What did it take for this girl to survive her first semester of college?

About 1,100+ ounces of coffee. 

7 jars of peanutbutter.

Lots of time in God's Word. 

Many care packages from home.

Lots of Bible memorization.

Lots and LOTS of piano playing.

And lots of encouragement and memories with old friends...

...and new friends. 

One more thing that I couldn't have survived college without is my parents and all the encouraging texts and phone calls. 

Here's just a few pictures from my first semester of college. I had a wonderful first semester. It was hard to be away from home but God is stretching me and preparing me for what lies ahead. I can't wait to see what He will teach me during this next semester. :)

~Ruby James

Who Shall Stand...

I just love it when God just drops an awesome truth in my lap! Last night as I was reading Psalm 130 for my devotions, verse 3 popped out at me. It says:

"If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, 

O Lord, who shall stand?" 

This verse hit me like a ton of bricks. Even as a Christian, if Christ kept track of my iniquities (sins) everyday, I would have no hope of having a personal relationship with Him or of spending eternity with Him in Heaven. 

But, because of how awesome God is, He promised us in Psalm 103:12 that 

"As far as the east is from the west, 

so far hath he removed our transgressions

 from us."

If you were to start walking north, eventually you would have to head south again but no matter how long you walk east, you'll never start heading west and vice versa. 

I can't explain how thankful I am for this truth. God knows just when we need to be humbled and awed by Him. 

(Sorry this post is very short but, it's short and sweet. I also apologize for having not posted in forever...I said I was going to post stories and lessons from camp but the two weeks I had between camp and coming to college was crazy busy. Sorry!) 

~ Ruby James