tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20259236482913723992024-02-06T23:39:58.250-06:00Writing with LightEmily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-31712275731465409542016-02-01T07:30:00.000-06:002016-02-01T07:30:11.653-06:001 John 1:9-10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. <br />
I John 1:9-10</div>
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<i>Monday Memorization: Week 5</i><br />
<a href="http://emilygrace-blog.blogspot.com/2016/01/new-year-new-mind.html"><i>The Year of Renewal (read this post to learn more)</i></a>Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-62842464570747622752016-01-31T07:30:00.000-06:002016-01-31T07:30:21.541-06:00He Leads Me<center>
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For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.<br />
Matthew 7:14</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">All the Way My Savior Leads Me </span></i></div>
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Fanny Crosby </div>
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All the way my Savior leads me,<br />
What have I to ask beside?<br />
Can I doubt His tender mercy,<br />
Who through life has been my Guide?<br />
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,<br />
Here by faith in Him to dwell!<br />
For I know, whate’er befall me,<br />
Jesus doeth all things well;<br />
For I know, whate’er befall me,<br />
Jesus doeth all things well.</div>
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All the way my Savior leads me,<br />
Cheers each winding path I tread,<br />
Gives me grace for every trial,<br />
Feeds me with the living Bread.<br />
Though my weary steps may falter<br />
And my soul athirst may be,<br />
Gushing from the Rock before me,<br />
Lo! A spring of joy I see;<br />
Gushing from the Rock before me,<br />
Lo! A spring of joy I see.</div>
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All the way my Savior leads me,<br />
Oh, the fullness of His love!<br />
Perfect rest to me is promised<br />
In my Father’s house above.<br />
When my spirit, clothed immortal,<br />
Wings its flight to realms of day<br />
This my song through endless ages:<br />
Jesus led me all the way;<br />
This my song through endless ages:<br />
Jesus led me all the way.</div>
Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-52339842806871493952016-01-25T07:30:00.000-06:002016-01-25T07:30:06.277-06:00I John 1:7-8<center>
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But 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 cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.<br />
I John 1:7-8</div>
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<i>Monday Memorization: Week 4</i><br />
<a href="http://emilygrace-blog.blogspot.com/2016/01/new-year-new-mind.html"><i>The Year of Renewal (read this post to learn more)</i></a>Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-46009025672610968702016-01-24T07:30:00.000-06:002016-01-24T07:30:00.219-06:00He Watches Me<center>
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Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:7-10
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">His Eye is on the Sparrow</span></i><br />
Civilla D. Martin<br /><br />
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,<br />
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,<br />
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:<br />
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;<br />
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.<br />
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<i>I sing because I’m happy,<br />
I sing because I’m free,<br />
For His eye is on the sparrow,<br />
And I know He watches me.</i><br />
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“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,<br />
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;<br />
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;<br />
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;<br />
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.<br />
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Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,<br />
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,<br />
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;<br />
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;<br />
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.</center>
Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-16638512552114135002016-01-21T16:10:00.000-06:002016-01-21T16:10:16.094-06:00Right Here - A Thankful Thursday <center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The tree is down, the hearth swept clean, the twinkle of lights removed, and suddenly it seems like the magic of Christmas is boxed up in the garage. The new semester is off with a running start leaving<i> silent night</i> just a distant memory. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yet the greatest part of Christmas lingers still. <i><a href="http://emilygrace-blog.blogspot.com/2015/12/we-wait.html" target="_blank">Immanuel is here</a>. </i>His purpose is here.<i> Yes, even here among the many lists to memorize, textbooks to read, and essays to write; even in the hallway conversations, late night study sessions, and early alarms--<b>God is with us</b>. </i> </span></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a>As much as I would like Christmas break to last forever, it is over far too quickly. <i>"But long before they had finished enjoying themselves Mr. Beaver said," Time to be moving on now."<i> </i></i></div>
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So here I am moving on to what is real, right here and now, without losing the magic or meaning of Christmas -- because spring is on the way and He is at work! For right here in the everyday moments, He is here.<br />
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(You must forgive my many references to the works of C. S Lewis, I'm taking a literature class on his works this semester and it is already my favorite class. ever. There will be more before the semester is over....)<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">The Work of Christmas </span></i><br />
by Howard Thurman</div>
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When the star in the sky is gone, </div>
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When the Kings and Princes are home, <br />
When the shepherds are back with their flocks, <br />
The work of Christmas begins. <br />
To find the lost, <br />
To heal the broken, <br />
To feed the hungry <br />
To release the prisoner, <br />
To teach the nations,<br />
To bring Christ to all, <br />
To make music in the heart. </div>
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1759: still dark morning commutes with my Daddy<br />
1760: family work projects... And her 'blue cape'<br />
1761: thunderstorms during class... "Every time I hear the thunder I wonder if I just said something heretical and Good if going to strike me..." - my biblical studies prof<br />
1762: lunch discussions with classmates about what we're learning<br />
1763: a new job for the semester and sitting down at that desk after classes knowing that for two hours I don't have to think about Greek vocab or exams or papers...<br />
1764: English tea (with sugar and cream, of course!), ham sandwiches, and Turkish Delight in class as we study the classic wardrobe adventure by C.S.Lewis.... My professor is the best not because he brings us food but because he makes the story come alive!<br />
1765: grace time... When professors cancel assignments... Truly there is enough grace for every moment even on the most hectic of daysEmily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-10752801533885396592016-01-18T07:30:00.000-06:002016-01-18T07:30:04.635-06:00I John 1:5-6<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://emilygrace.smugmug.com/photos/i-t7rML6N/0/L/i-t7rML6N-L.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">poor quality cell phone picture...but the sunrise was blazing beauty</td></tr>
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This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.<br />
I John 1:5-6</div>
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<br />
<i>Monday Memorization: Week 3</i><br />
<a href="http://emilygrace-blog.blogspot.com/2016/01/new-year-new-mind.html"><i>The Year of Renewal (read this post to learn more)</i></a>Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-31957898082432950452016-01-17T07:30:00.000-06:002016-01-17T07:30:20.156-06:00Higher Ground<div class="scripture">
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:12-14</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Higher Ground</span></i><br />
Johnson Oatman Jr.<br /><br />
I’m pressing on the upward way,<br />
New heights I’m gaining every day;<br />
Still praying as I’m onward bound,<br />
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”<br />
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<i>Lord, lift me up and let me stand,<br />
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,<br />
A higher plane than I have found;<br />
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.</i><br />
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My heart has no desire to stay<br />
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;<br />
Though some may dwell where those abound,<br />
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.<br />
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I want to live above the world,<br />
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;<br />
For faith has caught the joyful sound,<br />
The song of saints on higher ground.<br />
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I want to scale the utmost height<br />
And catch a gleam of glory bright;<br />
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,<br />
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”</center>
<br />Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-70210934632388192372016-01-11T07:30:00.000-06:002016-01-11T07:30:02.244-06:001 John 1:3-4<center>
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that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.<br />
I John 1:3-4</div>
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<i>Monday Memorization: Week 2</i><br />
<a href="http://emilygrace-blog.blogspot.com/2016/01/new-year-new-mind.html"><i>The Year of Renewal (read this post to learn more)</i></a>Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-89325460958212227112016-01-04T12:13:00.000-06:002016-01-08T10:48:58.024-06:00I John 1:1-2<center>
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That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—<br />
1 John 1:1-2 </div>
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- The <b>beginning</b> of a new year, memorizing <i>that which was from the beginning</i>.<br />
- The Word gives<i> </i><b>life</b>, and we can know Him. <i>Heard. Seen. Touched. </i><b>Known</b>. <br />
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<i>Monday Memorization: Week 1</i><br />
<a href="http://emilygrace-blog.blogspot.com/2016/01/new-year-new-mind.html"><i>The Year of Renewal (read this post to learn more)</i></a>Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-82623219202040991912016-01-03T07:30:00.000-06:002016-01-04T12:18:49.023-06:00Standing on the Promises<center><img src="http://emilygrace.smugmug.com/photos/i-JktgSGg/0/L/i-JktgSGg-L.jpg" width="800" /><br /> <br />
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His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, <b><span style="font-size: large;">by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises</span></b>, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
II Peter 1:3-10</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Standing on the Promises</span></i></center>
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Russell Carter<b> </b></center>
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<b> </b><br />
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,<br />
Thro' eternal ages let His praises ring;<br />
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,<br />
Standing on the promises of God.<br />
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<i>Standing, standing, </i><br />
<i>Standing on the promises of God my Savior; </i><br />
<i>Standing, standing,</i><br />
<i>I'm standing on the promises of God.</i><br />
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Standing on the promises that cannot fail,<br />
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,<br />
By the living word of God I shall prevail,<br />
Standing on the promises of God.<br />
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Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,<br />
Bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,<br />
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,<br />
Standing on the promises of God.<br />
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Standing on the promises I cannot fall,<br />
List'ning ev'ry moment to the Spirit's call,<br />
Resting in my Savior, as my all in all,<br />
Standing on the promises of God.</center>
Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-87280169012543644612016-01-02T08:48:00.000-06:002016-01-02T08:48:04.945-06:00New Year: New Mind<center>
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<i>If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. <span style="font-size: large;">Put to death</span> therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that <span style="font-size: large;">you have <b>put off</b> the old self with its practices and have <b>put on</b> the new self, which is being <b>renewed </b>in knowledge after the image of its creator.</span> Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. <span style="font-size: large;">Put on</span> then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - </i>Colossians 3:1-17</div>
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<b>Sanctification: Put off. <i>Renew</i>. Put on.</b><br />
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I often overlook one of the most crucial aspects of sanctification--even though I know what it is. How easy it is to focus on externals and forget that it is the <i>renewing of the mind </i>and <i>learning to re-think</i> that changes my actions more than simply behavior modification. </div>
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We cannot effectively pursue holiness without the Word of God stored up in our minds where it can be used by the Holy Spirit to transform us. - Jerry Bridges, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Grace-Gods-Pursuit-Holiness/dp/1576839893/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451434604&sr=8-1&keywords=the+discipline+of+grace+jerry+bridges" target="_blank"><i>The Discipline of Grace</i></a>, 180</blockquote>
If anything is to be changed in my life, I must start to think in a new way. The only way to truly get rid of the old man is to replace it with something new, by speaking truth in my heart instead of the lies of the world. (Psalm 15:2) For if I don't want to sin against my holy Father, I must hide His Word in my heart. (Psalm 119:11)<br />
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"Don't believe everything you think. You cannot be trusted to tell yourself the truth. Stay in The Word." - Jerry Bridges, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Great-Exchange-Sin-His-Righteousness/dp/1581349270/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451433581&sr=1-1&keywords=the+great+exchange+jerry+bridges" target="_blank"><i>The Great Exchange </i></a></blockquote>
I know all this, so now is time to put it into action. My plan this year is to memorize all of <b>I John--just two verses a week! </b>You can expect weekly <i>Monday Memorization </i>posts with the truth of what I've hidden in my heart. <br />
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<i>If you need encouragement to memorize Truth this new year, check out these two links that I've found helpful:</i><br />
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<a href="http://shilohphotography.com/2015/12/29/new-years-resolution-who-wants-to-join-me/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://shilohphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/SP-Challenge-768x768.jpg" width="300" /></a></center>
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<-- Need some inspiration? Sign up for Rachel's 2016 Scripture
Memorization Resolution and receive weekly emails with words of
encouragement and helpful tips. Go<a href="http://shilohphotography.com/2015/12/29/new-years-resolution-who-wants-to-join-me/" target="_blank"> read her post</a> and then <a href="http://shilohphotography.com/2016-bible-memorization-sign-up/" target="_blank">sign up</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://scripturetyper.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Scripture Typer Bible Memory Verses"><img alt="Scripture Typer Bible Memory Verses" src="http://scripturetyper.com/OrgPages/ScriptureTyper/Images/ST_link_big.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<-- A great way to memorize if you're a kinesthetic or read/write learner! I first started to use ScriptureTyper when I did Ann Voskamp's Romans memorization challenge two years ago. I'm on the computer a lot for school and it is a good study break to go type my verses for the week. <br />
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<br />Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-91251418641049770182015-12-31T15:23:00.002-06:002015-12-31T15:23:36.978-06:00Favorite Reads of 2015<center>
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Reading is one of my favorite pastimes, although I don't get to read as much as I used to. Most of this year's reads are from classes or happened to be lying around the house when I was on break. Without further ado, my six favorite reads of 2015, in the order I read them:<br />
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<a name='more'></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-My-God-Herman-Wouk/dp/0316955140/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451439821&sr=8-1&keywords=this+is+my+god+by+herman+wouk" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: large;">This is My God</span></i></a> by Herman Wouk<br />
I read this book as part of my <i>Religions of the World</i> class this past spring.Written by a Jewish man, it is an interesting perspective on the Jewish culture. I appreciated it because it gave insight on how <i>holy</i> our God is, something I think often forgotten in our modern day western Christian culture. Read it to have a better understanding of orthodox Jewish culture and traditions in the modern world. <br />
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God cannot be much of an Almighty, it has long since been observed, if anything we say in prayer is new to him, or useful, or capable of having an effect. If God exists, he is omniscient. .... a man wants to praise God for the marvels of life, and to ask to be spared its terrors if possible, and to give thanks for what he has in hand, in health, family, and work. He wants to, that is, if a sense will not leave him that God is there. In Judaism praying for benefits is a very small part of the liturgy. Most of its commitment of one's fortunes to God, and meditation on sacred writings which put in clear words the few great points of our religion. Its daily aim is a renewal of religious energy through an act which declares one's Jewish identity and one's hope in the Lord. <br />
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Perhaps for saints and for truly holy men fully conscious prayer is really an everyday thing. They live, in that case, in clarity that plain people do not know. For the ordinary worshipper, the rewards of a lifetime of faithful praying come at unpredictable times, scattered through the years, when all at once the liturgy glows as with fire. Such an hour may come after a death, or after a birth; it may strike after a miraculous deliverance, or on the brink of evident doom; it may flood the soul at no marked time, for no marked reason. It comes, and he knows why he has prayed all his life. </blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Screwtape-Letters-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652934/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451439882&sr=8-1&keywords=the+screwtape+letters" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Screwtape Letters</i></span></a> by C. S. Lewis<br />
A quick spring-break read and C. S. Lewis is always a favorite. More than just an entertaining read(which it is, being full of wit and humor!), it gives insight to the inner workings of the human heart and the common temptations given to humankind. If you read it, be prepared to laugh and yet also be convicted of the temptations found in your own heart. <br />
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My dear Wormwood, I note with grave displeasure that your patient has become a Christian. Do not indulge the hope that you will escape the usual penalties; indeed, in your better moments, I trust you would hardly even wish to do so. In the meantime we must make the best of the situation. There is no need to despair; hundreds of these adult converts have been reclaimed after a brief sojourn in the Enemy's camp and are now with us.<b> All the <i>habits </i>of the patient, both mental and bodily, are still in our favour. </b><br />
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Work hard then, on the disappointment or anti-climax which is certainly coming to the patient during his first few weeks as a churchman. The Enemy allows this disappointment to occur on the threshold of every human endeavour. ... In every department of life it marks the transition from dreaming aspiration to laborious doing. The Enemy takes this risk because because He has these disgusting little human vermin into what He calls His "free" lovers and servant--"sons" is the word He uses, with His inveterate love of degrading the whole spiritual world by unnatural liaisons with the two-legged animals. Desiring their freedom, He therefore refuses to carry them, by their mere affections and habits, to any of the goals which He sets before them: He leaves them to "do it on their own." And there lies our opportunity. But also, remember, there lies our danger. If once they get through this initial dryness successfully, they become <b>much less dependent on emotion and therefore much harder to tempt. </b></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seeking-Allah-Finding-Jesus-Christianity/dp/0310515025/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451439850&sr=8-1&keywords=seeking+allah+finding+jesus" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity</i></span></a> by Nabeel Qureshi<br />
My sister recommended this one and let me read her copy she brought home for the summer. It was a great read especially after just finishing a course on world religions. A captivating and honest read about the internal struggles of a devout American Muslim who tried to share his beliefs with a Christian friend and how he found Jesus to be the Christ. Very respectful and insightful to both Muslim and Christian beliefs and traditions--Highly recommended! <br />
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“But how is it conceivable that Allah, the highest being of all, would
enter into this world? This world is filthy and sinful, no place for the
One who deserves all glory and all praise. And how could I even begin
to suggest that God, the magnificent and splendid Creator, would enter
into this world through the birth canal of a girl? Audhu billah, that’s
disgusting! To have to eat, to grow fatigued, and to sweat and spill
blood, and to be finally nailed to a cross. I cannot believe this. God
deserves infinitely more. His majesty is far greater than this. <b>“But
what if His majesty is not as important to Him as His children are?” </b><br />
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“Glorified is my Lord . . . Who is my Lord? Who are You, Lord? Are You
Allah, the God of my father and forefathers? Are You the God I have
always worshiped? The God my family has always worshiped? Surely You are
the one who sent Muhammad 1 as the final messenger for mankind and the
Quran as our guide? You are Allah, the God of Islam, aren’t You? Or are
You . . .” I hesitated, fighting the blasphemy I was about to propose.
But what if the blasphemy was the truth? <b>“Or are You Jesus?”</b>
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<i><br />(I have a cute photobomber...notice the cheese-it!)</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Change-Lives-Seven-Proven/dp/1590521382/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451440134&sr=8-1&keywords=teaching+to+change+lives" target="_blank">Teaching to Change Lives: Seven Proven Ways to Make Your Teaching Come Alive</a> </i></span>by Dr. Howard Hendricks<br />
This was part of a class I took this past fall on the <i>Ministry of Teaching</i> and was very insightful both as a student and a teacher. Down to earth and practical, Hendricks presents seven laws forming the acrostic:<br />
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T - The Law of the Teacher: Stop growing today, and you stop teaching tomorrow.<br />
E - The Law of Education: How people learn determines how you teach.<br />
A - The Law of Activity: Maximum learning is always the result of maximum involvement.<br />
C - The Law of Communication: To truly impart information requires the building of bridges.<br />
E - The Law of Encouragement: Teaching tends to be most effective when the learner is properly motivated.<br />
R - The Law of Readiness: The teaching-learning process will be most effective when both student and teacher are adequately prepared. <br />
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These "laws" are principles--basic principles woven forever into the fabric of effective teaching. Whatever age group you teach, or whatever subject, or whatever cultural setting you're involved in, your understanding and application of these laws can help you make a permanent difference in the lives of others. But keep in mind that these really are only principles. <b>When it comes to carrying out his purposes, God doesn't use principles; he uses people.</b><br />
Your success in your calling as an effective teacher depends not on your knowledge of these laws, but on you as a person, and most strategically on your openness to God's power in your life. The key is not what you do for God but what you allow him to do through you. God wants to use you as his catalyst--and as you let him transform and renew your thinking, you'll be ready for his use. Are you, therefore, willing to permit God to change you so you can truly impact others? That willingness--that commitment--could well be the biggest step forward in your success in teaching.</blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Woman-Stories-Fantasy-George-MacDonald/dp/0802818609/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451440198&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wise+woman+and+other+stories" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Wise Woman and Other Stories</span></i></a> by George MacDonald<br />
I picked this one up before the rush of Christmas break began. I remember picking up a book by MacDonald when I was younger after reading C. S. Lewis' Narnia, but didn't appreciate his writings then <i>(perhaps I didn't catch on to the allegory?), </i>but I do now! The reader is privileged with insight that the main characters don't have (except for the Wise Woman herself), and therefore have the privilege to see the characters' true character traits and flaws. Read it with the anticipation for grand imagery and great character insight. <br />
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And, what is still more surprising, the shepherd and shepherdess and the dairymaids and the laborers were not a bit wiser than the king and the queen and the dukes and the marquises and the earls; for they too, one and all, so constantly taught the little woman that she was Somebody, that<b> she also forgot that there were a great many more Somebodies besides herself in the world. </b><br />
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Still, the change was mostly an outside one. I do not mean that she was pretending. Indeed she had never been given to pretense of any sort. <b>But the change was not in <i>her</i>, but only in her mood</b>. A second change of circumstances would have soon brought a second change of behavior; and, so long as that was possible, <b>she continued the same sort of person she had always been</b>. But if she had not gained much, a trifle had been gained for her: a little quietness and order of mind, and hence a somewhat greater possibility of the first idea of right arising in it, <b>whereupon she would begin to see what a wretched creature she was</b>, and must continue until she herself was right.</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span> <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Grace-Gods-Pursuit-Holiness/dp/1576839893/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451440233&sr=8-1&keywords=the+discipline+of+grace" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Discipline of Grace: God's Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness</i></span></a> by Jerry Bridges<br />
<i>(This one is kind of cheating because I haven't finished it yet, but it is my overall favorite read of the year so I'm putting it in anyways.)</i> Jerry Bridges is a favorite author of mine, and this book doesn't disappoint. I was given this book as a gift at the beginning of the fall semester and I've read it slowly over the semester. It isn't a book you can fly through, if you want it to have full impact on your life--chew slowly. I don't remember reading a book that has met me where I am as much as this one. As always, Bridges writes with truth, simplicity, and honesty. All of his points are based on truth in Scripture, illustrated by his own life experiences, and backed up with references to the works of church writers such as John Owen. If you choose to pick up any of the books I reference in this post, make sure to include this one!<br />
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<b>Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the <i>reach </i>of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the <i>need </i>of God's grace. </b><br />
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<b>To preach the gospel to yourself, then, means that you continually face up to your own sinfulness and then flee to Jesus through faith in His shed blood and righteous life.</b> .... <b>This is a book about God's grace and the pursuit of holiness.</b> You can be sure of one thing, though: <b>When you set yourself to seriously pursue holiness, you will begin to realize what an awful sinner you are.</b> And if you are not firmly rooted in the gospel and have not learned to preach it to yourself every day, you will soon become discouraged and will slack off in your pursuit of holiness.</blockquote>
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<i>If you're interested in keeping up with what I'm reading this next year, find <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/emilygracerose" target="_blank">me on goodreads</a>:</i><br />
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Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-60966131052228634892015-12-23T21:30:00.001-06:002015-12-23T21:30:24.130-06:00We wait...<center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Texas sky deepens to purple dusk and we wait.</span></div>
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We wait for freshly mopped floors to dry, the UPS man to deliver last minute packages, guests to arrive, and cookies to finish baking.</div>
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We wait to hear results from the doctor, the prescription to be filled, and at at that forever long red light.</div>
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We wait for a reply from the job interview, the text message, and the phone call.</div>
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We wait for questions and for answers.</div>
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In all this waiting, it is <i>advent </i>-- so we wait for the coming of <b>Immanuel</b>....<br />
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Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, <br />
and shall call his name <b>Immanuel</b>. -- Isaiah 7:14<br />
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She will bear a son, and you shall call his name <b>Jesus</b>, <b>for he will save his people from their sins</b>." <br />
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name <b>Immanuel</b>" (which means, <b>God with us</b>). -- Matthew 1:21-23
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<span style="font-size: large;">Immanuel: God with us. </span><br />
God with us in the noise of cleaning and quiet expectation.<br />
God with us in our pain and unanswered why's. <br />
God with us.<br />
God with us, saving us from our sins.<br />
God with us, saving us from discontentment, laziness, sharp tongues, and unloving hearts.<br />
God with us, saving us from our not-honoring, our not-thanking, and our foolish hearts. (Romans 1:21)<br />
God with us, saving us from acting in fear, arguing with the why's, and disbelief. <br />
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The LORD spoke to me again: "Because this people has refused the waters of Shiloah that flow gently, and rejoice over Rezin and the son of Remaliah, therefore, behold, the Lord is bringing up against them the waters of the River, mighty and many, the king of Assyria and all his glory. And it will rise over all its channels and go over all its banks, and it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass on, reaching even to the neck, and its outspread wings will fill the breadth of your land,<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>O Immanuel</b></span>." Be broken, you peoples, and be shattered; give ear, all you far countries; strap on your armor and be shattered; strap on your armor and be shattered. Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, <span style="font-size: large;"><b>for God is with us</b></span>. For the LORD spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: "Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread.<b> But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.</b> And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken." Bind up the testimony; seal the teaching among my disciples. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>I will wait for the LORD</b></span>, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and<b> <span style="font-size: large;">I will hope in him</span>. -</b> Isaiah 8:5-17 </div>
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God is with us, and we wait with hope and eager expectation to celebrate His birth.<br />
We celebrate how He came down to dwell and tabernacle with us. Our celebration looks forward with the hope of His future coming.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Still, God is always with us.</b> </span>Here even now-<span style="font-size: small;">-<b><i>He is with us, saving us.</i></b></span><br />
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For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as <span style="font-size: large;"><b>we wait eagerly</b></span> for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For in this hope we were saved</b></span>.<br />
Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?<b> </b><br />
<b>But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience</b>.<br />
Romans 8:20-25
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And so we wait....with God with us....and in eager expectation of <i>advent</i>, the coming of the Lord!</b></span></div>
Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-81255987347771574472015-12-20T16:00:00.001-06:002015-12-23T22:05:01.803-06:00O come Emmanuel...<blockquote class="tr_bq">
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. - Isaiah 11:1</blockquote>
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O come, O come, Emmanuel,<br />
And ransom captive Israel,<br />
That mourns in lonely exile here<br />
Until the Son of God appear.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Rejoice! Rejoice!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.</i></span><br />
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O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,<br />
Who orderest all things mightily;<br />
To us the path of knowledge show,<br />
And teach us in her ways to go.<br />
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O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free<br />
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;<br />
From depths of hell Thy people save,<br />
And give them victory over the grave.<br />
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O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer<br />
Our spirits by Thine advent here;<br />
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,<br />
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.<br />
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O come, Thou Key of David, come,<br />
And open wide our heavenly home;<br />
Make safe the way that leads on high,<br />
And close the path to misery.<br />
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O come, O come, great Lord of might,<br />
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height<br />
In ancient times once gave the law<br />
In cloud and majesty and awe.<br />
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O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,<br />
An ensign of Thy people be;<br />
Before Thee rulers silent fall;<br />
All peoples on Thy mercy call.<br />
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O come, Desire of nations, bind<br />
In one the hearts of all mankind;<br />
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,<br />
And be Thyself our King of Peace.</center>
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<br />Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-12173199760872736802015-12-13T07:30:00.000-06:002015-12-13T14:25:04.971-06:00Melody of Love<blockquote class="tr_bq">
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. - I John 3:16</blockquote>
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<b>In My Heart there Rings a Melody </b><br />
I have a song that Jesus gave me<br />
It was sent from heaven above;<br />
There never was a sweeter melody<br />
'Tis a melody of love.<br />
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<i>In my heart there rings a melody<br />There rings a melody with heaven's harmony;<br />In my heart there rings a melody<br />There rings a melody of love!</i><br />
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I love the Christ who died on Calvary<br />
For He washed my sins away;<br />
He put within my heart a melody<br />
And I know it's there to stay.<br />
<br />
<div>
'Twill be my endless theme in glory<br />
With the angels I will sing;<br />
'Twill be a song with glorious harmony<br />
When the courts of heaven ring. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-59977005551650502772015-12-10T07:00:00.000-06:002015-12-10T14:16:42.752-06:00Remember...<center>
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<br />
<div style="padding-left: 100px; padding-right: 100px; text-align: center;">
<i>II Peter 1:3-15</i><br />
<i>His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your<b> <span style="font-size: large;">faith</span></b> with virtue, and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>virtue</b></span> with knowledge, and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>knowledge</b></span> with self-control, and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>self-control</b> </span>with steadfastness, and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>steadfastness</b> </span>with godliness, and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>godliness</b></span> with brotherly affection, and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>brotherly affection</b></span> with<b> <span style="font-size: large;">love</span></b>. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.</b> </span>I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.</i></div>
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<br />
Remember, remember, remember...<br />
How easily I forget the ways that God has shown his love and faithfulness in my life. How often I forget the things that I have learned. <br />
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And so I count on to document so that I will have reminders of His goodness...<br />
<br />
1704: living in the now<br />
1705: always grace upon grace when I don't expect or deserve it...but that is what grace is<br />
1706: driving into the sunlight<br />
1707: not being pulled over for speeding late for class (yep, it happens)<br />
1708: finals package from friends<br />
1709: last minute studying for finals with friends<br />
1710: being told you're the best class the professor has ever had (does he say that every year?)<br />
1711: my little space on campus<br />
1712: crisp sunshine after days of rain<br />
1713: hugs<br />
1714: all of us in mom's bed reading advent<br />
1715: my dad waking me up so I'm not late to class....<br />
1716: receiving a good presentation grade back<br />
<br />
...and all is grace...Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-46276732330515902792015-12-07T07:30:00.000-06:002015-12-07T07:30:03.285-06:00Focus<center>
<img src="https://emilygrace.smugmug.com/photos/i-XHdGpkf/0/L/i-XHdGpkf-L.jpg" /></center>
<br />
May I not loose my focus over finals this week but remember that there is a bigger picture beyond myself and my problems...and keep the end goal in sight!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-13255117778996912282015-12-06T07:30:00.000-06:002015-12-05T22:56:56.154-06:00My Hiding Place<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>You are my hiding pace</b>; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. Psalm 32:7</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://emilygrace.smugmug.com/photos/i-k26BCDh/0/L/i-k26BCDh-L.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.glimpseofourlife.com/2015/12/scripture-and-snapshot.html" target="_blank">(Scripture & a Snapshot)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</center>
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<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. II Corinthians 12:9-10</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Perhaps only when human effort had done it's best and failed, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
would God's power alone be free to work.” </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
―
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/102203.Corrie_ten_Boom" target="_blank">Corrie ten Boom</a>,
<span id="quote_book_link_175165">
<i>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/878114" target="_blank">The Hiding Place</a>
</i>
</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hiding Place</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://selahonline.com/music-and-lyrics/hiding-place?lyrics=49" target="_blank">Selah </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are my hiding place<br />
You always fill my heart<br />
With songs of deliverance<br />
Whenever I am afraid<br />
I will trust in You<br />
<br />
I will trust in You<br />
Let the weak say<br />
I am strong</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the strength of the Lord<br />
<br />
You are my hiding place<br />
You always fill my heart<br />
With songs of deliverance<br />
Whenever I am afraid<br />
I will trust in You<br />
<br />
I will trust in You<br />
Let the weak say <br />
I am strong<br />
In the strength of the Lord<br />
I will trust in You </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-49497493022563222432015-12-04T21:47:00.000-06:002015-12-04T21:49:29.007-06:00Love one another...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://emilygrace.smugmug.com/photos/i-Bm4cvkv/0/L/i-Bm4cvkv-L.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.glimpseofourlife.com/2015/11/scripture-and-snapshot_28.html" target="_blank">Scripture & a Snapshot</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and <b>love one another</b>, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us. </center>
<center>
I John 3:23-24 </center>
Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-37338150212066730322015-11-15T06:00:00.000-06:002015-11-29T13:12:10.435-06:00Have thine own way, Lord!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. - Isaiah 64:8</span></i></div>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have Thine Own Way, Lord!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Adelaide A. Pollard </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Have Thine own way, Lord! <br />
Have Thine own way! <br />
Thou art the potter, <br />
I am the clay! <br />
Mold me and make me <br />
After Thy will, <br />
While I am waiting, <br />
Yielded and still. <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! <br />
Search me and try me, <br />
Master, today! <br />
Whiter than snow, Lord, <br />
Wash me just now, <br />
As in Thy presence <br />
Humbly I bow. <br />
<br />
Have Thine own way, Lord! <br />
Have Thine own way! <br />
Wounded and weary, <br />
Help me, I pray! <br />
Power all power <br />
Surely is Thine! <br />
Touch me and heal me, <br />
Savior divine! <br />
<br />
Have Thine own way, Lord! <br />
Have Thine own way! <br />
Hold o'er my being <br />
Absolute sway! <br />
Fill with Thy Spirit <br />
'Til all shall see <br />
Christ only, always <br />
Living in me!</div>
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</center>
Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-76981581001384713292015-11-12T06:00:00.000-06:002015-12-05T19:39:39.972-06:00Life is a Dance: Just Take the First StepOpen eyes, close, bury in pillow--then remember <i><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/08/when-perfectionism-and-to-do-lists-are-overwhelming/" target="_blank">great triumphs. </a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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My feet dangle over the bed and I remember. <br />
<br />
<i>I remember back to what seems like another life when my toes would touch the worn wooden floors and I first learned this. I remember back two years ago when carpet would meet my feet and I daily lived this out. I remember back to last year when my feet would hit the cold tile and I struggled to stand on this. </i><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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Didn't I learn this months ago? When life was a rushing goodbye of packing and cleaning I learned this. Why now, is it so hard to live this? <br />
<br />
Because I thought I had this down, I fail more easily. When I think that I have learned something, the temptation is for me to attempt to do it with my own strength and no longer rely on God. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. - I Corinthians 10:12-13</blockquote>
</center>
<br />
Step forward even if you think you're falling. If you stop the forward motion you will fall. This forward step is a thanksgiving step. A praise, adoration, of the One who daily bears me up.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
And so I count on, each thanksgiving step drawing me nearer, every foot closer to the glory of God...<br />
<br />
1700: driving to campus in the bright rays of the new day<br />
<br />
1702: called to remember (Deut 6; II Peter 1)<br />
<br />
1703: making correct guesses on exams! and all is grace...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The first step from behind the curtain onto the stage is the hardest one. You just have to do it. Close eyes, deep breath in and out, open eyes, look up, then step forward into the light...</i></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
Linking up: <a href="http://arabahjoy.com/battle-weary/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth </a>Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-48266281237254533642015-11-08T15:58:00.000-06:002015-11-29T13:12:36.387-06:00Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. </i></span>- I Timothy 1:17</div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="bold" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise </span><br />
Walter C. Smith<br />
<br />
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
<br />
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
<br />
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
<br />
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.<br />
<br />
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
<br />
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
<br />
Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above
<br />
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.<br />
<br />
To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
<br />
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
<br />
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
<br />
And wither and perish - but naught changeth Thee.<br />
<br />
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
<br />
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
<br />
All praise we would render; O help us to see
<br />
Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!</div>
Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-33451691683172138492015-11-05T07:00:00.000-06:002015-11-29T13:12:46.098-06:00Endurance and Patience with Joy - a thankful thursday1680: remembering all that God has done gives hope for tomorrow -- Pentateuch class<br />
<br />
1681: waking up to birds outside my window - let everything that has breath praise the Lord!<br />
<br />
1684: warm wind blowing across campus<br />
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1685: my favorite study spot on campus<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
1686: getting to campus early enough for a parking space in the shade<br />
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1687: laughter in study groups<br />
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1688: dinner at home<br />
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<img src="https://emilygrace.smugmug.com/photos/i-8ZMKs3B/0/L/i-8ZMKs3B-L.jpg" /></center>
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1692: "endurance and patience with joy!"<br />
<center>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, <b>for all endurance and patience with joy</b>, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. <br />
- Colossians 1:11-12</blockquote>
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Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-24447236090420681762015-11-01T15:11:00.001-06:002015-11-29T13:12:55.965-06:00Wonderful, Merciful Savior<center>
<img src="https://emilygrace.smugmug.com/photos/i-jRWMh37/0/L/i-jRWMh37-L.jpg" /><br /><br /> Wonderful, merciful Savior<br />
Precious Redeemer and Friend<br />
Who would have thought that a Lamb<br />
Could rescue the souls of men<br />
Oh you rescue the souls of men<br /><a name='more'></a><br />
Counselor, Comforter, Keeper<br />
Spirit we long to embrace<br />
You offer hope when our hearts have<br />
Hopelessly lost the way<br />
Oh, we hopelessly lost the way<br /><br />
You are the One that we praise<br />
You are the One we adore<br />
You give the healing and grace<br />
Our hearts always hunger for<br />
Oh, our hearts always hunger for<br /><br />
Almighty, infinite Father<br />
Faithfully loving Your own<br />
Here in our weakness You find us<br />
Falling before Your throne<br />
Oh, we're falling before Your throne</center>
Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2025923648291372399.post-63472014091269783452014-09-25T23:19:00.001-05:002015-11-29T13:13:08.344-06:00In the Morning - a thankful thursday<center>
<img src="https://emilygrace.smugmug.com/photos/i-HJSdVNj/0/L/i-HJSdVNj-L.jpg" /></center>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Remembering God's faithfulness to me this past year in this post--something I started writing back in February.)</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>In the morning I see His face,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>In the evening His form I trace,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>In the darkness His voice I know;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I see Jesus everywhere I go.</i></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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I wake up mumbling and bumbling about how it is just awful to be stuck in my room. Nevermind that I can sleep in and work on projects and write letters. I'm stuck in my room all day. For my fourth day in a row. For the eighth day in two weeks. with an ear and a sinus infection that just won't leave. and one round of antibiotics didn't work so I'm on a second. And I'm missing classes. but most of all I'm missing joy.<br />
<br />
But there's a light coming in the window, and that light is the glory of God. Isn't that what God promised the Israelites when they grumbled against Him and complained about where He placed them?<br />
<div style="padding: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Exodus 16:6-8</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>So Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, "At evening you shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, <span style="font-size: large;">and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against the LORD</span>. For what are we, that you grumble against us?" And Moses said, "When the LORD gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the LORD has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD."</i></div>
</div>
<div>
but why did God have the Israelites in the wilderness? To teach them <i>who He is</i>. And this is why He has me in my room this week:<b> so that I may know Him more and glorify Him. </b><br />
<br />
And so I glorify Him by giving thanks for one gift at a time:<br />
<br />
<i>839: </i>this joy in surrendered obedience<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Psalm 104:31-34</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>May the glory of the LORD endure forever; </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>may the LORD rejoice in his works,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>who looks on the earth and it trembles, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>who touches the mountains and they smoke!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will sing praise to my God while I have being.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>May my meditation be pleasing to him, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>for I rejoice in the LORD.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>841: </i>knowing this: it is God who does the work in my life, not me<br />
<i>842:</i> second chances<br />
<i>843:</i> the glory of God displayed in the sunrise this morning--the whole sky was on fire for Him<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>II Corinthians 3:18 </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
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Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11995516025221571603noreply@blogger.com0