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..
Monday, November 24, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
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:
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
To my family:
Because it can never be said enough...
because today could be my last here on Earth...
because of what I've put you through, and how you continue to love me in spite of myself...
because you believed in me, even when I couldn't see past my own pain and pride...
because of the woman I've become, and how I owe it all to you...
because my heart's desire is to make you proud, not in my accomplishments or achievements, but in my character...I just wanted to tell you..
I love you.
My family is made up of those who have fought and prayed for me, who nurtured me, and who have done all they could to ensure that my happiness and security was of their upmost importance. Some are related by blood, and some are not, but the fierceness in the way they accept and love me is stronger than any bond one could imagine.
Thank you. I appreciate you and thank the Lord for you daily.
because today could be my last here on Earth...
because of what I've put you through, and how you continue to love me in spite of myself...
because you believed in me, even when I couldn't see past my own pain and pride...
because of the woman I've become, and how I owe it all to you...
because my heart's desire is to make you proud, not in my accomplishments or achievements, but in my character...I just wanted to tell you..
I love you.
My family is made up of those who have fought and prayed for me, who nurtured me, and who have done all they could to ensure that my happiness and security was of their upmost importance. Some are related by blood, and some are not, but the fierceness in the way they accept and love me is stronger than any bond one could imagine.
Thank you. I appreciate you and thank the Lord for you daily.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Well worth the sacrifice.
The way God has provided for me these last two months have been nothing short of a miracle. I've struggled with fear and doubt (mainly in regards to financial burdens), almost to the point of lying awake at night, wondering if I'd make it through. One after another, different situations have come up. Who/what will I choose to believe? Why is it that we question God and His sovereignty when everything seems to go wrong at once, but on our 'best' days, our faith in Him and in His promises do not falter? He quietly reminds my heart of His faithful provision and unending grace. Do I still myself long enough to listen? I've had to make a few changes in the way I spend my money. In turn, He's abundantly supplied every unexpected need, in unexpected ways. It amazes me that, when I've come to the end of myself, knowing I can do absolutely nothing to change my circumstances, God steps in and says, "I can take it from here. Now that you have a better understanding of my provision and how it is not dependent upon you, I can show you how much I love you and want to take care of you, and that I am more than able to do so."
This week, I've enjoyed coming home to a quiet house (no offense to 'E', my roomie, who's been gone for a whole month) and just really focusing on being present with God. With my cell phone, computer, t.v., and Ipod, it's easy to become addicted to entertainment. My evenings used to just fly by. I'd get home, walk Spikers, turn on the t.v., cook, and sit down on the couch until I was too tired to stay awake. My routine seems to be changing now...
In our small group the past few weeks, we've challenged one another to really be 'present' with others and with the Lord; I'm learning that this is what God is asking me to do during this season of my life. Just drink Him in. In Him, there's life, peace, and complete satisfaction. The world has nothing to offer me. Anything I accumulate while I'm on this side of heaven will be worthless and forgotten on the day I stand before the Lord. It really all boils down to this: Will I fully commit myself to living a God-centered life, trusting that my life and all of my needs are in His hands, or will I live in turmoil and fear of what I don't understand and cannot change? An addict is someone who cannot live without the thing he will do anything to have; is it possible to have that same hunger and drive for Jesus? Will I commit to spending time with the Lord, forsaking all else? It costs us everything to do so wholeheartedly. Pride, time, money, and our own 'idea' as to what we believe our lives should look like. It's a journey that will not come to an end while we still have breath in our lungs. It's not easy, but the gift of Jesus' presence in our life is well worth the sacrifice. He's made that His promise to us.
Lord God, with your grace alone, I commit to forsake my own life and choose each moment to learn how to live selflessly before You. I cannot do it on my own, for I am merely human. Show me how to love You and serve You with all of my being.
Matthew 11:28-30
This week, I've enjoyed coming home to a quiet house (no offense to 'E', my roomie, who's been gone for a whole month) and just really focusing on being present with God. With my cell phone, computer, t.v., and Ipod, it's easy to become addicted to entertainment. My evenings used to just fly by. I'd get home, walk Spikers, turn on the t.v., cook, and sit down on the couch until I was too tired to stay awake. My routine seems to be changing now...
In our small group the past few weeks, we've challenged one another to really be 'present' with others and with the Lord; I'm learning that this is what God is asking me to do during this season of my life. Just drink Him in. In Him, there's life, peace, and complete satisfaction. The world has nothing to offer me. Anything I accumulate while I'm on this side of heaven will be worthless and forgotten on the day I stand before the Lord. It really all boils down to this: Will I fully commit myself to living a God-centered life, trusting that my life and all of my needs are in His hands, or will I live in turmoil and fear of what I don't understand and cannot change? An addict is someone who cannot live without the thing he will do anything to have; is it possible to have that same hunger and drive for Jesus? Will I commit to spending time with the Lord, forsaking all else? It costs us everything to do so wholeheartedly. Pride, time, money, and our own 'idea' as to what we believe our lives should look like. It's a journey that will not come to an end while we still have breath in our lungs. It's not easy, but the gift of Jesus' presence in our life is well worth the sacrifice. He's made that His promise to us.
Lord God, with your grace alone, I commit to forsake my own life and choose each moment to learn how to live selflessly before You. I cannot do it on my own, for I am merely human. Show me how to love You and serve You with all of my being.
Matthew 11:28-30
Friday, September 26, 2008
A birthday in Heaven.
Today my sister would be turning 31 years old. My mom told me that this morning when I spoke to her on the phone. My goodness. I still think about her to this day, as if she's only been gone for a few short weeks or months, instead of 26 years. It just doesn't seem possible.
I love you, Britt, and think about you often. I can't wait to see you again, to hug you, and tell you how much I've missed having you in my life. My heart aches when I think about what kind of woman you would be if you were still here. Heaven is truly blessed to have you there. As much as I'd love to sit and talk with you on the phone for hours about life, I know God had a plan for you and that, for reasons unknown at this moment, it included taking you to be with Him much earlier than your loved ones would've liked. You're precious to Him, even more so than you are to your family. Your smile and beautiful spirit will never be forgotten. Happy Birthday, Britt. I love you.
Brittany Rachelle Spears- September 26, 1977- August 26, 1982.
I love you, Britt, and think about you often. I can't wait to see you again, to hug you, and tell you how much I've missed having you in my life. My heart aches when I think about what kind of woman you would be if you were still here. Heaven is truly blessed to have you there. As much as I'd love to sit and talk with you on the phone for hours about life, I know God had a plan for you and that, for reasons unknown at this moment, it included taking you to be with Him much earlier than your loved ones would've liked. You're precious to Him, even more so than you are to your family. Your smile and beautiful spirit will never be forgotten. Happy Birthday, Britt. I love you.
Brittany Rachelle Spears- September 26, 1977- August 26, 1982.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)