February 1
D-Now Desiring God
Isaiah 26:8
Jer. 9
Job 22:21
Psalm 92-Everlasting to Everlasting
Heb 12:8-immutable
James 1:17->Goodness
Exodus 15:11->no one like You
Isaiah 55:8-9, 45:6-7
*Sovereignty Merciful
Eph 1:11
Psalm 115:1-3
Acts 17:24-26
Psalm 145
Isaiah 48:9-11
Eph. 2:8-9
1 John 4:19
Matt 8:3
Psalm 18:13-15 Powerful
Psalm 7:11-13 Just Judge
Luke 12:5
Deut 32:4
Num 23:19
Ezekial 11:5-omnicient
Psalm 139:1-4
God does not "want" anything as if He needs something to make Him happy. No, He is all glorious and He does whatever He pleases because He can.
February 2
D-NOW
Gen 1:27, 2:7
Isaiah 43:7
Col 1:16
Eph. 1:5-11
Why are we created?
Made for His glory!
Gen. 2:16-17
Gen. 3:6-8, 17-19
Rom. 5:12
Sin-archer's term-means to miss the mark.
1 Cor 15:22-24
Eph. 2:4-7
Romans 6:13
Soccer->John 3:30 /|\ > I <
2 Tim. 4:7-8 Proverbs 11:2
James 4:6-7
James 1:2-4
Hebrew 12:1-3
Phil. 4:11, 4:8
2 Cor 5:7
Rom 8:28
Youth Group->1 John 1:7
Eph. 4:29
Psalm 139:1-4, 23-24
February 2
D-NOW EL DORADO
Desiring God
God is holy, sovereign, merciful
Man is sinful DELIGHT IN THE LORD!
God is love
What now-> 2 Cor 5:17
2 Cor. 3:18 Vine/branch dead branch-not attached to the vine
John 15:1-5
Gal. 5:16-18
He is faithful 1 Cor. 10:13
heart+soul+mind Mark 12:30
+strength John 4:23-24
Worship in spirit Phil 4:6-7
and in truth (in 1 Thess. 5:17
prayer and God's John 17:17 <===== Word is Truth
word) Joshua 1:7-8
Psalm 119:11 <- scripture memory
FellowshipBOOHYEAH->Proverbs 27:17
Hebrews 10:23-25
Accountability------->Prov. 28:13
-------->James 5:16 BETHANY!
PRAY-->READ YOUR BIBLE-->GO TO CHURCH
|
\/
FELLOWSHIP ROCKS
WITNESSING
1 Cor 9:16-18 Matt 28:19-20 JEREMIAH 20:9
February 3 E
D-NOW C A
Desiring GOD! REJOICE I L
Delighting in God O W
-Knowing Him J A
-Treasuring Him E Y
Isaiah 46:9-10 R S!
SPIRIT AND TRUTH->WORSHIP
John 4:23-24
1 Cor. 13:1-3
Mark 12:30 All heart All soul All mind All strength
Delight in HIM ALWAYS!
Phil 4:4-6->Rejoice
Phil 1:21-22 THANKFULNESS 1 Peter 4:11
1 Cor. 9:16-18 DELIGHT
Rom. 1:21 SERVE GOD IN JOY AND GLADNESS!
Deut. 28:47-51
REJOICE!
February 3
God,
Thank you for the past 3 incredible days. Between Jeremy and Will, my talk with Bethany, and D-Now in El Dorado I'd say I am once again blown away by who you are and what you do in our lives. Help me Father with John. Continue to always make things right between us. Let our relationship always reflect you! Thank you for answering our prayers! Sleep and worship in Spirit and in truth!
Heart with cross,
Cara
February 4
STAND
Matt 9:36-38 PRAY!
Psalm 84:5->pilgrimage?
Eph. 6:18
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
LUKE 21:37-38
MORNING!
1 Peter 4:11
2 Timothy 4:1-5
1 Cor. 2:1-5
God,
You rock my world! MEGAN! And BETHANY! And KELLY! I am so pumped. And I am pretty sure I don't have to play soccer in college. But then again I don't know. You keep me guessing. But I trust YOU and my faith is in YOU! God, please reveal, though, what it is you want me to do. And in John's life too Father. Clear things up for him. Thank you Father. Thank you Daddy for restoring relationships. Thank you. You amaze me. There is too much of you for me to fathom which is cool because that makes me never want to stop seeking you. There is no end to who you are which excites me. I will never run out of things to learn. Father, please give me a second chance with Jeremy. Even if that means giving up a meal at Chick Fil A (look....I can't even write it). Please Father. I want Jeremy to come to know you so badly. Please. I love you. And I fall in love with you more and more as I learn more about you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
My lips are chapped.
February 5
Hebrews 5:1-10, 4:14-16, 6:1-12
Hebrews 6:13-20 -> I'm not understanding it. Please teach me Father...Thanks.
Hebrews 7:18-28 answers that.
God you are so awesome! YOU are our priest forever! Hallelujah! You live!
God,
Thank you for this day even though I feel like I got nothing done. Please help me to get up on time tomorrow so I can study your word most importantly but also for govt. God, I love you and please help me to wait on the good things you promise me later in life. Thank you for restoring relationships and God, please give me the chance to talk to Ace about what is going on. Please. Help him to be honest, me to be strong, our conversation fruitful, and mended. God, if it takes 20 times of talking to him about this before everything is made well then please let's start right now. I love you God and I pray for Ace my brother in Christ who is struggling.
Heart with cross,
Cara
February 7
About Character
David->Shepherd, Harp player, mail carrier
1 Samuel 17:32-37
*Character is formed away from the crowds.
Faithful in little
*Character is formed for the individual->He does it so we will enjoy our relationship with Him and our lives. A hope for today and tomorrow.
*Character is formed for a specific task.
February 8
He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much."
Luke 16:10
David was faithful in little. 1 Samuel 17:34-37 shows that David was faithful even in sheep herding. God used that to build character and competence so that David would be faithful in killing Goliath. He was also faithful in harp playing and carrying mail. He was humble. And obedient to God. David lived out Matt. 22:37-39 very well.
God,
There are a lot of things I still don't understand. Tell me them Father. Reveal your truth to me. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
February 8
God,
Thank you so much for tonight!! There was so much talk about scripture that WOW! First of all, I am growing. Secondly, Megan is growing and is excited about your word. Bethany is my accountability partner and I believe Kelly is growing in her walk as well. Then, to have conversation about You and your word with Maddie, Kaitlyn, and Missy was just awesome. Then tonight Leslie was a part of our conversations. God, thank you for letting us laugh! I laughed so hard tonight! Especially about butt breathing. Sounds gross but it's not what it seems. And I did not just write that for your sake b/c you knew what that was before I was born. I just wrote that in case anyone ever got a hold of this and read it because they might be worried. Anyways, thanks for such an awesome day and week. I look forward to all you have for me tomorrow and all you have for everyone else. I love you and I thank you for all you do and for all you are!!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Song of Songs 8:4->Maddie's favorite verse
God,
I am also learning Free Will vs Calvanism I guess you could say. Please reveal the truth to me in your word by your Holy Spirit. Help me to continue to humble myself and ask. Ask away! I love you. Prepare me for tomorrow with plenty of sleep tonight (but let me wake up on time). I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Psalm 51:10-13
Create->BurRAH! <-Hebrew, to take something from nothing...transform it, and make it something. Man cannot create anything.
WANT
Requests be made known-> Phil 4:6-7
You want God to EXchange your life! Little conversation-> lots of appreciation in worship. Worship is crying out Abba Father and recognize our unholiness because the Holy Spirit is stronger than that knappy head devil!! Amen!
Jer. 17:9
HOT HEARTS
James 4:5-10
How to get close with God.
-> Read HIS word
-> Humble yourself->be weak so He can be strong.
-> Submit to God-> Resisit the devil!
Draw near.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
February 10
Verses for Wed. night
6:07->08->09->10->whatever
Exodus 6:07
Deut. 6:05-9 Isaiah 6:8
1 Kings 6:7->Building-> not about that ->
Prov 18:10
Delighting -> soccer -> college ->Psalm 37:23-24
Sleep->Prov 6:9-11, 4
"A true friend is one who is concerned about what we are becoming, who sees beyond the present relationship, and cares deeply about us as a whole person." Gloria Gaither
"A smile takes but a moment, but it's effects sometimes last forever." JE Smith
"Those who RUN in the path of God's commands have their hearts set free."
Isaiah Chapter 1->:1
This is Isaiah's vision while Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were reigning in Judah.
:2-17->People who have been brought up by God don't know Him. They have rebelled. Their animals know their master but the people don't know theirs. (God)!
Their offerings are done in vain and God is sick because of it.
Who actually delights in making God sick? Then worship Him in Spirit and in truth because no honest christian wants to make God sick. He is so weary of bearing our meaningless offereings that He covers His eyes and ears from us. OUCH! We "doe not" want that or else we "panic". But WAIT!
:18-19->God calls us to come near. He says, "But come let us reason together. Your sins can be white as snow and be like wool. They don't have to be like scarlet or red as crimson. If you are willing and obedient you will eat the best from the land." That's God saying, "You rebel against me and rebel against me and rebel against me but if you are willing and obedient my arms are open wide for you to run to and be wrapped in.
:20-31->It goes on to say what could be if you are willing and obedient.
Isaiah 2:
:1-5->Isaiah's vision of the last days.
:6-22->Deals mainly with pride in that the arrogant will be made humble and the Lord will be exalted. So why wait? Grab a snickers. Just kidding. HUMBLE YOURSELF in the SIGHT of the LORD!
Everything else is meaningless compared to the glory of Christ so what difference does it make if you are the head honcho of some huge company where you make a lot of money and drive a fancy car and live in a massive house or if you are a hobo on the street with nothing? Is God being glorified? Are you being humble so that God is exalted because that's all that matters anyways.
February 10
God,
You have yet brought us (me and John) through another "thing" in our relationship. I don't understand why this first year of our friendship has been so difficult. It seems like we are always talking about us and trying to figure out why things are "weird". I don't understand but that's okay because YOU are God in heaven and I am just a little person on earth who gets to live an awesome restful life in You by the blood of your Son. God, John's grandfather passed away today. John was here in San Angelo for Hot Hearts and to see me. We talked til 3 in the morning and it was a fun time. But who knew that a few hours later his grandfather would leave this earth to live eternally in heaven? He didn't find out until after he left and he called me and told me about it. God, I just pray for John's family. Help them to cope with his death. Fill them with hope and joy Father. Comfort them and give them peace that surpasses all understanding. Father, I thank you for the things you are doing in my life and the blessings you have poured upon me. God, I pray for Jeremy, break his heart God and reveal yourself to him. Present to him salvation. And Will too Father. Show them both what it means to have a relationship with you. And Dad, I also thank you for the ministry you have given me. I love every single one of those girls on the soccer team. I pray that they all come to know you. I thank you for the opportunity to pray with Ashley and Bethany and I thank you for answering that prayer. I hope Ashley realizes why she was where she needed to be in order to score. And in the first 5 minutes. I mean...WOW. And the second one about "Jesus, please let the ball go into the net." BOOM we scored. Kicking me out of my comfort zone...I got to play. Everything Dad you are just so good to me and I thank you and I love you. YOU ROCK MY WORLD! Well, I thank you again for this weekend and I pray for good health and strength for tomorrow. I LOVE YOU!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Isaiah 3
1-7 --> The Lord is going to take everything from Judah and Jerusalem. Boys will rule over men.
8-16 --> People of Judah and Jerusalem Defy the LORD'S GLORIOUS PRESENCE!! Well for the righteous and woe to those who do evil. The Lord takes his place as judge and judges them.
16-44 --> The women have become haughty and wore fine jewelry and clothing to "get the guys." But God says He will take those things away from them. He will instead make them a stench, baldy, sack cloth wearer, branded person. They also wore these things out of respect to other gods. God does not like idols before Him!
Isaiah 4
2-3 -->Those who have survived will be called holy in the day the Branch of the Lord is glorious and beautiful.
4 --> He will do away with the filth of the women of Zion and by the spirit of judgment and fire he will cleanse the bloodstains.
5-6 --> His glory will be a canopy and will provide shelter and shade. It will be a refuge and hiding place from all sorts of weather. How awesome is that? His glory gives us shade. His glory is our refuge. His glory is our hiding place. Cool. Whatever.
John 4:21-25 Psalm 100
A Genuine Worshiper
--> Will worship in Spirit and in Truth
--> Is sought by God
--> Must respond to God
Prosuneo --> Humble yourselves then before God and He will lift you up. 2 Peter 5:6 James 4:10
If you are seeking Him don't ever think He is not seeking you. John 4:21-25 Jeremiah 29:13-14
February 13
Isaiah 5
1-7 --> Isaiah is complaining the house of Israel and the men of Judah to a vineyard. He is saying "the one I love made it and did everything to it and for it in order for it to be the best vineyard." But when he looked for good fruits only bad could be found.
Like Israel-God delivered them and when he looked for justice he saw bloodshed and for righteousness he heard cries of distress.
--> God is making us into a beautiful vineyard that produces either good or bad fruit. Respond and good fruit will spring forth.
8-12 --> They run after their own interests; wine, staying up late, instead of gathering together in regard to the deeds of the Lord.
13-24 --> "Woes" to the people
25-30 --> God's wrath and judgment is spilled out on the nation of Israel. He called distant nations to attack and destroy Israel and the men of Judah. SCARY -> DON'T BE LUKEWARM!
Isaiah 6
1-7 --> Isaiah claims that he is ruined and is a man of unclean lips and lives among people with unclean lips. God takes that guilt away and then asks
8- --> Who will I send, who will go for us. Isaiah says "I am here Lord, send me!" God says to Isaiah to go and tell His people that they are pretty much turned from God and that this will happen until the cities lie in ruin. YIKES.
We need to be like Isaiah and respond to God and then allow God to use us in the lives of the people around us.
Spirit
John 16:5-16
CHRIST'S LOVE:
even when it's not Valentines Day!
Psalm 33:22; 36:5-7; 85:7, 10; 86:13; 94:18
1 Cor. 13:4-7
February 18
Genesis 39:1-10
2 Samuel 11:1-5
1 Cor. 10:13
We are always temptable but temptation is not a sin.
Things that never tempted us before may all of a sudden be tempting.
READ THE WORD!
PRAY!
David was disobedient in a small thing and so was tempted. If he was where he should have been he never would have seen Bathsheba.
Failed to nip Satan in the butt when temptation came by not submitting to God.
James 4:7
David made a short term decision for pleasure rather than a long term decision for holiness. oops.
Temptation feeds on secrecy
When temptation comes...don't deceive yourself of what is really happening.
February 20
Psalm 24, 25, 26:2-3
James 2:14-26
Faith without deeds is dead. Deeds are the result of your faith. Because I have faith I do the things I do. Not I do the things I do to produce or result in faith. Faith comes first.
You know the demons believe in God and they know scripture so what is the difference? LOVE! They don't love God. That's why to me it's scary to be "super spiritual" and not in love with God. We have to be in love. All that matters is faith expressing itself through love. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
James 2:18-19
Matt 22:37
James 4:7-10
Knock em up side the head
I said knock em up side the head
knock em up side the head
I said knock em up HOW?
SUBMIT
TO GOD!
RESIST
THE DEVIL!!!
The Lord is FULL of compassion and mercy.
James 5:11b
February 21
God,
I realized today that last night when I said "I'm waiting no matter what" the devil's attack left. I just realized that today. That is part of submitting. God, I don't know how we will get through these financial problems but some how you will take care of them like you always do. Because your ways are higher than our ways. That's always exciting. Well, keep teaching me and I love you and I am always waiting. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
PS Mommy taught me how to cross stitch and I cross stitched a fish like this
(pic of an ichthus)
I am going to give it to John.
February 22
My testimony: John 5:39-40
Then I fell in love with God.
Matt. 22:37
February 23
God,
I totally blew the biggest opportunity of my high school career to witness to my entire english class. Please forgive me for "leaning on my own understanding" and having a "spirit of timidity". We read a poem about death and the author spoke about it as something we should rage against. My teacher made a comment that "nobody has beat death" HELLO! Perfect opportunity but no...I blow it. Then tonight I read this in 2 Timothy. "This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, WHO HAS DESTROYED DEATH and has BROUGHT LIFE AND IMMORTALITY to light through the gospel." 2 Timothy 1:9b-10
Oh how could I have missed that opportunity. Please, I am begging you, please give me another opportunity and don't let me fail you. I love you so much. And thank you for Dinner Theater. I'm sorry about my poopy attitude and I'm sorry I fail to come to you earlier. Please forgive me and help me stand strong. I love you Dad.
Heart with cross,
Cara
2 Timothy 1:9b-10
2 Tim. 1:6-7
2 Tim. 1:14
February 25
1 Cor. 1:18
Matt. 18:3
1 Cor. 6:9-11 --> This is what you W E R E !
Jer. 29:13-14
Never Stop Seeking!!!!
Prayer Requests:
Jeremy--> Break Away
Stacy
Will CHRISTIAN!
Chris
Mark Bush - Beth's science class
Nancy- Jenn's friend
Luke 15:11-32 --> Prodigal Son
Psalm 23
Luke 6:20-49
Matt. 5-7
Heb. 4:12 --> word living and active
PS --> means post script
The Sheep and Goats
Matt 25:31-46
I'm a sheep. NO CONDEMNATION
Don't be a goat. Rom 8:1
FREE
Jesus conquered death!
Acts 2:29-33 Booyeah!
Matt. 28:7 My Redeemer lives!
2 Cor. 4:13-15 1 Cor. 15:3-5
Acts 17:2-3 Acts 13:29-30
Acts 2:29-33
*Poor in spirit --> realize their need for Christ and they enter the kingdom of heaven. Matt 16:25, 1 John 5:12
*mourn --> God will comfort them.
*the meek --> those who are humble will be lifted up in due time. (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:16)
ex: worldly success and pride may last a while but those who are meek inherit what really matters. People entering the kingdom of heaven.
*hunger and thirst for righteousness --> God will pour himself out on you if you SEEK, HUNGER, AND THIRST! (Jer 29:13-14) God is our only fulfillment. People try to fill their lives w/ other things but it won't work.
SIDE NOTE: Romans 1:18-20
Jungle people?
*merciful --> show mercy and you will be shown mercy (Matt 18:21-35)
*pure in heart --> see God 1 John 1:5-7
*peacemakers --> Sons of God John 13:35 love and peace --> disciples --> sons of God
*persecuted b/c of righteousness --> kingdom of heaven
HEBREWS 11 FAITH
Faith is the ability to keep your eyes wide open
Blessed.....
Poor in Spirit (pic of crown)
Mourn (pic of a hershey's hug)
Meek (pic of earth)
Hunger and thirst after righteousness (pic of soda, hamburger, glass of water)
Mercy mercy|ycrem
Pure in heart (pic of eyes looking at a cross)
Persecuted for righteousness (pic of crown)
B-Attitudes
Ephesians 6:10
BOW UP
Satisfied --> Blessed in Greek? Hebrew?
How many times have you gotten a boyfriend or girlfriend, it was great for awhile but then you become dissatisfied or you break up with them and search for something else to satisfy you? How many times have you gone from one drug to the next because the previous one isn't satisfying you anymore? Or how many times have you memorized so many verses, gone to church every time the doors are open, be good in all your classes and still come to the point where you are dissatisfied and searching for something more because you know there is more to this life? How many times? How many times have you been dissatisfied? Stop searching! A LOVING relationship with God satisfies! Blessed means satisfied! WOW!
Matt. 5:3-10 (or 11)
Do you know the might, power and strength of God? Who else can part a sea? Who else created the universe? BE STRONG in the LORD. His might, power, and strength is amazing!
The devil has declared war on us as christians. Why is it so important to put on the full armor of God? We are in a spiritual battle verses devil! Eph 6:12 The devil is the ruler, authority, and power of this world.
God,
I'm through. It is your might, power, and strength that will knock the devil on its butt! God, you are a MIGHTY WARRIOR! Fight the devil and win the hearts of those who are in my class cause that is my only motivation of going to school anyway. I love you God. Your might will fight in my place. Change my attitude. Please start with that. Thank you. I love you. Continue revealing yourself to me. Please, let my life be glorifying to you. Thank you for my conversation with Kelly today. That always makes practice seem worth going to. I love you and I pray that you will begin to impact Stacy and Jeremy right now. Father, change their hearts. Show them who you are and how only you can satisfy!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Monday, September 2, 2019
January 2002
January 1
God,
Today was wonderful. I'm so in awe of you. I asked you to do things in my life that would cause me to totally stand in awe of you. Then I felt bad for asking because you have done so much already. Why should I expect more? But I do want to stand in awe of you and you answered my prayer. Thanks. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
2 Corinthians 4:1
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
John Piper - Desiring God
In simple terms:
Finding joy IN God is what God commands us to do. So when we feel good about christian service or what not that's not a bad thing. That is simply the joy you feel from being IN God and letting Him live through you.
The chief end of man is to Glorify God
BY
Enjoying Him Forever.
"John Piper"
(catechisms)
I have decided to read and listen and see everything with an open mind and let God tell me its wrong rather than go about things with a closed, negative "you're never right" mentality and then wait for God to speak. God, if this isn't how I should go about things and I'm still a confused mess then please reveal to me what I am supposed to do. Thanks.
Heart with cross,
Cara
God,
That is so cool! Chapter 8 in Psalms lines up perfectly with the first chapter in John Piper's book Desiring God. It starts out with a praise. Then it talks about your glory being set above the heavens. ABOVE! Your glory is like "the ultimate!" We need to praise. You have ordained us to praise! Even infants and children should praise your name. Then it talks about how when we consider what you have done in your creation why should you even be mindful of us? Because you put us in charge. Ruler over your creation. And then it ends by declaring praise to your name. WOW. You are in heaven in all your glory for yourself's sake. You are a God of love as well so we can't look at that self centeredly. Our joy is grounded in you and if you declared some other person or god your glory then we would have no foundation. You love us and you showed that to us by giving the ultimate cost of your love. Your life. You sent your Son to die so we could be in fellowship with you so by our praise you could receive glory. You can receive glory in everything I do. If I am obedient to you. God, please receive the glory for all that I am and all that I do. I love you and I want to praise your name forever.
Heart with cross,
Cara
January 3
God,
Those without Fathers sometimes have a hard time realizing that their heavenly father loves them. Psalm 10:17-18 shows you care for them. Psalm 2:8 is cool. It goes along with that Shane Barnard song. Psalm 18:29->scale a wall. Watermark used the beginning of Psalm 18 in one of their songs. Psalm 19:1-4 shows that your creation speaks. They "pour forth speech." How cool is that? And according to verse 3 it speaks every language!
No matter how simple we say we are, the statutes of the Lord make the wise simple. For us to understand them? Oh, I'm sure.
Psalm 19:14 is my prayer! Once again, being simple is no excuse - Prov. 1:22
Heart with cross,
Cara
January 4
God,
Today in the 24th Psalm I see where Third Day got the words for King of Glory. That is an awesome passage. Thank you thank you thank you thank you THANK YOU! I just figured out what this whole Quiet time thing is about. Prov 2:1-6 explains it perfectly. Right now I'm searching and hopefully sometime son you will give wisdom and knowledge from your mouth and understanding. I am learning that perfect fear and I'm learning to understand. I will continue to cry out til I find that silver or hidden treasure.
Prov 3:33 -> A verse I must share with mother. What a wonderful verse.
God, what does "worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness" mean? How do I do it? Also, tonight we were watching "10 things I hate about you" and I had the feeling you wanted me to go into the hotel but the movie was so good. I prayed for your strength to help me get out of my seat and walk inside but the strength didn't come. Just like at that "true love waits" type rally. But Psalm 29:11 says "The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace." So if I prayed for the strength to come and it didn't then was it your will I stayed on the bus? Then again I have so many questions and I'm so confused about the whole "free will" thing and I think the way I feel or the way I perceive you or whatever is messed up. But I think you are just being silent in my life right now so I will just continue to wait on you because I have faith that one day you will reveal yourself to me more and answer all my questions at the proper time. I also just want to thank you for last night. The prayer with Kelly, and the conversations. For just the friends I have on the team and the fun we have together. I thank you for letting me be a part of this ministry. I love you.
Love,
Cara
January 6
My Heart Song
During the hard times in San Angelo
I think of times in Liberty Hill that were low.
It's like they could never compare
The pain I feel here is so hard to
Even though I know its God's will
I sometimes lose sight and can't even sit still
I'm searching so hard looking for answers
letting God lead my sleigh just like Prancer
The devil is attacking me extremely hard
But I can't give up, I must stand guard
He tears down my patience, my mind, my joy
But my faith in God he cannot destroy
One of these days God will answer me
and that'll be the day I shout with glee
With good things promised and my hope in the Lord
to trade in this life is something I can't afford
He died on the cross paying the price for my sin
the pain I go through is smaller than what he felt within
Sometimes it is so hard to obey
I pray for strength but it doesn't come my way
Was I wrong? Did I mess something up?
Your plans can't be thwarted or made corrupt
So God, don't let my flesh get in the way
But please bring me peace about my life this day
God, your scripture is always so very true
I know I can depend on your word; and You.
Sorrow is for the night but joy comes in the morning
That couldn't be more true in my life as I'm yearning
Yearning for the good times later on in my life
while trying to enjoy the present despite the strife
Life is good, don't get me wrong
I just can't understand why my joy seems gone
It's here for a moment, then it disappears
I'm sad again and begin to cry tears
I'm so bored, I don't know what to do
I just want to rest in your Spirit and be with You.
If that means sitting around the house
and being about as productive as a mouse
Then I will do it, but please reassure me
Because that's not what I thought resting in you would be.
Sure there would be those quiet, peaceful times
But what about the ministry in people's lives?
I know my life, my actions are my witness
my ministry is where I'm at and my fitness
I guess I would really like the desire of my heart
which would be fellowship, bible studies, and being a part
Being a part of certain people's lives
praying for them when they're hurt by people's jives
I want to help and teach and love
But I want to do your will from above
So if I don't get to do these things
help me to know my life is an offering
Assure me daily your will is being done
so no matter what happens I can have fun
After all, we may not see the fruits of our labor
We are here to bring glory to you in which you find favor
God,
I guess sometimes I think one thing and expect it to happen but when I find out that that is not your will for me then I am upset. I truly do want to do your will more than anything else. Please grant me the patience, mind frame, and joy I need to make it through. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
WOW...God...that is, well, words can't describe it. Precious. Absolutely beautiful. The power of the blood of Jesus is truly amazing and precious. By His blood I am forgiven and you are pleased. His blood is enough that I may enter into a relationship with you and I can have fellowship with you. I am amazed. You are in the light and because of the precious blood I may come into the light. Even though the light exposes the deeds of men, I am able to enter because His blood has covered those evil deeds and I can talk to you! Thank you God for your Son and the beauty of the blood Jesus shed on the cross to forgive us. I love you. I love you more than words could portray.
Heart with cross,
Cara
January 10
God,
I hate my attitude. Please change it for good. I want to have the attitude of Christ. Don't let me lose focus because when I do I hate it.
Heart with cross,
Cara
I Love You!
God,
Today is a brand new day. I have more soccer games and possibly another time with Juliana. Let my attitude reflect yours. Help me be the encourager on and off the field. I'm sorry about the way I acted yesterday. Guard my heart and be with my speech. Let everything I do today be pleasing and honoring to you. Also, you know how I am a little confused right now so last night I prayed that you would show me who you are. Who you really are. Well, my dream was incredible. I dreamed I was a foreign exchange student. I don't remember anything leading up to it but all of a sudden I was there in my "new room"! I sort of situated my room and then I went to find out what exactly was going on. When I walked out I heard music playing in english and it was christian music! There were two little girls who started to try and talk to me but I couldn't understand them. I said "no sé" and sort of smiled. The girls were probably between 6-9. Then we walked through the kitchen where the mother was doing the dishes and singing to the christian music. She didn't really acknowledge me which was normal because I was "playing" with the girls. When we got to the play room another girl was there who was about 11 or 12. She said something to me in Spanish that I did not understand. I said, "No sé" again and smiled like I wish I could understand and speak with you. Then she asked me a question with very familiar words. She asked me "What do you like to do?" It took me a second and I almost jumped with joy when I could translate it my mind and figure out what she asked me. I said, "Futbol. Me encanta futbol." Then we got up and started walking back towards the living room. A basketball game was on TV and she pointed to it. I said, "Basquetbol?" She nodded and I said, "Sí, me gusta basquetbol!" Then the other told me (or politely requested) that I unpack and organize my room. I was glad to do so but I wanted to talk more. I walked back towards the girl whose attention had turned to a picture she was hanging on the wall. I wanted to ask her if she wanted to come to my room with me while I unpacked. I woke up though before I could ask her. So God, that is YOU to me. That is where you want me. I'm sure of it. I don't know when or where but you will show me that at the proper time. I love you and I thank you for loving me and being patient with me. Don't let Satan get me down please!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Beer/Wine
Prov 20:1
Eph 5:18 -> explains it all
Rom 14:21
Titus 2:3
Rev. 16:19, 17:2, 18:3
Speech/Cursing
Eph 4:29 James 3:9
Matt 10:20
Rom 3:14 - We are called to be like Christ. To be holy. Therefore we do not curse because cursing is of the world.
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Verse 17 -> If we preach out of our own strength and our own wisdom we are doing a terrible thing. We are emptying the power of the cross! OUCH! Let God speak through you! Let Him live your life. the blood of Jesus has covered your sin and the sinner, your old self, has been crucified with Christ. You, the sinner, are no longer living. It is Jesus who lives through you, by FAITH! It's awesome! Let HIM LEAD! (Galatians 2:20, 2 Cor 5:17-21)
We are Christ's ambassadors. He is making His appeal THROUGH us! If the message of the cross is the power of God to those who are being saved, and we want and desire for everyone to be saved, WHY SPEAK OF OUR OWN WISDOM!?? That drains the power of the cross. No, let Jesus take charge and more will be saved because the message of the cross is able to express its power!
January 16
God,
Thank you for all that you do including stopping me from things that I shouldn't say. This was more of a humorous thing but I can't believe I almost said id. John and I were talking on the phone last night and towards the end (it was late) I told him how I had thought of him the other day when I ate ice cream in a cone at Baker's Street. Then we laughed about how fun that day was. I made a comment, "I don't know which was more embarrassing, the ice cream or tripping in the park." He said, "Yeah that was funny. Good times." Then I said, "We'll take our..." then I stopped because I realized what I was about to say. "We'll take our KIDS and...(blah blah blah)! I am so glad you stopped me! It was funny but whoa. I laughed. About John Piper,,,,please keep teaching me through him. Just keep teaching me. I love you and I love all you do. I love the sense of humor you have. Make yourself real to me. Reveal yourself to me Father. I want to know exactly who you are. I want to fall deeper in love with you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
January 19
God,
This has been a perfect ending to a weekend of soccer. It started out horrible. I didn't play well and I missed my shot in the shoot out against Denton. After that I looked up and saw a beautiful sunset. You simply said, "Don't be discouraged, there's more to life than soccer." So I smiled and then you gave me the opportunity to talk to Kirsten. She is a soph. on JV who was brought up on V for this tourney specifically for shoot outs. She had missed and was crying. This mornings game was the worst. The starters started and couldn't put a goal in. All of us "benchwarmers" went in. We couldn't get the job done and it was as frustrating as all get out. Coach kept pulling me to tell me to do this or do that and I had totally lost focus. I came out for the last time and Ashley asked if I was okay. I said, "I can't play soccer." Then I put my head in my hands and cried. I had already choked back tears twice and I had to let it out. After that I realized that this was more a spiritual battle than it was a soccer battle. Although my frustrations dealt mainly with the fact I was playing so poorly and the reason behind it. I began to think it was the lack of encouragement from Coach Bragg but then maybe it's because of my shin splints and knee problems. Well, it's not Coach Bragg because he is a really great guy and Coach. The devil was just blinding me of anything and everything good. I finally prayed, "All I want to do is to please you God." As the game came to an end (we lost in a shootout) I walked to the car and I just prayed, "God, if you love me let me find a penny." In the next 5 minutes and not in the car as I'm talking to my parents. Well, I didn't even think about that prayer but maybe two seconds after I prayed it, on the bus I figured out another reason why I was so frustrated. I wasn't seeing and effect YOU had on these people through me by being here. Well, when I woke up from my nap Kirsten told me they were talking about me. She said she was talking to her dad or someone and they asked if I partied and what not. Kirsten said she replied, "No way, Beeb's is like the Priest on our team. She's like a perfect child." I smiled but reminded her I'm not perfect. Anyways, that was a reflection of our ministry here and I thank you for that. Then, I got on the bus to help Coach Bragg clean it after everyone had left and I started to look behind each seat. Guess what I found? A PENNY! I suddenly remembered my prayer! I felt your love in that very moment. A few seats later I found another one! And you just proved to me that you love me more than I could ask for! That was totally cool. Then, as I was waiting for my parents I sat in Bekka's car with Bekka, Sarah, and Megan. Sarah told me that when Kelly got hurt in the Denton tourney she cursed and when she looked up at me I was looking at her. Sarah said that Kelly felt so bad and that I was the only one she actually cared about what I thought of her. I was amazed. That was another reflection. Then, on the way home we checked the mail and Amanda Martinez had written me a really sweet letter. She thanked me for pretty much just being her friend. Oh, I almost forgot. When I got on the bus to come home there was no way I could get a hold of my parents to let them know we were headed home early b/c the other team had forfeited. So I told myself I wouldn't worry about it and that you would take care of it. I tried my dad's cell but that crazy operator lady would come on. So I popped in Shane Barnard and it came to the song where the chorus says "I will wait for you." I realized that was exactly what I needed to do, so I simply said, "I will wait for you Lord." Then you said, "277-5797." Earlier I had dialed 227-5797. So that got taken care of and when I was talking to my dad. I told him I was an idiot because of what I had done. But he said, "No, you're not an idiot. You are blessed. Blessed are you my persistent one." I laughed and then realized that is how I should be. A better word...persevere. Anyways, I went to read a Psalm awhile ago and it was awesome and that is what made me write all this down because it was the perfect ending to the most horrible weekend. Just pray. You'll take care of us. I love you God so much. You amaze me.
Heart with cross,
Cara
PS The Psalm was Psalm 17.
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your LIKENESS.
Psalm 17:15b
January 21 2002
God,
Last night was totally awesome! Kyle's sermon was great. You really spoke to me. Its from Isaiah 49:1-7.
vs 1-2 Isaiah is speaking to the ends of the earth (everyone) and states that before he was born God called him. He has made Isaiah into a sharpened sword and a polished arrow. -> I guess that could illustrate that when God used him, God's words would penetrate because of the sharpness. I don't know. Just a suggestion.
vs. 3 -> God tells him he will display all his splendor or glory in Isaiah.
vs. 4 -> Isaiah is questioning. It's okay to ask God questions. It shows your dependency on him and shows that we don't know everything. But then he states he suddenly remembers, 'but my reward is with God.' I need to remember that during soccer.
vs. 5-6 -> God says that "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant and to restore the tribes of Jacob. No, I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH." What more could you ask for? That's amazing. And God, you promised that to everyone who believes and know you because it is in your word. Thank you God! You are truly amazing. Thank you for answering my prayer yesterday! That was awesome! During church I simply prayed that you would restore any broken relationships and mend those that needed to be fixed. And then I had a conversation with ACE for the first time in 2 months! WOW! I was amazed once again by the power of prayer and how much you love me in that you answer my prayers in your power. I love you so much!
Heart with cross,
Cara
YOUR AMAZING!
God,
I pray for Brittney. Provide for them as they need it. Let your will be done and be glorified in that situation. I pray for John. I pray you will give him strength for today and new hope for tomorrow. Be with him and teach him new things. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
January 29
God,
This shall be my prayer. Whatever I do be glorified in it whether I'm playing or sitting on the bench be glorified. Give me the strength to accomplish your will with joy in my heart and a smile on my face. That is my prayer Lord. Help me to be content whatever the circumstances. And please let us win tonight. I love you so much and thank you for blessing us with a new beautiful home IN TOWN! God, receive all the glory in my life!
Heart with cross,
Cara
January 30
God,
You delight in giving good gifts to us in the same way my dad wants to give me a car with headlights and my mom a house. Why would anyone want to give someone something they didn't ask for that was the opposite of something they did ask for? We are undeserving but at the same time your grace covers all and you delight in giving us the desires of our hearts. Thanks for revealing that to me. I love you.
Matthew 7:7-12
Do you want to be known as someone who does good or someone who was known by Jesus?
Matthew 7:15-23 reminds me so much of what happened at the church with my mom working there. It makes me sick. They need to fall in love with
YOU!
God, please continue to reveal to me all the things wrong in me. Preferably sooner than later. Be glorified in all I do and teach me your word! Love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
NO SHORTCUTS IN CHARACTER
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul.
Matthew 22:37
David went straight to major league out of highschool in baseball. Texas Rangers recruited him. Scouts called it and the Rangers didn't listen. Because he had not developed his arm was shot in two years and that was it. It takes TIME to develop!!! SOCCER!!
Just wait. And while waiting...ask for LOVE! That is what you told me to call on you for. Like you told Dad to call on good things. That makes so much sense considering it was way hard to love Coach Bragg last night at my game that I played a whole minute of of two 40 minutes halves. But hey, hopefully God got the glory in that and I know that all things will work together for the GOOD of those who LOVE God! Rom. 8:28!
God called us to BE fishers of men. Not to fish for men because that is something you do. TO BE fishers of men deals with your character and with who you are!
God,
Today was wonderful. I'm so in awe of you. I asked you to do things in my life that would cause me to totally stand in awe of you. Then I felt bad for asking because you have done so much already. Why should I expect more? But I do want to stand in awe of you and you answered my prayer. Thanks. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
2 Corinthians 4:1
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
John Piper - Desiring God
In simple terms:
Finding joy IN God is what God commands us to do. So when we feel good about christian service or what not that's not a bad thing. That is simply the joy you feel from being IN God and letting Him live through you.
The chief end of man is to Glorify God
BY
Enjoying Him Forever.
"John Piper"
(catechisms)
I have decided to read and listen and see everything with an open mind and let God tell me its wrong rather than go about things with a closed, negative "you're never right" mentality and then wait for God to speak. God, if this isn't how I should go about things and I'm still a confused mess then please reveal to me what I am supposed to do. Thanks.
Heart with cross,
Cara
God,
That is so cool! Chapter 8 in Psalms lines up perfectly with the first chapter in John Piper's book Desiring God. It starts out with a praise. Then it talks about your glory being set above the heavens. ABOVE! Your glory is like "the ultimate!" We need to praise. You have ordained us to praise! Even infants and children should praise your name. Then it talks about how when we consider what you have done in your creation why should you even be mindful of us? Because you put us in charge. Ruler over your creation. And then it ends by declaring praise to your name. WOW. You are in heaven in all your glory for yourself's sake. You are a God of love as well so we can't look at that self centeredly. Our joy is grounded in you and if you declared some other person or god your glory then we would have no foundation. You love us and you showed that to us by giving the ultimate cost of your love. Your life. You sent your Son to die so we could be in fellowship with you so by our praise you could receive glory. You can receive glory in everything I do. If I am obedient to you. God, please receive the glory for all that I am and all that I do. I love you and I want to praise your name forever.
Heart with cross,
Cara
January 3
God,
Those without Fathers sometimes have a hard time realizing that their heavenly father loves them. Psalm 10:17-18 shows you care for them. Psalm 2:8 is cool. It goes along with that Shane Barnard song. Psalm 18:29->scale a wall. Watermark used the beginning of Psalm 18 in one of their songs. Psalm 19:1-4 shows that your creation speaks. They "pour forth speech." How cool is that? And according to verse 3 it speaks every language!
No matter how simple we say we are, the statutes of the Lord make the wise simple. For us to understand them? Oh, I'm sure.
Psalm 19:14 is my prayer! Once again, being simple is no excuse - Prov. 1:22
Heart with cross,
Cara
January 4
God,
Today in the 24th Psalm I see where Third Day got the words for King of Glory. That is an awesome passage. Thank you thank you thank you thank you THANK YOU! I just figured out what this whole Quiet time thing is about. Prov 2:1-6 explains it perfectly. Right now I'm searching and hopefully sometime son you will give wisdom and knowledge from your mouth and understanding. I am learning that perfect fear and I'm learning to understand. I will continue to cry out til I find that silver or hidden treasure.
Prov 3:33 -> A verse I must share with mother. What a wonderful verse.
God, what does "worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness" mean? How do I do it? Also, tonight we were watching "10 things I hate about you" and I had the feeling you wanted me to go into the hotel but the movie was so good. I prayed for your strength to help me get out of my seat and walk inside but the strength didn't come. Just like at that "true love waits" type rally. But Psalm 29:11 says "The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace." So if I prayed for the strength to come and it didn't then was it your will I stayed on the bus? Then again I have so many questions and I'm so confused about the whole "free will" thing and I think the way I feel or the way I perceive you or whatever is messed up. But I think you are just being silent in my life right now so I will just continue to wait on you because I have faith that one day you will reveal yourself to me more and answer all my questions at the proper time. I also just want to thank you for last night. The prayer with Kelly, and the conversations. For just the friends I have on the team and the fun we have together. I thank you for letting me be a part of this ministry. I love you.
Love,
Cara
January 6
My Heart Song
During the hard times in San Angelo
I think of times in Liberty Hill that were low.
It's like they could never compare
The pain I feel here is so hard to
Even though I know its God's will
I sometimes lose sight and can't even sit still
I'm searching so hard looking for answers
letting God lead my sleigh just like Prancer
The devil is attacking me extremely hard
But I can't give up, I must stand guard
He tears down my patience, my mind, my joy
But my faith in God he cannot destroy
One of these days God will answer me
and that'll be the day I shout with glee
With good things promised and my hope in the Lord
to trade in this life is something I can't afford
He died on the cross paying the price for my sin
the pain I go through is smaller than what he felt within
Sometimes it is so hard to obey
I pray for strength but it doesn't come my way
Was I wrong? Did I mess something up?
Your plans can't be thwarted or made corrupt
So God, don't let my flesh get in the way
But please bring me peace about my life this day
God, your scripture is always so very true
I know I can depend on your word; and You.
Sorrow is for the night but joy comes in the morning
That couldn't be more true in my life as I'm yearning
Yearning for the good times later on in my life
while trying to enjoy the present despite the strife
Life is good, don't get me wrong
I just can't understand why my joy seems gone
It's here for a moment, then it disappears
I'm sad again and begin to cry tears
I'm so bored, I don't know what to do
I just want to rest in your Spirit and be with You.
If that means sitting around the house
and being about as productive as a mouse
Then I will do it, but please reassure me
Because that's not what I thought resting in you would be.
Sure there would be those quiet, peaceful times
But what about the ministry in people's lives?
I know my life, my actions are my witness
my ministry is where I'm at and my fitness
I guess I would really like the desire of my heart
which would be fellowship, bible studies, and being a part
Being a part of certain people's lives
praying for them when they're hurt by people's jives
I want to help and teach and love
But I want to do your will from above
So if I don't get to do these things
help me to know my life is an offering
Assure me daily your will is being done
so no matter what happens I can have fun
After all, we may not see the fruits of our labor
We are here to bring glory to you in which you find favor
God,
I guess sometimes I think one thing and expect it to happen but when I find out that that is not your will for me then I am upset. I truly do want to do your will more than anything else. Please grant me the patience, mind frame, and joy I need to make it through. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
WOW...God...that is, well, words can't describe it. Precious. Absolutely beautiful. The power of the blood of Jesus is truly amazing and precious. By His blood I am forgiven and you are pleased. His blood is enough that I may enter into a relationship with you and I can have fellowship with you. I am amazed. You are in the light and because of the precious blood I may come into the light. Even though the light exposes the deeds of men, I am able to enter because His blood has covered those evil deeds and I can talk to you! Thank you God for your Son and the beauty of the blood Jesus shed on the cross to forgive us. I love you. I love you more than words could portray.
Heart with cross,
Cara
January 10
God,
I hate my attitude. Please change it for good. I want to have the attitude of Christ. Don't let me lose focus because when I do I hate it.
Heart with cross,
Cara
I Love You!
God,
Today is a brand new day. I have more soccer games and possibly another time with Juliana. Let my attitude reflect yours. Help me be the encourager on and off the field. I'm sorry about the way I acted yesterday. Guard my heart and be with my speech. Let everything I do today be pleasing and honoring to you. Also, you know how I am a little confused right now so last night I prayed that you would show me who you are. Who you really are. Well, my dream was incredible. I dreamed I was a foreign exchange student. I don't remember anything leading up to it but all of a sudden I was there in my "new room"! I sort of situated my room and then I went to find out what exactly was going on. When I walked out I heard music playing in english and it was christian music! There were two little girls who started to try and talk to me but I couldn't understand them. I said "no sé" and sort of smiled. The girls were probably between 6-9. Then we walked through the kitchen where the mother was doing the dishes and singing to the christian music. She didn't really acknowledge me which was normal because I was "playing" with the girls. When we got to the play room another girl was there who was about 11 or 12. She said something to me in Spanish that I did not understand. I said, "No sé" again and smiled like I wish I could understand and speak with you. Then she asked me a question with very familiar words. She asked me "What do you like to do?" It took me a second and I almost jumped with joy when I could translate it my mind and figure out what she asked me. I said, "Futbol. Me encanta futbol." Then we got up and started walking back towards the living room. A basketball game was on TV and she pointed to it. I said, "Basquetbol?" She nodded and I said, "Sí, me gusta basquetbol!" Then the other told me (or politely requested) that I unpack and organize my room. I was glad to do so but I wanted to talk more. I walked back towards the girl whose attention had turned to a picture she was hanging on the wall. I wanted to ask her if she wanted to come to my room with me while I unpacked. I woke up though before I could ask her. So God, that is YOU to me. That is where you want me. I'm sure of it. I don't know when or where but you will show me that at the proper time. I love you and I thank you for loving me and being patient with me. Don't let Satan get me down please!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Beer/Wine
Prov 20:1
Eph 5:18 -> explains it all
Rom 14:21
Titus 2:3
Rev. 16:19, 17:2, 18:3
Speech/Cursing
Eph 4:29 James 3:9
Matt 10:20
Rom 3:14 - We are called to be like Christ. To be holy. Therefore we do not curse because cursing is of the world.
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Verse 17 -> If we preach out of our own strength and our own wisdom we are doing a terrible thing. We are emptying the power of the cross! OUCH! Let God speak through you! Let Him live your life. the blood of Jesus has covered your sin and the sinner, your old self, has been crucified with Christ. You, the sinner, are no longer living. It is Jesus who lives through you, by FAITH! It's awesome! Let HIM LEAD! (Galatians 2:20, 2 Cor 5:17-21)
We are Christ's ambassadors. He is making His appeal THROUGH us! If the message of the cross is the power of God to those who are being saved, and we want and desire for everyone to be saved, WHY SPEAK OF OUR OWN WISDOM!?? That drains the power of the cross. No, let Jesus take charge and more will be saved because the message of the cross is able to express its power!
January 16
God,
Thank you for all that you do including stopping me from things that I shouldn't say. This was more of a humorous thing but I can't believe I almost said id. John and I were talking on the phone last night and towards the end (it was late) I told him how I had thought of him the other day when I ate ice cream in a cone at Baker's Street. Then we laughed about how fun that day was. I made a comment, "I don't know which was more embarrassing, the ice cream or tripping in the park." He said, "Yeah that was funny. Good times." Then I said, "We'll take our..." then I stopped because I realized what I was about to say. "We'll take our KIDS and...(blah blah blah)! I am so glad you stopped me! It was funny but whoa. I laughed. About John Piper,,,,please keep teaching me through him. Just keep teaching me. I love you and I love all you do. I love the sense of humor you have. Make yourself real to me. Reveal yourself to me Father. I want to know exactly who you are. I want to fall deeper in love with you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
January 19
God,
This has been a perfect ending to a weekend of soccer. It started out horrible. I didn't play well and I missed my shot in the shoot out against Denton. After that I looked up and saw a beautiful sunset. You simply said, "Don't be discouraged, there's more to life than soccer." So I smiled and then you gave me the opportunity to talk to Kirsten. She is a soph. on JV who was brought up on V for this tourney specifically for shoot outs. She had missed and was crying. This mornings game was the worst. The starters started and couldn't put a goal in. All of us "benchwarmers" went in. We couldn't get the job done and it was as frustrating as all get out. Coach kept pulling me to tell me to do this or do that and I had totally lost focus. I came out for the last time and Ashley asked if I was okay. I said, "I can't play soccer." Then I put my head in my hands and cried. I had already choked back tears twice and I had to let it out. After that I realized that this was more a spiritual battle than it was a soccer battle. Although my frustrations dealt mainly with the fact I was playing so poorly and the reason behind it. I began to think it was the lack of encouragement from Coach Bragg but then maybe it's because of my shin splints and knee problems. Well, it's not Coach Bragg because he is a really great guy and Coach. The devil was just blinding me of anything and everything good. I finally prayed, "All I want to do is to please you God." As the game came to an end (we lost in a shootout) I walked to the car and I just prayed, "God, if you love me let me find a penny." In the next 5 minutes and not in the car as I'm talking to my parents. Well, I didn't even think about that prayer but maybe two seconds after I prayed it, on the bus I figured out another reason why I was so frustrated. I wasn't seeing and effect YOU had on these people through me by being here. Well, when I woke up from my nap Kirsten told me they were talking about me. She said she was talking to her dad or someone and they asked if I partied and what not. Kirsten said she replied, "No way, Beeb's is like the Priest on our team. She's like a perfect child." I smiled but reminded her I'm not perfect. Anyways, that was a reflection of our ministry here and I thank you for that. Then, I got on the bus to help Coach Bragg clean it after everyone had left and I started to look behind each seat. Guess what I found? A PENNY! I suddenly remembered my prayer! I felt your love in that very moment. A few seats later I found another one! And you just proved to me that you love me more than I could ask for! That was totally cool. Then, as I was waiting for my parents I sat in Bekka's car with Bekka, Sarah, and Megan. Sarah told me that when Kelly got hurt in the Denton tourney she cursed and when she looked up at me I was looking at her. Sarah said that Kelly felt so bad and that I was the only one she actually cared about what I thought of her. I was amazed. That was another reflection. Then, on the way home we checked the mail and Amanda Martinez had written me a really sweet letter. She thanked me for pretty much just being her friend. Oh, I almost forgot. When I got on the bus to come home there was no way I could get a hold of my parents to let them know we were headed home early b/c the other team had forfeited. So I told myself I wouldn't worry about it and that you would take care of it. I tried my dad's cell but that crazy operator lady would come on. So I popped in Shane Barnard and it came to the song where the chorus says "I will wait for you." I realized that was exactly what I needed to do, so I simply said, "I will wait for you Lord." Then you said, "277-5797." Earlier I had dialed 227-5797. So that got taken care of and when I was talking to my dad. I told him I was an idiot because of what I had done. But he said, "No, you're not an idiot. You are blessed. Blessed are you my persistent one." I laughed and then realized that is how I should be. A better word...persevere. Anyways, I went to read a Psalm awhile ago and it was awesome and that is what made me write all this down because it was the perfect ending to the most horrible weekend. Just pray. You'll take care of us. I love you God so much. You amaze me.
Heart with cross,
Cara
PS The Psalm was Psalm 17.
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your LIKENESS.
Psalm 17:15b
January 21 2002
God,
Last night was totally awesome! Kyle's sermon was great. You really spoke to me. Its from Isaiah 49:1-7.
vs 1-2 Isaiah is speaking to the ends of the earth (everyone) and states that before he was born God called him. He has made Isaiah into a sharpened sword and a polished arrow. -> I guess that could illustrate that when God used him, God's words would penetrate because of the sharpness. I don't know. Just a suggestion.
vs. 3 -> God tells him he will display all his splendor or glory in Isaiah.
vs. 4 -> Isaiah is questioning. It's okay to ask God questions. It shows your dependency on him and shows that we don't know everything. But then he states he suddenly remembers, 'but my reward is with God.' I need to remember that during soccer.
vs. 5-6 -> God says that "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant and to restore the tribes of Jacob. No, I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH." What more could you ask for? That's amazing. And God, you promised that to everyone who believes and know you because it is in your word. Thank you God! You are truly amazing. Thank you for answering my prayer yesterday! That was awesome! During church I simply prayed that you would restore any broken relationships and mend those that needed to be fixed. And then I had a conversation with ACE for the first time in 2 months! WOW! I was amazed once again by the power of prayer and how much you love me in that you answer my prayers in your power. I love you so much!
Heart with cross,
Cara
YOUR AMAZING!
God,
I pray for Brittney. Provide for them as they need it. Let your will be done and be glorified in that situation. I pray for John. I pray you will give him strength for today and new hope for tomorrow. Be with him and teach him new things. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
January 29
God,
This shall be my prayer. Whatever I do be glorified in it whether I'm playing or sitting on the bench be glorified. Give me the strength to accomplish your will with joy in my heart and a smile on my face. That is my prayer Lord. Help me to be content whatever the circumstances. And please let us win tonight. I love you so much and thank you for blessing us with a new beautiful home IN TOWN! God, receive all the glory in my life!
Heart with cross,
Cara
January 30
God,
You delight in giving good gifts to us in the same way my dad wants to give me a car with headlights and my mom a house. Why would anyone want to give someone something they didn't ask for that was the opposite of something they did ask for? We are undeserving but at the same time your grace covers all and you delight in giving us the desires of our hearts. Thanks for revealing that to me. I love you.
Matthew 7:7-12
Do you want to be known as someone who does good or someone who was known by Jesus?
Matthew 7:15-23 reminds me so much of what happened at the church with my mom working there. It makes me sick. They need to fall in love with
YOU!
God, please continue to reveal to me all the things wrong in me. Preferably sooner than later. Be glorified in all I do and teach me your word! Love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
NO SHORTCUTS IN CHARACTER
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul.
Matthew 22:37
David went straight to major league out of highschool in baseball. Texas Rangers recruited him. Scouts called it and the Rangers didn't listen. Because he had not developed his arm was shot in two years and that was it. It takes TIME to develop!!! SOCCER!!
Just wait. And while waiting...ask for LOVE! That is what you told me to call on you for. Like you told Dad to call on good things. That makes so much sense considering it was way hard to love Coach Bragg last night at my game that I played a whole minute of of two 40 minutes halves. But hey, hopefully God got the glory in that and I know that all things will work together for the GOOD of those who LOVE God! Rom. 8:28!
God called us to BE fishers of men. Not to fish for men because that is something you do. TO BE fishers of men deals with your character and with who you are!
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
The "Missing" Journal
Summer 2000
God is in Control
I see a battle coming
I begin to ponder
God is in control
And yet I wander
To and fro I go
Expecting to handle this on my own
Here it is now in my face
And I give up my renown
I see this is just too big for me
So I let you take over and fight
Now the devil sees you
And jumps on his flight
If it were me fighting
I'd get beaten to a pulp
but since I gave it to you
Satan is a joke.
Thank you God for being you
for your kindness and compassion
your mercy and grace
I cannot fathom
SUBMIT then RESIST
But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
James 4:6-7
I used to always wonder why, since I was a christian, the devil didn't flee from me and leave me alone. It's b/c I didn't submit. It first says SUBMIT to God then resist the devil and he will flee. I would never actually give that over to God.
1rst SUBMIT
2nd RESIST
1 Corinthians 10:13
God is faithful. He will not flee. He even provides a way out!
God,
Sometimes I get so scared but when I simply ask you to take away that fear it goes away. I continue to fill my mind with your word so that when a scary thought comes to mind I let you take control and I begin to think of your word and your goodness. I have learned a lot in the past couple of days. It seems like I've been dry for awhile and then all of a sudden you spoke to me and taught me. I love that God. I want to speak to you as Moses did. I need to get by myself more often and just talk to you. Even though I can't see you as Moses did I can speak to you as he did. Thank you God for sending your Son so that we could have this relationship. I love you God. Because you first loved me.
Heart with cross,
Cara
God,
You have been doing so much in my life right now. You gave me Mike to talk to and then Celeste. You have taught me so many things. You spoke to me the other day and it was awesome. You simply told me to reach out to more people. When I heard this I looked back on everything that had lead up to you revealing this to me. The gift I learned from Candice, seeing Dezidoo's personality, reading Rachel's Tears, and my experience at Georgetown FBC. All these things have taught me to reach out to more people and at least be more social. Include everyone in anything. Thank you God for teaching me. Thank you for allowing me to have such an awesome relationship with you. There is nothing else that could replace you and the love and joy you give me. I love you God.
Heart with Cross
Cara L.
REBUKING
I talked to a girl names Celeste today and she asked me how she should tell this guy that he is being badly influenced. We talked together about rebuking your brother who is sinning and that some people think we are condemning them. Well, we pretty much figured out what we should do.
1rst Show them 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Make sure they understand that Scripture is used for rebuking.
2nd Then show them Revelation 3:19. Make sure that they understand you are doing this out of love and you care about their lives and this is why you're rebuking them.
Then go on to tell them what they did wrong or is doing wrong. But first check your own life and when you tell them do it gently and with love.
God,
I know you have been teaching me something all summer through Grace Walk. I've been sort of uncomfy at every bible study. Something wasn't right with me. You just let me know what that was. You know, for a long time now I have been wanting Bible knowledge and to learn as much as I could about the Bible. So many times this summer you've shown me that I have a long way to go but you showed me something else. If someone were to look at me as a christian and they said, "She has so much knowledge of the Bible." That would be great but I would much rather them say, "Wow, she totally loves God and I can see their love relationship." That would be the best. I've been so caught up in learning the Bible (which isn't bad) that I've totally missed out on the love you have for me. God, I don't care if I become dumb to Bible knowledge, as long as our relationship is always growing. I will continue to read my bible and learn it but my #1 desire right now is to know you more. God, please give me that love for you. It's missing in my life and only you can give it to me. Thank you God. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
August 6
God,
It has been awhile since I've read my Bible or written in here but ever since I asked you for love you have shown me love in other people. Yesterday my Dad and I went to the Ranch House to eat lunch with everyone. We showed up and as we were walking in I saw some books on a footstool on the patio. It was my Grandfather's bible and his bible study book. Then, when lunch was ready I realized my pills weren't in the car. We were having lasagna and that is one meal I have a hard time giving up. So, Dad rode with me all the way back to the house just to get my pills. That was so sweet! When we got back Mamaw asked if Daddy had gotten a phone call. She thought that maybe we would get a call from someone who wanted to buy land and that was why we went back to get my pills. Dad said that nobody called but thats a great attitude. That is so awesome how she thought that. Then I saw Pampaw reading Jesus CEO and later Dad was talking to Dayle and Dad said that Jesus said something about blessings of each home and if people receive them then great but if they don't then...and there is even a time when you back off. Hearing Dad speak of Jesus to Dayle opened my ears. Then, this morning, I came downstairs and Dad was in his room talking to Carye. He was talking about what God told him recently and that his whole family is blessed. Then tonight I got home from soccer practice around 11. I was looking for something to eat and mom came in. She asked if I was hungry. I said kinda so she heated up some cornbread and chili beans for me. Then, as I was eating she asked if I was going to want another bowl. I said probably so she stayed up just so she could heat up a second bowl for me. We talked awhile. I ate too but that was so kind of her to stay up just to heat up the second bowl of chili beans for me. In all these things you have shown me your love.
For the past week I haven't really been reading my Bible and I haven't run in the past 3 days. When I first started training I looked at it spiritually. And I had the self discipline. Since I haven't been having my quiet times I haven't disciplined myself to run. And I have been eating a lot the past few days. Maybe instead of eating I should read my Bible or pray. Thank you God for teaching me all these things.
Heart with cross,
Cara
PS It's funny how Shea just bought me this journal with love all over it right at the same time you are teaching me how to love you. And others.
August 7
God,
We just got back from Midnight Madness. It was alright. It's kind of meaningless since Ryan wasn't practicing. I miss him so much already and school hasn't even started. God, I know you want me to reach out to people and I realized that tonight would have been a great time to start. God, I have friends but none that I can really talk to anymore. I should have gone around to everyone I knew and just asked them how they are doing and stuff. Well, once again Dad is right. Talking about the concession stand he said, "This is a small one to learn on." Well, I learned what I need to do on the small one so I'm prepared for when school starts! I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
August 16
God,
School started and boy did it start! I have been overloaded with homework. Well, this summer I met Mrs. Schmugge. Then I met her sons wed. afternoon, the day school started. Joe's mom and I had some good talks and we had another one tonight. God, I sense something. I'm not sure yet but I do. I feel some kind of closeness to Joe and his family. We barely know each other and yet we talk, we hang out together all the time, when I'm free. It's great! I look forward to seeing him. Thank you God for sending him to me. I also thank you for Amanda. I pray for a chance to talk with her deeply or about our christian lives. Well, I better go to bed. I love you sooo much!
Heart with cross,
Cara
August 17
God,
I enjoy playing soccer now. I can't wait until the practices much less the games. There's one thing though. They curse like crazy. God, I just ask that you protect my ears. I pray that I don't begin to slip. I also pray for the strength to take a stand. It's going to be hard because I don't even see an ounce of you in any of their lives so please help me to be bold. God, I pray for strength tomorrow. I pray that it will go by fast. Thank you God for all that you've done. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
PS I pray that we do well in the tournament.
August 18
God,
I realized something today that happened in result of me not spending time with you. I would have opportunities to mention you or share my beliefs and I'd pass it up. Later on I would realize that I missed an opportunity. I believed that happened because I haven't been having my quiet times in the mornings. When I don't start the day off in your word then it's not on my mind during the day and therefore I miss opportunities. Please forgive me and help me to get more sleep so that I can wake up on time. Thank you. I love you God.
Heart with cross,
Cara
August 22
God,
I was just lying in bed when all these bad thoughts came into my head. I started to ask you to help me but I felt so unworthy. I thought of James 4:7. I thought, maybe you are allowing Satan to put these thoughts in my head so I will learn to turn to you. Then I thought of Job. You let Satan tempt him but he remained faithful. You tested him and he passed. Thank you God for holding me accountable. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
August 26
God,
It seems as though the devil is attacking me in all sorts of ways. So now I'm going to make a list of everything that's stressing me out and then write what good came out of it. Then I'm going to make a list of every good thing I already have.
Heart with cross,
Cara
August 28
God,
I asked for your strength last night and boy did you give it to me. I ran 30 minutes when we really only had to run 25-30. Thank you God for the energy I had today. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Isaiah 40:31
God,
I want to fall in love with you! Last night it was FCA game day. UT played Houston and beat them 48-0. Afterwards Major Applewhite and some other guys talked to us. Major said something about the eagle. When a storm comes the wind above it is tremendous. So, the eagle spreads its wings and soars above the storm. Instead of running from it he rises above it. I thought that was awesome! God, help me to be free and happy. I pray that I won't fall into temptation.
Heart with cross,
Cara
October 3 2000
God,
2 Sundays ago Scott Wolf spoke at our Sunday school rally about not jumping out of the "toilet". Well, the following wednesday you broke me! I love those times. The following days since then have been great. I still don't know exactly what I went through and why but I know that you have accepted my worries and stresses. I may still be going through a "drought" so to speak but now I'm going through it with joy. The joy that you have given me. I want to thank you for two very special people: Joe and Julia. They mean so much to me. God help me to pursue the right relationships with Joe and help Julia and I to grow closer to you. I thank you for all of them. God, I give to you all my homework that's due tomorrow to you. Help me to do well tomorrow. Help me to remember my voc/spelling words. God, more importantly I ask that you help Joe to remember his lines and help him to sing beautifully. I pray that you be with him as always. Thank you! I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
November 14 2000
God,
There has been so many times that I have wanted to write in here but I don't b/c I have so much to say that I know it'll take forever to write. I'd rather just say it but even then sometimes I don't say it! Here goes. Ryan came home last weekend and Jessica and Julia spent the night. Of course Ryan played praise and worship songs and we listened. I cried. Afterwards Jess went to talk to Ryan and I talked to Julia. One of the first things she said was "I love your brother. He's so awesome." I'm glad we had our little talk.
God I thank you for allowing me to approach everything w/ a joyful heart. Thank you for all your blessings. Whatever happens with our family I know it will turn out good. Rom 8:28! God I pray that Mom won't be bitter or angry. I pray that you will send a little "relief" money but only if that's your will. I pray that mom will learn to find happiness in the small things of life. I pray that I get enough sleep! Well, thanks for Julia and I pray that she will continue growing closer to you like she said she has been doing. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
December 6 2000
God,
It's been awhile since I've actually written in this journal. Last weekend my soccer team (our) went to Western District and now we're going to state. On the way home Mom, Shea, and I had a nice visit after our tire blew out and Gentry (Mom's cousin) came and fixed it for us. Anyway, I understand a lot of things now better. Mom wanted to leave b/c she thought she was the black sheep and everybody hated her. Honestly, God, I don't know what I'd do w/out her. I'd live on because of your joy and strength but I'd miss her so much. I love her so much. God I wrote a poem for you. Here it is:
I look out across the
vast ocean, the waves
tumbling high.
The birds soar just
above the waters
so graciously. I can't
help but think of your
hand in creation.
God, you're beautiful
beautiful beyond words.
Your love is uncomparable
to anything on this earth.
Your mercy is like the waves
of the sea, tumbling all
over me.
You give me strength to
hover like the birds,
just above the roaring ocean.
I look out the window
and gaze at the horizon.
The colors are vivid
expressing abundant life.
You gave those beautiful
colors to the horizon,
that one horizon,
How much more colorful
will my life be?
I look above and see the
stars. You placed them
there just as you have
placed me here.
Your light in me is
shining in the darkness.
I love you God!
I wrote that after our conversation in the car. I could feel your presence. Thank you God for loving me. I pray that your will be done and that we all accept our will with joyful hearts. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
God is like a jack;
He's there to lift you
up so you can get
back on the road!
December 11 2000
God,
Whatever happened today I hope I learn from it. Teach me what it is I need to know. God, maybe it was PMS and a little frustration from life that made me so upset today. I'm not sure if I even did the right thing. Thank you though for that reassuring letter from Amanda. I appreciate it! Help me to do my best these next 4 days. Especially during finals! I pray that you will help me to be truly thankful this Christmas and completely satisfied with what we get. Thank you God for still loving me!
Heart with cross,
Cara
I feel very strange. I had a sore throat all day. We won our basketball game tonight against Wimberly. We beat them by 24 points. I couldn't sleep on the way home. I tried reading my bible but the more I read the worse I felt. I had to lie down. I laid there in my seat and tried to go to sleep but I couldn't. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't go to sleep. I have chemistry homework that I haven't finished. I am going to go in early and ask for help. I hope he is in there. We play Llano on Friday and we better win. Raini has mono so Cami has moved up and is playing the point. I now am at the wing. I wish Cami would play our point every game because she is so good and she doesn't throw the ball away so much. She is very controlled. I believe we won with her help. Raini's attitude is what has been killing us this whole season. I don't know why I am writing this because it is pointless. I just can't sleep at all. I have homework but I am so worn out from school that I absolutely don't want to do it. I feel depressed but I am not going to let that happen. God will help me through this. I wish I had my sister to talk to instead of this dumb computer!!!!!!!! I wish Ryan were here to play the guitar and sing praise and worship songs. I wish our school had a soccer team so I could do what I love all day instead of something I dread. I wish there were some decent mature Christian boys out here so I could have someone to date. I wish I were graduating this year so I wouldn't have to suffer through cross-country again. And basketball. I wish I were a morning person so I could get up on time. So I could have a little extra time to spend with God in the morning. I wish I were outgoing so that I could get to know more people instead of being all shy. I wish I could go back to Masters at Buckner and have a better week. I wish I could get a job somewhere decent so that I could have a little extra money to help out mom and dad. I wish we had a third car so I could take my car to school again. I wish the FCA retreat weren't on the same weekend as the Buckner Family Escape weekend. I wish people would quit thinking I'm sooo smart and that I should have done good on the PSAT and in chemistry and geometry and English. It's not easy. It's almost impossible to get all A's and people think it just comes naturally. It doesn't!!! I work my butt off and I'm tired fo writing papers and getting seventies on them. I just wish school wasn't as hard as it is. Thank you God for being so merciful and so full of love for me. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you! I just needed to get all my frustrations out and all I could think of were those people out in the desert waiting for the promised land. They got frustrated and opposed Moses and You. I don't want to do that because I know that only good will come from this experience that I need to carry with me. It is just a trial that I am going through and I know this is where I belong. It just gets a little frustrating sometimes so I took it out on the computer. Also, I didn't feel like talking and I need to practice typing so I just started typing. I didn't know what at first but then it just kept flowing and here I am. I began to get all my complaints out and I ended up thanking you because IT'S ALL GOOD! I just had to release my frustration. Not only that but I think I am about to start. Well, I feel a lot better now that I have done this. Thanks again for always being by my side and comforting me when I need you. I love you so much. Thanks. I guess I will try to go to sleep now even though I am not tired. I love you.
Love,
Cara
February 7 2001
God,
It's been awhile since I have actually written in here. At church tonight Kyle said, "If God speaks to you, write it down." Well, I want to write down what happened at D-Now and everything that you have revealed to me in the past couple of weeks. Last Friday we played Burnet and we lost. All through the game I prayed that you would change my attitude because I despised the way I was acting. Anyways, we lost and then we went to D-Now. The whole weekend we had to carry around a little marble. At the end of the weekend we had a special session. We talked and then we worshiped and then Brent prayed. After that we went off on our own. We were supposed to pray about what our marble meant. It was supposed to stand for extra baggage that we needed to give to you. I found my seat and sat down. I began to pray saying "God, I pray that..." and you said, "Hush, I know what you are going to say." So I sat there. The verse came to mind "Be still and know that I am God." I sat there and I could feel you forming my heart in your hands. It was an incredible feeling. After that I prayed that you would lay someone on my heart to witness to but nobody came to mind. So, I got my marble out of my pocket, went and put him in the bowl and then sat down. I began to sing but after awhile I couldn't even say that. I sat there. Brent stopped and said that if anyone would like to share anything they could. I felt that you wanted me to be silent so I was. A few people shared and then we began to worship again. I put my head in my hands and just cried. After awhile Brent stopped and said if anyone wants to continue praying they could. I just sat there, Ashley and Lindsey stayed too. Most everybody got up and left. A few minutes later Linzi came over and hugged me. We just stayed there for awhile. Then Ashley came over and knelt down on the chair next to me. After that I went and blew my nose. Then I found Ashley and asked if we could talk. She said yes and so we began to talk. I spilled my guts. I said things at random times and I'm sure it didn't make any sense to her but I got it off my chest. Finally when I started making sense she completely understood me. I told her about Camp Buckner and this past semester. I told her of how I felt like I was too good to admit my mistakes and that bothers me. I told her I can't focus when I worship and she understood me there too. We talked for about an hour about all kinds of things. By the end of the night I still hadn't figured it all out. Sunday evening on the way home from church I told my mom of what I learned. When we got home I told my Dad some of it and he said this, "Earlier today I told Shea that when she's at Camp Buckner to talk little and listen a lot." When he said that everything made sense. I realized that God had called me to be silent unless he tells me otherwise. That solves the problem of saying things to impress people. Anyways, I realized then what it was that you wanted from me. Thank you God for teaching me and training me. Thank you for putting me in situations where I have to rely on you because I had no one else to turn to. It was tough but I'm more mature because of it and I thank you for that! Jessica is coming back I hope and Linzi is definitely following you now and I thank you for them. I thank you for Julia and her excitement and eagerness to know you and spend time at church and things like that. Thank you for John, Cori, Shorty, Ava, Kim, and Ashley. Thank you for their friendships. Thank you God for everything! I cannot thank you enough for all the things you have done in my life and the things that you have given me. Thank you so much!
I love you so much!
I love you so much!
I love you so much!
I love you so much!
I love you so much!
I love you!
Phil. 2:14-15
THANKS
I (heart) U!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Phil 4:11
PS This is going to be a long PS but here goes. Talk about the power of prayer! As soon as I began to pray for Jess she began to make a turn around. As soon as I began to pray for campus Crystal told me how excited she was about this church she went to. Gabriel opened up to me about what he believed. Linzi has become passionate about following you. Julia is excited about church and has learned more about you. I have been filled with joy. I've made friends with people at GT. Ashley and I are sort of like accountability partners in a way. We pray for each other and then check up on it next time we see each other almost every time. It's so great to have a friend like her. She, Ava, Kim, John, Cory, and Shorty all came to our last game against Ingram (we won) and then went to Denny's with us. Amanda, Joe, Jim, and Julia came along too. It was so much fun. That meant so much to me and Linzi. Thank you for that God. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
February 8 2001
God,
This morning was exciting! We had our Bible study; it was just me, Desiree, and Christina. We were sitting by the doors to the weight room. A coach came in and looked at what we were doing. He got halfway down the hall and said, "I'm proud of you girls." It was Coach Lovelace who said that. Also, I talked to Gabe and he said that he used to read the bible every night. I asked if he still did but he said sometimes. Later, in reading, I told him he was welcome to come to the bible studies as well if he'd like. I hope he comes next week. Thanks God for everything.
Heart with cross,
Cara
February 9 2001
God,
Thank you for hearing my prayers and answering them according to your will. Thank you for making me depend on you. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:3
God,
Every since I have been praying for our campus Crystal told me she is going to church and how much she likes it. Gabe told me that he used to read the bible a lot. Everyday it's something new I learn about him. Linzi is passionately following You God. Julia loves to be at church. So many things and you never cease to amaze me. I love you God!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thought Patterns
Sunday School February 11 2001
1 Cor. 28:9
Titus 1:15-16 Matt 7:17-18
Rom 8:5-7 Eph 5:13-14 DC Talk Matt 10:16
We can change our thought patterns
Sinful nature-death
Spirit filled mind-life peace
In our mind we chose to sin or not to sin and that's why its important to think of spiritual matters
NO Limits
"I AM"
THE ALPHA and OMEGA!
*Because He is we can be!
*He's limitless and we can experience that.
"If God wore a suit we could all fit in His watch pocket."
Galatians 2:20 Phil 2:3-8
"All my life I looked for gold at the end of the rainbow and I found it at the foot of the cross!"
"You'll never know you need Jesus until Jesus is all you have."
Mother Theresa
February 12 2001
God,
Today I talked with Gabriel. I asked him if he had read his Bible lately. He said he had read John 1-? (he couldn't remember). I told him that that was cool. Thank you God for that opportunity. God, I ask that you give me confidence in myself but also keep me humble. Thank you God for everything. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
PS Thanks for the babysitting job and the experience I had. Please keep training me.
God,
Julia is over at my house and we were getting ready for bed. I said, "Let's memorize a verse tonight." and then I said, "Psalm 34:4." I turned to that and it was incredible. All evening and this past week the devil has been telling me I'm not ready to witness to people, I'm not ready for spurs on Camp Buckner. I read this verse and once again I realized if I just ask you then you will take away those fears. It may not be right away but you will! I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."
Psalm 34:4
February 26 2001
God,
You taught me something the other day and I haven't written it down. When Mrs. Brown relieved Jess as an officer I was a little confused. That morning I was thinking "Well, maybe we shouldn't because she has been trying to get on the right track." Later that day I found out that Mrs. Brown had relieved her. I didn't really know what to think so I trusted that it was your timing and that Mrs. Brown had done the right thing. After Jess got relieved she told me theres no point in going to church anymore. The other day I realized that you had "spit her out of your mouth." She was an FCA officer and her life didn't reflect that. She was lukewarm and when she began coming back to church you knew her heart and it was not right so she was relieved as an officer. Now she doesn't have to "ride the fence" so much. Thank you for making me realize that. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
God is in Control
I see a battle coming
I begin to ponder
God is in control
And yet I wander
To and fro I go
Expecting to handle this on my own
Here it is now in my face
And I give up my renown
I see this is just too big for me
So I let you take over and fight
Now the devil sees you
And jumps on his flight
If it were me fighting
I'd get beaten to a pulp
but since I gave it to you
Satan is a joke.
Thank you God for being you
for your kindness and compassion
your mercy and grace
I cannot fathom
SUBMIT then RESIST
But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
James 4:6-7
I used to always wonder why, since I was a christian, the devil didn't flee from me and leave me alone. It's b/c I didn't submit. It first says SUBMIT to God then resist the devil and he will flee. I would never actually give that over to God.
1rst SUBMIT
2nd RESIST
1 Corinthians 10:13
God is faithful. He will not flee. He even provides a way out!
God,
Sometimes I get so scared but when I simply ask you to take away that fear it goes away. I continue to fill my mind with your word so that when a scary thought comes to mind I let you take control and I begin to think of your word and your goodness. I have learned a lot in the past couple of days. It seems like I've been dry for awhile and then all of a sudden you spoke to me and taught me. I love that God. I want to speak to you as Moses did. I need to get by myself more often and just talk to you. Even though I can't see you as Moses did I can speak to you as he did. Thank you God for sending your Son so that we could have this relationship. I love you God. Because you first loved me.
Heart with cross,
Cara
God,
You have been doing so much in my life right now. You gave me Mike to talk to and then Celeste. You have taught me so many things. You spoke to me the other day and it was awesome. You simply told me to reach out to more people. When I heard this I looked back on everything that had lead up to you revealing this to me. The gift I learned from Candice, seeing Dezidoo's personality, reading Rachel's Tears, and my experience at Georgetown FBC. All these things have taught me to reach out to more people and at least be more social. Include everyone in anything. Thank you God for teaching me. Thank you for allowing me to have such an awesome relationship with you. There is nothing else that could replace you and the love and joy you give me. I love you God.
Heart with Cross
Cara L.
REBUKING
I talked to a girl names Celeste today and she asked me how she should tell this guy that he is being badly influenced. We talked together about rebuking your brother who is sinning and that some people think we are condemning them. Well, we pretty much figured out what we should do.
1rst Show them 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Make sure they understand that Scripture is used for rebuking.
2nd Then show them Revelation 3:19. Make sure that they understand you are doing this out of love and you care about their lives and this is why you're rebuking them.
Then go on to tell them what they did wrong or is doing wrong. But first check your own life and when you tell them do it gently and with love.
God,
I know you have been teaching me something all summer through Grace Walk. I've been sort of uncomfy at every bible study. Something wasn't right with me. You just let me know what that was. You know, for a long time now I have been wanting Bible knowledge and to learn as much as I could about the Bible. So many times this summer you've shown me that I have a long way to go but you showed me something else. If someone were to look at me as a christian and they said, "She has so much knowledge of the Bible." That would be great but I would much rather them say, "Wow, she totally loves God and I can see their love relationship." That would be the best. I've been so caught up in learning the Bible (which isn't bad) that I've totally missed out on the love you have for me. God, I don't care if I become dumb to Bible knowledge, as long as our relationship is always growing. I will continue to read my bible and learn it but my #1 desire right now is to know you more. God, please give me that love for you. It's missing in my life and only you can give it to me. Thank you God. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
August 6
God,
It has been awhile since I've read my Bible or written in here but ever since I asked you for love you have shown me love in other people. Yesterday my Dad and I went to the Ranch House to eat lunch with everyone. We showed up and as we were walking in I saw some books on a footstool on the patio. It was my Grandfather's bible and his bible study book. Then, when lunch was ready I realized my pills weren't in the car. We were having lasagna and that is one meal I have a hard time giving up. So, Dad rode with me all the way back to the house just to get my pills. That was so sweet! When we got back Mamaw asked if Daddy had gotten a phone call. She thought that maybe we would get a call from someone who wanted to buy land and that was why we went back to get my pills. Dad said that nobody called but thats a great attitude. That is so awesome how she thought that. Then I saw Pampaw reading Jesus CEO and later Dad was talking to Dayle and Dad said that Jesus said something about blessings of each home and if people receive them then great but if they don't then...and there is even a time when you back off. Hearing Dad speak of Jesus to Dayle opened my ears. Then, this morning, I came downstairs and Dad was in his room talking to Carye. He was talking about what God told him recently and that his whole family is blessed. Then tonight I got home from soccer practice around 11. I was looking for something to eat and mom came in. She asked if I was hungry. I said kinda so she heated up some cornbread and chili beans for me. Then, as I was eating she asked if I was going to want another bowl. I said probably so she stayed up just so she could heat up a second bowl for me. We talked awhile. I ate too but that was so kind of her to stay up just to heat up the second bowl of chili beans for me. In all these things you have shown me your love.
For the past week I haven't really been reading my Bible and I haven't run in the past 3 days. When I first started training I looked at it spiritually. And I had the self discipline. Since I haven't been having my quiet times I haven't disciplined myself to run. And I have been eating a lot the past few days. Maybe instead of eating I should read my Bible or pray. Thank you God for teaching me all these things.
Heart with cross,
Cara
PS It's funny how Shea just bought me this journal with love all over it right at the same time you are teaching me how to love you. And others.
August 7
God,
We just got back from Midnight Madness. It was alright. It's kind of meaningless since Ryan wasn't practicing. I miss him so much already and school hasn't even started. God, I know you want me to reach out to people and I realized that tonight would have been a great time to start. God, I have friends but none that I can really talk to anymore. I should have gone around to everyone I knew and just asked them how they are doing and stuff. Well, once again Dad is right. Talking about the concession stand he said, "This is a small one to learn on." Well, I learned what I need to do on the small one so I'm prepared for when school starts! I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
August 16
God,
School started and boy did it start! I have been overloaded with homework. Well, this summer I met Mrs. Schmugge. Then I met her sons wed. afternoon, the day school started. Joe's mom and I had some good talks and we had another one tonight. God, I sense something. I'm not sure yet but I do. I feel some kind of closeness to Joe and his family. We barely know each other and yet we talk, we hang out together all the time, when I'm free. It's great! I look forward to seeing him. Thank you God for sending him to me. I also thank you for Amanda. I pray for a chance to talk with her deeply or about our christian lives. Well, I better go to bed. I love you sooo much!
Heart with cross,
Cara
August 17
God,
I enjoy playing soccer now. I can't wait until the practices much less the games. There's one thing though. They curse like crazy. God, I just ask that you protect my ears. I pray that I don't begin to slip. I also pray for the strength to take a stand. It's going to be hard because I don't even see an ounce of you in any of their lives so please help me to be bold. God, I pray for strength tomorrow. I pray that it will go by fast. Thank you God for all that you've done. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
PS I pray that we do well in the tournament.
August 18
God,
I realized something today that happened in result of me not spending time with you. I would have opportunities to mention you or share my beliefs and I'd pass it up. Later on I would realize that I missed an opportunity. I believed that happened because I haven't been having my quiet times in the mornings. When I don't start the day off in your word then it's not on my mind during the day and therefore I miss opportunities. Please forgive me and help me to get more sleep so that I can wake up on time. Thank you. I love you God.
Heart with cross,
Cara
August 22
God,
I was just lying in bed when all these bad thoughts came into my head. I started to ask you to help me but I felt so unworthy. I thought of James 4:7. I thought, maybe you are allowing Satan to put these thoughts in my head so I will learn to turn to you. Then I thought of Job. You let Satan tempt him but he remained faithful. You tested him and he passed. Thank you God for holding me accountable. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
August 26
God,
It seems as though the devil is attacking me in all sorts of ways. So now I'm going to make a list of everything that's stressing me out and then write what good came out of it. Then I'm going to make a list of every good thing I already have.
Heart with cross,
Cara
August 28
God,
I asked for your strength last night and boy did you give it to me. I ran 30 minutes when we really only had to run 25-30. Thank you God for the energy I had today. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Isaiah 40:31
God,
I want to fall in love with you! Last night it was FCA game day. UT played Houston and beat them 48-0. Afterwards Major Applewhite and some other guys talked to us. Major said something about the eagle. When a storm comes the wind above it is tremendous. So, the eagle spreads its wings and soars above the storm. Instead of running from it he rises above it. I thought that was awesome! God, help me to be free and happy. I pray that I won't fall into temptation.
Heart with cross,
Cara
October 3 2000
God,
2 Sundays ago Scott Wolf spoke at our Sunday school rally about not jumping out of the "toilet". Well, the following wednesday you broke me! I love those times. The following days since then have been great. I still don't know exactly what I went through and why but I know that you have accepted my worries and stresses. I may still be going through a "drought" so to speak but now I'm going through it with joy. The joy that you have given me. I want to thank you for two very special people: Joe and Julia. They mean so much to me. God help me to pursue the right relationships with Joe and help Julia and I to grow closer to you. I thank you for all of them. God, I give to you all my homework that's due tomorrow to you. Help me to do well tomorrow. Help me to remember my voc/spelling words. God, more importantly I ask that you help Joe to remember his lines and help him to sing beautifully. I pray that you be with him as always. Thank you! I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
November 14 2000
God,
There has been so many times that I have wanted to write in here but I don't b/c I have so much to say that I know it'll take forever to write. I'd rather just say it but even then sometimes I don't say it! Here goes. Ryan came home last weekend and Jessica and Julia spent the night. Of course Ryan played praise and worship songs and we listened. I cried. Afterwards Jess went to talk to Ryan and I talked to Julia. One of the first things she said was "I love your brother. He's so awesome." I'm glad we had our little talk.
God I thank you for allowing me to approach everything w/ a joyful heart. Thank you for all your blessings. Whatever happens with our family I know it will turn out good. Rom 8:28! God I pray that Mom won't be bitter or angry. I pray that you will send a little "relief" money but only if that's your will. I pray that mom will learn to find happiness in the small things of life. I pray that I get enough sleep! Well, thanks for Julia and I pray that she will continue growing closer to you like she said she has been doing. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
December 6 2000
God,
It's been awhile since I've actually written in this journal. Last weekend my soccer team (our) went to Western District and now we're going to state. On the way home Mom, Shea, and I had a nice visit after our tire blew out and Gentry (Mom's cousin) came and fixed it for us. Anyway, I understand a lot of things now better. Mom wanted to leave b/c she thought she was the black sheep and everybody hated her. Honestly, God, I don't know what I'd do w/out her. I'd live on because of your joy and strength but I'd miss her so much. I love her so much. God I wrote a poem for you. Here it is:
I look out across the
vast ocean, the waves
tumbling high.
The birds soar just
above the waters
so graciously. I can't
help but think of your
hand in creation.
God, you're beautiful
beautiful beyond words.
Your love is uncomparable
to anything on this earth.
Your mercy is like the waves
of the sea, tumbling all
over me.
You give me strength to
hover like the birds,
just above the roaring ocean.
I look out the window
and gaze at the horizon.
The colors are vivid
expressing abundant life.
You gave those beautiful
colors to the horizon,
that one horizon,
How much more colorful
will my life be?
I look above and see the
stars. You placed them
there just as you have
placed me here.
Your light in me is
shining in the darkness.
I love you God!
I wrote that after our conversation in the car. I could feel your presence. Thank you God for loving me. I pray that your will be done and that we all accept our will with joyful hearts. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
God is like a jack;
He's there to lift you
up so you can get
back on the road!
December 11 2000
God,
Whatever happened today I hope I learn from it. Teach me what it is I need to know. God, maybe it was PMS and a little frustration from life that made me so upset today. I'm not sure if I even did the right thing. Thank you though for that reassuring letter from Amanda. I appreciate it! Help me to do my best these next 4 days. Especially during finals! I pray that you will help me to be truly thankful this Christmas and completely satisfied with what we get. Thank you God for still loving me!
Heart with cross,
Cara
I feel very strange. I had a sore throat all day. We won our basketball game tonight against Wimberly. We beat them by 24 points. I couldn't sleep on the way home. I tried reading my bible but the more I read the worse I felt. I had to lie down. I laid there in my seat and tried to go to sleep but I couldn't. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't go to sleep. I have chemistry homework that I haven't finished. I am going to go in early and ask for help. I hope he is in there. We play Llano on Friday and we better win. Raini has mono so Cami has moved up and is playing the point. I now am at the wing. I wish Cami would play our point every game because she is so good and she doesn't throw the ball away so much. She is very controlled. I believe we won with her help. Raini's attitude is what has been killing us this whole season. I don't know why I am writing this because it is pointless. I just can't sleep at all. I have homework but I am so worn out from school that I absolutely don't want to do it. I feel depressed but I am not going to let that happen. God will help me through this. I wish I had my sister to talk to instead of this dumb computer!!!!!!!! I wish Ryan were here to play the guitar and sing praise and worship songs. I wish our school had a soccer team so I could do what I love all day instead of something I dread. I wish there were some decent mature Christian boys out here so I could have someone to date. I wish I were graduating this year so I wouldn't have to suffer through cross-country again. And basketball. I wish I were a morning person so I could get up on time. So I could have a little extra time to spend with God in the morning. I wish I were outgoing so that I could get to know more people instead of being all shy. I wish I could go back to Masters at Buckner and have a better week. I wish I could get a job somewhere decent so that I could have a little extra money to help out mom and dad. I wish we had a third car so I could take my car to school again. I wish the FCA retreat weren't on the same weekend as the Buckner Family Escape weekend. I wish people would quit thinking I'm sooo smart and that I should have done good on the PSAT and in chemistry and geometry and English. It's not easy. It's almost impossible to get all A's and people think it just comes naturally. It doesn't!!! I work my butt off and I'm tired fo writing papers and getting seventies on them. I just wish school wasn't as hard as it is. Thank you God for being so merciful and so full of love for me. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you! I just needed to get all my frustrations out and all I could think of were those people out in the desert waiting for the promised land. They got frustrated and opposed Moses and You. I don't want to do that because I know that only good will come from this experience that I need to carry with me. It is just a trial that I am going through and I know this is where I belong. It just gets a little frustrating sometimes so I took it out on the computer. Also, I didn't feel like talking and I need to practice typing so I just started typing. I didn't know what at first but then it just kept flowing and here I am. I began to get all my complaints out and I ended up thanking you because IT'S ALL GOOD! I just had to release my frustration. Not only that but I think I am about to start. Well, I feel a lot better now that I have done this. Thanks again for always being by my side and comforting me when I need you. I love you so much. Thanks. I guess I will try to go to sleep now even though I am not tired. I love you.
Love,
Cara
February 7 2001
God,
It's been awhile since I have actually written in here. At church tonight Kyle said, "If God speaks to you, write it down." Well, I want to write down what happened at D-Now and everything that you have revealed to me in the past couple of weeks. Last Friday we played Burnet and we lost. All through the game I prayed that you would change my attitude because I despised the way I was acting. Anyways, we lost and then we went to D-Now. The whole weekend we had to carry around a little marble. At the end of the weekend we had a special session. We talked and then we worshiped and then Brent prayed. After that we went off on our own. We were supposed to pray about what our marble meant. It was supposed to stand for extra baggage that we needed to give to you. I found my seat and sat down. I began to pray saying "God, I pray that..." and you said, "Hush, I know what you are going to say." So I sat there. The verse came to mind "Be still and know that I am God." I sat there and I could feel you forming my heart in your hands. It was an incredible feeling. After that I prayed that you would lay someone on my heart to witness to but nobody came to mind. So, I got my marble out of my pocket, went and put him in the bowl and then sat down. I began to sing but after awhile I couldn't even say that. I sat there. Brent stopped and said that if anyone would like to share anything they could. I felt that you wanted me to be silent so I was. A few people shared and then we began to worship again. I put my head in my hands and just cried. After awhile Brent stopped and said if anyone wants to continue praying they could. I just sat there, Ashley and Lindsey stayed too. Most everybody got up and left. A few minutes later Linzi came over and hugged me. We just stayed there for awhile. Then Ashley came over and knelt down on the chair next to me. After that I went and blew my nose. Then I found Ashley and asked if we could talk. She said yes and so we began to talk. I spilled my guts. I said things at random times and I'm sure it didn't make any sense to her but I got it off my chest. Finally when I started making sense she completely understood me. I told her about Camp Buckner and this past semester. I told her of how I felt like I was too good to admit my mistakes and that bothers me. I told her I can't focus when I worship and she understood me there too. We talked for about an hour about all kinds of things. By the end of the night I still hadn't figured it all out. Sunday evening on the way home from church I told my mom of what I learned. When we got home I told my Dad some of it and he said this, "Earlier today I told Shea that when she's at Camp Buckner to talk little and listen a lot." When he said that everything made sense. I realized that God had called me to be silent unless he tells me otherwise. That solves the problem of saying things to impress people. Anyways, I realized then what it was that you wanted from me. Thank you God for teaching me and training me. Thank you for putting me in situations where I have to rely on you because I had no one else to turn to. It was tough but I'm more mature because of it and I thank you for that! Jessica is coming back I hope and Linzi is definitely following you now and I thank you for them. I thank you for Julia and her excitement and eagerness to know you and spend time at church and things like that. Thank you for John, Cori, Shorty, Ava, Kim, and Ashley. Thank you for their friendships. Thank you God for everything! I cannot thank you enough for all the things you have done in my life and the things that you have given me. Thank you so much!
I love you so much!
I love you so much!
I love you so much!
I love you so much!
I love you so much!
I love you!
Phil. 2:14-15
THANKS
I (heart) U!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Phil 4:11
PS This is going to be a long PS but here goes. Talk about the power of prayer! As soon as I began to pray for Jess she began to make a turn around. As soon as I began to pray for campus Crystal told me how excited she was about this church she went to. Gabriel opened up to me about what he believed. Linzi has become passionate about following you. Julia is excited about church and has learned more about you. I have been filled with joy. I've made friends with people at GT. Ashley and I are sort of like accountability partners in a way. We pray for each other and then check up on it next time we see each other almost every time. It's so great to have a friend like her. She, Ava, Kim, John, Cory, and Shorty all came to our last game against Ingram (we won) and then went to Denny's with us. Amanda, Joe, Jim, and Julia came along too. It was so much fun. That meant so much to me and Linzi. Thank you for that God. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
February 8 2001
God,
This morning was exciting! We had our Bible study; it was just me, Desiree, and Christina. We were sitting by the doors to the weight room. A coach came in and looked at what we were doing. He got halfway down the hall and said, "I'm proud of you girls." It was Coach Lovelace who said that. Also, I talked to Gabe and he said that he used to read the bible every night. I asked if he still did but he said sometimes. Later, in reading, I told him he was welcome to come to the bible studies as well if he'd like. I hope he comes next week. Thanks God for everything.
Heart with cross,
Cara
February 9 2001
God,
Thank you for hearing my prayers and answering them according to your will. Thank you for making me depend on you. I love you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:3
God,
Every since I have been praying for our campus Crystal told me she is going to church and how much she likes it. Gabe told me that he used to read the bible a lot. Everyday it's something new I learn about him. Linzi is passionately following You God. Julia loves to be at church. So many things and you never cease to amaze me. I love you God!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thought Patterns
Sunday School February 11 2001
1 Cor. 28:9
Titus 1:15-16 Matt 7:17-18
Rom 8:5-7 Eph 5:13-14 DC Talk Matt 10:16
We can change our thought patterns
Sinful nature-death
Spirit filled mind-life peace
In our mind we chose to sin or not to sin and that's why its important to think of spiritual matters
NO Limits
"I AM"
THE ALPHA and OMEGA!
*Because He is we can be!
*He's limitless and we can experience that.
"If God wore a suit we could all fit in His watch pocket."
Galatians 2:20 Phil 2:3-8
"All my life I looked for gold at the end of the rainbow and I found it at the foot of the cross!"
"You'll never know you need Jesus until Jesus is all you have."
Mother Theresa
February 12 2001
God,
Today I talked with Gabriel. I asked him if he had read his Bible lately. He said he had read John 1-? (he couldn't remember). I told him that that was cool. Thank you God for that opportunity. God, I ask that you give me confidence in myself but also keep me humble. Thank you God for everything. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
PS Thanks for the babysitting job and the experience I had. Please keep training me.
God,
Julia is over at my house and we were getting ready for bed. I said, "Let's memorize a verse tonight." and then I said, "Psalm 34:4." I turned to that and it was incredible. All evening and this past week the devil has been telling me I'm not ready to witness to people, I'm not ready for spurs on Camp Buckner. I read this verse and once again I realized if I just ask you then you will take away those fears. It may not be right away but you will! I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."
Psalm 34:4
February 26 2001
God,
You taught me something the other day and I haven't written it down. When Mrs. Brown relieved Jess as an officer I was a little confused. That morning I was thinking "Well, maybe we shouldn't because she has been trying to get on the right track." Later that day I found out that Mrs. Brown had relieved her. I didn't really know what to think so I trusted that it was your timing and that Mrs. Brown had done the right thing. After Jess got relieved she told me theres no point in going to church anymore. The other day I realized that you had "spit her out of your mouth." She was an FCA officer and her life didn't reflect that. She was lukewarm and when she began coming back to church you knew her heart and it was not right so she was relieved as an officer. Now she doesn't have to "ride the fence" so much. Thank you for making me realize that. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Thursday, August 22, 2019
September 2001
September 1
God,
I have to write down the 1 Cor 9:22 story but that will go in my next journal because I don't have enough room to write it in this one. One thing lately that you have made real to me is John 21:25. Every time you do something I want to write it down but sometimes I don't because it's just so much. I mean, every thought ties into something and every action too. There is just so much you do and I want to write it all down but its almost impossible. I bet if we put every Christian's journal together and combined all of our "God Stories" the book would be thicker than the earth. You are always working and showing your love and it never ceases to amaze the things you do. Thank you for answering our prayers and providing for us. Thank you for the fellowship you give us and the friendships you create. I love you and I thank you for being my teacher, my Savior, my God, my friend, and also my Dad. I love you!!
Heart with cross,
Cara
This completes the journal entries from my first journal (the blue one pictured in the first post) I have on record.
God,
I have to write down the 1 Cor 9:22 story but that will go in my next journal because I don't have enough room to write it in this one. One thing lately that you have made real to me is John 21:25. Every time you do something I want to write it down but sometimes I don't because it's just so much. I mean, every thought ties into something and every action too. There is just so much you do and I want to write it all down but its almost impossible. I bet if we put every Christian's journal together and combined all of our "God Stories" the book would be thicker than the earth. You are always working and showing your love and it never ceases to amaze the things you do. Thank you for answering our prayers and providing for us. Thank you for the fellowship you give us and the friendships you create. I love you and I thank you for being my teacher, my Savior, my God, my friend, and also my Dad. I love you!!
Heart with cross,
Cara
This completes the journal entries from my first journal (the blue one pictured in the first post) I have on record.
August 2001
August 1
God you are awesome!
First at H.E.B. camp and then Aspendale with San Angelo. You are awesome. I have learned so much. Now I know why they said or at the end of John he said that if everything you did were written down then not even the whole world could contain the books. First of all....yes first of all....I was doing my quiet time and I read 1 Timothy 6:17. My thought process was this: Wow, not only do you provide for us but you provide richly and not only do you provide what we need because we need it but you do it for our enjoyment. As soon as those thoughts ran through my head Shela laid a package of M&Ms on my Bible. She said, "I just felt like being nice so I bought you these." Then she walked off. Just a few minutes ago before we broke off to do our quiet times I told the group that I like M&Ms. I wasn't craving them or anything but I knew I liked them and we were sharing stuff about ourselves so thats what I said. That was so you providing for my enjoyment. What a mighty loving God you are. I love you. Not only that but I made so many friends!! Okay, nother story. First I became friends with Amanda P. and Dana (and Lauren). I wanted to get to know Amanda M. too. She was sarcastic to me at first. Usually sarcasm hurts me. We became friends. The second night before devo we talked. She (Amanda M.) told me that during choir tour some things went on between herself, Amanda P., and Dana. She told me that at first she didn't want to be my friend because she thought I would ditch her for Amanda P., and Dana and she didn't want to get hurt. Well, she told me that she could trust me and that she was glad we could talk. That night she asked both Amanda P. and Dana for forgiveness!! The next night before devo I talked with Amanda P.. She told me how happy she was b/c God had mended her friendship with Amanda M. Then we bible bonded, prayed and then went to devo. I got to see you work in those girl's lives and at the same time build my own relationships with them!! Now for the ultimate story and this will take awhile. In fact, I'll write it tomorrow because my arm hurts. Please hold me accountable to it God b/c I want to write it down. That way I can come back and read it some day and be reminded of your awesomeness. So, I have to write down the Lauren Matthews story and the Dale Callison story. Well, I'll write it tomorrow. I love ya!
Heart with cross,
Cara
We have free will.
August 3
God,
Its my first night in our beautiful home in San Angelo! I love it. Well, it's also 1:30 AM so I'm going to get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
I still have to write down the Lauren and Dale stories!
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
August 3
He's HOT She's HOT
See marriage as God does.
*Lifelong committment
*If you can handle that then get married, if not don't get married (Matt. 19:7-12)
See divorce as God does:
*Hate it (Malachi 2:16)
*Hold out for someone with whom you can struggle and grow, not struggle and give up.
Holy-1 Peter 1:15-16, 1 Thes. 4:7
*Sanctification-process of growth and maturity by which our choices, thoughts, and actions begin to look more and more like God's
2 Cor 7:1-desire God and love Him
Living out holiness:
conviction-knowing God's truth
committment-the willingness to follow those convictions in obedience
discipline-obeying God in our daily choices
dependence-relying on the Spirit rather than our own will power.
desire-longing for God and God alone.
*Being in a relationship with a holy man will encourage my walk with the Lord. Prov 27:17
*I want to be teamed up with someone who has a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to see His glory multiplied in all the earth. Eccl 4:9
*True holiness doesn't pick and choose, or compare itself to anything but the righteousness of God.
Song of Songs 2:15-don't let the "little" sin deceive you. It's all the same in God's eyes.
NO COMPROMISE
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Lambs Book of Life
Rev. 3:5, 17:8 Phil. 4:3
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
August 8
God,
I don't really know what to say. I just thought that if I started writing then maybe I could make sense of things. I know I don't HAVE to read your word but I should want to. And right now I don't really have that want to. I feel so distant from you. I know you're there but I feel all alone right now. I feel so confused. Like I don't know who I am anymore. I know you're in control. Help me to rest in that. Motivate me please. In life. I need you more than anything. Thank you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Eph. 2:1 - If you are not a christian you follow the devil. He is the ruler of the kingdom of the air.
Eph. 2:6 - If you are saved you sit with Jesus in the Heavenly realms!
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
August 11
1 Cor. 10:31
Soccer
School
Job?
I give you all the glory God for whatever I do.
August 13
Can't lose your salvation:
Eph. 1:13-14
....with a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.
God,
If you want me to play soccer then you will have to do that because I can't do it on my own. It's all yours. Have fun.
Heart with cross,
Cara
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
August 15
Ephesians 2:11-22
Jews-No one can save the Gentiles.
Gentiles-take pride in accomplishments.
Jesus came and died for them and took that hostility away. They have become one in Christ. If they can anyone can. Skater to Prep to Gangster to whatever else. We can be unified in Jesus if we accept his salvation. We can be friends and join together and rise to be a holy temple. Thank you Jesus for my salvation. Love others through me now. My prayer is that your dwelling in me will be so powerful and overwhelming that when others look at me they see you. I love you for who you are and what you've done so far. And what you're going to do. Thank you. I give you all the glory!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Eph. 3:19 - Love is far greater than knowledge!
vs 20-His power is at work within us and He can do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine!!
Ask and believe and wait! Watch God do things beyond our imagination!
1 Thes. 5:17 -Pray continually!
God,
Last night I was extremely frustrated. I'm so glad I can be honest with you. I know now that I have asked you these things in your son's name that you will take care of them. I'll wait. Even though I'm tired of waiting, I'll wait. And I will depend on you to get me from here to there and I will trust Juliana and Ace over to you. And Amanda. I lay all of these at your feet!
Heart with cross,
Cara
In the midst of all the pain
the joy I feel makes it real.
Why would anyone choose this life?
Because of the joy amidst the pain.
Your discipline taste so sweet
because it means you love me.
You're always there, you never leave
and that's what makes you real to me.
The devil throws temptation in my face
But I will turn to your sweet embrace.
Thank you Jesus for not giving up
August 22
God,
Last night you revealed something to me. When you broke me of being so "spiritual" I felt I was going backwards in my walk with you. But really, you were teaching me to love you and you made me realize how much I need you because I fail all the time. Well, lately my prayer has been that you would help me to be friends with everyone regardless. Well, once again you are (I don't mean this in a conceited way) molding me into a "more fun to be around" girl. You are helping me to dress to where I have the confidence to talk to anyone and you're helping me to meet people real easily and you're helping me to just have fun with people. I am still failing from time to time and that's why I got frustrated. I felt like I only wanted to have fun and not talk to anyone about spiritual things and I don't want to become that person. So God, as you make me "cooler" please make me stronger in doing your will. After all that's most important. I love you God and thank you for teaching me.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Oh PS. You are teaching me what Paul said in 1 Cor. 9:22-23!
PSS Another thing. You also taught me not to depend on a car to do your mission work. You will take care of it. Mark 2:1-5 talks about 4 people bringing a paralytic to Jesus. There wasn't any room to fit through the door so they lowered him through the roof to see Jesus. Just trust God and things will work out. God thank you for strengthening me. I love you so much.
August 24
1 Cor 3:6-7
He uses us to plant the seeds
-Tell others about God and His word
He then uses us to water it
-Disciple them, teach them
But only He makes them grow
-No matter how much we tell them and teach them only God can mature them and make them grow.
Plant, water, then watch God grow them.
TEMPLE OF GOD
vs 16-17
I am God's temple and He will destroy those who destroy His temple.
1 Cor. 5
vs 9-11
9-10: We must associate with those of this world who are lost so that they may know God.
vs 11: If they claim to know Him though and still live that lifestyle then don't associate with him/her.
Be real with God. Judges 6:11- He will answer you.
God,
I want to see your wonders too. In the church, in my family, everywhere in my life.
Heart with cross,
Cara
HARVEST
Matt. 9:36-38 Hebrews 2:2-3
John 4:34-38
Matt 9:36-38
The Harvest is plentiful-the lost are out there and there's a lot of them. They need someone to show them the way to the Father.
The workers are few. Ask God about the harvest so He'll send you. How often does Jesus tell us to ask God about something specific? Not very often. By all means pray about the harvest, ask about it, and see what and how the Lord will use you.
John 4:34-38
Always sow seeds whether you reap the benefits or not because later on someone else will reap the benefits. The Harvest is here though. People are searching for that unconditional love. Don't be discouraged if you do not reap the benefits. You are doing the "hard work" and later on someone will get to reap the benefits.
Hebrews 2:2-4
How can we not share this salvation. It was announced by the Lord and then confirmed by those who heard him. God testifies it to us by many ways; how can we ignore it?
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Catrina: engaged (2 abortions)
Aubrey: engaged
Jenny Quinny: 5 months pregnant
Mrs McAuley and Mrs Daugherty: PREGNANT!
*Unity of GFBC **Not fall into pride w/ new leadership positions or doubt the prayer thing
*won't compromise the little things
*someone to take care of John's mom next year while at college
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Discovering my Identity!
1 John 1:5-2:11
2:9-11 * 1 John 3:6
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
August 29
Romans 1:18-20
God's creation can stand alone. It can present the gospel. God has made it plain. It can be clearly seen. We can understand Him by what He has made.
1 Cor. 9:24-
No matter how good it feels when you win first place in a tournament, or play the greatest game of your life when all your friends and family were watching it doesn't compare to the crown we receive that lasts forever.
God,
help me to remember that please when soccer season starts. And now too. I love you God.
Heart with cross,
Cara
"I do not run like a man running aimlessly."
I am in your will.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."
My future is secure. I can feel good about today because tomorrow is in your hands. It's already taken care of as long as I remain in your will. So many times we don't realize how you answer our prayers. About the "L.O.U.D." bracelett. This morning I prayed that the right person would ask me. You brought to my mind Amanda. I immediately though of Amanda Martinez and thought how cool it would be if she asked me. We had first period together but she didn't ask me. Tonight at church Shela, Amanda Pfluger, and I were sitting outside. Shela went inside right after Amanda asked me what L.O.U.D. meant. Then you brought to my mind how you told me Amanda that morning. Well, see at first I wanted it to be someone from Central but you gave me peace about Pluger having it. Thank you. And then Juliana told me today how she wants to see and hear different religions. I prayed that you would open her eyes and soften her heart. Well, there ya go. You answered me and it came straight from Juliana's 'mouth'. It was awesome. God please keep letting me realize those things. That helps our relationship when you help me notice the things you do. I love you. Thank you for providing for our needs.
Heart with cross,
Cara
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
August 30
John 17:20-26
v 23 If Christians will come together and unite, the world will know that Jesus has come and that You love them just as you love your son.
v 26 Jesus will make the Father known to us. He prayed it. If you feel like you are dry and aren't feeling God's presence, pray. Jesus said that he will continue to make God known to us. that way God's love for His Son will also be in us and that Jesus himself will be in us.
God,
My wallet got stolen today but that's okay! Yes, we"ll have to get back to that story. I flipped to Joel and started reading. Today or yesterday, my Mom and I talked about how you provide. She said yes but...I said but it's all we need. Then she said but it's just the barely (or something...probably bare minimum) and I said Yes but its all we need. Then it was silent. Well, Joel 2:26 says You will have plenty to eat, until you are full...I remember just tonight being full off y Mom's enchiladas and how yummy and good it felt. It continues to say "And you will praise the name of the Lord your God, WHO HAS WORKED WONDERS FOR YOU." Well, you worked a wonder on getting us out to San Angelo and you're going to work a wonder for providing for us. So thank you. Now...back to the wallet story. When we got back to the locker room from the weight room Kelly found out that she got her money stollen. She is a christian and she grunted, I think she cursed, and she kicked the wall. I saw that and wished she wouldn't have reacted that way. I got home and I changed and freshened up. Then I went to get my wallet so I could go visit Ace at M&R. Well, my wallet wasn't in my backpack. It had gotten stollen! I said, "Hey Mom, guess what?" She said what and I said, "My wallet got stolen!" We talked about it but I wasn't seriously bummed like Kelly was. (probably cause I didn't have as much money in my wallet as she did) but anyway, I went to hang out with you so you would inform me whether I should play club soccer or I should get a job. Well, I flipped over to Matt 6:19-21 and I read it. It made so much sense to me. It was like a reality check from you. You assured me that my treasure is in heaven and not here on earth. I guess lately I felt like I was not where I should be but that was Satan trying to get me down and off track while you were teaching me 1 Cor 9:22. So you just assured me through Matt 6:19-21. Then Amanda called earlier and told me I left my wallet in her car. Thank you God for taking care of it. You planned that! Me forgetting my wallet in Amanda's car so it couldn't get stollen. Wow another answer to a simple prayer. You are PROTECTING me. Thank you! You are the coolest God ever! Oh, I talked to Ashley Marriott tonight. Thank you for giving me such a great friend. I love you and I thank you for everything!
Heart with cross,
Cara
1 Cor. 10
vs 13-God provides a way out always. Look for it! That "way out" could be prayer!
vs 23 Everything in this world I can use or do. However, not all of it is going to help me. Not all of it will glorify God.
vs 24-Put others first.
God you are awesome!
First at H.E.B. camp and then Aspendale with San Angelo. You are awesome. I have learned so much. Now I know why they said or at the end of John he said that if everything you did were written down then not even the whole world could contain the books. First of all....yes first of all....I was doing my quiet time and I read 1 Timothy 6:17. My thought process was this: Wow, not only do you provide for us but you provide richly and not only do you provide what we need because we need it but you do it for our enjoyment. As soon as those thoughts ran through my head Shela laid a package of M&Ms on my Bible. She said, "I just felt like being nice so I bought you these." Then she walked off. Just a few minutes ago before we broke off to do our quiet times I told the group that I like M&Ms. I wasn't craving them or anything but I knew I liked them and we were sharing stuff about ourselves so thats what I said. That was so you providing for my enjoyment. What a mighty loving God you are. I love you. Not only that but I made so many friends!! Okay, nother story. First I became friends with Amanda P. and Dana (and Lauren). I wanted to get to know Amanda M. too. She was sarcastic to me at first. Usually sarcasm hurts me. We became friends. The second night before devo we talked. She (Amanda M.) told me that during choir tour some things went on between herself, Amanda P., and Dana. She told me that at first she didn't want to be my friend because she thought I would ditch her for Amanda P., and Dana and she didn't want to get hurt. Well, she told me that she could trust me and that she was glad we could talk. That night she asked both Amanda P. and Dana for forgiveness!! The next night before devo I talked with Amanda P.. She told me how happy she was b/c God had mended her friendship with Amanda M. Then we bible bonded, prayed and then went to devo. I got to see you work in those girl's lives and at the same time build my own relationships with them!! Now for the ultimate story and this will take awhile. In fact, I'll write it tomorrow because my arm hurts. Please hold me accountable to it God b/c I want to write it down. That way I can come back and read it some day and be reminded of your awesomeness. So, I have to write down the Lauren Matthews story and the Dale Callison story. Well, I'll write it tomorrow. I love ya!
Heart with cross,
Cara
We have free will.
August 3
God,
Its my first night in our beautiful home in San Angelo! I love it. Well, it's also 1:30 AM so I'm going to get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow. I love you!
Heart with cross,
Cara
I still have to write down the Lauren and Dale stories!
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
August 3
He's HOT She's HOT
See marriage as God does.
*Lifelong committment
*If you can handle that then get married, if not don't get married (Matt. 19:7-12)
See divorce as God does:
*Hate it (Malachi 2:16)
*Hold out for someone with whom you can struggle and grow, not struggle and give up.
Holy-1 Peter 1:15-16, 1 Thes. 4:7
*Sanctification-process of growth and maturity by which our choices, thoughts, and actions begin to look more and more like God's
2 Cor 7:1-desire God and love Him
Living out holiness:
conviction-knowing God's truth
committment-the willingness to follow those convictions in obedience
discipline-obeying God in our daily choices
dependence-relying on the Spirit rather than our own will power.
desire-longing for God and God alone.
*Being in a relationship with a holy man will encourage my walk with the Lord. Prov 27:17
*I want to be teamed up with someone who has a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to see His glory multiplied in all the earth. Eccl 4:9
*True holiness doesn't pick and choose, or compare itself to anything but the righteousness of God.
Song of Songs 2:15-don't let the "little" sin deceive you. It's all the same in God's eyes.
NO COMPROMISE
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Lambs Book of Life
Rev. 3:5, 17:8 Phil. 4:3
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
August 8
God,
I don't really know what to say. I just thought that if I started writing then maybe I could make sense of things. I know I don't HAVE to read your word but I should want to. And right now I don't really have that want to. I feel so distant from you. I know you're there but I feel all alone right now. I feel so confused. Like I don't know who I am anymore. I know you're in control. Help me to rest in that. Motivate me please. In life. I need you more than anything. Thank you.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Eph. 2:1 - If you are not a christian you follow the devil. He is the ruler of the kingdom of the air.
Eph. 2:6 - If you are saved you sit with Jesus in the Heavenly realms!
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
August 11
1 Cor. 10:31
Soccer
School
Job?
I give you all the glory God for whatever I do.
August 13
Can't lose your salvation:
Eph. 1:13-14
....with a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.
God,
If you want me to play soccer then you will have to do that because I can't do it on my own. It's all yours. Have fun.
Heart with cross,
Cara
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
August 15
Ephesians 2:11-22
Jews-No one can save the Gentiles.
Gentiles-take pride in accomplishments.
Jesus came and died for them and took that hostility away. They have become one in Christ. If they can anyone can. Skater to Prep to Gangster to whatever else. We can be unified in Jesus if we accept his salvation. We can be friends and join together and rise to be a holy temple. Thank you Jesus for my salvation. Love others through me now. My prayer is that your dwelling in me will be so powerful and overwhelming that when others look at me they see you. I love you for who you are and what you've done so far. And what you're going to do. Thank you. I give you all the glory!
Heart with cross,
Cara
Eph. 3:19 - Love is far greater than knowledge!
vs 20-His power is at work within us and He can do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine!!
Ask and believe and wait! Watch God do things beyond our imagination!
1 Thes. 5:17 -Pray continually!
God,
Last night I was extremely frustrated. I'm so glad I can be honest with you. I know now that I have asked you these things in your son's name that you will take care of them. I'll wait. Even though I'm tired of waiting, I'll wait. And I will depend on you to get me from here to there and I will trust Juliana and Ace over to you. And Amanda. I lay all of these at your feet!
Heart with cross,
Cara
In the midst of all the pain
the joy I feel makes it real.
Why would anyone choose this life?
Because of the joy amidst the pain.
Your discipline taste so sweet
because it means you love me.
You're always there, you never leave
and that's what makes you real to me.
The devil throws temptation in my face
But I will turn to your sweet embrace.
Thank you Jesus for not giving up
August 22
God,
Last night you revealed something to me. When you broke me of being so "spiritual" I felt I was going backwards in my walk with you. But really, you were teaching me to love you and you made me realize how much I need you because I fail all the time. Well, lately my prayer has been that you would help me to be friends with everyone regardless. Well, once again you are (I don't mean this in a conceited way) molding me into a "more fun to be around" girl. You are helping me to dress to where I have the confidence to talk to anyone and you're helping me to meet people real easily and you're helping me to just have fun with people. I am still failing from time to time and that's why I got frustrated. I felt like I only wanted to have fun and not talk to anyone about spiritual things and I don't want to become that person. So God, as you make me "cooler" please make me stronger in doing your will. After all that's most important. I love you God and thank you for teaching me.
Heart with cross,
Cara
Oh PS. You are teaching me what Paul said in 1 Cor. 9:22-23!
PSS Another thing. You also taught me not to depend on a car to do your mission work. You will take care of it. Mark 2:1-5 talks about 4 people bringing a paralytic to Jesus. There wasn't any room to fit through the door so they lowered him through the roof to see Jesus. Just trust God and things will work out. God thank you for strengthening me. I love you so much.
August 24
1 Cor 3:6-7
He uses us to plant the seeds
-Tell others about God and His word
He then uses us to water it
-Disciple them, teach them
But only He makes them grow
-No matter how much we tell them and teach them only God can mature them and make them grow.
Plant, water, then watch God grow them.
TEMPLE OF GOD
vs 16-17
I am God's temple and He will destroy those who destroy His temple.
1 Cor. 5
vs 9-11
9-10: We must associate with those of this world who are lost so that they may know God.
vs 11: If they claim to know Him though and still live that lifestyle then don't associate with him/her.
Be real with God. Judges 6:11- He will answer you.
God,
I want to see your wonders too. In the church, in my family, everywhere in my life.
Heart with cross,
Cara
HARVEST
Matt. 9:36-38 Hebrews 2:2-3
John 4:34-38
Matt 9:36-38
The Harvest is plentiful-the lost are out there and there's a lot of them. They need someone to show them the way to the Father.
The workers are few. Ask God about the harvest so He'll send you. How often does Jesus tell us to ask God about something specific? Not very often. By all means pray about the harvest, ask about it, and see what and how the Lord will use you.
John 4:34-38
Always sow seeds whether you reap the benefits or not because later on someone else will reap the benefits. The Harvest is here though. People are searching for that unconditional love. Don't be discouraged if you do not reap the benefits. You are doing the "hard work" and later on someone will get to reap the benefits.
Hebrews 2:2-4
How can we not share this salvation. It was announced by the Lord and then confirmed by those who heard him. God testifies it to us by many ways; how can we ignore it?
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Catrina: engaged (2 abortions)
Aubrey: engaged
Jenny Quinny: 5 months pregnant
Mrs McAuley and Mrs Daugherty: PREGNANT!
*Unity of GFBC **Not fall into pride w/ new leadership positions or doubt the prayer thing
*won't compromise the little things
*someone to take care of John's mom next year while at college
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Discovering my Identity!
1 John 1:5-2:11
2:9-11 * 1 John 3:6
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
August 29
Romans 1:18-20
God's creation can stand alone. It can present the gospel. God has made it plain. It can be clearly seen. We can understand Him by what He has made.
1 Cor. 9:24-
No matter how good it feels when you win first place in a tournament, or play the greatest game of your life when all your friends and family were watching it doesn't compare to the crown we receive that lasts forever.
God,
help me to remember that please when soccer season starts. And now too. I love you God.
Heart with cross,
Cara
"I do not run like a man running aimlessly."
I am in your will.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."
My future is secure. I can feel good about today because tomorrow is in your hands. It's already taken care of as long as I remain in your will. So many times we don't realize how you answer our prayers. About the "L.O.U.D." bracelett. This morning I prayed that the right person would ask me. You brought to my mind Amanda. I immediately though of Amanda Martinez and thought how cool it would be if she asked me. We had first period together but she didn't ask me. Tonight at church Shela, Amanda Pfluger, and I were sitting outside. Shela went inside right after Amanda asked me what L.O.U.D. meant. Then you brought to my mind how you told me Amanda that morning. Well, see at first I wanted it to be someone from Central but you gave me peace about Pluger having it. Thank you. And then Juliana told me today how she wants to see and hear different religions. I prayed that you would open her eyes and soften her heart. Well, there ya go. You answered me and it came straight from Juliana's 'mouth'. It was awesome. God please keep letting me realize those things. That helps our relationship when you help me notice the things you do. I love you. Thank you for providing for our needs.
Heart with cross,
Cara
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
August 30
John 17:20-26
v 23 If Christians will come together and unite, the world will know that Jesus has come and that You love them just as you love your son.
v 26 Jesus will make the Father known to us. He prayed it. If you feel like you are dry and aren't feeling God's presence, pray. Jesus said that he will continue to make God known to us. that way God's love for His Son will also be in us and that Jesus himself will be in us.
God,
My wallet got stolen today but that's okay! Yes, we"ll have to get back to that story. I flipped to Joel and started reading. Today or yesterday, my Mom and I talked about how you provide. She said yes but...I said but it's all we need. Then she said but it's just the barely (or something...probably bare minimum) and I said Yes but its all we need. Then it was silent. Well, Joel 2:26 says You will have plenty to eat, until you are full...I remember just tonight being full off y Mom's enchiladas and how yummy and good it felt. It continues to say "And you will praise the name of the Lord your God, WHO HAS WORKED WONDERS FOR YOU." Well, you worked a wonder on getting us out to San Angelo and you're going to work a wonder for providing for us. So thank you. Now...back to the wallet story. When we got back to the locker room from the weight room Kelly found out that she got her money stollen. She is a christian and she grunted, I think she cursed, and she kicked the wall. I saw that and wished she wouldn't have reacted that way. I got home and I changed and freshened up. Then I went to get my wallet so I could go visit Ace at M&R. Well, my wallet wasn't in my backpack. It had gotten stollen! I said, "Hey Mom, guess what?" She said what and I said, "My wallet got stolen!" We talked about it but I wasn't seriously bummed like Kelly was. (probably cause I didn't have as much money in my wallet as she did) but anyway, I went to hang out with you so you would inform me whether I should play club soccer or I should get a job. Well, I flipped over to Matt 6:19-21 and I read it. It made so much sense to me. It was like a reality check from you. You assured me that my treasure is in heaven and not here on earth. I guess lately I felt like I was not where I should be but that was Satan trying to get me down and off track while you were teaching me 1 Cor 9:22. So you just assured me through Matt 6:19-21. Then Amanda called earlier and told me I left my wallet in her car. Thank you God for taking care of it. You planned that! Me forgetting my wallet in Amanda's car so it couldn't get stollen. Wow another answer to a simple prayer. You are PROTECTING me. Thank you! You are the coolest God ever! Oh, I talked to Ashley Marriott tonight. Thank you for giving me such a great friend. I love you and I thank you for everything!
Heart with cross,
Cara
1 Cor. 10
vs 13-God provides a way out always. Look for it! That "way out" could be prayer!
vs 23 Everything in this world I can use or do. However, not all of it is going to help me. Not all of it will glorify God.
vs 24-Put others first.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)