B & D

John 11:40

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:26:00 +0000

(A Danielle Post)

"Did I not tell you that if you believed , you would see the glory of God?"

I heard this verse in a sermon about a month ago and have been meditating on it ever since. I was not sure why it struck me like it did, but it did. Then today, in my quiet time it hits me! The understanding comes full circle. Just as a side note i want to say i hate it when people "proof text" or just take one verse from the bible and make up a meaning for it. Then apply it wrongly, forsaking the context and its right meaning. I hope i am not doing this. I don't think i am, but then again I am not a bible scholar. So bare with me friends.

The story surrounding this verse is Lazarus death, his sisters and friends mourning and then his life being restored, by the Restorer and Creator of Life; Jesus. What was so striking to me was Mary and Martha's doubt in Christ's COMPLETE control. Just because Christ had not been there when Lazarus fell ill does not guarantee that Lazarus would not have died. That is in fact what the sisters believed.

Isn't that what people think all the time. "Well, if there really is a God then why does he allow these horrible things (natural disasters, terrorists, death, poverty etc) to happen?" Or my personal favorite; the Christian thinking: "If I had just read my bible more or prayed more, than BLANK would have happened!" Let me say this, in my conviction; Christ is NOT a magical genie. We do not put a token in and get what we want out of Him, but isn't this how we treat Him? God says we do not have because we do not ask. "Ask and it will be given to you." Luke 11:9a.

I think our problem is not in the asking, but the believing, while we're asking, and in the motives behind the asking.

Notice again in the verse: "Did i not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God."

Mary and Martha knew that Jesus could prevent Lazarus death, so they wanted him to do it. I'm sure their motives were to see their brother again, but Jesus' were to glorify himself.

Just like Martha and Mary, I know who Jesus is, I know what he's about. I know I can come to Him and He can radically answer prayer, but my problems lies in my belief and motives behind my prayers. The verse above convicts me because my end goal in a certain prayer i've been praying for is NOT for God's Glory. I knew in the back of my mind that He would be glorified by the outcome, but that was not my main reason behind asking. However, from this verse i see it should be. I should ask for God's glory to be shown rather than an outcome to come true; therefore making our own glory known. Which i believe is exactly what Christians do.

My problem is two fold. 1. I do not believe that God alone can answer my prayer. Me plus a bunch of "good Christian stuff", plus God answers prayer...WRONG! And 2. I wanted my glory (whether I am willing to admit it) to be displayed FIRST and then the Lords. DEAD WRONG AGAIN!!

My prayer is not sinful, but my motives were. I should be asking to see the GLORY OF THE LORD DISPLAYED. I believe that He can change any and all circumstances at and by His will, not MY OWN. I cannot control this...or anything for that matter. The sooner i start believing God and His power, he promises that not only will he roll away the rock hiding the answer of my prayer, but more importantly His Glory will be SEEN! What a far better thing to ask for and receive.

"Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God." John 11:40

My 25 Things...bc 25 ppl tagged me to do it..

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:31:00 +0000

1. I was born in Maryland.
2. I've only lived in Kentucky since i was 12, but still consider myself Southern.
3. I came to know Christ, personally by understanding His perfect life, death and resurrection for the atonement of my sins when i was a freshman in college.
4. I had my tongue and nose pierced...at one time.
5. Every girl in my high school (I went to an all girls school) was afraid of me and my wild personality.
6. I used to be afraid that there was a snake in the toliet waiting to bite my "tushy" when i was a kid...and sometimes still fear as an adult!
7. I knew the moment i met Bryan we were going to date. Then after our first conversation (about an hour after meeting him) I knew he was God's provision as my husband, eventually.
8. Bryan is the only one that truly gets me.
9. Bryan is the only one that truly doesn't understand me, at times. Go figure!
10. I make people laugh.
11. I love to dance.
12. I love to sing.
13. I love art.
14. I have a degree in Advertising.
15. I manage a Sunglass Hut and love it, go figure.
16. I love to encourage people.
17. People are not afraid of me anymore...i hope!
18. I treat my dog Calvin like he's my child.
19. Physical touch and quality time are my love languages.
20. My parents were divorced when i was 9 and surprisingly I am normal...other than my committment issues. Hah.
21. I am an ORGANIZED NUT!!!! I love organizing and maximizing space. I love the office supplies stores...i love agenda planners and sticky notes. My staff thinks i am OCD.
22. I used to do voices and impressions when i was a kid...I wanted to be an actress.
23. I love to shop for accessories....i have high-end tastebuds, but i usually talk myself out of it.
24. I rarely go into target without spending $100...subsequently, i am not allowed to go in by myself.
25. I want a baby....any baby, black, white, chinese, purple, yellow...i don't care. I want to be a mother more than anything. What a gift it would be!

Greetings from Maryland!

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:20:00 +0000

Hey All! I felt i needed to post because i havent in a looong time. Currently I am in Maryland visiting family and eating my weight in as much seafood as humanly possibly, or in season. I miss seafood living in Kentucky. Even when we go to Florida for Baise vacations the seafood is not the same. I love the Old Bay seasoning that is literally on everything seafood here. The Maryland Steamed crab is the best crab you will ever eat! I grew up cracking into them and eating them. My dad taught me how to crack them at the tender age of 5...i think i wasnt officially his favorite daughter (the only one) until i could properly disect a crab. We should be getting crabs on Thursday! I cannot wait, but am not excited about my hands smelling like Old Bay and crab for about three days after eating them.

Shrimp....yum! I wasnt even off the plane an hour before my dad took me to the best Shrimp salad sandwich place in all of Baltimore. Its called Sunsets and i have been going there since i was a kid. The place looks like it is stuck in the 60s, but its soooo good. My dad is super loud; the apple doesnt fall far from the tree. Us Italians have to let you know we are in the room at all times. We were in the restuarant and he says: "GodD***m (he cusses like a sailor) these old people have been in this place since i have been coming in my 20s. They stay the same, but i keep getting older, sh**t!" Ohh the wonders of the Baltimoron dialect! I have been pummeled with it all week.

I am having a great time, but miss Bryan something terrible! I come home on Friday! Its sad because when i am here I miss bryan, but when i am in Kentucky i miss my grandma, brother and dad. Catch 22! When I am here I realize I LOVE THE SOUTH!!!! Kentucky isnt really that southern...but compared to here...it is waaay southern. I love southern hospitality, where everyone wants to know how your doing and they hold doors for you. Here people give you bad service and you get weird looks when you hold doors for people. Everyones in a hurry and affraid to say "Hi" or take a moment to find out how your days going. Please Lord, dont call us to the NORTH! Hah. Seriously, He can call us wherever, but i do miss the South when i am in the North.

It seems that when i spend more than a weekend here I start to sound like a "Balitimoron" (as i affectionately call it). I hate the accent, but i pick it up sooo easily when i am here. I am catching myself saying things like i used to when i lived here! The brainwashing has began...get me home where i drop my "Ings"s and accentuate my "i"s.

I miss my Calvin too. I know he must miss me. Bryan says he's glued to Alexis when they come over. He needs a mothers love and comfort! Speaking of the Bednars....I feel like there is another woman in my marriage and his name is George! Bryan and George work together, go to school togther and generally hangout together that I am a little afraid Bryan likes him better than me! Hah, just kidding...They were lucky enough to be at the UK game last night! What a great game!! I don't know much about sports, compared to Bryan, but Meeks hit a shot that I thought was pretty darn amazing...i would have loved to have been there, in RUpp watching! Wow!

Anyway, can't wait to come home, but glad to be here...does that make sense? Story of my life....CONTENTMENT, i struggle!

This is me (Danielle) but old...

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:06:00 +0000

I dont know how to make the video thing appear and Bryan isnt here...so this will have to do :)

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:01:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83JDXXKzOXg

Mall Cop: A review....

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 04:32:00 +0000

A HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE MOVIE!!!!!!!!!

Don't go see it, two huge thumbs in the downward position!
Good company makes good times, but a horrible movie makes for a....horrible movie!

Thanks Bednars for living through that with us.....

I do believe the boys actually enjoyed parts of the movie though...I will let Bryan post his thoughts too!

HORRIBLE MOVIE!

"Marriage is meant to make us Holy, not Happy"

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:35:00 +0000

My Husband teaches me, a lot. He is constantly teaching, lovingly teaching and telling me things that I admittedly do not always understand right away. He is patient and kind and always willing to wait on my acknowledgment...whenever that may be. I'm sure this is something that he'd rather not have to endure, but I think its God's way of teaching him patience and perseverance.

One thing that he brought forward to me about a year and a half ago was the book "When Sinners Say I DO". He read it and i listened to the deep insight he found while reading it...we tried to read it together, but time wasn't on our side....or I wasn't paying attention (who can tell?). We laugh because the pattern in our marriage is Bryan teaching me something and me not "getting" it until months, or in this case years later. Not that I did not understand the basic gist of what he was saying. I do listen to him and nod in agreement. Its almost like when someone knows a lot of facts about Jesus and His death, when he died, why he had to die...etc., but they don't really understand personally their need for him. That is kind of how it is with us. The holy spirit (in both cases) has to reveal the truth when the heart is ready to receive it. So Bryan, I apologize for the delayed understanding on my part. Thank you babe for being so loving and patient!

My point....

Marriage reflects Christ and his union with the Church. As the body, we depend on our union with Christ to deliver, sustain, uphold and ultimately make us Holy. We do not depend on Christ to just make us happy. Although, a life spent in fellowship with our Savior often brings us immense joy, the goal is not our satisfaction...its goal is to make Christ's holiness known, so that He may be glorified. Our marriage is not to make us happy, its to make us holy.

As we struggle in our Christian walk we say things like: "This is for my sanctification"..."Christ is made perfect in my weakness....when i am weak He is strong". We are called to rejoice in our sufferings bc we are becoming more like Christ as we do suffer. We should see this same blessing in our marriages. When we suffer and fight for joy we should remember that the end goal is not to make one another happy, but to make Christ more holy. We are two unholy people coming together to display a holy union. What a more perfect way to do it. We should be so lucky that we can fight and battle with one anothers sin, only to find grace and forgiveness in a physical form; one another. When I have hurt Bryan I see the immediate implications or consequences of my sin all over his face, in his actions (or reactions) it crushes me. We do not get to see how our sin devastates our Holy God. Then Bryan has the chance to lovingly bring me back with mercy, forgiveness and grace. He is demonstrating Christs' (on a small scale, but in a huge way) abundant love and forgiveness toward my restoration. After all, Bryan's job is to love me as Christ loves the Church...and is that not how Christ would react to our sin, as believers?

So my application to this is....How would i react to Christ in His loving restoration to my soul in times of brokenness? I would accept his forgiveness and be thankful for my salvation and pursuit of holiness. Instead of doing this in our marriages, we remain bitter at one another and forsake forgiveness to defend our selfish need for happiness. Wow! (So true....just sounds horrible reading it)
We do this and completely miss the boat on allowing these momentary troubles to bring us closer in our understanding of Grace in the Flesh, closer in our relationship with Christ and ultimately closer in our pursuit of Holiness. I have been convicted that i should lovingly submit to my husband; respect him and allow his merciful love to pursue me right towards holiness. I would pray that my love and forgiveness toward him would do the same.

Sleepless Conviction

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

"Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you."
Psalm 33:20-22

" Our soul waits for the Lord...."
Does my soul truly wait on the Lord? Have I made my own decisions and walked in my own selfishness so that I would be exalted? Have I been patient and trusted in His perfect plan? Or have I taken control and failed to be content in all things?

"....he is our help and our shield...."
Have I looked to tangible things for help and security or have I trusted in the unchangeable Rock that is my salvation? Have I allowed my sin to shield me from my Father or have I hidden beneath the shadow of His wings?

"For our heart is glad in him because we trust in his holy name...."
Is my heart glad in Him or in myself...my husband....my job....my security? Am I glad because I have another day to live for Christ or myself? Is my heart filled with my desires or desires He has given me? Am I alone trusting for my gladness to come from His holy name or in my attempts at satisfaction in the world?

"Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us..."
Do I resonate in Christ's sacrificial love for me, or am i relying upon others love for me?

"...even as we hope in you..."

Praise be to God that even though He sees my sin, and remembers it no more. He is still my help and my shield. My heart is glad in him because he has forgiven me, for I have made his name unholy. His steadfast love is upon me, even when I don't hope in him. He is good to me, when I am not good to him.

Our Greatest Gift.....

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:46:00 +0000

Of course we know that the greatest gift we can ever receive as sinners doomed for destruction (bc of our sin nature) is Jesus and His grace. Which has so wonderfully delivered us from this path of destruction. Of course we know this....

But i am reminded that as we continue to live in this sinful world, we battle our sin nature day in and day out. And only because of Jesus, as Christians we can KNOW with full assurance that our faith will become sight. What must we do until then....

"Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice rubies, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and NOTHING YOU DESIRE CAN COMPARE WITH HER." Proverbs 8:10-11

Wow, our greatest gift to sustain us through our journey is WISDOM. I am thankful that the Lord has graciously given us the Holy Spirit to help us SEEK and KNOW true wisdom. So i am thankful, this Christmas that the greatest gift i have been given is eternal life, but also the ability to seek wisdom and allow it to lead me in my path to redemption.

Thankful...

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:43:00 +0000

I have spent the past several months praying through the Psalms and I must say it has greatly enriched my prayer life, devotion and worship. When i first became a believer (actually in the months prior to my conversion) the Lord graciously used the Psalms to call me to salvation. He allowed the Holy Spirit to remove the scales from my eyes and see and taste that the Lord is not only good, but great.

I mainly connected to David and his heart-felt pleas for Gods mercy and forgiveness. I would pray with David
"Hear O Lord my righteous plea; listen to my cry." "I call on you O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes....hide me in the shadow of your wings." "They close up their callous hearts and their mouths speak with arrogance. They have tracked me down, they now surround me..." Ps. 17: 1, 6,7,8,10.

While, yes my foes were not trying to kill me (like david's), however the life i was living was leading to spiritual death and separation from God. I was plagued by "friends" trying to persuade me to continue on a path that I was beginning to understand led to utter emptiness and despair. Exactly the opposite of what they were promising. Sin is so cunning.

I can remember praying this before and while i was being tempted...
"For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin"..."O Lord, do not forsake me, be not far from me, O my God. Come quickly to help me O Lord my Savior!" Ps. 38:17-18, 21-22

My hope was held in His promise that:
"All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me.." Ps. 38:9-10

Now, at a very different season of my life, the Lord has used the Psalms again as an encouragement and bridge to greater joy in Him.
" The Lord has done GREAT things for US, and we are FILLED with JOY!" Ps. 126:3

The past six months has been one answer to prayer after another....and i am incredibly thankful. And as i turn to the Psalms i cannot help but be absolutely overwhelmed with a heart that longs to praise my God! All i can see are the prayers God used to bring me out of the depths of my sin and to a life that is life everlasting. I now, read new words that bring about a new heart to worship.

Many of you have been recent recipients of my text messages of scripture that I have been praying specifically for you. I feel there is nothing better to do than to lift you up to God using His perfect Word, which is His perfect will for your life. No other prayer is as fitting than the one God has given us. Its brought generations upon generations to their knees! I hope you have been as blessed as I have by these Psalms. Here are a few that I have been meditating on over the past several months...

"Say among the nations. The Lord reigns, The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved." Ps. 96:10 (No matter who is the political leader, economic status, etc.)

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our SAVIOR, who DAILY BEARS OUR BURDENS. Our God is a GOD who SAVES; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death." Ps. 68:19-20

"My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; POUR OUT YOUR HEARTS TO HIM, for God is our refuge." Ps. 62:7-8

"We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our sheild. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you." Ps. 33:20-22

And those of you who really know me, know that i struggle deeply with being content. I am praying to truly be thankful for the many blessings God as given me and not over look them to desire something else....bc there will always be a "something else" out there. Pray with me to be content in His abundant blessings...

"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup, you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a DELIGHTFUL inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is GLAD and my tongue rejoices; my body will rest secure because you will not abandon me to the grave." "You have made known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Ps. 16:5-10, 11

I am overjoyed to praise God for His faithfulness to both Bryan and I.
"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Ps. 126:3

and....i was tagged too

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:04:00 +0000

So if i was tagged twice does that mean i have to think of 14 things....or does that mean i am that popular..hahaha...neither, i am sure!

Ok, here goes!

1. I love, love, love to dance, sing, sing and sing...when no one, but my dog and husband are watching. I used to dance a lot in public when i had too much liquid confidence (if you know what i mean). Especially love to dance today to Michael Jackson (old stuff) Madonna (old stuff), Hip-Hop and most 90's dance/club music (I know, right?).

2. I would love to be a make-up artist and/ or cosmetologist....just for fun and possibly for money.

3. I used to have a tongue piercing, nose ring and tried, unsuccessfully to pierce my belly button...twice. I also used to fake tattoo chinese symbols on my lower back with Sharpie marker when i was a freshman in college...bc it was cool to have back in '02.

4. I loved high school! Everything about it. I went to an all girls, catholic high school. I had an awesome experience. You either love it or you hate it. I made some of my closest friendships there (we're all still bff). I loved the uniform, the pep rallies, soccer, art classes, teachers, and the actual building! I love SHA! I would love to work there.

5. When i played house as a kid....I would pretend that my fake husbands name would be "Bryan"....who knew i was prophetic! Haha.

6. I am the reason that both my dad and mom are married to their current spouses. I introduced them both to each other, when i was a kid....I introduced my dad to his wife Susan when i was like 12. I introduced my mom to my stepdad, Philip when i was 10. In some funny ways...good story for another blog...but yes, I am a match-maker!

7. Bryan and I talk to each other in a totally disgusting annoying tone, using un-recognizable words and movements...that only the two of us understand. Its ridiculous...but we both love it and would both deny it and refuse to do it in front of you.

NO TAGS! I read no blogs, other than the ones that were already tagged!

Update Time....

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:33:00 +0000

Nothing really too new to get excited about, but really more of the same. However, since we have this blog and I have not written in like three years i felt it necessary to give some updates....even if there are few... Ok, here goes it..

1.) WE ARE OFFICIALLY MEMBERS OF IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH!!!
And we love it! What a wonderful display of a truly biblical church that not only seeks to be correct in the importance of right doctrine and biblical teachings, but MOST important this church lives to share the gospel of Jesus Christ! Without receiving grace and continual sanctification through the gospel a right theology is worthless. We are blessed to have found both in this church. We LOVE it here. We feel authentically loved by a body that truly does seek to honor Jesus in all that it does. Praise the Lord for answered prayer, bc that was definitely a huge request about a year ago when we officially decided to move to Louisville.

2.) Bryan LOVES SCHOOL!
Like this is really a huge shocker to most of you all. However, i am very please to report (he is going to hate this) he is doing really well in his classes. I am so proud of his diligence to see his work as a spiritual discipline. He is really enjoying learning new things and allowing sound teaching to sharpen the things he already knew. With about a week to go in Bryan's first semester I think he would definitely appreciate your prayers for his finals. He is going to enjoy this much needed break after finals. Pray for rest and renewal. Thankfully, Bryan really managed his time well. We pray this pattern to continue in our years here.

3.) Sunglass Hut is still standing....
Ironically, i have been encouraged during this time of economic uncertainty...especially in the retail world. It is, however depressing to see all these stores close...even in my affluent, snobby mall (it is). However, thanks to Gods continued providence in my life....my store continues to do well. I am so thankful for his watchful care over me regarding finances and actually being in work. A job where i can use some of the gifts he has gifted me in. I pray that I would reflect Christ in all of my conversations with ppl as the come to my store. That they would receive more than great customer service and sunglass knowledge...but that they would be enticed by the spirit of our Lord. May my conversations be salty and His light blinding. Isnt that why we are here anyway? My treasures cannot be in my earthly possessions and worldly comforts. Moth and rust surely will find it and destroy. My hope is in the unchangeable rock of my salvation! Thank you to my friends that have graciously helped me through my discontentment with my current career. I covet your prayers daily. Please pray with me to keep the focus on the gospel.

4.) Calvin is getting BIG!!!
He seems to have less of that puppy skinny look. He's "manning" up lately. He's beefy and gassy (not going to lie there) our poor friends can attest to that truth. Seriously though, he still has energy for days.....but seems to love the seminary campus and its hills. He gets exercise running up and down them, chasing sticks and getting caught pooping when mommy does not have a bag to pick it up. (Yes, we got caught!) He is still "hot and heavy" with Zoey. Shes the sassy black "lab" he's been pursuing for about three months now. She was "hard to get" in the beginning, but he won her over with the over-bite, excessive kisses (with tongue) and incessant games of tag through the trees. She seriously is the only dog that is faster than Calvin. He loves it too! Anyway, how ridiculous that i am blogging this much about our dog! We love him, what can we say! We just need to give him a baby to play with....he really needs kids to watch and love! (Lord willin')!

5.) FELLOWSHIP GALORE!
We are super thankful for Gods providence in graciously giving us many friendships here in Louisville. We already have great memories and a list of ppl that will forever be receiving Christmas cards, emails and yearly visits when our time here at Southern is over. But thankfully its just the beginning. So i will put the fruit baskets on hold and for now and continue to invite them over for food, tv, games and hopefully fun. We love you guys!

Thank you all for your prayer and continued support in the gospel. Please pray for continued unity for Bryan and I in all things. That I would submit and respect Bryan and that he would love me as Christ loves the Church. Pray that we would live out what we are learning here in the classroom. Pray also, that we would continually place our hope in the soverignty of our Lord Jesus Christ and not in this world or one another. Our goal is to live radically for the gospel and not for ourselves. Help us to "press on towards this goal" in the "race that was set before us" "running in perservance" with Christ, who because "of the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame" so that we, "who are more than conquerors" "will not grow weary or lose heart".

"Beg" by Shane and Shane

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:55:00 +0000

This song's lyrics are incredible. Deeply theologically correct, as well as connecting so closely to my doxology. The two should spur one another on to glorify our Great God...

"because His [your] love is better than life, my lips will glorify you..." Ps. 63: 3

Here I am
One more day of not
Loving Him the way He asks
In fact my heart is singing praises to the things
that make me feel alright

So I`m sinking fast like a stone heart should
And on the way down
I`ve done what I could
To try and try to turn this stone to flesh

I`m haunted by my God
Who has the right to ask me
What by the nature of my rebellion
I cannot give.

So I beg for you to move
I beg for you to move
I beg for you to break through

So here I am
Got my deeds for the day
All my cute little words about
How I am saved
Am I saved?

Could I love you with my mouth like a church kid should
At the end of the day
My words get burned as wood
Oh, but I was good.

I`m haunted by my God
Who has the right to ask me
What by the nature of my rebellion
I cannot give.

These songs are noise
In your ears
A clanging drum
You want my love

Business Time

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:47:00 +0000

For all those marrieds out there....

Wow....

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 01:36:00 +0000

John Mayer is amazing.....he plays like he was born with the guitar in his hands. This song is great. I want to hear Shane and Shane do it. I love the melody....scripture to it would be great.

Listen...

It feels like Home to me......

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:39:00 +0000

Today I found myself lost in my thoughts. It can be a scary place, but this venture was quite pleasant. I was watching Bryan do his normal "Bryan-thing", which this time consisted of watching SNL skits with I-Pod earphones in his ears, laughing so loud that I think the Bednars down the street could hear his ridiculous cackle, when it hit me: I am going to be spending the rest of my life with this person.......

Don't be scared. I thought about that before I said yes to the diamond proposal, but today it was somehow different. It was good. It wasn't new, it was comfortable. I think one of the best compliments someone can give is to tell someone they feel "at home" or "comfortable" around them. It is my desire to have my home be comfortable, casual and relaxed. I grew up in a stuffy, clean and almost sterile environment where you didn't dare move a pillow or keep dirty socks on too long (don't even think about brining shoes into the house). I know some of my desires for organization and tidiness come from these beginnings, but I never want to reach the point of utter insanity that is my parents house.

Anyway, back to the point. Bryan is home. He and all his qwirks are my comfortable, safe, relaxed, easy, secure nook. I choose to say "nook" because I feel most at home when his long baseball pitcher arms are wrapped, tightly around me and my face is nestled in his neck. Every girl knows this spot on her man, and we love it! While I was watching him, I was trying to remember my life before I met him. When I was Danielle Centineo. I still remember, but when I do its like I am watching someone else's life. I had a hard time remembering what it felt like to be me, without Bryan and I must say I didn't like trying to picture life without him. Isn't it strange how someone can become so apart of you that you cannot remember the you that you were without them.

I love Bryan. Every last bit of him is what makes me, me. I like the me that begins with him. I am so thankful that the Lord brought us together young so that I can enjoy every last moment with him that makes this temporary home truly home. I can say with all honesty and sincerity I did not know home until I met Bryan. You may think this is sappy, but it truly is a testimony to my wonderful mate.

Enjoy some of these pictures from when we first started our journey together..........

Random Post....

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:35:00 +0000

Just a few updates on how the Baises are fairing as of late...

1. Bryan is back in school after being out for a week after the "storm"....he's busy writing, reading and speaking Hebrew. We are a little bummed that he heard this new thing Starbucks is doing and possibly making their employees have open availability both Saturday and Sunday or be available 32 hours per week. If unable to meet these requirements they may not be eligible for employment; or so the rumor says....we shall soon find out. Who knows.

2. Calvin is seriously dating a sexy, black, lab...shes a little older than him and seems to be more "mature", but he's head- over- heels for her. Its our friend's Josh and Shana's (SHOUT OUT) dog, Zoey. They chase each other all over the hills of Southern's campus. I know he's in love based on some of the bone-headed (no pun intended) things he has done to impress her. Including throwing himself into a small pond of mud...rolling around and thus hurling his now dark, brown, dripping, un-tamed self in Zoeys general direction.....I think, in hopes of getting her attention. Listen up boys...we notice, and we're laughing at the lame, but cute things you do to impress us ladies. It even shows itself in male and female dogs. Hah. Stupid connection, but true story.

3. I am fighting a cold. I have good days and bad days...its kind of a strange cold. As soon as i think i am getting better I feel worse the next day. I hate being in any way "impaired", i.e. not operating on all cylinders. Don't we all? Any who...I am looking forward to a weekend off. Yippee!

4. In my professional life, my store has been on my companies top five list three times in past week! Once for being number two, number five and then number four. I was PUMPED!! Its a big company, so we did great! I have a wonderful team!! Yay sunglasses!

5. I will be glad when this election is over. Not to say i am not concerned what happens, but i am paying more attention to every thing said...and its ridiculous. I would guess that 70% of the crap said about each candidate is NOT related to their actual proposed attempt at being president. Its nuts. I am so sick of hearing the personal attacks. Thank goodness God is in control and bigger than all of this. He is sovereign, no matter who is in office. Don't be ignorant, but discerning in all things you are hearing...thats my small advice. :)

6. The office tonight was great. Couldn't be happier that Pam and Jim are engaged! Yay! I totally felt like close friends of mine got engaged. How sick is that? What does that say about my TV watching? Too much??? All i have to say is, I have not seen every episode, nor do i have the theme song as my ring tone (or have had it as my ring tone) like some ppl I know. You know who you are.

7. I got a smart phone. Which undoubtedly wont make me smarter, but stupider (see its already happening). You may be asking why? I have texted more in the past week than i have in the past four months! (Dont be mad bryan, when you get the bill! Love you) Seriously, texting is making me stupid. All the abbreviations....its short hand which i believe will eventually turn into our language. Our generation will look back and laugh because we knew a time before LOL , BRB and IDK. Side Bar: My mom thought LOL meant "Lots of Love". She was confusing her friends when she was signing all her emails: "LOL, Stacy"...they were wondering why she was always laughing out loud when she was sending emails about carpool and garden club meetings...Funny, sad and true! Gotta love her. Anyway, so if youre in my phone book , i apologize for the outrageous texting!

Prayer Requests:

Bryan:
Waking up in prayer
Staying ahead of studies
Finding time for his running
Applying what he is learning in real life ministry
Sharing gospel with coworkers

Danielle:
Waking up early (once recovered from the cold) to be in the word.
Prayer w/o ceasing
Anticipating Bryan's needs
Sharing the Gospel with co-workers

Thought you'd enjoy the randomness of our life...thats about it!

Interior Baise

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:33:00 +0000

I know you women out there can relate to what i have done. Have you ever felt the need for change? Not big change, but change enough that you get a little bit giddy when you think about whatever you've changed or what you are about to change. Change that is fresh and different. NO this isn't some Obama post; its just me being...ridiculously me!

Ok...so i get home and i know (and you do too, if you read Bryan's blog post earlier tonight) that i have essentially 9:30 until 1 am. by my lonesome. So why not make the most of this opportunity; get some laundry done, do some cleaning, re-organizing (my favorite pastime)... you know just being a good "home manager". FYI this is my favorite role as the "wife" and/or "future mother"..the "House Manager", "Home Organizer"..Yay GOD, I love this role, thank you!
OK, so this little organizational adventure turns into a full blown furniture rearrangement. Honestly, it was borderline a scene from an episode of TOP DESIGN or something equally as silly. I was moving chairs, end tables couches and bookshelves!! It was insane, but totally made me excited, giddy even! I love change....whether it be as small as a haircut to a rearranged living room...it brings a freshness to my day. Totally makes me fall in love with my old furniture, pictures, books and other random nick-nacs. A new appreciation for my stuff.

Most guys reading this (if they even made it this far down the post) are probably totally not getting it. But i know...you ladies totally know what i mean! You love it too. Don't deny the power a little change brings to a familiar, uneventful evening.

Where is the Money Tree??? (Men beware, this post may contain feminine topics)

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:15:00 +0000

I would like to know how people in seminary survive with kids. It seems impossible to me. How can a husband go to school full time, work and the wife stay at home with the kids? How is this even possible. Where is this "money tree" from which you survive? Bryan and I have weighed the options of having children while in seminary, but it seems so financially improbable. Not to mention next to impossible for him to be working full time and finishing his degree. And if i have to hear one more time "you'll never be financially ready to have kids" i am going to explode! Yes, this is true....but to some degree you can be somewhat proactive in planing some financial provision. So my question is how do these people who have 2+ kids, jobs, seminary and wives who stay at home do it? We need some counsel on this anomaly. Seriously....we do. Call me!

I went to the doctor today and was again told that if i want to have kids i need to do it within the next 6 months (not that it couldn't happen later, but this is our best shot... NO PRESSURE AT ALL). The first time i heard that was about a year ago. Obviously, we didn't start trying.....but now we are listening and thinking....but mostly praying. My choices are really not that great and are as follows:

I could:
A.) Get back on birth control and endure painful cycles.
B.) Get an injection for 3 months that makes me moody, gain weight and unable to have children for an entire year after the initial 3 months.
C.) Get another injection of something that takes all of my hormones away; sends me into early menopause: hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain blah blah blah, etc. etc...(all side effects that would make Bryan's life wonderful) This would dissolve the endometriosis completely....but it would eventually come back.
or D.) Get pregnant. The entire time I was pregnant i would have no endo and the entire time I was breast feeding have no endo...so we're talking a year of no endo. Not to mention my hormones would change a bit bc of the pregnancy. Which can cause the endo to not grow as quickly or at all....its different for each person.

This is another thing i wrestle with. What if I am being healed of the endo. I have been praying God would heal me and I have felt sooooo much better (especially being off the birth control). What if the world says do this, but God being much bigger and in control of my life is planning something bigger. Do i take the medical advice i am given or do i be "naive" and sit around and do nothing?

Again I ask...where is the money tree hiding? I want a cute, fat, smiling, crying, pooping, laughing, wiggling, loudly crying, money sucking, sleep depriving, food eating, looks like bryan, bouncing bundle of joy!!!!!!!!! (Term on the street for such thing: Baby).

The answer i hate bc its so cliche, but know is true is:
GOD IS IN CONTROL!
So let me pray that i rest in His sovereignty!! You should pray that too, for Bryan and I.
Thanks!

Chirp Chirp

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:25:00 +0000

Ok.......let me paint this picture for you.

Its 1:15 in the AM. Bryan has been asleep for about an hour an a half. I was up watching mindless TV until about 12:45 when chirp....chirp.....chirp.......chirp!

The smoke detector suddenly decides to alert us, at the most convenient time, that it is in some way malfunctioning. Great, awesome, amazing! Because "handy man Bryan" was already sleeping and plagued with incessant sneezing, due to allergies; I thought it best for the wife to tackle this one by myself. And considering Bryan almost electrocuted himself the day we moved in, I wanted to give him rest from electrical objects.

So apparently smoke detectors, when they may have a bad battery....continue to CHIRP, CHIRP, CHIRP even when the battery is removed, cover pulled off and wires removed from wall!! There is a hidden battery in the actual round plastic device, which continues to CHIRP, CHIRP, CHIRP!

After I exhaused all options on how to disconnect the CHIRP, CHIRP with several google search combinations even google didnt understand like: STOP CHIRP or SMOKE DETECTOR CHIRP and BATTERY, SMOKE DETECTOR BAD; i opted to remove the smoke detector's round plastic chirping mechanism and do what i thought best to allow Bryan (who was now awake and not happy) , Calvin (who was also intrigued and wanted to help) and myself to get sleep which was: Putting the CHIRP, CHIRP, CHIRPs out on the front porch! Problem solved!

This is what brain power i have at almost 2 o'clock in the morning. I am sure Southerns wonderful maintenance crew are going to highly enjoy my mechanical engineering skills when they have to fix what I've done. Thought i should share, hope you enjoyed!

Being Political...

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:49:00 +0000

Ok, its no secret that I (Danielle) know very little about politics. Its also no secret that I married (Bryan) the conservative lovin', friendly debate engaging, volunteer political analyst, Pro-Life, no fence riding conservative. Let me just state that when Bryan met me, I was on the fence about where i stood politically so much so that I did not even vote! I was under the impression that if i was so ignorant to policy and the people running, I had no right to vote. An un-informed vote was pathetic in my mind. So i didnt vote! Yes, yes I know...I was lectured, so no need to voice your complaints on my un-American behavior.

I do now however, exercise my right to vote and freedom of speech. I am a supporter of McCain and am excited to see what he has to say at the RNC. Bryan and I have been watching the DNC, bc we believe its important to be informed on all sides. I have to admit, I thought the DNC was pretty good. Obama is trying to separate himself from the current administration. He is doing it BIG! Oh my goodness, does he have huge audiences and popular celebrities backing his every move. As i predict many ppl will jump on this band wagon bc of the simple reason that everyone wants change and something sexy.

But change for the sake of change, is NO change at all! (As my husband says)
I am very eager to see what McCain and his new running mate (its rumored to be Gov. Palin) will bring to the table. Both tickets are firsts for our country. A young African American and seasoned VP vs. a seasoned POW with a uber conservative, young, (former sports anchor) WOMAN! How exciting. I know there has been a woman who has ran before for VP, but it would be a first to actually have a VP in office that is a woman. I think this is wonderful for our country.

Feel free to leave a comment on what you think. Please be nice, no hate comments. Ha!
Rock the vote baby!

Is thinking of the Nations.......

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:14:00 +0000

I once heard this quote (I will probably get it slightly wrong; notice no quotations, you'll get the point)

That there are more Christians in China than total people in the entire United States!

Wow!! How incredible is that? Pretty darn, if you ask me. It got me thinking about missions and needless to say i haven't stopped. Bryan and I go to a church now that is incredibly missions minded that you cannot help but feel inclined to say: "Here I am Lord, send me", which is what one guy did say during a prayer one Sunday morning. How wonderful to be apart of a church with its members saying, screaming, singing: "Here we are SEND US." Puts my comfortable Christian bubble to shame.

POP goes the bubble...when my husband alerts me he too has had missions on his mind.

"Here we are, SEND US."

How Deep the Father's Love for Us!

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:40:00 +0000

This week has been a tough one for me. I have been confronted with the shallowness of my faith. How soon I forget the deepness of the Father's Love when I am thrown into the sin of this world.

Work has been hard this week. Please pray for me as I try to organize my office, store and staff. The Louisville market is in need for faithful employees; please pray that I am able to find them. Please pray for my current staff, as it has been difficult to make a schedule that works around everyone's personal issues: surgeries, family illness and even death. As I am following in God's calling, there is the evil one trying to bring me down with circumstances beyond my control. Thank the Lord that He is above all circumstances. "He is before ALL things, and in HIM ALL THINGS are HELD TOGETHER." Colossians 1:17.

Thank you Jesus for your deep love in the midst of my shallow faith.

How Deep the Fathers Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my barking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(repeat)

Merciful God

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:44:00 +0000

I was truly touched today by a few things at church today....

1.) The sermon was extremely convicting in that it was about sin and its consequences. The text was 2 Samuel 11. It talked about how sin manifests itself in our lives when we are not doing what God has called us to do. When we are bored. Sin eventually gives birth to lies and other means to it up leading to destruction; without repentance.

2.) I loved the music today. Not because the right people were singing (although they were great find Andrew Case here), but rather because of the joy of worshiping with the body of Christ. Especially next to someone with such a gift. I was sitting next to a guy named Brad and his voice truly brought tears to my eyes. It was wonderful to see a man sing praises to his God, whom made him blind, but hear how he trusts his faith will become SIGHT one day. Brad is literally blind, but sings like his faith is already been made known before his eyes. Praise God! What an inspiration to know that one day Brad will be in the presence of the Lord and for the first time seeing....and seeing holiness as the only thing he has ever laid his eyes on. Wow!

This song, "Merciful God" lyrics were an encouragement. Hopefully you find it an encouragement to you as well...

Merciful God, O abounding in love,
Faithful to all who draw near You;
Hearing the cries of the humble heart,
Showing the cross they may cling to.
Broken I come, helpless in sin,
Found at the feet of Your mercy.
Father, forgive; may my sin be remembered no more.

Merciful God, O abounding in love,
Faithful through times we have failed You;
Selfish in thought and uncaring in deed,
Foolish in word and ungrateful.
Spirit of God, conquer our hearts
With love that flows from forgiveness;
Cause us to yield and return to the mercy of God.

Merciful God, O abounding in love,
Faithful to keep us from falling;
Guiding our ways with Your fatherly heart,
Growing our faith with each testing.
God speed the day struggles will end;
Faultless we'll gaze on Your glory.
Then we will stand overwhelmed by the mercy of God.

Amen

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:11:00 +0000

To those of you who do not know where Bryan and I are in Louisville...here are some pictures to help show you the campus.

Do not worry friends, as Bryan would say "Billy Clyde" our little gnome is protecting us just as he protects the program. Please don't think we would drink the red cool aid...we are representing here in Cardinal Country just fine. :P

Above:This is where Bryan and I live; Grinstead Apartments. We love it here. Below are some pictures of Southern's campus...just to show where Bryan is going to be spending the bulk of his time.

Library

Above: Student Center of sorts.

Left: This is the great lawn....a sort of "court yard" in the middle of the campus.

We are very blessed to be here. Very excited to see what God is going to do in us and hopefully through us. Just yesterday Bryan and I were talking about opportunities God brings us and the glory it brings to the Lord when we are obedient in His call to those opportunities. We are but mere vessels of his vast and gracious mercy. How incredible a thing it is to know that He chooses to redeem such broken cisterns to bring about new life to reach all who thirst. How too often we choose to hide away in ourselves and rob God of the glory He rightly deserves. Today in church we learned that through death God brings new life. As Christians we were called to die a spiritual death to ourselves, so that we might live a spiritual life for all eternity with God. Through Jesus great and powerful death, as Christians we are given a new life. In this life we must not forfeit the chance to bring God the glory He deserves. Do not let the fear of man bring you back to the grave you were bought at such a price we could never repay.