Christmas 2010

With each day that passes, I love my family more. I may only be twenty-two years old but I've learned the value of relationship. Five years ago on Christmas day we were sitting in my sister's hospital room in St. Louis. She was driving here to Oklahoma on Christmas Eve when she collided with an eighteen-wheeler and was rushed to the nearest hospital. Both her legs were broken, she had many scrapes, bruises, glass embedded in her scalp, and to this days endures constant back pain. It was a very scary time. Since then our family has gone through many more obstacles; family deaths, my mental/emotional instability, financial stress, and the list goes on, but through it all we've stuck together.
This Christmas has been the best yet. We were able to surprise my mom with the chair she's been wanting, my dad has been enjoying food favorites from his childhood, my sister has been blessed financially, and my aunt and uncle sent money to Mercy Ministries in my name. We have not argued, grumbled, complained, or been annoyed. We've joked around, watched movies, offered help, and had meaningful conversation.
We never know what tomorrow may bring, muchless the next few hours, but regardless of circumstances that arise family is priceless.

Live. Laugh. Love.

 

Conversations with God...

...He is great at reminding me how my past is indeed past! He is the redeemer of my ENTIRE life! He is the one that has and will continue to watch over me every step of the way!

Worship is key when it comes to having a more intimate relationship with God. In the presence of my Heavenly Father is where I lay down my pride, my pain, confusion, fear, doubt; myself, and submit every fiber of my being to the author and finisher of my faith.

FOUR powerful words

This past weekend I was involved in a Women's Conference entitled: Out of the Ashes. I was given the opportunity to share my testimony, and at the end of the conference on Saturday sing a song [Beautiful Ending by Barlow Girl].

The conference was intimate. 3 individuals, including myself, shared stories of redemption and in small "Vision groups," those of like ages, were able to share similar struggles. Our time was full of laughs, bold honesty, many tears, and encouraging words. Toward the end of our last "Vision group," after the girls bravely expressed current hurts, I looked at each one of them and said, "Isn't it interesting how we're all struggling with the same issues? It doesn't matter how big, small, old, where we're from... we are not alone."

FOUR powerful words: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

No matter what you're going through, there is someone else going through "it" as well. The situation may not be the same but the insecurity, eating disorder, self-harm, alcoholic/drug addiction, pornography, promiscuity, guilt, shame... it's all the same.

"...God is the Reality of the universe..."

Dry Bones- Gungor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJWHZnZ9E6k&feature=related

I am blown away by the music and lyrics of Gungor. I went to their website and read the lead singer Michael's blog he recently did on his Pilgrimage. It's in 2 parts and a possible 3rd and 4th to come. Here's the link: http://www.gungormusic.com/blog/?m=201011 I highly suggest taking a few minutes and reading what he wrote. He has definitely caught my attention and deeper thoughts about my relationship with Christ have boldly erupted within my core.

One thing Michael wrote in his blog was, "To me, God is the basic Reality of the universe. God is what is. That’s how Moses wrote that God introduced Himself, isn’t it? “I am that I am.” God is.
Whatever is, that is God."

I find those statements given as a challenge. Who is God to you? Is He who He says He is..."I am that I am?"

[check out their entire Beautiful Things CD - most of the song are on youtube]