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ForeverUnderGodsGrace
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Name: Stina
Country: United States
State: Tennessee
Metro: Chattanooga
Birthday: 7/18/1985
Gender: Female
Interests: I enjoy working with kids (although there are days I want to pull my hair out), singing for the Lord in my church choir, going four wheeling anytime I get the chance, traveling anytime I can with whatever money i got, going fishing with my dad, going to the movies or out to eat with the friends God has blessed me with, renting movies and curling up on my couch at home and watching them...now thats fun...
Expertise: I really am enjoying school. It can be tough sometimes but overall I really like the challenge. I also like meeting new people
Occupation: Student / work at school for m
Industry: Studying Elementary Education,
Message: message me
Website: visit my website
AIM:  StinaLives4Him
Member Since:
11/9/2005
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| You know, I have come a long way in 3 years. Ever since I recommited my life to the Lord Sept 2003, life has been an uphill climb. As I reflect back though, I wouldn't be where I am today if God hadn't been helping me along the way. He has brought me through many hard times and struggles but I have made it! Yes, I shed some tears along the way and bore some hard burdens, but I'm still kickin!As I read those verses from Nov. 2 in "Our Daily Bread," I was reminded not to forget all this. I have come to a point in my life where I never thought I'd reach. I have met someone who, after 6 months, I can see myself spending the rest of my life with! It has been amazing these past 6 months. I think all those heartaches and struggles and burdens these past three years all evolved and extended from the question as to if I would ever marry someone and fall in love. Now that God has given me my heart's desire, I have kinda put him on the backburner. I never thought I would ever forget about the Lord throughout my days but I have lately and Im shocked! I just don't understand why i have been the way Ive been toward my savior. I want my fire back. I want that passion I have had when it was just God and me. It has even crossed my mind about leaving this relationship so I could get my thoughts back like they were with my Lord. The thing is, that would be backtracking in my faith. This is a new season in my life that I KNOW God has given to me! It is a next step (kinda like moving up a grade like you would in school) in my christian walk. Its harder. I am required to make myself prioritize my time and give God that time He deserves, if nothing else, from me! If anything I am learning but overall I want to keep growing. Dear Lord, Forgive me for putting you behind in my life. Forgive me for making "him" the one I worship now...overall for making him an idol in my life. YOu are a jealous God and I know I have made you jealous. You were and should still be my first love. God help me to keep that love burning for you. Help me to spend time with you. Give me that fire and desire back to walk with you again. I am sorry I have taken what you have given me and turned away from you. I don't EVER want to forget what you have done for me and where you have brought me! I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you and your mercy and grace that you continue to bestow in my life. Please, don't let me forget that Lord! Don't ever let me forget what you did on that cross when you died alone for me! All for me. I should be ashamed Lord at the way I've been. Thank you Lord for your forgiveness. Search my heart Lord, make it known to me that way I may come to you with a broken and contrte spirit on the sin in my life. There is no use asking for forgiveness if I don't feel remorse or regret over it. Teach me how to pray concerning this and in my daily life. Thank you for hearing my prayer and for being my savior. Your Child, Christina | | |
| Pics from my weekend to Pensacola, FL with Resa. We went and visited some friends of ours who went to Pensacola Christian College and are still living down there. What a blessed trip it was!
We went to Frank and David's church, a filipino church in Pensacola. Frank preached.
This is Tony, the song leader at the church
Me, John, Resa, Frank, Tony, and David
Here I am on karaoke night at a filipino restaurant eating "guinitaan" (sp?) It was actually good! Quite an interesting experience....
Here we are at Pizza Hut.
John, Resa, me, and David at the beach
We be rollin.....
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| Life is short. If there is one thing that has been revealed to me lately is how short our life truly is. We are not promised tomorrow nor our next breath of air. I heard it preached to me Sunday while in Pensacola, FL about our lives being but a vapor. When I looked this up tonight, it comes from James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." In the past month, I have know of three people passing away. Through those three people, I know that God is trying to tell me something.
First, Adam Mason, passed away April 8, 2006 from an accidental shooting. He was 26 years old. His daughter, Jordan, is 2 years old and attends the daycare I work at. From my experience and encounters with Adam, it was my assumption that he did not know the Lord Jesus as his personal savior. I know that it is not for me to judge but God, for I really hope that he did. When I heard of the news that Monday morning of what had happened, my heart broke in two. The tears did not cease for at least an hour. Many of us there at the daycare had saw or spoke with Adam that Friday. From what I was told, Adam went out partying that Friday night with friends and they returned early in the morning to an apartment. One of his friends had a gun out and it went off and killed Adam. Again, our lives are just a vapor....
Another young man whose life was cut short was a boy named Jeremy Henderson. It has been years since I have spent time with Jeremy and his family. At first I didn't know who he was, nor could I place his face. Then, my father brought home the obituary today and the memories came. I used to spend time with my aunt, her family, and Jeremy's family at Fall Creek Falls as a young teenager. Jeremy was going home Saturday night, early Sunday morning, in the rain when he hydroplaned and crashed into a concrete barrier( from what I was told). I learned that he was not wearing his seat belt and crashed going about 80 mph. It was evident to me that he had been brought up in a christian home and knew the Lord Jesus. Jeremy was 19 years old when he went home to be with the Lord. Again, our lives are just a vapor...
The last young man who has left behind a legacy is Josh Knowles. There is some sort of coincidence with this boy and my own life. I went to elementary school with Josh and remember him very well. He also grew up in my neighborhood until we were teenagers. He was such a sweet, quiet, and kind-hearted boy. He never had a mean word to say and never got into fights. I remember he was a diabetic and always had to prick his finger, which always used to gross me out (mainly because I was afraid of needles). He never complained about it though and took his limitation with a positive attitude. Throughout my teenage years, I lost touch with him because he moved out of the neighborhood and ended up not going to the same middle school as me. I'm not really sure where he went. However, the other day (like a couple days ago) his name and face popped up in my mind for the first time in many, many years. I thought to myself, "I wonder how he is doing. I bet he grew up to be a very handsome young man." To my knowledge, I could have dreamed that, but it didn't mean anything to me until last night. I was searching through myspace and found a very handsome guy's pic. I clicked on it and sure enough it was Josh and it was titled "Chef Knowles." When I started to scroll through and read his profile, I learned that he had gone home to be with the Lord December 30, 2005 due to sudden complications with his diabetes (this was told to me by a friend). I literally could not stop crying at his loss, but also to the fact I had just had him on my mind not 24 hours ago! Really though, it is not a loss because he is free of anything this world can press upon us; no more sickness, pain, heartache, sin, and death. He is with Jesus, praising our savior face to face! How glorious is that thought and how jealous am I of him for it. In reading through his myspace, I found that he was sharing his faith even in elementary school. I read a testimony of the elem. school nurse who came to Jesus after meeting Josh's family and visiting their church, but it started when Josh asked her about her personal relationship with Jesus. How ashamed am I because I have such a hard time being bold with the gospel, yet a child suffering from a disease did it without hesitance. That truly amazes me. When Josh passed away, he was 20 years old, but his Christ-filled legacy lives on. He has touched my life now even though I never got to know him as an adult. I hope and pray we all can be like Josh as a child sharing our faith.
I wanted to share all this to say that we are not promised tomorrow. We are not even promised the next minute. Again, I repeat the verse in James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." I don't know about you (I'm sure its true though), but I have friends and family who I know do not know Jesus Christ as their personal savior and Lord. They are living their lives the way they want to and have no perception of the fact that death is everywhere around us. I'm getting sick and tired of myself and how I conceal the gospel so many times. I'll admit it, I'm scared many times. I'm afraid of what people will say. I'm afriad I will offend them. Honestly though, this is their lives we are talking about. I am praying for boldness and courage and I hope you will do the same. Ephesians 3:12 "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." If anything, pray to God for more faith! For those of you who read this and are unsure if you died tonight/today if you would go to heaven, I want to share with you how. I hope you will get it right tonight/today and make Christ your Lord. Again, our lives are but a vapor, here one minute and gone the next.
Yearning for More,
Christina
God's Plan of Salvation:
The Bible says there is only one way to Heaven
Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." (John 14:6)
Good works cannot save you.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Trust Jesus Christ today! Here's what you must do:
- Admit you are a sinner.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23)
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12)
"If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:10)
- Be willing to turn from sin (repent).
Jesus said: "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5)
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:" (Acts 17:30)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you, was buried, and rose from the dead.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners. Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)
- Through prayer, invite Jesus into your life to become your personal Saviour.
"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10)
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)
What to pray:
Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Saviour. |
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" (John 1:12)
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
If you have received Jesus Christ as your Saviour, as a Christian you should:
- Read your Bible every day to get to know Christ better.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalms 119:105)
- Talk to God in prayer every day.
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22)
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)
- Be baptized, worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached and the Bible is the final authority.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" (Matthew 28:19)
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16)
- Tell others about Christ.
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)
"For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16)
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)
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| Well well....hmm, tonight has been interesting. I cried my eyes out because I found out an old childhood friend died back in December. I remember him being so nice and a sweet guy. Then when I started reading about him, he was an awesome christian as well. I wish I could have gotten to know him more but I guess I will just have to wait until heaven. Its awesome he left such a legacy. He was so cute too!!
Well I leave next Wednesday to go babysit at a wedding for the Godsey's in Destin FL! I am so flattered they would invite me to go and pay for all my expenses! What really blew me out of the water was tonight, I went shopping with the bride for a dress and she bought my dress and shoes (worth around $200 bucks)! I begged her not to but she insisted. That was such a blessing.
I quit my summer class. I couldnt handle it. Im not a science wiz whatsoever! I really wish I knew what God wanted me to do right now. Sometimes, actually, majority of the time, I never know what He really wants me to do. I am praying about it. I am starting a class in about 5 weeks to make up for losing out on this class. I just know that I have got to finish with school soon! Its driving me crazy!
Well my youth pastor resigned at church. He is the associate pastor and just couldn't do both jobs very well together. So, now his younger brother Tracy is coming to be our youth pastor which I wouldnt want it any other way! He is more of a fire ball than Terry is! I am having a cookout for my college/career group MOnday and I am so excited about it I am praying about having a devo/worship time Monday and for God to lay upon my heart someone to come do it. So far, a ton of people are coming!! I'm psyched! Im so blessed to have such wonderful friends....
Please pray for me friends about.....direction on missions, to keep yearning for God, and above all to be bold and courageous in sharing the gospel
Love you all and remember, Bless God!
Stina | | |
| Okay, wow, it has been like a month since I wrote anything. Well, here are a few updates on me...
School. Dang, Im so glad this past semester is over. Im trying to cherish my time in college but this spring has been a rough time for me. I just started summer school taking a Biology class 3 hrs a day, 4 days a week....bluh. Its only for 6 wks so Im sure I will make it.
I also got more hrs at work so now ill be working 25 hrs a week roughly. Its such a blessing. My part time nanny job is picking up alot. Im building such a repor with people like crazy! The bad thing is that I am staying away from home alot on overnight jobs so Ive been very homesick. The money is absolutely great but there is nothing like home with family :).
Church is great and I love it more than ever. My college friends and I have started kinda like our own lil group so we get together usually once a week for coffee after church or something. I am trying to get it to where we meet and have discussions over other religions so we may grow in wisdom and be approved when that time comes. Right now I have been wondering about Catholicism. Interesting but I want to know and learn more.
Boys...hmm, well lets just say they do keep calling! However, Im just not interested. I just havent found someone who yet meets up to my standards and liking. There is the one new guy at my church who seems interesting but my good friend went out with him for like a month and still likes him so i dont want to do that to her. plus, to be honest, i really dont know him or trust him at this point. Overall, dating just isnt my thing, Praise the Lord, lol. I really want to finish college successfully and dating would interefere with that. No matter what people say, it would. Dont get me wrong, I have my eyes on a couple but if its the Lords will, it will happen. I believe that, no doubt.
Family...great. Im so blessed with such a wonderful family! my parents are great and I love them so much. Ive been opening up so much to them here lately and thats a good thing. I really see God bringing out of my shell and im thankful for that. I also have another set of parents and that is my aunt and uncle. I love them dearly! They treat me like their kid, lol. I basically live up at their house and mine too. Plus, my aunt is an awesome cook so I know I can always go have dinner with them.
Future plans? dont really have them. Finish at Chatt state in December and im cluless after that. I thought about going to UTC and moving downtown but thats still up in the air. I have such great babysitting jobs right now and I would be losing alot of money if I went anywhere else. I also love my church but I am not passing off the possibility of God calling me somewhere else. I am just trying to come to the piint of giving up every desire and just follow after God. It would take many sacrifices but I know it would be worth it. So far I am planning a mission trip to nicaragua in November and I had a friend ask me about going and working with his aunt and uncle in uganda, africa and it would be for as long as I could. I think that would be awesome and I m praying about that as often as I can. It would be a leap of faith but I know God will bless me and be with me if it is his will. This summer though, I get to fly to san francisco with my aunt and im psyched about that! I really need a vacation, lol. Well, God bless all of you! Talk to you again soon hopefully! (ignore all the typos, lol, too lazy to go back and fix em). | | |
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