I'm a nerd and I love to read, but when it comes to "Christian" books I'm pretty picky. I analyze and ponder- I don't like repetitiveness, and I really don't like fiction Christian books. I'm not sure where I came up with these generalizations, but they have stuck. Having said that I don't doubt that God works through those books. His power is sufficient to work through and speak to the readers of these books, but for me personally they are not the ones that resonate and recharge me.
BUT...
I believe I now have a favorite Christian book.
The story of Jim Elliot told by his wife, Elizabeth Elliot, through the venue of Jim's letters and journal entries rivets me. I want to stay up late and read-forever about this man's life and path with God. It shakes me how he has complete boldness in his faith. It is radical to me the way he pursues Elisabeth (Betsy as he calls her). I am challenged by his desire to serve, independent of his stage in life.
I'm not sure if God has used any other book, other than Bible of course, to challenge me to change the way I view my daily stance on life. As I read it, I want to jump out of my seat and do something for God. I want to read His Word and commit it ALL to memory. But mostly, I just want to rest in His presence the entire day.
For reals- read this one: Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot by Elisabeth Elliot. If you're short on money- get it at the library- if they don't have it- ask me- I will buy it for you. It's that good.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
welcome to welcoming.
soooooo blessed by welcoming today.
to my dear welcomers who teach me to love, seek, and serve beyond anyway I could ever lead you to do so.
thank you for sharing your testimonies
thank you being on time
thank you for awesome prayer times
thank you for putting up with my crazy antics as I learn how to best lead
thank you for letting me share in your lives
thank you for being patient with me as God teaches me to lead you
thank you for loving this church with expansive hearts
thank you for encouraging me
today i was so blessed by you and seeing how God is transforming you and by the privileged of sharing in Spirit filled and God led prayer times.
to my dear welcomers who teach me to love, seek, and serve beyond anyway I could ever lead you to do so.
thank you for sharing your testimonies
thank you being on time
thank you for awesome prayer times
thank you for putting up with my crazy antics as I learn how to best lead
thank you for letting me share in your lives
thank you for being patient with me as God teaches me to lead you
thank you for loving this church with expansive hearts
thank you for encouraging me
today i was so blessed by you and seeing how God is transforming you and by the privileged of sharing in Spirit filled and God led prayer times.
Friday, July 23, 2010
old school.
some times you need a little bit of the old school hymn-age/lots of repetition in your life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
I will worship You
with all of my heart.
I will worship You
with all of my mind.
I will worship You
with all of my strength.
For You are my Lord.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
I will worship You
with all of my heart.
I will worship You
with all of my mind.
I will worship You
with all of my strength.
For You are my Lord.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
I will worship You
with all of my heart.
I will worship You
with all of my mind.
I will worship You
with all of my strength.
For You are my Lord.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
I will worship You
with all of my heart.
I will worship You
with all of my mind.
I will worship You
with all of my strength.
For You are my Lord.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
More Love, More Power,
More of You in my life.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
scattered thunderstorms.
today was a sad day.
i know i'm not a pastor, but i should probably learn to listen better: Jason Helopoulos on Listening Pastors
i want this on the accent wall in my room: http://www.designfront.org/category.php?id=28&product=105
i know i'm not a pastor, but i should probably learn to listen better: Jason Helopoulos on Listening Pastors
i want this on the accent wall in my room: http://www.designfront.org/category.php?id=28&product=105
Monday, July 19, 2010
dating.
This seems like the general topic that everyone from my GCC friends to non-church friends to home friends to my parents want to talk about this summer. It's not that boys are bad or that I'm a strong female and want to live this life alone, but I just want this to be God's work. Within the past year and a half God has transformed my plans completely - turning a Jonah like resistant heart to one that just wants to follow His path brokenly and with full abandon and this is how I've come to my thoughts on this topic.
Quoting John Piper in his book on Ruth...because I am not eloquent...
"Here we have a picture of God's ideal woman...Faith in God that sees beyond present bitter setbacks. Freedom from the securities and comforts of the world. Courage to venture into the unknown and the strange. Radical commitment in the relationships appointed by God....This is the woman of Proverbs 31:25 who looks into the future with confidence in God and laughs at the coming troubles: "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come." Ruth is one of "the holy women who hoped in God...[and did] not fear anything that is frightening" (1 Peter 3:5-6). It is a beautiful thing to watch a woman like this serve Christ with courage….Whatever else the great women of faith doubted, they never doubted that God governed every part of their lives and that nothing could stay his hand...Nothing--from toothpdicks to tyrants--is ultimately self-determining. Everything serves (willingly or not) the "purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will" (Eph. 1:11). God is the all-encompassing, all-pervading, all-governing reality." --John Piper, A Sweet and Bitter Providence, p. 35, 44
This is the woman I want to be. Not that I will become this by the time I find that person and not that I will be ready for this relationship because I have become this, but this is my focus.
When I think about my parents and think about how much I look up to them for who they are in Christ, I often think "I want to marry someone who loves God and trusts in his paths the way my dad does" and I think "I want to be the surrendering but confident and caring woman my mom is". But the kink in this is that my parents have had the past 26 years together becoming the people they are becoming. They grew as they ran after the same goal- to fully worship our Lord.
So the conclusion is I just want to run after God with an open mind that He has already set my paths. If and when He chooses dating will be part of that path. But for now, instead of such focus on these significant others why not focus on the only significant One.
Quoting John Piper in his book on Ruth...because I am not eloquent...
"Here we have a picture of God's ideal woman...Faith in God that sees beyond present bitter setbacks. Freedom from the securities and comforts of the world. Courage to venture into the unknown and the strange. Radical commitment in the relationships appointed by God....This is the woman of Proverbs 31:25 who looks into the future with confidence in God and laughs at the coming troubles: "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come." Ruth is one of "the holy women who hoped in God...[and did] not fear anything that is frightening" (1 Peter 3:5-6). It is a beautiful thing to watch a woman like this serve Christ with courage….Whatever else the great women of faith doubted, they never doubted that God governed every part of their lives and that nothing could stay his hand...Nothing--from toothpdicks to tyrants--is ultimately self-determining. Everything serves (willingly or not) the "purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will" (Eph. 1:11). God is the all-encompassing, all-pervading, all-governing reality." --John Piper, A Sweet and Bitter Providence, p. 35, 44
This is the woman I want to be. Not that I will become this by the time I find that person and not that I will be ready for this relationship because I have become this, but this is my focus.
When I think about my parents and think about how much I look up to them for who they are in Christ, I often think "I want to marry someone who loves God and trusts in his paths the way my dad does" and I think "I want to be the surrendering but confident and caring woman my mom is". But the kink in this is that my parents have had the past 26 years together becoming the people they are becoming. They grew as they ran after the same goal- to fully worship our Lord.
So the conclusion is I just want to run after God with an open mind that He has already set my paths. If and when He chooses dating will be part of that path. But for now, instead of such focus on these significant others why not focus on the only significant One.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
I'm coming to family group today!
At one point I was talking to one of my family group members about how it's kind of sad when on fg day the leaders gets texts or emails saying that people can't make it to family group. Though it might just be one or two people, the thought slowly creeps in "will anyone come today? do they like family group? why aren't the coming?". Though often there are legitimate reasons, as a broken person, my mind wanders to how I am failing them.
In response to this conversation, this particular family group member now texts/responds to the weekly family group e-mail with an excited "I'll be there!" or "I'm coming!". Maybe this person isn't really this excited for family, but in my mind I see a smiling excited face. It makes me smile. But most of all it makes me a my heart swell and my eye tear up because I am SO blessed by K'nex.
Galations 5: 13-14
13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
In response to this conversation, this particular family group member now texts/responds to the weekly family group e-mail with an excited "I'll be there!" or "I'm coming!". Maybe this person isn't really this excited for family, but in my mind I see a smiling excited face. It makes me smile. But most of all it makes me a my heart swell and my eye tear up because I am SO blessed by K'nex.
Galations 5: 13-14
13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
torrential downpours and smells on the trolley
I'm not sure if many of you were awake this morning or had to succumb to the torrential downpours in Philly, but I sure did. I looked outside in the morning to see rain- the kind where the old man is really snoring. So I decided on pants to traverse the rain. Well I soon came to find out that not only was it raining, but there were many newly formed lakes and rivers as well. As I traversed these to get to work, I quickly became very very wet. So much so that once I got to work I was soaked all the way through and was leaving a trail of water everywhere I went. I was not fully dry until about 2-3pm.
May God be like the torrential downpour in our lives. Inescapable and undeniable, so much so that our encounters with Him leave us soaked through to our bones.
On a different note, I was on the trolley home this morning and there was a man who was smelling quite foul. One girl on the trolley noted that wherever the man went the mob of people moved to the other side of the trolley. Except for one girl, she just stood there and didn't say anything. I happen to know this girl from passing and I know that she's a Christian. What a witness she was to me today. I hope that when I am encountered by things that this world is repulsed by, I can stand and know that the Lord loves all. Now this girl did not talk to the guy or give him a hug or anything that dramatic, but to me the act of standing her ground (quite close to the man) was an example of personhood. That this man is a human and though he might have circumstances that make him repulsive to the world, there is someone that can see him for who he is.
Matthew 25:37-40
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Monday, July 12, 2010
It's monday again.
I was talking to J. yesterday about how when I am in any form of transportation I stare into space and think. I can't say I can always track my thoughts, but I'm constantly thinking about stuff. Thinking about friends, thinking about people on the street, thinking about the stuff going on in places I go buy. But after having said this out loud, it occurred to me that I'm not sure if this is a good way to pass time. So analytical. So calculated.
Join with me in this move to pray on our way to the work place. Whether you drive or ride or walk...may we take this time to observe and lift up prayers of thankfulness, of love, and of compassion for those we pass by but also for our days.
So I thought about how this time could be used more effectively.
And this came to mind:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Join with me in this move to pray on our way to the work place. Whether you drive or ride or walk...may we take this time to observe and lift up prayers of thankfulness, of love, and of compassion for those we pass by but also for our days.
3 days no blog
Went home for a day to hang out with my cousins from Brazil. Talk about feeling old-they are so little-and call me aunt but it was so much fun. Then Saturday night I stayed up late and talked to my mom until 2 am- SO gloriously fun and blessing. My mom is so wise :)
Today I went to RWC, had lunch, and watched the World Cup game. It was fun spending the day with a friend I hadn't seen in a while :D.
And tonight was so blessing praying and talking to a few fellow welcomers. Let's pray for our church! May our hearts burn for it as we serve it! :D
Further details to come...but for now...
I love this song: Phil Wickham- Divine Romance.
The fullness of Your grace is here with me
The richness of Your beauty’s all I see
The brightness of Your glory has arrived
In Your presence God, I’m completely satisfied
For You I sing I dance
Rejoice in this divine romance
Lift my heart and my hands
To show my love, to show my love
A deep deep flood, an Ocean flows from You
Of deep deep love, yeah it’s filling up the room
Your innocent blood, has washed my guilty life
In Your presence God I’m completely satisfied
Today I went to RWC, had lunch, and watched the World Cup game. It was fun spending the day with a friend I hadn't seen in a while :D.
And tonight was so blessing praying and talking to a few fellow welcomers. Let's pray for our church! May our hearts burn for it as we serve it! :D
Further details to come...but for now...
I love this song: Phil Wickham- Divine Romance.
The fullness of Your grace is here with me
The richness of Your beauty’s all I see
The brightness of Your glory has arrived
In Your presence God, I’m completely satisfied
For You I sing I dance
Rejoice in this divine romance
Lift my heart and my hands
To show my love, to show my love
A deep deep flood, an Ocean flows from You
Of deep deep love, yeah it’s filling up the room
Your innocent blood, has washed my guilty life
In Your presence God I’m completely satisfied
Thursday, July 8, 2010
i love seeing people grow. it is one of the most heart warming things. it's like getting a glimpse of what God sees when we finally "get it". you may not know it but your growth inspires me to love God more.
Colossians 1:9-11
9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully
Colossians 1:9-11
9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
sparkly, shiny, and new
New time of life = time for a new blog.
Coming to college I killed my xanga and started a my blogger, Prisciselyi, and yet again it is time for a new location for my thoughts. Coming to college, I was ready to leave my small town and find myself )hence the name for my old blog). It was about discovering who I was, in the moment, in the new place with new experiences.
I'm not going to say that I've completely figured it out, but I am no longer striving to know myself better in the same way as I was then. I'm ready to chronicle something different.
So is born "ano auxano".
God has placed me in Philadelphia this year for a reason. Despite my struggles with the decision to stay originally, I am excited to see the work of His hands. It's taken a lot to get me to this place, both in God's patience, my prayers and other's prayers, and now I can say that I can't wait to meet with the Lord this year. I am ready. BRING IT ON. I know it may be hard at times, but this Joy I have is indescribable. I'm so content with this relationship with my Lord. I feel like a little girl in love and who is waiting in expectancy for even more moments where I can sit and find Joy.
So this blog is my year ("ano" in Portuguese) of growth ("auxano" in Greek). May I always remember this feeling I have right now even when times get tough and when struggles come, may I find joy in the midst of it all.
2 Peter 1: 5-10
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, youwill be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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