Sunday, September 5, 2010

celebration and enlightenment

To say life is good would be an understatement.

I'm sitting in a comfy chair in my apartment with my room mate and best friend. We're having a celebratory day of laziness in light of the events that took place this weekend, which I will address later. These festivities have included pajamas, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, Jersey Shore (which is like watching a car accident...its so terrible but you can't stop staring), a lemon cheeseball, mountain dew, and Pretty Woman.

I can't really describe how I feel right now, other than to say I am so happy.

I've never considered myself to be pessimistic. I like to think of myself as a glass-half-full type person. But at the same time, I have always tried to be realistic. As bad as this sounds, I tend to expect for and assume the worst in situations. That way, you don't fall so hard or hurt so bad when things don't work out the way you had hoped. I know for a fact that I am like that simply from experience, but you know what I have realized?

That is no way to live.

I believe that God has a plan for my life, and that plan does not include me being miserable and waiting for the weight of the world to fall on my shoulders at any time. I think the experiences that I've had in life have molded me and shaped me into who I am. And to say that all the past mistakes I've made, people who have hurt me, disappointments, heartache, happiness, friendships and love--won and lost, blessings, excitement, and tears have brought me to right here, right now....

I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

:)

On a different note, I pride myself in saying that I attend Mississippi State University. And this weekend, we not only beat the pants off of the University of Memphis...our rival school (TSUN) lost to Jacksonville State! HAHAH!

That, my friends, calls for a celebration. And our celebration continues, as we are about to watch Juno. I also believe I have acquired a taste for mountain dew.

-MC

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

concerning the certificate of debt...

I can't seem to get back into a normal sleep pattern. It's a work in progress, but I would love to fall asleep right now.

Since I am unable to, I will reflect on the fact that my first day of sophomore year of college is in the books. I'm sorry, what? Sophomore? College? I still feel like a 7th grader.

Regardless, I have a really good feeling about this semester. I think I'm going to love my classes, I already love my apartment, I know where everything is, and I have many wonderful friends here.

I got to have coffee with Malley, one of the members of the Centrikid team I was on this year since we both go to MSU. It was wonderful.

The only thing I really have to share is actually a verse that I read today that really grabbed me by the lapel.

Colossians 2:14
"He (Jesus) erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the cross."

Erased the certificate of debt. Woah.

This summer our camp pastor/wonderful friend of mine had a fantastic example of what it means to be set free from sin. He locked his wrist to a chair, and did not have the key. The image of him dragging the chair across the stage was funny, but at the same time it really provided a powerful illustration. A little while later, our worship leader/another wonderful friend of mine came out with the key that could set him free. In that way, Jesus is the key to set us free from the slavery of sin.

He has set me free AND erased the certificate of debt.

This verse got my gears turning...

my sin, not in part but in whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more! Praise the Lord, it is well with my soul!

Oh, praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead!

The power of sin is broken, I have been set free. For I have died, and Jesus is alive in me!

How great the love the Father has shown us, that He would call us His own!

-MC

Saturday, August 14, 2010

it seems like the only thing I write about is love. I'm okay with that.

The reality of a new semester of college is beginning to sink in. I'm very excited to begin this next chapter in my life, but at the same time I'm not ready to let go of the beautiful chapter that God finished about a week ago today. I won't say that He finished it forever, because I know that the friendships I made and the work that God did through us in the lives of those kids are eternal. But I do miss waking up with 23 people who desire to share the gospel and who deeply love the Lord.

However, I have been waking up to my best friend Sydney, who is a huge blessing in my life. Huge. God fashioned us together as best friends in a strange way (ask me about it sometime), but it was just another way that God has shown me that He has control and works in some amazing ways.

I have said and written several times that I have changed and my life will never be the same. I've already seen how that change has impacted my life. My priorities in life have begun to change. The things I once thought were very important don't hold as much water.

I got to talk to one of my dear friends Emily from my team this summer last night. Our thirty minute phone call was like chicken soup to my soul. She was always so encouraging to me this summer, but to hear her words of kindess and uplifting advice meant so much more outside of "camp world".

It's pretty awesome to think that the God who created this universe and everything in it and who is more majestic, mighty, and powerful than I'll ever understand loves me. He gave me friendships and laughter and people that I can pour my heart into and they pour theirs back in return.

I've said before that I am a very loving person. This is a strength and a weakness in my life, because it's easy to fall hard when someone misuses or rejects the love that you have invested in them. This summer I saw how God uses my loving personality. And yes, it did hurt in some ways, and still does, I know He's not finished with me yet. And as strange as it sounds, loving to the point of hurting is the best kind.

-MC

How great the love the Father has shown us that He would call us His own!