"Karma?? Not Quite..."

Wisdom for the day: "Consequences are an interesting thing, sometimes they are bad, sometimes good, and sometimes just different from the one we wanted. Firstly, many people today overlook the fact that sinful actions have bad consequences. Sometimes they may have short-term advantages, but sooner or later you have a spiritual bill to pay, either in your relationship with God, with others, or both. Equally overlooked is the fact that though good actions may have unforseeable consequences, they rarely turn something out for the worse. Of course, we may never see any good come from our actions; but that is just one aspect of faith: knowing that doing those things God has called us to do will turn out for the best, whether for us, or for others; and that just by doing what we know to be right will guarantee eternal rewards."

Scripture for the day: I Timothy 5:24-25, "²⁴The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. ²⁵In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.

Life: Last night was the Pocatello Music Club Scholarship Auditions, basically an ISU event for singers, where we all perform a piece (about twenty of us this year), and are ranked 1st-4th, where 1st-3rd get money, and 4th gets honorable mention. Though it is a stressful occasion, it is very nice to have the opportunity to truly perform. By God's grace (I was certainly asking for it), I was able to sing well (without critical errors), and generally enjoy the evening. In addition, I found out later at opera practice (yes, had to leave the competition after I sang to go to opera...) that I had taken third place, a great blessing indeed, seeing as how it was very tough competition. This is a great encouragement to me, just to know that I do have some sort of capability, and am not just pretending to myself about my ability to sing (not that I'm the best in the department or anything, just a capable singer). In other news, we had a freak storm rip through saturday night, which carried winds up to 85 mph (though I saw very little of it, since I was inside the SUB when it came), knocked over some trees in town, knocked out the power in most the area, but the wind was gone in 20 minutes, and the snow melted the next day. I pray God will help me to continue running the race well, and to be able to begin to share His gospel with those around me.

"'I told you so!'"

Wisdom for the day: "We, as Americans have been convinced of the idea that everyone is entitled to their own actions, and that one person should never be influenced by another person's thoughts or beliefs without us first consenting. This brings up a few issues with Christians: firstly, we are called to spread the gospel to others (yes, even to those who don't feel like listening), and just as importantly, we are called to keep other Christians accountable. This latter idea has nearly gone the way of the dinasaur in our 'enlightened' society today, because we think telling anybody what to do is rude; more specifically, telling someone that what they've done is wrong is considered judgemental. However, the scripture clearly points out, that while we are not to confront those who are non-Christian (those who 'don't know any better', so to speak), we are definately to consider and confront the actions of our fellow believers, because we are a body, and the sinful actions of one person quickly lead to the sinful actions/destruction of the entire body."

Scripture for the day: II Thess. 3: 14-15, "¹⁴If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. ¹⁵Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother."

Life: Life goes well, though opera steals nearly three hours every night. Good news, however, someone recently spoke up regarding some of the more blatantly innappropriate things in the show, and they have since been reworked (thank the Lord), I pray that he will continue to work in this situation, so that I may able to be a good example of Christ.

"Sound Investments"

Wisdom for the day: "Tithing is always a difficult topic to address: many people find it difficult to determine what to give and what to save (and of course, what to spend). Many people wonder if it is more important to ensure their money goes to the church than to their debts. Just as important as how much, is to where: the reason televangelists make such large amounts of money, is because they inspire people with a need to give, but these people don't research/examine what this money is used for. Thus, as important as it is to give, it is even more important to be a good steward; and ensure that what is given is used to the best of its ability. Remember, 'We don't own the store, we just work here.'"

Scripture for the day: Luke 12:22-31, "²²And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. ²³"For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. ²⁴Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! ²⁵And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life's span? ²⁶If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? ²⁷Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. ²⁸But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! ²⁹And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. ³⁰For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things."
³¹"But seek first His kingdom, and all these things will be added to you."

Life: Spring break went well, though was very busy. I managed to visit my home high school, go to Portland, see the coast, visit my grandparents, and visit a friend of mine at college. As school starts back up, I only wish I'd had three weeks to spend more time on all of those things, though perhaps it's best so as not to get worn out on any of them. We have had unusual weather recently, with about 1/2 an inch of snow the last two nights. The opera continues to pick up pace, with rehearsals nearly every night of the week (barring Sat. and Sun.), and is becoming less enjoyable as more 'modern' (perverted) humor is added to the blocking. I pray God will allow me be a light, and keep me from having to participate in anything immoral or suggestive (or more likely, having to quit the show instead). I have recently started a 'relationship' with someone, and pray that it will move slowly and be honoring to God, so as to glorify Him above all else, and not impede His will for my life.

"Time = Temptation"

Wisdom for the day: "The more time we with spend with something, the harder it is to forget. This includes sinful activities, addictions, entertainment, and even people. If you truly wish to stop, say, drinking soda, the best way is to generally avoid it. The less you see of it, the less you hear of it, and the less you (subsequently) think of it, the less you'll be tempted to go back on your own word. The same goes for people: if you find yourself uncontrollably attracted to someone, it's likely because you've seen, heard, and thought too much about them. A healthy romantic relationship has a fine balance of attraction and distance, but if it is a situation where you realize God could not be served through the romantic relationship, your feelings will not suddenly turn off, because they are no more a sign of God's will than a fortune cookie, rather, they are a sign of what you are spending your time on. And thus, it is by your actions that these misplaced attractions will cease... not by acting upon them."

Scripture for the day: Luke 12:34, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Life: The concert went wonderfully last night, beautiful music, in a wonderful setting, with great companions. There's something to be said for being in a choir that can never be found by listening to music. Besides the concert, things have been well: Spring break approaches faster than I could possibly want, assignments and exams have come due and been turned in/taken, and opera rehearsals continue to advance (whether or not I want them to). The Lord has blessed me with many things, I only pray I can use them to His glory.

"Altered Emphasis"

Wisdom for the day: "I recently had a discussion with some LDS friends of mine. It brought to surface one of the most important aspects of Christian life that is often overlooked by Christians themselves: unlike the LDS, being married should be on a need basis, not on a required basis. That is, marriage is a great creation to overcome immorality, not a requirement for eternal advancement. A man who is able to remain pure, while still being unmarried should be looked on as being able to better serve God than one who is married (not because bachelorhood is better, but because they are better able to dedicate their time and money to God alone). We as Christian adults should stop emphasizing the idea of 'pairing' up our youth and young adults, because it is a dangerous pressure, and not necessary (i.e. it should be between them and God)."

Scripture for the day: 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, ³²I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. ³³But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— ³⁴and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. ³⁵I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

Life: The Lord got me through my exams, but I am a little worse for the wear (or, at least, my exams are). Life is good, though. Afterall, Spring Break is two days away. I have a choir concert tonight that I will enjoy very much, and is in place of the semi-dreaded opera rehearsal. May God make me a good example of Him in whatever situation I'm in.

"Selective Standing"

Wisdom for the day: "'Give on preference, stand on principle.' I find this important, not only for inter-christian relationships, but when witnessing to others. Often times you'll see Christians getting hung up on the smaller stuff when witnessing, like the possibility of evolution (this is important, but not nearly as important as the gospel we are proclaiming). This can often waste time, and possibly even destroy our witness, as well as generally being selfish about daily preferences (like movies, food, games), when we should be living through love."

Scripture for the day: 1 Thessolonians 2:8, We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

Life: Two more exams today! I got through one o.k., have yet to take the other, which is the real challenge. Just as sick as yesterday (that is, I feel fine, but my throat and sinuses are lined), but it's colder today, so I'll probably spend more time inside (at least 'till it warms up). Just pray that God helps me be an example of Christian love and boldness.

"Wicked Words"

Wisdom for the day: "Someone recently confronted me about the way I dominate conversations when I talk, and I really had to take it to consideration: you may have something good to say, but that's only half of it. It not only has to be wholesome, but better than the wisdom someone else would have given in its stead."

Scripture for the day: Proverbs 10:190, When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Life: I am much better: have a voice, and feel great. Still have a runny nose, but that's nothing. Have been very busy, specifically studying and taking an exam in a class today. Thank the Lord he got me through it!

"Gray Headed"

Wisdom for the day: "Often, the tendancy of society today is to make adults look like idiots; to make parents look as confused or immature as their children; and make older people look like incompitents that should stay off the road. And while I'll admit that sometimes they have the tendancy of rambling, they have experienced a whole lot more than we know exists, which means they're probably a whole lot wiser... so let's lend them an ear once in a while."

Scripture for the day: Prov. 16:31, "A gray head is a crown of glory;It is found in the way of righteousness. "

Life: I am still sick. Though I think/hope I'm improving, the congestion's getting worse. Besides that, things have been well; busy, but well. Yesterday I got the opportunity to speak to a couple of my LDS friends about some of the issues that come up, specifically what our eternal purpose was. It actually started as a lead-in by commenting on someone's complaints about the pressure of not being in a relationship, which then came across the idea of why it was necessary to be constantly considering it, which then led into the religious pressures area... needless to say, it was a fine hour-long discussion, but I don't know that I planted any specific questions in their minds. I just pray God will work in their lives to bring about a saving knowledge of Christ.

"Secret Identity"

Wisdom for the day: "'At any given moment, you are who you are (verb), not who you think you are...' This was a quote I recently heard, and took some time to consider. I often think of great things, wonderful things I can do. But I've really come to discover, that you are no better to the world than the things you have already done. As they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions... that is, it would be if anyone acted on them."

Scripture for the day: James 2:18b, " ...show me your faith without works, and I will show my faith by my works."

Life: Went to the health center yesterday, got checked out, and apparently it's just a chest cold... thank the Lord. Got a decongestant from the pharmacy which should help clear out the mucus, but it dries me out a little. School goes well, though many things have begun to pile up, and I've been unable to practice much of my singing because of my not having a voice. May God keep the rest of my family safe from this disease.