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Clinging to the Cross

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:31:45 GMT

I just wanted to share the lyrics to this one song that somebody shared with me. The whole CD that it comes off of is amazing, but this is one of my favorites. Very good lyrics to Tim Hughes' songs and I think you might even enjoy the music, Mom! Try to find some way to listen to him if you've never heard him before.\

Clinging to the Cross

My soul is weak
My heart is numb
I cannot see
But still my hope is found in You
I’ll hold on tightly
You will never let me go
For Jesus, You will never fail

My soul is weak
My heart is numb
I cannot see
But still my hope is found in You
I’ll hold on tightly
You will never let me go
Jesus, You will never fail
Jesus, You will never fail

Simply to the cross I cling
Letting go of all earthly things
I'm Clinging to the cross
Mercy’s found a way for me
Hope is here as I am free
Jesus, You are all I need
I'm Clinging to the cross

I'm Clinging to the cross

Even darkness is as light to You, my Lord
So light the way and lead me home
To that place where every tear is wiped away
For Jesus, You will never fail
Jesus, You will never fail

Simply to the cross I cling
Letting go of all earthly things
I'm Clinging to the cross
Mercy’s found a way for me
Hope is here as I am free
Jesus, You are all I need
I'm Clinging to the cross

What a Savior, what a story
You were crucified, and now you are alive
So amazing, such a mystery yeah
You were crucified, and now you are alive

Simply to the cross I cling
Letting go of all earthly things
I'm Clinging to the cross
Mercy’s found a way for me
Hope is here, I am free
Jesus, You are all I need
I'm Clinging to the cross

Ohhh
Love has rescued, grace has made away
Lead me to the rock that is higher than high
Lead me, lead me, lead me
Ohhh
Rescue me
Thank you, thank you
You, have rescued me
I'm clinging, I'm clinging
To your cross, Lord
To your rugged cross
I thank you, I thank you, I thank you
Yeah

Simply to the cross I cling
Letting go of all earthly things
Yeah
I'm Clinging to the cross
Mercy’s found a way for me
Hope is here as I am free
Jesus, You are all I need
I'm Clinging to the cross

I'm Clinging to the cross
I'm Clinging to the cross

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:17:16 GMT

So, a certain someone keeps telling me that I need to update. I've been busy, and when I'm not busy I sleep and tell people that I have been busy. There's my excuse for not updating since last September. Is it absolutely satisfying? Please forgive me for my sarcasm. It was only intended for my dear sister, and you know I love ya!

A lot of things have happned since last fall. Well, it seems like a lot has. Maybe it's just me though. Fall quarter was successfully completed, winter break flew by, and I'm now halfway through winter quarter here at Word of Life. I'm halfway through the academic part of the BI - hooray. And not hooray. I'm going to be so sad when this year is over. It's been amazing so far though. And I've been told that the summer is the best part of the year. This week our teacher is Mr. Garland for Philippians. I love it! Philippians is such a good book (as is every other book in the Bible!) and Mr. Garland is a marvelous teacher. Two weeks ago we had Pastor John Bouquet for 1 Corinthians. That was an excellent class as well. This is not to say that all the other classes are bad - there's just some that I enjoy even more than the others.

I don't remember ever having so much snow at one time. Except maybe for the winter we were in Minnesota and then it was probably about the same amount. It just seemed like more because I was shorter. Anyway...we have a LOT of snow right now. And it's STILL snowing right now. Really hard. It's so amazingly beautiful, especially at night when it gets all sparkly. But I'm afraid that I'm going to be sick of it by the end of winter. It certainly doesn't make getting around campus easy! It's very deceiving when you see snow and then find when you walk on it that it's just disguising the ice. Fortunately I haven't fallen down yet - technically. I also haven't had any guys offer me their arms. I guess I just look like I can take care of myself. I was thinking the other day though - that's fine, because I'm not sure if I would accept a guy's arm anyway, and then I would just look like a snob. And then I'd fall flat on my face. So maybe it's better that no guys approach me.

Only three weeks of Snow Camp left. I can't believe it! I've counseled twice and this past weekend was very challenging. A lot of trials, but by God's grace and strength I made it through alive. I never realized how trying it is to be in charge of a group of boy crazy gossipping girls. We had some interesting talks though, and I'm so grateful that God gave me that experience. All the other weekends that I didn't counsel I work in the bookstore (yeah, whatever, Britta!). That has been a huge blessing. I love working in there, and I've only had to work one outside activity. The lady in charge is so encouraging, and uses every opportunity she can to turn conversations to focus on God. It's great.

I think that's about all for now. My eyes are going buggy and I have classes to make up from last week when I was sick. No promises, but I'll make an effort to update more often. Thanks to all who took the time to read this. I miss y'all at home, and I'm praying for you as well. Hope to talk to you soon!

'Til later...Courtney

Psalm 37:4-5

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 00:12:57 GMT

So here I am, at the Word of Life Bible Institute in NY...it's pretty amazing so far. That's not to say it's easy. In fact it's actually really overwhelming but it kind of forces me to focus on something and follow it through...that's a good thing!

Dr. Wendell Calder was our guest lecture this week - he spoke on James all week. It was really good, although quite convicting. It'll be interesting to see how the first big exam goes here.

I've met tons of people here. I can't even remember the names to all the faces that have introduced themselves to me. It makes me feel really bad but I have met some really nice people. In general, I'm pretty excited about the upcoming year. God has already done so much within just a week...think what He can do in a year!!

Well, that's about all for now. I will try to update soon, but you no me - no promises! Until later...Courtney

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 17:09:10 GMT

Just a quick note to update all those who might actually read this....

I have been home for almost two weeks now. It's been good being here and seeing people I haven't seen in awhile. I've gotten a lot done, and I'm glad I decided to come home. Everything is steadily falling into place regarding the Bible Institute. It's amazing how God works everything out in His perfect time! Now if I could just remember that and trust Him in every aspect of my life, things would be so much better!!!

I leave to head back to New York on September 13. I'm very excited about the upcoming BI year. I pray God will change me and I will grow in my walk with Him.

I guess that's about all for right now...gotta go run some errands. I'd like to say I'll update soon, but I'm not sure I will, so if you all could just pray for me as I'm going through some changes in my life, I'd really appreciate it. Until next time....Courtney

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:16:17 GMT

Ohhhh, aren't my little sister and I just adorable???

Monday, August 20, 2007

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:34:33 GMT

I never knew I could cry so much. Once again, a very good thing has come to an end. My last year of STC is over. This summer has truly been amazing. God has used several different people to work with me through a lot of things. I am especially thankful for the unit leader I was put under. She was such a great help and she honestly does care and love me - as I love you, Ellie!!

It's been a very bittersweet weekend. Friday night was the last island concert. It was rather depressing since my friend who always went with me wasn't there. So I sat by myself, sort of having a little pity party. It was worth it though. I love the songs they did this summer. The boat ride back was extremely cold and windy, but the sky was absolutely gorgeous - clear black with bright stars as far as I could see. Praise God for his wonderful artwork! I will never foget that night.

Saturday morning was my last time at work in the lovely bookstore. Then, that afternoon, my family FINALLY arrived from KS. It was great to see them all again. My brother is almost taller than me, my little sister got glasses, and my littlest sister has grown up so much in just two months. My mom and dad are about the same, but it was still really good to see them. I'm actually looking forward to the long ride back to KS. Just don't ask me how I feel on September 13!!

Anyway, yesterday I had to say goodbye to some of my very good riends. Thursday morning I said goodbye to my best friend, and I still cried even though I'll see her in less than four weeks. My sister and her boyfriend are officially WOLBI alumni now, class of 2007. I've been such an emotional wreck lately, it's not even funny. I think my eyes are going to be eternally red and puffy.

Anyway, I'm off now. Thanking God for this beautiful yet chilly Adirondack morning, and praying I will STOP CRYING!!!!

Monday, August 13, 2007

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:02:32 GMT

So yeah....in my last post I mentioned the fact that I got a plane ticket. I then found out that, stupid me, it's only to Connecticut. I was almost in tears when I found out, but then I got cheered up by my wonderful friends, and the craziness they put into decorating my room for my birthday. Talk about a mood swing....

So, I am now officially an adult. Well, legally anyway. It's really cool to be able to tell people I'm 18. I went into town yesterday by myself (and my friend) just because I could. (Here at WOL STC, if you're under 18, you need a supervisor to take you into town) I'll make the most of that the rest of this week. But yes...I'm 18!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so thankful of all God is doing in my life, and I have a feeling He's going to do some amazing things in this next year.

Anyway, thanks to all who made my birthday special, and I can't wait to see all my family this weekend!!!

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:04:02 GMT

Just a quick note so it doesn't become so long before I update again! I got a plane ticket - I'm coming HOME!! Banquet was good. Summer's almost over...I can't believe it!

And now I have to go to lunch. Love ya!

I'M ALIVE!!

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:49:38 GMT

Finally a chance to update, but not much time! Wow - I can't believe that my last post was over 2 months ago! It sure doesn't seem that long! I've been having a great time. I love my job in the bookstore, especially days like today when it's 95 and the bookstore is one of the few buildings on property with air conditioning!! But really, I get a lot of time to interact with the guests, plus familiarize myself with hundreds of great books.

STC banquet is coming up next week...then my 18th birthday (I wonder how it will feel to legally be an adult??), then Britta's graduation...then if everything works out ok, HOME!!! Hopefully I'll be able to get a lot done in the few weeks I will be there. And then back here to NY for the Bible Institute, which I am pretty excited about.

It's beautiful up here. Sitting on the front lawn you get a gorgeous view of the lake, island and mountains. It just doesn't come out nearly as pretty on film though. Sunday night my friend and I were sitting on the beach and got to watch the most amazing sunset...and then the stars came out into the clear dark blue sky. It was magnificent!! God's artwork is the bestest ever!

I've also gotten into a better schedule, more disciplined, with my devotions, prayer life, and Bible reading. Hopefully I will be able to stick to these good 'habits!'

Well my time's up, so goodbye for now. Miss all of you Kansas people, and looking forward to seeing you again! Hugs and kisses to my family far far away! Love, Courtney

Friday, May 25, 2007

Fri, 25 May 2007 02:15:03 GMT

Things are going great for me. I went to the eye doctor today. Found out that I don't have to wear glasses all the time (which I was really dreading!), only for reading. So I got a pair that's really different from what I would normally get. In short - I'm NOT going blind!

Two weeks until I leave for good ol' WOL!!! I'm so excited. So many good things happening before then, though...last days at my jobs (which, yes, is more good than sad, but still slightly bittersweet!), graduation party, birthday party (which by the way will be approximately 2 months and one week early), and maybe even a bake sale, if I get parental support. I've always wanted to have a bake sale....am I weird?

Then will come the afternoon when I leave. I will cry until I have no tears left in my tearducts, then I will cry some more. Then, once I think it'll be okay, I'll cry again. Then I'll be fine. Then, when I'm driving down the interstate, in our minivan with a trailer hooked to it, at 2 a.m. in the morning, listening to "Dead Man" or "We Live," I'll start crying again. I'll cry for the good times. I'll cry for the mistakes I've made. I'll cry because I'm leaving the only people that have ever truly loved me my entire life. I'll cry because I'll just be able to hear my little sister belting out "CARRY ME!!!" and "We live, we love, now we're gonna give up." I'll cry because I didn't hug my other little sister long enough. I'll cry because my brother and dad will be with me, and I know I'll still have to say goodbye to them. I'll cry because my mom will be nearly 2,000 miles away from me when I know I'll need her more than ever. But then, as I taste my salty teardrops, I'll smile, because so many good things are to come in my life, and I'm not actually saying goodbye, I'm just saying "See you later!" But still, my eyes will sting worse than ever, and my head will be pounding from all the tears it's trying to produce. How can one simple person experience so many emotions? Yet what kind of people would we be if we didn't have these emotions? Boring, that's what. It's amazing how God so lovingly created us.

Anyway, forget that part about crying two weeks from now, I've just started. And I probably won't stop for a long time.