Simple-term Gospel

I recently came across the following through my devotions. The original content is from the She Reads Truth website and you can read it directly from them right here. I was touched at simplicity of the love story between the Good Shepherd and us lowly, foolish sheep.

"The following is an excerpt from “The Jesus Storybook Bible”, by Sally Lloyd-Jones. She uses prophecies from Isaiah 9, 11, 40, 50, 53, 55, and 60 to compose a beautifully-written message of hope from God to us, his people through the prophet Isaiah:

Dear Little Flock,
You’re all wandering away from me, like sheep in an open field. You have always been running away from me. And now you’re lost. You can’t find your way back.

But I can’t stop loving you. I will come to find you. So I am sending you a Shepherd to look after you and love you. To carry you home to me.

You’ve been stumbling around, like people in a dark room. But into the darkness, a bright Light will shine! It will chase away all the shadows, like sunshine.

A little baby will be born. A Royal Son. His mother will be a young girl who doesn’t have a husband. His name will be Emmanuel, which means “God has come to live with us.” He is one of King David’s children’s children’s children.

The Prince of Peace.

Yes, Someone is going to come and rescue you! But he won’t be who anyone expects.

He will be a King! But he won’t live in a palace. And he won’t have lots of money. He will be poor. And he will be a Servant. But this King will heal the whole world.

He will be a Hero! He will fight for his people, and rescue them from their enemies. But he won’t have big armies, and he won’t fight with swords.

He will make the blind see, he will make the lame leap like a deer!

He will make everything the way it was always meant to be.

But people will hate him, and they won’t listen to him. He will be like a Lamb – he will suffer and die.

It’s the Secret Rescue Plan we made – from before the beginning of the world!

It’s the only way to get you back.

But he won’t stay dead – I will make him alive again!

And, one day, when he comes back to rule forever, the mountains and trees will dance and sing for joy! The earth will shout out loud! His fame will fill the whole earth – as the waters cover the sea! Everything sad will come untrue. Even death is going to die! And he will wipe away every tear from every eye.

Yes, the Rescuer will come. Look for him. Watch for him. Wait for him. He will come!

I promise.

Love, God."


What a reminder of the amazement and wonder surrounding our Love story. A King came to save a foolish, lost, and wandering people. His sacrifice redeemed the lost and healed broken hearts. And praise His name, the King is coming again to rapture His bride away.

Merry Christmas.

From Confusion to Celebration- all in one post!

I am confused.
Surprised? I think not. Here are a few reasons why:

•Finals begin this week- a big enough stress factor in itself, considering I haven't yet commenced studying for everything yet.
•Work has become surprisingly unfulfilling and disappointing. Not that I am necessarily sad about this- but more elaboration on this topic at a later date.
•Volunteering- both at the Community Center and in the four year old Sunday school class- has been rewarding, if not without some sacrifice. It has been an encouragement to see how much of a blessing I receive when I have the attitude desiring to be a blessing to others.
•I am coming to the realization of how important friendships are in my life; as well as how much this area has been forgotten and ignored during this last year.

"What is there to be confused about?" you may ask. Let me tell you a little secret: combining any of the two above topics results in some level of stress and confusion for this poor college student. Working full time, taking a full-time load of college classes, taking time out to volunteer, and keeping a few hours open to dedicate to growing friendships closer to Christ has resulted in a roller-coaster ride of emotions this last week.

But God is on His throne, His perfect plan is being put in place, and His Word serves as a comfort to my heart. I over think too much, worry too often, and fear the foolish things too regularly. But my life is a work in progress, being carefully crafted by my Creator, being molded into His image and likeness.

I am so utterly grateful that I am not left to struggle through this life on my own, hopeless, depressed, and lost. This spurs me both take comfort in the refuge of my Savior and to be challenged to share this love and peace with unbelievers.

Christmas is such an amazing time for the celebration and exultation of the coming of our Light of the world. Christmas is such a perfect opportunity to share such celebrations of hope and peace with those who have yet to come to the knowledge of His majesty.

Hallelujah. King Jesus reigns.

Silent Night

I have been blessed as a college student to not have too many late nights of class work or cramming. But tonight, I made the decision to stay up past midnight to work on a lengthy English paper.

In the quietness of my room with the soft glow of my two small Christmas trees, I contemplate how blessed I am. Silent Night softly plays through my headphones as I pause my typing fingers.

Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright.

The lyrics catch my attention, for the truth in my current situation rings out. Rarely is my mind in such a place that I can lean back and rest in the quietness of the evening, the midnight hour. An unusual calm has settled about me, the soft glow of my trees add to the mood. Then I realized: not only is the softness of my room quite and calm, but by the grace of God through my Savior I can proclaim my soul as calm, declare my future as bright.

Christmas is just a few weeks away. Too often in the rush of daylight do I regret the quickness with which time passes, the constant rush that life seems to keep pace with. I often forget that I have the power of Christ within my humble frame. Never should I feel the need to race on to the next thing. Seeking rest in my Savior and resting in the promises of my King can make the busyness of the morning as silent and calm as the peaceful night.

What a blessing. Peace in the midst of struggle. Rest in the midst of busyness. Silence in the midst of chaos. Jesus in the midst of it all.

Thank You, Father, for this reminder.

Final grades of first college semester:

Principles of Management- A
Economics- A
English- A
Critical Thinking- A
Algebra- B


Several of these would be "A+", but alas, Ivy doesn't grade with "+" :(. Overall, I have been blessed with the grace to receive these grades (especially in Algebra, when I almost dropped out of the class!).

Christmas is in 5 days. May I remember to place my focus on the meaning of Christmas- the Creator of the universe came to be born a lowly birth, born to eventually die for the sins of the world. He came unto His own, but His own received Him not (John 1:11). "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:4-6). What a Savior!
Merry Christmas!

Christmas Decorations~ in Home and Heart

A few weeks ago I decorated my place for Christmas. Without buying a single new item, I redid every flat surface in Christmas cheeriness~ which wasn't that hard, considering the extensive collection I have already amassed XD. Here are some Instagramed Pictures of my labor:

But, preparing my room for Christmas was not the only thing that needed prepared. The last few weeks have been a crazy roller coaster ride for my heart and mind. This week I was able to spend extra time searching the Scriptures and praying for wisdom and direction. With my working in retail (and being responsible for a team of not-so-motivated group of people. . .), I can already catch myself focusing on just the retail side of the season. I so easily forget the true reason of Christmas: God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to be the propitiation for my sin, that I may confess my sins and be counted righteous through Christ's covering of me (John 3:16, 1 John 4:10, Romans 3:25, 1 John 1:9, 1 Peter 2:24). Christ came with the purpose of living to die, counting the cross as joy, knowing that only through the shedding of His perfect blood would I ever be able to draw near to Him (Hebrews 12:2, Romans 5:9, Ephesians 2:13, Colossians 1:14). May I seek to honor Him in all I do and say this season and always: "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1Corinthians 6:20), "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men." (1 Corinthians 7:23).

Merry {early} Christmas!!

Costume Parties, Changes, November- Oh my!

I had a pretty amazingly fun weekend. I went to dinner/costume shopping with a friend, then enjoyed a hoot of a time at PBF with the college crew. Most everyone dressed up in costumes (sadly, I did not get pictures), and afterwards, we all went bowling. It was a hilariously good time.
I worked Saturday, and was able to be more of the Team Leader that I am supposed to be (working with an amazing team of people!).
Sunday service was good as always, Women of Character class was insightful, and fellowship was nice. I had lunch with my friend followed by attending an antique show. It was his "introduction" to antiquing, but he seemed to not mind it too much. I had fun walking through with him, seeing things through his first-timer eyes. We stopped and asked the antiquers questions about their trade and goods, gaining valuable information. We walked and talked around the mall afterwards, then headed to another costume party. This one was fun too :). I was able to spend some time chatting with a senior gal who had also been homeschooled (she was such a good example of a godly young woman, and was wonderful in conversation!). We played a few mixer-type games (myself failing, but having fun :), then headed home.

Unfortunately, you can't view my awesome boots, but it is a pretty good shot of my pirate gettup :)

I am going through some life changes right now, trying to balance everything, but continually dropping something by mistake. It seems like I cannot learn to simply rely on God~ I suppose it is a lifelong lesson. Prayers for wisdom would be appreciated!!!

One last note: tomorrow starts November. GAH!!!! That means that Black Friday is a few short weeks away. And I work in retail. It also means that Christmas is next month (and a day, but what's the difference?). Dear Lord, I plead for patience and peace for the next few weeks!

Hopefully I shall update with more verses soon!!! Thank you for checking in : )