It hasn't exactly been a fun week, considering it started at the ER in Tillsonburg. As well, I can't forget about having to take oxycodone and cyclobenzaphine and being put on a few days of bedrest. But God is good and blesses me all the time, no matter what my physical circumstances are.
Some of my favourite things happened, as well as just awesomeness:
-I received a lovely card from Tiff & Jenny because they knew I could use some encouragement.
-Jill called all the way from England to talk to me. It was fantastic to hear her voice because I love her so!
-Dave & Katie came to visit, which was perfect timing because a lack of human interaction for 48 hours is almost painful for me.
-Kel & Lora came all the way from Guelph just to pray for me.
-I got a sweet new leather couch for my apartment.
-I hung out with Manny and Sophia for a few hours.
-I now have a Waterloo Public Library card.
-I was blessed with sleep because of oxycodone and cyclobenzaphine.
Life is always full of blessings. Sometimes you have to look for the blessings, but they're there.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saying Goodbye to 22...
As I greet my 23rd birthday, I find myself reflecting on the past year of my life. The past year has not been like any other. I have faced some of the biggest challenges in my life, yet it has been the best year yet!
At Teresa's request, I have made a list of a few things I have processed while I was 22 years old. Hope it's as good as you hoped it would be!
Things I processed while I was 22:
- The most precious friendships I have are the ones that are inconvenient for both parties. These friends have shown me that giving of themselves and their time, despite hectic schedules and other relationships and commitments, is truly how love is demonstrated.
- I learned that perseverance makes the end all that much sweeter. Patience is not wasted.
- I took a step away from legalism and realized that by doing so, my faith became stronger and more fulfilling.
- It's worth going through difficult situations so you are prepared to give support and encouragement to those facing those same hard times after you.
- It may be hard to hold my tongue when I have the answer and someone else doesn't, but sometimes giving them time and grace to figure it out helps them more than saying anything would have.
- Serving people any way I possibly can is still one of the most rewarding tasks I have in my life. Jesus came to serve and love; He really is the perfect example.
- Owning a vehicle is a privilege. Driving people around who do not own a vehicle is an even bigger privilege.
- Miracles happen every day, ones that are obvious and ones that are not obvious, and I ought never to believe anything different.
- Laughing with good friends is one of the most heart warming activities in life. Getting older does not mean you get more serious. Always take the opportunity to be silly.
- Joking around is fun, but it is important to be careful. Sarcasm hurts and is often used as indirect personal attacks. I'm sorry if I've hurt you by something I have said.
- Having a close friendship with your siblings is an amazing blessing. My brother is an amazing young man and I love him.
- When in a position of leadership, humility is one of the best characteristics to possess.
- Obedience and submission are two very different concepts. Obedience is an action and submissiveness is a heart attitude. I would rather be submissive because it reflects a respectful and willing heart.
- Spending time with young children and watching them learn new things is one of the most exciting and interesting activities in my life right now.
- Forgiveness is the way to peace. Sometimes forgiving someone is easy and other times it is quite difficult. We want mercy for ourselves and justice for everyone else. The problem is, if you demand justice for others, you'll only continue to be angry and you will remain hurt. Jesus died out of mercy, not justice. We need to be merciful.
- Believe in Jesus because if you have that in place, everything else will fall into place too.
At Teresa's request, I have made a list of a few things I have processed while I was 22 years old. Hope it's as good as you hoped it would be!
Things I processed while I was 22:
- The most precious friendships I have are the ones that are inconvenient for both parties. These friends have shown me that giving of themselves and their time, despite hectic schedules and other relationships and commitments, is truly how love is demonstrated.
- I learned that perseverance makes the end all that much sweeter. Patience is not wasted.
- I took a step away from legalism and realized that by doing so, my faith became stronger and more fulfilling.
- It's worth going through difficult situations so you are prepared to give support and encouragement to those facing those same hard times after you.
- It may be hard to hold my tongue when I have the answer and someone else doesn't, but sometimes giving them time and grace to figure it out helps them more than saying anything would have.
- Serving people any way I possibly can is still one of the most rewarding tasks I have in my life. Jesus came to serve and love; He really is the perfect example.
- Owning a vehicle is a privilege. Driving people around who do not own a vehicle is an even bigger privilege.
- Miracles happen every day, ones that are obvious and ones that are not obvious, and I ought never to believe anything different.
- Laughing with good friends is one of the most heart warming activities in life. Getting older does not mean you get more serious. Always take the opportunity to be silly.
- Joking around is fun, but it is important to be careful. Sarcasm hurts and is often used as indirect personal attacks. I'm sorry if I've hurt you by something I have said.
- Having a close friendship with your siblings is an amazing blessing. My brother is an amazing young man and I love him.
- When in a position of leadership, humility is one of the best characteristics to possess.
- Obedience and submission are two very different concepts. Obedience is an action and submissiveness is a heart attitude. I would rather be submissive because it reflects a respectful and willing heart.
- Spending time with young children and watching them learn new things is one of the most exciting and interesting activities in my life right now.
- Forgiveness is the way to peace. Sometimes forgiving someone is easy and other times it is quite difficult. We want mercy for ourselves and justice for everyone else. The problem is, if you demand justice for others, you'll only continue to be angry and you will remain hurt. Jesus died out of mercy, not justice. We need to be merciful.
- Believe in Jesus because if you have that in place, everything else will fall into place too.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Seasons
One of my roommates was reading Ecclesiastes 3 last week while I was getting ready for work. Each of the three of us have been experiencing change, transition, hellos and goodbyes. The first eight verses in Ecclesiastes 3 explains it well.
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
I'm thankful this passage exists because it basically covers all the situations I face in my personal life and even in our world, I think. It reminds me that although there may be a long season of certain circumstances, both good and bad, each season will not last forever. I am thankful for the two amazing girls I live with and that they are willing to share their lives with me so I can learn from them.
Although our time together was a little shorter than we expected, it was grand and my life will forever be impacted because of the season we shared together. I love you, girls.
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
I'm thankful this passage exists because it basically covers all the situations I face in my personal life and even in our world, I think. It reminds me that although there may be a long season of certain circumstances, both good and bad, each season will not last forever. I am thankful for the two amazing girls I live with and that they are willing to share their lives with me so I can learn from them.
Although our time together was a little shorter than we expected, it was grand and my life will forever be impacted because of the season we shared together. I love you, girls.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Restoration
Today I needed to be reminded that God is a God of restoration. I needed to know that treasured relationships can be restored. I needed to be reminded that my Grandpa (who died a year ago today) has been fully restored through Christ and that Grandpa is praising the Lord for eternity. I needed to be reminded that He has restored my life and has been faithful. What joy I have in Him!
Psalm 71
1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
2 Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness;
turn your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of evil and cruel men.
5 For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth.
6 From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you.
7 I have become like a portent to many,
but you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.
9 Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
10 For my enemies speak against me;
those who wait to kill me conspire together.
11 They say, "God has forsaken him;
pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him."
12 Be not far from me, O God;
come quickly, O my God, to help me.
13 May my accusers perish in shame;
may those who want to harm me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.
14 But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.
19 Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,
you who have done great things.
Who, O God, is like you?
20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
21 You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.
22 I will praise you with the harp
for your faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to you—
I, whom you have redeemed.
24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts
all day long,
for those who wanted to harm me
have been put to shame and confusion.
Psalm 71
1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
2 Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness;
turn your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of evil and cruel men.
5 For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth.
6 From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you.
7 I have become like a portent to many,
but you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.
9 Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
10 For my enemies speak against me;
those who wait to kill me conspire together.
11 They say, "God has forsaken him;
pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him."
12 Be not far from me, O God;
come quickly, O my God, to help me.
13 May my accusers perish in shame;
may those who want to harm me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.
14 But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.
19 Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,
you who have done great things.
Who, O God, is like you?
20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
21 You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.
22 I will praise you with the harp
for your faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to you—
I, whom you have redeemed.
24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts
all day long,
for those who wanted to harm me
have been put to shame and confusion.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
2007: A Year End Review
1) Where did you begin 2007?
At "699" in Guelph!
2) What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Single!
3) Were you in school anytime this year?
January - April; September - December
4) How did you earn your money?
Camis
5) Did you have to go to the hospital?
Yes - car accidents do that to you.
6) Did you have any encounters with the police?
Again, yes... car accidents do that.
7) Where did you go on holiday?
North Carolina, Parry Sound, Heather's Cottage & Ste Sault Marie
8) What did you purchase that was over $1000?
Tuition and my Macbook
9) Did you know anybody who got married?
Rachel & Matt!
10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
Yes, my Grandpa.
12) Did you move anywhere?
From "699" to my apartment.
14) What concerts/shows did you go to?
NORAH JONES with Heather!
15) Are you registered to vote?
I certainly am.
16) Who did you want to win Big Brother?
I didn't watch it!
17) Where do you live now?
A basement apartment on Robinson in Guelph.
18) Describe your birthday.
Trish and Lo picked me up and we went to church at Grandview. Then a bunch of people went to Mongolian Grill in Cambridge for lunch. Then we went back to Guelph and played at the park. Then we had a BBQ at 403. And last but not least, Heather and I watched Singing in the Rain.
19) What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2007?
Facebook is not the place to discuss that. If you really care, you can ask me. But as for something fun, I got spontaneously got a piercing. :o)
20) What has been your favorite moment?
It happened during a late night chat.
21) What's something you learned about yourself?
I don't like to ask for help, but stepping out of my comfort zone keeps me humble and reminds me I can only rely on God.
22.) Any new additions to your family?
Craig proposed to Tara. Dave and Katie are a close and cute item.
23.) What was your best month?
I had an excellent summer... but December seems to stick out too.
24.) What music will you remember 2007 by?
-Norah Jones
-Hillsong
-Colbie Caillat
-Basically anything Heather or Alex played in the Rabbit.
25) Who has been your best drinking buddy?
Well, that's not really my thing.
26) Made new friends?
Yep! Julia, Em, Lauren
27) Best NEW friend?
lol, I LOVE ALL MY FRIENDS.
28) Favorite Night out?
One of my favourites because of how much time I spent laughing was at William's in Hamilton with Trish, Lauren & Heather in May. Another great night was Norah Jones in TO with Heather.
29) Something you look forward to before 2008?
My last night's sleep of 2007, ha ha.
30) Where will you start 2008?
At Amanda's with close to 20 of my closest friends!
At "699" in Guelph!
2) What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Single!
3) Were you in school anytime this year?
January - April; September - December
4) How did you earn your money?
Camis
5) Did you have to go to the hospital?
Yes - car accidents do that to you.
6) Did you have any encounters with the police?
Again, yes... car accidents do that.
7) Where did you go on holiday?
North Carolina, Parry Sound, Heather's Cottage & Ste Sault Marie
8) What did you purchase that was over $1000?
Tuition and my Macbook
9) Did you know anybody who got married?
Rachel & Matt!
10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
Yes, my Grandpa.
12) Did you move anywhere?
From "699" to my apartment.
14) What concerts/shows did you go to?
NORAH JONES with Heather!
15) Are you registered to vote?
I certainly am.
16) Who did you want to win Big Brother?
I didn't watch it!
17) Where do you live now?
A basement apartment on Robinson in Guelph.
18) Describe your birthday.
Trish and Lo picked me up and we went to church at Grandview. Then a bunch of people went to Mongolian Grill in Cambridge for lunch. Then we went back to Guelph and played at the park. Then we had a BBQ at 403. And last but not least, Heather and I watched Singing in the Rain.
19) What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2007?
Facebook is not the place to discuss that. If you really care, you can ask me. But as for something fun, I got spontaneously got a piercing. :o)
20) What has been your favorite moment?
It happened during a late night chat.
21) What's something you learned about yourself?
I don't like to ask for help, but stepping out of my comfort zone keeps me humble and reminds me I can only rely on God.
22.) Any new additions to your family?
Craig proposed to Tara. Dave and Katie are a close and cute item.
23.) What was your best month?
I had an excellent summer... but December seems to stick out too.
24.) What music will you remember 2007 by?
-Norah Jones
-Hillsong
-Colbie Caillat
-Basically anything Heather or Alex played in the Rabbit.
25) Who has been your best drinking buddy?
Well, that's not really my thing.
26) Made new friends?
Yep! Julia, Em, Lauren
27) Best NEW friend?
lol, I LOVE ALL MY FRIENDS.
28) Favorite Night out?
One of my favourites because of how much time I spent laughing was at William's in Hamilton with Trish, Lauren & Heather in May. Another great night was Norah Jones in TO with Heather.
29) Something you look forward to before 2008?
My last night's sleep of 2007, ha ha.
30) Where will you start 2008?
At Amanda's with close to 20 of my closest friends!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Last University Lecture
Today I attended what is likely to be my last university lecture at the University of Guelph. I sat, listening to my favourite professor EVER, discuss the symbolic image of a tree; the tree's roots grow and the tree goes through seasons and changes. How fitting. Wow.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sites to Visit Daily
Here are six sites you should visit daily to:
Fight Hunger
Fight Breast Cancer
Support a Child's Health
Support Literacy
Protect Endangered Habitat
Give Animals TLC
Fight Hunger
Fight Breast Cancer
Support a Child's Health
Support Literacy
Protect Endangered Habitat
Give Animals TLC
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Promises of Fall
On Friday as I walked out of the science complex, I was greeted by rainbows. God's reminder of His promises.
Today as I stepped off the bus on my way home, I smelt the season of Fall for the first time. How refreshing.
Today as I stepped off the bus on my way home, I smelt the season of Fall for the first time. How refreshing.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
"Liz speaking...
... where would you like to reserve?"
As of tomorrow, I will be trained to receive calls for:
-Ontario Provincial Parks [76]
-Ontario Backcountry trips [9]
-Conservation Areas (for regions of: Thames, Grand River and Toronto) [13]
-Haliburton Highlands Water Trails
-Nova Scotia Provincial Parks [20]
-Nova Scotia Backcountry trips [1 park; hiking, kayaking and 2 roofed facilities]
-Washington State Parks [58ish]
I do not think Camis can train me on anything else for the summer. I started working on April 30th and I am only now officially completing training. Wow!
Now, for your reading enjoyment, I could go into all the different policies for all the different parks and types of accommodations (ie. campsite, backcountry, yurts, cabins, cottages, group facilities and marina slips), but that would take a lot of your time, considering I can count at least 15 different scriptings I use (and I know I'm forgetting a few). Fun, eh?
One thing I will mention is this. If you are planning on going camping and you do not know exactly what date, park and site you would like, check the websites first or call the information line (for camping in Ontario, it is 1-800-ONTARIO). Then call me and I promise I will be very friendly and polite!
One last thing. I do enjoy my job. I enjoy talking to different people and I enjoy my co-workers.
And to put a smile on the faces of my co-workers...
"Unfortunately Sandbanks is full for the entire summer. [...] Yes, completely booked!"
As of tomorrow, I will be trained to receive calls for:
-Ontario Provincial Parks [76]
-Ontario Backcountry trips [9]
-Conservation Areas (for regions of: Thames, Grand River and Toronto) [13]
-Haliburton Highlands Water Trails
-Nova Scotia Provincial Parks [20]
-Nova Scotia Backcountry trips [1 park; hiking, kayaking and 2 roofed facilities]
-Washington State Parks [58ish]
I do not think Camis can train me on anything else for the summer. I started working on April 30th and I am only now officially completing training. Wow!
Now, for your reading enjoyment, I could go into all the different policies for all the different parks and types of accommodations (ie. campsite, backcountry, yurts, cabins, cottages, group facilities and marina slips), but that would take a lot of your time, considering I can count at least 15 different scriptings I use (and I know I'm forgetting a few). Fun, eh?
One thing I will mention is this. If you are planning on going camping and you do not know exactly what date, park and site you would like, check the websites first or call the information line (for camping in Ontario, it is 1-800-ONTARIO). Then call me and I promise I will be very friendly and polite!
One last thing. I do enjoy my job. I enjoy talking to different people and I enjoy my co-workers.
And to put a smile on the faces of my co-workers...
"Unfortunately Sandbanks is full for the entire summer. [...] Yes, completely booked!"
Thursday, June 07, 2007
I've Decided...
I've made the decision. I'm going to purchase a Macbook.
Thanks to those who gave me good advice!
They're coming out with a new operating system in October, so I may wait. But I'm definitely excited about this! AND, I've picked up 4 extra shifts and a few hours on top of that this month to put towards it! Woot woot!
Thanks to those who gave me good advice!
They're coming out with a new operating system in October, so I may wait. But I'm definitely excited about this! AND, I've picked up 4 extra shifts and a few hours on top of that this month to put towards it! Woot woot!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Poverty
I received an email today from the President of Campus Crusade for Christ Canada. What he shared in the email really gripped my heart. Here it is:
Wow. That means approximately 78 000 holocaust survivors are living in poverty. These individuals lived through one of the most horrific ordeals of all time and as if that was not enough pain to go through, life is still difficult because many of them lack many things I have that I take for granted. I've been sitting here thinking about that for a few minutes and I really have no words to express how I feel about it.
Campus Crusade for Christ in Canada wants to offer support to people by providing for their physical needs. If you are interested in being a part of that, you can go to the giving website.
Here is what they are doing:
"Campus Crusade's partner agencies will send 28 containers of humanitarian aid to Israel in the next 12 months - 2 of these containers have just been shipped out and more are getting ready to go. The containers are filled with food, clothing, school supplies, medicines and essential medical supplies. The contents will be distributed by 30 Evangelical Jewish Christian Congregations throughout Israel to refugees and holocaust victims who are devastated by these desperate conditions of poverty."
I'm reminded to count my blessings.
I'm also reminded to pray.
30% of the 260,000 men, women and children who survived the holocaust are now living in poverty.
Wow. That means approximately 78 000 holocaust survivors are living in poverty. These individuals lived through one of the most horrific ordeals of all time and as if that was not enough pain to go through, life is still difficult because many of them lack many things I have that I take for granted. I've been sitting here thinking about that for a few minutes and I really have no words to express how I feel about it.
Campus Crusade for Christ in Canada wants to offer support to people by providing for their physical needs. If you are interested in being a part of that, you can go to the giving website.
Here is what they are doing:
"Campus Crusade's partner agencies will send 28 containers of humanitarian aid to Israel in the next 12 months - 2 of these containers have just been shipped out and more are getting ready to go. The containers are filled with food, clothing, school supplies, medicines and essential medical supplies. The contents will be distributed by 30 Evangelical Jewish Christian Congregations throughout Israel to refugees and holocaust victims who are devastated by these desperate conditions of poverty."
I'm reminded to count my blessings.
I'm also reminded to pray.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Thinking
I have been reflecting on the sermon I heard yesterday. Andre spoke about the fear of God. Last summer during my own personal reflection time, I spent a little while learning about God's character. I hadn't ever really put much deep thought into it before last summer and I was glad to dive into it, especially learning about what it means to fear God. When I think of my own fears that I struggle with, there is a great amount of negativity that surrounds such ideas. But when I dove into fearing God, I learned that I need not be afraid that God will strike me down with a lightning bolt, nor should I be fearful He'll send His wrath out when I mess up. Rather, I learned that it is standing in awe, in reverence of Him and His amazing creations and loving Him with all that is within me. It is a deep respect; a desire to do my best to honour Him. I have people in my life that I have grown to love so deeply and I respect and admire them so much that I do not want to mess up to disappoint them. It is a fear not of my loved ones personally; it is a fear of displeasing them. And I think it is the same for God. I don't think He wants me to be afraid of Him, but I do think He desires me to love Him so much that I will use that passion and that love to avoid sinning to the best of my abilities. He knows that sinning is inevitable for me, but through Christ, He has extended grace to me to forgive me.
How often do I marvel at His creations? I remember standing out on a Lake Ontario boardwalk earlier this month with Heather and looking out at the water that beautiful day. How could I stand there and not believe? But what about the "little things"? How often do I stand in awe? Not nearly enough. No, not enough at all. I think deep down my heart is telling me I need to start acting and expressing my awe, my fear of God more.
Hmmm, yeah.
Below are some of my notes from last summer.
How often do I marvel at His creations? I remember standing out on a Lake Ontario boardwalk earlier this month with Heather and looking out at the water that beautiful day. How could I stand there and not believe? But what about the "little things"? How often do I stand in awe? Not nearly enough. No, not enough at all. I think deep down my heart is telling me I need to start acting and expressing my awe, my fear of God more.
Hmmm, yeah.
Below are some of my notes from last summer.
Seeking Out God’s Character
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.”
- God is faithful.
- God is always trustworthy.
- God is timeless.
Joel 2:13
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.”
- God is gracious.
- God is compassionate.
- God is loving.
- God is patient.
- God is powerful.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
- God is loving.
- God is merciful.
1 John 4:8
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
- God is love.
“…fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, so that you may enjoy long life.”
- We are to fear God so that we may enjoy life, which means, we are to respect Him and obey what He tells us to do.
“Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.”
- We are to serve God and only God.
“Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
- We have to learn the fear of the Lord. It is important to seek God out and learn of his character and learn how holy he is.
Romans 8:15
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of Sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
- The “fear of the Lord” does not mean to be scared of God. Rather, God gives us a freedom through being a child of His, through Jesus.
1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.”
- God is love (1 John 4:8), so fear in the sense of being afraid is not of God.
Perhaps a definition of “fear the Lord” means that we are to be aware of the presence of God and His power in our lives, reminding us to obey and stand in awe of Him. We should also remember we are called to honour and respect Him and to try to possess His characteristics.
Matthew 27:50-51
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.... “
1 John 1:8-9
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. “
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