A Prayer for Today

Shelly Moore Band, "Scratch"

I’m just a scratch on this line
Such a vapor of time
How can I think it's all mine
Or just for me 
A fleeting thing

My soul cannot rest here 
There is always something more 
That I'm striving for 
Round and round again in this so called circle of life
But it's never the same
So is it a circle or a line

Father, help me wait for my full reward
Remind my soul that it's not here
Father, help me wait for my full reward
Remind my soul that it's not here

So what should be my delight?
They tell me to buy to satisfy what I need
They've got me feeling alone, like this world is my home
When the most costly has been given for free 

There will come a day
When you will say well done
There will come a day
When you will say well done good and faithful one

And, check out Shelly's new CD, Unraveling.  

Prayer and the Heartbeat of God

"Prayer brings our heartbeat in tune with God’s own. In prayer, we come to God in worship. During times of praise and adoration, we are keenly aware of who He is, what He has done, and what His Word teaches us. This love for God leads us to contemplate His perfection and holiness." 

- Michael Sills, The Missionary Call (2008)

Something to Think About

"Many Christians are aware of the billions who have never heard the gospel and those among them who die without Christ every day. This concern is a constant burden in their lives. Like a stone in their shoe, it is ever on their minds no matter where they go or what they do. Their hearts reverberate with the cries of those who are being born into, live in, and die in darkness. They are concerned for the young girls whose parents sell them into sexual slavery to provide for the family. They are concerned for the millions of street children and their hopeless existence. Most of all, they are concerned for the glory of God. Their concern makes them wonder how they can live a holy life in faithfulness to God’s commands if they do not live in reckless abandon and radical fulfillment of the Great Commandments and the Great Commission." 

-Michael Sills, The Missionary Call (2008)

Hallelujah

When I was on vacation in Florida, one of my favorite things to do was stake out the perfect sunset-watching spot on the beach gazebo.  I'd show up at 2:00 or 2:30 with a cup of my favorite tea and a book so that I could enjoy the afternoon while waiting for the sun to sink down on the horizon.  What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon!  This particular photo looks like my mental image of the day Jesus will return for us - except, instead of the sun's rays of light, Jesus will be the one radiating in glory.  Do you see it, too?  I thought you might :) 

Holy Holy Holy

is the Lord our God

Mighty King of Glory,

You have rescued us

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You are the God of our salvation

You have conquered

You have risen

You are the God of our salvation

-Phil Wickham, God of our Salvation

In the Garden

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

"In the Garden" by C. Austin Miles, 1912

These are a few pictures that I took at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens,
 one of my favorite spots in the Triangle. 

Autumn

Crisp leaves in amber hues, hot apple cider, crackling fires, golden sunsets, cozy blankets, fuzzy sweaters and warm scarves... I love autumn.  Here are some pictures I've snapped in the last few days - beautiful, right?

Nature's first green is gold, 

Her hardest hue to hold. 

Her early leaf's a flower; 

But only so an hour. 

Then leaf subsides to leaf. 

So Eden sank to grief, 

So dawn goes down to day. 

Nothing gold can stay. 

Robert Frost, Nothing Gold Can Stay, 1923

I. Love. This.

Hey, stop reading and go watch this:  The Duke Football Story

Sacred Moments

“Those who excel at the art of sacred living know how to savor the romance of life, the beautiful joy and simplicity of knowing Him, and walking in His presence.  It doesn’t happen by adopting a self-focused, pleasure-seeking attitude, but by learning how to cherish and value the opportunities that God gives us each day.  Daily life is bursting with opportunities to enjoy his amazing creation; opportunities to cultivate relationships with family and friends; opportunities to build God’s kingdom; opportunities to create, to sing, to dance, to worship, to serve, to laugh, and to learn.  Are we letting those sacred moments pass us by?  If so, it’s time to return to the peaceful, still waters and green pastures of daily intimacy with our King.  No other lifestyle compares to one lived in His presence!” 

– Leslie Ludy, “The Art of Sacred Living,” setapartgirl Magazine, Sept/Oct 2012, p. 78

[A note about the picture:  I copied this picture from p. 79 of  setapartgirl Magazine, the Sept/Oct 2012 edition, and attribute all photo rights and credit to the magazine.]

My Happy Place

I'm so thankful that God gives me moments like these when I can feel His presence all around.  

As the warm beams from the morning sun danced on the tranquil sea, I knew that He was providing me with a moment of peace in his company where I could rest and talk with my Savior.  

The beach - especially at sunrise - is my happy place.  The quiet of the morning is interrupted only by the pitter patter of sand pipers scurrying along the shoreline as brilliant shades of pink, red, and orange paint across the sleepy sky.  Buried shells and sea glass sparkle like gems in the soft sand, and the salty ocean breeze awakens the day to life with its sweet fragrance. What better place to commune with the Most High? 

Buying a House in Crazy Town

This morning as I was driving to work, I took a few minutes to reflect on the last few weeks.  Life has been insanely busy now that the students are back on campus and our office is gearing up for an eventful fall.  There are some days when I am pretty sure I just don't sit still... which on one hand is really nice, but on the other hand can result in one tired Morgan by the end of the day.  It feels as if I've bought a house in Crazy Town and moved in with no plans to leave anytime soon...

So, I challenged myself with two questions: 1) when life gets tough, what are you running to for solace or rest, and 2) when you need to recharge, what do you fill up with?  Tough questions for sure!  It's easy to get swept up in the business of balancing spinning plates, but how does that business affect my spiritual life?  Am I growing closer to God in the midst of the chaos or farther away from Him, distracting me from abiding with my Savior?  Am I running to God for rest or am I relying on something else to sooth my soul after a long day's work?  These are big questions and it's important to take a step back and talk to myself... rather than listen to myself.  So, I challenge you to do the same.  When things start spinning out of control, ask yourself on what or whom you rely for strength, comfort, rest, and peace - if it's not God, then there's a problem. 

Holden Beach

This weekend I had the privilege of celebrating my sorority sister's upcoming nuptials by spending a lovely weekend at Holden Beach.  I love any chance I get to travel to the beach - I'm a true beach girl at heart - and there were a couple of particularly wonderful moments when I was able to experience the beauty of the coast... here are two of my favorites:

On Saturday, my friend and I woke up at 6 am to watch the sun rise over the ocean.  I've always loved the peaceful beauty of sunrise at the beach:  soft waves lapping on the shore, swaying sea grass, lazy clouds, sleepy sand pipers, and a spectacular display of pinks, reds, and oranges that paint across the morning sky as the sun awakens from her slumber.  Take a look at the pictures below - pretty beautiful, huh?

On Sunday morning I woke up at 7 am to a thunderstorm rolling in from the west.  I jumped out of bed, brewed  a cup of coffee, and headed for the deck overlooking the saltwater marsh of the Intercoastal Waterway.  I love, love, love thunderstorms at the beach.  Protected by the porch, I watched the heavy clouds roll past with their booms of thunder and strikes of lightening.  Grays and greens mixed with the sounds of a summer storm - beauty beyond words.  I sipped my hot coffee as a flock of egrets took flight, moving to a safer ground from which they could ride out the storm.  As other birds and creatures hunkered down, I marveled at the beauty of the scene as the rain drops began to fall all around me.

Join Me in Supporting Ovarian Cancer Research!

Dear Friends,

I recently signed up to participate in the Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk & 5K Run. My sorority sister, Kimberly, and I created Team HOOT (Hating On Ovarian Cancer Together) to celebrate our Moms who are both Ovarian Cancer survivors.  You can register for the 5K as a part of Team HOOT or make a tax deductible donation online that will support my personal fundraising efforts.    


As you know, my Mom was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in November 2011.  By the grace of God, the doctors quickly detected her aggressive tumors and proceeded with surgery and chemotherapy.  My Mom is my hero because she fought her battle with courage, perseverance, and hope, and I am so happy to say that she is on the road to recovery today!  I’ve never been much of a runner, but this 5K gives me the chance to demonstrate my love and support for my Mom while raising money and awareness for a disease that so often goes unnoticed.  Will you join me in celebrating my Mom and other brave women? 

Race Details:
Saturday September 8, 2012
7:00 am – registration opens
8:00 am – run starts 
Sanderson High School 
5500 Dixon Drive
Raleigh, North Carolina

Thanks so much for your support!  It’s meant the world to me over the last few months.  

Sincerely,
Morgan 

Key Lime Pie: A Review

Good morning friends! It's Friday!!

Since this happy day is upon us, I thought I'd share a song with you that I'm pretty sure should be titled "Ode to Morgan" rather than "Key Lime Pie," although that is probably the second best title Kenny Chesney could have chosen.  Now, for those of you who don't know, I am a self-proclaimed key lime pie connoisseur.  Really.  I've tried the best of the best from all over the Caribbean and I can tell you that the winner issssss (insert drum roll).... "Key Lime Mouse" from a little restaurant on Grand Cayman called the Crow's Nest.  This delicious desesrt is proudly proclaimed by the maitre d' to be the absolute best - he's right - but his Caribbean accent makes mousse sound like mouse, and that's funny to me.  The Crow's Nest is a little hideaway outside of Georgetown (downtown) where you are served your lobster tail and coconut water (from the tree in the yard) on the back porch of a little Caribbean shack that sits right along the edge of the bay.  That is my happy place... with the moon shining down, the stars twinkling above, azure waves lapping the sand... Paradise. Perfection. And Key Lime Mouse.

So, now that you know where you're taking your next vacation, I can tell you why this tune should be called "Ode to Morgan."  In this song, Kenny (we're on a first name basis, didn't you know?) talks about big straw hats, the ocean breeze, a tire swing, coconuts, palm trees, yellow birds, bathing suits and t-shirts, full moons shining down on blue lagoons, big white sail boats, red sunsets, lobster tail....  and don't forget my, my, my - my key lime pie!  My favorite things all in one song!  I'm a beach girl at heart :)

So, kick your feet up on your desk, put on your sunglasses, lean back in your office chair, and enjoy this song that will surely transport you straight to the beaches of the Caymans.

Sunset in the Cayman Islands

Allyson and me with Guy Harvey in his studio in Georgetown. Just thought I'd post that one for fun!

Update:  I've found out via The Google that the Crown's Nest was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and the owners chose not to rebuild it...I'm SO SAD! 

A Lesson on Potting Soil

In Jesus's parable of the sower, we read about a farmer who desires to produce a great harvest by sowing many seeds across his land (Luke 8:1-15).  Unfortunately, we see that many of the seeds fall in places where the terrain is unfit for the seed to take root and flourish.  Some are scorched by the sun, others snatched up by birds or trampled by passersby, and still others are choked out by weeds (vs. 5-7).  It is the seeds that fall on the “good soil” that take root and are able to grow into a bountiful harvest.  Jesus reveals to us that “the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop” (Luke 8:15).  Therefore, the all-important question is:  which soil are you planted in?  

“…true spiritual fruit comes from getting swept up in intimate, loving encounters with Jesus Christ.  His love is the soil in which all the fruits of the Spirit grow.  When our roots abide there, then joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control grow naturally in our hearts.”

I love this quote from page 13 of Pastor JD Greear’s book Gospel:  Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary – and I’m not just saying that because he’s my pastor at The Summit Church.  JD is a Spirit-filled teacher of the Word and I am so thankful for his leadership of our church and in our community.  In this quote, Pastor JD reminds us that we need to prayerfully examine the soil in which we find ourselves digging roots.  Think practically about this example.  If you plant yourself in the soil of bitterness, aren’t you going to bear bitter fruit?  Our roots will dig down in the bitter soil and draw up poison that will suck the life out of the plant.  It’s clear that any fruit produced will be poisoned – completely worthless and harmful for others.  Only by abiding in the love of Christ are we planted in His “good soil” full of beneficial nutrients, and from this soil we are enabled to bear the fruits of the Spirit as well as eternal fruit for God’s Kingdom!

As it is written in 1 Peter, “you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God… Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind” (1:23 and 2:1).  Examine your life.  Are you producing fruit that is not of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)?  

Is your life full of such things as malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander?  If so, you may be in one of two situations:

1) You may not be planted in the “good soil” of salvation freely given to us by the saving blood of Jesus Christ.  Whatever the case and circumstance might be for you, know that God desires that you would plant yourself in the life-giving soil of the gospel, which is the good news that Jesus Christ paid our sin-debt living the perfect life we could not live and dying the gruesome death we deserved to die.  Trust in His saving grace alone to be your nourishment and sustenance. (See Ephesians 2:1-10)

2) You may find yourself planted in the good soil but you are filling your life with sinful things that poison any fruit produced.  When we let our garden get over grown with sin, it is impossible to bear Spirit-filled fruit that comes naturally when we are abiding in Christ.  Prayerfully consider the root of your “bad fruit” and confess that sin to God.  Remember that there is nothing – no good works, no self-help books, no “to do” lists – that we can do to fix our own sin problem.  It is through Christ's work on the cross that God provided a way for us to abide with him in love and peace.  Trying to be more disciplined, watch less TV, listen to better music, gossip less, or plaster on a fake smile will only cause our hearts to run farther away from God and deeper into self-reliance.  We must abide in the love of Christ, resting in the knowledge that he has accomplished everything necessary for our salvation and there is nothing we can add to “tetelestai” - it is finished!

I am praying that you would find yourself planted in the only soil that gives abundant life, and that as you dig your roots deeper and deeper into the gospel of Jesus Christ, He would fill you with an inexpressible joy (1 Peter 1:8) and desire to know Him more.

Pray for India

Will you join me in praying for India today?

Video from Operation World India Prayercast

Make sure you check out my friends at Global Hope India as they engage the church around the world in order to empower the church in India for the advancement of the Gospel through church planting, village development, and child rescue.