come.

A song I heard for the first time at church the other Wednesday by Paul Baloche "King of Heaven"

Jesus,
Let Your kingdom come here
Let Your will be done here,
In us
Jesus,
There is no one greater
You alone, our savior
Show the ones You love

King of Heaven, come down
King of Heaven, come now
Let Your glory reign
Shining like the day
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, rise up
Who can stand against us?
You are strong to save
In Your mighty name
King of Heaven, come

We are,
Children of Your mercy
Rescued for Your glory
We cry Jesus,
Set our hearts towards You
Every eye would see You
Lifted high

King of Heaven, come down
King of Heaven, come now
Let Your glory reign
Shining like the day
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, rise up
Who can stand against us?
You are strong to save
In Your mighty name
King of Heaven, come

King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, come

King of Heaven, come down
King of Heaven, come now
Let Your glory reign
Shining like the day
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, rise up
Who can stand against us?
You are strong to save
In Your mighty name
King of Heaven, come

King of Heaven, come

 King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, come

King of Heaven, come down
King of Heaven, come now
Let Your glory reign
Shining like the day
King of Heaven, come

giving it your all.

Several weeks ago I stood outside Wal-Mart with fellow Phi Theta Kappa folks for a toy drive. We were to pass out flyers, mind the buggies with their donated toys and guard the vase with donated moneys. Most often people would graciously accept the flyers that listed the various options for the toy drive. I was gladly surprised by how many actually donated toys. What really caught my eye was the number of money donations. People would give one of us the money or place it in the vase themselves. The times they gave me the money, it was a $20 bill but often one or several dollar bills. Whether that put a dent in their wallet or not, they gave. They gave. I could not but help to remember the following passage:

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." Luke 21:1.4

So as we go about this holiday season, remember to give. We shouldn't do this only during the holidays but daily. Daily may we be open to opportunities to give back. That can come in various forms for each of us but give sacrifically, give out of your poverty...not wanting any fame, recognition, or glory in return. But give knowing that the Lamb was given in your place, in my place, and that it is only by His mercies that we are able to be thankful. 

here, there, anywhere

So it is a constant struggle of wanting to be anywhere but school. I understand the gist of college, but some days I much rather be in back in Europe or travel to some far distant land and commence serving in whatever manner. And some days those wants are harder than other days.

The other Tuesday while in Introduction to Education, I began to think of being back in Europe and wonder why senioritis has already started and why in the world I am in college. Well with sovereignty of the L0rd, the latter pondering was answered.

We received these booklets called Teacher Education Handbook or TEP. As seen in the picture below, it says "Enter here to increase in stature, knowledge, and wisdom. Depart to share your culture with all mankind" is the title page for the TEP handbook.This phrase is actually on the arches entering Mississippi College. The first half is seen as you enter and you guessed it--the last half is seen as you exit.

My teacher went on to mention that some people wonder why school is necessary and why they can't go off and commence working--in whatever field they so desire. [At this moment, my ears perk up] She said that the reason we are here is answered in this very motto. My four years of university are for me to increase in all ways. Have I ever thought about college as a chance for me to increase in stature, knowledge, and wisdom? No, I haven't and with that perspective, it makes much more sense to a person wanting to anywhere but here. Moreover, Christ himself didn't just go off and start ministry right away but "became strong, filled with wisdom, and G0d's grace was on Him" and "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with G0d and with people." (Luke 2:40&52).

 Just like Christ I am to use this opportunity to increase my relationship with G0d so that when I do depart Mississippi College I can better share with the world of His greatness, His faithfulness, and His enduring love.    I guess my money, honey, is going to something good! :)