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.