Corinthians.

First Corinthians
Key theme: God’s wisdom

Oh how in my reading of different commentaries (mainly Wiersbe), Corinth can remind me of the church today. Corinth, a proud, philosophical city, with many teachers promoting their speculations and thoughts — and the church, using the same philosophical approach and applying it to the gospel — fostering division. The congregation was made up of different ‘schools of thought’ instead of behind the gospel message. How familiar does that sound??!

Romans 1:18-32 was written by Paul while in the city of Corinth, according to Wiersbe. It talks about many of the sins the people of Corinth have fallen victim to, how these things can take control over every part of our life and creep in without our knowing. The people of Corinth, who many time like I do, were adopting the lifestyle of the world, they were depending on human wisdom.

Paul opens his letter to the Corinthians by reminding the Corinthians (and us, today) of their calling in Christ.

One thing that truly spoke to me was the greeting, verses 1-3. Paul reminds Christians that we are set apart by God. (we are called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours (oh how that verse also stirs my heart for the nations).

While reading Wiersbe’s bible commentary he made the point (which was very relevant to myself) that when a man and woman pledge their love to each other in marriage, they are set apart for each other, and any other relationship outside of marriage is sinful. Just so, the Christian belongs completely to Jesus Christ. He is set apart for him and hem alone, but he is also a part of a worldwide fellowship, the church.

A defiled and unfaithful believer not only sins against the Lord, but also against his fellow Christians.

So, what does this look like for me in my life? Right now, getting back in the world. Reading it, daily. Meditating on it. Cherishing it, praying it, living it. Speaking to Father, letting go of my control. Modeling the friend, the wife, the daughter I want to be after Christ… and not the wisdom of the world… because as we learn from the Corinthians… basing our faith, our decisions, etc. on the wisdom of the world will truly bring destruction.

<3

World Cup Madness

I will begin this post speaking of less important things, such as the World Cup and then will move on to updates and then what Christ is teaching me… Just so you know <3

First world cup: I’m very proud of Germany and also America… it’s also fun to see how a group of people who were once together for the world cup are celebrating apart. Please enjoy the following collection of photos:

Celebrations in Oregon cannot be matched

Celebrations by true German fans take place in Garland, Texas

Lonely celebrations in San Angelo, but fun nonetheless. <3

And last but not least celebrations abroad are more than exciting

That’s all I have for now, I’m sure more will start to appear!

—

Well Seth and I are moving to a new apartment. We will live in Carr Hall, the very first and only dorm I lived in when I first started at Angelo State. We will have the apartment and are given the opportunity and blessing to save money by doing so and Seth has a job in the whole deal. It’s much smaller, but we are very excited to move. As Seth always says, “Thank you for going on this adventure with me.”

We have both graduated. (yaay) Seth is getting his masters and I, in the mean time, will substitute while (hopefully) applying for teaching jobs. I am also contemplating getting a masters. I am also currently working with preschool aged children @ Paul Ann Baptist Church.

That’s a quick summary of everything. Father is teaching us so many things – what it looks like to deny self is a huge lesson. I think I can only speak for myself personally but he is truly teaching me humbleness, and teaching me to let go of the want and longing to have control over everything. And if you’re willing to join… I plan to begin using this blog to maybe take you on a journey through Corinthians with me – maybe we can learn a few things together.

Love you all,

Lara (and Seth)

Wedding Weekends

We spent the past two weekends in Dallas, going to weddings, catching up with people. It was enjoyable… but the time went by so fast. (Welcome to life, right?)

We were really impressed by the simplicity of Leah’s wedding this past weekend and enjoyed it so much. (And yes, I’ll admit it (Lara will…)… I cried).

The past weekend of weddings made us (of course) more excited about ours, giving us ideas and helping us realize… when all is said and done it’s about the relationships and spending time with family and friends that it’s about – not the details.

Falling on my knees in worship…

Father is good.

Those are the words that come to my mind when I (Lara) think back to everything that has led to now, and everything that is and is to come. Not just about me and seth and our life and goals and happiness, but every single person he has placed in our lives. I recently just moved in with my friend Casey, and I know without any doubt that I am where I’m where I am because of father’s promises. … im not sure if that is an understandable sentence.

Anyway Wedding Stuff:

I guess one thing that is learnable is that every single thing you do or decision you make will be criticized; not just in wedding planning, but in life. Everyone will always  think you’re doing something stupid or wrong, someone will always disagree with you — so; that’s life.  It’s how you deal with it that builds character.

-Lara

The Journey Begins…

Granted there are eleven months until we get married; there is still quite a bit of planning to do. Seth and I (Lara) are both very excited about having a wedding; but more so about the idea of marriage… (is that too cliche to say?). So yes, we’re excited, yes we’re taking things slow– but responsibly. I look forward to updating everyone on the wedding and plans, but also hope to involve each one of you actively in our life now and after we are married.

~Lara jo