"Goodbye is not Forever"

Tonight I spoke on the phone with one of my dear friends. She and I spent nearly a year of our lives on a mission team together in Peru. We helped each other through some very difficult spiritual struggles and times of discouragement. And we also shared some hilarious times of laughter and adventure.

Tomorrow she leaves the United States to fly to Honduras and get married. Tomorrow she begins a whole new chapter of life.

Today I realized that it is very likely that we will not see one another again...until Heaven. What a bittersweet thought...but what a reunion that will be!




Te quiero un montón, Steph! Estoy orando para ti...nos vemos.

There's So Much to be Thankful For: A Relationship with God

Of all the things for which I am thankful...I am most thankful for this...

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:5

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus..." Romans 8:1

"Who whall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35, 38-39

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

"Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:23-26

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'Therefore I hope in Him!" Lamentations 3:22-24

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

"...and thus we shall always be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Happy Thanksgiving!

There's So Much to be Thankful For: Family

My heart is overflowing tonight with thankfulness for the people who I am able to call my family. I do not deserve the blessing of having them all as a part of my life. Godly parents and grandparents, a brother who is also a best friend, and aunts and uncles and cousins who I may not get to see very often, but when we get together there is always much laughter and making of memories.

Tonight I don't have adequate words to express the love and appreciation I have for all of them, so I will simply leave you with pictures of some of the faces that mean so much to me.


My Family



My brother Nathan and I being ourselves



Grammie and Papa Frier



Some of the Frier "chicas"




Mema and Papa Robbins




The Whole Robbins Clan (minus Gracie and Darren)



I love you all!

There's So Much to be Thankful For: Friends

Yesterday was a fourteen-hour work day...hence the lack of a thanksgiving post. (Let me clarify...I was still thankful, just not coherent enough to write) Sorry to any of you who were disappointed. :-)

Today I am thankful for my friends.

Correction, everyday I am thankful my friends.

There is almost no greater joy in life than that of true friendship.

In true friendship there is no pretending; they know you for who you really are, but the amazing thing is, they love you anyway.

True friends pray for you.

True friends encourage you.

True friends tell it to you like it is.

True friends are there to scream in excitement with you during times of joy, and to hug you in times of sorrow when there are simply no words.

True friendship does not end because of goodbyes, or distance, or time, or change.

To my true friends,
I love you, I thank God for you, and I rejoice that because of Christ, we will spend eternity together.

There's So Much to be Thankful For: Rerun

Today's post was supposed to be random...I ran a little shorter on time today than I was expecting, so instead of creating something new I decided to re-post an old blog entry (March 2006). A couple comments no longer apply...like the roommate, and seven o'clock classes (that was the year that I had classes at 7am five days a week, for both semesters. I can now joyfully say that they do not last forever!) As I re-read this list I see the words of a young, nineteen-year-old college sophomore...a girl quite different from the one who looks me in the mirror every morning, yet in some ways, the same. It is humbling to think back on those days and remember the faithfulness of God from then...until now.
______________________________
I am so blessed....what am I thankful for?

The many dear friends God has given to me
Being able to simply live and enjoy life
Finding joy in the little things
Playing the piano
Singing loudly when no one is listening
Classes to stretch my thinking
Philosophical discussions
A roommate who can read my mind
Late nights and long talks
Laughter
My bed
The fact that 7:00 classes won't last forever
Waking up and hitting snooze
Sweatpants and sweatshirts
Being able to run
Eating home-cooked food
Seeing the new life of spring come to the earth
Melting snow
The ocean
Sunsets (and sunrises if I am awake)
Pictures to remember memories
Girlfriends to share secrets with
A family who loves me
A God who saved me
God's Word to guide me
Eternity to look forward to.....

"At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You..." Ps. 119:62

There's So Much to be Thankful For: Music

This topic was easy...anyone who knows me can tell you that I am a music nerd (and I will freely admit to it!) I am so thankful that God has given us the gift of music... and that He has gifted so many talented people with the ability to write lyrics and tunes that inspire us now and, in some cases, have inspired people for centuries!

This post is bound to be a little ecclectic...much like my musical taste. I am simply going to throw out some favorite music recommendations; some are inspiring, some are encouraging, and some are just plain fun!

-Favorite musical to listen to and sing along with: Wicked. Hands down. Its even better to watch a live performance! :-)

-Favorite new artist: Brandon Heath. I have yet to own any of his cds, but I love his sound. Check out the music videos for two of his songs..."Wait and See", and "Give Me Your Eyes".

-Favorite classical composers: Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsy, and Chopin

-Favorite current composer: Dan Forrest. Click here to listen to excerpts from the cd of his recent choral works. My favorites are the "Words from Paradise", "Goodnight, Dear Heart", and "Oread Farewell"

-Favorite instrument: Piano...especially if its a full concert grand. I firmly belive there will be pianos in Heaven.

-Favorite classical song I attempt to play on piano: Chopin's "Revolutionary Etude op 10 no 12". Look it up... there's no other way to put it...this song rocks. If I ever play it even a fraction of how its supposed to sound it'll be an accomplishment.

-Favorite guy singer: Josh Groban and David Phelps compete for first.

-Favorite woman singer: Don't really have one...any suggestions?

-Favorite instrument to listen to: Besides piano, probably the french horn or saxaphone.

-Favorite hymn: There are many, but my current favorite is "Jesus I am Resting, Resting" I love this hymn set to a new tune... but the words are spectacular. I leave you to ponder their depth.

Jesus I am resting, resting
In the Joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power
Thou hast made me whole.

O how great Thy loving kindness.
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvellous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings;
Thine is love indeed!

Ever lift Thy face upon me,
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth's dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father's glory,
Sunshine of my Father's face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting;
Fill me with Thy grace.

Chorus:

Jesus, I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

There's So Much to be Thankful For: Knowledge

The topic of knowledge is not usually the first to pop into my mind when I start mentally listing things to be thankful for. However, the more I think about it, the more grateful I am to have a God who creates us as human beings with the ability to learn, reason, debate, question, and absorb information around us. It is literally mind-boggling to think about the brain's capacity to retain information (whether it can always recall this information is another matter entirely). :-)

After spending some time in thought, (no puns intended...ever...you all know me) I have narrowed down to three specific categories of knowledge that make me especially grateful.

1. Books. First and foremost, the Bible has had the most profound influence on my life and growth. Anything else comes nowhere near in comparison. However, there are scores of other books that have impacted my life in various ways. There is no room here to mention them all, but I will list a few that stick out in my mind currently.
-Desiring God--by John Piper challenged my thinking in many areas and forced me to think deeper about things of God than I ever had before.
-The Journals of Jim Elliott--Published by Elizabeth Elliott. One of the most powerful stories of a life lived sold out for God.
-Some Wildflower in My Heart--by Jamie Langston Turner, possibly my favorite fiction book. Her unique writing style and detailed description are pleasantly appealing.
-Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands--by Paul David Tripp was a required reading book in college...but the best required reading I ever had. Excellent resource on counseling others (and yourself) towards Biblical change. I could go on and on...but I must stop the list here.

2. Learning another language. Never have I gone through something so painfully rewarding as learning the beautiful Spanish language. I believe everyone should attempt to learn at least one other language in their lifetime. God created our minds with a great capacity to learn...and learning to speak someone else's heart language is the best way to absorb a culture far different than our own..and the best way to minister to someone different than our own nationality.

3. Dedicated teachers. Where would I be today if it weren't for the people that inspired me to push myself, to question, to discover, and to strive for excellence? I am forever grateful to these people. There are many, however three in particular deserve to be mentioned.
-Miss Ball--my 10th grade Biology teacher (via satellite). She made science fun...even strange topics like genetics and parasitic worms!
-Mrs. Hartog--My college women's ministries teacher. Her passion for God's Word; teaching it accurately and thoroughly, loving and ministering to others, and being dedicated to faithful study will forever be ingrained in my mind. Her classes were challenging, but I will use the principles I learned in them throughout my lifetime.
-Dr. Van--My college music teacher, choir and summer ministry team director, and friend. His classes contributed to much of my lack of sleep throughout college, but I will never cease to be thankful for the way he pushed me to think, and think, and think things through,:-) and the way he constantly reminded me never to settle for "good enough" but to always strive for excellence for the glory of God.

There's So Much to be Thankful For: Creation

As I begin this week-long journey of thankfulness, I chose to start with creation. The majestic beauty that surrounds us every day never fails to make me stand in awe of the works of my Creator God. For this post I have chosen to highlight only a few aspects of nature for which I am grateful.

Mountains

I feel so small and insignificant when I stand surrounded by towering mountains. While the Rockies and the Appalachians possess their own unique beauty, in my mind, nothing compares to the glory of the Andes. This photo does not begin to do justice to their beauty. So many times during the year I spent in Peru I would simply stand and "lift my eyes to the hills" and remember that my help came from the same Lord who created them.

The Ocean

I waited nearly nineteen years for my first glimpse of the ocean. Never will I forget that day. The summer after my freshman year of college I traveled all over the United States with a music team to represent our school. Our travels eventually took us to the East Coast. That first day at the ocean was spent on boat off the coast of Florida. Jumping in the clear blue water, floating so easily, and tasting the salt made me giddy like a child. Later we traveled farther up the coast to one of my favorite places where this picture was taken, Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

My Midwest

Someone wisely once said "There's no place like home." I believe with all my heart that this is true. While there are many places which may boast of their own beauty, nothing makes me more thankful than seeing the glory of the created world which surrounds me every day. This picture of a double rainbow was taken this summer outside my back door. Nothing speaks of God's faithfulness more than a rainbow.



While this photo will never win a contest because of the obvious telephone pole and signs marring the view, I still love it. This is God displaying His artistry just outside my front door on a summer evening.

What are you thankful for in creation?

On the Job: Incidents and Insights #1

Working in retail provides one with many stunning insights into the human psyche...well, maybe that is going a bit too far, however, it does provide one with many amusing stories to recount.

Today a couple of my co-workers and I shared a chuckle over a frazzled elderly lady who came through the line. She vented to us about the stress of having to shop for and cook an early Thanksgiving meal for her whole family while her husband "the big Jerk" was out deer hunting. Not to mention that no one else was helping her fix the meal...and so on. As she made out her check she exclaimed, "This is why I have high blood pressure! And the Doctor says to remove the stress from my life. Goodbye family!"

This could be the first of many work-related tales published for your reading enjoyment!

More to Come...

Last night before bed I had a little bit of a brainstorm (this is when all the best brainstorms happen, I believe). I began thinking about ideas for upcoming blog posts (since I blog so frequently)...Since Thanksgiving will be here in a little over a week, I have decided to celebrate this special holiday by posting each day on a different category of things for which I am thankful. Starting Thursday the 19th the countdown will begin.

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever"

Care to join me?

Its all about perspective...

Amusing moment of the day:

Tonight I learned that my cousin works for an eye bank. The most polite and least nauseating way of explaining his job is to simply say that he "harvests" eyes from the deceased who have donated their eyes to science. Ahem.

Tonight I became very thankful for my job...

Let the Waters Rise...

Thought I would share with you a recent favorite song...





Disclaimer: Yes, some of the pictures on this video are a bit cheesy, and no, I do not know why there are only men pictured in this video...however, my point was simply to let you all hear the song and this was about the best video I could find. :-)

A Storm in a Teacup

Today was an encouraging day of worship at church. I got to hear my favorite pastor preach again (he just so happens to be my dad). This morning's message was titled "Never Give Up" and the context was 2 Corinthians 4. What struck me most were verses 17-18.

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

All the trials we face here on earth are described as "light"; whereas the glory that awaits us in Heaven is described as "heavy". What an awesome concept to ponder. Someone once described our momentary trials as "a storm in a teacup". In comparision with what is to come, they are just that insignificant. Wow.