Zac Smith

For those who also know me on facebook, you have seen me mention Zac Smith on several occasions. I first heard of this man last fall on twitter when different pastors and church staff members at NewSpring Church (the church I go to when I am at school) tweeted about him. I have followed his story for months, praying for him and finding his story was greatly impacting my life, my personal relationship with Christ, my daily walk with the Lord, as well as my relationships here on this earth. His story became something I saw first hand about 12 weeks ago. They played this video in church.

The Story of Zac Smith from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

It rocked my world. First, because of his young age (32 at the time of diagnosis), and also because as a child of a parents with cancer, I have seen its struggles but also seen how it can radically change the person I am in my faith. In the video, Zac talks about how God's plan for him, despite cancer, was going to be something special. In the video, again shown in February 2010 at church, he says "the bible says in Matt 7:11 'God gives good things to those who ask' God cannot give me a bad gift." He even goes so far as to say cancer is the best thing that happened to him because it positively changed the way he lives his life. He says in the video his hope was that God would heal him. Finally he says "if God chooses to heal me, God is God and God is Good. If God chooses not to heal me, then God is still God and God is still good. To God be the glory."

On Sunday, May 16th, Zac Smith met Jesus face to face. He was healed-- relieved of all the pain and suffering. It breaks my heart for his wife Mandy and their three children. But I am certain he is rejoicing for being with his savior.

Today they posted his memorial service. For whatever reason, it wont let me embed the video, but you can go here and watch it. http://www.newspring.cc/zacsmith

I hope and pray that I can live a life of faith as he did. I pray that at the end, I will have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

Recent quotes, verses, and comments that have struck a cord with me

Most of y'all know I am blog surfing, a Bible reading, friend adoring, advice seeking, truth yearning, fun loving kind of girl. Over the past few weeks (and in some cases months) I have read and heard some incredible things from friends, family, God, writers, bloggers, and total strangers... these are just a few that have truly struck a cord with me, especially in this incredible season of life! They are in no particular order and are not really related in any way. They are just different things I wanted to share! :-)

"If Jesus gives us a task or assigns us to a difficult season, every ounce of our experience is meant for our instruction and completion if only we’ll let Him finish the work. I fear, however, that we are so attention-deficit that we settle for bearable when beauty is just around the corner." - Beth Moore

"Wait for the man who pursues you, the one who will make an ordinary moment seem magical, the kind of man who brings out the best in you and makes you want to be a better woman. Wait for the man who will be your best friend, the person who will drop everything to be with you. Wait for the man who makes you smile like no other boy makes you smile. Wait for the man who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats and no makeup, but loves it when you get all dolled up for him. Wait for the man who praises God for you, and encourages you daily in your walk, and most importantly, wait for the man who is more in love with God than you."

"Be still, and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10

"Nothing demands more elbow grease than thrusting your arms forward and giving God the solitary right to vengeance." - beth moore

“He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

"Life is not waiting for the storm to pass, life is learning to dance in the rain"- Jim Barker, 2010 commencement address at Clemson University

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:4-8

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" Luke 6:38

"If you are in Christ then you are the King’s daughter…and you do not need to settle for the boy who can’t accept responsibility…you need to wait for the man who is WILLING to fight for your heart." -Perry Noble