I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions. I don't want to be the kind of person who makes one or more resolutions only to set myself up for failure. But, I've changed my mind, as I do so often. So, here is a small list of things that I'm really, really going to put a lot of time and prayer into accomplishing, or getting better at, this year:
1) buckling down and taking more classes to finish my psychology degree
2) organize my garage, home office, and closets :)
3) write letters to people who are important to me (not just e-mails!)
4) spend time in the Word in the morning and evening
5) become a better listener
6) learn new recipes
7) stop procrastinating...today instead of tomorrow
8) see my family more often
9) pay off my debt (excluding my house)
A few of these may take awhile to really become a part of my life; a 'habit', if you will. I was challenged by my mom this past weekend to, "Get your (my) priorities straight." It's true. They've been all out wack for quite some time now. I want to finish school so I can actually do what I believe I'm called to do. I want to spend time with people I care about, people who've been there for me on so many different levels. To sum it all up: I'd like to stop being selfish and stop putting things off.
Lord, help me. I will need every bit you can give me!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Happy Birthday!
Today is Christmas. This day is all about remembering how the Son of God humbled Himself and became fully man to die a sinner's death for me, and for all of the world. I never want to forget the ultimate price He paid for me. Today, when many are without food, without shelter, and without hope, may I not forget that I am blessed and that God is calling me to bless those whom the world may overlook. This is truly sharing the spirit of Christmas: Loving others the way Christ loves us; sacrificing our comfort and our time by reaching out and giving to someone who is without hope. May Jesus' birth be remembered, revered, and celebrated today. May we reach out and pour into others' lives in honor of Christ, not just today, but everyday.
Happy Birthday, Jesus. Thank you for your love and sacrifice for me. May I never forget!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Prophetic Dream
My Pastor came up to me on Sunday before the service and said he had had the same dream about me on three different occasions and wanted to share it with me. Before that day, I had only known him in passing, mainly because our church is rather large and it's probably pretty hard to know every single individual and their lives completely. While we were speaking on Monday, the Holy Spirit confirmed everything he shared...all of which I'm still trying to completely grasp the significance of...
I was in a cave. He said there were demons pushing me farther into the cave. They were biting at my feet, hands, and more importantly, at my heart. There were human voices coming from them; they were saying things to me out of anger. One was even touching me in an unclean manner. I was carrying a heavy rock and trying to move it out of the way of the entrance into the cave so that I may escape. Because my feet were so mangled and torn up, I could not get traction to take a step forward. Then, light came into the cave. My hands and feet were beginning to heal. He said I turned around, and in my back were knives and shrapnel. The light shone on my back and it too began to heal. Then, my heart was healing, which he greatly emphasized on. I was then able to push the rock out. My strength was being regained, my wounds were healed, and I was able to leave the cave.
When my Pastor awoke from the dream he prayed and wrote down the revelation God wanted to give him; he also did this the same morning he shared everything with me. He said God has allowed the things that have happened to me in my life to strengthen me and prepare me for ministry. I am being called by the Lord to minister to women who are hurting and broken. He said he didn't know anything about my life or my past (which is true!) but he knows that if anyone were to [have a reason to] give up on God, it would've been me. God gave him a vision of how he sees me. He sees me as a pearl, precious in His sight. God is going to restore, redeem, and bless me with a discerning spirit with regards to whom I can trust. He said God revealed to him the hurt others have caused me, and how my trust has been shattered because of it. He also said that everything I've lost in the natural (or believe I've lost), God was going to return to me ten-fold [in the spiritual].
The Lord is calling me to 'carry' women out of their hurt. He had a vision of women who were bleeding from their bodies, and the pool of tears that I've cried over the course of my life will be used to heal them and help them to become restored and whole. God is annointing me to be patient with those who are hurting, so that I may have the wisdom and grace to meet them where they are in their hurt.
He said that I'm right where I need to be in my walk with the Lord; that the Lord is pleased with my faithfulness to Him during times when I could have given up my faith and turned to bitterness.
Long ago, God had put a desire in my heart to minister to women...I just didn't know when or how...
The things I've endured, not in my own strength, have weighed me down and at times have threatened to consume me...but God is showing that there is complete restoration and redemption ahead for me...
I've struggled to see myself as God sees me...as a pearl, a jem, a beautiful creation of His...revelation of that truth is here for me to fully receive...and wholeheartedly believe...
I'm completely humbled and grateful for they way God is showing me who He truly is. I don't deserve it, but God says I do because I'm His. And because He loves me. My trials have not been for nothing (like I've at times believed). They are for my good, and for the Lord's glory.
May the things that have been spoken over me come to pass, just as you say, Lord.
I was in a cave. He said there were demons pushing me farther into the cave. They were biting at my feet, hands, and more importantly, at my heart. There were human voices coming from them; they were saying things to me out of anger. One was even touching me in an unclean manner. I was carrying a heavy rock and trying to move it out of the way of the entrance into the cave so that I may escape. Because my feet were so mangled and torn up, I could not get traction to take a step forward. Then, light came into the cave. My hands and feet were beginning to heal. He said I turned around, and in my back were knives and shrapnel. The light shone on my back and it too began to heal. Then, my heart was healing, which he greatly emphasized on. I was then able to push the rock out. My strength was being regained, my wounds were healed, and I was able to leave the cave.
When my Pastor awoke from the dream he prayed and wrote down the revelation God wanted to give him; he also did this the same morning he shared everything with me. He said God has allowed the things that have happened to me in my life to strengthen me and prepare me for ministry. I am being called by the Lord to minister to women who are hurting and broken. He said he didn't know anything about my life or my past (which is true!) but he knows that if anyone were to [have a reason to] give up on God, it would've been me. God gave him a vision of how he sees me. He sees me as a pearl, precious in His sight. God is going to restore, redeem, and bless me with a discerning spirit with regards to whom I can trust. He said God revealed to him the hurt others have caused me, and how my trust has been shattered because of it. He also said that everything I've lost in the natural (or believe I've lost), God was going to return to me ten-fold [in the spiritual].
The Lord is calling me to 'carry' women out of their hurt. He had a vision of women who were bleeding from their bodies, and the pool of tears that I've cried over the course of my life will be used to heal them and help them to become restored and whole. God is annointing me to be patient with those who are hurting, so that I may have the wisdom and grace to meet them where they are in their hurt.
He said that I'm right where I need to be in my walk with the Lord; that the Lord is pleased with my faithfulness to Him during times when I could have given up my faith and turned to bitterness.
Long ago, God had put a desire in my heart to minister to women...I just didn't know when or how...
The things I've endured, not in my own strength, have weighed me down and at times have threatened to consume me...but God is showing that there is complete restoration and redemption ahead for me...
I've struggled to see myself as God sees me...as a pearl, a jem, a beautiful creation of His...revelation of that truth is here for me to fully receive...and wholeheartedly believe...
I'm completely humbled and grateful for they way God is showing me who He truly is. I don't deserve it, but God says I do because I'm His. And because He loves me. My trials have not been for nothing (like I've at times believed). They are for my good, and for the Lord's glory.
May the things that have been spoken over me come to pass, just as you say, Lord.
Monday, November 24, 2008
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..
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..
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.
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