New friends

Have you ever had just an instant connection with a group of people?? You walk in and you realize that you're home, that you belong.

That's how I felt while in Wigan these past 2 weeks. I've never met such a wonderfully welcoming group of people..... they were and are just tremendously loving and kind. And talk about funny, I've not laughed so much in ages.... it was a GREAT workout. In fact, I lost 4 pounds while over there....all of it I attribute to a certain Webster.

It's a true testament to the power of Christ's love and how it connects us. No matter where you go, as long as you are in the presence of Christians, you are home.

Thank God for unanswered prayers

To steal a line from Garth Brooks, "thank God for unanswered prayers". I just recently joined a womens prayer group, and we are now currently in the midst of the Beth Moore study, "A Heart Like His". This study delves in depth in to the story of David. Now I personally love David, I've always felt a sort of kinship with him as he's so "human". Basically, he made a LOT of mistakes. And yet, the Lord LOVED David.... I mean, he was a man "after God's own heart". How amazing is that!?! David was rash, he was impulsive, but he was also incredibly repentant. His intentions were right, simply misguided.

This is exactly how I feel. You know how God tells us to be sly as serpants and gentle as doves....well I've got the sly thing down, but I'm about as gentle as a Mac Truck. It's just not my nature to sit back and watch....I'm a doer. But Christ tells us to rise above our own nature and take on His. No matter what "I" would do, I have to do what Christ would do. ......and how humbling to know that boy do I have a long way to go.

Back to unanswered prayers. This thing that I have been praying for, this thing that has taken up so much of my time. I've released it. It's not about me, it's not about IT, it's about God, and my relationship with Him. When God says no or doesn't answer a prayer like we wanted, he ALWAYS has something better in mind....ALWAYS! "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong". ......I am weak, BUT....He is strong...... Nuff said

Another little tidbit from Beth Moore...... During the study last night, I came accross something quite profound...or at least I found it to be so. In her studyguide, Beth talks about having "faith in faith" rather than having "faith in the living God". Now I don't know about you, but that rocked me. Do you know how often I put my faith in faith!! Sometimes, I get so caught up in the process, that I forget WHO it is that I should truly be focusing on. What good is faith if you aren't trusting in God. How far are you going to get on an empty tank?? You get caught up in sacrifice, rather than obedience.

WOW! Where have I been?? Why am I only now beginning to work at my relationship with Him?? I mean, HELLO, I grew up in a Christian home, went to a Christian College....... Again, where have I been???

It's been an interesting week to say the least, but I'm so glad that Christ is working. "How loving and patient He must be......cause He's still working on me" ....... AMEN!

Speed bump ahead

You know, I was forewarned that when you are truly reaching that closeness with the lord and you really feel like your relationship has finally reached the pinnacle......BOOM! That's when the devil strikes.

Sure enough, his attacks have begun. They started on Saturday, just a general sense of ennui, and the feeling grew yesterday, and was fairly full blown today. It's just a sense of feeling like God has forgotten me a bit.

I've been praying about something in particular for at least the past month, possibly more. I have been devoting myself in prayer and fasting and I've waited for an answer from the Lord, and still nothing. No answer, no general sense of any kind. And I know that God's timing is never what ours is, but I've been faithful to this and I was hoping that He would see me through.

I know that He will. My head knows that He is still there, but my heart is feeling a wee bit left behind. And my attitude has gotten a bit stinky because of how I am feeling. That is OF COURSE straight from the devil. But, in spite of my feelings, I still know that He will answer me, I just need to WAIT!!

That is of course the ONE thing I don't want to do. I don't like to WAIT. I'm all about instant gratification. The Lord knows this, which is of course why I am being directed to wait. He's working on me. This is the reason that I NEVER pray for patience....He gives it to me.

So while I am not at a spiritual high at the moment, I do know that God is here. He's listening, and no matter how I feel, I know that He has not forgotten me. He loves me and He will answer me in His time, not mine.

So pray for me, particularly for my attitiude. And whatever you do, please don't pray for patience......

Movin and shakin

How great is our God! Lately, Christ has been more alive to me then ever before. I finally feel as if I have reached the pinnacle and found the intimate relationship that I have always been searching for. To KNOW that God is here, to KNOW that He loves me, to KNOW that I am saved and that I AM going to heaven. WOW!

I just hate that it has taken me this long to find this relationship.......To find this peace that I have longed for.

Growth

Wow, isn't it amazing when you can actually feel God working. Lately, I have actually felt Him pricking my heart and molding me. I've been praying a lot lately, and have specifically asked Him to help me work on certain things. Boy has He answered my prayer. Now every time I turn around, I'm feeling convicted and I know it's directly from Him.

And while growth is never truly an enjoyable process, I love this feeling of being one with Him. Of knowing that He is there, that He cares and is active in my life.

I continue to pray that He gives me the strength to glorify Him and accept His direction. I constantly struggle with allowing Him to stay in control...... I tend to get cold feet and try to take the reigns. But as past experience has taught me, that's not such a great idea.


6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

16Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

5How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion! Psalm 84:5

1God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

7On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Psalm 62:7

10"For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My loving kindness will not be removed from you, And My covenant of peace will not be shaken," Says the LORD who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10