Schoolwork + Thanksgiving Break = Not Cool

So I am writing a 4-6 page paper for World Lit over Thanksgiving Break and it has given me plenty to stress about to say the least. I've had to scrap an earlier attempt and then restart my paper tonight and I was not a happy camper to say the least. Anyway, I can't wait for some turkey later today.
Grace and Peace. λύτρον

Thanksgiving Eve Thoughts

It's been a while since I've updated my blog. I apologize. Stuff's been kind of crazy. I love Thanksgiving. It really bothers me when people forget about it and move onto Christmas. It makes since, though, if you think about it. People aren't concerned with looking at all they have and giving thanks to the Provider for the graces He has showed them. People just want to get more crap. That's upsetting to me. I refuse to be a mindless consumer. I want to truly appreciate what I have and the basis for that is me realizing that I deserve nothing but eternity in Hell. Thanks be to God, though, that I've been given the gift of salvation and have an ongoing relationship with Him. Not only that, but He's blessed me with a great family, amazing friends, food, shelter, a brain, and an extensive list of other things that I don't have room to write out. My point is, I hope that you appreciate what He's blessed you with. I hope you will live a life that is an expression of continual gratitude to the Giver of all things good.
Grace and Peace. λύτρον

My Philippians 4:8 Girl

I miss this girl. I can't even guess how many of my thoughts go to this girl. She's an amazing and beautiful woman of God. She is the most giving person I have ever met. She will do everything in her power to help anyone she can. She truly pours her life out as an offering to her Lord. I am so thankful for her and the relationship that we have. I'm not quite sure why she's still with me, but I'm not complaining. :-) Anyway, I really appreciate her for all that she does for me and the ways that she blesses me. In the way she lives, she models many things I need more of in my life. She is quick to show compassion for and have mercy on those I am quick to dismiss. She is quick to bless when I am quick to curse. She is quick to compliment and see the good when I am quick to condemn and see the bad. She just gives grace in everything she does and I really admire her for that. I pray I can continue to grow into the man I am called to be. I really want to bless her. A piece of advice for guys: Get yourself a Godly girl. They're amazing, worth every second of waiting, and they truly are a gift from God. I promise.
Grace and Peace. λύτρον

To Write Love On Her Arms

Today is the second annual 'To Write Love On Her Arms Day'. To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) is a non-profit organization that advocates for those struggling with addiction, depression, self-mutilation, and attempted suicide. The whole idea behind the movement is to support those struggling with these issues by showing love and support for them. This is a great cause and there are a lot of people involved. While I do support it, I want to clarify and make sure that it is clear that the only true 'rescue' and 'remedy' for the hopeless comes not in the form of human-to-human care and concern, but in the form of love in which Jesus Christ demonstrated on the cross where he purchased many sinners. This love is referred to as Agape (pictured above in Greek). This is the only kind of love that offers true hope for the hurting, victory for the defeated, and life for the dead. Thanks be to God for His incredible love. Oh, how He loves us so!
Grace and Peace. λύτρον

Coffee, Quiet, and Crisp Evenings

There are few things that I enjoy more than sitting down in a silent apartment with my laptop and a hot cup of coffee. I feel so at peace in these moments. When I get down time, I love to sit back and enjoy the sounds of silence. I love to hear the distant, soft rumble of the refrigerator and the wind rustling the leaves outside my window. I love to grab a book and run from reality for a while. It's such a great way to escape the momentary troubles of this world. There's also just something about reading a book that makes me feel more productive than watching an hour of television. I think maybe it's because it forces me to think for myself instead of mindlessly soaking in images and monotonous narration. Enough blogging. Time for more reading!
Grace and Peace. λύτρον

An Unexpected Reflection

Last night, I was skimming the channels and I stumbled upon a talk show where a young girl was telling the host that she was going to sell her virginity to the highest bidder. When I heard this, I was immediately outraged. I thought to myself, "How can this beautiful girl, created in the image of a holy God, find herself so cheap that she is willing to sell something as valuable as her purity?" This righteous anger and hatred toward this sin continued to build up within me and my heart broke for this young girl. As I prayed for this girl, my thoughts shifted to myself. The more I thought about the situation, the more I saw myself as this girl. How often is it that I don't recognize my true identity - a Child of God? How often do I 'sell myself' to the Enemy in exchange for the promise of temporal pleasures instead of pursuing my purity as invaluable? It makes me think of the song "Wedding Dress" by Derek Webb, where he describes himself as a whore who puts on the bridal gown and flees from her Perfect Groom, Jesus. It is my earnest desire to learn to hate my sin as much as the Lord does. The more I hate my sin, the more I pursue holiness. The more I pursue holiness, the further I get from my flesh. The further I get from my flesh, the closer I get to Jesus. The closer I get to Jesus, the more I treasure Him. The more I treasure Him, the more my life displays Him. The more my life displays Him, the greater impact my life has for Him. The greater impact my life has for Him, the greater my heavenly reward. The greater my heavenly reward, the more crowns I get to lay down at His feet in total worship. Oh, what joy lies ahead!
Grace and Peace. λύτρον

How I Long To See Nature Redeemed!

Having spent last night at one of the most naturally beautiful places I have ever been, I am finding it hard to comprehend what the future holds for creation. Scripture says that the true beauty of all creation was tainted and distorted in the fall. This is a hard thing for me to grasp because I find nature so incredibly beautiful as it is - in it's fallen state. If I think that nature is this beautiful and incredible in it's fallen state, I can't begin to fathom how awestruck and delighted I will be when I first glimpse at the indescribable beauty of the New Earth and all of nature in it's redeemed state. It is one of my heart's greatest longings and I look forward to the day I will take in it's beauty and turn to it's Creator in praise and adoration.
Grace and Peace. λύτρον

Uggs Disease

There is a serious epidemic that is sweeping the campus of Auburn University at the moment. It's incredibly disturbing to see the effect it has been having on the students, especially the women. Bad fashion is becoming an issue with many young ladies around the campus. This has made itself especially apparent in the sudden resurgence of Ugg boots. They are incredibly ugly. I realize that this steps on the toes of many women out there, but I just feel like something needs to be said. Seriously, can anyone look at the boot pictured and say in all honesty that they think it looks attractive and fashionable? The answer should be no! If not, you may have a poor fashion sense... Just something to consider.

The Evangelical Response To The Election

I think that it is incredibly important for evangelical Christians to respond appropriately to the election results. I read a blog post today that pretty much summed up my views on the election results. Al Mohler, the President of Southern Seminary, brilliantly and articulately described his excitement for the racial progress implied by the results yesterday while he noted his disappointment concerning the seemingly imminent areas of moral decay (abortion, gay marriage, etc.). I've posted a link to his blog post here. I pray that you will seriously consider your attitude concerning the election and see if it aligns with the way Scripture would demand for it to be.
Grace and Peace. λύτρον

My Portion

'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul,
'Therefore, I will hope in him.'
Lamentations 3 : 24

He is all I need. He is all I want. I can place all of my faith in Him and not worry about a thing on this earth. He works all things to my good, because I love Him. Sometimes I don't understand how things are for my good, but I trust Him because He's always been faithful.
Grace and Peace. λύτρον

Politics, Politics, Politics...

God is in control. Period. Regardless of who wins this election, my King is still seated on His throne and has absolute power now and for all eternity. God is good. All the time. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever. I am a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven far before I am a citizen of the US. I hope the same goes for you.
Grace and Peace. λύτρον

Random Thoughts From Yesterday

• 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep does wonders for the mind and body that has been deprived of sleep for the last week.
• God sustains my life with every breath He gives to me and in the fact that he allows my body to function as He designed it to.
• There is a reason / purpose He is sustaining me...to bring Him glory.
• I really need to buckle down concerning my World Lit class. It's starting to get tough.
  
• I'm really going to miss Encounter. It has been such a huge blessing to my life.
• God has INCREDIBLE plans for Grace Campus Ministries in Hong Kong. (More on this to come.)
  
• I have so much respect for Matt Dean and GCM because they are living what they preach. (a rarity these days, unfortunately)
• It has been an honor and truly a blessing to work with the people at GCM and all of the volunteers that help make Encounter happen.
• I'm glad to be blogging again.
• I'm looking forward to the HSBC Guy's retreat. I'm expecting big things. Please be in prayer for it.
  
• God is good. Always. No exceptions.
  
• God is sovereign. I can honestly say that I am not scared about what the day holds (Election Day) because I know that I can rest in the fact that it is the Lord who chooses those who lead politically. No matter how good or evil they may be, they can never do anything that Has not been ordained by the Almighty God. No worries. :-)
• I'm excited about my Community Group tomorrow night. It has been amazing thus far. I love these guys. So refreshing to speak with guys consistently who actually give a crap about their faith and are actively seeking the Lord.
  
• Refreshing and humbling to know that some frat guys are capable of pursuing Jesus. (I admit, I was wrong about this.) :-)
• I need to clean my room and do laundry. If only you could see...

Grace and Peace. λύτρον