New Favorite Song

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.

"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."

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! (:

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!