tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19651147583087123612024-02-18T22:51:18.157-08:00Beautifully BrokenSarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-6112584919412588042013-07-18T09:27:00.000-07:002013-07-27T21:20:56.789-07:00Simple<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> The older I get, the more I see how many of the mindsets and ideas that have been engraved in my mind are <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>completely wrong. </b></span></span>It's quite the humbling experience. Pffffft being humbled sucks. Although it's a humbling experience, I'm thankful that these lethal areas of my heart are being revealed and changed now rather than walking my days on this earth shackled to ideals that stray so far from the true heart of God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> If you know me, you know that I<b><span style="color: blue;"> really </span></b>like to work. Work for better grades. Work for a better future. Work harder to make myself better. Work to serve God better. My mind is constantly at work to see how I can improve and edit different areas of my life and can't honestly remember the last time I've been content with myself. Not complacent, but content with the person I am and the person I'm becoming. I see and dwell on what I'm not. It's exhausting, discouraging, and draining. Quite honestly, I've felt spiritually dead for a while. Meh. Rather than dwelling on the beauty of Christ, I subconsciously focus on me. That is the problem. It's pride. It's disgusting, ugly, and so far from the heart God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> The "Christian life" shouldn't be compiled of<b><span style="color: blue;"> to-do lists, habits, accomplishments, and past grievances.</span></b> A life compiled of such dismal idols bears witness to a hardened, perplexed heart and skewed perception of God. Think about it...why the heck would someone want to have anything to do with Christianity or God if that's what it looks like? Talk about a life-sucking kill-joy. Welcome to the Christian club...here's you're to- do list..oh, and by the way, you're supposed to look like this, think these thoughts, achieve these goals, and you aren't allowed to be different....no, thank you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Following Christ should be simple. Not easy, but simple. Think about it. When Jesus calls his disciples to follow Him, He didn't tell them to change this, fix that, think this way, talk this way, don't do this, achieve these goals, and fit into this cookie-cutter definition. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/matthew/16.htm"> Matthew 16</a>:24-25 "<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Then Jesus told his disciples, </span><span class="woc" style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> </span><span class="woc" style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">For whoever would save his life</span><span class="woc" style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-size: 15px;">will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'</span></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> "</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> Holiness, purity, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control are an outflow of the Holy Spirit within. They are the natural pouring out of Jesus' grace and love alive within you and you dying. A radically beautiful, truly Christ-like life isn't something that can be achieved by check-list Christianity. I'm convinced it is quite rare & seen in the least-likely of places and people. </span></span></span></span><br />
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As we follow Christ, growth will be a natural result. Authentic relationship & growth aren't a result of habits and rules, but love. Beautiful, unearned, unaffected, simple. That's what we need.</div>
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<br />Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-6844210835459960732013-03-31T11:21:00.000-07:002013-03-31T11:29:37.467-07:00But God<div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://esv.scripturetext.com/ephesians/2.htm">Ephesians 2:1-10</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">"And <u>you were dead in the trespasses and sins</u> </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">among whom <u>we all </u>once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">But</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><i> </i></span></b></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>God</b></span>, <u>being rich in mercy</u>, <u>because of the great love with which he loved us</u>, </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><u>even when we were dead in our trespasses</u>, <u>made us alive together with Chris</u>t—<u>by grace you have been saved</u>— </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">not a result of works, so that no one may boast. </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This incredible portion of scripture can be split into two halves. The first being desperate hopelessness, death, and the miserable state of mankind. We've all been or are there; "<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><u>we all </u>once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind." I've been guilty of rebellion against God, buying the lies and living in the chains of my own making, chains and bondage I could never free myself from. Fortunately, the passage doesn't end here. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The next two words of this passage bring hope into this hopeless condition.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><u><b>But God</b></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">God. Righteousness. Justice. Holiness. Perfection. God, the one who's face we spat in while arrogantly carrying on in our sin. The One who has every reason to destroy us. The Creator who was rejected and defied by his beloved creation. <i>But God.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Instead of damning us to the destiny we earned, he loved us with an unexplainable, radical, perfect love. He sacrificed His precious Son so that we may taste freedom and life where misery, hopelessness and death clung. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> "<u>because of the great love with which he loved us</u>, </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><u>even when we were dead in our trespasses</u>, <u>made us alive together with Chris</u>t—<u>by grace you have been saved."</u> He doesn't stop at saving us. Paul, the author of Ephesians, then goes on tell us the purpose behind saving us--to show "</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." How good is our God? How precious is our risen Savior? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">How do you respond to Him? How do you respond to the crucified and risen Savior? Ask Him how. My flawed human words aren't comparable to hearing His voice and reading His Word for yourself. Seek Him and He will show you.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://esv.scripturetext.com/luke/9.htm">Luke 9:23</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> "</span><span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">*Scripture is hyper linked so you can click on it and read the full chapter in context*</span></span></div>
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Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-66514409963105267422013-02-12T21:24:00.003-08:002013-02-14T04:36:44.361-08:00Captivating<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> A woman's heart is a fragile possession. We have the potential to get our feelings hurt easily, cry over petty things, latch on to bitterness, and mistreat others based out of the brokenness of past pains. We also have the potential to love deeply and tenderly, see and draw out the best in people, and breathe words of life into weary souls. To say that we're complicated is an understatement. <span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">A woman's heart longs to be captivating. Within us is a desire to be wanted, to be cherished, to be unforgettable, to be incomparable, to be worthy of relentless pursuit, unconditional love, and unwavering affection. We long to be enough. These desires aren't something to be pushed away or ignored (of which I'm guilty.) They also aren't something to make an idol out of (also guilty.) </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> When we attempt to satisfy God-given desires with something or someone other than the God who gave them to us, they become a distorted counterfeit of the beauty they were intended for. When the desire to be wanted, cherished, unforgettable, and worthy of pursuit, love, and affection is made into an idol, we are filled with worthlessness rather than the joy, peace, purpose, and love that God desires to fill us with.</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><a href="http://esv.scripturetext.com/2_kings/17.htm" style="line-height: 115%;"> In 2 Kings 17</a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">, Israel is having a serious idolatry problem. They are burning their sons and daughters, practicing sorcery, and completely rejecting God and His ways. They have </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">imitated the ways of the nations around them (the world) instead of choosing God's way. The latter part of verse 15 says,</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> "</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b>They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless.</b> They imitated the nations around them although the </span><span class="nivsmallcaps" style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; text-transform: uppercase;">Lord </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">had ordered them, “Do not do as they do,” and they did the things the </span><span class="nivsmallcaps" style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; text-transform: uppercase;">LORD</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> had forbidden them to do."</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> As </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Israel chose to fulfill their desires with idols rather than the God who could</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> to fulfill them, they were left worthless. You reflect the things you worship. If you're worshiping the created instead of the Creator, your life and heart will be left feeling shallow, broken, and worthless.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> In who or what are you seeking for satisfaction and fulfillment? Who or what are your emotions and moods dependent on? What consumes the greatest portion of your thought life? Where do you spend your time? Where do you find pleasure? What do you base your worth on?</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Does your life look similar the world around you or does it carry the fragrance of </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">supernatural love, peace, and</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> purpose? </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> If you are reading this post single, dating, or married, it is God alone in whom you will find </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">fulfillment</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> of your desires to be <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">wanted, cherished, unforgettable, and worthy of pursuit, love, and affection. He is the only One who satisfies. He is the only true, perfect lover of your soul. God wants you. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">He wants <b>all of you.</b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <a href="http://niv.scripturetext.com/exodus/34.htm">Exodus 34</a>:14 "</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Do not worship <b>any other god</b>, for the </span><span class="nivsmallcaps" style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; text-transform: uppercase;">LORD,</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> <b>whose name is Jealous</b>, is a jealous God."</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> He loves you with a <b>perfect</b> love.<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <a href="http://esv.scripturetext.com/1_john/4.htm">1 John 4</a>:18-19 </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b>We love because he first loved us.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> He gave His own life for you and pursued you, a </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">rebellious</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">, undeserving sinner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://esv.scripturetext.com/romans/5.htm">Romans 5</a>:7-8 </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Seek His Word for yourself and know Him for who He is. Worship, love and adore Him for who He is. Allow Him to satisfy your heart and desires. Allow him to heal, chisel, and mold your heart to be like that of Jesus. The joys & blessings of earthly God-ordained romance that represents Christ's relentless pursuit of the church & the church's response will taste so much sweeter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">The quote "A woman's heart should be so lost in God that a man needs to seek Him in order to find her" is commonly quoted by single women, but I encourage you, keep your heart lost in God. Whether single, dating, or married, allow God to consume your heart, will, mind and emotions. Become and remain captivated by the Creator of the universe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Look full in His wonderful face,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">And the things of earth will grow strangely dim </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> In the light of His glory and grace."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> PS. All the words in different colors are hyper-linked to full Bible passages so that you can read the whole chapter in context (:</span></span>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-43743632059091990632012-12-26T22:26:00.001-08:002013-01-06T11:38:45.100-08:00Embracing Sorrow<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sorrow"> Sorrow</a> is an emotion that is often avoided at all costs. People, myself included, use all sorts of means to escape from pain and sorrow. A busy schedule, distractions, comparisons, excuses. Especially within the context of the American church, I've noticed that many times sorrow, the gravity and weight of sin, and the insufferable pain we have inflicted on God, others, and ourselves is simply brushed under the carpet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> In <a href="http://esv.scripturetext.com/2_corinthians/7.htm">2 Corinthians 7</a>, Paul is talking about a letter that he wrote to the Corinthians that produced godly grief which led to repentance. In verses 9-11, in response to the letter he sent, Paul says "<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because <u>you were grieved into repenting.</u> For you felt a <u>godly grief</u>, so that you suffered no loss through us. </span></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">For<u> godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret,</u> whereas worldly grief produces death. </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">For see what <u>earnestness this godly grief has produced in you</u>, but also what <u>eagerness to clear yourselves</u>, what <u>indignation</u>, what <u>fear</u>, what <u>longing</u>, what<u> zeal, </u>what <u>punishment</u>! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter."</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> When godly sorrow and grief is neglected, is it possible that true, authentic </span><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repenting" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">repentance</a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> is also neglected? Grief that comes from God is characterized by repentance. When sin that defies God (i.e. all sin) is discarded as "normal," "not that bad," or "justified," is it possible that our minds and hearts become desensitized to the weight of sin, the necessity of repentance, and that we are missing out on the incredible qualities that godly sorrow produces?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> It is only when we acknowledge our own complete depravity, detestable sin nature, and see the depths of our own despair that we can fully understand the cross and its beauty. In <a href="http://esv.scripturetext.com/james/1.htm">James 1</a>:14, after making clear that God does not tempt us, James draws attention to the source of temptation. "But each person is tempted <u>when he is lured and enticed by his own desire</u>. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." It's our own desires that lead to our death. It's filth within us, not the things around us, that makes us the scum that we are by nature. When we are able to acknowledge that, we are able to see all the more clearly the beauty of Jesus Christ. We are able to see beauty of repentance, redemption, the depths of God's love, and the restoration that the truth of the Gospel brings. When we see just how unmerited the favor we've received from God is, we can praise Him all the more of loving us <a href="http://bible.cc/romans/5-8.htm">while we were enslaved in sin.</a> We are able to filled with inexpressible, unexplainable love for God and his people. We are able to thrive and live the lives that God designed us to live.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to leave this blog with one of my favorite passages and I think that it ties in perfectly with this theme. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://esv.scripturetext.com/hebrews/12.htm" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hebrews 12</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">:1-2 "</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,</span><u style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.</u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">" Let us keep looking unto our beautiful Savior and live a life that is worthy of the call we have received.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Thank you so much for reading and feel free to comment your opinions and thoughts. (: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-41915978998244758332012-10-28T11:32:00.001-07:002012-10-28T11:35:38.988-07:00Thoughts<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Thoughts. Racing, lingering, stirring, awakening. Thoughts carry the potential to provoke one to obtain a deeper understanding of matters, can introduce sin, disaccord and confusion, and if guided correctly will drive one to take action based on convictions. Thinking holds the potential to cultivate tremendous growth and change, but if thoughts merely remain entangled in the recesses of one's mind rather than being acted upon, they are all together worthless. The same can be said for beliefs, knowledge, convictions and desires. To believe, know, and desire something and to live out a life derived from those core values are two contrasting realities. That being said, my heart and mind have been overflowing as of late.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> My heart's most desperate longing is to walk life hand in hand with Jesus Christ and truly know and love God with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength and love each person I come into contact with the same love He has shown me. To daily die to myself and have lungs filled with the breath of His life. To live a life free of sin, legalism, selfishness, opinions of others, titles, and pride. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 says,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> "<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">For <u>the love of Christ controls us</u>, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore <u>all have died</u>;</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">and he died for all, <u>that those who live might no longer live for themselves</u> but f<u>or him who for their sake died and was raised.</u>"</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Is Christ's love truly controlling my every thought, word, action? Am I living for myself or am I living a life that is under complete, radical submission to the love and will of Jesus Christ? Although that is my heart's cry, so many times I've fallen tragically short of this calling. I somehow lose sight of why I'm still here on planet earth. I become distracted, ensnared, unfocused and before I realize it, I somehow lose focus on the only true meaning of life. I so oft forget that nothing on this earth matters except my personal relationship with Christ and precious human souls. These things are eternal; all else will burn. When reminded of that, life becomes drastically more simple. Life is so incredibly short. Ephesians 5:15-17 says,</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> "<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Be very careful, then, how you live—<u>not as unwise but as wise</u>, </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><u>making the most of every opportunity</u>, because <u>the days are evil.</u> T</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">herefore <u>do not be foolish, </u>but <u>understand what the Lord’s will is.</u> "</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> This knowledge and awareness, these desires, they are good and right. Although thoughts and desires are good, they are of no significance if fruit is not born as a result. My challenge to myself as well as those reading this blog is to examine your life, but don't stop at that. Are your pastimes, habits, relationships, conversations and a</span></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">ttitudes pushing you closer or further from Christ?</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> Are you willing to sacrifice idols that have stepped between you and Him? Remember the shortness of your days. Allow Christ's love to daily </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">control</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> your actions, thoughts, mindset, words. Life is too short to be controlled by anything other than the redemptive, unconditional, radical, passionate love of Jesus Christ. May our lives be more than a flicker.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span class="style_1" style="line-height: 18px;">"What is the secret to great living? Entire separation to Christ and devotion to Him. Thus speaks every man and woman whose life has made more than a passing flicker in the spiritual realm. It is the life that has no time for trifling that counts</span>.”</em><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">~Amy Carmichael</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-72829029585352397992012-10-21T14:22:00.002-07:002012-10-21T14:37:32.402-07:00As of late... Writing is one of the few ways I feel like I can communicate with accuracy. There is something about pen and paper or fingers delicately gliding over keys...or pounding depending on the mood. No words to stumble over or people to impress. No forced smiles, conversation, or empty words. Authenticity. Writing is a window into the mind, heart, and soul of a person. As of late, my writing has been confined to pen, paper, and my thoughts. That's usually the way I like to keep it, but I feel that it is about time that my blog gets a little attention.<br />
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The last couple of months have given me opportunity to learn, feel, and grow more than I have in quite a while. Each season of life contains tremendous opportunity to grow, reflect, and change. These months have taught and are continuing to teach me more things than I could possibly express through one blog, so I won't try to. I'll just give a brief glimpse of a couple lessons the Lord is graciously teaching me.<br />
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<u>1) Take a good, long, unbiased look in the mirror.</u><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">James 1:22-25 "<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does."</span></span><br />
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This one has been quite difficult, but beautiful at the same time. The Lord has been gently, graciously exfoliating my heart and revealing to me areas of sin, brokenness, and imperfection. He has allowed me to take a good look at where I've been, where I am, and where He is taking me. He's graciously allowed opportunity for unresolved brokenness to be revealed and healing to begin. He loves me too much to leave me where I'm at. I firmly believe that the more we acknowledge our personal imperfection, all the more beautiful the perfection, grace, and redeeming love Christ becomes. I have earned the title damned sinner, but through His grace and precious blood, I am a saint. Praise Him.<br />
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<u>2) Don't conform to the beliefs and attitudes of the world or of those surrounding you. Think and believe for yourself.</u><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Romans 12:2 "<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."</span></span><br />
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Being at a Christian university is such an incredible blessing and freedom, but it can also be easy to float along and exceedingly challenging and extremely lonely to personally grow and develop into everything that God has created you to be. I've been convicted of my own conformation in certain attitudes, actions, and expectations. This realization has triggered a desire to delve deeper into the Word for myself, examine my own beliefs, motivations, and attitudes, and reconstruct target areas of my life. It has been a struggle to step back and identify the stagnant areas of my life that have remained unchanging and undeveloped as a result of personal ignorance and sinful nature, but I am so thankful for the growth that is being derived from these enlightened areas.<br />
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<u>3) Vulnerability is the currency of any relationship.</u><br />
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If you desire to have deep, meaningful relationship with God, friends, family, boyfriend/girlfriend, spouse, etc. vulnerability is required. Now don't get me wrong, I am definitely not saying that you should give everyone around you an access key to your inner person and heart. Your personal thoughts, beliefs, past, and heart are an incredibly precious entity and need to be guarded with wisdom. Although they are to be guarded, don't allow paralyzing fear of exposure and vulnerability rob the opportunity of relationships from you. Allow people who prove to be sincere, trustworthy, honest, have your best interest at heart, and are seeking Jesus with everything and above all else into your life. Humans were not created to do life alone. Any human relationship contains an element of risk, but without that risk you will never experience the joy and growth that these relationships can bring. Keep Jesus at the center and you can trust that if/when you do get hurt, He will catch you and work all things together for your good.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Romans 8:28 "<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose</span></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">."</span><br />
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Welp, I believe that's all for now, folks. Thanks for reading.Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-33399586147875681342012-04-22T05:53:00.000-07:002012-04-22T19:03:53.867-07:00Refining Fire Beautifully broken....seems to be both the title of my blog and the theme of my life. One of my daily heart's cries to Jesus is to break me. Jesus, do whatever you need to do to capture my heart, to mold me into what You want me to be, a refined vessel for You. <br />
Jesus has been <b>very</b> faithful to answer that prayer throughout my life. I can attest to the fact that refining fire isn't called fire because it feels awesome. It feels more like being processed through a meat grinder (no bueno.) Although, the awesome thing about Jesus is that NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING in life, good or bad, hard or easy, happens in vain or without purpose. I remember a quote I heard when I was little, "You always have a choice, get bitter or get better." With each challenge, opposition, trial, or pain we face, we are given the choice. We can choose to internalize, fall in to self pity, self-analyze, dwell in guilt, believe lies, and blame God for what we're facing. Or, we can choose to embrace it and thank and praise Him for it. Say what?! Thank and praise Him for hard stuff? No, your vision does not need checked and you've just read that correctly, <b>praise Him</b>.<br />
Jesus is the Master Weaver. We are only given a trivial glimpse of the masterpiece of our lives. When all we see is a mess of knots and tangled string in our lives, Jesus sees the beginnings of a grand, complex masterpiece that our simple human minds cannot begin to fathom.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><u>Where we see chaos and confusion, He sees opportunity for guidance and unexplainable, supernatural peace. </u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Isaiah 26:3</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Psalms 37:23-24</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> "<span style="background-color: white;">The Lord makes firm the steps </span><span style="background-color: white;">of the one who delights in him; </span><span style="background-color: white;">though he may stumble, he will not fall, </span><span style="background-color: white;">for the Lord upholds him with his hand."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> <u> When we feel pain and insecurity, Jesus sees the opportunity for a deeper healing, reassurance, and victory through Him.</u> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Romans 8:37-39</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,</span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, </span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u> When we feel completely alone, Jesus promises that He will never leave us or forsake us.</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Deuteronomy 31:6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span style="background-color: white;">Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>When we see brokenness and ashes, Jesus sees beauty.</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Isaiah 61:1-3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, </span><span style="background-color: white;">because the Lord has anointed me </span><span style="background-color: white;">to proclaim good news to the poor. </span><span style="background-color: white;">He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, </span><span style="background-color: white;">to proclaim freedom for the captives </span><span style="background-color: white;">and release from darkness for the prisoners,</span><span style="background-color: white;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: white;">to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor </span><span style="background-color: white;">and the day of vengeance of our God, </span><span style="background-color: white;">to comfort all who mourn, </span><span style="background-color: white;">and provide for those who grieve in Zion— </span><span style="background-color: white;">to bestow on them a crown of beauty </span><span style="background-color: white;">instead of ashes, </span><span style="background-color: white;">the oil of joy </span><span style="background-color: white;">instead of mourning, </span><span style="background-color: white;">and a garment of praise </span><span style="background-color: white;">instead of a spirit of despair. </span><span style="background-color: white;">They will be called oaks of righteousness, </span><span style="background-color: white;">a planting of the Lord </span><span style="background-color: white;">for the display of his splendor.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> This semester has hands down been the hardest, loneliest semester since I've been at Liberty. Although it has been almost unbearably difficult at times, Jesus has proven Himself over and over. He is shaping, molding, and refining me into the woman He created me to be. He is teaching me to cling to Him and find all that I am in Him, not others. He has taught me that He is ALWAYS more than enough, ALWAYS worthy of all praise, and He will NEVER change or leave. Praise His sweet, precious name.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> I hope that this is an encouragement and hope to those of you who are facing pain, hurt, challenges and trials right now. Thank you so much for taking the time to read. On a closing note, here is an awesome song that goes with this. I'm a huge fan of Brooklyn Tab :).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-10968805142482959662012-03-16T22:33:00.001-07:002012-03-16T22:38:26.718-07:00To Be in Your ArmsI think this is the first time I've posted any poetry/creative writing/whatever you want to call it on my blog. This is a little glimpse into my heart and my most sacred, precious relationship. Thank you for taking the time to read my sweet friends.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Just to be with you I'd do anything. </div><div style="text-align: center;">From the crevices of my desperate, disheartened soul, I cry for you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> My heart screams, Abba, Daddy, I need you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> For I know, Your love is the only love that quenches my parched, tattered soul.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your love alone heals, restores, empowers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Fill me. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Please, precious Abba, come take me in Your arms.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I need You to hold me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">All else in this world is meaningless.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So many times I've neglected You. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Bought into the lies of this world.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Believed that You made "junk" in forming me </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Believed that satisfaction could be found somewhere other than You. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Filled myself with the lethal mire of this present darkness.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shine Your light in me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">With a wrenched heart and empty hands, I plead,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Forgive me, my sweet Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Forgive me for the times I've allowed the roosters to crow,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I've denied Your beautiful Name.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The precious Name Above All Names.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus Christ</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Name that brings life, for You are Life</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Your beautiful Name,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Name in which I find VICTORY,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Victory over lies and deception</div><div style="text-align: center;">Victory over sin</div><div style="text-align: center;">Victory over this present darkness and spiritual wickedness</div><div style="text-align: center;">Victory over one of the greatest enemies I face, myself. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet Jesus, </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Thank You.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank You that Your blood payed my debt.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Undeserving, I am.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Damned is the title I have earned.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yet, you have adorned my with the most cherished title imaginable.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Forgiven.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your precious child.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, Abba, praise Your Holy Name.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To taste Your love is to drink of the sweetest waters.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I have drank of You and testify of Your healing power.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The power of the only love that mends tattered souls </div><div style="text-align: center;">The power of the only love that quenches love-parched hearts </div><div style="text-align: center;">How great You are</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wrap Your arms around me</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once again, whisper to me of Your love.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fill me to overflowing with Your Spirit.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My sweet, sweet Jesus </div><div style="text-align: center;">Your arms are incomparable to mere, mortal men</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hold me in them.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My Beautiful, my Sacred, my Only</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just to be with You I'd do anything</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-89989433644127018612012-02-02T20:22:00.000-08:002012-02-02T20:22:10.931-08:00Past, Present, Future. For my fifteenth birthday, my mom decided that she really wanted to get me a purity ring. I thought that it was a really cool idea, so we started looking. We didn't have to look very hard until we found the perfect one. I wasn't planning on getting anything super duper nice or expensive, so my mom and I immediately bee-lined our way to the clearance section in the jewelry department of JC Penny's. I looked down and saw the perfect one. Three emeralds (my birth stone), beautiful placement, diamonds. I immediately figured it was out of our price range. Then, when we looked at it, we saw that it was on 90% clearance!! Yeah, 90% clearance!!! We then asked the lady to take it out of the case for me to try on. It was a perfect fit. As I held this little ring in my hand, I looked at the inside and saw that there was an inscription. Between little diamonds placed on the inside, there read the words "Past, Present, Future." Just like my precious Lord.<br />
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Needless to say, this ring is very, very special to me. You'll never see me without it. It serves as a reminder of my promise to God, and His promises to me. When I look at it, I'm reminded that Jesus hand picked it out for me and I'm also reminded of His precious promises. He<b> <u>never</u></b><u> <b>changes</b></u>, He <b><u>never fails</u></b>, He is <b><u>always faithful</u></b>, His love is<b><u> unconditional</u></b>. Hebrews 13:8 <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> "</span><span style="background-color: white;">Jesus Christ is the same <b>yesterday</b> and<b> today</b> and<b> forever</b>."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Something Jesus has been teaching me lately is how worthy He is. No matter how I feel, what has happened to me, or what I think, He is ALWAYS worthy and deserving of my utmost praise and adoration. Sometimes I'm not going to understand why He lets things happen or what He is doing, simply because He is God and I am not.</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Isaiah 55:8-9</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> neither are your ways my ways,” </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> declares the LORD. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">“As the heavens are higher than the earth, </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> so are my ways higher than your ways </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> and my thoughts than your thoughts."</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> Because of who He is, He deserves our everything.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Who He is does not depend on our personal circumstances or feelings. For that, I am thankful. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> When you aren't feeling anything, understanding anything, or seeing what lies ahead, trust in the One who holds the past, present and future. Dare to obey Him, to give Him your everything. See what He can do with a life fully surrendered to Him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-48313378061501580002012-01-28T23:23:00.000-08:002012-01-29T06:59:28.050-08:00Lessons Learned...or Being LearnedHey friends,<br />
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I thought that it was about time I wrote a blog. There has been so much going on lately. So many ups and downs. So much confu1sion and clarity. Many hard things and beautiful things. If I put the last 2 weeks in a blog, I think it would turn into more of a novel, so I'll spare you ;)<br />
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Where to start? Well, I'm here at school, so obviously I'm doing schoolwork. This semester is going to be my most difficult semester thus far. I'm taking 18 credit hours, have 3 weekly practicums, and 15 hours of education & psyc activities to fit in. On top of that, I'm still a Prayer Leader, which I absolutely LOVE, but that also takes time and dedication. This brings me to my first lesson.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">1. The importance of detailed and achievable organization and time management.</span><br />
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Organization and time management is definitely not natural at all for me. I've always been the kind of "it'll be fine as long as it gets done sometime, but I'd rather go have fun right now" type. I'm learning that if I'm ever going to be an effective, productive teacher, friend, missionary, homemaker, and wife, that needs to change. Change is really hard, but it is so good. I'm becoming very close friends with my planner and sticky note system and although it is not my nature, I'm learning the benefits of a disciplined life. Among those benefits are better grades, less stress, more "free time" than I expected, more time for ministry, and just being proud of myself for finally sticking to a schedule/planner :)<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">2. Jesus is always, always enough and NEVER changes or fails. His presence commands our utmost worship.</span><br />
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This week was really hard. The beginning of the week, I was faced with some really hard things and was just really mad at God to be quite frank. I didn't understand why He lets things happen and why I was feeling so much anger and pain with a depth I haven't felt in years. Of course, being a stupid member of the human race, I decided I felt like subconsciously blaming everything on God. In my heart, I knew that I had no reason to play the blame game with God, but I did anyways. The first night of Spiritual Emphasis Week during worship, I did not have any desire to worship. God and I talk quite a bit, and I told Him, I'm angry at you and I don't feel like worshiping right now. BAMMMM. Then He spoke to me. Those piercing words of power and authority spoken with the gentleness of a kind father correcting His child. I sat down and started writing in my journal immediately. He told me He demanded worship. He is faithful, He is righteous, He is love, He is grace, He is mercy, He is truth, He is light, He is beauty, He is Creator, He is the Sustainer, He is the Deliver, He is the Healer. At His name, slaves are freed, captives are unchained, and the promises are fulfilled. HE NEVER CHANGES. His Holy presence demands reverence, worship, and awe. No matter what I feel like that day, He never changes and He deserves my utmost praise and worship.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">3. Be bold, yo.</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"> </span>When is the last time that you did something that you knew God called you to and regretted it? Still thinking? I've concluded never. Sure, following God's lead and stepping out of your comfort zone can be really scary at first, but I've never had a time in my life that I've wished I hadn't after the fact. By being bold and allowing God to empower you to do things you never thought you were capable of, you can experience His power and the reality of God on a whole new level. When you surrender an area of your life to Him, you will be amazed at what He can accomplish through. The past couple of weeks have been scary in that area. He's asked me to do some really uncomfortable things that I would much rather ignore. I'm so glad that I didn't. Even though it has been a scary journey continuing to learn how to be bold and willing to follow His callings and promptings, it has been so amazing. There is nothing comparable to being used by Him.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">4. Singleness is a wonderful, purposeful, awesome season.</span><br />
I could go on and on about this one. It is not a recently learned lesson, but it has been reaffirmed that past few weeks. I believe that this season as a single young woman has most definitely been the most awesome season of my life thus far. Being at Liberty, we see many couples who appear to be Siamese twins and seem to require each other for tasks as simple as opening a can of pop. Okay, that was a little bit of sarcasm, but SERIOUSLY though, some of the couples here are a bit obnoxious. I admit, there are times that I wonder when/if God is going to bring someone into my life who will be my partner in bringing Him glory by our life together, but I'm MORE than willing to wait for His timing. Even though I don't know him,I pray for him and can't wait to be with him, but I know that he is going to be more than worth the wait. On the other hand, some people around here act like singleness is the freaking Bubonic Plague. I can not count the number of Facebook statuses that I've seen that complain about being single, wondering where all the good guys/girls are, wondering when God is going to drop prince charming on their front porch, and are a festering mire of self pity. Singleness is not a waiting season, a curse, or a time to party hardy. Singleness is a gift packed with purpose, potential, fun, and beauty. God does not create seasons of our life designated for sitting around on your rump waiting for Mr./Mrs. Right to come sweep you off your feet. Our purpose in life is to love God with ALL of our heart, mind, and soul. We were created to serve Him, be used by Him, and reach the world with the message of His Son, forgiveness, redemption, and hope. Why wait, what better time than now? No spouse, no children, and a God to who is willing to use as much of you as you are willing to give Him. Singleness is truly a gift.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">5. Have fun, be crazy, live a little :)</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"> </span> Tonight was one of the most fun times I've had in a long time. I got to hang out with one my best friends, Lena, and we had a BLAST. Just hanging out, talking about life, Jesus, and doing crazy things. Jesus has blessed me with wonderful, FUN friends. Don't let work become such a large part of your life that you forget to enjoy the season you're in. Hang out with friends, do crazy things, live a little.<br />
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There are many other things I could write, but I'm getting sleepy and you're probably getting tired of reading this, so I'm going to peace out. Thank you for reading my hodge podge of a blog :)Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-16005246583627183982011-12-26T23:57:00.000-08:002011-12-27T10:25:14.122-08:00Made Perfect in Weakness Hey friends :) I just want to say, thank you for reading the things I write. I truly appreciate the time that you take to read my thoughts and life.<br />
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My God never ceases to amaze me. His sweet love, mercy, and grace continues to win my heart over and over. The way He guides me and uses me even when I don't deserve to be used, it honestly takes my breath away. I'm so thankful for His promise. Philippians 1:6 "<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."</span></span><br />
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Today was the worst and best work day I've ever experienced. When I woke up today, I had absolutely no desire to go to work. This is strange for me. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a workaholic or anything, but I love going in to work, seeing the regular customers and my co-workers and also having the knowledge that I'm working to pay off my education. Normally at work I'm pretty chipper and happy. Not today. It's hard to describe, but I was almost depressed this morning? Now I can look back and see that Satan was attacking me and trying to keep me from the day and mission that God had in store. When I got to work, the second customer in line was a very rich, but not very nice lady. Little to say it was not a stellar start to my shift. During this whole day, I kept on making really, really stupid mistakes. For example, once I told a customer her total was $3.07. That was the time. A while later, another very, very not nice customer came in. She began yelling some not very nice things at me in the store because her check wouldn't process. Then she proceeded to tell me she would never step foot in our store again. I bit my tongue before I got out the words, "thank God." After she left I cried. Yes, a customer made me cry. This is also a strange thing about today. I don't cry. Well, I mean I cry sometimes, like when people die or someone really hurts me, but crying is not something that I do very easily. At that point, I was so tempted to go punch out and leave. My attitude was stinky, I had mean customers, and work was the last place I wanted to be at that moment. Boy am I glad I didn't leave.<br />
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I firmly believe that as the body of Christ we are to be "in the world". I mean, where does Jesus reach people? Right where they are. He doesn't wait to win them until they have stepped in to a building we call Church. Jesus is where the people who need Him are. He climbs in to the dirty filthy dungeons to release captives from their bondage and slavery to sin. If we're pursuing Jesus and becoming more like Him, should our lives look any different? <br />
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That being said, I think that secular workplaces can be one of the greatest "mission fields". Now don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about going and passing out cheesy tracts on break time. I'm talking about making relationships, getting to know peoples stories, seeing where they've come from and what has made them into who they are. Knowing someone's heart is much more important than their outward behavior. Once you get to know someone behind their language, course humor, addictions, you can see the void and pain in their life. There is always a story behind the face.<br />
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This brings me back to my worst and best workday. Now I'm getting to the best. It is my heart that my unsaved family, friends, and coworkers would find the same life, love and freedom that I've found in Jesus Christ. That their eyes would be filled with hope and peace rather than emptiness. Today I had an opportunity to share the Gospel with one of my friends at work. This guy thinks he is a pretty tough. He is super nice, but he is a little rough around the edges to say the least. During the end of my shift, things started to get kind of slow. I was still having a rotten attitude and just a plain out not good day. I was just chilling with him at the registers, then we started talking. He started pouring out his life to me and how he'd OD'd and tried so many times to take his life but was never successful. How many times he should have died but didn't and how much he wished he was, to be "free". Here is where the Holy Spirit kicked into gear big time. I was able to share with him God's protection over his life and the hope that can be found in our Jesus. That the reason why he wasn't successful was because his life was created with a purpose. That God loved him and didn't want him to go to hell. It was the most awesome conversation that I've had at work and I know the words coming out of my mouth weren't mine. He was so receptive and said he'd think about what I'd said. Now comes time for more intercession.<br />
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I just wanted to share this story because I was so completely humbled by God's ability to use weak things (me). Today was probably one of my weakest days. I didn't feel strong, spiritual, or even friendly today. In spite of myself, God chose to use me. Not because of anything that I'd done, but because of what He's done. I'm so humbled, so thankful. <br />
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Praise Your name, Jesus, You make beautiful things out of dust.<br />
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<b><i>2 Corinthians 12:9-10 <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> But he said to me, </span><span class="woj" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.</span></span></i></b>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-14768524347369223842011-12-25T12:57:00.000-08:002011-12-25T13:05:29.730-08:00Best Kind of Christmas<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Hello sweet friends :) Merry Christmas!! I was sitting here with a few minutes to spare and just wanted to write down some thoughts about today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The past couple weeks since break has started have been pretty crazy/hectic. First, I had my teaching practicum which was wonderful, but I ended up catching a bad cold from one of the kiddos. Right after I got better from my cold, my wisdom tooth became infected and I needed to go on antibiotics and also learned that I'll need to get both of them out before break is over. During that time I've also been working about 40 hours a week. My mom also works two jobs and has a busy schedule. Needless to say, there hasn't been to much time to do "Christmasy" things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> My family definitely isn't one that would be categorized under "traditional". We're not exactly the sit around the fire place singing Christmas carols, cutting out cookies type. Now don't get me wrong, I think that some of the traditions of Christmas are wonderful, we keep a few little ones, but that just usually isn't usually my family. I mean, we just got out un-decorated tree up on the 23rd, haha :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The older I get, the more I realize it's not the things or even traditions that matter in life. The only things of real value in this life are our relationship with Jesus Christ and people. With all of that being said, let me tell you about today and why is so great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Actually, I'll start at last night. Christmas Eve. I worked early in the day, but the evening was spent with Mom and my brother, Ben. I made my awesome potato, ham & cheese soup (one of the few things I take pride in), then we went to the church my brother usually attends while he's home for their service. It was so wonderful focusing on Jesus and His love and sacrifice. After that, we drove around and looked at Christmas lights. This morning, my mom and I got our first round of FREE sheetz coffee then went to my home church :) I love my church!!! The theme of Pastor's message was the names of Jesus, so cool! After that, my mom and I just talked for a long time about our sweet Jesus who He is and how He loves us, talks to us, intercedes for us. The list goes on and on. Amazed. When we got home, we made our brunch that consisted of rolls, bacon and pineapple, YUM!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Since then, we've just been hanging out, I've been playing guitar, wrapping a couple presents and listening to music. I think we're going to watch a Christmas movie then open up a couple gifts later. I love this. I feel like this is what Christmas should be, focusing primarily on Jesus and His sacrificial birth and death, then just enjoying family and getting to a few presents whenever we do. I know it's simple, but I think that's why I love it so much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I just wanted to write this to express how thankful I am for this day, Mom and Ben, and most importantly, the gift of Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas and much love, friends.</span><br />
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<div style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Luke 2:8-20 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Glory to God in the highest heaven,</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."</span></i></div>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-58420450114844689622011-12-16T21:09:00.000-08:002011-12-16T21:13:02.891-08:00Christmas Break<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Hey again, friends! This is crazy, two blog posts within days when all semester I've been lucky if I squeeze one out in a month, haha :) (by the way I kind of stole the idea for this blog from a good friend ;) ) I've been blessed with another phenomenal semester at Liberty and I'm so thankful to God for it. I know that over Christmas break, it is easy to get into the "just chill" mode and slide into neutral for a month, but I really don't want that to be the case for this break or any other time in life for that matter.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "<span style="background-color: white;"> Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, </span><span style="background-color: white;">making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."</span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> I want to learn how to live a life in which each second counts, each minute lived in devotion and submission to my Father. I know that I'm so far from that, but I have faith that through His might, He will accomplish the good work He has started in my life. (Philippians 1:6)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> So, to get to the point of my blog, here is my list of goals for Christmas break.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">1. Spend quality time drawing close to God, deepening my prayer life and really studying and memorizing the Word.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGoXR4K5B1OmXX5c5oGaksWoXH7Hd7qiWSbAjZclXBdsCyTU2Pyg-bqpdxIkpcBGXvzhN9f1s0zdWqX2Mo_ePnYnz0Z52o64I8iMrrkWwCQPmy7ZxoQZbm3UHjiAESN7T2HgiaX1hDBLF/s200/OpenBible.png" width="200" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Become awesome at guitar, I know some of the basics, but definitely need quite a bit of practice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310668_2663625948698_1197465843_3237473_1904487212_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310668_2663625948698_1197465843_3237473_1904487212_a.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. READ! Okay, nerd confession, on my first day back from school, I went to the library and checked out three books. On my list to read is re-reading <i>A Tale of Two Cities</i> (Charles Dickens), <i>Great Expectations</i> (Charles Dickens) and <i>Forgotten God</i> (Francis Chan) and also reading <i> Letters from Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer</i> (C.S. Lewis) for the first time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img height="200" src="http://i2.listal.com/image/375773/936full-a-tale-of-two-cities-(signet-classics)-cover.jpg" width="119" /><img height="200" src="http://adistynilasari.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/great1.jpg" width="200" /><img height="200" src="http://www.challies.com/sites/all/files/legacy/media/forgotten-god.jpg" width="134" /><img height="200" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1303265489l/6113485.jpg" width="136" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Get accepted into Liberty's School of Education, I just completed my practicum now all I need to do is send in my finger prints and submit my application. I<b> can't wait</b> to be a teacher :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. Spend lots of time with my big brother, Ben and my mom and also visit my extended family as much as possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="151" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185323_10150255014929149_700139148_7510652_5874455_a.jpg" width="200" /><img height="150" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/285074_10150255014449149_700139148_7510645_8153722_a.jpg" width="200" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. Get together with my graduating class! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="239" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/31090_1471728836961_1345843903_31238957_4026023_n.jpg" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. Spend time with friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. Get into awesome shape and eat healthier. I WORK OUT!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9. Prepare for Prayer Groups for next semester, God did so many amazing things this semester, I can't wait to see what He has in store for next. I seriously miss you all SO MUCH already. Love you girls!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="240" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313405_10150453524363858_731608857_11252602_524804335_n.jpg" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">10. Figure out what in the world God wants me to do this summer and Fall semester. :/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">11. Hopefully visit Sneeya and Jennah in New York City with Ariel :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224217_10150178352237485_514922484_6882398_239394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224217_10150178352237485_514922484_6882398_239394_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><img height="150" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/p480x480/390773_10150628143343858_731608857_12052626_1590013703_n.jpg" width="200" /><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/New_york_times_square-terabass.jpg/220px-New_york_times_square-terabass.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">12. Go to downtown Pittsburgh with my family while the Christmas lights are still up and hopefully visit Samanthajo!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">13. Get in lots of hours at work and be a light for Christ in my workplace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">14. Be involved in my home church over break.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">15. Keep a weekly blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">16. SLEEP! (something college life lacks)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Well, there it is, my goals for break. I'm not sure if I'll get everything accomplished that I'd like to, but I think it's better to aim too high rather than too low. Merry Christmas break friends :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years." ~ Abrahan Lincoln</span></span> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
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</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I have one desire now - to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and </i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>strength into</i></span></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 14px;"> it. -Elisabeth Elliot</i></div><div></div>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0DuBois, PA 15801, USA41.1210115 -78.758325741.103434 -78.7863777 41.138589 -78.7302737tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-59561002837245128222011-12-14T20:41:00.000-08:002011-12-14T20:44:34.379-08:00Getting Real<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Hey sweet friends :) It's been a while since I've written a blog, but no time like the present, right? You see, my problem with blogging isn't running out of ideas, rather stream lining what I want to write about and when I want to write it. If you know me, you know that I can be a little spaced out and my mind is usually in more than one place at a time, haha. For instance, right now I'm thinking about blog ideas. Let me give you a glimpse into the brain of Sarah (scary thought, I know.) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Hmm I should write a blog. What should I write about? I have about half a dozen blogs started, maybe I should finish one of those? Boring. This semester has been so great, especially the amazing women on my hall, specifically my prayer group, maybe I should write a blog devoted to them? Nahhh I think they're too phenomenal, it would turn into a novel. Hmm it's break now, most of my friends at school are going home. Maybe I should write one to encourage them in the struggles and challenges they're facing at home. School. That reminds me, I'm going to be a teacher. This week I've been doing a practicum with some of the sweetest kids, I just can't wait to be a teacher, I could write about that. Or, maybe I should pick a spiritual topic like giving as much grace as we receive. I need to work on that. Grace, that is my favorite attribute of God. Maybe I should name one of my children Grace, or maybe not. I feel like it might make me play favorites because I just love the essence of grace. Naming children, what in the world am I thinking, I'm not even dating. Should I be? Is that a requirement for attending Liberty? Speaking of requirements for Liberty, I really need to get my School of Education application in. Wait, what was I doing anyways? Oh yeah, blogging, what to blog about.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> That is a glimpse of how my brain works, frightening, isn't it? You're probably wondering, why am I reading this? Is she ever going to get to the dang blog?!? Well, hold your horses, I'm about there :) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The more I live life, the more I realize that "hard" is not the exception, rather the rule. Growing up, and even in my first year at Liberty, I felt like I was surrounded by "perfect" people. Since I've gotten to really know people on a deeper level, I've come to the conclusion that although at times many people have "surface perfection" everyone is faced with their own kind of hard. As I was getting ready to leave Liberty, I started to think about what going home looks like. For some, it is a place of rest, peace, sweet memories and love. For others it is a place that is painful rather than peaceful. There are many reasons why it might be difficult going home. Maybe this is the first Christmas without a loved one, maybe you aren't going to come back to school next semester, maybe you have unsaved friends and family members, you might just feel worthless, maybe you're going home to a broken family or maybe you're going to be slammed with the memories and temptations from who you used to be.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Personally, going home isn't always easy for me. I'm blessed beyond belief to have my mom and brother, but there are certain aspects about being home that are extremely difficult, frustrating and at times painful. Through the hard times in life, I've learned that you can either get bitter or get better. It's your choice, plain and simple. Does that mean it's going to be easy? Heck to the no. Will God see you through, shape and mold you and use you to do great things in the midst of adversity? I have absolutely no doubt.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> We serve a faithful God who abounds in unconditional love. Although everything around us is subject to change, we are promised that "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> As you're going home, or have already arrived be encouraged. These are some verses that have encouraged and uplifted me and I trust they'll do the same for you :)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">1 John 5:3-5 "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Pslam 37:23-24 "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">The LORD makes firm the steps</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">of the one who delights in him;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">though he may stumble, he will not fall,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">for the LORD upholds him with his hand."</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Psalm 34:17-20 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">he delivers them from all their troubles.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">The LORD is close to the brokenhearted</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">and saves those who are crushed in spirit. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">The righteous person may have many troubles,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">but the LORD delivers him from them all;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">he protects all his bones,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">not one of them will be broken.</span></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Joel 2:13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Along with those verses, I just wanted to share a reminder of why we are here. I know it's so easy to get caught up in the day to day and forget the only things that really matter. 1. Our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 2. Who we are taking to Heaven with us.</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Matthew 28:17-20 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said,<span class="woj">“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.</span><span class="woj"> Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,</span><span class="woj"> and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I challenge you this break, be bold. Don't let fear hold you back, rather find out just what God can do with one life fully surrendered to Him.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him. I will try my utmost to be that man. -D.L. Moody </span></span></div>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-47478233920843306752011-11-07T21:25:00.000-08:002011-11-07T21:25:50.592-08:00Worship <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Oh man....looks like it's been a while since I've written a blog. There has been so much going on and so many things I've been learning, I feel like I could write a book based solely on the last month of life. There have been many ups and downs and valuable life lessons learned. It seems like there is never a "normal" week in the life of Sarah. The theme of my life has continue to prove itself. My weakness and His abundant grace, love and faithfulness. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> There are so many different ideas for blogs going through my head write now. If I could have a week to do nothing but read and write, I would be a supremely happy woman. Needless to say, I don't. As a matter of fact I probably don't have the time to be blogging right now, but I don't care :) This isn't anything particularly profound, I'm just going to write about the thing that just hit me during quiet time today. Also, I'm writing in a different, more casual style so I apologize if I'm a bit scattered, haha.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Today I started to go through the book of Job. Every time I read Job I get hit with conviction...<b>BAM</b>. This time was no different. You know when you read something and the words nearly jump out of the page at you? Well, one of those moments just happened. I was reading the first chapter of Job. In summary, Satan is talking with God and God decides to brag on His man Job. Job is a faithful servant of God who is blameless, upright and fears God. God even goes as far to say that there is no one on the earth like Him. Satan retaliates and makes the point that God has placed a hedge around Job and everything he has, I mean, what reason does Job have not to love God? God then gives Satan access to everything Job has, but not Job himself. Satan then proceeds to leave the presence of the Lord and reek havoc on Job's life. Job receives news that his oxen, sheep, servants, camels, and all of his children were gone. Gone. In a short period of time, Job lost pretty much everything. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Job's response was very different from what mine probably would have been. In verses 20-21 of chapter one, Job says "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he<b> fell to the ground in worship</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">and said:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and naked I will depart.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 6px;"><b> </b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>may the name of the Lord be praised</b>.”</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> These words jumped out of the page at me. His reaction toward God was worship. This just made me think, what is worship? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The Lord is beautiful. He is worthy of our praise at all times. He is Justice. He is love. He is always faithful. He never changes (Hebrews 13:8.) He is worthy of utmost adoration, reverence and honor.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> In this passage, Job isn't experiencing a giddy, emotionally high, "I'm in love with Jesus, la la la" moment. He is experiencing pain, loss and sorrow. Everything precious has been torn away from him. I think that is what makes his act of worship so beautiful is that it is coming out of brokenness. Job's faith leads him to see the sovereign God's hand at work which gives him repose even in the face of such calamity. In the midst of sheer pain and uncertainty, He falls on His face in worship and praises the name of the Lord. Now, that is worship, that is beautiful. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This specifically challenged me because to be honest, lately some things in my life have just been really, really hard. Even though I've been experiencing "hard", it is nothing in comparison to losing everything. Every time we face hard in life we're faced with the choice becoming bitter and resentful toward God, or acknowledging His sovereignty and giving Him the worship and praise He is due. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Welp, I guess that about sums it up. I'm going to finish off with some lyrics this passage reminded me of. Thank you so much for taking the time to read. Peace. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><i>"And I'll praise You in this storm</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">And I will lift my hands</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">For You are who You are</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">No matter where I am</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">And every tear I've cried</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">You hold in Your hand</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">You never left my side</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">And though my heart is torn</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I will praise You in this storm"</div></span></i></span><br />
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For the past month or so, I haven't really been feeling like myself. Can't really put my finger on it, but I just haven't felt 100% there. I guess there are quite a few possible reasons, but I can't quite peg what it's been or if it's just a combination of a lot of different things. Between classes, work, friendships, confusion, responsibilities, and stuff going on at home I've felt little lost.<br />
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That being said, this fall break has been a glorious thing. There is nothing like taking a step back from the crazyness of life and remembering what it's all really about.<br />
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This morning, a couple of friends and I got up early to go to hiking at Peaks of Otter. If you're a Liberty student or live near here, let me just say, it is a trip well worth making. When we'd finished hiking to the top of the mountain, the view was absolutely breath taking.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQDi6vgFmlBJOkdRg_47iqQXZRZcbhICHjySRJRH9ah1QQE0jQlxFrgkh8l8IrCygz2gvmmUANcZhkdtT140Tltnhm9wyHXhrmuEtORR0kGJOJnBgc2R_Wsuc0tywCftgl3pF8Fc21HHl/s1600/Peaks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQDi6vgFmlBJOkdRg_47iqQXZRZcbhICHjySRJRH9ah1QQE0jQlxFrgkh8l8IrCygz2gvmmUANcZhkdtT140Tltnhm9wyHXhrmuEtORR0kGJOJnBgc2R_Wsuc0tywCftgl3pF8Fc21HHl/s320/Peaks2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the top</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I'm kind of an "outdoorsy" kind of girl, so this was absolutely ideal. Just looking out over the mountains, knowing that my God, my Father, my Savior, created what my eyes were beholding absolutely took my breath away. The same God who created this majestic view that overwhelmed me so, also knows the number of hairs on my head, holds the tears I've cried and has a plan for me. How awesome is that? The same God who created the oceans, knows the number of the grains of sand, created the universe knows my name and has<strong> pursued me</strong> with a <strong>passionate love</strong> to<strong> win my heart</strong>. I truly can't comprehend it, but I'm so incredibly thankful and<strong> overwhelmed</strong> by it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Sometimes I just need reminded of what I've already known. Living in the reality of that love is what makes all of the difference. Walking in the knowledge that I am loved completely and wholy, just as I am by my Almighty Creator and Father makes all of the difference. When I'm walking in His love, it's not about me. When I'm walking in His love, it's not about wheter I'm liked or disliked by others, or anything else partaining to me. When I'm walking as a young woman made whole by the redeeming love of Jesus Christ, that changes everything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I begin to remember what really matters and why I'm here anyway. The only things that are going to last from this world is my personal relationship with Christ and who I'm taking to Heaven with me. All else is vapor. Other than my personal love relationship with Him and who I'm sharing His love with, evertything else really is meaningless. I don't want to live the kind of life where I look back and see time wasted on shallow friendships, selfish indulgence, or meaningless activity. I want to look back and see a life that counted. A life that radiates His love to all those I come in contact with. A life that has no time for trifling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>James 4:14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span class="style_1" style="line-height: 18px;">"What is the secret to great living? Entire separation to Christ and devotion to Him. Thus speaks every man and woman whose life has made more than a passing flicker in the spiritual realm. It is the life that has no time for trifling that counts</span>.”</em>~Amy Carmichael</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> As I'm challenging myself, I challenge whoever might be reading this, examine your life. When it comes down to it, what really matters? What is going to last and what is going to burn? Are your pursuits, pastimes and passions pushing you tward or away from Christ.?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I'm pretty sure that I'm writing this to myself more than anybody reading it. Its just so good to feel Him, His passion, His power again. To be reminded of the reason for my beating heart. To feel clarity. Now, Lord Jesus, Help me do it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.</em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-25980011493301501832011-09-24T22:58:00.000-07:002011-09-24T22:58:14.097-07:00Truth <br />
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</div> I feel like this is a bad decision. I'm looking at my clock, knowing that it's 12:37 and I have an essay to finish, a paper to write, quiz to take & online assignment to finish over the weekend and church tomorrow morning, but I just really feel the urge to write, so I'm going to ignore my better judgement and just do it.<br />
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To be really honest, the last couple of weeks have been kind of rough in my walk with God. You know those times when you're seeking His face, His will, and His presence and yet you feel so far from it? Yeah. That has been the last couple of weeks for me. It's seemed like no matter how hard I've tried I just haven't felt like I've measured up in any aspect of life. I just don't understand what He's doing or what He wants me to do. When I'm going through times like this, it feels so easy to fall back into old thought patterns, listen to old lies and forget who He is and who I am in Him.<br />
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I can't say it in any other words than I need Him. I need Him desprately. My heart longs for Him. Even though I<strong> know</strong> He's still here, still with me, it's so hard not feeling Him, not hearing His voice as clearly as I'm used to. I crave His presence. <br />
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Today I was talking to my mom and expressing to her all that's been going on and some of the things I've been facing. She told me what I really needed to hear. She reminded me of the truth. The truth is something that I can hold on to, something I need to hold on to even when I don't feel Him. <br />
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If you're reading this and know me at all, you'll know I'm kind of a goofy, quirky person and I do quirky goofy things quite frequently. Last year I started doing something kind of quirky but really effective in my walk with God. I started making what I call "truth cards." When I was going through a really tough season last year and battling the Enemy's lies, I would make little index cards with the lie I was facing on one side and a verse to fight it on the other side. I know it sounds lame, but it made all the difference in my walk with Him.<br />
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God never changes, His Word and it's power never changes. Feelings come and go, emotions come and go, people come and go. He remains. He never leaves. He is faithful. He never fails. He never changes. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Hebrews 13:8 "<strong>Jesus Christ</strong> is the <strong>same</strong> yesterday and today and<strong> forever</strong>."</em> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he will <strong>never leave</strong> you nor <b>forsake</b> you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”</em></div><br />
<div align="center"><em>Psalm 37: 23-24 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him though he may stumble, <strong>he will not fall</strong>, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.</em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div> He loves us. As hard as it is to understand, no matter how many times I fail Him, no matter how many times I fall short, His love will never end, His love will never fail. <br />
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<em>Jeremiah 31:3 “I have <b>love</b>d you with an <strong>everlasting</strong> <b>love</b>; I have drawn you with <b>unfailing</b> kindness."</em><br />
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I am His daughter. I'm a child of the King. Because I am His, I am precious in His sight. My value doesn't come from my accomplishments, my status, my grades, or my friends. It comes from the knowledge that I am loved and accepted completely and wholy by my beautiful Heavenly Father.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you, the <strong>Mighty Warrior</strong> who saves. He will take <strong>great delight</strong> in you; <strong>in his love</strong> he will no longer rebuke you, but will <strong>rejoice over you</strong> with singing.”</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>John 1:12-14 "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become <strong>children of God</strong>—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God."</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div><em> </em><br />
<em> </em>I'm getting pretty sleepy so hopefully this blog makes sense. It's pretty different from most of my writing, but I just felt like I was supposed to write it. Maybe I'm just talking to myself, but maybe someone reading this needs reminded too. I want to challenge you to remind yourself of His truth daily, because even when we don't understand what He's doing and don't really feel Him, He never changes, He never fails, He will <strong>NEVER</strong> leave.<br />
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</div>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-69117131335789223982011-08-30T17:08:00.000-07:002011-08-30T17:08:10.633-07:00Beautiful grace, we are weak, but He is strong. Sometimes I can't decide which I fancy more, reading or writing. As of late, I seem to be finding very little time to do either. So, I'm sitting here with a mouth full of brussel sprouts, determined to start and finish a blog within the next hour as I'm eating dinner.<br />
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There is so much going on in my mind and heart. So many lessons I've been learning, questions I've been asking and ways I've been growing. It seems like God has been stretching, pressing and molding me more than ever. The process of being made into something beautiful is a far cry from the word "comfortable." I'm telling you, if you want to be challenged, cry out to God, asking Him, "Whatever it takes, Father, make me like Jesus." He will be faithful to hear and answer your heart's cry. <br />
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Since I've started school, it's been a little crazy. Between taking seven classes, working, and ministry, I've begun to feel a bit like butter spread over too much toast. My mind has also been preoccupied with situations at home, not to mention, the past few days just haven't been the best since my asthma decided it was to time to kick me in the butt again, haha :P Now, don't get me wrong, the past couple of weeks have also been some of the most rewarding, encouraging, life-changing times I've experienced. I've witnessed God's hand stir hardened hearts, seen miracles, experienced His overwhelming love and grace, had the opportunity of being a vessel for His use, and formed beautiful lifetime friendships.<br />
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All of that being said, the past week or so I've been battling with feeling a bit defeated, powerless, not smart enough, and just plain out not good enough for anything or anybody. These are areas I've struggled in in the past and for the past week, they've seemed to arise again. <br />
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On Sunday morning, I intentionally skipped church to go to the prayer chapel. If you attend Liberty University and have not made a visit to the prayer chapel, I highly encourage you to do so. It is hands down one of my favorite places on campus. I decided to walk around back to Jerry's memorial and just sat there basking in the morning sunlight and spent time with my Father. It was such a precious, sweet time with Him. As I was sitting there spending time with Him, I was convicted of the root of these feelings of defeat, being powerless, and not good enough. The root of them was me. I'd begun to shift my focus on me. My faults, my words, my actions, my feelings. By selfishly focusing my thoughts and focus on myself, I'd begun to take my eyes from Jesus beautiful face and shifted them to my faults. Instead of reveling in His overwhelming grace, beauty, love, power, and presence, I was distracted by myself, my faults. <br />
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My favorite verses in the Bible come from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where Paul says,<em> </em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>"But he said to me, <span class="woj">“My <strong>grace</strong> is <strong>sufficient</strong> for you, for my<strong> power</strong> is made <strong>perfec</strong>t in <strong>weakness</strong>.”</span> Therefore I will <strong>boast</strong> all the more<strong> gladly</strong> about my <strong>weaknesses</strong>, so that Christ’s <strong>power</strong> may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I <strong>delight </strong>in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.</em></div><br />
Every time I read these verses, my heart is moved. I'm completely aware of my weakness. I know I'm unfaithful, sinful, very faulted, I make mistakes, I say the wrong things, and am altogether worthless on my own. What I also know is that I have been given abundant, overwhelming grace. My heart has been enticed and captured by the One who knows each of my faults, yet loves me with an unrelenting love. As I look into His beautiful face, I'm reminded that He has chosen me, loved me, forgiven me, given me a new name and made me whole. My life is not my own. It bears the name of the One who knows the number of hairs on my head (Luke 12:6-7) and drew me to Himself with loving kindness (Titus 3:4-7). My life is no longer about me, my faults or shortcomings. I was freed from myself and bought with a price.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>1 Corinthians 7:22-23 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s <strong>freed person</strong>; similarly, the one who was free when called is <strong>Christ’s slave</strong>. You were <strong>bought</strong> at a <strong>price</strong>; do not become slaves of human beings.</em> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> He has called me His own. My heart is branded with His seal. Beautiful grace, I'm so overwhelmed, so undeserving. How can I focus on my own faults when I have my precious, beautiful Savior to live for? Praise Your sweet name, Jesus.</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Turn your eyes upon Jesus,<br />
Look full in His wonderful face,<br />
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,<br />
In the light of His glory and grace.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VBDLAZFLfIM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thought I'd also share my new favorite song that seems to fit along pretty well with this blog :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em> "For You I sing and dance, rejoice in this divine romance, lift my heart and lift my hands to show my love, to show my love."</em></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-79451628103768741242011-07-21T06:05:00.000-07:002011-07-21T06:05:25.219-07:00Be still<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Psalms 46:10 "Be <b>still</b>, and <b>know</b> that I am <b>God</b>. I will be<strong> exalted</strong> among the nations,I will be <strong>exalted</strong> in the earth!"</em></div><br />
A lot of the time, I feel like I'm the one who needs to hear what I write the most. Writing is such a great way to express thoughts, feelings, and lessons that I've learned or am in the process of learning.<br />
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Something that I'm learning to let go of is what my mom calls "hyper-responsibility." Prettymuch, a lot of the time I feel like I have to be perfect and when I'm not perfect or make a little mistake, I feel like I'll ruin my whole life.<br />
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Sometimes, this leads to me running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to do every little thing, trying to make every possible right choice, providing for myself, trying to make everybody happy......in my own power. It is all done with good intentions, but in trying to do so many things "perfectly", I'm taking away from allowing God to take care of me in every sense.<br />
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Many times, I forget that God really can provide all my needs (Phil. 4:19). He is very capable to give me everything that I have need of whether that be spiritually, emotionally, friendships, or physical needs. I don't need to worry about any of these things. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em> 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30456C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> he cares for you.</em></div><br />
That is a command, to cast all of my anxieties and cares on Him. Being self-reliant and overly responsible is in no way godly. God tells us to come and find rest and peace in Him. To sit at His feet as Mary did and listen to Him. Enjoy His presence and savor every glorious minute spent dwelling in His presence. Walking in the supernatural power and provision of the Holy Spirit. Having confidence that God is watching me, taking care of me, that He loves me SO MUCH that nothing that I could do or not do could separate me from Him.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em> Matthew 11:28-30 Come to<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23488E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> me, all who labor and are<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23488F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> heavy laden, and I will give you rest. <span class="woj">Take my yoke upon you, and<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23489G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> learn from me, for I am<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23489H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> gentle and lowly in heart, and<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23489I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> you will find rest for your souls.</span> <span class="woj">For<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23490J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.</span></em></div><br />
God is patiently teaching me my least two favorite words "be still." He is teaching me more and more that I can do nothing, I can be nothing on my own. Its only through the enabling of the Holy Spirit that there is any good in me.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.</em></div><br />
My heart's cry is that He may become everything, and myself nothing. That I may learn to dwell in perfect peace, having faith that my God, the Creator of the universe who loves me completely, perfectly, unconditionally wants me to find perfect rest in Him, to be still and let Him reign. I want to have a faith and assurance in Him that shakes my world. I just want all of Him....I need all of Him...<br />
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<em>.....Jesus Help.</em><br />
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</em></div><span class="keywordresultextras"></span>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-68944501869908286322011-07-18T19:49:00.000-07:002011-07-18T19:58:48.423-07:00Whatever it Takes. Part 3 It's been a few weeks since I've posted a blog, so I figured it was about time I did. The past few weeks have been challenging, but many lessons learned as always.<br />
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I'd have to say, my favorite pastime is probably reading. Lame, nerdy? Yes, but I'm okay with that :] Two of my favorite authors are Eric and Leslie Ludy. I find their passion for serving Christ whole-heartedly, on-fire, without compromise completely inspiring. The current book that I'm reading is <em>Set Apart Femeninity</em> by Leslie Ludy. Its all about being set apart for our Prince and King, Jesus Christ. As I've been reading this book, two questions have been going through my mind as I go through my daily life.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>"Is what I'm doing honoring Christ and drawing me closer to Him"</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em> and</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>"Is what I'm doing drawing others to Him?"</em></div><br />
I've only been on this earth 19 years so far, but during those 19 years, I've learned more and more each day that this life really is all about Jesus. I've learned I can't do it on my own because I wasn't created to "do life" alone. Anything that I do in my own intrests, in my own power turns out to be empty, worthless, lacking true satisfaction.<br />
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I want to become less and less of me. I want to learn to become completely selfless. My heart's cry it to truly love Jesus with ALL my heart, ALL my soul, ALL my mind and ALL my strength. I don't want my life to look like a moral twist on the average American life, rather I want it to look like daily surrender to true Life. I'm so excited.<br />
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I want my life to be completely unexplainable by me. My desire is to really <strong>live </strong>a life that can be explained only through the power of the Holy Spirit within me.<br />
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<em> "The Christian life can be explained only in terms of Jesus Christ, and if your life as Christian can still be explained in terms of you---your personality, your willpower, your gift, your talent, your money, your courage, your scholarship, your dedication, your sacrifice, or your anything--then although you man have the Christian life, you are not yet living it." - Ian Thomas</em><br />
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It is my firm belief that true satisfaction, real joy, is found only through losing complete sight of me. When I focus on my pain, my problems, my life, I find myself feeling hopleless, helpless, and worthless. Any joy or beauty that I possess is found by losing sight of myself completely. It comes from being so consumed by my Prince and King that my life can somehow reflect His, because He is truly the only source of joy and beauty. <br />
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<em>"It is a tremendous freedom to get rid of all self-consideration and learn to care about only one thing---the relationship between Christ and ourselves." -Oswald Chambers</em><br />
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<em> </em>My prayer lately has been that God remove anything in my life that is hindering me from a deeper, closer relationship with Him so that I can full force run the race, life the life, and fulfill the purposes that He designed and created me to. Not wasting any of the precious life that He has given to me, rather pouring it out as an offering of service, gratitude and love for my King.<br />
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<em>Hebrews 12:1-3 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside<strong> every</strong> <strong>weight</strong>, and<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> <strong>sin</strong> which clings so closely, and<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> let us run<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> with <strong>endurance</strong> the race that is<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> set before us, looking to <strong>Jesus</strong>, the<strong> founder</strong> and <strong>perfecter</strong> of our faith,<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> who for the<strong> joy</strong> that was set before him <strong>endured</strong> the cross, despising<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> the shame, and<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."</em><br />
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I challenge you to die. I challenge you to find out what being truly alive feels like, to experience the complete joy found in the set apart life and live for the purpose you were created for. You only have one life to live on this earth. Thank you so much for taking the time to read. :)Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-39928977669326971832011-07-04T21:15:00.000-07:002011-07-04T21:40:00.782-07:00Loose Tooth Most of what I write/think/experience/feel isn't shared on my blog. Its usually only when I feel like I'm supposed to write something or think that it would be beneficial and helpful to whoever might read it. What I'm sharing in this blog is the core of my heart. Its very close and dear to me, but I feel like I'm supposed to share it, so I'm going to.<br />
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I'm having one of those moments where I have a feeling and just can't really put into words. The best way I can think of to describe it is when you have a <strong>loose tooth</strong>. You just want to get it out and reach it and it feels really weird and you just HAVE to do something about it.<br />
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This summer has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. I believe with my whole heart that it has been a season of deep preparation, like I said in a previous post, a "wax on, wax off" season. God has been testing, trying, and molding me. It has been hard to go through and hard to see why God has me here, but here and there I've caught glimpses of the work He is doing inside of my heart and the woman He is molding me into.<br />
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"If Jesus gives us a task or assigns us to a difficult season, every ounce of our experience is meant for our instruction and completion if only we'll let Him finish the work. I fear, however, that we are so attention-deficit that we settle for bearable when beauty is just around the corner." <br />
— Beth Moore<br />
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The past while, I've been overwhelmed with a desire for more of Him. For more righteousness, for more in life, to make every single minute I live be one to make an impact for eternity. I want to walk with Jesus Christ and to lay EVERY distraction, sin and hinderance aside. I want Him to be all I see. I want Him to be all that others see in me. I want to leave every interaction, every conversation with the other person being more drawn to Jesus and thinking about Him, not me. Thinking about the beautiful Name above every Name. I just want to be a pointer to the One who forever has my heart and my everything. I just want to be so consumed by and with Him that everything else is pale in comparison. I just want His best for my life in every area. I don't want to and refuse to settle for a mediocre, easy life. I want to choose, I will choose to die every day in order to be alive in Christ. I want to and will crucify my flesh, my desires, my "old man" so that I can see Chrsit alive in me. I want to see what a life fully surrendered to Christ looks like.<br />
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<em>"The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him. I will try my utmost to be that man." -D.L. Moody </em><br />
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Sometimes, I just get so darn mad at myself. I get mad for doubting God, for choosing against Him. I feel like it is a constant battle and "killing" of my old man. I just want sooooo badly to be living that wholly set apart for my King. <br />
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I'm learning that choosing to die to self is a daily decision, a daily battle. It is daily getting on my knees and rending my heart before the Almighty.<br />
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<em>Joel 2:12-13 “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your <strong>heart</strong> and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. </em><br />
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<em>Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, <span class="woj">for they will be filled.</span> </em><br />
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<em>Jeremiah 29:12-14a Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD.</em><br />
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We are promised that when we seek Him, when we hunger for Him, we will be filled and He will be found. I don't want to settle for less. I don't want to just nod my head and agree with everything I hear. I'm hungry for more of Him, I yearn for Him. I want to seek things out for myself, not just go along. I want to meditate in His Word and hear Him speak. I don't want to settle for a normal, average, comfortable life when I know there is more. I want everything that He has in store. I want His best, His plan. I want to fulfill whatever purposes He created me for. I just want all of Him.<br />
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If you are reading this, I want to encourage you, don't give up. Never stop, even when things get hard. He is enough, He is always enough. Keep seeking His face, He <strong>never</strong> fails or disappoints.<br />
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<em>Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.</em><br />
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<em>Psalm 37:4 "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."</em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <em> Turn your eyes upon Jesus,<br />
Look full in His wonderful face,<br />
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,<br />
In the light of His glory and grace.</em></div>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-63848529019732785012011-06-27T22:04:00.000-07:002011-06-27T22:24:07.545-07:00We are Ambassadors. I'm writing this with a heavy heart. My heart isn't heavy because of something that has happened to me or a friend. It isn't heavy because of an outward circumstance really, its just reality. My heart is heavy becuase I'm feeling the burden of lost, broken souls.<br />
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This summer, I've been surrounded almost always by people who don't share my faith and belief in Jesus Christ. Other than my mom and brother and church on Sunday, all of my time is spent with people who haven't seen the glorious light of Jesus Christ. They haven't experienced His healing, they haven't felt His power or His joy. They have no hope or eternal security. They have experienced the pleasure of this world, but not the pleasure of a relationship with the Creator of this world. It really has me thinking, searching, yearning for more of Him.<br />
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Today when I got off of work, I just had kind of a bad attitude. I was really missing Liberty and my friends from there, missing being around other believers, missing feeling God's presence in a group setting, missing worship. I was focusing inward, being selfish. I was thinking about everything that I missed and longed for rather than the mission field God has placed me in.<br />
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As I started to fall asleep tonight, a rush of sorrow filled my heart. I started crying. Reality struck. Most of the people I interact with on a daily basis are on their way to Hell. If I really believe in the Bible, which I do, the only way one can come into the Kingdom of God is through Jesus Christ and Him alone.<br />
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I wholeheartedly believe that the "real world" is one of the hardest mission fields. Working in a secular workplace, having unsaved extended family, interacting with unsaved neighbors, it it a mission field. This mission field isn't usually advertised at churches, it isn't usually one that recieves special attention, or a title. We are the day in day out ambassadors of Jesus Christ in places where His beautiful Name is used more frequently as a curse than the Name above all Names. All who are believers in Jesus Christ are called to be bold witnesses and not only represent our King by our actions, but by our words and spirit. We are called to be a light in dark places, to shamelessly defend our King and proclaim His truth to those who may have never heard.<br />
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What do we have? What makes us different? What makes us more than a smiling face or kind word. What makes us different than them? Is there something that we have that they don't? Are we more than morals and rules? How can they tell if we are different? How can they see the light of Jesus Christ rather than just another happy face?<br />
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I'm asking myself these questions. Can my coworkers, friends, family and neighbors see anything different in me? Do they see more than a bubbly personality and friendly smile? Do they see the power of a supernatural force evidenced in the way I live? ...I don't know...I sure hope so.<br />
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Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’<span class="woj">But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, </span><span class="woj">that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.</span> <span class="woj">If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?</span> <span class="woj">And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?</span> <span class="woj">Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."</span><br />
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I want this. I want to be light in dark places. I want to be perfect and love like my Father, to love my enemy and pray for those who tease, gossip about and mistreat me because of my faith.I want to be a Holy Spirit filled, walking powerhouse. I want my actions, words, and entire being to be consumed with a passion to share my Savior, my King with a dying world. I want to live every day with the knowledge that it could be my last. How did I spend today, did I make an eternal impact through complete surrender to my Savior and His Holy Spirit?<br />
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I don't want a lukewarm faith. I want a passionate, on fire, blazing,world changing faith. Whether I'm overseas, or here in DuBois, I want to be faithful to represent my King. I feel called to full-time ministry in the future, but I want to be faithful now, even as a grocery store missionary. I want to surrender my pride and worrying about what others think of me to be a bold witness for my King, laying every hinderance aside.<br />
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Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.<br />
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I'm writing this to challenge and encourage my fellow believers to be bold ambassadors for our King. Represent Him shamelessly. Be in His Word, seeking His face, His power, His Holy Spirit every morning. We can do nothing, and I mean nothing, in our own power. Our true rest, power, and strength comes from His presence alone. We can not be ambassadors for a King we don't really know or spend time with. Being an ambassador for Jesus Christ is way more than posting a Bible verse on facebook, its allowing Him to use our bodies, mouths, actions, everything and everywhere we go to represent Him.<br />
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I'm also writing this to ask for prayer. I've been growing kind of discouraged and really lacking <br />
close Christian friends at home. I'm in need of a support system of believing, like-minded friends<br />
here. I have so many close Christ seeking friends at school, but when I come home, sometimes I sort of feel alone. My heart longs for a few friends here to really "run the race" with.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who reads my blog, it really means so much. Also, feel free to offer any feedback :)Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-16525538544224859492011-06-20T15:44:00.000-07:002011-06-20T21:19:55.320-07:00Whatever it takes 2. So, in the begining of the summer, in one of my blogs titled "Whatever it Takes", I talked about a specific prayer that I prayed to start the summer off with. That prayer was "Whatever is takes, make me like Jesus." Little did I know what the ramifications of that seemingly small, seven-word prayer would be.<br />
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Telling God, telling Jesus, to shape you and mold you into the vessel that He wants to be is always a dangerous prayer. This prayer give God permission to do whatever He wants and molding and shaping an individual isn't a pretty process. Before gold is refined, it just isn't that pretty and it needs to go through fire/the furnace to be purified and draw all of the impurities to the surface. The finished product is a beautiful thing, but the process of getting there is a narrow, hard path.<br />
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I've mentioned in previous blog posts that this summer has not been easy. It hasn't been. God has tested my faith, my patience, and my trust in Him and His plan. I feel like in my heart, with each thing that has happened, I can hear God saying, "Will you still follow me, Sarah? Will you still do whatever it takes to be like Jesus? Are you truly willing to be my disciple and trust me?" And, although sometimes begrudgingly, I have said "Yes, Jesus, I'm not turning back."<br />
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This summer has been beautiful. I have seen God work in my life and the lives of others and use my life to impact those around me. I have witnessed Him continually draw out impurities in my life and sow seeds of faith and trust in Him, which is something that has been really hard for me in the past. I have seen my Hero rise to the occasion and rescue me. He has never dissapointed me or abandoned me. Even when on the surface, it has seemed like my world was falling apart, He was really holding it together. He sees the unseen and His plans and ways are ALWAYS higher.<br />
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<em>Isaiah 55:9 says "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."</em> <br />
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<em>1 Corinthians 1:25 "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength."</em><br />
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We can always trust in Him and His plan, always. He is our Savior, Father, Redeemer and Friend. <br />
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<em>1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.</em><br />
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<em>Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.</em><br />
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<em>Psalms 27:33-34 </em> <em>The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.</em><br />
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<em> </em>I really have the ladies from the leadership team on 5-1 on my heart as I am writing this. Guys, this is hard, it is so unexpected, shocking, and painful, but we don't always have to know why, we just need to say, "Yes, Jesus, I trust in You." There are so many things in life that we don't "get". Sometimes I think about Heaven, and I think it would be so cool if when we get there we play a video and see all that God was doing behind the scenes of the things we will never understand on earth. I know His plans are best and He wouldn't have let this happen if it wasn't His will. It is still so hard, but we just have to trust in His perfect love for us.<br />
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This is a simple song that I learned as a little girl. It has been on my heart, so I will close with the first verse of it.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>I have decided to follow Jesus. <br />
I have decided to follow Jesus. <br />
I have decided to follow Jesus, <br />
no turning back, no turning back.</em> </div>Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-58689462011814454672011-06-19T20:39:00.000-07:002011-06-20T21:19:19.342-07:00Thank You Abba. Fathers day. Eh.<br />
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This morning, wasn't too fun. I went to church as usual. The church that I attend is beautiful. Seeing the generations of love, faith, and commitment to Jesus Christ, well, it is just a beautiful thing. The admiration and respect I have for the leadership and members of First Baptist is immense. There are so many families that you can witness generation after generation of service to Jesus Christ, actually I think that about 95% of our church is related haha. It is actually what attracted me to attend First Baptist and I have never regretted going there, I truly love it. That is what I want for my future. I want to be the change. I want the family I have to be one that serves Jesus Christ wholeheartedly. I want my children and grandchildren to be faithful to serving and loving Jesus.<br />
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That being said, being a young single person attending church alone isn't always easy. All of my life, I went to church with my mom at a different church. It is a church with wonderful people, but there were some things I didn't agree with doctrinally, and I felt called to attend First Baptist. My senior year I started attending there.<br />
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All of that is a preface to this morning. It was a normal Sunday morning. I walked in the sanctuary, fashionably late of course, and found a seat. Like I said, my church is HUGE on family stuff, which I think is really awesome. This morning was fathers day. This summer has been really hard. I'm not going into detail, but, my dad isn't really part of my life and hasn't been for a long time. Seeing all of the dads stand up, all the dads get their little books for father's day, seeing kids hug their dads, seeing facebook posts about people's wonderful dads. Well, its hard and I've been jealous. There, I said it, I've been jealous, really jealous.<br />
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I feel like all huge things in my life, I can relate to an epic run. Weird, I know, but running is a way for me to get everything out. Its just me, God, and my running shoes hitting the pavement. Tonight was one of those epic runs. God really convicted me of my selfishness. He convicted me of focusing on things that have been taken away rather than all of the blessings that He has lavished on me. I've been focusing on losing my hall/leadership family for next year, the hard things I'm facing rather than all of the incredible ways He has blessed me. I am His daughter, He is my Daddy, Abba. Tonight as I was debriefing on what I felt God spoke to me during that run I came accross this passage of scripture that I found so comforting and uplifting.<br />
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Galatians 4:4-7 "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, <i>“Abba</i>,<strong><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup></strong>Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."<br />
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He chose to adopt me. He chose to be my Dad. He chose to take on the challenge of raising sinful, awful, rebelious me. He knows everything I've done, He knows every thought that has passed through my mind. He sees all and knows all and He chose to be my Abba. He sent His only, perfect Son to die a horrible death and carry the weight of sin so He could adopt me. He chose to be my Daddy. He chose to make me an heir. He didn't just save me from my chains of sins and an eternity of suffering in Hell, He chose to give me an inheritance, to treat me as His very own. <br />
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I have so much to be thankful for SO MUCH. I really can't get over it. I'm tearing up out of joy right now. I could write a hundred page blog about all of the things I am thankful for, but I don't think many people would read it haha :) For this blog I just wanted to end it with a specific thankyou to two of my favorite people and the best family I could ask for.<br />
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Benjamin Allen Doughty, you are the MAN! I love you so much, as my roomate, Rachel would say, bastante. You have overcome the odds, you have fought through hard battles, you have chosen to follow Jesus. Words can't describe how proud I am of you. How proud I am to call Ben Doughty my brother. You are amazing, you exemplify the characteristics of Jesus Christ in the way that you treat me. You are probably the hardest working man that I know, yet you also genuinely care about people. You can rip and tear in yardwork, but you still are an awesome cook :) Thank you for being my big brother. I love you so much. Whoever gets to marry you is going to be an incredibly blessed woman, but she will have to get through me first ;)<br />
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I'm saving the best for last. My mom. I don't think I could ever tell her enough how much she means to me or how proud I am of her. She is an amazing woman. Her prayers have gotten me through so many hard times. I don't tell her nearly enough how much I love her or how thankful I am for her. She derserves the biggest "Happy Fathers Day" because she's done both. She's worked hard to help my brother and I go to school and provide for us. She is one of the most beautiful people I know. She's put up with my shenanigans and seen me through the best and worst times. She's my mom, but also one of my dearest friends. She follows Jesus, even when life is really hard. I admire and love my mom so much.<br />
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I am so blessed for God to have placed me in this family. Everything He does is in His plan. He is amazing, perfect, loving. Glory be to His name. I love you Abba and thank you.Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965114758308712361.post-30526597221409174802011-06-18T08:51:00.000-07:002011-06-20T21:18:54.431-07:00Is He Enough?*Breathe in, breathe out* <br />
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It seems like the past few months God has been testing me hardcore. He knows better than anyone my weaknesses and He has been pinpointing them. Not gonna lie, at times it reminds me of having a brother. You know, they magically know just what button to press to get a reaction out of you. I feel like God has been pressing my buttons. He sees everything. He sees where I've fallen, where I'm vulnerable, where I'm broken. He know my weaknesses, even when they are seemingly unnoticable by others. <br />
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I feel like this summer He has drawn out everything within me. He has pressed me, stretched me, pounded me until there was nothing left, really nothing left. He has taken away every layer of security. He has allowed me to really become nothing. So many things I've had or thought that I could count on have been taken away. <br />
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That being said, sometimes as I've gone through some really trying, difficult times this summer, I've been able to breathe in and tell myself it will all be okay when I go back to school. Being at Liberty is like a different world for me. Words can't express how incredibly thankful I am for them, I really believe they are the best school and I love LU. Everything was working out perfectly for this semester. Despite changing my major over the summer, I was still able to get a great schedule, I have the most wonderful friends there, rooming with one of my best friends and most exciting, I was going to be part of leadership on what I believe to be one of the best halls on campus. It was something stable. Something I could count on. Something really amazing.<br />
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Last night all of us on dorm 5 got an awful e-mail. Prettymuch one from Liberty telling us they were making our dorm into a male dorm, so find new housing. Our whole leadership team is getting broken up and put on a waiting list for positions. By looking at all of the full housing its really unlikely I'll get to room with my best friend. It was something completely unexpected and shocking. Honestly, I'm still pretty upset at Liberty.<br />
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I don't get why God is taking this away from us. Our leadership team had prettymuch clicked instantly. We shared a passion and love for Jesus Christ that bonded us together. We were hanging out as PLs before the whole team even met and when we got together as a team, it was a beautiful thing. I feel like through the summer we have gotten even closer through prayer & keeping in touch. I felt like we were like PB&J, we just belonged together.<br />
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I don't understand why, but I don't need to. I need to trust, trust in God's plan. He can see the whole picture and even when it just looks like a sad mess to me, He can see something beautiful. Our theme verse for 5-1 is Esther 4:14 "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” I believe that we are still called for such a time as this. God had a reason for splitting us up and a purpose for the ministry each of us will be involved in. This summer, I've learned that I don't have to understand the "why?", I just need to learn to trust. I need to learn to trust my amazing Creator, Father and Savior. I need to trust that His plan is perfect and He sees the bigger picture, even though I don't. I don't need to understand, I don't need to get it, because He does and He loves me more than I can fathom. He sees the unseen and knows what He is doing all the time.<br />
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I feel like this summer, God has done so much shaping and molding in my life. He has taken things away, broken me, and surfaced my weaknesses and insecurities. I'm so thankful for that. My life verse is<br />
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<em> 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, <span class="woj">“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”</span> Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.</em> <br />
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I have definitely been given opportunity to have that verse be lived out this summer. I've been weak, broken, left with nothing, but Christ's grace has been enough for me. He has given me a joy that has really been unexplainable and a peace that can only be explained by His Holy Spirit. Through me being stripped down to nothing, I've been able to see God at work. I've been able to firsthand experience the power in Christ that comes through weakness, insults, hardships, persecution. I have been drawn closer to Christ than I knew was possible by becoming nothing.<br />
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Random sidetrack, but I really love my mom. She doesn't always have the most comforting things to say, but she says what I need to hear. Today I was in the car with her and as I was pouring out my frustrations, she said, "Sarah, want to hear something I heard on the radio? They were talking about Navy Seals. Did you know they physically drown them and then reccusitate them as part of their training?" She then went on to encourage me about the plans God has for me. She was told me that God aloud me to grow up in a really broken home, go through hell, because He was training me for an ellite force for Him. He is training me to survive, press on, and cling to Him no matter what I am going through.<br />
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Life really is a beautiful thing. Even through difficult seasons, it is beautiful. I'm learning that my Jesus is ALWAYS, ALWAYS enough. He has the perfect plan and even when things are taken away from us, or we face challenges, He remains and He is still enough. Praise be to Him alone.Sarah Doughtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15933445705186982935noreply@blogger.com0