Quote

“As a weak limb grows stronger by exercise, so will your faith be strengthened by the very efforts you make in stretching it out toward things unseen. How was it with him who had the withered hand? When Jesus said to him, “Stretch forth thy hand,” did he reply, “I have no power to do so”? No, he made a great effort to thrust it forth; and, in the act of so doing, Jesus gave the needed strength. And now I say to you, Go and do thou likewise. Stretch out the poor, weak hand of faith; and the more you do so the stronger it will become.” -John Hill Aughey, Spiritual Gems of the Ages, p95-96

Quote

“A man’s word is a little sound that flies into the air, and soon vanishes; but the Word of God is greater than heaven and earth, yea, greater than death and hell, for it forms part of the power of God, and endures everlastingly.”
-Martin Luther, Table Talk, xliv

Charisma

Participated for the first time in a super charismatic church meeting tonight, complete with prayers and laying of hands and healings. So fascinating. Powerful work, and beautiful testimonies.

Too tired to process completely but needed to jot down a note to come back to later.

Now I understand a little better the spiritual background of some of my friends who I imagine grew up in churches like this. So very thankful for the insight, and for hearing/experiencing teaching from a different perspective than what I'm comfortable with. And for God just being very very present through it all.

Austin!

Is a lovely city, oh my. =) Thankful for so much -- abundance of blessings poured out.

a couple tidbits:

- had been worried about a place to stay this summer --> friend A who had a room open up in her apt... and what a joy it has been to live here! hehe glad for adventures tidying up and trying new foods and arts/crafts. and for re-learning how to live with people and share space. fun times working out and cooking with roommates. also a good reminder to not live life alone / wholly independent / super selfishness, but rather in relation with folks...

- green space!! oh my goodness gracious, this city has been fun to explore for its parks and lakes and bridges and creeks... streams with rocks to balance my way across, trees to clamber up... puppies and turtles and lots of birds and people... hehe so much scope for walking adventures! much appreciation for lou neff point / zilker park / lady bird lake and shoal creek trail... good times for talking with God and taking joy in nature-beauty-adventure.

- church folks. I can see God working here, and it's really encouraging. his spirit linking what seems to be random conversations in the car into actual teaching points in the sermon and discussion... and big focus on growth as a whole-church community not segregated by age. (though sortof by language...) and Stone is cool, too! so excited to see what God's doing here in this city.

- work! fun! super sweet co-workers (though way overworked, and hopefully my being around alleviates a little bit of their burden). practicing being flexible and asking for help/advice/work to do. made my cubicle into a standing desk... to help make sure I don't fall asleep >.< but other than that, been fun to learn esp considering I didn't really know what this internship was going to be, and how crazy a rush it was between comps and moving out and parents-moving-house and moving here. so super duper thankful for how easy it has been to settle in here. andddd they've invited me to the maternal/child health conference they're holding in houston next week! wheeee =) so excited to learn/experience what's going on in the mch world on a state level (and live in a hotel for free!) -- and to be back again so soon! <3 p="">
fullness of joy today.

and today's devo from spurgeon's daily faith check book:

He Constantly Abides

For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake; because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people. (1 Samuel 12:22)

God's choice of His people is the reason for His abiding by them and not forsaking them. He chose them for His love, and He loves them for His choice. His own good pleasure is the source of their election, and His election is the reason for the continuance of His pleasure in them. It would dishonor His great name for Him to forsake them, since it would either show that He made an error in His choice or that He was fickle in His love. God's love has this glory, that it never changes, and this glory He will never tarnish.

By all the memories of the Lord's former lovingkindnesses let us rest assured that He will not forsake us. He who has gone so far as to make us His people will not undo the creation of His grace. He has not wrought such wonders for us that He might leave us after all. His Son Jesus has died for us, and we may be sure that He has not died in vain. Can He forsake those for whom He shed His blood? Because He has hitherto taken pleasure in choosing and in saving us, it will be His pleasure still to bless us. Our Lord Jesus is no changeable lover. Having loved His own, He loves them to the end.