So I received some big news recently and if you have me on Facebook you likely already know what that big news is. However for those of you that don't know, I have been accepted into the college of theology at Grand Canyon University. I will start online classes in August. I am excited and nervous but I honestly feel like this is where God wants me. I am so ready to get all of the final details done so I can start classes. I know that God is going to use these classes to teach me more than I could ever learn on my own about His word and take me places that I couldn't go otherwise. I hope that you will pray for me during this time and be understanding as I am sure posts will become fewer here and on Great News!!!!! while I am at least doing my core classes like math.... oh the dread of college level math.
In other news, as I start the adventures of college classes my whole family is starting another adventure. We are getting ready to take in a girl from Norway who will stay with us while she attends school here. As exciting as this is, our house has been submerged into chaos. We are cleaning stuff out of the guest room for her, cleaning up, and cleaning out. Dad is swapping out our broken dishwasher for a not so broken dishwasher. We still have a few things to go through like home interviews and stuff but I am slowly realizing that this is actually happening. I'm very excited to meet and get to know this girl and I know that God will take care of everything with her coming and me starting school.
Thanks so much for all of your continued prayers and by the way, I am very happy to announce that the NPS (New Puppy Syndorm) has finally come to an end. I will post pictures of the adorable ball of fur soon! Until then, may God bless you richly my sweet friend =D
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
Right now I am sitting outside of my house in the extreme heat of the day doing yard sale duty. Mom needed to get some things taken care of inside and it means that I didn't have to go into work early with Alyssa... so... here I am. While I was here I decided that I would take the opportunity to write a post.
I have decided that in order to make sure that this blog is an honest look into my life as a Christian I need to be completely honest with my readers. So... I have learned recently that maybe I don't really understand the forgiveness of God. I have spoken about it a few times, I have written about it a few times but I finally hit a braking point just recently where I wondered if there is a point when God stops forgiving. When I brought this up to a friend last night she pointed me to a verse in Matthew.
"Then Peter came to him and asked, 'Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?' 'No, not seven times,' Jesus replied, 'but seventy times seven!'" - Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT)
It got me to thinking that if Jesus instructed us to forgive this way, how much more does He forgive us when we sin against Him? There are things that I have struggled with personally as of late and I truly believe God is speaking to me through these struggles. This is one thing He is teaching me and another is that even though I have a wonderful godly woman who has agreed to hold me accountable, she can't hold me accountable if I won't talk to her. That is why I have decided that once I log off I will text her.
So there you have it. Another peak into my life. I pray that this post was maybe helpful to you and hope that you will pray for me as I am being tested. I love you all with an unimaginable love that I have through Jesus:) Now if you will excuse me, I have a text I need to send. Have a wonderful day! =D
I have decided that in order to make sure that this blog is an honest look into my life as a Christian I need to be completely honest with my readers. So... I have learned recently that maybe I don't really understand the forgiveness of God. I have spoken about it a few times, I have written about it a few times but I finally hit a braking point just recently where I wondered if there is a point when God stops forgiving. When I brought this up to a friend last night she pointed me to a verse in Matthew.
"Then Peter came to him and asked, 'Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?' 'No, not seven times,' Jesus replied, 'but seventy times seven!'" - Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT)
It got me to thinking that if Jesus instructed us to forgive this way, how much more does He forgive us when we sin against Him? There are things that I have struggled with personally as of late and I truly believe God is speaking to me through these struggles. This is one thing He is teaching me and another is that even though I have a wonderful godly woman who has agreed to hold me accountable, she can't hold me accountable if I won't talk to her. That is why I have decided that once I log off I will text her.
So there you have it. Another peak into my life. I pray that this post was maybe helpful to you and hope that you will pray for me as I am being tested. I love you all with an unimaginable love that I have through Jesus:) Now if you will excuse me, I have a text I need to send. Have a wonderful day! =D
Sunday, June 15, 2014
God Is Doing a Mighty Work
So today, I got to go to church for the first time in two Sunday's and two Wednesday's. I was so excited I was ready to bust but nothing compares to the feeling that I got when I entered the worship center and saw my worship family practicing=) My heart was overjoyed! I knew that I was missing them, and I knew that I was missing church but I had no idea just how much I was missing them until I walked through those doors this morning.
God has been doing a might work in my life. He is filling me with love that is so great I can't even comprehend it. If my worship family wasn't so huge I would have gone and given each one of them a hug telling them how much I loved and cherished them as my brothers and sisters in Christ. When I went down to Sunday school I was overwhelmed with the same feeling. Hearing Steven teach and seeing them all just overjoyed my heart even more. By the time I made it back in to the worship center for the service at 11 I was ready to burst into tears of love and joy!
Now, you may be looking at this and thinking that I am overemotional but the truth is usually I'm not, however lately my heart breaks for the lost, and for the hurting so much more easily than it used to and for this I rejoice and praise God!! I also have started loving everyone in such a more strong and passionate way than before (but the worship ministry holds a special place in my heart). God is showing me new depths of love and while it can be very overwhelming it is so very wonderful! It is powerful and... so much more than I could put into words. Sadly I wish that I could have been up there singing with my worship family but because of vacation I had missed too many practices. The rest was much needed but now I am ready to jump back up there with that HUGE family that I love so very much! :) Either way I worshiped with joy and excitement for the Lord this morning and I pray that you had the privilege of doing so as well!
I just felt the need to share all of this with you:) Please pray that the Lord will continue to teach me even deeper depths of His love:) I love you so very much in Jesus, my sweet brother or sister:)
P.S. The new puppy syndrome is slowly fading away. PTL!!! =D
God has been doing a might work in my life. He is filling me with love that is so great I can't even comprehend it. If my worship family wasn't so huge I would have gone and given each one of them a hug telling them how much I loved and cherished them as my brothers and sisters in Christ. When I went down to Sunday school I was overwhelmed with the same feeling. Hearing Steven teach and seeing them all just overjoyed my heart even more. By the time I made it back in to the worship center for the service at 11 I was ready to burst into tears of love and joy!
Now, you may be looking at this and thinking that I am overemotional but the truth is usually I'm not, however lately my heart breaks for the lost, and for the hurting so much more easily than it used to and for this I rejoice and praise God!! I also have started loving everyone in such a more strong and passionate way than before (but the worship ministry holds a special place in my heart). God is showing me new depths of love and while it can be very overwhelming it is so very wonderful! It is powerful and... so much more than I could put into words. Sadly I wish that I could have been up there singing with my worship family but because of vacation I had missed too many practices. The rest was much needed but now I am ready to jump back up there with that HUGE family that I love so very much! :) Either way I worshiped with joy and excitement for the Lord this morning and I pray that you had the privilege of doing so as well!
I just felt the need to share all of this with you:) Please pray that the Lord will continue to teach me even deeper depths of His love:) I love you so very much in Jesus, my sweet brother or sister:)
P.S. The new puppy syndrome is slowly fading away. PTL!!! =D
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
As the night drags on into 10 o'clock, I realized something that might be nice to share with you. Today, is the 2 year anniversary of my baptism:) Two years ago today my family and I stood together in the baptismal getting baptized one at a time. To this day I remember every detail from the time I got against the wall back stage up until I walked up the stairs to get out of the warm water. That was the most exciting experience of my life. Since then God has continued to speak to me through good and bad, and has continued to change my life. Since the week that our lives changed because of the way I had been living, my parents have been told that God has some great plans for my life. I am not saying this to brag on myself because quite frankly I don't know what those great plans are. I just pray that God will prepare me for them and that I will be obedient when He calls me to do them.
I tore my family apart. God sent some people in to help pull things back together. We started attending Gardendale First Baptist Church and our lives have never been the same. I love God more than I ever thought possible of me, but then again it's not about me. He's coming back, and when I hear that trumpet sound I don't want to wonder where I am going, I want to know that I'm going home and I want you to know that too. I pray that if you haven't joined the family of faith that you will do so today.
"For God says, 'At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.' Indeed, the 'right time' is now. Today is the day of salvation." - 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)
Please give your heart to the Lord. Don't wait, because you may not have tomorrow. You may not have another hour! Ask Jesus into your heart because while I won't promise that things will get easier, I will promise that you won't regret this decision. All you have to do is pray with a sincere, repentant heart. There is an example of a salvation prayer below:
O God, I am a sinner. I am sorry for my sin. Forgive me. I want to turn from my sin. I receive Jesus Christ as my Savior. I confess Him as my Lord. From now on I want to follow Him. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, if you've just accepted your gift of salvation, welcome to the family of faith my friend!! I would love to celebrate with you so feel free to comment below:) You have been set free by the blood of Jesus. But please remember this:
"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use you freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." - Galatians 5:13 (NLT)
Whether you have joined the family of faith or not I love you dearly and pray that you will come to know Jesus. May He give you peace as you rest.
Goodnight my sweet friend:)
I tore my family apart. God sent some people in to help pull things back together. We started attending Gardendale First Baptist Church and our lives have never been the same. I love God more than I ever thought possible of me, but then again it's not about me. He's coming back, and when I hear that trumpet sound I don't want to wonder where I am going, I want to know that I'm going home and I want you to know that too. I pray that if you haven't joined the family of faith that you will do so today.
"For God says, 'At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.' Indeed, the 'right time' is now. Today is the day of salvation." - 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)
Please give your heart to the Lord. Don't wait, because you may not have tomorrow. You may not have another hour! Ask Jesus into your heart because while I won't promise that things will get easier, I will promise that you won't regret this decision. All you have to do is pray with a sincere, repentant heart. There is an example of a salvation prayer below:
O God, I am a sinner. I am sorry for my sin. Forgive me. I want to turn from my sin. I receive Jesus Christ as my Savior. I confess Him as my Lord. From now on I want to follow Him. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, if you've just accepted your gift of salvation, welcome to the family of faith my friend!! I would love to celebrate with you so feel free to comment below:) You have been set free by the blood of Jesus. But please remember this:
"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use you freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." - Galatians 5:13 (NLT)
Whether you have joined the family of faith or not I love you dearly and pray that you will come to know Jesus. May He give you peace as you rest.
Goodnight my sweet friend:)
New Puppy Syndrome
If you have ever went and gotten a puppy from someone, you know what this. It's the state of restlessness as you try and sleep through the howling and whining that is very high pitched through the night. It's the perpetual sleepy fog from that restless night, and the urge to buy ear plugs so you can no longer hear it. This goes on for sometimes two weeks or more and as the puppy begins to adjust these things get better. Why am I telling you all of this? Well, you see, my family and I are enduring New Puppy Syndrome (NPS). The new addition to the family (Roxie) is only a 5 week old shepherd/lab mix. She is as cute as can be, usually likes to sleep but when the kennel door closes, she becomes a gremlin full of growls, howls, whines, and barks.
SO, pray that the NPS ends soon!! Just thought I'd let you in on my world for a bit:) In my head I keep repeating the saying on one of the church signs on the way to work. "Even when we can't sleep, God can give us rest." Isn't that the truth!! I hope you have found enjoyment in this post and I hope that God will bless you immeasurably today:)
Speaking of work... look at the time! =O gotta go!
SO, pray that the NPS ends soon!! Just thought I'd let you in on my world for a bit:) In my head I keep repeating the saying on one of the church signs on the way to work. "Even when we can't sleep, God can give us rest." Isn't that the truth!! I hope you have found enjoyment in this post and I hope that God will bless you immeasurably today:)
Speaking of work... look at the time! =O gotta go!
The Shack Book
As I said in one of my previous posts, I was reading a wonderful book called The Shack by WM. Paul Young. The reason I wanted to make a post about this book is because I honestly think every one should read it once. This book could change the world for the better. Am I giving credit to the author or the book itself? Absolutely not! It is God through the writer, and God using this book as a tool to touch hearts. I will admit there were a few things I didn't agree with like the very few, spread out curse words through out the book. The first appearance of God or "Papa" in the book will definitely take you by surprise and may even confuse you but it all pulls together a little later. This book made me stop and think about so much in my life and while I still believe we ARE to try and live our lives like Jesus I don't think the few issues I have with this book should stop anyone from reading it. I can honestly say my heart has been softened and tenderized by this book. My passion for the Lord has increased greatly and I love Him more than ever. You will cry, you will laugh, you will smile, and you will find yourself even stopping to let things sink in and talk to God.
"This story reads like a prayerI could not agree more with the quote above, "If you read one work of fiction this year, let this be it." I pray you choose to read this book soon, and I pray that it will change your heart as you come to know God as "Papa". :)like the best kind of prayer, filled with sweat and wonder and transparency and surprise. If you read one work of fiction this year, let this be it." - Mike Morrell, Zoecarnate. com
Friday, June 6, 2014
Almost Over
Well, tonight is either my last night or next to last night at the beach. I don't know because I can choose to either leave tomorrow evening and be back in time for church, or I can leave Sunday after live streaming the first service here. I still have to make my decision but for right now I am going to relax as I finish out the night. I have to admit though, while I really enjoy the beach I am ready for home. I'm ready to be back at church singing in the choir and praise team. I'm ready to be back in the practices for them, and part of me is ready to see my kids at the daycare again. When I go home I've got a new adventure that I may be starting and I feel excited about that as well. My feelings are a little bitter sweet. I will miss my quite time with God on the beach but I have a lovely, dim lit sanctuary at work for that and God is everywhere:)
I will miss the sunsets here because though there are sunsets everywhere there are none quite like the ones at the beach. Less trees I guess. There is also something special about sitting on the balcony at night, like I am now, and praying or writing. Either way, whether I leave tomorrow or Sunday I am very thankful that God has blessed me with the time that I have had here with my family. The time to relax, spend time together, and read through TWO books!! It's been a long time since I have been able to read like I have here. I also finished reading through the blog of a sweet woman who not too long ago went to be with the Lord. Her blog actually inspired me to start this one, and though I started reading it after she went home she touched my life through her blog and I encourage you to read it starting from the beginning and taking it to the end. http://amylouellis.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-did-it.html this is the link to the first post on her blog and you can use the Archive to navigate to the rest. May God touch your life in ways you never imagined if you choose to read it:)
Well, I guess it's time to get ready for bed now. And you know what... as much as I'd love to be at church for that choir special (Because of Who You Are) I think I might just stay tomorrow and leave Sunday. May God bless you and yours with His everlasting peace:) Goodnight:)
I will miss the sunsets here because though there are sunsets everywhere there are none quite like the ones at the beach. Less trees I guess. There is also something special about sitting on the balcony at night, like I am now, and praying or writing. Either way, whether I leave tomorrow or Sunday I am very thankful that God has blessed me with the time that I have had here with my family. The time to relax, spend time together, and read through TWO books!! It's been a long time since I have been able to read like I have here. I also finished reading through the blog of a sweet woman who not too long ago went to be with the Lord. Her blog actually inspired me to start this one, and though I started reading it after she went home she touched my life through her blog and I encourage you to read it starting from the beginning and taking it to the end. http://amylouellis.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-did-it.html this is the link to the first post on her blog and you can use the Archive to navigate to the rest. May God touch your life in ways you never imagined if you choose to read it:)
Well, I guess it's time to get ready for bed now. And you know what... as much as I'd love to be at church for that choir special (Because of Who You Are) I think I might just stay tomorrow and leave Sunday. May God bless you and yours with His everlasting peace:) Goodnight:)
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