{my thoughts}

This is a follow up of my last post about the age of the earth and the integrity of scripture depending on your view of that issue. The real question here is, Why does the Universe look so old? (article by Albert Mohler, www.icr.org/article/why-does-universe-look-so-old/) This is a great read and really backs up my view and has honestly helped me create my view as a believer in Christ.

This may quite possibly be one of the biggest debated in the world today, not only by Christians but by atheist and others as well. Like Mohler states in his article, "Currently, the scientific consensus suggests the earth and our own solar system are approximately 4.5 billion years old. The age of the universe is now said to be about 13.5 billion years old, which is essentially a mathematical extrapolation of data from radiometric dating evidence, the estimated start of a Big Bang, and theories related to the expansion of the universe."

And the views of many Christian's is that the earth and universe is very young, many say about 6,000 years old. My personal belief on this subject is that the earth is indeed young, which follows the teachings in Genesis following the 24-hour day with 7 days a week. It is a record of both creation and redemption and consummation, a final judgement. Therefore this shows not only the story of Adam and Eve, but also the fall.

If you want to read more into each view I would strongly encourage you to read the article posted above by Mohler. He goes into great detail and explains very well both views.

I know this is a very controversial subject, but it was something that I was challenged to look into, therefore I am challenging others :)

{old or new}

Over the past few weeks, I have been challenging myself to ask more questions, more probing questions. Whether they are silly little findings or contradictory debating questions. In my attempts to lessen assumptions and grow in knowledge, I am challenging myself. I kind of took this all a step farther and when I ask myself a question, I also ask a couple close friends. I want to see what they think and believe as well. I do, however, make sure to answer the question myself before I read any of their answers.

Anyway, to get on with this whole post...my friend decided to ask me a question the other day and I'm not going to lie, it has taken my about 5 days to research and answer. He asked, "Is the earth old or new, and how does it affect the integrity of Scripture?"

So, I know where I stand on this and I want to hear what you think...whoever you may be...challenge yourself :)

{One Day}

This is so exciting and I was talking to a friend the other day when she said, "I don't know if you are blogging any more, but you really need to write that down." So here goes, this is just a quick reminder of how great and powerful our God is...

So the other day I was at my favorite coffee shop in town and I was reflecting on what the Lord has shown me in the past couple months and what I have been asking for that maybe he has not revealed to me quite yet. In that sweet moment I was journaling and thought, man I really need to hear a word from you right now Lord. My heart was heavy and thoughts were scrambled, but I knew one thing for sure was that I needed to hear from the Lord in his amazingly sweet voice. I asked one thing and that was to know that one day, just one day that I would feel normal again from all of this sickness. Believing that He could absolutely speak to me, I started my study for that day in a book that I am doing with my life group called, Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. I remembering opening the study to where I left off and began reading. The story/scripture that I was looking at was when the Lord was leading Moses to the burning bush in Exodus. The scripture starts off reading, "ONE DAY"!!!!!! Ok Lord, I get it, I thought quickly....ONE DAY, that one day promise that I will feel better and normal again. This is the first time, other than my salvation that I have felt a real promise from the Lord directly relating to my life. How stinking cool is that!!!!!!!!

Just wanted to share and maybe give hope to someone that is feeling similar to me :) Also, this song by Shane and Shane has been on my heart and giving me amazing hope the past couple days...

MIracle by Shane and Shane

Every week I hear a story of a miracle
And if I'm honest I'm tired of seeing none at all
I don't need to see a dead man come alive
All I want is You to fill me up inside

I need You Lord
Even more than the air I breathe
I need You Lord
Right away
I need You Lord
Every minute of every day
I need You Lord
Right away

Today I'm asking for a miracle
Anything you got God big or small
I don't need to see the cancer go away
All that I want is to know that it will be OK

I need You, I need You

reality check

I know it has been awhile, but felt like writing...I have been feeling so different and abnormal lately and I kinda of somewhat need to write about everything I am learning and realizing. This past weekend I had the opportunity to go and visit some friends down in ft. myers and had a great encouraging talk with them, but had an amazingly difficult realization of where I am in life right now with emotions, thoughts, feelings, etc. I have been trapping myself in this world of comfort that when I try to venture from it, I become ridiculously anxious and uncomfortable....why? you may ask, I have no clue, but I have learned to make great excuses in my recovery. Now I know that at times I am hard on myself and yes, I do think and know that this is a time of recovery and rest for me, but I have become a different person. I am fearing, literally fearing almost every opportunity that arises. This is such an unhealthy place to be and one that many people get stuck in and that is another fear of mine. I don't want to be here forever, but the fear of thinking that I am never going to get better is out of control! I think really what I need to do and I know that I need to do this, is to surrender it all to the Lord and let Him control my thoughts and actions my fears and passions my everythings...(that could at some point turn into a song..haha) So I am going to stop typing right now and start praying to my awesome soverign God....would you join me in my prayer for healing? I would love and appreciate that!

Oh, these times...

Man, the past week has been so different and difficult for me. Where I am in my recovery is becoming so frustrating to me, not knowing and understanding what is going on with my body, feeling like I am not getting any better and just wanting my be in my bed because that is where I am comfortable. I know this is a lot to vent on, and I'm sorry if it feels like I am on a "whoa is me" kick, but I am just sharing what I am feeling right now.

When I go to the dr. almost everytime I am asked, "hey, so do you feel depressed"? and my response has consistently been, "no" yet I feel that, that is the only answer that I right as a "Christian" to give. I feel like depression is so looked down upon in our faith because we are to look to the Lord for our strength and joy and ultimately have full joy and satisfaction in the Lord, all the time through everything (yes, every trial and tribulation). I'm not saying that my response to dr.'s would be different if this wasn't the case, but boy do I feel the pressure from other believers to give the "right" answer.

I am continually striving to pursue the Lord and find my strength and peace in Him and Him alone, but the battle or wrestling is not always easy to do or find. Especially, when this feels not so much as an emotional discomfort if you will, but truly a physical exhaustion that I have never experienced before. Oh so frustrating it is!

I have recently been studying the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a prophet and a priest, who was ever so aware of God's presence and power. It is said that His vision of the valley of dry bones is a classic picture of God's ability to renew his people. In chap. 6 of this book he is speaking to the people of Israel and telling them about the word that came to him through the Lord. At least 4 times in this piece of scripture he ends a statement with "and you shall know that I am the Lord." This is just one prime example of what we should see as believers after and through every strife we go through, we should come out believing and saying "through this, I know that HE is Lord". Through our idols, strongholds, struggles, high places, etc. He will bring us to a place where we understand that "He is Lord"!

"Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!" Psalm 97:12

Norman Anderson

In a recent blog scroll I have been reading, I came across this lovely story of life and the meaning of it....wanted to share :)


Norman Anderson was a missionary for many years in the Moslem world. He was a recognised world expert in Islamic law and latter became the Director of the Advanced Legal Institute in London University. He was knighted by the Queen and became Sir Norman Anderson. Some of you may have also read the many books he wrote. But his personal life was full of tragedies.

His eldest daughter served as missionary in Congo. She was raped by the rebellious soldiers and as she was recovered in America, she fell down the stairs accidentally and died.

His second son also died in equally bizarre circumstances.

His youngest son, a brilliant student, was admitted to Cambridge University. But at the age of 21, he died suddenly because of a brain tumour.

Sir Norman is the modern day equivalent of Job, except, unlike Job, God did not even restore his family back to him in his lifetime. But his faith is anchored in eternity.

Sir Norman, just before his death in his mid-eighties, was asked a question at one of his last public meetings: "When you look back over your life and reflect on the fact that you have lost all your three children, and now your wife of sixty years no longer recognises you, do you ever ask the question, "Why me?" "

This was Sir Norman's response: "No, I've never asked the question, "Why me?" but I have asked the question, "Why not me?" I am not promised, simply because I am a Christian, that I will be delivered from all difficulties in this world. I am, however, promised that in the midst of difficulties, God through Christ will be present with me, and will give his grace to help me cope with the difficulties and bear witness to Him. After all, the stars shine brightest in the desert."

{restless}

I recently went to an Audrey Assad concert, which was absolutely amazing! Obviously from my last post you can see that I was struggling in my singleness a bit because I am trying to be in a place of utter contentment with the Lord and resting in Him. One of her songs hit me pretty hard (in a good way) and I wanted to share my thoughts :)

***********
Restless- Audrey Assad

You dwell in the songs that we are singing
Rising to the Heavens
Rising to Your heart
Our praises filling up the spaces
In between our frailty and everything You are
You are the keeper of my heart

And I'm restless
I’m restless
'Til I rest in You
(Oh God I wanna rest in You)

Oh speak now for my soul is listening
Say that You have saved me
Whisper in the dark
'Cause I know You’re more than my salvation
Without You I am hopeless
Tell me who You are
You are the keeper of my heart

Still my heart
Hold me close
Let me hear a still small voice
Let it grow
Let it rise
Into a shout
Into a cry

I am restless until I rest in You


Written by Audrey Assad and Matt Maher
© 2010 River Oaks Music Company (BMI)
Matt Maher Publishing Designee
(Admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)