Friday, October 21, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
What Does My Life Say?
This is the moment, it's on the line.
Which way you gonna fall?
In the middle, between wrong and right,
but you know after all.
It's your life- whatcha gonna do?
The World is watching you.
Every day the choices you make,
say what you are and who your heart beats for,
it's an open door,
it's your life.
Are you who you always said you would be?
with a sinking feeling in your chest.
always waiting on someone else to fix you,
Tell me when did you forget?
It's your life watcha gonna do?
The World is watching you.
Every day the choices you make,
say what you are and who your heart beats for,
it's an open door,
it's your life.
To live the way that you believe,
this is your opportunity.
To let your life be one that lights the way,
It's your life watcha gonna do?
The World is watching you.
Every day the choices you make,
say what you are and who your heart beats for,
it's an open door,
It's your life watcha gonna do?
The World is watching you.
Every day the choices you make,
say what you are, and who your hearts beats for.
It's an open door.
Which way you gonna fall?
In the middle, between wrong and right,
but you know after all.
It's your life- whatcha gonna do?
The World is watching you.
Every day the choices you make,
say what you are and who your heart beats for,
it's an open door,
it's your life.
Are you who you always said you would be?
with a sinking feeling in your chest.
always waiting on someone else to fix you,
Tell me when did you forget?
It's your life watcha gonna do?
The World is watching you.
Every day the choices you make,
say what you are and who your heart beats for,
it's an open door,
it's your life.
To live the way that you believe,
this is your opportunity.
To let your life be one that lights the way,
It's your life watcha gonna do?
The World is watching you.
Every day the choices you make,
say what you are and who your heart beats for,
it's an open door,
It's your life watcha gonna do?
The World is watching you.
Every day the choices you make,
say what you are, and who your hearts beats for.
It's an open door.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Like A Thief In The Night
1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (NIV) For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
I don't know about you, but for me thinking about the return of Christ can be both an amazing and intimidating thought. I am SO ready to be at home with him, but what will He think when he comes to bring me home? The day of Christ is coming, whether we're ready or not. The Bible tells us to be ready and alert because the day will come like a thief in the night. No man, no woman, not even the SON knows the day of his return....and yet we are told to be ready. For some reason this whole concept has been on my mind a lot lately and I've developed a new standard to live by- would what I am doing right now be what I would want Jesus Christ to find me doing when he returns? If it isn't, then I shouldn't be doing it. Pure and simple thought that's a little easier to grasp than it is to apply. What I do know is this- His return is coming, He promised that, and I want to be ready.
Matthew 24:43-44 (NIV) "But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
I don't know about you, but for me thinking about the return of Christ can be both an amazing and intimidating thought. I am SO ready to be at home with him, but what will He think when he comes to bring me home? The day of Christ is coming, whether we're ready or not. The Bible tells us to be ready and alert because the day will come like a thief in the night. No man, no woman, not even the SON knows the day of his return....and yet we are told to be ready. For some reason this whole concept has been on my mind a lot lately and I've developed a new standard to live by- would what I am doing right now be what I would want Jesus Christ to find me doing when he returns? If it isn't, then I shouldn't be doing it. Pure and simple thought that's a little easier to grasp than it is to apply. What I do know is this- His return is coming, He promised that, and I want to be ready.
Matthew 24:43-44 (NIV) "But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A Lesson From Alexander the Great
As some of you know, my family and I's latest task has been, as I like to call it, "church-shopping." Although this has been a long process and has definitely been teaching me patience, I also look at it as a blessing because each week I get to gather with groups of believers, see how different but alike each church really is, and hear many different pastors fantastically bring the word of God to their congregation. This morning in particular I heard a message that I won't likely forget anytime soon, but there was one thing in particular from it that I wanted to share. During the message the pastor told a story that went like this:
Alexander the Great was one of the best emperors in the known ancient world. He was a great warrior and conqueror. In fact, Alexander ended up conquering every known land in that time. In one particular battle for conquest, a 16 year old soldier was put on the front lines. As Alexander's army marched toward the enemy the boy turned and fled as fast as he could in retreat and terror. After the battle was won, he was found weeping behind a tree. The boy was brought forth to Alexander the Great, being charged with treason. Alexander looked upon the boy and a wave of compassion swept over him. "What is your name boy?" he asked. "Al...Alexander, sir," the boy stuttered ashamedly. "What did you say?!" Alexander shouted, straightening his countenance as he did so. "Alexander is my name." "WHAT IS YOUR NAME?!" Alexander the great was in a rage. "Alexander, sir!" The boy shouted back. Looking on the boy in ager, Alexander said to him, "Either change your name, or change your conduct."
The pastor then went on to say that this lesson can also be applied to numerous Christians today. Christians who claim to have Christ, but lack any spiritual transformation or sanctification, who altogether lack a reverent fear of almighty God. The same can be said to them.
Alexander the Great was one of the best emperors in the known ancient world. He was a great warrior and conqueror. In fact, Alexander ended up conquering every known land in that time. In one particular battle for conquest, a 16 year old soldier was put on the front lines. As Alexander's army marched toward the enemy the boy turned and fled as fast as he could in retreat and terror. After the battle was won, he was found weeping behind a tree. The boy was brought forth to Alexander the Great, being charged with treason. Alexander looked upon the boy and a wave of compassion swept over him. "What is your name boy?" he asked. "Al...Alexander, sir," the boy stuttered ashamedly. "What did you say?!" Alexander shouted, straightening his countenance as he did so. "Alexander is my name." "WHAT IS YOUR NAME?!" Alexander the great was in a rage. "Alexander, sir!" The boy shouted back. Looking on the boy in ager, Alexander said to him, "Either change your name, or change your conduct."
The pastor then went on to say that this lesson can also be applied to numerous Christians today. Christians who claim to have Christ, but lack any spiritual transformation or sanctification, who altogether lack a reverent fear of almighty God. The same can be said to them.
"What is your name?"
"Ch....Christian, sir."
"What did you say?!"
"I said I'm a Christian, sir!"
"Either change your name, or change your conduct."
Thursday, September 15, 2011
To: My Sister
This week I watched my big sister, Cassie, pack up and move down to Georgia to start a brand new chapter in her life. I, being the dedicated and loving sister that I am, didn't make time to write her a goodbye card before she left. So instead, I'm dedicating this blog post to her.....since she's long gone by now!
Cassie- I am SO excited for you! I know that you will use your time in Georgia to do that to which you were called and those around you will be so blessed to be in your presence! Just like I've been blessed to have you as a sister these past 16 and a half years of my life. I know that you mess up, just as I do, and can be a pain in the butt, as I'm sure I can be, but I look up to and admire you SO much. You have honestly been the biggest role model to me that anyone has ever been, and I can honestly say that I'm proud to be your little sister. It's gonna be really weird not having you around town to harass me and waste some more of my time....who's going to sing to me while I'm at work?! I guess I'll have to ask Brooke to start doing that....haha. But while it's going to be weird....I know that you're going to have a really good experience down there starting all over in a brand new chapter in your life! We'll all be missing you here in Indiana, but just know that we're always rooting you on! Love you lots!
For all of you reading this that are NOT my sister.....keep her in your prayers! She's working with a ministry down in Atlanta that works with women sexually exploited....you can read more about it here: http://nightlightinternational.com/about/unitedstates/atlanta/
Good luck Cass! (:
Cassie- I am SO excited for you! I know that you will use your time in Georgia to do that to which you were called and those around you will be so blessed to be in your presence! Just like I've been blessed to have you as a sister these past 16 and a half years of my life. I know that you mess up, just as I do, and can be a pain in the butt, as I'm sure I can be, but I look up to and admire you SO much. You have honestly been the biggest role model to me that anyone has ever been, and I can honestly say that I'm proud to be your little sister. It's gonna be really weird not having you around town to harass me and waste some more of my time....who's going to sing to me while I'm at work?! I guess I'll have to ask Brooke to start doing that....haha. But while it's going to be weird....I know that you're going to have a really good experience down there starting all over in a brand new chapter in your life! We'll all be missing you here in Indiana, but just know that we're always rooting you on! Love you lots!
For all of you reading this that are NOT my sister.....keep her in your prayers! She's working with a ministry down in Atlanta that works with women sexually exploited....you can read more about it here: http://nightlightinternational.com/about/unitedstates/atlanta/
Good luck Cass! (:
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Run For Your Life
I was shown this video by my sister several days ago and liked it so much that I decided to share it with you all! It was a big inspiration to me....enjoy!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Mi Hermana
Most of you that know me, know that I have an abundancy of brothers and sisters- all amazing in their own way. Well one of these sisters, Brooke, has a very natural gift at writing. She has written several pieces of poetry this year that have blown me away because they are so unbelievably good! Although I would NEVER admit that to her.....(: Anyways, this week she yet again amazed me with her talent and I thought I would share it with the blog world. So here it is, y'all! :
If you think you can do anything on your own: you can’t.
If you try to be a “good enough” person: you'll fail.
If you try to climb your way up to heaven with good deeds: you'll fall.
If you try as hard as you can to follow every rule, law, and order: you’ll mess up.
If you try to look like a wise, smart, knowledgeable person: you’ll make a fool out of yourself.
If you think you’re perfect: you're not.
Life: you fail, you fall, you mess up, you make a fool out of yourself, your wrong, and sometimes you just can’t.
You’ll hit rock bottom. You’ll be surrounded by darkness. You’ll think life is over. But it isn’t.
There is a light. There is a savior. There is truth. There is someone who longs for your love, someone who wants to defend you, protect you, teach you, give you life.
His name is God, His name is Lord,
His name is Most high, redeemer, holy, shield, unfailing love, rock, vindicator, savior.
His name is Jesus.
You can do anything through him.
You don’t have to be a “good enough” person for him
You don’t have to earn your way to heaven to him
You don’t have to be perfect.
Because he is.
Will you step out of darkness into his light?
Will you let him save you from the pit of destruction?
Will you accept life through him?
Next time you think you just can’t, your right, YOU cant, but HE can.
Will you surrender?
If you think you can do anything on your own: you can’t.
If you try to be a “good enough” person: you'll fail.
If you try to climb your way up to heaven with good deeds: you'll fall.
If you try as hard as you can to follow every rule, law, and order: you’ll mess up.
If you try to look like a wise, smart, knowledgeable person: you’ll make a fool out of yourself.
If you think you’re perfect: you're not.
Life: you fail, you fall, you mess up, you make a fool out of yourself, your wrong, and sometimes you just can’t.
You’ll hit rock bottom. You’ll be surrounded by darkness. You’ll think life is over. But it isn’t.
There is a light. There is a savior. There is truth. There is someone who longs for your love, someone who wants to defend you, protect you, teach you, give you life.
His name is God, His name is Lord,
His name is Most high, redeemer, holy, shield, unfailing love, rock, vindicator, savior.
His name is Jesus.
You can do anything through him.
You don’t have to be a “good enough” person for him
You don’t have to earn your way to heaven to him
You don’t have to be perfect.
Because he is.
Will you step out of darkness into his light?
Will you let him save you from the pit of destruction?
Will you accept life through him?
Next time you think you just can’t, your right, YOU cant, but HE can.
Will you surrender?
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Blink of An Eye
Today as I woke up and got on the computer to check my email the first thing I saw was a headline saying Japan had been hit by a major earthquake AND tsunami. Instantly my morning grogginess was gone and I flipped on Fox news to see live coverage on the devastation. Boy, oh boy...... Immediately my heart was broken for these people. Their houses are gone, their loved ones are dead, and they have to start all over. I'm guessing that when the people of Japan woke up yesterday morning they were NOT expecting all that to happen. I'm guessing they were expecting to have a normal, average day at work, come home to their nice, quiet homes and fall asleep to the usual Japan smells and noises......I think this is the thing that shook me so much while watching the coverage of Japan this morning. Everything that I have acquired in this life, all my worldy possesions....can all be gone in the blink of an eye. One word from God and they're all dust in the wind. So why do I cling so tight and hard to things that won't even matter if something devasting like this happened to me? Why do I continue to grasp onto things that really truly do NOT matter in the big picture? God sure taught me a lesson this morning....its time to start investing in things that DO matter. Things that WILL last.
Friday, February 11, 2011
My 15th year
Today is officially my 365th day being a 15 year old....in other words, I turn 16 tomorrow! Wahoo! In honor of this past year I've decided to make a list of the MANY things I've learned this year...
-Being forced out of my comfort zone can be a VERY good thing.
-Mother was right...my sisters actually CAN be my best friends.
-I really enjoy watching the news.
-There's some pretty intense parties on the beach in Florida during spring break....don't worry, I didn't join :)
- When I'm weakest, He is strongest.
-I STINK at coming up with cabin cheers for camp beautiful.
-Keeping a pure heart is so much harder than I imagined it would be....
-Friends will let you down...God won't.
-I am tremendously blessed and need to learn how to be a blessing to others as well.
-I want to live in Denver at some point in my life.
-God wasn't kidding...He has revealed Himself to us in nature.
-Not all relationships are beneficial.
-Hard work, and I mean really hard work, feels so good!
-My parents are right WAY more than I would like to admit.
-Not everything with God's name in it is God ordained.
-Sometimes, caring for people can be reallllly aggravating.
-Although it sometimes doesn't feel like it, I have the best family in the world.
-Although chemistry is SUPER hard....I strangely love it.
-Chocolate is so chocolatey (:
-I have been blessed with amazing, supportive friends who I'm praying God will keep in my life!
-Sometimes God asks us to let go of the things we love to make his glory shine even brighter.
-In order to be the woman God created me to be I need to continue surrendering myself to His will.
......Being 15 has taught me ALOT!! And as my 16th year comes right around the corner, I have to say I'm pretty darn excited to see what God has to teach me this year!!
-Being forced out of my comfort zone can be a VERY good thing.
-Mother was right...my sisters actually CAN be my best friends.
-I really enjoy watching the news.
-There's some pretty intense parties on the beach in Florida during spring break....don't worry, I didn't join :)
- When I'm weakest, He is strongest.
-I STINK at coming up with cabin cheers for camp beautiful.
-Keeping a pure heart is so much harder than I imagined it would be....
-Friends will let you down...God won't.
-I am tremendously blessed and need to learn how to be a blessing to others as well.
-I want to live in Denver at some point in my life.
-God wasn't kidding...He has revealed Himself to us in nature.
-Not all relationships are beneficial.
-Hard work, and I mean really hard work, feels so good!
-My parents are right WAY more than I would like to admit.
-Not everything with God's name in it is God ordained.
-Sometimes, caring for people can be reallllly aggravating.
-Although it sometimes doesn't feel like it, I have the best family in the world.
-Although chemistry is SUPER hard....I strangely love it.
-Chocolate is so chocolatey (:
-I have been blessed with amazing, supportive friends who I'm praying God will keep in my life!
-Sometimes God asks us to let go of the things we love to make his glory shine even brighter.
-In order to be the woman God created me to be I need to continue surrendering myself to His will.
......Being 15 has taught me ALOT!! And as my 16th year comes right around the corner, I have to say I'm pretty darn excited to see what God has to teach me this year!!
A Pet Peeve of Mine...
Hi, my name is Jordan Hallam. I come from a family of nine and live in Osceola. I'm a sophomore in high school and I love to ski. Oh yeah....and I'm a Christian.
HOLD UP!!
AND I'm a Christian?! Can this even be placed in the same category as everything else?! One of my BIGGEST pet peeves is when people diminish Christ in their lives. They'll push him aside and act like he's just another thing to manage on their plate. He's not just another thing on the plate....He's the whole plate!! Chrisitianity isn't just an extra curricular activity or another thing for our list of 'to do's' and quite honestly, it bothers me when people act as if that's what it is. I believe that when we truly let Christ into our lives, he'll invade every part of it and won't let us belittle him to just another aspect of our life. He isn't just another thing.....He's the only thing.
HOLD UP!!
AND I'm a Christian?! Can this even be placed in the same category as everything else?! One of my BIGGEST pet peeves is when people diminish Christ in their lives. They'll push him aside and act like he's just another thing to manage on their plate. He's not just another thing on the plate....He's the whole plate!! Chrisitianity isn't just an extra curricular activity or another thing for our list of 'to do's' and quite honestly, it bothers me when people act as if that's what it is. I believe that when we truly let Christ into our lives, he'll invade every part of it and won't let us belittle him to just another aspect of our life. He isn't just another thing.....He's the only thing.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Eye-Opener
Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. -2 Timothy 2:16
Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. -1 Timothy 6:20
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. -Matthew 12:36
After reading these verses I've come to realize I talk WAY too much.....
So Lord, may my words be few.
Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. -1 Timothy 6:20
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. -Matthew 12:36
After reading these verses I've come to realize I talk WAY too much.....
So Lord, may my words be few.
Just a Thought...
Pain and suffering- the world is filled with it. And no matter how hard we try to avoid it- everyone of us is destined to experience it in one way or another during our lifetime. The question is, how will we respond to it? People say that trials either pull a person closer to God or further and further away from Him. My question is, what view of God and His word did the person puller further away have to begin with? All the time I hear of people getting angry with God and shaking their fists at Him when tragedy or trials occur. Honestly, this has always perplexed me a little. I mean, it'd be a little more understandable for people to become angry if God had promised us a life of sunshine and roses and then poured rain down on us, but that's not the case. In fact, he warns us again and again that we will experience rough times...."Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. " - 1 Peter 4:12....."In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart, for I have overcome the world." -John 16:33.....This world is a fallen and broken place and he can't promise us roses and daisies. What He can (and did over and over again) promise us is to be there with us and hold our hands through it all....."When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." -Isaiah 43:2-3.....He promises to comfort and nurture us through it all...but not to shield us from it all together.
This is why, to me, its never made sense to get angry at God for what he already warned us and provided comfort for. Wouldn't you rather hold the hand of the ultimate comforter in your time of need than shake your fist at Him? Just a thought....
This is why, to me, its never made sense to get angry at God for what he already warned us and provided comfort for. Wouldn't you rather hold the hand of the ultimate comforter in your time of need than shake your fist at Him? Just a thought....
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Goals for the New Year
Normally, I find new year resolutions to be cheesy, a waste of time, and a bunch of empty promises. "I'm going to lose fifty pounds this year!" "I'm going to stop biting my nails!" "I'm going to quit smoking!"......I'm not trying to bash people's motivation to do this or say that they shouldn't try to accomplish these things, I just know that half the time these resolutions neverrrr actually get accomplished so to me, new year's resolutions just seem like a bunch of hoooey. But, surprisingly enough, I've decided to make a couple of my own this year, but trust me- these WILL be accomplished (God willing). If you know me, you know I'm not the kind of person to start something without finishing it, actually that kind of drives me crazy and it will literally loom over my brain until I actually finish the project. SO, I had to think long and hard about whether or not I wanted to make my own new year's resolution because I knew that if I did make them......they would actually be getting done. After some thought, I've decided to go through with them.....yay Jordan (:
So now you're probably wondering what exactly my goals are for good ole 2011 (or you could honestly not care at all, in which case I'll be telling you anyways.... :D ) My first goal is to have semi- learned how to play the guitar by the end of this year. I realize that I'm not going to be a pro guitar player by next January but I seriously have wanted to learn to play for a longggg long time now and always really admire those who can play it. So although I have no clue how I'm going to go about this....somehow I will learn.....any tips would be appreciated (:
My next goal is also one that I have wanted to accomplish for a LONG long time.....by the end of this year I want to have read the entire Bible front to back in book order. I have read most all of the books but in chopped up bits and not in order. My goal is to have it all read in chronological order by December 31 of next year.
So thats it! Those are my big goals for the year 2011!! I'll keep you posted on how they're coming along, keep me in your prayers!! (:
So now you're probably wondering what exactly my goals are for good ole 2011 (or you could honestly not care at all, in which case I'll be telling you anyways.... :D ) My first goal is to have semi- learned how to play the guitar by the end of this year. I realize that I'm not going to be a pro guitar player by next January but I seriously have wanted to learn to play for a longggg long time now and always really admire those who can play it. So although I have no clue how I'm going to go about this....somehow I will learn.....any tips would be appreciated (:
My next goal is also one that I have wanted to accomplish for a LONG long time.....by the end of this year I want to have read the entire Bible front to back in book order. I have read most all of the books but in chopped up bits and not in order. My goal is to have it all read in chronological order by December 31 of next year.
So thats it! Those are my big goals for the year 2011!! I'll keep you posted on how they're coming along, keep me in your prayers!! (:
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