In the Vine

There are many opinions out there on this whole Chick-Fil-A "scandal." I decided it was time to form an opinion of my own. Personally, I don’t even like Chick-Fil-A. Their chicken isn’t very good. My picky eating aside, if I liked their food, I would still eat there. I think there are a lot of judgmental people out there in the world, including myself at times, but I think its absolutely absurd that this big of a deal and so much hate from both sides is coming out of this. I am truly disappointed in a lot of the Christians who are also showing so much hate for the people who are boycotting and speaking out against Chick-Fil-A. That is not who we are called to be. As Americans, we have freedom of speech. We are so fortunate to have the freedoms that we have. There are many places where people are put to death for their beliefs....both for being homosexual and for being Christian. Neither group is free from discrim...

http://aminiatureclaypot.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/so-you-still-think-god-is-a-merciful-god/ This is an incredible article from a woman who was in the same theater in Colorado as the shooting during The Dark Night Rises movie. It is so encouraging to read her thoughts during the entire thing. " In that moment, as the rapid-fire shots continued, I truly thought I was going to die. And I realized that I was ready. I have put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as the redeemer of my soul, and there wasn’t the slightest doubt that I would be received into heaven, not because of any good thing that I have done but because of His merciful nature and the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ." God has not given us a spirit of fear. He gives us peace. How cool is it that we don't have to live in fear of death?  Yes, in that situation, I'm sure my fear level would have been off the charts, but I would like to think that the fear would not be for my life, maybe fea...

You're Not Alone by Meredith Andrews I search for love, when the night came, And it closed in, I was alone, But you found me, where I was hiding, And now I'll never ever be the same, It was the sweetest voice, That called my name saying You're not alone, For I am here, Let me wipe away your every fear, My love I've never left your side, I have seen you through the darkest night, And I'm the one who's loved you all your life, All of your life You cry your self to sleep, cause the hurt is real, And the pain cuts deep, all hope seems lost, With heartache your closest friend, And everyone else long gone, You've had to face the music on your own, But there is a sweeter song that calls you home saying You're not alone, For I am here, Let me wipe away your every tear, My love I've never left your side, I have seen you through the darkest night, And I'm the one who's loved you all your life, All your life Faithful and true, Forever, Oh my love w...

Here are a few things I'm really excited about right now- 1. Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden- Megan and I have started a discipleship study called Discipleship Essentials. Camarillo Community Church has been doing the study through small groups for a while now. The idea is to have intentional relationships in which you are delving into God's word, wrestling with His Truths, encouraging each other, challenging each other, and equipping one another to then go and disciple others. God has called us to have intentional relationships with each other and I am so excited about what this bible study is going to do for our friendship and our relationship with God. 2. Chipotle Ordering Ap- I have a love/hate relationship with this Ap. Basically how it works is you go on the ap and pick what you want, choose your location, and you can even pay online. Once you place your order, 20 minutes later, you can walk into the restaurant, skip the line, tell them your name, and walk out w...

My spiritual New Year's resolution- Know that I am loved, I am loved beyond anything I can ever imagine. However, even though I am loved, that should not bring with it a sense of entitlement to everything God gives. I have always been slightly bothered by people who think they are entitled to certain things. I have been super blessed in my life. I am blessed to have the family that I have, the things that I have, the friends that I have, and the education I received. However, I know that I am not entitled to any of it. I know that I do not deserve all that my parents have given me just because I am their daughter, so I have tried really hard not to expect things and be extremely thankful for the things that I receive. Well, that is my goal anyway. I know at times, I too have that sense of entitlement to things. I think I should receive things or deserve things because.... well, I always have. But that is not true and that is not the mindset I should have. I think this is the s...

"I Celebrate The Day"- Relient K And with this Christmas wish is missed The point I could convey If only I could find the words to say to let You know how much You've touched my life Because here is where You're finding me, in the exact same place as New Year's eve And from a lack of my persistency We're less than half as close as I want to be And the first time That You opened Your eyes did You realize that You would be my Savior And the first breath that left Your lips Did You know that it would change this world forever And so this Christmas I'll compare the things I felt in prior years To what this midnight made so clear That You have come to meet me here To look back and think that This baby would one day save me In the hope that what You did That you were born so I might live To look back and think that This baby would one day save me And I, I celebrate the day That You were born to die So I could one day pray for You to save my life