Ahhhh

Yea, I know. Blog post titles are pretty much not easy to think of.
Anyway, I just wanted to take a quick couple of minutes and spill out a few things. Just ramblings, so bear with me :)
I'm just going to be nice and up front about it.
The fear of man and the cares of this world are very ensnaring. I am so prone to being tossed about by so many dumb, foolish things that won't matter in 10 years, much less for the rest of eternity. Who cares if you are the trendiest dresser? Who cares if you always have something smart and intelligent to say? Who cares if you offend people for the sake of Christ? Isn't He worth it?
And yet the struggle is real. I will be again honest and tell you that I want people to like me. I want to be thought of as smart and fun, strong and personable. And guess what? It makes me prideful. I let what I want other to see in me get in the way of how Christ is shone through my life.
My life is not my own anymore anyway, right?
Having a close relationship with the God who created me and saved me from eternal punishment is more important than anything this world could offer me. Because it is a relationship, and relationships take work. Not just 10 sleepy minutes in the morning and a few thoughts during the day, but a passionate pursuing! Maybe instead of worrying if my outfit is cute, I should worry about the hidden beauties of the heart. Outside charm is nothing, absolutely nothing, if my attitude is selfish, vain and prideful rather than others centered, humble and gentle.Maybe instead of trying to be funny and always having something to say, I should work and strive for a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious before God.
And then stand thankful before His throne because He is not a God who shakes His fist at us every time one of His children has blown it. I'm His child. He's paid for all my shortcomings at the cross. He is a faithful, loving, trustworthy God. How amazing is that?!
~Bugg

Just for Fun and Stuff

I'm just going to put down for the blogging record that this post is a brain ramble that I am doing just on a complete whim for the fun of it.
I have come to the conclusion that often I  (even unconsciously) do things like write, speak, dress, converse and act in a 'people-pleasing' sort of manner.
I find myself acting in a way contrary to my own personality just because I want to fit in with the people around me.
But God sees the heart.
Not the outward actions.
If I look perfect on the outside, but on the inside all I worry about is my next outfit, how to speak so I come across as witty and intelligent and do all things to glorify myself in the eyes of man, what good is that?
I want to my life to be glorifying to God starting from the inside and working out.
Because honestly, who cares what the world thinks? 
Not God.
As believers we are have citizenship elsewhere. This is not our universe and we are here for only a short while.
So....don't be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Yell it from the rooftops. (okay, maybe not, but you get the picture)
I know I need to be better about speaking the words of life. Not just thinking that smiling and being courteous to people is the equivalent of witnessing face to face about the wrath of God that condemns all mankind to hell and the amazing grace of redemption He has given. And I am really honestly talking to myself, because I NEED to do this. I am not sharing the gospel like I should because the fear of man is holding me back. How foolish that looks as I write it, and it's humbling.
That I wouldn't take every opportunity to sing praise to the wonderful, faithful, gracious, redeeming God that created the universe just because I am afraid of the response a mere person may give me. ugh.
 the fickleness of my flesh. I don't know if you ever realize it, but I know I find my human nature to be quite aggravating in many different situations.

However, I don't to bore you with my frustrations.
 I would much rather dwell on the creativity of God.
HIS CREATIVE GENIUS IS SO UNFATHOMABLY AMAZING.
(that really did all have to be in caps)

 The frailty and fragrance of a freshly bloomed spring flower.
He invented that. And created it.

Hands.
He made those too.

Jellyfish.
I have a strange infatuation with these creatures. I think they are such a testimony to God's intelligence in designing all things.

Sunsets and rises.
Every detail, our God attends to. From the rising of the sun to it's sinking into the horizon, He controls all things.

Love. God is love. Although He is a jealous God who has fiery wrath and is full of justice, there is a time when we need to stop. And just dwell in the lavishes of His mercy on His children and the love He poured out through His son. Because it is a beautiful thing.

~Bugg

Springtime

Birds bubble forth a melodious song,
The plants bloom in colorful throngs.
Life is rising from the ground,
How the noise of spring resounds!

Windows open in curiousity,
What could this pure, crisp tune be?
The invisible wind whispers in the trees,
While a sweet sound is heard in the hum of the bees.

All creation resurrects in harmony,
From the snuffle of a baby rabbit,
To the tiny birds hungry pleas.
A song from the earth begins to ring,
Singing praises to our King.


~Bugg

Humility

"The pleasures of humility are really the most refined, inward, and exquisite delights in the world."
~Jonathan Edwards
One thing I find myself struggling with as of late is an inward prejudice. Thinking myself better than someone, being glad I was so much better than that person, pride in appearance, upset toward others in my family.....disgusting. (It is rather painful just to write it out like that, but it's truth and something I really need to work on...) I am reading 'Humility' By C.J. Mahaney, and am finding it very encouraging. I didn't really realize what a sneaky and subtle sin pride is until I dug deeper into my heart and realized how clingingly it's stuck...(I'm still realizing and fighting, and always will be...) I am beginning to realize that I truly desire the humility Christ had all the way to his death. I want to not only be emptied of self-righteousness, but filled with more of the Holy Spirit and the love of Christ so that I can shine even brighter to to others! But, as you probably know, Satan put up so many snares and temptations in the paths of those who are pursuing Christ. He blindfolds us to the true horror of our rebelliousness and whispers 'comforting' reassurances, "Everybody does it...It's true anyway, you have a perfect right to think this thought....You are so much better than that....You would never do that....etc." All of this lulling us to sleep, because it makes sense to our dull minds which are too easily satisfied. Thank God that He does not leave His children! He does discipline us, but not because he wants or desires to hurt us. He guides us to the right path and helps us to know Him. I so desire to have a singular passion, to know, love and serve my Savior. I don't want to be distracted by the world and it's fleeting entertainments.
And what a treasure this verse is to me. An astonishment really, I am in complete awe of it's power and the love it speaks.

   Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
(Hebrews 7:25 ESV)

Christ is interceding to the Father on our behalf. He's praying for us, and reassuring our salvation! What an amazing relationship The Father has invited us to, and provided through the death of Jesus and the sending of the Holy Spirit.
Here's a hymn I remembered this morning:

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart

(Written by Charitie L. Bancroft)

I am constantly being reminded that no matter how I hard struggle to do what is right, I can do nothing without the help of my Savior. We can go boldly to the throne of Grace and humbly ask for help. What an amazing salvation our God has given us!

~Bugg

Growing up...

Lou Lou: 6 months

Lou Lou: 2 years

~Bugg~

Well, get ready to read...

Well, I was going to do a long post about what I have been up to lately, (not much, I assure you) but, I decided to spare you the boredom. Instead, I am just going to say that I am thoroughly enjoying watching Monsters Inc. with my siblings right now. (This is one of the scary movies we watch at our house. We had to fast forward the whole beginning...) And on a random note, I was very surprised to learn how many people I know actually read my blog. The Akbar video for example, some people would be like, " I saw that video your blog..." (with various mixed facial expressions)  then I would be like, "Oh yeah! Funny, huh? Wait... you read my blog?" (cough, cough, sheepish smile...) And on another random note, I finished the book, 'Scottish Chiefs' by Jane Porter, and then watched 'Braveheart'. Totally loved it! As always, the book was better, and William Wallace, well, he's awesome! Then, I started the 'Mark of the Lion' series by Francine Rivers and I CAN'T PUT IT DOWN!!! I finished the 1st book in like 2 days and I am almost done with the 2nd. I'll have to save the 3rd for the plane ride to Ethiopia..... It is a captivating series and totally grips and moves the reader. I not only like to read historical fiction, but I like writing it too, so it's fun to read and grab little tips from here and there. I guess I am kinda rambling on now, so I will stop. I think I might snatch some of the popcorn my brother just popped and watch American Idol...
BTW This will probably be the last blog post until I get back from Ethiopia! I am so excited, and AFRAID. But the good thing is, the more I am afraid, the more I can trust in Jesus, with my personal needs, spiritual needs, and any other nasty fear that decides to latch onto my brain. If you would please pray for our team while we are gone, it would be so awesome. God truly does listen to us, and knows what we need, even before we ask. Please pray for our hearts, to be prepared to not follow our own agendas, but look to others needs before our own, and that we can be shining lights to the people we will be meeting, and that God will open other peoples hearts if we have chances to share the gospel. Also for the language barrier, my cousin Ja Ja encouraged me about that the other night. She reminded me that even when we don't speak the same language, Christ's love can still bleed through our every action and motive. And also for personal health and travel complications. We are going to be fellowshipping with beautiful group of believers, and I am rejoicing that I will have a chance to sing with the nations!
Sorry for rambling, and thanks for reading. (or skimming the page, stopping at the interesting parts.... same difference. smile....)
~Bugg~

Here is a random picture of me that you might find amusing. Yea, there really isn't any suitable caption for that. But if you think of one, comment!

Just a few little things

 THREE QUOTES...

Today my younger siblings were talking about what animals they wanted to be....
Oggie: I would be a walrus..
Erna: Well, then I would be a elephant. No, wait, a polar bear, then I would fight you and eat you.
Oggie: No, cause we would have an underwater battle and I would eat you!
Jbear: Well guess what guys? I would be an Arctic Rhino and eat you both! (Smiles and walks away)
 Oh my. I love my brothers and sisters.  

I am not a blond. Promise. I really do not have blond hair. As my friend  Rye Bread puts it.....

"You are a brunette, with blond moments." That totally describes me. really. I was making a cup of tea the other day, and I put the cup in the in the microwave for 2 minutes, only to realize I forgot the water. jeepers.

And my favorite, from my momma. (I started symphony and didn't have the best first practice)
"This isn't a waste of time. It's just a new use of time."  Oh, thank you. I think moms just have that encouraging thing inside them, and know just what to say at the right time. (Okay, not all the time but most)

TWO PICTURES....

Sometimes, as a  follower of Christ, big sister, daughter, friend, role model, student, writer, musician, cook, bathroom cleaner, ect, ect, I forget about Jesus. "WHAT?!" You might say. Or "How?" But I can get so caught up in the world (looking pretty, being at a high standard in others eyes, stuff.....you get the jist of it...) I lose sight of what matters most. I am a daughter of the Most High King. He is my father. He sent his Son to die for me, and pull me out of the ocean that I was drowning in. He fills me with the Spirit and makes me new and fresh. I don't need to find my worth in the eyes of others, if they hated Jesus, why should I have the slightest inclination that they would love me? This is just an old hotel, and I am a visitor who will be checking out soon. But that also doesn't mean that while I'm here I can't shine like a blazing fire, waiting in anticipation for the day I will be with Christ. I can share His love with others in this world, and proclaim His name to all the ends of the earth.

Whenever I look at the stars, I feel this engulfing sense of awe towards my God. The God who created this, created me. And not only that, he loves me. God paints the sky with beautiful colors and the entire universe is his canvas. And it makes me super excited, because if there is something this beautiful in the sky right now, can you imagine how many billion times better heaven will be?!


AND ONE VIDEO...(or two)

This is weird, and entertaining at the same time. But because I live in a state with LOTS of corn I found it amusing, and you might too....maybe..

And if you really really want to waste your time right now, Here is one more. But Beware. It is a waste of time. And it will be stuck in your heads. And if your siblings watch it, they will not stop singing it. (I know from experience. Not funny.) So just watch it once.

~Bugg~

Oh my Stars!

Who thinks God is amazing! ME!!! My younger siblings have been studying astronomy and I have been able to listen in once in awhile. A couple startling facts slammed into my brain and put a whole new sense of WHOA! into Christmas for me. Did you know... If the sun was the size of a basketball, the earth is the size of a peppercorn? Okay. So if the sun is about a thousand times bigger than the earth, and the sun is still just a star in the universe, and the universe is like a kajillion-billion-trillion-million light years long. (Don't laugh, I'm obviously not scientifically or mathematically minded) And God created the universe, that makes us really really small. And I for one, didn't really realize how truly small I really am. (I still don't) But just think. The creator of all that hugeness, came down to earth. (really really small!!!!) And I mean didn't just become the size of the universe, not just the size of the galaxy, not just the size of the sun, not just the size of the earth but the size of MAN. I can't even begin to wrap my mind around the amazing things God can do. And then think, He didn't come here to be a ruler arrayed in splendor and glory with gold and silver and all that jazzy stuff. He was born in a stable, the son of a carpenter, to grow up and be persecuted and eventually killed. WHAT?!?! He did that for me? He loves me that much? I sin against him everyday, and disobey, and lie, and cheat, and think awful things and HE STILL LOVES ME?! I am in shock. I love my brothers and sisters or friends or mom and dad, but if they do something 'wrong' to me, I want to hurt them, or do bad things to them! But, We have been doing that to Jesus ever since the fall, and this was his plan all along. Why? Oh, Jesus! Why can't I have your selfless attitude,your servants heart, and your willingness to die to self daily? You drank the cup given to you, please make me more like yourself! I don't want to be ashamed of the gospel, not sharing what you did for me, just so I don't feel embarrassed. Please help me to remember how big you are, and how small I am. I can't wait to come and see you someday. Please help me to share your name throughout the nations! Amen.
~Bugg 

 Yep, That's the sun!!

This is called the sombrero galaxy. IT IS HUGE. And very beautiful.

A supernova called the Crab Nebula....

This is the photo of the day on NASA.gov. 

And here we are, teeny tiny us.....

Some of my Favorites

I went on a hike with my family and some friends a few weeks ago. I took a ton of pictures and these are some of the best ones.

Fall would have to be my favorite season. There are so many breath-taking colors, the trees are stunning, bushes burst into flaming beauty, the sky turns a blue unlike any other, I could go on and on. I love the way God makes each season so different, yet each so wonderful.
            I saw this video on my Uncle's blog and you just have to watch it. But before you do, go run and grab a box of kleenex's or something, because (if you are anything like me) this will make you cry. Here it is.
Thanks for reading!!
~Bugg~