Patience and Endurance

I was looking at an email forward the other day, and I was tremendously astounded...

Now, I'm not one who usually is impressed so easily; I mean, it was a forward! However, this one was very different. As an artist, it definitely caught my attention. I saw how other artists were challenged to create something with just one sheet of paper...nothing more. At first, I was thinking...what did people do?? Just roll up the paper into a ball and call it a snowball or something?

I was severely wrong!! The artists took my imagination to another level of creativity. I had to stop and admire the patience and endurance that was put forth to make something beautiful and unique...out of one sheet of paper.

Check it out!

Egypt Pics...Finally

Back in October, I got to spend an amazing week in Cairo with my friend Sarah. It was so awesome to see all of the details of her life. Although, the heat was definitely a factor, it was also stunning to see the "Things of Old" (i.e. Coptic churches, The Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, etc.). Things are just really OLD there!! It's fantastic! Nothing compares to the "old" stuff we have here in the States!

I also found it very amusing that I kept on being mistaken for Arab. It was pretty cool. Everyone would ask me, "Do you speak Arabic?" and I'd respond, "La-a" which is "no" in Arabic. They'd all laugh and laugh.

I found the people to be warm and lovely. The culture is obvious very different than the little bubble I live in, but that's what makes a traveling experience so great! They don't stand in lines, personal space is non-existent, and everything from McDonald's to the local restaurant delivers! When ordering an Oreo McFlurry be sure to say it with an accent, or else they won't understand what you want!

Click on the link to see pics from Egypt as well as all of my other travels!

Simply Stated...Pretty Cool to Think About

The Ultimate Love Letter

My child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139:1). I know when you sit down, and when you rise up (Psalm 139:2), I am familiar with your ways (Psalm 139:3), even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10:29-31). For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27). In me you live and move, and have your being , for you are my offspring (Acts 17:28).

I knew you even before you were conceived (Jeremiah 1:4-5). I chose you when I planned creation (Ephesians 1:11-12). You were not a mistake, for all your plans are written in my book (Psalms 139:15-16). I determined the exact time of your birth, and where you would live (Acts 17:26). You were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14), I knit you together in your mother's womb (Psalms 139:13), and brought you forth on the day you were born (Psalms 71:6).

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me (John 8:41-44). I am not distant and angry, but I am the complete expression of love (1 John 4:16), and it is my desire to lavish my love on you (1 John 3:1) simply because you are my child and I am your Father (1 John 3:1). I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 1:11) for I am the perfect Father (Matthew 5:48). Every good gift that you receives comes from my hand (James 1:17) for I am your provider and I meet all your needs (Matthew 6:31-33).

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). My thoughts towards you are countless as the sands on the seashore (Psalms 139:17-18) And I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32:40) For you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5). I desired to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32:41).

And I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33:3) If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29). Delight in me, and I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalms 37:4), For it is I who give you those desires (Philippians 2:13).

I am able to do more than you could possibly imagine (Ephesians 3:20), For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thesselonians 2:16-17). I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Psalm 34:18). As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isaiah 40:11).

One day, I will wipe away every tear from your eyes (Revelation 21:3-4). I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus (John 1:23). For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed (John 17:26). He is the exact representation of my being (Hebrews 1:3). He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you (Romans 8:31). And to tell you that I am not counting your sins (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

Jesus died so that you and I can be reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you (1 John 4:10).

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Romans 8:31-32). If you received the gift of my son Jesus, you received me (1 John 2:23), And nothing will ever separate you from my love again (Romans 8:38-39).

Come home and I will throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke 15:7). I have always been Father, and will always be Father (Ephesians 3:14-15).

My question is, will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)

I am waiting for you (Luke 15: 11-12)

Love,

Your Dad

Almighty God