And A Happy New Year!

Already, I was 20 minutes away from not fulfilling my first New Year's resolution. (Blog every Friday)

But luckily, I noticed just in time! So, this first blog will not be clever, inspirational, or anything but just saving myself from breaking my New Year's resolution. =)

Happy New Year, everyone! As long as God helps me keep this resolution (and it will ONLY happen if I actually pray for his help) I will see you next Friday! (or sooner!)

Light and Knowledge.

The night sky, I have been shown, is a fantastic illustration to life.

Tonight was the Leonid meteor shower. Some residents and I sat on a bridge high above the earth's atmosphere in order to catch a glimpse! Well, we were kind above the street lights at least. Almost.

We did get to see a few breath taking meteors shoot through the atmosphere! I wish I could watch them again in slow motion. They were brilliant!

But while we only saw a few meteors, due to the surrounding city lights, there were in reality much greater numbers of meteors that we could not see. They existed, but we couldn't see them! What a truth to our own lives! How much is happening in the spiritual realm, and the realm of the knowledge of Christ, that we are blind to; don't realize because it has not been brought to light. Christ is the light that reveals the truth of this world!

Now, I'm not sure the logistics of all this work out perfectly, but, nevertheless, in attempts to stretch my analogy even further, I will ask, why is it that we can't see the true light and distant reality? Could it be the street lights, which are dramatically weaker that the light of the meteors, are somehow stealing our attention? Though they are no comparison to the light above, when they are placed right in front of our eyes, we can no longer see the true ad beautiful light in the distance. False gods and Satan's lies act as light, but are really just a distraction from the truth.

" ⁵This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. ⁶If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. ⁷But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with
one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. "
1 John 1:5-7

Psalm 73

Thanks, sister Lindsay, for reminding me of this wonderful psalm.

"But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end." verse 16-17

"Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." verses 23-28

working on kit.

I am praying God would enable me to keep in touch with people better. I can take a long time to email someone back, and have trouble writing even those who are closest to me. God can certainly change this, and I hope he does! I pray I would do so only for one purpose: to encourage growth in Christ and the joy of him in the lives of others! All other reasons for keeping in touch, while they may sound good to the world, will perish like everything else. Long lasting friendships will fade away if they are not for the purpose of delighting in Christ. But keeping in touch for God's eternal purposes: this is valuable.

This improvement can only be made through Christ! Ask me how I'm doing with this in a few days, weeks, months, years, and I hope to share the work God has done. =)

Only Fear God

This is something I am learning everyday. Thank the Lord he is constantly working this in me. But I recognize the areas I need to grow. I still worry about what people think about me and want to impress people. Silly, silly, Emily. What's it for? There is no gain! You know it is a burdensome task!

But there is actually freedom in fearing only God! There will be no disappointments like there would be in futile efforts of pleasing people. I believe there will be peace and joy in only fearing God. Again, perspective changes everything. When I fully and truly only fear God, oh how AWESOME that will be! I don't want it to be far in the distance. Humble me, Lord, so I can fear you now.

Checking in...

Hello reader! I have trouble writing while I listen to music. But my pandora play list is really wonderful right now, and I'm willing to let my writing take this shot so I can continue listening. The playlist is "The Vitamin Sting Quartet." Instrumental music adapted from great artists. Very soothing!

And now! 10 updates:

1. My nephew, baby Caleb, is a beautiful child! Now almost 4 weeks old. =)

2. I am excited to start a Bible study in my dorm room for any interested residents and staff members. Please pray God would allow for great depth!

3. I continue to realize how foolish my mind is compared to God's infinite knowledge of truth and beauty.

4. I love my boyfriend Steven so very very very much. I'm extremely thankful for his friendship and love.

5. I bought a carmel latte last night with a check instead of cash.

6. An info-mercial inspired me to test the "bump-it" hair product. My resident had one in her room. I looked ridiculous. I loved it so much. tee hee hee.

7. Astronomy class is blowing my mind. The solar system is so intricate and vast! There is always something to be amazed by even on this earth. Imagine how much more so as we draw closer to the Lord and into Heaven!

8. I am extremely blessed with a fellow believer as the RA in the neighboring dorm. Her name is Melody and she is a gift from the Lord =)

9. School is busy, but God provides.

10. I still hope to go to Japan this summer, with Steven too, if the Lord wants us to go. =)

1 Peter 1:8-9

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Lord, be our pursuit.

"For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits."

James 1:11

"As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.... but the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him."

Psalm 103:15-17

These verses came alive this week as I found out a close high school friend passed away unexpectedly in a car accident. My boyfriend called and told me the news. Her name could have been replaced with anyone's. It could have been mine and it could have been yours. So what are we living for? Is it all worth it? What will last? If we are living for Jesus Christ and loving him, everything we do to serve Him and love Him will indeed last. What a joy!

This is such a tangible example that the Lord does indeed and give and take away. But because of His great love, wisdom, mercy, compassion, justice, humility, righteousness, and perfection, His name is always to be praised. There is always comfort and joy in the Lord.

Many more thoughts are coming. Prayers for her friends and family are continuing. See you next time.

-Emily