Sing Unto The Lord A New Song

Well, I have to say my Christmas break has been going quite well so far. I have a job at Dunkin' Donuts, I'm enjoying being home with my family and the most amazing thing happened to me. I wrote a new praise and worship song!! I was in the bathroom at my house flipping through radio stations. I stumbled across Q-102 which was a rap station in our area. I was going to turn it off when I suddenly heard this song that used really pretty chord progressions. It was near the end of the song but I just stayed there and hummed along with it. I thought that was one of the prettiest sounds I've ever heard! All of the sudden, my mind reeled, my thoughts took flight and I ran down the stairs to get my brother David's keyboard. After a few minutes of muddling through, I found the chords. I started writing words to go with what I played. It all seemed to fit so perfectly together! I wrote this song on Christmas Day and finished writing it the day after. Is that God or what?! After writing it, I entitled the song "We Live To Praise Your Name." I thank God so much for giving me the inspiration once again to write something that gives glory to His Mighty and Matchless Name. Who knows? This could be the start of something big, something wonderful, something I never thought could or would happen! I'm really excited about this. I feel like God has lifted me and I'm now soaring into the heavenlies! I can't wait to share this song with my friends when I get back to school.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for blessing me with a heart of worship. I've been created to worship and adore you. I thank you for calling me into the field of worship. There's so much that can happen as I keep on learning about the aspects of music and what it really means to worship you in spirit and in truth. May this song that I wrote bless others as much as it has blessed me when I wrote it and practiced it. I love you so much, my Heavenly Father. Please keep the inspiration coming. Don't let it stop for one minute. In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray, amen. (1:20 pm)

The End of Another Semester

Well, the semester is ending and everyone is headed for home. I await my Biology 101 exam at 2:00. Am I prepared? Somewhat, I suppose. I know God will see me through no matter what. I said goodbye to my dear friend Travis today. He's gone home to Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. I know he's excited. (laughs) These last couple of weeks I've spent with him have been so much fun. Who would've thought we be such close friends? Our first meeting was in GNED 101 class fall of 2004 and we didn't know what was ahead of us then. We pretty much grew on each other during this semester. I've definitely gained a friend for life... actually two! Travis and his girlfriend Jessica! I love Jessica. We became friends right away when I came to NC with Travis that Sunday morning. I can't wait to see her again if I get to come down there at some point. I'm praying for both Travis and Jessica and I'm hoping that all will be well concerning their relationship together. Who knows? Maybe Travis and I will be inviting each other to our wedding days. (I know Travis, it's too early for that. lol But it's a possibility, right?) Anyway, I should go back to studying for this final. I hope and pray I do well on it.

Dear Lord, I pray for this test I'm going to take it about an hour. May I know what to put down as the answer to the question. May my mind be strengthened. Thank you Lord for your mercy and grace. I'll treasure it forever. Thank you Lord so much for Travis and Jessica. Bless them and keep them safe wherever they go. I love you, my Heavenly Father. I don't know what I'd do without you. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen. (1:06 pm)

Another Poem for the Day

"The One"

You are gracious, Lord
You are holy and divine
You're always in my heart
You will forever be mine

You go before me
through every twist and every turn
You give me so much comfort
when the walls of my soul churn

My Lord, my God and Master
I know You will always be true
You've given me assurance and
told me to always follow You

"I'll never leave you, nor forsake you"
You have told me in Your Book
You told me You're the Way
and I mustn't, in any other direction, look

You're the Lord of my life
my One and Only Love
when I give my tithes and offerings
You send blessings from above

You told me that I will be blessed
wherever I go
whatever I needed,
before I asked, You said "I know"

You didn't say the road wouldn't be hard
You just said that I wouldn't go alone
You said "come along with me"
through the times I cried and moaned

You kept telling me to come
You gave me courage and strength
through every height, every depth
every width and every length

Every step of the way
You managed to pull me through
the road was rough, but
it didn't matter because I was with You

But there were times when I didn't listen
to Your calls of love and life
times when I disobeyed You
and I fell deep into strife

At the time I noticed
something was absolutely wrong
I asked for Your forgiveness and repented
where I was weak, You were strong

You forgave me right away
and tossed my sins right out
into the sea of forgetfulness
where there is no more grief or doubt

I thank You so much, Lord
for being faithful, righteous and just
You are gracious and loving
You are the One that I can trust! (3:11 pm)

What An Amazing Day!!

Today was a great day for me. Earlier in the week, I asked my friend Travis if I could come with him to his church in North Carolina. After a while, he told me that I could... just have to get up early and be ready to go by 7:00. lol So, when I got up this morning, it was 6:15. I was surprised at myself because I didn't set my alarm! I suppose it was just the excitement I must've had. We drove all the way... 2 1/2 hours. I'm glad I'm such a patient person. I got to meet his girlfriend Jessica while we were there. She's so sweet!! The two of us hit it off pretty well, I'd say. I also got to meet his parents and his brother. I can tell where Travis gets his sweetness from... as well as his sillyness. (laughs) No offense, my friend. Anyway, when we all got to the church (wow! the smallest church I've ever seen!) we started having bible study together first. We talked about when man first sinned. After that, the welcome of new people (pretty much me) and praise songs started. Travis played his own version of "O, Holy Night" for special music today. That was the most remarkable version I've ever heard in my life!! After that, we had some real worship time. It just got to the point where I fell on my knees. I could feel God's presence so strong when we were singing!! I have to say, I love small churches now. There isn't a really big bunch of people to keep up with and worship is so much more intimate. There was a lady who taught today's sermon today. (Travis, you have to tell me her name again. lol) It was about choosing the High Life (God's way) or the Low Life (the World's way). It was really good. After that, we got ready to go to a parade they had there. It was so much fun to watch all the floats and bands go by. It was time for us to go after about an hour and a half. Travis and Jessica didn't want to part, but sadly they had to. I really felt for them then.

After we said our goodbye's, Travis and I got into the car so we could go back to Liberty. We talked and listened to music on the way. About an hour away I was feeling sleepy, so I shut my eyes for a little bit. Travis started singing praise songs and I decided to join in. It woke me right up! I like the harmony we have together. I can't wait until we start collaborating one of these days. That's going to be such fun. When we got back, it was choir call time: last night of the Living Christmas Tree performance. It turned out real well and we were all glad it was over. lol When we were finished and waiting to get out of the tree, my thought was "when I see Travis, I'm going to run up to him and hug him." Of course, that's exactly what I did.(chuckles) Travis and I were so ready to eat because we hardly ate a thing all day long. We went to the rot, met up with a couple of my friends after a while and ate together. That was a lot of fun.

I thank God for such a wonderful day today. I also thank God that I have Travis for a really good friend... one of the best friends I've ever had in my life. I also thank God for Jessica. I love how we got attached to each other so quickly! lol I can't wait to get to know her even more as time goes on.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you so much for everything that has happened today. Thanks so much for sending Travis into my life. He's such a blessing to me and it touches my heart that I have him for a friend. Thank you so much! Thank you also for Jessica. I love her like she was my own sister. Of course, she is my sister in Christ. I suppose that's close enough. (laughs) Bless her immensly, Father. Keep her safe wherever she goes. May all these special memories be close to my heart always. You did it all Lord God. You showed me through dear friends that there is a true heart of worship no matter where you go, no matter how big the church is, or how much time is spent praising you. I live to praise You, my Lord and Savior. May I never stray away from that. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen. (12:35 am)

Divine Intervention Looks Coincidence in the Eye: Part 2

Well, I have to say, tonight's been quite a night for me. I got to meet Brad and we have become really good friends. I can't wait to see what happens next during this friendship that has established. I discovered that he's one year younger than me, he likes a lot of the same music I like, and we pray for each other a lot over the phone! It's so amazing!! I'm excited about this but also kind of in question about it all. I mean, why did it happen? What's supposed to happen next? Where do I go from here? These questions I ask. I'm supposed to be focused and totally dependent on God for everything I need. I have to say though, Brad helps me keep going in the right direction. He prays for me, encourages me and helps me in so many ways. It's like I have a guardian angel in the flesh! lol I never thought that one chance call or conversation on the phone could change your life like this. That has certainly happened to me last night. I don't know what will become of all this, but I do hope that whatever it may be, it'll benefit me spiritually. That's my main focus right now.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for sending this dear person into my life. You have brought to me someone who seems to be an encouragement to me as I am to most people. Help me Lord, to be strong-minded. Help me Father, to have strength and wisdom where they would be needed most. May I not stray away from your mighty hand of mercy. I love you so much and you are the true Inspiration of my entire life. I love you with all my being, Lord Jesus. May I never, ever lose sight of that. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen. (1:37 am)

Divine Intervention Looks Coincidence in the Eye

I had a very interesting night last night. I was in my dorm room listening to music and relaxing. Boy it feels good to relax for a change! I heard my phone ringing and I said to myself "I bet I know who this is." I was thinking it was Sean because he calls me all the time. I said "hello?" and all of the sudden this music starts playing. There was no one saying anything in response. Just this random music. After that, I heard a phone ringing. I thought "ok, that's weird." This person picks up the phone on that end and he's like "hello?" We start wondering what happened. He thought I called him and I know that I didn't. It was really weird. For a few minutes we talked about it and kept wondering how it happened, then we started laughing about it. We laughed a lot. lol Then we started introducing ourselves and told each other about our backgrounds. We have a lot of the same beliefs and think pretty much the same way. It was quite fascinating! What was also kinda weird was this; when we were talking, some random music would start playing. He was like, "are you playing that?" "No, I'm not" I said. He kept asking me if I was sure and I kept telling him I was. We laughed a lot after that. Anyway, his name is Brad and he lives not too far off from me on East 14. We exchanged dorm room numbers and decided that we're going to meet each other tonight during open dorms. That's going to be interesting. We don't know how this came about but we're both glad it did. Brad told me that he needed a break at the time anyway. He was working on a paper then. I don't know what's to come of this meeting but it sounds like it might be the start of a fun friendship. I named this blog "Divine Intervention looks Coincidence in the Eye" because we think it might've been God who had something to do with this in some way. Also, he doesn't believe in coincidence so we just called it divine intervention. I'll probably write a follow-up blog later after open dorms tonight just to keep you posted.

Dear Lord, I have a question for you; was this all you? I know you want me to be single for a reason. I know that for a fact, but is this your way of telling me the reason why you wanted me to be single? I bring these questions to you now. I lay them down at your feet, my Heavenly Father. Help me Lord, to stay focused no matter what happens tonight. I love you so much and I know you wouldn't let me go on this journey of life alone. Thank you God, for being so faithful. You're the reason I live and breathe. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen. (4:13 pm)

Stress...and yet, Perfect Joy Awaits Me

Well, I have to say these past couple of days have been crazy. I spent two nights in a row at the computer lab doing work, I have a biology test this afternoon, and I'm stressing over how I'm going to get home. My friend Richie might not be able to take me this time because his car seems pretty full. I hope and pray though that no matter what circumstances come my way, I will have perfect joy in the Lord. It says in Philippians 3:1, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe." No matter what happens, I can be still and know that God is God. It is also stated in chapter 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Yes, I use the King James Version if you haven't guessed that already. (laughs) For those of you who stress over the finals you have and how much studying you have to do for them, don't worry! God has your back. He's there with you making sure you do well. Sure, you have to do the work which includes studying, but remember that God is with you. Gosh, I have to tell myself that. There are times when I forget and the finishing results don't come out so well. I have to realize that whatever trial or hard time I face, God is there with me. He is the light at the end of my tunnel. He's the One who holds me in His arms when I need a shoulder to cry on. He leads me on and tells me to always trust Him no matter how rough the terrain along the way. Stress comes, but then perfect joy awaits me.

Dear Lord, I thank you for helping me realize this today. I pray to you Father for your mighty hand to take over my life. Help me to become more like you. May I never forget what I've been put on this earth to do. I've been called to worship you in spirit and in truth. May I never stray away from that. I want your precious word to be pure in my mind and in my spirit always. I love you, Lord. I delight in serving you all the days of my life. In Jesus' mighty Name I pray, amen. (2:22 pm)

A Lot To Think About... Maybe

There's been so much on my mind lately; Philosophy, Biology, Music Theory, Aural Skills, Worship class, so much stuff! Now I have the Living Christmas Tree to add on to it this year. All I can do is pray and thank God that I can rely on Him for the strength to keep on going. Lately, I've been hanging out with a friend that keeps me encouraged, is great company and makes me laugh a lot. His name is Travis Davis and if he didn't see this blog coming, it will probably take him by surprise. (laughs) I told him once that I have many friends, but there are few people I call best friends. After that, he asked me "well, what does that mean?" and I told him, "you're one of those few." He seemed pretty touched by that. It's the truth though. I couldn't ask God for a better friend. When he goes home to minister at his church, I miss him. When I see him before or after we're done in the tree, I'm always happy to see him. (sighs) I'm such a mess sometimes when it comes to describing friends that really stick out in my memory. I'm not afraid to admit that. Heck, I'm always a mess! What am I talking about? The thing is, whenever a certain friend comes into my deep thoughts, I write about them. It's just something I do. I hope and pray that everything will pretty much stay the same in this case. I don't want a thing to change. To Travis: you truly are a blessing to me and a joy to be around. Thank you for listening to me when I had something to say. Thanks so much for sticking by me when I needed someone in times of trial (namely, my tug-of-war between you know who). I thank my Heavenly Father for you and I pray that God will bless you just as much as He has blessed me when He put you into my life. Hmm... He might have started that already when Jessica came into the picture. (chuckles) You and Jess are in my prayers always. May God bless you and keep you safe wherever you go.

Prayer: God, I thank you so much for everything; your loving kindness, tender mercies and hope for the future. I pray now for Travis and Jessica. May their relationship be surrounded by your grace. I thank you for your angels encamped round about them, protecting them wherever they go. Thank you also for giving me the chance to be at this great university. May I never forget what you brought me here for. Help me Father to keep my mind at ease about different things, whether it be tests, relationships or anything else. May my mind be at rest because I know I'm safe in your arms. Thank you Lord for everything and everyone you've blessed me with. I love you so much. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen. (4:40 am)

A Sudden Thought During Campus Church

I wrote this note during Campus Church today and I thought I'd share it with you. "I am in Campus Church right now listening to Johnnie Moore. I decided to put my feet up like some others do. I looked around the room after I did that and noticed something. My friend Richard Shive and many others weren't doing like I was doing. That was when I came to this realization: no matter where you go for a church service, you need to have proper respect for God and the word that is being taught to you! Church is not a place for lounging around!!" After I wrote this, I prayed. Here is the prayer: "Dear Lord, forgive me for not respecting you like I should have. I'm so sorry and I say this with true honesty and repentance before you. Help me Lord to be a good example of you. May your glory go before me and behind me. I love you so much! Thank you Lord for forgiving me. I pray this in Jesus' Name, amen.This is something for all of us to think about. May we all never forget why we've been put on this earth. God created us for a purpose; to serve Him with everything we have. We were created to worship and adore Him. To my friend Richie: thanks so much for being a good friend. You helped me realize something that I'll never forget. You are a true blessing and I'm glad God put you in my life. I'll be keeping you in my prayers. God bless you!:o) (1:55 pm)

Jamin.... One Of My Dearest Friends:o)

I have a dear friend named Jamin Kuhn. He's originally from Swaziland and now lives in Maryland. I can't say enough how much he's a blessing to me! I see him just about everywhere I go, we have worship sessions over the phone and we keep each other in prayer a lot. Speaking of running into him, this day was something else! I was in the prayer room actually praying for Jamin and when I finished, I looked up and there was Jamin sitting down near where I was! I don't know what it was all about but I gotta say, it was just incredible!! I felt God's presence so strong that day that I wrote about the wonderful experience. I later posted it up as a blog. Just last night I read that experience I wrote to Jamin over the phone. After that, we just got into a deep worship session with God. I felt His presence so strong yet again after reading it and it seemed that incredible feeling showered onto Jamin's side of the line as well. We praised God and sang worship songs to Him. It was the best worship session we've ever had!! I'm so thankful to God for Jamin. He really is a blessing to me and a joy to be with. It's amazing how one little meeting between friends can change your life. I know that was true for me.

Dear Lord, I thank you so much for sending Jamin into my life. Bless him Lord God. Keep him safe from all harm. I thank you Lord for your angels encamped round about him, keeping him safe wherever he goes. May Your peace and Your mercy always be with him. Thank You God for being such a Good God!! I love You forever!! I pray this in Your name, amen. (5:31 am)

A Conversation With God Himself

I had a talk with God today and it was like nothing I've ever experienced before. I felt HIs presence on me and overtaking me. I still feel it now as I write this thought. I heard God answer my questions. I listened to His majestic Voice. He's so faithful!! I can't get over that. No word in the English language can begin to describe His ever-present love. I need more days like this. I can't believe I've gone through almost a whole semester without them! Today at Convo (May 1st), there were two messages: one on Repentance and another on Christian Leadership. I really had a tug in my spirit when the word "Repentance" came into the message. When Jesus sacrificed His life for me, He did so with a willing heart. He loved me so much that He gave up His kingdom in Heaven! Now that I think about that big moment in biblical history, I want to spend the rest of my life loving God and doing what I can to please Him.

Prayer: Oh Dear Lord Jesus, help me to live a life that pleases You. I want to do all I can to keep close to You. I'm so sorry I strayed away from your loving arms of mercy. I don't ever want to do that again. Like the song said this morning; "You're all I want, You're all I've ever needed. You're all I want, help me know You are near." That's what I ask of You right now. Thank You for today. May the rest of my life be just like today. I love You so much. My heart bursts at the thought of how much You love me. I pray this in Your Glorious Name, amen.

Spring break is near!!! But......

I can't believe spring break is almost here! I will be going home by train to see my family. They really miss me and I miss them all the more. I realized something today: time is really moving fast and I need to make the most of it. I believe time is going quickly because Jesus' return is drawing near. He longs for us to come home with Him in heaven. Sometimes when I think about that, I wonder will I get everything accomplished? Will my time here on earth be done before I am? Do I fear the future? What is there to come out of everything I get involved in? Only God can answer these questions. I fasted this past week but I feel like I've accomplished very little. I didn't pray every day like I was supposed to and my heart aches because of it. I'm praying now for forgiveness as I write this. God always forgives us but sometimes I still hang my head over the sin I committed. I shouldn't though. I learned in my Evangelism class that if God forgives us, we should forgive ourselves. If He forgot our sins, so should we. I hope and pray that I will get better with this. Sometimes I feel so self-conscious. I know though that God will always be there for me and always have His arms open wide.

Dear Lord, help me realize that You are the One I should trust in every situation. Help me realize what I need to do and what steps I must take to get it done. Thank You for being so faithful and forgiving. You truly are an Awesome God! In Jesus' Name I pray, amen:o)

God is so AWESOME!!!!

I went to Campus Church last night and I sensed the presence of God when we got into serious worship. We sang "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come". That song filled my heart with awe-struck wonder as we sang our praises. God's Glory came upon me so strong, tears started rolling down my face. I was just filled with His love and His compassion for me. It's as if He sent a bold ray of sunshine down to me and I was enraptured. Earlier that day I was in the prayer room next door to the Campus Pastor's office. The minute I stepped into the room, I just sensed God's grace flowing all around me. I started praying for quite a few people I knew here in college. I could feel His passion and love for the people I prayed for. God is such an awesome God! That's my thought for today. I thank Him for creating me to be a person who encourages other people and help them to feel loved. I thank God for the friends I have and there may be many more to come. Only God knows what's in store for me. All I can do is wait and pray. For those of you who are reading this, keep this in your thoughts: Let go and let God, leave everything to Him, and don't be discouraged. When God is on your side, what can you possibly fear?? What can you be sad about when God is there for you?

Poem for Tonight

Seasons of Life

In life there are many seasons other than the four that we know,
and in many ways these seasons help us to learn and to grow
Seasons mark the beginning, the end, and whatever lies between
they turn the ground to white or cover it with green

Spring is the season where all change unfolds
the lily gracefully blooms with all the beauty that it holds
baby birds hatch from their eggs, all the world is new
as the grass and trees are covered with the morning dew

Summer, the next season is where all life keeps going
the peaceful rivers with gentle breezes start flowing
flowers of vibrant color start emerging; red, blue and yellow
and the dove sings her song so soft and so mellow

Falltime or Autumn is where even more change takes place
as leaves turn different colors with sincerity and grace
chills come swiftly, dashing, racing into the midnight air
and birds rush off to the south and in their flight they take great care

Last in line is Winter, in comes the falling snow
and every ray of sunshine gives this season a lovely glow
bears hibernate in their caves, all the world is asleep
as they await next spring without a whisper or a peep

Not only are these seasons here to help us along the way
but there are also other seasons that we face every day
seasons of joy, seasons of thanks, maybe even sorrow or pain
but the thing that really matters is what did we gain?

What is it that we learned from those times we made a mistake?
or was it something that we took and it wasn't ours to take?
did we try and help someone when they were about to fall?
did we stop and listen to hear someone's distressful call?

As we go through these seasons, let's stop and think about
what God wants us to do instead of grieve or doubt
He wants us to share His Love with others, you know?
and as we keep doing that, by and by we will grow

Then we'll reach that season that we've all been waiting for
that season where we won't have to put in so much effort anymore
When God takes us Home, that will be the glorious day
when we can look up to our Heavenly Father and hear Him say....

"WELL DONE, MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!!"

written by Tiffany Washington, inspired by God

GOD is my SOURCE

God is my Source: that is something I have to realize. I like buying things; clothes, food, school supplies, jewelry, music, etc. These things I think I might have need of but I have to ask myself- who is the One who made it all possible for me to purchase these things? Who is the One who gave His precious life so I could live in abundance? Who is the One true being who knows what I need before I ask of it? (Matt. 7:32) Who is the One who inspired Matthew to write "But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you?" (v.33) God (or Jesus) is the One who is the answer to all these questions. GOD is my SOURCE!! I went to Campus Church today to hear what Johnnie Moore was preaching about today. I'm sorry to say I was late because I overslept, but I went anyway. I got in just as he was making his main point. Johnnie talked about what Paul made statements about in I Timothy 6. Paul talked about what kind of gain is right or wrong. If you think things like "Oh, I gotta have that cell phone! I gotta have that blouse!", that's the wrong kind of gain. We as Christians should realize that we should be satistfied with what we have. We shouldn't be talking like "I'm starving! I'm about to die of hunger!" There are people in places like India and Ethiopia who are even more hungry than we are! They're the ones who are really starving. We as Americans are doing very well here. We just don't realize it!


We need to be in that wonderful haven called contentment. I picked up a definition for it today; its "a realization of the value of what you have" I realize now that I have a whole lot to be thankful for. I have my health, my family, people who love me and care for me, clothes to wear, food to eat.... I'm content! I have it all. There was something else I realized today; "we operate on a currency of Godliness, not money." God is my Source. He is everything I could ever need or want, and because of Him I'm content. It's because of His Son Jesus that I could have life and have it more abundantly. Paul says in I Timothy 6:6; "But Godliness with contentment is great gain." With God on my side, I couldn't ask for more. From now on, I'm going to be thankful for everything I have every day of my life. I've made a quality decision to be content and to never fall into discontentment; for discontentment is poison, and it's not fair to others if I'm sad about what I don't have. God is my Source, my One true Hope.


"Hold me close, let Your Love surround me
Bring me near, draw me to Your side
And as I wait, I'll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You. Your Spirit leads
me on in the Power of Your Love"

"The Power Of Your Love" sung by my favorite Christian artist Rebecca St. James

To be closer to God

Today was a good day thus far. I asked my friend Josh the other day if he could take me over to Thomas Road this Sunday. I was so glad he was able to do it. We went to Sunday school first. This was also known as H.J.'s group. I didn't really get to meet H.J but he's a pretty cool person and so on fire for God. I got to meet a few people just before school started. I met a girl named Kim who had a boyfriend named Tim. Sounds like they're made for each other. Their names have a nice ring to it. lol Well, the service started with some praise and worship songs. We sang songs I haven't heard in a long time. One was called "Sweep Me Away". I really got into worshipping God with that one. Later in the service, I got to know about a girl named Laura Jahnks who has been attacked with the horrible disease called cancer. I heard about how God is using her and it just touched my heart. They were taking up an offering for her. I decided to give $20 because I just had such a heart for her and I felt that it would help her a lot. I prayed over the offering with much sincerity and then gave it. I felt so good inside. It was like this wonderfully warm feeling enraptured me.

Well, we got into the message after that. The title was called "Life Lessons for Zombies". I thought that was kind of a strange name at first but then I listened to the message. We went over Matthew 5 in our study and the Word just came to life as I read along with the group. Verse 4 said: "Blessed are those who mourn: for they shall be comforted." The point of that was this: we weep when we know what imperfections we have and what sins we have committed. It shows God that we are willing to change and turn from our wicked ways to follow after Him. Verse 6 said this: "Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." I got so much out of that verse. You know how we are so after food and drink? Like we just gotta have it or we'll die. "Oh! I'm starving! Let's go grab some lunch." "What sounds good to you?" Even when we're doing things like working out... "Boy am I thirsty! Let me at that drinking fountain!" We have to be the same way when it comes to spending time with God and getting to know Him. We have to be rushing to get into His Word and drink the Living Water. That message made me realize something very important: I really need to get closer to God. I wrote this in one of my blog entries before but it really relates to what I'm talking about today. Matthew 6:33 says: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you." We have to have that drive or force of energy to seek after God. That's what I discovered today. I have such a desire to be with Him now, at this very moment. I know He's always here with me wherever I go but I don't always realize it. Well, I think I'm all out of things to say so I'll be signing off for now. Be blessed one and all.:o)

What a great night!:o)

Well, this has been a night to remember. I went with my SLDs and a quite a few of the girls on my hall to dinner. Ah yes, dinner at th rot. How exciting! lol Then we went to a place where they take care of kids who need love and attention. I wish I could remember the name of the place. I know it's a house and this person named Nathan is one of the leaders in this organization. It was an amazing night of piggy back rides, wrestling, hair styling and learning lessons. These kids are so bright and smart. They really love to have fun and they take the energy out of you! lol I went upstairs when we first came in and I saw a few guys with some of the kids. They were just wrestling the night away! I was a little skeptical about it at first because it looked really rough and I didn't know how much I could stand so I left the "ring" for a while. Then I came back up later and was pretty tempted to do it so I got into it. I was knocked for a loop quite a few times but I had fun. Next time we come, I'm going to have Joquan (one of the kids) team up with me. We're gonna get on Randall. I met him for the first time tonight. Pretty cool guy.:o) Really rough too. lol

Later I was dropped off at the gym over at Campus North. I went on a cycle and then the treadmill. I liked the treadmill most of all but I think I really need to get in shape. lol Later, I walked over to the part where they have all the tv's, games and stuff. I saw some people playing on this pad that had arrows on it. You're moving to music as you step on the arrows as they fly up to the top of the screen. I tried it a few times. I got to be pretty good on the beginner's level. Every other speed was too fast for me. The ones that owned the game gave me a ride home. I can't believe I forgot their names!! Oh well, when I next see them, I'll ask them again. I didn't come back to my dorm 'til 11:30 or so. I had so much fun that time just flew by. I have to get to bed before I go out of my mind. It's great how much I can write on here. This wasn't what you call a vital blog of things I need to do in life. It's just a simple recording of the great time I had tonight. It is now 3:04 in the morning. Well, good night to those of you who are reading this and may God bless you all.:o)

The ball goes up and down......

Well, my classes are done for the day and it's time to go back to the dorm soon. I don't know whether to be glad about it or fret about it because I like doing class projects and this particular one came to an end. We'll see later what it does to my grade. I'm visualizing now this ball that keeps going up and down...just up and down. You know the term "drop the ball" right? Well, it seems this visualization is me trying to keep the ball up as much as possible but some little thing gets in the way like socializing, sending emails, facebook, facebook......yes, facebook takes up a lot of my time. I was just on it a few minutes ago adding a new friend to my list. I love how more people want to be my friend and I like the incredible feeling I get when someone writes on my wall or sends me a message but is it really worth it all??

It should be God who should be on my throne. I heard Rob Jackson speak at Campus Church this past Wednesday about that very topic and it pretty much opened my eyes to things but I ask myself, "did I really take it in as much as I should have?" I really have to focus on what matters when it comes to spending time with God, doing my schoolwork and helping out friends. Matthew 6:33 comes to mind here: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." That's an amazing scripture. I know I'm not perfect....hold it a second. Another thing comes to mind here; I heard that "perfect" simply means "mature." I need to have that kind of maturity if I'm to make it in life. I'm a child of God, was born in sin but made brand new because of Jesus' blood that was shed for me. I have to start showing that in my everyday life. I intend to show my love for God in everything I do whether it be schoolwork, prayer time or encouraging others. Dear God, may Your heavenly Light shine upon me as I keep on seeking after You and Your righteousness. Thank You Lord for Your Son Jesus. Thank You for everything! In Your Name I pray, amen.

Oh what a week:o)

Well, I got one more day of class and then I'll do homework assignments over the weekend. I really have to get myself more focused because I feel like I'm falling behind a little in my walk with God and that's not a good thing.:o( I thank God for people who keep me encouraged and help me in any way they can. This week I had something happen to me that was truly a blessing. I was just getting out of my Evangelism class and was heading back to Main Campus. Boy is it a long walk from Campus North! lol Anyway, I'm walking back and this guy suddenly pulls up and says "you need a ride?" and I'm like "Yes! Thank you." We got to introduce ourselves. His name is Mike and he's a sophmore. His major is Biblical Studies. It's amazing what you find out about a person when you're just meeting them and getting to know them.

When I first came to Liberty, I didn't really know how much people can be a blessing to you. I'm quite sure that when I graduate from Liberty, I'll always look back on it as the most spiritual, compelling and greatest experience in my time of living. I talked to my friend Aaron tonight about the fact that he's graduating this semester. He's a little scared about the fact that he's leaving Liberty but I have no doubt in my mind about him doing well in whatever he plans to do. I'll always keep my dear friends (including Aaron) in my prayers every day and hold their friendships close to my heart. I hope Josh is reading my blogs. I haven't heard anything from him lately so I hope he's doing all right. He wrote in one of his blogs that he plans to retire when he's 26. I guess we'll be looking at a very successful human being in the next few months. I'll be looking forward to that.:o) Well, it's 1:43 and I'm writing on my blog when I should be asleep. What the freakin' heck is wrong with me?! Oops, nothing is wrong with me. I'm just letting my creative juices flow, that's all. I didn't know I could be such a good journal writer. lol I'm just kidding. I'm not what you call a great writer but I love to write though. I remember one time the power of God fell on me so strong that I wrote my own version of Psalm 33:3. I don't quite remember it right now because I'm too tired. lol That's the thing I get in return for staying up late, writing out this immense blog. I would love it if people would send a reply to these but they're not emails. They are "freakin' blogs"! I got that quote from Josh. See how he inspires me? Boy, I hope he's reading this. I'm giving him as much encouragement as possible here.

Oh! I have to stop before I get ahead of myself. I just love to write! I can't help myself!!! Ok, that's it for tonight. I'll just go on "delighting myself in the Lord and He will give me the desires of my heart." Be blessed one and all. (You especially Josh, my dearest friend;o) 1:45 am

Well.....

I'm here! I've come home! lol It feel so good to be back in a place where people care about me and love me for who I am. I've gone to two classes today and I have two more to go. I have University Chorale and English 100. English is my latest class of the day. It doesn't end 'til 6:05 at night! It looks like I'll be heading off to dinner kinda late but that's ok.:o) I saw some of my friends and met new ones. It was about 10:10 or so in the morning and I just finished my Evangelism class with Clyde Billingsley. (such a sweet person!) I know I have a long walk ahead of me so I start out leaving Ericsson. I'm just up the road when someone suddenly pulls over and asks me if I need a ride. That was such a blessing! The guy's name is Mike. He's a sophmore and Biblical Studies is his major. It was so nice of him to give me a ride back to DeMoss Hall. I will definitely keep him in my prayers. We're all college students trying to make it in life and we need to keep each other accountable. I just remembered! I have to head off to University Chorale right now! I'll add more on this blog later. (signing off for now)

Ok, I'm back. I had a good choir practice and good English class. I'll be heading back to my dorm soon to rest a little and get ready to go to dinner. It's great to be in such a wonderful university such as this one. I sure hope I run into my friend Josh soon. I REALLY want to give him his donuts!!!! I went through all the trouble to bring them with me and I wrapped each and every one into a Ziploc bag! He'd better hurry up and get 'em! lol I like him as a great friend but he really has to step on it when I bring him donuts! Ok, I'd better stop before I get ahead of myself. More real hard core stuff will come later. I promise. (signing off now)

Hmm.....

Well, I'm making another attempt to go back to Virginia. Why didn't I go earlier this week? Because I was getting over this bad cold. It was terrible but I thank God for my healing. I missed a couple of classes but I'll do my very best when I actually attend class this upcoming week. (sighs) There's just so much that's about to go on in my life, I just feel it. I know God is going to do something so great in my life and truly bless me in everything I do. I'm thinking about a song by one of my favorite group the Newsboys. The chorus part goes; "turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the Light of His Glory and Grace." Now I'm thinking about how so many parts of Christian culture turned into the world's ways. In our Christian music, we have different genres like Rock, Pop, Rap and we all put Christian in front of those genres. I won't lie though, I like a lot of that kind of music but it's so sad that we turned our ways to the world. It says in the Bible that we are "....in the world but not OF the world." I put a hard knock on the word "of" because it looks like many of us who are Christian think we are OF the world!

There are so many things that are of the world that some people just don't realize. There are the Harry Potter books, Furby toys, beanie babies, Tickle-me-Elmo........ there are quite a few others but I can't think of them right now. Harry Potter is a good example of a thing of the world because I've heard some stories about how some people use those books and do real witchcraft!! That is not such a good thing.:o( I feel very saddened by that because some of my friends read those books and I know what's in them even though I haven't read them myself. I watch this program called The 700 Club. They give you Christian guidelines, Biblical worldviews, what's really happening in the world, Christian political views, stuff like that. My mom watches that show a lot and I sometimes watch it with her. During a certain part of the program, they have prayer time. That's when they read people's praises and prayer requests. They then start praying and get words of knowledge. Those are words from God about something that's happening or is about to happen to a person who has maybe a body problem and they receive their healing. Wow! It's amazing how one thing can lead to another when you're writing. I guess that's one of the things I'll face.

Anyway, I know I can't tell my friends what I know about Harry Potter because they might not believe me or will think I'm evil for thinking that way about the books but I know what I can do for them and that's pray for them as well as give them a good example. I want my life to be a complete reflection of God's Love. I want God's Grace to shine throughout my whole being. I know I'll always like listening to music by Newsboys and looking at movies like Spiderman but I'll know who to give first-place to in my life and that's my loving Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ my Brother and Friend, Thank You for being so faithful, righteous and true. You truly are my Main Inspiration and my Sweetest Blessing. I think I'll start writing a song about that. Thank You again, my Dear Jesus. See how the Lord can bless you when you're in a quiet spot just writing your heart out? It's so amazing and envigorating! Be blessed one and all.

I'm going back to Liberty......YAY!!!!

Well, it seems I'm going back to college finally. Why do I say "finally" you ask? Well, my first semester was fall of 2004 and I haven't been back since because of financial troubles. When I wanted to come back after Christmas break, I wasn't able to pay the rest of my tuition in time. Then came fall semester of 2005. Guess what happened: financial aid didn't kick in! (sighs) Well, all that's over now and I'm coming back with full force this Spring semester. Spring is the season where everything starts out fresh and new. I'm going to "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ" and diligently seek God in everything I do. (Philippians 3:14)

One of my favorite courses to take while I was there before was GNED 101. I'm taking 102 this semester with my favorite GNED professor Lee Gibson. Here's a picture of the two of us during Super Conference 2005. Not bad, right? lol I got a D in the class but I'm sure I'll do better this time. I know the basics now. No, I'm not afraid to admit what kind of grades I got my previous time there. I'm just looking back on them as a learning experience and another step forward. I can't wait to make a brand new start when I come back. I wasn't sure what to do then. You could say I didn't have all my bearings at the time. I was a homeschooler all my life and I was never in a REAL classroom. I know what to do now though.:o) To all my friends out there; please encourage me as much as you can. I could sure use it! lol I need all the prayers and words of encouragement I can get. To my friend Josh Killingsworth; thanks for inspiring me to get my own blogspot together! It really helps me get my writing on track. I have to write more often. Thanks Josh!! I wonder what will happen when I graduate. A really great job? A successful career? An entrepenuership? All of the above? I sure hope so!!:o) Hmm... did I spell that word right? Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I sure do appreciate it. God bless you all!