Entry posted [here]
Thursday, 29 May 2008
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Fire.
Music.
It's interesting how one song can trigger a whole fountain of learning. And sometimes it's a lesson you've been avoiding because as humans we have an innate nature of wanting to keep our fists tightly locked around what we want and make sure that God can't take it away [or give us anything else].
Shane and Shane. To be honest, they are very talented, but sometimes they bore me. But I came across a song recently called Burn Us Up. It hit me. Hard.Burn Us Up
Burn Us Up
Burn Us Up
Oh King, won't you burn us in the furnace of Your desire
We Give Up
We Give Up
We Give Up
Oh King won't you throw us in the fire.
[here's the song]The song is about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. A story after the age of seven we don't tend to think about much. But this story is amazing! After hearing the song I went and read it after years of not even thinking about it.The king at the time made a law saying that everyone must bow down to his idols when the music played. Well, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not bow to anyone other than their Lord God. Here's the catch: If you didn't bow, you were thrown into a furnace of fire. And even with this fiery consequence awaiting them, the 3 men still did not bow. And they claimed that God would save them. And even if He didn't, they would still not bow.But God saved them.Not only that.
He entered into the furnace with them.
The king saw 4 men in the furnace. [#4 = JESUS].
So not only did God save them, He walked through the fire with them.
This is such an amazing story.
But that's not even the best thing I got out of this song and story in Daniel 3.
The best thing I got out of it is sometimes God makes us go through these fires just to get us to give him the opportunity to save us. How can we say God can save us from something if we never allow Him to do so? He'll put us in the fire and we think we have the ability to walk through it on our own. We make it out burned and bloody but we heal up and move on. He puts us in the fire again. We think, great...here I go again all alone..and we crawl from the ashes black and burned and barely breathing but we heal up and move on again. He'll throw us in that fire as many times as He has to in order to get us to scream, "SAVE ME!"
We're prideful. We're self-helping, egotistical people. We're foolish.
Why go it alone when God can be there with us through the fire
God can save us from the fire.
And that's not it.
God can deliver us unharmed, without burns, and even healthier than before.
That's what He did for those 3 brave men in the book of Daniel. He delivered them without even the scent of the fire on them. That's something only a God can do.
My fists are still clenched, but they're loosening. I can't open them on my own. God is prying them open. But I am starting to let Him, and I keep praying He allows me to open them all the way up faster and faster. I don't want to burn in the fire, and I don't want to be alone. I want Him to walk with me and I want Him to deliver me. But He won't drag us through, we have to stand up and have faith. And we have to take His hand and allow him to lead us through the smoke and flames. But in order to do that, we have to open up our hands and allow Him to take ours.
Saturday, 24 November 2007
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Tis the season to be jolly..la la la... and holly.
Why is it that when I am getting the most sleep the circles under my eyes are darker than ever? I pretend they aren't there by using the magic stuff called concealer we girls use on occasion, but when I wash my face, there they are. The dark circles, staring back at me. Perhaps I should try the suggestions magazines give, such as placing cool black tea bags on my eyes for segments of time. Maybe it would be relaxing. Maybe it would work... Maybe not.
I am about to leave the quiet stillness of break, [well, quiet and still compared to school]. Back to little sleep per night, routine, and studying until my eyes bleed out. I'm almost there...[you in school understand]. Just a few more weeks until we can breathe, right? Well. Not exactly. After I leave I will come back in 16 days, dump my stuff, sleep, and begin my internship at 11 o'clock the next day. And then hours of unpaid work [and learning] will ensue, and my dark circles will continue to haunt me. I will however, most likely.. probably... assuredly... enjoy myself following around those who know more than I do in the world of psychology. I've been told I even get to read on the topic :D (call me nerd. please). But I am thrilled that I am thrilled. To be studying what I enjoy. To want to learn. It's a pleasure.
Have a happy holiday season friends. Smile, eat, and hug those you love. And get more sleep than I will. ;)
Ps. 104: 31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever
Thursday, 07 June 2007
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time is like a butterfly... it flies.. away.
Friends,
It has been... a while let's just say. I feel like I say that nearly every post. But I guess that is because it is the truth.
Home.
It's different than being at school. Don't get me wrong, I love home. It is a place where I feel safe.
It's outside of my home where I don't like to go sometimes.
At school I had such a feeling of peace, and rest. Even when I was surrounded by a million people.
But here, when I leave my house, it's a different feeling.
People look at you different; with judging eyes. People you thought you knew, you don't know anymore.
And another reason Home is different,
Instead of God being the center like at school, in the busy life of Loudoun County, time with God can become an afterthought.
And I feel it in my spirit.
And I know it will take time to figure out how to adjust completely here in this crazy county, but I wish adjustment came easier.
However, despite my struggle with learning how to cope and seek Jesus in the midst of "real life", my life is genuinely good. I'm back with my true friends I had left behind, and I am back with my family. And I am also back to making money...something every college kid seeks once back from school. So life is still good folks, no doubt about that, and I'm not worried about adjusting, because God is in control of that, and He knows what we're going through. So why should we worry? I'm reminded of this often.
And so my friends, I leave you again until the next "it's been a while", and perhaps it won't be such a while as it was before.
I love you all,
Taylor
Thursday, 12 April 2007
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CHECK THIS OUT!!!
You Should Drive a Ford Shelby Mustang Cobra
You have an extreme need for speed, even when you're not in a hurry.
And while your flying by, you don't want to look like every other car on the road!
haha, talk about accurate!
that just made my day... :D
Saturday, 07 April 2007
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it's beginning to look a lot like... Easter?
Well. Last night something I never thought I'd see in Virginia happened...
snow.
In April.
I guess the clouds and precipitation and such got the memo late that they are supposed to do their business in DECEMBER. Around CHRISTMAS TIME. I think they are confused...
But, it is all good, because it is no longer on the ground. And that makes me pleased. Not as pleased as last week's weather made me...but still more pleased than snow would make me.
Tomorrow is Easter ya'll! And a cold one is it going to prove to be...what ever shall I wear? This could take a while and will also take some imagination...spring colors, winter warmth... do they make clothes like that? Hmm...
I hope your day is blessed tomorrow! Remember that past the eggs and giant bunny there is a Savior!!
-tay
Thursday, 05 April 2007
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...it's all for you...
Well my friends, once again it has been forever....
How are you? How is your life? Are you still alive? I do hope so...
I suppose I could tell you about the splendid time I had visiting dear friends over spring break in King George, VA...
And I suppose I could tell you all about my life here at school...
And I suppose I could tell you all about my weekend home last week...
And I suppose I could tell you I am going home this weekend since it is Easter and all...
But really, at this time of the year, as cliche as it sounds, all I really want to tell you is:
Jesus died.
For You.
And He loves you.
Even though you don't deserve an ounce of that love.
So.
In my mind, the least you can do is: love Him back.
Because he deserves it.
I love you guys... I really do. I hope you are blessed beyond compare this Easter.
But don't forget what it's about ya'll.
Easter isn't just about death,
[although that is a big part of it.]
Easter is about life.
Abundant life we've been given.
Abundant life that we don't derserve.
So rejoice in that.
Sing Hosanna to our risen King!
Wednesday, 28 February 2007
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9 days to go...
Can I just say...
I can't wait til spring break!!
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
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Currently Listening
Everything in Transit
By Jack's Mannequin
see relatedchange is a' comin...
it is time.
for a new look that is.
hope you all are well... i have a ton of work to do before my blessed spring break when i shall get to see a dear dear friend whom i have not seen in far too long.
That will be WONDERFUL. Then back to dear old memory filled Round Hill... where family is :) i hope they still have snow... i need a good snow before summer...
Anyway my dears, continue to lead your lives as splendidly as you can. Remember, to God be the glory!
-Tay
Monday, 19 February 2007
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Currently Listening
Continuum
By John Mayer
see relatedHappiness in the form of cherry chocolate kisses.
Whoa. January 22nd? It's been nearly a month my friends. That's what school does to you. Sucks the time out of your life, and your life out of the little time you have. I do hope you are all doing splendidly. School is well here in Boreburg, *cough*, did I just say that outloud? Yes. Yes I did. I decided that it shall no longer be Lynchburg, since, as far as I know there isn't any lynching going on. All the black people I know are all still alive and well after many semesters here at LU. So, after realizing that there is NOTHING to do here except spend money on food and movies, I have dubbed this town: BOREBURG, The Land of Boredom, where you can do nothing ALL day, because there is nothing else for you to do! (except for homework of course, which we all get sick of after a time).
You know what I miss?- writing
- reading
- creating pointless itunes playlists for hours on end
- playing cards
- and coloring
Anyway.
Life in my little world is wonderful, how is yours? Filled with bubble gum and happiness I do hope. As well as cherry chocolate kisses made by a lovely friend named Hersheys. For that is happiness in a box. Especially when received from one so dear as a mommy back home on the Day of Love :D
I greatly envy those of you about 2-3 hours North of myself. Currently you supposedly have over 5 inches of snow, which is over 5 inches more than I have here at Liberty University. Though my dormmates and I sit and long for the sweet flurry of ice crystals to COMPLETELY COVER LIBERTY MOUNTAIN AND THE SURROUNDING AREA SO WE CAN FINALLY HAVE A DAY WHERE CLASSES AND CONVOCATION ARE CANCELED alas. It has not been so. Next time the snow visits your area, do send it our way.
Continue my friends, to stay strong [and awake] as we embark on this journey of college many of us tread. For those of you not yet plodding along, you'll know what I mean soon enough.
I love you all, and am praying for you! Don't forget about me all the way down here in the 'Burg. I'll be back one day, you'll see! And then you'll be sor....wait a second. That was not my point at all... I'll come back to you! And I will long for your company!
Much love dear friends, much love.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Monday, 22 January 2007
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Currently Listening
Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!
By Hellogoodbye
see relatedBack to the daily grind...
Well well well. Spring Semester.
First day of classes.
Check.
First Convocation.
Check.
First cancellations due to ice.
Check.
I have survived so far. :)
On my way from Demoss to the Religion Hall today (fyi, about two minutes from each other) i already ran into at least 7 people i know. It always feels to nice to bump into people you know, makes you feel all special. :D As hard as I thought it was going to be coming back to school after such a long break home, i was surprised and quite overjoyed that it feels so good to be back. Things will be different because dear friends have left us. But God is good, and His ways are not our ways. We are all very confident that He will do great things this year, and this semester will rock our socks off!!
Wednesday night church starts again on *gasp* Wednesday night! And i can't wait because that is one thing I missed immensely while home on break.
I would continue sharing laughs and pictures and stories about friends and classes, but to sum it all up so you don't get bored: Classes so far are good, pictures are on facebook, and the laughs just keep coming. :)
I miss you all back home. I have a feeling I will miss you more this semester than last.
Love,
-Tay
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- Name: Taylor Leigh
- Country: United States
- State: Virginia
- Metro: Loudoun County
- Gender: Female
- Member Since: 1/1/2005
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Who I Am...
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I'm a college graduate in psychology moving on into more school since I graduated a year early and am now a year ahead of life. ;) I might as well keep it up! I love people and pictures, and just plain having a good time. I'm outgoing and crazy so get me in a group of my friends and I'll be the happiest person in the world. I love Jesus and just try to do the best I can to please Him in life. I fail often but He gives abundant grace! So I praise Him!
