What's in a name?

As I don't have children yet, I don't know that parents today name their kids for the meaning of the name - it seems that they name the children something cute, something original, a family name, and sometimes they give them names that are just plain weird.

Back in the day (Bible times that is), parents (and God) would give their children names that had meaning. And those names would often reveal who they were and what they had made of their life. God renamed people who had changed and were no longer living the meaning of their old name.

I thought of this because we just studied Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestles with God. After God touched his hip so that it was wrenched, Jacob realized who he was wrestling with. God asked Jacob "What is your name?". This can be translated 2 ways. First, the plain and obvious - tell me your given name. Second, it could be, tell me who you are. When Jacob answers with his name - he is saying "I am "heel-grabber". And it was then that he realized who he really was - he was the one that tripped people up his whole life - to get what was owed to him. So God changed his name to Israel, meaning Struggles with God or God prevails. And it begins a new life for Jacob/Israel.

So what does my name mean? Emily means "diligent worker" or "Industrious, Eager". Both of which I can say that my type A personality attributes to. Yes, my name reflects my life. And my middle name you ask? Jean means "God is gracious" and boy has he been to me!! I don't know how or why my parents picked my name (maybe mom will post a comment and explain - hint hint). Looking at my name and its meaning, yes, it reflects my life. But is that all? Sure I am a hard worker - but does what I do glorify the Lord? I am not looking to change my name, but maybe I can change how my life reflects my name and who I am.

So what is your name? Who are you?
(and you are welcome to comment and tell me your findings and thoughts!!)

COZUMEL - DIVES 2 & 3

Here are pictures from dives 2 and 3 ... i fixed the shadow problem, but didnt use my strobe... so the pictures are more blue. I used the strobe on dive 4, but havent had time to resize the pictures to post yet - will do tonight and post soon.

CLICK HERE FOR DIVES 2 & 3

Oh yeah, and i resized dive 1 so there are MORE PICTURES HERE

(If the links dont take you directly there - click on the "MY PHOTO ALBUM" link in the righthand sidebar. Then look for Cozumel 2006 (they are divided out by dives).

COZUMEL DAY 1 DIVE 1

You can see pictures of our first dive (night dive) on my Yahoo Photo Album CLICK HERE!!! They have a goofy shadow across the bottom right half of the pictures becuase I failed to read the manual for my new underwater housing ... well, read it completely that is. I have fixed the problem and the next pictures will be better!

FIST DIVING INJURY EVER... stung by tiny jelleyfish all over my left hand. Aparently they like to sting where I point my flashlight... which was pointed at my hand to watch my dive watch. But dont fret... I am OKAY!!

Okay ... check back later for all the photos .. this computer wont upload them in a timely manor... it is working on it's own schedule.

Vacationing

Well, I have gone on vacation to Cozumel and probably wont post this week - but you never know! I will however try and upload the diving pictures on a daily basis - check back here for updates and links to pictures! Have fun at work this week!

All I can say is WOW!

“ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ” (Romans 8:28)

Well, after really feeling God calling me to be a part of the testimony time during half times at the Upward games - I said "I'll go" and we had our first meeting tonight. I thought it was just going to be a general meeting, but Jared forgot to tell me that we were to share the testimony for halftime in front our our ministry group tonight - and that it had to be no more than 2 minutes long. Needless to say this made me a bit nervous. I wasn't the first to go - I had not idea what I would say - even though I did just write out my testimony. I let a few people go before me to see how they would present the gospel and their testimony together (ok, I let the whole group first). When Curtis asked me to go (maybe 3 before everyone had gone) I had said that I knew my testimony, but I didn't know how to present it in gospel form and I didn't know I was supposed to do that tonight. He was surprised when I got up last to speak - it was totally a God thing - He totally gave me the words to say at a moments notice. He's so awesome!

"Let me ask you a question. Are you good? Do you do good things? I tell you - I have been going to church my whole life and I am no where from good. I never have been and I never will be. And even if I was, it wouldn't get me into Heaven. But let me tell you what sets me apart - my relationship with Jesus Christ. Did you know He laid his life down and wiped me clean from all the bad things I do so that when God looks at me He would see perfection?! I am no where near perfect, but when God shed his blood to cover my sins - and I accepted the free gift of His forgiveness - it made me clean and gave me a ticket to Heaven. Here's the thing - He doesn't do this just for me - He died for you too! I have this booklet (this would be the got life tract - and Byron, I am going to need some more!) that will tell you all about this relationship I have and why I believe in God. You can get it from me - or at the concession stand. I'd be glad to go over it with you. Have you met Jesus and formed a relationship with Him? I challenge you to take this booklet and find out more."

I did it! I shared it in front of 9 people!! My heart was pounding, but I must say, it was fun to be in the moment and see God work by giving me courage and the words to say. I am so excited about the Upwards season. And you know what? I changed my signup time from one day - to ALL but one day (because I will be out of town one Saturday). I am so excited! I totally feel God's presence!

Lord, You are so awesome! I am not very good at jumping out of my comfort zone but I heard your call loud and clear and I want to enlarge Your Kingdom. I took my first steps and You were Awesome! Faithful and providing the words and courage - and sparking enthusiasm and eagerness in me. I cant wait to see how much more You have in store - not only for me, but for all of the Upwards Ministry. Thank You Lord for your greatness and being the conqueror of all things! I love you!

And Then He Ran To Me

Since I am giving my testimony in Sunday School next week, I had to write it out and figured I would post it here - so here is my testimony:

I was raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ as my savior at a very young age. That story doesn't make for a very exciting testimony. It wasn't until I got into high school that - even though I had accepted Christ as my savior, it was obvious I wasn't letting him be Lord of my life. I don't know why I ran from God - perhaps I didn't feel like I "fit in" with that crowd, but I began to follow the road of sex, lies, and drugs and made myself fit in there. I wont say I was always happy there. I always heard God calling me back to Him, and there were times I wanted out of my lifestyle, but I didn't know how to crawl up from those depths.

When I graduated High School I chose to attend a college where I didn't know anyone hoping to turn my life back to God. My first year was great. I was out of that lifestyle and was in church. I know that I felt God in my life at times, but I am not able to recall any dramatic revelations. My second and third year there were not as great - I fell right back into the life of habitual sin. Again, I always heard God's call in my life, and I would try to satisfy it with some Sundays in a pew - but I never "let go and let God."

It wasn't until my last semester that I really was drawn to God's call. I went to church because I wanted to be there... Not to quiet the Lord, but to enlarge Him in my life. I really wanted what God wanted for me. After graduating that summer, I moved to Arlington and became friends with Melanie through a mutual friend. For a year, I searched for the church where God wanted me - and He brought me to PPBC where He has blessed me with a great support system. I am not perfect now, but the Lord has changed my desires - from a lifestyle of habitual sin - to a life in pursuit of Him. It's not easy and I trip up a lot - but God has proven faithful to forgive and get me back on my feet. I am truly blessed to see that God can change my life and look forward to the changes He plans to make in the future.

Below is a song by Phillps Craig and Dean that is very special to me. I feel as though it tells my story - the story of the prodigal son who spends His inheritance on the World, but then realizes what really matters and returns to his Father - his loving and forgiving Father.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO SONG

Almighty God, the great I am,
Immovable rock, omnipotent, powerful,
awesome Lord, Victorious warrior,
commanding King of Kings, Mighty conqueror
-and the only time I ever saw Him run was when He ran to me,
He took me in His arms, Held my head to His chest, said "My son's come home again!"
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes,
With forgiveness in His voice He said, "Son do you know I still love you?"
He caught me by surprise when God ran.

The day I left home, I knew I'd broken His heart.
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same.
Then one night I remembered His love for me.
And down that dusty road ahead I could see- It was the only time I ever saw Him run
And then He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said "My son's come home again"
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said, "Son do you know I still love you?"
He caught me by surprise as He brought me to my knees When God ran - I saw Him run to me

I was so ashamed, all alone and so far away.
But now I know, He's been waiting for this day.
I saw Him run to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said "My son's come home again"
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice I felt His love for me again

Jesus @ IHOP!

Pray for Eddie - out waiter at IHOP last night. The evangelism team meets there on Thursday nights and we shared the Gospel with him last night. He was receptive to our words, but there is more work to do there. We will return next Thursday and bring him more Truth. Pray that he would continue to be receptive, that God would speak through us - saying the words that Eddie needs to hear. Also pray that we witness to him in a way that will not jeprodize his job as he is at work. We need to give him short spurts of the Word - and I know that God will provide. This gives a new meaning to IHOP's motto - "Come Hungry, Leave Happy!"

Also, it's official - the evangelism team has joined together to all sign up for sharing either our testimony or a life application during half times at Upwards. So pray that we would encourage eachother, be strengthened through the Lord, and for the Lord's provision on what to say. This is out of our comfort zone for most of us and I expect that we will all have a great blessing and growth come out of it!

And one more - I am giving my testimony in Sunday School on the 19th, so pray for courage for me!!

Terrified!!

After Sunday's sermon (which was really great - you should listen to the tape!) - I was more deeply convicted that I should sign up for the Upwards testimonies at half time. I am terrified to do so!! But I know that God can use anyone - I just have to allow myself to be used. I have no idea what to say (if you have any guidance that would be great) and have no idea what it will be like to stand in front of so many people - but if the Lord says go, then I should go.

At first I thought "okay, well I'll pray about it" thinking that God would tell me "nah, this isn't for you" (it was really just a cop-out) but then I thought "why would God tell someone no to advancing His kingdom!!" so, terrified as I am I will tell Jared that I will do it and rely on God's provision.

Here's the challenge (or another challenge that is) - why shouldn't our whole evangelism team do this? If we are scared to talk to people then how are we ever going to share the Gospel. This might be a great opportunity to edify one another and grow spiritually!!! Just think about it - that is all I am saying (and pray for me!!!)

Finally to God

Lord, how awsome and holy You are to be faithful to me - never leaving or forsaking me. Even though I have not paid attention to You for quite some time now. Lord, I feel this in every aspect of my life - like the life is being sucked out of me. And others see it in me too. I am saddend by this - depressed if you will - I miss You. Is that even fair to say - I miss You? - when I am the one who has put You by the wayside? Lord, my personal choices reveal what is important to me - and it is obvious that it hasnt been You lately. I cringe at even the thought of that - much less saying it aloud. Forgive me Lord!! How long am I going to let this overtake my life? God, I think I have just thought I would let it run it's course - we all have our ups and downs right? But, forgive me! I havent even brought it to You with an Honest and pure heart. I havent even let You reveal Yourself in this. Father, I ask now - honest and open - I want this to end. I want to meet with You, Lord. Please reveal Yourself - open my eyes to Your presence. Father, give me a desire to know You - to want to spend time in Your words to me. Lord, set my priotires straight - with You at the top. Help me be disciplined to keep them straight. Help me - show me the way to get back on track. I love You Lord - forgive me for denying You.