No Sluggard Here!

Proverbs 6:6-11

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

Who would of thought that the last week of my winter break was going to be the busiest. God really convicted me with that verse this week. I've got a lot to prepare for this semester and after that it's the real world. So what better verse to remember as I wake up and tackle each day. Graphic design work has not been slow at all, I've been busy do that and serving at Harvest. A HUGE new project has entered my list of things to do, and now I've got to concentrate on graduating in May and finding a job. That is my first priority right now. I'm praying that God leads me into the steps I need to take to find the right job. And as of right now, I have no clue where that is. My life needs fervent prayer and I'm asking all friends, family and fellow bloggers to pray with me.

South Beach

Psalm 139: (1-4) (13,14) (23,24)

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my laying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your words are wonderful, I know that full well.

Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

This was the first week I started the South Beach diet officially, I'm down 6lbs on day ! 1 more week to go in Phase 1. It's been tough, though. I'm constantly hungry, I have a headache, and at night I feel energy-less and I'm constantly being woken up my hunger pains. And all of that is because of the no sugar or carbs. Mom and I went shopping yesterday for a variety of food that I can eat. I've been mixing up my work out routines with P90x and running on the elliptical at the gym. So this next week should be a little easier with a menu to follow. But at least I'm seeing results! You can fallow my meal and exercise logs at Lose it!

My Opinion about Opinions

Romans 8:26-28

Likewise the Spirit helps in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.

An awesome promise and a huge encouragement for me. I often find myself at a loss for words when I pray. Sometimes it's hard to express what I'm feeling to God, or I don't know what to ask for exactly, or sometimes my words just don't feel good enough. It's nice to know we have someone on our sides praying for us when we can't. Someone who knows our hearts yet wants the will of God. And we can feel secure in knowing that whatever the outcome everything is going to work together for good... even if we don't see the outcome we want.

So, I don't want to be one of those bloggers who go on and on about what's wrong with the world, or about all the little meaningless things I do throughout my day. Cause, lets be honest, no one cares.... not even me. So purposeful posts are my goal here, and there will be streaks of having nothing to say. Plus, who is Karin Henley that she feels the world needs to know what my opinions are.

BUT!!!!!! I have one opinion that I do feel needs to be shared. And I promise it will be the only one I post. Even now, I'll try and be brief and to the point.

Topic: Christians being public about their strong political/ethical opinions.

What is our purpose here on earth, as Christians? I'll tell you, To go and make disciples of all nations...(Matthew 28:19), ...and whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) So how is it possible to accomplish those things if we are so vocal about controversial issues?

I've heard this example, so I'm going to use it. Say you're conservative and your neighbor is liberal and you have heated discussions about whose right and wrong. 1. You are most likely making your unsaved neighbor angry at you, ruining all chances you have of sharing the gospel with him. And 2., How is that bringing glory to God? God did not say go out into all the world and share your political opinions.

Now, I am in no way saying we shouldn't have opinions or be unaware of the current happenings. In fact, go ahead and watch all the Glenn Beck your heart desires. But be careful who you talk to about it, how much you're talking about it, and don't loose perspective on what you should be most passionate about...the message of the Gospel and the Love of Christ.

Yay for Redesign!

I've recently began doing some work for a new client. They are a small technology company that needs a little help with their designs, and by a little I mean a lot. :) Here is a good example of an ad that I helped them with.

BEFORE :(

AFTER :)

Casting your cares on Jesus

A couple nights ago I wrestled with anxiety all night and couldn't fall asleep. There were many things on my mind, all of them being about my past and my future. The night has a way of making everything seem more complicated and worse than it really it is causing anxiety and fear. (Obviously the work of the enemy since he does his best work in the darkness) So I don't think it is a coincidence that a few days later I came across this verse:

Psalm 25:22

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fail.

What does it mean to cast your cares on the Lord? We really need to know. If we understand, we can go through anything with peace in our hearts. Does it mean to offer up a prayer? Not necessarily. Many prayers have been prayed without a sense of peace. Praying does not guarantee internal rest. Our requests of God can be acts of anxiety rather than acts of faith. When we're stressed, our prayers often even accuse Him of not keeping His Word. There's more to casting cares than asking Him to help.

It makes no sense to cast our cares on God and then take them up again. When we trust Him without concerns, we ask Him to manage them. We actively watch, not ignorantly wait. We expectantly believe, not aggressively intervene. We act when He says to act and sit still when He says to sit. We obey His instructions cause we know He's in charge...and we are comfortable with that.

We can go to sleep at night knowing we can do nothing more effective than acknowledging His wisdom, power, love and Lordship. We can wake up without a single burden, because our burdens are on His shoulders.

Hermano pequeño de la mina

Phillipians 3:8

I count all things to be loss in view of surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.

Everything That I have been though, all that I am dealing with, has one purpose: That I may know the love of God and live in his more-than-adaquate Grace. I was born for an intimate relationship with Him. This is the purpose of my existence. And when I discover that, I experience real contentment.

Today is January 7th, my little brothers birthday. So I'm dedicating this post to him.

HAPPY 22ND BIRTHDAY ERIC!

There we are, so naive and innocent, without a clue of what God had in store for us. We had no idea we would move to New Mexico, live there for 6 years, then move back to Chicago, go through our family's trials, Dad being unemployed, Mom's illness, lung transplant, and recovery. No one knew that they were looking at a future designer and nurse. Especially since all we wanted to be were Power Rangers, and Ninja Turtles. It's so weird ... we were little kids, then we were teenagers (and I thought we were so cool), now we are in our 20's (whoa!). I'd kinda like to stop now... please...no older... I'm good, thanks. I wish! But here we are, on the brink of being full time adults. Look out world! The Henley kids are coming! Oh..yeah...and they've got God on their sides....

DEVOS, DECORATIONS, and DESIGN

Ephesians 1:4,5

Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.

This verse tells me that our worth and purpose does not depend on what we have done, or what has been done to us or where we have been, even if we have been through hell and back. Our worth and purpose depend on God and God alone. His will, His calling, His choosing, His love.

I've decided to start each of my daily blogs with a tid-bit that I learned from my daily devotions. This way, if I haven't had my devotions yet I cant blog. Just a way of keeping myself accountable. (Hey whatever works right?)

I finished taking down the Christmas tree this morning. And its back to the Harvest Palos offices for some more designing. We are working on designing stuff for the ACTS: Unstoppable God series. I'm probably not allowed to preview too much ahead of time. But here is a book mark we were working on yesterday.

I figure a book mark is small enough not to give away too much, but give you a feel of the look of the series. So there it is, I think its pretty cool. Hope to get a lot more elements done today. Speaking of, its time for me to head out! Until tomorrow!

P.S. Dear Family and Friends who don't have Twitter or Facebook to get daily updates when I post a new entry. I have now added a option on the left of the screen that will allow you subscribe to my blog via email. That way an email will be sent right to your inbox when I post a new entry! :)

Oh the weather outide is ...FREAKING COLD!

Oh Chicago, how I enjoy your winters. I love walking down the street when the wind greets me by ripping my face off. I especially love the new look you give my car by generously dusting it with salt. I couldn't wish for a better place to spend this lovely season.

But seriously, I've been really enjoying my winter break. It started with all the Christmas hustle and bustle! We enjoyed an awesome Christmas eve service at Harvest Bible Chaple Palos and then back to my house for soups and gift exchanging. That same night, Jordan and I drove up to Wisconsin to spend Christmas with the Hueninks. The first half of the week was spent eating lots of good food and time with family and then from there we dove farther north to Silver Birch for New Years. We had good weather on Wednesday, but unfortunalty the weather got really warm and the snow started to turn into slush. Our cross country skiing plans did not turn out the way we wanted them to. Early New Years day we drove back to Chicago to make tamales with my family, the way we do every year. They turned out delicious!

So back to normal, I'm taking down the Christmas tree tomorrow... :( But as usual life starts to pick up speed. I have some designing on my plate this week. Some ads for a client, stuff that Harvest wants me to work on, some of my own, and probably more stuff from an author I work with. Busy Busy Busy. As long as it keeps me out of the cold :)

Hello 2011!

Tis the season for Resolutions! It would of been cool to start this blog on the 1st of January instead of the 3rd, but its close enough for me. The year 2011 is going to be an exciting and eventful year I CAN FEEL IT! First of all I have several resolutions laid out for myself that I would like to share with the world. SO LISTEN WORLD!!!! (or at least allow me to send these out into the virtual abyss) Resolution numero uno.... South Beach Diet and daily exercise! (cliche I know) BUT it will be the first diet I have ever committed to. So, part of my goal is not to turn into a cliche and give up before Valentines day just in time to eat all those chocolates from my secret admirers...JK! Numero dos!.... my spiritual wellness. I'm committing to spending more time with Jesus, continuing my prayer journal and I'm thinking about going through the entire bible in a year. We'll see. And finaly.... NO MORE FACEBOOK GAMES! I have given up the pointless and mind melting games that facebook is trying to take over the world with. No Mas!

Good bye 2010! It was a FULL year and I will always remember you! You were filled with smiles, tears, broken hearts, hard lessons learned, new beginnings, surprises, new love, and happiness.