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| I had a college freak-out today. And then I started singing "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you..." and then "Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!"
I'm glad I went to junior worship! | | |
| Stephanie Har
Oversea Chinese Mission
Statement of Interest for Urbana 2009
The first time I heard about Urbana was when my brother came back from Urbana ’06. I do not quite remember his reaction from Urbana, but the overall vibe I got from everyone else who went sparked an interest in me enough to literally ask my brother, three years later, how his experience was. His testimony left a big impression on me. “You won’t get this experience anywhere else,” were the words he marked me with. Especially after (what seemed like) a quickly unraveling journey for me in my walk with Christ in those three years, the talk about Urbana ’09 instantly drew excitement and wonder about what God would do next in my life.
Over the years, I learned about the importance of fellowship, how to earnestly pour my heart out in worship, and all the rich revelations a growing Christian would one day come to face with. At this stage in my life, I can honestly say that I am in full pursuit of God and that Urbana ’09 will be yet another landmark event in this pursuit. For what is to come is unknown to me, but what I am sure of is this: God has his plans. | | |
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I'm currently reading a book called "FRESHMAN - the college student's guide to developing wisdom."
It's been pretty difficult, or rather challenging, these past two weeks. Ever since I delved into this book, it has brought to light so many of my past experiences and explained to me why God works the way he does. Senior year was a time of waiting, and I distinctly remember how Sophmore year was a time of solitude. Amazing though how God, during these times, revealed to me lessons that became tools for TODAY. It is that life will always be a battle against yourself and that there is a serious spiritual warfare going on in this world, whether others realize it or not, and we have to be ready to fight.
That's why wisdom is so critical.
Without it, everything we do will be in vain, and WHO we make ourselves to be can only result in being a fool.
Interesting how I "randomly" picked this book off my shelf two weeks before I head off to college. There is no doubt in my mind that God is preparing me for something big in college - that he's admonishing me, better yet, equipping me to go out there in that war-zone. There's no doubt in my mind that applying wisdom in my life even now means I have to face many struggles. But if I keep striving, I have faith that God will pull me through even in my darkest struggles.
I truly encourage everyone to just RE-THINK what you're doing in life. Spend some quality time with God and find out why life might seem so bland or simply unsatisfying - always falling short of fulfillment. Honesty, after being buried under our human fantasies or comforts, may be hard to find again, but if you are truly willing to live your life again, it all starts with calling out to God for help and some understanding, and on YOUR part, a COMMITMENT to not just try or do your best, but to consciously train yourself to be better, stronger, holier than you are now. | | |
| Dear Self,
I wanted to let you know that becoming beautiful on the inside takes more than one washing. You might get frustrated, or even think evil thoughts, but I know that if you want it so bad, God will pick you back up and make you stronger the next time around. It may seem hopeless because it’s easier to let go and give in, but if you set your mind to it, you’re already half-way there.
Things happen for a reason. You can’t get into an argument and come out the same. Your thoughts about that person may have changed; how you even look at yourself might have completely altered. Either it tears you down, or builds you up - both consequences, you know, will always be followed by a second chance, or a test to see if you can handle something bigger, heavier, deeper, more painful. Pain, unkempt, automatically leads to rage and anger. But pain, when tamed, turns into silent tears that are secretly wept away. Beauty, in this devotion, quickly begins to take root. | | |
| I feel like God is getting jipped by his people. Facebook might be telling me the wrong thing, but people have sadly been degraded by external influences in church and in school. 3 to 1. who falls? who's strength perseveres and who's weakness will give way? I can't stand to witness this. not anymore, not now, not ever. Lord, please help revive your people. Help them to become more Christ-like. Help them realize they're loved by You. Let them not fill their void with the evil things in this world. Forgive them; forgive me. I know you have your perfect timing, Lord. Use me to do your will on earth. | | |
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