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! :)

Fourscore and seven years ago minus fourscore

If you did the math correctly in the title, then you would come out with seven years. I mainly like the sound of that famous phrase coined by Ab Lincoln. Nonetheless, seven years ago was not only when Katrina butchered the Mississippi Gulf Coast and ripped homes from foundations, it was also the last days of my Maw-maw.

If you've read my blog or know me personally, you'd know that I usually do not talk about my late grandmother. It is not because I don't miss her because, believe me, I miss each of my grandparents who are no longer present on this fallen earth. I guess the only way to sum it up is that I miss her so much it hurts. Even now as I write this as a twenty-one year confident of her eternal dwellings, I cannot help but weep over reminiscing the memories I shared with my grandmother and the memories I've had to make without her.

As Isaac veered towards the Gulf Coast nearly identical to Katrina, I could not help but remember the last few days of my Maw-maw. Moreover, the L0rd reminded me of the lessons I learned through her passing from this sinful earth to the Streets of Gold. He used a Casting Crowns song seven years ago to remind me to praise HIM even in the storms...quite literally! Seven years later [now], He uses another song to remind me that even in the struggles I am to joyfully shout He is Faithful and even through it ALL He is with us!

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3

"'And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, to be with you forever.'" John 14:16

Below is the song He used this week to remind me of His faithfulness:

"Never Once" by Matt Redman

Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, G0d, You are faithful

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, G0d, You are faithful
You are faithful, G0d, You are faithful

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, G0d, You are faithful

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, G0d, You are faithful
You are faithful, G0d, You are faithful

You are faithful, G0d, You are faithful
You are faithful, G0d, You are faithful 

This beautiful woman is now made perfect---"For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified." Hebrews 10:14---and boy I cannot wait to join by her side and worship together at the throne of our Great L0rd. But for now I remember her delicious biscuits and pot roasts, our mornings watching the Price Is Right during summer and school breaks, her loud smuckery kisses to my cheeks, impeccable style, and unfailing love for each of her children, grandchildren, and friends--an unfailing love that is a reflection of her love for her Maker.

--Myself (obviously at a much younger age) with my Maw-maw.