GOD IS AWESOME! LET ME SAY IT AGAIN! THE LORD IS AWESOME! IT'S AMAZING TO SEE WHAT GOD CAN CAN DO WITH THE IMPOSSIBLE! Last night, I was moved by God when nine men showed up at a little barber shop in a small town in new port richey, FL. My message was totally different from what I was going to teach and for the first time; I didn't look at my notes or try to speak scholarly about revelation chapter 5. I simply adhered to what God wanted to say to the men and it was unbelievable what God brought up in that chapter.
I'm excited and can't wait to see what God will do with these men that He has brought together. It'
s amazing how man tries to do the impossible and fails. But where men fail, with God everything is possible.
Anyway that's what has moved me and captivated me in my heart,soul,mind, and body!
Be blessed and Go with God!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Reflection
O.k., so it's been a long time since I have written obviously things have happened since then but it would take to long to catch up so I am just gonna say whats on my mind today!
Well, lately i've been going to this new gym and it's been really incredible! You can be there for eight minutes and feel like you have been working out for 45 minutes. I've been going everyday to learn some self-discipline and self-control. I also have started a bible study that has been going through the book of Revelations we are now in Chapter 5!
It's been really cool to see what the Lord is doing in Florida and to wait patiently for God to move in people's hearts. It's had its struggles but I always remember to come back to the Cross!
Well, lately i've been going to this new gym and it's been really incredible! You can be there for eight minutes and feel like you have been working out for 45 minutes. I've been going everyday to learn some self-discipline and self-control. I also have started a bible study that has been going through the book of Revelations we are now in Chapter 5!
It's been really cool to see what the Lord is doing in Florida and to wait patiently for God to move in people's hearts. It's had its struggles but I always remember to come back to the Cross!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Untitled
Yesterday, was a blur! I started off going down to Clearwater, FL to meet with my friend Andrew Witherell. He was definitely an encouragement and a blessing to be around. We spoke about what the Lord did to my heart in Canada and some of the wonderful opportunities the Lord gave me while I was up there! As the conversation continued, we spoke about what God wanted me to do and what He was planning to use me for.
Then, I went on to the Christian Bookstore which took me about five minutes to find. I found an old friend there and we talked for a while about what God was doing and things happening here in Florida. I found a really great resource for helping me while I am in youth group! Its called "uncommon games & icebreakers" by Jim Burns, it is excellent for getting youth energized and excited! I am looking forward to the ideas that are present in there!
I had lunch with my friend Rick Ortman and we had a great conversation about the Church and things that are happening. We also talked a lot about some issues of legalism and other great topics! Daryll was also there and we spoke for a few minutes.
I then went home and prepared for my Bible Study that goes on at Daryll's Shop on Main Street in New Port Richey. As I waited there with my Dad, I prepared by getting coffee ready and putting some doughnuts, cookies, and other sweets out. Mike Brown came and we had some great conversation with his testimony.
So we started the Study by sharing our testimonies, starting with Mike Brown, then my Dad, and I finished with my testimony. That was AWESOME! It really helped to further connects us and draw us to God's amazing power!
So it was 8 o'clock by the time we started the study on Revelations Chapter 1. It was about revealing Christ. It was the application of Christ and revealing Him to us to see, taste, touch, smell, etc.. I think it was good for me to lead a study for the first time and I believe that all of us walked out better than when we came in. I think we need to look at getting some worship or perhaps some communion at the next study.
Later on, As I was cleaning the shop up that Daryll so graciously let me use; I was cleaning up and then couldn't locate the key he left me to lock up. I started to get a little nervous, but I kept saying to myself over and over again. "It's o.k. , all that matters is the love of Christ." They are just keys and the world will keep spinning if I don't find them. After about 15 minutes, I just was like o.k. Lord if you want me to find these keys show them to me. I found it where I had left it but strangely couldn't remember till that moment. The Lord said you must be patiently enduring the work that I am doing. So the lesson for me was to not be frustrated with the work of God.
Anyway it was a great night, and encouraging! May God Bless You ALL!
Then, I went on to the Christian Bookstore which took me about five minutes to find. I found an old friend there and we talked for a while about what God was doing and things happening here in Florida. I found a really great resource for helping me while I am in youth group! Its called "uncommon games & icebreakers" by Jim Burns, it is excellent for getting youth energized and excited! I am looking forward to the ideas that are present in there!
I had lunch with my friend Rick Ortman and we had a great conversation about the Church and things that are happening. We also talked a lot about some issues of legalism and other great topics! Daryll was also there and we spoke for a few minutes.
I then went home and prepared for my Bible Study that goes on at Daryll's Shop on Main Street in New Port Richey. As I waited there with my Dad, I prepared by getting coffee ready and putting some doughnuts, cookies, and other sweets out. Mike Brown came and we had some great conversation with his testimony.
So we started the Study by sharing our testimonies, starting with Mike Brown, then my Dad, and I finished with my testimony. That was AWESOME! It really helped to further connects us and draw us to God's amazing power!
So it was 8 o'clock by the time we started the study on Revelations Chapter 1. It was about revealing Christ. It was the application of Christ and revealing Him to us to see, taste, touch, smell, etc.. I think it was good for me to lead a study for the first time and I believe that all of us walked out better than when we came in. I think we need to look at getting some worship or perhaps some communion at the next study.
Later on, As I was cleaning the shop up that Daryll so graciously let me use; I was cleaning up and then couldn't locate the key he left me to lock up. I started to get a little nervous, but I kept saying to myself over and over again. "It's o.k. , all that matters is the love of Christ." They are just keys and the world will keep spinning if I don't find them. After about 15 minutes, I just was like o.k. Lord if you want me to find these keys show them to me. I found it where I had left it but strangely couldn't remember till that moment. The Lord said you must be patiently enduring the work that I am doing. So the lesson for me was to not be frustrated with the work of God.
Anyway it was a great night, and encouraging! May God Bless You ALL!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Cool Story for the grapevine!
Breakfast at McDonald's
This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! (After the story, there are some very interesting facts!):
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.
The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.
Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.'
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.
I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.
It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.
We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.
I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.
As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.
As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling'
His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.
He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.
The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.
I held my tears as I stood there with them.
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.
He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).
Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.
That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.
I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.
I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.'
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.'
I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..'
We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not church goers, but we are believers.
That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.
I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it.
Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?'
I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.
In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.
I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:
UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to
LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS -
NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
A verse comes to mind when considering this story. 1st Corinthians 13:
“And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only of a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. LOVE NEVER FAILS. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, the will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a part and we prophesy in part, thought like a child, I reasoned like a child, when I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these remain: faith, hope, and love. But the GREATEST of these is LOVE!”
This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! (After the story, there are some very interesting facts!):
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.
The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.
Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.'
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.
I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.
It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.
We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.
I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.
As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.
As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling'
His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.
He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.
The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.
I held my tears as I stood there with them.
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.
He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).
Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.
That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.
I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.
I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.'
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.'
I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..'
We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not church goers, but we are believers.
That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.
I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it.
Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?'
I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.
In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.
I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:
UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to
LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS -
NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
A verse comes to mind when considering this story. 1st Corinthians 13:
“And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only of a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. LOVE NEVER FAILS. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, the will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a part and we prophesy in part, thought like a child, I reasoned like a child, when I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these remain: faith, hope, and love. But the GREATEST of these is LOVE!”
Saturday, June 13, 2009
I'm Yours
What a blessing it has been to go to this youth conference in St. Petersburg! Charlie Hall did an excellent job of worship in the morning! I could tell that it was really getting the youth riled up for God. There was a talk afterward by a guy named Sebastian who did supremely well at teaching the call of Jesus to suffer in His name. Later I went to whats called a "break out session" which is cool jargon for short bible study. I went to the one for defending Christ on campus, and then to Mr. Art's class on the example of Christ. They both send out some great materials and excellent encouragement to the youngsters. I feel so old going to these conference for middle and high school kids. It was only yesterday I could not wait to be driving. Well, those days are gone I only wish I had been as much on fire for God as I was back then.
We had a really great time driving the youts back to Rick's house! I also enjoyed the conversations I had with Rick throughout the day! What a glorious day!
We had a really great time driving the youts back to Rick's house! I also enjoyed the conversations I had with Rick throughout the day! What a glorious day!
Blast off to Holy Spirit!!
I decided to venture with the Calvary Chapel Pasco Youth Group. I was driving with the boys and Rick got stuck with the girls. He was definitely in a hurry to get to the conference with all those girls in his car. It was a great experience to get to know some of the youts in the car and at the conference. There bible verse for the weekend is Hebrews Chapter 12 Verses 1-3. It talks about running the race looking on to Jesus and to throw off the weights and run with endurance. Charlie Hall did an excellent concert/worship. I was pleasantly suprised at how well it turned out and how receptive these young kids were. It was incredible they even did a hymn and made it so powerful and receptive to young teenagers. Ebo Elder did the preaching and he was right on and on fire for God. His message was on Hebrews and gave the call for young teenagers to accept Christ in their life and a lot stood up to recieve Him. The Lord was working so powerfully!! Afterwards, he gave a call for all those who wanted to be "sold out" for Christ! Then even more stoop up to surrender their life completely in God's hands. I was so blessed by this and then we (old farts) came up and prayed for them and stood near the front lines of worship. It WAS SO INCREDIBLE!!! I was so blessed because the Lord showed me that I'm not alone and there are many who bear the sufferings of Christ and are in the battle together.
Later on, I was free to join a high school group and talk to some other kids from st. pete, and even vero beach. These kids had such incredible testimonies! It was so encouraging to see young people in the fellowship of Christ!
It was a great night and I thank God from the bottom of my heart for it.
Later on, I was free to join a high school group and talk to some other kids from st. pete, and even vero beach. These kids had such incredible testimonies! It was so encouraging to see young people in the fellowship of Christ!
It was a great night and I thank God from the bottom of my heart for it.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
GOD IS GREAT!!
It's amazing how down and depressed we can become and how easily we forget the blessing of Jesus Christ. As I was asking the Lord where is the fellowship? Sure enough later on a friend of mine told me I should start a bible study for Calvary Chapel Pasco. At first my head was saying you're too young, too inexperienced, and not highly intelligible with the scriptures. But so clearly my friend said the Lord said to me that you need to do it! As I prayed and waited to seek the Lord, He said so clearly "so what?" God is the ultimate authority over who he will send to minister and God will put his words on our lips. It was so cool because I just read a passage in Exodus 4:11 "The Lord said to him, Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
God's conviction is what matters. God will provide the message that his people wants to hear and God will bring repentence. We are only the vessel in which he eloquently drives toward his glory and fame.
By the way, on a less spiritual note, I could not withstand the African heatwave that we call tropical weather here in Florida. I made an executive decision to get my baptist haircut for the kingdom of God. Recently after I had cut my hair I read a verse in 1st Corinthians Chapter 11 where it speaks that long hair is the shame of a man.
Anyway God bless and please continue to read!
God's conviction is what matters. God will provide the message that his people wants to hear and God will bring repentence. We are only the vessel in which he eloquently drives toward his glory and fame.
By the way, on a less spiritual note, I could not withstand the African heatwave that we call tropical weather here in Florida. I made an executive decision to get my baptist haircut for the kingdom of God. Recently after I had cut my hair I read a verse in 1st Corinthians Chapter 11 where it speaks that long hair is the shame of a man.
Anyway God bless and please continue to read!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
