It feels interesting to blog about this trip because last year I posted about it... Read what happened by clicking here: Mt. Zion Trip 2011
Haha reading over it is quite interesting. Last year we took the bus, so this year felt different because we were all in separate cars. Anyway, I loved how the graduation ceremony was anointed by God... The charge was given as if the graduating students were soldiers going out into the war zone. It was beautiful. One quote I wrote down: "No reserves. No retreat. No regrets." I also don't want to forget how the power of God fell down on that place as we sang worship, especially during the song Your Great Name. After the ceremony we snacked on cucumber water, lemonade and gummies. Speaking of food, we went to Red Robin's afterward for lunch and filled ourselves with amazing garlic fries. They were unlimited. Let's just keep it at that.
I only have this one picture... But I have a pending video on youtube that I will share with y'all once it's approved :)
Ta Ta for now!
All of my moments in darkness seem to be temporary
When I began to think about all of the things you went through because you love me
I know that you love me
The weight of this world trying to pull me down
But I think about you I begin to smile
Joy you bring me joy
You bring me joy
You bring me joy
You are my joy
Momentary afflictions preparing me for eternal glory.
I've been listening to this song for a few weeks and these words are always so encouraging... So much has been going on recently. So take a listen.
Here are a few pictures from our youth gathering yesterday. Youth from North Carolina were guests at our Friday church service. Olga V made this cake above. She just whipped it up in no time. Bravo! You can find her blog by clicking here
Just me, you can call me Commander in Chief. The Zuppa Toscana pot was huge and I couldn't reach it without standing on a chair! By the way if you are interested in the recipe, you can find it here. I added bacon to the recipe and Mr. Dash seasoning (Italian Medley)
Beautiful fruit arranged by our lovely girls.
And what's a kitchen without awesome helpers?
Solomiya and Julie were the official potato mashers. Don't mess with these girls!
And Dima, the official taste tester. He is good at his job.
And now... Wrapping up spring break. Back to reality. Can't wait for this semester to end!
Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze
If that's the measure you must take to crush the idols
Jerk the pews & all the decorations, too
Until the congregations few, then have revival
Tell your friends that this is where the party ends
Until you're broken for your sins, you can't be social
Then seek the Lord & wait for what He has in store
And know that great is your reward so just be hopeful
'Cause you can sing all you want to
Yes, you can sing all you want to
You can sing all you want to
And still get it wrong;
worship is more than a song
Take a break from all the plans that you have made
And sit at home alone and wait for God to whisper
Beg Him please to open up His mouth and speak
And pray for real upon your knees until they blister
Shine the light on every corner of your life
Until the pride and lust and lies are in the open
Then read the Word and put to test the things you've heard
Until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken
'Cause you can sing all you want to
Yes, you can sing all you want to
You can sing all you want to
And still get it wrong; worship is more than a song
We must not worship something that's not even worth it
Clear the stage, make some space for the One who deserves it
'Cause I can sing all I want to
Yes, I can sing all I want to I can sing all I want to
And still get it wrong
And you can sing all you want to
Yes, you can, you can sing all you want to
You can sing all you want to
And still get it wrong; worship is more than a song
Worship is more than a song
Worship is more than a song
Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze
If that's the measure you must take to crush the idols
This song is really... truthful. The truth does hurt sometimes. And these words can hurt, it pierced into my soul, opening it to reality. Worship is more than a song, it's a way of life. Church is more than a stage, its a body. And I believe that God will continue the work that He has started! (That's His promise.) I pray that our youth will have a soul that is stirred and rocked and broken, especially this week as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! It is a time to dwell on the fact that Jesus payed the price for my sin and I can be made into a new creation only through His power! Be blessed.
This is a personal life lesson. I often find myself feeling unworthy of God's grace, I feel shame for falling over and over again. Voices whisper in my ear making me doubt if there is a point in getting up again. But then I look to the cross and see that I truly am unworthy, but the blood of Christ makes me worthy. Perfection comes through Him.
I'm stuck on yesterdays breakfast... I stopped by Bruegger's Bagels and was recommended the southwestern breakfast sandwich. It was so pretty and tasted legit (obviously I make the best sandwiches :P). Here it is:
