David, Goliath and a Rubber Band

A rubber band... something we all use at some point in a week's time. Have you ever given it anymore thought than being a band to hold things together?

Each Friday morning our school holds a prayer breakfast for our students through FCS/FCA. A couple of weeks ago one of our alumni parents, who is a local minister, came to share with our students. Before he began to speak, he said he had brought us a gift. (I don't know about you, but I love gifts!) He gave each of us a rubber band and told us that he had been praying over these rubber bands and asking God to bless the arm it was placed on. A little weird, but intriguing!

Bro. Dunn then began to tell the story of David and Goliath, based on 1 Samuel 17. He talked about how David had a slingshot and three smooth stones that he was going to use to defeat Goliath. As he talked he began to describe the slingshot, a part of the story that is important but not given as much emphasis as the stone that knocked Goliath out.

He asked us all to think of the rubber band as a slingshot and to think of all the things that are "slung" our way each week. If we let these things interfere with our relationship with Jesus, we will be defeated by the "stone" just as Goliath was. Bro. Dunn reminded us that the slingshot (our rubber band) and its strength in hurling the stone, along with David's faith in Jesus, is what defeated Goliath.

He also used it to illustrate that Jesus will "stretch" you in your walk with him, but that he will never let you go and will always be there to hold us together as Christians, just as a rubber band is used to hold things together.

Our students and faculty wear a rubber band that has been prayed over by Bro. Dunn. It is a constant reminder that the strength of Jesus is powerful than any "stone" thrown in our way and that he will hold us together when the times get tough.

Blessings!

Paige

What's In A Name?

Names are interesting to me, and working in a school I always find interest in the makeup of our students names and why they were chosen. Are they family names, in honor of a family friend, recognition of a special place or were your parents just crazy when they picked it?

My first name is Elizabeth. It is a family name, and I share it with my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and a cousin. When I am blessed with a little girl, I will pass along the name Elizabeth as well. My middle name is Paige. My father chose this name. It was a name he always liked and it went will with my first name.

Why were you given your name? Share it with me. I love to hear the stories of names and find it interesting how we are "given" a name that will become our identity for life.

Have you ever wondered how many people share your name? Visit this website to figure out how many people in the United States have your name.

Click Here to check your own name

On a side note.. Do you love Christmas ornaments and getting surprises in the mail? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then join the Christmas Ornament Swap. Sign up at This Southern Girls Blog.

Blessings!

Paige

In Her Own Words...

In the past few weeks and months, others in my life have been concerned with my singleness, even going as far as to suggest that I need to branch out and take a chance online. Last night as I was reading through blogs that I follow and subscribe to, I came across this post from Caroline, and I said Amen Sister out loud! She could not have said it better for us single girls waiting on God to bless our lives. I e-mailed Caroline to thank her for words, and how they blessed me that day. I mentioned that if I was a copycat (but I'm not) that I would copy and past her post and share with those who are in my life that think I need a mate. She graciously gave me permission to post it on my blog, so thank you Caroline! Visit her blog and read some of her other posts. She is a blessing!

Paige

A Rant of Sorts...

".....But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me

Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed

The giant keeps on telling me time and time again"Boy you'll never win,

you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story

the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"

and the Voice of truth says

"this is for My glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe

the Voice of truth

I don't have much time to share but this "Facing the Giants" song from Casting Crowns was on this morning as I drove in to work! Something about it just clicked for me as it said......."This is for my glory"......whatever "this " is for me or for you. It is for His glory........and, for me, this song was my second confirmation to the petition I had presented to Him yesterday.

This post won't make sense to somebody that has never been in my shoes....but lately I have been BOMBARDED with emails and conversations about doing a certain online dating service. Shocking I know. For whatever reason people seem to be asking me continuously about joining. Sometimes the topic just comes up in chit chat. Some through emails from people I know and people I don't. It may be silly to you but it has not been silly for me.

You hear it once...you forget it....you hear it 9 times.....you began to think maybe you should do it.

"Is this what you want me to do Lord?"

I mean, I am so ok with doing things, like dating, outside the box if that is what He is calling me to do. Many people have used this service and been very successful. But the more I prayed about it the more God reminded me that satan can use people to direct us in the wrong direction too. I had a low point yesterday afternoon in my quiet time. I realized that this is not a issue of dating or marriage for me but an issue of DO I TRUST GOD?

Do I?

and hears the deal........My singleness bothers others more than me. To be honest I hardly think about it on a normal day till somebody points it out. I don't have days that I can't get out of bed because i am alone............... NO WAY...are you kidding me. I'm alive and not only that I'm living for Christ which means my days are packed with moments that I get to see Him work and move and I get to talk with Him!

Beth Moore said something last week in our week 5 video that I felt expressed the very way I live my life and deal with this one small issue of singleness.....

She said ....." But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint'. Isaiah 40:31.....it says to WAIT UPON THE LORD and He will renew your strength....NOT WAIT UPON the event like a wedding, baby, job, moving away, big house, great vacation, weight loss.....waiting on these things do not bring you FRESH STRENGTH. What they do bring you is a worn out spirit trying to control it all and trying to let the "EVENT" fill you up. Your tired and weak and those are the moments satan pounces on you and you feel defeated"........

I am waiting......and I AM waiting upon the Lord. My strength is new each morning and my faith is steadfast. Others may laugh at me, feel sorry for me, or be confused about why I am still single.....but I will continue to say that MY WAIT IS FOR HIS GLORY! Look friends, my singleness is bringing Father a whole lot of Glory and as long as that is the case then I will continue to Trust His Word and not the word of others.

So for you out there so precious to worry about me meeting a future spouse......I WILL.....in God's time. I move when He tells me to move and I turn when He tells me to turn. I will not do the online dating service because He has not said "go" today...I can not speak for Him for tomorrow or years from now. But today He says "this does not bring me glory". I am will obey what He says.

I do love you for caring that much to offer up suggestions. I do love that you pray for me about my singleness. I do love that you write me and encourage me. I thank you for doing that. It means the world to me but.....I am honestly not looking for solutions, to end my singleness, from man or things of this world. God does everything DIFFERENT and for that I praise Him.

In the mean time I am going to CLING to HIS WORD and HIS TRUTH that says.....

"Truth shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven".

Psalm 85: 11

"Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; direct and unite my heart [solely, reverently] to fear and honor Your name". Psalm 86: 11

"Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart". Psalm 51: 6

"Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)". Ephesians 4: 15

Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. John 14: 6

And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. John 8: 32

The works of His hands are [absolute] truth and justice [faithful and right]; and all His decrees and precepts are sure (fixed, established, and trustworthy). Psalm 111: 7

For Your loving-kindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth [faithfully]. Psalm 26: 3

"Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God". Ephesians 6: 14

Father, I pray this does not offend..... but I will not back down. I will stand my ground because I KNOW that when it is MY TURN that you will not be a second late to reveal to me the man you have made specifically to walk with me. Thank you that every email made me so uncomfortable toward the dating online issue. I praise you that your conviction is sometimes LOUD AND CLEAR! Bless those that pray for me and increase the faith of those that want to tell me what to do. You are my very own voice of truth. I presented my request before you yesterday and by this morning you had confirmed to me, in two different ways, that I must trust in you. Continue to teach me your ways oh Lord and I will WALK IN YOUR TRUTH...and I will not have an undivided heart about whether you will do what you say you will do. I wait only upon you. My strength is from you......none of the other events or things will ever make me truly joyful, truly happy.....that is only from you! Let us watch what advice we give out and let us watch what words we say to others in the "waiting" room of this story you are writing! I love you and thank you that the very moment I even want to think about believing the world, you come to my rescue and plant me on solid ground.......for all other ground is sinking sand! I praise you! amen amen!"

"Firefly Lane"

Not too much of an update today..

• We had Fall Break on Monday and Tuesday of this week and then a short work week. Today I was in charge of hosting a luncheon for former faculty and staff members, and then for senior recognition tonight of our football players, cheerleaders, cross country team members and band members. Needless to say, I am tired!

• A dear friend of mines mom passed away this week. It was just another subtle reminder of how precious life is and how we should not take those we love for granted.

• I just finished reading "Firefly Lane".. and man what a great book! I won't give away the story, but let's just say it is a reminder of how important our friends are in life. I would definitely recommend this book to read.

• I will be traveling tomorrow to cheer on our Varsity Volleyball team as they compete in the 1A regional tournament. Should be a fun day!

Blessings!

Paige

Women Drivers

I know I shouldn't make fun of myself or those I share the female gender with, but I was laughing out loud all by myself with tears rolling down my cheeks as I watched this video!

Blessings!
Paige

To-Do Tuesday

Just some random thoughts today:

• HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to my baby cousin SARA GRACE! You are such a blessing to my life and I love you very much! Thank you for reminding me to live each day to the fullest and to always follow your own heart and your dreams!

• Had to go and get my driver's license renewed this morning. It was only five months expired! Our local DMV is not a friendly place, and is sometimes like a Halloween party with the characters who are also there waiting. Thank goodness our local tag renewal office now has an office for license renewals. The lady was so sweet and I was out of there in 15 minutes! Yay for not driving illegally anymore.

• I treated myself to a Pumpkin Spice Latte this morning from Starbucks..

• Bought this cute shirt from Old Navy.. (also got a fabulous scarf but I couldn't find a photo online. If you love scarves, you need to go check our Old Navy!)
  
  
  
  
  
• Mmm.... Cooked a yummy dinner Sunday night. Why is this blog-worthy? I don't get to cook as often as I like to. It is hard cooking for just one person and life is so busy right now that I don't often have the time. I cooked chicken in mushroom sauce, fresh squash and fresh asparagus in garlic flavored oil with diced tomatoes.

• Attending a Chamber event tonight and then heading to cheer on our Junior High Football team to a victory!

Blessings!

Paige

Think Pink!

The month of October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. I am wearing my pink ribbon this month is honor of my grandmother, Mamaw, who is a breast cancer survivor. I am so thankful that she fought this disease and is a survivor.

Why do I love her?

• She is the strongest woman I know, and is the tie that binds our family together.
• She now volunteers at the cancer center in my hometown and supports others as they fight this disease.
• She has an unconditional love for her children, their spouses, her grandchildren and her three precious great-grandchildren.
• Her faith is amazing, and I am blessed to know that she intercedes on my behalf each and everyday.
• She has blessed the lives of so many, and is one of the most unselfish women I know.

Mamaw and her four daughters

Mamaw, my sister and I

So in honor of my Mamaw, I am asking that each of you make a commitment to have a mammogram and encourage all the women in your life to do the same. Visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation website to learn more about self-breast exams, how to volunteer or to donate.

I changed the look of my blog as well. The pink theme will stay until October 30. I will have to update for Halloween on that Friday, but until then, I want to remind you to THINK PINK!

Blessings!

Paige

Nate and Laura's Wedding

A very dear friend of mine, who has had a major impact on my walk with Christ, married his best friend yesterday in one of the most spiritual ceremonies I have ever been apart of. Nate and Laura work at SIFAT (Servants in Faith and Technology) in Lineville, AL. Servants in Faith and Technology is a Christian nonprofit organization that provides training in self-help program for a needy world. Since 1979, it has trained leaders from eighty countries around the globe in practical skills to meet basic human needs. Visit their website for more information on this amazing ministry!

The wedding took place on the campus of SIFAT at the outdoor chapel that overlooks a running creek. The morning was wet and misty, but when the ceremony started, the sun peeked through the trees and God's amazing grace was upon this sweet ceremony. It was a true worship experience and testament of Nate and Laura's commitment to God and to each other.

The alter was simple, yet set so perfect for Nate and Laura's commitment to each other and Christ.

The music was beautiful! These two guys played during the ceremony and it was breathtaking!

Nate and Laura speaking their vows to each other.

Nate, Laura, her father and brother, who officiated the ceremony, praying after they said their vows.

During the ceremony, we took communion along with Nate and Laura. The students who are on campus for the fall with the SIFAT ministry stood with Nate, and assisted with the communion ceremony. What a testament of God's love - that it is universal! These students were such a special part of their lives during their courtship and are such testaments of God's amazing grace as they have come to learn not only how to better provide for their people, but of his love and eternal life!

The reception was held at the Kwanza Hut on campus, where the students worship and where the students who attend camps during the summer months hold their praise and worship services as well.

The reception tables were set with wooden boxes and colored glass that was the bride's grandmother's. They packed it up and brought it all the way from Mississippi to use. It was gorgeous set on each table.

The bride's cake was red velvet with cream cheese icing. A dear friend made these cakes for the wedding and they were yummy! Ms. Linda did a great job.

A key lime pie cake for the groom.

This is not the best picture, but here are Nate and Laura with the students who are currently studying at SIFAT. They sang a traditional native wedding song at the reception. I have had the privilege to meet and visit with some of these amazing men and women. I love how they always refer to me as their "sister".

This cross is suspended in an opening in the Kwanza Hut. I love how it overlooks the mountains. It is beautiful to view when the sun is setting in the fall and the colors of the sky open up.

Each wedding guest was given a handmade cross from Ecuador with the wedding date and their names on the back. All the crosses were different and unique... just like we are!

Congratulations Laura and Nate!

May God continue to richly bless you as you being your new life together and as you continue to serve him at SIFAT.

Blessings!

Paige

How He Loves Us

One of my favorite songs.. Listening to this and praying for one of our students who is facing a relapse with cancer. My prayer is that it will speak to you heart as well..

Blessings!

Paige

He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.
Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.

Yeah, He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves.

So we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

That he loves us,
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves

He loves us,
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves

Cause He loves us,
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves

Yeah, He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves