Uh... what's that in your eye?!

Confession time...

*Deep breath* Here it goes:

I am extremely judgemental.
I place expectations on myself and others that no one will be able to attain.
Sometimes I find it easier to love people outside the church. Lost people. At least they have a reason for acting like a sinner.


We are to be set apart from the world and be different but we are still fallen creatures who will only be perfected upon arrival in heaven, yet I judge others as if they've already attained perfection.


Forgive me Lord for casting judgement on others. For pointing out the speck in their eyes while I have a log in my own. Help me to love them the way You love them, unconditionally and seeking nothing in return. We are the Body, an organism knit together by You, our High Priest, and as a member of that Body I am called to love and serve others the way You have loved and served me despite my complete and total undeservingness (and extremely long sentences).


*Sidenote- if you thought undeservingness was a new word, you were right. Fortunately, God doesn't mind new words.


I'm not trying to play off the seriousness of my sin, but this cartoon is perfect and super humbling. I'd like to introduce myself, I'm Sophie and I have a tree in my eye.

Not me, but You

So yesterday I was laying in bed praying for the people in my life and telling God I wanted to give myself away until there is nothing left to give. Then it hit me.

I don't want to give myself away, for the Bible says there is nothing good in me. However, I am a new creation whose heart has been replaced by the Holy Spirit and I want to give Him away for it is He alone who can make an eternal difference in someone's life. And, since He is the Maker of everything, the giver of life and because He is everywhere- He will never run out of Himself. He will always have more to give. Amazing.

Dear God, hear my cry and make Yourself so intensely apparent to all those around the world whether it be in Kentucky, Africa or the Dominican Republic. ...Shine Your light and let the whole world see we're singing for the glory of the risen King.

Bittersweet Goodbyes and Happy Beginnings

It’s hard to believe four months ago we were praying about going to Murray and an awesome internship opportunity and now I’m at Murray State University after spending the summer on the internship. Time flies by seriously fast. Too fast maybe.

It’s been hard transitioning from the summer to the school semester, but harder still adjusting to being alone again. I use “alone” loosely because I know we’re never really alone. God is always with us despite the times it feels like He’s no where to be found, His Word promises that. However, after being with six people 24/7 for 92 days straight then leaving them and learning to be alone again was harder than I ever imagined.

But, once again, God has shown me that He is my comfort. He’s my friend, provider, protection, and security when I’m completely insecure.

He’s amazing.

Classes are going well, and I love (!!!) writing for the newspaper- just praying for a staff position. Speaking of jobs, God has given me a fantastic job that works with my school schedule and allows me to work from Murray. Such a blessing.

My first week back home included:

• Moving into the dorm

• Going home and visiting mom and dad

• Getting caught up on classwork

• Church (and lots of hugs)

• C & C with Camillia, Whitt and Eric

• Disc Golf with Jesse and Joseph

• Cookies with Ben and Beth

• Lunch with Amanda

• Working out with Aimee and catching up

• Sleep. Lots of sleep.

This weekend is a big deal for me. Tomorrow we celebrate my mom’s birthday and Sunday is especially important. It’s the first Sunday of the month which means we have a fellowship meal after the morning service. For those of you who aren’t following this fantastic news let me spell it out for you: I’ve had restaurant food for the last three and a half months straight. First Sunday Fellowships means a whole buffet of homemade food made by the best cooks in the world- Church ladies! Green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, chicken and dumplins, fresh desserts and SWEET TEA. I CANNOT wait!

Below are some pictures from the end of the trip… We met the sweetest kids from the Dominican Republic and even though they didn't speak a bit of english it was as if there wasn't a language barrier at all. God has moved half of my heart from Africa to the DR… I want to go to both places now insanely bad. I just want to tell the world about the hope of Christ and the power of His cross and His love.


I pray you are experiencing that power in your daily life.

Laodi and I. He pitches 86 mph. He was so sweet.

Ethan and Hunter with Eduardo, Alex, and Laodi.

At the Orioles-Rangers game at Camden Yards.

On the way to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. We met Amish people and I loved them!

New York scenery- it is SO pretty there. I'd be fine moving to Cooperstown.

Crossing the bridge into Manhatten!

At the Yankee-Red Sox game. Amazing!

Last night with the team...

 

I miss them so much!

"God's deliverance isn't always in taking you OUT of a situation, but preserving you through your situation."