You do not know when His voice will come to you, but whenever the realization of God comes, even in the faintest way imaginable, be determined to recklessly abandon yourself, surrendering everything to Him. It is only through abandonment of yourself and your circumstances that you will recognize Him. You will only recognize His voice more clearly through recklessness being willing to risk your all.
I want to recognize God's voice more clearly, and to be able to drown out all the other voices..there are so many: my own, parents, friends, media, satan..
I rejoice that i am able to hear from God and that He takes the time to speak to me:-)
thank you Jesus!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
When my thoughts wander, where do they go..
Saturday June 14th.
I love the weekends. I love 'me' time. Time where i dont have to do anything. I can listen to David Crowder. Sing out loud while cleaning my house and/or baking banana bread..oh and one loaf always has chocolate chips. I love my dogs, jack and cody, bringing the ball to me every 30 min.
I love the sunshine and being able to see it out the windows, i cant see outside from my office at work. I love being able to go to the pool, for a walk, being able to read a book, write in my journal.
I love being able to watch a chic flick and do laundry. I love that i can quiet my mind. I dont think I am very good at this, but I do a better job of it on a lazy day...today is Saturday and I have the house all to myself. My mind is quiet. I wish I could do this more often and have alone time, quality time with God. I hate that I passively use the business of life as an excuse..I do not do it on purpose..i just let it happen. That is not being a soldier of the Lord. I will get conquered everyday living passively that way. God calls us to be purposeful. Going to work, watching TV, working out, shopping..those things are easily done while lacking purpose. But it doesnt have to be that way. We can do all these things for God and his glory. God is to be first on our priority list..not out of duty but out of a pure and honest response to the love we have for Jesus our Savior. We are to make disciples as we go..not every now and then while we are on our way..but instead 'while we are going' Our main purpose is to love and glorify God and to point others to him and share his love..This is a constant in our lives while the mundane details of life are things we must do as we pursue our purpose and our Savior.
I love how God gives us passions, creativity, song lyrics, poems, THE BIBLE, hymns, psalms, pens to write and computers to type our thoughts. I love that HE gives us prayer. He gives us the birds, the trees, the ocean, the sand, he gives us beautiful radiant flowers..I love how he gives us the sound and smell of rain. I love the shade the from the trees.. God is such a detailed God..He is a perfect God and a perfect maker of the whole Earth and beyond! Our culture has become so fast paced that we have covered up God's creation. We are so busy that we dont get time to see past the hussle ans see what God has given us to enjoy while we are passing through..while we are just visiting here on Earth, until..we can be forever with Him.
I dont like that i miss out on God a lot of times! I can honestly say i think about God almost all day..BUT the times that i dont, the times that i lose sight of him and eternity, are maybe some of the most vital times during my day..times that I need him to keep me from losing my temper, times when i need him to sustain me, to give me hope, to refocus my thoughts, to give me compassion when it doesnt come naturally, to remind me to do all things for him, times when i just need to stop and enjoy God and not 'do'. I miss God everyday. I often think about how i wouldnt mind if Jesus came back today..I actually hope he comes back soon. I dont want to live to be old. I know that sounds morbid. but honestly, why would i want to live here one more day when that day is keeping me from an eternity with my Father..with the I AM. Dont get me wrong, I love my life. I want to get married and have kids, grandkids. There are many places I would like to travel and explore. And yes of course, there are many souls to save. Part of me feels selfish for being excited for Jesus to come back..because there many who do not know HIM as their Savior. but when its all said and done, its fine to be ready and excited for Jesus to come back..because it will be done in the fullness of time..it will be done in His perfect timing. and that i do not have to worry about. But i do hope its soon. Many times when i am sad or have had a hard day, i just want God to hug me, to hold me. IT relaxes me and calms me and gives me hope when i think about this. i know He is my refuge hear on earth and he still holds me in his hands. But i like to imagine this is a tangible thing.. how awesome to sit in the lap of our Father! One day this will happen and I cant wait for this day.
When I quiet my mind and i forget about what i want to do today, what i need to do today. I find that this is where my mind and thoughts go..this is where my heart lies. I want to go home. This will be a glorious day. My prayer is that until then, I please my Father and that I listen to his whispers, i feel his tugs on my heart, and i respond to His Spirit within me..because I know in this, his will will be done and others will come to know him!
I love you Jesus!
please excuse the grammar and/or spelling errors
I love the weekends. I love 'me' time. Time where i dont have to do anything. I can listen to David Crowder. Sing out loud while cleaning my house and/or baking banana bread..oh and one loaf always has chocolate chips. I love my dogs, jack and cody, bringing the ball to me every 30 min.
I love the sunshine and being able to see it out the windows, i cant see outside from my office at work. I love being able to go to the pool, for a walk, being able to read a book, write in my journal.
I love being able to watch a chic flick and do laundry. I love that i can quiet my mind. I dont think I am very good at this, but I do a better job of it on a lazy day...today is Saturday and I have the house all to myself. My mind is quiet. I wish I could do this more often and have alone time, quality time with God. I hate that I passively use the business of life as an excuse..I do not do it on purpose..i just let it happen. That is not being a soldier of the Lord. I will get conquered everyday living passively that way. God calls us to be purposeful. Going to work, watching TV, working out, shopping..those things are easily done while lacking purpose. But it doesnt have to be that way. We can do all these things for God and his glory. God is to be first on our priority list..not out of duty but out of a pure and honest response to the love we have for Jesus our Savior. We are to make disciples as we go..not every now and then while we are on our way..but instead 'while we are going' Our main purpose is to love and glorify God and to point others to him and share his love..This is a constant in our lives while the mundane details of life are things we must do as we pursue our purpose and our Savior.
I love how God gives us passions, creativity, song lyrics, poems, THE BIBLE, hymns, psalms, pens to write and computers to type our thoughts. I love that HE gives us prayer. He gives us the birds, the trees, the ocean, the sand, he gives us beautiful radiant flowers..I love how he gives us the sound and smell of rain. I love the shade the from the trees.. God is such a detailed God..He is a perfect God and a perfect maker of the whole Earth and beyond! Our culture has become so fast paced that we have covered up God's creation. We are so busy that we dont get time to see past the hussle ans see what God has given us to enjoy while we are passing through..while we are just visiting here on Earth, until..we can be forever with Him.
I dont like that i miss out on God a lot of times! I can honestly say i think about God almost all day..BUT the times that i dont, the times that i lose sight of him and eternity, are maybe some of the most vital times during my day..times that I need him to keep me from losing my temper, times when i need him to sustain me, to give me hope, to refocus my thoughts, to give me compassion when it doesnt come naturally, to remind me to do all things for him, times when i just need to stop and enjoy God and not 'do'. I miss God everyday. I often think about how i wouldnt mind if Jesus came back today..I actually hope he comes back soon. I dont want to live to be old. I know that sounds morbid. but honestly, why would i want to live here one more day when that day is keeping me from an eternity with my Father..with the I AM. Dont get me wrong, I love my life. I want to get married and have kids, grandkids. There are many places I would like to travel and explore. And yes of course, there are many souls to save. Part of me feels selfish for being excited for Jesus to come back..because there many who do not know HIM as their Savior. but when its all said and done, its fine to be ready and excited for Jesus to come back..because it will be done in the fullness of time..it will be done in His perfect timing. and that i do not have to worry about. But i do hope its soon. Many times when i am sad or have had a hard day, i just want God to hug me, to hold me. IT relaxes me and calms me and gives me hope when i think about this. i know He is my refuge hear on earth and he still holds me in his hands. But i like to imagine this is a tangible thing.. how awesome to sit in the lap of our Father! One day this will happen and I cant wait for this day.
When I quiet my mind and i forget about what i want to do today, what i need to do today. I find that this is where my mind and thoughts go..this is where my heart lies. I want to go home. This will be a glorious day. My prayer is that until then, I please my Father and that I listen to his whispers, i feel his tugs on my heart, and i respond to His Spirit within me..because I know in this, his will will be done and others will come to know him!
I love you Jesus!
please excuse the grammar and/or spelling errors
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Rodeo..and other adventures in Raleigh
OK so I have been in Raleigh since the 9th grade, and I was in Cary before that, since i was 5. I love Raleigh..I always have. I love that it is a city with enough to do, but not as much traffice as NYC, ATL, Charlotte.. As many of you know, traffic brings out the worst in me. I am not proud of it. um but thats life..and i work on it..haha. I love Raleigh because its close to the BEACH!! and close to the mountains. If gas was free I would drive to the beach every weekend..its so relaxing there..and its really very spiritual!! I love how God has created so many things, sites for us to enjoy. Well those things are nice about Raleigh, but as far as Raleigh itself goes, I found that I have run out of stuff to do...I mean how many times can you go bowling, play ski ball at Frankies, go to the Movies, go to the Mall, or the gym, or go walk around the lake..well i guess you could do these forever..BUT..it actually turns out there are more fun things to do in Raleigh but i just havent been looking..
Well this week I am trying new things...and so far its been great!!!
Tuesday night I went to the Rodeo. I love love loved it!! What a new fun experience..its so different from anything I'm used to, and its out of my comfort zone. not in bad way though..haha
When the night kicked off, horses were riding around the arena in a formation. the girls riding the horses were holding flags. One was the NC flag. Then a man said a prayer. After that some hype music came on and a horse galloped into the arena more speedily than the others..this girl was carrying the American flag..then everyone there said the Pledge of Alleigance to the Flag and we then sang the National Anthem..I loved the sense of patriotism and the acknowledgement of God that this event had. All the bull riders were announced and the bull riding began!! WOW i loved it..the youngest bull rider was 17..yikes..
During intermission were barrel races..the girls took turns racing on a horse around the course and making the sharpest turns possible around the barrels without knocking them over...I thnk the fastest time was 17.5 seconds..better than i could do..
well thats about it. we left early bc the mosquitos were getting us.next time ill bring bug spray:-)
Tonight Patrick and I are taking his parents to a movie on the Lawn...never done this before..I know to bring bug spray now..haha. Koka Booth Amphitheatre does this on thurs nights in the summer. Tonight is The Bee Movie..i think is will be funny..we shall see. But before the movie we are going to Hard Times Cafe!!! LOVE IT..it has the best frito pie...what is that you say..its chili with fritos and the mixins..cheese, sour creme, diced tomatoes, any or all of those. There are 4 kinds of chili to choose from: Texas, Cincinatti, Vegetarian, and Terilinqua. I love the Texas.. Patrick gets Terilinqua or Cincinatti..I recommend you try this place out..they also have burgers, fries, chicken sandwhiches, salads..but go for the Chili..It is on Glenwood..downtown.
So thats 2 new things in raleigh this week..hopefully Ill try some more things next week. But actually it might have to wait til July..June is hectic...crazy how that happens..but it will give me time to research and find a new adventure to take on...
let me know if you have ideas!
Well this week I am trying new things...and so far its been great!!!
Tuesday night I went to the Rodeo. I love love loved it!! What a new fun experience..its so different from anything I'm used to, and its out of my comfort zone. not in bad way though..haha
When the night kicked off, horses were riding around the arena in a formation. the girls riding the horses were holding flags. One was the NC flag. Then a man said a prayer. After that some hype music came on and a horse galloped into the arena more speedily than the others..this girl was carrying the American flag..then everyone there said the Pledge of Alleigance to the Flag and we then sang the National Anthem..I loved the sense of patriotism and the acknowledgement of God that this event had. All the bull riders were announced and the bull riding began!! WOW i loved it..the youngest bull rider was 17..yikes..
During intermission were barrel races..the girls took turns racing on a horse around the course and making the sharpest turns possible around the barrels without knocking them over...I thnk the fastest time was 17.5 seconds..better than i could do..
well thats about it. we left early bc the mosquitos were getting us.next time ill bring bug spray:-)
Tonight Patrick and I are taking his parents to a movie on the Lawn...never done this before..I know to bring bug spray now..haha. Koka Booth Amphitheatre does this on thurs nights in the summer. Tonight is The Bee Movie..i think is will be funny..we shall see. But before the movie we are going to Hard Times Cafe!!! LOVE IT..it has the best frito pie...what is that you say..its chili with fritos and the mixins..cheese, sour creme, diced tomatoes, any or all of those. There are 4 kinds of chili to choose from: Texas, Cincinatti, Vegetarian, and Terilinqua. I love the Texas.. Patrick gets Terilinqua or Cincinatti..I recommend you try this place out..they also have burgers, fries, chicken sandwhiches, salads..but go for the Chili..It is on Glenwood..downtown.
So thats 2 new things in raleigh this week..hopefully Ill try some more things next week. But actually it might have to wait til July..June is hectic...crazy how that happens..but it will give me time to research and find a new adventure to take on...
let me know if you have ideas!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Lifetime Friendships (YaYa Pants)
These are truly a gift from the Lord!! I believe God knows we need these and HE wants us to have these as we fullfill our purpose on this earth until we get to be with him, our best friend.
Dont get me wrong. Not all the friendships are for a lifetime. Some are only for a season, and these are great too. Im not dissing them at all..
I am so blessed to have several friendships that i know will be for a lifetime!! God gives us these to experience many things with..to laugh with, cry with, do nothing with, enjoy the uniqueness of one another, debate with, confide in, pray for and with, lay out with, eat ice cream with, sit in silence with, ...He gives us friends to confront us in love when needed, to teach us more about himself, to frolic on the beach, eat seafood with on the sound, take road trips with, make mix cds with, read magazines with and buy make up with (well not for the guys)
But truly when you look past all the superficial things and surfaced things, you know you have found a true friend when NO matter WHAT, that friend will be there with you..to celebrate something wonderful and exciting, to sit and hold you during a hard time or trial in your life..and most importantly, during any season of life..encourage you to see God, hear God, and grow closer to God.
But on a lighter note..i hope to continue doing fun and new things with the friends God has blessed me with! Already i have begun to travel the world with these friends..Tay and I went on a 4th of July cruise back in the day..we experienced a monsoon on a small boat while doing the conga line and we saw the mayan ruins....i cant even remember the islands we went to but i do remember they were amazing. Ginny and I spent 10 days in St John! Um this place has the most beautiful beaches i have seen..being the only person on a private beach is amazing..oh and we got to see Kenny Chesneys beach house..we went parasailing for free, the catch was that it was the boat driver's last time to take someone up before he could get certified, we were a lil nervous. We went snorkeling, the small fish liked to get under your body, right under your stomach, and swim with you, like you were their shade or something..haha
But it doesnt take traveling the world to enjoy new times with friends..every stage of life is a new time..even if its in the same city you've always lived in, the same beach house you always visit, the same coffee house you always meet at to sit, sip, chat and catch up. I hope to enjoy the simple things in life with my friends forever. The small things that God gives us and show us. Like the blooming magnolia trees, the tide, the smell of babies, a touching word from a past love one, that one yellow tank top (G you know what i mean) and a peek at a rainbow through the clouds.
.. My friends and I always say we will keep in touch and have reunions forever. We are on a good role so far..but i really really know life gets busy and can get in the way..it takes going out of your way to make a phone call sometimes, or buckling down and making the plans for a fun reunion trip..life can separate friends and they can live on opposite coasts ;-) but they can still be the best of friends..
I was inspired to write about my friends today, and how I desire to keep these intimate friendships forever...I was eating lunch at Moes..then 5 ladies walked in the door at sat at the table right next to mine..they had to be at least 60. They were celebrating Debbie's bday ( I saw the name on the card) I like to think they have been lifetime friends :-) It doesnt take anything extravagant to get together to celebrate a bday...just lunch at Moes...I'd like to do that one day with my girls .maybe when we are 60..
Dont get me wrong. Not all the friendships are for a lifetime. Some are only for a season, and these are great too. Im not dissing them at all..
I am so blessed to have several friendships that i know will be for a lifetime!! God gives us these to experience many things with..to laugh with, cry with, do nothing with, enjoy the uniqueness of one another, debate with, confide in, pray for and with, lay out with, eat ice cream with, sit in silence with, ...He gives us friends to confront us in love when needed, to teach us more about himself, to frolic on the beach, eat seafood with on the sound, take road trips with, make mix cds with, read magazines with and buy make up with (well not for the guys)
But truly when you look past all the superficial things and surfaced things, you know you have found a true friend when NO matter WHAT, that friend will be there with you..to celebrate something wonderful and exciting, to sit and hold you during a hard time or trial in your life..and most importantly, during any season of life..encourage you to see God, hear God, and grow closer to God.
But on a lighter note..i hope to continue doing fun and new things with the friends God has blessed me with! Already i have begun to travel the world with these friends..Tay and I went on a 4th of July cruise back in the day..we experienced a monsoon on a small boat while doing the conga line and we saw the mayan ruins....i cant even remember the islands we went to but i do remember they were amazing. Ginny and I spent 10 days in St John! Um this place has the most beautiful beaches i have seen..being the only person on a private beach is amazing..oh and we got to see Kenny Chesneys beach house..we went parasailing for free, the catch was that it was the boat driver's last time to take someone up before he could get certified, we were a lil nervous. We went snorkeling, the small fish liked to get under your body, right under your stomach, and swim with you, like you were their shade or something..haha
But it doesnt take traveling the world to enjoy new times with friends..every stage of life is a new time..even if its in the same city you've always lived in, the same beach house you always visit, the same coffee house you always meet at to sit, sip, chat and catch up. I hope to enjoy the simple things in life with my friends forever. The small things that God gives us and show us. Like the blooming magnolia trees, the tide, the smell of babies, a touching word from a past love one, that one yellow tank top (G you know what i mean) and a peek at a rainbow through the clouds.
.. My friends and I always say we will keep in touch and have reunions forever. We are on a good role so far..but i really really know life gets busy and can get in the way..it takes going out of your way to make a phone call sometimes, or buckling down and making the plans for a fun reunion trip..life can separate friends and they can live on opposite coasts ;-) but they can still be the best of friends..
I was inspired to write about my friends today, and how I desire to keep these intimate friendships forever...I was eating lunch at Moes..then 5 ladies walked in the door at sat at the table right next to mine..they had to be at least 60. They were celebrating Debbie's bday ( I saw the name on the card) I like to think they have been lifetime friends :-) It doesnt take anything extravagant to get together to celebrate a bday...just lunch at Moes...I'd like to do that one day with my girls .maybe when we are 60..
Friday, May 02, 2008
That's Who I AM
Who I am
If I live to be a hundred
And never see the seven wonders
Thatll be alright
If I dont make it to the big leagues
If I never win a grammy
Im gonna be just finecause
I know exactly who I am
I am rosemarys granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done
My mommas still my biggest fan
Sometimes Im clueless and Im clumsy
But Ive got friends that love me
And they know just where I stand
Its all a part of meAnd thats who I am
So when I make a big mistake
When I fall flat on my face
I know Ill be alright
Should my tender heart be broken
I will cry those teardrops knowin
I will be just finecause nothin changes who I am
I am rosemarys granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done
My mommas still my biggest fan
Sometimes Im clueless and Im clumsy
But Ive got friends that love me
And they know just where I stand
Its all a part of me
And thats who I am
Im a saint and Im a sinner
Im a loser, Im a winner
Im steady and unstable
Im young but I am able
I am rosemarys granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done
My mommas still my biggest fan
Sometimes Im clueless and Im clumsy
But Ive got friends that love me
And they know where I stand
Its all a part of meAnd thats who I am
-Jessica Andrews-
If I live to be a hundred
And never see the seven wonders
Thatll be alright
If I dont make it to the big leagues
If I never win a grammy
Im gonna be just finecause
I know exactly who I am
I am rosemarys granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done
My mommas still my biggest fan
Sometimes Im clueless and Im clumsy
But Ive got friends that love me
And they know just where I stand
Its all a part of meAnd thats who I am
So when I make a big mistake
When I fall flat on my face
I know Ill be alright
Should my tender heart be broken
I will cry those teardrops knowin
I will be just finecause nothin changes who I am
I am rosemarys granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done
My mommas still my biggest fan
Sometimes Im clueless and Im clumsy
But Ive got friends that love me
And they know just where I stand
Its all a part of me
And thats who I am
Im a saint and Im a sinner
Im a loser, Im a winner
Im steady and unstable
Im young but I am able
I am rosemarys granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done
My mommas still my biggest fan
Sometimes Im clueless and Im clumsy
But Ive got friends that love me
And they know where I stand
Its all a part of meAnd thats who I am
-Jessica Andrews-
remind me
"Father help me wait for my full reward, remind that its not here....my sould cannot rest here.."
-Shelly Moore Band-
This world is good because God created in and said it was good. We are his people. We are sinners but he loves us anyway..not because of anything we do, but because HE is God and his love is unconditional. We can never earn salvation. We have to know him, strive to know him, and Love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul. But even in this we do not belong here. We will be complete in Heaven..with our Savior
This is so amazing and such an incredible gift!! we in no way, shape, or form deserve this. and all we have to do is accept it. This world is full of the results of our sin. We are sinful. We disobey God. We hurt others with our words, and others are hurt also with violence. We cheat on our spouses, we hurt our children, we have unrealistic selfish expectations of others, we are quick to anger and slow to forgive. ("A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel." Proverbs 15:18) We are stubborn, greedy, never satisified with what we have. we get jealous, we are not pure, we dont love the way God loves. All these things and more are what fill our lives..our minds..our hearts.. but Jesus blood can cover this, He can begin to erase these things and replace them with his truths, his words, his hope, his love, his forgiveness, his humility. Only by asking him and seeking him for help will this be possible. The scripture is full of examples our sin and impurites..but it is also full of how merciful and gracious our Father and Savior in Heaven is. God never leaves us without hope..He is our hope.
Hope..it is important that we have the hope God gives us. Hope for the salvation of others. Hope in our friends and companions. Hope that God can heal brokeness, hope that God can change our wicked heart, hope that God can reveal the depths of our heart that we dont even know about or see. Hope that God will help us understand..understand Him, his Truth, others, feelings, thoughts, undertsand his love, his hope, understand that sometimes we wont understand but in those cases we are called to have faith in HIM..not in what he has done, or what he will do for us .but soley in HIM and who HE is...He is I AM. That is such a powerful statement i pray God lets me grasp the depths of that statement and never take for granted the fact that He allows me to have a relationship with the I AM.
I read this last night from Psalms.it gives me hope..and a right perspective on life and the problems that i think are so hard or impossible to change or fix..
PSALM 25:1-7
"To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you i trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my outh and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord."
Today my hope is in Jesus all day long. And when i wake up tomorrow i will say the same thing, and on and on...
-Shelly Moore Band-
This world is good because God created in and said it was good. We are his people. We are sinners but he loves us anyway..not because of anything we do, but because HE is God and his love is unconditional. We can never earn salvation. We have to know him, strive to know him, and Love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul. But even in this we do not belong here. We will be complete in Heaven..with our Savior
This is so amazing and such an incredible gift!! we in no way, shape, or form deserve this. and all we have to do is accept it. This world is full of the results of our sin. We are sinful. We disobey God. We hurt others with our words, and others are hurt also with violence. We cheat on our spouses, we hurt our children, we have unrealistic selfish expectations of others, we are quick to anger and slow to forgive. ("A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel." Proverbs 15:18) We are stubborn, greedy, never satisified with what we have. we get jealous, we are not pure, we dont love the way God loves. All these things and more are what fill our lives..our minds..our hearts.. but Jesus blood can cover this, He can begin to erase these things and replace them with his truths, his words, his hope, his love, his forgiveness, his humility. Only by asking him and seeking him for help will this be possible. The scripture is full of examples our sin and impurites..but it is also full of how merciful and gracious our Father and Savior in Heaven is. God never leaves us without hope..He is our hope.
Hope..it is important that we have the hope God gives us. Hope for the salvation of others. Hope in our friends and companions. Hope that God can heal brokeness, hope that God can change our wicked heart, hope that God can reveal the depths of our heart that we dont even know about or see. Hope that God will help us understand..understand Him, his Truth, others, feelings, thoughts, undertsand his love, his hope, understand that sometimes we wont understand but in those cases we are called to have faith in HIM..not in what he has done, or what he will do for us .but soley in HIM and who HE is...He is I AM. That is such a powerful statement i pray God lets me grasp the depths of that statement and never take for granted the fact that He allows me to have a relationship with the I AM.
I read this last night from Psalms.it gives me hope..and a right perspective on life and the problems that i think are so hard or impossible to change or fix..
PSALM 25:1-7
"To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you i trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my outh and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord."
Today my hope is in Jesus all day long. And when i wake up tomorrow i will say the same thing, and on and on...
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
haha.. HAHA..
PS i noticed i use the term 'haha' or 'HAHA' toooooooooo much
i mean i put it after things that arent even funny
this is a habit i will try to break..haha ;-)
i mean i put it after things that arent even funny
this is a habit i will try to break..haha ;-)
catching up....
Its been forever since ive blogged..i guess ive enjoyed reading some adventures and thoughts on my friends blogs that i thought..hey i want to start again! haha
sooooooooooooo a lot has happened since the last time..
basically..i have bought my 3rd townhome..the others are sold..haha..this one is my fav!! its a brand new 3 bed 2 bath off glenwood..close to raleigh grande and brier creek.and FRANKIE's..haha..love to go and play ski balll there..
also..this is the place patrick and i will be living when we get married..YES you heard right..i am engaged..he proposed at my favorite place..topsail island..on the pier at sunset..such a romantic night full of great converstation..delicious scallops..God's perfect timing..and an amazing sunset, amazing ring.and the perfect man for me! i love patrick and cant wait to be his wife!!! as he puts it..God has such an amazing journey for us together..:-)
so about the wedding!! Ginny is helping me plan..yes she loves planning and is great at it! what would i do without her..haha..she need to come back and visit soon. but she is busy traveling with work!! haha.
this year a lot has happend but all have shown me and taught me more about the truth of who Jesus is..
i have been sick a lot..once it was actually scary..i have gotten engaged..i coach a U13 girls soccer team which i loveeeeeee..if it paid morei would do that full time..hah..and i have gotten knee surgery..oh and i will be an aunt soon as well..my brother's son..the babies name will be trey. he will be adorable:-) i cant wait to meet him! i will also have 3 other nephews and another niece..all from patricks brothers :-)
well i just got back from nyc with my mom. we went there as a birthday trip!! SO FUN..we walked everywhere..shopped..saw WICKED..ate..haha..but i wont fly american airlines again!
sorry this is sooooooo random.i am trying to hit all the important parts..haha
oh i went on a mission trip in july 07..AMAZING!! the kids there were so sweet!
but mostly..i miss my closest girl friends!!! ginny is in charlotte, thank goodness she love coming to raleigh. taylor is in kansas city! i have gone to visit twice. both times were so fun!! kristen lives in seattle and the other kristin lives in Kentucky! then there is lauren (klein) who lives in atl..but she got to come stay with me a couple weeks ago..woowoo
soon, at the end of may..me and all the girls i lived with at elon are having a reunion in atl at klein's house!! woowoo..we are going to chatuea elan..check out the website..amazing..then that night we will go to her fav mexican place..the rest of the weekend will be catching up, shopping and who knows..
alright..more later
happy hump day
sooooooooooooo a lot has happened since the last time..
basically..i have bought my 3rd townhome..the others are sold..haha..this one is my fav!! its a brand new 3 bed 2 bath off glenwood..close to raleigh grande and brier creek.and FRANKIE's..haha..love to go and play ski balll there..
also..this is the place patrick and i will be living when we get married..YES you heard right..i am engaged..he proposed at my favorite place..topsail island..on the pier at sunset..such a romantic night full of great converstation..delicious scallops..God's perfect timing..and an amazing sunset, amazing ring.and the perfect man for me! i love patrick and cant wait to be his wife!!! as he puts it..God has such an amazing journey for us together..:-)
so about the wedding!! Ginny is helping me plan..yes she loves planning and is great at it! what would i do without her..haha..she need to come back and visit soon. but she is busy traveling with work!! haha.
this year a lot has happend but all have shown me and taught me more about the truth of who Jesus is..
i have been sick a lot..once it was actually scary..i have gotten engaged..i coach a U13 girls soccer team which i loveeeeeee..if it paid morei would do that full time..hah..and i have gotten knee surgery..oh and i will be an aunt soon as well..my brother's son..the babies name will be trey. he will be adorable:-) i cant wait to meet him! i will also have 3 other nephews and another niece..all from patricks brothers :-)
well i just got back from nyc with my mom. we went there as a birthday trip!! SO FUN..we walked everywhere..shopped..saw WICKED..ate..haha..but i wont fly american airlines again!
sorry this is sooooooo random.i am trying to hit all the important parts..haha
oh i went on a mission trip in july 07..AMAZING!! the kids there were so sweet!
but mostly..i miss my closest girl friends!!! ginny is in charlotte, thank goodness she love coming to raleigh. taylor is in kansas city! i have gone to visit twice. both times were so fun!! kristen lives in seattle and the other kristin lives in Kentucky! then there is lauren (klein) who lives in atl..but she got to come stay with me a couple weeks ago..woowoo
soon, at the end of may..me and all the girls i lived with at elon are having a reunion in atl at klein's house!! woowoo..we are going to chatuea elan..check out the website..amazing..then that night we will go to her fav mexican place..the rest of the weekend will be catching up, shopping and who knows..
alright..more later
happy hump day
Friday, June 23, 2006
Timing..
His perfect timing!! It blows my mind. All i can say is that right now, this time in my life is great. Blessed. that is a good word to describe it. I don't deserve any of what I have been given, but I know that God blesses us because He loves us. And He wants us to embrace the time we have hear and enjoy life in abundance, expecting great things..things that we can't even imagine..because that is who He is ( well only part of who He is) He is a God who I cannot begin to fathom or understand because the human mind is finite and out Creator is infinite!!
I have the greatest friends..girls and guys!! I can count on them for anything: a laugh, a hug, a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen, advice when i need it, encouragement, love.. i could go on and on...some awesome people who love the Lord and know how to have a good time bringing glory to his Name.
Do you ever wonder why God brings certain people into your life?? I do..I have some friends who were a huge part of my life.. i may not talk to them anymore but they were a huge part of my life at one point..God had a plan there i know it. And i have friends today that have been so dear to me for years and we are still as close as ever even though we live miles and states apart. If there is one thing i've learned, it is that the Holy Spirit creates a fellowship and an intimacy between friends that is so necessary to this life we live hear on earth..I am thankful for the intimacy i share with my friends. God keeps bringing new people into my life and I do wonder..i wonder what He has in store for these friendships..how we will be there for each other and who we will become to one another..Have you ever met someone and they just shine with his love..there is a peace a calmness a joy a serenity..a smile that wont go away..i know His hand is in control here and I dont want my hands in any of it.. i have learned that when i try to control things, all it does is taint a situation that I need to allow God to make perfect in his perfect timing and his perfect will for my life. For all my friends new and old.. I love you all!! and you are in my prayers...
Back to timing..I am enjoying this time in my life..24..a good number..and no i dont think 25 is old so i am not scared to go there..haha..some of my best friends are 25..does that make you more wise..haha..whatever..well I am just living in the here and now, knowing that i am not promised another day. I am soaking up the joys that God is continually filling me with..his promises are real and true..he is merciful..his grace is so undeserved..I am just waiting for him to move me along during this life He has blessed me with..allowing me new breath each morning to sing praises to his Holy Name..
PS if you havent heard Shelly Moore Band..then you must!!
I have the greatest friends..girls and guys!! I can count on them for anything: a laugh, a hug, a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen, advice when i need it, encouragement, love.. i could go on and on...some awesome people who love the Lord and know how to have a good time bringing glory to his Name.
Do you ever wonder why God brings certain people into your life?? I do..I have some friends who were a huge part of my life.. i may not talk to them anymore but they were a huge part of my life at one point..God had a plan there i know it. And i have friends today that have been so dear to me for years and we are still as close as ever even though we live miles and states apart. If there is one thing i've learned, it is that the Holy Spirit creates a fellowship and an intimacy between friends that is so necessary to this life we live hear on earth..I am thankful for the intimacy i share with my friends. God keeps bringing new people into my life and I do wonder..i wonder what He has in store for these friendships..how we will be there for each other and who we will become to one another..Have you ever met someone and they just shine with his love..there is a peace a calmness a joy a serenity..a smile that wont go away..i know His hand is in control here and I dont want my hands in any of it.. i have learned that when i try to control things, all it does is taint a situation that I need to allow God to make perfect in his perfect timing and his perfect will for my life. For all my friends new and old.. I love you all!! and you are in my prayers...
Back to timing..I am enjoying this time in my life..24..a good number..and no i dont think 25 is old so i am not scared to go there..haha..some of my best friends are 25..does that make you more wise..haha..whatever..well I am just living in the here and now, knowing that i am not promised another day. I am soaking up the joys that God is continually filling me with..his promises are real and true..he is merciful..his grace is so undeserved..I am just waiting for him to move me along during this life He has blessed me with..allowing me new breath each morning to sing praises to his Holy Name..
PS if you havent heard Shelly Moore Band..then you must!!
Saturday, June 03, 2006
sweetly broken..
To the cross I look, to the cross I cling
Of its suffering I do drink
Of its work I do sing
For on it my Savior both bruised and crushed
Showed that God is love
And God is just
At the cross You beckon me
You draw me gently to my knees,
and I am
Lost for words, so lost in love,
I’m sweetly broken, wholly surrendered
What a priceless gift, undeserved life
Have I been given
Through Christ crucified
You’ve called me out of death
You’ve called me into life
And I was under Your wrath
Now through the cross I’m reconciled
In awe of the cross I must confess
How wondrous Your redeeming love and
How great is Your faithfulness
SWEETLY BROKEN ~ Jeremy Riddle
i couldnt say it better..
Of its suffering I do drink
Of its work I do sing
For on it my Savior both bruised and crushed
Showed that God is love
And God is just
At the cross You beckon me
You draw me gently to my knees,
and I am
Lost for words, so lost in love,
I’m sweetly broken, wholly surrendered
What a priceless gift, undeserved life
Have I been given
Through Christ crucified
You’ve called me out of death
You’ve called me into life
And I was under Your wrath
Now through the cross I’m reconciled
In awe of the cross I must confess
How wondrous Your redeeming love and
How great is Your faithfulness
SWEETLY BROKEN ~ Jeremy Riddle
i couldnt say it better..
Thursday, May 18, 2006
you're up...
..and then you're down...
Man if there is one thing i am learning, it is that this life is going to be an ongoing process of learning more and more of how unperfect (if that is a word) I am, how underserved is His grace and mercy..and sanctification is such an awesome work that God does in us..but MAN it is hard and it makes me realize that until i die i will be learning more and more about my sinful heart and keep seeing more and more places in my life where God is redeeming me ..He says that even our rightousness is as filthy rags...but that is what is so wonderful about God's agape (unconditional love) a love that surpasses all understanding..i mean how many times do we look at God straight in the face and tell him that we choose something else for that moment ..we choose a temporary fulfillment, we choose ourselves, we choose pride, we choose laziness..and we do this knowing that God's precious one and only Son Jesus Christ suffered the most painful death..and He did this knowing we would curse his Name and sin against him..Shane and Shane put's it perfectly
"should You give me one more breath to curse Your name oh God? why allow me one more
thought to delight in me? do i have the right to walk a step upon Your grace? while i call
upon myself, should You give me life?"
this sounds like something horrible has happened..but as God has shown me that I can walk in victory, and not live a life of those outward sins (drinking, gossiping, etc, etc) He is now showing me that it is in actuallity the intangible sins that are even more important because these are the ones that determine who we are..they are our character..the outward, the picture of our life is formed and created by the inward,, who we are on the inside..that is where it all begins..in the places no one can see..the places in our heart that only God knows about..He shows us our pride, our selfishness, our laziness, our insecurities, our fears, our bitterness, our anger..all of these may be hidden in the secret places of our hearts..we may have burried them so deep and only God can surface these and allow us to give them up to him..allowing him to continually refine and redeem us from our sinful nature..molding us to a more beautiful picture of who He would have us be..I want so badly to be teachable, moldable, so i can become that woman of God he has planned for me to be..and He tells us that we are created for his workmanship and that He will finish the work He has started in us..all of this I know..but faith is tricky..we can have faith, our finite human minds may believe, but when it comes down to it, do we really act on that faith, do we live out that faith??
"tell me reveal to me, how can i be a young (wo)man keeping my way pure by living by your Word..for i seek you Lord with all my heart. i'm amazed, i will praise, i will pray, i'm amazed, i will praise, i will praise...for tonight I'll delight. i will not neglect your Word. i'm amazed. hold me, don't let me stray, hear my cry.. the Word is hidden in my heart, within my heart. cover me that i might live and i won't sin against you my Lord. hear i am. i believe in life abundantly. i hope in You"
that is my prayer..it's a daily battle between the spirit and the flesh..how weak is the flesh?!?! there is so much more i have to learn! but it's exciting to see this journey God has taken me on..and it is exciting to think about where this road will lead and all the things He will teach me on the way..this life is a pattern..it's a constant cleansing of the heart that takes place through trials in our lives, our minds..and then our leaning on God who gives us the strength to conquer these obstacles and milestones in our lives..as we then come out victorious..we live in that victory!! the same power that raised Jesus on the 3rd day and defeated death is the same power alive in us!! don't forget this ..be encouraged cuz we have already won!!
love yall
feel free to leave me your thoughts..i would love some insight
Man if there is one thing i am learning, it is that this life is going to be an ongoing process of learning more and more of how unperfect (if that is a word) I am, how underserved is His grace and mercy..and sanctification is such an awesome work that God does in us..but MAN it is hard and it makes me realize that until i die i will be learning more and more about my sinful heart and keep seeing more and more places in my life where God is redeeming me ..He says that even our rightousness is as filthy rags...but that is what is so wonderful about God's agape (unconditional love) a love that surpasses all understanding..i mean how many times do we look at God straight in the face and tell him that we choose something else for that moment ..we choose a temporary fulfillment, we choose ourselves, we choose pride, we choose laziness..and we do this knowing that God's precious one and only Son Jesus Christ suffered the most painful death..and He did this knowing we would curse his Name and sin against him..Shane and Shane put's it perfectly
"should You give me one more breath to curse Your name oh God? why allow me one more
thought to delight in me? do i have the right to walk a step upon Your grace? while i call
upon myself, should You give me life?"
this sounds like something horrible has happened..but as God has shown me that I can walk in victory, and not live a life of those outward sins (drinking, gossiping, etc, etc) He is now showing me that it is in actuallity the intangible sins that are even more important because these are the ones that determine who we are..they are our character..the outward, the picture of our life is formed and created by the inward,, who we are on the inside..that is where it all begins..in the places no one can see..the places in our heart that only God knows about..He shows us our pride, our selfishness, our laziness, our insecurities, our fears, our bitterness, our anger..all of these may be hidden in the secret places of our hearts..we may have burried them so deep and only God can surface these and allow us to give them up to him..allowing him to continually refine and redeem us from our sinful nature..molding us to a more beautiful picture of who He would have us be..I want so badly to be teachable, moldable, so i can become that woman of God he has planned for me to be..and He tells us that we are created for his workmanship and that He will finish the work He has started in us..all of this I know..but faith is tricky..we can have faith, our finite human minds may believe, but when it comes down to it, do we really act on that faith, do we live out that faith??
"tell me reveal to me, how can i be a young (wo)man keeping my way pure by living by your Word..for i seek you Lord with all my heart. i'm amazed, i will praise, i will pray, i'm amazed, i will praise, i will praise...for tonight I'll delight. i will not neglect your Word. i'm amazed. hold me, don't let me stray, hear my cry.. the Word is hidden in my heart, within my heart. cover me that i might live and i won't sin against you my Lord. hear i am. i believe in life abundantly. i hope in You"
that is my prayer..it's a daily battle between the spirit and the flesh..how weak is the flesh?!?! there is so much more i have to learn! but it's exciting to see this journey God has taken me on..and it is exciting to think about where this road will lead and all the things He will teach me on the way..this life is a pattern..it's a constant cleansing of the heart that takes place through trials in our lives, our minds..and then our leaning on God who gives us the strength to conquer these obstacles and milestones in our lives..as we then come out victorious..we live in that victory!! the same power that raised Jesus on the 3rd day and defeated death is the same power alive in us!! don't forget this ..be encouraged cuz we have already won!!
love yall
feel free to leave me your thoughts..i would love some insight
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
east asia on my mind..
well i must say that yesterday's events were kinda strange...
i will be brief cuz i can tend to get wordy when telling stories or describing how things turn out..such as all that when on yesterday..well to start, i was supposed to go to nashville to run the country music marathon with my favoritest mint hillian (but she really is a raleigh-ite at heart)..turns out neither of us are going now (keep her friend laura in your prayers) and i am kinda relieved to be staying home this weekend..nashville is an awesome city but the drive is LONG, i would be spending more money, and i would start off next week being exhuasted and once again feeling like i had no relaxation! I am finding that lil R&R is necessary in my old age of 24..haahaa
so now i will be goin to the southern women's show with lauren sanders...yes i love this girl..we are writing a book by the way (i will discuss them some other time, dont let me forget)
and sunday is kyle's bday!! i think i will make him that banana bread he is drooling for..haha..that is if he washes my car ;-) and of course i will go to Church sunday morning and to my leadership class that night..will prob end up at the hood's house once again..i mean seriously..
WELL last but not least, let's go back about two months ago when chad mentioned a mission trip to east asia that he thought i should go on..supposedly it was gonna be in SEPTEMBER '06..well my roommie is out of town so last night i sent out a txt msg looking for something to do..yes i am a loser..haha...well lauren told me that she was goin to the orientation meeting for the east asia trip, did i want to go? well i figured, i had thought about this trip before (and was praying about it, but havent been so much recently..) so why not go check it out, i had nothing else to do..(ps usually my nights are busy without a free second) so i went and turns out the trip is july 16-27, whoa a lot sooner that i expected. so i am not prepared for this..i dont want to jump into a trip that God hasnt planned for me..not to mention the trip costs $$$$..but anyway, i had no idea about the meeting and then it just fell into my lap..kinda cool..
AHHHHH so much for being brief..sorry blog world...ginny you are used to my ramblings via our daily emails..haha
mucho amor
i will be brief cuz i can tend to get wordy when telling stories or describing how things turn out..such as all that when on yesterday..well to start, i was supposed to go to nashville to run the country music marathon with my favoritest mint hillian (but she really is a raleigh-ite at heart)..turns out neither of us are going now (keep her friend laura in your prayers) and i am kinda relieved to be staying home this weekend..nashville is an awesome city but the drive is LONG, i would be spending more money, and i would start off next week being exhuasted and once again feeling like i had no relaxation! I am finding that lil R&R is necessary in my old age of 24..haahaa
so now i will be goin to the southern women's show with lauren sanders...yes i love this girl..we are writing a book by the way (i will discuss them some other time, dont let me forget)
and sunday is kyle's bday!! i think i will make him that banana bread he is drooling for..haha..that is if he washes my car ;-) and of course i will go to Church sunday morning and to my leadership class that night..will prob end up at the hood's house once again..i mean seriously..
WELL last but not least, let's go back about two months ago when chad mentioned a mission trip to east asia that he thought i should go on..supposedly it was gonna be in SEPTEMBER '06..well my roommie is out of town so last night i sent out a txt msg looking for something to do..yes i am a loser..haha...well lauren told me that she was goin to the orientation meeting for the east asia trip, did i want to go? well i figured, i had thought about this trip before (and was praying about it, but havent been so much recently..) so why not go check it out, i had nothing else to do..(ps usually my nights are busy without a free second) so i went and turns out the trip is july 16-27, whoa a lot sooner that i expected. so i am not prepared for this..i dont want to jump into a trip that God hasnt planned for me..not to mention the trip costs $$$$..but anyway, i had no idea about the meeting and then it just fell into my lap..kinda cool..
AHHHHH so much for being brief..sorry blog world...ginny you are used to my ramblings via our daily emails..haha
mucho amor
Thursday, April 20, 2006
testing testing
HELLO!
Yes i have given into this world of the bloggers. I figure that i read some of my friends blogs and I enjoy journaling, so hey, why not create my own blog. Plus I type faster than I write and i is a widely known fact that i have the handwriting like that of a kindergarten boy. If there were a font of my handwriting then that would be the name "Kindergarten Boy" It is sad..I know! Some people say it has to do with the fact that i am left handed and a math person...hmmm..
well there is no point to this blog except i had to make an entry to preview my page..i hope it works...?!?!!?
lataaaaaa
Yes i have given into this world of the bloggers. I figure that i read some of my friends blogs and I enjoy journaling, so hey, why not create my own blog. Plus I type faster than I write and i is a widely known fact that i have the handwriting like that of a kindergarten boy. If there were a font of my handwriting then that would be the name "Kindergarten Boy" It is sad..I know! Some people say it has to do with the fact that i am left handed and a math person...hmmm..
well there is no point to this blog except i had to make an entry to preview my page..i hope it works...?!?!!?
lataaaaaa
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