"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."~John 9:5
When I was growing up, we lived in a house that was over-shadowed by the two-story apartments behind us. Every night for 16yrs I would lay in bed with my thoughts synchronized to the rhythm of my neighbors' lights being turned on, and off, and on, and off, and so on. I didn't have blinds for a long time(the ones I had broke), so the effects where the equivalent of a full on strobe light party in my bedroom into all hours of the night. You are probably concluding right about now that, "this girl didn't get much sleep for those 16yrs!" Ya, I didn't!
Anyway, looking back at all those nights of watching my bedroom walls light up, and trying to trace each shadow back to its original source, got me to thinking. I realize now that my neighbors had no idea that their OCD light switch compulsions were in fact robbing me of my beauty rest. Their intentions were simply to turn on the lights in their own world; never to know how their light was affecting someone else's darkness.
"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world!" What a powerful statement! And how wonderful is it that when Jesus ascended into heaven, he didn't leave us in the dark! Instead, this now becomes OUR statement! As long as we are in the world, we are the light of the world. The cool thing about light, is that there is no darkness that can escape it.
Light=hope, light=refuge, light=guidance. Friends, let us shine our light of Christ brightly in every circumstance; you could chase away someones darkness without ever knowing it...as long as you are in the world, and you are shinning!
P.S. May this post encourage you to be more considerate about putting on strobe parties in other people's bedrooms, if you happen to be one of those two-storied-dwelling-people that is!:) And yes, I do now have blinds!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
This is a post from this same time last year, and I think it is a good reminder of all that God has done!
"Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." ~John 15:1-5~
I have come to this new place in my life where I can see that I am bearing much fruit. The Lord has been blessing me so abundantly with so much opportunity and success in everything I put my hands to.
A lot of the things I was praying for these past two years have been graciously answered beyond my expectations, and I am in awe as I watch the visions God gave me and the words he spoke over me unfold before my feet just as he said they would.
I have been given so much more than I asked for, but this season of prosperity I am in is not how I thought it would be. He has changed me through the process, and I find myself with all new struggles. I am full of joy and excitement for what is ahead, and at the same time I feel the discomfort of being pruned and shaped from the inside out.
My circumstances have changed, but more than that, my heart has been completely changed. The way that I think has completely changed, and I personally cannot take any credit for it.
A lot of people focus on the part that says " ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (John 15:7) including myself, but what it says before that is that if you want to bear more fruit you must be pruned!
I have to admit, that I haven't always believed that what I was praying for would ever be answered. I believed God could do anything, but a part of me was never convinced that He would do it for me. I sort of thought I would only see Him do it for everyone else...and honestly, I think it was a cop-out so I could stay where I was comfortable!
He revealed to me that I was not giving Him my whole heart, so my heart went wild with pride, fear, doubt, and complacency, and He could not prune it out because I was not letting Him. I waisted so much time wondering why I could not change myself; why I could not just be different; why I could not grow anymore.
A professional gardener can take his sheers to a tree or a shrub, and make it look beautiful, all while encouraging it to grow up, thus, clearing the walk way it was blocking before. But someone with no experience tries to go and do the same thing, and butchers the the poor thing, and it almost hurts just to look at it!
God wants to trim off the bad branches, clear my path, encourage me to grow taller and fuller, and make me look beautiful. Instead, I take the sheers and either butcher myself, or just let myself grow wild and out of control, not to mention I'm blocking my own path! Well, I finally gave Him the sheers.
Though it is uncomfortable during the process, I feel more beautiful now than I ever have. I feel clean and fresh, and closer to my Lord. When I look ahead, I see challenges, but I am not discouraged. I just take a deep breath and... Abide in Him!
I know there will still be stretching to do, and times for the need of endurance, but I also know that I can Trust in Him that I will reach the other side in better condition than when I started.
"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." ~John 15:8
I have come to this new place in my life where I can see that I am bearing much fruit. The Lord has been blessing me so abundantly with so much opportunity and success in everything I put my hands to.
A lot of the things I was praying for these past two years have been graciously answered beyond my expectations, and I am in awe as I watch the visions God gave me and the words he spoke over me unfold before my feet just as he said they would.
I have been given so much more than I asked for, but this season of prosperity I am in is not how I thought it would be. He has changed me through the process, and I find myself with all new struggles. I am full of joy and excitement for what is ahead, and at the same time I feel the discomfort of being pruned and shaped from the inside out.
My circumstances have changed, but more than that, my heart has been completely changed. The way that I think has completely changed, and I personally cannot take any credit for it.
A lot of people focus on the part that says " ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (John 15:7) including myself, but what it says before that is that if you want to bear more fruit you must be pruned!
I have to admit, that I haven't always believed that what I was praying for would ever be answered. I believed God could do anything, but a part of me was never convinced that He would do it for me. I sort of thought I would only see Him do it for everyone else...and honestly, I think it was a cop-out so I could stay where I was comfortable!
He revealed to me that I was not giving Him my whole heart, so my heart went wild with pride, fear, doubt, and complacency, and He could not prune it out because I was not letting Him. I waisted so much time wondering why I could not change myself; why I could not just be different; why I could not grow anymore.
A professional gardener can take his sheers to a tree or a shrub, and make it look beautiful, all while encouraging it to grow up, thus, clearing the walk way it was blocking before. But someone with no experience tries to go and do the same thing, and butchers the the poor thing, and it almost hurts just to look at it!
God wants to trim off the bad branches, clear my path, encourage me to grow taller and fuller, and make me look beautiful. Instead, I take the sheers and either butcher myself, or just let myself grow wild and out of control, not to mention I'm blocking my own path! Well, I finally gave Him the sheers.
Though it is uncomfortable during the process, I feel more beautiful now than I ever have. I feel clean and fresh, and closer to my Lord. When I look ahead, I see challenges, but I am not discouraged. I just take a deep breath and... Abide in Him!
I know there will still be stretching to do, and times for the need of endurance, but I also know that I can Trust in Him that I will reach the other side in better condition than when I started.
"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." ~John 15:8
Monday, December 15, 2008
Christmas will be different this year!
Christmas will be different this year, that's for sure,
my family is not the same as it was before.
No Christmas cheer, or laughter in the air,
Peace, hope, joy and love have been replaced by despair.
It's hard to say what the next few weeks will bring,
having a Merry Christmas seems like such an unlikely thing.
In spite of the sadness of how things appear,
I've reason to hope, and no need to fear.
For Jesus is Lord, and mighty to save,
He is loving and faithful, and He'll make a way!
Traditions change, and though it's hard to let go,
new season are sure to arrive with blessings in tow.
As bad as things seem in the eyes of uncertainty,
My God is ALWAYS good to me!
Prayers are filling up heaven's bowls,
and if I wait for the out-pour,
Christmas will be different this year, that's for sure!
my family is not the same as it was before.
No Christmas cheer, or laughter in the air,
Peace, hope, joy and love have been replaced by despair.
It's hard to say what the next few weeks will bring,
having a Merry Christmas seems like such an unlikely thing.
In spite of the sadness of how things appear,
I've reason to hope, and no need to fear.
For Jesus is Lord, and mighty to save,
He is loving and faithful, and He'll make a way!
Traditions change, and though it's hard to let go,
new season are sure to arrive with blessings in tow.
As bad as things seem in the eyes of uncertainty,
My God is ALWAYS good to me!
Prayers are filling up heaven's bowls,
and if I wait for the out-pour,
Christmas will be different this year, that's for sure!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Just a quick update
Sorry I haven't posted any photos in a while.
As far as what I'm up to here ya go:
1. I've lost a total of 28lbs!! I feel great and I am reaching my goals...its very exciting
2. I got a new promotion at work and that is going very well.
3. Some neat things are happening in my family as a result of years of praying, crying, believing, and praying some more! Thank you to everyone who has been praying for my family!! I'm also learning not to underestimate the little things...because they really do add up to big miracles!!
4. Jesus Christ is my favorite person ever! He has done things in my life that are making me smile uncontrollably. More to come soon....But God is good, So good so good!
Blessings :)
As far as what I'm up to here ya go:
1. I've lost a total of 28lbs!! I feel great and I am reaching my goals...its very exciting
2. I got a new promotion at work and that is going very well.
3. Some neat things are happening in my family as a result of years of praying, crying, believing, and praying some more! Thank you to everyone who has been praying for my family!! I'm also learning not to underestimate the little things...because they really do add up to big miracles!!
4. Jesus Christ is my favorite person ever! He has done things in my life that are making me smile uncontrollably. More to come soon....But God is good, So good so good!
Blessings :)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Dating, Dare I venture?
There have been quite a few of these kinds of posts popping up on people's blogs lately, so I thought I'd put in my own 2 cents for what it's worth.
First of all, before reading on, please note that I do not claim in any way to be an expert in this category, but I do claim that I have in fact done my homework! This post is simply for the purpose of throwing out some things God has imparted to me that have made this area of my life quite rock solid.
Now when I say rock solid, I do not mean perfect. If you've ever looked at a rock, they usually are not in any perfect shape. They are lumpy, dented, lop-sided, sometimes jagged, and sometimes smooth, but they all have one thing in common...they are solid, and able to hold up under a lot of pressure.
My views on dating are simply made up of a few rocks that God has put in my path for me to stand on. So if you stumble across one that sticks out to you while reading this, please, don't be angry with me for scraping your knee a little! Instead take it with you and place it on your own path. Then the next time you come across it just remember to step up, or else it will trip you up every time!
First of all, before reading on, please note that I do not claim in any way to be an expert in this category, but I do claim that I have in fact done my homework! This post is simply for the purpose of throwing out some things God has imparted to me that have made this area of my life quite rock solid.
Now when I say rock solid, I do not mean perfect. If you've ever looked at a rock, they usually are not in any perfect shape. They are lumpy, dented, lop-sided, sometimes jagged, and sometimes smooth, but they all have one thing in common...they are solid, and able to hold up under a lot of pressure.
My views on dating are simply made up of a few rocks that God has put in my path for me to stand on. So if you stumble across one that sticks out to you while reading this, please, don't be angry with me for scraping your knee a little! Instead take it with you and place it on your own path. Then the next time you come across it just remember to step up, or else it will trip you up every time!
This Christmas season for me marks 4 years of single life, and though I certainly do not wish to do it forever, waiting on love has proven to be a most wonderful thing.
I fully agree that can drive you crazy at times, and I have spent plenty of time in the slammer of loneliness and longing. The only difference between an insane asylum and desire, in my opinion, is that the insane asylum provides the padded room and straight jacket to keep you from hurting yourself!
In these 4 years I've found that waiting really does build character, and feel that God has transformed me into a whole new woman. I look in the mirror today, and what once was a reflection of insecurity, timidness, regret, hurt, and pride; is now a reflection of confidence, radiance, love, passion, and a resemblance that is looking more and more like Jesus.
All of the credit for this goes solely to my period of waiting, not for a man, but for God to finish his work in me. When God gives me these glimpses of what he's doing in me, it's then that I realize that he's designing the wife my husband is praying for!
It's a truly amazing thing to watch God change you and mature you, because in those moments he's letting you see a little bit of how he's planning on answering someone else's prayers through you (and it's suppose to be a surprise, so don't blow it!). So now, instead of longing for a husband, I have realized my God-given longing to be some one's wife...some one's answered prayer!
God has placed a calling on my life to be a wife and a mother in a world where wives are no longer held accountable to the standards of honor and integrity before God. To be a pillar for my family while the world says it's ok for wives to be bulldozers!
By embracing this season of waiting I get to show God that I am refusing to compromise for anything less than His best for my life, but also, that I refuse to compromise myself for anything less than God's best for my future husband!
That puts a big challenge on my part to step up and become the woman my husband will need me to be. It also takes selfishness out of my prayer life, because instead of only praying for my needs to be met in a godly husband, I'm praying for God to do what He needs to do in me to fulfill the needs of my husband in a godly wife. And I'm praying for Him to do all that NOW, while I'm waiting...while I'm a wife under construction! That when my future spouse comes to pursue me, a hard hat will not be required!!
So what's so bad about "testing the waters"? What's so important about "saving" myself anyway?
Why not?
Why not dilly dally with crushes and flirting and stuff like that?
It's not really hurting anyone is it? It's just harmless fun until you find the right person, isn't it?
I'm not here to try to change anyone's opinions about this, but I think that if it really is going to be done right, then it's only going to happen once, with one person, in God's perfect timing.
During these 4yrs God has had to help me let go of some old memories of past relationships. He showed me that what I wanted in a husband was being fabricated by comparing every guy I'd ever dated. Honestly, I don't want my husband to be comparable to anyone I've ever even known! And I'm pretty sure he won't appreciate me using a measuring stick that has a bunch of other guy's names on it!
I also don't ever...EVER want to enter a dating or marriage relationship wondering what might have happened with the other guy, because I don't want there to even be an "other guy"! Yuk!
My romance reserves are locked away and guarded carefully for only one man. God is filling those reserves with love, passion, excitement, fulfillment, desire, commitment, loyalty, gifts and talents, dreams and visions, motherhood, and all kinds of treasures and they are designed and designated for ONE man!
And, He is building these things up to a climax. Like a joke that builds up to a punchline. Or a novel building up in intensity and suspense that compels you to turn the page and find out what happens next.
The climax comes at just the right time! If you tell it too soon, it ruins the whole story; if you wait too long, the reader loses interest, but when told at just the right time it brings great satisfaction. Those are the stories you remember for a lifetime! The one's you tell your kids about someday(like when they ask how you and daddy first met!). They stay with you, and you refer back to them over and over.
God wants us to live out the romance story He has already written for us.
I also think of a jar of fruit preserves when I think of the importance of waiting for romance. Once you pop the seal you have to make the most of the whole jar, or else it goes bad! If you give your spouse a jar that's been opened a time or two already, there's a good chance that what you're giving him has grown some mold! But if that seal is protected, unbroken, and saved for a special occasion, then everything inside remains well preserved. And when your spouse opens it, it will be fresh and full for him to enjoy every drop. (And you know what they say,"the way to a man's heart is through his stomach!"hehehe, I just couldn't resist:) And guess what? If you are faithful to guard the treasure God is preserving in you for your spouse, He will be faithful to make sure you get a jar too! Fully preserved, un-tampered with, and filled to the brim with satisfaction. So keep those English muffins handy!
What are your thoughts? Did I leave anything out? What else makes the waiting season worth doing well?
Waiting for God's best, in me, through me, and for me!
-Jennifer
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Life's Flat Tires
Flat tires are fun! I experienced my first one yesterday, on my own car any way. I was then reminded of all the moments up to this point when I wondered what a flat tire would be like. Not that I dreamed of or wished for it to happen, rather, that is was a regular concern of mine of how it would affect my life if and when it did happen. I’ve often found myself paranoid about the idea of a flat tire, especially while driving on my stylish, yet nerve wrecking low profile racing tires and chrome rims. These came with the car upon receiving it, and though they look cool, and earn me a wide variety of compliments and envy (and guys annoyingly wanting to race me at every intersection!), they are not at all practical! They fill my heart with fear, dread, and doubt at the approach of every pump and pothole, and the low tread proves my car to prefer water skiing over traction on rainy days!
I am not a street racer, nor do I have any desire to be. Having a cute little red car with a hot spoiler on the back usually keeps me pretty content. So what do I need these racing tires for anyway? I’ve been asking this question for 2 years, and at the same time wondering why no one wants to buy them! Yes, I do realize this may be an oxymoron way of thinking!
All my questions and doubts about the trustworthiness of low profile tires have at last been put to rest! As well as my irrational fears of them been made rational!
As far as my pondering of the effects of flat tires on a human life; I now have this experience to help me with my hypothesis.
There was no loud explosion; no chunks of rubber flying through the air; no sparks bouncing off the pavement; and certainly no crashing to my tragic and untimely death! Sorry guys, no inspiration for a thriller movie there!
I have yet to find out if my driving skills could measure up to the challenging threat of a front tire blow out on the hwy. As disappointing as that is, I am at least glad to not be faced with the contrary if my skills were in fact lacking. Instead I am thankful that is was a back tire, which gave me some comfort in discovering that back tire blow outs, in this case, are not so bad. Instead of complete terror and ciaos, it was more like one tire going over the train tracks for the rest of your life! Or, at least until I pulled over.
Long story short, I made it to Les Schwab and they put on my spare for me, as that tire was beyond all help and is now RIP! Today little Suzie Que is happily getting her snow tires put on so that she no longer has to live with the embarrassment of being seen wearing a donut tire!
You probably saw this coming, but there is also a spiritual application to this story.
During this experience, there were many moments when I found myself getting very stressed out. There were times when I wanted to scream, times I wanted to cry…and I cried if I wanted to! And there were times when I really started to lose heart.
It was the moment this morning that really got to me; the moment I was rolling the last snow tire to be loaded into my car. Why was I crying? Why was this event upsetting me so much? Sure, it’s inconvenient, and sure I’m late for work, but no one was dying! These things happen…flat tires happen, so you put a new tire on and move on with your life; what’s the big deal?
Then I realized that the Lord was speaking to me. He was ministering to my heart.
In the midst this event, it wasn’t the car I was crying over. What was getting to me was that the state of my car was a direct reflection of the state of my life in very significant areas. My life had a flat tire! I was crying because that flat tire is my family, and it is a tire I can’t fix!
I’m reminded of Bo’s comment on Whitney’s blog about chess. She was saying how funny it would be if every time we moved our piece they fought us over it! It was a brilliant illustration of how often we fight God and fret over where he places us in certain seasons.
In this case, what about flat tires that refuse to let anyone fix them? Loved ones in our lives who insist that they are fine; when it is obvious to everyone else that their hopes of getting anywhere are completely deflated. All they have to do is pull over and let someone help them!
There is no Les Schwab for me to take this flat tire to! Yet, I take comfort in this fact: I called it in to the expert, and He is running out to meet my family where they are. As soon as they are willing to pull over and ask for His help, He will be there to give them a whole new set of tires that will never go flat!
I’ve learned that you cannot hope in your family’s willingness to surrender to Christ, or you will continue to lose heart over and over, because their flat tires cannot get them to that place. What you must hope in is God’s faithfulness to be there when they’re finally ready stop and open their doors to see the truth.
I took my car to the experts at Les Schwab, and I know it’s getting fixed because that’s what they do…I take my cares and worries to the Lord, the expert, and I know they’re being answered, because that’s what He does!
I am not a street racer, nor do I have any desire to be. Having a cute little red car with a hot spoiler on the back usually keeps me pretty content. So what do I need these racing tires for anyway? I’ve been asking this question for 2 years, and at the same time wondering why no one wants to buy them! Yes, I do realize this may be an oxymoron way of thinking!
All my questions and doubts about the trustworthiness of low profile tires have at last been put to rest! As well as my irrational fears of them been made rational!
As far as my pondering of the effects of flat tires on a human life; I now have this experience to help me with my hypothesis.
There was no loud explosion; no chunks of rubber flying through the air; no sparks bouncing off the pavement; and certainly no crashing to my tragic and untimely death! Sorry guys, no inspiration for a thriller movie there!
I have yet to find out if my driving skills could measure up to the challenging threat of a front tire blow out on the hwy. As disappointing as that is, I am at least glad to not be faced with the contrary if my skills were in fact lacking. Instead I am thankful that is was a back tire, which gave me some comfort in discovering that back tire blow outs, in this case, are not so bad. Instead of complete terror and ciaos, it was more like one tire going over the train tracks for the rest of your life! Or, at least until I pulled over.
Long story short, I made it to Les Schwab and they put on my spare for me, as that tire was beyond all help and is now RIP! Today little Suzie Que is happily getting her snow tires put on so that she no longer has to live with the embarrassment of being seen wearing a donut tire!
You probably saw this coming, but there is also a spiritual application to this story.
During this experience, there were many moments when I found myself getting very stressed out. There were times when I wanted to scream, times I wanted to cry…and I cried if I wanted to! And there were times when I really started to lose heart.
It was the moment this morning that really got to me; the moment I was rolling the last snow tire to be loaded into my car. Why was I crying? Why was this event upsetting me so much? Sure, it’s inconvenient, and sure I’m late for work, but no one was dying! These things happen…flat tires happen, so you put a new tire on and move on with your life; what’s the big deal?
Then I realized that the Lord was speaking to me. He was ministering to my heart.
In the midst this event, it wasn’t the car I was crying over. What was getting to me was that the state of my car was a direct reflection of the state of my life in very significant areas. My life had a flat tire! I was crying because that flat tire is my family, and it is a tire I can’t fix!
I’m reminded of Bo’s comment on Whitney’s blog about chess. She was saying how funny it would be if every time we moved our piece they fought us over it! It was a brilliant illustration of how often we fight God and fret over where he places us in certain seasons.
In this case, what about flat tires that refuse to let anyone fix them? Loved ones in our lives who insist that they are fine; when it is obvious to everyone else that their hopes of getting anywhere are completely deflated. All they have to do is pull over and let someone help them!
There is no Les Schwab for me to take this flat tire to! Yet, I take comfort in this fact: I called it in to the expert, and He is running out to meet my family where they are. As soon as they are willing to pull over and ask for His help, He will be there to give them a whole new set of tires that will never go flat!
I’ve learned that you cannot hope in your family’s willingness to surrender to Christ, or you will continue to lose heart over and over, because their flat tires cannot get them to that place. What you must hope in is God’s faithfulness to be there when they’re finally ready stop and open their doors to see the truth.
I took my car to the experts at Les Schwab, and I know it’s getting fixed because that’s what they do…I take my cares and worries to the Lord, the expert, and I know they’re being answered, because that’s what He does!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Fate of our Nation
I have to admit in these times I've been afraid of America's fate. Is God about to expose the wickedness that has been there all along, festering beneath the surface? Will I live to see the Nation destroy its-self with "liberty"!
How does it seem that ignorance is prevailing in every direction? Why are people willing to trade a human life for a few tax breaks? Why are they so easily deceived when the facts are in plain view?
They go out of their way to call us Christians bigots at the expense of their own integrity.
Love covers a multitude of sin. Is our "right" to be religeously offended clouding out our ability to cover a multitude of sins with the Love of Christ?
Our world is headed for distruction. We can't change it, and we were never asked to change it! God isn't focused on the sin, he knows it's there, he's looking for his kids! Jesus Christ has saved them by his blood, and he is sending us out to get them. He took our punishment upon himself and redeemed us, all he is asking is for us to run through a few fires for our brothers and sisters.
Changing the world to me doesn't mean making it a better place! It cannot be made better because it is condemned by God; marked for annihilation! Changing the world means going out and grabbing as many people as I can on my way out of this place!
Yes, we can make a difference, but we must be careful to ensure that our intension for making a difference is clearly based on creating pathways for Christ in us to intersect with a dying soul.
Everyday we pass them. Everyday we walk by hundreds of people without even contemplating sharing Christ with them. I am preaching straight to myself on this.
In battle terms, they are the ones wounded on the ground. You are the one with the sword that can stop the enemy from finishing them off!
There was a time in my life when the wounds of this life had taken their toll on me. A time when I was about to be finished off by the weight of the enemy's schemes. My hope was gone, and I honestly didn't believe anyone would know or care that I was gone. But God sent someone into my life to stop the final blow! Someone who showed me that they cared whether I lived or died.
So now, how many finally blows have I or have I not stopped? What about you? How many times have you thought, "well, someone else will share Christ with that person." What if no one else gets the chance? What if the window for that person to receive Christ was as small as the time it took for you to pass them on the street?
How does it seem that ignorance is prevailing in every direction? Why are people willing to trade a human life for a few tax breaks? Why are they so easily deceived when the facts are in plain view?
They go out of their way to call us Christians bigots at the expense of their own integrity.
Love covers a multitude of sin. Is our "right" to be religeously offended clouding out our ability to cover a multitude of sins with the Love of Christ?
Our world is headed for distruction. We can't change it, and we were never asked to change it! God isn't focused on the sin, he knows it's there, he's looking for his kids! Jesus Christ has saved them by his blood, and he is sending us out to get them. He took our punishment upon himself and redeemed us, all he is asking is for us to run through a few fires for our brothers and sisters.
Changing the world to me doesn't mean making it a better place! It cannot be made better because it is condemned by God; marked for annihilation! Changing the world means going out and grabbing as many people as I can on my way out of this place!
Yes, we can make a difference, but we must be careful to ensure that our intension for making a difference is clearly based on creating pathways for Christ in us to intersect with a dying soul.
Everyday we pass them. Everyday we walk by hundreds of people without even contemplating sharing Christ with them. I am preaching straight to myself on this.
In battle terms, they are the ones wounded on the ground. You are the one with the sword that can stop the enemy from finishing them off!
There was a time in my life when the wounds of this life had taken their toll on me. A time when I was about to be finished off by the weight of the enemy's schemes. My hope was gone, and I honestly didn't believe anyone would know or care that I was gone. But God sent someone into my life to stop the final blow! Someone who showed me that they cared whether I lived or died.
So now, how many finally blows have I or have I not stopped? What about you? How many times have you thought, "well, someone else will share Christ with that person." What if no one else gets the chance? What if the window for that person to receive Christ was as small as the time it took for you to pass them on the street?
Friday, October 3, 2008
A Test of Faith
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
I found this verse really hitting me hard this week, and realized how directly it relates to the condition of my faith. I had to ask my-self: ‘do I have a true understanding of faith? Or have I been leaning on my own understanding?’
Do I really trust the Lord with all my heart, or do I just say I do because I think that’s what he wants to hear? Aren’t we so very good at that…telling people what we think they want to hear?
The world taught me that I could not rely on anyone but myself, and if someone let me down I was to always have a backup plan. So has this mindset been impacting my ability to trust in God? You bet it has!
As I’ve been walking out this life with Christ, I have had to allow him to transform my mind, and give me a new prospective…the prospective of faith! I’ve had to be very careful along the way to not fall back into those mindsets when things get tough.
When I say I have faith; who is it I'm trying to convince. Do I really believe God is going to fulfill his promises in my life? Do I really believe he will bring me through whatever I'm facing? What if he doesn't? What if it doesn't get better? What if what I'm hoping for never happens?
Then I as I thought about it, I came to a worst case senerio:
He doesn't answer my prayers, I never meet the love of my life, never get out of debt, never have children, never succede in the career of my dreams, never become anyone of any significance, and never get delivered from the oppressions of life. So what if this happens?
Well, eventually I will die, leaving all my burdens behind on earth, and go spend eternity with the God of the Universe! This is the one thing we are guaranteed, that all who call on the name of Jesus WILL be saved and WILL recieve eternal life in heaven. Somehow, everything I was worried about before now seems completely be-littled by this fact!
Even still, I take comfort in what the Word of God says he will do in my lifetime on the earth:
"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."-Prov. 3:6
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands."-Psalm 138:8
"he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."-Phil. 1:6
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."-Rom. 8:28
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."-Jer. 29:11
"For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things."-Psalm 107:9
...The list goes on.........and on..........and on of how faithful our God is and how much he wants to fulfill His promises in our lives.
I also take comfort in remembering that He is the only one who has never let me down. He has always been faithful to bring me through, and His ways of doing so have proven to be greater than anything I could have done on my own. And He has been my teacher.
Then I think of why we do some of the crazy things we do for recreation, e.i. wake boarding, riding horses, rock climbing, sky diving, bunji jumping etc. And I believe it's a perfect example of how God wants us to not be afraid when things get crazy. He wants us to hold on, enjoy the adventure, learn as we go, and trust that He will get us to the final destination.
In my mind, faith is the ultimate way to live life on the edge, because He most often makes us leave the edge behind altogether!
So today I am not convincing myself or God that I have faith; I'm just choosing to remember that at this point my feet are no longer on the ground, and Jesus is the only thing keeping me from falling.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
I found this verse really hitting me hard this week, and realized how directly it relates to the condition of my faith. I had to ask my-self: ‘do I have a true understanding of faith? Or have I been leaning on my own understanding?’
Do I really trust the Lord with all my heart, or do I just say I do because I think that’s what he wants to hear? Aren’t we so very good at that…telling people what we think they want to hear?
The world taught me that I could not rely on anyone but myself, and if someone let me down I was to always have a backup plan. So has this mindset been impacting my ability to trust in God? You bet it has!
As I’ve been walking out this life with Christ, I have had to allow him to transform my mind, and give me a new prospective…the prospective of faith! I’ve had to be very careful along the way to not fall back into those mindsets when things get tough.
When I say I have faith; who is it I'm trying to convince. Do I really believe God is going to fulfill his promises in my life? Do I really believe he will bring me through whatever I'm facing? What if he doesn't? What if it doesn't get better? What if what I'm hoping for never happens?
Then I as I thought about it, I came to a worst case senerio:
He doesn't answer my prayers, I never meet the love of my life, never get out of debt, never have children, never succede in the career of my dreams, never become anyone of any significance, and never get delivered from the oppressions of life. So what if this happens?
Well, eventually I will die, leaving all my burdens behind on earth, and go spend eternity with the God of the Universe! This is the one thing we are guaranteed, that all who call on the name of Jesus WILL be saved and WILL recieve eternal life in heaven. Somehow, everything I was worried about before now seems completely be-littled by this fact!
Even still, I take comfort in what the Word of God says he will do in my lifetime on the earth:
"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."-Prov. 3:6
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands."-Psalm 138:8
"he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."-Phil. 1:6
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."-Rom. 8:28
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."-Jer. 29:11
"For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things."-Psalm 107:9
...The list goes on.........and on..........and on of how faithful our God is and how much he wants to fulfill His promises in our lives.
I also take comfort in remembering that He is the only one who has never let me down. He has always been faithful to bring me through, and His ways of doing so have proven to be greater than anything I could have done on my own. And He has been my teacher.
Then I think of why we do some of the crazy things we do for recreation, e.i. wake boarding, riding horses, rock climbing, sky diving, bunji jumping etc. And I believe it's a perfect example of how God wants us to not be afraid when things get crazy. He wants us to hold on, enjoy the adventure, learn as we go, and trust that He will get us to the final destination.
In my mind, faith is the ultimate way to live life on the edge, because He most often makes us leave the edge behind altogether!
So today I am not convincing myself or God that I have faith; I'm just choosing to remember that at this point my feet are no longer on the ground, and Jesus is the only thing keeping me from falling.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Transitioning into a morning person.
How do you leave the night owl in its tree for good?
I've decided that the young adult life is very similar to that of vampires. We stay up till all ours of the night, and flee, flee at the sign of dawn by stuffing our heads under the covers and hitting the snoozed button. Then we suck the life out of each other by thinking the world will come to an end if we dare risk being the only ones not at the party.
What's so very important about staying up late tonight that's worth wasting my day tomorrow on being groggy and crabby? Why is it worth getting up late, rushing out the door, and not reaching my full potential because I'm too tired?
There is a time to stay up late, laugh with friends, and make sure your face is in the picture for the record. And, there is a time to let your body have the rest it needs, so that you can be your best self tomorrow. Tired people don't look as cute in pictures anyway!
So morning people, what do you do to keep Mr. night owl on his perch? I'd very much like to know what makes your mornings work so well?
I've decided that the young adult life is very similar to that of vampires. We stay up till all ours of the night, and flee, flee at the sign of dawn by stuffing our heads under the covers and hitting the snoozed button. Then we suck the life out of each other by thinking the world will come to an end if we dare risk being the only ones not at the party.
What's so very important about staying up late tonight that's worth wasting my day tomorrow on being groggy and crabby? Why is it worth getting up late, rushing out the door, and not reaching my full potential because I'm too tired?
There is a time to stay up late, laugh with friends, and make sure your face is in the picture for the record. And, there is a time to let your body have the rest it needs, so that you can be your best self tomorrow. Tired people don't look as cute in pictures anyway!
So morning people, what do you do to keep Mr. night owl on his perch? I'd very much like to know what makes your mornings work so well?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Psalm 145:14-21
"The Lord upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord preserves all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever."
This week, my heart fell into a million peaces, but my God was Faithful to uphold me.
I was bowed down, surrendered by my sorrow, but he raised me up.
He saw my tears as I looked to him for help, and he gave me nourishment.
He opened his hands over me, and gave me sweet blessings where I wasn't expecting it.
Its not fair that things turned out the way they did, but God is righteous, and while the world gave me pain, he showed me great kindness.
I called on him, and he was quick to rush to my side, and his presence hugged my down-cast spirit within me.
I am in awe of his great power, and he fills my heart daily with hope and purpose.
I can cry, if I want to, and he hears me...you would cry too if it happened to you!
Though there is much pain in life, he preserves us in the midst of our hurting. Then he comes to our defense against the wicked things that attack us.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord preserves all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever."
This week, my heart fell into a million peaces, but my God was Faithful to uphold me.
I was bowed down, surrendered by my sorrow, but he raised me up.
He saw my tears as I looked to him for help, and he gave me nourishment.
He opened his hands over me, and gave me sweet blessings where I wasn't expecting it.
Its not fair that things turned out the way they did, but God is righteous, and while the world gave me pain, he showed me great kindness.
I called on him, and he was quick to rush to my side, and his presence hugged my down-cast spirit within me.
I am in awe of his great power, and he fills my heart daily with hope and purpose.
I can cry, if I want to, and he hears me...you would cry too if it happened to you!
Though there is much pain in life, he preserves us in the midst of our hurting. Then he comes to our defense against the wicked things that attack us.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Reflections of the past 23yrs.
It's true, I am officially 23 years old, as of Sept. 6th.
So while I was reflection on those 23 years, I can up with some interesting observations:
~I still cannot whistle.
~I have 1 tattoo.
~I have ridden an elephant twice before the age of 10!
~I’ve never broken a bone (knock on wood!!).
~I am a descendant of an old Irish legend that involved a castle and a black cat.
~Growing up, I loved the Beach Boys and the Bee Gees!! (Still kinda do!).
~There is a story about me published in a book.
~Barbie was my best friend until age 14.
~Gardening is a gene that has been passed down to me from my Grandmother’s Grandmother.
~I have lived in Bend for all 23 years of my life, but I was not born here.
~I am the youngest of 2 ½.
~I am 5ft 6 1/2inches tall, yet the tallest in my family.
~I won an art contest, and got to hang out with a rock band that toured with Skillet and Pillar, but never made it big.
~I wanted to marry the lead singer of that band!
~I took dance classes for 8 years before I got into horses.
~I set 2 bench marks in high school for weight lifting.
~I hitch hiked on the parkway once when I was 13 (so stupid!!)
~I sing and dance loudly when no one is around; especially when there is no music to mess up my groove!
~Even while growing up in Mt. Bachelor’s “backyard,” neither of my feet have ever touched a snowboard.
~I absolutely love snowshoeing!
~I saw Cacao twice, before he was murdered.
~I’ve set off many fire alarms while on family vacations. (Omzi and zoos were my most common targets, via emergency exit doors!)
Things I like a lot:
~JESUS!!
~Art
~Horses
~Coffee
~Cheesecake
~Green olives
~Laughing till you cry
~Yummy dinners that are also very pretty to look at! (I get teased a lot for that one.)
~Hiking
~Kayaking
~Volleyball
~Finding pants that fit the way they’re suppose to!
~Fajita burritos at El Ranchero
~Sushi, and Thai food
~McKay Cottage, and Bungalow Bar & Grill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!mmmmmmmmmmm!
~Accomplishing a goal
~Watching God move mountains
~When God surprises you!
~The ocean
~Adventures, especially if it involves a road trip!
~Good friends, whom I love!
~A hug that comes at just the right time
Things I don't like so much:
~Paper towels, napkins, and most paper products (except, of course, birthday cards!)
~Popsicle sticks
~Being in debt
~Spiders
~Sneezing
~Jalapeños
~Mountain Dew (I don’t do the Dew!)
~Traffic
~Guys who don’t wear belts BUTT should; pun intended!
~Itchy sweaters
~Creepy neighbors
~Men in Speedos
~Crabby computers
~Boy George!!!
~Wanting to cry when you can’t
~The process of changing bad habits into good ones
~When “Mr. right” is not Mr. right at all
~Knowing someone needs help, yet there’s nothing you can do for them
~Things that lead to headaches, including this list!
22 was good, 23 is going to be great! God has lined up my life in very exciting ways. He has brought me to a place of high anticipation for breakthrough and victory in my life, but especially in the life of the Church. God is serious about setting people free this year, but Satan is also serious about tearing them down and keeping them captive. If we are ready for battle, God will give us the victory! I am ready for battle!
For those of you who have already seen 23yrs and beyond, what advice would you give to me as I enter a new era?
So while I was reflection on those 23 years, I can up with some interesting observations:
~I still cannot whistle.
~I have 1 tattoo.
~I have ridden an elephant twice before the age of 10!
~I’ve never broken a bone (knock on wood!!).
~I am a descendant of an old Irish legend that involved a castle and a black cat.
~Growing up, I loved the Beach Boys and the Bee Gees!! (Still kinda do!).
~There is a story about me published in a book.
~Barbie was my best friend until age 14.
~Gardening is a gene that has been passed down to me from my Grandmother’s Grandmother.
~I have lived in Bend for all 23 years of my life, but I was not born here.
~I am the youngest of 2 ½.
~I am 5ft 6 1/2inches tall, yet the tallest in my family.
~I won an art contest, and got to hang out with a rock band that toured with Skillet and Pillar, but never made it big.
~I wanted to marry the lead singer of that band!
~I took dance classes for 8 years before I got into horses.
~I set 2 bench marks in high school for weight lifting.
~I hitch hiked on the parkway once when I was 13 (so stupid!!)
~I sing and dance loudly when no one is around; especially when there is no music to mess up my groove!
~Even while growing up in Mt. Bachelor’s “backyard,” neither of my feet have ever touched a snowboard.
~I absolutely love snowshoeing!
~I saw Cacao twice, before he was murdered.
~I’ve set off many fire alarms while on family vacations. (Omzi and zoos were my most common targets, via emergency exit doors!)
Things I like a lot:
~JESUS!!
~Art
~Horses
~Coffee
~Cheesecake
~Green olives
~Laughing till you cry
~Yummy dinners that are also very pretty to look at! (I get teased a lot for that one.)
~Hiking
~Kayaking
~Volleyball
~Finding pants that fit the way they’re suppose to!
~Fajita burritos at El Ranchero
~Sushi, and Thai food
~McKay Cottage, and Bungalow Bar & Grill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!mmmmmmmmmmm!
~Accomplishing a goal
~Watching God move mountains
~When God surprises you!
~The ocean
~Adventures, especially if it involves a road trip!
~Good friends, whom I love!
~A hug that comes at just the right time
Things I don't like so much:
~Paper towels, napkins, and most paper products (except, of course, birthday cards!)
~Popsicle sticks
~Being in debt
~Spiders
~Sneezing
~Jalapeños
~Mountain Dew (I don’t do the Dew!)
~Traffic
~Guys who don’t wear belts BUTT should; pun intended!
~Itchy sweaters
~Creepy neighbors
~Men in Speedos
~Crabby computers
~Boy George!!!
~Wanting to cry when you can’t
~The process of changing bad habits into good ones
~When “Mr. right” is not Mr. right at all
~Knowing someone needs help, yet there’s nothing you can do for them
~Things that lead to headaches, including this list!
22 was good, 23 is going to be great! God has lined up my life in very exciting ways. He has brought me to a place of high anticipation for breakthrough and victory in my life, but especially in the life of the Church. God is serious about setting people free this year, but Satan is also serious about tearing them down and keeping them captive. If we are ready for battle, God will give us the victory! I am ready for battle!
For those of you who have already seen 23yrs and beyond, what advice would you give to me as I enter a new era?
Friday, August 8, 2008
A walk in the park.
Today I went on a little walk in the park during my lunch break. On my way back there was a man sitting on a picnic table up ahead. It was the same man I'd seen nearly every other time and usually in the same exact spot. Every other day when I saw him, I usually just passed by quietly, sometimes with a friendly, passerby nod, and sometimes with nothing at all. Sometimes I'd just walk on, looking intently at the pathway. Every other day I didn't give him much of a second thought; every other day I thought my main purpose in life at that time was getting back to work on time.
But today was not every other day. It felt just like every other day, but as I drew closer, I felt my spirit within me anticipating a moment I was not suppose to miss!
I gave a friendly smile and nod, as if it were any other day. We exchanged hellos, and then it went to "how are you?" When it was my turn to ask him, his head went down, and he sadly said, "not good!" That's when I knew...today this man needed my light in his darkness! Ok, so now here comes the stepping out in faith thing.
I walked over to him, and asked if I could pray for him. He had on a pair of big, black sunglasses, but they could not hide the tears that rolled down his cheeks as he said, "ya, I'd really like that!"
Kim was his name, and I found out that he has been living at the Shepherd's house. Kim's wife of 16yrs divorced him 6yrs ago, and now is not allowing him to spend time with his son. He also said he's been having a hard time finding a job that was right for him. I think the most heart-breaking part of the conversation was when he admitted that the only thing keeping him from jumping in the river, and ending it all, was that he knew it would hurt his son.
I got to tell Kim about Jesus today, and I told him that God loves and cares for him and is there to help him. I shared with him that the only way I've ever seen life get better for anyone is when they are surrendered to Jesus Christ.
I also got to pray with Kim today, and asked God to work miracles in his life. The tears were rolling down even more by the time we said Amen. He thanked me for stopping for him, and for my prayers.
We parted ways, and as I walked away he kept saying thank you, thank you thank you! My spirit was now leaping for joy within me! I had just given this man hope. He needed a touch from God, and God used me to do it. This added to my theory of how the Holy Spirit speaks to peoples souls on levels we are not aware of in the flesh. Jesus was walking with me in the park today, and something inside of Kim knew it. He needed a savior, and Jesus sent me on His behalf.
This got me to thinking, that opportunities to share my faith are not as illusive as I once thought. Sometimes we pass them over and over again, and God is telling us to stop for a minute, take a look around, and see if there are moments coming up along our path that we are not suppose to miss!
Jesus is walking with you, so who might he be asking you to stop for today?
But today was not every other day. It felt just like every other day, but as I drew closer, I felt my spirit within me anticipating a moment I was not suppose to miss!
I gave a friendly smile and nod, as if it were any other day. We exchanged hellos, and then it went to "how are you?" When it was my turn to ask him, his head went down, and he sadly said, "not good!" That's when I knew...today this man needed my light in his darkness! Ok, so now here comes the stepping out in faith thing.
I walked over to him, and asked if I could pray for him. He had on a pair of big, black sunglasses, but they could not hide the tears that rolled down his cheeks as he said, "ya, I'd really like that!"
Kim was his name, and I found out that he has been living at the Shepherd's house. Kim's wife of 16yrs divorced him 6yrs ago, and now is not allowing him to spend time with his son. He also said he's been having a hard time finding a job that was right for him. I think the most heart-breaking part of the conversation was when he admitted that the only thing keeping him from jumping in the river, and ending it all, was that he knew it would hurt his son.
I got to tell Kim about Jesus today, and I told him that God loves and cares for him and is there to help him. I shared with him that the only way I've ever seen life get better for anyone is when they are surrendered to Jesus Christ.
I also got to pray with Kim today, and asked God to work miracles in his life. The tears were rolling down even more by the time we said Amen. He thanked me for stopping for him, and for my prayers.
We parted ways, and as I walked away he kept saying thank you, thank you thank you! My spirit was now leaping for joy within me! I had just given this man hope. He needed a touch from God, and God used me to do it. This added to my theory of how the Holy Spirit speaks to peoples souls on levels we are not aware of in the flesh. Jesus was walking with me in the park today, and something inside of Kim knew it. He needed a savior, and Jesus sent me on His behalf.
This got me to thinking, that opportunities to share my faith are not as illusive as I once thought. Sometimes we pass them over and over again, and God is telling us to stop for a minute, take a look around, and see if there are moments coming up along our path that we are not suppose to miss!
Jesus is walking with you, so who might he be asking you to stop for today?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Shine your light.
"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."~John 9:5
When I was growing up, we lived in a house that was over-shadowed by the two-story apartments behind us. Every night for 16yrs I would lay in bed with my thoughts synchronized to the rhythm of my neighbors' lights being turned on, and off, and on, and off, and so on. I didn't have blinds for a long time(the ones I had broke), so the effects where the equivalent of a full on strobe light party in my bedroom into all hours of the night. You are probably concluding right about now that, "this girl didn't get much sleep for those 16yrs!" Ya, I didn't!
Anyway, all those nights of watching my bedroom walls light up, and trying to trace each shadow back to its original source, it got me thinking. I realize now that my neighbors had no idea that their OCD light switch compulsions were in fact robing me of my beauty rest. Their intentions were simply to turn on the lights in their own world, never to know how their light was affecting someone else's darkness.
"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world!" What a powerful statement! And how wonderful is it that when Jesus ascended into heaven, he didn't leave us in the dark! Instead, this now becomes OUR statement! As long as we are in the world, we are the light of the world.
The cool thing about light, is that there is no darkness that can escape it. Its kind of funny, but there is an awesome lightening storm going on right now(at the time this was written that is), speaking of light!(I love thunderstorms!)
Light=hope, light=refuge, light=guidance. Friends, let us shine our light of Christ brightly in every circumstance; you could chase away someone's darkness without ever knowing it...as long as you are in the world, and you are shinning!
P.S. May this post encourage you to be more considerate about putting on strobe parties in other people's bedrooms, if you happen to be one of those two-storied-dwelling-people that is!:)
When I was growing up, we lived in a house that was over-shadowed by the two-story apartments behind us. Every night for 16yrs I would lay in bed with my thoughts synchronized to the rhythm of my neighbors' lights being turned on, and off, and on, and off, and so on. I didn't have blinds for a long time(the ones I had broke), so the effects where the equivalent of a full on strobe light party in my bedroom into all hours of the night. You are probably concluding right about now that, "this girl didn't get much sleep for those 16yrs!" Ya, I didn't!
Anyway, all those nights of watching my bedroom walls light up, and trying to trace each shadow back to its original source, it got me thinking. I realize now that my neighbors had no idea that their OCD light switch compulsions were in fact robing me of my beauty rest. Their intentions were simply to turn on the lights in their own world, never to know how their light was affecting someone else's darkness.
"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world!" What a powerful statement! And how wonderful is it that when Jesus ascended into heaven, he didn't leave us in the dark! Instead, this now becomes OUR statement! As long as we are in the world, we are the light of the world.
The cool thing about light, is that there is no darkness that can escape it. Its kind of funny, but there is an awesome lightening storm going on right now(at the time this was written that is), speaking of light!(I love thunderstorms!)
Light=hope, light=refuge, light=guidance. Friends, let us shine our light of Christ brightly in every circumstance; you could chase away someone's darkness without ever knowing it...as long as you are in the world, and you are shinning!
P.S. May this post encourage you to be more considerate about putting on strobe parties in other people's bedrooms, if you happen to be one of those two-storied-dwelling-people that is!:)
Friday, August 1, 2008
Sheilah's Stained Glass, at the Blue Moon Marketplace
Sheilah's glass will be showcased from Aug. 1st through September 30th. Blue Moon Marketplace is located on Oregon Ave. underneath the parking garage.
Boating at Prineville Reservoir
My landlords, Tony and Krista, took me out on their boat last weekend. It was so much fun, and the weather was beautiful.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
"Fear not, I am with you!"
Is. 43: 2~ "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
-God never leaves us, but how many times do we leave each other?
-How often do we leave each other to be overwhelmed, burned and consumed?
-I don't know how many times I've literally tried to walk through a raging river or a roaring fire, but I've lost count of how many times I've felt overwhelmed by the demands of ministry, or burned out in exhaustion, or consumed by the hardships of life.
-Yes, God is always faithful, he never leaves us nor forsakes us, but we also cannot forget that WE are the vessels he has chosen.
Is. 43:10~"You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and servants whom I have chosen"
-To love, encourage, and lay down our lives for each other as Christ has done for us!
1 Pet. 4:8-10~"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace."
-God showed us his grace and mercy when we didn't deserve it, so now we are to be good stewards of the grace he gave us by giving it to others...even if you don't think they deserve it!
-I don't always feel like being a good steward, sometimes I feel like if someone has not shown me very much love or hospitality, why should I do it for them? Because God has asked me to serve them with what I have been given, regardless of whether I get anything in return.
-If someone around me is parched and God gives me water for them to drink, who am I to keep it from them? If someone is drowning and God has given me a lifeline to throw to them, who am I to just let them drown?
-Love covers a multitude of sins. If we see people around us falling in sin, we are not called to scold or judge. A heart of condemnation lets your brother or sister drown while you watch, but love pulls them out of the water and onto dry ground. Love makes the less "likable" people more lovable, because you loving them is like soap that washes off what was so unlikable!
-We were dirty, stained by sin, and because Jesus Christ loved us, we were washed clean by his blood. Christ's love covered our sins, so now we are called to do likewise with each other.
Is. 43:4~"Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life."
-Christ gave his own life in exchange for you. You are precious in his eyes.
-..."and I love you"!!
Is. 43:19~"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
-Is God placing you to be a way in the desert? Is someone needing you to point the way to Christ?
Is. 44:3~"For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants."
-Is there someone you can give water to today? Have you seen someone in your ministry who may be running dry?
-Maybe you yourself are the one who needs water? Be revived today friends, for you are loved and precious in God's eyes. He is doing a new thing in your life today! He will make a way for you in the wilderness, and give you a river of refreshing in the desert.
-God never leaves us, but how many times do we leave each other?
-How often do we leave each other to be overwhelmed, burned and consumed?
-I don't know how many times I've literally tried to walk through a raging river or a roaring fire, but I've lost count of how many times I've felt overwhelmed by the demands of ministry, or burned out in exhaustion, or consumed by the hardships of life.
-Yes, God is always faithful, he never leaves us nor forsakes us, but we also cannot forget that WE are the vessels he has chosen.
Is. 43:10~"You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and servants whom I have chosen"
-To love, encourage, and lay down our lives for each other as Christ has done for us!
1 Pet. 4:8-10~"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace."
-God showed us his grace and mercy when we didn't deserve it, so now we are to be good stewards of the grace he gave us by giving it to others...even if you don't think they deserve it!
-I don't always feel like being a good steward, sometimes I feel like if someone has not shown me very much love or hospitality, why should I do it for them? Because God has asked me to serve them with what I have been given, regardless of whether I get anything in return.
-If someone around me is parched and God gives me water for them to drink, who am I to keep it from them? If someone is drowning and God has given me a lifeline to throw to them, who am I to just let them drown?
-Love covers a multitude of sins. If we see people around us falling in sin, we are not called to scold or judge. A heart of condemnation lets your brother or sister drown while you watch, but love pulls them out of the water and onto dry ground. Love makes the less "likable" people more lovable, because you loving them is like soap that washes off what was so unlikable!
-We were dirty, stained by sin, and because Jesus Christ loved us, we were washed clean by his blood. Christ's love covered our sins, so now we are called to do likewise with each other.
Is. 43:4~"Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life."
-Christ gave his own life in exchange for you. You are precious in his eyes.
-..."and I love you"!!
Is. 43:19~"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
-Is God placing you to be a way in the desert? Is someone needing you to point the way to Christ?
Is. 44:3~"For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants."
-Is there someone you can give water to today? Have you seen someone in your ministry who may be running dry?
-Maybe you yourself are the one who needs water? Be revived today friends, for you are loved and precious in God's eyes. He is doing a new thing in your life today! He will make a way for you in the wilderness, and give you a river of refreshing in the desert.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Bungalow Bar and Grill!!!
On a lighter note, my mom and I had dinner at the Bungalow Tropical Bar and Grill last night, and hands down was the best dinner, possibly of my entire life!! I had the Fiji chicken...sooooo amazingly good, and my mom had the spare ribs, which I tried, and they were spectacular! Its a very elegant atmosphere, and so are the prices!( quite spendy, but well worth the big bucks in my opinion!) and the waiters all wear Hawaiian shirts. And it totally reminded me of our fine dinning experience in Mexico last year, for those of you who were there, the one that was up on the roof top! The restaurant is in the Cascade Village or what ever its called, upstairs across from Cold Stone Creamery. Seriously, if you want your taste buds rocked, and have some extra splurging money, check it out, and thank me later by taking me there again!!:) I'm enjoying my left-overs for lunch today!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
A very sad update.
I am sorry to say that Crystal passed away yesterday afternoon. Thank you so much for all your prayers. Please keep praying with me for Crystal's family. Thanks guys.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Please pray for Crystal!!
Crystal is a little girl my mom and I know who has been fighting a rare bone disease, which is very similar to leukemia, for most of her life.
She has been waiting for a bone marrow transplant, and has finally found a donor, however, she recently came down with pneumonia, and had to be rushed to the hospital. Now has picked up a fungus which is spreading through her body. They took part of her lung and she had open heart surgery. If they get it under control she will need a liver transplant (as well as the planned bone marrow transplant). If the fungus travels to her sinuses it will go to her brain and kill her. The doctors say that she cannot have the bone marrow transplant unless she is completely healthy, or else she will not survive the operation. Because of her disease, Crystal does not have an immune system to fight off viruses or infections such as which she is now facing, so keeping her alive, and getting her healthy enough for her transplant has become quite the battle.
Our God is a big God! And He can do all things, so please join with me in praying for Crystal and her Family for a miracle. Friends, WE are her hope, because we know a God who is mighty to save!
She has been waiting for a bone marrow transplant, and has finally found a donor, however, she recently came down with pneumonia, and had to be rushed to the hospital. Now has picked up a fungus which is spreading through her body. They took part of her lung and she had open heart surgery. If they get it under control she will need a liver transplant (as well as the planned bone marrow transplant). If the fungus travels to her sinuses it will go to her brain and kill her. The doctors say that she cannot have the bone marrow transplant unless she is completely healthy, or else she will not survive the operation. Because of her disease, Crystal does not have an immune system to fight off viruses or infections such as which she is now facing, so keeping her alive, and getting her healthy enough for her transplant has become quite the battle.
Our God is a big God! And He can do all things, so please join with me in praying for Crystal and her Family for a miracle. Friends, WE are her hope, because we know a God who is mighty to save!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
What do ya do???
So, what do you do when:
-You're trying to lose weight
-You just had a great work out last night
-You ate a healthy dinner
-You feel proud of yourself for such accomplishment, and...
-In the morning you come to find an ugly, yet beautiful sight of a fresh box of donuts that someone brought in to work!!!:(
Two questions:
1. Why is it always right after a great acheivement that the wrath of a wolf in "donut's" clothing comes to the attack?
2. Why is a donut so tempting in the first place? One little donut can pretty much cancel out everything I just did the night before. They're so bad for you, but so completely irresistible...and they know it too!!
Prayer request:
-"Father God, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give me today this donut, but please Lord not daily!
Bless this donut into my body, but may it not over stay its welcome.
Forgive me of my sins, as I forgive those donuts who sin against me, oh Lord.
Lead me not into temptation, but please deliver me from the evil donut.
I forgive this donut of its trespass against me, though its armies of fat and calories surrounds me on all sides!:( Oh Lord, God above all things, deliver me from this evil army."
-You're trying to lose weight
-You just had a great work out last night
-You ate a healthy dinner
-You feel proud of yourself for such accomplishment, and...
-In the morning you come to find an ugly, yet beautiful sight of a fresh box of donuts that someone brought in to work!!!:(
Two questions:
1. Why is it always right after a great acheivement that the wrath of a wolf in "donut's" clothing comes to the attack?
2. Why is a donut so tempting in the first place? One little donut can pretty much cancel out everything I just did the night before. They're so bad for you, but so completely irresistible...and they know it too!!
Prayer request:
-"Father God, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give me today this donut, but please Lord not daily!
Bless this donut into my body, but may it not over stay its welcome.
Forgive me of my sins, as I forgive those donuts who sin against me, oh Lord.
Lead me not into temptation, but please deliver me from the evil donut.
I forgive this donut of its trespass against me, though its armies of fat and calories surrounds me on all sides!:( Oh Lord, God above all things, deliver me from this evil army."
Monday, July 7, 2008
Psalm 73
My strength and my portion forever:
-My feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.
-For I was envious of the arrogant.
-It seemed a wearisome task to keep my heart clean, until I went into the sanctuary of God
-I was rough around the edges and so ignorant toward you...
-Ignorance is a trap, envy the trigger, and I had almost stumbled.
-Nevertheless, I am continually with you. I will not give up.
-I reach out to you, and you hold my right hand.
-I search for understanding, and you guide me with your counsel.
-One day I will be in your glorious presence, just as you have promised, but until then...
-There is nothing on earth that I desire besides you
-My flesh and my heart may fail,
-But God, you are the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
-I will fall many times on the earth, but you will never give up on me.
-It is so good to be near you God, I have made you my refuge,
-And I will tell everyone of all your works!
-My feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.
-For I was envious of the arrogant.
-It seemed a wearisome task to keep my heart clean, until I went into the sanctuary of God
-I was rough around the edges and so ignorant toward you...
-Ignorance is a trap, envy the trigger, and I had almost stumbled.
-Nevertheless, I am continually with you. I will not give up.
-I reach out to you, and you hold my right hand.
-I search for understanding, and you guide me with your counsel.
-One day I will be in your glorious presence, just as you have promised, but until then...
-There is nothing on earth that I desire besides you
-My flesh and my heart may fail,
-But God, you are the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
-I will fall many times on the earth, but you will never give up on me.
-It is so good to be near you God, I have made you my refuge,
-And I will tell everyone of all your works!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
"Everybody is somebody else's weirdo!"
I heard this phrase in a sermon I was listening to online the other day, and I couldn't help but feel that, perhaps, I might be everyone else's weirdo! Now I understand that we all have our awkward moments, but I think I am one of those people who have those moments more often, and with a greater variety of people.
Then I got to thinking about the desire to be liked and accepted, and I wondered where the balance is between loving and being loved by your brothers and sisters in Christ and just wanting to be accepted.
Please understand my heart, I am not venting, and for the most part I know I am loved and accepted. But I do have a very quiet nature, and generally that makes a lot of people uncomfortable, and I more often then not feel completely miss-understood.
This is my heart:
-I love my Church, but more than that, I love THE Church! The Body of Christ, and I desire with all my heart to see her succeed in every way in the name of our Lord Jesus.
-I love my brothers and sisters. There are those of you whom I don't talk to or hang out with very often. I don't usually step out of my comfort zone to tell you I love you, so I commit myself to doing so more often and I ask for your forgiveness. I constantly perceive people trying to figure me out, but all I want you to know is that I really love you. All of you are wonderful, but I love you because when I look at you, God shows me how much He loves you. I want you all to succeed, and I only wish I knew in every situation what to do to stand with you and show my support. Too often, however, my own insecurities get in the way, and as the amazing Katie Scott pointed out once, insecurity can be a form of pride! So again, please forgive me.
I have completely surrendered my life to serving Jesus, and I live to please my Father not man, but I still struggle a little with simply wanting people to like me. I don't entirely believe it is a bad desire, but it can definitely be used against you by the enemy. Satan will try to make you believe that no one likes you, and it doesn't matter who you are, or where you come from, that is absolutely NEVER true.
What I've come to understand is that when you begin to feel insecure, its because the enemy is trying to make you question who you are. If you don't know who you are, its really hard to know how much you are worth.
Before I knew Christ, I bought into the world's message that I would never be good enough, so there was no point in trying. But when I gave my life to Jesus, He promised that He would love me and accept me for eternity. God says that I am His daughter, He confirms it over and over through His word(the Bible), and through the abundance of blessing and fulfillment He gives me everyday.
This is what we must never forget: We are His children, sons and daughters of the Most High God. He has accepted us at the price of the cross, and by the power of the resurrection of Jesus. And, He has declared us QUALIFIED in every way, for every good purpose. And since HE has declared you qualified, no one and nothing can disqualify you!
In conclusion: The desire to be liked and accepted should never interfere with your understanding of who God says you are. I think that if it does, God just might have a thing or two to tell you that will give you a better understanding.
I could use your thoughts if you have them.
Then I got to thinking about the desire to be liked and accepted, and I wondered where the balance is between loving and being loved by your brothers and sisters in Christ and just wanting to be accepted.
Please understand my heart, I am not venting, and for the most part I know I am loved and accepted. But I do have a very quiet nature, and generally that makes a lot of people uncomfortable, and I more often then not feel completely miss-understood.
This is my heart:
-I love my Church, but more than that, I love THE Church! The Body of Christ, and I desire with all my heart to see her succeed in every way in the name of our Lord Jesus.
-I love my brothers and sisters. There are those of you whom I don't talk to or hang out with very often. I don't usually step out of my comfort zone to tell you I love you, so I commit myself to doing so more often and I ask for your forgiveness. I constantly perceive people trying to figure me out, but all I want you to know is that I really love you. All of you are wonderful, but I love you because when I look at you, God shows me how much He loves you. I want you all to succeed, and I only wish I knew in every situation what to do to stand with you and show my support. Too often, however, my own insecurities get in the way, and as the amazing Katie Scott pointed out once, insecurity can be a form of pride! So again, please forgive me.
I have completely surrendered my life to serving Jesus, and I live to please my Father not man, but I still struggle a little with simply wanting people to like me. I don't entirely believe it is a bad desire, but it can definitely be used against you by the enemy. Satan will try to make you believe that no one likes you, and it doesn't matter who you are, or where you come from, that is absolutely NEVER true.
What I've come to understand is that when you begin to feel insecure, its because the enemy is trying to make you question who you are. If you don't know who you are, its really hard to know how much you are worth.
Before I knew Christ, I bought into the world's message that I would never be good enough, so there was no point in trying. But when I gave my life to Jesus, He promised that He would love me and accept me for eternity. God says that I am His daughter, He confirms it over and over through His word(the Bible), and through the abundance of blessing and fulfillment He gives me everyday.
This is what we must never forget: We are His children, sons and daughters of the Most High God. He has accepted us at the price of the cross, and by the power of the resurrection of Jesus. And, He has declared us QUALIFIED in every way, for every good purpose. And since HE has declared you qualified, no one and nothing can disqualify you!
In conclusion: The desire to be liked and accepted should never interfere with your understanding of who God says you are. I think that if it does, God just might have a thing or two to tell you that will give you a better understanding.
I could use your thoughts if you have them.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
I've got some new neighbors!!
When I went to bed of Friday, I heard what sounded like an owl, hooting all night long in the arena on the other side of my bedroom wall. This confirmed that I definitely now live in the country! It was kind of cool to listen to him, but obviously I did not get any sleep!
So the next day I was out and about, and walked passed the arena and my theory was affirmative... I looked in and saw Mr. owl perched way up in the rafters. I ran inside and grabbed my camera, and as I took pictures and marveled, I looked to my right and what do ya know...
There was Mrs. owl! I thought, "how cool is that! One is pretty neat, but two is totally rad!"
So there they were. They stared at me the whole time, which was kind of scary because they're so intense looking. But as you can see, they let me get pretty close. I took some pictures, and then I left them in peace.
I'm pretty sure there was a little romance going on between them, so cute!Anyway, this just completely made my day, because I had just finished a really great devotional time with the Lord!
One of them left, but the other one still hangs around. I actually wish they would stick around, I think you're so cool...as long as my kitty is inside that is!!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Update you say? Well...
I move into my house this weekend!!!! I've already started taking boxes over, I'M SO EXCITED...AND I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT...AND ya, you get the idea right?!! Don't worry pictures are coming soon.
Monday, April 28, 2008
A season of breakthrough indeed! Life is great!!
Athen is almost as tall as her mom! After she sheds out this wintercoat, she'll be almost all black.
This is my new apartment so far!!!
There will be another window on the left side too.
My living room; and my bedroom will be on the other side of that wall frame.
And yes, that's right, vaulted ceilings!!
My kitchen cabinets!
And the view from my kitchen window, where my horses will be!
I will have a cute little yard out there too.
As far as an update on my life goes, I'm kind of going to bounce off of Pastor Ken's message this last weekend about prophetic breakthrough.
One of his most powerful points to me was that breakthrough is post-traumatic, and that God will bring us through times of trials first so that when the breakthrough comes we won't be ruined by the prosperity. I felt like he was talking right to me! The last two years, while I was doing CLC, were really tough for me. God was taking me apart, cleaning me out, and putting me back together the way He wanted me to be. Looking back now I am grateful, but during the process, before I could see the end result, I was a complete mess! I felt like mush. Every time I tried to stand up to take some kind of shape of myself, I would just slump back to a puddle of confusion, hopelessness, and utter frustration.
It wasn't until after my 2nd year graduation that God began putting the pieces together again, and now I finally understand the purpose of all that turmoil! He was building up my character. Instead of being applesauce, He wanted me to be cement! That when He did start to build me up and put me in my place that I would hold up under pressure, and be solid in him. Things I knew in my head, but didn't fully understand until now. He has truly done an amazing work in me, because, even in my own eyes, success in any form looked so unlikely!
Now, my life is so wonderful! My horses are doing well, Athen is getting closer and closer to sizing up her mom everyday, I love my job, the Lord is fine tuning my spiritual gifts in 180jv, and my new apartment is coming along nicely. My move in date is June 1st! I am living in the blessing of the Lord, and its so amazing. I know that there are trials still to come someday, but I also know, that because of this great work the Lord has done in me, I won't crumble and fall!
"He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure." -Psalm 40:2
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock." -Matthew 7:24-25
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
Thank you to my friends!! No really!
I saw one of my old friends today. From back in the day when I had lots of "friends" like her. Sure, we had a lot of "fun" but when it came down to what I really needed, what we all really need, a real friend, I was left hanging. I went to plenty of parties, got waisted, laughed hypocritically at the drunken foolishness of everyone else, and had a good time. Lots of people knew who I was, and a lot of people gave me the attention I thought I wanted, but it wasn't what I needed and I was even more alone than I realized.
What saddens me the most when looking back is that I really did care a lot about the ones I thought were my closest friends.
But when looking at my life now, I am filled with hope, joy, love, and so much grattitude for all of the wonderful friends God has given me. The Body of Christ, my brothers and sisters in Christ, we are all family! There are so many of you, but all of you are true. The love and encouragement I give feels like only half of that which I recieve. You have seen me laugh, and you have seen me cry, and I stand by you with my whole heart because I know you stand by me too! We are all in this TOGETHER, and thats why we'll make it through!
To all of my friends, the ones I see a lot, and also to those I hardly ever see, I am greatful for you! Without you I would not make it...Thank you!!
What saddens me the most when looking back is that I really did care a lot about the ones I thought were my closest friends.
But when looking at my life now, I am filled with hope, joy, love, and so much grattitude for all of the wonderful friends God has given me. The Body of Christ, my brothers and sisters in Christ, we are all family! There are so many of you, but all of you are true. The love and encouragement I give feels like only half of that which I recieve. You have seen me laugh, and you have seen me cry, and I stand by you with my whole heart because I know you stand by me too! We are all in this TOGETHER, and thats why we'll make it through!
To all of my friends, the ones I see a lot, and also to those I hardly ever see, I am greatful for you! Without you I would not make it...Thank you!!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Youth ministry is hard!
Its never easy to see one of your students floundering, even after all that you have poured out of yourself for them. The enemy will come in and try to tell you its not worth it... not worth your time, effort, and heartache. Sometimes you feel like believing that, and you are so close to just giving up, but something keeps you hanging in there. This idea in your head that there is still hope that something will change. You have absolutely no factual basis for this hope, and all the odds say your stupid for even thinking it. Yet, you keep going, keep encouraging, keep uplifting, and keep speaking truth. Why? Because God is up to something, and He doesn't want you to miss it! Even after you have done everything humanly possible and still seemed to have lost, you know that God will come through. He is capable of all things, and He is never late! His timing is always perfect, and the mystery of His ways leave us in awe of Him every time.
To all my fellow youth ministers out there, be encouraged today! Remember that God has never, and will never give up on anyone, so we must not either. Prepare yourselves to be in awe of God Almighty, for He is indeed up to something!
There was a girl in 180jv who was sitting next to me. She talked and gave sarcastic remarks throughout the whole service. She went out of her way to make it clear that she was smarter than everyone there, and that the whole thing was not worth her time. Any other day, and I would have been so irratated by her ignorant and arrogant attitude..."what a little punk!" But last night, I felt something different. She was exactly where God wanted her. Even though you couldn't tell if she was listening at all, God was clearly speaking to her on a whole other level. She continued her sarcasm all the way till the end of the message. All I felt God saying was, "just watch, and see what I am about to do!" So I watched.
When Steve gave the call to except Jesus Christ as their savior, she was the first to raise her hand! Praise God! Don't ever worry about what you cannot do! Just be ready for God to blow your mind completely!
To all my fellow youth ministers out there, be encouraged today! Remember that God has never, and will never give up on anyone, so we must not either. Prepare yourselves to be in awe of God Almighty, for He is indeed up to something!
There was a girl in 180jv who was sitting next to me. She talked and gave sarcastic remarks throughout the whole service. She went out of her way to make it clear that she was smarter than everyone there, and that the whole thing was not worth her time. Any other day, and I would have been so irratated by her ignorant and arrogant attitude..."what a little punk!" But last night, I felt something different. She was exactly where God wanted her. Even though you couldn't tell if she was listening at all, God was clearly speaking to her on a whole other level. She continued her sarcasm all the way till the end of the message. All I felt God saying was, "just watch, and see what I am about to do!" So I watched.
When Steve gave the call to except Jesus Christ as their savior, she was the first to raise her hand! Praise God! Don't ever worry about what you cannot do! Just be ready for God to blow your mind completely!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Hey all, I don't know who actually reads these, except for my great friends Molly and Grace!...but here it goes with the updates:
Life has been amazing! Like Pastor Ken says: "This is the year of the Lord's favor!" I have had so much break through in every area of my life. My two horses are doing well, and God has opened up some wonderful new opportunities for me toward some of the goals I have with them. I have had them boarded with Krista and Tony in Tumalo, and they have been so kind and generous to me! They are currently building me a 1bed 1bath apartment right on their property! And when it is done, my horses will be in the pasture right next to it! I am also excited because this will give me the privilege of serving them, and giving them some days off. It is due for completion some time in March! So ya'll have to come see it now ya hear!! I am also working with an amazing Dressage trainer (teaches people the fancy way to ride a horse, for those of you who don't know what dressage is!lol!), who has been encouraging and uplifting me in the Lord, and is helping me pursue the visions God has given me for ministry with horses.
I have a great new job...
I work for Premera Blue Cross.
Life has been amazing! Like Pastor Ken says: "This is the year of the Lord's favor!" I have had so much break through in every area of my life. My two horses are doing well, and God has opened up some wonderful new opportunities for me toward some of the goals I have with them. I have had them boarded with Krista and Tony in Tumalo, and they have been so kind and generous to me! They are currently building me a 1bed 1bath apartment right on their property! And when it is done, my horses will be in the pasture right next to it! I am also excited because this will give me the privilege of serving them, and giving them some days off. It is due for completion some time in March! So ya'll have to come see it now ya hear!! I am also working with an amazing Dressage trainer (teaches people the fancy way to ride a horse, for those of you who don't know what dressage is!lol!), who has been encouraging and uplifting me in the Lord, and is helping me pursue the visions God has given me for ministry with horses.
I have a great new job...
I work for Premera Blue Cross.
I have been there for 3mo. and God has blessed me already with favor and success, and I currently hold a 100% accuracy record! Woohoo! (Not to mention the great benefits!!)I feel the presence of God on my life more than ever before! I have had major breakthrough in my daily devotions, and I am seeing my prayers being answered. God is so faithful...and everything He does He does it above and beyond our expectations.
But also like Pastor Ken says, "new levels new devils!"
Breakthrough does not mean its time to take a nap...you're still running for the prize! I have reached an incredible season of prosperity and blessing, but it has come with higher expectations, and a greater need for accountability. Now that I have come this far, I don't want to ever go back, so I must keep going forward.
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