Filed under: Uncategorized
I’m not writing about John Mayer; just a disclaimer.
I’m writing about prayer. Lately, I have had some pretty big things on my heart and my mind and spirit. And when I say big, I don’t mean in an exciting way. Lately, I have been driven to my knees as a result of the new reality I have become aware of. In this new reality, there are problems that are so much bigger than me and I have no control or say over them, and I’m really bad at dealing with being out of control. Because of this, I have been seeking God more than ever before. I have been addicted to the Word because it is actually equipping my Spirit and I have been addicted to prayer because I have nowhere else to go, and I have been going to God because I could see how clearly he was needed in this. And you know what I found? Nope, there was no assurance that this problem would just go away. In fact, I felt the ‘gravity’ of this situation, and of so many other situations that I had ignored so easily before. I feel like my eyes have been open to the smallest glimpse of how God sees these things. So many things that I just pass by are so much bigger to God. He cares about each person and each sin, and his heart breaks over every single thing that separates him from the ones he loves. And even more, he wants us to care too. He desires to open our eyes and communicate with us as we seek him. This overwhelmed me and sometimes I felt myself just wanting to cry. The most amazing thing about this realization, though, is that it came with peace as I continued to pray (and I mean pray and pray and pray – I was really overwhelmed). The peace overcame me because as I saw how big things were to God, I say how much he wanted to equip us to be his hands or his feet or his voice. And even though it should make me nervous, it doesn’t, because I know he really wants healing and truth for his own and I know he wants to use those who are willing. And, of course, this drives me to more prayer because I want to know what exactly he wants to me do…. It’s a vicious cycle – a wonderful, happy, redeeming cycle.
Filed under: God-time reflections | Tags: Controversy, John 18, Pilate, Questions, Truth
Alright, so I’m going to get a little deep here, and it might be long. But, it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time, years, even, and I’ve faced it often in the past few months.
In John 18:35, Pilate asks Jesus “What is truth?” The word used for truth is Aletheia in Greek. Literally this means: objectively, obviously, of a certain and real truth, unconcealedness of things, the state of being evident. Pilate’s question is relevant today. So many people, especially in my generation, wonder what is true. In fact, there are so many choices out there that some choose to believe that nothing is true because they can’t find anything to be evident or up-front. Honestly, with all of the options and arguments available, I think we can argue ourselves to a certain death.
I sometimes get flustered when people ask me what I believe to be true in those “controversial” areas. There are the big ones: abortion, homosexuality, even sex outside-of-marriage. There are small ones, too: dinosaurs, creation/evolution, etc. It’s not that I don’t think that these are valid; in fact, I think God welcomes our questions. I think that it’s not the asking that confuses me – it’s the magnitude that’s placed on the answers. Paul says not to get caught up in arguments because they make people fight, and that’s not what Jesus wants for us (2 Timothy 2:23). I feel like this should be enough, but I know that for some, it’s not, or they feel like their argument is valid. However, there is one thing that I do feel IS valid, and CAN help us in these times. Personally, these questions have not ever rocked my faith. Sure, they’re interesting, some of them truly confusing, yet they don’t seem to touch my relationship with God. It was always hard for me to explain this until I remembered a verse that I think I memorized in middle school. In 1 Corinthians 2:2, Paul says,
“I decided to concentrate only on Jesus Christ and his death on the cross.”
This is truly how I feel. I know that there are questions and concerns and controversies. But I know one thing that is true and I know that I can focus on that to cover all of the other confusions. Jesus Christ is real, he changes lives, and he died on the cross to give us a relationship with him and freedom from sin. Now, people will analyze this and question this and probe this idea as well. However, no scientific answer helps – it takes faith. Maybe that’s why it’s the most effective truth. The love that God has for us can not be figured out. It just is. The other things, in the light of his love, fall by the wayside. Sure, ask questions, but it’s easier to trust when you’re surrounded by his loving embrace and assurance. This is simple, but wonderful, and it’s the only truth I’m really worried about.
Filed under: God-time reflections, On What I'm Reading | Tags: Adopt-a-Block, Dream Center, IJM, International Justice Mission, Making a difference
I have married the most perfect man for me. When I was little all the way up to high school, I had a very specific and crazy dream. I wanted to help people in a BIG way. I wanted to change things and I felt (and still feel) a very personal responsibility for people in need. What an amazing thing it was to find Billy. He has a heart that is bigger than mine and dreams that encompass the one that I’ve had all of these years. Of course, I recognize that God has given all of us such different dreams and goals, and I am just so thankful to have found someone who understands mine so well and who feels as much passion as I do for this.
Anyway, I didn’t want to write this about me and Billy (I can’t help it, I’m in love!). I was actually reading this awesome book by a guy named Tom Davis, called Fields of the Fatherless, and I was once again reminded of that thing. You know, the thing that when you read about it or hear about it, your heart starts to beat really fast, and you just know that this is what your heart was supposed to beat hardest for? This is it for me. He talks all about injustice in the world and what we, as Christians, are responsible for. It always takes me back to Isaiah 1 and 58 (I’m not going to quote them here because these verses are definitely somewhere else on this blog, if not a few times). These chapters talk about what God really asks of us – to seek out the poor, help the orphans and widows, release those in bondage, feed the hungry. Of course, it makes me want to go live and breathe for this cause, but we don’t have the resources to do that right now. I do, however, have resources that I, and you, can use to help:
- International Justice Mission – ijm.org – This organization is Christian-based, yet it uses legal action to take care of injustices around the world. You can financially support a specific area that you want to see justice taken in. It’s an awesome opportunity, and it really makes a consistent, real difference in the lives and future generations of people all over.
- North Charleston Dream Center – Adopt-a-Block – We, at Genesis and Northwood Church, have been going to this awesome event for the past 6 months or so, and this month, Genesis is heading up it’s own block. This means that we have our own block of people that we can minister to specifically as we get to know them and their needs personally. Billy is heading this up, and we are just so excited to see what God will do through our group. We are hoping that the small spark we have can create a fire as people join us. If you are going to be in Charleston on the first Saturday of the month, starting in December, email us and we can get you connected. Here, you can watch a video of what the whole Dream Center is about. It’s awesome, and I’m amazed that we have a chance to be a part of it: Dream Center Promo Video.
I’m interested to see what kind of things are on your heart. If you have something specific and a way that others can join you in making a difference, leave a comment. There’s so much out there to be done! Our God is so big, and it’s so amazing to be a part of His body.
Wow! It’s been a really long time since I’ve blogged. However, I have been validly busy! Since I last updated, I have gotten married (yay!), gone on a honeymoon, and been really busy with school. I can’t believe that over a month has passed, and it’s almost Thanksgiving. I guess I’ll just give some updates that I can remember, and after this, start blogging regularly again!
- Being married is wonderful, and I love watching movies and eating dinner and shopping with Billy. I keep getting asked what the best part about being married is, and I have a hard time putting my finger on anything specific. I just love that we get to do everything together and just experience life.
- School is crazy and I just cannot wait to have this semester over with. I have a huge paper to write for my American Writing class, and I am really dreading it, and I like to write. I just think I’ve been so busy that I can’t wait for a true break.
- Our friends, Paul and Amy, got married 4 weeks after us, and it was such a beautiful wedding. We are glad to add the last wedding of the year, and I’m so glad that they’re married now, too.
- The honeymoon was absolutely amazing. We went to Riviera Maya, Mexico, and it was gorgeous. Our resort was wonderful and we had so much fun relaxing. One of the highlights was this contest that they had one night that was modeled after “American Idol.” It was a singing contest, and Billy entered, and he WON! He won a bottle of Tequila, which we promptly gave away to one of Billy’s newly-made fans (who ended up being a HUGE fan after the gift).
- Living in a small apartment is so fun. I love being a wife, and I want to just clean all of the time (okay, well, that’s dramatic, but still…)! Really, though, I do love it, and I feel so blessed to be at this point in our lives.
- Couponing has gotten even better since we have been married. I think I’m the only girl I’ve met so far who’s husband helps her clip coupons! Seriously, he’s so awesome. We actually go in two lines every Sunday night so that we can get two Mystery Penny items at Publix. It’s so fun!
- I am looking forward to Christmas break so that I can read cheesy Christian romance novels. I can’t wait to stop reading this literary fiction. It’s only qualified as “literary” if it has a bad ending. I like happy, sloppy, romantic endings.
I think I should end this list, but thanks to anybody who stayed long enough to read this! I’ll update sooner, next time.
Oh, and here’s a wedding picture. I’ll put more on later!
Filed under: Uncategorized
I can’t believe that we are getting married tomorrow! I am so excited. I feel so blessed that all of the people we love have come around us to make our day so special. We have had family and good friends make their way to Charleston just for us! It’s so humbling to have so many people that are here for us! I never expected anything this wonderful.
Anyway, last night was our Rehearsal, and it was so much fun! Today, I have a bridal luncheon and then I have my bachelorette party tonight! I can’t wait! Billy is going to play golf during the day and then hanging out with the guys tonight!
And tomorrow is the big day! I’ll update after the honeymoon!!
I have heard that as women, we have a special talent for multi-tasking. I’m not so sure that I do, personally, but I really hope so, considering all that I have to do in the next week-and- a-half! Coming up, I have 2 midterms, one report, one huge paper, and all of the small wedding details to nail down. I’m pretty swamped, and I shouldn’t even be writing this blog, but I wanted to at least get this one in before the wedding (and hopefully one more)!
I don’t really know what I am even blogging about, but I was excited to do it.
I guess I will just give an update by listing a couple of things on my mind…
- Holy cow, there are ONLY 15 days left until I’m married!
- Holy cow, there are STILL 15 days left until I’m married!
- I am an official coupon-er. I just made up that word, but I think that it suits it. I think that Southern Savers is the best thing in the world, and this week I saved almost $60 by using coupons at Publix. It’s nowhere close to where I want to be, but I’m learning!
- Taking a senior level Bible class has kicked my behind, and it’s not even my major. Note to self: The title “Book Study of John” does not mean “Let’s get together for a Bible study and talk about how much Jesus loves us.” It really means that the professor will mention words you don’t know like “Soteriology” and “Docetism” and expect you to know them already.
- Budgeting is becoming more and more important, and we are learning a lot. Trial and error is not always the way to go with money, though. I’m learning that it’s just better to stay safe and not play around. You could go in the negative, or end up with a small amount in checking… I’m just saying.
Ok, so there is a lot more than that going on. But really, I just don’t have time, and anyone reading this probably thanks me for not ranting and raving any longer. Maybe I’ll squeeze in one more post before the wedding. If not, I’ll see you on the other side! Yipee!
Filed under: Wedding
It’s been a little while since I’ve really updated everything that’s been happening, and I think it’s because I’ve been so busy!
Well, today, the countdown on my dashboard (of my macbook) told me that I have one month and one week until our wedding! I just can’t believe it! It is really coming so fast, and most of the time I feel like it. We have been doing so much to prepare, but I’ll get to that later.
School started, and I love it! It’s been somewhat stressful, but also it’s been really fun! Already, I feel like I’ve learned a lot, and I love my English classes. Plus, it really has helped me to fill my time up… so much so, that I can get overwhelmed with this schedule I am keeping. But I know it’s worth it.
And, talking about a busy schedule, Billy and I have had a hard time getting away. I mean, we do see each other all of the time, but our one-on-one time has been cut down pretty drastically. Still, we try to make time to have fun. Last Sunday, we had a picnic on the beach, and then we went to Marble Slab (my FAVORITE)! It was so fun, and a good reminder of how much we love each other:
Anyway, about the wedding… We have been making such great progress! Things are falling into place, girls are getting their dresses ready, guys are getting their tuxes measured… really, it’s coming together! Next week, we are going to meet with Phillip, Anita, and the Fergusons (all who are so graciously helping at our reception… thanks again) to go hang out and look at the Embassy Suites (where the reception is) so that we can finalize some of our plans with that. My bridal portraits are coming soon, as well… Gosh, I can’t wait.
Oh! We have had so many weddings, that I just wanted to comment on those as well! They were all so beautiful and unique! I was amazed at how quickly they passed, and I’m just so glad that everyone is married now (except us, of course, and Paul & Amy). I’m pretty sure I cried at every one!
Ok, so that’s it for now… hopefully I’ll get one or two more updates in before the big day! Then I really will be Sarah Ann Rogers…. yay!
Tonight, I was reading Ezekiel, and in chapter 2, I came upon this, and I was amazed (verses 7-10):
“You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious! Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in being a rebel. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you.”
Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and it held a scroll. He unrolled it, and I saw that both sides were covered with funeral songs, other words of sorrow, and pronouncements of doom.
What a send-off. Ezekiel had just been told that he was going to be sent to speak to the Israelites for God Himself, and the message was not going to be a happy one. He was told ahead of time that they were not going to listen happily or change or receive him at all, but they in fact, would be more rebellious. Oh, and, the last verse includes “pronouncements of doom,” to top it off.
I am not sure what I would do if I were in his position. What if God told me, “Sarah, I want you to go on the news, make sure all of the United States hears you, and then I will speak through you. The whole country is in disarray and I’m not happy with them. They are not really going to welcome this, and they will continue to do everything you and I tell them not to do. Make sure that you stand out, that you don’t become anything like them, and that you do everything I tell you to. And, just so you know, there will be war, and pain, and terrible things to come. I just thought I would give you a heads up.” I think that if God gave me this commission, I would feel the need to make some sort of contract before I jumped right in. But not Ezekiel. Actually, there are 46 more chapters of him doing exactly what God tells him to.
I know that God wants to use every one of us in a specific way. For me, I know that it has something to do with communication, writing, and hopefully with outreach. Everyone has a different calling and purpose, and different people God has for them to reach. There are so many possibilities. But what if we knew that we wouldn’t be received, we wouldn’t see any results come of our life’s calling, and we were going to encounter really tough life situations the whole way. That seems pretty heavy.
However, there is a good side. Sometimes, it took thousands of years for God to fulfill His promises or for things that were prophesied to come to pass. But, that is the cool part. God does work in and through all things, and when He orchestrates something, it’s just a blessing to be a part of it. Can you really imagine the other side of what Ezekiel must have felt? He had to be terrified and unsure, but he must have been freaking out in a good way, too! God had just talked to him, and told him that there was a mission for his life specifically, and that God was going to use him to talk to a whole nation. That is really amazing.
In the end, we can rest assured that Christ has ultimately won the victory, we can have peace when we are under His plan and in His will, and the joy that comes from following Him, and knowing we play an important part in His plan, will eventually heal any pain or rejection we feel in the course of our lives. And actually, those bad things are supposed to be seen as good because it allows us to be used by God! How backwards to us, but how much better!
Alright, so I know this was long, and for anyone who read the whole thing, thanks. I know that sometimes I ramble, but I can’t help it! I keep learning!
Filed under: Wedding
So, for the 8 total months that we will have been engaged, I have had some landmarks that I have looked forward to that have had to happen before we get married in October! So far, there have been quite a few that we’ve hit! I just realized it yesterday and wanted to make a list so that I could really see it.
Landmarks that have already passed:
- School ending in May
- Our birthdays in May and July
- Chelsie’s wedding in July
- Baillie’s wedding in August
- 2 of my bridal showers
- Leasing the apartment
- Painting the apartment (very cute colors, may I add!)
Landmarks I’m still waiting on:
- Billy moving into the apartment officially
- School starting
- Cami’s wedding
- Starting my job in the Writing Center at CSU
- My last bridal shower
- Billy’s man-party (basically a hangout for the guys while they bring gift-cards for Billy)
- Fall small groups for Genesis
- Mid-terms
- Rehearsal Dinner/Bachelorette Party
I can’t believe there are only 2 months left! Honestly, what I’m looking forward to most is being married! I’m sure the wedding will be wonderful, but I can’t wait to be Billy’s wife!
Filed under: God-time reflections, Wedding | Tags: 1 Timothy, Faithfulness, Gossip, Husbands, Wives
When I was younger, say, 14 or 15, I remember reading 1 Timothy 2 and writing it all down in my journal. I read all about what God had required of an Elder and of a Deacon in the church, and I decided to make that my checklist of characteristics that I wanted to find in my husband. I can honestly say that, although Billy isn’t perfect, he definitely has the quality of character and the integrity that was required of these men. I definitely am blessed to have such an amazing man to marry.
However, tonight, as I was re-reading the chapter, I noticed the one verse that talks about the wives of these men. It has four qualities that it points out, so I take that those must be very important, considering they were the only ones mentioned. Here is the verse (11):
Similarly, the wives must be of good character, not gossips, but temperate, faithful in everything.
I decided to look at all four things and dissect them a bit.
- They must be of good character: This might seem pretty straightforward, but I think it’s really important. We require and ask for integrity from our men, but we must have integrity in the same measure! I want people to trust and know me to be a godly woman and wife, just as much as i expect that kind of a husband from Billy.
- They must not be gossips: This is such a struggle for women. As a rule, we hold more words in our mouths, just waiting to come out, than men. Also, we are often more detailed, perceptive, and analytical… not to mention emotional. If we do not specifically watch our words and take special care not to gossip, it can come so easily. In fact, it’s our second nature to gossip… it doesn’t make it right, but it does make it something to look out for.
- They must be temperate: I don’t know about all of the other women out there, but I would not say that “temperate” is a word I would use to describe how I naturally am. I am emotional, extreme, up-and-down, and I can change my mind or my feelings in 5 seconds. However, this verse tells me that no longer is there the excuse that, “It’s just that time of the month,” or, “I just don’t feel like it,” going to cut it anymore. Nope! We are being called to consistency, which I know, for me, can only come through God. I’m a pretty inconsistent lady sometimes.
- They must be faithful in all things: Faithful wives, faithful mothers, faithful followers, faithful Christians, faithful prayers, faithful friends, faithful forgivers… That’s right, faithful in ALL things, even the hard stuff. I know that sometimes, I just want to give up, but not only is it a command, but it’s a fruit of the Spirit. Faithfulness, something that comes out of God inside of us.
Now, I don’t really mean to say that these things only apply to women, and I’m sure that Paul didn’t mean that either. It is only that these are things that we have to watch out for, especially. And because I’m praying for Billy to be that kind of man, I want to be this kind of a wife!
