I will serve the King

This past week, our opening prayer has been taken from the hymn, "Who is on the Lord's side?" In response...

I am on the Lord's side. I will serve the King. I will be His helper, other lives to bring. I will leave the world's side. I will face the foe. I am on the Lord's side. I for Him will go. Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe, But the King's own army none can overthrow. Round His standard ranging, victory is secure. For His truth unchanging makes the triumph sure. Joyfully enlisting by Thy grace divine, I am on the Lord's side, Saviour, I am Thine.

"Life doesn't always deliver what we expect and that sometimes events may not seem just or right, but we still have to live in those circumstances. We might feel let down when life doesn't seem fair, but that's precisely when we can find grace and strength if we turn to the Lord. "Life isn't fair" eventually became another way to say, "We may not understand, but God does.""
--Carol Vandesteeg

I've thought about both of these things quite a bit this week--I will serve the King, yet living in those circumstances can be quite difficult. I make conscience choices, to be God's helper, to bring others to Him, yet recently, I'm feeling let down--life is not fair. I love the part where it says, "Joyfully enlisting by Thy grace divine" as that is where I am at right now...I will find grace and strength when I turn to the Lord.

Good times!

I thought you might like to see some of the kids I hang out with during the week! Enjoy these pictures!

Just me hanging out. :)

Carrie playing with the girls

All smiles!

Sweet child

Carrie

Smile!

She loves to colour! :)

I love this dude! Intelligent, funny, and a handful!

I am the man!

Do you see the brotherly and sisterly love here?

Picture with the boys!

Myself with one cool dude!

Love this girl!

Myself and my little friend!

Just love this guy! He's so silly!

Take Time to be Holy

One thing I love about First Presbyterian Church, here in San Antonio, is how intentional the order of worship is, beginning with adoration of Christ the King. I love traditional service, as the theology in the hymns is rock solid.

Ev'ry day will I extol Thee and will bless Thy Holy Name
My song shall be of praise and honor, and of Thy glorious acts.
Thy works are wonderful, past our knowing.

Right before the call to confession, George Sturch, read the following scripture.

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord";
And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
Psalm 32:3-5

I run a lot in the lovely Texas heat. As the scripture was being read, I was thinking about how draining my runs are in the hot and humid weather we have had here recently. I thought about the race the other day, where I felt tired and lifeless, before the race had begun, due to the weather!

As George continued to read though, I became encouraged! I love that when we go to God, confessing our sins, He forgives us, and gives us that life again. He literally gives me water, to bring the tired and lifeless, drained out body of mine, into His glory. The story does not stop with I went to run the race, and I could not finish. No, communion with our Saviour is so sweet, and because of His forgiveness, grace, and mercy, I am in relationship with Him. I love all the things God does for us, He is faithful, He tells us I will do this or I will do that...and in this case, I forgave. I have replenished your body with the water you need. No need to be drained and lifeless with Me.

During the prayer of confession we are given time to pray personal prayers, and confess individually, and as a congregation. I personally find this time very powerful. As a group we ask for forgiveness, but as an individual, I have the opportunity every week to say, "God I'm sorry. I failed to be an obedient servant. I did _____ wrong or I treated _____ wrong or I messed up here, or whatever the case may be." I am not sinless, but I am forgiven. Thank you, God for life and vitality!

We move from the time of confession to the Gloria Patri--this is where we sing, "Glory be to the Father..." At this time in the service, the mood/attitude shifts to affirmation and dedication. This is where we state "The Apostles Creed," say the "Lord's Prayer," and sing the Doxology ("Old Hundredth"--Praise God from whom all blessings flow...) This is one of the happiest parts of worship for me, as it is fun to tell God how great and wondrous He is.

Abide in Him always, and feed on His word.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide,
In joy or in sorrow, still follow thy Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
--Take Time to be Holy

I love these words! We enter into the time of proclamation, where God's character is declared. I am challenged by these words--abide in Him always, and feed on His word. It's one thing to read your bible, and to study it, but it's another to feed on His word. "Let Him be thy Guide, in joy or in sorrow, still follow thy Lord." These words not only convict me, but challenge me to be a better Christian. I want to feed on His word; I want to trust in His word; I want to be holy.

This is also where we learn more about God through the sermon. Sermons are one of my favourite parts of church! I love to learn what God has taught the pastor, and what He shares with us. This past Sundays sermon was on Acts 16:25-34, the theme was Counter Intuitive. I loved one of the points that John made, "When you're in prison, do you counter intuitively sing praises to God?" This challenges me. We see that Paul and Silas were in the midst of suffering, and it is here that the power of God, in Jesus Christ, was at work through the Holy Spirit. Glorying God in joy and suffering is counter intuitive, it is also holy. My challenge to you is to take time to be holy each and everyday! Worship well, my friends!

Police Officers and Firefighters Memorial 5K and a Flying BBQ!

Race: Police Officers and Firefighters Memorial 5K

Distance: 5K (3.1069 mi)
Goal Time: None
Actual Time: 00:27:13 (8:45 min/mi)

This race was fun, although I was disappointed in myself with my time. I was hungry, and just wasn't feeling it this morning. I kept thinking I should have ate a whole burger last night, and not just half of one. The race started at 8AM, and by that time it was plenty humid! I spent the time before the run with one of the girls I train with, chatting, warming up, and stretching...this was great! :) Not too much to say about this race, as 5K's are so short. They're over before you start!

Flying BBQ's on the other hand, now there's a story! After the race, I left quickly, so that I could meet up with my family. My mother informed me that they were at Friedrich Park, and I should come and join them. I chose to take 281 to 410 to I-10. As I was approaching the 410/I-10 interchange, about a mile out, I noticed that the truck to my right, which I was starting to pass had a BBQ in the back of his truck that was teetering. This was a large BBQ that was not bungeed in or anything! (Think of your stereotypical Texan BBQ!)

I also looked to my left. There was a pick up, going just slighter faster than me, that noticed the same thing. Immediately, my brain said to my body, that BBQ is going to hit me in the face. Thank God the truck with a trailer to my left, noticed what I did, at the same time, and moved over a lane. I was able to speed up and move partially into the lane to my left, and the BBQ hit about a foot behind my car!

Thank you, Jesus for protecting me from flying BBQ's! The cars behind me were able to slam on their brakes and stop, and the truck who lost his BBQ also stopped. I am not sure what happened after that, as I continued on towards I-10, thankful that the BBQ did not want Faith on the grill!

Rejoice and be glad!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Romans 1:16

As I was reading my bible this morning, I realized that I experience the power of God through my faith.

The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 14:17

This past semester I have been teaching in the book of Mark; primarily, about the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is here and now--it is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. I have spent the past semester asking the girls about the kingdom of God and how they live in and through it on a daily basis.

Do not fear, O land, rejoice and be glad, For the Lord has done great things
Joel 2:21
We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.
Acts 4:20

I am saddened for people that do not know Christ or the power of God, as they also miss out on experiencing the kingdom and the righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. I want to be more like Peter and John, I cannot stop speaking about what I have seen and heard...I love how poignant their faith is in their lives.

Worship well!

Last Sunday, a friend made the following statement to me, "Worship well." I wrote those words on the top of my bulletin and for the past week I have been reflecting over those words and what it means to truly worship well.

Worship is an art. In Sunday school, we were discussing rejoicing as an art form, which I agree with, but if rejoicing is an art form, and part of worship is rejoicing in Christ the King, then worship too, must be an art.

I think about the times I go to church, come home, and wonder why I ever went. And it dawns on me, I failed to worship well. The very reason I go to church is to worship God, with a community of believers, and I come home, failing to do so--why? Attitude, selfish desires, sin, pride, I don't know, but what I do know is, I should never fail to worship well, when that is the primary purpose of going to church.

One of my girlfriends, whom I love dearly, made the following statement in college, "I study as a form of worship." This has had a profound effect on my life, since she shared her testimony. I realized that worshiping God is multi-faceted, and something that I too could do with different approaches.

I worship God at home, through quiet times, playing the piano, singing, and praying. I worship God at work, by being the best teacher I can. I worship God at church in fellowship with other believers, listening to the scriptures, the sermon, and the words God is speaking to us through His servants. I worship God as I drive by memorizing scripture. I worship God by encouraging and respecting others. I think all too often, we make worship difficult, when in reality, it is an attitude, a mind set--and ours should be that of Christ Jesus. How do you worship God?

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5

Worship well, my friends! :)

I'm a winner! :)

Race: Military City 5K

Distance: 5K (3.1069 mi)
Goal Time: 26 minutes (8:22 min/mi)
Actual Time: 00:25:56 (8:20 min/mi)
1st finisher in my bracket out of 4
5/21 women racing
20/45 racers total

Mile 0: I'm here early, I should stretch and go for some warm up laps. I have no pace setter and the people I normally run with are not here today. What am I going to do? I talked to another girl in our club, and she said to ask around and find a pace setter. Good idea. I met a new friend, who I actually paced just barely behind for the entire run.

Mile 1: 7:44, Um...I think I started way to fast. This is not normal for me. I usually start WAY to slow.

Mile 2: 16:06, I slowed down a little, this is good, as I was too fast; I'm still happy with the time. And, whoa, this race is almost over. 5K's are so short, they are over before you get started.

Last little bit: Holy cow, I'm just about finished. I just started, though. As I was running up the last portion, I knew I was going to just barely beat my goal time! Wahoo! :) As cool as it was to win a first place trophy, my favourite part, was beating my goal time. Even if it was by a couple seconds!

This is my trophy! :) Yay! It says "Military City 5K" at the bottom.

Lunch with Levi

I live 17 miles from my brother, but between our opposite schedules, I rarely see him. Today was a special day--we went on a brother/sister date! :) It was wonderful to spend the time with him and talk about all sorts of anything and everything, some important, some funny, and some encouraging. I love you, Levi! :)

Levi and I just after enjoying breakfast with each other...we didn't even fight, Mom! You would be impressed!

Am I in heaven or what!?

This past week, I was invited to go jet skiing with a friend, and believe me, I jumped on that opportunity. I had a blast! This girl loves both the mountains and the water. :) All day, all I kept thinking was, "Wow, I am so blessed! What an amazingly, beautiful day, and fabulous company!" I was ear to ear grinning, enjoying the time of my life! Thank you, Jesus, for this wonderful day you gave me!

Valero Texas Open

On Sunday afternoon, I was able to spend time with my Dad at the Valero Texas Open, a PGA Tournament. The tournament was held, right here at TPC (Tournament Players Clubs) San Antonio, AT&T Oaks Course. From hole 4-hole 18, we followed Jimmy Walker, who tied for third. I enjoyed following Jimmy Walker, as he is from Boerne, Texas, just north of us, about a fifteen minute drive. It is faster for me to drive to Boerne, than it is to drive downtown for church on Sunday morning.

This post is simply to say, Thank you, God, for a wonderful day with my Dad, out on the golf course! :) I thoroughly enjoyed watching the players, (there were some incredible shots...Walker hit the ball out of the bunker, directly into the hole once!) spending time with Dad, and running into some fabulous people--like Craig, and the Franks.

I (God) will...

We know from physics, specifically Newton, that for every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction. Paralleling that information, every choice we make, whether good or bad, has a consequence--some wonderful, some not so great.

"So that the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father commanded Me."
John 14:31

I felt called to go to Ukraine; I made a conscience choice. To show that I love God I TRY to do exactly as he commands and calls me to do. How do you show your love to Jesus Christ? What is He calling you to do? Are you doing what He has called you to do?

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
John 14:18

This verse comforts me, as right now, I feel like an orphan when it comes to finding a job. Before I left for Ukraine, I had a fabulous job, wonderful co-workers, and job security. On the flip-side, had I chosen disobedience, deciding not to serve Christ in Ukraine, I would probably still be teaching at that very same high school, with a great group of people, under fabulous leadership.

This I struggle with. I'm not going to lie; I feel abandoned by God right now. I am looking and searching for a job, yet I have not been able to land an interview. I know I am a good teacher--I also know that I am usually hired on the spot. A piece of me is crying out, "Give me a chance!" This verse is so sweet to my heart and ears. "I will not leave you" and note what God will do, "I will come to you."

I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5

I'm waiting God! Would you please come sooner than later, as this patience thing is hard! Lord, I am waiting, I have put my hope and trust in you, come to me, like you promise us in your Word! I (God) will...come!

Happy Birth!

Today my birthday buddy and I celebrated our 3/4 birthday with my Mom! :) Hence...Happy Birth--3/4 of Happy Birthday! Our lunch was fabulous, as you can see in pictures below and I am so blessed to be able to celebrate this special occasion with fabulous women! Thank you for making my day special!

Kit and I with our special foods and deserts. The turkey burger was awesome!

Mom with her super yummy food.


Mom and I...too bad both of us had our eyes shut.

What burdens have you been blessed with?

You have been blessed with a burden, my daughter. And I envy that. I admire you.
--Freedom Writers

I shared this movie quote with my Mom, as I felt it speaking right to my core. "Mom, I have been blessed with a burden." My Mom's response, "Which burden are you talking about, Faith? You've been blessed with burdens." All I could think was, "You're right Mom, all of them." I do not foresee people envying the burdens on my heart, nor admiring me for what I do. I try to love God and others, like Jesus tells us to love. God gives us experiences to share with others--to lift people up and encourage them, to bring them closer to Him. I desire to bring you closer to Jesus Christ through this blog, through sharing my experiences.

Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.
--2 Corinthians 5:9

In 2 Corinthians 5:9, we learn that our ambition should be to please Jesus Christ. It is crucial that I have a strong desire and strive to please Him. I have been given these burdens for God's pleasure. I struggle with this. My friend and I were talking about this very matter the other night--God gives us things for His pleasure, at His will, so that He will be glorified. Let's be honest, sometimes, I don't want that stuff. I want Christ glorified, don't get me wrong, I just have no desire to be the next Job. That being said, as I write this, I continue to struggle with this, and I believe God honours us as we are challenged. Struggle well, my friends.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
--1 Peter 4:10
Shepard the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness
--1 Peter 5:2

Job hunting is never fun. And sometimes accepting those gifts and burdens that God has given you are just as difficult, as finding that perfect job. Yes, I love teaching high school math, but sometimes, I just want relief. To be a good teacher, you pay the price. The work is long, hard, and demanding; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Every year I am blessed with students that want to help me out in a variety of ways. I've heard it said, "It's the only thing they have to offer you (their help), do not take away that gift from them."

I am reminded of something shared to me, by a friend and pastor.

Henri Nouwen about the significance and power of touch:

Touch, yes, touch, speaks the wordless words of love. In friendship touch often gives more life than words. A friend's hand stroking our back, a friend's arms resting on our shoulder, a friend's fingers wiping our tears away, a friend's lips kissing our forehead --- these are true consolation. These moments of touch are truly sacred. They restore, they reconcile, they reassure, they forgive, they heal. Everyone who touched Jesus and everyone whom Jesus touched were healed. God's love and power went out from him (see Luke 6:19). When a friend touches us with free, non-possessive love, it is God's incarnate love that touches us and God's power that heals us.

Take up thy cross with willing heart and humbly follow after Me...let not its weight fill thy weak spirit with alarm; His strength shall bear thy spirit up and brace thy heart and nerve thine arm...
--Hymn, Take Up They Cross, the Saviour Said

As I look for employment, my prayer is that I keep in mind, this is not just about me and my wants--it's about where God has called me to serve. Yes, I know the work will be long, hard, and demanding. I also know that God has given me these gifts and burdens to serve Him, eagerly, and with excitement! His strength will carry me forward when I am physically, emotionally, and spiritually weak. Thank you, Jesus.

What burdens have you been blessed with? How are you serving Christ, with what He has given you? Are you leaning on Him when you are emotionally, physically, and spiritually weak, and exhausted to the core of your being? God has blessed you with a burden. How are you bringing others closer to our loving Saviour with that burden you have been blessed with?