For freedom Chirst has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yolk of slavery. --Gal 5:1
I will run in the ways of your commandments for you set my heart free! --Ps 119:32
The LORD sets the prisoners free; --Ps 146:7c
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood...be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen--Rev 1:5b-6a
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. --Ps 119:37
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth wiill set you free."--Jn 8:31-32
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Camp Salvation Again
Oh My. What a week I had.
Worship was like never before. I was free, finally free. Somehow God removed all those barriers that come steal my joy and let me forget myself and fall into Christ in praise. Every day it was different, and every day it was delightful.
Fellowship was amazing. I found new friends, friends who know how to live to please the Father. Friends who know how to love, and are experienced enough to know wisdom. Friends who are walking with the King also, and like to talk about Him and to hear about His faithfulness.
And I found encouragement through observing the faith of others. As I watched the speakers and counselors invest in the lives of the campers asking questions and visiting with genuine interest, I saw the beauty of Jesus' love in a new way.
But most of all, I saw the Holy Spirit work in the hearts of campers, bringing new souls into the everlasting kingdom. Such rejoicing! Has my spirit ever been so content, so delighted, so inspired?
I have been so refreshed and renewed by the Spirit of God that I feel like a completely new person. I feel I am ready to conquer the world.
Going back to school no longer seems like the burden of doom looming in the future. It's an opportunity now. More people need Jesus.
I am strong again.
1 Cor 10:12
Worship was like never before. I was free, finally free. Somehow God removed all those barriers that come steal my joy and let me forget myself and fall into Christ in praise. Every day it was different, and every day it was delightful.
Fellowship was amazing. I found new friends, friends who know how to live to please the Father. Friends who know how to love, and are experienced enough to know wisdom. Friends who are walking with the King also, and like to talk about Him and to hear about His faithfulness.
And I found encouragement through observing the faith of others. As I watched the speakers and counselors invest in the lives of the campers asking questions and visiting with genuine interest, I saw the beauty of Jesus' love in a new way.
But most of all, I saw the Holy Spirit work in the hearts of campers, bringing new souls into the everlasting kingdom. Such rejoicing! Has my spirit ever been so content, so delighted, so inspired?
I have been so refreshed and renewed by the Spirit of God that I feel like a completely new person. I feel I am ready to conquer the world.
Going back to school no longer seems like the burden of doom looming in the future. It's an opportunity now. More people need Jesus.
I am strong again.
1 Cor 10:12
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Camp Salvation
It will be awhile before I write again, for I am off to Camp Salvation. Today I am packing and heading to the gym one last time, and tomorrow Cher, Mo and I will be driving 5 hours to the mountains and Camp. It should be fun, and hopefully God will work.
Have a great week here in the heat! I hope you can drink some cool things. You don't have to be jealous of me or anything: I'll only be spending outdoor God-time in the cool mountain air, horseback riding, and boating at Monument Lake. That's all.
Millie Jo
Have a great week here in the heat! I hope you can drink some cool things. You don't have to be jealous of me or anything: I'll only be spending outdoor God-time in the cool mountain air, horseback riding, and boating at Monument Lake. That's all.
Millie Jo
Saturday, July 21, 2007
With Him: my everything
Jesus.
His face.
His nail-scarred hands and feet. The proofs of love, real love, love which empowered action.
Love for me.
Compassion on my helplessness.
Mercy. God not giving me the punishment I deserve.
Grace. God giving me delights I don't deserve.
Justice. Someone taking punishment.
Redemption. The whole picture.
Just to be with you, I would do anything
There's no price I would not pay, no
Just to be with you, I would give everything
Yes, I gave my life away.
And I know that you don't understand
The fullness of my love
And how I died on the cross for your sins
And I know that you don't realize
How much that I give you
And I promise,
I would do it all again
Just to be with you...
Third Day, Love Song.
His face.
His nail-scarred hands and feet. The proofs of love, real love, love which empowered action.
Love for me.
Compassion on my helplessness.
Mercy. God not giving me the punishment I deserve.
Grace. God giving me delights I don't deserve.
Justice. Someone taking punishment.
Redemption. The whole picture.
Just to be with you, I would do anything
There's no price I would not pay, no
Just to be with you, I would give everything
Yes, I gave my life away.
And I know that you don't understand
The fullness of my love
And how I died on the cross for your sins
And I know that you don't realize
How much that I give you
And I promise,
I would do it all again
Just to be with you...
Third Day, Love Song.
Friday, July 20, 2007
My Home Is Beautiful
My family is awesome. We joke around together. We join in, leaving no one out. We laugh our heads off. Last night we went for a walk together, all eight of us.
It is almost like old times. Like when the four of us big girls were all still at home, when we were finishing high school and being together. Only this is more full, more complete. We have Marissa and Sully now, and they bring us constant amusement and joy. And Mom and Dad are still the same, precious, wise parents as of old, but now we have conversations that are deeper, maybe, more meaningful, more grown-up.
My Mom and Dad are so much fun. They know how to laugh and be silly, to make the best of hard things, to show me the right way when I'm confused.
I am so very happy that I came home this summer. This summer, our family has been complete. I hate to leave it. I hate to leave my mother with all the kitchen work. I hate to leave the garden before the harvest is finished. But I guess that's growing up. We can't be home forever. We wouldn't want it.
And I do want to keep going to school, to follow my dreams, to follow God's dreams for me. My life is beautiful.
Perhaps because my home is beautiful.
It is almost like old times. Like when the four of us big girls were all still at home, when we were finishing high school and being together. Only this is more full, more complete. We have Marissa and Sully now, and they bring us constant amusement and joy. And Mom and Dad are still the same, precious, wise parents as of old, but now we have conversations that are deeper, maybe, more meaningful, more grown-up.
My Mom and Dad are so much fun. They know how to laugh and be silly, to make the best of hard things, to show me the right way when I'm confused.
I am so very happy that I came home this summer. This summer, our family has been complete. I hate to leave it. I hate to leave my mother with all the kitchen work. I hate to leave the garden before the harvest is finished. But I guess that's growing up. We can't be home forever. We wouldn't want it.
And I do want to keep going to school, to follow my dreams, to follow God's dreams for me. My life is beautiful.
Perhaps because my home is beautiful.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Personal Pool Service
My sisters have their personal pool service. It is hundreds and hundreds of degrees out there, so Marissa and Sully and Rachel are in the wading pool. Eating.
Yes, my sisters have their own personal pool service. A waitress brought them drinks, two courses (macaroni and fruit), a towel to dry their hands, and even desert. She talked with an accent. Finnish, I think. We set the exercise trampoline in the pool for a table.
Summer is so much fun!
Yes, my sisters have their own personal pool service. A waitress brought them drinks, two courses (macaroni and fruit), a towel to dry their hands, and even desert. She talked with an accent. Finnish, I think. We set the exercise trampoline in the pool for a table.
Summer is so much fun!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Volleyball
My family is so much fun.
Yesterday I made bread for a neighbor who lost her sister. And then I made rolls for us. And then we all worked together to make pizza for supper. So you can imagine that I was ready to get out of the kitchen.
After supper Mom, Rissa, Sully, Sandy and I went for a walk. Sandy is still frisky as ever in her old age. I thought things were going to be easier with her after I gave her a bath the other day, because she stood for a bath better than ever before. And that day she did well heeling, too. But not last night! She's back to her "I'm in charge" dog attitude, and she pulled so much that I hooked her up to the stroller so Mom wouldn't have to push it.
And because of Mo we played Volleyball. It didn't last very long, but it was fun while it lasted! Soon we had to rescue the kittens from unwanted attention. They had been held by neighborhood kids all day, and we wanted them to get a rest. There are four, and they are so soft, cute and cuddly! One is completely black, one is black with white markings, one is white with black markings (and very fluffy!), and one is a delicious grey stripey with huge eyes.
And Rach brought a toad home, too. We were sitting on the porch when she showed up, drying off the black kitty because Andrew "accidentally" dropped it in the kiddy swimming pool. Cats are cute when they are soaking wet and miserable, but Sully loves interesting little hopping animals more.
It's a good life. Mom's garden is glorious. We are already needing to can green beans. Perhaps we can do that this afternoon. This morning we must all attend a funeral.
Millie Jo
Yesterday I made bread for a neighbor who lost her sister. And then I made rolls for us. And then we all worked together to make pizza for supper. So you can imagine that I was ready to get out of the kitchen.
After supper Mom, Rissa, Sully, Sandy and I went for a walk. Sandy is still frisky as ever in her old age. I thought things were going to be easier with her after I gave her a bath the other day, because she stood for a bath better than ever before. And that day she did well heeling, too. But not last night! She's back to her "I'm in charge" dog attitude, and she pulled so much that I hooked her up to the stroller so Mom wouldn't have to push it.
And because of Mo we played Volleyball. It didn't last very long, but it was fun while it lasted! Soon we had to rescue the kittens from unwanted attention. They had been held by neighborhood kids all day, and we wanted them to get a rest. There are four, and they are so soft, cute and cuddly! One is completely black, one is black with white markings, one is white with black markings (and very fluffy!), and one is a delicious grey stripey with huge eyes.
And Rach brought a toad home, too. We were sitting on the porch when she showed up, drying off the black kitty because Andrew "accidentally" dropped it in the kiddy swimming pool. Cats are cute when they are soaking wet and miserable, but Sully loves interesting little hopping animals more.
It's a good life. Mom's garden is glorious. We are already needing to can green beans. Perhaps we can do that this afternoon. This morning we must all attend a funeral.
Millie Jo
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