My God is Greater

Tonight I just can't help but brag on my god...

My God Reigns.

My God Heals.

My God has won the Victory.

My God knows my deepest need.

My God is SO beyond worthy to be praised, forever and a day.

The Love of my God transcends understanding.

My Lord is Peace.

Jesus payed it all.

He gives life.

He is the Truth.

My everything.

Seated on the Throne.

Exalted.

I have nothing left to do but surrender all I am: my life, my plans, my hopes, my dreams, my fears, my doubts, my worries, my family, my money, my talents, my failures, my needs, my battles, my victories, my time, my resources, my culture, my human understanding of a sovereign God.

Photo Cred: Jennifer Price

SEEK WEEK 11: Worship Night

February 24, 2011

Music. God. Healing.

During the weeks leading up to the death of my uncle, I was drawn to a song by Sigur Ros and would listen to it every time I left the hospital or needed a moment. The song is in Icelandic so I had no idea what the song was about, I simply liked it. It touched that special part of me and spoke to a hurt that I couldn't explain. Last night I randomly looked up the lyrics. I was touched. Yesterday would've been my Uncles birthday. A truly hard day. I love the power of music. I love the power of God to forgive me and heal my hurts.

Ilgressi Lyrics {Sigur Ros}

You sleep till noon

You died but came to life

The leaves change their colors

You ache- get up and dress

In a raincoat- you keep going into the bleak days

You tear out heart-roots that you stamp on

With you hands in your pockets, been through enough

Walking in wet grass until

It shines on me through the branches

I look up and revive- the leaves change their colors

We find our goals, put down roots

Undress our hearts

We go out into a good day

We plant and we give life and we blossom

With our hands out of the pockets in the earth you delve

Now we remove ugly thoughts

Time heals all, gives life, kindles fires

Flames of a soul

No longer cold, alive again

My soul comes to life, paints the world

One of those days....

It's never fun to have a day where you are reminded just how imperfect you are.

Sounds ridiculous because, technically speaking, that is everyday. But some days slide past and I forget that I don't do everything right or that my way is not always the best way.

Well, now that I officially sound like my own #1 fan... the moral of the story is...

I got my first D in college today. On my Spanish Test. Spanish. The class that I am taking for "fun" because I am one of those ridiculous seniors that had 7 mandatory units left for this semester (and I need 12 to live on campus, keep my student leadership position, and maintain a sense that I am not wasting my life being bored).

In the midst of this mini failure I am reminded of my source of truth.

If I was not a servant of Christ and did not have my identity firmly rooted in His love for me, I would certainly be "that girl" who finds her worth in grades and achievements. In fact, I fight the battle against this all the time.

Hallelujah that God does not find my worth in my grades, my looks, my pay check, my friends.

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection.

I can't stop thanking for for the undeserved Grace and Love that I receive everyday :)

Sara Nicole Yarchever

Happy 21st Birthday

Sara Nicole :)

Miss Sara has been a dear friend to me for years now and I don't know what I would do without her... Here is a 21 exposure tribute to my lovely friend on her birthday.

21 Reasons to LOVE Sara Nicole...

#1. Sara is the kind of friend that cares about the things that her friends care about. In 2007 we walked the Orange County AIDS walk and prayed for those with AIDS in our surrounding area. I adore her heart for those who are broken hearted.

#2. Sara is one of the funniest people I have ever met. She probably would never admit that she is funny but she is constantly causing us to laugh. Whether its her HILARIOUS faces... or her answers in the game "things" we just can't get enough of this girl.

#3. I love Sara's hilarious scream when Kevin is tickling her or making her mad. Watch out though, her vengeance is scary... she just might pick off one of the music notes from your tattoo.

#4. Sara is a world-class traveler! She has been to Africa and spent the last summer doing Semester At Sea. She has a heart for the world and desires for all to know and trust in the name of Jesus Christ.

#5. If asked to describe Sara in one word it would be: SELFLESS. She is kind enough to follow Kevin and I around as we slowly walk through art museums (that bore her to death).

She is always willing to sacrifice to make others happy.

#6. Sara cares for nobody as much as she cares for her family. She absolutely loves and appreciates her dad and is a great support for her brothers and sister.

#7. Sara appreciates and loves the animal kingdom as much as I do :) Just kidding, thats not very much. She is the only person I know who will legitimately say "Crimson Wing is off the wall" and actually persuade me to watch a documentary on Flamingoes. haha

#8. Sara is extremely generous. She will pay for anything and give anything she can to make someone else's life easier. Even if its her time, she will give it all.

#9. Sara is extremely smart and is graduating from college a whole year early!! She doesn't even realize how smart she is but she can change the world if she puts her mind to it.

I truly believe that God has great things in store for this woman.

#10. Sara is cool enough to have a lip ring if she wanted to.

I don't know many people that cool.

Everybody needs a friend this cool :)

#11. Sara is a great dancer :) Need proof? Just watch her get her boogy on as she plays "Just Dance 2". She is willing to be goofy and I love that about her.

#12. Sara is straight up silly. I love her ability to make every time we hang out fun and memorable.

#13. I love hanging out with Sara because, like myself, she is not afraid to stuff her face with delicious and totally unhealthy food. I never have to feel insecure or judged by her by the amount of food I can consume. She is a woman of God who does not need to count calories to understand her beauty and worth.

#14. Each September, Sara accompanies me to the Women's Retreat with PCC and we grow together in our relationships with Christ. Sara is vulnerable and real with her walk with God and isn't afraid to process life with me.

#15. For some reason ,Sara and I shared the same obsession with finding this "lamp land". We finally found it (semi anti-climatic) and a photo-shoot followed. I love her ability to go on adventures and go with the flow.

#16. Sara is the QUEEN of Birthdays. By this I mean that Sara will celebrate your birthday like nobody else! She will text you multiple times that day, drive you around wherever you want to go, feed you your favorite food followed by a bag of your favorite candy, open your doors, bring you flowers, etc etc etc. I have never felt so blessed as I did on my birthday knowing Sara.

#17. I am thankful that Sara and Luis get along :)

I love the four amigos!

{LAdventures for Life!}

#18. Sara has a deep love for my big brother. As skeptical as I was at the beginning (as any little sister would be), I am so grateful that she is the one taking care of my brother and loving him each day.

#19. Sara is one of the greatest friends I have ever had. When I am going through a hard time I can always count on her. She could be extremely busy (more than I even know) and she is still willing to drive an hour to see me regardless of the time of day (or night). She constantly puts my needs before hers and prays for me always. She sends me gift cards to Starbucks in the mail when I am having a hard week. I cannot repay her for the friendship she gives me.

She truly enriches my life.

#20. On road trips, she is always willing to drive the longest :)

.... even if we all go a little crazy and reenact "the hills have eyes" at a gas station in the desert. haha

#21. Number 21 is simply that Sara Nicole Yarchever is a BEAUTIFUL woman inside and out. She blesses me sooo often and I cannot imagine walking through life without her deep friendship and sisterhood. I strive to be the kind of friend that she is to me.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH WOMAN!

To Remember is to Heal

James Edward Petry

1929-2011

January 14th 2011 became the day that I have been dreading for a long time. I lost my uncle, my biggest fan, my favorite man. James Edward Petry ("Uncle Pete") was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandpa, an uncle, a dear friend, a veteran, a police sergeant, and so much more. He had a big impact on the lives of those around him and although he is no longer with us, his lessons and his memory live on in our hearts.

Many of my memories include Uncle Pete. Whether that was reading to me as we sat together in his big brown chair... playing hide and go seek (I always hid in the closet in the laundry basket)... playing Old Maid... letting me eat wayy to many Keebler elf man cookies... telling me that I looked like a communist in my hat (from Limited Too)... quizzing me on my mathematic skills and facts about the United States Government... or telling me that I need to live my life a step above the rest... he was always right there. I owe a great deal of who I am to my uncle who expected great things out of me.

I was his self-proclaimed favorite niece, who answered to the name "Smack". For 21 years I have been my uncle's Smack and it pains me to know that I won't ever be called that again. Even though he is no longer with us, I will always be his Smack. As a kid, and even now some days, its hard to realize that people won't always be here. As obvious as it is that everybody dies, it seems unreal that someone who has always be there won't be there anymore. I can't imagine certain annual events, birthdays, holidays, etc without my uncle there telling me that I need to take a business class, to pass the salt, and to go change the world.

One thing I LOVED about my Uncle Pete was the infinite stock of stories he had about my mother. Although I will still argue that I was his favorite, my mother was a close second ;)

It was not possible to get through a dinner at Aunt June and Uncle Pete's house without learning a new (or hearing a classic old) story about my mom.

I started typing up some of these stories and one of my favorite quotes is this:

"Your mother was always quick and ready with a response for me. We're close. People may not know that now, but we are darn close Smack. Once I told her I would report her to the King if she didn't shape up and she instantly responded with, 'That's alright. I'm the Queen.'"

My Uncle Pete holds a very special place in my mom's life. He walked her down the aisle as she married my dad and it was always my dream that I could have the same privilege. It became clear to me in the past few months that my Uncle would not be around for this. I always wanted him to see my graduate college and he was only about three months away from witnessing this. He always encouraged me to be the smartest and the kindest I could be and I can credit my determination to succeed largely to him. Despite his absence, I will become a college graduate on May 7th with the love and support of my family.

After you lose someone, you quickly learn that the rest of the world keeps spinning and that you have to find a way to keep up with it. You learn that "even in laughter the heart may ache" (Proverbs 14:13) and that time, in fact, does begin to heal the broken heart.

Forever in our lives. Forever in our hearts.

Your legacy lives on.

I love you Uncle Pete.

My little Buddy

Just wanted to show off my hott date from New Year's Eve this year...

Elias David :)

Turn your Resolutions into a Reformation of Life

These are the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. If you are working on some New Year's Resolutions, look no further. Mr Edwards read these every week.

I have the best intentions of striving to be this kind of person in 2011.

Resolutions 1 through 21 were written by in one sitting in New Haven in 1722.

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723)

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is

perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722.

34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.

43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.

44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723.

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peace able, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.

51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin.June 9, and July 13 1723.

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27,and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July ii,and July 13.

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June 25 and July 13, 1723.

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723.

64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.

Aug. 17, 1723