Time and Again

2006-07-04T09:30:00.001-07:00

"Hello, Again..."

Wisdom for the day: "Despite the fact that classes are out for the summer, many of us find ways of busying ourselves. Whether it's playing games, traveling, working, or partying with friends and family, the time seems to find places to go. The one thing I've noticed in my own life, is the fact that this 'extra' time that I fill, does not get filled with bible study or prayer. In fact, I find that nearly every activity I engage in, I do so with the intention of entertaining myself, and wind up feeling spent and a little directionless. In consideration of this, I think it wise, that as we go out to enjoy God's creation this summer, we make an effort to include our Saviour in constant thought and prayer, so that wherever we are, and whatever we do, we are spending time with the One who loves us most. "

Scripture for the day: I Thess. 5:16-18, " ¹⁶Rejoice always;

¹⁷pray without ceasing;

¹⁸in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Life: A fair bit has gone on in the last month, though how much of it was important is hard to say. As the summer started, I found myself struggling with what to do with my time, since I had so much more than I was originally accustomed to. Now, however, that is no longer an issue: I have become actively involved in the youth group ministry, joining with them in fellowship and prayer as they anticipate leaving for their mission trip to Mexico this Thursday; Crossroads is still Thursday nights, and smaller groups will get together throughout the week for fellowship, such as hiking, board games (that's Abe's department it seems), or movies; I have substitute taught Sunday School classes 3 times the last four Sundays, and find it a new challenge, and proof I'm not really prepared to enter the public school system (I'm a bit of a bore, I'm afraid); and I just starting catsitting for a friend of mine. It's a bit interesting, because Jessie (my cat) is a bit territorial, and threw a royal fit when the other cat arrived. I still have to keep them seperated, but it's manageable now, at least.

Also, my two summer classes began last week, providing me with a diversion and knowledge base besides the slow hum-drum of work. One class, a 'philosophy of education' class is a bit of an issue, since the professor is a strong proponent of 'evolved' sociological norms, like the idea that the Ten Commandments were written to represent the human ideal for species preservation, or that religion as a whole is merely a man-made invention to control other men. From what she's said, she was schooled in a private catholic school with extremely strict discipline. I'm guessing she saw a bit of hypocrisy, and that is likely one thing that has contributed to her current religious and philosophical position. I would appreciate prayer as I attempt to negate or reduce the effect of her constant, narrow comments (narrow in that she states one idea as fact for an issue that has several reasonable and completely different explanations).

Finally, I have been struggling with myself as I spend more time with the other college students and am tempted to start another personal relationship. There are many other things that affect this situation, but I am earnestly praying for wisdom and self-control as I interact with myself and others. I pray that my actions would glorify God, not myself.

2006-06-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

"Time and Again"

Wisdom for the day: "It's always so difficult to keep on track. The natural tendancy in whatever endeavor we seek is to somehow do something stupid. Whether it's saying something we really don't mean, doing something we don't want, or not doing something we know we should, our sinful nature has the tendancy of getting the best of us. So how do we fix it... well, we're like cracked pipes, you can patch them, but only when you get a brand new one does it help anything. Until then, the most helpful patch that keeps us from leaking sin is to read the word of God and to be in constant (not just morning and night) communication with Him. Like it says in Proverbs: "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool returns to his folly. (Proverbs 26:11)" Thus, if you're sick of being foolish: get wise; here's how: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (Psalm 111:10)"

Scripture for the day: Proverbs 8:5, " You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. "

Life: Ok, so it's been a while. No huge changes, made it through Spring semester fine, will be starting Summer classes next week (after this coming week). I've been working 20 hours a week at the ITRC, which has been nice, but exhausting because I cram them into two 9.5 hour days (plus one hour the next). This allows for alot of freedom on the rest the week, but not much else. Helped Andrew substitute for the 2 & 3 year olds Sunday School, that was an adventure, since I've never had much experience at all with anyone under the age of 6. Still, all went well and I learned a bit about kids, funny how I'm the one learning at Sunday School. Anyway, been helping with the Youth Group on Wednesday nights, and praying with them as they prepare for their mission trip this July. Things with Crossroads have slowed down, since half the group left for the summer, and everyone else is touch and go. Got a couple of new faces around, and I actually think the smaller group makes it easier for new people to join in, since they don't go unnoticed and most of the cliches have dissolved over summer. Continuing to struggle with God's will in my life for a relationship, seems I'm not in one, but my mind runs there a little too often. I pray God will grant me self-control and wisdom, to determine his will and follow it.

2006-05-08T08:06:00.001-07:00

"Huff! Puff! Are We There Yet?"

Wisdom for the day: "'Committing is easy. It's staying committed that's so difficult.' Paul said it well when he described the Christian life as a race. Having been in cross-country myself, I know what it is to run for long distances, and how ridiculously difficult it is to not stop and walk. I remember how much harder it was to keep running when I saw several others from my own team already walking, and how much easier it was when someone began running beside me, encouraging me, and matching my pace. A body of believers is like that cross-country team: whenever one person falls into sin and refuses to repent, or relishes an activity that, though not blatantly sinful, can easily stagnate Christian growth, other believers find it much more difficult to resist the same temptations; conversely, it is through the encouragement and accountability of other believers that those caught in sin can find it easier to escape, and mutual striving together for righteous living is much more successful than running alone."

Scripture for the day: Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Life: Life is changing fast: The Merry Widow has ended, classes are over, this week is finals; the breakfast the Crossroads guys did for the girls went well, people are preparing to leave for the summer, I am having to prepare for the issues that might arise with some of the people coupling up; Andrew and Trixie's cousin moved in with us (he's LDS), Nathanael (Andrew and Trixie's son) is now at 3 months old, and mom and dad just got a new car (a necessity with as much as they drive). Overall, it goes well, except for myself. I've found myself on more and more occasions doing something which harms my relationship with the other believers, often by saying some stupid comment I don't even agree with, or pretending to be some know-it-all, or being generally foolish in my actions and words. Often times they're things that are not remembered specifically, but cast such a shadow over my character I fear I cannot help but look like a jerk. Worst of all, I don't know when to apologize, and when they are best left 'forgotten.' I ask God for wisdom to keep my mouth shut more often, and the love to be constructive when it is open.

2006-04-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

"Who are you?"

Wisdom for the day: "I've considered how often I tend to say rude or pesimistic comments to someone because I think they're doing something incorrectly, or acting inappropriately. I say, 'well, it's our responsibility as Christians to ensure the body is behaving healthily', and while that is certainly true and necessary, I should be able to build those people up in Christ to good works, not just point out what's wrong. More specifically, to overcome this tendancy to be overly critical, I myself must find a way to reach out, perhaps by changing my actions, watching my words, or considering my attitudes. To put it simply, we should not use our 'personalities' as an excuse for sin or destructiveness, but prefer "Stop being 'yourself', and start being a Christian.' Because in all reality, we're not supposed to be 'whatever we happen to be', but be like Christ."

Scripture for the day: I Corinthians 9:19-22; '¹⁹Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. ²⁰To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. ²¹To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. ²²To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.'

Life: The show starts tomorrow; The Merry Widow, that is. It's been a lot of work, and a lot of long evenings, but it will be over before I know it. School has become difficult for me, because I've become sluggish the last few weeks, but I do continue to study, knowing the consequences if I am unprepared for finals week. The college group goes well, as I have tried to persue some activities, trying to fill some leadership role which many feel we are in need of. Of course, I haven't been able to do much since I've basically been unable to attend for the last two weeks, and won't be able to today or next week either. I just pray God will keep me continuing working, and not allow me to become sluggish about my responsibilities.

2006-04-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

"Know the Difference:"

Wisdom for the day: "I recently attended a retreat which stressed the difference between Love and Infatuation. Considering it closely, it really makes sense that there really exists a difference between the two. If you see someone while you walk down the sidewalk, or browse the internet, and are attracted, that's not love. If you spend three hours with someone on a project, and really hit it off, that's still not love. Some major differences between Godly, romantic love and infatuation: Time: Love takes time to develop, and does not just 'happen'; Singularity: love is for one person only, and you cannot be 'in love' with more than one person, that's attraction and infatuation; Care: love centers on the needs and problems of the other person, not on 'how much I need her'; Responsibility: love deals with issues and problems that might be destructive to the relationship or its future, rather than ignoring them; and Wisdom: love considers well the council of good friends concerning the relationship, and does not chalk objections up to 'jealousy'."

Scripture for the day: Matthew 5:28, 'But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.'

Proverbs 2:16-18, '16 It (Wisdom) will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words, ¹⁷ who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. ¹⁸ For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead.'

Life: The college retreat went well, and God really provided on my travels on the way up, since it was a late-night trip. The opera is going well, and really is getting close to production date (next week, in fact). I'm still somewhat reeling from a lack of sleep over the weekend, but other than that, all is well. I pray that God will give me opportunities to witness to friends through my words and actions.

2006-04-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

"What A Workout!"

Wisdom for the day: "When we think of discipline (both spiritual and physical), we generally consider two different types of discipline: that which is the result of a wrong action, i.e. a consequence; and that which is not the result of wrong action, but rather just for the improvement of ones being, i.e. excercise. Both of these seem to arise when we examine the writings of Paul: on one occasion, he mentions sickness and disease as the result of sinning with regards to the Lord's table; on another occasion, he speaks of God disciplining His children (specifically in Hebrews), this being lived out in persecution. The discipline that is a consequence for sin, (i.e. punishment) is an avoidable discipline to inspire to right living. The discipline that is persecution or hardship, is an unavoidable (if you really are a child of God) result of doing God's will, and is a form of refining process used to create an even stronger and useful tool for God. Understanding the difference between these two is very important, because we should be avoiding the one, and persuing the other (and, of course, neither should cause us to resent God)."

Scripture for the day: Hebrews 12: 7-11, " ⁷Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ⁸If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. ⁹Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! ¹⁰Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Life: It turns out I am going to the college retreat, just a bit late. I intend to leave immediately following opera rehearsal, and drive all the way (I'm thinking it's going to be about 2AM before I get there, but I'll be there! (Lord willing)). School goes well, and God has really blessed on several occassions, certainly beyond my own ability. I have been beginning to pray for some friends around me (actually approaching them for prayer requests), and so far it's been simple 'help with this test' things, but I'm sure it will still lead to some obvious answers to prayer. Also, it's difficult praying for people in a 'Christian (LDS)' area, because they tend to say 'pray? ya ya, sure, sure... and what do you want me to pray for?,' but I guess it is by our deeds they will know us (and God's, of course), so I'm sure God will establish the obvious truth, and they will have to come to terms with the difference. May God help me to be a witness for Him.

2006-04-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

"What is Love?"

Wisdom for the day: "We are called to serve others through love. This can be very difficult, not only because we have trouble serving people, but more often because we have difficulty having pure motives. While it shouldn't surprise us that there are advantages to serving others, these should not be our motivation: recognition, returned 'favors', or improved relationships to name a few. If we don't act out of love, while our actions may look good, they tend to lack in eternal consequence. Now, how you manage the love to serve your enemies... that's up to God."

Scripture for the day: Luke 14:12-14, "12And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. 13"But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Life: This week has been/will be interesting. Firstly, because of opera, I cannot go to the College fellowship retreat, or at least, Friday night of it. The decision comes, then, whether I want to try to drive several hours to attend Saturday night and Sunday morning... a tough one. In addition, I abrubtly ended the previously mentioned relationship, though I'm still not sure why, it had mostly to do with my insecurity in my life plan compared with her zealous desire for marriage (not that I was opposed to the idea, or that she was against waiting, it's just a very sticky situation to get to know someone in...). Thus, my relationship with her, her friends, and the rest of the college group is a bit uncertain at current. I made a point of asking God's direction throughout the time we were dating, and continue to ask (even more fervently) for direction. I just pray God will allow me to do what needs to be done, without disruption from emotion or outside sources.

2006-03-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

"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.

2006-03-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

"'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.

2006-03-21T11:07:00.001-07:00

"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.

2006-03-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

"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.

2006-03-09T10:31:00.001-07:00

"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.

2006-03-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

"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.

2006-03-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

"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!

2006-03-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

"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.

2006-03-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

"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.

2006-02-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

"Time Limit"

Wisdom for the day: "I once considered the way people live: 'I can't wait until...' tomorrow, this weekend, next week, Spring Break, Summer vacation, 'until I'm done with school'... I quickly realized that the time we waste dreaming about the weekend could be much better spent. For example, if we are only conscious of weekends, we are unconscious for 5/7 of our lives (not to mention sleep). What great things we could accomplish if we cherished every day..."

Scripture for the day: Psalm 90:12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom."

Life: Still sick today, though I took some theraflu last night and feel much better today. I had a sight-singing exam today, and despite my limited voice, I believe God really blessed me to allow me to sing through it. The weather has become dark, more like Spring rain than Winter storms, and it is particularly windy. I thank God for the rain we get, and also for the warmer weather.

2006-02-27T17:55:00.002-07:00

"God's Will"

Wisdom for the day: "To assume that God conveys his will to us like a fortune cookie is absurd... you cannot crack open a bible, point somewhere, and find God's will for your life. Rather, read through the bible, and every bit of information- both its wisdom and its commands- will guide you along that road which is your life."

Scripture for the day: II Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness..."

Life: I am sick today. My throat is very sore, but since that was not the first symptom, I'm more inclined to believe this to be a chest cold, not Strep Throat. May God speed my recovery (if it is His will), and may something good come of this.