Psalm 103

Psalm 103
Of David.

1 Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.

And a Puppy Makes Three!

For all those hoping we will be having babies soon- you will have to wait a little longer! Why!? Because the Cox family recently adopted a precious 8 week old puppy! Her name is Zoey and she is a terrier mix- we aren't sure what kind since she was a rescue- but we love her and cannot believe we took the leap to puppyparenthood...? Here are some photos of our gal- enjoy!

Awakening

My prayer for anyone searching for God. Anyone longing for change in their life, family, church, friends, community, and world. Meditate on this song and give your life to God today.

Another repost. But a VERY good one.

It's funny how the Lord works- well not really- we should expect it that he is so specific to our hearts and souls. He created them anyway. Here is part of a post that my dear friend Emilie wrote. The Lord united us in Oxford for a few short weeks- and has changed our lives forever. I pray her words speak to you. Really.

"This, as we have seen, is what the resurrection and ascension of Jesus and the gift of the Spirit are all about. They are designed not to take us way from this earth but rather to make us agents of the transformation of this earth, anticipating the day when, as we are promised, 'the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.'"

"What's more, such people are not just to be a sign and foretaste of that ultimate salvation; they are to be part of the meansby which God makes this happen in both the present and the future."

"Atonement, redemption, and salvation are what happens on the way because engaging in this works demands that people themselves be rescued from the powers that enslave the world in order that they can in turn be rescuers."

N.T. Wright's book stirs up so much of what God started teaching me from the end of high school through college. His words cause such tension when I think of old friends from home or my girls in California or anyone I know who has walked away from faith. How can people who grew up in the church turn away from God? Why isn't Christ's resurrection compelling enough?

I'm afraid it's because of this. We think Christ died and went somewhere greater -- that this world is sinful and hopeless. We settle for a choice between heaven's gates and hell's flames because that's what we think faith and church is all about -- not going to hell. If the only reason we believe in the resurrection is to avoid suffering, we're not sure it changes anything for this broken world.

But Christ came here, which changed everything. He came and brought his Kingdom to this world. The decisions we make in this life matter -- and the way in which we spend our time, our resources, and our abilities. God transforms us here and now, to live as a rescued child of God, and in a way that also draws others to God's love. The Kingdom isn't hiding or somewhere else in the universe. It started with Christ, then his disciples, the early church, and is still being carried by his believers.

God reminded me on this retreat, his plan for those saved and unsaved, not just for me but everyone. That's where I want to be, in places where God continues to transform me, and allows me to be part of his means in helping others be transformed.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Insane. Freaking Insane.

I am so sad for Somalia. And Africa. And any place where children are dying because they don't have enough FOOD or WATER to live. It is absolutely INSANE. Freaking INSANE.

It makes me sick to think how much food I just had to throw out because I wasted it and it went bad in my fully stocked fridge. It makes me so so so sad. And so bitter about America. (Lord please forgive me for being so upset.)

DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE 9 BILLION DOLLARS THAT THE NFL COULDN'T AGREE ON HOW TO SPEND. WHY NOT USE $1 MILLION TO FEED STARVING CHILDREN... INSTEAD OF YOUR OWN EGOS AND GREED... JUST A THOUGHT. AND THAT IS ONLY FOR FREAKING FOOTBALL.

Sorry...caps...

I do not have words to express how upset I am. How sad I am. How unimaginable it is that people live in tents their entire life because our world cant seem to figure out how to get food and clean water to people- actually not even how to figure out- we cant seem to care enough to actually make a change. We have people that could easily pay for it. We have people that could easily build wells for it. We have plenty of resources that go wasted for gov't subsidies. YET we are letting- yes letting- hundreds of thousands of children die because we don't care enough to do something about it.

I am not just talking about America- I am talking about myself too. Yes I have done little things- but there is so much more I can do. That YOU can do. If you are reading this- DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. DONATE $10 dollars! Don't eat for a week and see how it feels. Fill your water glass with one scoop dirt, 1/2 cup urine, and another 1/2 cup with ummmm.... lets see.... fecal matter. There ya go- now drink that. How does it feel....?   We cannot ignore this anymore. Who will stand for the dying?

I can only turn to God. This is not a new problem. Which makes it that much worse. Lord I pray we wake up. We wake up as individuals. As families. As communities. As the church. As America. But most importantly, as human beings.

Lord we need you desperately. What do we do?

The link below has a list of 45 different agencies who are already helping.

This is one BIG way you can help.  Please click the link to help.

Or read this article. And then decide.
Who lives?

Or this is you're a numbers person.
From Fox News

Or if you need to see a video.
Here is one.

Or if you want to watch another short clip- here is Hilary Clinton on the issue.
Watch this.

These are a few little things to help inform you and I. Lets do something, please.

God. Music. Videos.

How can I explain my faith?

I don't always know how. I feel it in my blood. My spirit. My heart. My mind.

I see God in everything. The ocean, mountains, people, music, art, words.

Music is one of the most powerful ways that God speaks to me. If you want to bring me to tears- music is the way to do so. Something about it brings me to my knees before the Lord. In worship I feel His spirit moving within me. In worship- His beauty is personified. In music His glory is lifted high.

Here are a few artists who have some powerful stuff. They may be already familiar to you. If not- go look them up on youtube and listen. God wants to speak to you. He has made you with a purpose far beyond what you or I can imagine. He has given you a heart that wants to love, a mind that wants to learn, a body that wants to move, a creation that wants to amaze you. Ah and so so so much more.

Jesus Culture
Shane & Shane
Jeremy Camp
Chris Tomlin
Kristene Mueller
Hillsong United
Christ August
Mercy Me

Here  are a few songs that I love. I don't have much else to say- and the things I want to say- I don't know how to communicate today. Seek God above all else- that is all I CAN say today. There is so much more to life than what the world tries to tell you is important.

Staycation 2011

This year we decided to have a "staycation" instead of traveling somewhere for the week that I had off between jobs. We had such a great time being together, visiting our friends new baby, laughing A LOT (that guys is pretty funny), sleeping in, trying new restaurants, went to the Long Beach Aquarium, and I got to go with my friend on her maternity shoot in the OC! Here are some photos of the week! Enjoy!

P.S. God loves you.

Alot To Say about Alottosay.com

A Lot To Say:
Our Manifesto

"If you think something, say it.

If you believe something, say it.

If you want something, say it.

Because saying it creates new awareness.

Awareness sparks new behavior.

And new behavior inspires us all to be better.

If we speak out, others will act out.

To vote. Recycle. Save.

To think a little more.

To try a little harder.

To live more honestly.

Thoughtfully. Joyfully.

You have a lot to say.

So never be afraid to say it.

Or wear it.

Everyday."

As someone who loves the value and power of communication- I was really excited by the manifesto of the company I will be working for. I often challenge myself and my friends to say what they are really feeling, or find better ways to communicate their feelings during whatever problem/situation they find themselves in- because- just as it says- saying it creates new awareness and awareness sparks new behavior. If we never say what we are thinking/feeling HOW on earth will people know what is going on- sure there is body language and other ways to be passive aggressive and obnoxiously pouty  cue people how we are feeling... but why not just SAY IT!?!?!

We are often afraid of the change that could come based on what we say. We are afraid to push for the results we really desire- because it could be hard to say, awkward, cause tension, create a need for action on both parts, and even create the actual change we want but are not actually ready for.... (What is it you want to say but have not?)

And don't get me wrong- I am NOT saying we should just word vomit everything we think or feel- censoring yourself is a good skill to have- otherwise you wouldn't have friends... BUT I want to encourage people to be more honest with themselves, and speak up for the things they want/need in their relationships, friendships, families, work environments, etc... We underestimate the power of our words- of expressing our feelings to someone who we don't realize WOULD make the change had they known and so on.

So there you have it. I love communication. It creates action no matter what- even if it is only on your side- you have now given yourself the power to create change. And if anything- you can gain the satisfaction in knowing- you have said what you needed- and the "ball is in their court"... I hate that phrase but whatever- I'll get over it.

Anyhow....here is the link to our website! Check out the product- be inspired- and better yet- COME VISIT ME beginning August 15th! Alot To Say: Santa Monica !

P.S. Tell someone the TRUTH this weekend. OR be honest with yourself. That is a great start! 

PEACE AND LOVE!

A Little Imagery For You.

Here is a blog post from someone I follow- that I feel speaks so much about perspective. Let me know what you think. It is a beautiful, yet humbling picture.

Here is what he wrote:

“My son comes strolling through the house holding his little guitar by the strings which double as a handle.  They hang low from this type of irregular treatment.  There is a clanging from the body of the guitar hitting his leg as he walks.  He throws the strap over his shoulder when he sees me sitting there.  Then he reaches inside the guitar and pulls out a marker, one of several items inside which he could choose from, with which he begins to strum.  I ask him, “Want me to get my guitar?”  He nods and says, “You can play buhtars with me, dad.”

With my guitar out I begin to strum and make up a song.  He stares carefully at my hands and copies the movements as best he can.  As I finish a lyric he sings the last two or three words of the line.  Then I set the pick down so I can finger pick something.  He sets his marker down so he can pick too.  “We can sing, dad” he says with a smile.

Last night I was preparing for a time of worship with my friends at church.  We began a song with a chorus that went, “I adore you, I will sing it with all my heart.  I adore you, I love everything you are.”  I thought of my little boy.  What must I look like before God, singing and strumming and praising Him?  It sounds pretty good to me and others seem to enjoy the music.  Yet, as heard by the creator of music, and voices, and harmony and singing it’s likely to be something quite different than what I might expect.  I imagine myself approaching the throne with my toy guitar and sagging strings saying, “You can play guitars with me, Lord.”  Something quite beautiful in this interaction is the consistent and reliable response I receive.  It is the same every time.  Open arms extended with loving care and acceptance.

Just as one could expect from a loving father, He does not expect a perfect performance or an eloquent speech or any other talent to impress.  It is not the skill which He desires.  Or the expertise.  Or even the talent. These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught. Isaiah 29:13

…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.  Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:18-20

I don’t expect my son to say all the right words or hit all the right notes.  In fact, I expect him not to because I know what he is capable of.  His talent is not important to me in light of the relationship we share.  Our Father desires our hearts. 

 I will praise Him by devoting my heart to Him.  I will worship Him by bringing my mess to His feet and humbly saying, “I don’t bring any value outside of your love.  You are everything.”  

With that offering I can take comfort.  He has promised it is enough.

Finding so much comfort as I bring my mess to His feet. He is washing and cleansing me with His love and grace.Transforming my mind and thoughts with His word. Changing my desires. Hemming me to His side.