cool letter from God

Hello jr. highers!

I didn't know the title or author, but I finally just found a short story online that I remember my jr. high teacher Mrs. Swanson read to my class when I was your age (I went to a Christian school). I remember it moving my heart closer to God's.

Anyways, here it is. Hope it touches your life today like it did mine 13 years ago:)
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Dear Friend,

How are you? I just had to send you a note to tell you how much I care about you.

I saw you yesterday as you were talking with your friends. I waited all day hoping you would want to talk to me, too. I gave you a sunset to close your day and a cool breeze to rest you -- and I waited. You never came. It hurt me, but I will love you because I am your friend.

I saw you sleeping last night and longed to touch your brow, so I spilled moonlight upon your face. Again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you! You awoke and rushed off to work. My tears were the rain.

If you would only listen to me! I love you!

I whisper it in the leaves on the trees and breathe it in colors of flowers, shout it to you in mountain streams, give the birds love songs to sing. My love for you is deeper than the ocean, and bigger than the biggest need in your heart!

Ask me! Talk to me! Please don't forget me. I have so much to share with you!

I won't hassle you any further. It is your decision. I have chosen you and I will wait.



I love you. Your Friend,

God

Moses-the Man!!!

I just ended a women's bible study on Moses and it was amazing. I learned how God took a man who made so many mistakes and had flaws and changed him to be such a patient caretaker who basically lived his life as an intercessor of others. The word "intercessor" means one who mediates prayer or petition to God in behalf of others. And Moses did just that. Although he faced difficult times in leading his people. He never gave up. Although he had to reprimend the Israelites either becauase they complained way too much or didn't obey the voice of the Lord, he never gave up. He did the job God called him to. And did it well to the end. Even though he didn't get his reward here on earth, the promise land, he received a rich reward from the Lord in heaven. Something far greater than what he could see from the mountaintop on Mt. Nebo or wherever it was God decided to take him home.

Living the life of an intercessor for others doesn't seem appealing in this world. But laying down your life for others by serving and praying for them is exactly what God calls us to do. And he'll give us the strength to be used by him just like Moses was if we're willing. Be strengthened and challenged to be a Moses to those around you as you read Phillipians 2:5-18.

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Shining as Stars
12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[c] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

What a rush!

I finished my first half marathon May 3, 2009!

My friend Racheal got me to sign up for this race. The first few months of training I thought to myself "what did I get myself into?" but when it came close to the race, I was ready for it. We had such a great time and the actual day was a memorable one. My friend from high school Kathleen was also there too and although we didn't train together, I ran with her for the first half of it. Racheal's sister and friend ran it too as there in these photos. They were a great support as they've done several races and told us what to expect. Here are some pictures and some of my results.




http://www.ocregister.com/video/index.php?bcpid=1127694947&bclid=1125901233&bctid=21974472001

Overall: 2193 out of 4579
Women: 994 out of 2678
F 25-29: 221 out of 539
Age/Grade: 48.73% Place: 2238
Finish: 2:15:07 Pace: 10:19
Tag Time: 2:15:07

Hannah Montana-Hoedown throwdown

This past weekend at our jr. high staff retreat to San Clemente, leaders Barbara and Emma informed me I wasn't living life b/c I didn't know the Hannah Montana hoedown throwdown. Well, tonight I can finally say I memorized it and am so ready to see the Hannah Montana movie this Thursday!!! If you love dancing, you'll enjoy this one!

Break a sweat and have fun!!!

Fanta fanta!

Fanta Limon is FABULOUS!!!

I just LOVE fanta limon! My husband got me hooked!!! This is the BEST drink ever. REALLY!!! I've traveled to Europe both for Mission trips and traveling fun and haven't had a more tasty refreshing drink. During my wedding planning process I even looked online to see if it could be shipped out for our wedding toast, but it's nearly impossible to get! You all have to try this drink...it's so good! I am actually craving one at this moment. Unfortunately it isn't sold in the US, so if you ever have a chance to try a fanta LIMON, do it, savor it and pack an extra one for me in your suitcase (and one for my husband too for that matter)! FANTA LIMON!!!!!!

Great devotional

The Value of a Soul

Here's a great devotional I found on crosswalk.com tonight! It's a great reminder that we were bought with a price by Christ!

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold,...but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18-19


I was talking to a man who sold real estate and asked him, “What determines the worth of a piece of property?”

He said, “What a person is willing to pay for it.”

In other words, it doesn’t matter how much you paid for it yourself. It’s what another person is willing to pay to have it for himself or herself.

That makes me want to shout! You and I must be worth something if Jesus would pay His life to have us for His own. Jesus is the proof of how much we’re worth.

Do you know how much you weigh? Call a jeweler or a bank today and ask how much your weight is worth in gold. Then realize there’s no comparison to your worth in blood … the blood of Jesus Christ.