Christmastime

ever have those times where you sit down with God, pour everything out (good & bad), then finally shut up (BE STILL) long enough to listen to what HE says about you?

that happened tonight. in the quiet of my bedroom.
Merry Christmas - He's the God of your days.

God of My Days
Gateway Worship

You awaken my heart
From slumbering
Meet me in mourning
And you speak to my grief

You're the light in my darkness
The delight of my eyes
The hope of the daybreak
When the sun's slow to rise

(Chorus)
I trust that every moment's in your hands
You're the God of my days
The King of my nights
Lord of my laughter
Sovereign in sorrow
You're the Prince of my praise
The love of my life
You never leave me
You are faithful
God of my days

You unveil my eyes
Help me to see
The arms of my Father
Encircling me
You're a constant companion
I am never alone
Your love is the banner
That's leading me home

(Chorus)

My eyes are on You
My hope is in You
My faith is in You
My eyes are on You
My hope is in You
My faith is in You

Geez...when you're trying to sort through so many actual & hypothetical situations running through your head, I'd encourage you to just start preaching to your soul.
Then, put your iTunes on shuffle and believe that He's going to speak to you through whatever songs pop up. (haha, but really!) At the end of about a 1 1/2 hours, I felt completely drained. but refreshed/restored/renewed. (HOW does God simultaneously kick your butt yet hold you in His arms??? ahh, He is faithful to discipline those He loves!)

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in. ~Proverbs 3:11-12

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. ~Revelation 3:18-20

Glory. Must be doing something right if the Father finds it worth it to correct and pour into me. =)
And yes - had another absolutely blessed Christmas, surrounded by my parents, siblings, niece & nephews...have to agree with Nick: "Man, if you had people around us that just heard us talking and didn't know what movies and tv shows we'd seen?...They'd have us committed." (hahaha!)

Looking forward to this final week of 2010, free of school & work (work that I get paid for, at least), ready to wake up in the morning without the assistance of an alarm clock. As I was journaling this evening, it finally occurred to me how fruitless it is to try and guess what God is going to do in 2011. (seriously?! too much caffeine.)

not anxious, just expectant for what the Father has in store. (and I cannot imagine a better place to start it than Passion 2011! So very stoked to go with Sam-a-lam & Joesha.)

More to come, I have lots of reading to do this week; glory to God!
but for now, going to rest my head on some Hallelujahs.

Advent story

As promised. (or stated, rather.)

*as found in my journal on Thursday, December 2, 2010...home between classes & before work*

"encouraged. (ha! I think I found my blog post...)
Thinkin' there's something more to this whole 'advent' emails fiasco...even before church (PCC) on Sunday, I knew I wanted to embrace Christmas differently this year, with a fresh (undivided, reverent, worshipful) heart. Then, I find out we'll receive specific, advent emails to add to my quiet times?! perfect. Even added mom and dad to the email list because I was sooo excited & ready to UP our expectations. Then yesterday morning, dad received his email, but I hadn't seen mine? =/ (a little miffed, but fairly convinced it would come later.) Thennn, Jayme had hers, so I asked (with a pouty, selfish attitude) her to forward it to me. She did, and it was/IS a good word. I was still confused, so I re-added 2 of my email addresses to the PCC sign-up. This morning? Kept hitting snooze & still had no email. Then I had a random thought at school - hadn't Jayme and I just been talking about not having spam folders for work email? hm, but doesn't my Gmail have a spam filter? Why yes, yes it does. Lo & behold, December 1st & 2nd Advent emails to be moved from spam directly to my inbox. (Satan does NOT get this victory.) my heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast."

What reeeally hit me through this 3-day lesson...when I didn't receive what I was expecting when & where I expected it - it was such a struggle to keep my attitude in check. My expectant hopefulness had all too quickly shifted into selfish complacency. ohhhh, how this should NOT be!!
But you know what the prayer was in that December 2nd Advent email? it was me.

--> "Father You came to us and found us when we were lost and unable to find You. As we continue our Advent journey strengthen our hearts so that we may persevere as we hear Your righteous judgment spoken against Your wayward and rebellious children. We are all those who sin and we have no hope apart from You. Jesus, thank you for Your willing sacrifice and the gift of righteousness which only comes from You. Amen."

3rd time's the charm

pahahaha, "Speaking of families, I read an article the other day about citrus fruit and its effect on children's teeth..."
:-) Saturday night after church has turned into Christmas movie nights this year...first we had "The Santa Clause" (the 1st one w/Tim Allen, because the next 2 were useless), then "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (animated, thank you very much), and tonight - "White Christmas."

"We like to take of our friends."
"But we're practically strangers!"
"We'd like to take care of that, too."
classic.

(the movie is also allowing me to multi-task right now...in case you couldn't tell.)

Anyyyywho. Third time's the charm because I already started 2 other posts in the past month that never had enough substance to be worth posting...
*exhibit A:
11/19/10
Title: Long month?
Body: Look at that...5 days until Thanksgiving, 2 1/2 weeks until my birthday,

*exhibit B:
12/1/10
Title: November danced away...
Body: I had started to post once in November....I made it through one sentence before I was pulled away. (probably fell asleep.)
I don't think I lost November, per se, it just kept on chugging along.


haha, and now? I'm 21 yrs + 3 days old, 4 days away from the end of my first quarter at Life U, 2 weeks away from Christmas, 20 days shy of Passion 2011, and more in love with Jesus than ever before. =)
Something really sinking in my spirit during this season is the concept of Advent - expectantly waiting during this Christmas season for God to do something miraculous. (I have a story, but it will be a separate post to spare confusion and give me a study break at some point tomorrow.)

One of the songs I'm currently stuck on: You Have Me - Gungor (ALSO, Beautiful Things, The Earth is Yours...basically their entire Beautiful Things album. :-)

Out on the farthest edge
There in the silence
You were there

My faith was torn to shreds
Heart in the balance
And You were there

Always faithful, always good
You still have me
You still have my heart

I thought I had seen the end
Everything broken
But You were there

I've wandered at heaven's gates
I've made my bed in hell
You were there still

Always faithful, always good
You still have me
You still have my heart

You have me, You have me
You have my heart completely
You have me, You have me
You have my heart completely

Currently chewing: Psalm 42 & Isaiah 26


Much love to all - I'll have something more to share once finals are over. glory to God. :-)

Settled spirit

"You are calling me, I can hear it clearly
To stand for purity and what's pleasing to your heart
You are showing me, I can see it clearly
A sense of destiny, a change from everything around"


I'm still learning what a humbling, amazing thing it is to receive & walk in the "higher calling" that God has placed upon me. Not the world's (fellow students, friends, professors, family, etc) standards, but His standards. haha, I was so blessed this week to meet with a friend for a quick coffee chat, because she's beginning to have more relationship questions/issues with a new guy.
You know why she wanted to meet with me? (the one who has never dated and can count all of the guys I've liked on one hand?)
Because of Jesus, because of the sweetness & depth of my relationship with Christ. :-)
((humbled)) Praise God!
Something I've realized that hurts my heart - when I have friends say, "Well yeah, I really want God to be a big part of this relationship."
..........
stop right there - Jesus needs to be the ENTIRE relationship. Why have just a piece when He's already offered ALL of Himself?!
It confuses me.

I'm also learning that discipline is not always pleasant, but painful...yet afterward, I know it will reap a harvest that's richer and sweeter than anything I could have ever imagined.

¹¹No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

¹²Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ¹³"Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. (Hebrews 12)

I'm so blessed. So thankful for how covered I am in this glorious place of grace that God has me.

Burdened.

geez....go back to school, meet a friend for coffee, and I'm reminded of the evidence that we're smack in the middle of a decaying planet, surrounded by people that don't realize we're in the end times and their lives are short. =/
I'm not discouraged, just convicted/reminded/admonished to speak LIFE while I still have the chance...

A call to persevere

¹⁷But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. ¹⁸They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." ¹⁹These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

²⁰But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. ²¹Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

²²Be merciful to those who doubt; ²³snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. ~Jude

God isn't surprised, and He doesn't want us to be.

¹⁹And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." '

²⁰"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' (Luke 12)

I'm unbelievably blessed and favored, not in a dreary state at all (mentally nor geographically speaking). I just want to readjust my priorities and let go of every possible thing that could be keeping me from letting someone else see the Light through me.

Blessed are the hungry
You said it, I believe it
Hunger is the escort
To the deeper things of You

ok.

this helped.

time for studying.

Hello, October

Goodness.
Back to school tomorrow!
excited, ready, nervous, equipped-->Mom gave me a fresh pack of 300 notecards! =D
(scary part - I'll probably end up using ALL of them.)

Looking forward to this new month/chapter/season/era...something good is on the way!

I'm not feeling terribly profound...just unfathomably blessed, treasured, redeemed, loved, called chosen...=)
His steadfast love endures forever!

*read Psalm 136*

That's what I want - His steadfast love interrupting & completing every single one of my thoughts...

Greater

Went to a ladies' MS support group for the 3rd time this evening...mostly to keep spreading the word about Refuge's Dance for MS class, and put some faces with the group of people that I'm learning to embrace. I love that they're (almost) all there with the hope of perhaps not building each other up, but at least gaining some helpful insights & information to help them in their own lifestyles.
But we don't need special medicine or drugs or exercise or diets or insurance or medicare or disability pay or pity.

We need Jesus.

I know (that I know, that I know!) that God works all things together for good, because I love Him and I'm called according to His purpose...and not all of these ladies know this for themselves. =/ It breaks my heart to see this mental battle, how some disease is able to trap, twist and control someone's mind. As I'm listening to these ladies share various stories and struggles - it should be so easy to get discouraged. But the entire time I could feel the Spirit whispering, "I Am GREATER."

oh Lord, You are!

I want to be bold, but with gentleness & respect. Father, please teach me.

Romans 12...

Love

⁹Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹²Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

I have to be careful, because I'm not too prone to mourn with those who mourn (why not jump straight to rejoicing?!). Seems that the answer is to focus all of my fervor and zeal towards serving the Lord and allow Him to funnel my words/actions...hallelujah for the grace to remain joyful, patient and faithful.

Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece!

ps - I have orientation for the next 3 days at Life University! =D Getting excited and organized...and reminding myself that I asked for this, haha. Glory to God. :)

Caught up

(that's not "caught up" in a beneficial way - like I was behind, but now I'm caught up - rather, "caught up" in thinking/stressing about circumstances or future events that I have little to no control over. awesome.)

I didn't think September has been an especially busy month - until I realized there are only 7 days left, yikes. BUT, because God is so merciful, I realized where I've been getting hung up - I haven't been taking life one. day. at. a. time. It's been more like I've looked at the entire week ahead of me and decided to plunge right into it...all the while counting down & planning for other events that are at least a month away. No wonder I've been feeling stressed out...I'm all for calendars and planning ahead, but this morning's new mercies are meant for September 23rd - not October 23rd. (You know? Like I've got grace for today's to-do list...not next month's.)
What makes me tremble, is that being too forward-focused has caused me to miss out on opportunities God had for me to bless someone else. But now, there's no time and no need to wallow in self-deprecation and regret...because my Father has a better way!

Psalm 138

Of David.

¹ I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
before the "gods" I will sing your praise.

² I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.

³ When I called, you answered me;
you made me bold and stouthearted.

⁴ May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD,
when they hear the words of your mouth.

⁵ May they sing of the ways of the LORD,
for the glory of the LORD is great.

⁶ Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly,
but the proud he knows from afar.

⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,
with your right hand you save me.

⁸ The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.

praise the Lord...thankful that the people aren't perfect, but His plan is!
AND, still chewing on Revelation 2:5 (from our Beth Moore study yesterday)~ *spoiler alert: these are some pg20 fill-in-the-blanks* ;)

Revelation 2:5 (NIV)
Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Remember --> Repent --> Return to those first things

Thank you Jesus for the process of Your plans. As I walk in patient, joyful, perseverance - open my eyes, ears and heart to grasp Your larger picture, and how You desire to love others through me....keep me flexible according to Your Word! (haha, and thank you for the evident reminders that I just asked for that!)
Another timely word - found this morning on a friend's blog, regarding God's desire for us to "un-clutter" our lives.

"Now is the time to push back the clutter and distractions of life that are occupying your time and space and draining away your energy. God is asking His people to unclutter their lives where His Spirit can set down and do extraordinary things. Remove the clutter and distractions and welcome the coming of the Lord."
- Garris Elkins

Not weak....and, thankfulness re-mixes perspectives

<sup>*September 16th*
Yikes. It's been a minute since I've shared.
Actually started to post a week ago with this...

*September 9th*
19</sup>He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. ²⁰No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, ²¹fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (Romans 4)

Refuge had our 2nd Dance for MS class last night, and this passage is hitting me hard/significantly today. What serves as a more constant (and possibly discouraging) reminder than our own bodies? A piece of glass cannot be the only mirror we're looking into on a daily basis...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*back to September 16th*
I'm tired...and I know it stems from not taking sufficient time to be still in His Presence - because it's when we're still, that we know He is God.
One of those days/weeks/seasons. lots going on, but I don't feel like I've been doing that much. Like I'm wayyy too focused on future events. *example: I nearly threw out a coupon yesterday because I thought it had already expired...the expiration date said 10/02/10. ((yikes))
and it's just little things that I've allowed to bug me!!
---3 days of orientation
---3 days of missing work/no pay
---guy I used to like trying to get back in touch, ew. =/
---guy that I still like but can't really talk to - Facebook pics popping up everywhere. cool.

THERE MUST BE MORE NOW, JESUS!

TOO MANY other GOOD things:
-Ginster having a breaking moment :)
-Jess feeling pursued
-Lady at church we've been praying for is no longer a lesbian!!!!!!!!!!
-gumbo
-flashmob
-ebb & flow
-my coworkers, family, friends
-Jamestown trip
-PD Atl!
-goody bags
-laughter, hugs, love
-Passion 2011 Live Link
-3 days of orientation & not having to worry about work, but blessed enough to focus on this new season of school...gain more clarity and excitement and purpose for my next few years of life at Life. :-)
-what a blessing to respond in love to dude I used to like...love my mom's initial comment, "Hm, it's amazing what a little bit of light can do for someone that's been walking in darkness."
-continuing to pray for my friend. God is so gracious to have his pictures keep popping up...just lifting up what my Father drops down.

thank you Jesus...start thanking & praising - see the complaints turn into opportunities and blessed, divine appointments by the grace of God. =)
hallelujah.
time to RE-set my mind on the things above, and not on earthly things. GREATER is HE that is in me. Pinkberry with my momma tomorrow. :) her first time! too fun. praise the Lord.

ASK

hm. I hesitate entirely too much.

"but when I lost it all, that's when my life truly began
and I found myself secure in the palm of Your hand"
(my mom KEEPS bringing this up - I'm in the palm of HIS hand. never left there, actually...)

asking is bold.
it's taking a risk.
because I already know what I think I want the answer to be.
will I still be joyful/confident/secure if the answer is opposite of what I thought?
yes.
in Jesus' Name, I will be. I am. Because HE is the I AM.
=)
hallelujah.
I'm feeling so delightfully unattached from everything else...when I'm resting in the knowledge that my soul clings to Him as His right hand upholds me (psalm 63).
hallelujah x2.

Call For You – The Side Project....

....

Whenever I’m sad and lonely

I’ll call for you

Whenever I’m sad and lonely

I know just what to do

....

Cuz’ we don’t need

A rocket scientist

Just your love

Is all I’ll ever need

I said your love

Is all I’ll ever need

....

So throw in the towel

And just release

Well my heart it bends

And it bleeds

And forget about

What society believes

Cuz’ this is about

Just you and me

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(song that Whitney used at her Ebb & Flow class last week - first time I was able to go!)

Receiving His REST

it's that time again - putting together another mix. =)
*soon to be heard exclusively in the office at Liberty Church*

14 songs. (7+7=doubly perfect?!)
haha, totally just came up with that. awesome.

Almost time for another countdown list, too - He has declared NEW things & they're all springing forth! =) woot. I perceive it! It would be so easy to be apprehensive and doubtful when I'm about to start new things...new people, new places, new lessons...new mercies & new grace, too! :)
But - never, will He leave me. Never, will He forsake me.

Exodus 33:13-15 (New Living Translation)

¹³ If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”

¹⁴ The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”

¹⁵ Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.

guess what? --> He's going with me. In fact, He's already paved the way. *just insert 'Emily' where it says "Moses" in verse 14. :) (omg! againn with the #14!)

1 Kings 8:55-57 (New Living Translation)

⁵⁵ He stood and in a loud voice blessed the entire congregation of Israel:

⁵⁶ “Praise the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses. ⁵⁷ May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us or abandon us.

(can I be part of that "entire congregation of Israel?") mm, "not one word has failed!!!" Yes and amen...He is only finishing the GOOD work He's already started. hallelujah. goodnight.

Window of weakness

Alrighty...jotted down these initial thoughts about a week ago - time to share! :)
(I'm also finally filling out my FAFSA paperwork online, and it's taking a while to "process your (my) information" at one part...so I'm distracting myself.)

So I've recently realized, that when I'm meeting someone new or catching up with an old friend, one of the first topics I bring up is my weaknesses. (mostly MS, because God is continuing to unfold His purposes through it, and reach out to more people than I ever thought possible! Also, various broken bones/torn ligaments...hehe, I have plentyyy of stories. praise God.)
But really - why is it so easy to talk about my physical imperfections & weaknesses?
*enter, Sarah Young's Jesus Lives devotional (p326, to be exact)...

"Actually, the very things that trouble you most - your weaknesses and wounds - are of greatest use to Me in helping others, for I have shone into your heart the Light of the knowledge of My Glory. This much Light and Glory simply cannot be contained within you! Your wounds and weaknesses provide openings through which some of this glorious Light spills out of you into the world. By letting your humble, hurting parts be exposed, you allow My Light to sine through you into others' lives. Thus, your neediness and hurts, consecrated to Me, become treasures in My kingdom."

((GLORY to God!))
Reminds me that a friend asked me a couple months ago, "Why do you think you've been injured/hurt so many times?" and I didn't have a very succinct/thorough answer...

Well, it all makes sense now!

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." - 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

weakness - cracked - clay pot - light seeps out - power belongs to God...
We can all relate to some form of weakness...if we can simply be humble enough to let it be a window that God can come through! (ps - this process hurts. and is pretty humiliating. and kinda long, now that I think about it. but WORTH. IT.)

Also, I know that I'm not worried about what I say, because (as I continue to abide in Christ & seek Him first!) it's the Holy Spirit that's speaking through me...=)

Now I know. ((hallelujah))

REJOICE that we get to be clay pots! Jesus, come break and shake whatever You can! dude...I am SO incredibly blessed! (do you love how God can be so LITERAL sometimes??) :)

ahhhh, that EVERY DAY I could be a Light that shines Your Name!!!! (Hillsong...love it.)


***also! Just now discovered Psalm 94 today (last week)?! amazing. ESV this morning, AMP tonight. love ittt.


¹¹The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are vain (empty and futile--only a breath).

¹²Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law,

¹³That You may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity, until the [inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked.

¹⁴For the Lord will not cast off nor spurn His people, neither will He abandon His heritage.

¹⁵For justice will return to the [uncompromisingly] righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

(annnnd my favorite 2 verses for today/yesterday/forever):

¹⁸When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up.

¹⁹In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!

sheesh...just a pot full of vain thoughts - yet, He loves me. =)

Current thoughts =)

(Psalm 57) NLT (for Mary! ;)

⁷ My heart is confident in you, O God;
my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
⁸ Wake up, my heart!
Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
⁹ I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
¹⁰ For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

¹¹ Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.

Alsooo, excerpt from C.S. Lewis' The Four Loves (read it if you haven't already...hehe, might need a dictionary beside you, but it's worth it!)~

"Need-love cries to God from our poverty; Gift-love longs to serve, or even to suffer for, God; Appreciative love says: "We give thanks to thee for thy great glory." Need-love says of a woman "I cannot live without her"; Gift-love longs to give her happiness, comfort, protection - if possible, wealth; Appreciative love gazes and holds its breath and is silent, rejoices that such a wonder should exist even if not for him, will not be wholly dejected by losing her, would rather have it so than never to have seen her at all." - C.S. Lewis


Today, I'm feeling appreciative, humbled, and blessed beyond all measure.

14+ hours later...

I really do enjoy road trips...paha, when the car is MOVING! :)
(traffic really wasn't that awful) God is good. We're all home now...the few days went by so quickly! But, I'm happy to be home. Back to some routine, tying up loose ends, and spending time with friendz before school starts in October, woohoo!


Such a beautiful weekend up east ~ new states, new people...didn't know a step out of my 'comfort zone' would end up feeling so comfortable! I was seriously received so warmly everywhere I went...I didn't expect to be able to open up/share freely with so many people! (ok, by "so many" I guess it was really a handful, but still.) And for as busy as I was, by Saturday night I was ready to bust (in a good way) with all that God was pouring into me. (yikes & glory to God!)

*verses that stuck with me through the weekend* (no really - abiding & quoting all day long...it was/IS glorious!!) 2 Corinthians 9:6-8~

⁶The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency (contentment) in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

I had all the grace I could ever hope to have! Anything was possible! (btw - this is also present tense truth, not just a one time episode) Thankful for the reminder of why I went up north in the first place - to give cheerfully & wholeheartedly!
So freeing for me, yet also heartbreaking to see others become stressed/discouraged/speaking death, because they're unaware of the sufficiency our Savior offers. ah, Father - awaken us to Your abundant love and power!


And now that I re-read that verse, it leads me to something else I've been wrestling through: bashfulness vs. meekness. (is there a difference between the 2?)

~bashful:

1. uncomfortably diffident and easily embarrassed; shy; timid.

2. indicative of, accompanied by, or proceeding from bashfulness.

3. reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy

~meek:

1. humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.

2. overly submissive or compliant; spiritless; tame.
3. quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on

¹² But I will leave within you
the meek and humble,
who trust in the name of the LORD.

¹³ The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will speak no lies, nor will deceit be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid." (Zephaniah 3)

¹¹ But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. (Psalm 37)

⁵Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5)

(I couldn't find "bashful" in the Bible...and by "I" I of course mean Biblegateway.)
hm....could be synonyms? Except meekness is a form of gentleness (which is a fruit of the Spirit)...maybe the worldly part of being bashful comes from the "reluctancy"? (sounds rather lukewarm to me...and dangerously close to walking in fear.) But I don't think meek people are uncomfortable like bashful people are; I think sincere meekness has to stem from humility, working to be secure with your calm demeanor. (I would honestly love some feedback on this point - am I cherry picking verses to justify my own behavior, or am I a coward?) I want to be that "meek and humble" person who trusts in the Name of the Lord.


also~
Is silence a bad thing? Like, is it ok to sit next to someone and not be chattering the whole time? I don't know, sometimes I'm just content to be. Like, you're just so grateful to even be there, that you don't want to spoil it. You know? Like, I don't want whatever I "have to add" to ruin something.
((But He says, Cease striving and know that I Am God.))

*ohhhh, my Lord - I want to know You...

I want to "make the most of every opportunity" (Col 4:5) but I wonder if I'm doing a sufficient job? I want to receive correction in this area if it's needed, but I also cannot get stuck on past events that I can't change. (Learn something and move forward...not sticking around to wallow in regrets.)

¹²Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. ¹³Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. ¹⁶Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Philippians 3)

I was so encouraged by Him this morning ~ "Emily, your path may be curved, narrow and upward - but it is also level and lighted, that you may RUN after Me. Take heart and praise Me still, because I Am all around you."
=)
((do you ever just take the time to listen and realize how in love God is with you??))

I hope you're encouraged, my friends...press forward! He is worth it!

Let Go

"Your presence is all I am longing for Here in the secret place You nearness is all I am waiting for Here in the quiet place, here in the secret place My soul waits for You, alone..."

Once again, God has been pouring and revealing and planting so much Truth within me...but it's all in progress, like I can't sum it all up yet. (ie, the 2 posts I started earlier this week, but couldn't quite finish (until tonight)...it's as if the more I went into it, the harder it became to wrap my head around all of it, so I just stopped - I'm not sure if that's correct.)

I asked Him to put me back in awe, back in a state of childlike wonder (amazed by You!). Didn't realize that would come with a hefty dose of humility. Something neat - prayer works! =) I get so excited when I meet answered prayers...the Lord be exalted! haha, I also noticed a difference in my post titles (so far) for this month - they're not nice, ambiguous phrases - they're much more imperative. (I think that's how I'm finally learning to receive words that God gives me - definite. not optional.)
Spend time with Me. Believe what I say. Cast your cares at My feet - and leave them there.

"I will sing from the overflow of love in my heart Lifting high my response to Who He is in my life"

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. ~Romans 5:5

It's not my hope; it's His hope, through me...and that's the only reason I cannot be disappointed! Because His way is perfect, and I find my refuge in Him (Psalm 18:30).
Thankful ~ that I know this week will be a significant step outside of my comfort zone. and I'm not prepared. but God is! I'm honored, excited and even laughing at how unique God's plans are...=)

*Psalm 37...(AMP)
⁵Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.
....
⁷Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.
⁸Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself--it tends only to evildoing.
⁹For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait and hope and look for the Lord [in the end] shall inherit the earth.
¹⁰For yet a little while, and the evildoers will be no more; though you look with care where they used to be, they will not be found.
¹¹But the meek [in the end] shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
....
²³The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].

(Proverbs 20:24)~ A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?


Nice. If I don't quite understand why things are happening or where I'm being led - I must be doing something right. =) glory.
Also, totally receiving portions of Misty Edward's song, "Soul Cry" ~

"Hunger is an escort to the deeper things of you"
....
"Yesterday's depth is feeling really shallow - I've gotta go deeper, deeper still"

hm. sleepy now. something about spending time with my church family on Saturday nights, that wraps up some things, then fires up other things, and puts me on a blogging spree! =D ah, feels so good to take my time, and spend time in His Presence like this. Also (ugh, I need a different word...like moreover...further more...in addition...not to mention...paha, or I should just stop speaking/typing. oops.)
haha, ANYway (ah! perfect.), I Sabbathed today! Slept in, started my packing, figured out dance wardrobe, did some laundry, had a SUPER encouraging coffee date with a friend, got emptied out/filled up at church, laughed w/frands at dinner....=) just enjoyed a slower pace. *and Katherine! - now I have more of a concept/ideas for "Sabbath"*

To wrap up this Sabbath, I shall leave you with "My Life - According to iTunes." (you know, those quizzes where you put your library on shuffle, and whatever song you land on is the answer) hehe, Abbie and I must've spent an hour on this one evening last week...too funny. you should try it. =]

My life according to iTunes:

1.) How am I feeling today? Stay - Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs (pahaha, this just made us think of Dirty Dancing...totally did not apply)

2.) Where will I get Married? The King - Lecrae (sure, like IN the King/abiding in Him...it works....but, "these self-proclaimed kings braggin' cuz they on chrome, but 26 inches is a PRETTY LOW THRONE!" =) love this song.)

3.) What is my best friend's theme song? Oh Well - Sho Baraka (hm, it probably is..)

4.) What is/was highschool like? Your Grace is Enough - Worship Ensemble (truth. His grace was/IS enough!)

5.) What is the best thing about me? You Never Let Go - Matt Redman (yes! The best thing about me is HIM!)

6.) How is tomorrow going to be? Abba Father - Klaus feat. Kari Jobe ( =) I receive it.)

7.) What is in store for this weekend? Daily Bread - Jill Phillips (so good - He is enough)

8.) What song describes my parents? Word of God Speak - Big Daddy Weave (yeah! amen.)

9.) How is my life going? Love is Here - Tenth Avenue North (Abbie started giggling - I then reminded her the song is about JESUS. she kept laughing.)

10.) What song will they play at my funeral? Cry No More - KJ-52 (mm, cool. also reminded me of the dance Whitney did to this.)

11.) How does the world see me? Jump - Lecrae (actually, this is a really sweet point of confirmation for me, b/c I miss being able to literally jump..)

12.) What do my friends really think of me? Sweetly Broken - Daniel Bashta (praise God; I hope so.)

13.) Do people secretly lust after me? I Give You Glory - Klaus (hahaa, I don't care if they do - I'm too busy praising God!)

14.) How can I make myself happy? Stay Amazed - Klaus feat. Elizabeth Clark (AMEN.)

15.) What should I do with my life? Lean on Me - DC Talk (hehe, true. such a nice, old school song)

16.) Will I ever have children? Behold the Spirit - Trip Lee (ok)

17.) What is some good advice? Do Yo Thang! (Remix) - KJ-52 feat. B. Reith (hahaa, nice!)

18.) What do I think my current theme song is? You Say “I’m Rich” - Shane and Shane (hm, close.)

19.) What does everyone else think my current theme song is? You Hold Me Now - Hillsong (awesome. amen.)

20.) What type of men/women do you like?: Let God Arise - Chris Tomlin (heck yes!)

21.) Will you get married?: I Am Nothing - Shawn McDonald (dude. humility, much? I think so. only way for 2 to become 1.)

22.) What should I do with my love life? Selah - Hillsong (ok, love this - made me think of the AMP Bible whenver there's a "Selah," it says "Pause, and calmly think of that!" perfect. a time to pause.) =)

23.) Where will you live? I Will Run - Freddy Rodriguez (um, run after God??)

24.) What will your dying words be? Jesus Paid it All - Kristain Stanfill (perfect. done. the end.)

Be not dismayed

I'm pretty sure this trail started from Louie's "LIFT" series - look up, see WHO is walking with you, and realize that He's on your side.

last September I was told:

fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed for I Am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
~Isaiah 41:10

this past Wednesday I read:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
~Joshua 1:9

It's not 'do your best' or 'try your hardest' - it's "BE NOT."
Because we're not on our own. I AM your God. I AM with you.

I'm in such a different season right now...waiting on some things, acting on other things...and I realized that when I'm in need of patience, it's much easier to say that it's "God's timing" when a situation is moving slowly, rather than when pieces are connecting quickly and you have to move! haha, I felt so silly when this thought unfolded...like, I had gotten so used to waiting (and really, dangerously close to complacency), that when I saw the plans being established, I began questioning if this could still be God moving. Thankfully, my 'silliness' finally led to my repentance, for doubting God's attention to detail and ability to fulfill even (seemingly) petty requests. (and I'm being quite vague right now.....=/ sorry.)

The gist ~ God can move slowly. God can move quickly. But He's outside of time and space anyway, so we're not even talking/moving in the same terms. I guess my lesson would be to stand still and trust in HIS (greater) purpose, even when it seems like He's moving quicker (or slower) than I expected. annnd, this isn't anything especially new or groundbreaking. but that's ok.

*Something to be thankful for: the best co-workers in the world. =) God is so good. It had been such a long time since we'd had the chance for a nice, 2-hour lunch, with time to hear one another's hearts and discuss what God has been working on in us recently. and I really love being the youngest one there - such a helpful point of humility, and a good excuse to be picked on. =) (besides, they're old - it makes them feel better. hahahahaha!)

but really: "God didn't make you to be in a mold - He made you to be moldable." -Ashly

Yes and amen and thank you, Jesus, for the opportunity to increase my flexibility.

14The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
16You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
18The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
(Psalm 145 ~ courtesy of PCC's summer reading)

Goodness...only 6 verses, and it still reveals how He is such a God of action!
He upholds, lifts, gives, opens, satisfies, fulfills, hears, saves...and all at the proper time. His time. Not mine.
God, be glorified!
I will not be dismayed.
Because YOU. are. with. me.
May I call on You in truth, and awaken to discover how near You are.

Shut the door and open your Bible

*can't take credit for the title - found it in my notes from PCC's college gathering this past Monday night...it's not that hard to be alone with God - simply shut the door and open your Bible!*

Something I just realized, that "have I not commanded you?"
happens to rhyme with, "do you KNOW who you are talking to?!" (maybe God doesn't say it with quite that much emphasis, but that's the way I've heard Him lately.)


GOD is FOR. ME.
The MAKER of heaven and earth.
hallelujah.
I'm feeling so very put in my place. (which must mean that I had been out of my own place...)

"Because of who He is
if I'm worthy dying for,
yes this God is worth
living for because of who
He is He makes me want to
give Him more and more, so
I take my body and use it
for the glory of God
that's why I pray every day,
gotta pick up my cross, search
for the lost, no matter the cost..." --> Who He IS, Trip Lee

(is following Christ costing me anything? it should.)


mmm, Isaiah 12, ESV style~

The LORD Is My Strength and My Song

¹You will say in that day:"I will give thanks to you, O LORD, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me.

²"Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation."

³ With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. ⁴ And you will say in that day:

"Give thanks to the LORD,
call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
proclaim that his name is exalted.

⁵ "Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously;
let this be made known in all the earth.
⁶Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."

:) the latest journal I filled up (just last week, actually...those 4 months flew by!) had Psalm 118:14 on everyyy single page~ "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." He IS! and He has! Glory to God.

Found out last week that we're all *fountains*! Now, what type of fountain am I going to be? (I've read Proverbs enough times to know what a fountain of His Life ought to act/look like)

Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 13:14
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

Proverbs 16:22
Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.

Proverbs 18:4
The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

(also, Psalms)

Psalm 36:9
For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.

Sooo, a fountain of life flows because of:

• a righteous mouth
• the teaching of the wise
• the fear of the Lord
• understanding

It looks like:

• a bubbling brook (flows like)

Comes from:

• His Light, God's Presence

Reading all of this, and being surrounded by people that already apply it - I can no longer claim any ignorance. (foolishness, yes; ignorance, no.) I'm humbled that God would choose to reveal such weighty insights to me, but I also have to remember that it's an honor - that His yolk is easy and His burden is light, because it all starts from and leads to sitting at His feet (ultimately).

Another good ignorance eliminator: God's Armor Bearer. (did not expect this book to impact me on so many levels!!) It was so helpful in analyzing how I order my priorities, compared to what God's priorities are...how to be an armor bearer (at the core, I think it boils down to having a genuine, servant's heart)...the importance of unity when it comes to working with/serving anyone with excellence...the need to die to my own purposes and dreams and submit them to God...haa, let me know if you want a full book report. 4 pages full of notes. so so so good.

*Significant point that I took away for my current season of life - "Run with the vision I have given her/him, and I'll (God) see to it that yours will be fulfilled."
As I'm still pursuing school and not exactly sure of what I intend to do with my degree, it's the perfect time to serve those that do know (specifically) what God has called them to do. Whether I'm working at the church, serving my pastor(s) & co-workers...at home, cleaning the kitchen to bring order & peace to my mother's life...with Refuge, pursuing one of our many projects :)...I have multiple, daily opportunities to die to myself and pour into the lives of others. I don't know if I'm supposed to have a more specific, clearer vision right now or not...I just know where & what God has called me to, today.

⁵And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might.

⁶And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; [then]

⁷You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up.
(Deuteronomy 6)

"If you do not exercise faith in life to reach a goal or vision, you will never achieve it. You are going to have to get up and work toward your goal. God blesses what you do."

Still seeking (God first).

Still trusting (God alone).

Still walking (by His side).

Patient Endurance

2 Corinthians 1:6
If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.

Revelation 14:12
This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

Hebrews 10:36
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

2 Peter 1:6
and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness,

Revelation 2:2
“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars.

Luke 21:19
By your steadfastness and patient endurance you shall win the true life of your souls.


=)
seeing some fruit.
and it's not for me to eat.
but to share!
God, be glorified!
He is so much greater.
His plans are bigger.
than I ever realized.
I'm rather sleepy..
but this is fun!
like a hula hoop.
back to seriousness.
Jesus.
loves YOU.
pray & believe & don't doubt!
Patient.
Endurance.
in Christ alone.
(my solid Rock)
Learning to lift my expectation in Him...
only to see Him surpass my wildest dreams.
Higher thoughts.
Narrower ways.
No greater Love.
^_^
goodnight.

Pursued

I would say, "oh my goodness," except it's, "Oh HIS goodness!"

Driving home this evening after 1 1/2 hours of an incredibly rich worship service...I realized (just a little bit) of how much Jesus pursues me! Do I respond to His love as I ought to? I know that I've been drawing nearer to Him through His Word and prayer - and I cannot get enough of Him! I'm literally waking up each morning with a different song running through my head, like He's giving me a playlist to launch my day off. (it is SO. COOL.)

Utterly abandoned to the Holy Ghost!

Seeking all His fullness, whatever the cost;

Cutting all the moorings, launching in the deep

Of His mighty power – strong to save and keep.

Utterly abandoned to the Holy Ghost!

Oh! The sinking, sinking, until self is lost!

Until the emptied vessel lies broken at His feet;

Waiting till His filling shall make the work complete.

Utterly abandoned to the will of God;

Seeking for no other path than my Master trod;

Leaving ease and pleasure, making Him my choice,

Waiting for His guidance, listening for His voice.

Utterly abandoned! No will of my own;

For time and for eternity, His, and His alone;

All my plans and purposes lost in His sweet will,

Having nothing, yet in Him all things possessing still.

Utterly abandoned! It’s so sweet to be

Captive in His bonds of love, yet wondrously free;

Free from sin’s entanglements, free from doubt and fear,

Free from every worry, burden, grief, or care.

Utterly abandoned! Oh, the rest is sweet,

As I tarry, waiting, at His blessed feet;

Waiting for the coming of the Guest divine,

Who my inmost being will perfectly refine.

Lo! He comes and fills me, Holy Spirit sweet!

I, in Him, am satisfied! I, in Him, complete!

And the light within my soul will nevermore grow dim

While I keep my covenant – abandoned unto Him!

~author unknown

With the Father pouring out so much (deep) truth to me lately, I'm thinking it's another 'fresh wineskin' season...

³⁶He also told them a parable: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. ³⁷And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. ³⁸But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. (Luke 5)

*fresh: not previously known or used; new or different...recently created or experienced and not faded or impaired...recently made or obtained; not canned, frozen or otherwise preserved...full of energy and vigor...bright or healthy in appearance...etc.

Praise the Lord - fresh season coming up! Totally lines up with a verse one of my "little sisters" shared with me earlier this week ~

Isaiah 42:9 "See the FORMER things have taken place, and NEW things I declare; before they spring into being I ANNOUNCE them to YOU."

amen. =) Father, let me be utterly (completely, absolutely, entirely, perfectly, unconditionally) abandoned to YOUR plans for this life.

Faith & Works...Works & Faith

18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 John 3)

14What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
......
20Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God....26For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2)

So, this concept of faith + works really hit me about a month ago...been processing through it all since then, and realized how directly/specifically I've gotten to walk this out in several different areas of my life. Just prayed and believed that God would do something - He did - but the work wasn't done! (Somethin' about working through us, strengthening us with HIS power, glorifying Himself in all of it...=) a glorious, recurring process.)

*Exhibit A: School - I wanted to get into Life University. Had some friends & family praying specifically about it, and declaring in faith with me, too - so I really wasn't the only one that wanted to get in. ;) I applied and got accepted! Now, a different sort of work begins. :) Believing for *continued* favor as transferred credits, finances and overall vision for the next few years are worked out. =) thank you, Jesus. (oh, plus the actual classes...hahaha, that might involve some work, too.) =]

*Exhibit B: Car - I wanted a "new" ;) car that I could pay for all at once & move on with my life. The ENTIRE car journey (death of Gadget, birth of R.u.b.y., haha) was such a clear picture for me of God's provision & perfect timing...still amazed! (I should not have had the funds for such a nice vehicle.) But, the Lord regularly reminded me of the word He gave me last fall when I was driving to school one morning, and my plastic window was flapping in the wind (haha! poor car):

"For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them." (Isaiah 61:8)

No, a silly car is not an everlasting covenant, BUT He IS just and knows my needs better than I do. Never, ever had any reason to worry or be anxious. But, I also had to get up early and go car hunting with dad a couple mornings before we found Ruby. Saw some duds, drove further than we had to, but God knew my budget and time frame (bound to happen when He holds the UNIVERSE in His hands). Then I had to get insurance, typical car needs (gas, oil change), and today I finallyyy went to get the title switched to my name. (woot!) Plus, I have such sweet, encouraging friends! :) Whether they lifted a prayer or e-mailed me a Craig's List possibility - God is faithful to work through His saints.

*Exhibit C: Quiet Time (just realized, I'm not listing these in any order of importance, because if I were, this would be first!) - Key for me: the "snooze" button is a trap! Resist in Jesus' Name! By getting back to early morning quiet times & a consistent prayer routine - life is getting sweeter and sweeter as I draw near to Him! It's like a massive dot-to-dot every week. (You know, those pictures in coloring books where you had to draw lines to complete the picture - LOVED those! Well, still do. praise God. =) ANYway, when I'm spending time with Him every day, I'm able to see how He'll take something that stuck out to me on Sunday morning, and keep unfolding/expounding on it each day. (He is SO AWESOME!) haha, it's usually Thursday or Friday that Jayme and I can finally hash out & share the crazy wonderful (and sometimes painful!) Truth that God has been unlocking for us all week.

*Exhibit D: Relationships - God brings so many people into our lives...what are we going to do with these blessings?! It's these precious people that are the ones who stand in agreement with me (or rebuke me! woohoo!)...they're the ones that I get to walk with as we try to grasp how wide/high/deep/long His Love is for us! Without all of the prayers & support I receive on a daily basis, I know that exhibits A, B, and C would not be feasible. There would be no one to decree/agree with, hold me accountable - my growth would be so stunted. I've got to be faithful to return the blessing by staying in touch, praying consistently, speaking their love language...I'm so done with taking people for granted.

I think it's the fruit of seeing my prayers answered (would that be like my faith being fulfilled??) that is meant to motivate & encourage perseverance (in order to be mature and complete - not lacking anything!). I've also been discussing Revelation with several friends recently, and these particular verses continue coming up:

"'I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you." (Revelation 3)

I believe it also ties in with choosing to be hot or cold, not lukewarm - if you're going to start the work but not finish it, then don't even start. (But I also know that there's grace, and God cares most about our heart's motives...can't be headstrong about "strengthening what remains," but humbly diligent.) I know that's where I'm prone to fall short, is completing the final step of whatever project/situation/etc I'm working on...paha, it could be something as simple as reading the last 2 chapters of a book! (sad, really) 'I've gotten the gist of it, isn't that enough?' Actually, no - stop being lazy and finish the flipping book. =)
Plus, it's not even my own strength anyway, it's HIS!

12So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2)

There's no getting escaping it ~ from Him and through Him and to Him are all things! Praise the Lord. Friends, I pray that you get the courage to ask God to take you deeper, bring you closer...all to lift Jesus higher. :) He is worth your everything! May you have a break through in your everyday routines and just spend time in His Presence - abide in His Love!

*exhale*
(this was especially long...not sure if I should say "haha, sorry!" or "you're welcome." =] your choice.)

I love you all.
grace & peace!