You are God and there is no other.
You are mightier than the oceans—
For you are their Master.
You blow on the waters and they surge and churn.
You are mightier than the storm—
For it is yours, the work of Your hands.
You stand in the thunder,
You surround yourself with the lightning,
The wind and the rain lash around You,
But You remain unmoved.
There is no place You have not seen.
You have viewed the deepest trench,
Smiled upon the farthest star,
Known the souls of men.
You have utterly known the souls of men,
And yet You love us.
You look on us with compassion and pity.
You look on us with strength and power
And are fully prepared to lift us from
The filth and decay that is in and around us.
You are holy;
We can never fully comprehend You,
And by this we find comfort.
I love You, LORD.
To You alone my praise is due.
I will sing of Your glory when I wake
And when I lie down,
When I walk and when I rest.
You are holy.
You are God and there is no other.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
No, I Have Not Died
I don't consider this a real post, I just want to let you know that I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, or died, or lost the use of my fingers, or anything like that. What has happened is this: I've been writing a book for some time now and recently I've really started writing seriously. So now when I feel the urge to write I go straight to writing my story rather than begin blogging. I'm also trying to finish up highschool (two days left!--yikes), and I'm working a little bit at a swim shop, and I'm going to a lot of graduation parties, and I've taken up the violin in addition to piano, and I've become quite the exercise-aholic... Anyways... I'll start blogging again soon. I promise. Have a great night!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
A Challenge
Hello.
So, despite the fact that lately there are moments in my life when I feel like a little, fuzzy bumblebee buzzing here and there and everywhere (and back again), and disregarding those nights when I crash into bed either too tired to snore or too exhausted to sleep (yes, this does happen, unfortunately), I have decided that these next few months will most likely be the least frantic months of the rest of my life.
This thought tends to scare me.
Although I have been incredibly busy (to my way of thinking) for the past while, I have also realized that I really have a great amount of time to myself.
I have a confession. It’s something you probably could have figured out (being the incredibly bright people that you are), but just in case you haven’t come to this conclusion regarding my character, I’ll let you in on a secret.
I really enjoy down time. I like to sit in my bright room with the windows open and listen to the birds and read or write or journal or blog. Quaint, am I not? And recently, I’ve begun to realize that I should spend more of this time talking with, learning about, and contemplating on God. So I’ve tried to do so. As a result, something cool has happened.
God has begun to bless my efforts. Actually, He began to bless them the very first night I sat down and gave Him more time than I usually did. Generally, I like to do my quiet time in the morning, before I do school work or any of the other things on my list, because I want to give my day over to Him straight away. I’ve done this for a few years, but recently I have been getting upset that I haven’t been moving forward in my relationship, and I’ve been wondering how to change that.
A few weeks ago I had an epiphany.
I give my mornings to God, but to whom do I give my afternoons and my evenings?
To me, I give them to me.
As a result of this enlightening reflection, I decided to try and have two more “quiet times” in my day. So, now when I finish my homework and have nothing really pressing on my mind, urging me to get up and get accomplishing, I have a second, slightly more contemplative time with God. He’s really using this time. It’s pretty exciting.
Now I’m working on having some quiet time right before I go to bed. I’ve got a couple of instructive, inspiring books that I’m going through and so I’ll read a chapter or two and then pray. This helps me to focus on “what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy" (Philippians 4:8)--which is a nice way to fall asleep.
In conclusion, I’ve realized that this is the time in my life when I have very little to worry about (though it doesn’t seem so at times) other than my relationship with Jesus Christ. Next year, once I’m in college, this free time will disappear. I know that I will always make time for Him, but that time might never be as free from distraction and pressing cares as this time is now. I must take advantage of the time that I have been given. I must seize the day.
Right now is a gift with a purpose. This is my time to draw near to Christ. I would be a complete fool to let it slip away.
Many of you are in the same boat. This is God’s time. Give Him what is His due. Squelch the misconception that we own our time. Our time is God’s. If we draw near to Him, he has promised to draw near to us. It follows that the more we draw near to Him, the more He will draw near to us.
He's ready to take us higher, to bring us deeper, to move us farther. Let's not keep Him waiting.
So, despite the fact that lately there are moments in my life when I feel like a little, fuzzy bumblebee buzzing here and there and everywhere (and back again), and disregarding those nights when I crash into bed either too tired to snore or too exhausted to sleep (yes, this does happen, unfortunately), I have decided that these next few months will most likely be the least frantic months of the rest of my life.
This thought tends to scare me.
Although I have been incredibly busy (to my way of thinking) for the past while, I have also realized that I really have a great amount of time to myself.
I have a confession. It’s something you probably could have figured out (being the incredibly bright people that you are), but just in case you haven’t come to this conclusion regarding my character, I’ll let you in on a secret.
I really enjoy down time. I like to sit in my bright room with the windows open and listen to the birds and read or write or journal or blog. Quaint, am I not? And recently, I’ve begun to realize that I should spend more of this time talking with, learning about, and contemplating on God. So I’ve tried to do so. As a result, something cool has happened.
God has begun to bless my efforts. Actually, He began to bless them the very first night I sat down and gave Him more time than I usually did. Generally, I like to do my quiet time in the morning, before I do school work or any of the other things on my list, because I want to give my day over to Him straight away. I’ve done this for a few years, but recently I have been getting upset that I haven’t been moving forward in my relationship, and I’ve been wondering how to change that.
A few weeks ago I had an epiphany.
I give my mornings to God, but to whom do I give my afternoons and my evenings?
To me, I give them to me.
As a result of this enlightening reflection, I decided to try and have two more “quiet times” in my day. So, now when I finish my homework and have nothing really pressing on my mind, urging me to get up and get accomplishing, I have a second, slightly more contemplative time with God. He’s really using this time. It’s pretty exciting.
Now I’m working on having some quiet time right before I go to bed. I’ve got a couple of instructive, inspiring books that I’m going through and so I’ll read a chapter or two and then pray. This helps me to focus on “what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy" (Philippians 4:8)--which is a nice way to fall asleep.
In conclusion, I’ve realized that this is the time in my life when I have very little to worry about (though it doesn’t seem so at times) other than my relationship with Jesus Christ. Next year, once I’m in college, this free time will disappear. I know that I will always make time for Him, but that time might never be as free from distraction and pressing cares as this time is now. I must take advantage of the time that I have been given. I must seize the day.
Right now is a gift with a purpose. This is my time to draw near to Christ. I would be a complete fool to let it slip away.
Many of you are in the same boat. This is God’s time. Give Him what is His due. Squelch the misconception that we own our time. Our time is God’s. If we draw near to Him, he has promised to draw near to us. It follows that the more we draw near to Him, the more He will draw near to us.
He's ready to take us higher, to bring us deeper, to move us farther. Let's not keep Him waiting.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Unity and Significance (and Steve Martin's Brother)
I went to Bible study the other night with very little expectations. I must admit that I haven't been getting a lot out of anything I do with my youth group lately (something, I realize, may be partly my fault). It’s kind of sad—but that’s not what I sat down to talk about.
So, at my study we’re going through The Truth Project, which is a series of videos basically asking us (Christians everywhere) to examine what we believe and determine why we believe it. This particular video was on the relationship between God and Man. It was all about oneness, intimate fellowship, and the mysterious union of the trinity and the church, and Christ and His children. I got a few things out of this video, but the thing that stuck with me the most was this:
The speaker (who looks like Steve Martin’s brother—this has absolutely nothing to do with what I was saying…) leaned close into the camera and asked with great solemnity (something he does quite well, unlike Steve Martin),
“What keeps us from unity?”
This is a rather heavy question, but its weightiness might be overlooked if the term unity isn’t further expounded on. Here’s what Jesus has to say about this word:
“…That all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one: I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.” John 17:21-23 (This whole chapter is an awesome one—just in case you’ve never read it before.)
Did you catch the astounding marvelous-ness of His meaning?
We’ve essentially been given a spot in the Trinity.
Now, I don’t mean that we’re gods or anything like that, but we’re invited into Him and He will be in us. This is what God desires, this is why Jesus came, this is what the Holy Spirit has accomplished.
Alright, now that we’ve got that down (if that can ever be “gotten down”), let me tell you how Mr. Martin answered his question of why we’re not taking full advantage of this mind-blowing-ly incredible gift of oneness with God. (I was on the edge of my seat for this one, because I’ve been wondering a great deal lately why there is such a gulf between me and Christ.)
He said,
“Our hunger to be significant keeps us from unity with God.”
Wow.
This significance thing has definitely been a huge part of my life for a long long while. And I know that it’s been a problem, but I just didn’t know how big.
I want to have people love me. I long for it. And when I’m not loved to a point that satisfies this craving, I’ll imagine it into being. Let me know if I’m wrong, but I think a lot of girls struggle with this problem, better known as day-dreaming.
Mr. Martin says that we were given this desire for significance, just as we were given a sexual desire. It is good when used as God intended it, but evil after being twisted by the world.
How do we turn this hunger into something God can be pleased with?
We must turn to Him, and allow ourselves to be fully satisfied with being significant to Him. Because, really, not being satisfied with our importance to God, and looking to quench our thirst elsewhere, isn’t only futile and idiotic, it’s so incredibly disrespectful and hateful to Christ.
Augh, so I know that this isn’t something that can be solved in a day, but the sooner resolved the better. We can comfort ourselves by knowing that this desire of ours (to comprehend and to take part in unity with Christ) is God’s desire as well. And with the two of us working together (and His strength being made perfect in our weakness), the odds for victory are pretty good.
So, at my study we’re going through The Truth Project, which is a series of videos basically asking us (Christians everywhere) to examine what we believe and determine why we believe it. This particular video was on the relationship between God and Man. It was all about oneness, intimate fellowship, and the mysterious union of the trinity and the church, and Christ and His children. I got a few things out of this video, but the thing that stuck with me the most was this:
The speaker (who looks like Steve Martin’s brother—this has absolutely nothing to do with what I was saying…) leaned close into the camera and asked with great solemnity (something he does quite well, unlike Steve Martin),
“What keeps us from unity?”
This is a rather heavy question, but its weightiness might be overlooked if the term unity isn’t further expounded on. Here’s what Jesus has to say about this word:
“…That all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one: I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.” John 17:21-23 (This whole chapter is an awesome one—just in case you’ve never read it before.)
Did you catch the astounding marvelous-ness of His meaning?
We’ve essentially been given a spot in the Trinity.
Now, I don’t mean that we’re gods or anything like that, but we’re invited into Him and He will be in us. This is what God desires, this is why Jesus came, this is what the Holy Spirit has accomplished.
Alright, now that we’ve got that down (if that can ever be “gotten down”), let me tell you how Mr. Martin answered his question of why we’re not taking full advantage of this mind-blowing-ly incredible gift of oneness with God. (I was on the edge of my seat for this one, because I’ve been wondering a great deal lately why there is such a gulf between me and Christ.)
He said,
“Our hunger to be significant keeps us from unity with God.”
Wow.
This significance thing has definitely been a huge part of my life for a long long while. And I know that it’s been a problem, but I just didn’t know how big.
I want to have people love me. I long for it. And when I’m not loved to a point that satisfies this craving, I’ll imagine it into being. Let me know if I’m wrong, but I think a lot of girls struggle with this problem, better known as day-dreaming.
Mr. Martin says that we were given this desire for significance, just as we were given a sexual desire. It is good when used as God intended it, but evil after being twisted by the world.
How do we turn this hunger into something God can be pleased with?
We must turn to Him, and allow ourselves to be fully satisfied with being significant to Him. Because, really, not being satisfied with our importance to God, and looking to quench our thirst elsewhere, isn’t only futile and idiotic, it’s so incredibly disrespectful and hateful to Christ.
Augh, so I know that this isn’t something that can be solved in a day, but the sooner resolved the better. We can comfort ourselves by knowing that this desire of ours (to comprehend and to take part in unity with Christ) is God’s desire as well. And with the two of us working together (and His strength being made perfect in our weakness), the odds for victory are pretty good.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
King Lear; The Good, The Bad, and the Hilarious
Well, I think it’s time to introduce you all to the glamorous and slightly insane world of a Shakespearean director.
Okay, I lie.
It’s insanely mental, but not at all glamorous.
Here is a little peep-hole view of the strange and colorful world of thespians and the relationship between the directors and the directed.
Hayley: …And they couldn’t get the pool balls out of their mouths, so they had to go to the hospital and have their jaws dislocated.
Kent: I saw this guy put an eight ball in his mouth and--Huwegh! Swallow it--and then (da da da daa) regurgitate it!
King Lear: Howl, howl—I don’t have to howl four times, right? Look, look a mouse!
Hayley: Albany, you’re a frustrated duke, not a flustered housewife.
Hayley: Can you say that line with more…um, can you say it less, eh, hum…can you (waves hands vaguely)…you know…
Other director: Trail behind—
Hayley: Walk in front—
Other director: More sorrow.
Hayley: Laugh.
Other director: Step forward.
Hayley: Step back.
Hayley: Where’s Gloucester? And Cornwall. And Regan. And Goneril. And Albany.—Albany’s at home you say? Well, then, somebody call him up and ask him why he’s not here.
King Lear: Hi Albany, what were you planning on doing this afternoon? (Pause) Science fair project? (Glances nervously over at steaming director) Well—
Hayley: Tell him to come over now and I’ll help him finish his science project when we’re done. (Hayley grimaces. This is the ultimate sacrifice, as she hates science projects more than words can express.)
Hayley: So you’ll want to weave in front of Cordelia and behind Kent, over Lear and under Regan, twirl around Goneril all the while looking cynical, then step twice to the left and side step Cornwall (now you're jesting, but afraid. Terrified, yet jovial), jump forward twice and barely miss knocking into Gentleman number one, who you must give time to slip you a note, before you exit upstage left. Got that?
Here are some things I have learned:
1. Give a boy a sword and we’ll wander off the point, never to be recalled again.
2. A dead person is distracting.
3. Arguments happen, and when they do they must be speedily resolved with prayer. Otherwise you’re sunk.
4. When two people die in close proximity to one another it’s very difficult to keep it all from looking awkward.
5. A director with giggles is about as helpful as a toothbrush with no bristles.
6. The words director and perfectionist can never go in the same sentence.
7. It’s very sad when you decide you want to act, and wear a pretty dress, but know that you’ll end up backstage in black.
8. You must somehow go with the flow, all the while keeping a grip on the rudder.
9. Shakespeare talks too much.
10. It’s different, but not disagreeable, to shine through other people.
Anyways, I'm having a good time for the most part, and content with knowing I'm building character for the rest. We still need lots of prayer, so if you thought of it and you felt like shooting a quick one to God, it would be much appreciated. I desire this play to be all for His glory--gory deaths, drawn-out, slightly boring monologues, and all.
Okay, I lie.
It’s insanely mental, but not at all glamorous.
Here is a little peep-hole view of the strange and colorful world of thespians and the relationship between the directors and the directed.
Hayley: …And they couldn’t get the pool balls out of their mouths, so they had to go to the hospital and have their jaws dislocated.
Kent: I saw this guy put an eight ball in his mouth and--Huwegh! Swallow it--and then (da da da daa) regurgitate it!
King Lear: Howl, howl—I don’t have to howl four times, right? Look, look a mouse!
Hayley: Albany, you’re a frustrated duke, not a flustered housewife.
Hayley: Can you say that line with more…um, can you say it less, eh, hum…can you (waves hands vaguely)…you know…
Other director: Trail behind—
Hayley: Walk in front—
Other director: More sorrow.
Hayley: Laugh.
Other director: Step forward.
Hayley: Step back.
Hayley: Where’s Gloucester? And Cornwall. And Regan. And Goneril. And Albany.—Albany’s at home you say? Well, then, somebody call him up and ask him why he’s not here.
King Lear: Hi Albany, what were you planning on doing this afternoon? (Pause) Science fair project? (Glances nervously over at steaming director) Well—
Hayley: Tell him to come over now and I’ll help him finish his science project when we’re done. (Hayley grimaces. This is the ultimate sacrifice, as she hates science projects more than words can express.)
Hayley: So you’ll want to weave in front of Cordelia and behind Kent, over Lear and under Regan, twirl around Goneril all the while looking cynical, then step twice to the left and side step Cornwall (now you're jesting, but afraid. Terrified, yet jovial), jump forward twice and barely miss knocking into Gentleman number one, who you must give time to slip you a note, before you exit upstage left. Got that?
Here are some things I have learned:
1. Give a boy a sword and we’ll wander off the point, never to be recalled again.
2. A dead person is distracting.
3. Arguments happen, and when they do they must be speedily resolved with prayer. Otherwise you’re sunk.
4. When two people die in close proximity to one another it’s very difficult to keep it all from looking awkward.
5. A director with giggles is about as helpful as a toothbrush with no bristles.
6. The words director and perfectionist can never go in the same sentence.
7. It’s very sad when you decide you want to act, and wear a pretty dress, but know that you’ll end up backstage in black.
8. You must somehow go with the flow, all the while keeping a grip on the rudder.
9. Shakespeare talks too much.
10. It’s different, but not disagreeable, to shine through other people.
Anyways, I'm having a good time for the most part, and content with knowing I'm building character for the rest. We still need lots of prayer, so if you thought of it and you felt like shooting a quick one to God, it would be much appreciated. I desire this play to be all for His glory--gory deaths, drawn-out, slightly boring monologues, and all.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Numa Numa and The Screwtape Letters
I have the Numa Numa song stuck in my head. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go to youtube and type in the words 'Numa Numa'.
Then you will know the song.
Unfortunately, my having this song stuck in my head is not a good thing for the rest of you. It's rather an odd song and tends to turn my brain to mush.
Wow, lots of things have been going on lately, which is the reason there haven't been many blogs of late. Which is sad. I would like to thank those people that enjoy reading my blogs by writing more blogs, not less.
Since my last blog (wow, I've said the word 'blog' a lot, sorry.) I’ve been to visit Messiah and Whitworth (in PA and WA respectively) and still don’t know where I’m going. Sigh. God, if you could just paint a big red X on the college you want me to go to, I’d be much obliged. I’ve also been procrastinating about my science project and am now reaping the consequences. King Lear, that long-winded old man, is coming along, but I just may go crazy before we actually get it on stage. “Go after her, she’s desperate.” -------Duke of Albany
And then my birthday is coming up, and I, Hayley Huber, will be eighteen.
Here’s a list of famous people and the things they did when they were eighteen.
Cleopatra was the Queen of Egypt.
George Washington was surveyor of Culpepper County.
Elisha Wood began his role as Frodo in The Lord of the Rings.
Mozart was employed as the court musician by the Prince of Salzburg.
Hmm. I wonder if there are any kingdoms open? Any eligible princes.
Also, God has been revealing Himself to me through Screwtape, from The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I aspire to be like Lewis. He not only understood human nature, he understood how to write about it so that others could understand it. While I read, I’m constantly saying, “Hey! That’s exactly how I feel/think/act, but I thought I was the only one who felt/thought/acted that way. Weird. But nice. I’m not as mental as I thought I was.” And more than understanding and depicting human thought and emotion, Lewis understood God to a strong degree. He was able to use his amazing writing prowess to convey this knowledge to those who haven’t yet climbed as far up the godly ladder as he has.
Darn it. I’ve been asked twice in the past two weeks who my heroes are (for college interviews) and I couldn’t for the life of me come up with and answer (well, I did eventually, but only after much perspiring). C.S. Lewis! Duh!
Anyways, I encourage you all to read The Screwtape Letters. It’s a really short read, but it’s really good. And now I must leave you, because my eyes are being fried by the screen.
Then you will know the song.
Unfortunately, my having this song stuck in my head is not a good thing for the rest of you. It's rather an odd song and tends to turn my brain to mush.
Wow, lots of things have been going on lately, which is the reason there haven't been many blogs of late. Which is sad. I would like to thank those people that enjoy reading my blogs by writing more blogs, not less.
Since my last blog (wow, I've said the word 'blog' a lot, sorry.) I’ve been to visit Messiah and Whitworth (in PA and WA respectively) and still don’t know where I’m going. Sigh. God, if you could just paint a big red X on the college you want me to go to, I’d be much obliged. I’ve also been procrastinating about my science project and am now reaping the consequences. King Lear, that long-winded old man, is coming along, but I just may go crazy before we actually get it on stage. “Go after her, she’s desperate.” -------Duke of Albany
And then my birthday is coming up, and I, Hayley Huber, will be eighteen.
Here’s a list of famous people and the things they did when they were eighteen.
Cleopatra was the Queen of Egypt.
George Washington was surveyor of Culpepper County.
Elisha Wood began his role as Frodo in The Lord of the Rings.
Mozart was employed as the court musician by the Prince of Salzburg.
Hmm. I wonder if there are any kingdoms open? Any eligible princes.
Also, God has been revealing Himself to me through Screwtape, from The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I aspire to be like Lewis. He not only understood human nature, he understood how to write about it so that others could understand it. While I read, I’m constantly saying, “Hey! That’s exactly how I feel/think/act, but I thought I was the only one who felt/thought/acted that way. Weird. But nice. I’m not as mental as I thought I was.” And more than understanding and depicting human thought and emotion, Lewis understood God to a strong degree. He was able to use his amazing writing prowess to convey this knowledge to those who haven’t yet climbed as far up the godly ladder as he has.
Darn it. I’ve been asked twice in the past two weeks who my heroes are (for college interviews) and I couldn’t for the life of me come up with and answer (well, I did eventually, but only after much perspiring). C.S. Lewis! Duh!
Anyways, I encourage you all to read The Screwtape Letters. It’s a really short read, but it’s really good. And now I must leave you, because my eyes are being fried by the screen.
Friday, January 2, 2009
A Tribute
I just wanted to take a moment and write a tribute to a topic (subject, theme, idea) near and dear to my heart.
Friends.
I like them.
They’re one of God’s neatest inventions and He has recently been blessing me with an amazing bunch of them.
Some of them are braver than me, and they challenge me and encourage me to step out and be bold in my faith or in other areas of my life. Some of them are at my level and we can work together, encouraging one another because we totally and completely understand what the other is going through. Some of them I can help. Some of them are nuts and when we part company my stomach muscles hurt from laughing and my cheeks from smiling. Some of them are like me and it’s really exciting to discover the crazy ways in which we’re similar. Some of them aren’t at all like me and discerning what makes them tick is awfully exciting. Some of them are “cluster friends” and I meet with them in groups. Some of them are my “loner friends” and we hang out by ourselves. Some of them are constantly introducing me to new friends. Some of them make me think. Some of them give me a welcome break from thinking. Some of them are my age. Some of them are not. Some share my beliefs while others have worldviews that don’t align with mine (teaching me it’s possible to love those I don’t agree with).
All of them are a gift from God. All of them were put in my life for a reason. All of them have blessed me. And I wanted to thank you all. Thanks. I love you guys!
Friends.
I like them.
They’re one of God’s neatest inventions and He has recently been blessing me with an amazing bunch of them.
Some of them are braver than me, and they challenge me and encourage me to step out and be bold in my faith or in other areas of my life. Some of them are at my level and we can work together, encouraging one another because we totally and completely understand what the other is going through. Some of them I can help. Some of them are nuts and when we part company my stomach muscles hurt from laughing and my cheeks from smiling. Some of them are like me and it’s really exciting to discover the crazy ways in which we’re similar. Some of them aren’t at all like me and discerning what makes them tick is awfully exciting. Some of them are “cluster friends” and I meet with them in groups. Some of them are my “loner friends” and we hang out by ourselves. Some of them are constantly introducing me to new friends. Some of them make me think. Some of them give me a welcome break from thinking. Some of them are my age. Some of them are not. Some share my beliefs while others have worldviews that don’t align with mine (teaching me it’s possible to love those I don’t agree with).
All of them are a gift from God. All of them were put in my life for a reason. All of them have blessed me. And I wanted to thank you all. Thanks. I love you guys!
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