This is an awesome movie: see how God's creation can blow you away

Happy Thanksgiving

Hey guys, I hope you had a great thanksgiving. I know I did! Thanksgiving has always been a holiday that expresses what we are thankful for. I love thanksgiving, because it is a reminder to be thankful for the things that God has blessed us with. Here are a few things that I am thankful for:

* I am thankful for God and for what He has done for us on the cross. I'm thankful for the love He has shown and lavished on us. The fact that, while we were still sinners, God sent His Son to die for our sins, even though we don't deserve it.

* I am thankful for all the surgeries that I have gone through. That the doctors could fix my cleft lip and palate. And that God was there through it all.

* I am thankful for the fact that I graduated high school.Because when I was still in high school, I doubted that I'd even graduate. You see, I was diagnosed with an learning disability, Attention deficit disorder (ADD); and I struggled a lot in high school. I was in special classes mostly all through out grade school, middle school, and part of high school. I was then, put in regular classes somewhere in my middle years of high school. I worked very hard at school that sometimes me and my grandmother would struggle through home work. But I made it, I graduated this past summer, on June 6, 2009.

* I am thankful for my dad and my grandparents, who have been there for me throughout the years and helped me succeed to in high school. And they supported me when I had to go through multiple surgeries. I am thankful for thier love and devotion for me and my sister.

* I am thankful for my best friend and my sister, Debra. She encouraged me on the times when I really struggled, and she has always been there for me.

* I am thankful for the Campus Crusade group at my college. They have really helped strengthen my relationship with God. And they have made me welcome in college. And I am so glad that God has put them in a secular college, just to be a light in the darkness, and reach out to those who are hurting, and tell the good news of Jesus Christ.

* And I am thankful that I am alive, and that I have food, clothes and shelter.

I believe it is important to remember what we are thankful for, because sometimes we tend to take things for granted. I really hope that you guys remembered to thankful for the blessings you have,because really we are blessed. Many countries, like Africa and India have families that are poor. And many don't have food, clothes, or even a roof over thier head. I am thankful for the organizations, such as Campus Crusade for Christ, Wycliffe Bible Translations, World Vision, and Faceless International. These organizations have helped many countries around the world, by giving them food and clothes, and sharing the gospel of Christ. I would love to hear from you guys, you can tell me what you are thankful for by comment or emailing me at tabitha_reilly@bellsouth.net. Love you guys, and have a Happy Thanksgiving! :) Tabitha

Beautiful Bride: by Flyleaf

"Beautified diversity
Functioning as one body
Every part encouraged by the other
No one independent of another
You're irreplaceable, indispensable
You're incredible
You're incredible

(Chorus)
Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride

Strengthen your arms now
Train your fingers for battle
Urgency's here now
Train your fingers for battle
Fighting this violence
With your feet wrapped in peace
Sad tears and silence
Now screams of joy
Victory

(Chorus)
Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride

Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying

We're not gonna fall and forget
How far You went to pick us up
If one part's hurt the whole body's sick
If one part mourns we all mourn with Him
Rejoice, we'll sing with you
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

(Chorus)
Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride

Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride

Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride"

Listen to this song, it is an amazing song . You can listen to it at www.imeem.com, The song is from Flyleaf's new album Momento Mori

True Faith-Anberlin

Hello Guys, I finally figured out how to embed a video from youtube onto my blog page.
So now you can listen to anberlin's new single, True Faith, without leaving my blog page. I hope you enjoy!

Tabitha

My Chinese Zodiac

Thursday, at my college, it was the International Education Day, where college students set up booths and share different things from different countries around the world. One of the countries was China, the booth had papers that had info about different Chinese zodiac's. For those who were like me when they saw on their profile a Chinese Zodiac, and had no idea what it was, I'll give you a short definition.

A Zodiac is an origin of astrology. For years, astrology has played a significant role in Chinese Culture. The Zodiac is a depiction on a Chinese calendar of 12 different animals. The animals represent the 12 year cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar, which was built on the foundation of astronomy, and Chinese astrology.

When a Chinese girl at the booth asked me what year I was born, she gave me a paper that showed my Chinese Zodiac. So now I know what a zodiac is and I have the meaning of my Chinese zodiac. My zodiac was a snake, I personally wished it was a horse though. Anyways, according to what the paper says about my zodiac it says that whoever is born on the year of 1941-2001(I am born in 1989), they are intelligent people, graceful, and materialistic. They don't jump into situation, and they are effective at getting what they want. They also say that we are excellent seducers. We are the ones who decide when a relationship has potential and when it does not. We are very insecure, jealous, and obsessive. It is important that no one betrays ones trust or they will seek revenge.

Remember We are being compared with an snake, these are the snake's personalities. I don't agree with my zodiac, it kinda makes me wonder what they say about the horse. I am not persuasive, and I am definitely not a seducer, or obsessive. Although the Bible says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, I don't think I am attractive. Those who know me, know that I don't have a boyfriend, and I don't really remember when was the last time a guy was attracted to me. Don't get me wrong though, I do believe in what the Bible says about me. And I am working on not worrying about what people think about me, because of my birth defect and my pimples. In fact, I am a lot better at that, I hardly care what people think about my appearance. Besides I am not in a dating relationship, I want to pay more attention to my studies. I think having a boyfriend, can be distractive, so I prefer to wait till maybe after college, or when I get my schedule in order.

And for the part that says that I am effective at getting everything I want, that is not true. I don't always have my own way, in fact, I rather keep it that way. I want to try to not think entirely about myself and what I want. I want to think about others and be a blessing in their lives. I rather give than receive, like helping those who are in need.

I am not vengeful, at least I am not perfect, and I try not to be that way. The Bible says that vengeance belongs to God. The bible says that it is important for a Christian to have the mind and attitude of Christ. I try to reflect Christ, by having the right attitude towards people, and to not hold a grudge against anyone and be forgiving. but it is hard to be that way,like I said I am far from perfection. But that's when you ask God to help you, to give you self control\and self discipline. That's when you let God love through you, 'cause He is the only one who can truely love unconditionally and who can forgive and take away your sins.

There are a few things, I admit, that I agree with, I like to think of myself as someone who is intelligent and smart. The thing that really makes my day is having a sense of accomplishment. it always makes you feel good when you succeed at something. Anyways, I'm afraid, I have to wrap things up, it is now 10: 48, and I still have a lot of Homework I need to do tomorrow. so I have to get ready for bed. Good night, I hope you enjoyed your weekend. Love,

Tabitha

Why The Cross?

Today, before I went to my reading class, me and my sister read from an devotional called my "Utmost For His Highest". Today's devotional was about God's amazing forgiveness and love for us. Have you ever wondered what He would do if Jesus didn't have to die on the cross? Have you wondered what would of happened? these were the thoughts that ran through my mind while I was listening to my sister read from the devotional.

I find it mysterious--sometimes I can't even comprehend why, why Jesus, the son of the creator of the universe, had to die an horrible death that he did not deserve? The Bible says in Galatians 3:13-"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.'" You see, we are the ones that are cursed, not God; He is without sin, he is perfect. In Galatians 3:10, it says-"Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." But God loved us so much that He chose to send His son to die for us, Jesus loved us so much that he chose to take our place. God knew that if he didn't send His only son to die for us, we would be separated from him forever...in hell.

Hell was not meant for us, it was meant for the devil and his fallen angels.When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden, the whole world became corrupt. But, God wanted us back; He loved us so much, that He wanted so bad, for us to repent and to confess our sins and be forgiven. I also learned in today's devotional that, it is not enough to just say sorry. God knows us better than that, remember he created us in his own image...Don't you think God cares that we disobey Him? The Bible says in Joel 2:13-"Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity."

He wants us to come to Him broken hearted, torn for what we have done. That's the beauty of grace! When you come and confess your sins and rend, God will heal you--you will be forgiven. You see if we just sorry, it wouldn't mean anything, because God know our hearts and our minds, he knows that we'll sin again. He wants an repented heart...a torn repented heart.

God knows we're not perfect, that we would keep sinning, but He will make away out of temptation. In Hebrews 2:18 it says that-"Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted." This is another thing that is hard to comprehend; God is Without sin, how can He be tempted? It is true He is without sin, but He is also fully man and fully God. When Jesus, came to earth as a man, He was tempted in every way that we are tempted, just to show us that He can provide us a way out of our temptation. We are not alone, He understands, and He is willing to help us escape the enemy's chains. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 it says-"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." He is our strength, so we can overcome.

I am praying for you guys, I hope God uses this to bless you. I am in school now and I have to go, my next class starts at 11:30, and now it is now 11:25. You can email me, my email is on the blog just look for my picture and below it, it has a little about me and a link that says you can find out more. bye

Tabitha Reilly

True Friendship

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." - Bible: Ecclesiastes

"No greater love has no one than this, that he would lay his life down for his friends."
- John 15:13

God has blessed me with friends this year on my first semester of college. I think it is really important to cherish your friends, because they come and go, and you never know if you'll ever see them again. I think a true friend is someone who you can trust; and accept you as who you are, no matter where your from. A friend is someone who lifts you up when you fall, who would tell you that you've done something wrong in a loving way. Who would forgive you, and not hold a grudge. Who would stand up for you when others tries to tear you down. A friend is someone who will love you no matter what.

I want to try to be that friend to my new friends, though I am not perfect. I can't be there for them all the time, but I can at least tell them of a friend that will never leave them. That is Jesus! I want to try to be a reflection of Jesus to my friends, and to other people that I associate with.

Who ever is reading this blog, I want you to know that if you have any questions, or if you have any prayer requests, you can email me at tabitha_reilly@bellsouth.net I'll try to answer back, though I am not very good at keeping in touch with people, but I Want to at least try to be there for you guys. Love, Tabitha :)

What does it mean to love your enemies?

"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..."
-Matthew 5:44

"Many that live deserve death. And some die that deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then be not too eager to deal out death in the name of justice, fearing for your own safety. Even the wise cannot see all ends."

— J. R. R. Tolkien,


Many of us find it hard to love our enemies, I know I have. It is a difficult concept to grasp. It is easier to hate our enemies and want nothing to do with them. Why should we want anything to do with them? They hurt us, and then they apologize, and do it again. Their apologies mean nothing to us. But God calls us to love our enemies,and treat them as we would like them to treat us. There is a verse in the Bible that says that when we show an act of kindness that is undeserved to an enemy, it is like heaping hot coals on their heads. I think that verse is saying that when we love the people who persecute us or hurt us and show them the love of Christ through our actions, When they see that in us it motivates them to want to change.

I know it is hard to understand, but please bear with me, I don't fully understand this either. But I do believe that it is something that we cannot do by our own strength. Only God can love unconditionally. After all, he did send his Son to die for us. And Jesus could of sent a host of angels to rescue him, but he chose to die for us because he loved us. We were nothing but sinners who deserve to die and rot in hell. But he loved us so much that he showered his grace on us.

So shouldn't we do the same? I'm not saying to accept the sin, to accept the abuse. What I am trying to say is hate the sin, but love the sinner. Show the grace of God through your love towards them. I know it is a hard thing to do? It's easier to tell them to burn in hell. Believe me, if I went by my emotions, I would tell my enemy just that. But Jesus didn't, he loved the sinner. When he was on earth as a man, he spent his entire time trying to reach out to the sinners. He said in Matthew 9:12,that "It is not the healthy that need a doctor but the sick." If he said to every one to burn in hell, he would of destroyed the human race along time ago. But he didn't he chose to love us even though we don't deserve it.

Please try to understand, it is just something that is on my heart. I struggle with the same issue, I live in a home that is broken and probably will never be whole again. My mother has a mental illness,and by her actions our family is in pain. There are times when I can't love my mom, but that is when I have to ask God to love her through me. I am just encouraging you to do the same. For we as Christian's are supposed to have the mind and attitude of Christ.That what "Christian" means, little christ. We are supposed to reflect Christ in our lives, in everything we do.

If you are not a Christian and you are reading this; I want you to know that you can experience God's unconditional love for you today and even right now. All you have to do is confess your sins and believe that Jesus Christ died for you, and rose again.

-Tabitha

Run The Race

"Not that I already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 3: 12-14