striving to be Unforgettable

So as usual... Aunt Lanell keeps me accountable for the blog... and as I told her tonight... I just haven't really been inspired by a lot this week... it's been a crazy busy nearly the end of the year hectic week here at Samford. However, several pieces of the puzzle fell in place as I searched for my GAP (sunday school class, not the store) t-shirt to wear tomorrow for a community service project.

As usual when I am cleaning or trying to be productive... I start singing. Sometimes a song just gets in my head and I really dont think about the words or the title... I just sing. Tonight, the song Unforgettable began dancing back and forth in my head, and I began singing the few words that I know.

Unforgettable, that's what you are

Unforgettable, thought near or far

Like a song of love that clings to me

How the thought of you does things to me

Never before

has someone been more

Unforgettable, in every way

And forever more, that's how you'll stay

That's why, darling, it's incredible

that someone so unforgettable

thinks that I am unforgettable too

No, never before

has someone been more

Unforgettable, in every way

And forever more, that's how you stay

That's why, darling, it's incredible

that someone so unforgettable

thinks that I am unforgettable too

And here is the kicker to the coincidence (or not?) of me singing this song. After I found my shirt, I started making piles of clothes to give to charity, and some how in my closet I found a pair of Daddy's overalls. I don't know why they were there... but as I was holding them tight, sniffing them to see if there were any faint reminders of his smell, the song and the overalls clicked together.

How many unforgettable people do you have in your life??? ... and How many people think you are unforgettable??

As I thought through this question many people came to mind... but I got stuck on that second question. How many people will not forget me... and what can I do to make that number larger? I don't say that out of vanity or pride... I say that out of a desire to truly impact other people. Whether that is through positive encouragement, accountability, or heck... I dont know, buying them a coke... I want people to remember me and that I hopefully made a difference in their lives in some way.

So... let me think about my top 3 most unforgettable people in the Bible... you know other than the big names (Jesus, Disciples, Noah, Moses, David, etc...)...

1. My first choice for a little known unforgettable person in the Bible is Elihu, who shows up toward the end of Job's story. Elihu is witness to all of the conversations had between Job and his "friends" and once they are finished, he takes his aim and shoots, but he does it respectfully. I firmly believe you can make more of an impact on people when you treat them with respect:

"I am young in years, and you are very old; therefore I was afraid, and dared not declare my opinion to you. I said, Age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged understand justice." (Job 32:6-10) Elihu continues to contradict Job's claims to righteousness and defense of himself until chapter 38 when God talks to Job in a whirlwind. Here's just a few of my favorite parts of when God sets Job straight. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth... Have you commanded the morning since you days begun...Have you comprehended the breadth of earth? Tell Me, if you know all this." (Job 38:4, 12, 18)

2. Nehemiah. I truly think Nehemiah is the greatest example of practicle leadership in Bible. He prayed for and mourned with his people, "So it was, when I heard these words that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days. i was fasting and praying before the God of heaven." (Nehemiah 1:4) He made his goals for his people a team effort, "You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer me a reproach... so they said 'Let us rise up and build'. Then they set their hands to do this good work." (Nehemiah 2:17-18) Nehemiah did not fall to criticism (2:19-20) nor did he take the easy way out (3:1). He became actively involved in the process of rebuilding and got down and dirty with the rest of the workers. There is so much to read about him... but he is one of my inspirations when it comes to leadership.

I have debated between a few options for number 3, but the love within this story sealed the deal:

3. The friends of the paralytic guy in Mark Chapter 2. "A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2: 1-5). I think this is one of the greatest examples of friendship in the bible. Imagine you and your 4 best friends... one is so sick he/she can't walk and has to be carried. Plan A of taking said friend to see Jesus didn't work... so you go to plan B... tearing the roof of a building and lowering your friend to Jesus. If you check the fine print here... the man was healed because of the faith of his FRIENDS!! How many times can we say that we are so faithful that God would work miracles just because I am dedicated??

So... these are my unforgettables of the Bible... I need to be more like them. Make a difference in the life of a few people and hope that they will pay it forward.

Goodnight dear friends. KC

thoughts on faith and friends... inspired by Beyonce?

April is the time of year when the students I work with get so tired and worn out that i just want to yell at them and tell them to sleep... knowing that they won't listen (and that a few years ago i would not have either), but instead stay up writing papers till 4 am, or studying for a 9am test till 6 am. I actually had a student tell me today that, "hey, I got 3 hours of sleep" ... and was smiling as if that was a major accomplishment.

5 years ago I would probably have been in the same boat that they were... but hearing that coming from a sophomore has really reminded me to enjoy the quiet and restful times we have in life. I am going on a trip tomorrow to see some friends and I have been doing some packing and cleaning tonight. After a while I just sat down on the couch and turned on my iPod. I closed my eyes and just listened and the song "Halo", by Beyonce came on. I didn't even realize I had downloaded that song... but I actually started listening into the words and it reminded me of the people in our lives who break down our walls and lift us out of our pits. Our encourager... our angels. Take a peek at the words and see who it makes you think of...

Lyrics to "Halo" by Beyonce:

Remember those walls I built
Well, baby they're tumbling down
And they didn't even put up a fight
They didn't even make up a sound

I found a way to let you in
But I never really had a doubt
Standing in the light of your halo
I got my angel now

It's like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
It's the risk that I'm takin'
I ain't never gonna shut you out

Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace

You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away

I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo
I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo

Hit me like a ray of sun
Burning through my darkest night
You're the only one that I want
Think I'm addicted to your light

I swore I'd never fall again
But this don't even feel like falling
Gravity can't forget
To pull me back to the ground again

Feels like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
The risk that I'm takin'
I'm never gonna shut you out

Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace

You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away

Actually, as I read through these words again, don't just think about the people in your life that encourage you... what about the God that encourages you? The God that puts people in your life to encourage you... in the oddest way, Beyonce reminds me that He is everywhere, that my friends are everywhere. These special people I am going to visit this weekend are wonderful. I have not seen most of them for a year at least, others not since Daddy's funeral. During college they were my companions, my confidants, some of them are still my sisters (Omega Phi Alpha)... but as we have gotten older and everyone has moved I have learned to value friendship even more... and about Godly friendships... because these aren't just friends, they are my brothers and sisters in Christ. We all have our issues, temptations, trials, and distractions... but we also have each other and a direct line to God to pray for each other... and I'm so thankful for that.

So back to thinking of God in this song...

"Remember those walls I built..." As humans, we build up our defences... but just as the walls of Jericho fell down through an act of faith (Joshua 6), ours do to. Our faith allows us peace as they fall, and gives us foresight in knowing that He will always be there.

"I found a way to let you in..." This should really be at the beginning... because in a relationship with God it has to be, and the Word makes it so plain... "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) "For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

"Hit me like a ray of sun Burning through my darkest night" After we make the choice to allow Him in, we receive the benefit of His light that will break through any darkness.

"... God is the light and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1John 1: 5-7)

"Everywhere I'm looking now I'm surrounded by your embrace... You know you're my saving grace" This part of the song is so evident to me in my life. During the past year God has placed people in my path when I needed them... even if I didn't know it at the time. His hand over my life and the direction of my paths feels like protection... and I don't know about you, but to me a hug can feel like protection.. like you are not alone. As for the saving grace part, well once again, the Word speaks for itself. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift from God..." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

"You're everything I need and more" Really, no words are needed... this says it all. "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 4:19)

So... what do we learn here? Thank God and look out for those people in your life that wear a halo, and watch yourself... because to someone else, they may be seeing a halo on you. Maybe that should be a goal... to be a halo'd helper to someone else.

<3 - Kacey

Psalm 5, a Prayer for Guidance

I have been praying for guidance from Lord so much lately as I seek to determine my next step and new goals professionally. I have been through a roller coaster of emotions as I have struggled with the realities that my plan may not be God's plan... and I am accepting that more and more day by day, rather, He is giving me peace about it more and more, day by day.

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, Consider my meditation.
2 Give heed to the voice of my cry, My King and my God, For to You I will pray.
3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.
4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You.
5 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity.
6 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
7 But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.
8 Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face.
9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; Their inward part is destruction; Their throat is an open tomb; They flatter with their tongue.
10 Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, For they have rebelled against You.
11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name, Be joyful in You.
12 For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

So maybe David calls this a "Prayer for Guidance" ... but how does that relate to my situation. Well, the more I thought out it I go back to the tree/path anaology of Psalm 1. We choose are path to whatever career, job, location, etc... and I think the path is where the guidance comes in... it's kind of like praying that God will get us to the test... not give us the answer. We have to make the conscious decisions to follow the path He has set for us just in order to get to the point of seizing an opportunity or making an important decision that may affect our next step or new goals.

Verse 11 is where the peace comes in... the satisfaction of being content no matter what your situation may be. Because though it may not be ideal, and it may not be your dream... you are blessed to be in the situation. I am blessed to have a job... to have friends... to have students I enjoy working with. And though I may not be totally satisfied with living on campus for a 10th year... I can be satisfied in knowing that I have a stable job, stable income, health insurance, and a home.

I do pray that the Lord will open my eyes to His plan for me, and that along the pathway to fullfilling His plan, I pray that He will teach me the ways of the righteous and that I will not be tempted to go the way of the wicked, which will only take me farther away from His will and plan for my life.

Along with your prayer for guidance, remember to also pray for contentment. :)

Fear God, but fear nothing else...

Psalm 2 talks about rage and ruling, the Lord's wrath and His declaration of blessings and protection for his chosen rulers... but it also talks about the wisdom of the fear of God.

"Now therefore, be wise O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling."
(Psalm 2:10-11)

I've always thought is was a healthy thing to have a fear of the Lord... not to be afraid, but to fearfully respect the authority, omniscience, and omnipresence of our Father. I think this can easily be compared to our earthly father. Not that I was ever afraid of Daddy... but I knew he had authority over me and, frankly, could punish me however he pleased if it was deserved. I'm sure a lot of others had the same experience and respect for your parents, if you were lucky.

Psalm Chapter 3 is very reassuring as it is all about protection and help. (My version of the verses in italics...) No matter who or what comes up against up, no matter what enemies we may have... as children of God He will protect us... we have no need to fear ANYTHING!!!! How empowering is that!!

"Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!
(Lord... there are more and more people who cause me problems!)
Many are they who rise up against me.
(Seriously, alot of people are giving me grief and tempting me.)
Many are they who say of me, There is no help for him in God.
(... and they don't believe you can help me! joke is on them...)

But You O Lord are a shield for me,
(You have my back...and front and I trust you)
My glory and the One who lifts up my head
(You encourage me)
I cried to the Lord with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill.
(You know my voice... mine!! ... and you hear me whereever you are.)

I lay down and slept;
(No matter who/what comes up against me... I find peace in You and can rest)
I awoke, for the Lord sustained me...
(Even when I am not paying attention to protect myself, You are there...)

Salvation belongs to the Lord."
(You and You alone can save me from anything that comes my way, as Your will sees fit)

(Psalms 3:1-5, 8)

I hope you all have a wonderful day... know that we are all blessed and we should use our blessings to bless others... :)

Psalms

Hello all... it's been a few days and I have been mulling over some things to write about. But I feel like God keeps putting Psalms in my mind. I have also noticed that the analogy of the mountain and valley comes up in my life so much more these days... or maybe I just notice it more... but I was reminded of it again in church this morning with a beautiful old song that was sung. I can remember hearing this on a Gaither special daddy and I watched once. Here's the video and the lyrics are below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xipq208iNHg

Life is easy when you're up on the mountain

And you've got peace of mind like you've never known.

But then things change and you're down in the valley.

Don't lose faith for you're never alone.

For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.

When things go wrong, He'll make it right.

And the God of the good times

is still God in the bad times.

The God of the day is still God in the night.

You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain.

Oh but the talk comes easy when life's at its best.

But it's down in the valley of trials and temptation

That's when faith is really put to the test.

For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.

When things go wrong, He'll make it right.

And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times.

The God of the day is still God in the night.

So back to Psalms. We have been reading through selected Psalms in Sunday School for a while and I always end up coming home with good lessons... so I have decided to reread the entire book and share my thoughts... not necessarily on every Psalm, but just when lessons are made evident to me.

Psalm 1:
David kicks it off pretty strong in Psalm 1 with a verse that is not unfamiliar to most of us. "Blessed is the man who walked not in the counsel of the ungodly..." (verse 1). Basically... he explains that there are two paths in life. The righteous path or the unrighteous (ungodly) path. Along those paths he compares us to trees. The trees on the righteous path are strong and fertile because "he" (the tree) has removed himself from the "path of the sinners" and the "seat of the scornful." Please note that David does not say that this blessed man removed himself from the sinners or the scornful... he may not have taken their path... but they are still present on his journey. For what would our journey as Christians be without temptations, gossip, etc.??? Overall this tree is strong because, as it says in 1:2, "he delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night"

If this isn't a hello review your life moment, I don't know what is... "Day and night" folks... that's all.the.time!! Raise your hand if you do this... (note, my hand is not raised...) because in reality, does every decision we make have a God basis... do our actions exemplify the Word? Obviously according to this verse they should.... why... well, verse 3 give us a good answer for that.

"... And whatever he does shall prosper."

Well, if that ain't motivating... I don't know what is.

So, let's see what happens to the tree on the unrighteous path... they are "like that chaff which the wind blows away. (verse 4)" So basically the unrighteous tree is so unstable that it can be blown about like refuse... let's just see what exactly "refuse" means:

ref·use2 [ref-yoos]
–noun
1. something that is discarded as worthless or useless; rubbish; trash; garbage.

Well, that makes it pretty plain doesn't it??

So here's your choice according to Chapter 1... A strong fertile tree that blooms and does not die ("whose leaf shall not wither;" verse 3) or worthless garbage?? It may not be the easiest choice, and there will be some moments where we hang out with the sinners and the scornful, but we can always get back to the correct path by medidating on the Word... so which do you choose?

A blog dedicated to a friend...

In 7 days my friend Sarah will be getting on a plane to go live in India.

Sarah has been feeling that God has called her to India to work with women for a while now, and she is answering the call and going to work for Freeset. This company is located at ground zero of the Indian sex trade in which young girls are sold by their families and young women sell themselves to make a living. Please check out the story of freeset here: http://freesetglobal.com/who-we-are/our-story.

The Indian women who work at Freeset make bags and tees that are super cute!! Sarah's job at Freeset will be working as an accountant. She leaves in a week and know that she will be living with one of two people, but at this time she does not know which one. From our talks it seems like there are alot of unknowns for Sarah... but the thing I admire most about Sarah and her new endeavor is that she is not letting those unknowns limit her expectations or quench her motivation for following God's call in her life. Her attitude is really inspiring to me as I face the uncertainty of hopefully moving on to a new position professionally. Sarah has lots of questions, but she knows Who has the answers... and she trusts that.

I've known Sarah since the first year I moved to Birmingham. We met through church and she has been a great friend to me over the past few years. I appreciate her more than she knows and am incredibly thankful for our friendship. Our small group met at my house tonight and after about 3 hours of eating, dancing, and LOTS of laughing, we sat down to pray for Sarah. During the prayer one of the girls mentioned how God brought us together as a group, from different places and different paths, to become a group who supports and encourages each other. I know I have written about them before... but they are all such a blessing to me and I love them all.

Kristen, Sarah L, Sarah A (who this blog is dedicated to!), Allison, me, and Lesley

I ask that you pray for Sarah. She mentioned that one of her concerns is whether or not she will be accepted into the community of women who work for Freeset. On her prayer card Sarah listed the following prayer requests:

1. Please pray that I will form close friendships with the Indian women and others who live and work in Calcutta.
2. Please pray that I would be able to effectively and usefully complete Fewwset's accounting work each day.
3. Pleae pray that God would continually expand my knowledge of Him and that I would grow closer to Him each day.
4. Please pray that I would find a church home and an accountability partner/group.
5. Please pray that I would see and love people as God does.
6. Please pray that God would give me the strength internally to deal with feelings of anger and injustice at the situation in Calcutta.
7. Please pray that God would provide opportunities to share the Good News with others and that I would be perceptive to those times.

As I think about Sarah's new exciting adventure as she follows God's plan for her life I wanted to look for some thoughts from the Word to share with her and others who might be entering into an unknown situation...

On the days when you are worried:

"For He himself is our peace..." (Ephesians 2:14)

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 4:6-7)

And on the days where you wonder if you are making an impact:

" I thank my God upon every rememberance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with joy." (Phillipians 1:3-4)

And on the days when you are wondering what the heck you are doing...

" ... for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Phillipians 2:13)

And on the bad days...

"... Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things." (Phillipians 8)

And on the days of uncertainty:

" And my God shall supply all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 4:19)

----------------------

Sarah,

I love you friend and I am so proud of what you are doing and the fact that you have the guts to move across the world for a new job. I can't wait to hear what its like and for you to tell me what God is revealing to you in your work and relationships. I will miss your humor, your karaoke/dancing skills, your kindness, and your genuine concern {no matter how awkward it may be sometime :)} for those you love. Thank you for standing by me through such a tough year and being so concerned for me when I truly needed it. I love you, I'll miss you, and I promist to pray for you. (and I'll see you on Skype if I can figure out how to work it!!)

- Kacey

Are you Free?

Easter weekend was wonderful...

Lots of Family...

Great Weather...

and Professional Bull Riding...

For my birthday this year mom, Shane, and I went to New Orleans to watch the PBR... and despite multiple criticisms of my driving... I really enjoyed the weekend. Bull Riding was something that Daddy and I shared interest in... and I really appreciated mom and Shane joining in and seemingly having a good time!

We didn't make it to church on Easter Sunday, but mom and I did go to Cowboy Church on Saturday. During the service, the PBR Pastor and one of the bull riders talked about their visit to Angola State Prison. Despite the fact that (I believe they said) 80% of the men in Angola are there for life... the riders talked about how so many Christian men in Angola seemed to be free. Free as in Freedom. The big question of the day was, ARE YOU FREE? As they talked about the things that hold us back from freely worshipping and doing the work of the Lord without abandon... I immediately thought about my life... what holds me back from doing whatever He asks.

1. my goals for myself... the things I plan for myself without considering His plan. It is not bad to have goals, but one must be flexible in seeking those goals to accommodate the will of God.

2. bills... I simply need to make enough money to pay for myself to live...

3. Job... do I invest too much time in something I simply get paid to do or is my job a ministry opportunity? I seriously believe that God has called me to work with college students... but am I meeting the potential that He expects?

4. Others' perception... whether it is my mama, my boss, or the guy I pass in the grocery... am I limiting my outward expression of praise and worship for the Lord because of what other people might think?? The only person I need to please is God... to heaven with the others...

During Cowboy Church they referenced the parallel between breaking a wild horse and a Christians relationship with sin. I found the video online and it was such an amazing visual example of how we as Christian have to become broken to trust the Lord. It's about 20 minutes long, but well worth the watch. Please check out the video at: http://www.ridinghighministries.org/ , look for the "Born Wild Created to be Free" square at the bottom of the page in the list of videos. There are testimonies from some of the Bull Riders as well...

On Sunday afternoon as we were sitting around Mawmaw and Pawpaw Cole's gallery (the front porch), and I looked around at everyone and realized that it just didn't feel right without Daddy there. For a moment it felt like he was just gone to work, but then I figured... if he wasn't having a good conversation in Heaven (which I am sure there is a lot of), He was probably just sitting around the porch observing the rest of us...

Here are a few pictures from my weekend at home.



Cassidy, Wyatt, Will, and Anna Catherine



I'm in love with this picture of Savannah...



Savannah and Jayce before hunting eggs...



Not the best place to end up after a ride...

The Truth...

This morning I was watching the Today show and they were doing a quiz on "Passover and Easter" trivia. Not one of the questions mentioned Christ.

... not one... and it was questions about Easter.

After I got pretty frustrated about that, I realized that the guest that was hosting the trivia was Jewish. And it made me sad. Not for me... but for her. I think that Jewish culture is interesting, though to be honest the majority of my knowledge of the Jews comes from two very different resources.

The Bible... and The Nanny.

So, maybe I'm a schmegegge about the Jews, but I do know that that Passover is a celebration of their removal from the oppression of slavery by the Egyptians... and while that is a great thing to celebrate, knowing the story of how God placed Moses in the right place at the right time to orchestrate the whole thing, even when he didn't think he could do it, and then as he led them as they schlepped across Egypt toward the Holy Land... God's hand and provision was in every step. It is so sad to me that so many many years later, when the Messiah stepped up to take accept responsibility for them (their sins) they didn't accept Him.

I looked into the book of John this morning as I thought of all of these things, and the Messiah's own words stuck out to me.

"You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of the truth listens to me." - Jesus (John 18:37)

I am so thankful for these words... because they remind me that we would be nothing without Him, we would be bound for Hell without Him. There would be no grace and forgiveness without Him. He is the truth, He tells the truth, and I choose the side of truth.

What side do you choose?