Thursday, July 17, 2008

memories with no regrets

Life- it's a crazy journey.

I always want the next thing. Yet, when I stop to reflect on the past, I always think "If only....". If only I wouldn't have worked so much. If only I wouldn't have complained. If only I would've spent one more day/ hour/ minute. If only I would've invested in those people.

Now, I have always thought of myself as a person who has no regrets, but when I have thoughts like these- I am reminded that they sorta ARE mini-regrets. I need to learn to soak in every moment of the present and make the best decisions possible because that's all I get. Memories are all that I'm left with.

Waiting on the Lord's timing for WHATEVER is a good thing to learn. It's not always easy, and it requires a constant prayer for contentment and discernment and selflessness... but it is best.


Only the best memories and college friends here

So much personality in one place...

In Living Color... the Bou Girl reunion of June 2008

Friday, July 11, 2008

the cry of the nations

The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 27:1, 4-5

Monday, July 7, 2008

victory through faith

I have been learning alot lately from the life of Joshua. He was a man who took up leadership with the Israelites after Moses passed away. He was a man of great courage and faith. Joshua teaches us a great lesson within the first chapter of his book. He helps us to ask the question, Are we settling for less because that's the way it has always been? Or its too hard? Or another excuse? We are reminded that FORWARD MOVEMENT REQUIRES COURAGE IN GOD'S LEADING. We are to be strong and courageous not in our own strength or ability, but in the Lord's ability. We are to do the right thing in the face of danger, difficulty, or fear. This is courage. Are we truly ready to be confronted by God?
Are we willing to step outside of our comfort and allow God to call us to do something that is absolutely revolutionary? Steps of faith require courage. Courage requires a right mindset. Personally, God has been showing me the importance of coming before Him to fast and pray- especially before an act of courage.
Esther did it when the Jewish people's lives were in danger:
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 'Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.'
Esther 4: 15-16
Nehemiah did it to plead for God to show him the right response after terrible destruction:
'When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said: O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.'
Nehemiah 1:-4-6a
God is calling us to break the pattern of just surviving another day. He NEEDS US to be practicing what we know, instead of just gobbling more Bible knowledge.
"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without action is dead." James 2:26