My support when I fall

I spent hours beating myself up, guilt overwhelming me. And then this song plays, encompassing the lyrics, "His blood commands my guilt to leave." (Jimmy Needham, "Forgiven and Loved") I was called to the company office. On the way to the office and back home, I was listening to "Embrace" by Jake Hamilton. The lyrics filled my car saying, "it's all gonna be ok." And I knew that whether I came out with a job or not, God is still God. As it happened...because of a poor decision on my part, I was terminated. Now I know that I made a mistake, but I also know that God is still God. I apologized to the company. I apologized to the Lord....oh how many times. Yet, He is good and He forgives. The next morning, an older song played through my ipod "And even when your hope is gone, move along, move along just to make it through." (AAR, Move Along) Despite my fall, God can change it around for His good. I'm not sure how yet, but I know He can.

I fell in a pit created by my own hands. And a hand reached out and grabbed mine. Who's hand was that? Well, first of all, the Lord. Even when I fail, He never fails me. He is ever faithful. And He graciously pulls me up when I fall.

But let me take a moment to brag on my family and close friends and the hand they offered me. See.....they're incredible. My family has it's disagreements like any. But I have been blessed with an extraordinary family. Instead of condemning me (like I did to myself the first night), they loved me, hugged me, offered hope, encouragement, and prayers. Never did they speak of the idiot I was. They just showered me in the most unconditional love and support. And I thank God for my family and how incredible they've been in this difficult time. To any of my family reading this: thank you. It means more than you'll ever probably know. And specifically to Gram (Hanson): staying with you and having a safe haven has been such a shelter in one of the storms of life and I appreciate your encouragement and never even thinking about putting me down in any way. I love that we can laugh together and forget about the worries of the world. I appreciate your love and I love you!

I have a couple close friends that were also incredible. One offered to let me talk and let me vent and yet was encouraging and has been ever since...giving me pieces of hopeful scripture and quotes and praying for me. Thank you, Krista. The other called me and very passionately told me about how God still had plans for me and that I wasn't a big screw-up and that God offers grace and forgiveness. I needed it. Had you seen it from the outside, you would've seen my best friend yelling at me. Honestly, I don't think I would've listened any other way. My mind was going a thousand directions and I needed the firmness, knowing she loves me. Thank you, Katie.

And to my parents and brothers who wrapped me in their arms the moment I walked in the door returning from the company office, thank you, thank you, thank you. And thank you for your support of my choice to be honest despite my failure. I appreciate your support so much.

So, it's a new day, soon to be a new year, and we'll see what God has in store next. I very much appreciate your prayers in this season of my life. Thanks for reading.

A novel concept

A couple weeks ago I think I had a deep revelation. And it hit me really hard. Tears began to well up in my eyes. But I'll come back to that.

Maybe a month ago, I felt like I was supposed to make a lifetime commitment to a couple of my close friends. It was a scary thing for me to do in one sense because I've had a lot of really poor relationships that were not healthy and did not end well, but I felt God leading me to do it and decided to trust Him. I had felt the Lord leading me to read about Jonathan and David. And so I felt him leading me to physically exchange something with these friends. The idea came from the following passage:
1 Samuel 18: 3 & 4--Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

So, I was writing a note to one of them and talking about committing to them for life when it occured to me that I haven't fought with my friends in over a year. Now, to whoever you are reading this, you may be thinking that a year isn't a significant amount of time, but before that my friends and I were having fights like once a week. I'm thankful for the place those friends played in my life, the ways God used them to touch my heart, and what I've learned from them. But they weren't healthy relationships. I'd end up crying myself to sleep many nights, I felt like they didn't understand my heart, I felt like they degraded me at times, and the relationships were built on all the wrong things.

In the past year and a half I've developed healthy friendships with people who are willing to forgive and work through things instead of fighting. In no way am I saying that friendships aren't work, but the night I was writing this note, it occurred to me: FRIENDSHIPS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE HARD. I think that high school drama and college drama and the way society portrays every tv show and movie have had a huge influence on me believing that friendships are constantly hard. Every friendship has it's ups and downs, but I believe committing to pray with people, be honest, and yet speak in love and re-inforcing unconditional love makes for a stronger relationship. So instead of waiting for a friendship to fail since all the others have, I should just keep doing those things.

So, it's a novel concept, but I don't think friendships are supposed to be hard. I think they were designed to be supportive of one another, walk in the things of the Lord together, and just have fun.

The Christmas Season

Tonight my family and I went to Olmstead Manor (Ludlow, PA) to see it all decorated for Christmas. http://www.olmstedmanor.org It was so pretty! I love lights, and I especially love them at night time. After going to Olmstead, we just drove around looking at the pretty lights. There’s something about peace during Christmas. It has become commercialized and just a busy time where people just want it to be over before it even starts. But I love Christmas and just the peace I feel during it. I think I love everything about it. I love the decorations. I love the smells. I love the music. And at Christmas time, I don’t mind the snow. [See, here’s the thing about snow. I love the crunch under my feet, but I hate the ice. I love it when snow lays it’s beautiful blanket on everything making it gorgeous. I just don’t like the ice and the blowing cold that leaves my face feel like it will fall off at any moment. I could think of a few friends right now that I would love to go for a walk with and smell the woodsmoke and that cool, crisp, fresh smell. So, maybe I don’t hate snow. I just hate the bitter cold.]

But back to Christmas. It just makes me happy. I love warm fuzzy things and curling up with my family. I love cocoa in front of the woodstove. Of course, at my house, most activities are done in front of the woodstove because the rest of the house is so cold. But I guess it brings the family together. :-) And I love Christmas foods. I love making out Christmas cards and buying gifts. I’ve always loved buying gifts, but I think I love it more now than I did when I was younger. I love gifts....heart-felt ones the most, but I find such a pleasure in shopping for others and trying to make them feel special. Christmas just makes me happy.If you live in the area, I’d encourage you to go see Olmstead Manor next Weekend. It’s open from 4-8 next Sunday. It’s just a great time to reflect on important things such as friends and family and what life is all about. And I have to say that looking back on the year this year, I just have to say that Jesus is so faithful and He has changed my life and He is the true reason for the season and for life.

Have a very Merry Christmas!
~Lisa

Hope for the Lost

Last week, I felt like God put it on my heart to encourage a specific group of people-those who have family and close friends who were once walking with the Lord and have walked another direction. I feel like God’s saying not to lose hope. For those of you who have been earnestly praying and feeling like nothing is changing, don’t give up! It’s not the end and God is not done moving! It can be hard, and it may feel like you are climbing up a mountain on your knees grasping for any sense of hope. It may be a long journey ahead, and there may be a rough path to travel, but I say to you: do not give up praying for those you love who have wandered away from the call of God on their lives. For those of you who feel there is nothing more you can do, I again say, pray. We can’t always see what God is doing, but I felt God told me to encourage you to not lose hope. Get on your knees, get on your face, whatever it takes, and keep praying. While the road may be difficult, God is our strength. Keep praying.

I need Jesus

Many of your know that my back was in killer pain all last week. It got a little better and then it got a lot worse. I still don’t know what the cause of it was, but I became very close friends with the chiropractor, tylenol, and ibuprofen. And icy hot was there alongside. By Friday, I was in so much pain that I was messing things up at work and had a small accident. All the while, I wasn’t making time to spend with Jesus. I believed He could heal me and was faithful, but was relying on everyone else just to pray me through and then getting upset for those prayers not appearing to do anything. I literally had people from all over praying. It gave me a whole new appreciation for those who live in pain all the time, and how aggravated they must become with those who are always praying for them and saying things will change and they don’t.

Friday night, I came home, stumbled in the door, barely able to move without being in extreme pain. My parents prayed with me and I just began to cry. I went to bed and just cried and cried. I don’t ever remember being in that much pain and on top of the pain I messed up all this stuff at work. It was awful. And I, through choking on my tears, began to cry out to God. I called off work the next day and slept until after noon (making up sleep I’d lost in pain). I had an emergency visit to the chiropractor that afternoon. But then as the afternoon went on, I realized something....I was only in pain like 5% of the time. I don’t think God was being cruel to me. I think He was showing me that I couldn’t do it on my own.....that I needed Him. Sunday morning, I was able to bend over and pick up my shoes to put on. It was SUCH an accomplishment. I had trouble even bending an inch forward all week, and then Jesus intervenes and heals me and I had almost forgot what it was like just to live life and pick up things and get in my car without pain. But God is so good. He healed me and then He was healing people at Higher Calling last night. He is just AMAZING!

Word for the week: Time with Jesus is essential.

Music and Lyrics

    Within the last 24 hours my lower back has been in killer pain. I’ve been sitting around all day because moving, walking, and stairs hurt a lot. Showering and a good phone conversation were the most productive things I did today. I think I’m one of those people that is always looking for new and good music. And since I’ve been sitting here, I thought I’d take advantage of the fact that I have nothing better to do with my time. I don’t know where you (whoever you are that are reading this) stand on listening to secular music, but I’m all for it. And I believe God even shows me things while listening to secular music. I love music with a good message and good music, and I don’t find that in Christian music as often as I’d like. Don’t misunderstand me, I listen to worship music and Christian music a lot too. I love driving with worship music turned on and just having a good time with Jesus. But I also listen to secular songs too. I don’t listen to the junk I used to back in high school, but I do listen to secular music quite a bit.

    With that said, I’ve been thoroughly disappointed in my music searches tonight. This is probably going to sound very opinionated. I’m told I become opinionated when I’m passionate about things. And yet, I don’t want to sugar-coat what I’m seeing either. Feel free to leave me comments. I have found, and probably have known this for years, that a lot of secular music is more encouraging than Christian music. I don’t consider myself an extraordinary musician, but nonetheless, I consider myself a musician, and Christian music just lacks so much musically. It’s the same chords, the same styles, over and over again-not much that moves the soul. Every now and then there is a new set of lyrics that changes up the typical, but I expect more out of Christian bands.

    But the music itself isn’t what was so disappointing to me tonight. The most discouraging thing about searching for good music tonight was that I found that secular music is offering more encouragement and hope in their lyrics than most of the “Christian” music that is out there. I find it so sad. Really. There are so many Christians that write about the people that bring them down and how hard life is and how bad things are. And I don’t want anyone to pretend to be ok when they’re not, but seriously, we have HOPE in Jesus. Why is it that more secular artists are writing encouraging lyrics, talking about real love, forgiveness, truth, honesty, hope, living life to the fullest, and having a reason to live? For those artists who claim to be Christians and have nothing more to offer than bitterness and discouragement, why don’t you take off the Christian label? I give so much credit to those Christian artists that keep returning to Jesus in their lyrics and offering the truth, the hope, the love, and the reason to live.

If hurt people hurt people, do whole people make whole people?

So, I’ve been taught for quite some time that hurt people hurt people (meaning that when is a person is hurting, they are very likely to hurt those around them because of it). I’ve seen it to be true time and time again, and have probably been guilty of it myself at various times. So my question then becomes, if hurt people hurt people, do whole people make other whole people? In thinking about it for a while, I believe I’ve come to two answers to the question, and the answer depends on the response of the person. Let me explain.

When a person is whole, complete in Jesus, and confident of who they are in Him, they tend to build others up around them. While everyone has their faults, I see a “whole” or “complete” person as one who is satisfied in the Lord, healed from any past wounds, and can see themselves as God sees them. When a person is complete in Jesus, they don’t need to put others down to build themselves up because they know who they are. So, the people that are whole tend to be encouraging, and try to draw the best out of those that they are around. They help others walk through their weaknesses, and encourage their strong points. I believe that once a person has become complete in Jesus, they then point others to Jesus, knowing He is the only way to be whole. So, my first thought was that yes, whole people do help create whole people by building them up and pointing them to Jesus. If the person chooses to lay their life out before the Lord, He can heal them and make them whole. No matter what has happened in a person’s life, God can restore lives. But in sharing my thoughts with a close friend, she also pointed out that if a person does not want to change or does not want help, it doesn’t matter how much they are built up, they will still remain where they are and not find healing and wholeness in the Lord. There are definitely keys that the Bible teaches on that are part of the healing process in a person’s life, like forgiveness, for example. But giving Jesus your life (everything-holding nothing back and listening to what God’s telling you to do) can take a broken and hurt person and make them whole in Jesus.

Even the title of this blog is a question. I’d love your input if you’re reading this. It’s something I’ve been thinking about lately. And it makes me wonder: if I am complete in Jesus, am I building up and encouraging? And it makes me ask, also, if you’re not whole in Jesus, are you willing to lay everything out there and place your life in His hands to have the pain healed and your life restored?

Just for the sake of Blogging

Just for the sake of Blogging
November 16, 2009

So, I normally blog with a purpose. I have a topic in my head before I start and try to stay short and to the point, so you, whoever you are, can read it without feeling overwhelmed by the content length. And so, tonight, I blog just for the sake of blogging. I came with a blank slate, and nothing to start with, and will go from there. Maybe I’ll ramble, but I’ll still try to keep it short and not to a point. ;-)

So, I love watching what God’s been doing at IHOP lately. I’ve been putting it on when I’m home.http://www.ihop.org/Groups/1000051963/International_House_of/Events/Weekends_IHOP_KC/Weekend_Services/FSM_Stream/FSM_Stream.aspx?redirected=1
It's good. And while my heart yearns to be with my church family and see first-hand what God is doing there, work limits that a little more than I'd like. But nonetheless, God is REALLY, REALLY GOOD! And I do have off next Sunday. :-) Yay.

On another note, I love Kutless' new CD! After listening to songs on youtube, I broke down and bought the CD tonight. Listening to their interviews about the CD, their heart for the Lord is so evident. So many Christian bands have come to barely even mention the name of Jesus and it's so encouraging to see a band still whole-heartedly after Jesus. If you haven't checked it out, I highly urge you to do so. http://www.myspace.com/kutless

So, this is me writing for a completely random....nope not even a real reason. Life is Good. GOD IS AMAZING and FAITHFUL! And I hope you are all doing well. Take time to just sit with Jesus and be with Him. :-)

The value of an individual

So, lately God has been showing me a lot about the value of a person. Whether you are in the worst position of your life and feeling completely worthless or are in the best place ever, this could be a good reminder.

Think about this:

The person who is caught in a world of sin right now, not walking with God, with no money, and no family, living out on the street has JUST AS MUCH VALUE as the person walking in great relationship with the Lord, doing everything right in their life, with all the wisdom, knowledge, and finances imaginable. That blows my mind.

God hand-crafted you. It wasn't an accident that you are on earth. He fearfully and wonderfully made you (Psalm 139:13). He has a purpose for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). He sent his only son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you because He loves you and you are worth something to Him. And so if you are in the best place ever with Jesus, let me just remind you that you have so much value and worth. Keep seeking the Lord for the things He has for you. And if you are in the worst place ever with the Lord and having a really hard time or are caught in sin, let me especially remind you: you have so much worth and value in God's eyes. You are wanted, not rejected. You are loved unconditionally, not despised. God has plans for your life. You mean so much to Him! And He wants to do amazing things in your life and through your life. And even if you have messed up everything and found yourself flat on your face on the floor, God still values you!


I hope this speaks to some of your lives in great ways because God's love is sooooo incredible! Keep seeking Jesus. If any of you want me to pray for you, I'd be more than willing. My email is lhanson09@gmail.com if you want to get in touch or share anything God is showing you.

Much love~
Lisa

An Incredible Friend

First of all, let me preface this piece of writing by saying that this may be a little longer than most blogs I write. I have so much on my heart that I want to share. I've been wanting to write about friendship for a while and I don't think I could properly express any ideas on friendship without talking about the best friend anyone could ever have. That best friend being Jesus. I haven't been around forever, but I've had my fair share of friendships. But the best of the best is no comparison to the friend I've found in Jesus. Because even the best friends are not always with you or there when you need it, they don't always know your inner-most thoughts, and they can't always understand what your heart feels and your deepest desires. But Jesus, He knows it all, He understands, and He is always, always there and always, always faithful.

**FOR I KNOW YOU ARE FAITHFUL, MY GOD.** 

(Jesus Culture, He is Faithful, Consumed Album)

So, I have to tell you about my awesome friend, Jesus. He makes everything so perfect sometimes. The past few days I got to spend with one of the best friends I've ever had. Krista was in PA with a mission organization and she came up to spend a couple days with me. And yesterday and today, we went adventuring out in the woods and hiking. At one point the ground fell out under my one foot. I was leaning to take a picture and next thing I knew, my leg was in a hole half a foot above my knee. So, Krista held my phone\camera while I pulled up a completely soaked, very cold, muddy foot and shoe. The bottom of my jeans were soaked. And I had to laugh. I used to get upset about things like that, and instead I just decided to enjoy the rest of the day. I spent half the day walking in the woods in my bare feet. (I can't do one shoe on and one shoe off and it was easier to walk barefoot than to carry around the 20 pound shoe. haha.) And we never found the falls we were looking for, but we found some cool spots out in the middle of no where in the woods. But I couldn't have come up with a more perfect day. Thank You, Jesus!

Today, Krista and I headed out in to the woods for another hike to cool little waterfall. It was great. We hiked about a mile through the crunchy leaves, just enjoying each other's company, the smell of the woods, the sunlight, and talking of the awesome things we've seen God doing lately. The waterfall was really pretty. It came off a really tall rock, so I actually was able to walk to the top of the waterfall. (I took my shoes off this time, no more ruining sneakers.) But at the top of the waterfall it's only a couple inches deep. Cool experience. Another great day. I didn't realize how much I missed being out in the woods. After I played in the waterfall some, we laid down beside each other on a rock by the waterfall and prayed together, with the sound of the running water in the background. A friend of mine always says he's surrounded by the best of the best people. And I feel the same about my own life. I look at the close friends I have and couldn't imagine any better. I love having friends I can pray with. It's AMAZING! On the way back up, we stopped to catch our breath (we didn't realize it was all uphill on the way out..haha.). Back in the middle of the woods, all we could hear was the wind blowing through the trees. So quiet. So peaceful. So amazing.

So, Krista and I get back in to town and take some pictures on the tracks. I reached in my back pocket to get my wallet out so we could go get dinner and.....my wallet wasn't there! Uh-oh! We re-checked and re-checked by the tracks with no prevail. So Mom and Krista headed to get dinner, and I went back and checked again. Still nothing. At this point, I remind myself that God has never failed me, and remind Him that He has been faithful in the past and I believe He won't fail me now. At this point, I also texted about 8 close friends and asked them to pray. One, in particular, texted me back a short prayer asking for peace and protection over my wallet and that I'd trust God with my finances. And I was so at peace. I wasn't really worried. So, we take Krista to the airport and come back. When Dad gets home from work, I told him I lost my wallet. And as I'm telling me, it was just like God just dropped it into my head and I looked at Dad and said "I know where it is." So, we took his truck and traveled way back in the woods. We drove as far as possible, and then half ran to the spot. See, when looking at the waterfall I climbed up a huge rock to get a different view. Once to the top, I realized the leaves were too slippery and the rock was too steep I couldn't walk back down, so I slid down the leaves on my butt. Lo and behold, there is my wallet as we get there, laying completely undisturbed. We made it back out of the woods just as it was starting to get really dark. PRAISE GOD!!!!!

Let me say one more thing as far as friendships go, find friends you can trust, and share your heart with, and who will encourage you in your God-give dreams and visions. Find friends you can pray with in good times and in bad. Forgive now...not later, but now. And learn how to really love (like 1 Corinthians 13 love). And if any of you are struggling with current friendships, I know a four part sermon series that could change your life. I know it did mine. Let me know if you're interested for yourself or anyone else. (It's totally free too.)

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed hearing about my Incredible Friend.

I hope you are doing well.

Quiet

    Why is it that we seem to be afraid of silence? I think there is something so valuable in sitting in silence before the Lord. I live a life that says pretty much the opposite. I’m surrounded by noise all day every day. At both jobs I’ve been working, there is so much noise. 98% of the time I’m driving, the radio or ipod is playing. When I get home I talk with my family. There’s not a silence in my life. But I can say that something in my heart and soul begins to churn when I’m in a worship service and everything just comes to a screeching halt and we find ourselves in dead silence, where every breath seems to be heard. It’s like this fire that starts to burn inside of me that desires Jesus more than anything else on earth. And yet, these times, where everyone is silent, are few and far between.

    I don’t want to sound judgmental of anyone at all, but during those times where things in Jesus’ presence seem so intense, someone always jumps up and has to say something. And many times, I believe it’s because the people in the room are taking the time to be silent before Him and hearing from Him. Yet, I also believe other times are a result of an insecurity and maybe even a feeling of nakedness before a Holy God. But part of me longs to sit with a group of believers and be still before the Lord and just see what happens. I honestly believe that His presence changes things. I don’t think there always has to be an extensive sermon\teaching. In fact, I’d love to have various Sundays throughout the year where a sermon is never spoken, and worship is just a simple guitar or piano playing lightly here and there. In some ways it sounds like they would be so awkward, yet in other ways, I can’t imagine anything more satisfying than just sitting with the Lord.

    I think there’s pressure to have a service every Sunday where we have a time of worship, a good ol’ sermon, and go home. And I don’t know about you, but that is not what I want. I want to encounter the living God. His words are more valuable than anything anyone may speak. I don’t want to start rambling, but these are some things that have been on my heart lately. I don’t want to play church. I don’t want to have things in such an order that leave God no room to move. But, more than anything, I want to live in His presence. It won’t always be quiet. Passionate worship can be anything but quiet at times. But I don’t want to neglect the times of pure silence with Jesus. It has a value beyond measure.

Life Update

And I’m amazed by You
Cause You’re never far away
And all that I’ve been through
Your love has never changed
~Seventh Day Slumber (“Oceans from the Rain”)

So, my life has been pretty crazy lately. Last week was eat, sleep, shower, drive, work, repeat. This week was basically the same, minus 4 hours I’ve had to myself. I’ve been working two jobs and have literally not had a life. Yet, there are a few moments where I sit down (mostly lately when I’m driving between Kane and Warren, from one job to another) and put on some worship music and am just still in awe of Jesus. Those lyrics above really stuck out to me tonight. This is not a blog of some great revelation I want to share. I haven’t had a lot of time for relationships lately. The best relationship I’ve had lately is with Titus. That’s my car’s name for those of you who don’t know. If you want to know the story behind the name, just ask. It’s a good story. ;-)

This is more one of those hi to all of any of you who actually read my blog. I hope things are well in your lives. And this is just a little brag on this awesome friend I have named Jesus. Because He never ceases to amaze me. In the little things. In the big things. I had a couple rough moments this week. Not awful, just struggles here and there. But that whole “Your love has never changed” is SO, SO TRUE. And I can say he’s been there through it all and I am amazed by Him!

I love Jesus. Period. :-)

A Passionate Life

Mat 22:37-28 (NIV) - Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind". This is the first and greatest commandment.

A couple weeks ago, I stopped by the Kinzua Dam on the way home from work. I sat down by the water and recommitted my life to the Lord. It's not that I had been walking away from the Lord or doing something horribly wrong, but I recommitted to living passionately for the Lord. That night I went to bed and had a dream. It was a crazy dream with just about everyone I'd ever known in it, but in the midst of that, I felt like God was showing me that verse in Matthew (that I listed above). When I woke up the next morning, I felt like God was telling me that I can not follow that commandment if I'm apathetic. To love God with ALL of your heart, soul, and mind, it requires your everything.

Things have been crazy in my life, so I haven't been able to write as often as I'd like, but I hope you are all doing well.

Much love~
Lisa

Oh happy fall!

So, this morning I was driving out to my grandparents for breakfast.And the leaves are starting to turn beautiful colors. They’re just starting to turn, so much of the drive is still mostly green, but then I capture a view of a tree turning this beautiful shade of color I feel as if I’ve never seen before. And the thing that kept running through my head this morning is that God is the most incredible painter. No one can create colors and scenery like He can. :-)

While disappointed that summer wasn’t really a summer at all, I absolutely love fall. I love the smells, the colors, the foods, and the way the sunshine makes everything look even more brilliant. And sometimes I can’t help but just think how incredible God really is. And that makes me so happy. :-)

He is jealous for me

Currently listening to "Where is Your Heart" by Jeff Parshall. Listen here:  www.myspace.com/jeffparshall

A good friend of mine recently said that it was like God was telling us we were part time lovers (like the Stevie Wonder song). She said that we sing about giving God our lives, but we only give Him certain parts. Other parts of our lives, we hold back and won’t let go of. This morning I read a blog from a girl I went to school with and she was saying she felt God telling her He didn’t want her words, but her heart. The two people I’m talking about live miles away and probably don’t even know each other, but God seems to be speaking the same thing-a call for His people to return to Him--wholeheartedly. And I love it when God seems to have repeating themes all over the place with people who aren’t even connected. i think it’s so amazing! But at the same time, when God is repeating the same thing to multiple people, it’s something to take notice of. The time is now...time to let go of everything and offer our entire lives to the Lord. It’s beyond my comprehension what God could do with any group who share in a heart that is completely in love with Jesus and completely surrendered to Him.

A couple years ago, someone had me listen to a Judah Smith sermon that seems to change a piece of my life every single time I listen to it. It was designed to be a new year’s sermon, but can be taken for any season of life. It’s not long, and so I challenge you to take the time to listen to it. http://generationchurch.org/audio Scroll to the bottom of the page and keep clicking older messages until you reach January 3, 2007. The sermon is called “A Blank Canvas.” (If you’re one of those people who travel a lot, it’s a great listen in the car. I’ve done it many times.)

All For His Glory

Right now I have so many jumbled thoughts. I don’t even know where to start.I’ve been wondering today.....at what cost will I follow the Lord? Because I’ve found that wandering off on my own isn’t a wise choice. And I’ve found that the most logical way isn’t always the path God desires for me to choose. And even though there are a lot of uncertainties in my life right now, I know that I know that I know that God is faithful and I ask Him to direct my steps. Tonight I had the privilege of sitting with some of the most amazing people and just soaking in God’s presence. And can I just say?....there is NOTHING like God’s presence! It’s so refreshing..and so everything I need...just sitting and being with Him. And I enjoy times of just silence.I think our lives get so busy. And I LOVE music. But I love just sitting in silence in God’s presence...especially when worship has been amazing..and then it’s just quiet. And all that matters is Jesus. And He fills this deep well inside my soul. And I’ve found that in the midst of His presence and totally trusting Him, everything seems to fade away and His peace can be so overwhelming.Maybe I’m just falling in love all over again. But tonight I feel overwhelmed with God’s love and how amazing He is.I’m excited to see what He does in my life and the lives of those around me, and I’m excited at what I see Him doing right now.There’s many things I’ve wanted to write about and share my heart about, but tonight, let me just say that Jesus is absolutely amazing. He is so good and so faithful. And He is my reason for living and breathing.

I hope you are doing well, and would love to hear from you. I’d love to pray with any of those of you who are struggling. I’d love to meet you for coffee (or you can drink something else if you’re not a coffee addict like myself). Get a hold of me. Much love!

~Lisa

Healing hands for a broken heart

The other night I was thinking a lot about how broken the human heart can be. I’ve had my fair share of broken and lost relationships. I’ve been deeply hurt within myself. And I’ve been told the famous, “Time heals all wounds.” But when deeply wounded, I don’t believe time fixes anything. It may not be as hard to deal with, but this week, I’ve been remembering times of deep brokenness and hurt. And it wasn’t time that made things better.

When the tears fell in to a puddle below me....when I could not catch my breath because everything in my heart ached and doubted it’s ability to move on...it was not time that helped me carry on. I honestly feel as if time with Jesus heals all wounds. When the world crashes around me, the only comfort I find is laying in His presence. Because it is only His hand that can heal my heart. It is only His touch that can restore my soul. It is only His life that breathes life in to me. No person has always been there, despite a few very appreciated true friends. No answer always rings true, but the truth that I find in Jesus. And when all I am has been crushed, just being with Jesus gives me hope.

The best way I know how to describe it is that Jesus has healing hands that are the only thing capable of healing a broken heart or a broken life. It is His hands that mend together pieces shattered on the floor. It is his hand placed upon a heart and a life that becomes a soothing balm to a wound.

Slow down...Jesus is up ahead

So, maybe I’ll write more. I’ve come to really enjoy writing. I enjoy sharing things God is teaching me or has taught me. And I hope He ministers to you as you read my blogs. Feel free to write to me or share thoughts back. I enjoy hearing from you. Yesterday afternoon, it was kind of rainy. I put on some acoustic music and a candle and was just relaxing. It felt so good.

I’m not always the most disciplined person, although I am getting better. But I want to make a note today, how starting your day with the Lord makes all the difference. I know everyone has jobs, or school, or homework, or sports, or other activities. And I’ve had those days where I don’t see a possible way to sit down and make time with the Lord. But I’m learning that it’s impossible not to. On the craziest days (and every day), I’ve found that if I make that time to slow down and meet with Jesus, everything else seems to fall in to place. Magically, all the work that seems overwhelming doesn’t seem so bad, and Jesus is a great guy to do your work with ;-)

So many people, myself included, just rush through our days much of the time. We don’t take time to “stop and smell the flowers.” And it’s like we’re flying down this road, not paying attention to anything and we miss the whole “Slow down...Jesus is up ahead.” So we go flying by, only to realize a few days down the road, that we completely missed Him and never connected with Jesus. My challenge to myself, and to any of you who have sat down to read this is to make that time every morning to start your day with the Lord. It’ll change your life.

Stagnant Christianity

Mental Picture-- Imagine you are standing on the edge of a stagnant body of water. The air is dank and musty. A nasty film has formed over the top of the water. There is this wretched smell coming from beneath the stale water. Is this a pleasant area? Is this a top-hit vacation spot? Unless you are Oscar the Grouch, probably not.

I think many times our lives can become like that stagnant body of water. Nothing appears to be moving in our lives and there is no sign of real life. And when our lives hit this point, when all forms of growth have stopped, I see a need to be totally refreshed. There needs to be that “filter” to get all the junk out, and to cleanse. And there needs to be a source of life. Like a spring bringing in new life.

I’ve had a deep desire to dig deeper in to the Lord, to dig in to his Word, to spend quality time with Him, and to spend time learning, and putting myself near those who are wiser and have walked with the Lord longer than I have. My heart does not want to find myself being a stagnant body of water somewhere down the road.

I find that when there are those times where we feel stuck, just being God’s presence can change everything. I wanted that to be a reminder as we head in to school, and jobs, and continue on in life. Don’t hesitate to call friends and ask for prayer or call adults you trust, to just pray with you. Prayer changes things. Please know that you can have a deep joy, and you can be filled with that spring of life-Jesus.

And please don't hesitate to call or text me or email me if you need prayer for anything or someone to talk to about what's going on in your life.

Much love~Lisa

Stressed Out?

I've really come to believe that stress is one of the biggest footholds the enemy can have in a person's life. When narrowed down, it looks like stress is basically a lack of peace. (Because being stressed is a strain on our emotions, etc.) Well, how many times has God said in His word that He will give us peace? How many times does it say that HE IS the GOD of PEACE? And yet, how many people do we see and how many times may we even be guilty ourselves of just claiming, "I'm so stressed out." I feel like, in essence, it's basically saying, "Well, right now I have so much going on that it doesn't matter that God says He'll give me peace. I'm just stressed." It's like we feel we have a right to be stressed out with multiple situations. And I really believe that stress is not from God...therefore it is from the devil and one of his big tools. And so if we're walking around claiming we're stressed out, we're not taking the time to seek God's peace in our lives and we're not walking in Him.

Please don't misunderstand my heart. Some situations are flat out HARD. I think it's normal for us to cry and that God sees our tears. I don't think peace suddenly makes the situation ok. But I DO BELIEVE that God can give peace in the midst of ANY SITUATION. And I've seen Him give me peace in very difficult times in my own life. And do believe His peace can be there no matter what's going on.


You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! ~Isaiah 26:3

Ever Faithful

Hi everyone!

I just got back from working at Camp Halo, near Erie. The camp is specifically designed for those who come from rougher home situations. It was definitely a challenging week and very hard at times, but it was worth it for the lives that came to Jesus during the week! And we were able to show Jesus’ love to those who were deeply hurting.

Despite the fact that there were some difficult situations and difficult times at camps, I was again reminded of how faithful God is. I found my fifteen or twenty minutes with Him each day such a key to staying at peace no matter what. And I was also reminded how much a fifteen second prayer does make a difference in the midst of chaos. God came through for me in so many little ways that probably weren’t even visible to most. Like when I prayed my girls would be able to stay asleep when some boys came down yelling one night. Or my constant prayers for wisdom and strength. And I’m here to remind you that no matter what is going on, God can bring peace into your life. And don’t forget that prayer does make a difference.

God is truly ever faithful.

Those who walk the way of the Lord

Sorry it’s been a while since I’ve wrote. I hope you all are doing well. Feel free to write and tell me about what’s going on in your life and if there’s anything I can pray for you about.

Tonight, my brother (Dan) and I were reading in Proverbs. There were a few verses that stuck out to me and they were the ones that talked about following those who walk in the way of the Lord. It made me start thinking of how wise it is to learn and walk with those who are really pursuing the Lord and seeking after Him.

I’ve been taught for years that I should hang out with older people to gain wisdom from them that they have learned over the years. I find this a lot with my Grandma, in particular. While we have our extreme personality differences, she has learned a lot about the power of prayer and seeking the Lord and reading His word and giving to others when you have the capability. When I spend time with her, I find these things sinking inside me whether I realize it at the time or not. I would do well to remember (more often) to stop what I’m doing and pray over situations instead of getting frustrated.

My point tonight though, isn’t necessarily just learning from the older generation. I want you guys to think about who you could spend time with that would challenge you to go deeper in your walk with the Lord. By spending time with others who are pursuing the things of God, I think we find encouragement. We can learn together, share stories, pray together, etc. This could be people older, younger, or even your own age. But I want us to think about who we can spend time with that will help us move forward in our walks with the Lord this summer.

I hope to hear from you!

Lots of love~Lisa

Anything but God

Today I just want to share a piece of my heart with you. I’ll try to make it short, but stick with me. In the past few days I’ve been talking with a couple friends about music. I’ve talked to many and I had the idea when I was in middle and high school that what I listened to didn’t really affect me. And I wasn’t talking about the difference between secular and Christian music, but I was talking about the difference between a song that leaves you feeling depressed and a song that makes you excited about life and following after God. I used to listen to music when I was angry that allowed me to stay angry instead of dealing with my problems. But I’ve realized that putting on some worship music or turning to the Lord helps things so much more than ignoring them.

I realized something in talking with one of my friends though. While I don’t want to listen to music that’s going to leave me feeling down, it’s far more than that. Everyone has their thing. There is almost the idea of, “I’ll run to anything and anyone but God first, and then I’ll go to Him if nothing else works.” When we get stressed out or upset, we all have our thing that we want to turn to. For some it’s food, for some it’s music, for some it’s a smoke here and there, for some it’s drinking, for some it’s coffee. Some people run to a friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, pastor, or parent (which aren’t necessarily bad). But when these things become our release of pain and stress before God, it’s not a good place to be. Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for having good relationships withe friends and family. But people can fail you in one way or another. The only thing that remains constant is the Lord. So my challenge is that we take a look at our lives and ask what we’re putting before the Lord and what we’re using to release our stress instead of running to Him. Be open to anything He might be showing you and see what happens when you put Him first.

Hebrews 12:1-2a

Hebrews 12:1-2a (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

I was reading this a couple weeks ago and was wondering what was in my life that was holding me back or slowing me down. I think my many times we just fall in to the day to day activities of life and don’t realize we are unconsciously falling in to a way of life that pulls us back from the Lord. Maybe we are making poor decisions in our lives. Or maybe it is not having a dedicated time with the Lord each day, in which we hear from Him and let Him speak direction in to our lives. But many times, we start falling in to activities or friendships that are pulling us down.

The thing that sticks out about this verse is that it’s not a thing where suddenly we do better. We can’t force ourselves in to changing our lifestyle. The point of this section of scripture shows that the sin does trip us up easily, but to get away from it and to run after what God has called us to, we have to keep our eyes on Him.
I encourage you to spend some time with the Lord today. Don’t put it off. Even if it’s five minutes to connect...start making steps toward keeping your focus on the Lord. I once heard a guy by the name of Bob Mumford say that the more time you spend getting to know the Lord and be with Him, the less desire there is to sin. Keep pressing in to Him with everything inside of you. Stay in constant relationship and get to know Him better. And surround yourself with those who are also pressing in to the Lord with everything in them.

This is Me

So, a lot of people around me have got into blogging. I'm not sure I'll update it that often. I love to write, but not always to share with everyone. But if nothing else, maybe I'll share some songs I write and stuff.
~Lisa