Put Jesus in the Penthouse.

So, i love this time of year...Christmas time!

I love all the lights, decorations, happy cheerful smiling people, music, and remembering the birth of Jesus.

You know, when Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem, they could not find a place to stay. the people in the Inn didn't have any room for them - therefore they put Mary and Joseph in the Stable- the uncomfortable- damp-dirty- stable. I cant imagine what they were thinking when they tried to go to sleep in that place. And I cant believe what Mary was thinking when she was going into labor in that stable. And lo and behold Jesus came that night- and they placed him in a manger for his first crib. I dont believe they were completely thinking this was the way it was going to happen- however it did fulfill prophesy in Isaiah.

Okay- so this got me thinking. We tell Jesus all the time there is not enough room for Him in our lives and we put him in the "stable" - away from us- we dont give Him the best. How many times do we put Jesus aside in our lives, how many times do we not give Him the best, how many times do we forget and neglect Him in our lives?

We think that it is awful when we read the story and the Innkeeper puts them in the Inn. Now we need to feel awful when we put Jesus aside.

So, think about Jesus when you do everything in your life. Make room for Jesus. Don't put Him aside. Let Him be your everything, your best, your life.

Don't put Jesus in the stable, put Him in the penthouse.

{embrace the journey}

roller coaster life

life as a roller coaster.

Life is definitely not a straight walk in the park. . . it has some ups and downs, some rushes and calms, some happy and sad, some excited and disapointed. . . LiFe is full of moments of different kinds. . . a horse of many colors.

So I believe a great way of describing and imagining life is through a roller coaster.

I have always been a roller coaster girl. loved the thrill, the excitement, the rush...eVerYtHiNg. however...this past summer i we took some of the youth from my church to Carowinds, a theme park, and i rode a roller coaster for the first time in a long time.

whoa.

that's all ive gotta say right there. whoa.

I never have the desire to go on one again- the thrills and rushes and everything was just not as exciting anymore. - i did not like the ups and downs, the turns, twists the surprises...i didnt like not knowing what was going to come next. . . all i wanted to do was get off.

Life sometimes can be exciting and fun and enjoyable AND there are other times where the ride just does not seem fun anymore- and all you want to do is get off this one roller coaster ride and go back to the one you enjoyed. Situations in life come and go...some stay for a longer period of time and those roller coaster rides can teach us things and are the good times of life, but other rides are scary and you just do not know what is happening so you get freaked out and just want to get off.

The one thing i did love about roller coasters is when they take the pictures when you least expect it. They always knew when to get the best reaction out of us! even if i didnt like the ride, i loved seeing how the picture came out and usually we would all laugh so hard because of how funny and scared we all looked.

That's kind of how life is too. You know?
We go on this ride, we may not like it at some points- the rushes, the good highs, the bad lows, the twists and turns, the surprise jolts, steep hills and drops. BUT after its all over- you look back and see and laugh and look at that picture of you at some point..at some instance- THAT is why i went through that time- it makes you understand yourself and you may even be willing to go back on the ride- to see if you get the same reaction-or to see how you could react differently. You realize that even in the not most enjoyable times- you could see the good that came out of it later on.

We all go through things for a reason, i am confident of that.

Either God is teaching you something for yourself, or something you can share with someone else later on, to strengthen you, to make you rely on Him, get closer to Him, make you trust Him more...basically to grow more dependent on Him and let Christ be the number one head of your life.

God is the maker and the controller of your roller coaster life.

enjoy and embrace the ride.


{embrace the journey}

if life is a highway

if life is a highway, i'm gonna ride it all night long. If you're goin my way, i wanna drive it all night long....

i just watched the Office and that song was played several times and made me think about how this life is a journey and its going to be a long highway of straight roads, curvy roads, hilly roads, u-turns, but the most important thing is who is driving you? who are you experiencing this highway with?
For me, I've put myself in the drivers seat- not letting Jesus take full control of this one stretch of the highway and let me tell ya, my life has had more bumps. I am getting through those- but it would have been a whole lot easier if i would have let Jesus drive my life the whole time. . . because he knows where he is going and for me...i do not!
its always much easier to drive when you know where you are going then someone else driving and you have to keep telling them where to go and where to turn and they may not hear you and they may take wrong turn and it takes you ten times longer than it was supposed to take. you know- i bet that is exactly what Jesus thinks when we try to take the wheel. Its better when he takes you through a bumpy road then when you take yourself through one.
So i have been reminded that Jesus knows what He is doing with my life and i need to trust in Him more and more and i need to just submit, listen and obey.

Also, another song that has been on my mind all the time is the new taylor swift song Love Song.

SUCH A GOOD SONG! i love it so much....have it on repeat right now actually.

but that got me thinking about the highway thing and who is in the ride with you?

With Jesus driving- who is with you enjoying, embracing the journey with you?

That got me thinking of my boyfriend....we just started dating and i am more amazed by each and every day by his life in the Lord. he really does have Jesus in the drivers seat and it is so encouraging every single day to see him. When i see him i see God in his life. So i am very thankful that he is in that ride with me. Also- my family is right there sitting beside me. they know me the best- they know all my flaws and love me still the same. they demonstrate God's unconditional love so much that I definitely see Jesus in their lives so much that it just encourages me to live a better life and become more of the woman God created me to be. then i have my closest girl friends. ive got 4 that i just love and trust with all my heart and without them i would not be the person i am today. I love spending life with them.

So all in all....

Let Jesus drive, and let those who uplift you in Him- and will help you trust Him driving your life be in the ride with you.

trust.embrace.experience.

a ramble for you

ummm....life has gotten a little bit crazy. School is so hard, new relationships have come about. and keeping up with my relationship with God has been okay.

ever get overwhelmed with what you need to do before you actually get to doing it? yeah

well the point of this blog is just say how thankful I am and how i feel that i need to express that more in my everyday life.

how do you express that you are thankful for what you have?

in everything be thankful and show your thankfulness.

also i am about to rearrange my room. lets see how that turns out. . .

ramble ramble.

maybe more insight will come later. . .

waiting

While I'm Waiting

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

[song by John Waller]


But for you, O LORD, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.Psalm 38:15

I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. Psalm 62:5

I pray to God—my life a prayer—
and wait for what he'll say and do.
My life's on the line before God, my Lord,
waiting and watching till morning,
waiting and watching till morning. Psalm 130:5-6

Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts.
He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind.
Isaiah 40:28-31


Waiting on the Lord is such a hard thing sometimes. . . However the wait is always worth it. God blesses us when we depend on Him and wait on His timing and His strength in every circumstance. We gain a peace and understanding about what is going on in our lives when we wait for Him. It is important though to remember to still serve, love, run the race, embrace the journey, be obedient, and trust when we are waiting as well. A waiting period doesn't mean that you just sit back and do nothing expecting everything...even if you are enjoying the moments in waiting or not you still have to worship the Lord and really seek His face. Living a life style of worship will help the waiting process because you will be trusting the Lord in every area, every decision, every aspect of your life.

As this song, and verses encouraged me so much to just focus on the Lord and wait on Him....I hope that you have been encouraged as well. Wait and see what the Lord will do with your obedient life. The blessings will be well worth the wait!

wait.trust.love.receive.


{embrace the journey}

worship

clear the stage [ross king]

Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze
If that's the measure that it takes to crush the idols.
Chuck the pews and all the decorations too
Until the congregations few then have revival.
Tell your friends that this is where the party ends
until you're broken for your sins you can't be social.
Then seek the Lord and wait for what he has in store
and know that great is your reward and just be hopeful

Cause you can sing all you want to.
Yes you can sing all you want to
you can sing all you want to
And don't get me wrong, worship is more than a song.

Take a break from all the plans that you made
And sit at home alone and wait for God to whisper.
Beg Him please to open up his mouth and speak
And pray for real upon your knees until they blister.
Shine the light on every corner of your life
Until the pride and lust and lies are in the open.
Then read the word and put to test the things you've heard
Until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken.

Cause you can sing all you want to.
Yes you can sing all you want to
you can sing all you want to
And don't get me wrong, worship is more than a song.

Anything I put before my God is an idol.
Anything I want with all my heart is an idol.
Anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol.
Anything that I give all my love is an idol.
We must not worship something that's not even worth it.
Clear the stage and make some space for the one who deserves it.

Cause I can sing all I want to.
Yes I can sing all I want to
I can sing all I want to
And still get it wrong, worship is more than a song.

And you can sing all you want to.
Yes you can sing all you want to
You can sing all you want to
But don't get me wrong, worship is more than a song.



listen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sKURkM3Es



worship is not something we do, it's a lifestyle.


this song needs no more explanation.



{embrace the journey}

the hunger

The Hunger [fireflight]

Cut it out, cut it out
I know it's what you're wanting to say

Burning up, burning up
I know why you're feeling this way

There's an ache you can't erase
A yearning that you can't replace

And you want Him, and you need Him
-But you act like He's not there-
Yeah, you know that you're hollow
And something's missing here
So you push and you pull the hole in your soul
But you can't make the hunger disappear

You got a rusted out lock on your door
Getting ready to break
You've held back love long enough
I think it's time to cave

You're waiting for a sign
The fact is faith is blind

Do you want to spend your whole life jaded?
Stuck in a rut that you created
Why don't you break the cycle?
Let love win


just a song that i heard this morning that spoke to my heart.


"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6

Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. John 4:34

"If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you." John 14:15


{embrace the journey}

its been one of those days

just....really needing some encouragement today.

prayer

Prayer.

What is prayer??

it basically is a conversation with God. but then again it is so much more.

I just heard a sermon on this very exact topic. and it blew my mind away. The speaker Tony Nolan put it in the most practical terms where i could really grasp the whole meaning and then remember it so well to put it into practice.

to sum it up it went like this:

He used cell phone companies to relate prayer to us.

1. Sprint. - sprint to God. We are called to go to God with our needs and desires. In James 4:8 it says "Draw close to God and God will draw close to you.
2. AT&T- approach the throne. we can approach God directly now because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. We can boldly approach him with no problems. Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
3. MCI- make clean intercession- praying for others. James 4:8 the latter part: " Cleanse your hands you sinners and purify your hearts you double minded." May you be clean before God- confessed of all sin.
4. Excel- when you do all these things, you excel in your relationship with God. James 5:13-18 "Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven—healed inside and out.Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again."

This sermon can be found at this link:
https://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=9002

it is the last one on the page: Tony Nolan SEW- Cell Phone Prayer- 9/2/08

I would SO encourage you to listen to it. It explains so much :)

there is so much more to prayer, its a learning process:
pray continually, when you do not know what to pray the Holy Spirit will help you
God gives three answers- yes, no, wait.
prayer is talking and listening. "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
praythat you may not fall into temptation, for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak Matt 26:40
pray specific

When i pray, I journal because i can stay focused and really see how God answers prayers. But i am in continual conversation with Him all day.

one resource that really helped me learn how to pray is "Becoming a Woman of Prayer" by Cynthia Heald.

there is power in prayer and God will hear your prayers...they do make a difference, and even when you cannot see the answers sometimes, God does know best and you will look back and see that He did have your best interest in heart and He did answer your prayers, just not the way you thought...but in such a way that mattered.

i pray that you may seek God with all your heart and seek these things you are wondering about and seek answers and pray that you may find Him. you will...you certainly will. Jesus is living and He will change your world in such a way that is life changing and you will never want to go back to anything you ever were before. you will find it hard to believe, but its so true.

I am praying for you, SS.

{embrace the journey}

when God speaks...listen.

So, no lie...I have been struggling with my faithfulness to the Lord a little bit, and feeling a little down about it...but this is what is so amazing about the God I serve- that He is still faithful. I picked up my devotion today (Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado) and this is what it said:

"God Make Us Right Again"

- create in me apure heart God, and make my spirit right again- Psalm 51:10

We are thirsty. Not thirsty for fame, possessions, passion, or romance. We've drunk from those pools. they are salt water in the desert. They dont quench- they kill. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness..."(Matthew 5:6)
Righteousness. Thats it. Thats what we are thirsty for. We're thirsty for a clean conscience. We crave a clean slate. We yearn for a fresh start. We pray for a hand that will enter the dark craven of ou world and do for us the one thing we cant do for ourselves- make us right again.

Wow. I am like whoa God. I get it. You are still here- and my prayer today is that you make my heart clean and pure. here's yesterdays devotion:

"The Choice is Ours"
For all its peculiarities and unevenness the Bible has a simple story. God made man. Man rejected God. God wont give up until He wins them back.
God will whisper. He will shout. He will touch and tug. He will take away our burdens. He'll even take away our blessings. If there are a thousand steps between us and Him, He will take all but one. But He will leave that fnal one for us. The choice is ours.
Please understand. His goal is not to make you happy. His goal is to make you His. His goal is not to get you what you want, it is to get you what you need.

Wow again. God really just spoke to me LOUDLY. and I am listening.

May you be encouraged as I have been encouraged.


{embrace the journey}

the sun is still shining

rainy days make me feel gloomy and wanting to just stay inside and watch lifetime movies all day long. unfortunately i cannot do that because i have school and a million other things to do.

but whenever it rains, the sun is still shining. i always think that because i cant see the sun on rainy or cloudy days then it like took a day off and is not there anymore. but that is not true. its still there, shining more than ever...just the circumstances are clouding the view and i just have to trust that the sun is still doin its thing.

now, relate that to Jesus. He is always there, and always shining down upon us. yet sometimes we dont feel it or we cant see it or we believe it. even though storms come into our life or circumstances cloud our view- Jesus is still faithful and still true. All i have to do is remember He is still there doin His thing. - Loving me, caring for me, always here for me.

So even though sometimes it doesnt seem like it, Jesus is there always and forever.

Believe in it, act like it.

{embrace the journey}

victory found in the Cross

So, I am back at school now, and I love being back, however i miss summer SO flippin much.
I miss:

my mommy
my youth group
the interns/staff
the YMCA
and my doggie

however the things here are amazing:

great Christian community of friends
practical application interesting classes
Christian environment
living with my sister

I have started reading this "read the bible in a year Bible" and the reading today was from Mark about the crucifixion of Christ. you know, it was so cruel that He had to go through all of that for me....like when i read that i just kinda read over it- but when you really dwell on it it was a terrible death- however praise the Lord He raised His Son from that so we can experience eternal free life in Him.

I am just so thankful for that and just so thankful for what He did for me tonight.

I am falling more in love with Him, falling out of love with the world and being content in who i am in Christ. its the most amazing thing i have ever experienced..and i never want it to ever go away.

~living a victorious life with my Savior~

{embrace the journey}

Eyes on, eyes off

So I have been interning at my church and it has been an amazing experience so far. I know this is a passion God has put into my life for a reason because I just light up with I hang out with and talk to these youth- especially the girls. Today I went to a 8^th grade girl pool party and it was so much fun, I was asked to share a devotion and in that preparation and while talking to the girls God really spoke to me. I talked about trust/doubt/satisfaction. I used Proverbs 3:5-6 on trust, Matt 14:31 for doubt, and Psalm 145 for satisfaction.

However when I was looking at the Matthew 14 passage it is the passage where Jesus' disciples are in the boat with a storm and Jesus comes walking on water towards them… and then Peter steps out of the boat to go walk to Jesus. Peter had his eyes completely focused on Jesus when he started towards him…and he was walking on water! But then all of a sudden Peter realized the circumstances around him and saw the raging sea. He took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink… Peter looked back to Jesus and cried to Him… Save me! Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out His hand to save Peter from drowning.

You know what…Peter was completely alright walking on water- (with God's power!) - when he had his eyes focused on Christ…but when he looked at the circumstances around him he began to sink and slip away from Jesus. He allowed his circumstances to overwhelm him and not let the power of Christ dwell within him. So then he cried out for Jesus to save him- and what gets me is Jesus immediately saved him. Jesus didn't allow Peter to drown or he didn't wait a couple of minutes to teach him a lesson or anything—it was immediate. Peter cried help and Jesus was there to pull him out of his circumstance. Peter needed Jesus.

We are such in need of a Savior…the circumstances of life can overwhelm us if we are not focused on Christ. When we are focused on Christ then we have such a connection with Him and use His power that is within us to accomplish the impossible…but once we lose focus…we lose that power and we drown. As long as we recognize we need Jesus we can be saved.

So how about we trust Jesus enough that we don't take our eyes off of Him. He can take care of our circumstances and at the same time we are being filled with His presence. That connection with Jesus will be like nothing we have ever felt…and once we have that- we cannot let doubt overwhelm us and allow ourselves to take our eyes of Jesus. Let's keep our eyes on Him no matter what…no matter what. – however if we do slip and start to drown- do not wait to cry out for help- cry out to be saved before you get underwater. . . cry out to be saved and never go back down.

Keep your eyes on Christ.

top 11

1. God is amazing
2. i love my job working with the youth group at my church
3. true Victory and contentment in Christ is more amazing than i ever had thought
4. my heart is with youth and cannot wait to see how God is going to use that desire in my life
5. i know challenges are coming, but i'm ready to take the victory in Christ every time
6. i want to learn how to play the guitar and solve the rubics cube by the end of the summer
7. i want to finish a reading list of books i have by the end of the summer
8. i miss my close friends a lot a lot. and not talking to them much is very hard!
9. The Office gives me a laugh
10. i want to see the new narnia movie still
11. i love my Jesus with all of my heart.

top 11 things on my mind tonight.

{embrace the journey}

rain

I was sitting at home enjoying an amazing conversation with my mom when she told me this incredible story.

There was this missionary lady who was somewhere in India with a tribe for quite sometime. That area was experiencing a tremendous drought, so bad in which people were starting to grow very ill and even die. they had been without rain for 8 months. the chief of the tribe called a meeting and in which to ask for rain from their god (some sort of pole). at that meeting it was being discussed how this god was not giving them rain, and they were getting very frustrated. the missionary was present and just said out loud without thinking, "My God will give you rain" the interpreter heard her and relayed it to the cheif. the chief replied, "what did she say?" and she repeated, "My God will give you rain." the cheif then went on to say, "If your God gives us rain i will become a believer of your God." the lady then immediately started getting attacked with doubt from satan. -- what have i just said? i just told them that, how would God respond, i dont know even if God will give rain! She then realized that she knew those words, "My God will give you rain" were placed in her mouth from God and stopped doubting Him and His power.
The next day, they saw dark clouds in the distance. It started to rain. It rained for 5 days straight. and because of that- everyone in that tribe became a believer.

God's power can be revealed in so many kinds of ways. She never said when God would give them rain, but it just happened to be God's timing to bring it the day after.

God's ways are so much higher than ours and when we just believe and not doubt what He can do, He will reveal Himself to us.

believe.wait.rejoice.


{embrace the journey}

tunes of your heart

Once there was this little boy who did not enjoy the piano very much. His mom made him go to those lessons with the old scary lady who taught him different notes to play each time they met. The little boy was about to give up, and his mom did not like that. So to spark his interest, she decided to take him to a piano concert of someone who was really good at piano, the Master.
They arrived at the Master's concert and he was running a little late. The little boy and his mom took their seats on the floor close to the stage. His mom saw a girl friend of hers and went to go talk to her, telling the little boy to be on his best behavior and she will be right back. However, the little boy was somewhat intrigued by the grand piano up on that stage more than what his mom said. He got up out of his seat, his eyes mesmerized on the black and white keys, walked up there, sat down and actually started to play Chop sticks on that grand piano. Oh it was not very pleasing to the ears so it got everyones attention. His mom knew that sound, turned around and saw her little boy up there. She began to run up there to get him off that piano. People from back stage started to rush out to get him off the stage. The little boy stopped and looked around- everything seemed to be in slow motion.
It was at that point when the Master waved everyone away, saying it was perfectly fine. He sat down next to the little boy and asked him to begin playing again. So the little boy, being obedient started playing again. However this time, the sound was pleasant to the ears.... the Master was playing a long with him. The Master started making beautiful music to go along with the little boys not so beautiful sound.

The Master made something beautiful out of a not so beautiful situation.


God will come up right beside you and turn your life into something beautiful....keep playing the tunes of your heart and He will accompany you.


{embrace the journey}

contentment

so its been about a week since i last posted...mainly because i don't get wireless at my house- only dial up and its annoying to deal with....however i am at the beach and i brought my computer hoping that i could get connection and wawla i do. its not real reliable though..but we'll see.

God really did answer prayer this week though.

My sister and I have been trying to get in the same quad for next year and it just was not working out. the housing office wasn't working with us- i tried to get in the room i wanted and that failed and so i finally just became content with the room i was in and just kept praying that something might happen. as i was watching tv eating my Special K cereal friday morning the phone rings--it's from housing saying they switched me into the room i wanted, in my sisters quad. i was soooo excited and could not believe what i was hearing!

it was when i was content of my circumstances when God showed up and did His thing.

It always seems that way when you talk to people about what God does in their lives, they become content and then something happens. especially in relationships it seems. you hear, "i became content in my singleness and in Christ and then it was like whoa there he was and it all worked out" haha i have tried being content with that area and when i think i have gotten there- then God tests it and i do not pass.

but there is something different right now- i am content with where i am in Him---however knowing i need to grow so much and learn so much and only move forward- but i am content in knowing i need to move forward with Him and not take any detours. i know there is so much that i need to figure out with God and that i need to work on myself before i even step into a relationship and God has protected me from that knowing i was not ready. every day i need to find more contentment in who i am in Him and then maybe...who knows...that "special someone" will be content at the same moment. haha we'll see if i pass next time. but i really feel that God has a hold of my life saying- don't waste any more time-- this is YOUR time.


"Godliness with contentment is great gain" 2 Timothy 6:6


don't waste anymore of the time God has given you being discontent with who you are. He has such big plans for you- and He is waiting on you to become content with who you are in Him before He can work even more in your life. Don't miss out!!

.it's your time.


{embrace the journey}

blessed on mother's day

it's mothers day today and i am so very thankful for my mom. she is the most amazing woman i know and she is the strongest and most godly woman i know as well. she is such an example to me and i look up to her so much.

today in church mothers were recognized, we had a baby dedication service and then at the end we surrounded our moms and prayed with them. i love my mom so much and she deserves the recognition so much :)

but my mind could not get off the fact of the ones that were there that did not have a mom and the ones that want so badly to be a mom but cant. either their mom was just not there, or their moms have passed away or the woman who can't get pregnant and would love to be that mom to a child. this has to be so tough and i cannot imagine what they are going through today.

i know a girl whose mom passed away this year and this would be the hardest day. especially in church when you are asked to go pray with your mom. my heart goes out to this girl and my prayers are lifted up to her today.

.for this is such a hard day for them. may God's peace just be upon them. may we think of them as well as our own moms.

i am so blessed to have my mom as my mom.

.love & be blessed.

erwin mcmanus

if you want some good sermons to listen to listen to Erwin McManus

especially his newest series "vital signs".


check him out. he's amazing. he really preaches the word of God.

http://www.mosaic.org/podcast/

he's home.

Last night I got word that a 10th grade guy, Jamie, who was apart of the youth group I work with died in a car accident early saturday morning. Him and his brother were driving back home from an after party of their Jr/Sr banquet (prom). The brother lost control of the car and ran off the road hitting a tree killing Jamie at the scene.

I help out with the youth group, and although I did not know Jamie, I am close with the 10th grade girls and some of them were taking it pretty hard. It is just something that you do not expect and its hard to grasp the understanding and the meaning behind it. God does have a bigger plan and wanted Jamie home with Him. But it is just still so hard to understand..in the moment.

This goes back to an earlier post about you know, we have to live each day with no regrets- living sold out for Christ, making those "right" decisions, being obedient to Christ, loving others and taking every opportunity to share His love with others - through actions and words. Because you never know when you will be called to go home for eternity.

This has happened too many times this year for me i guess - hearing of people's deaths and how they were all so young and theres no reason that i should be here right now, and not home with my heavenly Father. It just reminds me even more to live more for Christ and to really focus on the every moment of the day- making the most of every moment.

Jamie's brother really needs a lot of prayer right now. As him being the driver he is taking all the blame and really reacting really hard to the whole situation. and i mean who wouldn't. but it's going to take a long time for him to recover and understand and not blame himself. I cannot even imagine what he is going through. May these many prayers help him see God through this even more than before.

So, ah....live moment by moment all in the glory of God.

day.night.all.for.Him.


{embrace the journey}

that's a wrap

Yesterday I realized how blessed I am. and how much I have taken for granted.

Yesterday a group of friends and I hiked up to the top of Sharp Top, a mountain close to Liberty. Wow, it was a nice hike up there, not too tiring but not too easy. When we got to the top it was beautiful. Just standing on top of a rock, at the highest I could go over looking what the Lord created. With the wind blowing my hair every which way- the massive breeze felt so nice and refreshing. As I gazed out into the world set before me, tears were brought to my eyes. Just about how much God cares about all His creation and how much He has placed before me. My friends behind me jumping from rock to rock and just enjoying the view as I sat just looking out and having a "little moment" It was somewhat overwhelming and if I was by myself I probably would have cried.

God has blessed me with so much I don't think I even really know. Looking over mountain in so much awe just leaves me speechless, even now.


I know I am rambling- but it's just how I feel.


God has blessed me with

His creation. His love. unconditional love. forgiveness. amazing uplifting friends. a forgiving loving family. an education at the most amazing school. opportunities most people would dream of. my life.

and now as I end this school year- I realize I took a lot of that for granted and I never want to do that again. I'm sure I will. but i don't.

regretting gets you nowhere- just change it and move on and make it better the next go around- if you are blessed with a next go around. that is why its so important to live each day without any regrets.

live each day knowing that God has blessed you with it. He allowed you to wake up this morning and breathe in this new morning.

So as this school year rounds up . . . I thank my heavenly daddy for getting me though this year and I apologize for taking too many things for granted- mainly my own life.
I thank Him for all the friends that helped me get through this year. Each one has made a significant impact on my life and I will always remember the times we spent together. AND I cannot wait to spend more time with them in 3 months. haha

I ask sincerely for the Lord to really work in and on my heart this summer and come back to Liberty in august a whole new being sold out for Him. and in that never ever wavering again- never ever taking things for granted but living only for Him, seeking only for Him, and loving only Him. Because once I am doing everything just for Him---everything else will fall into place- if that be in a desert, a storm, a lake, a valley, a mountain top or a calm breeze. . . when He's EVERYTHING to me where ever I am and I will not waver. you cannot waver when you are held tightly in the arms of the One who truly loves you.

I want to make my last year at Liberty better than the last three that I have wasted in a way that no one understands but me.

So here's to lessons learned. . . and moving on. . . and making the best of every moment.

live.learn.love.laugh...that's life.

mirror

a mirror. a reflexion.

who is starring back at you?

is that who you want to be?

is that who you truly are?

a mirror. a reflexion.

what is starring back at you?

is that what defines you?

is that what makes you complete?

a mirror. a reflexion.

do you forget what you see?

do you want to change what you see?

are you satisfied with what you see?

a mirror. a reflexion.

the cross. is what defines you. THE cross.

not a mirror.

however- - - the mirror should reflect a satisfied being who is complete in Christ. someone who you love, who you take care of, who you are- reflecting the Son of God.

reflect the Savior. don't just reflect yourself.

a mirror. a reflexion.
THE cross. an identity.


{embrace the journey}

it's all worth it

Yesterday I ran all the way up to our monogram (a HUGE "LU" made of rocks on the side of our mountain in Lynchburg). and its like way up hill and everything. I thought I was going to pass out, but I had a friend running beside me pushing me to keep going and not to give up. Even at the end- all up hill- hardest run I have ever done - was about to give up but I just heard beside me "you got it, only a little more..you're almost there." and then I was at the top. out of breath from the run and from the beautiful sun setting in the distance behind the mountains. WOW it was beautiful up there. There is a little gazebo up there and I just stood there in complete awe of the sight my eyes fell upon. Simply amazing. Then a big gust of wind came- and kept coming- but it just reminded me that God is near and he was right there in the midst of His beautiful creation. The run was definitely worth it.

That run was hard. But I could have never of done it without help. It's like our Christian walk, or run. God is going to take us through hard times...up hills, down hills, flat grounds and more up hills and just like you seem like everything is going all right- another up hill is coming along. But in the end it was totally worth it. God will reveal something so beautiful, so amazing, and you will look back and see that it was all worth it.

But, we also need fellow Christians to encourage us, to up lift us, to help us along the way. Reminding us that we are not alone in this journey- others are going through it too. The encouragement, prayer of a friend is priceless. It helps us realize it is all worth it and it helps us get to the top to see what God has in store for us.

So when you are running along in your Christian faith- remember it's going to be hard, it may be rough but all the hard work will pay off....it will be worth it.

"For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done

the will of God you may receive what is promised."Hebrews 10:36

And when you are running- look beside you and see who is running with you- encourage and uplift others in the journey.

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13

{embrace the journey God has set before you.}

at the cross

At the Cross [hillsong]

Oh Lord You've searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me

Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
your Glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now

You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?(x2)

You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done(x2)

And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
Oh.. I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee
Where your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?(x2)

You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done

This song is so precious. Like ah it gets me every time…gives me chills. Every time this song is played I think about my sister. My mom and I put together a picture slide show for her graduation last year and that was the first song. This song is just powerful. There is no greater love than how Christ displayed His love for us….shedding His blood to cleanse our souls, hearts and life. I cannot even fathom it.

One of my friends put this together for His worship class…please watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/micahp08

I think we frequently need to be reminded of the sacrifice Christ made for us, so that we can live, so we can love, so we can just have more than what is offered here on this temporary earth- eternal life.

And one more thing—if Christ made that big of a sacrifice for us-- What are you doing for Him??

All He asks of us is to live in, with and through Him- to live as imitators of Him and to live obediently to our heavenly Father.

remember.evaluate.ponder.love.

{embrace the journey}

no more regrets

So at Liberty we have leadership teams that consist of 2 RAs, 2 SLDs (spirtual life directors) and prayer leaders. We have weekly meetings together and the prayer leaders have prayer groups with girls on the hall and as leadership we have prayer groups as well on separate night. So i am an SLD right now..well i was the whole year and the year is coming to an end.

We had our last get together tonight and wow, it was so sad. just because this year went by sooo fast and its hard to believe. it was a good year but then again i have many regrets. i wish i didnt have them, but i do. there are so many things that i wish i could have done better in my personal life and relationship with the Lord and to reach the girls on my hall and leadership. ah i hate the year is over. i want to go back and change so many things, but i guess thats what makes me grow and just take every opportunity as they come next time and not take anything for granted.

on that note of taking things for granted....life is so taken for granted you know? i mean a family friend of ours - she was 30 years old and she randomly went into cardiac arrest and became braindead and died. ssoooo unexpected that its like it could happen to any of us.

So, don't wait. don't have any regrets. take every opportunity that comes to you to do service for the Lord. take every opportunity to share His love. don't let fear hold you from anything. go for what you want...what the Lord has for you. take life seriously. take time seriously. wow. take everything seriously!

you never know how much time you have left here on this earth, your temporary home.

live life with no regrets. make every decision out of love of others and not yourself. put others above yourself. put loving others above yourself. when you do that, you are less likely to make destructive decisions.

all in all

i hope that this next year can be better- starting with today. making every day better than the day before, growing more than the day before, reaching out more than the day before, loving more than the day before.


live.no regrets.grow.more.



{embrace the journey}

it's time to change

Facebook verse of the day:

1 Corinthians 3:16
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?






God still ceases to amaze me. HE knows exactly how to speak to you.

listen.respond.change.

break the silence

Friends, they help you out in the most amazing ways. Encourage you so much, ya know?

You can really tell who your real friends are when circumstances change and they are still there.

Seasonal friends share a convenience and true friends share a connection.

That’s one of my favorite quotes. Mainly because it is so true.

Its like that with our relationship with God as well. When we are going through a rough time we tend to talk to Him more…and that’s out of our own convenience. When we feel like talking to Him is when we do…ya know? Or when things are going really bad then we tend to blame or not talk to Him because we don’t understand or we are ashamed of our own behavior. When we let circumstances control our lives instead of God then He is just a convenience when we need Him. But if that connection is there- no matter what the circumstance around us is like then we make Him true in our lives.

I hate when things aren't going oh so well with me and God. However, its always me that moves and not Him. And to be completely honest, I haven’t spent that much time with Him lately because I have just been on overload- and you know what? Life is going to suck when you don’t talk to God. I have been feeling like everything has overwhelmed me and I can’t handle a lot of things that are going on right now, but helloooooo its because things with me and God are not right- I have not been the daughter I should be to Him, I have let the things of my life effect our relationship- and life has sucked. And I wonder why I let myself…let my life be somewhat miserable for so long and I am just realizing it completely right now. I try to make up for it by writing things that I know are true, and I know God has been speaking to me about. I hear Him so clearly, but sometimes I choose to still do my own thing. What kind of friend am I being? Its horrible. I wish I could go back 3 weeks and start all over. I let one circumstance control my life and then I haven’t gotten back on track yet. Starting back up is one of the hardest things though. Its like if you haven’t done something in so long, and you used to enjoy it and now its going to be hard again, ah you don’t want to start it again. But I do! I kinda just don’t completely how because to be honest I am ashamed. This just completely changes who I am and I hate it. So hellloooo I need to change it. I need to get back started; I need to do so many things….so many things. Thankfully God is still here. .. He has been silent lately, and understandably. If your friend just ignores you after you try and try and try to speak to them, you eventually are just going to be silent to them.

Break the silence. That’s what I am doing right now. Committing right now that I am breaking the silence. I am doing what needs to be done no matter how ashamed I am and no matter how I feel. Feelings can overtake you. But right now I am going to base off what I need to do and not worry about my feelings. I cannot change the past and now I just have to move forward with a new outlook no matter what the consequences may be. They may be really hard to deal with and cause some heart ache but I am now willing to accept and be that determined person I know I am. That committed person I know I am. That woman within me that I know God has created me to be. I am willing to do whatever it takes to become that. No matter what. My focus is going to be heavenward and on Him all the moments of my day. Distractions of this world may try to creep in, but that is where I am going to put my foot down and say no. say no to the desires of this world.

Funny thing- God speaks to me the most through facebook. I know its weird but its true. – I have this verse application on my page and like it changes every day. Earlier in the semester the verse didn’t change for the longest time and then it changed on a specific day that really spoke to me. With the first verse being about peace and then when it changed to be about His perfect plan. Okay so lately it hasn’t changed and it was Romans 8:6 “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” So I had been really thinking about this verse a lot because it hasn’t changed. And I know I have let circumstances control my life recently so I was like hmmm…. Then today it changed! To this: 1 John 2:12 “I write to you dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name” okay whoa. That really really spoke to me. Because as I have let circumstances take control, sins have been committed that have just lingered, and just knowing, being reminded that my sins have been forgiven that on His name they have been forgiven that Christ has washed away my sins by His own blood makes me want to cry.

God never ceases to amaze me even when He is seems silent.

Commit. Determination. Blessings.

{embrace the journey}

unveil my heart

Veils [jason morant]

What will it take to be closer to You
Show me what stands in my way
Strip away all of the veils on my heart Lord
You know that I want just to look at Your face

What can I give as I lay at Your throne
Is there a song to be sung
Search me all over my life is in Your hands
You know that I want to fall deeper in love with You

I’m following hard after You Lord You’re all that I need in my life Show me what I need to do To bring joy to Your heart

And strip away all of the veils on my heart Lord And know that I just want to look at Your face O Jesus Your beautiful face

rescued

Nehemiah 9:28

“But as soon as they were at peace, your people again committed evil in your sight, and once more you let their enemies conquer them. Yet whenever your people turned and cried to you again for help, you listened once more from heaven. In your wonderful mercy, you rescued them many times!

refuge & renewal

my brain is tired, it hurts, it's on overload

i woke up this morning not wanting to go to they gym, but i drive my sister there too so i can't get out of it.....but this devotion came in my email this morning (Back to the Bible email devotions by Warren Wiersbe) :

Read Psalm 46:1-3

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (v. 1). This assurance from the Lord ought to take care of all of our fears and problems. God is our refuge--He hides us. God is our strength--He helps us. These two go together. At times in our lives we need a refuge. The storm is blowing and the battle is raging, and we have to run somewhere to hide. It's not a sin to hide, but it is a sin to stay hidden. God hides us so that He can help us. Then we can return to the battle and face the storm. This is not escape but rejuvenation.

The Old Testament contains 21 different Hebrew words for trouble. Here the word trouble means "in tight places." If you are in a tight place today, let me suggest that you run by faith to Jesus. But don't go to Him to escape. Go there and tell Him, "Lord, I want to go back to the battle. I want to go back to my work. I want to carry the burdens of life, but you have to give me the strength." Then you can claim this marvelous promise of verse 1.

Notice the conclusion: "Therefore we will not fear" (v. 2). When God is available as your refuge and your strength, you have nothing to fear. Take time to run to the Lord.

Are circumstances overwhelming you? Take refuge in the Lord. He will enable you to continue with renewed strength and confidence.

So the last line really jumped out at me....because yes circumstances are overwhelming me right now and feel like i do not have anymore strength left and it is just so reassuring that He will give me renewed strength and confidence.

God is amazing. He gives you what you need exactly when you need them.

take refuge. cast burdens. renewed strength.

{embrace the journey}

TODAY

TODAY i completed my research paper
TODAY i slept in a little too much
TODAY i sent my paper to the color printer without knowing
TODAY i spent 10 frickin bucks on a paper
TODAY i am not spending another dime
TODAY i thanked the Lord for giving me this day
TODAY i learned something new
TODAY i know what it means to be a bond-servant
TODAY i will start over
TODAY i will choose life
TODAY i will choose to serve You
TODAY i will choose to love
TODAY i will make wise decisions
TODAY i will follow hard after You
TODAY i will stop searching for love
TODAY i will let love find me
TODAY i will accept who i am in You
TODAY i will strive to be a better and better person
TODAY i will shut my mouth
TODAY i will put others above my own needs
TODAY i will wake up and focus on just TODAY
TODAY i will not expect tomorrow
TODAY i will forget the past
TODAY i will move on
TODAY i will serve ONLY You
TODAY You will reign in my life
TODAY You will be the focus
TODAY You will be the only priority
TODAY You have control
TODAY You will influence my decisions
TODAY You will be and not i
TODAY You will hold me
TODAY You will challenge me
TODAY is a new day
TODAY i will lay my head on my pillow and have no regrets
TODAY i lived for YOU
TODAY . . . TODAY


{embrace the journey}

fallen

beautiful days

endless times
by the bay
with you

wishing
dreaming
contemplating
my mind is filled with you

do you see
do you know
will i show
what i feel for you

reaching
falling
over and over
will i end with you

fallen
to my rescue
you stand over me
i look up to you

gazing in your eyes
i finally realize
you will never see
my heart for you

however
you don't know
now and forever
i will always love you

big yellow balloon

Picture this:

You are a child and you are about to go on a trip to Disney World. You are so excited you can hardly stand yourself! Through the airport you hold your daddy’s hand so that you do not get lost. However, you see a big yellow balloon!

You let go of your daddy’s hand and take off desiring to play with it. You hear your daddy yell for you in the distance to come back! But you ignore his voice and keep on running after that enticing big yellow balloon. You finally catch up to the big yellow balloon, - oh! and it’s so nice to play with! You tie the string around your wrist and just skip around with glee. You hear your daddy again say, “Come back! It’s not time to play.” But you just smile, pretend not to hear him and keep playing.

Your daddy sees in the distance a strange man starting to approach you. You see the man and thinks he looks nice, he has lots of pretty colorful balloons! The man leans over to you and whispers in your ear, “You can have any balloon you want if you take my hand.” So of course, you take his hand.

As he is about to yank you up into his arms, your daddy comes and rescues you. He fights to have you back as you are being torn between the two. Your daddy cuts the big yellow balloon off your wrist and embraces you in his arms as he takes you away from the man. You are so scared and do not know what to do.

You are just glad to be resting safe in the arms of your daddy again.



"And He did it, rescued us from certain doom. And He'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing." 2 Cor. 1:10

{embrace the journey}

too many questions?

question.

actually, questions.

these are the questions on my mind as of lately. . .

If someone is on life support and has no brain activity whatsoever, are they dead?- do they go to heaven then...or when life support is taken away?

who are you really?

why do we spend so much time wasting time?

is that time really wasted?

where are my priorities?

why is oprah so good at what she does?

how can we reach those who are lost?

how can we reach those who don't really know they are lost?

how can i better improve myself?

how can i stay determined to my word?

how can i be lovable?

how can i love others more?

why is life so confusing?

why does God take some people away and keep some here?

why do some people go through more storms than others?

why do we keep sinning?

why are boys so frustrating?

why are gals so complicated?

can life be simple anymore?

when is the right time to read God's word?

does it really matter?

why do i keep procrastinating, when i know it doesn't work?

why do i always have so many questions??

haha

what's your favorite color?

what is your family like?

what lies underneath that smile?

what's the story behind those big eyes?

what is going on in your head right now?

what do you think of me?

how come i have such a passion for youth?

how can i learn from my mistakes better?

how can i stop making so many?

who will be my next love?

who will love me with the love of Christ?

who will love me enough to spend the rest of their life with me?

who will i love enough to spend the rest of my life with him?

and. . . random:

why do our dishes keep disappearing?

okay. . . i have more. . . haha

how can i run farther?

how can i build up endurance?

how can i be the best i can be?

how come God still loves me?

I AM SO THANKFUL HE DOES THOUGH!

questions.

they define a conversation most of the time. that's how you get to know someone. that's how you start to understand someone. it's how you form a relationship, a friendship.

sometimes i think if i have too many questions then i will annoy whoever i am asking. but thank goodness God never gets tired of my questions or ever gets annoyed. sometimes i think that its wrong to question so much- or to ask the hard questions to God or question Him sometimes. but thats how we form our relationship- i ask the questions and then He has the opportunity to show Himself to me- and the answer to me - in the way He wants to answer it though. but it's so reassuring to know that no matter how many questions i ask He never gets tired of them. i am spending time with Him, and that's what He loves. - for us to spend time with Him -

so, yes, i do have a lot of questions in my mind- and i do voice them quite often- and- some are completely random and some are completely not. . . but they all have an underlying purpose to them. so if i ask too many questions- that just means i want to know more about you, want to really know what you think, and just want to spend time with you. -

question.



{embrace the journey}

rest

Jesus says, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Matthew 11:28-29


Jesus will take the burden for you- for he already ultimately has. He can handle it better than you can. He will give you rest, when you allow to rest in Him. When you allow yourself to lay your burdens down at His feet, at the cross, in His presence. No matter how stressed or how much a load you are carrying- it can be lifted from you. It can be lifted by the Savior. then you will experience a new found peace and rest that will be unexplainable- even thought circumstances may not change- you will be rested in His arms.
learn to watch His ways; see and live freely.

lay [it] down. rest in His arms. live freely

hmmm

"God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him"
-John Piper



just chew on that for awhile.

flashlights

so this weekend i finished my "study" for one of my classes- which was "Does sleep deprivation effect performance?". yeah so we had to stay up all night on friday and that has absolutely killed me with all focus and motivation. which is horrible because i have way more than enough to do! AH!
but this was something refreshing that was said in the youth service today:

We are to be salt and light to the world.

The verse i want to pick out is Matthew 5:16
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Tom Freitas, the youth pastor, used an illustration to go along with this particular verse. He had three flashlights up on stage. They all were all the same color, but the only seen difference was their sizes. He had a small, medium and a large one. All of them serve the same purpose- same function- to bring forth light, to bring light to the darkness- to find your way through the dark.

However, when he went to turn them on- you could definitely see the difference in the three.

The large flashlight was empty. There was no source of power-- the light was missing.
The medium flashlight had the power- but it was dead.
The small flashlight had the power and was working.

Now, each one of us relates to one of those flashlights.

The large one with no power- we don't have the evidence of Christ in our life- or we don't have Christ in our life. we try to fill that space with other things other than Christ- we fill it with the temporary pleasures of this world in stead of filling it with the only One who can satisfy- Our Savior. Therefore, there is no light to bring out- there is no light to shine before others- in the darkness you are lost.

The medium one has the source of power yet its dead. The purpose is there, the capability is there- all we have to do is change the batteries and amazing light will be brought forth. We are choosing casual Christianity. We blend in with the crowd and talk the talk but we do not walk the walk. We go to church but there is no evidence or difference in our everyday life. Christ has not penetrated us to live ultimately for Him. We choose not to use the source of power that is within us and when we try to share of the Lord Jesus Christ, we simply cannot because there is no light in our lives and there is no difference in us than the ones who do not have the power.

The small one has it. We got it. The source of power and using it. Practicing and obeying what the Lord has said and through a life style like that, we are shining brightly for the Lord. Everyone can see the difference in your life. It is evident when we are out with others, when we are alone, when we are trying to see through the darkness, when we are going through everyday life, when we are with the Lord- ALL THE TIME! we are a light bringing Glory to the Lord- and others will see that light and be drawn to it- and ask what is the source of your light and gives you the opportunity to share the love of Jesus.


So what flashlight are you?


How do you become the small flashlight? --- by how you live your life.


Don't live "churchianity" - live Christianity.


{embrace the journey}

stop&fight

When you run from something it only stays with you longer, if you fight for something it only makes you stronger.


what are you running from?

turn around and fight. even when all odds are against you, or you feel to weak to even turn around- the reason you get weaker is because you have been exhausted from running- stop running- turn around and with determination- fight what's been chasing you. if you don't- your life will just become more miserable and exhausting.

who wants to die of running? its better to die fighting.

you are not alone.

God fights for and with you. put on His armor today- and never take it off. - you can't run with the armor on- - you can only fight.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints" Ephesians 6:13-18

running may be the way to win the race- but if you are being chased and running in the wrong direction- you are far from winning- to gain back that overtaken path- you are going to have to fight your way back- and then finish the race with great strength and endurance.

stop running. start fighting.

gain determination-endurance-victory.

ashes into beauty

wow.

Last Saturday a girl on my hall asked me about this song "At the foot of the Cross" (by Kathryn Scott). She new the lyrics but didn't know the title. so I told her and it just made me remember the song and ah i just love it. So since she mentioned it- it has been on my mind all week. and tonight in church we sang that song. and we like never sing that song. whoa. i mean okay- maybe you don't see it this way- but to me i so see this as a "God thing" because He places things on others hearts to share with you and that's one way He speaks to us. inadvertently through others. amazing!
here are the lyrics to the song:

At the foot of the cross
Where grace and suffering meet
You have shown me Your love
Through the judgment You received

And You've won my heart Yes You've won my heart
Now I can

Trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross

At the foot of the cross
Where I am made complete
You have given me life


That song just speaks to my heart so much- especially where it says - we trade our ashes in for beauty- lay every burden at the foot of the cross--- and that is where we are made COMPLETE. only at the foot of the cross is where we are made complete. nothing else can make you complete except the mercy and love that is shown at the foot of the cross. there is nothing else. nothing in this life can complete you. nothing. not another, not an object, not anything. only Jesus who shed his blood for us on that cross who rose from the dead with God's mighty power- and He makes us complete! we are lacking nothing when we are COMPLETE! think about that.

Then going along with that- this morning- well okay like the past two and half weeks have been rough. not gonna lie. and like- nothing else in this life can satisfy me, even though i try to fill my life with pointless temporary things- but only God is enough. only God can satisfy every desire i have. and that made me think of the song "Enough" this morning. and that was on my heart all day. and again- at church tonight we sang that song right after "At the foot of the Cross"
wow. thats all i could express when that song began to play. i had to sit back and be like God, You are speaking directly to me tonight- you are pulling me out of that slump- you are calling me to go to higher heights and not to be completely content in this little valley i am in- but know there are greater things for me that You have planned.
here are the lyrics to "Enough"

All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough

You are my supply
My breath of life
And still more awesome than I know
You are my reward
worth living for
And still more awesome than I know

All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough

You’re my sacrifice
Of greatest price
And still more awesome than I know
You’re the coming King
You are everything
And still more awesome than I know

More than all I want
More than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know
More than all I can say
You are more than enough for me

So, wow. The Lord really does speak to us when we can recognize His voice. and on top of all that Johnnie Moore spoke tonight on Ruth. - and how we need to become the person God has called us to be- to focus on how we need to be that person God has called us to be-satisfied in Him and thats when we will come across that "someone special" He also mentioned the difference in reputation and character. reputation is what people say about you and character is what God knows about you. and you can fake your reputation but you cannot fake your character- and if you do soon one day the truth of your character will rise up. we need to be more focused on working on our character than our reputation- and when we do, it will be like a domino effect-blessings will happen more quickly and also becoming who God desires you to be, knows you to be, created you to be.

so, instead of focusing on what others think of me, or seeking other things of this world, i need to become more than focused on the satisfaction and completion that the Lord brings- and the blessings that come with that.

a "clicking" moment happened tonight. like CLICK. i get it. i get what You have been trying to say to be all along. for so long. CLICK. :)

this is the cry of my heart to my heavenly Daddy:

"You are ALL i seek, You are ALL my heart longs for."


{embrace the journey}