It's when I take the spotlight off of me and on Christ that I'm able to see. It's when I stop mulling over my troubles, my worries, my thoughts, me me me that I'm able to see the light that God brings into my life. My hardships are nothing compared to that of the goodness and blessings that God promises us. One year is nothing compared to eternity. Sadness is nothing compared to joy. Death is nothing compared to life. We are nothing compared to Christ. Christ defeated death. Stacey, live your life in light of the Gospel. Because you have been given a new life, new identity, new worth through Him.

September--Daughtry

At the end of the day, it's just me and God.

Ever since I learned about "golden birthdays" in the first grade, I've always looked forward to my own. But for some odd reason, I feel unsettled and nervous. Haha weird, right? I don't know what it is but in a few short hours I will be entering my twenty first birthday. And it's coming whether I'm ready or not.

Letting go is the hardest part but knowing God has control is the most beautiful part.

So often we want to hold on to what we know and have but so often it's not always the best idea. Lots of times we blow up our problems to be a lot bigger than they actually are. It's nice to be reminded (by God-sent friends) to take a step back and remember that my life, my being is so microscopic compared to the glory of God. I live like this life is all about me but it really isn't. Heck, it's not about me at all. I want to see the bumps in life as His way of "continuously preparing us for how He's calling us to live and who He's calling us to be." So really, bring the egotism and drama down a notch, Stace. Take in a deep breath and welcome life with open arms.

I'm anxious about the upcoming school year. Yes, it is a month away but I have dreams about it. Things are different and I wonder what new obstacles I will face. What new hardships and what new joys will enter my life. What new people, plans, ideas will come and go.

Emotions, away with you. I can't let you bring me down in times of hardship. I need something more constant and steadfast to keep me grounded. I need Jesus.

"[I]f you and I are friends, there is an expectancy that exists within our friendship. When we see each other or are apart, there is expectancy of being together, of laughing and talking. That expectancy has no concrete definition; it is alive and dynamic and everything that emerges from our being together is a unique gift shared by no one else. But what happens if I change that ‘expectancy’ to an ‘expectation’ -- spoken or unspoken? Suddenly, law has entered into our relationship. You are now expected to perform in a way that meets my expectations. Our living friendship rapidly deteriorates into a dead thing with rules and requirements. It is no longer about you and me, but about what friends are supposed to do, or responsibilities of a good friend" (p. 205).

The Shack by William P. Young

This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

this week was hard

DR 2007
One of my fondest memories while on missions in the Dominican Republic takes place at the Haitian village. It was the end of a long day and the sun was setting. We all held hands with the children there and walked in a circle as we sang songs. I remember there was so much joy in that place. Even though, it had rained earlier, there was mud everwhere, the villagers lived off of almost nothing, we were all tired and hungry and sweaty and sticky, it was so joyous to be able to be together. We were only with them for a few hours but I swear all of us could stayed there forever. This is the only picture we have of that occasion because all of our cameras died. Literally no one on the team had a working camera. We were able to snap this one shot before ours died on us too. But that memory is imprinted in our hearts forever. I often think about the people we met over there and wonder how they're doing and if they even remember us. What I do remember from that trip was that God's love abounds everywhere. EVERYWHERE. And that, that awesome love never ceases to amaze me.

Funny how we often run away from God rather than run to Him.

I feel like these days I've been wasting time. Watching TV or at least keeping it on to fill the silence or quiet my thoughts. Constantly refreshing facebook or gmail or busy replying to IMs to avoid feeling alone. Even though I know He's the only one that can fill that emptiness I steer clear of Him. Why? I don't know. But through good and bad times...

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Thank you

Man, this is harder than I thought!

We don't feel like we need God in our lives because we choose lives that are manageable without Him.