Forgiveness, redemption, love and grace, what more does one need from a novel? Set in a small town in Tennessee, this story weaves a tale of past issues impacting future plans. Jade, the main character is an antique store owner who is engaged to the town’s most eligible bachelor. From fights with her future mother-in-law to facing a neglectful mother, Jade has her work cut out for her if she plans on marrying the man of her dreams.
This story is beautifully told and completely captivating. The characters will become true, existing people to you. I read this entire book in a couple of hours, as I could not put it down. For her first novel, Sara Evans, with the help of Rachel Hauk, does an amazing job of storytelling. She hooks you in with the first chapter and refuses to let you go. I have never read a book that impacted me to forgive past hurts in order to have a possible future. I think many readers will find several similarities between themselves and Jade, linking them even closer to the storyline.
This book will be available for purchase January 5, 2010. GO BUY IT!!!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
2010 Reading Challenge!
Call me crazy... BUT I am super excited about this challenge!
New 2010 Reading Challenge: 100+ Reading Challenge
1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.
2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.
What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible.
3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.
5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Books started before the 1st do not count.
6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.
New 2010 Reading Challenge: 100+ Reading Challenge
1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.
2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.
What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible.
3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.
5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Books started before the 1st do not count.
6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Everything changes....
As I sat, last week, signing Christmas cards, it hit me just how much life has changed over the last several years. My world is COMPLETELY different today than the day I graduated college; my priorities have changed and my plans for the future have an altered look. But one thing continually sticks out to me as odd… PEOPLE. I find myself thinking back to the people I used to spend my time with. Many of those friends have moved on and up in their lives; i.e. Gotten married, had kids, started new careers, joined the military, gotten divorced…you name it. Don’t misunderstand me, I LOVE my friends. I am blessed, beyond all I could ever dream, with encouraging, supportive, corrective, loving, thoughtful, true friends; People who aren’t afraid to tell me truth, people who will let me just sit and cry, people who will let me talk forever, people who keep me grounded… BUT I can’t help but miss the people whom I’ve lost touch with. I know what you may be thinking, “if you miss them so much, call them…” easier said than done. I truly believe as people grow up, they can grow apart. Let’s face it, what’s important to us in a friend at 18 may or may not be important to us at 25. When I was 18, I was drinking, goofing off and hanging out with people who did the same. I’m 25 now (at least for 2 more weeks) and everything is different. Time is precious to me now. People are important to me now. God is the center of my universe now and the folks I spend my time with have the same mentality. And I may find that when I’m 30, everything will be different again.
This truth remains…. Every person who has shaped me has taken a part of me. I can remember meeting this guy several years back who was completely different from anyone I had ever met. We instantly became friends…the kind of friends who would sit in a completely silent living room and talk for hours about books and history and theories. He moved away, but then moved back…yet we NEVER talk anymore. I think about the friends I made in college. The girls I went out with every single week for 4 years. And now, we are almost strangers again. Is this because we didn’t care about each other as much as we thought or have our lives gotten so hectic that a quick email or phone call would throw our entire schedule off? I believe in the saying that “some people come into your life for seasons and some people come into your life for reasons.” I guess I just didn’t get so attached to them in the process.
If you are someone who was once a friend to me, please know that I probably think of you often. I hope life is treating you kindly and I am a better person because we were once friends.
If you are someone whom I spend time with now, please know that I adore you and am thankful everyday that god has placed you in my life. I am a better person because we are friends.
This truth remains…. Every person who has shaped me has taken a part of me. I can remember meeting this guy several years back who was completely different from anyone I had ever met. We instantly became friends…the kind of friends who would sit in a completely silent living room and talk for hours about books and history and theories. He moved away, but then moved back…yet we NEVER talk anymore. I think about the friends I made in college. The girls I went out with every single week for 4 years. And now, we are almost strangers again. Is this because we didn’t care about each other as much as we thought or have our lives gotten so hectic that a quick email or phone call would throw our entire schedule off? I believe in the saying that “some people come into your life for seasons and some people come into your life for reasons.” I guess I just didn’t get so attached to them in the process.
If you are someone who was once a friend to me, please know that I probably think of you often. I hope life is treating you kindly and I am a better person because we were once friends.
If you are someone whom I spend time with now, please know that I adore you and am thankful everyday that god has placed you in my life. I am a better person because we are friends.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Redefining Beautiful by Jenna Lucado
Recently, I came across this book and just sort of passed it up. I'm in my mid 20's and am fully aware my beauty in Christ, so I didn't believe this book had much to offer me. Was I ever wrong! Jenna approaches this topic with ease and plainly points out how we're called to love ourselves and love others. Her father, Max Lucado, also offers up some great comments. God's standards of what beauty is greatly outweights what the world's standards are these days. In this book, ladies will have a chance to identify issues in their life, write them down and pray over them. I will be passing this book onto my friends in student and college ministries. Whether you are 18 or 38, we all need to be reminded of the unfailing love offered to us by Christ, not because of what the outside of us may look like.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sidewalk Prophets
Buckle your seat belts.... I'm so full of joy, I can hardly sit down at work today. Yesterday, I had the privilege of seeing Sidewalk Prophets in concert at World's Fair Park. Those boys can worship like I've never experienced. Dave, their lead singer, has one of the most amazing male voices I have ever heard. He can sing higher than I can! His range is incredible. Their songs are amazing as well. God is truly blessing their career as they recently signed to tour with Winterjam 2010!!!!!!!!! Cannot wait for them to be in Knoxville on March 6th. Enough of their bio :) So, you may be wondering why I am so pumped about them. Below are their lyrics to a song entitled "You Love Me Anyway" ...
The question was raised
As my conscience fell
A silly, little lie
It didn’t mean much
But it lingers still
In the corners of my mind
Still you call me to walk
On the edge of this world
To spread my dreams and fly
But the future’s so far
My heart is so frail
I think I’d rather stay inside
CHORUS
But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me
How You love me
It took more than my strength
To simply be still
To seek but never find
All the reasons we change
The reasons I doubt
And why do loved ones have to die?
CHORUS
I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anyway
See now, I am the man that called out from the crowd
For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking ground
Yes then, I turned away with this smile on my face
With this sin in my heart tried to bury Your grace
And then alone in the night, I still called out for You
So ashamed of my life, my life, my life
But You love me anyway
Oh, God… how you love me
CHORUS
You love me, You love me
You love me, You love me
How You love me
How You love me
How You love me
If you've ever needed proof that God loved you, here you go. Every single song they sing will touch you in some form, or at least it did me. I cannot wait to see to what extent God uses these men to lead this country in worship. Check out their website @ http://www.sidewalkprophets.com/ . You can listen to their songs and learn more about them.
The question was raised
As my conscience fell
A silly, little lie
It didn’t mean much
But it lingers still
In the corners of my mind
Still you call me to walk
On the edge of this world
To spread my dreams and fly
But the future’s so far
My heart is so frail
I think I’d rather stay inside
CHORUS
But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me
How You love me
It took more than my strength
To simply be still
To seek but never find
All the reasons we change
The reasons I doubt
And why do loved ones have to die?
CHORUS
I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anyway
See now, I am the man that called out from the crowd
For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking ground
Yes then, I turned away with this smile on my face
With this sin in my heart tried to bury Your grace
And then alone in the night, I still called out for You
So ashamed of my life, my life, my life
But You love me anyway
Oh, God… how you love me
CHORUS
You love me, You love me
You love me, You love me
How You love me
How You love me
How You love me
If you've ever needed proof that God loved you, here you go. Every single song they sing will touch you in some form, or at least it did me. I cannot wait to see to what extent God uses these men to lead this country in worship. Check out their website @ http://www.sidewalkprophets.com/ . You can listen to their songs and learn more about them.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Where the spirit of the Lord is....
2 Corinthians 3:17 says “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
There is a song that we sing at church that I cannot seem to get out of my head this week. It’s titled “Freedom Reigns” and the version I’ve heard is by Rita Springer. Below are the words. Read them over, let them sink it, and then you can read on.
Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
If you're tired and you are thirsty, there is freedom.
If you're tired and you are thirsty, there is freedom
Freedom reigns in this place.
Showers of mercy and grace
They are falling on every face
There is freedom!
Lift your eyes to heaven, there is freedom.
Oh, lift your eyes to heaven, there is freedom.
Give your all to Jesus, there is freedom.
Give your all to Jesus, there is freedom.
Freedom reigns in this place
Showers of mercy and grace
They are falling on every face
There is freedom
Jesus reigns in this place
Showers of mercy and grace
They are falling on every face
There is freedom!
I absolutely love this song. It never fails that when I am having a rough day and I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders , I open my bibleand my eyes fall on scripture that reminds me that in Christ, there is freedom; freedom from fear, freedom from addiction, freedom from hatred and jealousy, freedom from everything that can hold me back in this life. I find myself so frustrated sometimes, because I allow the world to weigh on my mind and my heart. My absolute favorite passage of scripture is found in Isaiah 43:3-4, “ for I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me You are honored, and I love you.
When I sit and contemplate what had to take place because of my sin, I can’t help but weep. Christ offered up his life, God offered up his son! There is no reason for me to ever fall captive to anything! The mercy is greater than all my sin. The grace is sufficient and fills the gap for me. I should never feel unloved, inadequate, abandoned, failed or any other emotion of defeat. While the people on this earth may not make me feel like it, I have worth! I am called to great things in this one life. I have the ability to positively impact this world. I have the power to make or break someone’s day by the words that escape my mouth and the actions I chose to take. I’m here to tell you that there is abundant freedom in Christ and it’s so incredibly easy to reach. Jesus paid the price for YOU!! Please know that. You are cherished and loved beyond your wildest dreams. Hold tight to that promise. May you be blessed!
~by His wounds *BG*
There is a song that we sing at church that I cannot seem to get out of my head this week. It’s titled “Freedom Reigns” and the version I’ve heard is by Rita Springer. Below are the words. Read them over, let them sink it, and then you can read on.
Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
If you're tired and you are thirsty, there is freedom.
If you're tired and you are thirsty, there is freedom
Freedom reigns in this place.
Showers of mercy and grace
They are falling on every face
There is freedom!
Lift your eyes to heaven, there is freedom.
Oh, lift your eyes to heaven, there is freedom.
Give your all to Jesus, there is freedom.
Give your all to Jesus, there is freedom.
Freedom reigns in this place
Showers of mercy and grace
They are falling on every face
There is freedom
Jesus reigns in this place
Showers of mercy and grace
They are falling on every face
There is freedom!
I absolutely love this song. It never fails that when I am having a rough day and I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders , I open my bibleand my eyes fall on scripture that reminds me that in Christ, there is freedom; freedom from fear, freedom from addiction, freedom from hatred and jealousy, freedom from everything that can hold me back in this life. I find myself so frustrated sometimes, because I allow the world to weigh on my mind and my heart. My absolute favorite passage of scripture is found in Isaiah 43:3-4, “ for I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me You are honored, and I love you.
When I sit and contemplate what had to take place because of my sin, I can’t help but weep. Christ offered up his life, God offered up his son! There is no reason for me to ever fall captive to anything! The mercy is greater than all my sin. The grace is sufficient and fills the gap for me. I should never feel unloved, inadequate, abandoned, failed or any other emotion of defeat. While the people on this earth may not make me feel like it, I have worth! I am called to great things in this one life. I have the ability to positively impact this world. I have the power to make or break someone’s day by the words that escape my mouth and the actions I chose to take. I’m here to tell you that there is abundant freedom in Christ and it’s so incredibly easy to reach. Jesus paid the price for YOU!! Please know that. You are cherished and loved beyond your wildest dreams. Hold tight to that promise. May you be blessed!
~by His wounds *BG*
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Noticer by Andy Andrews
I read a book recently that I want to share with you!
Perspective: the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship. How often do we, as human beings, look at a situation and only see the surface? When storms brew and wind begins to blow, we have a tendency to seek shelter and hide. We tend to the see stress, negativity, and nothing more. Yet, with a bit of perspective, we would have the ability to weather the storms and come out the other side much better off. In his book, The Noticer, Andy Andrews walks us through the life of several people who are facing major tests and trials within their lives; whether personal or professional. Andrews uses a man named Jones, the central character, to bring about change within these people to literally save their lives. This book gripped me with the first chapter and I could not put it down. I recommend it to EVERYONE; because, whether we are willing to admit it or not, we could all use a bit of perspective. When those trials begin to wear us down, we’ve got to remember to take a deep breath, step back, and reevaluate. I hope this book makes a difference in your thought process.
Perspective: the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship. How often do we, as human beings, look at a situation and only see the surface? When storms brew and wind begins to blow, we have a tendency to seek shelter and hide. We tend to the see stress, negativity, and nothing more. Yet, with a bit of perspective, we would have the ability to weather the storms and come out the other side much better off. In his book, The Noticer, Andy Andrews walks us through the life of several people who are facing major tests and trials within their lives; whether personal or professional. Andrews uses a man named Jones, the central character, to bring about change within these people to literally save their lives. This book gripped me with the first chapter and I could not put it down. I recommend it to EVERYONE; because, whether we are willing to admit it or not, we could all use a bit of perspective. When those trials begin to wear us down, we’ve got to remember to take a deep breath, step back, and reevaluate. I hope this book makes a difference in your thought process.
Monday, September 7, 2009
"That's not fair!?!"
Please read Psalm 73:21-28 with me~
Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.I was so foolish and ignorant- I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
Do you ever find yourself saying or thinking “that’s not fair?” The Lord used these verses to rebuke me today. I often feel like I’m running myself to death and getting nowhere. I work ALL THE TIME yet never seem to get ahead. Then there are those around me who seem to excel and prosper without lifting a finger. Sometimes, my prayer is “Father, when will I be enough, when will my hard work pay off?” This week, the answer has been clear, when I quit trying to earn it. God is so sovereign! He has my life laid out before me. He has paved a path for me. But I have to choose to follow where He leads. At some point, I will get tired of running in the wrong direction and realize that I have been created to do certain things in this life, while others are created to do something different. Some women were created to marry and have children; some were created to be sassy, satisfied and single. Many women were created to be teachers; others were created to lead ministries.
I hope there comes a point in my life (sooner rather than later) when I can say, “AHA, God put me through all of these tests and trials because THIS is what He has planned for me.” I will quit comparing myself to those around me and become content with being the BRANDI God intended me to be. One day, when I stand before Him, I want to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” How joyous it will be to know that I didn’t attempt to change the world by my own strength, but that I made a small difference in the world around me with HIS strength. I don’t want to be president, I couldn’t care less about becoming a celebrity, I have no desire to be well known…BUT I would like to be remembered as someone who fought hard to live a life worthy of her calling as a child of God.
I am trying extremely hard to treat those around me in the way Jesus would treat them if He were walking among us. I don’t want people to hear me describe compassion, forgiveness and love; I want them to see me act it out. If you see me out and I’m not walking my talk, PLEASE rebuke me. I do not reject correction. I want to be held accountable. I want to know that the people I walk with in this life; whom I pour my life into; who look to me for guidance and direction are getting truth! I may not always tell you what you want to hear, but I will be honest with you and I will back up my words. I’ve been called to set an example. I’ve been blessed to lead.
Precious Lord,
I bow before you this morning and I thank you for another day and another chance to pour out your love on a struggling world. Thank you for loving me beyond all I, do, say and think. I do not deserve to call you Father and I do not deserve the grace you so freely give. I pray blessings on the people reading this. I ask that you would direct their paths. I pray they seek you with their whole heart. Today, Lord, as we remember Sept 11, 2001, I pray peace over the families of the brave men and women who passed from this life. May you remind them of your restorative power! Keep us mindful today of the costs of our actions. Watch over and keep our servicemen and women all over this world. Protect them wherever they go. Make them know they are loved and missed. God, I give you this day and all you have planned. Use me! I love you and I praise you with all that I am!
In the Holy name of Jesus, I pray all these things, Amen.
~In HIS name~ BG
1 Corinthians 10:24 ~ Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.I was so foolish and ignorant- I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
Do you ever find yourself saying or thinking “that’s not fair?” The Lord used these verses to rebuke me today. I often feel like I’m running myself to death and getting nowhere. I work ALL THE TIME yet never seem to get ahead. Then there are those around me who seem to excel and prosper without lifting a finger. Sometimes, my prayer is “Father, when will I be enough, when will my hard work pay off?” This week, the answer has been clear, when I quit trying to earn it. God is so sovereign! He has my life laid out before me. He has paved a path for me. But I have to choose to follow where He leads. At some point, I will get tired of running in the wrong direction and realize that I have been created to do certain things in this life, while others are created to do something different. Some women were created to marry and have children; some were created to be sassy, satisfied and single. Many women were created to be teachers; others were created to lead ministries.
I hope there comes a point in my life (sooner rather than later) when I can say, “AHA, God put me through all of these tests and trials because THIS is what He has planned for me.” I will quit comparing myself to those around me and become content with being the BRANDI God intended me to be. One day, when I stand before Him, I want to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” How joyous it will be to know that I didn’t attempt to change the world by my own strength, but that I made a small difference in the world around me with HIS strength. I don’t want to be president, I couldn’t care less about becoming a celebrity, I have no desire to be well known…BUT I would like to be remembered as someone who fought hard to live a life worthy of her calling as a child of God.
I am trying extremely hard to treat those around me in the way Jesus would treat them if He were walking among us. I don’t want people to hear me describe compassion, forgiveness and love; I want them to see me act it out. If you see me out and I’m not walking my talk, PLEASE rebuke me. I do not reject correction. I want to be held accountable. I want to know that the people I walk with in this life; whom I pour my life into; who look to me for guidance and direction are getting truth! I may not always tell you what you want to hear, but I will be honest with you and I will back up my words. I’ve been called to set an example. I’ve been blessed to lead.
Precious Lord,
I bow before you this morning and I thank you for another day and another chance to pour out your love on a struggling world. Thank you for loving me beyond all I, do, say and think. I do not deserve to call you Father and I do not deserve the grace you so freely give. I pray blessings on the people reading this. I ask that you would direct their paths. I pray they seek you with their whole heart. Today, Lord, as we remember Sept 11, 2001, I pray peace over the families of the brave men and women who passed from this life. May you remind them of your restorative power! Keep us mindful today of the costs of our actions. Watch over and keep our servicemen and women all over this world. Protect them wherever they go. Make them know they are loved and missed. God, I give you this day and all you have planned. Use me! I love you and I praise you with all that I am!
In the Holy name of Jesus, I pray all these things, Amen.
~In HIS name~ BG
1 Corinthians 10:24 ~ Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Lead Me
Below is a video that plays the song "Lead Me to the Cross." I am not going to blog about what it means to me or what I think about it. I ask that you watch it and listen to the words. I pray it touches your heart today! God bless.
Friday, July 31, 2009
challenge...
I owe you all an apology. I have not been the encourager lately that I should be. I’ve allowed worldly influences to infiltrate my mind, my time, my heart. I’ve neglected my quiet time with God, I’ve let my small group down, and I’ve even been excited about NOT serving at church. How easy it is to allow Satan and his demons to ruin your world?!? I can look back now and know the exact moment I placed Jesus on the backburner of my heart and my life. I was in an inappropriate conversation with a college friend. We began reminiscing of days past that were not my smartest times in life. I found myself caught back up in those desires. It just takes one small step in the wrong direction to knock you completely off the path God has set for you. Why is it so hard to fight the world? The answer to that question was easily defined for me yesterday morning while reading my daily devotional… it’s easy to fall into worldly ways when I’m not wearing the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:14-17 lays it all out for us. It says “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” How often do I awaken in the morning and rush through my routine so that I can be at my designated place on time? ALWAYS!! While instead I should be fully equipping myself with the tools God provides me before my feet ever hit the ground.
I try so hard to be a Godly woman and I fall short ALL THE TIME! I have no one to blame, but myself. I have a choice as to how I react to what’s going on in my life. If I remembered to put on my belt of truth, there would be no grey areas. Everything would be cut and dry based on the instructions God gives me in His word. What about the Shoes of peace?!? There is no peace around me. That is why I have to make a conscience effort to be pleasant and joyful. There is constant hatefulness and backbiting ALL around me on a daily basis. I always try to remember that this world is not fair, but if I constantly seek God for peace in my spirit, I might be able to survive a little while longer (Jesus hurry back!). Oh, the helmet of salvation. How blessed am I to know that Jesus Christ crawled up on a cross and chose to die FOR ME!!! When he came to earth as a human and died a painful, torturous death, he saved my life. He spared me from an eternity in hell. All I deserve is a seat next to Satan on a hot lava rock, but by God’s GRACE, I will forever roam the streets of gold.
We are given the power to choose how we live this one life we’ve been given. We can take on the role of the servant and choose to live our lives as if they are not our own OR we can make the choice to live for ourselves and suffer the consequences later. I don’t know about you all, but I want to know that when my time on this earth is over and I pass on, people say that I was a “good Christian women”. That I cared more about others than myself, that I left a lasting positive impression on someone, that I may have left this world in better shape than I found it. I want the people around me now to be blown away at the fact that I LIVE MY WALK, not just talk it! May I always have a kind word to offer, a dollar to spare, a hand to lend, and a heart to pray. I want to be used by God in a mighty way, but sometimes it starts in the little things. I challenge you all to ponder what your actions say about you. Do others know not just that you’re a Christian, but that you have a relationship with Jesus Christ? Be a light to someone that is stuck in darkness. Offer a smile and an “I forgive you” to someone that has wronged you. Be loving to someone who might not deserve it. I’ll try if you try.
I try so hard to be a Godly woman and I fall short ALL THE TIME! I have no one to blame, but myself. I have a choice as to how I react to what’s going on in my life. If I remembered to put on my belt of truth, there would be no grey areas. Everything would be cut and dry based on the instructions God gives me in His word. What about the Shoes of peace?!? There is no peace around me. That is why I have to make a conscience effort to be pleasant and joyful. There is constant hatefulness and backbiting ALL around me on a daily basis. I always try to remember that this world is not fair, but if I constantly seek God for peace in my spirit, I might be able to survive a little while longer (Jesus hurry back!). Oh, the helmet of salvation. How blessed am I to know that Jesus Christ crawled up on a cross and chose to die FOR ME!!! When he came to earth as a human and died a painful, torturous death, he saved my life. He spared me from an eternity in hell. All I deserve is a seat next to Satan on a hot lava rock, but by God’s GRACE, I will forever roam the streets of gold.
We are given the power to choose how we live this one life we’ve been given. We can take on the role of the servant and choose to live our lives as if they are not our own OR we can make the choice to live for ourselves and suffer the consequences later. I don’t know about you all, but I want to know that when my time on this earth is over and I pass on, people say that I was a “good Christian women”. That I cared more about others than myself, that I left a lasting positive impression on someone, that I may have left this world in better shape than I found it. I want the people around me now to be blown away at the fact that I LIVE MY WALK, not just talk it! May I always have a kind word to offer, a dollar to spare, a hand to lend, and a heart to pray. I want to be used by God in a mighty way, but sometimes it starts in the little things. I challenge you all to ponder what your actions say about you. Do others know not just that you’re a Christian, but that you have a relationship with Jesus Christ? Be a light to someone that is stuck in darkness. Offer a smile and an “I forgive you” to someone that has wronged you. Be loving to someone who might not deserve it. I’ll try if you try.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
LOSS=GAIN
Hi all… Sorry it’s been longer than normal since my last post. It’s been a difficult couple of weeks. This past Saturday, my great grandmother passed away. Loss and death are a part of life. I thought I was prepared for this. She’d been sick for years and when she went into the hospital this past week, I began to pray for God to take her to heaven. I have hated to watch her suffer through the years with diabetes and breathing problems. Her husband passed away in 1993 and not a day has gone by that she hasn’t missed him terribly. So the call came in early Saturday, I packed and headed out of town to join my family. The entire way I kept thanking God for being faithful to her and to us. I cried a little, but they were tears of joy knowing that she will never again be sick or lonely. The weekend went well, considering the circumstances. THEN the funeral came along. No matter how prepared I thought I was to say goodbye to Grandma Strange, the tears began to flow the moment the first song started! She had professed her faith and lived it out and I know that I will one day be reunited with her, but Thanksgiving will not be the same without he, July 1 will not be the same without her, Christmas will not be the same without her. I know that to lose is to gain… We may have lost her here on earth, but she has gained Eternity in Heaven with Jesus. The day before she passed away, I was introduced to a song by The Crabb Family. It’s entitled “Through the Fire.” The lyrics are listed below. The part that kept me going ALL WEEKEND was the chorus… It’s true that we were never promised this life would be easy. He warned us there would be trials and tribulations. He warned us there would be tears and sorrow. BUT He did promise us that He would be there to walk us through it all. We are never alone in our fear, sadness, hurts, grief. Thankfully, as I was sitting there, letting go of an outstanding great-grandmother, God was comforting me and showering me with peace, assuring me that she’s safe. I pray that the words to this song impact you today.
Through The Fire
So many times I've questioned certain circumstances
Things I could not understand
Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
Then my frustration gets so out of hand
It's then I am reminded I've never been forsaken
I've never had to stand the test alone
As I look at all the victories the spirit rises up in me
And it's through the fire my weakness is made strong
(chorus)
He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
And the hill would not be hard to climb
He never offered our victories without fighting
But he said help would always come in time.
Just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision
And the adversary says give in
Just hold on, our Lord will show up
And he will take you through the fire again
(bridge)
I know within myself that I would surely perish
But if I trust the hand of God, He'll shield the flames again
~What kind of valley are you walking through? What kind of decisions are you facing? I am here to tell you today, my friend, that there is nothing that can conquer you. Jesus conquered it all when He chose to crawl up the hill to Calvary and hang on that cross. Have faith today that He wants to help you through life, but you must accept His hand.
Humbly His~BG
Through The Fire
So many times I've questioned certain circumstances
Things I could not understand
Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
Then my frustration gets so out of hand
It's then I am reminded I've never been forsaken
I've never had to stand the test alone
As I look at all the victories the spirit rises up in me
And it's through the fire my weakness is made strong
(chorus)
He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
And the hill would not be hard to climb
He never offered our victories without fighting
But he said help would always come in time.
Just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision
And the adversary says give in
Just hold on, our Lord will show up
And he will take you through the fire again
(bridge)
I know within myself that I would surely perish
But if I trust the hand of God, He'll shield the flames again
~What kind of valley are you walking through? What kind of decisions are you facing? I am here to tell you today, my friend, that there is nothing that can conquer you. Jesus conquered it all when He chose to crawl up the hill to Calvary and hang on that cross. Have faith today that He wants to help you through life, but you must accept His hand.
Humbly His~BG
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The dreaded "L" word...
I’ve hesitated to address this topic, but with all the discussion occurring around me, might as well step out in faith. First, let me begin by asking for your patience today. I apologize for the potential rambling that may occur in this post. When I start talking about relationships, my mind tends to wander. So, the idea for this blog came up this weekend as I was spending time with my Dad on Father’s Day. There we were, at the Smokies game, just hanging out and a comment is made about fathers being superheroes. My Dad proceeds to make a statement that he is a superhero for putting up with not having grandchildren yet. Now, in case you don’t know my father, he is an incredible man; loved and respected by most that meet him. But he has been itching for grandkids for about 5 years now. I know he’s partially kidding when he picks on me, but I also know that deep down he wants grandchildren while he’s young enough to enjoy them. Usually I brush off the comments, and state that 1. I’m not having children until I am married and 2. I am not old enough for all that yet.
Now, my circle of friends is made of up married people (young and older), single people, divorced people. I’ve watched marriages begin and I’ve seen them end. I’ve learned a lot looking in from the outside. One theme seems to stand out to me. How personally prepared are we as individuals to share our lives with others? Today in my quiet time, I came across a verse in Proverbs that struck a hard blow. Proverbs 24:27 says “Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.” How true is it that often we jump into situations before truly preparing ourselves for them? We do not look before we leap. We make decisions based on emotions instead of facts. I have been known to do all of these things; but as I have grown in my faith and my knowledge of Christ, my decision making process has slowed and matured. I now find myself seeking council, from the Lord and from others whom I look up to and respect. I tend to weigh options more carefully. This all flows into my dating life as well (or the lack thereof).
There have been times in my life when I spent my time and energy on people just because they were “there;” BAD IDEA, because I am always the one to get hurt. There have been two men in my life that I can honestly say I was in love with; one I met in college and one since him. There have been several infatuations, but we all know those fade. The reoccurring issue in each “relationship” was that I was going to have to change my beliefs, morals, standards, etc in order for them to work out. Call me stubborn or hard headed, but I was not and am still not willing to do that. I have always believed that love shouldn’t take over life, it should enhance life. I shouldn’t have to change my views on sex, God, family, or anything else in order for someone to love me. I think about how impatient I get being single. The people I went to school with, high school and college, are all getting married and having babies and it’s hard not to feel like I’ve been overlooked or forgotten. Sometimes the bitterness sweeps in and takes over and I begin to feel like I’m unworthy of love and that I somehow missed something on the pathway to where I am. But then I remember that God promises me that He has a plan for my life. There is no way I could be involved in the ministry God allows me to do, work full time, be a mom, be a wife, be a daughter, be a sister and still keep my sanity. I, personally, am just not ready for all that. I hope to be someday. I don’t want to settle for whatever I can find. I want to be with a Man of God; someone who reads his bible and spends time in prayer every day, someone who makes it a priority to be in the House of God every week, someone who wants to serve in the Kingdom. I want a relationship with a man who is an encourager, who doesn’t have to be right all the time, who wants to be used by God. Men like this have to exist somewhere because God created man in His own image. I will be patient and I will wait upon the Lord. He provides for all my needs. I trust Him.
God knew my beginning and He knows my end. I rest in Him, knowing that His plans for me are good. (Jeremiah 29:11). I am learning to find peace during this time in my life. I know that He is using this season to shape me into the woman He wants me to be. Life lessons are being taught through His word, through His prophets, through my worship. I am growing in my faith and in my walk with Him. He's teaching me to be a leader and that He has given me the chance to lead others into His presence. There is no logical reason why the people around me should be following me or listening to a word I say, but God has given me the authority to encourage others and stand in the gap.
Be encouraged where you are in life. May your day be filled with joy and love! Hug someone today :)
Through Him ~BG~
Now, my circle of friends is made of up married people (young and older), single people, divorced people. I’ve watched marriages begin and I’ve seen them end. I’ve learned a lot looking in from the outside. One theme seems to stand out to me. How personally prepared are we as individuals to share our lives with others? Today in my quiet time, I came across a verse in Proverbs that struck a hard blow. Proverbs 24:27 says “Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.” How true is it that often we jump into situations before truly preparing ourselves for them? We do not look before we leap. We make decisions based on emotions instead of facts. I have been known to do all of these things; but as I have grown in my faith and my knowledge of Christ, my decision making process has slowed and matured. I now find myself seeking council, from the Lord and from others whom I look up to and respect. I tend to weigh options more carefully. This all flows into my dating life as well (or the lack thereof).
There have been times in my life when I spent my time and energy on people just because they were “there;” BAD IDEA, because I am always the one to get hurt. There have been two men in my life that I can honestly say I was in love with; one I met in college and one since him. There have been several infatuations, but we all know those fade. The reoccurring issue in each “relationship” was that I was going to have to change my beliefs, morals, standards, etc in order for them to work out. Call me stubborn or hard headed, but I was not and am still not willing to do that. I have always believed that love shouldn’t take over life, it should enhance life. I shouldn’t have to change my views on sex, God, family, or anything else in order for someone to love me. I think about how impatient I get being single. The people I went to school with, high school and college, are all getting married and having babies and it’s hard not to feel like I’ve been overlooked or forgotten. Sometimes the bitterness sweeps in and takes over and I begin to feel like I’m unworthy of love and that I somehow missed something on the pathway to where I am. But then I remember that God promises me that He has a plan for my life. There is no way I could be involved in the ministry God allows me to do, work full time, be a mom, be a wife, be a daughter, be a sister and still keep my sanity. I, personally, am just not ready for all that. I hope to be someday. I don’t want to settle for whatever I can find. I want to be with a Man of God; someone who reads his bible and spends time in prayer every day, someone who makes it a priority to be in the House of God every week, someone who wants to serve in the Kingdom. I want a relationship with a man who is an encourager, who doesn’t have to be right all the time, who wants to be used by God. Men like this have to exist somewhere because God created man in His own image. I will be patient and I will wait upon the Lord. He provides for all my needs. I trust Him.
God knew my beginning and He knows my end. I rest in Him, knowing that His plans for me are good. (Jeremiah 29:11). I am learning to find peace during this time in my life. I know that He is using this season to shape me into the woman He wants me to be. Life lessons are being taught through His word, through His prophets, through my worship. I am growing in my faith and in my walk with Him. He's teaching me to be a leader and that He has given me the chance to lead others into His presence. There is no logical reason why the people around me should be following me or listening to a word I say, but God has given me the authority to encourage others and stand in the gap.
Be encouraged where you are in life. May your day be filled with joy and love! Hug someone today :)
Through Him ~BG~
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The "Weight" of the Matter
I have always thought myself to be strong. I have never been one to falter in my decisions or beliefs based on the opinions of those around me. Some might say I am strong-willed... others might say stubborn. Lately, I have found myself getting caught up in societies criticism of the female body. More than ever, people are going crazy about their weight / looks. Now, I know I could stand to lose a few pounds and I recognize this. But, for the most part, I am happy with the way I look. I am enjoying working out and getting back in shape, but I am not going to starve myself. I've been exercising faithfully 4 times a week for 6 weeks now and haven't lost one single pound. But that is OK! I recently read a devotion entitled " God-size Eyes." Rocked my world! This was exactly what I needed at this time in my life. God is so faithful and on time! This study talked about how the incredible women in the Bible are referred to as beautiful, but are never described. We never are told what makes them beautiful physically. We are told that Sarah had beautiful countenance and Rebekah was beautiful to behold. Were these women thin, blonde, short? Were they blue eyed, heavy set, tall? We don't know. We do know that these women were incredible in their love of God. They were known for their actions that exhibited Christ.
Do we, as women, take this seriously these days? Why are we so worried about our hair color, our pant size, our extra 10 lbs...yet not worried at all that our friends, family, coworkers, and the strangers we meet are not seeing the love of Jesus in us? Wanna hear something sad? My quiet time every morning isn't too much longer than the amount of time I spend in the gym everyday! What if we took more time becoming spiritually beautiful and less time physically beautiful? After all, God knows our beginnings and our endings. He promises to fill our needs. I was reading in Romans this week and this morning just happened upon these verses... Romans 14: 17-18 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. What a wonderful promise!!
There is something to be said about keeping His temple (our bodies) pure and holy. And we are told that gluttony is a sin. There has to be a happy median. When I find myself spending more time calculating calories or scheduling workout time than I do on my knees in prayer and reading my bible and eagerly
seeking His face, something is wrong. We, as women, seek approval from the world around us...instead of seeking our Creator's will for us. I have spent a lot of time praying over this particular issue and I keep hearing the same answer "I created you. Find your peace in Me." I am fearfully and wonderfully made by the same God who created this entire world. I am just as important to Him as anyone else; big, little, fat, skinny, black, white, brown, short, tall.... My Father knows the number of hairs on my head, knows my thoughts and motives, sees every tear, feels every heartbreak. He knows that my desire is to live a life that honors Him, heavy or not. My prayer this week is that my motives are pure in everything I do. I seek to know His will for my life and do not want to leave that path. I know He has great things in store for me.
May your week be full of revelation! May you hear Him calling your name. Sit in His presence, seek His will.
Spiritually Spanked! ~BG~
Do we, as women, take this seriously these days? Why are we so worried about our hair color, our pant size, our extra 10 lbs...yet not worried at all that our friends, family, coworkers, and the strangers we meet are not seeing the love of Jesus in us? Wanna hear something sad? My quiet time every morning isn't too much longer than the amount of time I spend in the gym everyday! What if we took more time becoming spiritually beautiful and less time physically beautiful? After all, God knows our beginnings and our endings. He promises to fill our needs. I was reading in Romans this week and this morning just happened upon these verses... Romans 14: 17-18 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. What a wonderful promise!!
There is something to be said about keeping His temple (our bodies) pure and holy. And we are told that gluttony is a sin. There has to be a happy median. When I find myself spending more time calculating calories or scheduling workout time than I do on my knees in prayer and reading my bible and eagerly
seeking His face, something is wrong. We, as women, seek approval from the world around us...instead of seeking our Creator's will for us. I have spent a lot of time praying over this particular issue and I keep hearing the same answer "I created you. Find your peace in Me." I am fearfully and wonderfully made by the same God who created this entire world. I am just as important to Him as anyone else; big, little, fat, skinny, black, white, brown, short, tall.... My Father knows the number of hairs on my head, knows my thoughts and motives, sees every tear, feels every heartbreak. He knows that my desire is to live a life that honors Him, heavy or not. My prayer this week is that my motives are pure in everything I do. I seek to know His will for my life and do not want to leave that path. I know He has great things in store for me.
May your week be full of revelation! May you hear Him calling your name. Sit in His presence, seek His will.
Spiritually Spanked! ~BG~
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
conversations
It’s been a while since I have posted here. So much has taken place. I don’t know if anyone really reads this blog or not, but it is very helpful for me to express the lessons, struggles, joys, and other events in my life. Today’s post might prove to be difficult, not only to write but maybe even to read.
Some friends and I have been discussing topics recently that I think I will share. A conversation came up about inadequacy. It seems I am not the only person in the world who feels this way CONSTANTLY. We talked about how it seems that no matter what one does well, there is always some standard that isn’t being met, be it professionally, relationally, financially, etc. Often I forget what the Word of God says in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. “ How in the world do I let the lies of the enemy infiltrate this promise? I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God. He does not make mistakes, yet I allow the comments and actions of others tear me down and I allow the feelings of inferiority fall over me. I have a hard time finding that “right where I am meant to be” place. I am 25, unmarried, working in a job I didn’t go to school for (but really enjoy), and watching everyone around me live the life they have always desired. Don’t misunderstand me, I am truly blessed. I have amazing friends, a great family, my basic needs met. I have everything I could need. But I want something more. I want to know that when I leave this earth, I have made a kingdom sized impact! I pray that God has something more in store for me and that He gives me the patience to wait on His timing and His ways. It’s when I start trying to make things happen that everything gets messed up.
Something else that came up is our Christian walks. When people see us, do they see Christ in us? God is patient, am I? Jesus would help those in need, do I? Christ would encourage those around Him, do I? Do I truly exemplify what a Christian should be? I hear so many unbelievers talk about what hypocrites Christians are. My answer is always this….” I may be a follower of Christ, but I am not perfect. “I love how Carol Wimmer puts it in her poem “When I say, ‘I am a Christian.’ ” When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not shouting “I've been saved!” I’m whispering, “I get lost! That's why I chose this way.” When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t speak with human pride. I’m confessing that I stumble - needing God to be my guide. When I say, “I am a Christian” I’m not trying to be strong I’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry on. When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not bragging of success. I’m admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt. When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don't think I know it all. I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught. When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I’m worth it When I say, “I am a Christian,” I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartache, which is why I seek His name When I say, “I am a Christian,” I do not wish to judge. I have no authority -- I only know I’m loved.
What more needs to be said? I try to be forgiving, nurturing, encouraging, and a voice of truth; someone who stands in the gap for others. . I want to be a person who others seek out when they need prayer or help. Someday I will stand before Christ and give an account for my motives and for my works. I want to be able to say; “I did all I could.” I was convicted during our services at church this weekend that I do not attempt to tell unbelievers about God. I stay within my comfy group of believers, when the reality is that there are people dying and going to hell for eternity constantly. It is my responsibility to live a life that makes people ask “what is different about her.”
I say all this hoping to get one point across…. God is good. He loves me, even when I don’t love myself. He believes in me, even when I feel like a failure. He has a plan for my life, even when I feel inadequate. He is everything I will ever need. Because beyond everything else, I am a child of God!
May you have peace today! In His name ~BG~
Some friends and I have been discussing topics recently that I think I will share. A conversation came up about inadequacy. It seems I am not the only person in the world who feels this way CONSTANTLY. We talked about how it seems that no matter what one does well, there is always some standard that isn’t being met, be it professionally, relationally, financially, etc. Often I forget what the Word of God says in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. “ How in the world do I let the lies of the enemy infiltrate this promise? I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God. He does not make mistakes, yet I allow the comments and actions of others tear me down and I allow the feelings of inferiority fall over me. I have a hard time finding that “right where I am meant to be” place. I am 25, unmarried, working in a job I didn’t go to school for (but really enjoy), and watching everyone around me live the life they have always desired. Don’t misunderstand me, I am truly blessed. I have amazing friends, a great family, my basic needs met. I have everything I could need. But I want something more. I want to know that when I leave this earth, I have made a kingdom sized impact! I pray that God has something more in store for me and that He gives me the patience to wait on His timing and His ways. It’s when I start trying to make things happen that everything gets messed up.
Something else that came up is our Christian walks. When people see us, do they see Christ in us? God is patient, am I? Jesus would help those in need, do I? Christ would encourage those around Him, do I? Do I truly exemplify what a Christian should be? I hear so many unbelievers talk about what hypocrites Christians are. My answer is always this….” I may be a follower of Christ, but I am not perfect. “I love how Carol Wimmer puts it in her poem “When I say, ‘I am a Christian.’ ” When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not shouting “I've been saved!” I’m whispering, “I get lost! That's why I chose this way.” When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t speak with human pride. I’m confessing that I stumble - needing God to be my guide. When I say, “I am a Christian” I’m not trying to be strong I’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry on. When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not bragging of success. I’m admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt. When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don't think I know it all. I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught. When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I’m worth it When I say, “I am a Christian,” I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartache, which is why I seek His name When I say, “I am a Christian,” I do not wish to judge. I have no authority -- I only know I’m loved.
What more needs to be said? I try to be forgiving, nurturing, encouraging, and a voice of truth; someone who stands in the gap for others. . I want to be a person who others seek out when they need prayer or help. Someday I will stand before Christ and give an account for my motives and for my works. I want to be able to say; “I did all I could.” I was convicted during our services at church this weekend that I do not attempt to tell unbelievers about God. I stay within my comfy group of believers, when the reality is that there are people dying and going to hell for eternity constantly. It is my responsibility to live a life that makes people ask “what is different about her.”
I say all this hoping to get one point across…. God is good. He loves me, even when I don’t love myself. He believes in me, even when I feel like a failure. He has a plan for my life, even when I feel inadequate. He is everything I will ever need. Because beyond everything else, I am a child of God!
May you have peace today! In His name ~BG~
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Enough
This was sent to me from someone at work.... Have to share it with everyone. My prayer for you today is that God is enough for you! The purple phrases are important!
ENOUGH: Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged, and the mother said, 'I love you, and I pray you enough.' The daughter replied, 'Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I pray you enough, too, Mom.' They kissed, and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?' Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?' 'Well...I'm not as young as I once was, she lives so far away & has her own busy life. I have some challenges ahead, and the reality is - her next trip back will be for my funeral,' she said. 'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I pray you enough.' May I ask what that means?' She began to smile. 'That's a prayer that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I pray you enough,' we wanted the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory. I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear. I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more. I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting. I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger. I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye. Then, she began to cry, and walked away. They say, it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them.
May God bless you today! Only by Grace!! ~BG
ENOUGH: Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged, and the mother said, 'I love you, and I pray you enough.' The daughter replied, 'Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I pray you enough, too, Mom.' They kissed, and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?' Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?' 'Well...I'm not as young as I once was, she lives so far away & has her own busy life. I have some challenges ahead, and the reality is - her next trip back will be for my funeral,' she said. 'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I pray you enough.' May I ask what that means?' She began to smile. 'That's a prayer that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I pray you enough,' we wanted the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory. I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear. I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more. I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting. I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger. I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye. Then, she began to cry, and walked away. They say, it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them.
May God bless you today! Only by Grace!! ~BG
Monday, May 18, 2009
What a weekend!
This weekend wore me out! Worked some baseball Friday night, sold concert tickets Sat morning, went to Bloomin' Bluegrass & Barbecue Sat afternoon, Dedication service at church on Sat night, church Sunday morning, and small group Sunday afternoon. This chick is TIRED! But I learned a lot this weekend as well.
Lessons:
1. Friends are important! If not for my friends, I would be a miserable person.
2. Caring for people who don't care for you is part of life. We all go through it. How we deal with it can make or break us.
3. People who spend $500 on concert tickets are CRAZY!
4. God is using our church to reach the lost, ain't that what its all about?!?
5. I do not give God enough credit for his grace and mercy!
6. A kind word from someone can turn your world right-side up.
Here's a brief synopsis of how God humbled me this weekend.
He's been teaching me a lot about the need for me to realize that this world is not about me. I must decrease and He must increase. There is a lot to be said about allowing your wants and desires fade to the background in order to help others. I had offered to help serve at the Dedication Dinner Pastor Gene was hosting for his Spiritual Fathers, friends, and family. I have never served in a catering setting before and was really not wanting to go. I had worked all morning and was just tired. So I thought about calling and canceling. But I got ready and went on anyway. During the dedication service I just had a sense of peace that I was exactly where I was suppose to be at that given time. A man pulled me and Crystal aside and thanked us for our worship. He said that we blessed his heart. This man doesn't even attend church, was just there with some family of his. That is an incredible blessing to me. So we all headed downstairs to begin serving, which I thought I would be HORRIBLE at. Not so. I only dropped on thing in some one's lap and it was a butter knife. When it was all said and done, they had taken up a "tip" for all of us serving. Each of us got $77!!!! This may not seem huge to you, but this was a God moment for me. I had walked into this time of servanthood with a horrible attitude and mentality, I walked out humbled and blessed. The money meant nothing to me, but the lesson of humility means EVERYTHING! I am learning that if I will have an open mind and an open heart, He will use me. I am not going to expand into Sunday, because it was truly a Brandi/God moment, but I will tell you that Dr Tim Lee is an incredible speaker. He has a powerful testimony about how he ran from God for 20 years until God had to take his legs to bring him back to the will of God. If you get a chance to hear this man, DO IT! It will change your thoughts and will touch your heart, regardless of where you stand in your relationship with Christ. Be blessed this week... Humbled! ~BG~
Lessons:
1. Friends are important! If not for my friends, I would be a miserable person.
2. Caring for people who don't care for you is part of life. We all go through it. How we deal with it can make or break us.
3. People who spend $500 on concert tickets are CRAZY!
4. God is using our church to reach the lost, ain't that what its all about?!?
5. I do not give God enough credit for his grace and mercy!
6. A kind word from someone can turn your world right-side up.
Here's a brief synopsis of how God humbled me this weekend.
He's been teaching me a lot about the need for me to realize that this world is not about me. I must decrease and He must increase. There is a lot to be said about allowing your wants and desires fade to the background in order to help others. I had offered to help serve at the Dedication Dinner Pastor Gene was hosting for his Spiritual Fathers, friends, and family. I have never served in a catering setting before and was really not wanting to go. I had worked all morning and was just tired. So I thought about calling and canceling. But I got ready and went on anyway. During the dedication service I just had a sense of peace that I was exactly where I was suppose to be at that given time. A man pulled me and Crystal aside and thanked us for our worship. He said that we blessed his heart. This man doesn't even attend church, was just there with some family of his. That is an incredible blessing to me. So we all headed downstairs to begin serving, which I thought I would be HORRIBLE at. Not so. I only dropped on thing in some one's lap and it was a butter knife. When it was all said and done, they had taken up a "tip" for all of us serving. Each of us got $77!!!! This may not seem huge to you, but this was a God moment for me. I had walked into this time of servanthood with a horrible attitude and mentality, I walked out humbled and blessed. The money meant nothing to me, but the lesson of humility means EVERYTHING! I am learning that if I will have an open mind and an open heart, He will use me. I am not going to expand into Sunday, because it was truly a Brandi/God moment, but I will tell you that Dr Tim Lee is an incredible speaker. He has a powerful testimony about how he ran from God for 20 years until God had to take his legs to bring him back to the will of God. If you get a chance to hear this man, DO IT! It will change your thoughts and will touch your heart, regardless of where you stand in your relationship with Christ. Be blessed this week... Humbled! ~BG~
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday Morning Mind Dump
After an incredible weekend, today I am back to work BUT with so much on my mind! Let's see if I can get it all out in a comprehensible fashion:)
~girls night with Alicia was way past due.
~I notice as I get older that time with my friends and family gets more and more precious.
~Mason Wayne Akers might just be the cutest baby boy ever! (he doesn't cry when I hold him)
~Its fun to be at a birthday party for a 1 yr old and have the cops called. (only at the VanHook house)
~I am a member of one of the fastest growing churches in TN!
~My pastor is anointed by God!
~God created women for more than just washing dishes (Thanks for making that statement out loud this weekend Pastor Gene!)
~I was created to worship!!! Its taken me a long time to find peace in this calling. There is nothing like ushering in the presence of God to a place where the broken are restored, the sick are healed, the lost are found, the prideful are humbled, and the willing are used!
~I am a witness to the power of prayer! May I always remember to hit my knees and bow my head!
~I have the world's greatest mother!! Thank you for always supporting me and taking care of me AND for letting me take care of you sometimes!
~Jesus, Jesus, Jesus....There's just something about that name!
~Sometimes I forget to stop and thank God for all I am blessed with.
~When I pray for others, God works miracles in my own life.
~I am privileged to walk with Ashley Wiley! She is a true inspiration to me!
I love how God places the people I need in my life instead of the people I want. He knows what is best for me, I do not. I let my emotions guide me sometimes instead of discerning what the Spirit tells me to do. I still have so much to learn!
Humbly His! BG
~girls night with Alicia was way past due.
~I notice as I get older that time with my friends and family gets more and more precious.
~Mason Wayne Akers might just be the cutest baby boy ever! (he doesn't cry when I hold him)
~Its fun to be at a birthday party for a 1 yr old and have the cops called. (only at the VanHook house)
~I am a member of one of the fastest growing churches in TN!
~My pastor is anointed by God!
~God created women for more than just washing dishes (Thanks for making that statement out loud this weekend Pastor Gene!)
~I was created to worship!!! Its taken me a long time to find peace in this calling. There is nothing like ushering in the presence of God to a place where the broken are restored, the sick are healed, the lost are found, the prideful are humbled, and the willing are used!
~I am a witness to the power of prayer! May I always remember to hit my knees and bow my head!
~I have the world's greatest mother!! Thank you for always supporting me and taking care of me AND for letting me take care of you sometimes!
~Jesus, Jesus, Jesus....There's just something about that name!
~Sometimes I forget to stop and thank God for all I am blessed with.
~When I pray for others, God works miracles in my own life.
~I am privileged to walk with Ashley Wiley! She is a true inspiration to me!
I love how God places the people I need in my life instead of the people I want. He knows what is best for me, I do not. I let my emotions guide me sometimes instead of discerning what the Spirit tells me to do. I still have so much to learn!
Humbly His! BG
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
RANDOM!! (Thanks Chuck VanHook!)
So.. Chuck put this on his blog and it made me want to play:)
1. Put your MP3 player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS! DON’T CHEAT OR YOU’RE LAME
IF SOMEONE SAYS “ARE YOU OK” YOU SAY
You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Summer Nights - Rascal Flatts
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Fearless - Taylor Swift
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Strong Tower - Kutless
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
I Have Found -
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
From the Inside Out - Hillsong
WHAT IS 2+2?
Praise You in This Storm - Casting Crowns
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
The Heart of Worship -
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
There Goes My Life - Kenny Chesney
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
A Place to Land - Little Big Town
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood hahaha
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Cry In My Heart - Starfield
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING
Love to Say Your Name - John Waller
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Open Wounds - Skillet...Kinda morbid
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Truth Is Marching On - Gold City
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Healer - Kari Jobe
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Hold On- 33 Miles
WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
The Good Kind - The Wreckers
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Sorry - Buckcherry
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Invisible - Taylor Swift
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Ten Thousand Angels Cried - LeAnne Rimes... I Don't like this one!!
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Me and Jesus - Stellar Kart
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Picture to Burn - Taylor Swift....
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Broken & Beautiful - Mark Schultz
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
History - Matthew West
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
On the Side of Angels - LeAnne Rimes
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
You're the Love I wanna Be In - Jason Aldean
*ok, so Chuck's was way funnier. He obviously has much better musis on his ipod than I have on mine :)
1. Put your MP3 player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS! DON’T CHEAT OR YOU’RE LAME
IF SOMEONE SAYS “ARE YOU OK” YOU SAY
You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Summer Nights - Rascal Flatts
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Fearless - Taylor Swift
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Strong Tower - Kutless
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
I Have Found -
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
From the Inside Out - Hillsong
WHAT IS 2+2?
Praise You in This Storm - Casting Crowns
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
The Heart of Worship -
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
There Goes My Life - Kenny Chesney
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
A Place to Land - Little Big Town
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood hahaha
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Cry In My Heart - Starfield
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING
Love to Say Your Name - John Waller
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Open Wounds - Skillet...Kinda morbid
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Truth Is Marching On - Gold City
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Healer - Kari Jobe
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Hold On- 33 Miles
WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
The Good Kind - The Wreckers
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Sorry - Buckcherry
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Invisible - Taylor Swift
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Ten Thousand Angels Cried - LeAnne Rimes... I Don't like this one!!
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Me and Jesus - Stellar Kart
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Picture to Burn - Taylor Swift....
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Broken & Beautiful - Mark Schultz
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
History - Matthew West
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
On the Side of Angels - LeAnne Rimes
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
You're the Love I wanna Be In - Jason Aldean
*ok, so Chuck's was way funnier. He obviously has much better musis on his ipod than I have on mine :)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
All praise unto the Lamb!
One thing I know for sure is that God is on the throne today! It has been a tough couple of weeks. Friday, (4/10/09) I crossed a line I promised myself I wouldn't cross. I have such high standards for myself and I fell short. I had been on a 21 fast while I prayed over some specific things going on. God had been teaching me so much through this journey and I allowed one slip up to ruin the world around me. The next day, my grandfather was killed in an automobile accident. Satan began to whisper lies that it was my fault, that God was punishing me for my mistakes. For some reason, I took hold of that lie and began to fall into a depressed state. For those of you who know me, you know how rare it is for me to not smile. But for a week, I didn't. Upon returning to work, some changes were made that caused me to feel punished, yet again. I felt as though my prayers were bouncing off the ceiling, that I was forgotten and insignificant. I quickly mass emailed prayer warriors that I know and begged them to pray for me. How powerful!! Friends quickly began to email, text, and call me with encouraging words and thoughts. It was nice to be reminded that I have been called and chosen. God has great plans for me. I am worthy! I was reminded to sit at his feet; to allow Him to love me like no one else ever will. Someone else reminded me that there are legions of angels surrounding me and protecting me and that Satan has NO power over me. Not only has God taught me to lean on Him and seek His face, he has blessed me with a family of believers who are not afraid to go to war for me, who will lift my name high to our Father and beg for mercy.
I say all this to give you hope. Regardless of where you are walking, God will meet you there. He met me at the alter of his church Sunday morning, He met me at my desk Monday morning, He met me in a friend's car Monday evening. Only when I finally handed it all over and spoke it into His hands, did I find comfort and peace. I am nowhere near perfect. God is not done molding me. I have not had my last spiritual spanking. But I do know that I am a beloved child of an ALMIGHTY GOD, that Jesus gave all He had so that I might find redemption, and when I lay my fears at His feet, I will be delivered. I pray you find peace and comfort today. Read the lyrics to the song below. Allow the words to sink into your heart. Meet Him right where you are!! ~By His Grace BG
"I Stand Amazed"
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.
Chorus:
How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!
He took my sins and my sorrows,
And made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.
When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Passing of Grandpa
First of all, I want to thank everyone for all the prayers, phone calls, and cards that my family has received during this time. The last several days have been very difficult for us and we are absolutely exhausted! For those of you who aren't aware of what I am talking about, here is the short version of the story... On Saturday afternoon, my grandfather was involved in a motor vehicle crash that claimed his life. My grandparents were divorced, my mother is an only child, and my brother and I are it as far as grandchildren are concerned. So the brunt of all of this has fallen on my mom and me. It means a lot that we have friends around us who are doing all they can to care for us and help in any way, so THANK YOU!!! We love you all.
~Humbly His~BG
~Humbly His~BG
Monday, April 6, 2009
end of an era
Last night was the end of an era in the life of The Gathering. I was blessed to sit in that old gym and remember all I've learned. It was a gift from God that had me sobbing fairly quickly. Those of you who know me, know that I cry at the drop of a hat anyway. The emotion that came over me as I thanked my gracious God for the lessons He taught me in that building were overwhelming. Let me tell you what I've learned.... I've learned that prayer is desired by God! He wants to talk to his children and He wants to hear them express their needs and desires. He is a know all God, but how he loves to hear praises flow from our lips. I have learned that I am a worshipper!! God has called me to sit at his feet, to lift up His name in praise, to lead others into His presence. I don't deserve this calling and I am still learning to walk in it. I know now, more than ever, that I am exactly where God wants me and He has placed me here for such a time as this. The principal of tithing has rocked my world. Thank God that I sit under a Pastor who is willing to teach the hard subjects! I have been more blessed than I could have ever thought! I now know how to serve! I serve a God who calls me to take care of the people around me. I can give a cup of water in His name to anyone! Whether I am hosting guests at a Lord's Child event, shaking the hand of a first time guest to our church, or helping someone without them knowing it was me... I know that God is given all the glory and honor!
I say all this to give you some insight as to how much I've grown over the last 2 years in that church! I stand in awe today of all the things God will teach me in the new building. I am willing to learn, so I KNOW He's still willing to teach me. I know so little about a Big God! I am thankful and humbled each and everyday that He allows me to enter into His presence, sit at his feet, praise Him, read His word, pray....then walk out into this dim world a little brighter than the day before. I don't have to follow Him, I get to follow Him. He doesn't have to love me, but He chooses to! Through Him ~BG
I say all this to give you some insight as to how much I've grown over the last 2 years in that church! I stand in awe today of all the things God will teach me in the new building. I am willing to learn, so I KNOW He's still willing to teach me. I know so little about a Big God! I am thankful and humbled each and everyday that He allows me to enter into His presence, sit at his feet, praise Him, read His word, pray....then walk out into this dim world a little brighter than the day before. I don't have to follow Him, I get to follow Him. He doesn't have to love me, but He chooses to! Through Him ~BG
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Very Difficult Day
Yesterday may have been one of the hardest days of my life. We placed my 23 year old brother on a bus that will eventually take him to war. I thought I had mentally and emotionally prepared myself for this day...ehhh WRONG! For 25 years, I have been a military minded individual because I've known so many people who serve. BUT nothing can prepare you to send a loved one off to a foreign land to fight. You'd think I'd be used to this by now, guess not. "They" say it gets easier with each deployment. I don't know who "they" are, but I do know"They" might be crazy! I'm pretty sure my family proved it yesterday. I remember just standing on the flight line yesterday continually praying "I can do all things through You, I can do all things through You." I stood in the bathroom for a few minutes to get control of myself and just committed my little brother into the hands of my Loving Heavenly Father, because I know He loves those who love Him. My family is taking everything in stride. My dad made a comment yesterday that broke my heart. He said, "I wish it were me and not him." What a statement!
I will always support our military members both here and there AND I will always encourage and lift up their families. They offer up a sacrifice of life, limb,a nd loved ones. Please pray for our service men and women. My family and I appreciate all the prayers and encouragement. We know now, more than ever, the friends and support we have around us. Thank you for everything! We love you all. ~With His Help~BG
I will always support our military members both here and there AND I will always encourage and lift up their families. They offer up a sacrifice of life, limb,a nd loved ones. Please pray for our service men and women. My family and I appreciate all the prayers and encouragement. We know now, more than ever, the friends and support we have around us. Thank you for everything! We love you all. ~With His Help~BG
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A city on a hill
New church:
Tuesday night was a gift from God! It was Volunteer Training at the new church. OH WHAT A BLESSING! As we stood on that stage, in the middle of that brand new church, I felt the presence of GOD fall all over me. To see the vision God has given Pastor Gene come to fruition, moves me to tears. I am a blessed lady to be apart of what He is doing here in Sevier County, TN. May we never forget where God has brought us from. I will truly miss that old gym where I've been attending church for almost two years now. I'll never forget the joys, sorrows, smiles, and tears that have overtaken me in that place. BUT I am more excited to see what God has in store for the future.
On another note, my little brother is being deployed with the Army. He leaves next Tuesday for a training stint in OK, then off to Iraq for up to 24 months. I thought I was strong enough that emotions would not be impacted by this, but I may have been wrong. Josh and I grew up in a military home, yes we are Air Force Brats of the highest order:). So, we have been use to the deployments. But it's different when its your little brother. Please pray for his safety as well as the safety of all troops everywhere. But more so, please be in prayer for his salvation. I beg God everyday to save him from hell, but the problem is, Josh doesn't want to be saved. :( I think that is the hardest part of all this mess. I fear that when he leaves next week, I may very well never see him again. So, again today, I commit my brother into the hands of an ALMIGHTY GOD!
I've rambled enough for today! May God bless you all! ~Out~BG
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
welcome...
So, today is my first day of blogging. Welcome to the rambles of a random Christian woman from good ole' Tennessee. I blogged some in college and enjoyed it, so I thought why not give it another shot. Some posts will be funny...some will be sad. Most will be random:) There is a lot going on in my life these days. My church is about to move to it's new campus and I cannot wait!! It's taken a lot of prayer, tears, sweat, and time for us to be where we are. And God has graciously opened the door for us to be a beacon on a hill. God blesses obedience! I have grown a lot since first attending The Gathering. My relationship with God has grown. I begin each day in His presence. He's taught me so much about forgiveness, grace, love, and the power of prayer! He's currently teaching me about fasting. What a MIGHTY GOD I serve! Recently, I have fallen in love with a song by Matthew West entitled "The Motions." Here are the lyrics... "This might hurt, it's not safe / But I know that I've gotta make a change / I don't care if I break, At least I'll be feeling something' / Cause just okay is not enough /Help me fight through the nothingness of life /I don't wanna go through the motions / I don't wanna go one more day / without Your all consuming passion inside of me / I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,"What if I had given everything, / instead of going through the motions?"No regrets, not this time / I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind / Let Your love make me whole / I think I'm finally feeling something / 'Cause just okay is not enough / Help me fight through the nothingness of this life / 'Cause I don't wanna go through the motions / I don't wanna go one more day / without Your all consuming passion inside of me / I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,"What if I had given everything, / instead of going through the motions?" ... I DO NOT want to just go through the motions of life. I want to positively impact the lives of the people around me. I want to get to the end of my life and know that I gave all I could! As I sit here and write this blog, so much emotion overcomes me as I think about the opportunities God gives me each and every day to exemplify Him; a simple hello, a door held open, a comforting hug, a gently smile... at the very simplest. This life has so much to offer, if I just listen to the Lord and follow His lead..... Through Him - BG
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