Reformed Theology

Listening to John Piper and Sovereign Grace sermons on the ipod at work has prompted a renewed personal appreciation for Reformed theology. Growing up in the reformed tradition, its teachings were definitely something I took for granted without truly understanding the meaning. Yet now they have become a source of comfort for me at this point in my life. Even though so much of life changes, knowing that my faith remains rock solid has been assuring rather than disconcerting, as answers sometimes can be. Especially, if they are answers that are not popular with modern culture.

By recognizing that our depravity is actually GOOD news because of the sacrifice of Jesus, I have realized that the Christian life is never about yourself. It never seeks to bring glory or credit of any kind to the individual. This fact alone has been comforting because when I look at myself, I see someone who does not even come close to receiving any sort of credit for anything I have ever "accomplished." My salvation especially, is not something I deserve any recognition for.

The process of sanctification must continue if we are to live in Christ. What a struggle to live each day trusting Christ all the time for the renewal of our mind and heart away from ourselves and into His likeness...

west michigan weather from this past weekend

The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.


God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm.



There’s not a plant or flower below, but makes Thy glories known,
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care;
And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God art present there.



I establish My covenant with you; and all flesh shall never again be cut off by the water of the flood, neither shall there again be a flood to destroy the earth." Genesis 9:11

Summer 2008

Is it too early to want to go back to school already?

all done.....

Sophomore year is finished. Finally, although not really. What an amazing year full of amazing memories. I have much to be thankful for.

Work and play are never okay to mix the way you do...

Crunch time

Good thing I rested over Spring break. It's been absolutely insane since I've been back. I do believe this is my busiest semester yet. Two major history term papers plus an English class with an average amount of reading and writing. It's the Westblade class that is making things interesting right now.
Only a few more weeks left. I really am not ready for this year to end and I am already excited for the next year to begin. School year that is. For now I have to work hard, sleep less, and get good grades...

April is the cruellst month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.
Winter kept us warm, covering
Earth in forgetful snow, feeding
A little life with dried tubers...

Spring Break '08

Spring Break= time with friends, warm weather, and no homework... maybe not so much.

Rather I have caught up on my Westblade outlines, wrote a rough draft for a term paper, and nearly finished a book for another class. Squeeze in some C.S. Lewis for some fun.

No wild drinking stories this spring break...

Restlessness

Thou madest us for Thyself, and our heart is restless until it repose in Thee

Springtime is here. But I don't think that is the only change arriving. What if the good things always stayed the way they were...

And all you see is where else you could be
When you're at home out on the street
Are so many possibilities to not be alone...