A Lot Like Love

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Saturday, March 28, 2009

I have been trying to sit down and write about New York all week, but nothing has come to mind when I try to sit down and write about it. It was such a long week, and it felt like we were there for a very long time, so much more than just one short week.

One of the biggest things the Lord taught me was about prayer. Earlier in this semester our college pastor had been challenging us to look at the way we pray, and if we truly believed God would do what He says He is capable of doing. I had thought about it, but not much after that week. I can know see how God was planting a seed in my heart that was leading up to something. In New York we had the opportunity to be a part of three churches, experiencing their prayer meetings, and sunday gatherings. It is in these churches that God showed me how I am to think and pray. I am so guilty of praying without fully believing that God can do what He says He can do. Each and everyone of these churches pray with expectancy, with passion, that God is faithful, and is capable of doing something. They whole heartedly believe that He can if it His will. It taught me a lot about how I should praying, with as much fervor and passion as I can, and the reason I don't see things is because I haven't been asking for them.

The churches up there are so different. Not just the worship or the way they pray, but they all feel like home. Each member of those churches truly wants to be there, and many are sacrificing things to be there. Genuine is the word we all kept using to describe them, because they are so different than anything else we had all experienced. They could care less about the smell of the church, looks of the church, amount of people in the church, or type of music played. They would praise God in nothing, and i think that is just the kind of complete abandonment some of our churches need. Church is not about any of those things anyway. It strictly about the people. Being the hands and feet. Seriously wish you guys could see these people, they can't contain the joy of the Lord, and are such an inspiration.

Another thing God taught me a lot about was about His people. I had to many preconceived notions about other religions. I feared the people were harsh, rude, and radical. They totally proved me wrong. The people group we worked with, were more welcoming than many people in my classes, or people I share pews with. They welcomed us into their lives, talking, and freely sharing with us about their past, family, and beliefs. God showed me His love for all His people, even the ones that don't acknowledge Him, even those that scoff, and scorn, He loves them just the same as me. That is what is so different about our God. He is so unique. We serve a LIVING God, not a stone statue who is limited in so many ways.

I also was able to see how big God is, how he stretches across the continents, and using relationships in New York to build churches in Africa. The missionaries we worked with have an amazing story, and while they didn't expect to be used in New York the same way they would have thought they could be used directly in Africa, God always has different plans. They are able to directly effect the lives of the west african muslims in new york who in return travel home to change their families and villages. It is cool to see how big and in control He is.

And another thing that really stood out to me while we were there was the power in Jesus name. I have never realized before that week how powerful it is to say something In Jesus Name. It really is the most beautiful name ever, and simply marvelous.

I also think you all should go listen to "Jesus Messiah" by Chris Tomlin, because it seemed to be the theme song of the week among all the churches. And funnily enough, mine the weeks leading up to New york. Coincidence? I think not.

For the harlem team is was very much a planting seeds kind of trip, but relationships were built, and God always proves to be faithful. I know that He will use those c.d.s with His word to penetrate the lives of His people.

Please keep in prayer our west african friends: Modou, Mohammed, Iesha, Omar, and many others who received c.d.s from our table.

I could not have asked for a better way to spend spring break. Thank you for the opportunity to go.

Monday, January 26, 2009

It was so fun to all get together to celebrate Courtney's birthday. Sisters and mexican food, it doesn't get much better than that. So glad to be home for a weekend and see everyone, except mom and day, but including the puppies, who by the way, got into a little fight with two other dogs, when I took them for a run on Sunday morning. All is well though.

School is school. And I am just counting down the days till' summer arrives, shorts, sun, snow cones, and sunscreen! I really am ecstatic. I am liking most of my classes, and I love my chemistry teacher. He is a very bold christian and is just the sweetest old man who is very reminiscent of a grandfather figure.

As hard as a time I have been having with this new adjustment I have never felt so much peace. I know their is a purpose for my being here and whether it is revealed now or never I know God is fully with me while here at TWU, and quite frankly that is all I need in this life. He has been so loud here to me. I feel Him speaking so clearly and comforting me as I miss you guys.

If you get a chance listen to God of Justice by Tim Hughes and May Our Praise by Leeland. Those are my two theme songs for this semester.

What is going on with yall? How is work, school, and everything else?

I love yall so very much and hope yall know that.

Monday, January 19, 2009

FInally Back

I am finally back to denton and to this blogging thing. Even though I am still in denton it feels strange to be in this new room and school. It still feels far away from everything else and like a very different world. The people are nice and I have been trying to get out and meet new people.

This past weekend at disciple now we talked a lot about being a light in this world and even as I was teaching I knew God had orchestrated me to so He could teach me just as much that weekend. I really needed that refocusing of what my true purpose is for the Here & Now. I needed to remember why I am here, at this school, in this world. My main verse for this semester is going to Matthew 5:16-"In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven." As well as John 14:15-18, John 14:27, and Luke 9:23-24.

I met several girls on the floor today as I went door to door. Three actually came to my room tonight to talk and stayed over for thirty minutes. It was exciting, but I was a nervous wreck, I have not done anything like that since I don't know when, but I hope this semester I will be able to show them God's love.

Please pray for me as this semester brings so many changes that may seem small, but make everything feel so different. It is a hard change to not come home every night to a friendly face to who I can tell my day about. I know there is a reason to be here at TWU and I know God will do good things if I stay willing. What can I pray for you about sisters?

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Blessed Assurance

I am so thankful for UNT. A challenging school but full of interesting people. I am so glad to be out of the bubble, but it is hard. I know what I believe and I believe it with all my heart. I was convicted to night though to know it more, so i will set off to the library first thing in the morning.

God has given me so many challenging, but cool opportunities this semester.

Last week our college group split into groups and traveled dorm to dorm. We wanted to serve the people of our community and knocked on doors asking if we could take out their trash for them. People were amazed that we actually wanted to do that for them. We also asked each if they had a prayer request and gave them more info about our church. The community was really open for the most part and people's reactions were so funny. It truly was so much fun though.

Today a man was preaching on campus. He had drawn a huge crowd with people from all religions and it was more of a debate and question asking forum type thing in the middle of the campus green. Me and kristen decided to stop for just a few minutes but ended up being there for two and half hours. So many people are looking for answers. I am not adequate enough to talk to people but had the opportunity to talk with several atheist. Smart ones...they are so smart! And completely open. and they were surprised that many christians were willing to talk so openly and learn new things. I also had the opportunity to talk to two proclaimed satanist. At first the situation was completely hostile, but I know God was working in their lives. We shared both view points and she asked questions. We talked awhile, and she has been hurt my many christians. I hope she was able to see that God loves her in and out, and wants that perfect relationship with her. The talk ended in the sharing of tattoos ideas, seeing pictures of her daughter, and a hug. God is working in denton and these people are searching for something more.

I will being doing my research so i can further talk to these people and talk more. Even though I would give everything for what I believe it does not convince those who need the evidence.

For Me, I can not believe that my sin has been completely removed and forgotten. It is so amazing how God is continually showing His love for Us.

It is well with my soul.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Chocolate

Sorry I have not updated things have been So crazy!

Went to Lake Murray this weekend with the old c

rew. It was so much fun and a nice short break. We left on saturday and just sat around the campfire talking and cooking hot dogs and smores almost all of saturday and then hung out a little on sunday before heading back. It has been forever since any of us had been, and it Looks exactly the same. Not one thing has changed. My camer

a died the day we got there, but everyone took lots of pictures. I will post some on my next entry.

Also this week me and Amber got to Chris Carrabba live. It was really fun to see someone I have loved for so long and someone whose lyrics have been written on practically everything I own and whose cd's have been played so much they no longer work. He was great live and really funny....and of course beautiful.

I Had a job interview at Hobby Lobby last week, but I don't think it went that well, and I got a weird vibe from the guy who interviewed me so I will not be so sad if it doesn't work out.

This week Twilight comes out and I will be joining the avid readers to see it at 12:01 on thursday night. should be fun, my friends kind of want to dresss up, but I am opting for a homemade t-shirt instead.

Miss you girls. Can't wait to all be together at Thanksgiving. Love you.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

The one with the Elf

So this past week was extremely busy and so will the next month until it's time for christmas break. I have been drinking tons of black coffee to help me stay up each day. But Christm

as break is soon and all is well. I have been studying all afternoon and needed something to take my mind off of studying and have begun composing my list of things to do over christmas break. It might be early but it is what's getting me through.

P.S. please pray for me this week...I have a HUGE test on thursday and have not had t

ime to hardly touch the information. I am so nervous.

Okay here it goes.

..not a complete list, but a good portion of it

1. Make a trip to Sprinkles

Cupcakes. I have been saying this for years but have not yet been. I have wanted to go since Jessica Simpson had them once on The Newlyweds...forever ago.