ATL.

Just got home from picking up Mona from the airport!!!!
SUEPER excited for all the fun stuff planned for this week..
and then THIS WEEKEND!!!! Ahh, I can hardly wait!!!

NoMatterWhat.

"You have Your reasons for everything,
so I will keep believing,
whatever I might be feeling,
God you are my hope,
and you will be my strength"

-Kerrie Roberts "No Matter What"

Ecc.2:24-25

A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? – Ecclesiastes 2:24-25


In the midst of the author’s disillusionment with life, we find a precious nugget of wisdom – God is the one who ultimately satisfies. The book of Ecclesiastes was written from a man (probably Solomon) who had everything in life, yet was unfulfilled. It is good to be reminded that when we forget God, we are also separating ourselves from our ability to experience the fullness of joy in life, no matter what our socio-economic status is.

life.interrupted.

My Bible study Im doing is called

Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted

When I read the title I knew immediately

that this was the Bible study I was sup. to buy.

Its been awesome so far but tonight it

spoke to me like it hasnt yet. Crying out

to God for help and direction and SOMETHING

I prayed for a long while then got into my

study which I do every evening but hadnt

yet, now I know why. God had me wait until

NOW to hear that msg. I had to share some

of the points and truths of my reading....

"Yesterday we discovered four principles to reconciliation with God..Today we'll talk about the second one. What is the second principle? ACCEPT GOD'S DISCIPLINE."

"Jonah did not fight the correction God allowed. He learned experientially what he already knew deep down: he could not escape God. Now, he gave all of himself over to what the Lord was permitting"

"God now had what he wanted in the first place-the prophet's willingness to obey. The fish became the way to preserve Jonah for the future ministry God had for him."


"God allows reproof and correction as a sign of His love for us and His intention to use us. Divine discipline, reproof, and correction indicate that we have a relationship with Him."


"His goal is to revive so that He can realign"


"The discipline God allowed was not meant to punish Jonah; it was meant to prepare him. Accepting and surrendering to divine discipline was in Jonah's best interest."

"Lasting change can only take
place if the heart is engaged."

Behavioral change - Heart change = Temporary change

Heart change + Behavioral change= Permanent change

"God's goal for us is that we mature into spiritual adults who have tender hearts that mirror His."

Look at the great lengths God took to preserve Jonah and
give him opportunity to participate in His purposes:
-He hurled a wind and a STORM so fierce they almost destroyed the ship (v.4)

-He gave the sailors NO OTHER OPTION but to toss Jonah overboard (v.15)

-Then God prepared a fish that would come by at just
the right time to swallow him whole
TO KEEP HIM FROM DROWNING
(praise the Lord!! I feel as if I AM drowning..But I know
He'll pull through at JUST THE RIGHT TIME!)

Knowing this should cause us to be more willing to
yield to the discomfort of the discipline He allows.
(I belive that sentence alone was my answer I needed tonight...)

When Jonah found himself in the belly of the fish, he did something he hadn't done since leaving Isreal. "Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish" (2:1) Jonah prayed. He talked to God. Open communication is one of the first signs of a heart being molded by God. Have you fallen into a place of hardship as a result of rebellion against God and the direction He's asked you to go? Are you trying to figure out what to do next while you seek to cope with life? Take Jonah's cue: Acknowledge your sin and accept the discipline. When you do, you'll find your heart changing withing you, softening to the things of God.
(mine has started softening to HIS things...so praise God, Im on the right track!!!!)

Every Child

I cant begin to explain what the word ADOPTION does to me.
My heart just gets heavier and heavier with each passing day
to help these babies!! Ive decided to commit to donating to
ShowHope. I have to talk with someone and figure out just
how to go about it and everything, but I know now I have to.
I cant not do anything. I, God willing, can not wait to adopt
a few little ones of my own someday. I would do it today if
I could haha. Im not sure where you stand on the adoption
issue but there are tons of other ways to help out those
precious orphans. This video is from Holt International
and I am going to start donating to Steven Curtis & Mary
Beth Chapman's orginization, Show Hope. There are many
others too. But I urge you to pray about it and ask God what
He'd have you do about the issue. Some are just called to give
money and others are called to bring one of these sweet sweet
children home. Watching this video moves me soo much! I want
to someday GO! Visit! Help! And show LOVE to those who dont
get to see it daily...I would leave tomorrow if I could! haha Pray
for me as well, as I am following God's leading to ACT on what
He's called ME to do in this!!!!!


"Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God
our Father means that we must care for orphans..."
-James 1:27a

lifeway♥

Im desperately needing a trip to LifeWay.
There are approximately 3 books I want
(including this new Tony Nolan read..♥him!)
and around 5 cds I need. lol Hopefully I can

make it up before we leave for our weekend

getaway...to wherever we're going LOL!

pproximately

my babies!

it is CRAZY how much they look alike. I took this the day I realized just how much she looked like Smokey haha She isnt as dark as he is in this pic but she's still a baby, he was lighter when he was younger. Oh how I miss my Smokes!!!!! But I know NOW that this kitty that God gave me (literally..I prayed for her haha!) I know now that this is why he gave me THIS kitten and not one of the other 15 I almost got. They even have the same mannerisms. LOVE it!!!! And sooo thankful for my new baby! :) Who STILL needs a name besides "Baby Kitty" "Baby Girl" or "Toothpaste" bahahah! Im thinking a name that means 'God's gift' :)

the words i would say.

"Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,


From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father"

fb.verse.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. – Isaiah 53:6


Do you feel far from God? There is good news. God knew that we don’t have the ability to be consistent, so he took our faults and laid them upon the only One who could bear all of our wandering – Himself. Jesus took our sin because our heavenly Father knows us much better than we know ourselves. Our quest for Christian perfection can be laid to rest at the cross. We can rejoice that Jesus death and resurrection has opened the way to return from our wandering back to the arms of our Creator.

08.29.10

had some fun today playing with all my cameras. new and old :)

♥

"Here goes nothing, Here goes everything
Gotta reach for something or you'll fall for anything
Take a breath, Take a step
What comes next, God only knows
But here goes , And God only knows
But here goes"



Had a great day today. It was very much needed after this CRAZY week.
Back to see those precious Holt girls tomorrow! Then Tuesday..MONA!
Cant wait, LOTS of fun to be had when she gets here!!!! :)

the.museum.

"Love for the loveless
Hope for the hopeless
You are love
Strength for the broken
Arms wide open
You are love"

♥The Museum

Cant wait to get this cd too!! :)

The Only One Song Lyrics | The Museum Lyrics | Christian Music Song Lyrics | NewReleaseTuesday.com

The Only One Song Lyrics The Museum Lyrics Christian Music Song Lyrics NewReleaseTuesday.com


buying this cd. SOON! :)

Mona!

MONA!!!
Mona will be here on Tuesday!!!!!!
How stinkin exciting!!
Its been way too long!

The Afters♥Ocean Wide

Look outside
It's already light and the stars ran away with the night
Things we're said, words that we'll try forget,
it's so hard to admit I know we've made mistakes
I see through all the tears but that's what got us here


If love is an ocean wide
We'll swim in the tears we cry
They'll see us through to the other side
We're gonna make it
When love is a raging sea
You can hold on to me
We'll find a way tonight
Love is an ocean wide


I'll stay right here
It's where I'll always belong
Tied with your arms
Days like this, I wish the sun wouldn't set
I don't want to forget
What made us feel this way
You see through all my fears
And that's what got us here


Love is an ocean wide enough to forget
Even when we think we can't

Between The Trees - We Can Try

hmmm...sounds like another new band im gonna love :)

Between The Trees - You Give Me Hope

amazing.
gotta get this soundtrack! :)

Everything is Beautiful.

just watched Letters To God...
bawled my eyes out..SUCH a great movie!!!!!!!
and LOVED the songs played in it!!!
this one was def a favorite!! ♥

Superchic[k]-Hero

BabyKitty&Smokey.

look how much my baby looks like her daddy!!!!

i miss my smokey soo much!!!!!! :(

Thousand Foot Krutch.

i love this song.
just heard it again on crossroads and had to give it another listen :)

horseback.riding.

I want to go horseback riding!!!
It has been SO long since Ive been..

And Ive been dying to go!

This pic was taken back in '07 I think.

I love that Im barefoot! LOL! I was wearing

flip flops and you just cant get a good hold

w/those things haha There's just something

about being on one of those beautiful creatures

and taking off that makes me a very happy girl!!
One day I will, God willing, own one of these
amazing beauties!!!! :) But for now I can dream..

So yeah..anyone wanna take me??? lol

I Will Not Be Moved.

More Chris August!!

Loving You Is Easy Song Lyrics Chris August Lyrics Christian Music Song Lyrics NewReleaseTuesday.com

Loving you is elementary
Easier than 1,2,3
Well, I passed school so consequently
It’s coming so naturally


A is for all that you've done for me
Being with you's only place I wanna be
Seeing you's the only thing I wanna see
Cause loving you is easy
One cause you're the only one for me
Two is you and I and I hope you agree
Three is for the words that you're makin’ me speak
I love you it so easy


Let's not make this complicated
I never made the honor roll
Cause over thinkin's over rated
And there’s something that you should know
Let me count the reasons why


A is for all that you've done for me
Being with you's only place I wanna be
Seeing you's the only thing I wanna see
Cause loving you is easy
One cause you're the only one for me
Two is you and I and I hope you agree
Three is for the words that you're makin’ me speak
I love you it so easy


The hardest part was finding you
But once I did....I knew


A is for all that you've done for me
Being with you's only place I wanna be
Seeing you's the only thing I wanna see
Cause loving you is easy
One cause you're the only one for me
Two is you and I and I hope you agree
Three is for the words that you're makin’ me speak
I love you it so easy

[ahh!! love.love.LOVE!]

Chris August

i absolutely cannot wait to get this cd!
loove him! :)

fb.verse.

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. – John 15:18-19


One of the hallmarks of the Christian faith over the ages is that many Christians have been vilified for their convictions. When the Christians were thrown to the lions of Rome the spectators cried out, “Kill the atheists.” To proclaim allegiance to Christ was to be in rebellion to the deity of Caesar. This Christ allegiance compels us to engage our culture, but in doing so we expose the separation that the world around us has from God. That exposure is rarely met with open arms. At some point in our Christian faith we must draw the line and stand for something that will infuriate people. It is happening now in India, Malaysia, China, Iraq, Iran and, at a lesser level, even in the United States. But this is the path that Jesus took and He calls us to follow him. He chose us to break the holds of worldly conformity and to bring us into significance. We are chosen out of the world into our true citizenship; the Kingdom of heaven.

Marvelous Light.

new favorite♥

The Unseen Foe.

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

-Ephesians 6:12


This verse points our that you war not with other human beings, but against the devil and his demons. Your enemy, Satan, attempts to defeat you with strategy and deceit, through well-laid plans and deliberate deception.


The devil is a liar. Jesus called him "the father of lies and of all that is false" (John8:44). He tells you things about yourself, about other people, and about circumstances that are just not true. He begins by bombarding your mind with little nagging doubts and fears. He moves slowly and cautiously. He knows your insecurities and fears. He has studied you for a long time. But remember the greater One lives in you. You cannot be defeated if you trust God to keep you safe.


Joyce Meyer devotion.


Oh how I needed this one tonight!!!!! God, you always do this for me!!!! I love it! My devotions are all given to me at just the right time. There is no better time to receive them than when I get them. Seriously. How awesome is that!?! :) Anyway, totally needed this and know lots of others that do as well. PEOPLE arent our enemies. (this is why you must pray for those who hurt you! something Im learning lots and lots about lately!) And another part that spoke sooo much to me was SATAN IS A LIAR!!!! Doubt & confusion are from him!!!!! He has studied us and knows how/where/when to attack!!! I know this yet forget to LIVE it. Maybe now it'll sink in and stay.

letting.go.

As children bring their broken toys with tears for us to mend,

I brought my broken dreams to God, because He was my friend.

But then, instead of leaving Him in peace, to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help, with ways that were my own.
At last, I snatched them back and cried,

"How can you be so slow?"

"My child," He said, "What could I do?

You never did let go."

came across this by accident tonight. but then,
knowing how my God works..it was no accident
at all. completely what I and soo many need to

hear in these times we all are facing!

photography.fun.part.four.

photography.fun.part.three.

photography.fun.part.two.

photography fun!

Hayneslie and I had a blast w/our cameras today!!!!
When Amber got home Hayneslie ran to her and squealed
"Im a little photographer!!!" LOL! She is so stinkin cute!
Here are some of my favorites from today :)
[[gotta post them in seperate posts bc my computer is CRAZY!]

C.S♥favorites.

There are only 2 kinds of people:
those who say to God
"Thy will be done",
& those to whom God says
"All right, have it your way"

I believe in Christianity as I believe in the sun:
not only because I see it,
but by it I see everything else.

Love is the great conqueror of lust.

Being in love is far better than either
common sensuality or cold self-centeredness.

Only a real risk tests the reality of a belief.

Love, in the Christian sense, does not mean an emotion.
It is a state not of the feelings but of the will.

To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable,
because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.

C.S. Lewis

God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain.


A car is made to run on petrol, It won't run properly on anything else. God designed the human machine to run on Himself.


Continue seeking God with seriousness. Unless He wanted you, you would not be wanting Him


I do not think the forest would be so bright, nor love so sweet, if there were no danger in the lakes.


Love is something more stern and more splendid than mere kindness.


No soul that seriously & constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find, to those who knock it is opened.


Christ died not for men but for each man. If each had been the only man made He would have done no less.


Love is the great conqueror of lust. Being in love is far better than either common sensuality or cold self-centeredness.

move.near.the.fire.

"If you want to get warm you move near the fire.
If you want joy, peace, eternal life,
you must get close to what has them."

C.S. Lewis

Think Of Me♥

"'Cause if I make you a promise
That's a promise that I'll keep
And I'm in this crazy love for the long haul
So think of me
Think of me"

just came across this..and oohh, love!!

Joshua.Radin.

love cant be hidden.

love this!

♥this! radio.quote.

God is more concerned with

our character than our comfort.

Honor God.

But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do]. -1John2:27

Sometimes we give more consideration to what people tell us than to what God has said to us. If we pray diligently, hear from God, but then start asking everybody else what they think, we are honoring people's opinions above the Word of God. This attitude will prevent us from developing a relationship in which we consistently hear from God.

The verse above confirms that we can trust God to instruct us without needing constant reassurance from others. It isn't saying that we don't need anybody to teach us the Word. Otherwise God wouldn't appoint some to teach in the body of Christ. But it does say that if we are in Christ, we have an anointing that abides on the inside of us to guide and direct our lives. We might occasionally ask somebody for their wisdom, but we need not go to other people constantly to ask them about decisions we need to make for our lives.


Honor God.
Joyce Meyer.

tattoo♥

so, I got a tattoo..
and LOVED it!! Im already
wanting another one haha!
Ben was amazing!
And I was too if I might
say so myself..haha!! It
wasnt anywhere NEAR as
bad as I thought it'd be!

tattoo♥time

finished.

♥loveloveloveit!!♥


cant wait for the next one!

fb.verse.

To the pure, all things are pure, but to
those who are corrupted and do not believe,
nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and
consciences are corrupted. – Titus 1:15

This passage is revolutionary in how we perceive the world around us! Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Does everything around you seem corrupt? Maybe the surroundings are not the issue. According to this Scripture we view things according to the condition of our heart. That is why we must guard our heart with all diligence, for from it the issues of life flow.


read my morning verse on FB and had to post!

tony.nolan.

FAITH doesnt do the math it's says
regardless "He will direct your path" proverbs 3:5,6

oohhh...love!

another Tony Nolan quote. ♥

it.is.time!!

TATTOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It.Is.Time!!!!!!!!
haha Im getting ready..
then heading to Chatt*town!!!!

Say a lil prayer for me, so I dont

have a panic attack!! LOL!

Ahhh!! Im sooo excited!!! :)

♥an.old.box♥

Ahhh! I love my Daddy! :)

He just gave me an old box and said I could have it..??

haha But it had TWO polaroids in it!!! With film!! Ready

to have fun with tomorrow!!!!!! :) I looove them!!! And it

had another old school camera in it too! I wish I had a

special room for all my camera & photography stuff!!!

*sigh*...maybe someday! :)

Letters.To.God.

I didnt get a chance to watch the movie in theaters

but Ive heard TONS of good things about it so I

bought it today! :) Cant wait to watch it!!

wanting to go...

I really really REALLY want to go to Europe.

Mona is coming to visit this month (yay!!) and

after seeing Eat.Pray.Love. Im dying to go to

the places that Ive longed to visit for years...

I may just go back home w/Mona. ;) hehe

Oceans From The Rain

And while I was at it I had to post my all time favorite from
Seventh Day Slumber!! This has been one of my favorites for
many many years and it always seems to find its way into my
life at just the right times. ♥ God truly has and does
make oceans from the rain!!!!

Take Everything.

This song was recommended to me earlier and when I looked
it up I found this video. I love hearing the story behind songs.
And this one is no different...amazing!

NTB in the house! hehe

Ok NTB guys, you're welcome at my house anytime! :)
How stinkin awesome would this be!!
Ahh..jealousy! ;)

Starting.Bible.Study.

I started two new Bible studies tonight! haha!
I have decided to make time..Its amazing how

different I feel on the inside when I read the
Word daily..now Im excited about studying it!

I went to lifeway like 2wks ago and bought two

different studies bc they both jumped out at me

for different reasons. One is

JONAH: NAVIGATING A LIFE INTERRUPTED

(to say this is ME, would be an understatement haha)

and the other one is called

FAITHFUL ABUNDANT TRUE

I started both toinght but guess I will have to

find time to break them up, one in the mornings

and one at night. My devotions are amazing, they

ALWAYS speak something to me when I need it!

But I want to dive deeper and study God's Word

for myself..and Im FINALLY making time! Both

1st night studies were AWESOME!!


This really stood out for me in Jonah:

"If He is our priority and His will is our primary

purpose, then when the "word of the Lord" comes

to us or when He allows us to see His hands in our

circumstances, we must see it as an esteemed

opportunity to participate in kingdom purposes."

How awesome?!?! Changing our perspective.

Exactly what I need :)

And then in the other study tonight it talked about

John17:14-17 and made you dig deeper into it...

this coming after Ive been praying all week hardcore

about my tattoo Im wanting..(mainly IF I want it

THERE and IF I want it NOW lol) and Ive never
understood so much about the verse that Ive loved
for so long! How awesome!!! BRING ON THE INK! :)

jonathan.acuff.

"The enemy never bothers folks who aren't doing kingdom work.
Sometimes opposition is actually validation of your direction."

love love LOVE this!!!!
Jonathan Acuff quote of the day :)

John3:16

John 3:16= God loved you to death!

Nicely put, Tony Nolan!! :)

GLORY.TO.GOD!!!!

I was just brought to my knees in awe of a God so great, so loving, so caring...There are two times that Ive been left completely speechless and on my knees in thanks to my Savior!!! (guess that only shows MY appreciation, not His goodness!) And once was this wknd..the other was just now!!!! Where there is nothing to say/do but cry out from the depths of your being in thanks!


I cant begin to explain this feeling!!! God is moving!!! And Im seeing it!!!! When you pray about something and the results come along it is amazing. But when you go through trials and suffering and YEARS of waiting...THEN God moves...wow. All it takes is having FAITH that He can and that He WILL!!!!!!! Thank you all sooo much who read my posts and pray for me and my family and whatever else I ask of...it means sooooo much more than I could ever begin to tell you!!! GLORY BE TO GOD!!!!!

You Just Lost One...

wow.

Keri Hilson Turning Me On -- REMAKE

looove this!
thanks Maranda! lovin this website! :)

show.hope.

http://www.showhope.org/AdoptionAid/Miracles/AudioTestimony.aspx

Just click the link and listen to these testimonies....

Wow. THIS is what burns in my heart...

Im not sure where or how...but I know I must go!

Pray for me please as I listen to and act on whatever

it is that God is calling me to do with this desire thats so deep!!!

James 1:27 (NIV)
27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

...

hard does not equal bad.

fb verse.

The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
– Psalm 25:14

When we think of the word “fear” images of terror may come to mind. But that is not the kind of fear the Psalmist is referring to. This kind of fear is a healthy respect for the power of a thing, like one would have toward a huge waterfall or a great height. When we respect the power that God has, our God does something unusual – He lets us know his thoughts. To respect the power of God become the entryway into His dealings with His creation.

we were made for more...

heard this in pcb for the first time.
i really love the message!!!
and completely needed to hear it!

New.Favorite! (Here Goes)

Oh eemmm geeeee!!!!
I heard the end of this today while waiting to pick up Miss Grace from school!!!! And WOW!!!! Just looked up the lyrics and ahhh!!
NEW FAVORITE!!!!! ♥

.light&darkness.

"You can't understand light unless you understand darkness, because that's where life is most often lived - somewhere between the two. It's messy and it's beautiful all at the same time."

saw this on Bebo Norman's website!

OUR.GOD.IS....

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?

love these lyrics.

God IS for me. He IS HEALER, GREATER, STRONGER AND AWESOME IN POWER!!!! And, I KNOW no matter what happens to my earthly body...(heartache, pain, suffering, sickness, loss, death, anything!)...God has won the victory that matters. Im His. I will leave this world someday and live w/Him forever, in my forever Home!!! NOTHING/NOBODY can take that away!!!!!!!!! AND, If God is FOR a situation...who can stand against it? who can really stop it? As long as you're FOR Him, FOLLOWING & OBEYING Him....then He IS for you. And any situation will then have His outcome. Oh how awesome that is to type this TRUTH!!!!!!! ♥

Every.Time.I.Breathe.

I am sure all of heaven's heard me cry
As I tell You all the reasons why
This life is just too hard

But day by day
Without fail I'm finding everything I need
And everything that You are
To me

Every time I breathe You seem a little bit closer
I never want to leave I want to stay in Your warm embrace
Oh basking in the glory shining from Your face
And every time I get another glimpse of Your heart
I realize it's true
That You are so marvelous God
And I am so in love with You

Now how could I after knowing One so great
Respond to You in any way
That's less than all I have to give
But by Your grace I want to love You not with what I say
But everyday
In a way that my life is lived

Every time I breathe You seem a little bit closer
I never want to leave I want to stay in Your warm embrace
Oh basking in the glory shining from Your face
And every time I get another glimpse of Your heart
I realize it's true That You are so marvelous God
And I am so in love with You

Wrapped in Your mercy I want to live and never leave
I am held by how humble
Yet overwhelmed by Your majesty
Captured by grace and now I'm finding
I am free You are marvelous God
And knowing You is everything

tony.nolan.quote.

"With Philippians 4:13 in your veins, you would be stepping down to
be an Xmen or Marvel Super Hero! You're a child of God! Do it!!"

-Tony Nolan

♥♥♥

amen amen amen!!!

"DO IT!!!!!"

i soo needed this. :)

Trip Lee-The Invasion (Hero) Feat. Jai

"Like a G5 yeah you rushed to rescue me
Took a cross in exchange for a throne to save me
You began the work and I know you'll finish
And make all things right when you come back
Cause you're my hero, you already saved the day
Cause you're my hero, and I know you're coming back for me"

I love Trip Lee!! And this is one of my new favorites!!!! ♥

J103.

- Powered by ChristianNetcast.com

today is their day of prayer and encouragement!!!
i love j103. i listen daily. but today...whoa. it is sooo
awesome to hear all these testimonies and lives
changed!! love.love.LOVE!!!!!!! thank you j103!!

for today, and for ALL that you're about and do

every single day!!! you're a true blessing in my life!!!

love.and.sacrifice.

"Love is not possible without sacrifice,

and sacrifice is not possible without love."

-Karen Kingsbury

One Step at a Time.

For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect). But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete adn imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded).

-1Corinthians13:9-10

This scripture says that as long as you are on this earth, until Jesus comes, there will never be a time in your life when you can say, "I have every answer for my life right now, I know everything about everything." God requires us to trust Him and trust requires unanswered questions.

Like I once did, you may think you know it all! But you know in part, and that is why trust is still needed no matter how long you have walked with God. He leads you. He doesn't hand you a map and send you on your way without Him. God wants you to keep your eyes on Him, and follow Him one step at a time.

-Joyce Meyer

what do i know of holy.

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?


I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

-addison road.

from my heart to yours.

Ive heard it a million times, and even thought it myself a good bit..for some odd reason you want to be me. Which, Im learning its not really ME...its just you want to be someone. I know Im in no position to give you any advice, but I pray that you seek to find yourself. That is the only way you'll ever know happiness. I dont hate you. I dont hold on to these hard feelings for you. I pray for you. Every single day. Because I see things and hear things and...it hurts my heart. I know how you feel bc Ive been there. Many times. In many ways. Even now. And..I know I'd never really get the chance to tell you this face to face, so Im hoping you're reading this now. Take time away, seek your Creator and all that He has for you. That is my utmost prayer for anyone really. But especially those hurting. It is in suffering that God can do the most work in you. I know this bc Ive been able to LIVE it! Ive learned what it truly means to walk by faith. And it is pure awesomeness!!!!! I pray that EVERYONE would know this feeling!!!!!! So, if you're reading this...take this as it is, from my heart. Sincere. And in love.

hold.my.heart

HOLD MY HEART

is another favorite from Tenth that has been so awesome for me! And today while performing this song Mike got out in the audience to sing most of the song. It was very moving. Had me a lil teary eyed. He was putting himself and the crowd in the same category. I saw it as, "Im just like you".
Pure awesomeness.
"One tear in the dropping rain
One voice in a sea of pain"

How long must I pray must I pray to You
How long must I wait must I wait for You
How long 'till I see Your face
See You shining through

I'm on my knees
Begging You to notice me
I'm on my knees
Father will You turn to me yeah?

One tear in the dropping rain

One voice in a sea of pain

Could the Maker of the stars

Hear the sound of my breaking heart?

One life is all I am

Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are

Would You come close and hold my heart?

I've been so afraid afraid to close my eyes
So much can slip away before I say goodbye
But if there's no other way
I'm done asking why


'Cause I'm on my knees
Begging You to turn to me
I'm on my knees
Father will You run to me yeah?


One tear in the dropping rain
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the Maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart?


One life is all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart?


So many questions without answers
Your promises remain
I can't see but I'll take my chances
To hear You call my name
To hear You call my name


One tear in the dropping rain
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the Maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart?


One life is all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart?


Hold my heart
Could You hold my heart?
Hold my heart

Story behind "By Your Side"

thank you Paige!

"When you are broken though you have more room to fill up with Him...fill those gaping wounds with His love and peace."

Um, just got the sweetest msg ever from Paige!!!! :)
And I had to share this part. ♥

Ruben.

Me and Ruben from Tenth Avenue North.

Jeff.

Me and Jeff from Tenth Avenue North.

BY.YOUR.SIDE.

Me and Mike from Tenth Avenue North.

Ok so. Many of you may have heard about the song "By Your Side" and what the song has done for me. I have told about it for the past 2yrs. To almost everyone. haha Bc it was a moment I will never forget. I was broken. Hurting. Torn. Confused. For the first time in my Christian years I was starting to doubt. More than just questions. I was wondering where God was and WHY He was allowing this to happen. I didnt understand and I was, to be honest, mad. I sat in my bathroom floor bawling my eyes out, crying out to God..who seemed to have disappeared over the recent days. And who was starting to become more and more silent. We have a radio in my bathroom and I had turned it on J103. And wasnt listening to the music or any of it at this point, I was just crying and calling out! My face buried in my hands. Then, this song came on. It was the first time I remembered ever hearing it. And the lyrics at the start of the song go like this
"Why are you striving these days?
Why are you trying to earn grace?
Why are you crying?
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away"
Immediately, I looked up in shock over the words that just rang through the speakers. "Why are you crying? Let me lift up your face"...whoa. Wait a minute, whats this song about????
"Why are you looking for love?
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough?
To where will you go child?
Tell me where will you run to where will you run"
I WAS acting as if God wasnt enough. I had become MAD that things didnt go my way..that I had this pain..that I had things/people taken away from me. I was mad. And now these words stab me in the heart. God, IS enough. Why did I forget that? In a moment of pain, that truth had somehow vanished from my heart...and I didnt feel like He was even there anymore.
"Cuz I'll be by your side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
And please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you"
At this point, I was speechless. I wasnt even crying anymore...just simply clinging to every word that was being spoken to me in this song. Is He really right here?? By MY side?? Even now? I believed bc my life was so dark that He had forgotten me....I mean, how could He allow all this to happen?? Doesnt He love me?? I use to feel so loved, but not now. Not in this moment. Not when God took something so precious from me. And not when He had seemed to have left me, and staying silent in the days I cried out to Him. How could I be going through THIS if He really is good, always??? But then "please dont fight these hands that are holding you. My hands are holding You"..was THIS His plan??? And if so, why?? I just didnt 'get it'.
"Look at these hands at my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in and give you life
I wanna give you life"
Wow. God, You died FOR ME!!!! You love me enough to come and take on MY sin (both past, present and future!) when You had none! And died a horrible death. BECAUSE YOU LOVE ME! At that very moment God said 'I cared/loved you enough to do THIS...why would you think for a second that I would leave you now?? That this isnt all going to work out for your GOOD" I remember this like it was yesterday. I then preceeded to cry out in thanks!!!! My heart swelled with love. The JOY of the Lord had become my strength. It was one of the best moments in my Chrisitan walk. I finally was GETTING IT.
"'Cause I I love you I want you to know
That I yeah I love you I'll never let you go"
He was there. He was moving. He was holding me. He had ALWAYS loved me, and would NEVER stop. He knew what He was doing. I had just forgotten the truths that I stand on today. And sometimes, He IS silent. And sometimes He does seem gone, but He is far from it. He allows these things to happen to grow our FAITH. And Im sooo glad I heard this song when I did. I may have turned from it...but instead I heard these awesome words. And wow. Never has a song spoken to me so much. It changed how I saw things. It was def a broken time in my life, but bc I chose to keep the faith and hold on to God's promises...He DID use it for my good. Things worked out..according to His plan..in His time. And I grew sooo much from it!!!! I wouldnt take any of it back for a second! And still sooo very grateful that God allowed it to happen. :)


And so, back to the picture. :) Today I got to personally thank this band. Each member of it. (besides Jason, who wasnt there bc his wife recently had a baby:) I got to thank them for allowing God to use them and the gifts He gave them to further His kingdom!! And I shared my story. And they were so humbled. They hugged on me and gave signed my cd adding scripture....and even got to snap a pic w/them. They are truly awesome.

fb verse.

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ" – Philippians 1:9-10

Do you want to discern what is the best path to take in a situation? Learn to apply love in your day-to-day practices. The word “love” here is agape, or an unconditional commitment. This is more than feelings. As we learn to put others ahead of ourselves the quality of our life becomes clearer and clearer. Agape love helps us to clarify our values and make wise choices.

tenth.avenue.north.

I called you up, you were in bed
Could barely make out the words that you said
But you wanted to see me instead so I got dressed
Then I stepped out into the snow
And walked for a mile or so
Felt the rush of blood come from the cold in my chest

You finally came to the door
And we talked for an hour or more
Until I asked if you would stay up till four
You said, "That's fine."
But you said, "There's something I have to say,
And I can't because I'm just so afraid."
And so I held you as you started to shake that night

Oh, my dear I'll wait for you
Grace tonight will pull us through

Until the tears have left your eyes
Until the fears can sleep at night
Until the demons that you're scared of disappear inside
Until this guilt begins to crack and the weight falls from your back
Oh, my dear I'll keep you in my arms tonight

You slowly lifted your head from your hands
You said, "I just don't think that you'll understand,
You'll never look at me that way again if you knew what I did."
And so your tears fell and melted the snow
You told me secrets nobody had known
But I never loved you more even though now I knew what you did

Oh My Dear.

haha Thats the name of this song! :) And it makes me say 'oh my dear!' haha I looove T.A.N!!! And cant wait til tomorrow!!!! And here's what Mike said about this song: It’s actually a story about something that happened between my wife and me; some secrets that she was so afraid to tell anybody. So it’s kind of the practical application of the first song [“Healing Begins”] and what’s incredible is this thing that she was so scared to tell me, when she finally just told me, I was like, ‘That’s it?’ And the weight that she carried for so long just fell off her. -Mike....and THAT, is what we call true love. :) Its unconditional. Its eternal. And its possible bc of a God who loved us FIRST!

any.other.way.

Don't say goodbye, don't say hello
We're just standing on the surface
Don't say alright, don't say I know
I promise it's not worth it


I want to know who you are
Even if you're falling apart
Reach in and touch your scars
And all the shame you've kept in your heart

‘Cause it's not enough
It's not enough just to say that we're ok
I need your hurt, I need your pain
It's not love any other way


Let's not pretend, stop your parade
Trying to convince me
That you're alright and everything's ok
Do you even know me?


Cause I already know who you are
And all the things that kept us apart
So reach in and touch my scars
And know the price I paid for your heart


A broken and contrite heart I will not despise
Come as you are and I won't close my eyes
I won't close my eyes
I won't close my eyes
I won't close my eyes


'Cause it's not enough
It's not enough just to say that you're ok
Well, you needed my hurt
You needed my pain
It's not love any other way

Ohhh...new favorite!!!! :)
And here's what Jason says about this song:

Even in relationships with each other, if you don’t understand the hurt and pain that someone is going through, it’s really not a love relationship. This is a call of God saying to us "I need your pain and I need your hurt" and allowing us to express that to God and not just to mask it. We’re allowed to question and we’re allowed to get mad and say, "I’m really hurt right now and this is what I’m going through." When someone can then love in return, then that’s when it’s true love.

the.truth.is.who.you.are

It’s just the idea that Jesus is really what sustains us. Jesus is the truth we’re searching for. So unless we run to Him first, all our knowledge and all the stuff we learn about Him is just sort of puffing ourselves up. I think it’s such a freeing thing when people can realize that Jesus isn’t something that you read about in a book, but He’s actually a person and He wants to have a relationship with you and walk with you through these dark times. -Jason on the song
"The Truth Is Who You Are"

healing.begins.

Mike on the song "Healing Begins":

"This is a call to let your walls fall down, let your masks fall down, let your pretense fall down, because guess what? Your walls are glass anyway. We can see through them. You are fighting a losing battle and this is where the healing begins, when you let the light expose the darkness."

-Mike

He's driving.

Words cant even describe how Im feeling right now. Just two weeks ago, I was sooo broken I couldnt see or hear anything but the clouds, raging wind, fierce thunder, and pouring rain. Now...bc I continued to choose to praise GOD in this storm...Im finally seeing! The JOY of the LORD has been my strength and its been a strength that I couldnt possibly explain to anyone! One I didnt even know existed before! And now, Im finally seeing tidbits of light shining through the clouds. Today was THE BEST. I have not had that much fun in ages. (Or even know that much fun could be had!:) And I remember posting a similar blog just last week....God, THANK YOU!!!!!!!! ((For, in this time I can say I have THE best family and friends ever! And their love for me has been shown so much and in soo many different ways!!!!))This life may be now/always be crazy, scary, or painful but God, You are always God. No matter what! And this truth...Wow. I wouldnt trade this broken time in my life for anything now, bc it has lead me to a deeper relationship with and understanding (on levels I didnt know existed) of MY SAVIOR!!!!!!! Just three months ago on that night, how could I not see it then? That YOU knew what You were doing. That YOU knew the plan. That YOU knew my heart. That YOU have held me and never will ever EVER let go. And that YOU know the outcome!!!!!! How then could I have been so down in these recent months?? I still have questions. And I know now that its ok to question sometimes. Some things we will never understand on this side of heaven. You leave things unanswered for Your reasons. And You allow things to happen for Your reasons. Not all of it is from You, but You allow it. Bc in the end, all is done so IT WILL ALL WORK OUT FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE YOU, JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God, thank you for leading me to this day. Laying it on my heart late late one night. Then for orchestrating it in the way You chose. Im learning that You love taking me on these unexpected turns! Bc it has been a true test of faith. And Im so glad You work in the ways You do! Who the heck am I to say what I need?? YOU created me!!! This RIDE has been very eventful. And Im starting to love it more and more. And Im soooo grateful that YOU are in the driver's seat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ♥

jonathan.acuff.quote.

If someone hates you, it's always good to know who they like.

Because chances are, you wouldn't want to be that person.

Jonathan Acuff

get.back.up.

You start believing that your situation's unfair

But there's always scars,

When you fall that far

We lose our way,

We get back up again

Never too late to get back up again,

One day, you're gonna shine again,

You may be knocked down but not out forever

totally heard this a million times before. its even one of my favorites. but while i was getting ready just now it played after me asking a million questions 'why? i cant understand? this is soo unfair!'...and yeah. that line was a smack in the face. and soo needed. ahhhhh!!!! GLORY BE TO GOD!!!!!

cute.quote.

and today of all days...

whoa! what. a. day.... today has been an emotional roller coaster for me!! super happy, very sad, scared to death, nerves shot! haha, im telling you what...im not sure i couldve handled all this last wk. but w/this new peace that has found its way into my heart, im just sitting back, holding on for dear life, and finally starting to enjoy the ride!!! :)

813♥

From the Autumn Leaves, that will ride the breeze
to the Faith it takes, to pray and sing
from the Painted sky, to my plank filled eye
He is God of all, He is everything

I'm giving my life to the only one who makes the Moon reflect the sun
On that Starry Night, He changed my life.
I'm giving it all to the only son who gave me hope when I had none.
So let the praises ring,
Ohhhh Let the Praises Ring

Seven years ago today, I made the most important decision of my life.
Seven years ago, on a starry night, in a BlockBuster parking lot, I accepted
Jesus Christ as my Savior. I asked Him to come live inside my heart and save
my soul! THE best decision I have made/could ever make!!! I am taken back at
how much He has worked in my heart and life since then. I remember not
knowing much of ANYTHING that night, except that I was a sinner..lost
and confused..and there was a God who had been tugging on my heart for
(I know) the last five months..I dont even remember the thing that I was
upset about that lead to this conversation..OR what was exactly said that
night...but I remember it felt as if the whole world itself was sitting on my
shoulders...and after I prayed the prayer that changed my life, it was like
I could breathe. I felt renewed, refreshed, LOVED! It was THE best feeling.
And I look back at how much I didnt know then, but trusted in God..
and by Faith I was changed from the inside out. Even still He is at work
in me and continues to show me new things and send me on new journeys.
And I know He isnt done!! "God began doing a good work in you, and I am
sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again"
(Phil 1:6) I love this August day!!! Its a reminder of my second birthday!!!!
The one that welcomed me into an Eternal Family!!!!!!!! :)