Elizabeth Smillie

Anna and I went with the girls from our church (jr. high through college) up to the mountains for an over-night retreat.

As we were driving down this afternoon, our car load listened our way through someone’s CD wallet. I decided that I am putting the A Walk To Remember soundtrack on my wish list.

We heard an old Backstreet Boyz, as well as Casting Crowns (eclectic mix!).

I was sure by now, God, You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it’s still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

And I’ll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can’t find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

“Praise You in This Storm”
Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I took a break from speech writing, and this is what I found.
Lovely.

My final for Public Speaking is …………… a speech. Surprise!
It is due tomorrow morning at 9:30, and I need to persuade my audience ……… hmm.
About what?
Hmm.

I think I will tackle consumer awareness.

And my argument will try to: persuade my audience of their need to be more aware of where their money is going and what causes they are supporting (roughly). Specifically pointing out that some of our money (unbeknown to us) is funding China’s One Child Policy.

My teacher recommended that we speak on a subject that we have strong opinions about. I have a strong opinion regarding the U.N. and the U.S.A. supporting China’s stance on human rights. I think it shouldn’t be happening. It disgusts me that my money may be funding a forced abortion.

When I was researching my Sociology paper I found some rather credible articles critiquing the Ford corporation, as well as a few other large companies, and pointing out what some of their money was supporting. Now I just need to find those again ………. and write that speech!

a happy marriage is a long conversation that always seems too short.
– andre maurois

It is 4:02 am ………… and I just finished my Sociology term paper. All about China’s One-Child Policy, and its negative effects on women, Chinese women to be precise.
Procrastination is a terrible thing ……………….. zzzzzzz Wait! I can’t sleep! The caffeine won’t let me. Or maybe it will ………………. zzzzzzzzzz

Matthew 18:5

Matthew 19:14

all my world
all I’ve lost
the wrecks I’ve made here
the lives it cost
Your hand restores
Your works make whole
with all my soul
I thank You
I owe You
all my

devotion
all that I have to give
here’s my devotion
You’re all that it means to live

all my past
my tainted main
You stole its legacy
of pride and shame
You’re all I love
You’re all I fear
I’m drawing near
to face You
to know You
to show You

devotion
all that I have to give
here’s my devotion
You’re all that it means to live

You found me
in a shallow grave
You tracked me out from beneath it all
You healed me
saved me
in the nick of time
Your perfect time

I devote all I have to You
I devote all that You’ve made new
all You restored that day You bled
all that You brought back from the dead

devotion
all that I have to give
here’s my devotion
You’re all that it means to live

my Lord
my devotion

“Devotion”

“He Reigns”
It’s the song of the redeemed
Rising from the African plain
It’s the song of the forgiven
Drowning out the Amazon rain
The song of Asian believers
Filled with God’s holy fire
It’s every tribe, every tongue, every nation
A love song born of a grateful choir

It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns

Let it rise about the four winds
Caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals
To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation
Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples
None rings truer than this

And all the powers of darkness
Tremble at what they’ve just heard
‘Cause all the powers of darkness
Can’t drown out a single word

When all God’s children sing out
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
All God’s people singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns

Mark 11:30-31
Hebrews 13

A while back Daddy prayed a blessing on us during our family time. He asked that God would “grow my(Dad’s) children up in Your love”.
Today I am in need of that blessing more than ever. In my head I know that genuine love is an ever-giving, ever-serving …. well, not emotion, I guess “focus” is a better word. As a person “grows up” in love, as Daddy put it, they desire nothing more than to pour themselves out for the other, even if they get nothing in return.
In reality, though, I am somewhere between genuine love and the self-serving variety.
I have seen people who love genuinely, with abandon and joy, and it is beautiful. Their lives resemble a drink offering, poured out for the joy of others. And mine? Ummm ……. sometimes. But God is nowhere near being finished with my heart yet, and with Him everything is possible.

I really don’t want to go to school anymore. Nope. I’m through. Thanks, but no thanks.
But wait! I can’t quit now! I am already at the end of my fourth week (has it been that long?!)! So what do I do? I really don’t want to be here. Spring is starting to happen, my life is getting busier, and I just don’t feel like it.

There’s a quote from somewhere that goes, “Don’t do what you like, like what you do.”
Like Math 101? You have got to be kidding! Um, no. Not kidding. Very serious (and tired) actually.

This must be where I ask God to step in and give me His joy, His enthusiasm, zest, passion, and above all, His wisdom. ‘Cause mine (regarding school) is gone.
Acknowledge my weakness and come to Him for strength. So simple, yet so easy to overlook.
Have you ever noticed that it is only when you acknowledge your weakness that you are helped/made strong? Funny how that works ……….