Prayer
Thanksgiving
He is faithful
He who guides, provides
 

Trinity Sunday

Tomorrow is one of my favorite days in the church year, it is Trinity Sunday.  The Trinity can not be understood, it cannot be picked apart in clear explanation, and it remains out of our comprehension. However, what we do know about the Trinity is truth. The Trinity has stood as a foundation to our purpose and use as Christians in the World today.


 A few years back, I was in the debate with my degree selection back in college. I was going back and forth with Ecclesiastical Art and or Theological studies.  So I decided to do both, in a different way.
In Fall of 2009, I began to build a Stained Glass Window. The essence of the Trinity was my inspiration. As I look back, I cant believe I finished it! A year and a half went by, and it was complete.

But still, my art does not come close to the understanding of the Trinity. It cannot depict the nature and existence of God in its context, texture, and expression, neither can my words. When I finished, I was so glad to be done. I couldn't look at it for a few months because I still knew it wasn't complete. The window just didn't say it all, not even close.  

 

The Trinity is an important part to the Christian Doctrine. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One God but yet 3 persons. Their character, purpose, and actions are recorded in the scriptures, but until we see our Lord on the final day we cannot comprehend the Trinity.

The Trinity was also a doctrine not accepted in the religious culture in my home town. It was pressed on my heart to discover and learn more because of its rejection. Where are people refusing this doctrine? What is making more sense to them then the Trinity? My hometown was filled with members of " The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". This doctrine is denied by their church body because it clashes with their understanding of their own purpose.  Perhaps another time I will go into more detail, but as you can see the Trinity was a doctrine pressed against me at a young age.

Here is a blog that I really enjoyed, it focuses on The Trinity and Missions! http://wmpl.org/2013/05/trinity-sunday/ 

 

What we do know about the Trinity is found in the Word of God. As we continue to read about the Father as a sender, the work that Christ did,  and the work of the Holy Spirit  we learn more about each character and their unity with eachother.

 

Praise the Trinity for using all of us in His own time, for His glory and purpose, and for giving us the strength to declare our Lord as Holy.

 

 

Now... I have to teach this to children. :) :) haha. Lord give me the Words.

 

 





 

There are so many joys today. The Sun is out, My friend Kelsey is graduating from College and delivering her speech, the children are filled with crazy happiness, and I spent all day yesterday with a 6 day old baby. ( for those of you that know me... this shocked myself)  Today, it is my day off but I like to work ahead, so that I can enjoy my days and not get behind. For Monday, we have to pick out some hymns for a funeral service we are having at church. Since my church is so young, this is the 2nd funeral we have had since last August. My Pastor and I are blessed with the opportunity to comfort with words of truth, from the Grace of God to a family that is mourning.


2 weeks before Thanksgiving 2011, Rachel and I got in our car and made the hardest trip we have had to make. We woke up and drove, from Milwaukee to Detroit. We knew we would arrive upon a "goodbye". Grandma Ella was saying goodbye to us all. Of course, we saw joy that day. She just wanted to play go fish, and talk about her life. She told us a story about how she danced with our Grandpa, and fell in love with him. Very romantic, I know. But it wasn't just that story she left us with. With a wonderful voicemail to our whole family, letters, cards, etc...   She left a passion. Her heart  was confident in the Lord and his promises. As a child she knew the Word of God, it was engraved in her, like an inscription. The Holy Spirit gave her the Word to recite in her memory, and reflect upon. We saw her recite the Word. Not reading from the bible, but it was internalized in her heart.  I have seen this in my Mom.  When all else went in life, Grandma Ella still had the foundation of Gods Word. 
When we said our goodbyes at the hospital, I knew her prayer was for us to be able to say " Jesus is my life, my hopes foundation, and my glory and salvation" with all confidence. Because this is truth.
Every tear, prayer, hug, and grasp. Rachel and I knew what was ahead. We knew it was Life.  I just pray that in times of despair, and in our weakness,  we may all return upon the knowledge and hope we were given in our Baptism and through his Word. To God our Lord be praised for this.

For Monday, We praise Jesus for the Salvation he has given to us all, the gift of eternal life.

 

On my heart imprint Your image, Blessed Jesus, King of grace

That life's riches, cares, and pleasures Never may your work erase;

Let the clear inscription be: Jesus, crucified for me,

Is my life, my hopes foundation, And my glory and salvation.

 

my wonderful family

This is my family minus my brother Luke & Naomi. I don't know why, but we all match. haha

This photo was taken a little over a year ago at my twin sisters graduation.  Although we don't get to see eachother often, because we all live so far apart. We stay in close contact: phone calls, messages, emails, letters, etc... It gets tough being away, but such a blessing they all are!!!

With Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, I am the only one who started collecting miles. My family is insane for not following my lead. HA!

My father is a pastor who works so hard, taking on 2 jobs he dedicates himself fully to the ministry.  While my mother is incredible, she loves and is positive in everything she does.

I miss them so much. This month to the date, it has been 1 year since I last saw them in person. We all had a picnic on lake Michigan at the harbor in Port Washington. It was such a beautiful day! I love them and miss them so much.  God has led us all so many different places, that we knew we would have to make this sacrifice of our face to face time. We are all going to see each other so soon!!! And I am SOOOOOOOOO EXCITED. I may just cry!

 

The past week I have challenged myself to go the extra mile or 2 in everything. From waking up earlier, running another mile, journaling every night, reading before I sleep, finding time to paint, spending more time in prayer, and working far ahead.

These are the things I have learned.

 Mind over Matter: it is possible

I need the Word for my daily strength ( Mind, body, and soul)

Patience is being redefined.

I am an EXTRAVERT, things have not changed since I started living on my own.

Grocery Shopping is not delightful anymore

There is always a need for Grace.

The preschoolers contribute to my daily joy

Most people want intimacy in the church: home churches.

I have to find time to rest or I will end up with a fever for what seems like days.

laughing with a 3 year old will recharge my motivation : Jazzercise with the preschool

I need spiritual support: a partner for ministry

 

I look forward to a new week of learning. God is always good, in all things.

my soul finds rest in God alone. psalms 62:1