar I have an unreached people group highlighted thanks to the Joshua Project. For D-NOW at my church I was in charge of this missions display and I had three boards and a PowerPoint playing. I spent a lot of time researching organizations and other missions sites to put together a slightly comprehensive explanation of missions. So, when i came across the Joshua Project site, I was amazed that so much information was available about all of these people groups. I am so excited with what God is doing at my church with missions. All of the Sunday school classes have adopted people groups to commit to praying for. We have so many trip and things going on. At the banquet, a five-fold presentation was made. it was really good. I had the opportunity in speaking at the banquet and i was unsure if what i wrote would be beneficial. I had no idea what the lady after me was going to speak on and what I said linked with exactly with what she said. that just goes to show you that God was in complete control of the evening no matter how much planning each of us had put into it. We are also looking into supporting missionaries. I would assume we are since that was one of the points made that we should support our local missionaries. Yet, that could mean that we just give to the cooperative program. Oh well, maybe when I am ready to run of into the foreign mission field, the church will help support me. Anyway, I am also pleased with the concept of the missions journals. These journals are helping the students make a commitment to pray, memorize scripture and do their quiet times.
Prom Season
It’s prom season. I decided to make my prom memorable I was going to load up on tracks and share the gospel the whole night with some friends from church. Prom has always been an interesting event in my mind since I do not date and I could care less about vanities. So, one night when I was praying about the missions banquet, God gave me this idea. Every senior will be at prom and nobody is going to leave because someone bothered them with the gospel. Everyone spends the whole year planning for one small weekend, but how many have plans for eternity? I will have the greatest opportunity to share the gospel. I am so excited, not about the vane things, but about the great opportunity God has given me. Please pray that God will use my small group of friends to make an eternal impact that night. God is sovereign and I am excited to see what He will do with our availability.
Progressive Pancake Dinner
Yesterday, the school had TAKS testing. I passed the test last year like almost all of the other seniors. So, since yesterday was national Pancake Day, I went to IHOP with some friends. You could get a free short stack of pancakes and donate to the shriner's hospital. It was great except the IHOP in ATA was crowded and we were there for two whole hours. But, the fellowship was splendid. Then, since I had one other friend who also wanted to get pancakes later in the day I went to the IHOP off of 59 later that day. She was unable to go to IHOP that morning so I went again to IHOP off of 59 to spend some time with her. It was nice. I was feeling the pancake batter in my stomach for the whole day though. I ate way too many pancakes in celebration. My dad said he thought the idea of a pancake day came from England. I am not sure at all.
Update
Okay, it has been a long time, I know. Here is an update. I am going to Toccoa Falls College. I have currently been working at Walgreens Pharmacy to hopefully get a job as a pharmacy technician. I also spend a ton of time at HAFBC planning missions things, like the Puerto Rico mission trip. I am excited about this summer and all of the missions opportunities I will have. It will be nice. Unfortunately i have joined the other 99.9% of the senior population and counting the days. I have 13 more days of school till spring break.
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