Saying it all.

My heart aches with different emotions. Questions. Feelings I can't wholly put into words. Everything about our relationship is wonderful. The things we say, and don't say, at the exact same time; the way you look at me and smile, like we're having a silent conversation that no one else knows of. The sound of your laughter...either when it's with me or at me.

I understand why you're at this point of your life that you're in right now. I was there once too. I found what makes me complete; now I'm patiently waiting to share that with someone who's ready for the same thing. You're one of my best friends. I can always count on you. Our friendship is effortless. It seems to come so easily and naturally. I don't know what God has in store for you or for myself. That's the beauty of faith, I guess...trusting in the unseen. But know that I'm always here for you. I look forward to seeing what happens down the road, and expecting that it'll be far more wonderful than what either of us could ever imagine, no matter what it may look like. It's hard to trust again when you've been hurt. We both understand that and because we're human, it may take time to do so completely. I'm here for you. Even if it's just as a friend, I'm thankful God allowed our paths to cross. I look forward to the trips we have planned, hopefully we'll be able to take them all! Thank you so very much for coming and spending time with me during my birthday weekend. I can't remember the last time I had this much fun turning a year older. :) I'm glad you enjoyed it. Whether it's here or there, I can't wait for our next visit! Until next time, I'll have our inside jokes on replay in my head, so thanks for that. :) Love ya, talk to you soon.

p.s. I already miss you..

Rise up!

On Wednesday morning, after hearing the name of our new President-elect, I just sat and thought of all the implications, questions, and fears and shared them with God. He began speaking to my heart and told me to write down everything He said. Then He asked me to share it with the Body:

It's time for the church of Christ to rise up from its slumber. You cannot keep sleeping and expect someone else to do your job of bringing light and truth to this dark world. My Holy Spirit is still greater than what the prince of this world could ever do. Satan has no power when the church stands united and storms the gates of hell, crying out to Jesus for His blood to cleanse and set free those who've been blinded by the darkness. Truth is in the heart of every believer. Awake and move forward! Weep with sorrow but with a Holy purpose to see My Kingdom prevail. The ways of this world are misleading and full of evil. Pray, fast, seek My face, and believe for Me to do what My Word says I will do!

Then He showed me this scripture:
Romans 12: 9-21
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. 20 "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

More verses of importance:
II Chron. 7:14 (God's promises)
Jer. 29:11 (God's favor)
Rom. 2: 9-16 (Impartiality of God)

With the power and love of God, let us take our place and stand for truth and righteousness on the front lines. Pray for our President, no matter if you're Democrat, Rupublican, or Independent. He needs our help and God has called His church to live out the Gospel, not condemn people for not believing in Whom we serve. This is neither a victory nor a loss. This is an opportunity to exercise our God-given right to pray in accordance with God's Word and believe in Him who sent His Son to overcome sin, death, and the grave.

Please, Jesus, by Your Grace, give us strength and Holy determination to stand. Amen.