Beanhead!!: 2005-10-30

Check out what comes out of Monroe, Michigan!

excerpt from "Then Sings my Soul-150 of the World's Greatist Hymn Stories"

"But now; O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand" Isaiah 64:8
Someone once said, "Only in the Christian life does surrender bring victory." Judson Wheeler Van De Venter learned that for himself.

Born on a farm in Monroe County, Michigan in 1855, Judson grew up interested in art and music. He was converted to Christ at age 17. After graduating from college in Hillsdale, Michigan, Judson became an art teacher and then supervisor of art for the high school in Sharon, Pennsylvania. In 1885, he toured Europe, visiting art galleries and museums and studying painting. He was also a musician, having studied in numerous singing schools.

All the while, Judson was heavily involved in his local Methodist Episcopal Church where he sang in the choir. He found himself especially fulfilled when participating in evangelistic rallies and revivals in which people recieved Christ as their personal Savior. Friends encouraged him to resign from the school system to enter fulltime music evangelism, but for five years he struggled with the decision.

Finally falling to his knees, he said, "Lord, if you want me to give my full time to Thy work, I'll do it, I surrender all to Thee." For the next several years he traveled extensively through the United States, England, and Scotland, assisting in evangelistic work, leading the singing for Wilber Chapman and other evangelists, and winning men and women to Christ.

While engaged in meetings in East Palestine, Ohio, Judson stayed in the home of George Sebring (whose family founded Sebring, OH, and who himself later founded Sebring, Florida). It was there that he wrote the hymn," I Surrender All ," while recalling his own personal submitting to full-time ministry.

Moving to Tampa in 1923, he began teaching hymnology at Florida Bible Institute. He retired after several years, but still occasionally showed up on campus to lecture or to speak in chapel.

In the 1930s, a student at Florida Bible Institute sat wide-eyed, listening to Judson Van DeVenter. That student, Billy Graham, later wrote," One of the evangelists who influenced my early preaching was also a hymnist who wrote 'I Surrender All,' the Rev. J. W. Van DeVenter. He was a regular visitor at the Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity Bible College) in the late 1930s. We students loved this kind, deeply spiritual gentleman and often gathered in his winter home at Tampa, Florida, for an evening of fellowship and singing."

side note: if he wrote the hymn long after surrendering, it only follows that God's will to have him leave the school and be devoted full-time was more fulfilling than he could have hoped- so much so that he burst into song about surrendering Everything Else to God, as his first major risk was a huge success!

=)

Quick apology

Reading over my blog, I've noticed I am very long-winded. For those who don't like to read, I'm sorry! It's just a reflection of the fact that I like to talk, too.
Go To #4
Go To #2
2 examples of another with my, er, problem (talking too much)

To read or not to read

I am so happy!! I have wanted to read this book: "The Mists of Avalon" for Ages, but really struggled w/ whether or not I should. I spent about 1 year reading, thinking, talking, etc everything available, and neglecting my Bible (really- for waay too long!) and other books that would aid my spiritual journey. This book is a perfect example of a storyline that would capture my heart, which can be good, and make me wander, which isn't good at all.
However, after reading more about it on the above website (like the religion and belief bit) I feel peace. YAY, I've missed my fantasy! I was about to read the LOTRs and Harry Potters again =)

10 days and counting...

It is official- the ticket is bought. I'm heading west with the environmental ed/travel company previously mentioned. Funny how quickly making good friends and finding the fellowship I desired makes it hard to leave. Nevertheless, it is what I love. to. do.
- The Best part of this job?
Close interaction with college students from all parts of the globe and all different backgrounds. We come together with the same goal, and it's the exact unifing experience Andrew talked about at Alter. That 'something beyond ourselves' brings us together.
yeah, i'm ready

Last Halloween Post

My mom created loads of tombstones for our driveway years ago, using my friend's names. Here's a favorite, though no "fred" really exists.

the kitty post point

I am not a big fan of the world's growing population. So much so, actually, that I'm coo' with bearing just 2 chil'ins and adopting others if more than 2 is necessary. That way I'll really just be replacing my spouse and I. Anyway, God's will be done... My mom and I were driving, watching as more of the fields and trees were plowed for subdivisions. She exclaimes suddenly : "Jana, The Place Where Our Cat Was Lost Is Gone!"
this was funny to me, as I was traumatized by the events there...
1 year ago I was convinced that I was the cause of kitty's demise-letting her escape behind Temp. Animal Hospital while she was on daily steroids/meds., and had a gaping infection on her ear... w/ winter coming. I panicked. yes, she was found and all is well. including kitty-no more meds!

my kitty

That is my cat. Her name is Casco (town in Maine- fond memories of maine coon cats). Anyways, she is a lover, but she is very very psycho. calico all the way. BTW, I am allergic- so that cute little paw in the second picture is actually a claw giving me hives. i love pets =)

Breaking Free

New Series on this blog: amazing excerpts... check it out

Long ago, maybe 4 years, a group of AmAzInG girls invited me into their small group, as the one I was in was getting pretty large and impersonal. I accepted. it's a darn good thing, too!
The Study? Breaking Free by Beth Moore

Excerpt #1 (it's long- Well worth the read!!!)
Read Matthew 14: 25-32
"The point is not that we have nothing to fear and that cowardice is simply an unreasonable state of mind. His presence is the basis for courage in our storms. Christ did not say, 'Take courage! I am calming the storm. Don't be afraid.'
"Instead, with the winds still raging, He said, 'Take courage, It is I. Don't be afraid.'
"He does not always immediately calm the storm, but He is always willing to calm His child on the basis of His presence.
(Check This Part Out!)
"Don't worry! I'm right here! I know the winds are raging and the waves are high, but I am God over both! If I let them continue to swell, it's because I want you to see Me walk on the water."

whoe.

Lyrics- muy bonita

Free in you: Indigo Girls

'Cause I'm Free in You
Got no worries on my mind
I know what to do

That's to treat you right
& Love you kind
Thank you ever on my mind

Love is just like breathing when it's true

Free in you

And I don't know how you show such gentle disregard for the ugly in me that I see that for so long I took so hard
but I truly believe that you see the best in me
I'm enough for your love and your love sets me Free

random photo of me on swing. no good explanation

peanut butter jelly- online entertainment

HEY! Buffs- you guys remember this? Especially the ones that were faithful to "Ed"?
It's more fun than the Halloween game below, and less work!
http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/banana.php

ROCK ON, http://homestarrunner.com/ is still around.

Go, and be entertained

music farewell

One of my all time favorite bands is ending their 8 year reign. Newcomers Home is an amazing band out of Boulder CO, and some of my best concerts EVER. As they said on their website, their music will always live on...

Life Verse

I feel called to hands on work- whether it's volunteering or missions, it's in my blood. A favorite verse of mine:

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it"
Hebrews 13:2

Andrew did an Awesome job at Alter last night, talking about Giving of oneself. We grow more when we Give more. TOO much to add and expound on, but sososo good. Check out THIS verse:

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."
James 2: 14-19

What scares me is my hypocritical nature. "i will show you my faith by what I do." that is so bold. May the Lord bless his children with strength to carry that one out!

Game

You Must Play! fun fun fun -it's Halloween Hangman.
http://dedge.com/flash/hangman/

journal

Daily journaling: since this blog has more random stuff than it does everyday life thusfar.
Today: slept in until 10:30am. yes, it is Monday. I am ashamed.
But- some alter friends came over last night and we entertained ourselves with Mafia. Didn't sleep until 3:30am. Happy Halloween
Yesterday: YAY- Kid's Street Orientation. I may really get to be a large group preschool leader! rock on! then Alter. Then friends.
Saturday: Home at 6 am after driving all day and night (from Mississippi). too boring a day to narrate. Did see my grandparents, though. and OHIO STATE won. good day

And this, people, is why I chose randomness for posts.
-For Photos of Katrina stuff (not allll devestating- we had fun, too) Email me!