A VERY good song I found the other day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RakaPVol-g
Clinging To The Cross
My soul is weak
My heart is numb
I cannot see
But still my hope is found in You
I’ll hold on tightly
You will never let me go
For Jesus, You will never fail
Jesus, You will never fail
Simply to the cross i cling
Letting go of all earthly things
Clinging to the cross
Mercy’s found a way for me
Hope is here as i am free
Jesus, You are all i need
Clinging to the cross
Even darkness is as light to You, my Lord
So light the way and lead me home
To that place where every tear is wiped away
For Jesus, You will never fail
Jesus, You will never fail
Simply to the cross i cling
Letting go of all earthly things
Clinging to the cross
Mercy’s found a way for me
Hope is here as i am free
Jesus, You are all i need
Clinging to the cross
What a Saviour, what a story
You were crucified but now You are alive
So amazing, such a mystery
You were crucified but now You are alive
Simply to the cross i cling
Letting go of all earthly things
Clinging to the cross
Mercy’s found a way for me
Hope is here as i am free
Jesus, You are all i need
Clinging to the cross
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Mistakes.
Alright, I messed up. The other night, if you didn't already know, I took some "riskay" pictures with one of my friends. Now, in all honesty, they were NOT meant to be taken in a perverted way, but they didn't come off well. The entire idea was wrong, even as a joke. So I wanna start by saying I'M SORRY. Truly, God I'm sorry for not representing you well as an image of You. I'm sorry to my friends, who I know are always there for me and I'm sorry that I let all of you down. I'm sorry to those who look up to me, sorry to those who see me as a light, I am just really sorry.
Now, as much as I want to just say "look, I messed up, everyone does it" and move on, I know I can't. As sucky as this situation is, I have learned a very good thing from it. It has taken this for God to get me to realize, I'm living for me.
He showed me that in this, I have such opportunity to impact others. Now, what have I been doing? Living for myself. Doing everything on my own (with HIm in mind of course.) But that is NOT where He wants me. I know now, that I have a calling to live for Him, and that people are watching and learning. So, I can only pray that you all will give me a second chance, and hopefully see that I am flesh too. I'm not always perfect, but I will try my hardest to show God in my life still. Please, forgive me.
Also, living for me has not been good. I haven't been there for others, I can't ever seem to have real joy, and it just doesn't work. SOOO, That has to end now. This song, could not describe how I feel right now any better. HE makes me the best man, not me. So I'm going to start giving it to Him.
The Best Man
I have always dreamed
To be that superhero
To fly right in and somehow save the day
And I have always wanted
To be more than I could be
But see the fall and somehow lose my way
But the day your love stepped in
Was the day my life began
Cause you make me shine
You make me soar
You make me everything I never was
But so much more
You give me strength
You let me stand
And I don?t have to move a mountain but I know I can
Cause you make me the best man
Even through my weakness
You know who I am
And you give me amazing grace
That I don?t understand
And there are no words that could ever describe
The glory of, the beauty of you in my life
Because you gave your love to me
I?m the best that I can be
I will never be the same
Cause you have changed everything
From the man I was
To the man that's standing by your side
again, I'm sorry. I pray you forgive me, and see that although I'm not perfect, I will continue to try and show GOd in my life. It was a fail, but I'm getting back up. This time however, I am putting my practice, into God. A source that will not fail.
I love you all, please be praying for me!
Now, as much as I want to just say "look, I messed up, everyone does it" and move on, I know I can't. As sucky as this situation is, I have learned a very good thing from it. It has taken this for God to get me to realize, I'm living for me.
He showed me that in this, I have such opportunity to impact others. Now, what have I been doing? Living for myself. Doing everything on my own (with HIm in mind of course.) But that is NOT where He wants me. I know now, that I have a calling to live for Him, and that people are watching and learning. So, I can only pray that you all will give me a second chance, and hopefully see that I am flesh too. I'm not always perfect, but I will try my hardest to show God in my life still. Please, forgive me.
Also, living for me has not been good. I haven't been there for others, I can't ever seem to have real joy, and it just doesn't work. SOOO, That has to end now. This song, could not describe how I feel right now any better. HE makes me the best man, not me. So I'm going to start giving it to Him.
The Best Man
I have always dreamed
To be that superhero
To fly right in and somehow save the day
And I have always wanted
To be more than I could be
But see the fall and somehow lose my way
But the day your love stepped in
Was the day my life began
Cause you make me shine
You make me soar
You make me everything I never was
But so much more
You give me strength
You let me stand
And I don?t have to move a mountain but I know I can
Cause you make me the best man
Even through my weakness
You know who I am
And you give me amazing grace
That I don?t understand
And there are no words that could ever describe
The glory of, the beauty of you in my life
Because you gave your love to me
I?m the best that I can be
I will never be the same
Cause you have changed everything
From the man I was
To the man that's standing by your side
again, I'm sorry. I pray you forgive me, and see that although I'm not perfect, I will continue to try and show GOd in my life. It was a fail, but I'm getting back up. This time however, I am putting my practice, into God. A source that will not fail.
I love you all, please be praying for me!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Change. and Action.
You know, for a VERY long time, I have known that God is wanting to change things. He wants to not be put into a box, not be confined to church, prayer, or even worship. But to be GOD, the guy you devote EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE TO. He also wants to change our mindsets as well. Now, the big question is, how do we do that?
I've been asking myself this question for a long while now... and I have finally come up with the answer. In order to bring God into other's lives, to show His love, and to truly change your school, church, or even community, this is the key.
You do NOTHING.
Now, before you write me off as lazy, crazy, or any other term, here me out. In achieving most things, this is usually a typical layout:
1) Identify the problem
2) Brainstorm what's causing the problem
3) Find ways to fix the problem
4) Act on those ways, and go.
Here's the problem. We as christians, get so focused on the acting and going. It's hard not to! Especially now, since this seems to be a time of God REALLY working and what not. But, we CANNOT lose sight of Him. The problem is, when we work towards fixing the problem (that is already way bigger than we ourselves could do alone), we begin to ACT. Trying to please God, by our works. Not by our praise, or by our love for Him and His love for us, but by what we can do. What we can get done, specific or not.
Well, here's the key. Love God. Devote your life to Him. Now, serving and acting on what He tells you is good, but it never comes before loving Him with all you heart. Then it says to love your neighbor. Obviously, love and focus on Him should come before and specific task to change the way people think or bring God into the hallways.
It's incredible, when you just ask God to use you. You may not know how He's going to use you, but if your eyes are always on Him, He will put the pieces together. It's so hard not to see the picture of the puzzle and trust that He's putting it together right, but HE IS. So just love Him, be willing, and pray pray pray! Pray for the schools, the churches, and the people. His love for you and your love for Him will overflow into those halls. It has to start somewhere.
Also, chances are eventually, you'll look up and more opportunity then you ever could have thought up in your mind will be lieing right in front of you, and at the time, guess what? You're READY! Because you had been focusing on God, and who He is, you know exactly what to do with that opportunity when it comes.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart.
Spend time with Him, and KNOW Him.
I've been asking myself this question for a long while now... and I have finally come up with the answer. In order to bring God into other's lives, to show His love, and to truly change your school, church, or even community, this is the key.
You do NOTHING.
Now, before you write me off as lazy, crazy, or any other term, here me out. In achieving most things, this is usually a typical layout:
1) Identify the problem
2) Brainstorm what's causing the problem
3) Find ways to fix the problem
4) Act on those ways, and go.
Here's the problem. We as christians, get so focused on the acting and going. It's hard not to! Especially now, since this seems to be a time of God REALLY working and what not. But, we CANNOT lose sight of Him. The problem is, when we work towards fixing the problem (that is already way bigger than we ourselves could do alone), we begin to ACT. Trying to please God, by our works. Not by our praise, or by our love for Him and His love for us, but by what we can do. What we can get done, specific or not.
Well, here's the key. Love God. Devote your life to Him. Now, serving and acting on what He tells you is good, but it never comes before loving Him with all you heart. Then it says to love your neighbor. Obviously, love and focus on Him should come before and specific task to change the way people think or bring God into the hallways.
It's incredible, when you just ask God to use you. You may not know how He's going to use you, but if your eyes are always on Him, He will put the pieces together. It's so hard not to see the picture of the puzzle and trust that He's putting it together right, but HE IS. So just love Him, be willing, and pray pray pray! Pray for the schools, the churches, and the people. His love for you and your love for Him will overflow into those halls. It has to start somewhere.
Also, chances are eventually, you'll look up and more opportunity then you ever could have thought up in your mind will be lieing right in front of you, and at the time, guess what? You're READY! Because you had been focusing on God, and who He is, you know exactly what to do with that opportunity when it comes.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart.
Spend time with Him, and KNOW Him.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
One Painting.
I may have used this comparison before, but it hit me hard today, so I would like to share it with anyone willing to read :].
I am so thankful now that I have found life in Him. Every morning I get to wake up, and know that I have meaning and purpose in God. He is painting this massive picture, that He has chosen ME to be a part of. Although the colors can change, the picture is always being painted. That picture is my life.
You see, before God, the colors were all sitting there not being used. I was so confused, seeking so much more to life, more to the colors rather than them being seperate. Then He came along, and united them in ways I could never imagine, making a beautiful picture. I know that He is constantly painting and that is always something to look forward to in the morning.
The colors are like seasons in your life. Sometimes He's using yellow, which may be a learning season. Maybe He's using a blue at the time which could be a season of waiting or patience. Or maybe He's using a red, which is a season for action and movement! Whatever the color, He's using them all to unite and create your life painting.
I can't wait for the day, when my painting is complete, and I finally get to meet the painter. It will make the painting so much clearer, so much more meaningful. For now, I am just thankful He chose to use me. I know that no matter where I am on this spiritual roller coaster, He's always got the paint brush in hand.
Remember, you're a child of a God. A painting in itself. Will you try to be the artist of your own life, messing it up over and over yet again? Or will you give the paintbrush up, and just be the colors. He will unite you and use you in ways you never knew could combine (as in the colors) so let Him!
I am so thankful now that I have found life in Him. Every morning I get to wake up, and know that I have meaning and purpose in God. He is painting this massive picture, that He has chosen ME to be a part of. Although the colors can change, the picture is always being painted. That picture is my life.
You see, before God, the colors were all sitting there not being used. I was so confused, seeking so much more to life, more to the colors rather than them being seperate. Then He came along, and united them in ways I could never imagine, making a beautiful picture. I know that He is constantly painting and that is always something to look forward to in the morning.
The colors are like seasons in your life. Sometimes He's using yellow, which may be a learning season. Maybe He's using a blue at the time which could be a season of waiting or patience. Or maybe He's using a red, which is a season for action and movement! Whatever the color, He's using them all to unite and create your life painting.
I can't wait for the day, when my painting is complete, and I finally get to meet the painter. It will make the painting so much clearer, so much more meaningful. For now, I am just thankful He chose to use me. I know that no matter where I am on this spiritual roller coaster, He's always got the paint brush in hand.
Remember, you're a child of a God. A painting in itself. Will you try to be the artist of your own life, messing it up over and over yet again? Or will you give the paintbrush up, and just be the colors. He will unite you and use you in ways you never knew could combine (as in the colors) so let Him!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
You ARE loved.
Today, I was sitting here on the computer, just relaxing enjoying the end of my weekend. When all of the sudden the doorbell rang. So my Mom and I go to the door, to find the neighbor at the door worried. She explains how she thinks her three year old son is missing and she has checked around and can't find him. Suddenly, everything else stops mattering and we all stop to go look for him. Finally, and thankfully, we found him after about 15 minutes.
The point of the story? One little child missing, is more valuable than any past time, anything we could ever do with our day. We all stopped, and left everything we were doing, to find that child.
YOU ARE THE CHILD. You see, chances are Ryan (the little boy) didn't even realize he was getting lost. He was just curious! Going here or there, exploring the world. (He's a very outgoing little boy!) In a lot of ways, we're just like him.
We wander easily from our home. God. Half the time, we don't even know it, we're just exploring life. But He wants us to stay home in Him, for safety. He knows what's out there that could hurt us, just like Ryan's mom knew that he could get stolen or something aweful.
But here's the good news. We have a Father who loves us so much, He does just what we did, stops everything for us and to find us again. He leaves the 99 to find the 1. YOU ARE THAT ONE. YOU ARE LOVED. You're loved more than anything, and He's always seeking you. Never forget that. No matter what you do, He will always pursue you. Pursue Him, and chances are you two will meet somewhere in the middle, finding your way back home.
The point of the story? One little child missing, is more valuable than any past time, anything we could ever do with our day. We all stopped, and left everything we were doing, to find that child.
YOU ARE THE CHILD. You see, chances are Ryan (the little boy) didn't even realize he was getting lost. He was just curious! Going here or there, exploring the world. (He's a very outgoing little boy!) In a lot of ways, we're just like him.
We wander easily from our home. God. Half the time, we don't even know it, we're just exploring life. But He wants us to stay home in Him, for safety. He knows what's out there that could hurt us, just like Ryan's mom knew that he could get stolen or something aweful.
But here's the good news. We have a Father who loves us so much, He does just what we did, stops everything for us and to find us again. He leaves the 99 to find the 1. YOU ARE THAT ONE. YOU ARE LOVED. You're loved more than anything, and He's always seeking you. Never forget that. No matter what you do, He will always pursue you. Pursue Him, and chances are you two will meet somewhere in the middle, finding your way back home.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Enough
Alright, so here's the deal.
I have been way off recently. Way off from God, way off from being supportive, way off from showing love, way off from being positive, and way off for living for Christ.
That changes NOW. I have fallen into a routine, and I hate it. It's hard to say, but I have definitaly changed since this summer, which is not a good thing. I seem to care about things that He never wanted me to, and that all stops now.
Things are changing, for the better, and He has placed me in a position to be a part of that change! So what do I do? I run from that position, to be "safe". Well, no more. I'm stepping up, and action has to be taken. But, first this has to happen.
I wanna start off by publicly saying sorry to God. I have abandoned you, turned away from you, and tried to do everything on my own. I never stopped loving you, I just thought I could do it all on my own for you. (How much sense does that make anyways?) So I know I am forgiven, but I'm sorry for ignoring you God. Thank you so much for being a God who always forgives, and thank you Jesus for granting me that grace, which I don't deserve whatsoever.
Next, I want to say sorry to all my friends that I HAVEN'T been encouraging. It's been all about me lately, what's good for me, what's easier for me, etc. I'm sorry, that I haven't been the Alec God made me to be, and that changes now. I will be supportive of you all, and loving and what not. I'm behind ALL OF YOU 100%, and still hoping that you will be behind me too. It's not gonna be an easy change, but I can do it. I'm sorry guys!
Also, I wanna say sorry to SWITCH. I have been so negative about that entire situation, when God wants to move through it! How could I ever even attempt to get in the way of God? It's an awesome program, trying to bring kids to Christ. Amazing enough in itself. So SWITCH, I'm sorry for not being there, I'm sorry for not giving my heart to something I believe in, and I am praying for everything there and will be a part of it!
Finally, I wanna say sorry to all the people I haven't met, that I should have by now. God wanted me to be outgoing this year, and there's still time, I just haven't yet. I'm sorry to those hurting out there, that need support. I can only pray that God will let our paths cross so I can be there for you. Just know God is always there, always seeking you, and always protecting you. He loves you more than anything you could ever experience, so sit in His love with confidence :].
So guys, that all changes now. I'm going to be trying way harder to live for God, and I just ask for you prayers. I can't wait to see what God is going to do this year, and I choose to be a part of it. So ALL OF YOU! Stay positive, and keep me accountable! (Even if I seem to just slap you back in the face) I truly appreciate it, and I'm thankful for ALL OF YOU, and that God has blessed me with people who I know don't give up on me. So here's the line, it's been enough, I'm done living for myself.
I love you all!
I have been way off recently. Way off from God, way off from being supportive, way off from showing love, way off from being positive, and way off for living for Christ.
That changes NOW. I have fallen into a routine, and I hate it. It's hard to say, but I have definitaly changed since this summer, which is not a good thing. I seem to care about things that He never wanted me to, and that all stops now.
Things are changing, for the better, and He has placed me in a position to be a part of that change! So what do I do? I run from that position, to be "safe". Well, no more. I'm stepping up, and action has to be taken. But, first this has to happen.
I wanna start off by publicly saying sorry to God. I have abandoned you, turned away from you, and tried to do everything on my own. I never stopped loving you, I just thought I could do it all on my own for you. (How much sense does that make anyways?) So I know I am forgiven, but I'm sorry for ignoring you God. Thank you so much for being a God who always forgives, and thank you Jesus for granting me that grace, which I don't deserve whatsoever.
Next, I want to say sorry to all my friends that I HAVEN'T been encouraging. It's been all about me lately, what's good for me, what's easier for me, etc. I'm sorry, that I haven't been the Alec God made me to be, and that changes now. I will be supportive of you all, and loving and what not. I'm behind ALL OF YOU 100%, and still hoping that you will be behind me too. It's not gonna be an easy change, but I can do it. I'm sorry guys!
Also, I wanna say sorry to SWITCH. I have been so negative about that entire situation, when God wants to move through it! How could I ever even attempt to get in the way of God? It's an awesome program, trying to bring kids to Christ. Amazing enough in itself. So SWITCH, I'm sorry for not being there, I'm sorry for not giving my heart to something I believe in, and I am praying for everything there and will be a part of it!
Finally, I wanna say sorry to all the people I haven't met, that I should have by now. God wanted me to be outgoing this year, and there's still time, I just haven't yet. I'm sorry to those hurting out there, that need support. I can only pray that God will let our paths cross so I can be there for you. Just know God is always there, always seeking you, and always protecting you. He loves you more than anything you could ever experience, so sit in His love with confidence :].
So guys, that all changes now. I'm going to be trying way harder to live for God, and I just ask for you prayers. I can't wait to see what God is going to do this year, and I choose to be a part of it. So ALL OF YOU! Stay positive, and keep me accountable! (Even if I seem to just slap you back in the face) I truly appreciate it, and I'm thankful for ALL OF YOU, and that God has blessed me with people who I know don't give up on me. So here's the line, it's been enough, I'm done living for myself.
I love you all!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Faith.
You know, I am a very analyzing kind of person. Everything must have an answer, and a way to get to it. This is why Math is my all time favorite subject, and I actually enjoy it. Now what does this have to do with anything? I believe this is why I have such a hard time with God. Everything must have an answer, and a way to get there. But He works so differently, this is where I must learn to trust and have FAITH.
Faith that He will lead me.
Faith that He will tell me what I need to do.
Faith that He will provide me with the tools I need to carry out His plans.
Faith that He is always there.
Faith that even though I myself cannot see the whole picture,
the Artist is still there painting,
and I am but a mere color.
Without someone to paint me, I'd be useless.
Hebrews 11
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
23By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
29By faith the people passed through the Red Sea[d] as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
30By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
Apparently, Faith is pretty important.
So what about you?
Will you give it over to God?
Trust that He is painting a picture,
more glorious then we could ever comprehend?
And let Him use you as a color,
in His masterpiece?
Let go of your life.
Faith that He will lead me.
Faith that He will tell me what I need to do.
Faith that He will provide me with the tools I need to carry out His plans.
Faith that He is always there.
Faith that even though I myself cannot see the whole picture,
the Artist is still there painting,
and I am but a mere color.
Without someone to paint me, I'd be useless.
Hebrews 11
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
23By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
29By faith the people passed through the Red Sea[d] as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
30By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
Apparently, Faith is pretty important.
So what about you?
Will you give it over to God?
Trust that He is painting a picture,
more glorious then we could ever comprehend?
And let Him use you as a color,
in His masterpiece?
Let go of your life.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
You hold the key.
This entire past week, I've been so focused on how God can use me, I've been ignoring Him. In turn, NOTHING seemed to click. I didn't feel purpose... didn't know what He wanted me to do... so I was just DOING. Which isn't very good. So tonight, my friend told me to just GO to God. Like when you have a friend and they have walls up around them... and you take all that time to break them down through talking. Do the same thing with God. Well, I decided to give it a try.
So after chatting with God for a while. He told me three things.
1)It's time for me to have more of a spiritual outlook on life.
2)I need to be investing in my treasures in HEAVEN. Not here.
3)We hold the key.
So, lets break this down. The first one, is that for me, I need to remember that God IS up there in heaven, and there are angels and demons battling. The best thing I can do, is remember Him, and remember how real all of this REALLY is. It's just beyond our ability to see the war, and the love, going on. The best way we can do that is by CONVERSATION. Talking to people about Him, making it part of everyday life. And this is one thing I need daily.
Next is pretty self explanatory, although I have to research more about it. I can't focus on this world, I can't care about things here. We have to love, but it's a love that comes from a much more meaningful source then anything this world could ever give. So invest your lives in heaven... not earth.
The final one was a vision God gave me. I was running around the house, looking for a key. It was a while, and finally, I looked in my pocket and there it was. THE WHOLE TIME. Then it was like, God said "YOU HOLD THE KEY", all you have to do is talk to me. Open up your heart, and guess what, I'm in there, so chances are if you're really opening up you'll find me. Don't lock me away, I love you and need your conversations like you need me.
So please, DON'T lock Him away like I did for a while.
So after chatting with God for a while. He told me three things.
1)It's time for me to have more of a spiritual outlook on life.
2)I need to be investing in my treasures in HEAVEN. Not here.
3)We hold the key.
So, lets break this down. The first one, is that for me, I need to remember that God IS up there in heaven, and there are angels and demons battling. The best thing I can do, is remember Him, and remember how real all of this REALLY is. It's just beyond our ability to see the war, and the love, going on. The best way we can do that is by CONVERSATION. Talking to people about Him, making it part of everyday life. And this is one thing I need daily.
Next is pretty self explanatory, although I have to research more about it. I can't focus on this world, I can't care about things here. We have to love, but it's a love that comes from a much more meaningful source then anything this world could ever give. So invest your lives in heaven... not earth.
The final one was a vision God gave me. I was running around the house, looking for a key. It was a while, and finally, I looked in my pocket and there it was. THE WHOLE TIME. Then it was like, God said "YOU HOLD THE KEY", all you have to do is talk to me. Open up your heart, and guess what, I'm in there, so chances are if you're really opening up you'll find me. Don't lock me away, I love you and need your conversations like you need me.
So please, DON'T lock Him away like I did for a while.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Pure Inspiration.
Words Left Unsaid
It's just a matter of time a few days ago
I saw you, you were fine
Remembering what you said
About the book you read
The one I got you
The Beginning of the End
Oh how we'd talk
For hours upon end
What I would give
Just to do it again
But you're lying there
In this hospital bed
Won't you open you eyes
And let's talk once again
(CHORUS)
If you fly away tonight
I want to tell you that I love you
I hope that you can hear me
I hope that you can feel me
If you fly away tonight
I want to tell you that I'm sorry
That I never told you
When we were face to face
Well I've been here all night
And I'm watching you
Breathe in and breathe out
Is it really you
Or just a machine
That's giving you life
And it's making seem
That there could be hope
I could say to your face
If it weren't for you
That there would be no grace
That's covered my life
You took the time
To speak into my mind
And my heart
Words of life
So goodbye for now
And I'll see you again
Some way, somehow
When it's my time
To go to the other side
I'll hold you again
And melt at your smile
Now all I have
Are the ones that I'm with
And you taught me not
To take for granted
The time that we have
To show that we care
Speak into their minds
And their hearts
While their here
And say I love you
It's just a matter of time a few days ago
I saw you, you were fine
Remembering what you said
About the book you read
The one I got you
The Beginning of the End
Oh how we'd talk
For hours upon end
What I would give
Just to do it again
But you're lying there
In this hospital bed
Won't you open you eyes
And let's talk once again
(CHORUS)
If you fly away tonight
I want to tell you that I love you
I hope that you can hear me
I hope that you can feel me
If you fly away tonight
I want to tell you that I'm sorry
That I never told you
When we were face to face
Well I've been here all night
And I'm watching you
Breathe in and breathe out
Is it really you
Or just a machine
That's giving you life
And it's making seem
That there could be hope
I could say to your face
If it weren't for you
That there would be no grace
That's covered my life
You took the time
To speak into my mind
And my heart
Words of life
So goodbye for now
And I'll see you again
Some way, somehow
When it's my time
To go to the other side
I'll hold you again
And melt at your smile
Now all I have
Are the ones that I'm with
And you taught me not
To take for granted
The time that we have
To show that we care
Speak into their minds
And their hearts
While their here
And say I love you
Friday, August 8, 2008
Caring.
Watch.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=5a2e075a1a4a6e1b9770
Is this what Jesus wanted us to show people?
How He shuns those who aren't perfect?
SHOW HIS LOVE.
IT GOES FARTHER THEN YOU COULD EVER KNOW.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=5a2e075a1a4a6e1b9770
Is this what Jesus wanted us to show people?
How He shuns those who aren't perfect?
SHOW HIS LOVE.
IT GOES FARTHER THEN YOU COULD EVER KNOW.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
LIVE, REALIZE, CARE. Will you accept the challenge?
There's so much more to life then we think.
We walk through day by day breathing as if we have more lives to live.
Well, we have ONE life to live.
And should we choose to LIVE, it can only be in Him.
People in this world are hurting,
Nobody cares.
They're too busy walking around with their "comfortable lives"
How can there be room for God if were comfortable?
He's always seeking us.
What a slap in the face to have His own children not seek Him.
Not only do we need to seek Him, we need to realize.
Realize He gave us a life we DO NOT DESERVE.
So what else could we possibly do then live it for Him?
Is there a choice? Of course.
Will you choose to LIVE, and seek Him in everything?
Or to be comfortable.
Finally, we need to start CARING.
People are hurting, and we have the power to show them LOVE.
Give me your eyes for just one second,
Give me your eyes so I can see,
EVERYTHING THAT I KEEP MISSING,
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted,
The ones that are far beyond my reach,
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten,
Give me your eyes so I can see.
Will you choose to LIVE, REALIZE, and CARE? Or to stay comfortable.
Oblivious to what's going on around you.
Accept His love, accept His family.
Accept His family, accept human kind.
Accept human kind, SHOW THEM LOVE.
We walk through day by day breathing as if we have more lives to live.
Well, we have ONE life to live.
And should we choose to LIVE, it can only be in Him.
People in this world are hurting,
Nobody cares.
They're too busy walking around with their "comfortable lives"
How can there be room for God if were comfortable?
He's always seeking us.
What a slap in the face to have His own children not seek Him.
Not only do we need to seek Him, we need to realize.
Realize He gave us a life we DO NOT DESERVE.
So what else could we possibly do then live it for Him?
Is there a choice? Of course.
Will you choose to LIVE, and seek Him in everything?
Or to be comfortable.
Finally, we need to start CARING.
People are hurting, and we have the power to show them LOVE.
Give me your eyes for just one second,
Give me your eyes so I can see,
EVERYTHING THAT I KEEP MISSING,
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted,
The ones that are far beyond my reach,
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten,
Give me your eyes so I can see.
Will you choose to LIVE, REALIZE, and CARE? Or to stay comfortable.
Oblivious to what's going on around you.
Accept His love, accept His family.
Accept His family, accept human kind.
Accept human kind, SHOW THEM LOVE.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Love.
Recently, I have truly been wondering EXACTLY what love is. I finally decided to go to God. Who better to learn love from then love Himself? So I was listening to a song... really trying to open up my heart for His love. It was a song called "There Is Nothing Like" by Hilsong United. Here is the chorus...
And all
To You God
For all You are to me
There is nothing like
There is nothing like
Your Love.. Your Love
Pretty basic right? I'm sitting here, trying to comprehend His love, and I truly just suddenly felt like I was missing it. I was missing His love. That's why I can't seem to love others well, and many other things. So I went from this song, to praying "God SHOW ME YOUR LOVE" over and over. Well, then I thought about a song and started listening to it. It's called From the Inside Out by Hilsong United.
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
So then I start to think... man, I just really don't know God's love, so I don't know what God's love is! Then I was praying for God yet again to SHOW ME HIS LOVE, and it HIT me. He has. It's funny, earlier today I was thinking about posting something about how big of a deal it was that He sent His son. Something like, "would you ever do that?" Or something... And then this comes along. THAT is His love. I mean I have always heard how He loves us and sent his only begotten son etc... but to really understand that love, and know that it's in US so we can love Him back and others... now there is an amazing concept.
I leave you with this video, hopefully reminding you of His love as it has reminded me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBAhvI0TRDs
And all
To You God
For all You are to me
There is nothing like
There is nothing like
Your Love.. Your Love
Pretty basic right? I'm sitting here, trying to comprehend His love, and I truly just suddenly felt like I was missing it. I was missing His love. That's why I can't seem to love others well, and many other things. So I went from this song, to praying "God SHOW ME YOUR LOVE" over and over. Well, then I thought about a song and started listening to it. It's called From the Inside Out by Hilsong United.
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
So then I start to think... man, I just really don't know God's love, so I don't know what God's love is! Then I was praying for God yet again to SHOW ME HIS LOVE, and it HIT me. He has. It's funny, earlier today I was thinking about posting something about how big of a deal it was that He sent His son. Something like, "would you ever do that?" Or something... And then this comes along. THAT is His love. I mean I have always heard how He loves us and sent his only begotten son etc... but to really understand that love, and know that it's in US so we can love Him back and others... now there is an amazing concept.
I leave you with this video, hopefully reminding you of His love as it has reminded me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBAhvI0TRDs
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
I've died to myself. Now what?
So as I said in previous blogs, you have to DIE to yourself. Give up everything you thought you stood for, and just die. But, I am just now learning how awefully wrong that can go, if you don't find life. You can die to yourself and not care or worry about things, but if you don't fill yourself with Him, you will eventually just be left either lazy and empty, or go back to figuring everything out on your own.
Basically, dieing to yourself is more than only giving things up to Him. It's spending time with Him, it's listening for Him, it's doing anything to get closer to Him. It's not only about giving up everything you have, but also looking to Him to fill that. You're dieing to yourself so you can make room for Him, so LET HIM IN! Just dieing to yourself would be pointless.
So all I can do is encourage you to focus on HIM, by not worrying about everything, and spending time with Him. It's true, He will take care of things in your life when you just focus on Him and love/spend time with Him. So die to yourself, but remember WHY you're dieing. LOOK TO HIM.
Matthew 10:38-39 *The Message
38-39"If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me.
Basically, dieing to yourself is more than only giving things up to Him. It's spending time with Him, it's listening for Him, it's doing anything to get closer to Him. It's not only about giving up everything you have, but also looking to Him to fill that. You're dieing to yourself so you can make room for Him, so LET HIM IN! Just dieing to yourself would be pointless.
So all I can do is encourage you to focus on HIM, by not worrying about everything, and spending time with Him. It's true, He will take care of things in your life when you just focus on Him and love/spend time with Him. So die to yourself, but remember WHY you're dieing. LOOK TO HIM.
Matthew 10:38-39 *The Message
38-39"If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Camp WOW: Experience 3
So for my final experience, I'm going to take you to the 2nd to last DAY of camp, leading up the last night. We were down by the lake, having our cardboard boat races when Ketric comes up to me. I hadn't seen him all week, because he was with mid high, and he wanted to talk. So we went on up to the cafeteria and chatted about camp, and some things that have gone on in my life recently. I thought it was a chat, but then he wanted me to do something for the service.
So I went early and talked to the head guy in charge of running the experiences at night, and apparently I was chosen from the Edmond campus to be part of it. There were 12 other kids there too. Now, when I learned what I was going to get to do, to be honest I was REALLY excited. You see, that night they wanted to do a "cardboard testimony" thing to the song "Jesus Paid It All." (Great song.) So, they handed me a posterboard and a marker, and said "tell YOUR story." On one side, it was your story before you saw Jesus, and on the other it was how He came into the situation.
So, I immediately knew what my story would be. That is, my parents splitting this year and me having to endure that. On the "negative" side of my board, I wrote "Seeing parents split", on the flip side, aka Jesus side, I wrote "seeking Heavenly Father." So the night came, and it was time for me to stand in front of 700 people and share my testimony. I walked on stage, and as I flipped that sign, and heard all the cheering for Jesus, it hit me. HE IS THE ANSWER TO MY STRUGGLES AND THE THINGS THE DEVIL HAS PUT INTO MY LIFE. That night was so empowering, and I loved helping others with my story.
So now I have to ask you, what's your story? If you could tell one issue that goes on in your life, what would it be? What would the flip side aka Jesus side say? Or would it be blank as to where you are right now? Are you not SEEING Jesus in the situation? Well He's always there, you just have to seek Him. Mark 7:7.
So I went early and talked to the head guy in charge of running the experiences at night, and apparently I was chosen from the Edmond campus to be part of it. There were 12 other kids there too. Now, when I learned what I was going to get to do, to be honest I was REALLY excited. You see, that night they wanted to do a "cardboard testimony" thing to the song "Jesus Paid It All." (Great song.) So, they handed me a posterboard and a marker, and said "tell YOUR story." On one side, it was your story before you saw Jesus, and on the other it was how He came into the situation.
So, I immediately knew what my story would be. That is, my parents splitting this year and me having to endure that. On the "negative" side of my board, I wrote "Seeing parents split", on the flip side, aka Jesus side, I wrote "seeking Heavenly Father." So the night came, and it was time for me to stand in front of 700 people and share my testimony. I walked on stage, and as I flipped that sign, and heard all the cheering for Jesus, it hit me. HE IS THE ANSWER TO MY STRUGGLES AND THE THINGS THE DEVIL HAS PUT INTO MY LIFE. That night was so empowering, and I loved helping others with my story.
So now I have to ask you, what's your story? If you could tell one issue that goes on in your life, what would it be? What would the flip side aka Jesus side say? Or would it be blank as to where you are right now? Are you not SEEING Jesus in the situation? Well He's always there, you just have to seek Him. Mark 7:7.
Monday, July 21, 2008
2nd Camp Wow Experience
Okay, so moving on with our Camp Wow experience here, I'm going to take you to the 3rd night of camp. See, this night was a huge night for me randomly, because in worship I realized a HUGE thing. That was, that in my life I ignore the pain around me and use God as an excuse by saying "Well I'm looking to God instead of the pain" but the truth was, I was just ignoring the pain altogether. So once I realized this, in worship I prayed that God would put all that pain on me but in a good way, so that I could remember the pain of my parents splitting, dad drinking, etc. And that I wouldn't ever end up that way.
So in worship, all this pain just completely comes over me. It hits me like a ton of bricks, and I just started BAWLING. I haven't cried that hard in a REALLY long time. But see, I loved the pain because I was taking it on and fighting through it. Finding the beauty of it through Him. As I was crying and worshiping, I got all these words in my head so I decided to write them down. These are them, word for word, nothing changed. Authentic from when it happened:
It's time to take on the pain, and conquer it. I can't just go through acting like life's good. I've been ripped so many things for a reason, and that is to find Him. NO MORE IGNORING. He does help me through hard times, but I've made myself numb to pain, which could let me fall into the same traps as those that have hurt me. If you're numb, you can't feel what He needs you to experience. My alternative to pain has not been God, it's been ignoring it. I try to fix it from the OUTSIDE IN by being numb and acting for Him. I seem to think I need to be strong for everyone else. You (as in God) have given me all these things, and I want to use them so bring on the pain.
You see, these words were given to me, and I can only hope they help you like they helped me. It was a very amazing experience, and I'll always remember it. Just remember, He must fix you from the INSIDE OUT.
Oh, and the dog joined us that night in our small group ;] imagine that.
So in worship, all this pain just completely comes over me. It hits me like a ton of bricks, and I just started BAWLING. I haven't cried that hard in a REALLY long time. But see, I loved the pain because I was taking it on and fighting through it. Finding the beauty of it through Him. As I was crying and worshiping, I got all these words in my head so I decided to write them down. These are them, word for word, nothing changed. Authentic from when it happened:
It's time to take on the pain, and conquer it. I can't just go through acting like life's good. I've been ripped so many things for a reason, and that is to find Him. NO MORE IGNORING. He does help me through hard times, but I've made myself numb to pain, which could let me fall into the same traps as those that have hurt me. If you're numb, you can't feel what He needs you to experience. My alternative to pain has not been God, it's been ignoring it. I try to fix it from the OUTSIDE IN by being numb and acting for Him. I seem to think I need to be strong for everyone else. You (as in God) have given me all these things, and I want to use them so bring on the pain.
You see, these words were given to me, and I can only hope they help you like they helped me. It was a very amazing experience, and I'll always remember it. Just remember, He must fix you from the INSIDE OUT.
Oh, and the dog joined us that night in our small group ;] imagine that.
Camp WOW: Experience 1
Okay, so as I said in the previous post, a lot happened at camp WOW! I've decided to seperate all of it into 3 posts, with 3 different experiences. This, as the title says, is the first one. It happened the second night and was just really cool!
Okay, so we're in worship, and talking about praying and connecting with God while people break away and go write things on the prayer wall. A lot of people were crying, but for some reason I was just sitting there. When I tried to worship, for the first time God told me that I needed to go pray over someone. At first this weirded me out and I just ignored Him and kept worshiping. But, there was a huge block in my worship, and He was just saying NO, GO PRAY OVER SOMEONE EVEN BEFORE YOU WORSHIP ME. So, I finally gave in.
My first question to God was, "alright, WHO do you want me to pray over?" After about 10 minutes, two names came to my mind. Those were my friend Jordan, and my cousin Elie. I still had no idea why I needed to though. So during worship still, I look around and see neither. After a while I just realize that isn't the right time snd I need to wait. Here's where it gets crazy.
After service, walking out to our small groups, someone is walking in front of me. As she turns around, I realize its Jordan! And, she was crying and tells me we need to talk and I'm like YES WE DO! So after small groups, we walk around the camp and just discuss the service and we both prayed over each other. While we were walking, that verse that says "For where two or more gather, I am there" came to mind. So I said it, and there was one of the camp dogs following us next to Jordan. I made a joke about the dog and how He represented God and we laughed.
We keep walking around, and it keep followings us (the dog). After a while though it walks off and we keep talking. Well, when we finally stop to pray over each other, I can see the dog about 4 yards away laying down just looking at us. I think it's kind of ironic that He was watching us, but still ignore it. We continue and start praying and when we open our eyes the dog is sitting right next to us looking up (at us). This dog just gave me an overwhelming comfort for some reason, kind of seeing that God really was there.
Another cool part of this story, is that while Jordan and I were walking around talking, I had just told her about how I also needed to pray over Elie. She kind of just went with it, but we were really struck about a minute later. We passed Elie and 3 of her friends, and she was bawling. She runs up to me and says "ALEC! WHERE WERE YOU? I NEEDED YOU SO BAD IN THE SERVICE AND NOONE COULD UNDERSTAND!" So I'm like I KNEW YOU DID! And we talked more later and it all worked out well. It was just cool to be that reassured both ways from God that I really was supposed to pray over them :].
Expect more in the following days.
Okay, so we're in worship, and talking about praying and connecting with God while people break away and go write things on the prayer wall. A lot of people were crying, but for some reason I was just sitting there. When I tried to worship, for the first time God told me that I needed to go pray over someone. At first this weirded me out and I just ignored Him and kept worshiping. But, there was a huge block in my worship, and He was just saying NO, GO PRAY OVER SOMEONE EVEN BEFORE YOU WORSHIP ME. So, I finally gave in.
My first question to God was, "alright, WHO do you want me to pray over?" After about 10 minutes, two names came to my mind. Those were my friend Jordan, and my cousin Elie. I still had no idea why I needed to though. So during worship still, I look around and see neither. After a while I just realize that isn't the right time snd I need to wait. Here's where it gets crazy.
After service, walking out to our small groups, someone is walking in front of me. As she turns around, I realize its Jordan! And, she was crying and tells me we need to talk and I'm like YES WE DO! So after small groups, we walk around the camp and just discuss the service and we both prayed over each other. While we were walking, that verse that says "For where two or more gather, I am there" came to mind. So I said it, and there was one of the camp dogs following us next to Jordan. I made a joke about the dog and how He represented God and we laughed.
We keep walking around, and it keep followings us (the dog). After a while though it walks off and we keep talking. Well, when we finally stop to pray over each other, I can see the dog about 4 yards away laying down just looking at us. I think it's kind of ironic that He was watching us, but still ignore it. We continue and start praying and when we open our eyes the dog is sitting right next to us looking up (at us). This dog just gave me an overwhelming comfort for some reason, kind of seeing that God really was there.
Another cool part of this story, is that while Jordan and I were walking around talking, I had just told her about how I also needed to pray over Elie. She kind of just went with it, but we were really struck about a minute later. We passed Elie and 3 of her friends, and she was bawling. She runs up to me and says "ALEC! WHERE WERE YOU? I NEEDED YOU SO BAD IN THE SERVICE AND NOONE COULD UNDERSTAND!" So I'm like I KNEW YOU DID! And we talked more later and it all worked out well. It was just cool to be that reassured both ways from God that I really was supposed to pray over them :].
Expect more in the following days.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
I'm Home!
I'M HOME!!!!! Camp was amazing as always, and I really got to know some people better. The experience cannot be described in one blog, but I will try in multiple. STARTING TOMORROW! I'm exhausted right now so I'm going to rest and chill, but information on how it went will be on the way :].
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Camp WOW!!!!!
I'm going to camp WOW tomorrow morning! I will not be updating until atleast Sunday, so be praying that all of us get there and back safe, and experience God like never before! Talk to everyone soon!
-Alec
-Alec
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Die To Yourself.
People say this phrase all the time. "You must die to yourself to find God." But, what does it really mean? Obviously the literal meaning is to give up all your wants and your desires, so there is room for the Lord to show you what He has in store for you and what His wants and His desires are for you. But why do we "die" to ourselves in the first place?
Recently, I was thinking about life and death. The bible says in Philippians 1:21 "21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Now what does this mean? Well, lets look at a literal meaning. On the Earth, when we are living and breathing physically, were living for Christ and sharing His word. We are working for the Lord, and alive. But, when we die, we enter a much greater life, eternal life. In this life, we can run with Jesus forever, and God we will worship all the time. How amazing? So dieing is far more gain then living.
So, when you look at "Dieing to yourself" it only makes sense that in order to be CLOSER to Him, we must die to ourselves. When we die physically, we are brought closer to Him in eternal life, so when we die to ourselves on the earth we are brought closer to Him spiritually.
Empty yourself of you, so you can be filled with the Spirit and alive.
Recently, I was thinking about life and death. The bible says in Philippians 1:21 "21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Now what does this mean? Well, lets look at a literal meaning. On the Earth, when we are living and breathing physically, were living for Christ and sharing His word. We are working for the Lord, and alive. But, when we die, we enter a much greater life, eternal life. In this life, we can run with Jesus forever, and God we will worship all the time. How amazing? So dieing is far more gain then living.
So, when you look at "Dieing to yourself" it only makes sense that in order to be CLOSER to Him, we must die to ourselves. When we die physically, we are brought closer to Him in eternal life, so when we die to ourselves on the earth we are brought closer to Him spiritually.
Empty yourself of you, so you can be filled with the Spirit and alive.
Rest, Prepare, Live.
As I sat in my "quiet time" today, I was asking God to start showing me new things. I have been in neutral it feels for a couple of days now, and I don't like that! I was just really ready for some action, learning, and fun. But as I kept asking, slowly I realized something.
A lot is going to start happening as we start to get closer to school starting back up, I can already tell. And I feel like the beginning of the summer the Lord just dumped all this knowledge on a lot of people, and now we are supposed to not only retain that knowledge, but rest. It's kind of that awkward point in time before you go out to "war" or whatever you would want to call it. You've learned about all these things, have the tools to fight (or experience), and you're just SO ready to use them. But this is a resting time, before the battle (or life) happens.
So here are the 3 points I'm trying to make:
1. Do not get anxious for what the Lord will bring you.
"Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14
2. Rest in a preparing fashion. Do not rest and get lazy, but rest and RETAIN the knowledge He has given you.
Luke 22:46
"Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."
3.Don't worry, live. Wait for the Lord, and just be patient, but don't stop your life. You never know what small lessons He may bring you still.
Matthew 6:34 (The Message)
34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."
A lot is going to start happening as we start to get closer to school starting back up, I can already tell. And I feel like the beginning of the summer the Lord just dumped all this knowledge on a lot of people, and now we are supposed to not only retain that knowledge, but rest. It's kind of that awkward point in time before you go out to "war" or whatever you would want to call it. You've learned about all these things, have the tools to fight (or experience), and you're just SO ready to use them. But this is a resting time, before the battle (or life) happens.
So here are the 3 points I'm trying to make:
1. Do not get anxious for what the Lord will bring you.
"Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14
2. Rest in a preparing fashion. Do not rest and get lazy, but rest and RETAIN the knowledge He has given you.
Luke 22:46
"Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."
3.Don't worry, live. Wait for the Lord, and just be patient, but don't stop your life. You never know what small lessons He may bring you still.
Matthew 6:34 (The Message)
34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."
Friday, July 11, 2008
Think.
Just think about this video as you watch it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piuoGb-Nhfw&feature=related
Would you stand up?
Is that flame inside of you strong enough?
Your passion for Him?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piuoGb-Nhfw&feature=related
Would you stand up?
Is that flame inside of you strong enough?
Your passion for Him?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
2 Day Fast :]
About three days ago I decided that the Lord was telling me to fast the computer, because I am on it SOOO much. I wasn’t positive about all the reasons, but I just went with it I guess. So during my 2 day fast, I came across a verse that basically told me WHY I needed to fast in the first place (thank goodness I did!) That verse is Matthew 5:8- You’re blessed when you get your inside world (your heart and your mind) put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. “The Message”
I realized then that this was what I was fasting for! I was supposed to fast the computer because my heart and mind were getting off track. I was getting distracted, which is SO easy for us to do as humans. But no, I didn’t let the devil win this battle! So many times people wonder, “Why can’t I hear the Holy Spirit? Or see God’s works?” Well, just like this verse says, you have got to be PREPARED to see them, in this case with your heart and mind. This brings me to my next point.
God created humans to have a relationship for Him, like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. They were SO CLOSE to Him! They walked with Him and had conversations, etc. Well, He STILL WANTS THAT! And, first He gave His son (Jesus Christ) to make it possible for Him to show us and speak to us, but there’s more that you have to do after accepting His son. In Mark 6:1-6 it explains how Jesus visits His hometown after He has performed all these other miracles elsewhere, and speaks on that Sunday at the service. After His sermon, all the people are at first amazed at how much wisdom this Man had gained! But in THE NEXT BREATH they were down talking Him. “He’s only a carpenter, just Mary’s son. How could He do anything great?” And for this VERY REASON, Jesus could NOT perform miracles in that town. They were hindering Him, and so He couldn’t show them His total power.
So basically you can hinder the Spirit whether you want to or not. He can only use you if you are willing, and purify your heart and your mind. So what are you willing to do for Him to use you and reveal multiple things to you?
I realized then that this was what I was fasting for! I was supposed to fast the computer because my heart and mind were getting off track. I was getting distracted, which is SO easy for us to do as humans. But no, I didn’t let the devil win this battle! So many times people wonder, “Why can’t I hear the Holy Spirit? Or see God’s works?” Well, just like this verse says, you have got to be PREPARED to see them, in this case with your heart and mind. This brings me to my next point.
God created humans to have a relationship for Him, like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. They were SO CLOSE to Him! They walked with Him and had conversations, etc. Well, He STILL WANTS THAT! And, first He gave His son (Jesus Christ) to make it possible for Him to show us and speak to us, but there’s more that you have to do after accepting His son. In Mark 6:1-6 it explains how Jesus visits His hometown after He has performed all these other miracles elsewhere, and speaks on that Sunday at the service. After His sermon, all the people are at first amazed at how much wisdom this Man had gained! But in THE NEXT BREATH they were down talking Him. “He’s only a carpenter, just Mary’s son. How could He do anything great?” And for this VERY REASON, Jesus could NOT perform miracles in that town. They were hindering Him, and so He couldn’t show them His total power.
So basically you can hinder the Spirit whether you want to or not. He can only use you if you are willing, and purify your heart and your mind. So what are you willing to do for Him to use you and reveal multiple things to you?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Update, some thoughts.
Hello all!
Sorry for the long time no post situation! Haha I've been very busy. Fourth of July was amazing, I spent it with a lot of friends from church out at UCO, hung out, watched the awesome fireworks, and went to a late night movie (Hancock) to end it all up :]. Also, the next day I went to church and spent the night at Jacob and Kody's house, where we lit fireworks. This year's holiday rocked! I hope yours went as well as mine :].
As for learning, I'm trying to still slow down from the craziness and get back to what He's teaching me. Before the weekend came, I kept thinking about how I can show Him to more people, in the way I act. And then I kind of had a "DUH!" moment, when I realized in order to show Him, I need to be more like Him, so people will see Him when they are around me! So I dug into it a bit.
As I researched it, that entire last week the Fruit of the Spirit kept coming up! Right and left I kept hearing it, so I decided to think about it and dwell on it. As I did, I finally realized WHAT they mean. I have heard that term since I was super little, and just now put together that He has put the answer key to how He acted (Jesus) here on earth in these "fruits". So I encourage you to look over them, think about how they apply in your life, and show Jesus' acts more to whoever you're influencing throughout your every day. Which the actual term of "Christianity" means to be like Christ. So here's the answer:
Galations 5:22-23
But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), and self-control (self-restraint, continence).
Sorry for the long time no post situation! Haha I've been very busy. Fourth of July was amazing, I spent it with a lot of friends from church out at UCO, hung out, watched the awesome fireworks, and went to a late night movie (Hancock) to end it all up :]. Also, the next day I went to church and spent the night at Jacob and Kody's house, where we lit fireworks. This year's holiday rocked! I hope yours went as well as mine :].
As for learning, I'm trying to still slow down from the craziness and get back to what He's teaching me. Before the weekend came, I kept thinking about how I can show Him to more people, in the way I act. And then I kind of had a "DUH!" moment, when I realized in order to show Him, I need to be more like Him, so people will see Him when they are around me! So I dug into it a bit.
As I researched it, that entire last week the Fruit of the Spirit kept coming up! Right and left I kept hearing it, so I decided to think about it and dwell on it. As I did, I finally realized WHAT they mean. I have heard that term since I was super little, and just now put together that He has put the answer key to how He acted (Jesus) here on earth in these "fruits". So I encourage you to look over them, think about how they apply in your life, and show Jesus' acts more to whoever you're influencing throughout your every day. Which the actual term of "Christianity" means to be like Christ. So here's the answer:
Galations 5:22-23
But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), and self-control (self-restraint, continence).
Thursday, July 3, 2008
You have the power, in His name.
This song, just describes what I am realizing perfectly.
History (Matthew West)
Well It's been a bad day
You've been looking back
And all you can see is everything you wish you could take back
All your mistakes
A world of regrets
All of those moments you would rather forget
I know it's hard to believe Let me refresh your memory
CHORUS
Yesterday is history And history is miles away
So, leave it all behind you
But let it always remind you of the day
The day that love made history
You know you can't stay right where you fell
The hardest part is forgiving yourself
But let's take a walk into today
And don't let your past get in the way
Would you believe that you are history in the making, in the making?
Every choice that you are making
Every step that you are taking
Every chain that you are breaking
History is in the making
Every word that you are saying
Every prayer that you are praying
Every chain that you are breaking
History is in the making
History is in the making
History is in the making
This song, is perfect for forgiveness, and moving on. We are human, and we are SOO gonna make mistakes. But look at what the song is saying, YESTERDAY, IS HISTORY. and HISTORY, IS MILES AWAY. so, LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND YOU. This part in itself, is saying "don't hinder what the Lord can do through you by worrying about your sin!" move on. it's all behind you. the Bible says our past, present, and future sin has been forgiven. so it's now up to you, to move on.
LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND YOU, BUT LET IT ALWAYS REMIND YOU OF THE DAY, THE DAY THAT LOVE MADE HISTORY. This is my favorite part, because although you have been forgiven, you can't forget the sin or else it will keep coming back. You have to take charge, and use it as a REMINDER of what His grace and His sacrifice has given you.
First accept the sacrifice, then remember it, now GO.
The last part
Every choice that you are making - Make choices that honor Him, and you will be rewarded.
Every step that you are taking - Your actions speak way louder then words.
Every chain that you are breaking - Your forgiveness and ability to overcome (through Him), is inspiration to many others.
History is in the making - Remember, your MAKING HISTORY.
So I leave you with this, is the history you are NOW making, gonna be one to remember? Or a regretful, dark path? Because the truth is, you have the POWER in you through Him to forgive the past, walk in the present, and create amazing history for the future.
History (Matthew West)
Well It's been a bad day
You've been looking back
And all you can see is everything you wish you could take back
All your mistakes
A world of regrets
All of those moments you would rather forget
I know it's hard to believe Let me refresh your memory
CHORUS
Yesterday is history And history is miles away
So, leave it all behind you
But let it always remind you of the day
The day that love made history
You know you can't stay right where you fell
The hardest part is forgiving yourself
But let's take a walk into today
And don't let your past get in the way
Would you believe that you are history in the making, in the making?
Every choice that you are making
Every step that you are taking
Every chain that you are breaking
History is in the making
Every word that you are saying
Every prayer that you are praying
Every chain that you are breaking
History is in the making
History is in the making
History is in the making
This song, is perfect for forgiveness, and moving on. We are human, and we are SOO gonna make mistakes. But look at what the song is saying, YESTERDAY, IS HISTORY. and HISTORY, IS MILES AWAY. so, LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND YOU. This part in itself, is saying "don't hinder what the Lord can do through you by worrying about your sin!" move on. it's all behind you. the Bible says our past, present, and future sin has been forgiven. so it's now up to you, to move on.
LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND YOU, BUT LET IT ALWAYS REMIND YOU OF THE DAY, THE DAY THAT LOVE MADE HISTORY. This is my favorite part, because although you have been forgiven, you can't forget the sin or else it will keep coming back. You have to take charge, and use it as a REMINDER of what His grace and His sacrifice has given you.
First accept the sacrifice, then remember it, now GO.
The last part
Every choice that you are making - Make choices that honor Him, and you will be rewarded.
Every step that you are taking - Your actions speak way louder then words.
Every chain that you are breaking - Your forgiveness and ability to overcome (through Him), is inspiration to many others.
History is in the making - Remember, your MAKING HISTORY.
So I leave you with this, is the history you are NOW making, gonna be one to remember? Or a regretful, dark path? Because the truth is, you have the POWER in you through Him to forgive the past, walk in the present, and create amazing history for the future.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Two Things.
Okay, so I was just in "quiet time" or whatever you would like to call it with the Lord, and He has shown me quite a bit. First of all, I feel as though right now im coming out of the dip (referring back to Craig's sermon on Habakuk). My spiritual life is growing, and I'm just really becoming closer to the Lord. I know I am not at the top yet, but that is where I'm headed. Not only can a dip be the dip in life, like things just NEVER go you're way, but it's also a dip in spirituality for me. But like Craig said, embrace the dip, and wait it out. It's totally worth it.
So now I'm on the starting line to climp that line up to reach the top right? Well let me tell you, I'm a little nervous. God has set up so many things in my life, and I want to execute them for Him! I just want to follow that path that He has set, so I can get to the destination as He would want me to. Well for this, I simply need one word: GUIDANCE. Who's basically the KING of GUIDANCE? That would be God :]. I mean I just pray to give the right advice, to say the right things, and live for Him as He would want me to. I'm human, sure I'll make mistakes, but HE'S inside of me, so that should help a little ;]. I just ask for prayer that as He takes me into this season, I would not hinder Him but grow in Him and live for Him!
The second thing is, as I was worshiping, I prayed yet again that I could remember WHAT I was worshiping for. It could be so many reasons! But for tonight, it was just mainly focused around Jesus DIEING on the cross for me. So i worshiped to a song called "This Man" by Jeremy Camp. Here are some of the lyrics:
Would you take the place of this man?
Would you take the nails from His hands?
The King, was placed, for all the world to show disgrace
But only beauty flowed from this place.
Now see, I got this vision when that 3rd line came up. It was kind of a modern realization, and it was the cross, and Him hanging there, but in a T.V. screen. Because now days, almost the whole world it seems has a T.V. or computer. And He was placed on this cross in front of the ENTIRE world to show disgrace. That just ripped me up. That everyone was seeing Him, and so many were laughing, tearing Him down. Wow, thank you Jesus. Thank you Thank you Thank you.
The other part of the vision, was Satan RUNNING. Running away from Jesus for He knew that this was NOT the guy to mess with, and that he was toast by Jesus' love. I can see him running inside a cave where its dark, and he can grow. Just like sin can, as long as its in the darkness. I finally understand that sin DOES grow in the dark. so LET IT OUT INTO THE LIGHT. The LIGHT can kill it, it's CHRIST!!!! :].
So now I'm on the starting line to climp that line up to reach the top right? Well let me tell you, I'm a little nervous. God has set up so many things in my life, and I want to execute them for Him! I just want to follow that path that He has set, so I can get to the destination as He would want me to. Well for this, I simply need one word: GUIDANCE. Who's basically the KING of GUIDANCE? That would be God :]. I mean I just pray to give the right advice, to say the right things, and live for Him as He would want me to. I'm human, sure I'll make mistakes, but HE'S inside of me, so that should help a little ;]. I just ask for prayer that as He takes me into this season, I would not hinder Him but grow in Him and live for Him!
The second thing is, as I was worshiping, I prayed yet again that I could remember WHAT I was worshiping for. It could be so many reasons! But for tonight, it was just mainly focused around Jesus DIEING on the cross for me. So i worshiped to a song called "This Man" by Jeremy Camp. Here are some of the lyrics:
Would you take the place of this man?
Would you take the nails from His hands?
The King, was placed, for all the world to show disgrace
But only beauty flowed from this place.
Now see, I got this vision when that 3rd line came up. It was kind of a modern realization, and it was the cross, and Him hanging there, but in a T.V. screen. Because now days, almost the whole world it seems has a T.V. or computer. And He was placed on this cross in front of the ENTIRE world to show disgrace. That just ripped me up. That everyone was seeing Him, and so many were laughing, tearing Him down. Wow, thank you Jesus. Thank you Thank you Thank you.
The other part of the vision, was Satan RUNNING. Running away from Jesus for He knew that this was NOT the guy to mess with, and that he was toast by Jesus' love. I can see him running inside a cave where its dark, and he can grow. Just like sin can, as long as its in the darkness. I finally understand that sin DOES grow in the dark. so LET IT OUT INTO THE LIGHT. The LIGHT can kill it, it's CHRIST!!!! :].
Monday, June 30, 2008
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Okay, so recently I had been having confusing thoughts about the difference between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Like, who are you praying to when you say Lord? Or, which is better to go to? Well, as I talked to Ketric about it, He told me to go to the Holy Spirit for guidance. So, I did and I was like "H.S., please show me what I need to do to understand the differences." And all I got was "Go READ THE WORD!"
So, I did, and this is what I stumbled upon.
Hebrews 2:14-15
14-15Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it's logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil's hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death.
Here's the realization.
Holy Spirit-Go to Lord for guidance. The Holy Spirit is what rose from the dead when Jesus was gone 3 days after He was crucified. So, it still has all the memories and what not of the experiences He had on Earth as a human. Jesus had to come to the earth, so that He could experience life like us humans do, but the difference is when all that temptation came up, He CONQUERED it. So when you say Jesus is in you, you mean the Holy Spirit. Well, if Jesus (also the Holy Spirit) conquered the temptation and He's REALLY in you, then why can't you? So basically, when you're praying for guidance and answers, the Holy Spirit is the "Go to Lord" (as Ketric said earlier.)
Jesus- Jesus was the Holy Spirit in human form basically. He lived on the earth and experienced what we experience every day. I am praying to Him when I basically thank Him for dieing on the cross. But mainly, my worship is for Him.
God- God is mainly the worship lover ;]. Without Him, there would be no earth, no humans, and no Jesus which = no love. I love to thank Him for everything! Making things work out the way they did, creating people, bringing people into my life, He's got all that covered up there. Mainly, worship is about Him as well!
So I can only hope that my realization can maybe clear some things up for you. All three forms of the Lord are JUST as important, you just go to them and spend time with each for maybe different reasons. Woo!
So, I did, and this is what I stumbled upon.
Hebrews 2:14-15
14-15Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it's logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil's hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death.
Here's the realization.
Holy Spirit-Go to Lord for guidance. The Holy Spirit is what rose from the dead when Jesus was gone 3 days after He was crucified. So, it still has all the memories and what not of the experiences He had on Earth as a human. Jesus had to come to the earth, so that He could experience life like us humans do, but the difference is when all that temptation came up, He CONQUERED it. So when you say Jesus is in you, you mean the Holy Spirit. Well, if Jesus (also the Holy Spirit) conquered the temptation and He's REALLY in you, then why can't you? So basically, when you're praying for guidance and answers, the Holy Spirit is the "Go to Lord" (as Ketric said earlier.)
Jesus- Jesus was the Holy Spirit in human form basically. He lived on the earth and experienced what we experience every day. I am praying to Him when I basically thank Him for dieing on the cross. But mainly, my worship is for Him.
God- God is mainly the worship lover ;]. Without Him, there would be no earth, no humans, and no Jesus which = no love. I love to thank Him for everything! Making things work out the way they did, creating people, bringing people into my life, He's got all that covered up there. Mainly, worship is about Him as well!
So I can only hope that my realization can maybe clear some things up for you. All three forms of the Lord are JUST as important, you just go to them and spend time with each for maybe different reasons. Woo!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
This Means A Lot To Me.
As I sat and fumbled through the book my Mimi (Grandma) wrote with all her writings that she got from God, I stumbled upon one that caught my eye. And after a few lines, it caught my heart as well. This poem was about my great Grandfather named Joseph Edward Warn. I had always heard stories about this man, but it just now hit me what a man he was. He had fantastic character, a heart the size of Texas, the ability to stand for what he believed in, but most of all, a heart and true passion for Jesus. The Lord has shown me through this poem, and through this man who I never got to meet, that I have what it takes as well as he did. You'll see what I mean when you read it. I have officially found my earthly role model, and I haven't even ever met him. I can't wait for the day I get to meet Him in heaven, and see just what he was like. Hopefully he will meet me at the gates :].
Papaw Man
He was tall and very distinguished, this Papaw Man was quite a linguist.
He knew what to say and when because the Lord used him to the very end.
“Just look to Jesus,” he would always say; “He is waiting for you this very day.
Everything will be all right; the Lord will save you and it will be His delight.”
Papaw didn’t want to preach; the Lord saw differently and kept up the heat.
Finally after much ado Papaw said, “Okay if you think I will do!”
So he started out not knowing much, but God favored him and taught him to trust.
Daily he studied and he prayed attaining knowledge he would take to his grave.
The more he knew the more he learned; it wasn’t long till he was more determined.
God gave Papaw the skills he needed to win the lost and pray for their healing.
His mission was to help the needy, keeping money aside for when it was needed.
As time went by he grew more self-assured, he knew his strength was in the Lord.
Through the years he found time to raise his children in whose eyes he would shine.
As his business thrived he gave and gave, his ministry mushroomed day after day.
He helped some couples to get their start; his reputation grew as a pastor with a
heart.
He waxed strong, he was a success; to his family and his church he did his very best.
His church life just was a must; he would go that extra mile for souls to be bussed.
He had an old car that couldn’t go very far, but every Sunday he gave it a jar.
Driving through the countryside he would pick up children for a Sunday school ride.
“Come on, come on,’’ he would always say, “we’d better get to town sometime today.”
As years went by his love for people grew, but the Lord was really all he knew.
His health failed him through the years, but the Lord always healed him and his fears.
It didn’t matter that his heart was giving out; he just wanted to go out with a shout!
He was really loved by one and all, but to twelve grandchildren he just had it all!
One grandson Brett, said to him when he was small, “Papaw Man, I’m having a ball.”
His love was always timeless and fresh, being there for them no matter what his stress.
This Papaw Man won their hearts; they came often to visit this man with a great big heart.
He was their idol into their adult years; he guided them often and with lots of tears.
Knowing he wouldn’t be there for them someday, he left an impression on them to pray.
His funeral was one of the largest around and people came from many other towns.
Twelve grandchildren gave Papaw Man back to the Lord and they were all in one accord.
By Sharon Warn
(In honor of Joseph Edward Warn)
Papaw Man
He was tall and very distinguished, this Papaw Man was quite a linguist.
He knew what to say and when because the Lord used him to the very end.
“Just look to Jesus,” he would always say; “He is waiting for you this very day.
Everything will be all right; the Lord will save you and it will be His delight.”
Papaw didn’t want to preach; the Lord saw differently and kept up the heat.
Finally after much ado Papaw said, “Okay if you think I will do!”
So he started out not knowing much, but God favored him and taught him to trust.
Daily he studied and he prayed attaining knowledge he would take to his grave.
The more he knew the more he learned; it wasn’t long till he was more determined.
God gave Papaw the skills he needed to win the lost and pray for their healing.
His mission was to help the needy, keeping money aside for when it was needed.
As time went by he grew more self-assured, he knew his strength was in the Lord.
Through the years he found time to raise his children in whose eyes he would shine.
As his business thrived he gave and gave, his ministry mushroomed day after day.
He helped some couples to get their start; his reputation grew as a pastor with a
heart.
He waxed strong, he was a success; to his family and his church he did his very best.
His church life just was a must; he would go that extra mile for souls to be bussed.
He had an old car that couldn’t go very far, but every Sunday he gave it a jar.
Driving through the countryside he would pick up children for a Sunday school ride.
“Come on, come on,’’ he would always say, “we’d better get to town sometime today.”
As years went by his love for people grew, but the Lord was really all he knew.
His health failed him through the years, but the Lord always healed him and his fears.
It didn’t matter that his heart was giving out; he just wanted to go out with a shout!
He was really loved by one and all, but to twelve grandchildren he just had it all!
One grandson Brett, said to him when he was small, “Papaw Man, I’m having a ball.”
His love was always timeless and fresh, being there for them no matter what his stress.
This Papaw Man won their hearts; they came often to visit this man with a great big heart.
He was their idol into their adult years; he guided them often and with lots of tears.
Knowing he wouldn’t be there for them someday, he left an impression on them to pray.
His funeral was one of the largest around and people came from many other towns.
Twelve grandchildren gave Papaw Man back to the Lord and they were all in one accord.
By Sharon Warn
(In honor of Joseph Edward Warn)
Quiet Time.
Well, yesterday at church I talked to Ketric (Lifechurch Youth Pastor) and finally got the name of the devotional that I was gonna look for! I had been wanting it for a while, but time flew by and we were busy and just couldn't talk. So anyways, I went and got it (it's called Experiencing God btw!) and started it last night! It's been really good so far, and has been helping me get into the Word as well. I'm very thankful I finally have it.
So this morning I had to wake up at 6:30 for work (I work at Braums!) and I thought, you know I bet God wants me to use my devotional and spend time with Him right now. The first thing I did when I got out of bed was just that. I read the devotional, and dug into the Word/prayed. Well, I prayed for a lot of things, but one in particular was that I wouldn't have to work tomorrow (Monday) so that I could help out a friend who needed some things done! Then I finish up my time with God, and go on my way.
It's 12:00p.m. and I'm sitting at the cash register for groceries... bored stiff. I'm thinking to myself, "why am I here? Nobody's getting groceries right now!" So then I started praying "God, please let this time go faster, I'm bored, my feet hurt, and I still have 3 and a half more hours! ahh!" haha. Then I go back to business and help this lady check out. Well come to find out, at 1:30 I went to go on break and the manager told me to go ahead and leave because they were over staffed! I was like "HALLELUJAH! THANK YOU GOD!" So in that way, He TOTALLY provided.
Well then I text my boss to see what my schedule is for this week, and it turns out, NO WORK TOMORROW! YES! Praise Jesus some more! haha. In the end, I was blessed tremendously, and I love love love it! Choose blessings over curses!
The more I though about it, the more I realized God has shown up today because I gave time to Him. Not church, but just Him and I time. I love that. All I had to do was be obedient and because of the God He is all He wants to do is bless me! Yes! So the moral of this story is, have a quiet time with God. Not only to be blessed, but to truly get to know the Lord you "claim" as your own. :].
So this morning I had to wake up at 6:30 for work (I work at Braums!) and I thought, you know I bet God wants me to use my devotional and spend time with Him right now. The first thing I did when I got out of bed was just that. I read the devotional, and dug into the Word/prayed. Well, I prayed for a lot of things, but one in particular was that I wouldn't have to work tomorrow (Monday) so that I could help out a friend who needed some things done! Then I finish up my time with God, and go on my way.
It's 12:00p.m. and I'm sitting at the cash register for groceries... bored stiff. I'm thinking to myself, "why am I here? Nobody's getting groceries right now!" So then I started praying "God, please let this time go faster, I'm bored, my feet hurt, and I still have 3 and a half more hours! ahh!" haha. Then I go back to business and help this lady check out. Well come to find out, at 1:30 I went to go on break and the manager told me to go ahead and leave because they were over staffed! I was like "HALLELUJAH! THANK YOU GOD!" So in that way, He TOTALLY provided.
Well then I text my boss to see what my schedule is for this week, and it turns out, NO WORK TOMORROW! YES! Praise Jesus some more! haha. In the end, I was blessed tremendously, and I love love love it! Choose blessings over curses!
The more I though about it, the more I realized God has shown up today because I gave time to Him. Not church, but just Him and I time. I love that. All I had to do was be obedient and because of the God He is all He wants to do is bless me! Yes! So the moral of this story is, have a quiet time with God. Not only to be blessed, but to truly get to know the Lord you "claim" as your own. :].
Saturday, June 28, 2008
A Possible Breakthrough.
Last night, I was sitting in my room going through songs to worship with, and I suddenly got a feeling that I'm supposed to find the song Deliver Me by David Crowder Band. Well I search through 40 songs, praying and just hitting the button with my eyes closed, and don't find it. So I open my eyes just to type it out and search for it. I realized it was like 150 songs down, and that it would have taken a very long time to find it just pushing the button. But then I realized that God just wanted me to keep searching for it. Sometimes u have to wait a while.
So I listened, and prayed and went on. Then I was asking for a vision, or for him to speak to me, and he told me to go outside. At first, I thought it was just my head or my mind, so i didn't. But then the door in the living room opened and I heard it in my room, so I figured that was a sign to go. Then I walk outside, and sit on my driveway, just looking up and being in AWE of the sky first. It's just so big, and HE created all that. It just made me in awe that He could do ALLLL that. After a while, I decided id go back inside. But something stopped me. That something was the very lesson God had just taught me through the Deliver Me song, He wanted to tell me more, but I needed to wait for it. So I asked him to reveal whatever it was to me, and waited.
A little bit later, I was thinking about how crazy it would’ve been if I had walked outside and it was something like moses and the burning bush. (CRAZY, I know ;]) But seriously, how cool would that be if I had gotten to talk to God directly. Then I wondered, why don’t people get to talk to god these days like they used to in the old days? Which made me think of that scientific fact that says only 10% of the human brain is used. Could it be true about our love for God? We think that on this walk with Christ, which is much like a roller coaster, were at 100% connectivity, and were only at 10%?This is why maybe we can’t experience Him in such EXTREME measures. We don’t even come close enough to being ready for that direct conversation. Back in the olden days they didn’t have nearly as many distractions, so those who wanted could spend a TON of time with Him. Eventually, to certain individuals, He would reveal Himself to them directly.
After this, I realized that I need to tell everyone, this is not a spiritual high, and you are not at the highest of your relationship with him AT ALL. So don’t settle, keep searching. GO DEEPER!
:]
So I listened, and prayed and went on. Then I was asking for a vision, or for him to speak to me, and he told me to go outside. At first, I thought it was just my head or my mind, so i didn't. But then the door in the living room opened and I heard it in my room, so I figured that was a sign to go. Then I walk outside, and sit on my driveway, just looking up and being in AWE of the sky first. It's just so big, and HE created all that. It just made me in awe that He could do ALLLL that. After a while, I decided id go back inside. But something stopped me. That something was the very lesson God had just taught me through the Deliver Me song, He wanted to tell me more, but I needed to wait for it. So I asked him to reveal whatever it was to me, and waited.
A little bit later, I was thinking about how crazy it would’ve been if I had walked outside and it was something like moses and the burning bush. (CRAZY, I know ;]) But seriously, how cool would that be if I had gotten to talk to God directly. Then I wondered, why don’t people get to talk to god these days like they used to in the old days? Which made me think of that scientific fact that says only 10% of the human brain is used. Could it be true about our love for God? We think that on this walk with Christ, which is much like a roller coaster, were at 100% connectivity, and were only at 10%?This is why maybe we can’t experience Him in such EXTREME measures. We don’t even come close enough to being ready for that direct conversation. Back in the olden days they didn’t have nearly as many distractions, so those who wanted could spend a TON of time with Him. Eventually, to certain individuals, He would reveal Himself to them directly.
After this, I realized that I need to tell everyone, this is not a spiritual high, and you are not at the highest of your relationship with him AT ALL. So don’t settle, keep searching. GO DEEPER!
:]
Friday, June 27, 2008
Forgiveness.
Have you ever done something so stupid, and you just know you messed up big time? I know I have, quite a few times actually. That, is exactly what "inspired" this blog I suppose. As humans, we're obviously gonna jack SO MUCH up. And mess up everyday... etc. But we have to, in order to truly feel God and know what we have.
Our God is a God of GRACE and FORGIVENESS. Which is amazing to me, when it's hard for me to forgive someone just for something stupid. Like forgetting to say Happy Birthday, or even walking by without saying hi! Humans hold the stupidest grudges, and that's why the Lord's forgiveness is incredible! When you mess up... and know it, you usually don't feel too great. You wanna be sorry, and forgiven, and WE ARE!
I just thought about how much we mess up. And how God is SO SO SO patient with us. We can go months without saying a single word to Him, and He's sitting there with open arms to greet us when we come. I don't know about you, but just knowing that that's the kind of God He is, MAKES me want to spend time with Him everyday! So in honor of the Lord, and of humans messing up so much, I thank Him for forgiving us all. Now of course it was only because of Jesus ;] who makes us ALIVE! Man, we're just so... lucky.
Our God is a God of GRACE and FORGIVENESS. Which is amazing to me, when it's hard for me to forgive someone just for something stupid. Like forgetting to say Happy Birthday, or even walking by without saying hi! Humans hold the stupidest grudges, and that's why the Lord's forgiveness is incredible! When you mess up... and know it, you usually don't feel too great. You wanna be sorry, and forgiven, and WE ARE!
I just thought about how much we mess up. And how God is SO SO SO patient with us. We can go months without saying a single word to Him, and He's sitting there with open arms to greet us when we come. I don't know about you, but just knowing that that's the kind of God He is, MAKES me want to spend time with Him everyday! So in honor of the Lord, and of humans messing up so much, I thank Him for forgiving us all. Now of course it was only because of Jesus ;] who makes us ALIVE! Man, we're just so... lucky.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Youth Pastor.
What is a Youth Pastor? I found myself asking this question, when I have recently felt lead to be one. I went up to the church today to help out, and I just know that's where I'm supposed to be. The Lord has been tugging on my heart for a while, and He's finally revealing the tools to become a "Fully Devoted Follower Of Christ." I LOVE that! I just felt like i should tell anyone who read this that I feel the calling to be a Youth Pastor, or something of that sort.
When I first gave my life to Christ, in the 6th grade at camp WOW, I realized I was supposed to go into the ministry, and I accepted that, or so I thought. I don't know, I guess I just figured "I'll do it when I'm older" which is partially true, but I got my eyes off of the Lord, and just really didn't think about it at all. Now, I am telling the world, (blog world atleast!) my calling, so I can stay on the right track. :]
I have so much to learn, and I'm totally pumped for it all! I can't wait. I just pray that God will keep leading me into where i need to go. So everyone on here, keep me accountable! This blog is a way that I can remember my calling when I get sidetracked; however, I NEED HUMAN HELP TOO! haha. For now, I just wanna live everyday for Him. But I still hope He can mold me to be a pastor one day, and influence lives in that way as well!
When I first gave my life to Christ, in the 6th grade at camp WOW, I realized I was supposed to go into the ministry, and I accepted that, or so I thought. I don't know, I guess I just figured "I'll do it when I'm older" which is partially true, but I got my eyes off of the Lord, and just really didn't think about it at all. Now, I am telling the world, (blog world atleast!) my calling, so I can stay on the right track. :]
I have so much to learn, and I'm totally pumped for it all! I can't wait. I just pray that God will keep leading me into where i need to go. So everyone on here, keep me accountable! This blog is a way that I can remember my calling when I get sidetracked; however, I NEED HUMAN HELP TOO! haha. For now, I just wanna live everyday for Him. But I still hope He can mold me to be a pastor one day, and influence lives in that way as well!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
THIS is home.
*If you would like to listen to the song while reading the lyrics, go here:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=N0ykm1v9xbU
Please, READ the lyrics and let them sink in.
This is HOME
I've got my memories
They're always inside of me
But I can't go back
Back to how it was
I believe now
I've seen too much
But I can't go back
Back to how it was
Created for a place
I've never known
Chorus:
This is home
Now I'm finally where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I've been searching for a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home
Belief over misery
I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back, back to how it was
And I got my heart
Set on
What happens next
I got my eyes wide
It's not over yet
We are miracles
And we're not alone
(Chorus)
And now after all
My searching
After all my questions
I'm gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see
The sunset
I'm gonna call it home
(Chorus)
Now I know
Yeah, this is home
I've come too far
Now I won't go back
This is home
This song, it just describes where I'm at without flaw. I mean I feel like I have TRULY found my home. And I CAN'T go back, because I must keep pressing forward with the Lord. If you haven't found that "home" for you, I pray SO HARD that you will, and that it will be in God. There's just nothing like it. Nothing you could possibly say to describe it. You just find your place in the kingdom of God, and LIVE LIVE LIVE LIVE for it. Never exhist. Just LIVE.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=N0ykm1v9xbU
Please, READ the lyrics and let them sink in.
This is HOME
I've got my memories
They're always inside of me
But I can't go back
Back to how it was
I believe now
I've seen too much
But I can't go back
Back to how it was
Created for a place
I've never known
Chorus:
This is home
Now I'm finally where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I've been searching for a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home
Belief over misery
I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back, back to how it was
And I got my heart
Set on
What happens next
I got my eyes wide
It's not over yet
We are miracles
And we're not alone
(Chorus)
And now after all
My searching
After all my questions
I'm gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see
The sunset
I'm gonna call it home
(Chorus)
Now I know
Yeah, this is home
I've come too far
Now I won't go back
This is home
This song, it just describes where I'm at without flaw. I mean I feel like I have TRULY found my home. And I CAN'T go back, because I must keep pressing forward with the Lord. If you haven't found that "home" for you, I pray SO HARD that you will, and that it will be in God. There's just nothing like it. Nothing you could possibly say to describe it. You just find your place in the kingdom of God, and LIVE LIVE LIVE LIVE for it. Never exhist. Just LIVE.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Realization.
Okay, well it's almost one o'clock in the morning, and I thought I was going to go to bed, but the Lord just revealed something VERY important and awesome to me! So as I sat and prayed about 10 minutes ago, I was just going through all my prayers and what not, and decided to listen to some music and worship a little! So as I turned the music on, all of the sudden one of my friends was put very strongly on my heart. I sat and prayed that the Lord would show me whatever I needed to see for this person, and it turned out to be a realization for them and a personal realization. This was the vision:
theres a wall, and were all climbing on it, and its slowly tilting down making us fall. and as we get bumped more and more down we start to panic. until eventually, were off the wall just completely falling and freaking out not know whats going on. then, we land on a cloud, and bounce inside of it giving us comfort. and the cloud slowly rises and we surpass the wall that we were climbing that entire time and were higher then ever before.
I believe the meaning of that vision was this:
i (and my friend) were climbing for so long. like last year. looking and seeking for the top. and we were slipping and falling off the wall, and then recently (b4 a couple weeks ago) we were freaking out and panicking. then the lord's cloud caught us, and is now taking us to higher heights then we could imagine possible.
He really is taking me to new heights, and my friend I'm sure as well. Finally, I died to myself and my own wants to listen to Him, and MAN have I found Him. I just love that. Die to yourself, to find Him. I don't know, I just felt it necessary to Blog this. All I can say, is DIE. Die to your own wants, distractions, anything keeping you from the Lord.
theres a wall, and were all climbing on it, and its slowly tilting down making us fall. and as we get bumped more and more down we start to panic. until eventually, were off the wall just completely falling and freaking out not know whats going on. then, we land on a cloud, and bounce inside of it giving us comfort. and the cloud slowly rises and we surpass the wall that we were climbing that entire time and were higher then ever before.
I believe the meaning of that vision was this:
i (and my friend) were climbing for so long. like last year. looking and seeking for the top. and we were slipping and falling off the wall, and then recently (b4 a couple weeks ago) we were freaking out and panicking. then the lord's cloud caught us, and is now taking us to higher heights then we could imagine possible.
He really is taking me to new heights, and my friend I'm sure as well. Finally, I died to myself and my own wants to listen to Him, and MAN have I found Him. I just love that. Die to yourself, to find Him. I don't know, I just felt it necessary to Blog this. All I can say, is DIE. Die to your own wants, distractions, anything keeping you from the Lord.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Lord IS working!!!!
So I just got back from the Edmond SWITCHcamp meeting, and man, camp is gonna ROCK! I can't wait already. The Lord has blessed me with such a cool group, I'm really excited. I can already tell I'm gonna learn a lot, especially being the "underdog" ninth grader haha.
About two months ago, the whole camp issue came up. Was I gonna go up, or stay down with some of my other friends? Well, eventually I decided to go up, and that it was time for me to learn from the older kids. When I found out who was in my group today, I KNEW that I had made the right choice! My leader (Joseph) is awesome, and a lot of kids in my group are as well.
As for my friends who stayed down, things worked out for them as well. The Lord took care of everyone, and it makes me SO excited and yet comforted to know He's watching out for everyone! All in all, SWITCHcamp '08 is gonna ROCK MORE THEN EVER!!!!!!!!!
About two months ago, the whole camp issue came up. Was I gonna go up, or stay down with some of my other friends? Well, eventually I decided to go up, and that it was time for me to learn from the older kids. When I found out who was in my group today, I KNEW that I had made the right choice! My leader (Joseph) is awesome, and a lot of kids in my group are as well.
As for my friends who stayed down, things worked out for them as well. The Lord took care of everyone, and it makes me SO excited and yet comforted to know He's watching out for everyone! All in all, SWITCHcamp '08 is gonna ROCK MORE THEN EVER!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Blessed
So as you know, yesterday was my birthday. It was amazing! I go to go to lunch with my youth pastor, go sing a little at vocal lessons, went to starbucks with a friend, got a snowcone with my sister, played volleyball with some people from church, and ended it with spending the night at the Meadow's! It was a very memorable birthday, and for not having anything "planned", turned out very well.
As I was sitting here thinking about how all of this fell into place perfectly, (which was VERY weird haha), I realized how much the Lord has blessed me! He has given me a great support group, and a lot of people around me to lift me up or teach/mentor me. It's so awesome to see His works, and I really did yesterday.
If I would have planned something for my birthday, trust me, all would fail and it would have been miserable! Haha. But the way things worked out, the Lord was in control. For instance, Ketric and I had been trying for two or three weeks to get together, and for one reason or another, couldn't. Randomly he decided to hang out yesterday, and it was awesome. I guess it gave me the extra boost spiritually that I needed at this point.
At vocal camp, my friend and I were fighting over some retarded drama, and it was a huge mess. But yesterday, we put it all aside and went to starbucks and it rocked! The enemy didn't win that little battle, that's for sure.
All in all, the whole day just rocked, and the people I got to spend it with like I said, really made me feel blessed. Even though they sound like small things, it really meant a lot just to know someone was thinking about me ;]. I even got a "Happy Birthday" from the ENTIRE team on facebook! ;]. Obviously I was important to them that day. Lol. well anyways, thanks everyone for making the day rock! You all are amazing!
Now, what blessings has the Lord revealed to you lately that you're thankful for?
As I was sitting here thinking about how all of this fell into place perfectly, (which was VERY weird haha), I realized how much the Lord has blessed me! He has given me a great support group, and a lot of people around me to lift me up or teach/mentor me. It's so awesome to see His works, and I really did yesterday.
If I would have planned something for my birthday, trust me, all would fail and it would have been miserable! Haha. But the way things worked out, the Lord was in control. For instance, Ketric and I had been trying for two or three weeks to get together, and for one reason or another, couldn't. Randomly he decided to hang out yesterday, and it was awesome. I guess it gave me the extra boost spiritually that I needed at this point.
At vocal camp, my friend and I were fighting over some retarded drama, and it was a huge mess. But yesterday, we put it all aside and went to starbucks and it rocked! The enemy didn't win that little battle, that's for sure.
All in all, the whole day just rocked, and the people I got to spend it with like I said, really made me feel blessed. Even though they sound like small things, it really meant a lot just to know someone was thinking about me ;]. I even got a "Happy Birthday" from the ENTIRE team on facebook! ;]. Obviously I was important to them that day. Lol. well anyways, thanks everyone for making the day rock! You all are amazing!
Now, what blessings has the Lord revealed to you lately that you're thankful for?
Friday, June 20, 2008
June 20th. :]
Wow, my birthday has already arrived yet again. Fourteen years ago to the day, God put me on this earth :]. How incredible?!? Haha. Well yes it is my birthday, and I'm very excited about it!
On a different note, what are YOU all doing today? Tell me about your day! Things the Lord has revealed to you, funny sidenotes, anything! Just let me hear it all! Haha.
On a different note, what are YOU all doing today? Tell me about your day! Things the Lord has revealed to you, funny sidenotes, anything! Just let me hear it all! Haha.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The moral of the story...
Below is the moral of that story i told in my previous post. If you haven't read that post, read it first :].
After realizing I had no pillow and what not, I was trying to get some good out of it. So I kept my mind open to the Lord and listened to what he had to say. And that was:
The Lord was stripping me of all my things, so I would focus on Him. That entire day, I was so wrapped up in getting down there, and settled, I had yet to spend time with Him. Once I realized there was something I needed, I immediately went to the Lord. Haha! The Lord works His miracles when we are stripped of distractions, because the Lord Himself is a MIRACLE! And when we see Him, we see miracles! I suppose you could say that I "fasted good sleeping conditions". Or, I'm an incredible idiot who is bad with organization ;]. Either way, it made me focus on the Lord.
Come to find out the next day, a friend from school that was at the camp was staying with her aunt. Her aunt offered to bring me a pillow and blanket from her house, which was VERY kind. After having a crick in my neck that day, I felt as I hit the pillow Monday evening (yes, PILLOW!), the Lord provided a miracle :]. All distractions gone helped me connect tremendously, just like fasting.
So now I ask you, what distraction does the Lord want you to get rid of to focus on Him?
After realizing I had no pillow and what not, I was trying to get some good out of it. So I kept my mind open to the Lord and listened to what he had to say. And that was:
The Lord was stripping me of all my things, so I would focus on Him. That entire day, I was so wrapped up in getting down there, and settled, I had yet to spend time with Him. Once I realized there was something I needed, I immediately went to the Lord. Haha! The Lord works His miracles when we are stripped of distractions, because the Lord Himself is a MIRACLE! And when we see Him, we see miracles! I suppose you could say that I "fasted good sleeping conditions". Or, I'm an incredible idiot who is bad with organization ;]. Either way, it made me focus on the Lord.
Come to find out the next day, a friend from school that was at the camp was staying with her aunt. Her aunt offered to bring me a pillow and blanket from her house, which was VERY kind. After having a crick in my neck that day, I felt as I hit the pillow Monday evening (yes, PILLOW!), the Lord provided a miracle :]. All distractions gone helped me connect tremendously, just like fasting.
So now I ask you, what distraction does the Lord want you to get rid of to focus on Him?
I'M BACK!!!
Hey everybody!
...Or nobody if I have no readers. Haha, well either way IM BACK FROM VOCAL CAMP! Which ROCKED, and if you weren't there, I'm sorry. Especially if you wish to try out for COCDA or All State Honor Choir this year, because GOOD LUCK. That music is ridiculus. But the camp was amazing! Here's something I learned on the very first night.
Picture this:
Your coming back from a long rehearsal and it's 10:00p.m. You're at a camp 100 miles away from your house, and as soon as you get to your dorm you think, "Dang it, why didn't i just make my bed when I first got here?" So you go over to your side of the room, looking for your pillow which contains sheets, and towels. Much to you're surprise, IT'S GONE! AHHHH!
That's right, I forgot my pillow with ALL of my sheets and towels in the car. So, the first night, feeling like a hobo, I used my friends sheet and a towel someone let me borrow for a pillow (I don't recommend that either). Although it sucked, it truly made me realize some things... and here is what I wrote down that night:
Okay I lied. WOOPS! I left the sheet of paper in my suitcase which is in my mom's car! I know I know, I'm lazy. I'll have to post the moral of the story when she returns home. Look for it today!
And other posts as well, it was a long camp :].
...Or nobody if I have no readers. Haha, well either way IM BACK FROM VOCAL CAMP! Which ROCKED, and if you weren't there, I'm sorry. Especially if you wish to try out for COCDA or All State Honor Choir this year, because GOOD LUCK. That music is ridiculus. But the camp was amazing! Here's something I learned on the very first night.
Picture this:
Your coming back from a long rehearsal and it's 10:00p.m. You're at a camp 100 miles away from your house, and as soon as you get to your dorm you think, "Dang it, why didn't i just make my bed when I first got here?" So you go over to your side of the room, looking for your pillow which contains sheets, and towels. Much to you're surprise, IT'S GONE! AHHHH!
That's right, I forgot my pillow with ALL of my sheets and towels in the car. So, the first night, feeling like a hobo, I used my friends sheet and a towel someone let me borrow for a pillow (I don't recommend that either). Although it sucked, it truly made me realize some things... and here is what I wrote down that night:
Okay I lied. WOOPS! I left the sheet of paper in my suitcase which is in my mom's car! I know I know, I'm lazy. I'll have to post the moral of the story when she returns home. Look for it today!
And other posts as well, it was a long camp :].
Saturday, June 14, 2008
One Quick Thought...
I know I posted about 30 minutes ago... but I wanted to post this thought to sort of get the ball rolling! It's something the Lord revealed to me the other day... and it helped me tremendously.
The Lord has a certain peace, that He wants to give away. We as humans are living in the enemy's realm, and you can bet he's gonna tempt us. But because of our God being the kind of God He is, He gives us an escape. When then enemy tempts you, you have the authority to tell him "NO, this is NOT the life I agreed to! I gave my heart to Jesus, and He is in me!" Just by realizing those few words, we can filter what comes into our heads and stay positive! Now, you have to be able to recognize when it's the Lord and when it's the devil. But just pray for that wisdom and knowledge! How amazing is it that we can have an escape, an exit to when the devil tempts us to be aggravated, annoyed, or any other temptation he could throw on us! All you have to do is recognize it, filter it, and pray for the Lord's peace and you have the AUTHORITY to throw it in the garbage (the temptation, not the peace! haha). Then, what else is there to do but thank the Lord. Thank Him for giving you the ability to recognize, and the authority to get rid of that junk! Thank Him for being the kind of God He is, that we have an escape! There is nothing more humbling then to thank the Lord!
REMEMBER: YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY IN CHRIST! USE IT!
The Lord has a certain peace, that He wants to give away. We as humans are living in the enemy's realm, and you can bet he's gonna tempt us. But because of our God being the kind of God He is, He gives us an escape. When then enemy tempts you, you have the authority to tell him "NO, this is NOT the life I agreed to! I gave my heart to Jesus, and He is in me!" Just by realizing those few words, we can filter what comes into our heads and stay positive! Now, you have to be able to recognize when it's the Lord and when it's the devil. But just pray for that wisdom and knowledge! How amazing is it that we can have an escape, an exit to when the devil tempts us to be aggravated, annoyed, or any other temptation he could throw on us! All you have to do is recognize it, filter it, and pray for the Lord's peace and you have the AUTHORITY to throw it in the garbage (the temptation, not the peace! haha). Then, what else is there to do but thank the Lord. Thank Him for giving you the ability to recognize, and the authority to get rid of that junk! Thank Him for being the kind of God He is, that we have an escape! There is nothing more humbling then to thank the Lord!
REMEMBER: YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY IN CHRIST! USE IT!
First Post!
Hello all!
Haha, this is my first BLOG POST! I'm really excited to see how blogging helps my everyday life... ;]. I have been reading other people's blogs for quite a while now, and just decided it was time to create one myself! Even if noone reads it, hopefully I will recieve something from it! Haha. Well anyways, I leave for vocal camp tomorrow... won't be back for four days. (Bad time to start blogging!) But oh well... there's no time like the present! I can't wait to share all that goes on and how AWESOME God is and the way He moves :]!
Haha, this is my first BLOG POST! I'm really excited to see how blogging helps my everyday life... ;]. I have been reading other people's blogs for quite a while now, and just decided it was time to create one myself! Even if noone reads it, hopefully I will recieve something from it! Haha. Well anyways, I leave for vocal camp tomorrow... won't be back for four days. (Bad time to start blogging!) But oh well... there's no time like the present! I can't wait to share all that goes on and how AWESOME God is and the way He moves :]!
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