Holly’s Blog

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”  - 1 John 1:8.  

A few weeks ago I was driving to work and contemplating my life… physically, with a birthday just occuring and my new job and all, and spiritually… where was I? All in all I was in my own little world having what I thought was a pretty decent conversation with myself… I was agreeing with myself that all was well and would be well. All in all I was pretty much minding my own business at 5:35 AM. Till God spoke. Da Da Dum…. He spoke the verse I quoted above, and it was so clear and cutting. He was saying to me if I thought all was well, well…. in fact, all was gravely wrong. I saw so clearly how my life’s focus was not on Him. When God said that verse He said it differently than I had been reading it all this time. He said, “… the Truth is not in you.” With a capital ‘T’. Christ Himself. I’m missing HIM in the midst of ME.

 I don’t have some great profound answer or ten easy steps to solve the problem, but I can tell you that I have been seeking God and true repentenece in these last few weeks… I feel like such an absolute dolt… I’ve been a ‘christian’ nearly my entire life… I am so ashamed that I am still stuck on the elementary principles of Christianity?! How Christ-like am I really? But, then there is verse 9: “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.” The fact is: I am wherever it is that I am; denial is not my friend any longer.Hoping and wishing and believing a lie isn’t going to get me anywhere. I can’t just ‘get by’ any longer!!! There is no just “getting by” in christianity! I need a total life-altering shift of more of Him and less of me.

I’ve been content to be deceived and deluded about the true state of things for too long: 

Deceive:

1. To cause to believe what is not true; mislead.
2. To catch by guile; ensnare.

Delude:

1. To deceive the mind or judgment of

“Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods, and worship them” -Deu 11:16

“A deceived heart has turned him aside, so he cannot delever his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?” -Isa 44:20

“The pride of your heart has deceived you.” Oba 1:3

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, idolators, adulterers, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, etc, will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you; but you are washed, you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”  1 Cor 6:9-11

“Be not deceived, evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Cor 15:33

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gal 6:7

“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving diverse lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after taht the kindness and love of our God and Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Titus 3:3-5

In response to many pleas, several of which have turned to threats as of late… I’m finally updating my page. In the last three months a lot has transpired. I’ve gotten settled into my new place, grown some of my own veggies, went through some major crises at work, got my first christmas tree, joined a health club, and changed jobs!!! Here are some more recent pictures of my place, decorated now…

Ok, so I didn’t MEAN to lie when I said I would post soon. Soon is a relative term isn’t it? So… pictures!!!

So, here’s my place

Yes… lot’s of wood… everywhere!!! These are pictures when I first moved in… undecorated pictures… I’ll have to take some more recent ones later on.

Here’s Dave at one of Live Oaks’ home games he was playing at.

Here’s Dazzle and Kate posing. I think Kate’s wondering if that shiny silver thing I’m waving around tastes as good as the apples did.

I thought this one was really cute… Jordan thought it was particularly “disgusting”. Yes, I’m not kidding… that is a direct quote.

Here’s the little fall garden I planted… it’s much bigger now… and doing spectacular!

And some flowers I planted… I was feeling very fall-ish that day… nothing like some mums!

The “view” from my porch

Some pictures from the ladies retreat

I was a “top-bunker”

Hannah and Kayla hanging out

Kayla’s mobile now!!!

The latest and greatest thing I’ve been up to is pumpkin carving!!!

This is “Wally” the first one Hannah and I made

We also did a horse head. Very nice!

Just us girls hanging out tonight!!!

I will be posting soon. I promise. #1 on my needs list right now: digital camera. I borrowed mom’s so I’ll take some pics and be able to fill everyone in on my recent going-ons!

What’s not?!

1. Moved.

2. Getting ready for the Cruise!

3. Thank you notes all around to all the movers and cleaners!!!

4. Cleaning, unpacking, and de-junking. (I was talking to Wes last night and marveling how I, at 23, could already have SO much junk!) (hey if anyone has any winter clothes they would like to bring to the consignment store just let me know… Mom and I have a great big’ol load. I’m going to give them a call tomorrow.

5. My car needs overhauling! Bought supplies at Wal-Mart tonight, Dad’s going to work on it for me tomorrow.

6. Peace is up. (I never do handle change well, as anyone who’s been round me in the midst of any big life changes. I just have the limbo of the change process… I am aways just ready for the change to be over with and no longer be change, but the established way :D. Even just this move stressed me out… and I didn’t even do most of the moving!?! Retarded isn’t it?

7. Thankfulness. To God for where I’ve been, where I am, and most of all where I’m headed. I am SO grateful for the people He has placed in my life along the way. Thanks guys!

8. A special shout out to Danny and Michelle Jackson, Amber! (who I forced to stay up until 11 the other night), Bekah and Penny, and Bobby, BJ, Danny Allen, and Bryan. As well as to the Chandlers. To my Dad, who’s been storing some of my stuff for a while now. Most of all my mom who helped me out even though she was sick! Mom… you’ve put up with SO much from me over the years! (Don’t think I’m letting you off the hook so easily now!) I’m so very grateful to all of you for your help!

9. Love you all!!!

10. I’m going to bed now!

11. Okay… but how could I forget Deanna! Definitely a big thanks for entrusting me with her place, her things, her dog,l and most of all her people! Love Ya girl! Got your message tonight when I got off of work. I also found out yesterday that it was Mrs. Rita’s birthday. It’ll be marked for next year now!

12. Aren’t ya’ll just THRILLED I finally posted something?!

Prior to surgery my vision prescription was -3.5 in my right eye and -4.75 in my left eye

Now I’m seeing about 20/25 with about a -0.75 correction still lacking in both eyes. Still slowly improving though.

Ever heard of this? Wow! DOn’t be deceived by simple appearances and a cheap price! Talk about a great way to tear up your muscle! Ouch! I used Wes’ Sunday night, I’m STILL feeling it a bit. Sad isn’t it? Well… that just means I’ll have to get myself one today.

I just love good friends you can call up at 11pm and others you can just “pop in” on at 11:11. And not only do they let you in, but they don’t kick you out till after 2am. You can have some good fellowship in those 3 odd hours. God is really doing a lot in the hearts of the members of the Church. I, for one, intend on “enduring till the end” and continuing to press into what God is at work doing in my own life. Keep on pressin on!

Yeah, so Lasik’s still in progress… My eyes STILL aren’t 20/20. Especially at night when I’m driving! I go back for another check up in two weeks. Will they be better by then?!?!? The saga continues.

See that eye chart picture below? My visions a bit better than that, but still very blurry past a certain point. Before surgery, however, I couldn’t even read the “big E” scary isn’t it!?

I was going to post some pictures of LASIK being performed, however, they made even me a bit squimish, so never mind. Jordi, I have You to thank for the suggestion that I should go check out the pictures of LASIK. I think I will take them up on that pre-procedure valium.