I am just a little excited right now...
I just found out that one of my favorite professors at LC (Dr.Whatley) is teaching a class on C.S. Lewis this semester and I am going to sit in on the class. The great part about it is that I get to learn and enjoy the class without the stress of paying tuition and without the responsibility of writing papers and taking tests. Woohoo!
I am sure many blogs this semester will be about what I am learning so stay tuned. I have secretly always wanted to be a C.S. Lewis nerd but never taken the time to start from the beginning and read through his collection. The time it now....
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
"slaves of Christ Jesus"
I shared with you in a previous post that one of my goals this year is to memorize the book of Philippians. Each week is dedicated to not only memorizing about 6 verses but spending time really meditating on those verses and what they mean. This morning I spent some time doing a few word studies and the one that has really resonated with me is the idea of being a "slave of Christ Jesus." In the very first verse this is how Paul and Timothy identified themselves. They don't introduce themselves as "hi, I am Paul, I am from ______, I am ______, I have _____, I went to school at _____, I work at _____." Their one identifying description is that they are slaves of Christ Jesus...meaning they are in a state of willing bondage under the control of Jesus Christ.
In thinking about this it took me back to my trip to Uganda this summer. I will never forget the first time we met with a group of believers for worship on a university campus and the students began introducing themselves. The very first one said, "I am John and I have been a follower of Jesus Christ for 5 years." I sat back and was just humbled that that was the one and only thing he saw fitting to describe himself. Meanwhile I was pillaging through what I wanted to tell them about myself. Shame.
I have a confession....I am still not there yet. In fact as I studied that this morning and I write this even now I am ashamed and under conviction that yesterday instead of being a slave of Christ Jesus I spent almost the entire day being a slave (and victim) of my circumstances. Back in August my car was hit by a student on campus and the agreement was that she would just pay for the damages out of pocket. Here we are in January and she still had not fixed my car. Even worse she came to see me yesterday and told me that the reason she hasn't paid me is that she feels that I am taking advantage of her and she feels that I am partially to blame because my car was parked in her spot. By the time our conversation had ended with raised voices and tempers flaring my blood pressure was through the roof. For the rest of the day my head pounded, my attitude was poor towards anyone I encountered and I told anyone and everyone who would listen how ridiculous I thought this situation was. I am still upset about it today and probably will be until the situation is reconciled but it doesn't have to determine my attitude, my joy, my demeanor towards others.
Today....my goal is to choose to live like a willing slave of Christ Jesus...not a slave to my circumstances, not a slave to my job....a slave of Christ Jesus who will always act with integrity and in my best interest, who will love me unconditionally and who is the giver of all peace and joy. If you read this today or whenever you read this...pray for me. Paul is gracious to remind me in verse 6 of this same chapter that I am still a work in progress and it was God alone who began a good work in me and God alone who will complete it. My job is to follow his lead and not be an obstacle in my own path to becoming more like Jesus.
In thinking about this it took me back to my trip to Uganda this summer. I will never forget the first time we met with a group of believers for worship on a university campus and the students began introducing themselves. The very first one said, "I am John and I have been a follower of Jesus Christ for 5 years." I sat back and was just humbled that that was the one and only thing he saw fitting to describe himself. Meanwhile I was pillaging through what I wanted to tell them about myself. Shame.
I have a confession....I am still not there yet. In fact as I studied that this morning and I write this even now I am ashamed and under conviction that yesterday instead of being a slave of Christ Jesus I spent almost the entire day being a slave (and victim) of my circumstances. Back in August my car was hit by a student on campus and the agreement was that she would just pay for the damages out of pocket. Here we are in January and she still had not fixed my car. Even worse she came to see me yesterday and told me that the reason she hasn't paid me is that she feels that I am taking advantage of her and she feels that I am partially to blame because my car was parked in her spot. By the time our conversation had ended with raised voices and tempers flaring my blood pressure was through the roof. For the rest of the day my head pounded, my attitude was poor towards anyone I encountered and I told anyone and everyone who would listen how ridiculous I thought this situation was. I am still upset about it today and probably will be until the situation is reconciled but it doesn't have to determine my attitude, my joy, my demeanor towards others.
Today....my goal is to choose to live like a willing slave of Christ Jesus...not a slave to my circumstances, not a slave to my job....a slave of Christ Jesus who will always act with integrity and in my best interest, who will love me unconditionally and who is the giver of all peace and joy. If you read this today or whenever you read this...pray for me. Paul is gracious to remind me in verse 6 of this same chapter that I am still a work in progress and it was God alone who began a good work in me and God alone who will complete it. My job is to follow his lead and not be an obstacle in my own path to becoming more like Jesus.
announcing....
the 2011 NATIONAL CHAMPS.....the AUBURN TIGERS!!!
For any of you who know me well you know that I love me some college football, especially the Auburn Tiger variety. I love college football as much as any man...which I know is weird but when you are born in the south and grow up steeped in college tradition it just sticks with you. After going four perfect seasons (1983, 1993, 2004 and 2010) in my lifetime we finally had the opportunity to play for the BCS championship. It truly is a day I won't forget for a long long time. Our last championship was in 1957, clearly not in my lifetime but I remember the three perfect seasons that came and went with no closure. I am PROUD TO BE AN AUBURN TIGER...always have been and always will be.
I know college football isn't everything....it's not even the biggest thing but on Monday night it brought great joy to this little Auburn girl planted in LSU territory's soul!!
FINAL SCORE: Auburn 22 vs. Oregon 19
Friday, January 7, 2011
Philippians 1:1-6
I mentioned in my "resolutions" blog entry that I am trying to memorize the book of Philippians this year. Here are my verses for this week if you're looking for a challege as well...
v.1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. v.2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. v.3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, v. 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, v.5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. v.6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
What a promise and great news that we are still a work in progress and will be until the Lord returns to claim his own. I don't know about you but that allows me to take a deep breath on this Friday morning. I know in my heart and mind that I have a long way to go in this journey but what a relief to know that God not only knows that but orchestrated it that way.
Happy Friday!
v.1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. v.2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. v.3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, v. 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, v.5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. v.6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
What a promise and great news that we are still a work in progress and will be until the Lord returns to claim his own. I don't know about you but that allows me to take a deep breath on this Friday morning. I know in my heart and mind that I have a long way to go in this journey but what a relief to know that God not only knows that but orchestrated it that way.
Happy Friday!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
great news...
I received an email from Geoffrey in Uganda today that made my day. If you remember back in September when I was doing the $5 challenge and asking 100 friends to give $5 so we could get the orphanage registered and secure the land..I was blown away by the support and was able to get the money to Geoffrey quickly. Here is the email I got from him today:
Hey K B - I am excited to break the news that finally Acres of Hope Uganda is legally registered by Uganda government as an incorporation. meaning we can fully operate anywhere in Uganda and own both movable and immovable assets and also run our activities freely and legally.
With this I would also like to registered my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to you and to all that contributed financially through you,toward the registration of this ministry in Uganda.
Thank you big big Momma
May God continue to bless you as usual.
Geoffrey
That is such wonderful news! I can't wait to go back at the end of February/beginning of March and find our what the next step needs to be in raising money for the actually building of the children's home, primary and secondary schools. I am praying big that people in the States will step up to the plate and give, send teams of construction people, etc....I long for the day when Acres of Hope is standing and full of happy children who just want to be loved. I will keep you posted.
Hey K B - I am excited to break the news that finally Acres of Hope Uganda is legally registered by Uganda government as an incorporation. meaning we can fully operate anywhere in Uganda and own both movable and immovable assets and also run our activities freely and legally.
With this I would also like to registered my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to you and to all that contributed financially through you,toward the registration of this ministry in Uganda.
Thank you big big Momma
May God continue to bless you as usual.
Geoffrey
That is such wonderful news! I can't wait to go back at the end of February/beginning of March and find our what the next step needs to be in raising money for the actually building of the children's home, primary and secondary schools. I am praying big that people in the States will step up to the plate and give, send teams of construction people, etc....I long for the day when Acres of Hope is standing and full of happy children who just want to be loved. I will keep you posted.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
get it together girl....
So funny story...today was my first day back to work this year and boy am I struggling. I just got a phone call from a non-traditional prospective student asking about housing. As she finished she said "I think that is all the questions I had." And my response, "okay, well if you have any other questions don't bother calling." Needless to say I quickly caught myself and said "I mean don't hesitate to call...welcome back to work...I need to get it together, sorry about that." She laughed, I laughed and as I type this she called back to ask another question so I guess all is well. WOW! May be time for another round of coffee!
On a happy note....day 3 of no soft drinks is going well and today starts my official workout routine. Thanks to the blogging world I found a workout partner so I am supper excited I don't have to go it alone. A huge thanks to Shannon Smith for blog stalking and coming to my rescue.
January 4th and here is the update:
eating healthy--CHECK
no soft drinks--CHECK
just printed the guideline for memorizing philippians and putting my journal together so ---CHECK CHECK
off to a good start so far but we are only 4 days in...what is it they say, it takes 28 days to form a habit?!?! 4 down and 24 to go!
On a happy note....day 3 of no soft drinks is going well and today starts my official workout routine. Thanks to the blogging world I found a workout partner so I am supper excited I don't have to go it alone. A huge thanks to Shannon Smith for blog stalking and coming to my rescue.
January 4th and here is the update:
eating healthy--CHECK
no soft drinks--CHECK
just printed the guideline for memorizing philippians and putting my journal together so ---CHECK CHECK
off to a good start so far but we are only 4 days in...what is it they say, it takes 28 days to form a habit?!?! 4 down and 24 to go!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Years Resolutions: 2011 edition
I usually don't make New Years Resolutions because it seems by doing so makes it nearly impossible to achieve said resolutions. This year I refuse to settle for that and am posting my resolutions for all to see. I guess if you don't set goals for yourself you have nothing to aim for....so here goes.
It no particular order:
* pay off my car note
* pay off at least 1/2 of my student loans
* lose at least 50lbs
* blog at least once a week
* stay debt free on my credit cards (got those paid off this month!!)
* memorize the book of Philippians
Specifically where the weight loss is concerned I have some new life style changes to put in place. It's no secret I fell hard off the workout wagon...and now it's time to get back on. I have yet to find a workout partner but I can't let that stop me from getting back in the routine. Hayden is willing and ready to kick my tail again. So here are my life style change goals:
* no soft drinks
* cut back signficantly on sugar
* no eating after 8pm
* fast food no more than twice a week (let's be realistic)
* eat more fruits and veggies
* workout at least three days a week
I am heading back to Pineville tomorrow and all of these are about to be put in place. Wish me luck and keep checking back on the progress. The goal for 2011 is better spirtual, emotional and physical health. Here's to a healthier and happier me!!!
It no particular order:
* pay off my car note
* pay off at least 1/2 of my student loans
* lose at least 50lbs
* blog at least once a week
* stay debt free on my credit cards (got those paid off this month!!)
* memorize the book of Philippians
Specifically where the weight loss is concerned I have some new life style changes to put in place. It's no secret I fell hard off the workout wagon...and now it's time to get back on. I have yet to find a workout partner but I can't let that stop me from getting back in the routine. Hayden is willing and ready to kick my tail again. So here are my life style change goals:
* no soft drinks
* cut back signficantly on sugar
* no eating after 8pm
* fast food no more than twice a week (let's be realistic)
* eat more fruits and veggies
* workout at least three days a week
I am heading back to Pineville tomorrow and all of these are about to be put in place. Wish me luck and keep checking back on the progress. The goal for 2011 is better spirtual, emotional and physical health. Here's to a healthier and happier me!!!
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