Long-over due pictures. No time to upload/organize them all. Check them out via facebook.
Enjoy.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=191023&id=600670859&l=49c6fbd1d4
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Looking Back
Looking back... I knew that I would go to college after high school graduation.
Looking back... I knew that weather captured my interest. I knew that God fills us with passion and interests that are unique to us and the furthering of His kingdom, if we act on it. So I pursued a degree in Meteorology.
Looking back... I knew that I wanted to attend Meridian Community College, an unknown territory. Transitioning from a school/place where 'you know EVERYone and EVERYone knows you' to a place where 'you recognize no one and nothing' was hard and exhausting. Slowly but surely, those people, classes, places became my norm. And I loved it.
Looking back... I did not realize how that transition from (a) Kemper Academy to Meridian Community College, (b) driving 15 minutes to school to 1.5 hours round trip, (b) no traffic to traffic, (d) people knowing your life story to starting fresh with new people, (e) from set routines to being able to pick/choose where and what I wanted to do, (f) balancing money, (g) and all the other extra responsibilities that come along with college life... how it was all part of the 'breaking away' plan.
Looking back... I am SO glad that I kept God so close to my side, to my heart. Without Him, I would still be in a little hole in the ground, scared to go out and enjoy the world.
Looking back... The summer after I received my AA from MCC, all of the worry, stress, mind-racing, crying, snappiness was so not worth it. Knowing I would be going off to college in the fall, making the choice as to what college I would attend was the daily struggle. Oh, how family, distance, bigger unknowns, and the like weighed heavy on my mind. After much prayer and pleading for God's guidance, the University of South Alabama was preferred choice.
Looking back... It's so crazy that the beach was one of the biggest motivating factors when choosing which college to attend. Again, how totally amazing is it that God uses those strong interests for our lives!!
Looking back... I remember fear, overwhelming fear and sadness, come over me as I pulled out of the driveway on that USA Transfer Orientation July morning. It was like I was going off forever. Tears were shed, but many more prayers were said in the car that morning. "Lord, this is a me and You adventure," I remember praying.
Looking back... How appropriate was it that the weather was horrible on the drive back, horrible. Dark clouds, some rotating, heavy rain, heavier skies ahead, wind. It was almost like, "Yeah, this is that I want for you, Jaclyn."
Looking back... How sadness of leaving home that Saturday morning in August transformed into this peace and excitement of the beginnings of a new experience. And again, I asked for God to be right there with me on this blind path of life.
Looking back... I expected to break down and become homesick. But for some reason, I was NEVER homesick, never. There were times that I wished I was home, but never was I sad or unhappy that I was not. Such confirmation that this was where God wanted me!!
Looking back... I did not realize what amazing people and friends I would make and meet those first few weeks of classes. I did not realize how important these strangers would be in my life. What blessings they have been and still are! Praise God for surrounding with great people (and that's SO an answer to many prayers!).
Looking back... With a passionate desire to find a church close to campus to get plugged into, a simple google search led to one of the best decisions of my Mobile life. Airport Baptist Church... a church with a young, sarcastic, down to earth pastor; a church with up close and personal group of college friends; a church willing to accept me and let me serve; a church that has a passion to learn Christ and His ways and extend His kingdom. ... Thank You, Father, for leading me to that place! And how it has to growth and commitment.
Looking back... I am so grateful that God (and Mr. Wade) gave the another chance to go on a spring break meteorology trip to Oklahoma with a group of people I hardly knew. And oh! How special that trip was and the memories attached to it.
Looking back... I did not realize that uncouthly turning down a tall, goofy guy for a movie after SeCAPS would go full circle to a friendship and relationship that has taken my life to a new level. What laughter, smiles, joy, comfort, peace, sweet memories, and mere contentment would be lacking if I had not listened to God's voice on so many matters. And how His timing was so perfect! Praise You, Father, for answering my prayers and for such a great addition to my life.
Looking back... The amount of personal growth and character building was sooo underestimated. Group projects, hard tests, weather briefings, papers, personal choices, responsibilities, yes's and no's... they have ALL led to this Jaclyn-foundation that became stronger with every obstacle encountered. And how it was led to me to my knees many times, brought me to tears, forced me to run and jump into my Father's arms, because NO ONE else could help me through it all. Praise You, Lord, for ALWAYS being there, for being so faithful.
Looking back... No one ever expected this quiet, homely, worrisome, meek little country girl to move away from everything near and dear to her... to become a girl that found her voice, that thrived away from home in a new place, to a girl that learned to lean on her Heavenly Father to let go of (most of... still working on it) worry, meek but bold when she needs to be girl of Mobile, Alabama.
Looking back... I am so unbelievably grateful for this thing called 'college life.' How unbelievable awesome, amazing, wonderful my Savior is for walking beside every moment of everyday and providing for me and guiding me!! How blessed I am to have the means and support to be in this position.
Looking back... I knew that I would be walking across a stage with a cap and gown on to be, holding a diploma in my hand reading, "Bachelors of Science." But I did not know it would be here this fast.
It is here. It is time. This is it. This is the present. Five years in the making all for this moment.
All glory to God! Gratitude to my family for the encouragement and provisions. A special thanks to all of the friends, teachers, others that made the experience so worth it and enjoyable.
Looking back... I knew that weather captured my interest. I knew that God fills us with passion and interests that are unique to us and the furthering of His kingdom, if we act on it. So I pursued a degree in Meteorology.
Looking back... I knew that I wanted to attend Meridian Community College, an unknown territory. Transitioning from a school/place where 'you know EVERYone and EVERYone knows you' to a place where 'you recognize no one and nothing' was hard and exhausting. Slowly but surely, those people, classes, places became my norm. And I loved it.
Looking back... I did not realize how that transition from (a) Kemper Academy to Meridian Community College, (b) driving 15 minutes to school to 1.5 hours round trip, (b) no traffic to traffic, (d) people knowing your life story to starting fresh with new people, (e) from set routines to being able to pick/choose where and what I wanted to do, (f) balancing money, (g) and all the other extra responsibilities that come along with college life... how it was all part of the 'breaking away' plan.
Looking back... I am SO glad that I kept God so close to my side, to my heart. Without Him, I would still be in a little hole in the ground, scared to go out and enjoy the world.
Looking back... The summer after I received my AA from MCC, all of the worry, stress, mind-racing, crying, snappiness was so not worth it. Knowing I would be going off to college in the fall, making the choice as to what college I would attend was the daily struggle. Oh, how family, distance, bigger unknowns, and the like weighed heavy on my mind. After much prayer and pleading for God's guidance, the University of South Alabama was preferred choice.
Looking back... It's so crazy that the beach was one of the biggest motivating factors when choosing which college to attend. Again, how totally amazing is it that God uses those strong interests for our lives!!
Looking back... I remember fear, overwhelming fear and sadness, come over me as I pulled out of the driveway on that USA Transfer Orientation July morning. It was like I was going off forever. Tears were shed, but many more prayers were said in the car that morning. "Lord, this is a me and You adventure," I remember praying.
Looking back... How appropriate was it that the weather was horrible on the drive back, horrible. Dark clouds, some rotating, heavy rain, heavier skies ahead, wind. It was almost like, "Yeah, this is that I want for you, Jaclyn."
Looking back... How sadness of leaving home that Saturday morning in August transformed into this peace and excitement of the beginnings of a new experience. And again, I asked for God to be right there with me on this blind path of life.
Looking back... I expected to break down and become homesick. But for some reason, I was NEVER homesick, never. There were times that I wished I was home, but never was I sad or unhappy that I was not. Such confirmation that this was where God wanted me!!
Looking back... I did not realize what amazing people and friends I would make and meet those first few weeks of classes. I did not realize how important these strangers would be in my life. What blessings they have been and still are! Praise God for surrounding with great people (and that's SO an answer to many prayers!).
Looking back... With a passionate desire to find a church close to campus to get plugged into, a simple google search led to one of the best decisions of my Mobile life. Airport Baptist Church... a church with a young, sarcastic, down to earth pastor; a church with up close and personal group of college friends; a church willing to accept me and let me serve; a church that has a passion to learn Christ and His ways and extend His kingdom. ... Thank You, Father, for leading me to that place! And how it has to growth and commitment.
Looking back... I am so grateful that God (and Mr. Wade) gave the another chance to go on a spring break meteorology trip to Oklahoma with a group of people I hardly knew. And oh! How special that trip was and the memories attached to it.
Looking back... I did not realize that uncouthly turning down a tall, goofy guy for a movie after SeCAPS would go full circle to a friendship and relationship that has taken my life to a new level. What laughter, smiles, joy, comfort, peace, sweet memories, and mere contentment would be lacking if I had not listened to God's voice on so many matters. And how His timing was so perfect! Praise You, Father, for answering my prayers and for such a great addition to my life.
Looking back... The amount of personal growth and character building was sooo underestimated. Group projects, hard tests, weather briefings, papers, personal choices, responsibilities, yes's and no's... they have ALL led to this Jaclyn-foundation that became stronger with every obstacle encountered. And how it was led to me to my knees many times, brought me to tears, forced me to run and jump into my Father's arms, because NO ONE else could help me through it all. Praise You, Lord, for ALWAYS being there, for being so faithful.
Looking back... No one ever expected this quiet, homely, worrisome, meek little country girl to move away from everything near and dear to her... to become a girl that found her voice, that thrived away from home in a new place, to a girl that learned to lean on her Heavenly Father to let go of (most of... still working on it) worry, meek but bold when she needs to be girl of Mobile, Alabama.
Looking back... I am so unbelievably grateful for this thing called 'college life.' How unbelievable awesome, amazing, wonderful my Savior is for walking beside every moment of everyday and providing for me and guiding me!! How blessed I am to have the means and support to be in this position.
Looking back... I knew that I would be walking across a stage with a cap and gown on to be, holding a diploma in my hand reading, "Bachelors of Science." But I did not know it would be here this fast.
It is here. It is time. This is it. This is the present. Five years in the making all for this moment.
All glory to God! Gratitude to my family for the encouragement and provisions. A special thanks to all of the friends, teachers, others that made the experience so worth it and enjoyable.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Lost... and No-stinken-Where to be Found
My mind.... what mind? It is gone. It has left. No good-bye. No adios. Nothing... nada. Yeah.
I have apparently lost all capability to reason, to think, to use my brain. I have done so many stupid-air headed things this past week.
So let us recap:
(a) I almost left my geta's keys in the room
(b) ... shortly after, almost forgot to lock the door with those same keys
(c) contoured a couple of things completely wrong on my maps
(d) have slurred words, combined words, basically cannot speak
(e) left keys in the laundry room (along with driver's license, cash, etc.)
(f) left the same keys/wallet in Fred's car and didn't realize it until it was time to pay for groceries
(g) tripped over my feet
(h) struggled like a 6-year old (this morning) to put a series of negative and positive numbers in increasing order
(i) ETC......
"Stupid Mode" has returned in full force. It is crazy. The more I realize just how stupid I have been acting, the more it aggravates me. And the more the cycle continues. The reason? I really do not know. I believe it is because my mind is trying to sprint off in 10 different directions, so I cannot focus on one thing. Once I figure out what I need to think about, my mind if already shooting off to the next topic.
Please pray that my mind returns.... especially before finals.
Thank you.
I have apparently lost all capability to reason, to think, to use my brain. I have done so many stupid-air headed things this past week.
So let us recap:
(a) I almost left my geta's keys in the room
(b) ... shortly after, almost forgot to lock the door with those same keys
(c) contoured a couple of things completely wrong on my maps
(d) have slurred words, combined words, basically cannot speak
(e) left keys in the laundry room (along with driver's license, cash, etc.)
(f) left the same keys/wallet in Fred's car and didn't realize it until it was time to pay for groceries
(g) tripped over my feet
(h) struggled like a 6-year old (this morning) to put a series of negative and positive numbers in increasing order
(i) ETC......
"Stupid Mode" has returned in full force. It is crazy. The more I realize just how stupid I have been acting, the more it aggravates me. And the more the cycle continues. The reason? I really do not know. I believe it is because my mind is trying to sprint off in 10 different directions, so I cannot focus on one thing. Once I figure out what I need to think about, my mind if already shooting off to the next topic.
Please pray that my mind returns.... especially before finals.
Thank you.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
"It Is Finished"
Yesterday marked the end of an era... the Synoptic briefing era. What a relief!
Dodge City, Kansas is the forecast city this week. Why? The chance of severe weather...
As usual, I prepped the entire morning for the briefing... grabbing charts and pasting them into a powerpoint presentation, analyzing charts, trying to figure out what is going on and why.
The presentation went ok, as I lacked words to describe a few charts. The questions were not quite bad as they have been in the past. But alas, I was within the time limit (19+ minutes), executed accordingly, and was debriefed by Dr. Blackwell... for the last time. And I steadily improved my grades from one briefing to the next! (Praise the Lord!) Now all I lack is one last verification briefing which will be tomorrow.
But it is over. No more stressing out over a Synoptic weather briefing. What a burden taken off of my back!
I realize that there will be A LOT more "synoptic briefings" to come my way, but what a relief and joy to know that God got me through 8 of them over the past year. And He will be right there with me for every other stressful (and non-stressful) moment in my life.
So in conclusion: ALL praise to Him to getting me through allll of it! It was not my strength or courage or knowledge. Uh uh and no ma'am. It was by and through Him was I able to get the job done!
Dodge City, Kansas is the forecast city this week. Why? The chance of severe weather...
As usual, I prepped the entire morning for the briefing... grabbing charts and pasting them into a powerpoint presentation, analyzing charts, trying to figure out what is going on and why.
The presentation went ok, as I lacked words to describe a few charts. The questions were not quite bad as they have been in the past. But alas, I was within the time limit (19+ minutes), executed accordingly, and was debriefed by Dr. Blackwell... for the last time. And I steadily improved my grades from one briefing to the next! (Praise the Lord!) Now all I lack is one last verification briefing which will be tomorrow.
But it is over. No more stressing out over a Synoptic weather briefing. What a burden taken off of my back!
I realize that there will be A LOT more "synoptic briefings" to come my way, but what a relief and joy to know that God got me through 8 of them over the past year. And He will be right there with me for every other stressful (and non-stressful) moment in my life.
So in conclusion: ALL praise to Him to getting me through allll of it! It was not my strength or courage or knowledge. Uh uh and no ma'am. It was by and through Him was I able to get the job done!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Learning to Wait...
Patience is a virtue.
Ever heard of that phrase? Waiting and patience go hand in hand. And quite frankly, sometimes waiting sucks.
I have never been much a long-term planner. But if I have a time limit and tasks ahead of me, I can schedule and work and get things done on time... that's short-term planning though. My mind is slowly shifting to the other side recently, maybe because I am being forced to think about such things. This urge to jump on top of things, sort things out, map, plan, talk, discuss, lay everything out on the table has been immanent for some time now. But yet every time I get worked up on the issue, I hear this voice saying, "Not now. Just wait. It will all work out." Besides, it is honestly not in my hands anyway. I gave it away to two people to take care of.
So here I sit, twiddling my thumbs, focusing on what lies directly in front of me, trusting that things will happen accordingly to His plan and timing, and trying to keep my tongue motionless in my mouth.
If patience is a virtue, God is grooming me into a virtuous woman. .... and I am completely okay with that!
Dirty Dishes
Have you ever wondered how dishes can multiply in the sink before your eyes in the matter of minutes, hours, a day?
I have been trying my best to keep up with the room this semester. Since Monday nights are my "free" nights, I try to cook, clean, and straighten up. I followed suit a week ago, and washed a sink full of dishes. It was not two days later that the sink was just as full again! And I thought to myself, "Someone else can wash these. I am not going to do it again."
Thursday: Oh, more dishes are in the sink.
Friday: There's a hint of funk coming from the door, as I pull out my key to unlock it. I walk in and tell Ashley that there's this smell... "Haha. I bet it's the dishes." All the more do I think to myself, "Nope. I am not cleaning those."
Saturday: Come in from work.... dishes still there.
Saturday night: Still there.
Sunday: No change.
This morning: It's like a porcelain/plastic explosive went was planted and detonated in the sink.
Oh, how my blood is beginning to boil. "No, I said I wasn't washing them. The majority of them are not mine. I'm sorry no one else has done it."
So I am in my bed this morning, just lying there. Instead of rushing out of bed, I decide to take a few minutes and talk to God. After praying, I continue with my usual morning routine and eat a bowl of cereal. When grabbing a bowl from the cabinet, I see those blasted dishes STILL there!
But my heart softens, and I realize my jerkish stance on the issue is NOT the way I should be.
"If I was those dishes," I thought, "It will be for God and God alone. Not for the fact of getting them done, not for anyone else, not for redemption for my jerkish way... but those stinken dishes will be washed for His glory."
His glory? Nasty dishes for His glory? A remedial task done in God's name? .....yeah. If He blessed with me dishes to eat off of, utensils to clean them with, muscles/coordination to wash them, and a conscience to be a good steward of what He has provided me with, YES. It will be for His glory.
So, I swallow my pride, pick up the Joy and a sponge, and begin to rub-a-dub-dub-scrub (while cooking dinner tonight, of course).
I have been trying my best to keep up with the room this semester. Since Monday nights are my "free" nights, I try to cook, clean, and straighten up. I followed suit a week ago, and washed a sink full of dishes. It was not two days later that the sink was just as full again! And I thought to myself, "Someone else can wash these. I am not going to do it again."
Thursday: Oh, more dishes are in the sink.
Friday: There's a hint of funk coming from the door, as I pull out my key to unlock it. I walk in and tell Ashley that there's this smell... "Haha. I bet it's the dishes." All the more do I think to myself, "Nope. I am not cleaning those."
Saturday: Come in from work.... dishes still there.
Saturday night: Still there.
Sunday: No change.
This morning: It's like a porcelain/plastic explosive went was planted and detonated in the sink.
Oh, how my blood is beginning to boil. "No, I said I wasn't washing them. The majority of them are not mine. I'm sorry no one else has done it."
So I am in my bed this morning, just lying there. Instead of rushing out of bed, I decide to take a few minutes and talk to God. After praying, I continue with my usual morning routine and eat a bowl of cereal. When grabbing a bowl from the cabinet, I see those blasted dishes STILL there!
But my heart softens, and I realize my jerkish stance on the issue is NOT the way I should be.
"If I was those dishes," I thought, "It will be for God and God alone. Not for the fact of getting them done, not for anyone else, not for redemption for my jerkish way... but those stinken dishes will be washed for His glory."
His glory? Nasty dishes for His glory? A remedial task done in God's name? .....yeah. If He blessed with me dishes to eat off of, utensils to clean them with, muscles/coordination to wash them, and a conscience to be a good steward of what He has provided me with, YES. It will be for His glory.
So, I swallow my pride, pick up the Joy and a sponge, and begin to rub-a-dub-dub-scrub (while cooking dinner tonight, of course).
Sunday, April 11, 2010
"You Whore!"
What would you do/think if someone called you a whore? A slut? An adulterer / adulteress? Would you deny it? Would you hurl spiteful comebacks at them? Would you give them an evil look? Or would you just stand there in silence, still in shock at what you were just called.
Well... you are a whore in a sense.
"Where is this coming from??" The book of Hosea.
God used Hosea's life to paint the perfect illustration of how the Israelites (and present day people) treat God. It's painful. It's shameful. It makes me want to cringe, but it makes me realize just how unconditional God's love is for His children.
God told Hosea to "Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry." (Hosea 1:2) So Hosea marries a woman named Gomer, a very promiscuous and slutty lady. But a little while after their marriage, Gomer goes back to her former ways, sleeping around with the local men. She gets pregnant, and God tells Hosea to name the child "Jezreel"... named after a place of battle and bloodshed. She becomes pregnant again with a girl, and her name was to be "Lo-Ruhamah" ... which means no mercy. She becomes pregnant again with another boy, and his name was "Lo-Ammi"... meaning 'you are not My people." Hosea does not even know if these children were his or someone else's.
Hosea's story becomes even more heart-breaking. Gomer is not only sleeping around with other men, but she's living with them! I just cannot imagine how I would feel. If my husband was doing this, extreme hurt and anger would boil through my blood. I honestly do not know if I could bring myself to say that I still loved this person.
But God... God told Hosea in chapter 3 and verse 1:
"Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love the raisin cakes of the pagans."
Go bring her back into Hosea's house? Love this woman who is supposed to be your wife but is living with some guy that she's sleeping with? That... that sounds impossible! Implausible! Ridiculous! Absurd to say the least! Hosea goes out to find Gomer and ends up having to buy her back. He takes her back (at the command of the Lord)! But rules are set for her upon her return (Hosea 3: 3).
I have heard a sermon on Hosea before, but Lee Harper preached on it tonight at Airport Blvd. Baptist Church. And... I have to force my jaw muscles to keep my mouth closed. How can God ask Hosea to marry a whore that will run away from him and then go bring her back? Why?
And then it clicks. This is same way that we act towards God. We receive salvation (marry Him). Our lives instantly change, but then we slip back into our old habits (sleeping around... aka struggling with those sins that we were slaves to before salvation). But God, still amazingly in love with us, goes and finds us in another man's home and brings us back to Him.... pays a hefty price (His Son) for us. What pain and agony and broken-heartedness God goes through every time we turn our backs on Him to do what we want! How unconditional His love is for us!
So... to sum things up. I am a recovering whore. And what a mighty, merciful God I serve!
Well... you are a whore in a sense.
"Where is this coming from??" The book of Hosea.
God used Hosea's life to paint the perfect illustration of how the Israelites (and present day people) treat God. It's painful. It's shameful. It makes me want to cringe, but it makes me realize just how unconditional God's love is for His children.
God told Hosea to "Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry." (Hosea 1:2) So Hosea marries a woman named Gomer, a very promiscuous and slutty lady. But a little while after their marriage, Gomer goes back to her former ways, sleeping around with the local men. She gets pregnant, and God tells Hosea to name the child "Jezreel"... named after a place of battle and bloodshed. She becomes pregnant again with a girl, and her name was to be "Lo-Ruhamah" ... which means no mercy. She becomes pregnant again with another boy, and his name was "Lo-Ammi"... meaning 'you are not My people." Hosea does not even know if these children were his or someone else's.
Hosea's story becomes even more heart-breaking. Gomer is not only sleeping around with other men, but she's living with them! I just cannot imagine how I would feel. If my husband was doing this, extreme hurt and anger would boil through my blood. I honestly do not know if I could bring myself to say that I still loved this person.
But God... God told Hosea in chapter 3 and verse 1:
"Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love the raisin cakes of the pagans."
Go bring her back into Hosea's house? Love this woman who is supposed to be your wife but is living with some guy that she's sleeping with? That... that sounds impossible! Implausible! Ridiculous! Absurd to say the least! Hosea goes out to find Gomer and ends up having to buy her back. He takes her back (at the command of the Lord)! But rules are set for her upon her return (Hosea 3: 3).
I have heard a sermon on Hosea before, but Lee Harper preached on it tonight at Airport Blvd. Baptist Church. And... I have to force my jaw muscles to keep my mouth closed. How can God ask Hosea to marry a whore that will run away from him and then go bring her back? Why?
And then it clicks. This is same way that we act towards God. We receive salvation (marry Him). Our lives instantly change, but then we slip back into our old habits (sleeping around... aka struggling with those sins that we were slaves to before salvation). But God, still amazingly in love with us, goes and finds us in another man's home and brings us back to Him.... pays a hefty price (His Son) for us. What pain and agony and broken-heartedness God goes through every time we turn our backs on Him to do what we want! How unconditional His love is for us!
So... to sum things up. I am a recovering whore. And what a mighty, merciful God I serve!
Bittersweet Emotions
Emotions are a great and horrible thing, in my opinion. I love to see them on the big screen, on loved ones' and friends' faces, and randomly in every day life. But when it comes to me, I do not like them... except the good/happy ones. It bugs me how fast quickly emotions can shift.
I have a feeling that these next few weeks are going to be emotional... up one moment and down the next. Mixed feelings from every direction: so glad to be done with school for the semester, upset that this is my last one at South Alabama, ecstatic about receiving a Bachelors in meteorology, scared to death about how and where to use it, wildly excited about what God and the future holds for my life, upset about leaving beloved friends behind, terrified about certain things drastically changing or coming to an end, and helpless not knowing where God wants me to do with my life. There's just sooo many changes that accompany a degree.
God is in complete control of the whole situation... I know this whole-heartedly. It just sucks when my emotions over power that peaceful fact and reek havoc on my mind. Worrying about worst-case scenarios, over thinking things, and attempts to ignore what is coming... yeah, these little guys like to hang out in my brain without a personal invitation to do so.
Just pray over these next few weeks that I can let God take these concerns of mine, that I can completely let go of them. And that He will show me what He wants me to do and that I will have my eyes, my ears, and my heart focused on Him to know what direction He wants me to go in... regardless of my emotions.
I have a feeling that these next few weeks are going to be emotional... up one moment and down the next. Mixed feelings from every direction: so glad to be done with school for the semester, upset that this is my last one at South Alabama, ecstatic about receiving a Bachelors in meteorology, scared to death about how and where to use it, wildly excited about what God and the future holds for my life, upset about leaving beloved friends behind, terrified about certain things drastically changing or coming to an end, and helpless not knowing where God wants me to do with my life. There's just sooo many changes that accompany a degree.
God is in complete control of the whole situation... I know this whole-heartedly. It just sucks when my emotions over power that peaceful fact and reek havoc on my mind. Worrying about worst-case scenarios, over thinking things, and attempts to ignore what is coming... yeah, these little guys like to hang out in my brain without a personal invitation to do so.
Just pray over these next few weeks that I can let God take these concerns of mine, that I can completely let go of them. And that He will show me what He wants me to do and that I will have my eyes, my ears, and my heart focused on Him to know what direction He wants me to go in... regardless of my emotions.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Indulgence
I left straight from work Saturday (April 2nd) to be home for Easter. And the ENTIRE time I was honestly blown away by just how beautiful it was outside! All of these descriptive words kept soaring through my mind, as I attempted to capture the nature's beauty by using the English language. Needless to say, I was unsuccessful. The best I could come up with:
"Hundreds of variations and hues of luscious greens, brilliant purples, smooth creams, striking yellows, and passionate pinks emerging from under the beaming, spring sunlight... hundreds of reasons to look outside and praise God for new life!"
How appropriate is it that spring is always around Easter? How amazing is it that the cold winter months of death and dormancy are erased by this explosion of life and color... just in time for Easter?
You know, I know that God is brilliant and just mind-blowingly amazing when it comes to creating things. Just remember back to biology days (... or google...) and the human cell. The detail! All of the processes going on at once! How they are all intertwined, and if one thing does not work, it affects everything! Then take a step up to organs... and follow the same thought process. Then the human body as a whole... and the same process. Then ecosystems, then continents, climates, the water cycle, weather patterns, sun interactions with the earth... and the same though processes! Can you feel your mind wanting to break down at this point?
God thought it all...and I mean IT ALL... through. Every... little... intricate.... minute.... detail. And if that does not make you stand back in awe, think about this. Genesis 1:1. From the beginning, before He created anything, He already knew the reason for it all. And my, how it all revolves around that reason, His Son.
Even nature proclaims His resurrection and the new life that He has given us! Who else can turn death into life? I am blown away... simply blown away by the God the Creator, by God the Giver of Life, by Jesus and His faithfulness to the plan, and by God letting me indulge in His glorious proclaimation of a new life, a new start, and life in Him.
"Hundreds of variations and hues of luscious greens, brilliant purples, smooth creams, striking yellows, and passionate pinks emerging from under the beaming, spring sunlight... hundreds of reasons to look outside and praise God for new life!"
How appropriate is it that spring is always around Easter? How amazing is it that the cold winter months of death and dormancy are erased by this explosion of life and color... just in time for Easter?
You know, I know that God is brilliant and just mind-blowingly amazing when it comes to creating things. Just remember back to biology days (... or google...) and the human cell. The detail! All of the processes going on at once! How they are all intertwined, and if one thing does not work, it affects everything! Then take a step up to organs... and follow the same thought process. Then the human body as a whole... and the same process. Then ecosystems, then continents, climates, the water cycle, weather patterns, sun interactions with the earth... and the same though processes! Can you feel your mind wanting to break down at this point?
God thought it all...and I mean IT ALL... through. Every... little... intricate.... minute.... detail. And if that does not make you stand back in awe, think about this. Genesis 1:1. From the beginning, before He created anything, He already knew the reason for it all. And my, how it all revolves around that reason, His Son.
Even nature proclaims His resurrection and the new life that He has given us! Who else can turn death into life? I am blown away... simply blown away by the God the Creator, by God the Giver of Life, by Jesus and His faithfulness to the plan, and by God letting me indulge in His glorious proclaimation of a new life, a new start, and life in Him.
Monday, March 29, 2010
A Blessing
An hour and 24 minute conversation with my mom.... truly a blessing.
"Thank you, Lord, for those times."
Azalea Trail Run
Fred and I began running together not too long after we got back from Christmas break. Running was something that I really wanted to do. It ended up that Frederick was feeling the same way. So we committed to run four days a week, every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. I will admit that there were many days that I tried to talk Fred out of running, and there a few days that he did not want to run as well. But together, we stuck with it.
After about a month of running, I proposed that we run in the Azalea Trail Run. This year, they were introducing a 5k run. "Perfect," I thought. As March 27, 2010 came closer, I printed off the forms, filled them out, wrote a check, and mailed them in. It was on at this point. We were officially doing this! Spring break was a challenge. We both decided to actually take a break from everything, including running. Not so smart... but we ran the Tuesday and Thursday back from Spring Break.
And then Saturday finally rolled around. We both set our alarms for 6:00 a.m. I ate a little something for breakfast, took a quick shower, and headed over to Fred's place to pick him up. He drove downtown, and we figured out where the start was. We ran into Brian Himes before the race started. After a much needed bathroom break for the boys, we lined up and waited for start. Then... we were off.
The run started off slow... and a lot of dodging people was involved. Fred decided that he was going to stay with me the whole way since we "were doing this together." I was not expecting to run the entire way. But Fred asked how I was doing at the 2-mile mark, and I was feeling fine. I asked him NOT to let me quit, and he agreed. The last turn of the trail was a killer! My breathing shifted to my stomach, and I was getting winded. But Fred said with a stern voice, "You're not quitting." "Yes sir," I replied, and we carried on. We both crossed the finish line at 30 minutes 55 seconds.
I was just so excited that (1) we both set a goal and met it, (2) we ran the entire way... although I was the only one in question, (3) we did it together on a gorgeous, early Saturday morning.
The rest of day was just as great as the beginning! We picked up our shirts (and numbers) after the race, and decided that the game plan was going to be: clean up and brunch at Waffle House. Waffle House totally hit the spot for both of us. We then went back to his place and spent sometime outside in the sun reading Calvin and Hobbes.
I had to work from 2-8 p.m., but it went by rather quickly. Almost everyone that came through my line was pleasant. Fred picked me up on break for Sonic run, and then back to work for another 2.5 hours. I drove back to my place after work, and he picked me up from my car to take me back to his place for requested macaroni and cheese and Star Wars. We called it a night after the movie went off. But wow! It was really a great day.
After about a month of running, I proposed that we run in the Azalea Trail Run. This year, they were introducing a 5k run. "Perfect," I thought. As March 27, 2010 came closer, I printed off the forms, filled them out, wrote a check, and mailed them in. It was on at this point. We were officially doing this! Spring break was a challenge. We both decided to actually take a break from everything, including running. Not so smart... but we ran the Tuesday and Thursday back from Spring Break.
And then Saturday finally rolled around. We both set our alarms for 6:00 a.m. I ate a little something for breakfast, took a quick shower, and headed over to Fred's place to pick him up. He drove downtown, and we figured out where the start was. We ran into Brian Himes before the race started. After a much needed bathroom break for the boys, we lined up and waited for start. Then... we were off.
The run started off slow... and a lot of dodging people was involved. Fred decided that he was going to stay with me the whole way since we "were doing this together." I was not expecting to run the entire way. But Fred asked how I was doing at the 2-mile mark, and I was feeling fine. I asked him NOT to let me quit, and he agreed. The last turn of the trail was a killer! My breathing shifted to my stomach, and I was getting winded. But Fred said with a stern voice, "You're not quitting." "Yes sir," I replied, and we carried on. We both crossed the finish line at 30 minutes 55 seconds.
I was just so excited that (1) we both set a goal and met it, (2) we ran the entire way... although I was the only one in question, (3) we did it together on a gorgeous, early Saturday morning.
The rest of day was just as great as the beginning! We picked up our shirts (and numbers) after the race, and decided that the game plan was going to be: clean up and brunch at Waffle House. Waffle House totally hit the spot for both of us. We then went back to his place and spent sometime outside in the sun reading Calvin and Hobbes.
I had to work from 2-8 p.m., but it went by rather quickly. Almost everyone that came through my line was pleasant. Fred picked me up on break for Sonic run, and then back to work for another 2.5 hours. I drove back to my place after work, and he picked me up from my car to take me back to his place for requested macaroni and cheese and Star Wars. We called it a night after the movie went off. But wow! It was really a great day.
Spring Renewal
It is officially spring. Nature is in its glorious stages of transforming from dead-cold-dormant-drab to bright-colorful-warm-life. I love it! And this death to life/cold to warm theme has been relevant to my life this past weekend.
Last week was honestly one of the worst weeks that I have had this spring semester. For some reason, I tend randomly to slip into "stupid mode" from time to time.
The rest of the week drug along. Wednesday was long and tedious, full of class, forecasting, church, and an ill-mood. Thursday was nothing but a great mental debate. After tentatively planning for a roommate trip to Destin, Florida with my geta, Ashley, a boatload of responsibility came banging on my door. I had a list of nearly 7 things that I had to get done... all before leaving for the beach at 9ish am on Friday morning. It was just impossible to get it done in that time frame, go, get back, get up the next morning at 6am, run, and work, and maintain my sanity. So I finally had to break Ashley's heart and tell her that I just could not go this weekend. Let me tell you. It sucked having to do that... big time!
Friday was like "boom-boom-boom" non-stop: Wake up. Laundry. Run to Mitchell Center. Print out homework. Run back to get laundry. Change. Class. Check mail. Turn in tutoring time sheet. Check on registering for summer class. Stop by bookstore for graduation invitations. Quickly eat. CHILI. Back to Mitchell Center. Print off synoptic notes. Work on SeCAPS thank you's. Help Fred edit a paper due at 5pm. Then... things slowed down around 4:30pm.
(Whine whine whine... I know. What a sob story. But bare with me...)
But Saturday, Saturday was the turning point. Saturday was a very busy day as well, but it was a good kind of busy, an accomplished kind of busy. The Azalea Trail 5k Run was at 8:15am. Fred and I have been running 4 days a week since the middle of January. It was a commitment that we made together and executed together. There were a lot of days that we did not want to do it, but we kept each other in line... and it paid off! It was great to run the entire 5k! Fred and I went to Waffle House around 11am. We hung out for some time before I had to go to work at 2pm. Then we met up again after work to watch Star Wars. With both of us being tired from a long day, we called it quits around 11pm. It was an amazingly great day.
Sunday was another absolutely gorgeous day. Sunday school was great. Dr. Nixon did a great job of explaining the last portion of Romans 7... struggling with sin. It was much needed. I have not been feeling close to God (or anyone else) recently. I have just been 'going through the motion' of things, or so it seems. And all of my wrong doings have been nagging at my heart a lot in the past couple of weeks... along with the lack of motivation to set aside time to speak with God. It was relieving to realize that Paul, a strong Christian, had his daily battles with sin. I love it how Paul states that "The one thing what I say I will not do, I do it. And the one thing that I say I will do, I do not." I find myself doing the exact same thing throughout the week. And if such a strong Christian man, someone that longed for/listened for God's guidance on things... if he still struggled with sin and with staying true to his word, that makes me feel better about my current status (not saying that I'm excused for my actions, but relieved that I am not alone in my faults). Nixon's words (paraphrased), "Feeling convicted of sins is proof that God is working in your heart. The closer that you are to Him, the more sin in your life should upset you."
Sunday afternoon was relaxingly busy. Fred and I played tennis for nearly two hours, and I got some much needed sun in the process. After cleaning up, we worked on maps until I left for Sunday night services. During the short fellowship portion of the service, I caught up with a few beloved church members. Mr. Bob and Mrs. Tommy always hug me as I walk by, always ask how I am doing, always ask about my family. Mr. Bob made me sit by them last night. Mrs. Joyce, this little lady, has such a strong voice and always says hello. Mrs. Lillian, another little lady, knows people from back home and usually pulls me aside to talk on Sunday mornings about how I am doing, about home, about this and that. She is a joy to talk to. And Mrs. Leesha Ratcliffe is always so nice. She always speaks and has been praying for my dad and his health issues recently. It is just great to have a close knit church family to look forward to seeing every week.
The night finished up with an intramural men's softball game (The Terribles) and watching Fred beat Mass Effect 2. It is entertaining to watch Fred and other friends play. They have fun playing, despite the fact that they have lost the first two games to a 10-run rule. From dramatic catches from the right fielder (Fred), to amazing hits from Brian Himes, to repeat out by Brent, watching Corey Bunn miss throws to first base as 3 guys from the opposing team manage to make it home, to watching our guys score runs... it's worth the time! I drove Fred back to his place after the game and watched as he destroyed the last enemy of Mass Effect 2.
So all in all, things are better. Hopefully I am leaving this valley of stupidity/disappointment. With this transition from crappiness to accomplishment, from stupid to more thoughtful, a renewed view of my identity in Christ, a goal (that I have already begun working on), a closeness with those in my life, and time to hang out with those that I want to be around. Things are on the up and up.
Last week was honestly one of the worst weeks that I have had this spring semester. For some reason, I tend randomly to slip into "stupid mode" from time to time.
Stupid Mode (noun): A period of time where all ability to think, reason, remember, associate, and execute things is temporarily gone. (aka - I lack common sense as well as reasoning/communication skills.)This "stupid mode" usually lasts for about 1-1.5 weeks, and it can drive me up the wall! It just happened to land on a busy week this time. (See previous blog below.) I turned in my computer applications program in time (with MUCH thanks to Fred). My briefing on Tuesday went well... until it was pointed out during question/answer time that my winds on three consecutive forecast were unthinkable... just not right with the positioning of my surface low. And, about 3-4 (out of the 5) sea level pressure/thickness chart frontal placements... they weren't so hot either. And, following the guidance of the model diagnostics that said, "The NAM model was moving the system too fast"... the positioning of the surface low, the fronts, and my graded forecast sheet was wrong wrong. My second graded briefing grade of 83 was an improvement from the first grade of 74. This just blew what little bit of confidence that I had left.
The rest of the week drug along. Wednesday was long and tedious, full of class, forecasting, church, and an ill-mood. Thursday was nothing but a great mental debate. After tentatively planning for a roommate trip to Destin, Florida with my geta, Ashley, a boatload of responsibility came banging on my door. I had a list of nearly 7 things that I had to get done... all before leaving for the beach at 9ish am on Friday morning. It was just impossible to get it done in that time frame, go, get back, get up the next morning at 6am, run, and work, and maintain my sanity. So I finally had to break Ashley's heart and tell her that I just could not go this weekend. Let me tell you. It sucked having to do that... big time!
Friday was like "boom-boom-boom" non-stop: Wake up. Laundry. Run to Mitchell Center. Print out homework. Run back to get laundry. Change. Class. Check mail. Turn in tutoring time sheet. Check on registering for summer class. Stop by bookstore for graduation invitations. Quickly eat. CHILI. Back to Mitchell Center. Print off synoptic notes. Work on SeCAPS thank you's. Help Fred edit a paper due at 5pm. Then... things slowed down around 4:30pm.
(Whine whine whine... I know. What a sob story. But bare with me...)
But Saturday, Saturday was the turning point. Saturday was a very busy day as well, but it was a good kind of busy, an accomplished kind of busy. The Azalea Trail 5k Run was at 8:15am. Fred and I have been running 4 days a week since the middle of January. It was a commitment that we made together and executed together. There were a lot of days that we did not want to do it, but we kept each other in line... and it paid off! It was great to run the entire 5k! Fred and I went to Waffle House around 11am. We hung out for some time before I had to go to work at 2pm. Then we met up again after work to watch Star Wars. With both of us being tired from a long day, we called it quits around 11pm. It was an amazingly great day.
Sunday was another absolutely gorgeous day. Sunday school was great. Dr. Nixon did a great job of explaining the last portion of Romans 7... struggling with sin. It was much needed. I have not been feeling close to God (or anyone else) recently. I have just been 'going through the motion' of things, or so it seems. And all of my wrong doings have been nagging at my heart a lot in the past couple of weeks... along with the lack of motivation to set aside time to speak with God. It was relieving to realize that Paul, a strong Christian, had his daily battles with sin. I love it how Paul states that "The one thing what I say I will not do, I do it. And the one thing that I say I will do, I do not." I find myself doing the exact same thing throughout the week. And if such a strong Christian man, someone that longed for/listened for God's guidance on things... if he still struggled with sin and with staying true to his word, that makes me feel better about my current status (not saying that I'm excused for my actions, but relieved that I am not alone in my faults). Nixon's words (paraphrased), "Feeling convicted of sins is proof that God is working in your heart. The closer that you are to Him, the more sin in your life should upset you."
Sunday afternoon was relaxingly busy. Fred and I played tennis for nearly two hours, and I got some much needed sun in the process. After cleaning up, we worked on maps until I left for Sunday night services. During the short fellowship portion of the service, I caught up with a few beloved church members. Mr. Bob and Mrs. Tommy always hug me as I walk by, always ask how I am doing, always ask about my family. Mr. Bob made me sit by them last night. Mrs. Joyce, this little lady, has such a strong voice and always says hello. Mrs. Lillian, another little lady, knows people from back home and usually pulls me aside to talk on Sunday mornings about how I am doing, about home, about this and that. She is a joy to talk to. And Mrs. Leesha Ratcliffe is always so nice. She always speaks and has been praying for my dad and his health issues recently. It is just great to have a close knit church family to look forward to seeing every week.
The night finished up with an intramural men's softball game (The Terribles) and watching Fred beat Mass Effect 2. It is entertaining to watch Fred and other friends play. They have fun playing, despite the fact that they have lost the first two games to a 10-run rule. From dramatic catches from the right fielder (Fred), to amazing hits from Brian Himes, to repeat out by Brent, watching Corey Bunn miss throws to first base as 3 guys from the opposing team manage to make it home, to watching our guys score runs... it's worth the time! I drove Fred back to his place after the game and watched as he destroyed the last enemy of Mass Effect 2.
So all in all, things are better. Hopefully I am leaving this valley of stupidity/disappointment. With this transition from crappiness to accomplishment, from stupid to more thoughtful, a renewed view of my identity in Christ, a goal (that I have already begun working on), a closeness with those in my life, and time to hang out with those that I want to be around. Things are on the up and up.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Breakin' Back into the Old Routine
Funny how things go from 0-60mph in no time flat. I knew what was ahead of me when I left for Spring Break, and now it is time to execute.
Today:
*Class at 9:05am
*Lunch/hang out in room until 11:45pm
*(threatened by USA campus police for a 500 buck ticket for momentarily waiting in handicap parking for Fred...)
*Mitchel Center 1628 - Computer Applications 12-5pm.... working on Project 3 that is due tomorrow by 5 pm. Let me correct myself, "12-5pm.... teaching myself how to computer program with the help of Fred, Brian, and Matt." Hmm, do note that the teacher's name was not mention. Now isn't that ironic??
*Rest of day: cook, prep for tomorrow
Tomorrow:
*Briefing Day. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 60hour forecast. 8-2pm. Twenty minute briefing at 2pm, followed by questions until 2:50pm.
*De-briefing courtesy of Dr. Blackwell
*MC1628 to finish computer apps project by 5pm.
*Followed by running
*Followed by LOST
Wednesday:
classes, tutoring, CHILI, church, homework
Thursday:
classes, OKC Verification Briefing, CHILI, running, homework
Friday:
undecided
Today:
*Class at 9:05am
*Lunch/hang out in room until 11:45pm
*(threatened by USA campus police for a 500 buck ticket for momentarily waiting in handicap parking for Fred...)
*Mitchel Center 1628 - Computer Applications 12-5pm.... working on Project 3 that is due tomorrow by 5 pm. Let me correct myself, "12-5pm.... teaching myself how to computer program with the help of Fred, Brian, and Matt." Hmm, do note that the teacher's name was not mention. Now isn't that ironic??
*Rest of day: cook, prep for tomorrow
Tomorrow:
*Briefing Day. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 60hour forecast. 8-2pm. Twenty minute briefing at 2pm, followed by questions until 2:50pm.
*De-briefing courtesy of Dr. Blackwell
*MC1628 to finish computer apps project by 5pm.
*Followed by running
*Followed by LOST
Wednesday:
classes, tutoring, CHILI, church, homework
Thursday:
classes, OKC Verification Briefing, CHILI, running, homework
Friday:
undecided
Spring Break Update
It was brought to my attention today that it has been a while since I have updated,... so here goes.
Spring Break: Huh? Say again? Spring break? ... it flew by so fast that I guess I forgot it even happened. After weeks of planning, studying, test taking, computer programming, (you get the point) etc, spring break was MUCH needed. Time to kick back, relax, ignore everything, and catch up on rest was just what I had on my agenda.
It began Friday afternoon when I hopped in Fred's mustang and headed to Perdido Key for a beach afternoon followed by THE best steak. The beach was not quite what we expected: extremely breezy, very chilly, and sand particles constantly on the move. We tried to make the best of it while we were there. As the temperatures dropped, we decided to leave for Coach-n-Four. The steak was not disappointing! --So thank you, Fred, for a great afternoon and dinner.-- I was dropped off after we got back to Mobile in order to pack and go to bed early.
Saturday was work from 7:30am-2:30pm, rush back to the room, load up, and help Fred finish things up at his apartment. We left for Panama City, Florida... for a few days of nothingness and solitude. Despite the chilly temperatures, Panama City was wonderful. Sunday morning services at Emmaus Methodist, yard work, fishing off the dock... for sticks, slow-easy going mornings, lots of LOST and great food, and watching the boy play Mass Effect 2... these were the highlights. I hated to leave Wednesday, but gratefully Fred drove round trip to bring me back to Mobile on Wednesday.
My first catch of the day... a blooming leaf.
And he's got the net.
The bait... shrimp to the left, crickets to the right.
"Majestic!"
His big catch of the day.
It was at this point that I loaded up and headed to DeKalb, Mississippi. Home. Wednesday was not the most enjoyable day for numerous reasons. But things evened out by Thursday afternoon. A lot of time was spent with my mother and father. I ended up working at the Messenger the majority of Friday afternoon to help my mom out. Half of the day Saturday was spent outside in the woods. My father gave me a grand tour of our property and all of the boundary lines. Climbing Rock Candy Mountain at scary inclines on a four-wheeler was worth it. The rest of the day was spent with my mom at the house... visiting my aunt/uncle's new house, running, washing my mom's car, and watching "The Wedding Date."
The last few hours at home consisted of riding to church with the little sister and her boyfriend, Sunday school/worship service at DeKalb Baptist Church, lunch at home, packing, goodbyes, "helping" Jessica pick out material in Meridian, and finally making the trek south on Hwy. 45. Praise God for a break!!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Sunlight
The last few days in Mobile have been filled with gorgeous sunlight. I do not know what the deal is today, but it has just totally captured my every-wondering thought. After much thought, there are a couple of solutions:
1. My association with sunlight.
Here is how my brain works: Sun = summer. Summer = freedom. Freedom = perfection.
Summer is my favorite time of the year. Although it is the first of March, I know that spring is oh-so close, and this means that summer is not far behind. Those few months where the daylight lingers for the majority of the day, where jumping into bodies of water is so refreshing after being in the heat, where exploring new places and relaxing are so prevelant... those few months excite me to no end!
2. The warmth.
It has been an usually cold winter, especially for those of us on the Gulf Coast. Cloud cover, rain, and cold winds have been the routine with every gulf low influencing the weather. But temperatures are on the warming trend this week! I can feel that warm sunlight against my clothes and skin, despite the chillly winds blowing in my face. I would much rather be warm than cold anyday... everyday.
3. Sunlight and life.
Things die in the winter due to cold temperatures associated with the sun being location so far away from the earth. But spring... blessed spring... brings warmer temperatures back into the picture. Plants begin to flourish. Flowers and other shrubs begin to bloom. Photosynthesis gets its act together once again, and the green becomes the dominate color of the outdoors. (Oooo, I love it.) One of the most beautiful sights is seeing the brighter, lighter green side of leaves against a deep, dark blue sky as the wind whips the leaves out of their normal orientation. Life (in the scientific aspect) would not exist without the presence of sunlight.
4. A deeper connection with light.
Maybe it has something to do with the One that created it and controls it?
- From Genesis 1:3-4, "The God said, Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good..."
- From Joshua 10:12-14, "Then Johsua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: 'Sun, stand still over Gibeon: And moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.' So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped till the people had revenge upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel."
- John 1:4-5 says, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." And again in the same chapter, verse 9, Jesus is referred to "the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world."
- John 8:12 states that Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He wo follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
Maybe this light has already been instilled in our hearts, our souls... that we know who He is, what He's done, and how we are to react to this truth?
- Romans 1:19-20 says, "Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse."
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