Self

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me

-Jesus

Self. It has these desires of staying up late and sleeping in, drinking to it's heart content with only it in mind. Selfless. It has the desires of serving others, waking up early to spend time with a close friend; a King, and to go to bed tired from doing service for others. The battle between self and selfless has been one that has been dueling within my body and soul. This current battle that has been happening has not been to pretty either, with self often winning. With the battle looking pretty low I found the outside having its repercussions, being angry, doing things that I would not normally do and wondering astray.

The amazing thing about my the King is even though this battle was looking aweful, he came through, like he always does. I simply forget He is there. The whole time that I thought selfless was lossing I kept seeing foreshadows of victory, Him never giving up on me. Calling me through unexpected answered prayer, revelation of his word through communication with others and him pressing upon me to get back into his word through several differant sermons I stumbled apon with his guidence.

He calls me to deny self, it's desires, wants and infatuations with the world. I have discovered over the last little while that this is a choice that I must make and each moment of the day, each day of the week and each week of each year. I am simply grateful for the fact that that once the choice is made, he will help me stick to it, from start to finish.

This picture was taken as we were climbing Mount Cameroon, we were all pretty tired but still excited for the adventure that was adead. We never made it to the top but it was amazing what we got to see and explore during that time. Life is like that too, sometimes though we forget to be excited about what is ahead becuase we only see the mountian infront of us that we need to climb. Remember that you can go to him right where you are and give him the backpack that you are carrying. Then get ready to climb the mountian, because he carrying your load and all you have do to is be willing to keep going.

Little Gifts with fun History

With traveling friends and the blessing of souvenirs, I was given a necklace that made me rather curious so I decided to do some research.

I was given a beautiful necklace with a black cord and a pendant, the pendant being called a harmony ball and is traditional hung on a black cord. The harmony ball originated in Bali, a small Island near Indonesia. Within the ball there is a small bell that creates a gentle noise and vibrates. This is then to create a feeling of harmony and calmness to those who wear it. The harmony ball is also a symbol of of calm and relaxation. Pregnant women are often found wearing them to promote those things. It is often said that the baby is also able to recognize the sound of the harmony ball. It's probably more the fact that the baby can distinguish a mothers voice from others.

Anyway I am grateful for the gift and the small history that is associated with it.

Paul

This Man in passing will not be forgetton. For a small while I felt like I had a real grandpa. This was a poem that I wrote for him for school and I thought it would be a good description of who he was. I am excited to see him again with Jesus.
To Rev. Paul Martin 1925- 2012

Persevering    Dealing with the daily fight of cancer is no easy task

                     Yet looking at him you would think it was a blast

                     He sees each day as a delight
                     And his smile shines oh so bright!

Attentive   Always having a listening ear to give

                  Never worrying how far you live
                  He will always have wisdom to share

                  And you can be certain that he cares!

                 

Upbeat     He may look like he’d rather stay

                In the place he lives each day
                 but He has had adventures of old
                And their stories have been told!

Loyal     Whether he here or there or anywhere

             He will never forget the square
             Where he began his practice of preach
             And will continue until his last speech!