A Published Review of "Do Hard Things"

This review of Do Hard Things was published in my local newspaper, and I acutally know the author, so I thought I'd post the link to it here! Enjoy your books! (I am going to start mine as soon as I finish my correspondence homework. Waiting is such a hard thing!!)

~Camille

Uncommon Life, Uncommon Death

Hi readers,

Probably none of you knew Chuck Spacht, but I did, and I feel compelled to tell you about his incredible life and death! When he was only forty years old, the doctors informed him that he had a brain tumor and if treated with radiation, he would probably only live another two years. He underwent the treatement, and lived till the age of fifty. He died last week.

Mr. Spacht was an example of dying grace to us all. He died as he lived: singing, praying, blessing his children, and praising God. His family wrote a God-exalting obituary for him, and the Gospel has been proclaimed even in his death.

His memorial service was awesome, beautiful, and captivating. Since he was a worship leader, videos of his family leading in worship played on the projector screen. Before the opening prayer and scripture reading, a song I'd never heard started playing.

God is good all the time
He put a song of praise in this heart of mine
God is good all the time
Through the darkest night, His light will shine
God is good, God is good all the time!

Ryan, Mr. Spacht's youngest son, motioned for everyone to stand, and with a smile, everyone began singing. The moment was electric for me, and I grope for the right words to describe it. It was a moment when everything seemed perfectly right and good in the world, and you just knew in your heart in the deepest way that there is hope in this terribly troubled world, because nothing can touch or move our God.

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21. My dad preached on this verse and pointed out that if one replaces "Christ" with anything else, death cannot be gain. Mr. Spacht showed us this by his life. He lived for the Word, and he lived for the Christ of the Word. Someone said that he wasn't distracted with the things that were terribly complicated, he was preoccupied with the things that weren't. Simple things about the character of God or about the word just struck him, and when they did, he told people about whatever it was.

Mr. Spacht always reminded me that when I play the piano in church, I shouldn't try to glorify myself. God gave me talent and diligence both, so why should I be boasting? He was an incredibly humble person, and his memorial service pointed everyone present to Christ. I can't think of a better way to die!

Well, I've blogged enough for one day. G'night everyone!

Two Foundational Committments

Here is the first promise post on the Shepherds Conference!!

"Two Foundational Committments for an Eshara Life"
Tom Pennington
Psalm 1

Psalm 1- a wisdom psalm, the psalm on which all other psalms are sermons. The obvious theme of this psalm is righteousness versus wickedness, which are really the only two ways to live. Verse three tells us to sit up and pay attention to the prosperity of the righteous. Psalm 1 uses an uncommon word to describe blessedness. The normal Old Testament word is baruch. (I'm no Hebraic scholar--I write them how they sound to me :).) This word is eshara, which is a strictly human designation of blessing. (Cross reference: Jesus uses this word in His sermons, particularly the sermon on the mount.)

The tree metaphors in this pslam imply that as Christians, we have been carefully transplanted, irrigated, and cared for by God. He calls us to a life of significance instead of one that is worthless to everyone; to one that is permanent and enduring instead of one that is being driven by the wind. The tragedy is that we can and often do pursue goals of purpose in the wrong fashion: in ministry, as well as in personal life.

The wrong way is to rely on surveys, culture, props, numbers, business skill, or entertainment. The right way is the way of the righteous, and the way of the Bible! But in order to pursue the right way, we must make two foundational committments.

The first is to abandon every human way. Every waking moment we must abandon wicked counsel, the path of sinners, and scoffing companions. We are tempted to follow the advice of unbelievers through ideologies and methodologies. As a side note, here we come to another interesting Hebrew word, "derek," which means path or way. Psalm 119:104 contains this same word when the psalmist wrote, "I hate every false way." In a New Testament context, Jesus took this verse to heart and got serious about radically removing sin from people's lives. This is that same concept of abandoning every human way. The verses in Psalm 1 that talk about the path of the sinners and the seat of the scoffers does not refer to a subset of unbelievers. Instead, it refers to all believers. But it isn't enough to abandon every human way; we must replace the human ways with the right way.

Embracing God's way is the second committment. God's way is referred to as torah, His Law, His words. Psalm 107 refers to this same torah as a "delightful harbour." Pastor Pennington quickly read some verse about treasuring the Bible (Psalm 119:40, 47, 72, 97, 143, and 174). Here the Psalmist treats the Bible a little like salt water. The more he drinks, the more he thirsts. He can't get enough of the Bible! (Boy, do we fall short of that!) Moving on, the Psalmist discusses meditation, which almost has this talking to yourself about the Bible sort of connotation. The word means to reflect, think, or internally discuss the scripture with one's self. The Psalmist also tells us how often we are to meditate: both day and night. A lack of meditation is one problem in conservative evangelicalism, and that leads to a lack of personal application, which leads ot unfruitfulness. Unfortunately, some pastors are like a medicine dropper. They attempt to impart good to others, but they themselves are unchanged by the Word.

Finally, only one man has ever lived and fulfilled Psalm 1--Jesus Christ! But thanks be to God! His righteousness is credited to us!

Every blessing,
~Camille

Belated Half Birthday!

This post is a belated half birthday celebration for my wonderful Sisters of the Armour!!

Erica, you are super-sweet. I love your bubble-y laugh and voice! You always make the Rondee calls full of life and adventure. I was so blessed to meet you at the Indianapolis conference!

Lisa, you can be quiet, but that usually just means you are thinking of something really good to say :) I love doing Skype calls with you so that I can hear your accent and learn more about life in your country!

Emma, as I wrote to you once, I am convinced that God created you when He needed someone to cheer Him up. You can bring a smile to my face no matter what's gone wrong with my day. You are a sister of encouragement!

Sheila, I wish I had half of your musical talent for piano. You are so diligent and motivated! Keep shining on for Jesus as His Instrument!

And last, but not least, Tiffany! Tiff, you remind me of my dear Aunt Linda. You are both always ready with an applicable verse or Scriptural principle. You are such a blessing to me, sweet thing! You are an awesome big sister.

Hugs all around!

~Nella Camille

A Week of Spiritual Growth

Hi readers!

I apologize for the lack of posting. Last week I was busy every day with school, the Shepherds Conference, Chick-fil-A, and packing for a trip to Florida to visit Clearwater Christian College. This week, I've also been attempting to keep up with school, visiting Clearwater, and spending lots of time in the car traveling!

Last week was phenomenal for me! Starting on Wednesday, I watched as many Shepherds Conference sessions as I was available for! Our church streamed the audio and visual over the Internet, so people were frequenting our basement cafe more than usual. The only problem is the time difference between Cali and Pennsylvania :). The seven o'clock evening service begins at ten o'clock EST. Nuts, but well worth staying up for! I forgot my notebook with my notes (I am at a coffee shop hi-jacking some wireless and my notebook is sitting in my purse at my aunt's!), but I promise to post more about it later. Each of the sessions I heard contained several memorable quotables that I wrote down, so you can look forward to those.

Oh, and another thing that I forgot to mention. Does anyone know the song "The Power of the Cross?" The lyrics are sooooo good! We sang that song at communion on Sunday and again one day at the Shepherds Conference. I always feel so overwhelmed when I sing it.

This the power of the cross
Son of God, slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross!

I always get chills down my spine when I sing that!

Now the college part of the post :). I love visiting colleges! I feel so academic--visiting six classes in two days, taking notes, running around campus, studying in the library. Oh, I loved every minute! And I had the most awesomest (yes, I am well aware that I just used a double comparison ;) ) suit mates! Eight girls total: Linny, Amy, Sheresa, Andrea, Lani, Katie, Heather, and JoAnna. (If any of you ever read this, give yourselves a massive huggle!! You made my visit!!)

Well, I'd better get going. Check back for more updates soon!

Every blessing,
~Camille

When God Takes Away the Straw

This poem was written a while ago (November, to be exact!), but I thought I'd post it now since it fit in with my Bible reading in Exodus. (And yes, dad, I'm behind, so I just read this story today :D.)

When one thinks about it, Pharoah wasn't the one who took the straw away from the Israelites. This poem is based on that view of God's sovereignty! (Some edits since the rough draft, in case you remember this one, Ms. Marla :).)

When God takes away the straw--
When you're in the Lion's maw--
When the choice is God or law--

What will you do?
What will you feel?
What will you think?
What will you know?

When my life is on the line--
When all clamour for a sign--
When I change my will to Thine--

What will I do?
What will I feel?
What will I think?
Will I resign
My will for His?

I will shout,
I will soar,
I will know,
I will resign!

Every blessing!

'Til the Storms of Destruction Pass By

'Til the storms of destruction pass by
We will rest 'neath Thy comforting wings;
Please protect us, we pray, oh Most High,
And our Refuge establish us by!

Through the storms which destroy
Guide and comfort us into the Rest.
Through the storms which destroy
Guide and comfort us into the Rest!

All the children of man threaten me
With their teeth and their tongues sharp as swords,
But my God, who is able to see,
Sends from Heaven and rescueth me!

[Chorus]

Be exalted, O God, over all.
Set Thy glory above all the earth.
Those who blaspheme Thy Name slip and fall,
Unlike souls who have given Thee all!

[Chorus]

Can be sung to the tune of "In the Sweet By and By." Based on Psalm 57. Original composition, February 2007.

Thoughts on Second Peter One

I've been thinking for some time now that I should write a post in the spirit of the early Think Upon These Things tradition--a Bible study sort of devotional. So, my friends, that is just what I aim to do!

My youth group has finished studying 1 Peter and is now into 2 Peter. I really enjoyed the first chapter! Several well known verses can be found here (v. 3, 5-7, 10, and 19-21). I've listed them as follows with some thoughts from each one listed underneath the verse text.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.

His divine power--what an awe-inspiring phrase! Why would any Christian in his right mind think that he lacked anything if all things necessary have been given to us? Incredible, and yet, we are imperfect, and doubt so often!

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

I really don't have many thoughts on these verses as they are rather straightforward, other than to say that i am far from arriving! (Aren't we all?)

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

I've written this verse in my prayer journal. 'Tis like many other verses we find in the Bible which encourage us to pursue a higher level of personal sanctification, and of course, to make our calling and election sure. I was talking with a younger girl about what this phrase exactly means. I think it means to bear fruit in keeping with repentance so that there is no doubt in your mind or anyone else's that you are a believer.

And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Isn't the Bible wonderful, my friends? 'Tis part of the "great and precious promises" alluded to in verse 4 (which I have not written out here).

These verses are all great and well known, and 2 Peter 1:19-21 deals with the great doctrine of inspiration. But I think my favorite passage in this chapter is verses 12-15. Here they are:

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

These verses really reveal Peter's love for his audience and the Gospel. You really get a glimpse into his apostle's heart right in these few verses. As long as he drew breath, he wanted to make sure that these people still embraced the Gospel. 'Tisn't surprising to find that the "therefore" goes back to verse 10, about making one's calling and election sure.

Recently I've found myself in a situation similar to Peter's. I know people of whom I have vowed that I will not stop repeating the Gospel to them until the day I die. Maybe that's why these verses struck me so clearly.

Every blessing be upon you, friends!

~Nella Camille