"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."       ~ Philippians 2: 3-4

This verse seems simple and to the point, and yet we have to fight off our very sin nature to accomplish even a small fraction of the selflessness to which we are called.  However, it is the Holy Spirit in us that makes this not only possible, but gives it the opportunity to grow into our new nature in Christ Jesus.

The thing I'm learning though is that this quality of selflessness isn't just the simple act of thinking of others instead of yourself.  It goes deeper, and into many areas and relationships in life.  For me I'm learning that at times, this means thinking of things and situations through another's eyes rather than my own.  Rather than seeing only how it affects me and makes me feel a certain way; I am called to see that other person's life and situation, maybe just in that one hour of their lives and see how this situation is from their point of view.  It's a lot harder than it sounds, especially if we are dealing with hurt or frustration because we know that those feelings are real.  But what I think we are called to in these few verses is to step out of those feelings and see the situation from the other's point of view before we really solidify our thoughts/perceptions.

For me in particular, this is a daunting task because I live by my emotions and it is a huge challenge to put aside how I am feeling and really take a deeper look at the current situation.  But I'm learning that in laying that down and considering the other person, there is sometimes a peace that is found, an understanding now present.  And this can bring more joy into our lives, the act of thinking of others before ourselves.

Charles Spurgeon says "Beloved, depend upon it, our miseries grow at the root of our selfishness. Where selfishness begins, sorrow begins; and where selfishness is dead, grief is dead. Remember that our sorrows usually spring out of ourselves; and that, when self is 

conquered, sorrow is to a great extent banished from the human heart. "

Introduction to Christ

So my dad sent me a link to a video of Steve Harvey giving what he called his introduction to Christ (I guess he was asked how he would introduce Jesus to a room full of people). The words and video are below. Just so simple and yet so true an amazing when you realize the truth of it all.



"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce a man who needs no introduction. His credits are too long to list! He has done the impossible time after time! He hails out of a manger in Bethlehem and Jerusalem by way of Heaven! His mother is still headlining in the Catholic church today! His Daddy is the author of a book that has been on the best seller list since the beginning of time! He holds the record for the world's greatest fish fry! He fed five thousand hungry souls with two fish and five loaves of bread! He can walk on water, turn water into wine, no special effects, no camera tricks. He has a head shot on every church van across the country! Jesus, before the Kings of Comedy, he was hailed the King of all Kings, Ruler of the Universe, Alpha and Omega, beginning and the end, the bright and the Morning Star! Some say he is the Rose of Sharon and some say he is the Prince of Peace. Get up on your feet, put your hands together and show your love for the Second Coming of the One and Only!"

Beautiful Scandalous Night

I was just in North Carolina for Ginny Ficker's wedding to her now husband Mark Evans. While I was there I stayed with one of my closest and dearest friends, Torrey and her husband Jay. I love visiting them; it's equivalent to walking in an open field while inhaling pure oxygen and talking with Jesus (I know that's a lot of things but its the best way I can think of to describe it). Their relationship to each other and to the Lord is of constant encouragement to me. One of the other reasons I love visiting them is going to their church. They attend North Wake which is in the town of Wake Forest, NC. It is a wonderful place full of a community of believers who are all about Christ and seeking his will and glorification. In worship yesterday, they played Beautiful Scandalous Night which is a song that always stirs my heart as I listen to the amazing words that tell of the night He died for us all. The lyrics are below and I love reading over them while I listen and being amazed at the simple fact that we can "go under and be purified", that "we're atoned by His blood and forever washed white".

Go on up to the mountain of mercy

To the crimson perpetual tide

Kneel down on the shore

Be thirsty no more

Go under and be purified

Follow Christ to the holy mountain

Sinner sorry and wrecked by the fall

Cleanse your heart and your soul

In the fountain that flowed

For you and for me and for all

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At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree

On that beautiful, scandalous night you and me

Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white

On that beautiful, scandalous night

On the hillside, you will be delivered

At the foot of the cross justified

And your spirit restored

By the river that poured

From our blessed Savior's side

Go on up to the mountain of mercy

To the crimson perpetual tide

Kneel down on the shore

Be thirsty no more

Go under and be purified

~ Smalltown Poets

I'm Moving!!!

Okay I'm moving but not out of state or anything, but to a new house with wonderful girls and I'm so excited! I will be moving to a house off of West Street in Annapolis with Rachel, Susan, Gabe, and eventually another person as well most likely! They have been so great while I mulled over my decision and I'm so excited! Meet my new roomies!