For so long I have been very much focused on saving the lost and putting MUCH of my energy into saving them. This began with the desire for my dad to know God when I was in Junior High School. Then with co-workers and others that I am surrounded by that don't know Jesus as their Savior and King.
God has been speaking...
I can't save anyone. Though this is something I have thought, I am just realizing it...for real. I can't save them, can't talk them into loving Him, and won't be effective as long as my motivation in being their friend is saving them. So, I am just gonna live my life and love God. He comes first. It sounds so "simple and stupid" as Annell says in Steel Magnolias, but seriously, how many of us have a grasp on this concept?
I have lived with God as my savior for too long...YES He IS my Savior. I just want Him to be more. I want Him to be the King of my life. You can be saved without doing anything but believing in Him, that is true, but I want to do more for the One who saved me. As my king I will lay everything at His feet, I will glorify His name in the land He puts me in and I will fight for Him.
So...then, I was reading 1 Thessalonians 5. A couple of things spoke to me in this. Verse 8 says, "But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of salvation." When I rest in Him, and He provides me with the peace that passes ALL understanding, that is when I am clearheaded. That is when I realize that nothing on earth matters but my salvation. Resting in His promises is all I need for that moment. I can be confident that whatever this life throws at me I have salvation, Praise the LORD!
1 Thess. 5:12-19
12Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.
Reading this passage, I realize how much growing I have to do...it all sounds so good and ideal, but following through is so hard! It is EASY to encourage our leaders when they do a great job....how many of us do it when the sermons, lessons, praise time, etc. is mediocre? How many of us are comfortable going to someone who is lazy and warning them? BE PATIENT WITH EVERYONE??? WHAT? They guy who just cut me off, the lady ordering her starbucks that doesn't know how to order, then I give her what she ordered and she gets mad because I didn't put whip cream on the frappuccino LIGHT! I have such a long way to go, but, like I said earlier, I am going to work on loving God...the rest will come as I grow in Him...I want toe encourage you, my brothers and sisters, to do the same! LOVE GOD TODAY...DO it again tomorrow and the next day....
10.19.2008
Desire
Friends, many of you have been asking about my journey. I am still at a loss as to answer most questions.
A lot of thought and change has begun to take place in my life during and after my 40days. I had so much time alone, in my car driving for thousands of miles, camping for several nights (though less than I wanted to), while sitting on the beach watching sunsets and in a camp chair looking at mountains. Though I was busier than I thought I would be, I was also cut off from much of the world that usually surrounds me!
That being said, I am still learning to be still as God wants me to. It is so hard in this world we live in to just be.
I absolutely cherished the time I had with Him. Some things He and I shared, such as His Creation were an absolute thrill. Other things we shared such as heart wrenching conviction not so much a thrill but much needed.
I am struggling with some decisions I feel Him calling me to make and I am absolutely ecstatic about others.
Some of these decisions include changing my lifestyle as I knew it before my trip. Surely there will be relationships that are affected and I do not want anyone to be offended though I know I have already offended one or two people. Please know that these changes are decisions made by the prompting of the Spirit in my heart and they do not come easily for me.
I choose to live for Christ. I desire to SERVE Him above all else. I don't know what else to say right now, other than my heart is absolutely overflowing with His love while breaking for the decisions to be made. Pray for me and know I love yall because of His love for me!!!
"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today." Deuteronomy 6:5-6
A lot of thought and change has begun to take place in my life during and after my 40days. I had so much time alone, in my car driving for thousands of miles, camping for several nights (though less than I wanted to), while sitting on the beach watching sunsets and in a camp chair looking at mountains. Though I was busier than I thought I would be, I was also cut off from much of the world that usually surrounds me!
That being said, I am still learning to be still as God wants me to. It is so hard in this world we live in to just be.
I absolutely cherished the time I had with Him. Some things He and I shared, such as His Creation were an absolute thrill. Other things we shared such as heart wrenching conviction not so much a thrill but much needed.
I am struggling with some decisions I feel Him calling me to make and I am absolutely ecstatic about others.
Some of these decisions include changing my lifestyle as I knew it before my trip. Surely there will be relationships that are affected and I do not want anyone to be offended though I know I have already offended one or two people. Please know that these changes are decisions made by the prompting of the Spirit in my heart and they do not come easily for me.
I choose to live for Christ. I desire to SERVE Him above all else. I don't know what else to say right now, other than my heart is absolutely overflowing with His love while breaking for the decisions to be made. Pray for me and know I love yall because of His love for me!!!
"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today." Deuteronomy 6:5-6
10.02.2008
...For the One
So...I was very moved during my time in Billings MT. It started when one of my favorite songs was sang by Mr. Travis Cottrell. The song is entitled "2000 years" and I listen to it on my ipod almost as much as his other song entitled "Annie's Song"...Anyhow. I just wanted to share what God has spoken to me through that song.
God gave us His son. His son Jesus gave us EVERYTHING he had to give...He gave up possessions, glory, honor, royalty, all the riches of this earth and Heaven so that he could offer us ETERNAL life enjoying the riches of Heaven. This life is so temporary. I sometimes feel like, I NEED this to help me through, or I go for some retail therapy to help me feel better. The Truth is that going to Him not only makes me feel better and have peace, it fills my cup and spirit to overflowing.
What if instead of going shopping for a new pair of shoes, new longaberger (sorry gals), new make-up, whatever it is that you do instead of seeking Him...what if we sought His face? How much more fruitful could we be? I really recommend listening to the entire song which is in the video in my most previous blog but regardless of if you do or not, I leave you with the line form Travis' song that inspired these thoughts...
"Would I realize what was really in store? That there would be so much more? Would I fall down in worship? Leave all that I treasured behind? For a chance to be closer to the man who might be the ONE who saves my life?"
God gave us His son. His son Jesus gave us EVERYTHING he had to give...He gave up possessions, glory, honor, royalty, all the riches of this earth and Heaven so that he could offer us ETERNAL life enjoying the riches of Heaven. This life is so temporary. I sometimes feel like, I NEED this to help me through, or I go for some retail therapy to help me feel better. The Truth is that going to Him not only makes me feel better and have peace, it fills my cup and spirit to overflowing.
What if instead of going shopping for a new pair of shoes, new longaberger (sorry gals), new make-up, whatever it is that you do instead of seeking Him...what if we sought His face? How much more fruitful could we be? I really recommend listening to the entire song which is in the video in my most previous blog but regardless of if you do or not, I leave you with the line form Travis' song that inspired these thoughts...
"Would I realize what was really in store? That there would be so much more? Would I fall down in worship? Leave all that I treasured behind? For a chance to be closer to the man who might be the ONE who saves my life?"
9.26.2008
9.15.2008
My journey so far...
Hey friends!
I am having a fabulous time! God has worked together lots of details and I have tried to remain open to His moving! I have been on my journey for 9 days now and so much has happened I feel like it has been weeks! I drove to Kansas City on 9/7, then to Denver the following day. In Denver I visited some outlet shops and then moved on to camp at the Garden of the gods which is at the base of Pike's Peak! I had a fabulous time and even met a couple that know LD Campbell! Small world! I got to go horseback riding for three absolutely gorgeous hours (the groin sure was sore for it too)! I also hiked and spent some time with Jesus and fellowshipped with some brothers and sisters that I met at the campground! I have seen such beautiful sky and Creation!
On 9/11 I moved on and visited the sand dunes which are west of Colorado Springs and an absolute must see if you are ever out this way! Absolutely phenomenal! It looks like God dumped His sandbox in front of a mountain! Seriously!
I then moved on down to Show Low, AZ. where I used to be a dorm parent at the American Indian Christian Mission. I have a friend here that is getting married on 9/27 and have been spending time with her and her mom and fiance. It has been fabulous catching up and laughing! There has been a lot going on at the mission here as their financial director ran off with all of the school's money. So, I have been hanging out and as Chrissy's mom Rosie said, "It is good to laugh again." So, though I had planned on leaving earlier and driving up the Pacific Coast, I am going to stay here until Wednesday morning and then leave for Billings to see Beth Moore. I will return immediately to help with Chrissy's wedding! It will be a traditional Navajo wedding and while shopping with her and her mom on Saturday I was able to purchase a traditional Navajo dress and moccasins with buckskin that wraps all the way to my knees! GORGEOUS! They gave me a gift, a purple necklace, that matches my dress! Anyhow, I feel like Paul when I say my friends here and I are mutually encouraging one another!
Thanks for all your prayers and please keep praying! I pray for our church and ABF class, and my bunco gals! MISS YOU ALL!!!
Blessings!
I am having a fabulous time! God has worked together lots of details and I have tried to remain open to His moving! I have been on my journey for 9 days now and so much has happened I feel like it has been weeks! I drove to Kansas City on 9/7, then to Denver the following day. In Denver I visited some outlet shops and then moved on to camp at the Garden of the gods which is at the base of Pike's Peak! I had a fabulous time and even met a couple that know LD Campbell! Small world! I got to go horseback riding for three absolutely gorgeous hours (the groin sure was sore for it too)! I also hiked and spent some time with Jesus and fellowshipped with some brothers and sisters that I met at the campground! I have seen such beautiful sky and Creation!
On 9/11 I moved on and visited the sand dunes which are west of Colorado Springs and an absolute must see if you are ever out this way! Absolutely phenomenal! It looks like God dumped His sandbox in front of a mountain! Seriously!
I then moved on down to Show Low, AZ. where I used to be a dorm parent at the American Indian Christian Mission. I have a friend here that is getting married on 9/27 and have been spending time with her and her mom and fiance. It has been fabulous catching up and laughing! There has been a lot going on at the mission here as their financial director ran off with all of the school's money. So, I have been hanging out and as Chrissy's mom Rosie said, "It is good to laugh again." So, though I had planned on leaving earlier and driving up the Pacific Coast, I am going to stay here until Wednesday morning and then leave for Billings to see Beth Moore. I will return immediately to help with Chrissy's wedding! It will be a traditional Navajo wedding and while shopping with her and her mom on Saturday I was able to purchase a traditional Navajo dress and moccasins with buckskin that wraps all the way to my knees! GORGEOUS! They gave me a gift, a purple necklace, that matches my dress! Anyhow, I feel like Paul when I say my friends here and I are mutually encouraging one another!
Thanks for all your prayers and please keep praying! I pray for our church and ABF class, and my bunco gals! MISS YOU ALL!!!
Blessings!
8.29.2008
My home
So, seeing as how my house sold and I am moving out to a tent, I have been thinking a LOT about "home".
We all have this sense that we need to belong somewhere. The house that I sold is the house I remember from my childhood. After my parents divorced when I was 10, I always had this longing to go back to that house and live there. When my dad passed away a couple of years ago, he left the house to me and I had the chance to go back.
During this time I have learned that the longings of this world are not fulfilling.
I have learned that the arms of Jesus and Heaven are the places that I belong. I am complete and whole in those places and until I reach Heaven I will settle for a tent or whatever life God chooses for me. This place is temporary and imperfect. The life I am longing for is the life where I will have a perfect body (can I get and AMEN?) and a perfect place to live while glorifying my perfect God along with EVERY tongue, tribe, and nation!
"For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come" --Hebrews 13:14
We all have this sense that we need to belong somewhere. The house that I sold is the house I remember from my childhood. After my parents divorced when I was 10, I always had this longing to go back to that house and live there. When my dad passed away a couple of years ago, he left the house to me and I had the chance to go back.
During this time I have learned that the longings of this world are not fulfilling.
I have learned that the arms of Jesus and Heaven are the places that I belong. I am complete and whole in those places and until I reach Heaven I will settle for a tent or whatever life God chooses for me. This place is temporary and imperfect. The life I am longing for is the life where I will have a perfect body (can I get and AMEN?) and a perfect place to live while glorifying my perfect God along with EVERY tongue, tribe, and nation!
"For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come" --Hebrews 13:14
8.13.2008
FURNITURE FOR SALE!!!
OK folks, here it is! My furniture is for sale...pictures are below and the prices are listed...I want to use the money for a training that I will be attending in either October or January. I am going through the application process right now, so we will see what happens! If there is something you want and the price isn't right don't be afraid to let me know!
Black Pier 1 chest/coffee table with textured sides--$100
Kitchen glass top table and 4 faux suede chairs--$150
Fruit of the Spirit picture--$125
Pier 1 Wicker chair (pillow not included)--$25
Set of Williams Sonoma silk pillows (black and white)--$25
Pier 1 ring wall hanging--$10
Pier 1 matching Ceramic bowl and platter--$15
Rose candle holder--$5
black shelves (set of three-2 by mirror and 1 holding "princess")--$15
black framed mirror--$75
L shaped sectional microsuede couch--$550
Pier 1 black geometric side tables (set of 2)--$50
Pier 1 geometric lamp--$15
set of 3 vases--$5
two tan microsuede floor cushions that match couch--$20
Magnavox HDTV (I think 14 inches)--$175
Magnavox DVD player--$25
36' tall glass vase with rocks and orchids--$15
Corinthians verse painting (brown/white)--$10
black and white picture with "I am the Light of the World" at the bottom)--$15
black iron candle holder--$10 (I think I still have the red votive holders that you can switch out...of not make the price $5)!
Black Pier 1 chest/coffee table with textured sides--$100
Kitchen glass top table and 4 faux suede chairs--$150
Fruit of the Spirit picture--$125
Pier 1 Wicker chair (pillow not included)--$25
Set of Williams Sonoma silk pillows (black and white)--$25
Pier 1 ring wall hanging--$10
Pier 1 matching Ceramic bowl and platter--$15
Rose candle holder--$5
black shelves (set of three-2 by mirror and 1 holding "princess")--$15
black framed mirror--$75
L shaped sectional microsuede couch--$550
Pier 1 black geometric side tables (set of 2)--$50
Pier 1 geometric lamp--$15
set of 3 vases--$5
two tan microsuede floor cushions that match couch--$20
Magnavox HDTV (I think 14 inches)--$175
Magnavox DVD player--$25
36' tall glass vase with rocks and orchids--$15
Corinthians verse painting (brown/white)--$10
black and white picture with "I am the Light of the World" at the bottom)--$15
black iron candle holder--$10 (I think I still have the red votive holders that you can switch out...of not make the price $5)!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
