Give me support, I'll walk a hundred miles. Tell me which direction to go, I'll sit down like a little kid in the grocery store whose temper tantrum didn't work.
I had two incredible conversations the past two days. One with the local Elim Fellowship rep. about wanting to see how they could help support me and encourage me and what they could do to help me. I left the meeting SO ENCOURAGED! Far more than all the people who have told me what I should or shouldn't be doing for the last few months. And the thing is, he didn't even point me in a direction. He basically said, "We've got your back." But it made me want to run full force forward. (And no, I don't know what that will look like.) And it made me want to run after all that God has for me. Interesting how support encourages far more than people throwing out constant suggestions on how I can change my life.
And then today, I had an awesome and encouraging conversation with a Christian friend. It was WONDERFUL!
Anyway, I think we should all be able to learn and give each other advice. But there's a difference between giving advice and constantly telling a person what you think theycshould do. I am VERY GRATEFUL for those who support me, offer advice, pray for me, but don't try to shove me in one direction or another. It means more than you know!
Thursday, July 15
Friday, July 9
Daddy...
Running through the grass....
"Daddy, Daddy! Now what do you want me to do now? I finished what you told me to do."
"Honey, let's swing on the swing together. Can I hold you for a little while?"
"Sure, Daddy, but don't I have a lot of things I should be doing?"
"They can wait. Can I just love on you for a while?"
"Daddy, I need to know what I'm doing next before I can relax."
"Why? I've never failed you. I've never not told you at the right time, the perfect time. Do you trust me?"
"Yes.....but people...they ask. They ask all the time what I'm doing next. I HAVE to know."
"No, honey. You don't need to know quite yet. And they don't need to know right now yet."
"But Dad....... they drive me nuts."
"Honey....let's go swing...."
"sighs."
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes. Or at least I'm trying to. I get in my own stubborn way. I always try to figure out what's next and plan my own life out. I know you know much better for me, but I get pestered with questions, get looks of those who think I should be doing something more productive, looks from those who never think I'm doing well enough. But Daddy, I'm trying to be like you. And to love people and care about them. And I'm happy with my life. I just hate being bugged every spare moment I have........ oh......sigh...there I go again.....getting all upset. Yes, Daddy, I trust You."
"Can we go swing now?"
"yeah....let's go swing. Daddy?"
"Yes?"
"Can you just love on me for a while? I miss You...just being with You and having You hold me."
"It would be my delight."
a summary of a conversation with Jesus this morning......
"Daddy, Daddy! Now what do you want me to do now? I finished what you told me to do."
"Honey, let's swing on the swing together. Can I hold you for a little while?"
"Sure, Daddy, but don't I have a lot of things I should be doing?"
"They can wait. Can I just love on you for a while?"
"Daddy, I need to know what I'm doing next before I can relax."
"Why? I've never failed you. I've never not told you at the right time, the perfect time. Do you trust me?"
"Yes.....but people...they ask. They ask all the time what I'm doing next. I HAVE to know."
"No, honey. You don't need to know quite yet. And they don't need to know right now yet."
"But Dad....... they drive me nuts."
"Honey....let's go swing...."
"sighs."
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes. Or at least I'm trying to. I get in my own stubborn way. I always try to figure out what's next and plan my own life out. I know you know much better for me, but I get pestered with questions, get looks of those who think I should be doing something more productive, looks from those who never think I'm doing well enough. But Daddy, I'm trying to be like you. And to love people and care about them. And I'm happy with my life. I just hate being bugged every spare moment I have........ oh......sigh...there I go again.....getting all upset. Yes, Daddy, I trust You."
"Can we go swing now?"
"yeah....let's go swing. Daddy?"
"Yes?"
"Can you just love on me for a while? I miss You...just being with You and having You hold me."
"It would be my delight."
a summary of a conversation with Jesus this morning......
Tuesday, June 29
How about a blog?
It's been quite a while since I've put a blog out there. I haven't had much to say, in all honesty. So, I figured there wasn't much of a point, I guess. I still don't have too much to say, but I got that little urge to write.
Yesterday I started to realize how much I've become self-absorbed. Part of it is the pressure from people around me to "do something productive with my life" and part of it was me just not wanting to waste my life away. But the past couple days I enjoyed simple things like sunshine, rain, chatting while drinking a lemonade, talks with wonderful friends, sitting in the Lord's presence, reading a good book, etc. And I realized how much I had become absorbed with me--figuring out my life, what I should do next, what I shouldn't do. And in trying so hard to find my way, I lost the joy in life. I hadn't realized it had gone that far until a loving friend asked me if I have been mad at them lately. And, confused by the question, I began to realize how much I had almost become depressed and shut off because I spent my time focusing on me. I love the saying that says, "Live life on purpose." However, in trying to "do" something with my life, I stopped really "living" and enjoying life, God, and people.
As much as I get responses from people on a regular basis about how awful it must be to work nights at a convenience store\gas station, I enjoy it. There, I said it. The two people I work with are INCREDIBLE. I don't have the drama with them that I've had in much "better" jobs. I enjoy going to work. And I once read that we spend 40 years of our lives working (almost 80,000 hours) and that we should work at a job we enjoy because we spend so much time working. I've told God I'd be ok flipping burgers as long as I was able to minister to people. That was my dream for my life. To be able to be there for broken people and love on them and point them to the Lord. While I'm not the best at evangelism, I do feel that I am filling that dream in where I am and what I'm doing.
Life is what You make it. I don't think I've ever really hated any job because I make it a point just to enjoy whatever I'm doing. So why people are constantly trying to better me, I'm not sure. I enjoy advice and learning from others. But it's hard for me to take when people constantly suggest I do something differently. I don't think striving all the time is the answer to enjoying life. So, hey, maybe I'll just enjoy life for a while. Maybe I don't have to know the next step. I know I've said it before. But somehow, I always keep trying to figure it out. I've never wanted to "make something of myself." I just want to love people and be there for broken people just like Jesus would. I'm still learning a lot about life, but there's more to life than our occupation.
I once read a blog by Donald Miller that said when we meet people, we should ask them what they think is important in life, what they're passionate about, what they love, etc. because people are far more than their occupation. Try this one:
Hi, I'm Lisa. I love Jesus. I love people. I love encouraging people and being there for people. I love hugging people. I genuinely care about people and try to do whatever I can for those going through a hard time. I love blessing people just for the heck of it and doing things to make them smile. I try to be the best friend that I can be. And, by the way, I just happen to work at a gas station. :-)
Yesterday I started to realize how much I've become self-absorbed. Part of it is the pressure from people around me to "do something productive with my life" and part of it was me just not wanting to waste my life away. But the past couple days I enjoyed simple things like sunshine, rain, chatting while drinking a lemonade, talks with wonderful friends, sitting in the Lord's presence, reading a good book, etc. And I realized how much I had become absorbed with me--figuring out my life, what I should do next, what I shouldn't do. And in trying so hard to find my way, I lost the joy in life. I hadn't realized it had gone that far until a loving friend asked me if I have been mad at them lately. And, confused by the question, I began to realize how much I had almost become depressed and shut off because I spent my time focusing on me. I love the saying that says, "Live life on purpose." However, in trying to "do" something with my life, I stopped really "living" and enjoying life, God, and people.
As much as I get responses from people on a regular basis about how awful it must be to work nights at a convenience store\gas station, I enjoy it. There, I said it. The two people I work with are INCREDIBLE. I don't have the drama with them that I've had in much "better" jobs. I enjoy going to work. And I once read that we spend 40 years of our lives working (almost 80,000 hours) and that we should work at a job we enjoy because we spend so much time working. I've told God I'd be ok flipping burgers as long as I was able to minister to people. That was my dream for my life. To be able to be there for broken people and love on them and point them to the Lord. While I'm not the best at evangelism, I do feel that I am filling that dream in where I am and what I'm doing.
Life is what You make it. I don't think I've ever really hated any job because I make it a point just to enjoy whatever I'm doing. So why people are constantly trying to better me, I'm not sure. I enjoy advice and learning from others. But it's hard for me to take when people constantly suggest I do something differently. I don't think striving all the time is the answer to enjoying life. So, hey, maybe I'll just enjoy life for a while. Maybe I don't have to know the next step. I know I've said it before. But somehow, I always keep trying to figure it out. I've never wanted to "make something of myself." I just want to love people and be there for broken people just like Jesus would. I'm still learning a lot about life, but there's more to life than our occupation.
I once read a blog by Donald Miller that said when we meet people, we should ask them what they think is important in life, what they're passionate about, what they love, etc. because people are far more than their occupation. Try this one:
Hi, I'm Lisa. I love Jesus. I love people. I love encouraging people and being there for people. I love hugging people. I genuinely care about people and try to do whatever I can for those going through a hard time. I love blessing people just for the heck of it and doing things to make them smile. I try to be the best friend that I can be. And, by the way, I just happen to work at a gas station. :-)
Saturday, May 15
Art & Corinne
Art & Corinne Johnson have been neighbors of our since we moved into town when I was six-about 16 years. Today, my family and I went to Corinne Johnson's memorial service. She passed away February 13 of this year. Her husband, Art, passed away July 17, 2008. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it to his memorial service because I was at college. But today, we remembered Corinne. And I was glad I was able to be there. So, I'm sure many of you won't know who they are, but I wanted to take time to write down my fond memories of them.
When I was little, I remember Art & Corinne more as the people who my parents talked to because they were much older. They never wanted proper titles, such as Mr and Mrs, but always just went by Art & Corinne. As I got a little older, we had all these fundraisers for school. Art & Corinne would always support me. It was such a blessing. I remember times where we stood in the backyard and talked as they gardened. They'd ask me about school and life, always caring about even the small details.
Our street used to exchange Christmas gifts. Art & Corinne would always make Elderberry Jam and send some over with some cream cheese and special home-made bread. Delicious. It's one of those memories of them I'll miss and sometimes at Christmas, I just wish I had some of their Elderberry Jam.
After graduation from high school, I went off to college. But when I'd stop over on my breaks, they'd always want to hear about how things were going. If I hadn't seen them in a while, they'd ask for me to come over and see them. At this point they started sharing more of their life, past and present. I love hearing older people speak. They have such a wealth of wisdom and life.
Their one son is a very talented opera singer. I've never been one to much appreciate opera. But I have a specific memory of sitting on the couch with them watching opera Christmas Choirs and such. I wasn't too fond of it, but figured they could use the company. Looking back now, I'm glad I took the time to do it. I don't regret the time spent with them. They were both wonderful people. They lived very full lives. When Art passed away, neither of them were in good health. Here, not even 2 years later, they are both gone. It's sad. And they will definitely be missed. This is my loving memory of Art & Corinne.
As their daughter so well put it today, may they both rest in the arms of Jesus. My love and prayers are with their family.
When I was little, I remember Art & Corinne more as the people who my parents talked to because they were much older. They never wanted proper titles, such as Mr and Mrs, but always just went by Art & Corinne. As I got a little older, we had all these fundraisers for school. Art & Corinne would always support me. It was such a blessing. I remember times where we stood in the backyard and talked as they gardened. They'd ask me about school and life, always caring about even the small details.
Our street used to exchange Christmas gifts. Art & Corinne would always make Elderberry Jam and send some over with some cream cheese and special home-made bread. Delicious. It's one of those memories of them I'll miss and sometimes at Christmas, I just wish I had some of their Elderberry Jam.
After graduation from high school, I went off to college. But when I'd stop over on my breaks, they'd always want to hear about how things were going. If I hadn't seen them in a while, they'd ask for me to come over and see them. At this point they started sharing more of their life, past and present. I love hearing older people speak. They have such a wealth of wisdom and life.
Their one son is a very talented opera singer. I've never been one to much appreciate opera. But I have a specific memory of sitting on the couch with them watching opera Christmas Choirs and such. I wasn't too fond of it, but figured they could use the company. Looking back now, I'm glad I took the time to do it. I don't regret the time spent with them. They were both wonderful people. They lived very full lives. When Art passed away, neither of them were in good health. Here, not even 2 years later, they are both gone. It's sad. And they will definitely be missed. This is my loving memory of Art & Corinne.
As their daughter so well put it today, may they both rest in the arms of Jesus. My love and prayers are with their family.
Thursday, May 13
Microwave Jesus
I struggle to just hang out with Jesus. I'll talk for a while and listen for a while, I'll listen to worship music and journal, and then, I'll think of something on my to-do list and get distracted. Or I'll get bored. Or I'll just not know what to do anymore. Lately I've had this deep craving for quality time with Jesus. A few days ago, I was listening to a sermon by Rick Rohlin in which he was talking about Psalm 23 and he read the verse about Jesus leading us by still waters. And I was just like, I want to hang out with Jesus by still waters.
Today, I sat in Starbucks having a conversation over some tasty coffee with a good friend of mine. I was talking about how it's hard for me to just spend long, quality time with the Lord and I was like, "It's almost like a microwave Jesus." I settle, so often, for something quick and convenient. Well, like microwaved food, microwaved Jesus isn't satisfying or fulfilling either.
My soul longs just to be with Him. I don't want to have an agenda. I don't want to have a time schedule. I just want to sit with Jesus as He restores my soul. I want to sit at night on the top of a hill and look over the city lights or stare at the stars with Jesus. I want to sit by a stream or walk along the beach with Jesus.
Today, I sat in Starbucks having a conversation over some tasty coffee with a good friend of mine. I was talking about how it's hard for me to just spend long, quality time with the Lord and I was like, "It's almost like a microwave Jesus." I settle, so often, for something quick and convenient. Well, like microwaved food, microwaved Jesus isn't satisfying or fulfilling either.
My soul longs just to be with Him. I don't want to have an agenda. I don't want to have a time schedule. I just want to sit with Jesus as He restores my soul. I want to sit at night on the top of a hill and look over the city lights or stare at the stars with Jesus. I want to sit by a stream or walk along the beach with Jesus.
Thursday, April 22
[[Touch]]
i LOVE hugs.
I love hugging people that I haven't seen in a while, or people I won't see for a while. I love to give someone a random hug just because I love them. I love hugs when I wake up and hugs before I go to sleep. I'm not sure why. But I think, to a degree, many people crave touch. I say many because I have met people that don't like to be touched. They are not huggers. And they have their different reasons. But I am a hugger, for sure. I think it would be fun to just give people hugs on the street one day. Just like the hugs video. It makes me smile every time I watch it. You should watch it too. :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4
Anyway, I think touch can mean so many things. When a small child falls and gets hurt, most times it wants to be held until the stinging stops. When a person just gets bad news, a close friend or spouse will squeeze their hand just to let them know they are there and are going to walk through it with them. A hug can mean a joy to see someone, a comfort in a hurting time, a deep care for someone's life, or just a sign of love.
I've been working night shifts. So, in an attempt to keep a regular sleep schedule, I have been staying up the nights I don't work also. In the wee hours of the morning, I was realizing how much Jesus loves people, deeply loves them, and I was again reminded of my heart and my love for broken people (and people in general, for that matter). And I started wondering why it is that I like to hug so much. And I started thinking about the various times I was sitting with people who were sharing hurtful experiences or going through hard times. If I'm close enough to them, I normally end up just wrapping my arms around them. And if I'm not that close with the person, everything inside of me just wants to wrap my arms around them. There are just things in life that we don't have answers for. And at that point, I feel like a hug is the most I can do to tell a person that I love them and care about them, even if I don't have words.
I love hugging my family. I love hugging my friends. And I love long hugs-hugs that are more than just a passing by, but a hug that says, "I genuinely value your life." I love having a shoulder to lean on and being a shoulder to lean on. I love a kiss on the cheek or top of the head as a quick sign of affection. I love standing beside family or friends and throwing my arm around them and watching waves on a beach or a sunset-something so simple, yet so meaningful.
I'm not sure why I'm sharing this with you. Maybe just because I think it's important. Very important. Don't forget to take time to show the people in your life that you love them. If you're not a touch person, find another way. But it's important to love.
Jesus loved. I want to love. :-)
Dad and I on Easter Sunday, 2010
I love hugging people that I haven't seen in a while, or people I won't see for a while. I love to give someone a random hug just because I love them. I love hugs when I wake up and hugs before I go to sleep. I'm not sure why. But I think, to a degree, many people crave touch. I say many because I have met people that don't like to be touched. They are not huggers. And they have their different reasons. But I am a hugger, for sure. I think it would be fun to just give people hugs on the street one day. Just like the hugs video. It makes me smile every time I watch it. You should watch it too. :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4
Anyway, I think touch can mean so many things. When a small child falls and gets hurt, most times it wants to be held until the stinging stops. When a person just gets bad news, a close friend or spouse will squeeze their hand just to let them know they are there and are going to walk through it with them. A hug can mean a joy to see someone, a comfort in a hurting time, a deep care for someone's life, or just a sign of love.
I've been working night shifts. So, in an attempt to keep a regular sleep schedule, I have been staying up the nights I don't work also. In the wee hours of the morning, I was realizing how much Jesus loves people, deeply loves them, and I was again reminded of my heart and my love for broken people (and people in general, for that matter). And I started wondering why it is that I like to hug so much. And I started thinking about the various times I was sitting with people who were sharing hurtful experiences or going through hard times. If I'm close enough to them, I normally end up just wrapping my arms around them. And if I'm not that close with the person, everything inside of me just wants to wrap my arms around them. There are just things in life that we don't have answers for. And at that point, I feel like a hug is the most I can do to tell a person that I love them and care about them, even if I don't have words.
I love hugging my family. I love hugging my friends. And I love long hugs-hugs that are more than just a passing by, but a hug that says, "I genuinely value your life." I love having a shoulder to lean on and being a shoulder to lean on. I love a kiss on the cheek or top of the head as a quick sign of affection. I love standing beside family or friends and throwing my arm around them and watching waves on a beach or a sunset-something so simple, yet so meaningful.
I'm not sure why I'm sharing this with you. Maybe just because I think it's important. Very important. Don't forget to take time to show the people in your life that you love them. If you're not a touch person, find another way. But it's important to love.
Jesus loved. I want to love. :-)
Saturday, April 17
Sporadic Thoughts
I've really enjoyed reading lately, reading the Bible and reading good books. I've been digging into some books that I've wanted to read for a while. I love writing down quotes, pondering things the author has to say, being challenged in my walk with the Lord and being challenged in deeper meanings of life and love and God.
Most recently, I've read "Crazy Love" (Francis Chan), The Shack (W.M. Paul Young), and most recently I'm borrowing "Blue Like Jazz" (Donald Miller) from a good friend of mine. I've thoroughly enjoyed it so far, but haven't quite made it to the half-way point yet. I feel like I'm reading someone's journal. I read Donald Miller's blog from time to time also. I admire that he blogs every day, and while everything he writes doesn't always interest me, I catch a topic every now and then that I read and gain a little nugget from.
One of my favorite things to do is to sit down with a good cup of coffee and my Dad and discuss things we've been reading and things we feel the Lord has been showing us. It's wonderful. I know everyone doesn't consider themselves to be a reader, but find something that is challenging you..whether it be reading, listening to sermons (Judah Smith is one of my favorites), or simply engaging in a thought provoking conversation with someone that will challenge you to move on to greater depths with the Lord and to love people more.
Most recently, I've read "Crazy Love" (Francis Chan), The Shack (W.M. Paul Young), and most recently I'm borrowing "Blue Like Jazz" (Donald Miller) from a good friend of mine. I've thoroughly enjoyed it so far, but haven't quite made it to the half-way point yet. I feel like I'm reading someone's journal. I read Donald Miller's blog from time to time also. I admire that he blogs every day, and while everything he writes doesn't always interest me, I catch a topic every now and then that I read and gain a little nugget from.
One of my favorite things to do is to sit down with a good cup of coffee and my Dad and discuss things we've been reading and things we feel the Lord has been showing us. It's wonderful. I know everyone doesn't consider themselves to be a reader, but find something that is challenging you..whether it be reading, listening to sermons (Judah Smith is one of my favorites), or simply engaging in a thought provoking conversation with someone that will challenge you to move on to greater depths with the Lord and to love people more.
Thursday, April 1
SPRING :-)
Why, hello there! I really just wanted to write for the sake of writing. I have to say that I am totally enjoying the warm weather. It's 72° and sunny today. It's supposed to be even warmer this weekend. The tree outside my bedroom window has yet to shed some of it's fall leaves, but there are flowers sprouting out front, trying to find their way out into the sunlight. There is a bird chirping outside my window. Today, I drove around town with the windows down, the music cranked, and totally enjoying life. Right now, worship music is playing. Jesus is incredible!
It's amazing how Spring and growth can have such a deep effect on the human soul that's been under the clouds, wind, and bitter cold of winter. It's life after death. And it's hope after discouragement. At least that's how I see it. I see it as a whole new time to jump into life head-on and jump into Jesus with all that I am. I want to live on purpose.
By the way, if you haven't read it, read "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. It is, by far, one of the best books I've ever read. It's challenging, hope-inspiring, and so much about God's deep love for us and how we should deeply love others. Read it. Buy it or borrow it, but read it. :-)
Anyway, I hope you are all well. Get a hold of me and let me know if there's anything I can pray for you about. And, I'd love to hear what's going on in your life! :-)
Much love~me :-)
It's amazing how Spring and growth can have such a deep effect on the human soul that's been under the clouds, wind, and bitter cold of winter. It's life after death. And it's hope after discouragement. At least that's how I see it. I see it as a whole new time to jump into life head-on and jump into Jesus with all that I am. I want to live on purpose.
By the way, if you haven't read it, read "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. It is, by far, one of the best books I've ever read. It's challenging, hope-inspiring, and so much about God's deep love for us and how we should deeply love others. Read it. Buy it or borrow it, but read it. :-)
Anyway, I hope you are all well. Get a hold of me and let me know if there's anything I can pray for you about. And, I'd love to hear what's going on in your life! :-)
Much love~me :-)
Monday, March 15
Times of Refreshing
This blog has been on my heart for a while, but I haven't blogged in a while. I figured it was about time I do so.
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. -Acts 3:19
A month ago, I was in Virginia at my best friend's house. I had gone to do two things: 1) To spend time with Jesus, driving, at the prayer house, and alone at Katie's. 2) To spend time with my best friend.
I had lost a lot of passion for living and was just dry. I had read Acts 3:19 in my devotions a few days before I left, and I was like, "Lord, show me what it truly means to be refreshed in You." Well, it started out with me repenting of a lot...realizing that many of the ways I had been acting weren't pleasing to the Lord at all. But after that, I just felt this overwhelming sense of God's love and peace just washing over me. And I can say that while having to deal with things before the Lord wasn't exactly easy, He was so faithful to come and forgive and to totally refresh me and stir up things in my soul again.
Maybe you're reading this and going through a really rough time. Maybe you're frustrated, or maybe you've become numb. Or maybe things are going well. But my prayer for you is that you will meet with Jesus and that you will be refreshed by Him. He is so good and so faithful!
Me at Hector Falls, 2009
My idea of being refreshed
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. -Acts 3:19
A month ago, I was in Virginia at my best friend's house. I had gone to do two things: 1) To spend time with Jesus, driving, at the prayer house, and alone at Katie's. 2) To spend time with my best friend.
I had lost a lot of passion for living and was just dry. I had read Acts 3:19 in my devotions a few days before I left, and I was like, "Lord, show me what it truly means to be refreshed in You." Well, it started out with me repenting of a lot...realizing that many of the ways I had been acting weren't pleasing to the Lord at all. But after that, I just felt this overwhelming sense of God's love and peace just washing over me. And I can say that while having to deal with things before the Lord wasn't exactly easy, He was so faithful to come and forgive and to totally refresh me and stir up things in my soul again.
Maybe you're reading this and going through a really rough time. Maybe you're frustrated, or maybe you've become numb. Or maybe things are going well. But my prayer for you is that you will meet with Jesus and that you will be refreshed by Him. He is so good and so faithful!
My idea of being refreshed
Sunday, February 28
Unfailing Love
Psalm 33:18--"But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love."
Isaiah 54:10--"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you."
Last night, my best friend and I were praying together and just spent a lot of time thanking the Lord for who He is. And we were reading in the Psalms of God's unfailing love. And it just blows my mind!!!! I think we, in our natural minds, try to compare God's love to the love that we've received from people in our lifetime. And there is absolutely NO comparison! Because people, no matter how hard they try, can never fully love like God can. And while people's love for us can be dependant on circumstances, God's love is UNFAILING. The Bible speaks of it over and over and over again! It's absolutely incredible. Take some time to reflect on God's unfailing love. :-)
Isaiah 54:10--"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you."
Last night, my best friend and I were praying together and just spent a lot of time thanking the Lord for who He is. And we were reading in the Psalms of God's unfailing love. And it just blows my mind!!!! I think we, in our natural minds, try to compare God's love to the love that we've received from people in our lifetime. And there is absolutely NO comparison! Because people, no matter how hard they try, can never fully love like God can. And while people's love for us can be dependant on circumstances, God's love is UNFAILING. The Bible speaks of it over and over and over again! It's absolutely incredible. Take some time to reflect on God's unfailing love. :-)
Saturday, February 20
Daring to Dream
This is a song I wrote in my time with Jesus while I was in Virginia. It sums up a lot about learning to just follow Jesus and not everyone else. I didn't have a piano near me, so I haven't even started on any music for it, but I wanted to share the lyrics:
Daring to Dream
Verse 1:
I could blame it on everyone I know
All the expectations people put on me
I could blame it on myself, it's true
All the expectations I trapped myself in
Pre-chorus:
How many have stopped dreaming,
Because it's just not realistic?
And how many have thrown out,
Every vision and desire You've given?
Chorus:
I'm so tired of being bound to the ground
I'm throwing off every chain
I'm breaking free, I want to fly
I'm daring to dream again
Verse 2:
I put You in a box for way too long
Didn't see a way to make it through
Threw out every passion I ever had
To settle for a reality I never wanted
Verse 3:
Instead of following You, I followed after
Every expectation, wandering aimlessly
And I've had way too much of going nowhere
So I'm done with every expectation
Bridge:
I'm trading all I am for all of You
I'm free....... Daring to dream again
Daring to Dream
Verse 1:
I could blame it on everyone I know
All the expectations people put on me
I could blame it on myself, it's true
All the expectations I trapped myself in
Pre-chorus:
How many have stopped dreaming,
Because it's just not realistic?
And how many have thrown out,
Every vision and desire You've given?
Chorus:
I'm so tired of being bound to the ground
I'm throwing off every chain
I'm breaking free, I want to fly
I'm daring to dream again
Verse 2:
I put You in a box for way too long
Didn't see a way to make it through
Threw out every passion I ever had
To settle for a reality I never wanted
Verse 3:
Instead of following You, I followed after
Every expectation, wandering aimlessly
And I've had way too much of going nowhere
So I'm done with every expectation
Bridge:
I'm trading all I am for all of You
I'm free....... Daring to dream again
Gorgeous mountains near Winchester, VA.
Friday, January 29
One Touch Can Change Everything
And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you." But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me." Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." ~Luke 8:43-48 (NIV)
I touched on part of this scripture when I wrote last week. But it is so incredible. Here is this woman who had been struggling for years. And she didn't spend hours begging Jesus to heal her and He didn't spend hours discussing it with her. It was just her touching Him in faith that healed her.
A simple touch can say volumes: it can comfort a small child and relieve their fears, it can reassure someone having a difficult time, it can bring joy, hope, and encouragement.
I think many of us, myself included, have gotten into thinking that change and healing are always a huge process. And sometimes they are. But I just wanted to throw out the fact that one touch from Jesus can change EVERYTHING! And so I encourage you to just be with Jesus and let Him touch you. :-)
I touched on part of this scripture when I wrote last week. But it is so incredible. Here is this woman who had been struggling for years. And she didn't spend hours begging Jesus to heal her and He didn't spend hours discussing it with her. It was just her touching Him in faith that healed her.
A simple touch can say volumes: it can comfort a small child and relieve their fears, it can reassure someone having a difficult time, it can bring joy, hope, and encouragement.
I think many of us, myself included, have gotten into thinking that change and healing are always a huge process. And sometimes they are. But I just wanted to throw out the fact that one touch from Jesus can change EVERYTHING! And so I encourage you to just be with Jesus and let Him touch you. :-)
Saturday, January 23
An Attitude of Expectancy
Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. -Luke 8: 43 & 44
I know that these verses are often used in talking about healing, but that's not quite what I'm thinking about tonight. For a few months now, I've been pondering the idea of expecting God to show up/meet with us/do amazing things. I think it could be easy to get in to a mindset of just going to church or just waking up in the morning with no expectations. But why not expect Him to show up and do incredible things?
I was thinking tonight about places in the Bible where people were expectant. I was first thinking of John the Baptist. He was preparing the way because He knew Jesus was going to do incredible things. He expected something great.
Expect= thinking or hoping something [good] will happen (Oxford Dictionary)
But then I remembered this woman with the issue of blood. What did she have to lose? She'd already been living that way for twelve years. But would she really have tried to get close to Jesus if she didn't expect something to happen? I think this woman was expecting something to change in encountering Jesus. And that makes sense because Jesus changes lives. I guess my question then becomes, are we just going throughout our day as normal or are we living life expecting to meet with Jesus?
I'm excited about what God has been doing lately and I'm expecting good things to happen! I'm expecting to meet with Jesus this weekend and to keep meeting with Him and keep seeing His hand move in amazing ways!
I know that these verses are often used in talking about healing, but that's not quite what I'm thinking about tonight. For a few months now, I've been pondering the idea of expecting God to show up/meet with us/do amazing things. I think it could be easy to get in to a mindset of just going to church or just waking up in the morning with no expectations. But why not expect Him to show up and do incredible things?
I was thinking tonight about places in the Bible where people were expectant. I was first thinking of John the Baptist. He was preparing the way because He knew Jesus was going to do incredible things. He expected something great.
Expect= thinking or hoping something [good] will happen (Oxford Dictionary)
But then I remembered this woman with the issue of blood. What did she have to lose? She'd already been living that way for twelve years. But would she really have tried to get close to Jesus if she didn't expect something to happen? I think this woman was expecting something to change in encountering Jesus. And that makes sense because Jesus changes lives. I guess my question then becomes, are we just going throughout our day as normal or are we living life expecting to meet with Jesus?
I'm excited about what God has been doing lately and I'm expecting good things to happen! I'm expecting to meet with Jesus this weekend and to keep meeting with Him and keep seeing His hand move in amazing ways!
January 2010 out of the back window
Sunday, January 17
my incredible best friend.
so, i want to take a few minutes to brag on God's crazy goodness. i would like to share a piece of my life-that piece being my best friend. i have three absolutely amazing, really close friends (and many other good friends), but tonight, i'd like to talk about Katie and how awesome Jesus is!
Katie and I don't have a normal story...we don't have a normal friendship...and hey, i don't think we're normal. haha. God had to teach us a lot before we could have the incredible friendship we have now. We spent two years frustrated with each other, getting on each other's nerves, driving each other crazy, basically. Things progressively got worse...and worse...and worse. To make a very long story short, we hit a point where we were totally nasty to each other. I mean, NASTY. Had you saw us about a year and a half ago, you would NEVER imagine we could have the friendship that we do now. There is no natural way that our friendship even exists. We treated each other like crap and both acted in a way that was a far cry from the way Christ would ever treat anyone. We eventually hit a point where Katie was feeling God telling her she needed to step back from me. We spent the summer not talking to each other....and learning...learning many things God had to teach us both about finding everything we are in Him. It was not easy. But it was necessary.
When God redeemed our friendship...yes redeemed...that's the word I'm using. We used the word restored for quite a while. But restored doeesn't fully explain it. See, to restore something is to make it like new again. To make it was originally. You restore an old car and it looks like it did when it first came out. I don't think our friendship was restored because God did not make our friendship like it once was. It is far better than that. No, God redeemed our friendship.
Redeem:
to save from sin or error, to do something that compensates for poor past behavior or perfromance, to make up for faults
God totally saved our friendship and helped us to talk through things, to pray together instead of fight, to love unconditionally...not dependent on any circumstances or situations.... to forgive and not hold offenses. And don't get me wrong, we're still learning. But God is soooooo good.
And I wanted to tell you that my best friend is INCREDIBLE! Do I need her to survive? No. Do I need her to live and function? No. But let me tell you this:
I value Katie.
I value our friendship.
I love praying with her.
I love hanging out with her.
I love walking life with her.
She is so much fun to be with.
She is such an encouragement.
She has such a heart for the Lord and people.
I am completely blessed that she is my friend.
I love sharing with each other about what the Lord is doing.
She has tremendous value and God has such an incredible plan for her life!
I love Katie
&
I thank God for our friendship!
Thanks for reading about my incredible best friend and the awesome testimony we have because of what God has done in both of our lives.
“No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth.” ~Unknown
Wednesday, January 13
i dare you to MOVE.
my brother, Joe, jumping off our deck into a huge snow pile
Back in October or November, a friend of mine (I believe it was Hannah) was talking about how she makes goals for each day. It really got me thinking. Especially in my half a month without a job, I needed to have a reason to get up. Before I had to get stuff done, I had to be to work, I had places to go. But with no job, I'm trying to spend the money I have wisely (which most of the time, means not at all). And I've spent a lot of time with my Gram, which I am so grateful for.
If you read my last two blogs, you can see how I am learning about how I need to care more for others. I had a friend who used to tell me that there was always someone worse off than her. At the time, it drove me nuts. But there is some truth to it. And it's always miserable for anyone to get caught up in their own problems. I find the best way out of that is always to help someone else or encourage someone else. And so, I think back to the words of my friend, setting a goal for each day. And so my goal has been to encourage someone, in some way, each day. I've never been incredible at setting New Year's goals. But I want this to be a life goal of mine and we'll see where it takes me. But I want to constantly be investing in to other people's lives, praying for people, and encouraging them.
I've never been one to watch the news (and I can't guarantee that's going to change), but lately my heart has really gone out to the people in Haiti. And I haven't wanted to watch or listen to the news because I often find it terribly depressing. And I don't see how constantly flooding my thoughts with negative things could be productive. In fact, the Bible speaks of thinking on positive things.
(Philippians 4: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.)
On the other hand, I believe God's heart is totally for people. And so, I have been watching a lot on Haiti and praying for the people there and their families. I do care about people's lives that are in the news. So, this is my challenge to you, whoever you may be:
i dare you to MOVE
move and do something good.
do something good for someone else.
today.
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