Did I mention I was in a musical this spring?

I was cast as the Sour Kangaroo in Seussical the Musical. Here are the leads in our dressing room one night. More pictures to come. So fun. If you are familiar with the musical, I know you are laughing that I was the Sour Kangaroo. Humpf!

Mayzie, Gertrude, Sour Kanga, Cat in the Hat, Mrs. Mayor, Horton.

FITP Team Ukraine. Pray for us. July 3-13.

Here we are.

Like the Spring rain watering the earth...

Well, Southern California is typically the place where the weather is predictable, especially from May to September. Sunny. Warm. Dry. I love living here. This week it started out in the low 100s. It was stinkin hot. I was driving home on Thursday after work and it started hailing and about 20 miles away a tornado touched down. Talk about freaky and unpredictable. I felt like I had been transported to the midwest for a few days. Even today, Saturday, I have jeans, long sleeves and a winter vest on. I am sitting drinking coffee this early morning and I'm cold. Here is a photo about 20 minutes after it started falling on Thursday afternoon.

Can I just say that I thought this was such a lovely gift from God. The summer will be long, hot, and dry. I felt like God was giving us a refreshment before the heat begins. It reminded me of one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Hosea 6:3 "So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord, His going forth is as certain as the dawn, and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth."

Let's be reminded of God's mercy in this weather. In our desert and dry times of life, press on to know Him. His presence, though it feels faint sometimes, is as certain as the dawn. Do we doubt the sun coming up? Never. Our father has promised that His presence will prove as certain as the dawn. Which makes sense, cuz He created it. =) The scripture is full of commands about pressing on, waiting. "Those who wait on the Lord, will renew their strength, and mount up with wings like eagles." "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." So let us press on.

My dear friends, Sandy and Andy Gaither, sang this song on Sunday. As I sat their I couldn't control the tears falling down my face. Read these words and press on:

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
when you don't understand
when you can't see His plan
when you can't trace His hand
Trust His Heart.

What is Beauty?

So my sister Hannah is amazing. She wrote this poem for me on my birthday and I thought I would share it with you all.




BEAUTY by Hannah Price

Beauty is within the purity of your heart
It is within the wisdom of your mind
Beauty is within the willingness of your spirit
It is within the gentleness of your actions.

Beauty is not relative to the culture.
It is not to be compared with others.
Beauty is not within external features.
It is not polished or contrived.

Beauty is seen in the glory radiating on Your face.
It is shown through your skillful singing.
Beauty is exemplified in your character.
It is your well-lived life in His grace.

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30

Hannah, thanks for your heartfelt words. They speak to all of the world. You are an inspiration to me always. I love you.

27 Birthdays

I have the greatest job in the entire world. and this year God has blessed me with a very special class. I get to teach one class of Freshman Bible. On my birthday I arrived at school and this class had secretly made shirts with my picture on them, planned a surprise party, gave me presents, and made me a beautiful cake. This class is so special to me, we laugh and pray and learn together and I adore every single one of them. Thank you Bible class for being the most wonderful class a teacher could ever ask for. I pray that God will build a passion in your heart for loving others as you have so faithfully loved me. Here are some photos of the day.

Charlie bit my finger - again !

This is the funniest thing I have seen in a long time. and cute too!

God gives. God takes. Blessed be His Name!

This really ministered to me today. Grab some kleenex and go to this site. www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/570/99-Balloons

Roommates Extraordinaire!

So I have been meaning to blog about these two amazing girls that God has sent me. They are so fun and in a time where I felt like a lot of my friends were not there anymore, God brought them into my life. So Colleen and Sarah, thank you for loving me through my flaws, making me laugh and helping me feel like I have a home with you every night. I love you both.

Also, I got a new computer and we were messing around with imovie the other night. We thought we would demonstrate 3 different emotions and then we decided to put funny music and sound effects to it. This is why we have so much fun!!!!!!! Yes, we know, total cheese, but amazing fun.

Feast Eternal

On Christmas Eve morning, my family and I drove up to our best friend's house in Cherry Valley. We were going to have a brunch. Conor and Koren were home from Ukraine, Curtis and Kathy, Kylie and Trent were there. The kids were going to put on a show for us. It was going to be fun. Well, Allyson had spent Thanksgiving in Ukraine with Koren and sent a video home with her. We started to watch it and then she walked out! She surprised us for Christmas. We were all speechless. Especially my father, he had tears in his eyes. I looked over at him when she walked in and it was almost like he breathed a sigh of relief. They're all here.

That next day on Christmas morning, my Dad said something that really stood out to me. He said: "You know this morning I was thinking about the Marriage supper of the Lamb" and we all listened. He said, "I wonder if the Lord will look out at His children and say: finally, you are all here. Welcome home."

Wow. What a day that will be, when the chosen children of God surround Him at the marriage supper. We will feast eternal together.

You are all here, welcome home.

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Basics

I have been so convicted to get back to the basics.

Live simply
Read the Bible
Pray
Tithe and give away
Love others

I overcomplicate so many things. Wanna join me?

8 times a bridesmaid, never a bride?

Well, I hate that old saying: 3 times a bridesmaid, never a bride. Its like saying, you are a good friend to people and you have good friends, so you are cursed. ha ha ha. Just kidding. But honestly. and for that matter, I caught two bouquets so far and thus began NOT believing in stupid superstitions from then on.

Anyways, just 2 weeks ago, one of my best friends in the entire world got married to a wonderful man. I had that honor of standing up for her in her wedding. This is now the 8th time I have been a bridesmaid. I love it!!!!! I am so blessed with so many dear friends. I suppose if I ever get married one day, my husband better have a lot of friends, because my side will ber overflowing with attendents. I do not say this to boast about anything, but to boast in the blessings of God. I was sitting in my dress at a time in the reception when the Groom and Bride dance thinking that God has been so good to me. I wouldn't have made it through college if it weren't for my girl Kim. Same goes for all the other weddings I have had the pleasure of being in. I love being there on their special day, I rejoice with them, cry and prepare with them. It is such a blast. Seeing God's provision in providing each one a man that really fits them. God is so omniscient. Just wanted to say so. He knows all to well what we need. Can't wait to see who will be next. I say, a billion times a bridemaid, the better bride you'll be.

"This is our God, we have waited for Him,
and together we will grow, in joy and strength and hope,
and together we will show what He's bestowed
so I will stand beside you
as we walk now, hand in hand
watching as His beauty shines through, living out His masterplan,
This is our God."

-part of the song I wrote for James and Kim's special union. I love you guys. I am so blessed.

In His Hands...

Good song on the Brooklyn Tabernacle CD, Be Glad.

You don't have to worry
and don't you be afraid
joy comes in the morning
troubles they don't last always
remember there's a friend named Jesus
Who will wipe your tears away
and if your heart is broken
just lift your hands and say:

I know that I can make it
I know that I can stand
no matter what comes my way
my life is in Your hands
with Jesus I can take it
with Him I know I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in His hands

When your tests and trials
they seem to get you down
and all your friends and loved ones
are nowhere to be found
remember there's a friend named Jesus
who will wipe your tears away
and if your heart is broken
just lift your hands and say:

I know that I can make it
I know that I can stand
no matter what may come my way
my life is in Your hands
with Jesus I can take it
with Him I know I can stand
no matter what may come my way
MY LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS

Is God Enough?

Think over Psalm 73 with me.

Have you ever had someone come up to you and say: "Oh my goodness, I'm engaged! Look at my ring, look at my HUGE ring! Oh my goodness, my fiance is amazing, he is everything to me. I am SO in love! Did you happen to see my ring?!"

and you though to yourself: "Her. Why her Lord? Lord, seriously I have tried to do everything you have told me. I have been faithful to honor You in my relationships. Stayed pure, and it hasn't paid off. Why God? Why haven't You given me what I seem to deserve? I have tried so hard! and now I am so disappointed."

I was listening to a sermon online by Joshua Harris the other day. These are the thoughts from that sermon.

The writer of the Psalm begins writing about all the things that others have, he begins by being envious of the world. He is focussing on all the "wonderful" things that people are getting. They are rich, they have no worry, they are fat(in a good way), and they mock people for following God. They seem to have everything that I don't. What is up with that?

Have you ever felt that way?

Then the Psalmist realizes his place before the Almighty God. He begins to switch his focus to the sanctuary of God, and cries out. "My strength and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." "The nearness of God is my good, I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Thy works."

I realized that I thought I deserved something from God, when I really didn't. He has given me Himself and that is enough for me. and it is not enough in a sense of 'just to get by.' But EVERYTHING I need.

Are we living like God is enough for us? or are we envious of the wicked? Do we realize that He is our portion? Or do we think we deserve more from this world?

"All of You, is more than enough for all of me, for every thirst and every need, You satisfy me, with Your love, and all I have in You, is more than enough."-chris tomlin

I can only think of the words to the old hymn:

Jesus, Jesus precious Jesus. How I've proved Him o'er and o'er. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus. Oh for Grace, to trust Him more!

God's provision

I have a wonderful friend. We met in Istanbul, Turkey and then later ended up living in the same apartment complex in Riverside, CA. We became friends and we travelled to New York City during Christmas time and took a road trip up the California coast. We had so much fun together. It was a blessing to have her in my life in the time that she was in CA. God had provided a wonderful single friend.
This past weekend I met her fiance! and once again I was reminded of God's provision. He was perfect for her. It is so incredible that Nicole waited and trusted in God and in His perfect timing, He brought her the best mate. Nicole is thirty years old and has led an amazing life. She committed to live overseas for 3 years, got her Master's degree, lived in California on faith, and moved back to Texas trusting God. That is where she met Jason. Read their story: noticenicole.blogspot.com
I think that Nicole's story is somewhat of a hopeful message for all of us out there. Not that a perfect man will come for all of us, that is not what I mean. I mean that God has everything under control. He has not forgotten us. He sees us, hears us, knows us, loves us and sancitfies us. He knows the best thing for us and His timing is perfect. Wait on Him. Do not settle for anything less. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Pastor Dad

Dads are special. They love us, and care for us. Even when we are 26. My Dad has become my friend, my confidant, and my counselor. You know it is different when you are living completely on your own, how your relationship with your parents change. Slowly but surely you recognize their impact on your life, and that they are pretty cool people.

My Dad happens to be my Pastor as well. You know it is funny when he is at the pulpit, I see him as my pastor. I hear his words like everybody else and grow under his teaching. When he leaves town, I miss hearing his sermons. Besides, I think he is one of the greatest Bible teachers in the world, and I am not exaggerating. God has given him a gift of grace. The ability to communicate the deep truths of the Word to every type of person.

One thing I really like about my pastor is the privelage I have to speak with him almost whenever I want. I know that my Dad instructs his secretary that calls from his children can come through at all times and we can visit him whenever we need. He listens, loves, rebukes, counsels, intructs. I am so blessed. He gives me the truth of the Word and helps me figure out issues in my life. I value him as one of my best friends. A privelage that not many have with their pastor.

Dad, thanks for being a great dad and pastor to me.

More importantly I need to remember that I have access to the throne of God's grace. At any moment. At any location. He commands us to pray without ceasing. He promises that we can draw near with confidence to His throne and find grace to help in time of need. He loves us and promises to make us into the image of His Son. His Son, who is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us! It is pretty stinkin awesome that we don't have to make an appointment to the creator of the universe. He sees His Son on us and says, come in! Sit on my lap, enjoy me while I love you. Wow. Thanks Dad, for showing me a little bit about the wonderful Heavenly Father we have. I love you.

Read my Dad's blog: waprice.blogspot.com

John Piper on the prosperity gospel

Finally I figured it out

What the world needs now... comments on the video above

This is a video that I have had on my myspace page for a while now. It is very true and hit me pretty hard. My good friend Colleen and I were talking about the importance of fighting against the health and prosperity gospel. Sometimes I find myself thinking that Christians will be given safety and comfort. Not true, we are given God's presence to endure through whatever life situations we go through. He is our treasure, He is enough. Man....I wish I could say that and truly mean it.

Summer lovin...

I teach high school history, and as many of you know, teachers get the summers off. The last two summers I worked full time as a youth intern and didn't take a vacation. This summer I am off, no job. Which sounded wonderful at first, but I realized that I am a person who likes to be doing something. I like to be occupied. So I have invited friends over for breakfasts, started excercising again, invest in the church a lot more and scheduled many wonderful lunch dates.

Today, at one of those lunch dates, I was sitting outside with a dear friend. Her and I were discussing the importance of theology. The question came up: "Is it okay for us girls to be so interested in theology?" I remember when I was in college I heard a boy say: "I don't want to date Merea, she knows too much about the Bible." I am not going to lie, I wanted to punch him in the face.=) Of course, I smiled and continued on with my day, but that always stayed in my mind. I was really discouraged. and just last week, another good friend and I were headed somewhere and we started talking theology. Of course, my big mouth and I were so excited to be discussing this topic and I was just carrying on back and forth. Bringing up things I have thought about and asking questions. A couple days later that same friend told me that I was a 'smart cookie,' and never really completely agreed with what they said, always challenged them. That person was not saying I was argumentative and I think they meant it in a good way. I was trying to take it as a compliment, but it hit me pretty hard. Remembering back to that comment from college, I started thinking about it again.

I read in Proverbs 31, which seems to be a good description of a Godly woman. Verse 26: "she opens her mouth in wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Verse 30: "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Girls, I have come to a conclusion. First of all that wisdom comes from God, and we can know God through His Word. So study it, discuss it, pray over it, and live it. I think men and women alike are to be theology students. The word theology just means, the study of God. I think we should pursue theology, or God rather. He is everything, His nearness is our good. And to know that we must study doctrine, we must like theology. So get down with the truth girls and be smart. Get down girls, go 'head, get down.

In response to many requests....

I have had next to no time to write on my internet diary here, and to my surprise many people have mentioned to me that they want me to write another. Well, I had no idea my blog was even read by others out there in the internet world. Thanks for reading, you should comment more. =)