Taking A Stand

I'm not gonna sugar coat it- this world is a crazy place right now! It has been for ahwhile. Recently though, man it seems like everyone has lost their mind!

There have been:

• Racial riots in America very similar to the Civil Rights Movement
• Christians forced from their homeland
• Beheadings in a foreign land of humanitarians who were just trying to help
• A suspected deserter welcomed back with open arms
• A Marine who made a mistake held in jail erroneously - and no one to save him
• Top terrorist officials we worked hard to apprehend- released  
• A beheading here on our soil
• An ebola epidemic breakout
• Suicide of a beloved comedian
• Israel defended itself against attack, and once again they were condemned

Our World seems to be on fire.

What bothers me about these events is the fact that most of them we had some kind of warning they were going to happen. But we were either to complacent or apathetic and did nothing. As a result families have been devastated. Nations have been devastated. 

Yet we still do nothing. 

Oh there are those who will say we are providing aid, investigating and etc. Truth is all of that is just lip service. A whole lot of people are talking and not doing. 

Why is that?

Why aren't we doing anything? And just to be clear- doing nothing is still doing something. If you/we/me sit back and do nothing we are guilty of allowing it to happen. 

Why have we become so spineless? Is it because we are afraid to offend? 

I took a class and the facilitator said it has been proven through studies and by our actions that Americans- despite all their bluster are afraid to offend. 

If Americans aren't standing up I have  to ask a very specific group of people (I think you know who I am speaking about) why they aren't standing up and defending those who can't defend themselves. Those people? They are Christians. 

We are called to be the Salt of the Earth. Yet we are sitting here and letting our religious freedoms be stripped away. We are letting horrible events take place and we aren't asking why or holding the offenders accountable. Why aren't we making a bigger noise? We have the Lion of Judah on our side. If He goes before- who can honestly go against us?

I'll own up to it- I am guilty of not standing up enough. I have condoned things I should not have condoned. I have kept quiet when I should have spoken up. But I'm vowing not to stand by quietly anymore.Too much is at stake. 

The Church (all believers of Christ) need to wake up- myself included. Historically it has been proven that people bound together for a common cause can make a difference and influence history for good. If we as Christians all bind together and take a righteous stand firmly rooted in the Scriptures we will be heard and we can make a difference. 

I'm going to start. I don't what I'm going to do. I don't know how. But I am going to do something. Because waiting around for someone else to make a difference is getting us nowhere. 

Until next time-remember even if everyone only takes a small stand a whole lot of small stands becomes a big movement.

Stay... Don't Leave...

In my last post I mentioned I had fallen in love....

Well....

We got hitched.

 The decision to marry him was the best and most terrifying decision I ever made. The day of the wedding I caught a glimpse of him and almost ran out of the Chapel. I felt awful later for wanting to bolt. With this reaction- I discovered it seems to be my back up plan. When things get hard or I'm uncomfortable- I bolt. I try and get out of the situation. Whether it be physically walking away or redirecting the conversation- I leave.

I'm not surprised I'm this way. My biological father was the same way. His reaction was to hightail it out when things got hard. My brother and I saw him off and on for years. We never knew when he was going to pop back into our lives. When he was in our lives we never knew how long he was going to stay. He had a knack for Houdini like appearances and disappearances in my life. 

With my husband I'm sorry to say I am guilty of having those same fears.

 I had a major freak out moment not to long ago. You see this man I met? Not only is he my soulmate but he is now a United States Marine. I am so very incredibly proud of him. Not everyone can become a Marine.

He did it.

He overcame all odds and proved he was worthy of the title. At times while he was out earning his place- I was at home freaking. What if he didn't come back? What if he decided that he could do better? What if he realized I'm more trouble than I'm worth?

Then it hit me. If he wanted to leave he would have already been gone.

He had the chance several times to leave. I know I gave him plenty of reasons to leave. I told him I wouldn't blame him if he left. But he didn't. He is stubborn and chose to stay. Not only did he stay- he showed me I'm worth loving and staying around for.

The thing that makes him different from everyone who walked out?

He loves me the way a Godly man is supposed to love his wife. He tells me he loves me- all the time. Without me prompting him..He chooses to love me and chooses to fight for me. Sometimes literally.

While he has been at Basic he has written some beautiful letters. In a few of them he said he has been praying for me. He even sent a prayer to me he had praying for himself. Knowing he can be going through one of the hardest if not THE hardest boot camp on Earth- and still is making time to talk to God about me? Yeah. That felt amazing. Not going to lie- I cried.

God used this man to show me- I'm worth sticking around for. He used him to show me not everyone is going to leave.

More importantly...

God won't ever leave. He hasn't left me. He won't leave.

So now, I have to work on standing firm and not hightailing it out at the first sign of conflict or hurt. I think I can do it. God has my back. My husband isn't ever leaving me. My family and my Godly friends are walking with me.

So my initial reaction may be to run...

But I'm not going to anymore.

I choose to stay.

Until next time... Remember you don't have to run from your past or your hurts. Stay and and allow God to  make you stronger.

It's Been Awhile...

Obviously it has been awhile... A little more than a year as a matter of fact. In that year so much has happened. I won't share it all now as there is just an overwhelming amount. But... I will share a little bit with you. As for right now? There is something I want to share with you.. God answered a prayer that I have been praying for a very very long time. As a matter of fact- I thought this would never happen. But it did... What was/is it? I fell in love. Well... The more accurate description would be that I chose to love this man but falling in love sounds so romantic! :) But not only did I "fall in love"- he did too. And he's the one. I never thought that I could love so deeply. But I do. He is my best friend. The ying to my yang. The person who gets me more than I get myself sometimes. He is "my person". His love has changed me. Now the reason this is so significant is the last time love changed me it was me realizing God's love for me. But now? This? It is so much different- obviously. But it has still changed me. I am confident in my boyfriend's love for me. His love & support have helped me discover a strength and side of myself that I didn't know existed. He is wonderful and nothing I wanted- but EVERYTHING I needed. That old country song was right in our case: "He sure knew what he was doing- when he joined these two hearts." There isn't anyone else out there for me other than Aaron. And I know that he feels the same way too. Because its the truth- we were created for each other. So.. in conclusion- it's been awhile. But in that time alot has happened. Mainly? I fell in love and have learned yet again that love is powerful & can set you free. Until next time: don't be afraid to love, you may be surprised to see just who ends up loving you back!!

I'm Keeping The Faith...

I just had something not so wonderful happen in my life.

I thought that God had answered a prayer. It looked like he had. Things were falling into place that I had prayed so hard for. I was flying so high and just praising Jesus. I couldn't stop smiling. I was so incredibly happy! In my mind and to the people around me I was saying Yay! It's FINALLY happening.

Then...

It wasn't.

It was snatched away with a few words and a phone call. My heart broke. To others it wouldn't have meant that much.

But to me..

It meant freedom.

I was finally going to have my freedom. Finally! After all the hard work I have put into my life, work and school. It was FINALLY paying off! Someone was recognizing everything that I had done. God was rewarding me! I was positive that things were gonna work out right this time.

Except........ they didn't.

I don't understand why or how. I don't understand how it could be given then taken away. I don't understand God's plan in this situation. I've been praying and asking for help. I know that he is answering my prayers. But it still doesn't make sense.

I'm trying not to be bitter. With God. With others. It is hard.

But...

I'm holding on. I'm keeping the faith. I know that God's plan will shine through in this situation. Through this two passages have been playing in my head- they are all that are keeping me sane.

They are:

Proverbs 3:5 & 6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:30
And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

I am keeping the faith. Even though right now it is hard. Even though I don't understand. Even though I'm hurting.

I am and will trust that God will be bring me through. He has before and I know he will again. He is faithful after all. And I have been faithful to him.

I am keeping the faith.

So remember: When things look dark and are hard- that's when you have to stand and say: "Lord even though it looks bad, I am going to trust in you."

Power of the Holy Spirit

I just came from a youth leader meeting...

We talked about the upcoming events and things that are happening with the youth group. Afterward I went with my future cousin in law and the youth pastor for a mini pow wow.

We got to talking about God & music. Well, they brought up the song Fly sung by Jason Upton. Those of you who have not heard this song- go listen to it. You can hear an actual angel singing in the background. Look up the testimony. If that doesn't give you chills I don't know what will.

I listened to it- not only did I get the chills- but the power of the Holy Spirit struck me. I didn't speak in tongues in this time but I have previously. This time it was different. I was very much aware that I was still on Earth- but I felt as if I was walking unattached. Its a very strange feeling and I wish I could explain it better.

This is just another way that God constantly amazes me. Experiencing the Holy Spirit is better than high you could ever get on any drug. Nothing even comes close to comparison. It empowers you to do what God has called you to do. Many times when the Holy Spirit hits- I feel like I can communicate with God on a higher level. It is a whole new way to experience God- and let me tell ya- man is it powerful.

For those of you who are not familiar with or are scared of the Holy Spirit- don't be. I challenge you to read and study what the Holy Spirit is. Ask someone at your church or find a church and speak to a Pastor or other trusted member to help you out. I'm sure that you will find there are people who are more than happy to help you out. If you can't find anyone I am more than happy to help as much as I can. Just leave me a comment and I'll answer ASAP!

Umtil Next time- don't fear the unknown it can be one of your greatest blessings.

The Reckoning..

Alright ya'all...

I know its been forever and I'm sorry. But to make up for it I'm gonna give you a treat!

Here is the link to get the new NEEDTOBREATHE album 'The Reckoning'. Ya'all should go get it now!

http://flash.atlrec.com/banners/needtobreathe/reckoning/album/ntb_300x250.gif

Leading Tomorrow's Youth

I feel so blessed.

God has called me to be a youth leader at my church, Real Life.

I answered that call quite a few months ago. Ever since the first day I've been completely sure in my calling. There isn't a moment that I doubt.

Why?

The answer to that question is quite simple. I feel so complete and well, just downright happy! I get so excited when I know that I have youth group on Sunday evenings and I know that I fit as a leader there. The relationship that I have with my fellow leaders, the Youth Pastor and his wonderful wife, just confirms it. Also, I have been able to connect with almost every single kid who comes to group. There are maybe two that I haven't cracked yet. (Give it time, they'll crack! haha!)

The idea that God has entrusted me with helping my Youth Pastor and fellow youth leaders with the task of guiding them in His ways, is humbling and so very fulfilling. There's nothing greater than seeing them not only understand the Bible, but develop a hunger for it. And they do have a hunger. The fact that they show up every Sunday evening is proof of that. Though I sometimes wonder if it isn't our carpetball table and wonderful "cafe". (Just kidding!)


It's kind of funny, I was intimidated at first and actually told God He was crazy and wrong. (I don't recommend doing this often or really at all, He is very good at proving you to be the crazy and wrong party.) I had hoped the urging and tug would go away, but it wouldn't. So finally I just gathered up the gumption and talked with the Youth Pastor about getting involved. He invited me to come visit and I did.
That very first visit, I just fit. I clicked with quite a few of the youth right away. The youth seemed to like me too, so it just made sense for me to keep coming back. And I love every minute that I spend with them.

I love it when I have a youth walk up to me with a question about God or just wanting to talk about God. To see the generation that will follow my generation not only hunger after God but have a relationship with Him is reassuring and gives me hope.I am truly blessed to play a role in nurturing and showing them the tools they need to keep developing that relationship for the rest of their (hopefully long) lives.

Until next time, Don't tell God He's crazy... What He has for you may totally and completely blow your mind...