He's Available--Are You?

Am I willing to do everything in God's way, in God's timing, for God's purpose?

Dr. Al Coppedge spoke this evening from Ephesians 5:15-20 on what it looks like to be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

"To live continually under the influence and control of the Spirit" (Quest Study Bible). 

I'm very willing to give God control in the big areas of life: my college decisions, my friendships, my relationship, and my career choice. Oftentimes, I find myself having difficulty giving God my tiny, day-to-day happenings. During the service tonight, this was brought to my attention in a brand new way. 

I'm an extremely trusting person. It's something that comes naturally to me. Therefore, I have never had an issue trusting God. If He tells me something is going to happen, I do not question it...and those things typically do happen. So when it comes to the "give God everything" sermons, my mind tends to wander. But something about the way Dr. Coppedge put it tonight struck me. He asked "is God in charge of your use of time?" Pretty simple question, right? But then I thought about it. Is God in charge of my time when I first open my eyes in the morning? Is He in charge of my time at school? Is He in charge of every single second of my life? Too often I try to fit God into MY timeframe. That makes no sense whatsoever. God wants to give us His best, but He has to be fully in charge. We have to give Him control over our lives-the big things, and the tiny things. 

Zooming out to a bigger picture question: are we avalible? There are so many chapters in life, are we willing to answer God's calling in each phase? God doesn't tell call someone to the medical field, for instance, and say "that's all I'm going to ask you to do in life." What is God asking of you right now? For me, I'm a student. That's where God wants me. I have to be willing to be the best student I can be. Am I avalible for God to use me for His glory at school? I'm sure God often says "how can I give you the best when you aren't willing to do what I ask?" "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). Are we willing to follow Him, giving up ourselves, in whatever stage we are in now? That could be a student, a mother, a teacher, a friend, a minister, or anything imaginable. Are we willing to allow God to use us wherever we are at the moment? 

He's avalible-are you? 

Indian Springs

Indian Springs Holiness Camp Meeting, the closest thing to heaven on earth. A place my family has attended for over 60 years. It might sound crazy, but we stay in this cabin that's 100 years old for two weeks every July. 

For those who have never experienced it, it's quite difficult to understand. As you can tell, our cabin isn't a 5-star joint but I wouldn't trade it for anything! This cabin holds so many memories. 

We had 18 family members this year. Between my brother's boys and cousin's boys, we had five little guys under the age of five running around the cabin. Many hours were spent telling them stories, singing with them, and playing all sorts of things with them. It is so neat to see these little guys swinging on the very same swing their daddy's enjoyed 25 years ago. 

Besides playing with boys, it's such a sweet time to be able to visit with all of my family. The Cabin is the only place where we all gather together. I love the late night chats with my cousin, the game playing, the good food, and especially the blessing of having my older siblings around. What precious time it is!

Well that covers the special family time, but let me explain the heart of Indian Springs. It was founded in 1890 and has been going strong ever since. Thousands of people attend and many families are like us, they come every year and have for many generations. 

Every day there are three services and a Bible study. These services meet in the main Tabernacle: a large building with a tin roof, no walls, dozens upon dozens of pews, a pulpit, a piano, and an organ. 

In addition to these services, there are four other tabernacles for the youngins and the youth with services and activities throughout the day. 

Many incredible evangelists have graced the pulpit. Through them, God has changed life, after life, after life. I cannot imagine my life without the incredible impact of Indian Springs. The Lord challenges me every year. It's a time for reflection and a time for revival in my heart. There is nothing greater than hearing a thousand voices singing loud and strong, all giving praise to the One who brings us hope and restoration. What a friend we have in Jesus!!

A quiz!

When we were young we made quizes for our friends about ourselves. So I decided to pull back out the ol quizyourfriends.com and make a quiz to see how well you knew me! so here's the link...it's only 10 questions and it's just for fun! see how you do! 

http://www.quizyourfriends.com/take-quiz.php?id=1204142030264065&a=1&

Flash Back-College Auditions

"Annsley! That was incredible! That is the best you have ever played! I cannot believe it!" These, among others, are the words of  Mr. Flaniken after I finished my audition at Samford this morning. (Actually, it was a year and a half ago. I found this draft that was written after my Samford audition in February of my senior year. It's neat to look back and see how God lined everything up for me.)

A few days before I was a bit nervous about this audition, after all, it's so far the most important audition of my life. But today before my audition, I was not nervous in the least bit. Ok maybe my hands were cold and sweaty...BUT I knew that God was for me, so who could be against me? I knew that this audition wasn't up to me, it was up to God and all I could do is go in there with confidence and play the best I knew how. And that is exactly what I did. God was with me and he guided me with every single note. When I first ran over my pieces this morning, everywhere I could mess up, I did. If that didn't scare me I don't know what would! But when I got on that stage in front of the group of Samford faculity who were my judges, everywhere I could possibly mess up, I didn't. It was amazing!

Hampton Court

 

We enjoyed the day at Hampton Court Palace. King Henry the VIII and his heirs (and six wives) lived there. It was really interesting to learn so much about it while being there! It's like history coming to life! It was so awesome to be where kings and queens walked the halls all the time! 

We made it to the center of the maze!