Darlene Deobler Rose’s Testimony

Cory and I are in a class this semester called Contemporary Christian Life and Practice.  It has been a wonderful course, full of practical, Biblical ways of living the Christian life and all that that entails.  When we were on the topic of suffering we were supposed to listen to this mp3 of Darlene Rose’s testimony.  This is about an hour and 17 minutes long, but I urge everyone to find time to listen to it.  Her powerful testimony will help see how much we have to be grateful for and how spoiled we are.  We have no right to complain about anything we go through or any situation we are in.  I doubt any of us have ever been in a situation like Darlene was in, and yet she had such a better attitude and Christlike spirit than anyone I’ve ever known, or in this case listened to.  I hope you find the time to listen to this or buy her book called “Evidence Not Seen.”  Please take the time to listen to her story.  I hope to have such an intimate relationship with my Lord as she did, where I can hear His voice and know His gentle voice, be so grateful for everything and hide the Word in my heart.  You cannot listen to her testimony and not be changed, unless your heart is so hardened by your pride and selfishness.  Anyway, I’m so grateful to have been told of this incredible woman of the Lord and will continue to share her with others.  Our God is amazing.  We are never alone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9k5WuqIuSQ

~Sarah

The House Closed!

Hallelujah, God is good!  Our house in Florida closed yesterday!  I am so very thankful that this burden has been lifted off of my parents.  It is such an answer to prayer and such a relief.  My whole family is so grateful to everyone who was so faithful to consistently pray for the house to sell.  It was an encouragement to hear that people were praying.  Thank you to everyone who has been praying.  And thank you for rejoicing with us.  This is such an awesome thing that has happened.  My family has constantly been reminded, through all the trials we have been through together, that our God is good and He reigns and He holds us in His mighty hands and He knows the perfect timing for all things.  I am thankful for our trials.  I am thankful for everything the Lord has shown my family through this house situation.  And He continues to bring my family closer and closer together.  Whatever we face next, whenever that is, we will be more ready for it.  Praise the good Lord for allowing the house to sell and the closing to go smoothly!  Praise God! 

~Sarah

Easter!!!

It’s been a great weekend at home.  I have truly enjoyed being around my family these past couple of years more than ever.  Through all the trials we have been through, we have become so much closer.  I appreciate my parents and my family so much.  They mean the world to me.  I love being able to spend time at home.  This weekend has been great.  We watched a couple movies, Slumdog Millionaire (so good!) and Yes Man (some funny parts).  We went to Amy’s track meet, did some schoolwork, relaxed, and tried to plan out a family vacation for the summer.  We had a wonderful supper with some friends and the family today.  But we definitely missed Chip!  There was a powerful message of Jesus’ saving, redemptive grace and the hope we have in Him…some extraordinary testimonies were shared in a neat and powerful way.  God has been teaching me a lot this weekend, through many different things.  Overall it’s been a wonderful weekend.  We will head back to school soon.  And now it’s the home stretch….about 6 more weeks.  It’s going to be tough.  I’m ready for this semester to be over, even though we’ve been learning so much.  It’s been great…just really hard.

~Sarah

Just some thoughts…

I realize that when I find time to get away from schoolwork and stuff and update this blog, I usually write a couple entries.  I should probably try to span it out a little more, but for now I’ll do what I can.  I have come to a clear realization that I am unhappy with how unhealthy I have allowed myself to be.  I’m not happy with myself for how I have allowed myself to put exercising and eating right at a very low priority.  And I have made a distinct decision in my mind to move my health higher on my priority list.  Although all of 2008 my health was very much at the forefront of my mind, as I was daily dealing with health related issues, I think it caused me to see that some health problems you can’t prevent, some just come for no reason at all.  And so I slacked off, and frankly didn’t care very much about exercising or eating right.  For one thing, I couldn’t exercise, part of the time I could barely even walk.  But putting all the excuses and negatives aside, it’s time for me to start caring.  I know that there are things you can’t prevents, and sometimes God allows us to suffer for reasons we won’t know till we see Him face to face.  But as Cory and I say “I do what I can in the time that I’m given,” and thats what I plan to do.  I want to start being healthier now, for the glory of my Savior, for my family and my future family, for my current health and my future health, for my happiness.  No I can’t prevent every disease or every physical hardship, but I can affect the quality of my life and put a priority on my health.  I’ve overcome the whole not caring anymore attitude…I’m past that part and ready to care, I’m ready to show God that the body that He has given me is worth taking care of and preserving, He is worth it.  I don’t know if all that made sense, but I’m just typing out some of my emotions and things I’ve been internally dealing with recently…not trying to complain, just typing out some thoughts as I switch around some priorities.

~Sarah

“and by His wounds we are healed”

I have such great news!  Last Friday I went to the Wound Management Center at the hospital for my weekly checkup.  It was just a normal Friday morning for me, getting up really early and going to the doctor and getting back to my room right as most people around campus were waking up.  But this turned out to be my last appointment!!! I received my discharge papers and my “graduation from the wound center” certificate.    I am healed!  No more open wound!  The skin is really really thin and will take up to a year to completely thicken and be “normal.”  So I just have to continue to use gauze to protect it.  But I am so over-joyed that my wound has healed.

This has been such a long and painful process.  It has been an entire year of weekly doctor visits, sugeries, excrutiatingly painful healing processes, and major bonding between my parents and I, my doctors and I, and Cory and I.  I wouldn’t want anyone at all to go through all I’ve gone through this past year.  And I pray that I will never forget the pain, because it has truly strengthened me and encouraged me to know that I can get through anything!  I can never forget the lessons that I have learned.  I will probably never know why I have had to go through everything I did, until I am in the presence of my Lord.  But I do know that the initial reason for that first happening a year ago, was God’s way of getting my attention and teaching me to slow down and not be so busy.  If I ever begin to over commit myself, which I am so prone to do, I need to think back to this past year, and the way God taught me to slow down, to cut back on things, and not be overly committed.

I may never understand why I had to trudge through this specific valley, but I have come to appreciate and be thankful for the way God has allowed me to have an entirely new perspective on the words “by His wounds we are healed,” and “His wounds have paid our ransom.”  These phrases we so easily sing (or read in Scripture), I can no longer sing (or read) without getting completely choked up and overwhelmed.  It is truly humbling.  I have had a small taste of what it was like for Christ Jesus to have wounds, and just this small taste (that in no way comes close to comparing to what He endured) has given me a new and fresh love for Him and an entirely new and fresh outlook on what He went through.  And for that I am eternally grateful.  And because of that, I would go through it all again.

~Sarah

Break Me of My Pride…

Well it has been a busy and overwhelming past couple of weeks.  We had registration for winter and spring courses, and with that comes many hours of trying to organize what classes to take when and so much more.  I met with my advisor for the first time a couple weeks ago to introduce myself and go over the classes I transferred and what all I need to take here.  And well if I do want to continue to major in English, in order to teach high school, I found out that I would also have to have a minor in Education and apply to be in the Teacher Education Program, while also minoring in Christian Studies.  At first, I saw no problem on graduating “on time” in just four years, May 2010.  But, I forgot the fact that if I do want to pursue education, the last semester of my senior year I have to student teach and not take any courses that semester.  I had tech prep credits from West Orange, about 8, that did not transfer over; and on top of that Valencia did not require sciences with labs, and Union does so, so both Cory and I have to retake sciences and do them with a lab.  I also have to do some physical education courses.  So all in all, I have a lot of courses to take, and I’m not exactly sure when I will graduate, maybe a semester later in the fall of 2010 or a year later in the spring of 2011.  And as I initially thought about this, I couldn’t even conceive it.  I did not, and still do not, want to graduate “later” than I should.  I never even considered graduating anytime after May of 2010.

And then I realized something.  I completely love school.  I love Union, the professors here, the faculty and stuff, and all that I am learning.  To study under such amazing men and women of God who are so wise and have so much knowledge, as well as humility, is such an awesome thing that I do not take for granted and its something that I truly enjoy.  So why would I not desire to spend more time here (other than of course finances).  And I’ve come to see that it’s my pride.  I don’t want to graduate past 2010 because of what other people will say or what others will assume.  I don’t want people to look down on me or see themselves as better than me.  I don’t people to see me as weak or dumb or as someone who doesn’t try or doesn’t work hard.  I don’t want people to look down on me, to make fun of me, to belittle or discredit or undervalue me.  And it all comes down to pride.  I don’t mind here at Union longer than I anticipated, if anything that is a blessing, but I care too much about what people think.  My pride tells me that I can’t stay here, that I can’t be here any longer than next May.  My pride stands tall and I tell myself that I don’t want to be here any longer than 2 years, that I can’t be here any longer than 2 years.

I’m so glad that I have a God that loves me enough to break me of my pride.  I’m so glad God gives believers the Holy Spirit, who convicts our hearts when we stray from the ways of the Lord.  As my pride in this area has led my heart to not align with the heart of our Almighty God, my prayer has been that God would break me of my pride.  And He is and will continue to.  Please pray for me as this will be a daily struggle and battle.

~Sarah

Where To Begin

Well, I guess I can begin with…well Obama is President-Elect. I know to some people that just brings a slight pain to their hearts (not only their hearts, but their wallets…). But since i’m on the topic of our wallets…I have heard people say that they don’t want money to be in the hands of President Obama. I say…excuse me? Whos money? Being a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ (in rock paper sissors, Lord always beats President) it is not my money or anybody elses money. Even if they don’t know it yet. The Lord is sovereign. He knows all and sees all and makes all. And nothing….i mean nothing goes by him. In view of the latest presidency vote Obama was put into position for a reason. (maybe to bring all his people together to pray for the sake of this country)

Well what has been troubling me recently is the christian faith, I mean religion, I don’t have any doubt that my Saviour is real and presently here in this room. The Holy Spirit is an amazing thing. But, I have a problem with the notion that they can do anything they want. The Lord is a forgiving God, but He will spit you out of his mouth (Rev. 3:16). One thing that constantly has popped up int he country is abortion and this is a touchy subject and I of course do not believe in the killing of them, so all my views of course will be against. And yes I am bringing religion into this. A baby, what is a baby, a tiny human. When does life begin? Ok big question there huh? Well to us (corrupted us) life beings when people tell us. But to God when does life begin before you are born. In Psalm the writer is saying how He saw his unformed body. God is outside of time and space, In John chapter 1:1 we are confronted with the Word becoming flesh. Before time Jesus was with God. So God was wayyyy before time. A.K.A. Genesis 1:1.

So God is outside of time and space and knows all the days of our lives. So how can a child unborn be not of importance? Does God not weep everytime He sees His love being trampled on? God knows and sees the future of everyone, even that child who “can’t think for itself.” I have heard some people talk of how since the baby is completly dependent on the mother that they should be able to do what ever you want with it. Kill it or anything…so a mentally challenged kid who is completly dependent on a mother, can she just kill him? I know.

Now we have to be behind our country and our President since the Lord has put him there. But what I can’t understand is the fact that a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ can vote for someone with views such as abortion and same-sex marriage. I just don’t know what Jesus they are following or what Bible they are reading. I know that a canidate would probably have some very delicious options for the economy or something like that, but with the views of legalizing abortion, it should defer a ‘Christian” away. And letting their voice be heard in a different light. Lettng thier voice be heard by agreeing with the canidate but not voting because of the abortion, and I am not saying this because they should just vote Democrat or Republican, vote for someone else, write in, it don’t matter. I don’t know if anybody who voted for Obama was christian or not, but i am just letting you know the view of a servant of Christ who is trying to make his way through a broken, Satan reigned world. Its hard.

I don’t know if I am making sense, or anything, it is 11:33 and I am tired. But in my weakness I find strength in Him.

Ahhh the Church, good old church. Acts 4;32-35. Read, take in, enjoy the Truth at its best. Wow, what a picture huh? The church being what God intened it to be (well at least in one aspect, the church is a very fully functioning body, its very enjoyable). I don’t like to mingle with the poor. That is the truth. I will do it sometimes to make me feel better, but I can’t trust my feelings, they are fleeting. I don’t think i do nearly enough for someone in need. Do I think the church is doing enough for somebody in need? Well its a tough question. I think we can do better, I don’t think we are doing nothing. But this nation doesn’t need it, if the church would be herself. And she did not change, we did. Anyway, just something to think about.

Also, another great topic, the emergent church. I pray that you find this book at a book store Why We Are Not Emergent (By Two Guys Who Should Be) By Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck. The authors came and spoke at Union and they brought something that shook my whole foundation as a believer. The emergent church is a hard thing to tell you about, but it has to do about Rob Bell, and a disscusion that is taking place. In Florida it is all around us, in us. This is what I grew up on, but now, its different. I am questioning things more, but not to find fault, but to find truth. but I am currently reading that, and it is about 15 dollars and I am going to try and post up things about the book and about my feelings toward it. I didn’t even know the emergent movement was going on, but it is a real as sliced bread.

Well it seems my time is up here, I have to get going on important school stuff (watch last nights Heroes or Prison Break). Oh by the way 24 is about to come back on for I think just one day though. Weird.

- Cory

Random…that’s just who I am.

Well we just got back our Greek test monday and I recently had an Old Testament (OT) test today. It has been a pretty relaxing week so far. Except learning third declension nouns for Greek….dont even get me started. But anyway Me and Sarah made B’s on the test which here is 85-95. I know. It Stinks. But anyway, this month so far has been a good one.

There is so much stuff going on at school…whether flag football, which i can’t get enough of, or studying all day because it is a lifestyle. And I wonder about people who fail at school and do not get good grades. It is not becuase it is impossible by any means, it is becuase people put other things before thier education. And I’m just not sure how did that happen. Where did it start. How did we come from where people would die to go to college and learn and where learning became something that is so prestigious, to where now, it is cooler to stay up all night to cram for a mid-term.We call them nerds now, those who study and enjoy the aspect of studying, but back then they were the highest of the high. They were looked up to.And, I might be talking out of ingornance but, thats the way I see it.

People put other stuff ultimately in front of studying. I know that I dont…because I will be paying thousands of dollars for this education. I know people who would rather go to an event, or barley get by, then to actually learn the stuff given to them. And no, it is not impossible, unless you are trying to understand the mind of God fully. Which is completely impossible, but we can get glimpse.

So as you can probably see, education is on the mind right now. Just having this Sophomore Seminar class really does open up your mind to see the beauty of education and how it points to glorifying God. I am so excited to be learning what I am learning. The tools to educated. I want to take what I am learning and use it. I dont want to horde it just to show how much I know, I want to use this and teach others.

Sometimes it is as though I would rather sit inside and study, than to go out and hang out with people. I know that sounds pretty weird, but I LOVE what I am studying. Espically in the New Testament. Just learning what every thing means and the background. Its amazing.

But overall I am doing great. The things I am learning are drawing me more and more into my relationship with Christ. I dont really have much else to say.

-Cory

Random

Well, this is going to be kind of random. There has been a whole lot of things going on in the lives of everyone right now, not just here in my dorm room or Sarah’s but in all the students on this campus and people in their lives. Whether it’s cancer or simply a tough job. Every body has something. It’s amazing. But anyway, I just wanted to write, even though I should be going to be because it is 11:00 and I have to wake up at 6:00am to get ready for work, but oh well. There is a lot going on with school being so hectic and health wise of people it can get draining. I am starting a new job tomorrow morning and I hope everything will go fine. I don’t think there is much to mess up anyway, I’m sitting in a shack watching people come in. Nevertheless there could be something to mess up, I always find those things in moments where you think there wouldn’t be…just ask Sarah. Ha.

It feels as if there is a hundred million words a second flooding my brain every time I step into a class room and the teacher starts to lecture. But the thing is, it isn’t stuff I don’t care about….like in high school, I mean we can all be serious here, we are grown people, high school is a social event to most people. But here the knowledge is something I want to inquire, I want to keep everything stored in my little brain and then keep it. I am so grateful to be going to this school and to have the great professors. It is an amazing honor and privilege to be lead in a direction that all I am to do is teach, but not English and Math, but η λέξη του Θεού (the word of God). We have read many short essays from people like C.S. Lewis and Richard Weaver, who have these ideas as learning and studying are gifts from God and if we are to be allowed to study, anything, that we should do it and to not do it would be a sin. What a wonderful thought. It makes me want to study even more! But to be surrounded by the Word everyday and diving into it to find out that Luke was a Gentile writing to Gentiles tell you a whole bunch of facts you just miss out on when you are just reading it. The words (rema) become more clear, the way he writes becomes defined.

It is an awesome (expensive) experience to be here and retain the knowledge  I have to share the Ευαγγέλιο (Gospel) better than I ever could. Well, the food is ok here. Its food…I can’t complain. Sarah keeps on forgetting her camera (ok ok I forget to ask her), but I’ll try and get some up so that you guys can see what Union is all about. Yeah, haven’t written in a while. Busy body.

-Cory

Praise God!

Well I went to the doctor on Friday.  My school nurse’s wife drove me there (cause she works there).  I checked in at the outpatient area in the hospital and after registering, there was a problem with my insurance.  It was showing that it was inactive.  So I had to go back into the waiting room, and after a few phone calls to my dad we figured out that the only reason it was inactive was because they hadn’t gotten my new course schedule so it wasn’t showing in the (insurance company’s) system that I was a full time student.  So thankfully it was just a minor thing, although it was frustrating.  And after sitting there for an extra hour and a half in the waiting room, I was able to finish registering and then thankfully I was still able to be seen in the wound care center, even though my appointment time had passed.  I left outpatient and went down the hallway to the wound care center.  I cannot explain how nervous I was.  So many thoughts and feelings and past pains were running through my mind and I could not hold back the tears.  I met some lovely ladies that worked there.  They were all so sweet and so nice and caring.  When the doctor finally came back, what she had to say was so positive!  She said that she didn’t think the wound was infected and as long as it continues to be properly looked at and bandaged and taken care of, it should heal very quickly.  I was thrilled that the Lord protected me from infection and from the possible pain I was expecting to go through.  Praise the Lord!  So I was put on a new plan to get on track with healing.  I will go to the wound care center at the hospital once a week till I’m all healed up.  And every other day I will go to Nurse Paul at school and he will change the dressing and clean it.  My predictions a few months ago were right about becoming good friends with the nurse at school   And even though I missed two classes on Friday, one of them (which I was nervous about missing, since we had a quiz and its the most demanding) didn’t even meet since it was our first chapel and also dedication of the new dorms ceremony; so the Lord was just orchestrating everything in such an awesome way.  Anyway, I need to go get ready for church now, but I am so thankful that God was watching over me and allowed me, this time around, to not have to deal with much pain.  It is definitely weird though laying in the bed in the room and not knowing what to expect, of course I expect to go through what I’ve already been through, after hearing the same initial words about “infection and opening back up.”  I just laid there saying Psalm 23 over and over.  And it is amazing how much Scripture can encourage you and comfort you and remind you of the Truth of God’s character and love for you.  Praise God the procedure wasn’t as bad as before!  Thank you so much for your prayers!!!

~Sarah