tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15904002341988056582024-03-13T05:30:33.361-07:00Reaching for His HighestAccording to the world, I have extremely high standards. According to most Christians, I have extremely high standards. But according to God, I completely miss the mark. To Him, my good is nothing but filthy rags. It is not enough to meet the world’s highest standard, nor Christian’s highest standard. We must Reach for His Highest.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-30936214664840780352013-02-08T15:42:00.000-08:002013-02-10T17:11:58.690-08:00From Dream to Reality<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpomo5pBt0sVMRmO_Ea7sbPqNP7hKzFz-hHQnSg96bjJ9yseJftc5kPsEpkbLHU68w8pJv_h-YD7RwcMEf7Yv_19GanWQFqzs_M__jCTaO5Bld4bxc-Jg956BkyQpNqLv8id_kwaH0JB2_/s1600/DSCF8001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpomo5pBt0sVMRmO_Ea7sbPqNP7hKzFz-hHQnSg96bjJ9yseJftc5kPsEpkbLHU68w8pJv_h-YD7RwcMEf7Yv_19GanWQFqzs_M__jCTaO5Bld4bxc-Jg956BkyQpNqLv8id_kwaH0JB2_/s320/DSCF8001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My, how time flies! It is hard to believe it was over two years
ago that my good friend and brother in Christ, Luis Garcia, first shared with
me his vision of writing a book on Biblical purity. Sitting under an EZ-up at a
speech and debate tournament, his sixteen year-old dream seemed little more
than just that, a dream. Yet in the last two years I have been blessed to see
that dream turn into a reality. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am so proud to announce that Luis’ book, <i>Before the Altar</i>, was released today.
You can order it here in hardback or paperback: <a href="http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000610742/Before-the-Altar.aspx">http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000610742/Before-the-Altar.aspx</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBT48R2oW1or-vxbEBudajokW4WF4IB2xnVDGxI7w35oeGvktdR6Z6X7gRYZal8t_Sefn-vMZpgh6BJM8kriDexFsFStgGG0QWoWJxr04n7hUm0sO6IdqzcxD3NCx0xxscidVdscJehp3o/s1600/71451_148806921944174_1814112452_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBT48R2oW1or-vxbEBudajokW4WF4IB2xnVDGxI7w35oeGvktdR6Z6X7gRYZal8t_Sefn-vMZpgh6BJM8kriDexFsFStgGG0QWoWJxr04n7hUm0sO6IdqzcxD3NCx0xxscidVdscJehp3o/s320/71451_148806921944174_1814112452_n.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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The focus of the book is Biblical purity, but from a unique
perspective: looking forward. During the beginning of the writing process, Luis
feared he faced a dilemma from the fact that unlike most young people in our
culture, he didn’t have baggage from previous relationships. “I haven’t ‘messed
up’ to the point others have,” he said. “Sure I’ve made mistakes. The reason I
am so passionate about Biblical purity is because I struggle so much with it.
But compared to so many hurting people, my slate is relatively clean.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Although once viewed as a difficulty, I believe this has
become Luis’ greatest strength. As the description of his book states, “Books
written on the topics of romance, singleness and purity are looking back, but I
am looking forward. I have never dated or kissed, and I’m eighteen. Most people
my age have already dated, kissed and lost their virginity; some have even
experienced pregnancy. For young adults, divorce and cohabitation rates are
beyond acceptable. Abortion numbers have amassed to over nine holocausts. And I
am compelled to stand in the gap. If no one makes a stand, we can only expect
even worse consequences to come. It’s time to stop playing in the muck of this
world and slapping a Christian label on it. We need to be resolute in
surrendering our lives to the authorship of God. And that surrender starts now—<i>before the altar</i>.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I greatly encourage each and every one of you to read this
book. It will be well worth it!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Edit: Luis' book is now also available on Amazon (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Before-Altar-Luis-Garcia/dp/1449784070/">http://www.amazon.com/Before-Altar-Luis-Garcia/dp/1449784070/</a>). You can even purchase an ebook version here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Before-the-Altar-ebook/dp/B00BE11E1I/ref=sr_1_1?ie">http://www.amazon.com/Before-the-Altar-ebook/dp/B00BE11E1I/ref=sr_1_1?ie</a>)</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-84041912806624258052012-11-05T13:00:00.000-08:002012-11-05T13:00:27.701-08:0032 Odd Facts About Me <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b>(Disclaimer:</b> It was 2:00 am, I had been editing speeches,
studying English Lit, and writing apologetics essays all day and I needed to
give my brain a rest by ranting something ridiculous. So I wrote a blog post
all about yours truly. If you don’t have anytime to spare then take my advice
and <i>don’t even bother to continue reading</i>. However, for those of you who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">think</i> you have the time to spare (but
really don’t), enjoy these enlightening facts regarding my personality and
leave me a comment telling at least 10 odd facts about yourself.)<br />
<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJUWmOj1Wjyh4Q09u_LbmhWROvht_B7HDcjGB9dz-GHwCdMUCeZ2FB93xCXcZKLf5NUIF05nigpei11cQF9JIH5uF4ov3Jsslld9PBKWY5FYsOJm_Rov3liTGTYb1VTAVXj54zsGlCZBU/s1600/Photo+on+2011-09-16+at+17.05+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJUWmOj1Wjyh4Q09u_LbmhWROvht_B7HDcjGB9dz-GHwCdMUCeZ2FB93xCXcZKLf5NUIF05nigpei11cQF9JIH5uF4ov3Jsslld9PBKWY5FYsOJm_Rov3liTGTYb1VTAVXj54zsGlCZBU/s200/Photo+on+2011-09-16+at+17.05+%232.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I
can make my tongue touch my nose (no pictures available) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I
fractured my skull at age 3 (pictures available)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I
have never dyed or even highlighted my hair<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I
read Do Hard Things 23 times<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->My
handwriting is terrible<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Math
questions give me panic attacks (well…almost)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I
refused to wear jeans until 13 years old<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I
had blond curls when I was little<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I’ve
watched all 8 hours of BBC’s Little Dorrit in one day<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->One of my dreams
is to sing with Josh Groban one day<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I would rather
clean a bathroom than do dirty dishes <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I was asked on a
date by a married man when I was 13 <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Job was my
favorite book of the Bible when I was little<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Chronicles of Narnia<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I don’t want a
wedding veil when I get married (unless my fiancé minds)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Michael Gambon is
one of my favorite actors<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I have (three
times!) flattened guys twice my size for bullying other kids <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I hate summer…
but love summer evenings<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I’ve eaten a
roly-poly. Oh! and some ants too… but the roly-poly tasted better<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I write silly
things when I’m tired (in case you couldn’t tell)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I have never seen
Singing in the Rain<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->One of my
nick-names used to be Bully (I’ve moved to My Muslim Friend<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>now) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I nearly cut off
my brother’s finger with a pair of scissors once<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never had to wear a head-gear or expander
with my braces<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I have a tiny
mole on the inside of my eyelid<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->The term “mutual
submission” makes me really mad<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">27)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I have never had
my hair cut professionally<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">28)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I’ve never owned
a phone<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">29)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I used to play
the flute <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">30)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I only learned
the Hokey-Pokey a year ago and the Chicken-Dance a month ago<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">31)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I have three
freckles on my right cheek<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">32)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I get really
weird when writing too late at night (but not this time… oh no)<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-19459142188716168572012-10-01T16:38:00.001-07:002012-10-02T09:13:40.048-07:00"Worth the Wait" Part 4<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://reachingforhishighest.blogspot.com/2012/08/worth-wait-part-1.html">Part 1</a> / <a href="http://reachingforhishighest.blogspot.com/2012/09/worth-wait-part-2_6.html">Part 2</a> / <a href="http://reachingforhishighest.blogspot.com/2012/09/worth-wait-part-3.html">Part 3</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Continuing her climb, the wounded and fatigued bride found
herself entirely alone. “This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is my</i>
journey,” she repeated, trying to comfort herself, “No one can travel it for
me. Some may come alongside to aid, but I must complete it myself.” Yet she
still longed for a hand to help for every step was pure anguish. Any minute her
limbs threatened to give way, causing her to again plunge down the face of the
cliff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But she had already gained back the ground from her last
fall and had only a few yards left to scale. The chapel was mostly hidden by
overhanging boulders, with just the tip of the steeple jutting out above them. Reaching
the boulders and using what little strength she had left, she attempted to pull
herself up. At last! The bride could see the full chapel only yards in front of
her. Yet she could not seem to muster enough power to bring her body over the
last hurdle for suddenly her feet slipped and were left dangling in the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She held on for dear life, but her arms were
too exhausted to maintain their grip and she felt them begin to give way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No,” she gasped frantically as tears streamed down her
dirty cheeks, “Not when I’ve come this far… not when I’ve come this far!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her fingers slipped.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet instead of plummeting to her death, the bride felt her
arm grasped by a warm, strong hand that gently pulled her exhausted form over
the last obstacle. The owner of the strong arm slowly placed her on the few
feet of grassy ground between the chapel and the cliff. The hair that covered
the bride’s eyes was softly pulled away to reveal to her… the old usher.
Stroking her hair with his fingers and gazing at her with tear-filled eyes he
whispered, “Well done.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAqxLdw3QW20r9_wNzqNdsOg5RDEnMUD47TNkbi4KYSAvPAMGte04dDhOXxNf5FPB_hT__l0ll-SSU-SJzdZqr34oN5I9cDcueACdWdoK-l0qfyVtd9PNd5mru3wxYN4bL7HNfil2f-dS/s1600/couple-holding-hands-closeup-22501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAqxLdw3QW20r9_wNzqNdsOg5RDEnMUD47TNkbi4KYSAvPAMGte04dDhOXxNf5FPB_hT__l0ll-SSU-SJzdZqr34oN5I9cDcueACdWdoK-l0qfyVtd9PNd5mru3wxYN4bL7HNfil2f-dS/s320/couple-holding-hands-closeup-22501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The bride burst into tears, as all the emotion and strain
from the journey finally hit her tired frame. But the usher merely took her
into his arms and let her cry. After some time he said, “Come, they are waiting
for you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can’t go in like this,” she said, more tears spilling
over. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Like this?” was his reply as he raised her to her feet.
“What fault do you find in your appearance?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bride looked at him incredulously but then followed his
gaze onto her wedding gown. What surprise awaited her there! No longer was her
dress torn, her limbs dirty, or hands bloody. Where each rent in her gown had
been now was a cluster of diamonds and roses, as though a mist of beauty had
melted together to weld each tear. The dirt and sand merely cleansed and
purified the skin both on her limbs and face, making them clear as cream and
her cheeks soft and rosy. The wind had gently untangled and whisked her hair
into a stunning design, leaving it sprayed delicately with tiny diamonds. The
bride’s lips had been seared to perfection by the sun’s rays, presently having
a natural shade of ruby red.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking deeply into her eyes the usher explained, “No longer
are you the plain, simple beauty from before your journey. Along the path you
were purified, refined, and enriched to a deeper level of beauty. Because you
were willing to take that course, one that many scoff at and ridicule, and because
you fought the battle against many obstacles including yourself, your dream to
save the revealing of your beauty for your future husband can now come true. My
child, it is the very glory of your purity and innocence that makes you
stunning.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tears and a smile of infinite relief, happiness, and
contentment passed over the face of the bride. The usher gently led her to the
door where he then motioned for her to wait as he brought the
father-of-the-bride. She waited but could not resist the urge to peek into the
room to see her lover. She cracked the door ajar. There he was, standing at the
altar; waiting for her. His back was towards her, but his tall form still sent
a surge of joy to her heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Turn around, my darling,” she whispered, “I want to see
your face.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As though answering her request, the groom turned around to
face the aisle. But oh! His face was still covered by a stand of pure white
flowers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not yet,” the usher’s voice said as he reached the bride
with her father following behind, “His face will be revealed to you soon.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Take my arm, honey,” said the father-of-the-bride.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a smile of complete and utter happiness, the bride took
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“See, my child” He nodded, while a tear glistened in his soft
eyes, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It is worth it.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly the doors swung open, everyone rose to their feet,
and the sweet strains of violin music began to play as the bride took her first
step down the aisle. And then…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I woke up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUhdJ3vZNBCBH_E0RA0jW_si5bmTknCkUBq50XqNARMYN14B1Ftqu4PZh_S5_oYSjSE5PAG1k-uNBvcj9vbhLP763-5mE_HBhtBwzh_lbDglP17ypDj6Hfxj5i-YUgIM3i6ALdSHId__a/s1600/bridal-entrance-alternative-wedding-songs-e1327961917755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUhdJ3vZNBCBH_E0RA0jW_si5bmTknCkUBq50XqNARMYN14B1Ftqu4PZh_S5_oYSjSE5PAG1k-uNBvcj9vbhLP763-5mE_HBhtBwzh_lbDglP17ypDj6Hfxj5i-YUgIM3i6ALdSHId__a/s400/bridal-entrance-alternative-wedding-songs-e1327961917755.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-1353060401780028732012-09-11T14:12:00.000-07:002012-09-11T14:12:07.225-07:00"Worth the Wait" Part 3
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><a href="http://reachingforhishighest.blogspot.com/2012/08/worth-wait-part-1.html">Part 1</a> / <a href="http://reachingforhishighest.blogspot.com/2012/09/worth-wait-part-2_6.html">Part 2</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">Sweat poured down the bride’s
face and every muscle ached as she struggled to maintain her holds on the
jagged rocks. With every grasp her hands were deeply cut by the serrated spires
and with every step a new slit appeared in her simple gown. That dress, once so
clean, plain, and elegant now was nothing more than shredded rags clinging to
her weary form and carrying the stench of sand, sweat, and blood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">But she had almost reached her
goal. There, towering above her in the direct sunlight she could see the dim
outline of the chapel. The cool of its shade and the bright sparkles of the
stained glass lifted her heart and gave her confidence. She continued her
ascent with renewed vigor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKAyGEo0R_sODjxQCRRz23p6od6GUH2uN4IrvFpwxecYZnV8DpHOjGliMXX6JwSCKLuvHE6t7wEIlPQcr42_mNNY1hCS-hiqv-eQ4kAIhAkPBtlVudDLsDilN6m53sG7k-bCm2zt-9jQh/s1600/rocky-cliff--black-and-white-hideaki-sakurai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKAyGEo0R_sODjxQCRRz23p6od6GUH2uN4IrvFpwxecYZnV8DpHOjGliMXX6JwSCKLuvHE6t7wEIlPQcr42_mNNY1hCS-hiqv-eQ4kAIhAkPBtlVudDLsDilN6m53sG7k-bCm2zt-9jQh/s320/rocky-cliff--black-and-white-hideaki-sakurai.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">“Not much farther,” she said,
“I can make it to the top.” But, growing confident in her abilities and relaxed
in the knowledge that she nearing the chapel, the bride became careless. Her
grasps became dangerously loose and her feet were no longer firmly planted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">“See!” she cried breathlessly,
almost giddy in her exhaustion, “I said we would make it!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">“But we aren’t there yet,”
warned the maid-of-honor, “We must keep our focus and remain faithful till we
reach the church doors.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">“Oh but we’ve made it this
far!” she answered carelessly. “Why be worried when the end is within sight?”
In that moment the rock upon which the bride had foolishly placed her all her
weight gave way. Her hands flailed around desperately trying to find a hold before
she would be sliced to pieces by the angry knife-like stones below. But the
wall of the cliff suddenly seemed slippery, preventing her from gaining a grip
and causing her to slip farther and farther. A terrified shriek burst from her
pale shredded lips as she realized her hopeless state. The wind whistled past
her ears and questions raced into her mind during the split seconds of her
fall. The entire journey, all the struggles she faced and battles she fought,
were they all coming to their end here? Was her one act of carelessness going
to destroy all she had hoped to save? Was all this… worthless?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">Suddenly her body received an
agonizing jerk and she was tossed onto her face. Dazed by the blow, she drifted
out of consciousness for a few moments. When she came to, she thought at first
that she was paralyzed, for she felt no pain and was unable to move. But as her
head cleared, the pain returned. It was so intense the bride wondered whether
every bone in her body was broken. Yet as she turned to see blood trickling
from her hands and arms, she realized that in spite of the pain, she was at
least able to move both legs and arms<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">Sitting up, the bride looked
up to determine how far she had fallen and what had kept her from falling still
further. A large shred of satin fabric hanging from a jagged stone above showed
that her dress must have snagged its edge, swinging her onto the small ledge
directly beneath. Looking up past the piece of cloth, the bride realized she
had slid and fallen about thirty feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">Her two remaining companions
were nowhere to be seen.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-72435191288864637672012-09-06T11:33:00.000-07:002012-09-06T11:33:13.522-07:00"Worth the Wait" Part 2
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Part 1 can be found <a href="http://reachingforhishighest.blogspot.com/2012/08/worth-wait-part-1.html">here</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“Why this is lovely! No wonder you chose taking this trail
instead of just walking through the front doors,” the maid-of-honor said as she
and the bride strode through the woods. Upon seeing the beautiful and seemingly
easy path, all the bridesmaids and many family members and friends had decided
to follow the bride on her journey. She had warned them of the difficulties
ahead, but their eyes were blind to the impending hardship and saw only the
delightful woodland path. Shaking her head at their ignorance, brushing back
her hair, and hiking up her simple satin dress, the bride began her quest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Why didn’t you make everyone come this way?” the maid-of-honor
continued. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Because this is my journey,” the bride replied after some
thought. “It was my decision to take this path. Others may follow me, but I’m
afraid if they have not made a strong commitment in their own minds to pursue
this course, they will drop away as the journey hardens.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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She was soon proven right. When only a little more than halfway
through the forest, the bride began to hear grumblings behind her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Is it much farther? Our feet are aching in these shoes…”
asked a pretty cousin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Why, this is only the start,” the bride answered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Oh… I don’t think we’ll make it all the way then. My sister
and I will go back and meet you at the chapel, all right?” The bride nodded
sadly as they waved and soon walked out of sight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Casting a knowing look to the maid-of-honor and saying confidently,
“It will be worth it,” she turned and continued down the path. She tried to
cheer herself up by thinking of the family members and friends still by her
side, but could not shake off the images of the impending chasm and cliff she
would have to climb. She had not dwelt on it long however, when a shocking new
landscape appeared before them at the end of the forest. The group fell silent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Stretching in front of them was an endless plane of auburn
sand dunes, speckled with rocks and boulders of the same color. The burning
rays of the sun shot down from the sky like searing needles ready to strike any
who dared leave the forest shade. Even from where they stood, the bride and her
party could feel the overwhelming heat on their skin and taste the grit of sand
in their teeth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Soon cries of, “This is ridiculous!”, “You didn’t tell us
the path would be like this!”, and “You can’t even see the chapel from here!”
burst from the lips of irritated wedding guests.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Tears of fear began to well up in the bride’s eyes as she looked
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companions, she slowly turned around and repeated the words of the usher.
“Trust me,” she said, “It will be worth it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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With many a scoff or harsh word, over half of her so-called
friends and family turned to walk back the way they had come. Less than a dozen
friends remained, but they included the mother-of-the-bride and maid-of-honor.
Our bride smiled sadly to these two as she turned with resolution to the path
before her. But as she took a step, a branch caught a fold in her satin dress,
causing it to tear. The bride’s heart sank. The beauty she was struggling so
hard to save, had it been ruined? No. “It will be worth it!” she said defiantly
as a hot tear trailed down her cheek. With a deep breath, she stepped out from
the branches’ protecting shade.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sand was deep and the sun unmerciful, burning and
stifling any victim within its reach. And the wind, that was worst of all! It
began as a welcome breeze, but after time turned into a roaring howl, swirling
large handfuls of sand into the face of the daring bride. Her entire form soon was
covered in sand and her satin gown torn in more places than one. So parched
from lack of water were her lips that they began to crack and bleed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Finally, relief appeared in the distance as the group
approached a block of shade cast by a tall cliff. Within its shelter, members
of the party dropped to the ground in exhaustion. After lying there for some
time, the bride rolled on her back and slowly opened her eyes. A faint,
agonizing sob escaped her parched lips. For towering above her was a sight both
dizzying and terrifying. Here was a path more daunting than anything she had yet
faced; a sheer cliff covered with sharp, jagged rocks protruding from every
angle. No footholds were to be seen while stones lay alert as giant knives,
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<br /></div>
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“Why didn’t you warn us that it would be this hard? You
dragged us out here promising it would be worth it, that it would be wonderful
and beautiful. But your ideas are a stupid, senseless fancy! From now on, you
travel this foolish path alone.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And so they left her. At this point the bride neither knew
nor cared. Her dream of arriving at the chapel door in simple, elegant beauty
and seeing the admiration in her lover’s eyes as she entered now had faded
beyond even the slightest hope. All she now prayed for was the strength to
survive the climb. But turning over she realized she was not entirely alone.
The mother-of-the-bride and the maid-of-honor still remained. Both were just as
tired and just as worn as she, but they had stayed by her side. Seeing their
faithfulness gave her strength. She smiled a faint “thank you” and painfully
rose to her feet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Reaching with both hands to find a secure hold, she was
about to begin her ascent when her mother’s voice delayed her movement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Sweetheart,” she said, “I know this is important to you and
to him, but are you sure that…”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Yes, mother,” the bride interrupted, without shifting her
eyes from the path, “It <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i> be worth
it!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>To be continued...</i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-1343589358613647672012-08-31T21:58:00.000-07:002012-09-06T11:33:29.819-07:00"Worth the Wait" Part 1<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWl-xkmgF4CKcCMdme9oPFNV_UMQpzvOb0-FkFNbkFHjozLB31vFoZd8C2za_7uD41JPOKGyShC6RPkZBh3iUdCazi7dLSR7A87wtIXhtwRr03IAxf56nfSPbyG8ojWr7PS-2kg64ZSwS7/s1600/cliffs-at-glassy-chapel-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWl-xkmgF4CKcCMdme9oPFNV_UMQpzvOb0-FkFNbkFHjozLB31vFoZd8C2za_7uD41JPOKGyShC6RPkZBh3iUdCazi7dLSR7A87wtIXhtwRr03IAxf56nfSPbyG8ojWr7PS-2kg64ZSwS7/s1600/cliffs-at-glassy-chapel-2.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a></div>
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“There has to be another way.”</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A young bride, dressed in a magnificent array of wedding
finery, stood anxiously outside the mahogany doors of the chapel. She was
dressed in pure white, from the dainty heeled shoe that occasionally peeked from
under the abundant folds of the satin gown, to the half-blown rose placed among
her chestnut tresses surrounded with a delicate spray of baby’s-breath. In her
hand she held a solitary white rose, its faultless form and color symbolizing
the innocence of the hand and heart that held it. But behind that glad light in
her large hazel eyes was a look of earnest concern. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“There has to be another way,” she repeated quietly with a
small shake of her head. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I’m afraid not,” an usher said. “In order to provide such a
stunning view, the building was placed with its back against the edge of the
cliff. The only way to access the back of the chapel is first to enter through
these front doors, cross in front of the altar, and pass through the aisle.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“But the groom is already inside,” the mother of the bride
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“I’m sorry, ma’am. But there is no other choice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The mother let out a sigh and turned to her daughter.
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“Oh but it will,” the bride asserted. “I’ve waited so long
for that moment when I walk down the aisle and he sees me for the first time. Until
that moment, my beauty, my heart, and my innocence will have been shaded and
hidden from him. Oh mother, only when a woman is ready to pledge before God her
life and her very being to one man should her full beauty be revealed. Until that
moment he has no right to look on her. That is why I could not bear for him to
see me before our time. I want to save that moment. I want to see his face, his
eyes during that first glimpse of my unveiled beauty. It is important to me…
and to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">him</i>,” she added with dewy,
dropped lashes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“There <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> another
way,” a serious voice said slowly after a pause. It belonged to another, older
usher whom the bride and her mother had never seen before. “There <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> another way, but it is one few brides
take. For many look down upon it, calling it strange and unnecessary.” He
paused, as though testing the willingness of the bride. The earnest entreaty
and newfound hope in her eyes urged him to continue. “There is a path which reaches
the back door, but it first takes you down the hill, across the chasm floor,
and straight up the face of the cliff. It is a long journey, tiring and
extremely difficult. Many times you will be tempted to go back as the sun
reaches its height and showers its burning rays upon your face, as your friends
and family call you “fool!” and forsake you, and as your limbs tire from the
never-ending strain of battle. But,” he said after another pause, “if you
complete the journey, you will enter through the back doors, standing afore the
altar where your future husband waits. You will have saved the revealing of
your beauty for that one moment. Is this what you seek?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Yes,” answered the bride, “oh yes!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Then there is the path,” he said, pointing to a woodland trail
to the right of the chapel. The way looked easy enough, slanting downward
slightly but not to the point of difficulty, so the young bride walked briskly
toward it. But in reaching the path, she also reached a point on the hill that
enabled her to see into the chasm and view the side of the cliff she would
later have to climb. Her eyes widened in fear and doubt began to creep into her
heart. For the chasm was so deep she could not see its bottom, only hear a
distant howl rising from its center. The cliff was as high as the chasm was
deep, with sharp, angry stones jutting up and threatening every side. Questions
tiptoed into her mind. Was she strong enough to complete the journey? Would
anyone dare stay by her side all the way? What if she fell only steps from the
chapel door? What if along the way her face was dirtied or her dress torn,
taking away from the beauty she was so anxious to guard?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Without taking her eyes from the awful path she whispered to
the usher the most important question in her mind… “Is it worth it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He took her hand, turning her gaze from the cliff and back
to the path saying, “It will be worth it. Trust me; it is well worth the fight…
and it is well worth the wait.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>To be continued...</i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-18374670295984336812012-07-04T11:02:00.000-07:002012-07-04T11:02:18.661-07:00A Tribute to a True Role Model<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHM8PzwSVg2QGYGna1wwN2StssgivytJx7tCZpNM0SFTCWkUD2U8-RWler3JLS0Seoe1N68XH8enytGkmHheL7491_1WC3CdoZfFjtNfEE8Duhuo7rcVslkGtUszHcbWV7rUgNWAORXDM/s1600/Justin-Bieber-and-Taylor-Swift.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHM8PzwSVg2QGYGna1wwN2StssgivytJx7tCZpNM0SFTCWkUD2U8-RWler3JLS0Seoe1N68XH8enytGkmHheL7491_1WC3CdoZfFjtNfEE8Duhuo7rcVslkGtUszHcbWV7rUgNWAORXDM/s320/Justin-Bieber-and-Taylor-Swift.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all need role models—people to look to as inspiration for
the bettering of ourselves. But as I look at common role models in today’s
culture, I am sadly disappointed. Names such as Reese Witherspoon, Tina Turner,
Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, Kate Winslet, and Justin Beiber are the most
common names appearing on top ten lists. And for what reason? Justin Beiber and
Taylor Swift made these lists simply because they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">avoided</i> serious scandal. They have never been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">caught</i> doing anything terribly wrong. But what about admiring
someone for the things they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have</i>
done, not for what they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">haven’t</i>?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have quite a few role models. They range from Biblical characters
and missionaries, to simple, yet incredible women like my mom or my speech
coach (I love you Mom and Mrs. Cary!) But while I love and admire them all,
today I want to focus on the story of a woman who has made a huge impact on my
life and on the lives of many others. This woman is Sono Harris.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Though Sono Harris is best known through the accomplishments
of her children, she did not always want to be a wife and mother. At the age of
nineteen (when she met Mr. Harris), nothing could have been further from her
mind. She was a talented ballet dancer and had hopes of a professional career.
However, after being forced to step back from ballet because of an ankle
injury, Mrs. Harris slowly began to re-think her life. And on February 17,
1973, she and Gregg Harris were married.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 1981, when Joshua was five years old, they made the then
radical decision to homeschool. This was the beginning of Sono’s work in the
homeschool movement. As the family grew to include Joel, Alex, Brett, Sarah,
Isaac, and James, her expertise in homeschooling grew as well. She became
passionate about homeschooling, believing it was a “God-given responsibility to
provide [her] children’s education” and began to share her passion with others.
Soon Mr. and Mrs. Harris were pioneers and avid advocates of the homeschool
movement, publishing several works that have come to be regarded as classics by
many home educators.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But her main impact came in the form of her children.
According to her son Isaac, “She didn’t think her children would be amazing,
she made them amazing. She pushed them to do great things.” Her eldest son
Joshua is now the bestselling author of many titles including <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I Kissed Dating Goodbye</i> and is a strong
advocate of emotional and physical purity. Second eldest son, Joel, is a
talented musician, heading the Northwest Worship Academy. Her twins Alex and
Brett also became bestselling authors at the age of 19 with their book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do Hard Things</i>. And who knows what her
younger children will accomplish in the coming years. Because of Mrs. Harris’
faithfulness in raising her children as God called her to do, she left a huge
impact upon millions of lives… including mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtrATFNDVXiziFoWyp_FQm2n15VGo57SGyB7bprVrCGsR0-hUcOFUiaWpqOA4acaqOHFFGskUpbI-pA7BQ-s9i86ofhmxPnLfUCABNGBUMLtVfm1ZtIqIOI2JWst4OBUnuF0_ZtfkXENu/s1600/36439_405269671127_731816127_4957890_2005981_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtrATFNDVXiziFoWyp_FQm2n15VGo57SGyB7bprVrCGsR0-hUcOFUiaWpqOA4acaqOHFFGskUpbI-pA7BQ-s9i86ofhmxPnLfUCABNGBUMLtVfm1ZtIqIOI2JWst4OBUnuF0_ZtfkXENu/s320/36439_405269671127_731816127_4957890_2005981_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I never had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Harris before she
passed away from cancer, yet I love her dearly and treasure the memory and the
lessons she left behind. Her life has touched mine in incredible ways. Through
her example I have been inspired to be a wife and mother just like her, filled
with dedication, drive, and passion for the things of God. From her I have
learned to “hustle while I wait” and that, regardless of how things may seem at
the time, being faithful in what God has placed before you is all that matters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not only did she teach me things through her own life and
example, but she indirectly taught me many valuable lessons through the lives
of her children. Through Josh I have learned the importance of emotional purity
and of saving my first kiss for marriage. Through Joel, I have often been
blessed and touched by his music. Through Alex and Brett, my world was turned
upside down with the challenge to do hard things for the glory of God. And
through a friendship with Isaac, I have learned to laugh at myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Two years ago today Mrs. Harris went on to be with the Lord.
While many still grieve her loss, she still lives on as an incredible example
of a woman committed to Christ, a true role model for young women coming after
her. She was a Proverbs 31 woman whose:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“… children rise up
and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘many daughters
have done well, but you excel them all.’ Charm is deceitful and beauty is
passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” ~Proverbs
31:28-30<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Thank you, Mrs. Harris.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GYbbuA26PkDV6NgF3GQnVlLt5BbocnXy1dCdTxXJHYuhoZhGzBE9j5lHM-dursIRRDRhYSdeIzLzZr5E-DcY_KclhVFIqurTb2v4FQIig_W-iNLOyNqmRZ8hLkzq1ifaN6tMd2TMhhTv/s1600/sono+sato+harris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GYbbuA26PkDV6NgF3GQnVlLt5BbocnXy1dCdTxXJHYuhoZhGzBE9j5lHM-dursIRRDRhYSdeIzLzZr5E-DcY_KclhVFIqurTb2v4FQIig_W-iNLOyNqmRZ8hLkzq1ifaN6tMd2TMhhTv/s320/sono+sato+harris.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-6079437508650749812012-06-17T18:48:00.000-07:002012-06-17T18:57:50.649-07:00Victory in Christ<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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“If you could go back three years ago, to when you first started speech and debate, what advice would you give yourself?”</div>
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Normally, my answer to this question would be routine. I’d put on a know-it-all-coach attitude, and give the 10 step process on how to succeed in speech and debate. I’d list the common pitfalls for all novices, describe and demonstrate correct “popping”, and go to great lengths explaining the need for deep character development in interps.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglklOhiO9FD8hdN_0Jw2wd1qsOGylbl9_4LiYKiV3ur7EUoGwYL9uLO2ItEu0_YE6td-F34oTtbNBd9Zoy_1ImuFzXwvX45VVSMKKH2rqs2dqaRa1zrp_qt2k0DVvS9Evbm1Ru2af-MPkK/s1600/600311_378513602198135_1835074518_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglklOhiO9FD8hdN_0Jw2wd1qsOGylbl9_4LiYKiV3ur7EUoGwYL9uLO2ItEu0_YE6td-F34oTtbNBd9Zoy_1ImuFzXwvX45VVSMKKH2rqs2dqaRa1zrp_qt2k0DVvS9Evbm1Ru2af-MPkK/s320/600311_378513602198135_1835074518_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Humorous Interpretation finalists... goofing off one last time.</span></div>
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However, halfway through Nationals, my final competing tournament, it became clear to me that all those “how-to-be-a-great-interper-tips,” although extremely helpful, were not my most valuable lessons. Yes, I had learned so much regarding acting and public speaking skills. Yes, I had been blessed with many achievements and wins. And yes, I had even been given coaching opportunities and chances to share my speeches outside of the league. But as I pondered the question my friend Katherine had posed to me, the reality of how unimportant those lessons and achievements were suddenly became clear. At the end of the day, the lesson I have learned most is not how to give the best impression of Snow White or an Italian hand-mirror. The most important lesson I learned, and what I would go back and tell myself if I could, is described in one word: <b>Surrender.</b></div>
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Surrender in regards to speech and debate came into play the first day of my first tournament. At that time, the message of the best-selling book “Do Hard Things” was my greatest passion. After all, I was only in speech and debate because it was a “hard thing.” So I wanted to share my passion with others by writing a speech about it. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I went into it with the wrong attitude. I believed I was going to wow everyone with my charm, knowledge, and skill. I was positive I would knock every other competitor off their feet and win an easy 1<sup>st </sup>place in one try. (Proverbs 16:18 anyone?)</div>
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That first speech was the worst I have ever given. I went 4 minutes over time, had dozens of stumbles, burst out crying, and experienced several memory glitches so long that I nearly walked out. I had failed, <i>miserably</i>. But as I found a private corner and sobbed my heart out, that day marked the beginning of my journey to surrender. God forced me to see my utter inadequacy. He showed me how impossible it is to do anything without His strength. And He asked me to completely surrender any and every speech I would give from then on. Through my tears, I promised I would.</div>
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But as the tournaments and years rolled on, I have realized surrender is not a one-time commitment. It is constant, even daily. Every speech I have performed since that day has been soaked in prayer. Each has its own story, for each had to be individually surrendered.</div>
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I have also come to realize that surrender goes far beyond speech and debate. Yes, I’ve known that for a long time, but my final tournament pressed it even deeper into my heart. For Nationals was extremely difficult. My speeches, relationships, future, as well as my emotional, physical, and spiritual life all were attacked and pushed to their limits. Being the complete drama queen that I am, I just wanted to find my pillow and cry. Yet through every moment of that tournament, I could hear a still small voice whispering, “Surrender.” And as I surrendered, God poured out undeserved blessings upon me.</div>
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So as my years of competitive speech and debate have come to an end, if you were now to ask me what I would go back and tell myself, this would be my answer:</div>
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Surrender. From the moment you begin considering topics to the time to give your final performance, surrender it all to Christ. Don’t say a quick prayer and then delve into writing your speech. Refuse to pen a single word until God has given you clear guidance. Andrew Murray says, <i>“We ask God first to bless our feeble efforts, instead of absolutely refusing to go unless God goes before us.”</i> Give God the pen long before you sit to write. Allow Him to mold your speeches and your own life story. Never hold anything back from Him. Never think you are the best or that you know the best. Give him your speeches, your debate rounds, your friendships, and your life.</div>
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Surrender to Him, remembering that the harder the battle, the stronger the pain, the deeper the ache… all the more complete and fulfilling is the victory found in Christ.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3SrgrmMpWw0dZRr7bnlr167nU9wAKmNo0ZWaFP3uMEshvk0ysokubwN-Ki6JLbjwIoL18SOzTh8xYQ9uYTVqPdxadFmCte-PVu-Q7E7j4JKABqMFvH6wlJVMIijoU_rqAWwXQDNIEqn6/s1600/576560_378513902198105_1101303913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3SrgrmMpWw0dZRr7bnlr167nU9wAKmNo0ZWaFP3uMEshvk0ysokubwN-Ki6JLbjwIoL18SOzTh8xYQ9uYTVqPdxadFmCte-PVu-Q7E7j4JKABqMFvH6wlJVMIijoU_rqAWwXQDNIEqn6/s320/576560_378513902198105_1101303913_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="244" /></a></div>
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Overwhelmed by yet another blessing.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-5245152877319173362012-05-11T21:30:00.001-07:002012-05-11T21:40:15.305-07:00Boring Testimonies?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJ4F2l3xWuoUTD2oFxufOrlzX5CFob2Q7GdeLDdBjr9imxwhK3rOwfgKJNmuKg9R101IdI3MtVeSEUKmXNTQV3Dpd_eDLADolPGtyMEtFb8vMd9TAl1ct8kjtEp5NUyg_5DgrbqOqAqe3/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJ4F2l3xWuoUTD2oFxufOrlzX5CFob2Q7GdeLDdBjr9imxwhK3rOwfgKJNmuKg9R101IdI3MtVeSEUKmXNTQV3Dpd_eDLADolPGtyMEtFb8vMd9TAl1ct8kjtEp5NUyg_5DgrbqOqAqe3/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the things I love about Tim Hawkins is his ability to
make his audience roar with laughter, yet still convey a good message. True, I
don’t care for the feminine interpretations or crass remarks, but Tim frequently
manages to leave me not just with aching sides, but with a serious truth to
mull over. One such truth is found in his monologue about testimonies. Tim
takes the microphone in his hands, lowers and shakes his head, and sighs,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“I don’t know, sometimes I like, wish I had a better
testimony. Do you ever do that? Wish you had a better testimony? You’re sitting
in church and you listen to a guy on stage and you’re like, ‘Man, he’s got an
awesome testimony. I have a horrible one… I wish I had been addicted to crack!”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Funny. Ridiculous. But true. So often I feel many Christians
have this comical, yet ludicrous attitude. I find it especially true in the
homeschooling community. Most of us have been raised in a Christian home our
entire lives. Since we were brought up in this protected environment and soaked
in the Bible from an early age, very few of us can remember a specific date or
time when we gave our hearts to Christ. Or if we do remember, our testimony is
something along the lines of, “I was in Sunday school and the teacher was
speaking on the cross for the hundredth time, but this time I was so
overwhelmed with the realization of how much Christ truly loved me. So I prayed
with the teacher.” Absolutely nothing wrong with that, but when it is compared
to a testimony of deliverance from addictions, sexual relationships, or even
death, we feel our “Jesus-loves-me” narrative is simple and, well… boring.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This past week I read “Redeemed and Restored”, a collection
of testimonies from the wives of well-known Calvary Chapel pastors. Each story
was incredible. To hear how God had restored the lives of so many women was
such a joy and inspiration. But when I reached the end of the book and found
empty pages designed for me to write my own testimony in, I (like Tim Hawkins),
lowered and shook my head, and sighed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“I was never into drugs, I didn’t abort a baby or give it up
for adoption, and I haven’t committed adultery or gotten a divorce. I’m not
even married yet! So why put my simple story in?”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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But then it hit me right between the eyes. How silly I am!
To think that God’s work of salvation in my life is any less incredible that
anyone else’s! My story is just as amazing. Not because God delivered me <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">out of</i> those sins, but because He kept
me from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">falling into</i> them to begin
with! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Think about it. He has
protected and cared for me my entire life. I was born into a Christian home, to
Christian parents. My dad is even a pastor! For as long as I can remember, my
parents have poured the word of God into me. They homeschooled me, saving me
from the heavy peer-pressure and exposure to sin I was not prepared to face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Not only did God protect me as a child, but he has continued
to do so throughout my teen years. Think about it again. I am eighteen years old. I have never used
drugs, never smoked, never had one sip of alcohol, and have never had sex. I’ve
never even been kissed or had a boyfriend! And not because no one would have
me, but because of God’s grace. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Sadly, to be eighteen and never done those things is an
extreme rarity in our culture. But I am not pointing this out to show you what
a great young woman I am, rather, to prove to you that the fact that I am still
a virgin, the fact that I have never tasted alcohol, smoked, or done drugs is
the most incredible testimony to God’s goodness and mercy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re a Christian and a homeschooler, you probably have
never done these things either. But don’t allow that to make you feel as though
your testimony is any less than others. Each and every Christian has a story,
and each and every one is incredible for different reasons. So regardless of
our tale, let us all be overwhelmed with gratefulness that the God of the
universe sent His Son to die on a cross so that we might be saved!<o:p></o:p></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-21054771825176882232012-05-04T19:48:00.001-07:002012-05-07T13:03:43.140-07:00Guest post ~ The Scholar's Club<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Scholars’ Club<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">by Joshua Peña (aka Mr. Winkle)</b></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was wandering in the woods one night, seeking true north, stumbling
through thicket, blocked in by boughs above, when I came upon a monument of
impressive build and hew. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I drew near
to view it more closely, I found it to be a dome of granite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its pallid sides towered above the encircling
trees, the bark and branches of which were being stripped by the wind and flung
at the construction, as if nature itself were waging war against the unnatural
mound.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the side of the dome that lay nearest to me was a portico
on which were arrayed eight lines of columns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The columns were spaced apart, so as to afford seven pathways to the blackness
inside the dome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Outside the structure with
his face to the wind stood a scholarly man in a gray hoodless robe and a gray hanging
beard, wearing shaded spectacles. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
gazed at him, and, as nearly as I could tell, he was gazing back at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stood there, and minutes passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was beginning to wonder whether he was nothing
but a waxwork figure made to accompany the building, when he opened his mouth
and asked, “Are you the inductee?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not knowing how to answer, I said nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He interpreted my silence as an affirmative,
and motioned me to come closer, which I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then he said “I will follow you into the dome.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Which entrance should I take?” I asked, since seven were available.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Any entrance works,” he said, so I took the one that was
nearest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I passed by the columns I
read by the stars an inscription cut deep in the portico floor: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To every god</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What is this place?” I asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is club headquarters,” he said, “as
well as our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We meet here once a
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are not meeting here we are
usually living here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are not
living here we are usually wandering nearby, as many are wont to do, but never
for long, for we have already learned all that a sojourn may tell.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://0.tqn.com/d/atheism/1/0/k/f/PantheonRomeCeilingV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/atheism/1/0/k/f/PantheonRomeCeilingV.jpg" width="213" /></a>Inside the dome, I was able to distinguish against the blackened
ceiling the outline of an oculus, through which a small amount of starlight fell
to the center of the rounded floor. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
wind was softened by the walls, and the light was scarce enough that it took
several moments for my eyes to adjust to their surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they did, I saw a body of men assembled,
about twenty in all, some older, some younger, all with gray cloaks, hanging
beards, and shaded eyes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Our latest member has arrived!” my escort announced, and the
company all cheered. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A moment of silence
ensued, after which a voice began to speak from the back of the dome. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The voice was resonant, and when it spoke you
almost thought it was inside your mind, eavesdropping a bit, inspecting your
thoughts, and that it sometimes disapproved of the stupidity it found there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The voice was ancient, wise, wizardly.<s><o:p></o:p></s></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Welcome to our circle, young sir,” said the voice. “We hope
you have not been long in searching for us, and we are glad you have chosen our
cozy little spot for your abode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All who
dwell within our dome find themselves, you might say, psychologically healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They find freedom within the confines of
these walls.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Quite right, Grand Headmaster,” said the company together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Before you are inducted,” the voice continued, “you must be
made to know the history of our club, and you must learn the Central Truth which
governs all other truths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before you
become anyone, you must know the things that everyone who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> anyone knows.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here the voice made itself partly visible by drawing near,
although not quite entering, the faint pillar of light at the center of the
dome. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its hands were outstretched, and
its head was erect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The impression formed
in my mind was that of an overgrown owl, mantling its prey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Be seated, all” the voice said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The company walked toward a group of tablet arm chairs that
lay in well-ordered rows on one side of the dome, while the Grand Headmaster moved
with caution to his place behind a lectern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I took my seat with the group, and class began.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The members of The Scholars’ Club once lived outside this
dome for years, during which time we set upon a quest.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A quest!” cried the company.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Each of us chose a remote star for himself,” the Headmaster
continued, “which he sought out by night, and when the day came and the star
was no longer visible, he continued in its direction nonetheless, charting a course
by the Local Star. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of us made great
sacrifices for this quest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left
families, gave up sleep and sustenance itself to journey, each toward his
chosen star.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But our sacrifices were
worthwhile, for it was on this quest that we discovered a truth so great as to be
incomprehensible to the blind outside our circle – it is the Central Truth,
known only to the members of our erudite group.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Grand Headmaster paused and looked knowingly at his pupils.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They returned the gaze, just as knowingly, bespectacled
faces brimming with scholarly anticipation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We discovered,” he continued, in the wisest of tones, “that
the stars are not immobile, as we once thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The truth is that they spin ‘round about us in confusing circles.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, yes -- round and round and round,” said the company,
illustrating the motion for me with their heads.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I raised my hand to ask a question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i>
the stars run circles?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would think—”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course you would think that,” snapped the Headmaster. “You
haven’t been inducted yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But everyone
knows the stars move – leastwise, everyone who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> anyone.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The company of anyones nodded approval.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“As I was saying,” the Headmaster continued, “when members of
our erudite group came upon this grand discovery, we drew up a proclamation
that the stars are unreliable as a form of guidance, and worthless for all
quests.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Quite right, worthless for quests,” said the class.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ah, but they are not worthless <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">altogether</i>,” said the Grand Headmaster, with a tone to distinguish
subtlety. “We concluded that the stars are for illumination, not
navigation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No destination, you see. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One may walk <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">by</i> the stars, but not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">toward</i>
any star.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is very convenient, you
know, for it lets each choose his own course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead of running circles chasing lights, we may wander in circles
however we wish.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wonderfully convenient, you know!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The great point here is that each may walk as he
pleases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some walk one way, some
another, some walk to nowhere – some don’t walk at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t stand in their way, and they don’t
stand in ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s democratic that
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you see?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t quite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
since my feeble powers of intellect were of no avail against such insightful arguments,
I dropped the point and moved onto another matter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why do you live in this dome?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The question was obviously very stupid, for the Grand Headmaster’s
face showed disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He began
patiently to explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As I said, each
may walk as he pleases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are those who
don’t walk at all – at least not often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You see, each day the Local Star rises from its slumber on the other
side of our planet and fires its rays down at us, piercing our eyes with a
painful brightness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hate the light,
so we live in the dome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s for
protection, you see.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This seemed odd, so I pressed further, “If the rays pain you
so, why did you build the oculus?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this point, the Headmaster’s demeanor changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His face turned from disbelief to something
like muted rage. “We had nothing to do with it,” he said, seething.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t understand.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course you don’t!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re an inductee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You weren’t
here when it happened!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What </i>happened?” I
asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The wind outside, which so far the walls had muffled sufficiently
for those inside to ignore, rose suddenly as if to make a great and final
attempt to topple the dome walls. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as
it rose, so did the Headmaster’s voice, and to such a height that it drowned
out the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He threw up his hands to
Heaven as if to lodge a complaint, and cried, “We dwelt here once, contentedly,
hid from the light which cuts and burns and shines and pierces, pleasantly
entombed, and our hearts reveled in the lightless clime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet – cruelty! – our joy was not to last for
long, for no sooner was our light-shield built than a storm arose which shook
our souls and struck terror in our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then came the bolt which fell and rent our lovely darkness!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The figure at the lectern went slack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What were we to do?” it cried. “We could not
dwell contentedly, light seeping in from the hole struck out above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So to shield our eyes once more, we crafted
shades.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Grand Headmaster regained his posture, and with fisted
hands raised one last battle cry, “Light struck out the hole!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Light destroyed our circle! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Light was
the cruel sword, and we had nothing to do with it!”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly the walls of our tomb heaved in the wind, and the
very foundation of the dome lifted upward at an angle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Headmaster tumbled into the light at the
center of the dome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His shades fell
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw his face, and horror filled
my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Grand Headmaster turned his head up to look at the
stars, but it was too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes had
long since vanished, and all that remained were gaping holes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*****<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Somehow I survived that stormy night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next morning I left to continue my
journey, and came soon upon a meadow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I walked, easterly beams of light began to skip across the green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced upward at the wakening sky and saw,
for a brief moment, hanging in its place among the fading constellations, the
object of my quest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To the north: a fixed star.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Although they knew God,
they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their
thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Professing to be wise, they became fools.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Romans 1:21-22<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Copyright 2012</i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Joshua would love any feedback you have to offer!</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-78708904996024287972012-04-10T10:18:00.000-07:002012-05-05T11:09:55.176-07:00Loving God with ALL Your Mind ~ guest post by LJG<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">In the last few weeks as <i>The Hunger Games</i> fever began to rise, my friends and I have had many discussions as to what Christians should or should not be viewing. The following post, written by a close brother in Christ, is an incredibly thought provoking article outlining just what it means to love God will all our mind and how that should apply to media. Regardless of your position on <i>The Hunger Games</i>, <i>Harry Potter</i>, <i>Twilight</i>, or any popular media, I hope you will be blessed, encouraged, and challenged by LJG's heartfelt words. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> (Romans 12:9)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">In the midst of pressures and influences dictated by popularity and emotions, the Christian identity has been compromised under the flag of cultural assimilation and personal subjectivity. Religious syncretism is rife. "Toleration" and "love" have been made excuses for defying absolutes and accountability. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Paul here in Romans admonishes believers to love without hypocrisy, a real genuine affection and action of godly sacrifice. But he then further writes to <i>"abhor what is evil"</i> and <i>"cling to what is good."</i> That statement defies most banners we have flown over our lifestyles and decisions as a nation, as individuals, and sadly at times as the church.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Gray has blinded the lines of what is right and wrong too often. We take things from the world and slap a Christian label on it. We rationalize. We justify. We excuse ourselves from truly rejecting darkness, and we have our list of reasons. But can we honestly look God in the eyes and say what we have allowed to be "ok" is acceptable according to Him and His Word?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 grows a bit on the same thought in Romans, <i>"Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"From every form of evil? Test all things? Well if my church is doing it, it must be ok, right?" "Oh come on; it can't be that bad!" We have all heard that little voice trying to sanitize and Christianize what we know is not right.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">When it comes to popular media, we desperately need a fresh look at God's Word. If God has so called us to love Him with all of our mind, we need to know what that looks like. Therefore, we need to know how to discern popular media so that we are not sucked into compromising our Christian identity of solely living for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This topic is touchy, I know. But I believe we are only so sensitive because we have compromised the standard we are called to live by in God's Word so much to fit what we want and hunger. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Let's dive into a couple passages of Scripture.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 Peter 1, <i>"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here believers are to hold fast to their calling. They are to gird, prepare or guard, their minds resting fully upon the grace that God has been blessed upon them. Then, Peter continues that we are to do so <i>"as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'"</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>"In all our conduct?"</i> Yes. In all our conduct, we are to be not conforming to our former lusts but be pursuing holiness. Not for us, however. We live holy by and for the only Holy One as we live in Christ Jesus.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Deuteronomy 23 also talks about this, <i>"When the army goes out against your enemies, then keep yourself from every wicked thing...For the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and give your enemies over to you; therefore your camp shall be holy, that He may see no unclean thing among you, and turn away from you."</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Although God was commanding the Israelites to be clean in a physical aspect, the command can also be seen with a dual instruction of also being spiritually clean as He taught them in previous texts. God's people are to live under the Lordship of God, for is He imminently involved in our lives. Do we as believers view popular media as if He is watching and reading it with us? Would He find it pleasing? Does He find it glorifying Him and having us all the more focus on Him?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Philippians 4:8, <i>"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."</i> Here Paul lays out the ultimate criteria. Does what we view display all of these traits? What we watch at home and in theaters, what we read printed on pages, will be meditated in our minds. What our we meditating on?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Paul continues in verse 9,<i>"The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."</i> God shows here an organic relationship between what we think and what we do. What we fill our minds with will inevitably influence how we choose to live. Therefore, what content and images we open into our minds will bear great significance.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">For example, although popular opinion says Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games are all great movies to watch, can we honestly admit that these movies line up to the above criteria? I challenge you, as I am challenging myself, to refine what we mean by loving God with all our mind. He views every thought. Would He be pleased and glorified? Or is there something else stealing the attention and adoration He so deserves?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">In the mentioned movies, there is blatant murder, gore, sorcery, false romance, nudity, sensuality, and the glorification of what is darkness in the eyes of our Lord.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"Oh, but there is a good side and bad side, and the good guys always win!" Good and evil is defined by who in this work? The secular author with no biblical standards or convictions?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"Oh, but it's real. This really happens in the world around us!" Well, sex slaves, abuse, homosexuality, lewdness, satanic activity and worship with many more forms of evil are real and rampant in our world, so is that an excuse to go view it and fill our minds with it?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"Oh, well I'll just close my eyes on that part." Why would you watch a movie that you have to close your eyes on? You are still going to get a glimpse of that image.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">A great analogy I once heard was brownie baking. If the cook decided to cook the brownie with a little feces, would you eat it? You can try to spit out the junk, but guess what, the poop is mixed into all the brownie as these secular authors mix all their junk throughout their stories.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here is another example. A friend of mine went to go watch a Marvel movie with his youth group when it first hit the cinema. The film was based off on one of his favorite old superhero, kid comic strips. The comics were innocent; how bad could the movie be? Plus, if the youth group is going, hey, it must be ok, right? During the movie, he stood up and walked out. Why? That large screen displayed a naked woman, and as the Word of God commands, that is not an image he is to allow into his mind. What would his wife think if he allowed his eyes to stare at this bare actress? What would our future spouses think of similar images we accept into our minds? Purity of mind is of utmost priority.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Isaiah wisely warns, <i>"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"</i> (Isaiah 5:20) Whose standards are we living by? Ours? Or Jesus'?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 John 2:6, 28-29, <i>“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked… And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.”</i> Is this us?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">After telling the Thessalonians to test all things, abstain from every form of evil, hold to what is good, Paul begins to close off with the following words and so will I as I pray you will open your heart and surrender to God. He will lead you to live as He wishes for you to live, a life that wholly worships Him.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Life is not about us. Life is all about Him. We are to have the mind of Christ. Is that what we are holding to? Are we walking and thinking in the Spirit or in the flesh?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Remember, ultimately what we think will lead to what we do. The mind has such an influence into how we live. We need to follow the words of Scripture as it shows that if we are to think biblically we will live biblically. We need to love our God and Savior without hypocrisy. God should get the glory as He so deserves it. Is that our goal in how we live? Is that our goal in how we intake cultural media?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."</i> (1 Thessalonians 5:23)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">~LJG</span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-58955757629729966432012-03-25T18:11:00.007-07:002012-03-25T23:11:08.447-07:00Diary of a speech...For all my speech and debate friends who wanted to know the story of my struggles with my Original Oratory…<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">February 21, 2012</span>- I had given up. <br />
<br />
Over the last three months I had written over six speeches for competition in the category of Original Oratory in the STOA Speech and Debate League, but had never felt a sense of peace or satisfaction in any of these speeches. None of them seemed to be blessed of God. Frustrated and exhausted, I threw myself on my bed sobbing and crying out to the Lord.<br />
<br />
“God, I don’t understand. I’m willing to speak on whatever topic you choose, but you aren’t giving me direction. I have prayed, waited, and taken the action I thought you wanted me to take, but you have closed every door. And now God, with the biggest tournament of the year only eight days away, if you want me to give an Original Oratory, you have to give me the new topic by tomorrow morning.” <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">February 22, 2012</span>- Puffy red eyes. <br />
<br />
After a night of crying and praying I walked into the kitchen and my mom called to me excitedly: “Sarah, I have an idea for your speech!” I wasn’t interested. I had tried so many ideas before, why would this one be any different?<br />
<br />
“What if you did one on protecting your heart?” she said. “You could talk about what you are always telling me; that love is something we should walk into, not fall into.”<br />
<br />
It was an interesting idea, but I had tried something similar before and it didn’t work. So I merely shrugged my shoulders and sat down for our family devotions. That morning my dad decided to listen to a message on love by one of his favorite pastors. As the sermon began, my eyes grew big. He was talking about the importance of viewing love not as an irresistible feeling, but rather a choice. I started to wonder… was God trying to show me something? <br />
<br />
Once we were done with our devotions, I sat in front of our computer and as I logged into my gmail account I saw a note from a close girlfriend. Opening it, I found she was encouraging me in my efforts to protect my heart.<br />
<br />
I laughed a little, bowed my head with a sigh, and finally whispered, “Okay, Lord. I get it. Emotional purity it is.”<br />
<br />
Then began the sensation that would plague me for the next two weeks. My heart started to race with incredible speed. I felt short of breath, dizzy, and at times, lost my vision completely. The attack lasted for about 5 minutes, leaving me weak, shaky, and a little scared.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">February 29, 2012</span>- The first day of the tournament.<br />
<br />
The time had come for me to present my speech. I stood outside the room with a few close friends. As the last speaker exited the room and I prepared to go in, that familiar feeling hit me again; heart racing, heavy feeling in my chest, shortage of breath, and my vision beginning to cloud. I knew it had to be a spiritual attack. I quickly told my friends and they prayed for me. “Satan has no power over you,” one of my girlfriends whispered in my ear before she sat down. <br />
<br />
I walked in front of the judges and began to speak. Suddenly my vision cleared and my heart began to beat normally. I smiled and gave the message God had given to me. When I finished, several young girls came up to me, crying. “Sarah,” each one sobbed. “That’s exactly what I needed to hear right now.”<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">March 1, 2012</span>- Another pre-elimination round.<br />
<br />
The same attack as the previous day came before I walked in the room. But just like the first time, the moment I began to speak, God took away all the physical attacks; my vision cleared, my heart stopped racing, and my breathing slowed. And again, after the presentation I had young women crying on my shoulder, whispering just how much they needed to hear my message.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">March 2, 2012</span>- Speech Breaks (announcements for quarter finals)<br />
<br />
As I waited to hear the announcements for quarter finals, I suddenly heard a voice inside my head whisper, “I am going to take this speech farther than you could ever dream.” But I thought it was just my own hopes getting the better of me, so I shook off the feeling. Yet there was my name being called. I had made it to the first out-round.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">March 3, 2012, 11:00 am</span>- The final round. <br />
<br />
I couldn’t believe it; God had taken me to the top 8. Giving it all I had, and fighting yet another one of Satan’s attacks, I delivered my last speech. When I came to the conclusion, I said one of the lines out of order and began to panic. But with God’s strength, I gave the conclusion impromptu style, speaking entirely from my heart. By the end, I was sobbing. As I walked out, so many members of the audience came to share their stories with me and to tell me just how much the speech meant to them. I was so happy. God had used me to touch people. And now I was done. But… <span style="font-style: italic;">He</span> wasn’t.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">7:30 pm</span>- Awards ceremony.<br />
<br />
When I stood with the other finalists, listening to the names being called from 8th up to 1st, I was so angry at my adversary. He was still attacking me. My heart was going crazy. I was afraid it would grow worse and I’d lose my vision while on stage. We were down to the top two. Then it really hit me… <span style="font-style: italic;">I was in the top two!</span> When the 2nd place speaker was announced, I nearly fainted. I had won 1st place. Or rather, <span style="font-style: italic;">He</span> had won 1st place. As I stood there sobbing, my heart was beating worse than ever. My vision was completely gone again and I felt so dizzy. But I started to laugh.<br />
<br />
“Face it, Satan…” I whispered. “You’ve been defeated. <span style="font-weight: bold;">My God triumphed!</span>"<br />
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To view my speech, go to this link: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeGi1VOJ_wo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeGi1VOJ_wo</a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590400234198805658.post-10950834304040096722012-03-17T14:01:00.002-07:002012-06-20T12:06:48.643-07:00Reaching for His HighestI fall back into my seat; stunned. After so many years of waiting, was this moment actually here? Scarcely breathing, I pinch myself, wondering if it is nothing more than a dream. But no, a sharp pain shoots through my arm from where the flesh has been stung. This <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> reality. I let out a deep breath. A slight smile illuminates my face. “I have done it…” I whisper. “I finally got a blog.”<br />
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Shocking, I know. I have considered starting a blog for several years, yet time (or rather the lack thereof) has consistently thwarted my plans. But now, as I finish my senior year of high school and begin preparation for college, I will naturally have much more time to write long, rambling articles that will most likely be read by only one other than myself (thanks, mom). Yet in this first post I shall keep my rambling to a minimum by simply explaining the purpose of this blog and the meaning of its title.<br />
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From the time I received Christ as my Master three years ago, He has gently been humbling me by showing me exactly what it means to be a Christian and revealing to me just how far I fall short. For as Christians we are called to follow and obey. We are to be like Christ; to imitate Him. This in and of itself is a huge mission. But I have come to learn there is even more to this calling than we immediately realize.<br />
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Many consider being a Christian to simply mean you don’t watch R-rated movies, must save sex for marriage, and go to church every Sunday. Yet being a Christian is so much more than following a list of do’s and don’ts. Having Christ in our lives should change our attitude; our perspective. Sadly, so many Christians (including myself), live a life as though we want to be as close to evil pleasure as possible without actually “sinning”. Yet we should be going the opposite direction, actively fighting to be as close as possible to purity and holiness. It is not enough to just say “no” to sin; we must <span style="font-style: italic;">crave</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">run after</span> righteousness. This desire for what is right should permeate every aspect of our lives. It should affect what we read, watch, listen to, wear, say, do, and even think!<br />
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I hope that this blog will be a place where I can encourage others in their pursuit of godliness by sharing my daily journey of surrendering every facet of my life to the will of God. Each post will center around the mindset of raising our standards. Whether that be a biblical movie review, an essay on theology, or an article discussing what a Christian response should be to various cultural issues. <br />
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According to the world, I have extremely high standards. According to most Christians, I have extremely high standards. But according to God's standards, I completely miss the mark. To Him, my good is nothing but filthy rags. It is not enough to meet the world’s highest standard, nor Christian’s highest standard. We must Reach for <span style="font-style: italic;">His</span> Highest.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196564533502262365noreply@blogger.com5