I sometimes don't realize when God is talking to me...perhaps that is because of the busy-ness of my schedule, or the fact that i sometimes ignore it. It's strange. God has actually talked to me a lot over the past week or so, especially on some things that i didn't understand.
Last Monday night i had gotten home from work and was blessed by a UTI. I know, how exciting. And the funny part was everyone kept saying that it could be caused by being dehydrated or by having too much sex. Let's be serious, i'm dating a pastor and we don't have sex...so i'm thinking the fact that i was dehydrated or i was taking too many medications for the flu/cold thing i had contributed to it. Anyway...i got home from work and i decided to take a hot bath since i wasn't feeling too hot. I climb in the tub with my Bible...It's so peaceful in the bathtub sometimes. So i start reading and i was on 2 Peter 2...talking about false teachers and their destruction. It didn't make a bunch of sense at the time, but that was God preparing me for what was to come.
Tuesday night at Bible Study i found out some hurtful news and several shocking things actually. As many of you read this blog, you already know what it was...but someone that i love dearly and look up to is really lost right now in faith. And she has been going to a different Church that is a lot different in their beliefs than what I believe. When she was talking i kept thinking to myself "No no no, this isn't right!" And then i came back to that verse. God was letting me know that what she was believing isn't what i'm believing, and to just pray for her. So i've been doing that...a lot.
But the challenge has been amazing. I have been digging into the word and doing a lot of research, and really just been focusing on why i believe what i believe. I came to the conclusion that i have had many amazing teachers in my life. Some spiritually and others in terms of self destruction. I call these people great teachers because they help me to focus on growing myself. I learned, however, that no amount of teaching can make me believe what i believe unless i investigate it myself. And i believe what i believe because the Bible is God breathed and it speaks 110% truth into my life. What a blessing to be challenged and what i blessing to hear what God says!!!
On Sunday another dear friend came to me with struggles on being judgemental. She said that she is judgemental of people who aren't believers and asked me to pray with her. I did and she said she felt really good on trying to not be that way. What i realized in the process is God was telling me that i was being judgemental too!!! I was being judgemental about this whole situation with the other girl and her beliefs. God is telling me to stop being judgemental and continue to pray and to TRUST that he will do the right thing.
So for those of you who read this, please pray for that. I have been totally convicted by it and i praise God for that. It hurts but i understand that right now he is growing me in another area. And just praises that he speaks to us...sometimes when we don't really understand it at the time, but also that he uses other people to speak truth to our lives.
God is awesome.
"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal" Isaiah 26:4
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Amazing
I love God plans, I don't always understand what they mean and they are not always easy, but I love God plans.
Last night I shared my story with some teenagers and it was amazing. Sure, I was nervous and felt sick and wanted to get out of it numerous times...BUT...i kept reminding myself that sharing this story wasn't about it, it was God's plan for me. My amazing and wonderful boyfriend kept reiterating to me that i was going to reach so many people by sharing my story, and i didn't understand it.
I had an out of body experience, for lack of a better term, when i was up talking. It was almost as if i was watching myself, not really sure of what i was saying, but the Holy Spirit definitely took over. Everything flowed really well and sure i got choked up a few times, but i couldn't have asked for it to go any better.
I looked around and i noticed several people in tears and a lot of people just in disbelief that i could go through so much pain and still be the person i am. What happened afterwards was the most amazing of all. My story opened up a bunch of people. Derik got the opportunity to talk with many of the guys that are struggling with relationships and i sat down with three different girls while they shared their stories...many of them afraid to come out because they were concerned that they were the only ones struggling. They thanked me for my commitment to Christ and my obedience to him, and they thanked me for giving them hope. I felt as though i had actually completed one of those God plans...and that he was smiling.
I am just so blessed to have the life that i do and the opportunities that i do. I have been through a lot and i've had a lot of pain, but then again, who hasn't? I'm just glad that I recognized this God plan and i look forward to a lifetime full of them.
Last night I shared my story with some teenagers and it was amazing. Sure, I was nervous and felt sick and wanted to get out of it numerous times...BUT...i kept reminding myself that sharing this story wasn't about it, it was God's plan for me. My amazing and wonderful boyfriend kept reiterating to me that i was going to reach so many people by sharing my story, and i didn't understand it.
I had an out of body experience, for lack of a better term, when i was up talking. It was almost as if i was watching myself, not really sure of what i was saying, but the Holy Spirit definitely took over. Everything flowed really well and sure i got choked up a few times, but i couldn't have asked for it to go any better.
I looked around and i noticed several people in tears and a lot of people just in disbelief that i could go through so much pain and still be the person i am. What happened afterwards was the most amazing of all. My story opened up a bunch of people. Derik got the opportunity to talk with many of the guys that are struggling with relationships and i sat down with three different girls while they shared their stories...many of them afraid to come out because they were concerned that they were the only ones struggling. They thanked me for my commitment to Christ and my obedience to him, and they thanked me for giving them hope. I felt as though i had actually completed one of those God plans...and that he was smiling.
I am just so blessed to have the life that i do and the opportunities that i do. I have been through a lot and i've had a lot of pain, but then again, who hasn't? I'm just glad that I recognized this God plan and i look forward to a lifetime full of them.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Winter AAAAARG
So it's winter...i mean the dead of and i am getting quite sick of it. Well i was getting quite sick of it until today. I realized something as i'm looking out into the white abyss that has become Davenport, IA. I realized that today is the perfect day to recognize that I am surrounded by God's love. All of this fluffy white stuff is God's way of showering his love over all of us, and what a blessing that it came in over 12 inches! "Look down on me with love; teach me all of your principles" Psalm 119:135. Although i know it's frustrating and difficult to drive in, I am no longer disgusted by it, I'm blessed by it. It's beautiful!
I am working on support letters for my Missions Trip to Manaus, Brazil. Perhaps that's why I'm just pondering God's work in the world and in my own life. I am so blessed by so many things and I sometimes get too busy to notice God and his work in my life. Today has called me out on that. I can't wait to travel halfway across the world to share what the love of Christ has done in my life and how much my life is different than it was before. "It's the miracle of Christ in me, it's the mystery that sets me free, I'm nothing like I used to be" My favorite lyrics from Counting on God by Jared Anderson. If any of you would like to receive a letter let me know!!!
I am working on support letters for my Missions Trip to Manaus, Brazil. Perhaps that's why I'm just pondering God's work in the world and in my own life. I am so blessed by so many things and I sometimes get too busy to notice God and his work in my life. Today has called me out on that. I can't wait to travel halfway across the world to share what the love of Christ has done in my life and how much my life is different than it was before. "It's the miracle of Christ in me, it's the mystery that sets me free, I'm nothing like I used to be" My favorite lyrics from Counting on God by Jared Anderson. If any of you would like to receive a letter let me know!!!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
NC here I come!!!
I'm super pumped!!! This weekend will be my first trip to the fantastic state of North Carolina. I've never been there before and i cannot wait to go. For those of you who read this, which in all reality is probably three people (LOVE YOU GUYS!) my boyfriend is from Greensboro, North Carolina. He moved to the QCA to be a Youth Pastor and this weekend we are packing up his house to bring all his belongings here. I can't wait!
I found out some great information at Christmas time. My grandma and i were chatting about him (i think my grandma can sometimes be nosier than my mom but that's ok) and she asked where he was from. I told her and she got a huge smile on her face. She said that we had a bunch of family from that area...ancestors. She said that my great great great great grandma started a Moravian cookie factory there and they attended a Church called Jersey Baptist Church. She said I should ask Derik about it, so i did. Come to find out Moravian cookies are huge there. Not only that but they're his favorite cookie and his mom bought me some for Christmas! God works in such wonderful ways!!! So this weekend we are making the trip to see the cookie factory that i didn't know existed.
Please pray for a safe trip to North Carolina and just for us to have a great time with his family and friends. This is the first time i have traveled like this in several years and I am so looking forward to it!!!
I found out some great information at Christmas time. My grandma and i were chatting about him (i think my grandma can sometimes be nosier than my mom but that's ok) and she asked where he was from. I told her and she got a huge smile on her face. She said that we had a bunch of family from that area...ancestors. She said that my great great great great grandma started a Moravian cookie factory there and they attended a Church called Jersey Baptist Church. She said I should ask Derik about it, so i did. Come to find out Moravian cookies are huge there. Not only that but they're his favorite cookie and his mom bought me some for Christmas! God works in such wonderful ways!!! So this weekend we are making the trip to see the cookie factory that i didn't know existed.
Please pray for a safe trip to North Carolina and just for us to have a great time with his family and friends. This is the first time i have traveled like this in several years and I am so looking forward to it!!!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Reason, Season or a Lifetime...
I am pretty terrible about posting on this, but today, since it is FRRRRRRRIDAY and i'm not really doing a ton at work (other than watching intently for the clock to strike 5 bells) i decided, TADA! It's posting day! So here we go.
Over the past couple weeks i have really started to notice my life and how wonderful it truly is. I mean i have been through pain, but who hasn't, i have loved some and lost many, but I have realized what a true blessing friendship is. A lot of times i have noticed that i've taken some very special people in my life for granted, and it's time for me to stop the nonsense.
I was read this little poem at a roast for a couple that recently left our Church and moved to New York. As he was up reading this i realized that it is so true. Even the people that aren't in our lives for an extended period of time can have an impact that we might not comprehend at the moment, but it starts to make sense later on in life.
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Author Unknown
I just wanted to share this with some of my most special friends. You guys are all amazing and thank you for coming into my life. I love you!
Over the past couple weeks i have really started to notice my life and how wonderful it truly is. I mean i have been through pain, but who hasn't, i have loved some and lost many, but I have realized what a true blessing friendship is. A lot of times i have noticed that i've taken some very special people in my life for granted, and it's time for me to stop the nonsense.
I was read this little poem at a roast for a couple that recently left our Church and moved to New York. As he was up reading this i realized that it is so true. Even the people that aren't in our lives for an extended period of time can have an impact that we might not comprehend at the moment, but it starts to make sense later on in life.
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Author Unknown
I just wanted to share this with some of my most special friends. You guys are all amazing and thank you for coming into my life. I love you!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
What i've learned...
This journey with Christ has been amazing. I have learned so much not only about him but about myself as well.
I had a total God moment last night, and i love those moments. I have been so scared about giving my testimony to people, even though everyone has been encouraging me to do so. And last night I learned that it isn't even about me. As a matter of fact the reason why i went though what i did had nothing to do with me. I am simply a vessel that God has poured wisdom and love into, and my story will not only be told, but he will help me to tell it in such a way that i can help and change the lives of many people. I'm not even scared about it anymore because it has nothing to do with me!!! I just thought that was pretty cool. I finally isolated myself from the world and anything distracting and spent some time with God in silence and it was great. I forget sometimes how much i enjoy our quiet times together, especially because i fill myself with so many events and commitments that time is not always the easiest thing for me to find...especially several hours at a time. So for 2008, my resolution is to spend more time with God. There is no other commitment in the world that compares in importance to this.
I had a total God moment last night, and i love those moments. I have been so scared about giving my testimony to people, even though everyone has been encouraging me to do so. And last night I learned that it isn't even about me. As a matter of fact the reason why i went though what i did had nothing to do with me. I am simply a vessel that God has poured wisdom and love into, and my story will not only be told, but he will help me to tell it in such a way that i can help and change the lives of many people. I'm not even scared about it anymore because it has nothing to do with me!!! I just thought that was pretty cool. I finally isolated myself from the world and anything distracting and spent some time with God in silence and it was great. I forget sometimes how much i enjoy our quiet times together, especially because i fill myself with so many events and commitments that time is not always the easiest thing for me to find...especially several hours at a time. So for 2008, my resolution is to spend more time with God. There is no other commitment in the world that compares in importance to this.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
FINALLY
Alright, so for those of you who read this, I know that you will be so happy to know that I finally remembered my password! WOO!! Big and exciting things happening in this little head of mine.
So it's 2008 FINALLY! That is so exciting and i'm so anxious to see what this year will bring. 2007 had a rough beginning, an interesting middle and a extremely exciting end. So hows bout i give you the rundown of my journey...
January, I joined Heritage Wesleyan Church! WOO!! Love it there and i have been truly blessed by meeting some of the greatest people. I learned what it means to truly live my life for Christ and to live like him. I LOVE IT!
In May, I met with Patty Bray for lunch and it was fantastic. She told me all about the great things that God wants to do in my life, i just need to be open to it. SO...I opened myself to it and WOOO...she was right. I started teaching Kindergarten Sunday School and I love every second of it. I have fantastic kids that i work with and each week is like a new adventure. I never knew that I could pray for dolphins and horses, but hey, that's what important to them at this point in their young lives, then it's important to me too :)
In June, I met Mr. Derik Idol and was recruited for High School Ministry. If you would have asked me if i would be doing Highschool ministry i would have laughed at you, but it's been fantastic and I love it! I have a small group of 4 core girls and am in the process of recruiting more. It's been a great experience for me and my love of helping people has grown so much. Bless!
In November my niece celebrated her 1st birthday which was so exciting. Rylee Paige is full of energy and life and i learned something...that i actually am super excited to have children of my own someday! It's like I all the sudden caught the mommy bug, and i'm looking forward to the day i can have my own :) Not for awhile of course :)
I ended December with a bang. I attended the Set Apart Wesleyan Youth Conference in Orlando, FL. Not only was the weather amazing down there, but I got so connected with a lot of students from our Church and even a few from North Carolina. God really put my passions on my heart that weekend and I learned that my spiritual gift of Pastoring is going to come in handy as I prepare to speak God's love into some highschool students lives. He answered a lot of questions that i have been pondering for a long time and just totally put me at peace in a lot of situations. I took away something really great that Josh Buck, a man who has overcame many challenges, said in his session. He said "God is kind, but God is also loving. He puts us in situations and doesn't always care about our sufferings to make us more like Christ". What a lesson! I remember that everyday so when something seems unbearable, i know that there is a reason for it and I will overcome it all, just as Jesus did!
I pray for 2008 to be a fantastic year and I am even more excited to see what new blessings God will bring!
So it's 2008 FINALLY! That is so exciting and i'm so anxious to see what this year will bring. 2007 had a rough beginning, an interesting middle and a extremely exciting end. So hows bout i give you the rundown of my journey...
January, I joined Heritage Wesleyan Church! WOO!! Love it there and i have been truly blessed by meeting some of the greatest people. I learned what it means to truly live my life for Christ and to live like him. I LOVE IT!
In May, I met with Patty Bray for lunch and it was fantastic. She told me all about the great things that God wants to do in my life, i just need to be open to it. SO...I opened myself to it and WOOO...she was right. I started teaching Kindergarten Sunday School and I love every second of it. I have fantastic kids that i work with and each week is like a new adventure. I never knew that I could pray for dolphins and horses, but hey, that's what important to them at this point in their young lives, then it's important to me too :)
In June, I met Mr. Derik Idol and was recruited for High School Ministry. If you would have asked me if i would be doing Highschool ministry i would have laughed at you, but it's been fantastic and I love it! I have a small group of 4 core girls and am in the process of recruiting more. It's been a great experience for me and my love of helping people has grown so much. Bless!
In November my niece celebrated her 1st birthday which was so exciting. Rylee Paige is full of energy and life and i learned something...that i actually am super excited to have children of my own someday! It's like I all the sudden caught the mommy bug, and i'm looking forward to the day i can have my own :) Not for awhile of course :)
I ended December with a bang. I attended the Set Apart Wesleyan Youth Conference in Orlando, FL. Not only was the weather amazing down there, but I got so connected with a lot of students from our Church and even a few from North Carolina. God really put my passions on my heart that weekend and I learned that my spiritual gift of Pastoring is going to come in handy as I prepare to speak God's love into some highschool students lives. He answered a lot of questions that i have been pondering for a long time and just totally put me at peace in a lot of situations. I took away something really great that Josh Buck, a man who has overcame many challenges, said in his session. He said "God is kind, but God is also loving. He puts us in situations and doesn't always care about our sufferings to make us more like Christ". What a lesson! I remember that everyday so when something seems unbearable, i know that there is a reason for it and I will overcome it all, just as Jesus did!
I pray for 2008 to be a fantastic year and I am even more excited to see what new blessings God will bring!
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