I stand in awe again

Ya know, on days like today (and every other day for that matter), I really wonder how people could not believe in the existance of God. I just can't comprehend it. But honestly, I think we can learn quite a bit from atheists. They have more faith than I'll ever have. It sounds crazy, but think about it. The idea that all the order around us came from nothing and isn't governed at all takes a boo-coodle of faith. I'm just blown away by everything around me. You don't have to look very far to see the amazing "proof" if you will that God exists. Sooo here's a short list of the things I'm usually observing/pondering when I'm just dumbfounded. Try em out if you can.

1. Watch the sun rise
2. Watch the sun set
3. Move your thumb. Really. Just move it around every which way.
4. Take an Anatomy/Physiology class
5. Watch a baby sleep
6. Lay down and look at the stars
7. Look at the ocean
8. Go to sleep. Then wake up.
9. Try to list all the blessings in your life
10. Think about every event, good or bad, and consider that there are no "accidents" or
"coincidences".

It's just incredible. And most of those are just very superficial things. The main source of faith in God for me comes simply from what He's done in my life. Especially right now, I'm just in awe of how He ALWAYS provides. Things have been rough lately, and at first glance I considered them losses. But I guess you could say I've discovered blessings in disguise. First of all, I know I've been talking about how worried I was about getting into nursing school. Well, turns out I can't really even apply right now because of a rule involved prerequisites that I (or anybody else) was aware of until now. It's going to put me a little behind, but I get to take the summer off...which means I can FINALLY work as a counselor at Camp Sumatanga. I've wanted to do this for years, but I've always been busy during the summer. I'm planning on working an elementary and a jr. high camp. I know it's going to be such a blessing. It was for me growing up, and I'm excited to be a part of that experience for others. Second, relationships are coming to an end. I'm not going to lie, it's been hard and I've been really hurt. But I know God has a purpose in it. I need friends that are going to build me up and strengthen my walk with Christ. And God continuosly places those people in my life. These past few days, I've been surrounded by opportunities to be around true friends, even some new ones. God truly is amazing! I don't know how I could ever doubt Him...
Going back to the existance of God...many people claim to believe in God and assume that makes them a Christian. The mere belief isn't enough. It's completely clear in the Bible that Satan and demons believe in God. For example, consider the guy that was possessed in the book of Mark. Legion (the many demons that have possessed this man) says, "What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God?" They call Jesus by name...and it's obvious they're freaking out. I don't blame them. So believing in God is not the determining factor that makes a Christian. It's all about relationship. So many people get caught up in the idea of religion. It's not about religion at all! It's all centered around an intimate relationship with Christ. It's about laying down your own life and allowing Christ to live through you. It requires sacrifice. It's not always easy. In fact, it's really hard. But the rewards are out of this world...literally!

Trying...

I was sure by now, God, You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I'll say "Amen"...and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away...

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind, You heard my cry to You and raised me up again
My strength is almost gone, How can I carry on if I can't find You?
As the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away...

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.
I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm...

Think you know me?

Bored? Me too. So to entertain both of us, take my quiz. It's really very easy, mostly just the basics. I might put a harder one up later. Good luck!

Halley's Quiz

Too tired to come up with a catchy title..

Long time, no update. Sorry, Ms. Anita! :o) Soooo things have been crazy lately, as usual. Here are a few things that have been going on/floating through my head.

1. It's finally time to apply to nursing school. I've known it was coming for a while, but it's here and I'm definitely not very confident about it. More than likely, I'm not going to get in. I'm not being overly negative, I'm just being realistic. So, this poses a problem. I only have three prerequisites/core classes that I have to get out of the way. It'll give me enough hours to be a full time student for one semester (granted I can get in the classes before they're full), but after that I don't know what to do. I have a few options. I could take twelve hours worth of classes that I don't need and would not benefit me at all just for the sake of keeping insurance. Or I could get a minor in religious studies. I actually would like to do that anyway, but that's also a problem because Auburn only offers a few classes each semester in that area. My third option (which I wouldn't mind at all) is to just take a semester off. It would be spring semester, and I could work or something. I wouldn't be totally lazy... I dunno. I guess we'll just have to take it as it comes. I might even get into nursing school and not have to worry about it. Who knows.

2. I've gone through a lot of spiritual changes lately. As I've already shared, I've just been on a rollercoaster. Well, I think God got tired of my spiritual complacency because I've definitely been hit really hard this week. Really really hard. Okay, that's still an understatement. I've been forced to put my entire trust in God rather than people because once again, people are being taken out of my life. And this time it wasn't expected like it has been in the past. It's so frustrating because I already have a VERY hard time trusting people and opening up to them. Words mean absolutely nothing to me. I've heard words all my life and there were rarely actions to back those words up. When someone tells me they're going to do something with me, I automatically disregard it and tell myself it's not going to happen because 95% of the time, it doesn't. I know it's a problem, I guess it's just a defense mechanism I've developed. I'm very cautious about getting close to people. If I'm just going to lose them, what's the point? Yet I still do it. And I'm sincerely glad I do it. As hard as it is for me to do, I know I need to trust people. However, I don't need to put all my trust in people instead of God. I depend on people far too much and I often base my happiness on it. That's been taken away, so I have no choice but to acknowledge Him. He's all I need, and I often forget that when I'm focused on earthly things. He's the only one I can ALWAYS depend on. He'll never leave me, he'll never fail me. As hard as these situations have been to deal with, God's humbled me so much, and he's definitely gotten my attention. Man, He's so awesome.

3. I'm moving to Prattville. No, really, it's definitely one of my top options for what I want to do after college. I've been up there every weekend for the past month for Chrysalis flights, team meetings, board meetings, Cotillion, and church. It's honestly the only place I feel like I fit in. I feel like I'm at home. First of all, there's the people. I feel like they're sincerely glad to see me, and they definitely show it. It's so overwhelming to feel so valued and loved. Pretty much all of my friends are from Prattville. I have friends here in Auburn too...but they're from Prattville. :o) I went to a dance (Cotillion) last weekend I honestly had more fun there than I had at any of my high school dances. Oh, by the way, check out the PICTURES! I also love Prattville FUMC. I never really felt like I fit in with my youth group at home. I completely click with their youth group (and church altogether) and I'm not even a member. Then, of course, there's Chrysalis. I'm never going to stop going, so it would be nice to just drive a few minutes to the camp instead of the 1.5-2 hours it takes me from Auburn or Valley. I haven't decided anything for sure, and I've still got plenty of time. But this option is at the top of my list.

Well, those are the basics of what's going on in the life of Halley right now. Spring break is coming up soon, so it will be very nice to get a break. I can't wait! So until my next update, God bless.