Saturday, April 30, 2011

There are no words...

Praising Still... 



This video is so POWERFUL. It ripped my heart out and put it at the feet of Jesus.  He is Comforter. He is Provider.  I long to be serving these people, but for now I will PRAY... I will PRAY earnestly and fervently.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Our God, indeed, is POWERFUL!

‎Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
...... and he guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Psalm 107:28-31

The state of Alabama, sweet home Alabama, has been devasted by numerous tornadoes that swept across the state last night.  The damage is incredible and widespread.  I have never in my life seen such grusome pictures from such a vast area. As we watched the weather last night, every city that was mentioned as the storm made its way brought another face, another friendship, another family member, and another soul to my mind.  My heart ached and grew more anxious as the afternoon continued. My heart hurts for the state, for the families who lost loved ones, for the souls that didn't know Jesus, and for the mass clean up that is underway.  I celebrate with those you have arrived in their permanent home with their Savior, and mourn with the people who are left without them.  I pray comfort and encouragement for our friends and family who lost houses, cars, special momentos, co-workers, and neighbors. I PRAISE THE LORD BECAUSE HE IS STILL GOOD. MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ALIVE AND WELL. Even if there was worse news, He is still Sovereign, and He is still Good!

Here are pictures from some of our close friends' experience.
From one of our best friends. His house in Tuscaloosa.

One of my dearest dance friend's "car." This was taken in Pleasant Grove.


A family's house in Pleasant Grove who used to go to church with us.

 This storm was personal to us, but our God is a personal God. He is Good. Now, Christian... it is our turn:

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
Isaiah 61:2-4




Tuesday, April 26, 2011

thoughts...

So, this week/last week has been busy... not a lot of blogging happening. but I'm back!

This weekend was crazy, busy, awesome! Friday, our church hosted the Secret Church! It's a worship/Bible Study that lasts from 6:00PM - 12:30AM!!! It was incredible. It was taught by David Platt, pastor of the Church of Brookhills in Birmingham.  Our church hosted the simulcast of the event! We had 95 people attend - including some of our older members at church! 2 older ladies (and I mean way older) stayed the ENTIRE time! On Sunday morning we asked them if they slept in Saturday morning after their late night.  They answered, "Well, no, I was up at 6:30AM. And Friday night when I got home, I was so hyper I had to do crossword puzzles so I could finally go to sleep!"  Isn't that precious and awesome!?!? I love it!
The Secret Church was incredible. Lot's of theology and Jesus - and by lots I mean a 150 page study guide! Awesomeness!

Saturday, Jacob and I went to Montgomery to watch my brother-in-law run in a 10K race - yeah... he's intense!  That was fun.  God was there. i don't really want to enlighten you on the details b/c it's not a feel-good subject, but just know that life is breif. life is precious. life is good. and God is in control! We had fun with Jared and Ashley and Walter.  We ate at Chappy's and it was DELICIOUS! I'm still thinking about that Chicken Salad & Apple Wrap! YUMMM!

Sunday... EASTER!! The day we have set to celerate corporately that our SAVIOR IS ALIVE! He is not dead! He is SURELY alive! 
Please watch this video, it's awesome: Easter Changed My Day! I feel like America's churches treat our Risen Savior like this video! It's funny... but so true. So... has Easter changed your day, OR YOUR LIFE??

I have so much that I am learning. I am disciple of Jesus Christ. I am His student, so He is always teaching me.  I just want to leave you with this:

2,000 years ago, when Jesus rose from the dead, Het met the apostles... this is what happened:

Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
Matthew 28:16-17 (MSG)


Are you HOLDING BACK? Are you afraid to RISK IT ALL for the King of the Universe?? Don't be! Be like the other disciples who, when seeing Him, WORSHIPPED!!! That is what our lives should be! We know we serve a RISEN Savior - there is NOTHING to fear!

Enjoy being a student of Jesus Christ today!!! :)




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Monday, April 18, 2011

Walter the Weimaraner!

Meet Walter....
He is the MOST precious dog ever!! just look at him! Aren't you immediately IN LOVE???

We just got him this weekend! It was a GREAT weekend.  We spent 2 days at the beach with some of our good friends (which was FABULOUS), came home, prepared the house for a dog, and MET WALTER!

He is lazy. he loves to be held. he does NOT like his kennel or his collar. he has pooped in the trailer twice (and when i say pooped, I mean POOPED!). he peed on the bed last night, but we still love him. he sleeps with us because he likes to be held. he loves us. he went walking with me this morning... kinda... i carried him most of the way. he likes to play... and then sleep. he eats a lot.  he reminds me of Marley from Marley and Me - I'm scared of the things he will be capable of doing in about 3 months! his brother's name is Hank and he lives next door.

he is wonderful and i'm sure there will be PLENTY of stories about him that i must tell you about.  But, for now, enjoy his picture.  he is wonderful and he is ours.

Mom, can't wait for you to meet your grand-dog this weekend! He will love you! :)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

MY GIRLS!


Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart.
Philippians 1:3-7

These are my best friends in the entire universe!!
This is Ami, Emily, Beth Ann (she's getting married), me, and Lindsey Jo (she's having a babay!).


I got to spend the weekend with them... FINALLY!!! My heart has been aching for them!! I can't explain what happens when we get together... it's like the universe is in harmony, everyone within a 10 mile radius becomes deaf (because of our loudness and laughter), and no one else has a clue what is being said because we speak in inside jokes! I LOVE IT! It brought so much joy and goodness to my life in such a short time period.  My heart always feels SO full when I'm with them!  - One time I said that and Jacob got a bit jealous b/c he thought I meant that my heart is empty when I'm around him.  So... I struggled through (put my foot in my mouth) explaining that it's a different kind of full when it's your best girlfriends... then I just changed the subject!

I hope everyone has friends like this - I can't explain out friendship except to say that it is TRUE, it is real, it is lasting, it is laughter, life, joy, understanding!!! It is good! We are together through the good and the bad. We drive for miles and miles to see each other, to comfort each other, to rejoice with each other. We remember each other birthdays and celebrate them, we remember aniversaries of loses and mourn together, we pray for each other daily, and we KNOW each other.  I don't feel understood by many people (my husband, mom, and these girls), but these girls know me, and THEY STILL LIKE ME! :)

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12

I also got to see more of my favorite people - Kira (my UT interpreting buddy), Becky (whom i MISSED so much and my heart was so sad I didn't get to see her more), and all the lovlies that attended Beth's PARTAY!!! :) 

I am blessed with amazing friends. 





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Monday, April 11, 2011

Happy Birthday Hubby!!! :)

Today is my hubby's birthday!!

Isn't he beautiful?? :)

Here is a wonderful list of 23 songs with reasons why I love the songs and him.  I gave this to him this morning!! I love the corny stuff!! :)

1. Everlasting God by Chris Tomlin

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord, wait upon the Lord…
I just love thinking about you singing that song with your kissy lips. I also believe that the Lord has been teaching us about His strength in waiting. Waiting on a house, waiting on the youth to GET IT, and waiting on our city to change for the glory of God! :) I actually like waiting with you!


2. Would You Go With Me by Josh Turner
I love the chorus:
If I gave you my hand would you take it
And make me the happiest WOman in the world
If I told you my heart couldn't beat one more minute without you, girl
Would you accompany me to the edge of the sea
Help me tie up the ends of a dream
I gotta know, would you go with me
I love you so, so would you go with me
I love that we can go anywhere and do anything together!


3. Low Places by Garth Brooks
This just brings back fun memories of the ATO formal. I had fun with you just dancing, no worries, and just being together!


4. (skipped on purpose!)

5. God of this City by Blue Tree
I believe this song is the cry of our hearts for our city. We are believing God is in control of this city, and we are fighting for the salvation of souls there. I love being a warrior with you!

6. The Luckiest by Ben Folds
I feel even luckier now than I did on our wedding day and I felt REALLY lucky then! I love you with all my heart and fall more and more in love with you each day!

7. Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake
I’m not sure, but I think this is the song that caused your infatuation with Justin Timberlake. We listened to his CDs countless times. Every time we were in the car, we listened to JT! You make me smile!

8. When I Say I Do by Matthew West
This was sung at our wedding and I absolutely love it. Every time I hear the song, I cry.
And I have never been so sure of anything before,
Like I am in this moment here with you
Now for better or for worse are so much more than only words
And I pray everyday will be the proof
That I mean what I say when I say 'I do'
Yeah I mean what I Say when I say 'I do'

9. Love is Not a Fight by Warren Barfield
Another song that was in our wedding. This song is so powerful to me. It just reminds me that you LOVE me. That you aren’t my dad, and you will stay with me no matter what happens. I love that promise. Our marriage is worth it.

10. Represent by Lecrae
Just a song the sums up our love for Lecrae and Pine Cove!


11. More Than You’ll Ever Know by Watermark
This song just makes me think of you and our relationship:
When I leave I feel like I've been near God
And that's the way it ought to be...
'Cause you've been more than a friend to me
You fight off my enemies
'Cause you've spoken the Truth over my life
And you'll never know what it means to me
Just to know you've been on your knees for me
Oh, you have blessed my life
More than you'll ever know…


12. All for You by Sister Hazel
I know this was the first song you learned (thank you, Jeff Hindman) on the guitar – a journey of music that has influenced your life, brought you closer to friends, and allowed you to connect with the Lord in new ways.


13. Your Love is Strong by Jon Foreman
So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need
I know you love this song and your spiritual gift is Faith and that is what this song is all about.


14. History in the Making by Darius Rucker
I know he was your boyfriend for a time, so I just wanted to pay tribute to him on the list. :)


15. You Can’t Stop the Beat (Hairspray soundtrack)
I loved that you took me to see Hairspray on Broadway in Birmingham for Valentine’s Day one year! It was one of my favorite presents ever! I love that you are willing and enjoy going to things like that with me!


16. Lips of an Angel by Hinder
Remember our brief obsession with Hinder? That was funny. You, Pokey, Bradley, and I all went to the Crawfish bowl to see them! We had a great time! We jammed out to their CD many times!!


17. Marvelous Light by Charlie Hall
This is one of your all-time favorite songs so I had to include it!


18. Proud of the House We Built by Brooks & Dunn
I just love this…
Oh, look at us today.
Oh, we've come such a long long way.
I'm proud of the house we built.
It's stronger than sticks, stones, and steel.
It's not a big place sittin' up high on some hill.
A lot of things will come and go but love never will.
Oh, I'm proud.
I'm proud of the house we built.

19. Seasons of Love (Rent soundtrack)
Wow! We loved Rent and wore the soundtrack out! I remember great times, blasting this song and singing at the tops of our lungs in the car! Good times! I love you!

20. Keeping Me Guessing by Francesa Battistelli
I think we experience this song together all the time:
'Cause I don't know how the story ends
But I'll be alright 'cause You wrote it
I don't know where the highway bends
But I'm doing just fine 'Cause You're in control
Even when I don't know where my life's gonna go
You're keeping me guessing
I love trusting God with you. I love guessing with you. I know He’s in control, and I’m so much more than okay with that!

21. You Said by Shane & Shane
First of all, we LOVE Shane & Shane. I always say I want them to sing me to sleep each night, but I know you secretly would love that too! This song is really powerful and it just echoes our heart of wanting ALL people to know Jesus!
You said ask and I'll give the nations to you
Oh Lord, thats the cry of my heart
Distant shores and the islands will see your light as it rises on us

22. I’m Too Sexy by Fred Said Right
You are a SEXY MAN and I love you!
I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I shake my little touche on the catwalk
ENOUGH SAID! :)


23. Forever by Chris Brown
I jammed out to the song everyday for 6 months before our wedding! I couldn’t wait to live in the same state, share a bedroom, and spend FOREVER with you!!! This song always makes me happy, do a little jig, and feel so thankful for YOU!!! I love you, Birthday Boy!!!



Wednesday, April 6, 2011

what's next?

Why are people so concerned with WHAT'S NEXT?
Oh, you just got married... when are you having a baby?
Oh, you just had a baby... when are you having another one?
Oh, you just got your BA degree... when are you getting your MA?
Oh, you have a job... what are you going to do next?
Oh, you just got that really cool (insert tech thing)... when are you getting (insert better tech thing)?

WHY CAN'T WE JUST BE CONTENT WITH NOW??

14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil.
James 4:14-16

Life is short.  We should live it content.

6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
1 Timothy 6:6-8

I do not need to obsessively want better, bigger, greater, all the time. I do not need to live focused on WHAT'S NEXT, the FUTURE, or my plans.  I need to live for the here and now.  For doing something for His Kingdom NOW... not later. Today, not tomorrow.

I will be content in Jesus.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Jesus, Cherished Treasure...

This past weekend we (my husband, the college group at church, and myself) went to the Passion Conference in Ft Worth, TX. It was incredible.  God gave me the amazing opportunity to share the gift of interpreting He blessed me with at the conference.  Speakers like Louie Giglio, Francis Chan, and John Piper were in attendance. The worship leaders were incredible!! BUT... MOST IMPORTANTLY... My Jesus was there and He was POWERFUL! I feel like that word, POWERFUL, doesn't begin to describe my Jesus, but that will have to work for us feeble-minded humans. Ha! It was an incredible weekend and truly had to put into words.  People have asked me to tell them about Passion, but I don't know how.  The Passion Conference is done for the sole purpose of igniting a Jesus Movement! Period.  For me, that means that everything I experience I am now obligated to LIVE IT OUT LOUD! I don't know how to describe it, I don't know how to put into words the majesty of Jesus, but I am LEARNING how to LIVE IT!


One question that played over and over in my head was this: "WHAT IS YOUR TREASURE? IS IT JESUS?"  We sang a song that called Jesus our Cherished Treasure and I thought that was so powerful, yet so intimate.  It called me to examine my life and as that question "WHAT IS MY TREAUSRE? IS IT JESUS?"  Is it my comfort? My plans? My status? My job? My..., my..., my...??  I really had to come face to face with a living, breathing Jesus and confront that question



In Philippians 3, Paul says:
7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!



My heart attempts to echo this! I am not perfect and do not claim to be... but my heart sincerely treasures JESUS!! He is my JOY! He is my reason for living! I delight in KNOWING JESUS!!!! How awesome that we can KNOW Jesus and be KNOWN by Jesus!! That is incredible to me. He IS my delight! He IS my treasure!! I don't want things competing for my affection... I just want Jesus!!  Yes, it is a daily decision and devotion, but JESUS IS WORTH IT!

Right now, I am feeling numb for a lack of a better words.  I'm sure you have all experienced it, but it's just a feeling of... nothing.  Some people call it a valley.  I want to cry, but I can't. I want to laugh, but sometimes it doesn't come out. I just want to feel SOMETHING.  Last night, as I was talking to the Bible study girls about this very topic, God told me to think about the word TREASURE! A treasure... a treasure map... you have to SEARCH for treasure.  When I'm feeling nothing, DIG DEEPER.  When I'm feeling overwhelmed, DIG DEEPER. When I'm tired of digging, DIG DEEPER.  His treasure is worth it, because He IS the treasure! Jesus is my cherished treasure. I will hold Him closely.  I will show Him to the world.  I will search for Him each daily. I will hold Him above everything else.

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