As I am typing this I am sitting in Gorgas Library, freezing my buns off and pushing off Math and Chemistry homework, which both suck anyways. I have something on my mind. Life and all that it entails. More specifically, marriage. WHOA. I know, right, Emily Gill talking about marriage....CRAZY! Though not so much about me in particular but all those around me as well. When will we ever be ready, will we know? I have heard a lot here recently that no one will ever be ready for such a step in life. Yes, we can prepare financially, physically, spiritually but overall, the transition is HUGE. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a wonderful wedding; the venue was beautiful, the wedding ceremony itself was so lively and the bride was just stunning. So, as you can see, it has got me thinking, how do we simply prepare?
Me being the person I am I have always thought that I needed to be out of college and working before I got married....hmmm, wonder where that ideal came from, dad? As time has progressed and I have come into contact with more couples and their life stories I have realized, no one story is the same, duh. So, the search for finding out when the perfect time to do such things, like getting married, is impossible. Why can't such decisions be easy and care-free? To all my fellow ladies out there, single or in a relationship, I give you this, patience. Patience for that right time if it does in fact exist. I also say this, do not settle. Do not settle for less that what you deserve.
Now, for my personal thoughts. I think far too often people abuse the feeling of wanting to get married. I have seen dead-end relationships plenty of times and the topic of marriage always was present at some point. WHAT? People, do not date just to date! Do not treat your relationship like some measly friendship that you can peace out at anytime you want. If you do these things then how in the world could you be ready for a marriage? If we all continuously do such things then the world will be full of unhappy marriages, much like it is now. People, more so ladies, find someone good for you. Find a man, not a boy. Better yet, find a Godly man, who seeks after God's will and not his own. I can say that I am beyond blessed to have the man I have in my life and I had nothing to do with it. God knew exactly who and what we both needed and He provided. Amen.
To sum this off-the-wall blog up I will say this, I might not be ready tonight for marriage but God knows the time and the place in which I will be prepared just enough to say 'I do'. Until that time, we all must be in God's Word, preparing ourselves individually for our future spouses, marriages, and families.
Monday, January 24
Saturday, January 15
Love and Thankfuless
Tonight, as I am preparing myself for church in the morning, I can't help but realize that tomorrow will be yet another day that I will be unable to see my sweet boyfriend. Our lives are so busy; mine with school and work and his with his job and traveling, we seem to always be rushing! However, when I think of these things in his absence I remind myself that distance truly does grow the heart fonder. I am a firmer believer in this old saying because when Jamie and I are with one another we are such kids; he really is like a best friend. I am honestly one of the most blessed women on this planet to have such a man like him. No, he might not be around 24/7 like most boyfriends, but when he is, its like he never left at all. So, in saying all of this I end with a thankful heart, a prayer for him, for us and for those around us, friends and families, thank you all for being in our lives. Jamie, I love you and I pray His will be done through the both of us, together.
Lord, thank you for your love. Thank you for true love, through relationships with close friends, family and the relationship you have blessed to Jamie and I. Thank you for blessing me with him, how grateful I am. Thank you for your forgiveness and the forgiveness we give to one another through our relationships with people. Thank you for patience; I pray for more patience, Lord. Thank you for grace. Thank you for your unfailing mercy on us from day to day. Thank you for being perfect. Thank you. Amen.
Lord, thank you for your love. Thank you for true love, through relationships with close friends, family and the relationship you have blessed to Jamie and I. Thank you for blessing me with him, how grateful I am. Thank you for your forgiveness and the forgiveness we give to one another through our relationships with people. Thank you for patience; I pray for more patience, Lord. Thank you for grace. Thank you for your unfailing mercy on us from day to day. Thank you for being perfect. Thank you. Amen.
Thursday, January 13
Roll Tide to Spring 2011!
Okay, to even begin to explain my overall excitement about this semester I must start off with a ROLL TIDE! RRROOOOOLLLLLL TTTTTIIIIIDDDDDDEEEEE!!!
For starters, I do hate having to be up so early for a 9:30 class but may I say my Pysch. Dev. professor absolutely rocks....possibly, subject to change. I seriously laughed so hard at the comments she made about fellow friends and random stories she told pertaining to our lecture. Moving on now, oh yes, my commute from class to class.....SUCKS! I am truckin' it from one class to the next, but hey, at least I am burning some calories! Met my math prof. today as well....an absolute bore if I may add but I should have known, he is a freakin' math teacher, no offense to those who teach math, just he in particular is a boring individual. HOLY CRAP, MY POLITICS PROFESSOR IS GOD SENT. First and foremost, he looks like my former pastor, and he even talks like him as well. Super nice guy, two thumbs up! Want to know what I will be doing in that class....NOTHING! We have no exams, papers, in class assignments, homework....NOTHING. All we must do is come to class, participate in conversations, read and submit like a paragraph of opinionated work.....AMAZING! I love this man. Oh and then comes my Comp. Professor, he is AWESOME, no doubt! Honestly, to describe him and his personality the best example would be Ralphie May, the comedian, HILARIOUS! Last but not least, my sweet 'ole Chem. prof., Dr. Scheiner! This man is excellent; such an honor to be taught by such a knowledgeable man!
Like I said in the beginning, all these things are subject to change.....however, I do believe my gut feeling is correct and that this semester is going to be awesome. Roll Tide, everyone!
For starters, I do hate having to be up so early for a 9:30 class but may I say my Pysch. Dev. professor absolutely rocks....possibly, subject to change. I seriously laughed so hard at the comments she made about fellow friends and random stories she told pertaining to our lecture. Moving on now, oh yes, my commute from class to class.....SUCKS! I am truckin' it from one class to the next, but hey, at least I am burning some calories! Met my math prof. today as well....an absolute bore if I may add but I should have known, he is a freakin' math teacher, no offense to those who teach math, just he in particular is a boring individual. HOLY CRAP, MY POLITICS PROFESSOR IS GOD SENT. First and foremost, he looks like my former pastor, and he even talks like him as well. Super nice guy, two thumbs up! Want to know what I will be doing in that class....NOTHING! We have no exams, papers, in class assignments, homework....NOTHING. All we must do is come to class, participate in conversations, read and submit like a paragraph of opinionated work.....AMAZING! I love this man. Oh and then comes my Comp. Professor, he is AWESOME, no doubt! Honestly, to describe him and his personality the best example would be Ralphie May, the comedian, HILARIOUS! Last but not least, my sweet 'ole Chem. prof., Dr. Scheiner! This man is excellent; such an honor to be taught by such a knowledgeable man!
Like I said in the beginning, all these things are subject to change.....however, I do believe my gut feeling is correct and that this semester is going to be awesome. Roll Tide, everyone!
Monday, December 13
War and Peace
This past Sunday I had the opportunity to visit Church of the Highlands-Riverchase with a friend, which was a complete, unexpected blessing. However, I did in fact miss my church family back at Christ City Church VERY MUCH! See you all soon, promise! I must say, the idea of watching your pastor via satellite is weird but honestly, I felt like Pastor Chris was right there in the same sanctuary as I. The worship was great but I missed my good 'ole Fools. :) Anyways, onto why I feel pressed to write this blog; the message was God sent, exactly what I needed to hear that day and I am thankful to have been present.
The sermon covered many books of the Bible; such as, Luke, John, James, Matthew... and as you can see from the title, the message was part of a series and this particular sermon was called, 'War and Peace'.
Pastor Chris emphasized one verse before he gave us five points that results in 'war' between individuals and even nations.'Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am a man of peace; but when I speak, they are for war.' Psalms 120:6-7.
1. Distance. Individuals who distance themselves, whether due to certain differences or opinions begin to put up walls.
2. Walls. After walls are put up you continue to be distanced from that certain person or group of people that you refuse to be associated or 'reconciled' with.
3. Escalation. Escalation arises after the walls have been established and when that certain 'small' incidence becomes something 'BIG' in your mind.
4. False Beliefs. After you remain distant without any form of reconciliation you begin to think of the 'BIG' issues which causes you to have false beliefs which causes the individual to become more emotionally and even physically distant from their problem person.
5. Hostility. Last but not least, hostility. I believed this was an outward emotion that was to be explained but it was presented as something very different. Pastor Chris described it is the condition of your soul at this point in reaching the state of 'War'. I can see that if an individual hoards these kinds of emotions due to another individual who 'are for war'(stated above in Psalms), circumstance or even on a larger scale, another nation, that one would be in a state of hostility.
6. War. When there is war, there is evident separation. Before we go to God, settling in Him, we must go to others and settle our differences with them, bringing our 'balance back to zero'.
As you can see, this sermon was interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the details of every point Pastor Chris presented. At the end of the service these verses were read, 'But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.James 3:14-16.
My final thoughts and feelings on the sermon was that I felt God's reassurance for me and my life that some people exist in your life to bring you hate and cause war. No matter how much you try to move on, live life without them, they still seem to have their foot in the door and cause some form of strife among you. A HUGE point made was this, the Bible does NOT say, 'RESOLVE' but to 'RECONCILE'. Wow. I can hear my father now, 'We all just need to work things out, talk about it, resolve the issues.' Well, I knew I was always right when I told him that was impossible. We shouldn't use the Bible as an excuse to not talk to people but Reconciliation means to simply 'LET GO'. Believe me, this was AMAZING to be reassured in and knowing I was doing the best I can. Praise Jesus. My thought is this, 'why would I want to be associated with people that were predestined to cause war in my life? I will reconcile and love but I have no problem being a stranger'.Amen.
The mission of Jesus was and is to bring peace, not war.
The sermon covered many books of the Bible; such as, Luke, John, James, Matthew... and as you can see from the title, the message was part of a series and this particular sermon was called, 'War and Peace'.
Pastor Chris emphasized one verse before he gave us five points that results in 'war' between individuals and even nations.'Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am a man of peace; but when I speak, they are for war.' Psalms 120:6-7.
1. Distance. Individuals who distance themselves, whether due to certain differences or opinions begin to put up walls.
2. Walls. After walls are put up you continue to be distanced from that certain person or group of people that you refuse to be associated or 'reconciled' with.
3. Escalation. Escalation arises after the walls have been established and when that certain 'small' incidence becomes something 'BIG' in your mind.
4. False Beliefs. After you remain distant without any form of reconciliation you begin to think of the 'BIG' issues which causes you to have false beliefs which causes the individual to become more emotionally and even physically distant from their problem person.
5. Hostility. Last but not least, hostility. I believed this was an outward emotion that was to be explained but it was presented as something very different. Pastor Chris described it is the condition of your soul at this point in reaching the state of 'War'. I can see that if an individual hoards these kinds of emotions due to another individual who 'are for war'(stated above in Psalms), circumstance or even on a larger scale, another nation, that one would be in a state of hostility.
6. War. When there is war, there is evident separation. Before we go to God, settling in Him, we must go to others and settle our differences with them, bringing our 'balance back to zero'.
As you can see, this sermon was interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the details of every point Pastor Chris presented. At the end of the service these verses were read, 'But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.James 3:14-16.
My final thoughts and feelings on the sermon was that I felt God's reassurance for me and my life that some people exist in your life to bring you hate and cause war. No matter how much you try to move on, live life without them, they still seem to have their foot in the door and cause some form of strife among you. A HUGE point made was this, the Bible does NOT say, 'RESOLVE' but to 'RECONCILE'. Wow. I can hear my father now, 'We all just need to work things out, talk about it, resolve the issues.' Well, I knew I was always right when I told him that was impossible. We shouldn't use the Bible as an excuse to not talk to people but Reconciliation means to simply 'LET GO'. Believe me, this was AMAZING to be reassured in and knowing I was doing the best I can. Praise Jesus. My thought is this, 'why would I want to be associated with people that were predestined to cause war in my life? I will reconcile and love but I have no problem being a stranger'.Amen.
The mission of Jesus was and is to bring peace, not war.
Thursday, December 9
God's Provision
Thank you, Lord, this semester is OVER! This particular Fall semester was the deciding factor if I would be able to apply to nursing school this Spring with the contending grades of my fellow applicants. Literally, this semester was the fork in the road for me. If I did not do well then I could kiss nursing school goodbye. I made it. I got the grades and all I can say is thank you. Thank you, Lord, for this major blessing. I honestly can not think of such a time in my life that I needed to trust Him more when it came to my future. In the end, like always, He pulled me through with flying colors and has given me a great chance at being accepted into school somewhere. How awesome is it that we as God's children can cast all our cares, stresses, burdens and so on on Him, because He is almighty. Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings!
Even more great news, my boyfriend's band, Rush of Fools, have officially signed to a new record label, eOne! This is such a wonderful time for everyone because we can all see God's provision for this band coming to life. Thank you all who have prayed for the guys, it has been rough for them over these past couple of years but now doors are opening and the Lord is providing in great ways. Now, the guys are writing new, awesome songs and are preparing to have their third record finished by the end of this upcoming summer! I have heard some of the new material and it sounds great. I pray it is Lord's will for this record to explode across the states and into countries across seas! Please continue to pray for the band, I know they would greatly appreciate it!
Well, it wasn't that long ago the first little Foolsling was born, little Miss. Story Willis and now, the second has arrived!! Welcome Mr. Collin Chesnut! He was born today around 3PM (while I was at work...crap!) and weighed 8lb 7oz! BIG BABY BOY!! :) :) I am so excited to see him soon; I love little babies now since I have started working at a daycare! Praise the Lord for little miracles. Love you Chesnut fam! Here is a picture of baby Collin!
Even more great news, my boyfriend's band, Rush of Fools, have officially signed to a new record label, eOne! This is such a wonderful time for everyone because we can all see God's provision for this band coming to life. Thank you all who have prayed for the guys, it has been rough for them over these past couple of years but now doors are opening and the Lord is providing in great ways. Now, the guys are writing new, awesome songs and are preparing to have their third record finished by the end of this upcoming summer! I have heard some of the new material and it sounds great. I pray it is Lord's will for this record to explode across the states and into countries across seas! Please continue to pray for the band, I know they would greatly appreciate it!
Well, it wasn't that long ago the first little Foolsling was born, little Miss. Story Willis and now, the second has arrived!! Welcome Mr. Collin Chesnut! He was born today around 3PM (while I was at work...crap!) and weighed 8lb 7oz! BIG BABY BOY!! :) :) I am so excited to see him soon; I love little babies now since I have started working at a daycare! Praise the Lord for little miracles. Love you Chesnut fam! Here is a picture of baby Collin!
Sunday, December 5
Favored By God
I know that I talk about my church all the time but I honestly LOVE MY CHURCH and I hope that whoever runs across this blog will consider visiting; I promise, you will not be disappointed! Today, Christ City Church began another four week series and this one basically covers the four main characters surrounding the Christmas story: Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the Magi.
Today, David Nasser, one of our lead pastors, covered Mary's point of view/part surrounding the birth of Jesus. We covered Luke Ch. 1, vs. 26-38. Honestly, I expected to hear this passage taught like most of the other ways I had heard before, but goodness, I WAS WRONG. Within these eight verses my heart was in my throat; I actually felt the distress of Mary, a 14-16 yr. old girl, who was just told she was being FAVORED by God to have His son, Jesus Christ.
I bet you are wondering, 'why would Mary be distressed, she is birthing the Son of God', here is why: she is a 14-16 yr. old virgin, unmarried, having a child out of wedlock, ridicule and persecution awaits her in the coming months and she simply must have faith in God that He is going to see her through. She is literally birthing the Savior of the world, the stress upon her would probably be a little high.
David made this very clear today: for God to find favor on His children does not mean our lives will become easier, yet they will become harder. We see that Mary knew, even at a young, for God to find favor in His children it meant a true life of servitude. Her ending response was this, ' I am the Lord's servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.' What faith Mary had, I wish we, as modern day Christians, could have faith such as that. Amen.
Today, David Nasser, one of our lead pastors, covered Mary's point of view/part surrounding the birth of Jesus. We covered Luke Ch. 1, vs. 26-38. Honestly, I expected to hear this passage taught like most of the other ways I had heard before, but goodness, I WAS WRONG. Within these eight verses my heart was in my throat; I actually felt the distress of Mary, a 14-16 yr. old girl, who was just told she was being FAVORED by God to have His son, Jesus Christ.
I bet you are wondering, 'why would Mary be distressed, she is birthing the Son of God', here is why: she is a 14-16 yr. old virgin, unmarried, having a child out of wedlock, ridicule and persecution awaits her in the coming months and she simply must have faith in God that He is going to see her through. She is literally birthing the Savior of the world, the stress upon her would probably be a little high.
David made this very clear today: for God to find favor on His children does not mean our lives will become easier, yet they will become harder. We see that Mary knew, even at a young, for God to find favor in His children it meant a true life of servitude. Her ending response was this, ' I am the Lord's servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.' What faith Mary had, I wish we, as modern day Christians, could have faith such as that. Amen.
Friday, December 3
Adopt(ed)
What a joyous and emotional month it has been! This past month my church, CCC, did a four week series on adoption; spiritual(vertical) and worldly(horizontal) adoption to be more specific. I was SO EXCITED to be at church every Sunday; one, I just love my church but also the idea of adoption is so moving to me. For some time now I have felt the longing to adopt a child. The thought of giving a child a better life than what it probably would live otherwise gives me so much joy. However, in saying all of this I bet you are thinking, 'what about having your own children?', and yes, I have considered that but in no way like I have adoption.
I have had the opportunity to see up close in personal the joys of adoption. A friend of mine, Mikayla, has a cousin who adopted a little African American baby boy, she named him Cooper. Seeing pictures of their family and how happy they are to have him in their life makes me want that as well!
This past Sunday, CCC had the privilege of having Mac Powell of Third Day and his wonderful wife, Amiee, come and speak to us about their journey through adopting 2 of their five children. I must say, it was a roller coaster just for me sitting there, listening to their struggles and joys during that time in their life. I hope one day to be in their position; telling the adoption stories and realizing the Lord has blessed me with a beautiful family, biological or not.
However, adoption is not just a worldly/horizontal action but also a spiritual action as well. God has adopted His children. He has taken us up from a life of complete hopelessness and given us a home. He saved you and I from a worthless life and gave His son, Jesus, so that we could be His and live forever with Him in Heaven. We were orphans and many still are in-fact, orphans. It is our duty as Christians to abide by the Word of God and in doing so we must take action. In James chapter 1, verse 27, it states: "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." Here, God is telling His people that if we call ourselves Christians then we should act as Christ would and care for those in need, not forgetting them like the rest of world, but walking the extra miles to love them, genuinely.
I will end with this; if anyone knows me then you know that I LOVE black kids. Something about them just makes me smile and want to hug them! Anyways, do not be surprised if one day you see me driving down the road with a car full of African babies because even though the world sees color our Father does not. Amen, Amen, Amen. May all know Him.
I have had the opportunity to see up close in personal the joys of adoption. A friend of mine, Mikayla, has a cousin who adopted a little African American baby boy, she named him Cooper. Seeing pictures of their family and how happy they are to have him in their life makes me want that as well!
This past Sunday, CCC had the privilege of having Mac Powell of Third Day and his wonderful wife, Amiee, come and speak to us about their journey through adopting 2 of their five children. I must say, it was a roller coaster just for me sitting there, listening to their struggles and joys during that time in their life. I hope one day to be in their position; telling the adoption stories and realizing the Lord has blessed me with a beautiful family, biological or not.
However, adoption is not just a worldly/horizontal action but also a spiritual action as well. God has adopted His children. He has taken us up from a life of complete hopelessness and given us a home. He saved you and I from a worthless life and gave His son, Jesus, so that we could be His and live forever with Him in Heaven. We were orphans and many still are in-fact, orphans. It is our duty as Christians to abide by the Word of God and in doing so we must take action. In James chapter 1, verse 27, it states: "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." Here, God is telling His people that if we call ourselves Christians then we should act as Christ would and care for those in need, not forgetting them like the rest of world, but walking the extra miles to love them, genuinely.
I will end with this; if anyone knows me then you know that I LOVE black kids. Something about them just makes me smile and want to hug them! Anyways, do not be surprised if one day you see me driving down the road with a car full of African babies because even though the world sees color our Father does not. Amen, Amen, Amen. May all know Him.
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