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.
Monday, July 8, 2013
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
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