So last night, I didn't have much planned other than just hanging out with a few close friends and watching movies. Little did I know OR suspect, a surprise party was awaiting me at the church. I am SO glad that i didn't come in my pajamas hahaha No it was great and amazing! I didn't expect it at all (which is a challenge in and of itself b/c no one has EVER thrown me a surprise party that i hadn't figured out beforehand) so kudos to Joseph! :-D
Last night was simply... incredible. I haven't felt that loved in quite awhile. I mean I have a lot of friends... and I realize that... but sometimes i don't actually feel that love and last night was just wonderful. Friends came in from Burleson, the DFW, Oklahoma City, even from Colorado!! :) My friends' band came and played - Grace The Fall, and everyone signed a giant poster for me that said "Brazil Or Bust" :) inside joke for those who've been around too long... It was just simply perfect. And before everyone left, they all prayed over me and for my trip. I have a lot of friends inside and outside of the church, that match my faith or don't understand it. But to see everyone gather around despite their differences to pray for safety, love and encouragement for me... that was truly a blessing :-D I couldn't have asked or imagined anything better than this. It's good to know that I have such loving family and friends to come home to.
This past year, 2008, has really changed me and grown and stretched me in ways i couldn't have seen or known i needed. And I've started out the new year right :) I've always kept God at the forefront in my heart and mind and I always pray in the morning and when I go to bed. But I haven't been the best with my quiet time with Him - with my Bible reading or seriously praying or worship. I did do all these things but in small doses, here or there, when i could fit it in. I'm not perfect and never claimed to be haha my walk is ever changing and God is continually shaping me and refining me into the woman of God He sees in me. And before this honestly I didn't see quiet time, specifically in the morning, to be something entirely different from just having quiet time in some point of the day. But for the last week and a half, due to the mutual encouragement of one of my dear friends, i have started a new routine. The first thing I do in the morning is I get up and read a portion of scripture and then pray. I pray about what I read, about things going on in my life, for people, and for God to lead my life that day and every after that. And I can't even begin to tell you what a difference it has made in my life in just a week and a half. God has been answering prayers - some i've prayed for years, some just recently that i needed met. But He has! And the joy that bubbles over in my heart each morning which i actually make the conscious decision to live for Him, not to think of Him or even dote on Him during the day, but to truly want to die to yourself and live for Him! It's just incredible and SO encouraging and edifying. Scripture, the Word - it IS life! It is the bread, the spiritual nourishment that we all need :) If you've ever prayed for answers, believe me, God will give them to you! You just have to submit yourself to His will :) He knows what's best, WAAAAAAY more than we could ever believe we ever needed or wanted. I promise. :) So take heart! Be strong! Live for Him!
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, Oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer."
Last night was simply... incredible. I haven't felt that loved in quite awhile. I mean I have a lot of friends... and I realize that... but sometimes i don't actually feel that love and last night was just wonderful. Friends came in from Burleson, the DFW, Oklahoma City, even from Colorado!! :) My friends' band came and played - Grace The Fall, and everyone signed a giant poster for me that said "Brazil Or Bust" :) inside joke for those who've been around too long... It was just simply perfect. And before everyone left, they all prayed over me and for my trip. I have a lot of friends inside and outside of the church, that match my faith or don't understand it. But to see everyone gather around despite their differences to pray for safety, love and encouragement for me... that was truly a blessing :-D I couldn't have asked or imagined anything better than this. It's good to know that I have such loving family and friends to come home to.
This past year, 2008, has really changed me and grown and stretched me in ways i couldn't have seen or known i needed. And I've started out the new year right :) I've always kept God at the forefront in my heart and mind and I always pray in the morning and when I go to bed. But I haven't been the best with my quiet time with Him - with my Bible reading or seriously praying or worship. I did do all these things but in small doses, here or there, when i could fit it in. I'm not perfect and never claimed to be haha my walk is ever changing and God is continually shaping me and refining me into the woman of God He sees in me. And before this honestly I didn't see quiet time, specifically in the morning, to be something entirely different from just having quiet time in some point of the day. But for the last week and a half, due to the mutual encouragement of one of my dear friends, i have started a new routine. The first thing I do in the morning is I get up and read a portion of scripture and then pray. I pray about what I read, about things going on in my life, for people, and for God to lead my life that day and every after that. And I can't even begin to tell you what a difference it has made in my life in just a week and a half. God has been answering prayers - some i've prayed for years, some just recently that i needed met. But He has! And the joy that bubbles over in my heart each morning which i actually make the conscious decision to live for Him, not to think of Him or even dote on Him during the day, but to truly want to die to yourself and live for Him! It's just incredible and SO encouraging and edifying. Scripture, the Word - it IS life! It is the bread, the spiritual nourishment that we all need :) If you've ever prayed for answers, believe me, God will give them to you! You just have to submit yourself to His will :) He knows what's best, WAAAAAAY more than we could ever believe we ever needed or wanted. I promise. :) So take heart! Be strong! Live for Him!
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, Oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer."
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