"And we know that God works together ALL things for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
God has a purpose in anything and everything...but sometimes it was really hard to find the good in it all.
God help me to see you in every detail, and to acknowledge your goodness in my life...
You Are For Me
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
What a week...
Do you ever have one of those weeks where you wonder where the time went. It feels like it was just monday, and now it's saturday. Time goes by so quickly. Well, this week was one of those weeks. The days sometimes felt like they went on forever, but now it's saturday and I can't believe it. The last month or so has been a whirlwind. Lots of traveling, working, babysitting, etc.
My uncle Jeff was married over Labor Day weekend. My family had a great time celebrating with him and his new wife Jen, who is absolutely incredible!
My uncle Jeff was married over Labor Day weekend. My family had a great time celebrating with him and his new wife Jen, who is absolutely incredible!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Fun Night with Jozie and Kooper
Tonight I got to spend a few hours with some of my favorite kids: Jozie and Kooper. It was a beautiful night to be outside. Here are a few of the pics that I took.
Fun on the Tire swing...
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Jozie attempting to climb the pole...
Kooper was collecting sticks (more like big branches) on our "hike" at the Fish Hatchery...they turned into guns that would shoot lions...
Jozie posing for the camera
Photo session with sweet Jozie while we rested for a few minutes...
Love the time I get to spend with these kids!!!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
John Piper and the Prosperity Gospel
God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in him...
To Save a Life: Listen. Reach Out. Engage.
It only takes one to make a difference. To Save a Life is more than a movie. It is the difference you can make when you use your influence and time for others-whether in your family, neighborhood, campus, community or sorld. Some people are just dying to be heard and accepted. Be the person who takes the time to show people they have value. Listen. Reach out. Engage. Imagine if we took the time to show other people we care. To Save a Live dares-inspires-you to.
This movie talks about so many different issues from drugs and alcohol, to teen pregnancy and abortion, divorce, self harm, feeling alone and left out. This movie really inspires you to be aware of those around you and to reach out to them. We can all make a difference in the lives of others. Sometimes I think it is so easy, or I guess a lot of the time, to get wrapped up in our own lives and problems and forget those around us.
Do you notice the boy who is by himself and looks sad all the time or the girl who is trying to fit in but can never be good enough. We all have weaknesses, and things we struggle with. Maybe we should challenge ourselves and think of ways that we can maybe be of help to others. Maybe we could make a new friend today and reach out to someone who we haven't talked to in awhile.
I think the one thing that I learned from this movie is that God wants to use us, and sometimes we might not understand what He is doing or why things are happening the way they are. Life isn't perfect and we all have struggles, but if Christ is in your life you have someone to lean on. 1) It is also important to have others around you to help you and encourage you. 2) A mentor is also important to speak truth into your life and maybe they see things in a different light then you may have seen. 3) It is okay to be different. To stand out of the crowd. If you live for Jesus and care about others, people will notice. 4) We can all make a choice to impact someones life and invest in them. It just takes one step. One conversation. One smile or glance.
Listen (What is God wanting you to do)...Reach Out(Talk to someone)...Engage(Live out what you believe)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tired...
I am tired and exhausted. It has been a full couple of weeks with school, and now this week with babysitting and trying to finish my classes. I need to lean on the Lord for strength to make it through the next couple days and for focus to get everything done that I need to do.
I am reminded of the song Everlasting God ...
Isaiah 40:27-31 (The Message)
God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.
I am reminded of the song Everlasting God ...
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
Wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Isaiah 40:27-31 (The Message)
God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
God's heart is for Every ONE...
God's heart is for Every ONE...He cares for the least of these. He loves you and he loves me. He loves the beggar sitting on the side of the road, the woman who is addicted to drugs and alcohol, the man who can't seem to fight his addictions. God's heart is for everyONE. If God's heart is for others, shouldn't our heart be for others too?
For the last several months I have been struggling with this concept in one particular area. I have a heart for orphans, I heart to see others know and love God, a heart for the broken, but something that has been tugging at my heart every time I see it, is the homeless. It might be the empathy strength in me, but my heart goes out for them. I can't imagine at the end of the night, not having a home to go to or a place to stay. Yes maybe some of these people have made some mistakes, but don't we all. We all mess up, and yet there is still grace and forgivenss in the hands of God. Each one of these individuals has a story...each one has hurts and pains, struggles,etc.
It's also easy for me to look at them and judge. It is so easy to point a finger and think you should have made different choices, and maybe you wouldn't be in this situation. But who am I to judge.
Part of the reason I have been struggling with this is that God's heart is for these people, and I don't know the best way to help them? Do they need money? food? clothing? etc (yes, yes, yes!). But is that the best way to help them? I don't feel called to minister to homeless people full time, but I do have a heart to help them, and show them the love of Jesus, and that someone cares. I think that is it...I want to show them that despite where they are at in life, there is a God who loves them, and intimately knows them, and cares deeply for them.
I think a lot of it is being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and sensing what He wants you to do.
Mother Theresa was an amazing woman, and I just stumbled upon this quote today from her:
"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat."
There is so much truth in her words. We all desire to be loved and to be known by someone...
I have ignored them. I have ignored that tug on my heart to help someone, and try to justify my thoughts or feelings, as sympathy/empathy for that person. We can't help every one. There is just too much.
I am just rambling on here, but I think the thing that I am getting at is that if God is tugging your heart with something, don't ignore it or let it go. He has a heart for all His people, and that tugging of the heart is his heart for others. I am convicted and am speaking to myself here as well, and need to take action. If the Holy Spirit is speaking to you to do something, even simple and seemingly not significant, then we should pay attention to the leading and obey it.
Mother Theresa also said, "Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." You never know what just your smiling could do for someone?
I think of the verse where Jesus says, "whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me." Who are the least of these. When we help others in need, it is not about us or how we feel. Yes, there is that feeling of satisfaction that you have done something to help another in need, but we should really be doing it to glorify God. Really think about those words that Jesus said. I think about those individuals representing Jesus. They are precious, they have value and worth, they are loved...
I have been reading in James lately, and in James 1:27 it says:
"Religion that God our Father accepts as faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows and distress and to keep oneself from being poluluted by the world
Here are some other words...
Isaiah 41:17 states, "The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel will not forsake them."
Isaiah 58:6-7
If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and yournight will become like the noonday."
Matthew 25:35
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."
Matthew 19:21
"Jesus answered, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. then come, follow me."
and finally 1 John 3:17-18
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with ACTIONS and in TRUTH."
What truth... Let us not love with words, but let it show in our ACTIONS. Love is an ACTION. God loves you, God loves me, and God loves others. How are we going to show His love to others today?
I-Heart Revolution
Here is a website for a community of people who share ideas of what they are doing to help others. I-Heart is to bring inspiration, awareness and Connection to a community of people. Injustice is happening all around the world, and if we work together, the big things don't seem so big after all. You should check this site out for more ideas and info...
http://www.i-heart.org/
For the last several months I have been struggling with this concept in one particular area. I have a heart for orphans, I heart to see others know and love God, a heart for the broken, but something that has been tugging at my heart every time I see it, is the homeless. It might be the empathy strength in me, but my heart goes out for them. I can't imagine at the end of the night, not having a home to go to or a place to stay. Yes maybe some of these people have made some mistakes, but don't we all. We all mess up, and yet there is still grace and forgivenss in the hands of God. Each one of these individuals has a story...each one has hurts and pains, struggles,etc.
It's also easy for me to look at them and judge. It is so easy to point a finger and think you should have made different choices, and maybe you wouldn't be in this situation. But who am I to judge.
Part of the reason I have been struggling with this is that God's heart is for these people, and I don't know the best way to help them? Do they need money? food? clothing? etc (yes, yes, yes!). But is that the best way to help them? I don't feel called to minister to homeless people full time, but I do have a heart to help them, and show them the love of Jesus, and that someone cares. I think that is it...I want to show them that despite where they are at in life, there is a God who loves them, and intimately knows them, and cares deeply for them.
I think a lot of it is being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and sensing what He wants you to do.
Mother Theresa was an amazing woman, and I just stumbled upon this quote today from her:
"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat."
There is so much truth in her words. We all desire to be loved and to be known by someone...
I have ignored them. I have ignored that tug on my heart to help someone, and try to justify my thoughts or feelings, as sympathy/empathy for that person. We can't help every one. There is just too much.
I am just rambling on here, but I think the thing that I am getting at is that if God is tugging your heart with something, don't ignore it or let it go. He has a heart for all His people, and that tugging of the heart is his heart for others. I am convicted and am speaking to myself here as well, and need to take action. If the Holy Spirit is speaking to you to do something, even simple and seemingly not significant, then we should pay attention to the leading and obey it.
Mother Theresa also said, "Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." You never know what just your smiling could do for someone?
I think of the verse where Jesus says, "whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me." Who are the least of these. When we help others in need, it is not about us or how we feel. Yes, there is that feeling of satisfaction that you have done something to help another in need, but we should really be doing it to glorify God. Really think about those words that Jesus said. I think about those individuals representing Jesus. They are precious, they have value and worth, they are loved...
I have been reading in James lately, and in James 1:27 it says:
"Religion that God our Father accepts as faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows and distress and to keep oneself from being poluluted by the world
Here are some other words...
Isaiah 41:17 states, "The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel will not forsake them."
Isaiah 58:6-7
If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and yournight will become like the noonday."
Matthew 25:35
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."
Matthew 19:21
"Jesus answered, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. then come, follow me."
and finally 1 John 3:17-18
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with ACTIONS and in TRUTH."
What truth... Let us not love with words, but let it show in our ACTIONS. Love is an ACTION. God loves you, God loves me, and God loves others. How are we going to show His love to others today?
I-Heart Revolution
Here is a website for a community of people who share ideas of what they are doing to help others. I-Heart is to bring inspiration, awareness and Connection to a community of people. Injustice is happening all around the world, and if we work together, the big things don't seem so big after all. You should check this site out for more ideas and info...
http://www.i-heart.org/
Monday, July 26, 2010
Believing God...
Consider it all JOY when you fall into various trails, knowing that the testing of your FAITH produces PATIENCE, but let Patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks Wisdom let him ask God, who GIVES to ALL liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in FAITH, with NO DOUBTING, for he who doubts Is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:2-6
So easily I tend to doubt you Jesus. There is power and healing in your name. It can be hard to be patient and wait on you, but Lord in the waiting have your work and way in me. I want to be complete in you. I desire for your will to be done. You freely give. You are the maker of Heaven and earth. You do not grow tired or weary. You are a mighty and AWESOME God. There is NONE like YOU.
1. God IS who HE Says He is
2. God can do what He says He can do
3. I am who God says I AM
4. I can do ALL things through Christ
5. God's Word is ALIVE and ACTIVE in me.
I AM Believing GOD!
Jesus I choose to Believe in you today!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
What I've Been Listening To...
Here are some of the bands and artists I have been listening to lately are...
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Absolutely LOVE this album! If you have not heard of Audrey Assad, you should definately check her out. Her lyrics and melodies are pure and convicting, honest and authentic!
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Some of the other artists that I enjoy listening to are: Brooke Fraser, Matt Wertz, Jonsi, Chasen, Rekapse, Hillsong United, John Mark McMillan, Bon Iver, Dave Barnes, Fee, JJ Heller, Kari Jobe, The National, Shane and Shane, and Phil Wickham to name a few...
Almost Done...
Almost done... yes I can say that I am almost finished with college! (Insert excitement) Yes, papers are slowly coming to an end, only two more exams to complete, and I will be done. I have done nothing but school, school, school work the last week. The countless hours and effort will definately be worth it when I take my final test of undergraduate school! Yeah!
With almost being done, it means that I am closer to figuring out what is next. I need to rest in Jesus, and trust in Him! He will align my steps!
I have decided this week to start making goals: body+soul+spiritual
1. In the midst of the business I have neglected to exercise like I normally would. So my goal for this week is to get at least 30-45 minutes of exercise a day.
2. Organize and prioritize...
3. Wake up and spend at least 10 minutes with Jesus to start the day.
Some other goals get together with friends, send out applications/resumes, spend some time in a coffee shop, and maybe do some reading (other than textbooks).
Jesus be in every moment of everyday. Be the rock that I stand on, my firm foundation, and the light that I shine in everything I do!
With almost being done, it means that I am closer to figuring out what is next. I need to rest in Jesus, and trust in Him! He will align my steps!
I have decided this week to start making goals: body+soul+spiritual
1. In the midst of the business I have neglected to exercise like I normally would. So my goal for this week is to get at least 30-45 minutes of exercise a day.
2. Organize and prioritize...
3. Wake up and spend at least 10 minutes with Jesus to start the day.
Some other goals get together with friends, send out applications/resumes, spend some time in a coffee shop, and maybe do some reading (other than textbooks).
Jesus be in every moment of everyday. Be the rock that I stand on, my firm foundation, and the light that I shine in everything I do!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Be faithful...
"Be Faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." - Mother Theresa
Friday, July 23, 2010
Harney Peak...
A few weeks ago, my family went camping in Hill City, SD. We decided to go hiking up Harney Peak. Here are some of the pictures from the Hike...
SISTERS!!!
The Family...minus Luke
We made it to the top! What a beautiful view!
Kels and I in the tower...
Dad and I taking a rest at the top! It was such a beautiful day!
On the way down...
God, I am Willing, Use me....
I have been thinking about the Parable of the Talents lately...God gives us each special gifts and talents, and he wants us to use them. The things, the passions and desires inside of us are not meant to keep to ourselves. They are merely wasted and not being used for the Kingdom of God. I think about those who have gone before. What if they had not used what God had given them, and thought, maybe I won't try this, or I am not good enough in this area. It takes courage to step out in certain areas, and it is not always easy.
In my life, I feel as though I have not been using what God has given me. I have been so convicted lately. The things that God has placed in my hands and in my heart - they are not being used to the fullest. I have been so complacent, and thinking I don't really have anything to offer. I have said this before...but God can work without me, but He chooses to use me and the things He places inside me (the gifts and talents, passions,etc) to help him advance His Kingdom on the earth. I want to be used by God. I want to take a step of faith.
I have been so complacent for so long, I don't really know what is inside of me, I don't really understand how God wants to use me. I love being creative, I love music, I have a heart for helping people, I desire God and want to help others know Him more and know His word.
We all have something that we can offer. God has given us everything we need to do what He has called us to do. He has placed in each one of us gifts and talents, and his desire is for us to not hide them away, but to use them, and to honor him with what He has given us.
I choose this day to walk in the fullness of what God has placed in my hands and my life...What will you do?
In my life, I feel as though I have not been using what God has given me. I have been so convicted lately. The things that God has placed in my hands and in my heart - they are not being used to the fullest. I have been so complacent, and thinking I don't really have anything to offer. I have said this before...but God can work without me, but He chooses to use me and the things He places inside me (the gifts and talents, passions,etc) to help him advance His Kingdom on the earth. I want to be used by God. I want to take a step of faith.
I have been so complacent for so long, I don't really know what is inside of me, I don't really understand how God wants to use me. I love being creative, I love music, I have a heart for helping people, I desire God and want to help others know Him more and know His word.
We all have something that we can offer. God has given us everything we need to do what He has called us to do. He has placed in each one of us gifts and talents, and his desire is for us to not hide them away, but to use them, and to honor him with what He has given us.
I choose this day to walk in the fullness of what God has placed in my hands and my life...What will you do?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Uncertainty, questions, and doubts...
I think its about time I blogged again. It has been almost 3 months...wow! I have to say these last three months, this summer has gone by so quickly. I can't believe it's already August. I have been taking two summer classes so I can finish school, and will officially be a college graduate!!! Yeah!!! It is so exciting, but yet somehow it is a little scary to me. There is this whole new world full of no classes, but yes the "real" world of work and becoming an adult. For so many years I have done school, almost 20 years I have been in school.
Now I am just weeks away from being done, and I have no idea of what I am going to do, where I am going to be, or what I want to do with my life. So many questions, so many doubts. People have been telling me, ' You have time to figure things out.' In a way I do, but I also wish it would come a lot sooner than later. I have so many ideas that are going around in my head, so many questions: should I stay in South Dakota or move somewhere else? maybe back to Nashville? I loved it there, but it is so far away from my family, and I don't have a job or place to live? I could go somewhere else...Sioux Falls SD or another state. I would really love to start somewhere new. Somewhere where I could begin fresh, but than I look at my bank account and think, well I should probably make some money first.
A friend had talked to me about doing a 6 month internship in Australia at Focus on the Family there with her, and at first I was so excited, and it sounds great...but now I am not sure.
So many questions, so many doubts. Not sure where to go. Why is it that we as humans feel as though we need to figure things out on our own, or maybe it is just me. I tend to want to take matters into my own hands and try to do things my way. I have honestly been so distant from God over the last 6 months or so. My desire for Him has not been there. I have felt so dry, and really not wanting a lot to do with him. Over the last 6 months I have maybe opened my Bible at the most 5 or 6 times. I have not journaled or really prayed. My faith or belief in Him has not gone away. I don't really know what it has been. There have been some days over this period of time that I have thought, I need Jesus. I need Him in my life and I desperately want my relationship with Him to be the way that it was. But then I get busy with my life, and those thoughts and feelings easily go away. What I am finding is that I can exist without God, I can go through my life and enjoy it, but I do not fully LIVE. I am not fully ALIVE, I am just merely existing, wasting another day, letting time tick away.
It would be easy for me to look back and regret things over the past 6 months or so with my relationship with God, but I am not going to do that. I want to move forward. My desire for him is still not there, my passion is not there, but I want to pursue him. I know that this is a season, and I will eventually get through it. But I have come to a point where I cannot just sit and wait until I feel something from God. I cannot rely on my "feelings or emotions." God is present with me and is moving in my life whether I feel him or not. He wants to be actively involved in my life, and help guide me through my decisions and wants to be apart of everything I do. He is always willing, but much of the time he is waiting for us to give him permission to act in our lives. To live surrendered to his calling, to who He is, and all that He is in our lives. God doesn't need me, but he made me and wants to use me. He wants to use me to fulfill His purpose on this earth. So many times I feel so inadequate, so small and unable; but I think that is how God wants it. If I knew I could do everything or most anything in my own strength, I couldn't rely on Him. It wouldn't be God working in me or through my life. It is in my weakness that He is strong.
Right now, I am at a state of weakness, of uncertainty. I don't know what my life will be like in the next month or year. Each day is a new day, and is full of surprises. It is easy for me to forget about God everyday, and choose to go my own way; but I need to let go of my pride, of my own selfish desires and give God control. I need to let Him be God in my life, and allow Him to guide and direct my steps. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways ACKNOWLEDGE HIM and HE WILL DIRECT YOUR STEPS."
God I want to trust you. I want to be fully dependent on you. God give me the desire for you, to seek you everyday of my life, and to not live in complacency and selfishness. My life has no meaning without you. God I want my life to be a reflection of you. You are constant, you are certain, you never change. God, I want to rest in you. I am certain that you have great plans and purposes for my life and I can be certain that my future is full of good things. I praise you for you have created me and you have formed me. I praise you because you know me, and you know my way.
Now I am just weeks away from being done, and I have no idea of what I am going to do, where I am going to be, or what I want to do with my life. So many questions, so many doubts. People have been telling me, ' You have time to figure things out.' In a way I do, but I also wish it would come a lot sooner than later. I have so many ideas that are going around in my head, so many questions: should I stay in South Dakota or move somewhere else? maybe back to Nashville? I loved it there, but it is so far away from my family, and I don't have a job or place to live? I could go somewhere else...Sioux Falls SD or another state. I would really love to start somewhere new. Somewhere where I could begin fresh, but than I look at my bank account and think, well I should probably make some money first.
A friend had talked to me about doing a 6 month internship in Australia at Focus on the Family there with her, and at first I was so excited, and it sounds great...but now I am not sure.
So many questions, so many doubts. Not sure where to go. Why is it that we as humans feel as though we need to figure things out on our own, or maybe it is just me. I tend to want to take matters into my own hands and try to do things my way. I have honestly been so distant from God over the last 6 months or so. My desire for Him has not been there. I have felt so dry, and really not wanting a lot to do with him. Over the last 6 months I have maybe opened my Bible at the most 5 or 6 times. I have not journaled or really prayed. My faith or belief in Him has not gone away. I don't really know what it has been. There have been some days over this period of time that I have thought, I need Jesus. I need Him in my life and I desperately want my relationship with Him to be the way that it was. But then I get busy with my life, and those thoughts and feelings easily go away. What I am finding is that I can exist without God, I can go through my life and enjoy it, but I do not fully LIVE. I am not fully ALIVE, I am just merely existing, wasting another day, letting time tick away.
It would be easy for me to look back and regret things over the past 6 months or so with my relationship with God, but I am not going to do that. I want to move forward. My desire for him is still not there, my passion is not there, but I want to pursue him. I know that this is a season, and I will eventually get through it. But I have come to a point where I cannot just sit and wait until I feel something from God. I cannot rely on my "feelings or emotions." God is present with me and is moving in my life whether I feel him or not. He wants to be actively involved in my life, and help guide me through my decisions and wants to be apart of everything I do. He is always willing, but much of the time he is waiting for us to give him permission to act in our lives. To live surrendered to his calling, to who He is, and all that He is in our lives. God doesn't need me, but he made me and wants to use me. He wants to use me to fulfill His purpose on this earth. So many times I feel so inadequate, so small and unable; but I think that is how God wants it. If I knew I could do everything or most anything in my own strength, I couldn't rely on Him. It wouldn't be God working in me or through my life. It is in my weakness that He is strong.
Right now, I am at a state of weakness, of uncertainty. I don't know what my life will be like in the next month or year. Each day is a new day, and is full of surprises. It is easy for me to forget about God everyday, and choose to go my own way; but I need to let go of my pride, of my own selfish desires and give God control. I need to let Him be God in my life, and allow Him to guide and direct my steps. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways ACKNOWLEDGE HIM and HE WILL DIRECT YOUR STEPS."
God I want to trust you. I want to be fully dependent on you. God give me the desire for you, to seek you everyday of my life, and to not live in complacency and selfishness. My life has no meaning without you. God I want my life to be a reflection of you. You are constant, you are certain, you never change. God, I want to rest in you. I am certain that you have great plans and purposes for my life and I can be certain that my future is full of good things. I praise you for you have created me and you have formed me. I praise you because you know me, and you know my way.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Well....
It has been such a long time since I wrote on this blog. I am still alive. Life has been busy and full of lots of activities. I am ready for summer and for warm weather.
Time seems to go by so quickly. I can't believe it is already May. I have been doing lots of babysitting, doing school, and trying to figure out what is next. It is such an akward stage of life, and I am ready to figure things out. But I know that God is good and I am trusting in His plan for my life.
Time seems to go by so quickly. I can't believe it is already May. I have been doing lots of babysitting, doing school, and trying to figure out what is next. It is such an akward stage of life, and I am ready to figure things out. But I know that God is good and I am trusting in His plan for my life.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Today
I woke up with this thought this morning. What if in life we had a remote control that we could use? We could fast forward or rewind, maybe just pause for a minute, or we could even choose the channel - comedy, romance, drama...I think many times we live our lives that way...wishing, hoping, waiting on something bigger or better, or something different. Contentment is not a word that is used much. What if we lived in each moment, enjoying all that it has to offer us, not worrying about the past or the future, or not wanting to go back to rewind a moment that we wanted to redo, or fast forward past something.
"Today is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)" God created 24 hours in a day for a reason. He could have made it 26 or 22, I don't know why there is 24 hours, but that is all. Each one of us has 24 hours in one day. Each moment, each hour counts, and has significance. Life isn't about going back to the past or wanting an hour to pass by. Life doesn't guarentee to be easy. We can learn from the good and the bad times. We can learn from our past, but we shouldn't hold on so tightly to our past. We should look forward with eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting in Him; knowing that He has everything in control.
To everything there is a season
A time for every purpose under the sun. A time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kil and a time to heal. A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to lose and a time to seek; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Life is full of unexpected surprises, and each season is different.
So What if Life had a remote control? I think we would lose the sweetness and beauty that life has to offer - the beauty, the pain, the good and bad times. We would be so fixed on the idea of a "redo" or of moving forward, that we would forget to maybe just "Live" Today I want to live in all that God has given me today. I don't know all the day has to offer but I do know that God has offered me something...LIFE...and I want to live in HIS Fullness today and for the rest of my life; but I am just going to focus on TODAY!
"Today is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)" God created 24 hours in a day for a reason. He could have made it 26 or 22, I don't know why there is 24 hours, but that is all. Each one of us has 24 hours in one day. Each moment, each hour counts, and has significance. Life isn't about going back to the past or wanting an hour to pass by. Life doesn't guarentee to be easy. We can learn from the good and the bad times. We can learn from our past, but we shouldn't hold on so tightly to our past. We should look forward with eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting in Him; knowing that He has everything in control.
To everything there is a season
A time for every purpose under the sun. A time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kil and a time to heal. A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to lose and a time to seek; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Life is full of unexpected surprises, and each season is different.
So What if Life had a remote control? I think we would lose the sweetness and beauty that life has to offer - the beauty, the pain, the good and bad times. We would be so fixed on the idea of a "redo" or of moving forward, that we would forget to maybe just "Live" Today I want to live in all that God has given me today. I don't know all the day has to offer but I do know that God has offered me something...LIFE...and I want to live in HIS Fullness today and for the rest of my life; but I am just going to focus on TODAY!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Faithful
Faithful
By Brooke Fraser
There's distance in the air and I cannot make it leave
I wave my arms 'round about me and blow with all my might
I cannot sense you close, though I know you're always here
But the comfort of you near is what I long for
Chorus
When I can't feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same
When I can't hear you, I know you still hear everyword I pray
And i want you more than i want to live another day
And as I wait for you maybe I'm made more faithful
All the folly of the past, though I know it is undone
I still feel the guilty one, still trying to make it right
So i whisper soft your name, let it roll around my tounge,
knowing you're the only one who knows me
You know me
Bridge
Show me how I should live this
Show me where I should walk
I count this world as loss to me
You are all I want
You are all I want
Surrender
Lately, I have felt so distant from God. I know that He is always present, always with me. It has been such a hard season: trying to figure out what God wants me to do, where I am supposed to be, who I am supposed to be. There have been so many questions, so many doubts, fears, etc. I have relied so heavily upon myself, and placed all the focus and attention on my self - thinking that I can handle it all.
See, I always feel like I need to be in control. I want to handle things on my own, and it is hard for me to completely trust God, and rely on Him. One reason is because He doesn't always do things the way I would like them to be done, many times it is not the timing I would like, and it is not how I would do it. But why do I doubt Him. He is God. He is in control of it all whether I like it or not. Why don't I turn to Him when I am in most need.
I recently began reading Abba's Child by Brennan Manning. What an incredible book. I have only gotten a few pages into the book, because there is so much to absorb and take in; it is speaking right to my heart for where I am at this time in my life. He says "We cannot accept love from another human being when we do not love ourselves, much less accept that God could possibly love us. God loves who we really are - whether we like it or not. God calls us to come out of hiding."
I have a hard time loving myself, and can be so critical of who I am. I look at myself in the mirror, and see someone that I don't like. I want to be different. I can't accept the fact that God loves me. How could He love someone like me? What does He see in me? But He does. He loves me despite me. God loves who I REALLY Am. He loves the person He created. the person He made in HIS Image. I am HIS. He wants the best for me. He wants to see me walk in HIS Ways, and love who He made me to be. He Alone is God. I need to accept myself for who God made me to be. I have to stop looking at myself, and begin looking at Him. I desire to walk in His ways, and to live out who He made me to be.
Surrender
Leaving it all at the door
Giving it all over to God, and desiring more
Desiring to Walk in His Ways
In Everything I do, For All My Days
He is Faithful
He is Merciful
He is Gracious
Each step I take, Every move I make
Forming more and more into His Likeness
He is my desire
So I will surrender All I am, For All He Is
Surrender
See, I always feel like I need to be in control. I want to handle things on my own, and it is hard for me to completely trust God, and rely on Him. One reason is because He doesn't always do things the way I would like them to be done, many times it is not the timing I would like, and it is not how I would do it. But why do I doubt Him. He is God. He is in control of it all whether I like it or not. Why don't I turn to Him when I am in most need.
I recently began reading Abba's Child by Brennan Manning. What an incredible book. I have only gotten a few pages into the book, because there is so much to absorb and take in; it is speaking right to my heart for where I am at this time in my life. He says "We cannot accept love from another human being when we do not love ourselves, much less accept that God could possibly love us. God loves who we really are - whether we like it or not. God calls us to come out of hiding."
I have a hard time loving myself, and can be so critical of who I am. I look at myself in the mirror, and see someone that I don't like. I want to be different. I can't accept the fact that God loves me. How could He love someone like me? What does He see in me? But He does. He loves me despite me. God loves who I REALLY Am. He loves the person He created. the person He made in HIS Image. I am HIS. He wants the best for me. He wants to see me walk in HIS Ways, and love who He made me to be. He Alone is God. I need to accept myself for who God made me to be. I have to stop looking at myself, and begin looking at Him. I desire to walk in His ways, and to live out who He made me to be.
Surrender
Leaving it all at the door
Giving it all over to God, and desiring more
Desiring to Walk in His Ways
In Everything I do, For All My Days
He is Faithful
He is Merciful
He is Gracious
Each step I take, Every move I make
Forming more and more into His Likeness
He is my desire
So I will surrender All I am, For All He Is
Surrender
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Perspective right now is spelled, "HAITI"
There was a terrible earthquake in Haiti, and the disaster that followed is horrendous. Many people have died, lives shattered, forever changed. Many people have lost loved ones. I can't imagine what they are going through. My prayer is that this disaster would shake a nation to seek God with all their heart and turn to Him in this desperate time of need. God is the only firm foundation. Praying for the hearts of the people, praying for restoration, praying for everyONE who is there.
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