Okay, so I know the title of this post may come across as a bit shocking. To be honest, I've debated whether to write on this subject for a REALLY long time. For some reason, it seems like it's "taboo" to be a young woman in the church today, and discuss the very real world of purity, chastity, and premarital sex. Let me take that back, purity and chastity are encouraged slightly, though not with any good reason, and unfortunately, once you reach an age that the world deems "too old to be a virgin," so many young people give in. Actually, people not only outside of the church, but an absurd amount within the church fall into the trap of premarital sex. Now, before I go any further, I just want to assure anyone reading this that I don't condemn you nor do I condone anything that has transpired in your past... Or really, for anything in your present and future. To be fair, my job is not to be a judge, it's to love and point people to Christ through the example he gave me in his word. That's truth whether I agree with you or not, and whether you agree with me or not. So with that being said, let's move forward.
I wanted to write this post for many reasons. First of which, is that I didn't realize how rare it was for a woman (or man) my age to still be a virgin at 22 years old, by choice. Growing up in Christian School maybe blinded me to a lot of the realities, but when I entered the real world it quickly became apparent that I was the exception. I remember other students in my college courses teasing me mercilessly for holding out until I am married to the man I KNOW God has for me. It all started one day when one of them asked what the ring on my left ring finger was. They knew I wasn't in a relationship, yet they knew that the ring was a permanent feature. I'd like to tell you that I answered boldly and confidently that I was waiting for my future husband, and I didn't care if they thought I was silly. Instead, I somehow lost my usual spitfire ways and half-heartedly explained. To this day I'm not sure why I answered the way I did. But regardless, it didn't stop them from making it one of their favorite topics to talk about. At first, it sort of infuriated me. The people I was in school with were mainly male, and I thought they were just being perverted about everything. But as time went on, I slowly began to realize that something I treasured and held so close to my heart, was something that was intriguing for people who chose to live differently than me. I realized that by me being a virgin, it meant so much more than just waiting for my husband and a beautiful marriage. It is an ability to show people how different a life with Christ can be. Let me explain a little. Growing up, I was taught like everyone else that sex was to be for marriage. It was honestly not even a thought of mine until I began high school and realized some pretty cool things. First, is that physical intimacy isn't meant to be selfish. I don't just mean with sex, I mean with any physical intimacy. I've always wondered why something as simple as holding hands can feel wrong, when it's a very sweet, pure expression of feeling. But that's just it, most of the time in the dating world, physical intimacy of any kind is used to please the person giving it, not the one receiving it. I think if we stopped and actually took physical intimacy for what it is- a way to express a deep feeling for someone, things like casual sex wouldn't even exist. I also realized that entering into physical intimacy with someone on a sexual level is the deepest you can ever be with someone physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I knew that I only wanted that with one person ever. My decision to wait was made pretty early on. I've always had high physical standards in relationships, and while there are things I could say I "regret" in relationships, really and truly, I thank The Lord for the things he showed me. Someday giving myself to my husband is going to be a true gift. ANYWAY, back from my rabbit trail, here we go. So I finally decided to write this post, because quite frankly, I am sick and tired of the over-sexualized world we live in today. Can I tell you how frustrating it is to go out with guy after guy, date after date, waiting for a man to be a strong leader and protector, someone who truly values your worth, not your body, and find out that even the "best" Christian guys still want to push your limits? Because well, it is. And I've experienced that guy more times than I can count. Out of the many guys I've dated, there's only been one ever that I truly felt ever respected me, and his future wife and my future husband in the relationship. That's probably why he ended up being my boyfriend. Even though I know the future doesn't hold us being together, I find myself longing for that again. So many times people ask my why I don't just " get it over with." They say I'll realize it's " not that big of a deal," and that it's just a fun, physical part of a relationship. And that to me, is completely cringe worthy. That in and of itself is a huge problem in society today. I'm just going to go ahead and throw it out there and say that I believe 100% of people who are having sex outside of marriage, or sex just for fun are missing out on the most amazing gift they could ever had. Yep, I said it. Argue with me, say I don't know what I'm talking about because I haven't experienced it. You're right, sex, I've never experienced, but Jesus, I absolutely have. I believe that when things are done the way Christ has created them to be done, the most amazing blessings can happen. Now, don't get me wrong, I think that every single person, every single couple can have that amazing gift. God isn't a God of grace and redemption and restoration for no reason! I'm just saying that if we actually started treating one another, and the relationships we've been given with true love and respect, we could all have an amazing love story. Because true love is sacrifice, not selfishness. Most of you reading my blog know that I volunteer with the youth at my church. I absolutely love it. There are times I get discouraged in this journey of waiting for my Man of God. I wonder if all the talk around me is actually truth, and I grow weary. But then I talk to one of the teenage girls in my life... I can't tell you how many have told me that they look up to me so much because I try my best to live my life for The Lord. And let's face it, whether we like it or not, most of those girls come to me with boy stuff. I had one of the girls I mentor tell me a few weeks ago, " You know, the stories of women who have messed up with guys and then have that part of their life restored are really cool, don't get me wrong...but it's so encouraging to see you holding out for that. It makes me realize I can do it too." Okay, if I had no other reason for waiting, that statement would be my reason. I try not to let that part of who I am define me, but the older I get, the more I realize what a gift it is to the world! I look around at our society and my heart breaks. The world is in a rat race trying to find love. People sing about it, talk about it, write about it, think about it constantly. We all know the typical Christian answer is that God is the only one that can fill that void for love we feel. I agree! But what about this idea; maybe we all long for love and companionship so much because Christ CREATED us that way? Crazy thought, right? But I'll be honest, the relationships and marriages I admire and want to emulate most are the ones where Christ is the absolute center of all of it. He's the all consuming of the two individuals, that when it comes to their relationship, he stitches up the things that fairytales are made of. I see these couples endure life's hardest tragedies, yet still find deep love in the middle. I watch them rejoice together in the happy times and my heart rejoices right with them. I long for that kind of love someday, and I know that IT IS THE KIND OF LOVE CHRIST INTENDED US TO HAVE! How unbelievable is that? He simply asks us to follow his path to get that kind of love. So simple, yet so many give up before they even start because settling for a cheap imitation is easier.
Again, I know this is a controversial topic... to be honest, I wasn't quite sure I was going to post this after I wrote it. But then I realized why not? Why not be an encouragement? I don't know how it'll be received or what people will say, but quite frankly I wish someone would've shared the things I've learned with me when I was younger. If this post has offended you, I'm sorry. It isn't ever my intention to be brazen or loose lipped. But I just really felt like it needed to be said. So with that, I just want to close by saying if you've messed up, then run to the cross. Jesus IS the true redeemer and restorer and I PROMISE he can and will restore any broken part of your life. And if you're the position I'm in, stay strong. And for all of us, keep praying and waiting patiently for the Man or Woman God has created for you. They ARE out there. Remember the true gift that loving another person is. Honor them, respect them even now because it'll be worth it in the end.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Christmas
I simply love the Holidays. It's odd, when I was a child my love for them was tremendous, but very different than it is now. And somewhere between childhood and adulthood, I forgot what it meant to appreciate Christmas. What it meant to love Christmas. And not just Christmas as the world sees it, but what it's really about. It's so interesting to me that it doesn't matter who you are, most people believe in the "magic" of Christmas. People are a little nicer, and the compassionate part of human nature tends to show it's face more. I've always loved this. I love seeing the tender part of humanity that I often think has died. But this holiday season I was hit with something I had never realized. The "magic" of Christmas is, I believe God making himself known. Let me explain what I mean. See, I somehow believe that through our own "Holiday Spirit" Christ is showing more of his love in hopes that people finally realize that Jesus TRULY is the reason for this time we all love. I look around at the Christmas miracles that happen, the stories of hope and redemption and grace. How could we NOT associate it with Christ? This Thanksgiving, I got to experience hope, redemption, and grace in a way that I never had before. It made my heart swell with gratitude and joy. I somehow knew that everything that was happen was FAR bigger than myself, or even the other people involved. It was sort of ironic that it was happening during this season. But I love how God works that way, sometimes he has to take something so fairytale like, and make it so literal so that we actually stop and realize that he is goodness itself. Now, don't get me wrong, he obviously works in wondrous ways all throughout the year, but there's something special about this time of year. If we stop to look close enough, we can literally see Jesus in every part. I love the feeling I get watching new snow fall, covering everything with it's beauty. What a great metaphor for ourselves. The pureness and softness of new fallen snow is like the love of our Savior covering us. The awe of children experiencing Christmas is the awe Mary and Joseph must have felt holding their new born son. Just like every new parent. But even MORE enthralling because he was the one who came down to save humanity. The unselfishness of gift giving, how we should strive to live each and every day. Maybe I am grasping for straws here, but I don't think so. Christmas, like every other time in life can be unbelievable if we just take the time to stop and see the beauty that surrounds us. The truth that can always be found in the midst of chaos. This Christmas season, I'm not just thankful for the birth of Christ, I'm thankful that I actually get to stop and remember what that truly means, and I hope that you do too. Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The best kind of change
Holy cow, these past weeks have been incredible. I just love how God is always full of surprises. He never works the same, yet he's always good. It's fantastic! So let me just start by saying that he has been working in me in a way that I never knew I needed. Most of you who know me, or follow this blog/my videos/ etc. know that my heart has always been for ministry. It's what I love, and always have, but more specifically, I feel drawn to teenage girls. I've always volunteered with them, and have always loved building relationships with them. But God has opened crazy/awesome opportunities for me to invest more into the lives of young girls than ever before over the past few weeks and I LOVE IT!!! It all started with an event my church puts on called Israel Awareness Day. It's a program we do once a year to honor God's chosen people, and it's absolutely brilliant. Anyway, I noticed that all but one of the girls directly involved in the program with me, were younger. Now, I've known most of these girls for several years, but it's like scales fell from my eyes and I realized something SO cool. As I was spending a lot of time with these awesome young ladies, The Lord began to show me that yes, they are younger than me, and will always be...however, they will be my peers sooner than later. What I mean by this, is I realized that in the game of life, they are not that far removed from me at all. And I don't know...It gave me a sort of freedom in a way. I began to realize that it wasn't just an option, but a responsibility for me to be FRIENDS with these young women, not just a leader. Obviously there is the line of authority, as there should be, but why would it have to be a HUGE one? Because the way I look at it, the young women in my life will be entering the real world in the next 2-5 years, and anyone who's made it to 18 years old knows that that amount of time is really nothing. And I'd rather the transition of " leader to friends," not be so awkward/ hard. And i'll tell you something amazing, my relationships with these young women have already grown IMMENSLY in the past few weeks. It's crazy awesome. Especially because i'm letting myself learn from these girls as well. It's odd getting into the mind of a teen girl, especially a high school teen girl. They are figuring out who they are, what they stand for, and what they want to be in life. They are so full of promise and potential...nothing can bring them down. Their determination astounds me. I must admit that I've been dumbfounded more than once by something one of them has said, in the best possible way. Their faith is untainted, and sure. It's not that they haven't experienced the hardships of life, ( because let me tell you, some most CERTAINLY have) but somehow, believing things will get better is almost second nature. The past few weeks I've honestly looked in awe at these beautiful young women and felt a sort of sadness because I remember when only a few years ago, I WAS HER. Nothing could or would shake me, I was so sure in who I was in Christ. But oddly enough, the years in the real world have weighed heavily on me, and while my faith is still secure, I find that I inevitably let doubt in. And a lot of times, I let doubt win. When the game of "But God is bigger than any bizarre circumstance, " is played, I generally dismiss that card. Because the older we get, the more "mature" thing to do, is the be practical. Well, i'm calling bull crap on that for sure!!!
This past Sunday, we had the Middle School and High School service combined. I had gone to the adult service prior, and a good friend of mine's dad spoke. He's written an incredible book for the Men of God to stand up and be the Man God created them to be. His service really challenged me, and got me excited. I then walked into our combined youth service and began chatting with students. I LOVE pre- service for that very reason. It allows time to see into who these young people are. I was laughing and joking with Middle and High school alike, and I knew that it was going to be a great service. However, I was unaware as to just how great it would be. We were talking about the Holy Spirit, and let me tell you, HE SHOWED UP THAT DAY. It was crazy. At the end of service, the students had an opportunity to come to us leaders for prayer or to talk. And i'm telling you right now, the things these kids wanted prayer for were INCREDIBLE. Things that most adults don't even pray for. And it hit me, THIS generation, MY generation is SO hungry for truth, for righteousness. We are BEGGING to be given more, to grow, to love because we KNOW that we can change this world. When I wasn't praying with a student, I looked around and saw an army ready for battle. They don't need years to become "mature." They are some of the most spiritually mature people I know, and they're ready RIGHT. NOW. And I realized in that moment, at that point in time, that when it came to my spiritual walk, I needed to get right back to where they are. Since I graduated High School, I've been trying to find the "mature" walk of faith. To be an "adult," in my faith. Now, I'm not saying that I want to lack responsibilities when it comes to work, decisions, etc. That is all GOOD maturity to have. I'm saying that when I over analyze my faith, who Jesus is, and what he's capable of, I lose the very essence of Him. He didn't call us to have faith like a child for no reason! And the craziest thing is, the more i'm opening myself up to these incredible truths, these incredible students, the more i'm remembering what God has created me for. If you aren't directly involved in the life of a teenager, I highly encourage you to do so... They will change your world!:)
This past Sunday, we had the Middle School and High School service combined. I had gone to the adult service prior, and a good friend of mine's dad spoke. He's written an incredible book for the Men of God to stand up and be the Man God created them to be. His service really challenged me, and got me excited. I then walked into our combined youth service and began chatting with students. I LOVE pre- service for that very reason. It allows time to see into who these young people are. I was laughing and joking with Middle and High school alike, and I knew that it was going to be a great service. However, I was unaware as to just how great it would be. We were talking about the Holy Spirit, and let me tell you, HE SHOWED UP THAT DAY. It was crazy. At the end of service, the students had an opportunity to come to us leaders for prayer or to talk. And i'm telling you right now, the things these kids wanted prayer for were INCREDIBLE. Things that most adults don't even pray for. And it hit me, THIS generation, MY generation is SO hungry for truth, for righteousness. We are BEGGING to be given more, to grow, to love because we KNOW that we can change this world. When I wasn't praying with a student, I looked around and saw an army ready for battle. They don't need years to become "mature." They are some of the most spiritually mature people I know, and they're ready RIGHT. NOW. And I realized in that moment, at that point in time, that when it came to my spiritual walk, I needed to get right back to where they are. Since I graduated High School, I've been trying to find the "mature" walk of faith. To be an "adult," in my faith. Now, I'm not saying that I want to lack responsibilities when it comes to work, decisions, etc. That is all GOOD maturity to have. I'm saying that when I over analyze my faith, who Jesus is, and what he's capable of, I lose the very essence of Him. He didn't call us to have faith like a child for no reason! And the craziest thing is, the more i'm opening myself up to these incredible truths, these incredible students, the more i'm remembering what God has created me for. If you aren't directly involved in the life of a teenager, I highly encourage you to do so... They will change your world!:)
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Love
My mind has been consumed with love lately...but maybe not for the reason you might think. I'm not in love at this point in time, and to be honest, I don't know when that time will come for me. But regardless of all that, my life isn't just about me, and so because of that, I am constantly surrounded by love. And it's wonderful.
Yesterday, my beautiful sister got engaged. I can't even begin to explain how I feel about this, but overjoyed is a good place to start. My sister is 31 years old. In the Christian society, that is "older" for a person to marry. But let me tell you something that astounds me about all of this. My sister was engaged at 19 years old, and I know that she is more happy today that she gets to marry her fiancé Joseph than she ever would've been marrying her ex. She has had a hard life when it comes to relationships. I have watched her heart break, and my heart has broken with her. I've heard her cries of " why not me?" when friends have gotten married and started families. And I know that for whatever reason, she's walked the road she has because The Lord God Almighty ordained it to be this way. And what a great story she has. Through the trials, the pain, the heartache, she finally gets to marry her best friend.
But there's a flip side to that. My best friend got married at 19, her husband 20. They have a beautiful baby girl and their life is incredible. I find it so cool when couples get to grow up together. When they get to learn more from each other because they're less established in who they are. How cool to say you were high school sweet hearts?
Or I look at my brother and his wife. Not only is she older than him, but they had what most people would call an unconventional wedding...they got married at a court house! But you know what? That story fits them like a glove. And now they have the most beautiful daughters I've ever seen.
I look at my parents, my dad and mom both immediately knew they'd met the one. But that didn't stop my mom from being scared to death and breaking up with my dad 5 times in the 2 years they dated before she finally agreed to forever with him. It shows me that true love doesn't ever give up.
Or my great aunt and uncle. He is 8 years younger than her and lied to her about his age until they were engaged because he knew she was the love his life. Even though she probably should've broken up with him ( kidding of course ;) ) love knew no bounds. Even when an older woman marrying a younger man was taboo far more than it is today.
I look around, I see all these different loves, and it makes my heart happy. Because I've realized something that I don't think I ever had before... Since the day I turned 18, I've been worrying about who my special someone is. Do I know them? Where will I meet them? Will they be older? Younger? Tall? Short? What's his personality going to be like? Will his family love me? And so many other questions. But I've realized that God is faithful, and because of that, I know he's out there somewhere. I know i'm not the only one who gets caught up in trying to figure everything out. Trying to make things happen. But I do know this, I have been blessed to witness and be a part of so many beautiful love stories, that I can't ever complain. I've been blessed because of other people's love for one another. I can't force doors to open or shut, and I can't magically know who that person is. All I can do is trust in my Savior, and know that regardless of the circumstance, if I'm serving Christ and following his will for my life, I'll get a unique story of my own someday.
So I guess I wanted to encourage all of my fellow singles out there. Whether you're 16 and have already found the love of your life. 35 and unwed. 10 years apart either way. Or wondering if you're ever going to meet the person of your dreams, remember that since the beginning of time God thought you out, he thought your soul mate out. And in his perfect timing, the story will come together beautifully.
Yesterday, my beautiful sister got engaged. I can't even begin to explain how I feel about this, but overjoyed is a good place to start. My sister is 31 years old. In the Christian society, that is "older" for a person to marry. But let me tell you something that astounds me about all of this. My sister was engaged at 19 years old, and I know that she is more happy today that she gets to marry her fiancé Joseph than she ever would've been marrying her ex. She has had a hard life when it comes to relationships. I have watched her heart break, and my heart has broken with her. I've heard her cries of " why not me?" when friends have gotten married and started families. And I know that for whatever reason, she's walked the road she has because The Lord God Almighty ordained it to be this way. And what a great story she has. Through the trials, the pain, the heartache, she finally gets to marry her best friend.
But there's a flip side to that. My best friend got married at 19, her husband 20. They have a beautiful baby girl and their life is incredible. I find it so cool when couples get to grow up together. When they get to learn more from each other because they're less established in who they are. How cool to say you were high school sweet hearts?
Or I look at my brother and his wife. Not only is she older than him, but they had what most people would call an unconventional wedding...they got married at a court house! But you know what? That story fits them like a glove. And now they have the most beautiful daughters I've ever seen.
I look at my parents, my dad and mom both immediately knew they'd met the one. But that didn't stop my mom from being scared to death and breaking up with my dad 5 times in the 2 years they dated before she finally agreed to forever with him. It shows me that true love doesn't ever give up.
Or my great aunt and uncle. He is 8 years younger than her and lied to her about his age until they were engaged because he knew she was the love his life. Even though she probably should've broken up with him ( kidding of course ;) ) love knew no bounds. Even when an older woman marrying a younger man was taboo far more than it is today.
I look around, I see all these different loves, and it makes my heart happy. Because I've realized something that I don't think I ever had before... Since the day I turned 18, I've been worrying about who my special someone is. Do I know them? Where will I meet them? Will they be older? Younger? Tall? Short? What's his personality going to be like? Will his family love me? And so many other questions. But I've realized that God is faithful, and because of that, I know he's out there somewhere. I know i'm not the only one who gets caught up in trying to figure everything out. Trying to make things happen. But I do know this, I have been blessed to witness and be a part of so many beautiful love stories, that I can't ever complain. I've been blessed because of other people's love for one another. I can't force doors to open or shut, and I can't magically know who that person is. All I can do is trust in my Savior, and know that regardless of the circumstance, if I'm serving Christ and following his will for my life, I'll get a unique story of my own someday.
So I guess I wanted to encourage all of my fellow singles out there. Whether you're 16 and have already found the love of your life. 35 and unwed. 10 years apart either way. Or wondering if you're ever going to meet the person of your dreams, remember that since the beginning of time God thought you out, he thought your soul mate out. And in his perfect timing, the story will come together beautifully.
Monday, September 30, 2013
The beauty of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I love how unexpected Jesus is. Not how he can be, but how he is. Because, at least in my life, he never works in the same way twice. And I am never bored in the moments that I truly seek him. In fact, in those moments, I'm never more alive!!!
The past week, I have encountered the glorious love of The Lord Jesus Christ in a way I had forgotten existed. A way different than ever before, yet familiar all the same. All week he has been digging at me, taking away the old, and bringing in the new. Getting rid of the muck, and bringing in the light. And it's been beyond words. I've realized things I've allowed into my life that shouldn't be there. Things I didn't even realize didn't bring glory to God. And I wonder why I let them bother me. I look around at the lives of other believers, other believers I respect and admire who do the same things I was doing, yet I somehow know that for me, they're wrong. And to be quite honest, I always wondered why that was. I would think, " Here's this amazing person who loves The Lord, doing the exact same thing is me, yet I constantly feel convicted about it." And then finally, my question was answered. It was SO simple, yet so life changing. On Saturday night I walked into church, and I was expectant. My soul had been craving teaching of the word deeply the last week. I sat with two girlfriends, and the evening service began. I lost myself in worship as I hadn't in months. Surrendering myself to The Lord, and feeling him chip away even more that was me and not him. As we sat and offering went by, I began to feel thankful. I figured a really good worship session was to be my big blessing of the night. And I was wrong. Because it was only PART of it. Our senior Pastor began to give the message, and I felt my heart convicted in ways I hadn't thought of in months, years, ever. He spoke on rediscovering the awe of God. And it was tremendous. There were several things that hit me, but one in particular was when he said " Yes, when we believe in Christ we all as believers have salvation. However, I'm going to be bold enough to say that all of our relationships with Christ aren't the same. Because the more you draw near to God, the more he'll draw near to you. If you want a good relationship with Christ, a life fully lived for him, than you better obey him immediately. " I sat there dumbstruck. That was it! That was the answer!!! When I drew closer to The Lord, things in my life, maybe not even 'bad' things, began to fade away. Probably not because they were inherently evil, but because the closer you draw to The Lord, the better the things he has for you are. Better than you could ever imagine...I walked out of church and knew that this month was to be set aside for The Lord in a way I'd never done before. Let him work his will into my life until he was all that shined through me. Until none of me is left. I know this is a lifelong process, but I also know that forming habits is hard to do when you let every day distractions in. So I deleted my facebook app on my phone. This may sound silly to most people, but I'm telling you, I haven't checked facebook since Saturday night, and this is what The Lord has already done!
Sunday morning I awoke feeling a sort of "bring on the day" feeling. I was full of joy, and full of The Lord. I knew He was working in ways I couldn't ever expect. I get to church and I begin to work a bakesale with a few of my friends. I bring up this idea I had talked about with one of my friends months ago, and we'd never gotten around to it. But all week I had felt the prompting of The Lord, resurrecting this dream within me. Out of nowhere my friend goes "let me text Cheryl right now so we can talk to her about it." Cheryl is our senior Pastor's wife. To my great surprise, she showed up and loved the idea. We started talking details, and through prayer and fasting, the first meeting of this idea will be happening in November. Holy.Cow. Isn't that crazy?!? A little step of faith for something I've been longing for and God answered it on the spot. HOW GREAT IS HE!?!?!? I then saw a precious friend walking around with her baby boy. I hadn't seen her in years, but we'd always kept up through facebook. She has been a constant source of encouragement in life, and to be quite honest, I knew I was going to miss our correspondence while I was giving facebook up! We chatted for a few minutes and again, I was blown away by how God blesses when we choose to give something up because he asked us to. After first service, I headed to the youth group. The Middle School and High School were meeting together for a day of worship. I always love when we do this, because The Lord seems to always work in great ways. I walk in and greet several students that I've grown to love. Some new some old, and I was excited to see their hearts of worship. It always blesses me. And that service was no exception. It was one of the sweetest worship sessions I have ever been a part of. My heart was so full of love for those kids, love for my Savior, and joy because I knew that there was no turning back. I tell you what, there is nothing better in this world than getting to work with kids, and see them fall deeper in love with Jesus. For the first time in years, I had tears fill my eyes during worship, because it was so pure. So incredibly beautiful. After that glorious session, I went to dance with my fellow Israel travelers. Once practice was done, I drove home with my windows down, blasting worship music. I entered my neighborhood, and several kids were outside on their bikes enjoying the sunshine. I smiled at them as I drove by, and pulled up to my house. As I was parking, I noticed a little girl on her bike. I smiled and she smiled back, she seemed to be waiting for me. I turned off my car, gathered my things and got out. I smiled again as I looked at the girl, and she promptly said, " can I ask you a question?" "Of course!" I reply " Are you a Christian?" I smile even bigger at this precious girl, " Yes! I sure am! Are you?" At this point she's glowing. " Oh! I wasn't sure, because I heard your music and I wondered 'Is she a Christian?" I began chatting with this young girl. She's in 5th grade and very involved in her Church. She told me that when she grows up she is going to be a missionary to China. Her genuine love for The Lord blessed my very soul. Here was a precious, innocent little girl, so un tampered with by the world. And my hope and prayer for her is that she never loses hope of that dream. Because I remember having faith like that once. And I am beginning to remember what it feels like to live it. We chatted a while longer, and then parted ways. What a blessing. And today, after my first job, I stopped at chick fil a to get myself some lunch. The last meat i'll be eating for a while. I ordered my food, worship music playing again, and I noticed the gentleman in front of me staring at me through his car windows. I didn't think too much of it. As I was waiting to drive up to the window I thought " You know, why not? I'm going to pay for the meal of the people behind me." I pull up to the window, and to my complete shock, the woman said " The gentleman in front of you paid for your meal." I beamed and told her I would like to do the same for the people behind me. I couldn't believe it! God works in mysterious ways. I hope that that gentleman caused a chain reaction!
So this is my point, I suppose. Drawing nearer to God sounds intimidating. I'll admit there have been times, and until recently I WAS scared to give it all up. To give my life, my relationships, my hopes and desires completely to my Savior. The thought of giving him full control is terrifying, until we do. Even if it's piece by little piece, your life WILL begin to transform. You will no longer be seen, but Christ in you will shine. How glorious! I guess I just wanted to encourage all of you because, we have the power to change this world, and I don't want to offend anyone, but we're not going to do it by living mediocre Christian lives. We're not! We are called to stand boldly and courageously in our faith because we're not in control of anything anyway! Christ alone is! Let him chip away at you until the only thing that people can see is him! Because after all, there is nothing in heaven or on earth as glorious as our Savior.
The past week, I have encountered the glorious love of The Lord Jesus Christ in a way I had forgotten existed. A way different than ever before, yet familiar all the same. All week he has been digging at me, taking away the old, and bringing in the new. Getting rid of the muck, and bringing in the light. And it's been beyond words. I've realized things I've allowed into my life that shouldn't be there. Things I didn't even realize didn't bring glory to God. And I wonder why I let them bother me. I look around at the lives of other believers, other believers I respect and admire who do the same things I was doing, yet I somehow know that for me, they're wrong. And to be quite honest, I always wondered why that was. I would think, " Here's this amazing person who loves The Lord, doing the exact same thing is me, yet I constantly feel convicted about it." And then finally, my question was answered. It was SO simple, yet so life changing. On Saturday night I walked into church, and I was expectant. My soul had been craving teaching of the word deeply the last week. I sat with two girlfriends, and the evening service began. I lost myself in worship as I hadn't in months. Surrendering myself to The Lord, and feeling him chip away even more that was me and not him. As we sat and offering went by, I began to feel thankful. I figured a really good worship session was to be my big blessing of the night. And I was wrong. Because it was only PART of it. Our senior Pastor began to give the message, and I felt my heart convicted in ways I hadn't thought of in months, years, ever. He spoke on rediscovering the awe of God. And it was tremendous. There were several things that hit me, but one in particular was when he said " Yes, when we believe in Christ we all as believers have salvation. However, I'm going to be bold enough to say that all of our relationships with Christ aren't the same. Because the more you draw near to God, the more he'll draw near to you. If you want a good relationship with Christ, a life fully lived for him, than you better obey him immediately. " I sat there dumbstruck. That was it! That was the answer!!! When I drew closer to The Lord, things in my life, maybe not even 'bad' things, began to fade away. Probably not because they were inherently evil, but because the closer you draw to The Lord, the better the things he has for you are. Better than you could ever imagine...I walked out of church and knew that this month was to be set aside for The Lord in a way I'd never done before. Let him work his will into my life until he was all that shined through me. Until none of me is left. I know this is a lifelong process, but I also know that forming habits is hard to do when you let every day distractions in. So I deleted my facebook app on my phone. This may sound silly to most people, but I'm telling you, I haven't checked facebook since Saturday night, and this is what The Lord has already done!
Sunday morning I awoke feeling a sort of "bring on the day" feeling. I was full of joy, and full of The Lord. I knew He was working in ways I couldn't ever expect. I get to church and I begin to work a bakesale with a few of my friends. I bring up this idea I had talked about with one of my friends months ago, and we'd never gotten around to it. But all week I had felt the prompting of The Lord, resurrecting this dream within me. Out of nowhere my friend goes "let me text Cheryl right now so we can talk to her about it." Cheryl is our senior Pastor's wife. To my great surprise, she showed up and loved the idea. We started talking details, and through prayer and fasting, the first meeting of this idea will be happening in November. Holy.Cow. Isn't that crazy?!? A little step of faith for something I've been longing for and God answered it on the spot. HOW GREAT IS HE!?!?!? I then saw a precious friend walking around with her baby boy. I hadn't seen her in years, but we'd always kept up through facebook. She has been a constant source of encouragement in life, and to be quite honest, I knew I was going to miss our correspondence while I was giving facebook up! We chatted for a few minutes and again, I was blown away by how God blesses when we choose to give something up because he asked us to. After first service, I headed to the youth group. The Middle School and High School were meeting together for a day of worship. I always love when we do this, because The Lord seems to always work in great ways. I walk in and greet several students that I've grown to love. Some new some old, and I was excited to see their hearts of worship. It always blesses me. And that service was no exception. It was one of the sweetest worship sessions I have ever been a part of. My heart was so full of love for those kids, love for my Savior, and joy because I knew that there was no turning back. I tell you what, there is nothing better in this world than getting to work with kids, and see them fall deeper in love with Jesus. For the first time in years, I had tears fill my eyes during worship, because it was so pure. So incredibly beautiful. After that glorious session, I went to dance with my fellow Israel travelers. Once practice was done, I drove home with my windows down, blasting worship music. I entered my neighborhood, and several kids were outside on their bikes enjoying the sunshine. I smiled at them as I drove by, and pulled up to my house. As I was parking, I noticed a little girl on her bike. I smiled and she smiled back, she seemed to be waiting for me. I turned off my car, gathered my things and got out. I smiled again as I looked at the girl, and she promptly said, " can I ask you a question?" "Of course!" I reply " Are you a Christian?" I smile even bigger at this precious girl, " Yes! I sure am! Are you?" At this point she's glowing. " Oh! I wasn't sure, because I heard your music and I wondered 'Is she a Christian?" I began chatting with this young girl. She's in 5th grade and very involved in her Church. She told me that when she grows up she is going to be a missionary to China. Her genuine love for The Lord blessed my very soul. Here was a precious, innocent little girl, so un tampered with by the world. And my hope and prayer for her is that she never loses hope of that dream. Because I remember having faith like that once. And I am beginning to remember what it feels like to live it. We chatted a while longer, and then parted ways. What a blessing. And today, after my first job, I stopped at chick fil a to get myself some lunch. The last meat i'll be eating for a while. I ordered my food, worship music playing again, and I noticed the gentleman in front of me staring at me through his car windows. I didn't think too much of it. As I was waiting to drive up to the window I thought " You know, why not? I'm going to pay for the meal of the people behind me." I pull up to the window, and to my complete shock, the woman said " The gentleman in front of you paid for your meal." I beamed and told her I would like to do the same for the people behind me. I couldn't believe it! God works in mysterious ways. I hope that that gentleman caused a chain reaction!
So this is my point, I suppose. Drawing nearer to God sounds intimidating. I'll admit there have been times, and until recently I WAS scared to give it all up. To give my life, my relationships, my hopes and desires completely to my Savior. The thought of giving him full control is terrifying, until we do. Even if it's piece by little piece, your life WILL begin to transform. You will no longer be seen, but Christ in you will shine. How glorious! I guess I just wanted to encourage all of you because, we have the power to change this world, and I don't want to offend anyone, but we're not going to do it by living mediocre Christian lives. We're not! We are called to stand boldly and courageously in our faith because we're not in control of anything anyway! Christ alone is! Let him chip away at you until the only thing that people can see is him! Because after all, there is nothing in heaven or on earth as glorious as our Savior.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
But when I stop to remember...
This week has for sure been one of the most incredible I've had this year. And the truth is, it hasn't been for any other reason than the fact that God is good! And what I find most interesting about that statement, is the fact that I so often forget to really stop, and remember what that means. And that's what this week has mainly been about! Stopping... remembering...reflecting... letting the truth of My Savior seep into every part of my being. He is good. ALWAYS good. And because he is good, he has GOOD planned for my life.
You know, I'm at that strange time in life where I'm trying to figure out just what it is I'm supposed to do for the rest of my life. I've gone to school of this, for that, travelled here, and there. I've been able to experience amazing things, and hard things. All of these experiences are things I'm beyond grateful for. They've shaped me into the woman I've become. And they will continue to shape me into the woman I'm becoming. I can look on the past, and see how the hand of Jesus was with me through every moment of my life, yet I somehow find it so terribly difficult to trust that he has my future. Or rather, I KNOW he has my future, I just want to know what's in it!
Ministry with teen girls and women has always been my soft spot. The Lord has placed that desire specifically on my heart since I was a little girl. And I am BEYOND grateful for that! I know that the plans he has for me in this ministry are bigger than my wildest imaginations, and I can't wait to see where he leads. But somehow I always want to be 10 steps ahead. When I really stop and look at the life I'm living, I am already blessed beyond measure at what The Lord has allowed me to do! I've gotten to go to places all around the world and befriend young women. I am a nanny to two pre-teen boys, and two beautiful little girls. I have had the incredible opportunity to build relationships with amazing young women through volunteering in my Church's Middle School youth group since my High School graduation. And not only that, but I have a pretty great following with my blog and RealTalk videos. HOLY COW!!!! HOW GOOD IS GOD?!?!?:D When I just stop...when I just remember...I am filled with utter joy!
The other night I had the privilege of attending a women's worship evening at my church. It was wonderful, my soul had been yearning for that kind of feeding for a while. As I stood among ladies from my own church, and another church, I was filled with such a beautiful peace, I don't quite know how to put it into words! The anointing of the Holy Spirit was flowing so freely, and it was a time when I stopped....I remembered all the things The Lord has already shown me. All the things I just need to take heart, and courage and go for! I remembered the countless times it has been prophesied over me that The Lord God Almighty HAS called me to be a voice to my generation, that he has called me to greater things than I could know to bring his light to our broken world! I was reminded of the fact that I have not a requirement, but a RESPONSIBILITY to live a life worthy of the calling Christ has for me. That I have young women watching how I live my life, so I better be living it for Christ. WHAT AN HONOR! I remembered this past summer when I was with my group in Israel for the last day. We were at the upper room, and The Lord began to speak boldly to each one of us. I remembered the truth he gave me through his word at that time.
Isaiah 49: 1-7
"Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: BEFORE I WAS BORN THE LORD CALLED ME; FROM MY MOTHER'S WOMB HE HAS SPOKEN MY NAME. He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. He said to me, " You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor." But I said, " I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." And now The Lord says- he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am HONORED in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my STRENGTH- he says "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I WILL ALSO MAKE YOU A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT MY SALVATION MAY REACH THE ENDS OF THE EARTH." This is what the Lord says- the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel- to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: " Kings will see you and stand up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, WHO IS FAITHFUL, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, WHO HAS CHOSEN YOU."
Holy cow. Every time I read that I just can't help but be in awe and wonder. And guess what? This amazing promise isn't just for me. It's for YOU. If we just stop...if we just remember what our lives are really about, then we can step into the incredible journey he has for us! It's so easy to forget...I know. I hear ya. And sometimes we don't even know what our calling is. But if we just stop and remember that every time we feel discouraged that BEFORE we were BORN The Lord HIMSELF called us in our mother's wombs, he SPOKE OUR NAMES. HE HAS CHOSEN US! What an incredible honor. What an incredible responsibility. I don't know...this week it's been hitting me more and more that being in love with Jesus isn't always enough. It's easy to be in love with Jesus when we're with like-minded people. It's easy to be in love with Jesus when we're all alone with our Bible's. But where are the people standing up for truth and justice in the midst of the darkest places? I know I can shy away from those places because they are too hard. But we have been CALLED, we have been CHOSEN. Oh that just gets my heart pumping with great expectation! We are at an absolutely pivotal point in history. Let us not grow weary of doing good as Galatians 6:9 says, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP! Wow. That is incredibly powerful. Let us not give up. Let us not give in. Let us stop....let us remember... Christ died so that we might LIVE. Let us truly start LIVING for Him.
You know, I'm at that strange time in life where I'm trying to figure out just what it is I'm supposed to do for the rest of my life. I've gone to school of this, for that, travelled here, and there. I've been able to experience amazing things, and hard things. All of these experiences are things I'm beyond grateful for. They've shaped me into the woman I've become. And they will continue to shape me into the woman I'm becoming. I can look on the past, and see how the hand of Jesus was with me through every moment of my life, yet I somehow find it so terribly difficult to trust that he has my future. Or rather, I KNOW he has my future, I just want to know what's in it!
Ministry with teen girls and women has always been my soft spot. The Lord has placed that desire specifically on my heart since I was a little girl. And I am BEYOND grateful for that! I know that the plans he has for me in this ministry are bigger than my wildest imaginations, and I can't wait to see where he leads. But somehow I always want to be 10 steps ahead. When I really stop and look at the life I'm living, I am already blessed beyond measure at what The Lord has allowed me to do! I've gotten to go to places all around the world and befriend young women. I am a nanny to two pre-teen boys, and two beautiful little girls. I have had the incredible opportunity to build relationships with amazing young women through volunteering in my Church's Middle School youth group since my High School graduation. And not only that, but I have a pretty great following with my blog and RealTalk videos. HOLY COW!!!! HOW GOOD IS GOD?!?!?:D When I just stop...when I just remember...I am filled with utter joy!
The other night I had the privilege of attending a women's worship evening at my church. It was wonderful, my soul had been yearning for that kind of feeding for a while. As I stood among ladies from my own church, and another church, I was filled with such a beautiful peace, I don't quite know how to put it into words! The anointing of the Holy Spirit was flowing so freely, and it was a time when I stopped....I remembered all the things The Lord has already shown me. All the things I just need to take heart, and courage and go for! I remembered the countless times it has been prophesied over me that The Lord God Almighty HAS called me to be a voice to my generation, that he has called me to greater things than I could know to bring his light to our broken world! I was reminded of the fact that I have not a requirement, but a RESPONSIBILITY to live a life worthy of the calling Christ has for me. That I have young women watching how I live my life, so I better be living it for Christ. WHAT AN HONOR! I remembered this past summer when I was with my group in Israel for the last day. We were at the upper room, and The Lord began to speak boldly to each one of us. I remembered the truth he gave me through his word at that time.
Isaiah 49: 1-7
"Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: BEFORE I WAS BORN THE LORD CALLED ME; FROM MY MOTHER'S WOMB HE HAS SPOKEN MY NAME. He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. He said to me, " You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor." But I said, " I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." And now The Lord says- he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am HONORED in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my STRENGTH- he says "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I WILL ALSO MAKE YOU A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT MY SALVATION MAY REACH THE ENDS OF THE EARTH." This is what the Lord says- the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel- to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: " Kings will see you and stand up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, WHO IS FAITHFUL, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, WHO HAS CHOSEN YOU."
Holy cow. Every time I read that I just can't help but be in awe and wonder. And guess what? This amazing promise isn't just for me. It's for YOU. If we just stop...if we just remember what our lives are really about, then we can step into the incredible journey he has for us! It's so easy to forget...I know. I hear ya. And sometimes we don't even know what our calling is. But if we just stop and remember that every time we feel discouraged that BEFORE we were BORN The Lord HIMSELF called us in our mother's wombs, he SPOKE OUR NAMES. HE HAS CHOSEN US! What an incredible honor. What an incredible responsibility. I don't know...this week it's been hitting me more and more that being in love with Jesus isn't always enough. It's easy to be in love with Jesus when we're with like-minded people. It's easy to be in love with Jesus when we're all alone with our Bible's. But where are the people standing up for truth and justice in the midst of the darkest places? I know I can shy away from those places because they are too hard. But we have been CALLED, we have been CHOSEN. Oh that just gets my heart pumping with great expectation! We are at an absolutely pivotal point in history. Let us not grow weary of doing good as Galatians 6:9 says, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP! Wow. That is incredibly powerful. Let us not give up. Let us not give in. Let us stop....let us remember... Christ died so that we might LIVE. Let us truly start LIVING for Him.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
True Love
Wedding season is upon us once more. In fact, it's been on for the past few months. And I absolutely love it. I always have. There's always something so special about Two lives becoming one. I have been to my fair share of weddings over the years, but this summer I had the privilege of being in two of my very best friends weddings, and there were some things that I observed that blew me away.
As a follower of Christ, weddings represent something far deeper than the joining of two lives. They symbolize Christ and his bride (the church). And that's part of why I love weddings so much. They are a literal picture of our Father's love for us. After all, if you stop to think about it from the beginning of time Christ has had your wedding day ordained. He has a specific plan and purpose for your life, even a specific person. Because when you seek his kingdom first, he will bring that person onto your path at some point or another. And that's tremendously exciting. But here's the best part, it's not just all about you.
During both of these weddings, I got to see the love that people in the lives of each couple had for those couples. This was demonstrated by their willingness to serve and do whatever they could to make the wedding day as special and as gorgeous as it could be. And that was again a representation of what the body of Christ is, or should be. A community that uplifts and helps wherever there is a need. It fills my spirit with joy just thinking about how amazing the willingness to serve was!!
And here's my favorite part of the weddings I was in this summer. Each couple has both individually and as a couple made Jesus Christ the center of their lives. He is the core of their existence and it was incredibly evident in their weddings, because they both had invited the Holy Spirit to be present at their weddings, and he was. Ceremonies that allow Him to come, are that much more amazing. There is a feeling that blankets the entire thing that you just can't quite describe. But it's one of the most phenomenal things you can experience on this earth. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a non-believer at a wedding like that, because the overwhelming sense of something more has to be an incredible feeling for someone who's never experienced it. The whole setting is different. The way the bride and groom look at each other, the vows they make are even more beautiful, everything is somehow deeper because of the love of Christ dwelling there.
And that's why weddings like that, couples like that, demonstrate true love. Not because there was this magical thing that pulled them together. It was the Spirit within each of them that drew them together. And it was a choice each of them made to stand by one another and love each other til death parts them. Because feelings of love will fade over time, but that commitment won't die if your anchor is The One True God. And that's so amazing. Wherever these couples end up, they will be serving The Lord. That's what true love is. It's never easy, it's not always fun. But it's beautiful and fulfilling because it was the call that came, and they answered.
After the incredible night we had at this last wedding, the other single girls and I were talking about how much hope we were filled with. Hope for the men that will someday enter our lives, whom we can stand beside and change this world with. And it wasn't just the young ones, the bride's mother and grandmother both said that they would settle for nothing less. And it made me so happy to realize that when I pray for my husband now, and think of him and what he's doing, our Savior is already behind the scenes preparing for us to meet. Preparing us for our true love.
As a follower of Christ, weddings represent something far deeper than the joining of two lives. They symbolize Christ and his bride (the church). And that's part of why I love weddings so much. They are a literal picture of our Father's love for us. After all, if you stop to think about it from the beginning of time Christ has had your wedding day ordained. He has a specific plan and purpose for your life, even a specific person. Because when you seek his kingdom first, he will bring that person onto your path at some point or another. And that's tremendously exciting. But here's the best part, it's not just all about you.
During both of these weddings, I got to see the love that people in the lives of each couple had for those couples. This was demonstrated by their willingness to serve and do whatever they could to make the wedding day as special and as gorgeous as it could be. And that was again a representation of what the body of Christ is, or should be. A community that uplifts and helps wherever there is a need. It fills my spirit with joy just thinking about how amazing the willingness to serve was!!
And here's my favorite part of the weddings I was in this summer. Each couple has both individually and as a couple made Jesus Christ the center of their lives. He is the core of their existence and it was incredibly evident in their weddings, because they both had invited the Holy Spirit to be present at their weddings, and he was. Ceremonies that allow Him to come, are that much more amazing. There is a feeling that blankets the entire thing that you just can't quite describe. But it's one of the most phenomenal things you can experience on this earth. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a non-believer at a wedding like that, because the overwhelming sense of something more has to be an incredible feeling for someone who's never experienced it. The whole setting is different. The way the bride and groom look at each other, the vows they make are even more beautiful, everything is somehow deeper because of the love of Christ dwelling there.
And that's why weddings like that, couples like that, demonstrate true love. Not because there was this magical thing that pulled them together. It was the Spirit within each of them that drew them together. And it was a choice each of them made to stand by one another and love each other til death parts them. Because feelings of love will fade over time, but that commitment won't die if your anchor is The One True God. And that's so amazing. Wherever these couples end up, they will be serving The Lord. That's what true love is. It's never easy, it's not always fun. But it's beautiful and fulfilling because it was the call that came, and they answered.
After the incredible night we had at this last wedding, the other single girls and I were talking about how much hope we were filled with. Hope for the men that will someday enter our lives, whom we can stand beside and change this world with. And it wasn't just the young ones, the bride's mother and grandmother both said that they would settle for nothing less. And it made me so happy to realize that when I pray for my husband now, and think of him and what he's doing, our Savior is already behind the scenes preparing for us to meet. Preparing us for our true love.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Freedom isn't Free
Gosh, it's been a while since I've posted on this blog. And to be quite fair, I miss it. Writing is a deep passion of mine, and it's hard when I get so busy that I don't have time to do it. But I have the afternoon off, and some thoughts that have been running through my head over the past few months.
At the end of May, I was lucky enough to be able to go on an incredible trip to Israel. There is no way I can begin to describe the trip or just how amazing it was. Every moment was incredible. Our main objective was to go over and perform for the Israeli military, and it was phenomenal. The performances were fun, and getting to see the bases and be in some crazy places was extraordinary. But my favorite part was having conversations with the soldiers. Getting to know just a tiny piece of their lives. And realizing that these are a people that fight literally every single day for their freedom. For them, war isn't a choice, it's their survival. I left Israel marveling at their bravery, their courage, and their undying devotion the Land that they love. The land that is theirs. And it got me thinking...
I have always been a very patriotic person. I love where I come from. I love what my Nation was founded on. American's as a whole tend to be pretty patriotic people, and though others disagree with me, I think that being patriotic is one of our best qualities. Websters definition of patriotism is simply this "love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it." I just love that. It's not about thinking you're better than anyone else. It's not about winning. It's about being thankful for what you have, and the willingness to give your life for it. Patriotism is a clear picture of Christ's love for us when you really think about it. We were his country, and he was willing to be sacrificed for us. Why would we not do the same for all he's blessed us with? I know this probably seems like an out of the blue post to most of you, but stick with me. Summer time always fuels more American pride in me...probably because of the 4th of July. It makes me remember this one simple truth. I am beyond blessed to be an American. Yes, I disagree with a lot that goes on in our government. I don't like a lot of the ways people act these days, all self-entitled and self-centered. But I do recognize something great about my country. There are still people who work to keep what this Nation was founded on real. You have people who know that hard work is what will get you where you want to go in life, not free hand outs. You have people who have dreams bigger than the stars, and they know that in this land, that dream can become a reality. You know that you have the choice to raise your family with freedom, love, and truth because that's what this great Nation was founded on. You can do things other people would never dream of because you're an American. And that is a tremendous blessing. But those things don't come without sacrifice. Remember the definition of sacrifice is "love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it." And that's what really gets me. I have always had a deep love for our Nation's military. I'm often asked why, and to be quite honest... I'm not even certain. I remember vividly the first time it hit me. I was reciting a poem for the Memorial Day service at my church. After the service was finished, I sat in the pew and asked my mom why we celebrated Memorial Day, what was a veteran? She explained it to me, and as a 6 year old girl, I sat in that pew and wept. I felt such a sense of pride in those who had gone before me to secure my freedoms, those who were doing so right then. And it is a passion that has only grown. I think maybe the biggest reason I'm so drawn to the military is because it represents what SHOULD be important to us, whether you're an American or not. Valor, determination, courage, love, and above all SACRIFICE. The fact that there are men and women willing to give up everything for people who don't appreciate it ASTOUNDS me. And I guess I figure, if I can be strong enough to stand beside them, maybe it'll make what they have to endure just a little more bearable. I know this post is a few days after our Independence Day...but I think that's a good thing. I think it's important to remember why we have what we have every day, not just on the designated days.
When the group and I were flying home from Israel, I saw two American soldiers. I am and always will be that person who goes up to soldiers I see in airports or wherever, and thank them for their service. The first one I saw was a young man. He literally could've been 18 years old. I thanked him and he smiled, but didn't really say anything. The second was an older man who I saw right as I got off the plane in Denver. Everyone was hurrying so that we could see our families. I walked past him and everyone said "Kimberly, wait. Aren't you going to thank him?" And I realized that my family could wait just a few more minutes. I turned around and walked up to the man. "Excuse me Sir," he turned " I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you so much for serving our country. The military is a huge part of my heart, and I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you do." Now, I don't exactly know what this man's rank was. I didn't want to just stare, but I know he was an officer. "Wow." He said as he shook my hand "Thank you so much. People don't take the time to thank us anymore...you are a great American. I wish I had one of our coins or something to give you but they're all in my checked bag. I can't tell you what this means to me." We chatted a moment longer, and then I left to join the rest of my group and see my family. Two things happened to me in that moment. Pride that I got to stand beside those men, even for a moment, and also a deep sadness that they are so unappreciated. And maybe that's what this is about more than anything else. Maybe it's time we go back to acknowledging the deep price that's paid for us, and standing beside those who pay it. Thanking a soldier or firefighter or police man when you see them. Being proud of where you came from. And being patriotic. Because if we forget how to sacrifice for what's worth it to us, then we will forget what it means to cherish anything.
At the end of May, I was lucky enough to be able to go on an incredible trip to Israel. There is no way I can begin to describe the trip or just how amazing it was. Every moment was incredible. Our main objective was to go over and perform for the Israeli military, and it was phenomenal. The performances were fun, and getting to see the bases and be in some crazy places was extraordinary. But my favorite part was having conversations with the soldiers. Getting to know just a tiny piece of their lives. And realizing that these are a people that fight literally every single day for their freedom. For them, war isn't a choice, it's their survival. I left Israel marveling at their bravery, their courage, and their undying devotion the Land that they love. The land that is theirs. And it got me thinking...
I have always been a very patriotic person. I love where I come from. I love what my Nation was founded on. American's as a whole tend to be pretty patriotic people, and though others disagree with me, I think that being patriotic is one of our best qualities. Websters definition of patriotism is simply this "love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it." I just love that. It's not about thinking you're better than anyone else. It's not about winning. It's about being thankful for what you have, and the willingness to give your life for it. Patriotism is a clear picture of Christ's love for us when you really think about it. We were his country, and he was willing to be sacrificed for us. Why would we not do the same for all he's blessed us with? I know this probably seems like an out of the blue post to most of you, but stick with me. Summer time always fuels more American pride in me...probably because of the 4th of July. It makes me remember this one simple truth. I am beyond blessed to be an American. Yes, I disagree with a lot that goes on in our government. I don't like a lot of the ways people act these days, all self-entitled and self-centered. But I do recognize something great about my country. There are still people who work to keep what this Nation was founded on real. You have people who know that hard work is what will get you where you want to go in life, not free hand outs. You have people who have dreams bigger than the stars, and they know that in this land, that dream can become a reality. You know that you have the choice to raise your family with freedom, love, and truth because that's what this great Nation was founded on. You can do things other people would never dream of because you're an American. And that is a tremendous blessing. But those things don't come without sacrifice. Remember the definition of sacrifice is "love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it." And that's what really gets me. I have always had a deep love for our Nation's military. I'm often asked why, and to be quite honest... I'm not even certain. I remember vividly the first time it hit me. I was reciting a poem for the Memorial Day service at my church. After the service was finished, I sat in the pew and asked my mom why we celebrated Memorial Day, what was a veteran? She explained it to me, and as a 6 year old girl, I sat in that pew and wept. I felt such a sense of pride in those who had gone before me to secure my freedoms, those who were doing so right then. And it is a passion that has only grown. I think maybe the biggest reason I'm so drawn to the military is because it represents what SHOULD be important to us, whether you're an American or not. Valor, determination, courage, love, and above all SACRIFICE. The fact that there are men and women willing to give up everything for people who don't appreciate it ASTOUNDS me. And I guess I figure, if I can be strong enough to stand beside them, maybe it'll make what they have to endure just a little more bearable. I know this post is a few days after our Independence Day...but I think that's a good thing. I think it's important to remember why we have what we have every day, not just on the designated days.
When the group and I were flying home from Israel, I saw two American soldiers. I am and always will be that person who goes up to soldiers I see in airports or wherever, and thank them for their service. The first one I saw was a young man. He literally could've been 18 years old. I thanked him and he smiled, but didn't really say anything. The second was an older man who I saw right as I got off the plane in Denver. Everyone was hurrying so that we could see our families. I walked past him and everyone said "Kimberly, wait. Aren't you going to thank him?" And I realized that my family could wait just a few more minutes. I turned around and walked up to the man. "Excuse me Sir," he turned " I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you so much for serving our country. The military is a huge part of my heart, and I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you do." Now, I don't exactly know what this man's rank was. I didn't want to just stare, but I know he was an officer. "Wow." He said as he shook my hand "Thank you so much. People don't take the time to thank us anymore...you are a great American. I wish I had one of our coins or something to give you but they're all in my checked bag. I can't tell you what this means to me." We chatted a moment longer, and then I left to join the rest of my group and see my family. Two things happened to me in that moment. Pride that I got to stand beside those men, even for a moment, and also a deep sadness that they are so unappreciated. And maybe that's what this is about more than anything else. Maybe it's time we go back to acknowledging the deep price that's paid for us, and standing beside those who pay it. Thanking a soldier or firefighter or police man when you see them. Being proud of where you came from. And being patriotic. Because if we forget how to sacrifice for what's worth it to us, then we will forget what it means to cherish anything.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Faith in all things
Holy Cow people. Seriously. I just can't get over the goodness of our Savior. I can't get over saying it. I don't think I ever will. At least I hope not. And if you're getting annoyed by it...well, i'm not sorry! HA know why? Because ANY time glory can be brought to his name, I get excited. This life is all about him anyway, so why even bother talking about anything else? Okay...I know. That's super unrealistic, and quite frankly I don't think it would work...for the most part anyway. But now that that's done, let me get to the point in this whole thing!
For years I have been a worrier. I want to have everything figured out. I want to know the next step. I love surprises, but I don't. It's like I wanted to know the big things in life, and then i'd be fine. I know, I know. Impossible. And it is! But here is the coolest thing, when you truly put your faith in Christ, what's coming in the future doesn't really seem to matter. Well, it does, but somehow you know that it's going to be GREAT because God HAS GOT YOU! Even if you walk through the deepest hell, with Christ as your hope, it's not as scary as it once was. I seriously used to lay in bed at night and worry about what to do next. Where was I going? What was I going to do wiht my life? Could God even use me? If I didn't find my "calling" would I be less than everybody else? I seriously used to THINK I was less than everyone else in every way. Wow how glorious is our God that he gives us beauty for ashes? WOO HOO!
You know those rare times in life when you just have a sweet day? Either it's a really great day with family or friends or something, and you're just filled with a feeling you can't explain. It's just about as close to perfect as you can get? You're just filled with complete joy and awe at the awesomeness of what just happened? Well, i've had those before. And they were great. But seriously few and far in-between. But i'm telling you, after completly surrendering, I am just filled with that joy constantly. Seriously, i'm like a little bouncing ball of happy. Believe me, there are rough moments. That's life. But when I fix my eyes on him above, holy moly. And guess what? THAT is what he is calling us to! Give it all to him, and his joy inside of you will be endless! Because no matter what comes, you belong to him. AMEN!
Be blessed my dear brothers and sisters. All my love.
For years I have been a worrier. I want to have everything figured out. I want to know the next step. I love surprises, but I don't. It's like I wanted to know the big things in life, and then i'd be fine. I know, I know. Impossible. And it is! But here is the coolest thing, when you truly put your faith in Christ, what's coming in the future doesn't really seem to matter. Well, it does, but somehow you know that it's going to be GREAT because God HAS GOT YOU! Even if you walk through the deepest hell, with Christ as your hope, it's not as scary as it once was. I seriously used to lay in bed at night and worry about what to do next. Where was I going? What was I going to do wiht my life? Could God even use me? If I didn't find my "calling" would I be less than everybody else? I seriously used to THINK I was less than everyone else in every way. Wow how glorious is our God that he gives us beauty for ashes? WOO HOO!
You know those rare times in life when you just have a sweet day? Either it's a really great day with family or friends or something, and you're just filled with a feeling you can't explain. It's just about as close to perfect as you can get? You're just filled with complete joy and awe at the awesomeness of what just happened? Well, i've had those before. And they were great. But seriously few and far in-between. But i'm telling you, after completly surrendering, I am just filled with that joy constantly. Seriously, i'm like a little bouncing ball of happy. Believe me, there are rough moments. That's life. But when I fix my eyes on him above, holy moly. And guess what? THAT is what he is calling us to! Give it all to him, and his joy inside of you will be endless! Because no matter what comes, you belong to him. AMEN!
Be blessed my dear brothers and sisters. All my love.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
The greatness of our God
Holy Cow. I'm seriously just blown away by my Savior. He is so unbelievably good. It astounds me. The past few days have been a really sweet time with him. Yesterday, I just spent like 4 hours in his presence. It was incredible. I wish I could spend all day every day like that. Playing music, worshiping him through prayer, reading scripture, journaling. Ah. Makes me jealous of yesterday! HAHA. Not really though, because hey, he decided to bless me immensley again today.
Every Tuesday morning at 5:30, there is prayer meeting for the women of my church. It is one of the most incredible things i've ever been a part of. But the past probably...5 weeks or so, i've been so busy and I haven't made it. I've been missing it so much. So last night I determined that I was GOING to go! I even went to bed early! Here's the problem, right now in school we're working on a big project. So my phone was blowing up all night with text messages from the people in my group. Every time I heard a little buzz, I would wake up and get frustrated. Finally I was like "UGH. I'm going to turn my phone completly off. I'll just go to prayer next week." I felt in my Spirit that I would miss out if I didn't go, but at that point, i'm dissapointed to say I didn't really care. But Praise the Lord that he knows our needs better than we need our own! This morning I woke up with a jolt. I was about to try and go back to sleep, when I felt my Savior's prompting. I turned on my phone. It was 5:15. I threw on clothes, brushed my teeth, and went to prayer. And you know what? It was the most amazing one I have ever experienced. We lifted up our Nation in prayer, and God blessed each of us women with something very special. His love and power were so think, and tangible there that I can't even begin to explain. And the greatest part is that I don't even feel that sleepy. It's amazing how when our focus is on HIM alone, he restores, sustains, and keeps us in every way possible. I pray that each of you have an incredibly blessed day. Don't let your own selfishness or insecurities hold you back from ANYTHING you feel HIM calling you to do. Much love xoxo
Every Tuesday morning at 5:30, there is prayer meeting for the women of my church. It is one of the most incredible things i've ever been a part of. But the past probably...5 weeks or so, i've been so busy and I haven't made it. I've been missing it so much. So last night I determined that I was GOING to go! I even went to bed early! Here's the problem, right now in school we're working on a big project. So my phone was blowing up all night with text messages from the people in my group. Every time I heard a little buzz, I would wake up and get frustrated. Finally I was like "UGH. I'm going to turn my phone completly off. I'll just go to prayer next week." I felt in my Spirit that I would miss out if I didn't go, but at that point, i'm dissapointed to say I didn't really care. But Praise the Lord that he knows our needs better than we need our own! This morning I woke up with a jolt. I was about to try and go back to sleep, when I felt my Savior's prompting. I turned on my phone. It was 5:15. I threw on clothes, brushed my teeth, and went to prayer. And you know what? It was the most amazing one I have ever experienced. We lifted up our Nation in prayer, and God blessed each of us women with something very special. His love and power were so think, and tangible there that I can't even begin to explain. And the greatest part is that I don't even feel that sleepy. It's amazing how when our focus is on HIM alone, he restores, sustains, and keeps us in every way possible. I pray that each of you have an incredibly blessed day. Don't let your own selfishness or insecurities hold you back from ANYTHING you feel HIM calling you to do. Much love xoxo
Saturday, May 4, 2013
To Whom Much is Given
Hello dear people! I hope that you are filled with indescribable joy and peace. And if you're not...you SHOULD be! Know why? Because you belong to the creator of all. And even when life is HARD, he is STILL worthy of praise. I've been learning this the hard way the past few weeks. Don't get me wrong. I've always known it. And i've always tried to live by it. But i'm telling you what, lately, it hasn't been easy. Lately, i've been selfish. That's not good. Not okay with me. And here is the reason why...because my situation should not determine my heart or my attitude. Life is all about taking the things that come our way and choosing how to deal with those things. Because the bottom line is, we DO have a choice. That means we can find our joy in the Lord, or we can let whatever is going on steal our joy. Crazy huh?
"To whom much is given, much is expected." This has been floating around my mind a lot lately. And I feel i've had recent revelation of what it means. I always used to think that this meant when you were blessed with things like money, talent, etc. you were meant to share that. I think that's part of it for sure...but not all of it. Here's the part i've been learning a lot more lately. When we're given a lot of hard things, a lot is expected from us. This means that when you're given a situation that no one would want to live with, we as believers have a responsibility to take that situation, and use it for good. Whatever you're handed was handed to you for a reason. If you're always going through hard things, then guess what? You can help a lot of hurting people. If you can learn to live in love even when life is hard, well...I don't think there's anything more like being Jesus with skin on than that.
I don't know. Maybe you'll disagree with me. And that's fine. I don't need you to agree. I just know that when it comes to me, no longer am I going to wallow in my sorrow. No longer am I going to let anything steal my joy! I am Jesus'. This life is ALL because of him. Why would I not live it for him?
"To whom much is given, much is expected." This has been floating around my mind a lot lately. And I feel i've had recent revelation of what it means. I always used to think that this meant when you were blessed with things like money, talent, etc. you were meant to share that. I think that's part of it for sure...but not all of it. Here's the part i've been learning a lot more lately. When we're given a lot of hard things, a lot is expected from us. This means that when you're given a situation that no one would want to live with, we as believers have a responsibility to take that situation, and use it for good. Whatever you're handed was handed to you for a reason. If you're always going through hard things, then guess what? You can help a lot of hurting people. If you can learn to live in love even when life is hard, well...I don't think there's anything more like being Jesus with skin on than that.
I don't know. Maybe you'll disagree with me. And that's fine. I don't need you to agree. I just know that when it comes to me, no longer am I going to wallow in my sorrow. No longer am I going to let anything steal my joy! I am Jesus'. This life is ALL because of him. Why would I not live it for him?
Friday, April 12, 2013
To my beautiful Mom
Today is a very special day. For some of you, maybe not...but for me, it most definietly is. Today is my beautiful mother's birthday!!
This morning I was looking through an old photo album, and I realized something. I truly have an incredible mother. I'm the youngest of four kids, and my mom always made sure that we were running around, playing, doing fun things. I can't even begin to imagine all that she sacrificed so that we could have more. I know most people would be exhausted by all she did...she's kind of like a super hero in that way! But as I looked trough the pictures, I couldn't help but realize the most amazing thing. She loved it. She loved being our mom, and she still loves being our mom. Growing up my friends always just loved my mom. I mean, I get it. She's beautiful, outgoing, charming and fun. But I would always get embarrassed by the fact that she was constantly wanting to know about everyone's life. And even as an adult, I sometimes find that I just want there to be a time with no more questions coming my way. But it finally hit me, the reason people have always gravitated toward my mom is because she cares. My mother genuinely cares about people, and most of the time she sacrifices her troubles or cares, so that she can be there for someone elses. She would rather be there for someone else in need, than focus on herself. She is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. So I guess all of this, is to say this...
Mom, thank you for everything you have done for me. I can't imagine having another mother, and I wouldn't want to. You have always been a rock, someone strong that I can turn to, a shelter. But you've also been a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and someone who loves me unconditionally. You've been a motivator. You've shown me that life is going to knock you down, but you can't dwell on it, you can't fester. You have to get up, and move on because there is joy to be found just around the corner. You've shown me what it means to be a good mom. Checking up on me, making sure I knew the real difference between right and wrong. As i've grown you have become my friend. Someone I laugh with. You were there through the hard times in life, the drama in school, and my first broken heart. As i've become an adult, you've encouraged me, and wathced me succeed, always so full of love and pride for me. And I will always be thankful. I can't wait for what the next chapters in life hold. I can't wait for you to be there when I start my life with somebody, when I have my kids, when I come to you for answers because I just don't know what to do. But I do know that someday I will be a great mom, because you have taught me how. I know I don't always appreciate you like I should, but you deserve the best. I love you mom! Happy 54th birthday
Always,
Kimberly
This morning I was looking through an old photo album, and I realized something. I truly have an incredible mother. I'm the youngest of four kids, and my mom always made sure that we were running around, playing, doing fun things. I can't even begin to imagine all that she sacrificed so that we could have more. I know most people would be exhausted by all she did...she's kind of like a super hero in that way! But as I looked trough the pictures, I couldn't help but realize the most amazing thing. She loved it. She loved being our mom, and she still loves being our mom. Growing up my friends always just loved my mom. I mean, I get it. She's beautiful, outgoing, charming and fun. But I would always get embarrassed by the fact that she was constantly wanting to know about everyone's life. And even as an adult, I sometimes find that I just want there to be a time with no more questions coming my way. But it finally hit me, the reason people have always gravitated toward my mom is because she cares. My mother genuinely cares about people, and most of the time she sacrifices her troubles or cares, so that she can be there for someone elses. She would rather be there for someone else in need, than focus on herself. She is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. So I guess all of this, is to say this...
Mom, thank you for everything you have done for me. I can't imagine having another mother, and I wouldn't want to. You have always been a rock, someone strong that I can turn to, a shelter. But you've also been a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and someone who loves me unconditionally. You've been a motivator. You've shown me that life is going to knock you down, but you can't dwell on it, you can't fester. You have to get up, and move on because there is joy to be found just around the corner. You've shown me what it means to be a good mom. Checking up on me, making sure I knew the real difference between right and wrong. As i've grown you have become my friend. Someone I laugh with. You were there through the hard times in life, the drama in school, and my first broken heart. As i've become an adult, you've encouraged me, and wathced me succeed, always so full of love and pride for me. And I will always be thankful. I can't wait for what the next chapters in life hold. I can't wait for you to be there when I start my life with somebody, when I have my kids, when I come to you for answers because I just don't know what to do. But I do know that someday I will be a great mom, because you have taught me how. I know I don't always appreciate you like I should, but you deserve the best. I love you mom! Happy 54th birthday
Always,
Kimberly
Monday, April 8, 2013
A step of Faith
Holy Hallelujiah God is good. But seriously people. I truly mean that. See, I have always loved Jesus. Really and truly, I have...but in the last couple of weeks, he has been calling me out to do things for him that I never could've imagined. I mean, i'd sort of imagined them, but for some reason I always thought i'd be "established" first. Or something like that. I don't even know what to tell you, except that when you decide to REALLY take a step out of your normal, everyday whatever...you'll be saying holy hallelujiah too!
Okay, so things have been moving and shaking in my life for a little over a month now. It's seriously incredible. God has been opening doors, and bringing people into my life to encourage, metor, lead, etc. It's awesome. I've been being filled, and filled and filled. But that's the thing, once we are filled, we are called to POUR OUT. Right? And don't get me wrong, it's been awesome pouring out to people who already love him. Yes, there are still hard things that come along, but we are called TO REACH THIS WORLD FOR HIM!!!!! WOOO HOOO! Sorry. I'm easily excitable these days. ANYWAY...moving on. This morning I went to the gym to get my workout on. Go me! And I really felt the Lord challenging me to choose someone to talk to, to encourage. Well, no one was really fitting the bill, and I started to get nervous. I mean, here I am working out, listening to worship music just BURSTING to scream to everyone that Jesus loves them. Don't worry, I didn't. I like the gym I go to, and quite frankly they might've thought I was a tiny bit crazy. HA well, they'd be right but who cares! Anyway, finally this girl gets on the treadmill. And instantly I KNEW it was her. Something in her eyes. They were downcast, and her long hair wasn't up or anything. She had on full makeup and she was walking slowly on the treadmill. Now, don't get me wrong, i've heard lots of people meet their significant others at the gym, but there was just something about her screaming that she needed to know SOMEONE loved her. I got super excited. Stopped really paying attention to my work out. Probably looked like a fool. Awesome. Anyway, I started asking God for scriptures and immedietly two came to mind. I think she sensed something, because she quickly jumped off her treadmill and like a nut job I instantly jumped off mine and was a few paces behind her. She knew something was up and she began to walk quickly toward the exit. DANG! I thought...missed my chance. I grabbed the cleaner and went back to my treadmill to clean it. I didn't even finish the 15 minuets I had left on my treadmill because I was super bummed. I was like "God, if you really want me to tell her this, you gotta bring her back." Well he's just super cool like that, because right as i'm walking out, she starts walking toward me. I give her a big smile and she smiles nervously back. Before she can get away I say " Hi! Excuse me can I talk to you for a minute?" "uhhh sure." "Okay, so this is probably going to sound really strange, but i'm a Christian and I really felt like The Lord wanted me to tell you that he thinks you're amazing, and beautiful, and he loves you so much. Again, I know this sounds strange..." "that's okay." "okay, awesome. And he gave me a few verses which are Song of Solomon 4:7 which says ' You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.' and Isaiah 49:16 ' See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands...' So yeah, I just felt like he wanted you to know that." She sort of smiled at me and said "okay thank you." "no problem! have a good day." And that was that. Now don't get me wrong. Pretty cool....but I won't lie, I was sort of bummed walking out to my car like 'God, why didn't she ask me more questions? And how come she was so nervous? Was that creepy to do?' And this is where the coolest part of my whole morning happened. He said " You don't need to know so much about her, because I already know EVERYTHING about her. You don't know what you said did to her, and you don't...because I do." WOW. Boom. Okay. Got it. So I drove home and prayed for the girl who's name I didn't even know.
Here's what I want any one of you reading this to take from this story, that can be you. Don't wait to share the love of God with ANYONE! Here's the bottom line, he can use ANYONE! Seriously. Even creepy girls in the gym like me. Because the bottom line is this, we live in a hurting, devestated, starving world for truth. And you and I as believers HAVE that truth. So what if you make a fool of yourself? Odds are you'll never run into that person again. The Lord also gave me this revelation today. You know those people who fall asleep in church even when the message is amazing and you can't help but think " HOW ARE YOU LETTING YOURSELF MISS THIS?!?" Well, instead of sitting there wondering, we can always tap them on the shoulder to wake them up. Anyone who is not yet in the body of Christ is that sleeping person. They already belong, they're already God's, he loves them with an everlasting love. They just need someone like you or me to tap them on the shoulder, wake them up, so that they can fall right back in love with him too. Be blessed today, bless others today, and never forget the INCREDIBLE LOVE God has for you!
Okay, so things have been moving and shaking in my life for a little over a month now. It's seriously incredible. God has been opening doors, and bringing people into my life to encourage, metor, lead, etc. It's awesome. I've been being filled, and filled and filled. But that's the thing, once we are filled, we are called to POUR OUT. Right? And don't get me wrong, it's been awesome pouring out to people who already love him. Yes, there are still hard things that come along, but we are called TO REACH THIS WORLD FOR HIM!!!!! WOOO HOOO! Sorry. I'm easily excitable these days. ANYWAY...moving on. This morning I went to the gym to get my workout on. Go me! And I really felt the Lord challenging me to choose someone to talk to, to encourage. Well, no one was really fitting the bill, and I started to get nervous. I mean, here I am working out, listening to worship music just BURSTING to scream to everyone that Jesus loves them. Don't worry, I didn't. I like the gym I go to, and quite frankly they might've thought I was a tiny bit crazy. HA well, they'd be right but who cares! Anyway, finally this girl gets on the treadmill. And instantly I KNEW it was her. Something in her eyes. They were downcast, and her long hair wasn't up or anything. She had on full makeup and she was walking slowly on the treadmill. Now, don't get me wrong, i've heard lots of people meet their significant others at the gym, but there was just something about her screaming that she needed to know SOMEONE loved her. I got super excited. Stopped really paying attention to my work out. Probably looked like a fool. Awesome. Anyway, I started asking God for scriptures and immedietly two came to mind. I think she sensed something, because she quickly jumped off her treadmill and like a nut job I instantly jumped off mine and was a few paces behind her. She knew something was up and she began to walk quickly toward the exit. DANG! I thought...missed my chance. I grabbed the cleaner and went back to my treadmill to clean it. I didn't even finish the 15 minuets I had left on my treadmill because I was super bummed. I was like "God, if you really want me to tell her this, you gotta bring her back." Well he's just super cool like that, because right as i'm walking out, she starts walking toward me. I give her a big smile and she smiles nervously back. Before she can get away I say " Hi! Excuse me can I talk to you for a minute?" "uhhh sure." "Okay, so this is probably going to sound really strange, but i'm a Christian and I really felt like The Lord wanted me to tell you that he thinks you're amazing, and beautiful, and he loves you so much. Again, I know this sounds strange..." "that's okay." "okay, awesome. And he gave me a few verses which are Song of Solomon 4:7 which says ' You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.' and Isaiah 49:16 ' See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands...' So yeah, I just felt like he wanted you to know that." She sort of smiled at me and said "okay thank you." "no problem! have a good day." And that was that. Now don't get me wrong. Pretty cool....but I won't lie, I was sort of bummed walking out to my car like 'God, why didn't she ask me more questions? And how come she was so nervous? Was that creepy to do?' And this is where the coolest part of my whole morning happened. He said " You don't need to know so much about her, because I already know EVERYTHING about her. You don't know what you said did to her, and you don't...because I do." WOW. Boom. Okay. Got it. So I drove home and prayed for the girl who's name I didn't even know.
Here's what I want any one of you reading this to take from this story, that can be you. Don't wait to share the love of God with ANYONE! Here's the bottom line, he can use ANYONE! Seriously. Even creepy girls in the gym like me. Because the bottom line is this, we live in a hurting, devestated, starving world for truth. And you and I as believers HAVE that truth. So what if you make a fool of yourself? Odds are you'll never run into that person again. The Lord also gave me this revelation today. You know those people who fall asleep in church even when the message is amazing and you can't help but think " HOW ARE YOU LETTING YOURSELF MISS THIS?!?" Well, instead of sitting there wondering, we can always tap them on the shoulder to wake them up. Anyone who is not yet in the body of Christ is that sleeping person. They already belong, they're already God's, he loves them with an everlasting love. They just need someone like you or me to tap them on the shoulder, wake them up, so that they can fall right back in love with him too. Be blessed today, bless others today, and never forget the INCREDIBLE LOVE God has for you!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
This is Amazing Grace
Goodmorning my dear brothers and sisters,
I pray that this Wednesday morning finds you all filled with joy, peace, and the wonderous love of the holy spirit!
I must say, these past few weeks have been rather difficult for me. In SOME ways. My family is going through a lot right now, and i'm sure you all know how exhausting it can be when someone you love deeply is in trouble. But I will tell you all something else, I have never been filled with greater joy than I have for the past two weeks. They have been spectacular for no real reason, other than the fact that our GOD IS GOOD AND HE BRINGS JOY!
The past few weeks, The Lord has been renewing me, breaking places in my life that needed to be washed clean and redeemed. Things I had been holding onto, unwilling to let him purify them. But I urge you now brothers and sisters, let him do the same in your life! Oh, NOTHING is sweeter than his presense, his love is greater than anything you could ever imagine! I am so hungry for him, that I find myself in constant worship. Singing praises to his name, reading his word, IT IS LIFE! And it makes me remeber the one thing I need to remember most. HE HAS ALREADY WON! HALLELUJIAH! Oh, that fills me with SUCH hope and JOY! When I look at my present circumstances, I know that there is already VICTORY in the blood of Jesus over everything going on. And just the FACT that God would send his SON down to redeem us all is still....just beyond me. I've never been able to comprehend it. And to be quite honest, I hope I never can. Because I don't want to lose this fierce adoration for my creator, and my redeemer. I look around our broken world, and see so many people who mock him, trash his name, declare everything BUT love against him. Believe me brothers and sisters, I have done my share of wounding our precious Savior. Yet his love is unfailing and ongoing. HOW GOOD IS OUR GOD?!?!?
I haven't slept well the last few nights. My thoughts have been jumbled with worry. And though i've prayed through each restless night, I still felt a sort of...desperation I guess. Last night I was wrestling with truths and lies, and I finally just got up out of bed, had my headphones in, and started dancing around my room praising Jesus! I wanted to shout, but I didn't want to wake up the rest of my family! HAHA how wonderful! I went to sleep finally at some point, full of God's promise! How is it that he chooses to fill US when we praise HIM?!? WOW he is good!
I pray today that you all take time to just love on our dear Savior. I pray embarrassment doesn't even flood your thoughts. Because WHO CARES?!? What else MATTERS besides our Savior?
If ya'll need some inspiration, i've been listening to Bethel Music's Live Album non stop for, I don't know how long. It's incredible. Totally anointed!
Last night, the song I was praising Jesus with was "This Is Amazing Grace." On repeat for I honestly don't know how long! HAHA I'll post the lyrics here!
BE BLESSED!
This is Amazing Grace
Josh Farro, Phil Wickham, Jeremy Riddle
Verse 1:
Who breaks the power of sin and darkness
Whose love is mighty and so much stronger
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder
Who leaves us breathless in awe and wonder
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Chorus:
This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You would lay down Your life
That I would be set free
Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me
Verse 2:
Who brings our chaos back into order
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Who rules the nations with truth and justice
Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Bridge:
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave
I pray that this Wednesday morning finds you all filled with joy, peace, and the wonderous love of the holy spirit!
I must say, these past few weeks have been rather difficult for me. In SOME ways. My family is going through a lot right now, and i'm sure you all know how exhausting it can be when someone you love deeply is in trouble. But I will tell you all something else, I have never been filled with greater joy than I have for the past two weeks. They have been spectacular for no real reason, other than the fact that our GOD IS GOOD AND HE BRINGS JOY!
The past few weeks, The Lord has been renewing me, breaking places in my life that needed to be washed clean and redeemed. Things I had been holding onto, unwilling to let him purify them. But I urge you now brothers and sisters, let him do the same in your life! Oh, NOTHING is sweeter than his presense, his love is greater than anything you could ever imagine! I am so hungry for him, that I find myself in constant worship. Singing praises to his name, reading his word, IT IS LIFE! And it makes me remeber the one thing I need to remember most. HE HAS ALREADY WON! HALLELUJIAH! Oh, that fills me with SUCH hope and JOY! When I look at my present circumstances, I know that there is already VICTORY in the blood of Jesus over everything going on. And just the FACT that God would send his SON down to redeem us all is still....just beyond me. I've never been able to comprehend it. And to be quite honest, I hope I never can. Because I don't want to lose this fierce adoration for my creator, and my redeemer. I look around our broken world, and see so many people who mock him, trash his name, declare everything BUT love against him. Believe me brothers and sisters, I have done my share of wounding our precious Savior. Yet his love is unfailing and ongoing. HOW GOOD IS OUR GOD?!?!?
I haven't slept well the last few nights. My thoughts have been jumbled with worry. And though i've prayed through each restless night, I still felt a sort of...desperation I guess. Last night I was wrestling with truths and lies, and I finally just got up out of bed, had my headphones in, and started dancing around my room praising Jesus! I wanted to shout, but I didn't want to wake up the rest of my family! HAHA how wonderful! I went to sleep finally at some point, full of God's promise! How is it that he chooses to fill US when we praise HIM?!? WOW he is good!
I pray today that you all take time to just love on our dear Savior. I pray embarrassment doesn't even flood your thoughts. Because WHO CARES?!? What else MATTERS besides our Savior?
If ya'll need some inspiration, i've been listening to Bethel Music's Live Album non stop for, I don't know how long. It's incredible. Totally anointed!
Last night, the song I was praising Jesus with was "This Is Amazing Grace." On repeat for I honestly don't know how long! HAHA I'll post the lyrics here!
BE BLESSED!
This is Amazing Grace
Josh Farro, Phil Wickham, Jeremy Riddle
Verse 1:
Who breaks the power of sin and darkness
Whose love is mighty and so much stronger
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder
Who leaves us breathless in awe and wonder
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Chorus:
This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You would lay down Your life
That I would be set free
Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me
Verse 2:
Who brings our chaos back into order
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Who rules the nations with truth and justice
Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Bridge:
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
It's the timing of it all
Timing is always something that has boggled my mind. I know that The Lord has specific things that he wants to bring into my life at specific times, but instead of that bringing me comfort, it often times brings me stress. I have always been a person that has a hard time trusting. I'm terrified of making a mistake, so rather than taking a risk, I play it safe. Not in every area of life I suppose. In fact, in a lot of areas I think people would see me as the ultimate risk taker. There are places though, where trust simply doesn't exist.
For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him.
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
Ecclesiastesve 8:6
For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him.
I came across this verse this morning and I was blown away by how clearly it defined me. There is a time and place for everything,God knows that time and place. I love God, so really, I should be able to trust the fact that if I love him, no matter what I choose to do or not do, his timing will prevail. Only that's the thing...I don't trust that. I go along with the second part of the verse incredibly well. "Man's trouble lies heavy on him." I worry so much about how the choices of today will affect my tomorrow that I forget to live in today and trust for today.
Psalm 37:3-4
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
This is a verse that I absolutely love. I try to live by it and sometimes I succeed. Except for the ending. I don't trust that he'll give me the desires of my heart. In fact, most of the time I think that I have to find a way make my desires a reality. Because of that, I jump into things that I know aren't in God's timing for me, hoping they'll work or that he'll magically change his mind and make it his will for my life. How very silly I can be! But I praise the Lord that he is doing a new work in me.
Trust isn't easy. To trust God's timing is even harder. There is no formula for life. Someone else's story can and probably will be completely different than your own.And that's okay. In fact, it's more than okay. Because that means that the Lord God of all creation loves you enough to teach you patience. He cares enough to make you wait for the best he has for you. When we choose to go against that, it's really no surprise that life ends up falling apart and turning into something we didn't anticipate. But when we hold fast to the Lord and to his love, when we trust him, life is more wonderful than we could ever imagine. Life is never easy, neither is trust. But that's where God's undying faithfulness brings together something beautiful.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
So you want to talk about gun control
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
The United States has been hit with tragedy this year that is completely senseless. There have been so many heartbreaking events that have occurred, to people who did nothing to deserve it. There seems to be an uprising in mindless shootings in the United States, and therefore the issue of gun control is now the hottest subject within the United States.
There's an old saying that says "ignorance is bliss." I believe this statement to be absolutely true. I believe this saying is true in the issue of gun control. The obvious reaction of most people when these tragedies occurred in the United States is to change the Second amendment and take away the right of American citizens to bear arms. It seems like it would be the best solution to a problem. Without civilians being able to own guns, there will be less crime right? That will stop a 20 year old gunman from entering an elementary school full of children and mercilessly murdering them right? Clearly if that happened, people would be able to go see a movie in peace right? On the surface, this may seem the solution. But in reality, those solutions are the equivalent of putting a band-aid over a deep wound. It gives the illusion of healing the issue, but deep down it'll only get worse.
I know that everyone has an opinion on this issue. Everyone should. But for some reason, it seems like decisions on this issue are being made from an emotional standpoint, not a logical one.
I had a teacher today tell me that he thought the Second amendment is old-fashioned, and out of date. I was shocked and appalled that while I was sitting in a classroom, in America, an educator stated that one of the fundamental foundations of this Nation was outdated. I was even more shocked and appalled that the majority of students in my class agreed with him. I am a very passionate, opinionated, out-spoken person. When that statement stirred up a conversation, I was more than willing to insert my opinion. First of all, I believe that anyone who thinks the foundations of the United States are no longer relevant should find another country to live in. By being an American citizen, it is your responsibility to honor what our forefathers intended this great Nation to be. Change is a good thing, if it is change in the right direction. And in my opinion, there has been far to much negative change within the United States already. I think that the founders of this Country would be distraught over the state the United States is in today. I also believe that if we as a Nation continue to make decisions based on our emotions, we will continue to crumble. No one is more heartbroken than I am over the events that occurred over 2012. But instead of taking away the only way people have to defend themselves, why not educate and prepare people for tragedies like the ones that have happened? In Israel, teachers are all trained and armed with firearms in their classrooms. School shootings don't happen in Israel. When I made this point in class, I was told " I don't think it's wise to create an environment of fear within the school system. Educators jobs are to teach students, and give them a positive, fun experience." To which I replied, "I'm sure it's a positive and fun experience to get shot up. Better to be safe than sorry." While the likelihood of the school your child attends being attacked are very slim, I think it would incredibly beneficial to be prepared for a situation like that.
Benjamin Franklin said "Those who would give up essential liberties, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety." To me this sums up everything to do with gun control. Sure, we can temporarily fix a problem. Maybe. But if we change the liberty and right to defend ourselves, than we don't deserve to be defended. If this essential liberty is altered, what will be next? America was built as a free Nation, with laws to ensure that freedom. Taking away guns takes away so many freedoms. And the worst part is that any criminal that wants to find weapons to do harm, will.
I know I will have a lot of people agree with this post. I know i'll have a lot that won't. If you agree with me, I am so glad that we can stand together in this. And if you disagree with me, I hope you change your mind. I'm not sorry if I offended you. I will never apologize for the truth, and I will never apologize for standing for something that is right.
"Banning gun shows to reduce violent crime will work about as well as banning auto shows to reduce drunken driving."
--- Bill McIntire, Spokesman for the National Rifle Association
If the price I must pay for my freedom is to acknowledge that the government was granted the power to infringe on them, then I am not free.
--- Pol Anderson
Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage then to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.
--- Thomas Jeffersonhttp://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/01/09/vice-president-to-meet-with-gun-safety-groups/?
Please feel free to leave your comments and feedback. I would love to hear what you have to say on this vital issue.
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