The smell that makes you want to TuRn & FoLlOw..

I don't know about you, but I have a pretty good smeller.  I can be walking through some place get a slight change of smell and it will take me to an old memory.  I love pondering on these memories.  For instance, this past summer I was at a hotel in  Branson and I smelled...tanning lotion!  Ya soo...haha, it reminded me of 2 fabulous spring break trips I took with my F.U.N friend Kacie, my twin, another Zeta sister, and some Chi-O's we literally layed on the beach sun-up to sundown.  Followed by dinner, a movie... we'd then sleep, then head right back to the beach.  Point is... smell is a big thing in my life. 
I'll get ever more personal, ladies... who doesn't love a freshly clean smelling guy?  Haha, let's not all raise our hands at one time- I'm the one whose admitting here, need not to be ashamed.    I had a kamp friend this summer who had a young girl ask him if she could have his shirt because she liked the way it smelled...weird.  But in all reality when I was younger, (much younger of course) I can recall passing a group a really nicely smelling guys and wanting to turn and follow them.  The smell alone was appealing.


2 Corinthians 2:14-15  "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."


We are to be the aroma of Christ.  We are to be the smell that causes people to want to turn from what they are doing and follow the sweet, goodness of Christ. 

2 Peter 1:3-4 "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

I love these 2 verses, and I love that the phrase knowledge of Him in both of them.  I probably should have flip flopped them- see 2 Peter 1:3-4 tells us we have been given EVERYTHING we need through our KNOWLEDGE of HIM.  But we must spend time with Him, in His word to grow to KNOW HIM more.  For HIM to transform us for us to have HIM smell. 

Will you spend time with HIM and in HIS word today so HE can continue to transform you, and fill you will an aroma that is a smell that makes people want to turn and follow the Jesus you know?  Trust me, the beautiful smell will lead people to you so you can lead them to the Lord.  Be the aroma of Christ today- be blessed! 

I simply did it (the first time) now I wanna do more!

As of last Sunday I have officially ran my first 1/2 marathon.  Wait maybe I should restate that (when I read it, it made me think I had ran 13.1 miles before but this was just the first time in a race)... FALSSE!  Ha, that couldn't be less than true.  Before this race I had not ran more than 8 miles- but that was last spring, and before that my Freshman year of college (which lets be honest was a LONG time ago).  I think I ran 5 miles in October but since then 4 has been my max.  I had great intentions of "training" better, but like always that didn't really follow through.  HOWEVER I was deteremined to run in the race this time and quit talking about doing one.... so ready or not here I came!

It was a fun trip, got to spend some quality time with my sister and a friend from high school.  And I think I learned some valuable lessons while on this trip and during my run. Some of these lessons are as follows...

1.  We watched Julie and Julia the night before... I didn't finish watching it beacause I fell asleep however the jist of finishing something you start was a great message the night before I thought my legs were gonna fall off.

2.  I got a little nervous because I felt as if at the first of the race there were going to be lots of hills... I hate hills.. but I also learned that at the end of every uphill climb is a downhill slope!  Which made things a little more enjoyable.  (1Cor. 10:13)

3.  I was NEVER alone!  Not only was Kara always right beside me encouraging me to keep going, but there were 20,000 runnings in this race.  PLUS the people who were lining up along the streets cheering us on. 

    Sidenote.. how often do we not take the step of faith because we 1) feel like we are going to be by ourselves or 2) don't feel prepared.  Well we know that we are never alone Jesus promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), but how often do we forget about the purpose of the Body of Christ and accountability in the midst of that.  Not only did I have a close running buddy in Kara who was running at my pace, focused on the same goals as me.. but I had people running around me (some faster, some slower) who had the same goals as me too.  All moving in the same directions-WHILE also seeing the people on the side of the roads offering encouragement.(Hebrews 3:13, 10:25, 1 Thes 5:22)  ALL these things should be seen in the midst of the Body as we are all working towards the same goal, spurring others on in persuing Christ.  It was a lovely picture and a beautiful reminder of how I need to be encouraging my fellow believers and helping support them.  I wasn't prepared for the race, however I learned a lot by running alongside these folks, and that helped me finished. 

4.  My goal was to finish in less than 3 hours, which I did.  Yet while I was running I couldn't help but think how much fun this would have been had I actually trained for this.  AND not that I want to be some super fast 1/2 marathon runner but I could have finished a lot faster.  SOOOO..

it was good to plan to do a 1/2 and finish it.  BUT kinda like when you step out and follow Jesus and He meets you there and you're left wanting more.  You then understand why being in the Word is so important, why you need fellowship, etc.  Well.. so I am wanting to not only run another 1/2 but also train for one.. I know its possible, now I want to fill in the blanks and actually prepare.  So like Julie in the movie, I'm going to document this process.. b/c we all need accountablilty right?  So thus is another step in not only doing things not because I want to, but because I know I need to.  I think that's called disciplining yourself... the more you do the more it spills out into all areas of your life.  Yet this time, doing the needed isn't enough... I want to do it well!  I simply did it (the first time) now I wanna do more! 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  Colossians 3:23-24 

(The Lord wants us to do all things well, holistically living completely sold out for Him, that balance is what I am striving for in every aspect of life.)

Be blessed!

He's BLESSING my SOCKS off!

Sometimes I’d like to have a computer at the treadmill as I run. I have LOTS of thoughts that pop through my head as I spend time on there. Some deep thoughts, some funny thoughts (let’s be honest sometimes these thoughts cause me to think I might have a future in standup comedy). But mostly I believe the Lord uses this time mostly in my life to remind me of great promises He had made for me. These reminders are great things to keep at the forefront of my mind as I experience a new adventure in life- and live on my own- and in a VERY small town. The town is cute, the people are great, I love my job, and I just don’t know very many people here yet. (This will come I know) For someone like me, who is VERY people oriented a move such as this could be a little difficult. So in the past couple weeks I have been challenged to choose to do things not because I want to… but because I need to. An example of this would be joining a gym. Or a house. Or maybe I don’t know what to call it! It’s a house with workout equipment in it. I know part of me being content is that I need to work out regularly..Basically I mean I need a treadmill because I don’t ever lift weights (that’s for boys, right?!? j/k!) I’m not a professional- just need a little time on the treadmill, or more like good quality talking time with the Lord.. But when life is kinda blah- the treadmill is not where I go. I usually get stuck and don’t really want to move- don’t really want to do anything actually. Which is sad because while I’ve been out in the boonies :) the Lord has shown me some new passions in my life which I never knew I had. New ways to love on people, new ways to use His gifts… but I was choosing not to do anything at all. So I joined the house gym. I’m going to be honest and tell you that I joined and began going to the gym not because I wanted to- but because I knew I needed to. I knew the benefits of what working out would do for me- well and honestly my time with the Lord. So I have faithfully been choosing to go to the house gym daily. To choose to go every day isn’t easy but it’s been so fun to see how faithful the Lord is in my decision to be disciplined in this area of my life. (Which is beneficial not only physically but spiritually as well)

See I am very much a people person…I thrive off relationships, conversations, let’s be honest just being in the same room as people. I wouldn’t consider myself a needy person; I just like to know people are near. (I unlike most kids was sent to their room for punishment because I didn’t like being in there by myself- unlike my older sister who would be made to come out of her room when she was in trouble :-) )Thus far in my job I sometimes get to interact with people, which other days I’m just chilling in the office (this will all change as the schedule for 2010 starts unfolding). So I am completely being stretched in this aspect of life thus far in this new journey.. Anyways- back to the house gym. The first couple days I went no one was there… I thought to myself no wonder this place is soo expensive- I’m the only one who uses it. Same things the second day (my goal was to stay a little longer each day). The third time I went when I pulled into the drive I saw….ANOTHER CAR! Yay! The Lord is good (and to think I almost decided not to come today)… I’m blessed. So on so forth til yesterday was a blah day (due to weather circumstances) and I had decided halfway thru the day I didn’t need to workout...THEN I remembered how much it cost me to get the “house” membership… an arm and a leg basically (I’m currently waiting on these limbs to grow back) so I drudgingly went to work out yesterday… and guess what?!? There were like 6 ladies who came and worked out while I was there too! The Lord blesses our disciplined lifestyles, and seriously has been blessing my socks off! The more that I see these blessings the more I want to continue to walk in the manner that I’ve been called to walk and do the simple things He is asking of me… because it’s in these things through Him that I am completely satisfied!

Let’s be honest should I be surprised that the Lord always provides exactly what we need when we need it?? NOPE. If we look at the Lord throughout the Bible in the Old Testament to the end of the New Testament we see the characteristics of the Lord NEVER change.

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

I’ll give this example. I have a friend coaches Jr. High and High School aged girls and has know most of these girls since Jr. High (if not before). She given them rides, found financial support for those who can’t afford to cheer, she’s been a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a mentor. Well this past week some drama has stirred up and a BIG communication error happened in the midst of these girls that was blown WAY out of proportion. So much so that a girl had decided she couldn’t’ trust my friend anymore and that she was done with her. (mind you thing young girl was speaking to an adult and this has all been smoothed over since it all happened). However had these girls stopped to think about the person they were frustrated with (who yes is human and can make mistakes but had done nothing wrong in this case) and thought about the characteristics she’d had shown them about herself since the beginning of their relationship, they would have know this didn’t line up with who she was or what she is about.

This my friends is where I am at. I am in the middle of nowhere. I know the Lord has a purpose- and I am remembering who He is. He has not changed; therefore I can lean on His promises that He will continue to provide for me at the time He knows is best be it through something as simple as people being at the work out gym. Will you take time to see the faithfulness of His characteristics in your life today? Because since I’ve noticed His faithfulness, I’ve become more faithful in starting and using these new passions He’s put in my life … and guess what He is continually blessing my socks off! :-)

Be blessed!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Not only is the Lord waiting, but the World is watching... will you sing today?

I love music.  All kinds really (except for heavy metal), love me some Michael Buble, I enjoy country too.  My favorite songs are those sang with a purpose, filled with passion.  I love music that praises my Jesus!  As I look back over the past couple years I can name songs which were the cry of my heart for the Lord.  Simple truths, that were very relevant to my life song for the Lord- which helped me continue to cry out to Him.  While I was at the Institute the song I listened to over and over and over again was "From the Inside Out" wanting the Lord to continue to change me from the inside out, replacing the un-needed things with thing of Him and His word. 

Praise and worship songs are often passages of scriptures turned to song.  I love that I can sing along to a song, and that I've memorized (and hidden) God's word in my heart.  A lot of my favorite scriptures are about living a life of worship and praise to the Lord, a song of praise if you will (and you will!)

Psalm 100:1-5

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 30:4, 10-12
Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones,And give thanks to His holy name..."Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me; O LORD, be my helper." You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
 
Psalm 95:1-2
Come, let us shout joyfully to the LORD,shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation! Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout triumphantly to Him in song.

Psalm 98:4-6
Shout to the LORD, all the earth; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing. Sing to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and melodious song. With trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn shout triumphantly in the presence of the LORD, our King.

1 Chronicles 16:23-27
Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place.

Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

I think we often get caught up in what worship looks like, or how we worship- instead of just letting our whole, complete life be lived unto the Lord (this is worship)... which is exactly what He wants, and desires from us!

The summer before I started high school, I had the awesome opportunity of going to Super Summer in Shawnee, Oklahoma.  This was a week of listening to an awesome speaker teach the world, great worship, and being in family groups to experience small group fellowship.  The year I went Louie Giglio and Charlie Hall were there to speak and lead worship.  It was pretty incredible.  I still to this day remember that Louie spoke from Psalm 24 (The Earth is the Lords and everything in it..) the whole week.  Charlie Hall provided a wonderful atmosphere of laying everything at the feet of the Lord.  I remember thinking as I sang my heart out one of the days, "Lord, I wish I could do this every day of my life!"  I wanted to literally dedicate an hour a day to worshipping before the Lord through song (only an hour.. silly me).  The thought immediately followed, "Andrea, you can do this everyday- Your life is to be a song of praise for Me!"  An eye opening, life changing, experience this was, yes!  Living a life for the Lord allows you to experience the joy of living a song of praise and worship for Him EVERYDAY! (yay for singing everyday unto the Lord... I LOVE singing... and how fun my life can be that for the Lord).

Can I say that everyday since then in the  past 10 ish years has played out to be a beautiful song for the Lord from my end.  No.  There are often times when I look back on times in my life that a very sullen, not upbeat song played (I was choosing to take things into my own hands, or buy into lies that the world was selling me).  However, when I hand these sullen songs to the Lord and allow His to fix a couple of notes here and there for His purpose (filled with His grace & forgiveness, with lots of teaching and growth) He can turn a dark song into one that dances right off the page- which allows me once again to sing a song of praise to Him in Thanksgiving for caring enough about me to cover my flat notes to make them match the melody that is played through my life when I am following Him. 


We are giving a chance to sing a song of praise to the Lord everyday as we go to work, interact with people, pray, give thanks, give of our time, our talents, through our words, the way we dress, in our school work, etc.  Are you choosing to sing a song of praise as you get up out of bed every morning?  Choose a verse to pray and meditate on today as you do everything today.  Let that be the focus of your song- not only is the Lord waiting, but the World is watching.  Will you sing today?   

John 4:23-24
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.

Has God written your LOVE STORY?

SOMEDAY SOON


I wanna be the one who knows everything about you
I wanna be the one who’s always on your mind
I wanna be the one to get all of your affection and attention
You’re the one that I’ve been waiting for, for all this time
And I can’t imagine anything, anything better than
(Chorus)
Someday falling in love with you
Holding your hand
Making our plans all come true
Someday under a sky so blue
I’ll give you my heart
Our story will start
Someday soon
I wanna be the one who does everything with you
Watching stars, washing cars, taking walks, going to the store
I wanna be the one who gets to change her last name someday
To something that sounds something more like yours
(Chorus)
Yeah I’ll be telling you I love you
On a picture perfect day
And those words inside my head
They sound like angels singing praise
It’s what I was made to say
-Franchesca Battistelli

I don't know if ya'll know this or not, but I am a girl- haha, and I love this song! I love this song because I can't wait for the day when I do fall in love with my prince charming and get to live a life serving the Lord together with him.

(ya I don't know these people but it kinda goes with the song, relationships, and dating... plus I REALLY love the beach ) :)


If we were all able to sit down and chat for a little bit, it would be fun 1) to swap stories of those of you who have met your husbands and wives- of how you met, fell in love, how he/you proposed, etc. 2) It would also be interesting to talk to those of you who are single about the desires you have when it comes to the man or woman you want to marry. I bet during the course of the conversations there would be a couple of similarities yet I can almost guarantee no two stories would be the same. Why you might ask??



Over the course of the years of jr high, high school, and college I've read quite a few books trying to learn the right formula of what dating relationships should look like for someone who is seeking the Lord. I've read everything from I Kissed Dating Goodbye (I also read his second book of telling when he fell in love the title is just slipping my mind right now) , to both Wild at Heart & Captivating, a book called Undressed, and lastly a book called When God Writes Your Love Story. I took away a lot of really good point from all books, but did not finish one thinking YES! That is the exact way the Lord has me to date!! There is no formula to how to date- yet the Lord provides us great guidelines to help us keep our thoughts focus, etc on Him during the process... However, the book title "When God Writes Your Love Story" was on my mind today as I thought about life, and dating. (I'm going to be honest and tell you I don't remember anything about this book- except for the title!)



A quick sidenote: One thing that sticks out the most out of all these books is that I realized how perfect the Lords plan was in creating man and woman to work together. If you have not read Wild at Heart and Captivating- they give a wonderful picture of the way men and women were created, their purposes and desires, and how each was made in a way to compliment the other... A-mazing!



Genesis 2: 20-24 "...But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."



Anyways... I've been thinking alot lately about how I ended up where I am in all areas of life. I can figure out a lot of ways the Lord has lead me in life, but I still can not figure out how I ended up in Cheyenne.. hah! In all seriousness though, I have really looked back through my life and seen the Lord provision in the "dating" aspect of life. To some, it may look as if I have no experience (and honestly on some days I feel the same way) BUT when I look through the eyes of a loving Father, I see His complete guidance every step of the way. I like many girls (and guys - I'm guessing I'm not one so I can't really say for sure) am so completely excited about meeting the person I'm to marry, getting to know them (this obvioulsy would be when I would know I was going to marry them not when I met them), and falling in love with them.



I had a fun thought today though as I realized the Lord had already started writing my love story. I all to often think I know nothing about dating relationships because I honestly haven't done much "dating." But it's fun to sit back and look at how the Lord has completely guided my steps along the way. He has protected me from a lot, and allowed me to watch and learn from people He has put in my life. The Lord started my love story the day I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, and He began changing me from the inside out.He has given me desires and as I've trusted Him, and as He guided me thorugh jr high and high school, college and now into a "real job" I have gotten to grow deeper in love with Him. I'm excited to fall in love, yes- but I'm even more excited about the fact that the Lord has been working this plan in my life for years before it will ever come to be. AND would hate to take a "dating" relationship into my own hands and miss out on something the Lord has planned for me to do because I didn't let Him lead. (maybe one day the Lord will allow me to share with you my thoughts and desires for dating, not today though).



I know a lot of times as men and women in the world we've grow up in it is easy to buy into the lies of what the world presents dating could or should be (I may write about this sometime too- well see what the Lord leads). My challenge to you today is have you stopped lately to think about the desires the Lord has placed on your heart about the person you should date? Is the person you are dating a compliment to the person the Lord has created you to be? Do they love the Lord and are they committed to growing in Him, even if you all don't ever date. My favorite thought in High School and College was this... if I am looking for a man with such an such qualities- what am I doing to seek the Lord and prepare myself as well. All too often we are consumed with finding someone and forget that the Lord has a special plan for us (time to cultivate our relationship with Him- to see, grow, and experience Him alone). Don't get too concerned with looking for a boyfriend or girlfriend that you forget about your own relationship with the Lord. Ask the Lord to reveal to you what He wants to do in your life and what His desires for you in your relationships are... He does care, and has created you with desires to be fulfilled through relationships.



As for the married folks out there my challenge is this... Where are you in your love story? The Lord created in you the desires you have and has allowed you to meet someone to join you in the journey as your helpmate. Just because you are married doesn't mean the story stops! (I'm sure marriage, like a relationship with Jesus gets better as time goes by and the relationship deepens. Love is a choice, just like we must daily choose to take up our cross and follow Jesus- we must daily choose to love those around us). Are you continually tapping in to the source (Jesus) to allow Him to help you love your husband or wife as best as you can- In the way that they need to be loved? Ask the Lord to open your eyes and show you how to love better, and how together you can love your children and/or the people the Lord has put in your path.

The beginning of all our LOVE STORIES started when Jesus was born over 2000 years ago. HE lived a perfect life on Earth, experiencing every emotion, being tempted by every sin (yet not falling victim to it), to die a sinners death on a cross. HE took the blame for everything you and I have done, are doing now, and ever will do. HE was in the grave for 3 days, yet was not overpowered by death. HE rose again, proving HE is GOD, the ALMIGHTY, the SUPREME over all. HE is the beginning and the end... and HE wants a personal relationship with you! All you have to do is ask.

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

If you don't have a relationship with Jesus you can ask the Lord for forgiveness today! Tell Him you are sorry and you seek a relationship with Him. Thank Him for dying on the cross for you, and giving us the opportunity to experience a full life through Him (John 10:10 says "... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.") Ask Him to write your love story today as you learn to walk on Earth learning and growing in Him.

Has God written your LOVE STORY?

Be blessed!

I may be in the desert... but like a catus and a camel, I will survive!

"Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Ps 37:4




I dont remember exactly what verses I use from time to time, and this verse is such in my life I'm sure I've probably used it before. I used to have a very backwards way of thinking about this verse- when I first found the verse I was a freshman in college and it was on the bottom of a page in a prayer journal I have. I thought YES! Success, I delight in the Lord He surely is going to give me EVERYTHING I want! haha, false my friends... boy did I have a lot to learn.



As I begin to read the word, and I for the first time longed to read the word I began to understand that verse in a little clearer light. Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart- meaning when I am solely seeking the Lord and I'm in His word my desires will become His desires and therefore my path His path, and so on so forth. I at this time in my life wanted to cheer at Oklahoma State so bad, did I ever cheer a game no... did the Lord allow me to cheer competively in an Oklahoma State uniform- yes and I even got a national championship ring out of the deal. :) But, that was 4 years after I a) found the verse and b) like 12 years of desiring to wear some kind of Oklahoma State uniform. Small desire, but the Lord is faithful- right?

I currently feel like I am in the desert. As I ran today I just kinda question the Lord at why I was in Cheyenne. See- I have desires, things I want to do. Things I know the Lord has gifted me to do, yet- none of those things are here (so I could see) in Cheyenne for me right now. I mean lets be honest I want to get married, I want to have friends- my age. (funny side note a lady at a workshop yesterday was asking me about living in Cheyenne and if it was shocking compared to where I grew up. I was explaining it wasn't to bad, and she said well are you married? I said no. She said, well thats not good! haha) Its tough. After questioning the Lord I said," okay Lord I don't have a clue why I am in Cheyenne but here's what I'm gonna do." (let me just say right now I love my job- it would be awesome if this job was in Chickasha, in Edmond, in well lets just say a little more populated area). Anyways, I said here's what I'm going to do... "I'm gonna read my Bible, I'm going to pray, I'm going to love on people, I'm going to run, I'm going to write. I'm going to commit my life to being disciplined to following the Lord- right here in Cheyenne." Simple day by day living of following the Lord, that is what I am going to do! I can't look to the right or the left except straight forward running towards the cross.



A burning desire of mine has been to live my life hollistically for the Lord. Mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally, etc. Everything completely focused on the Lord - if anything He has completely given me that time to set a disciplined lifestyle (one that was scheduled me while being at the Kanakuk Institute) without having many more distractions if I so choose. Days like today show that I was choosing to waller in the fact that I have no friends, no boyfriend (I don't know why I would waller in this one.. I've been single for about 26 years- lets be honest! :) ) Heaven forbid I have to spend a whole weekend in Cheyenne. I"m in the desert.. wah wah wah... Lord why am I here...wah wah wah...haha, but the Lord (like He always does) opened my eyes to some pretty cool things. (might I interject here that I think the Lord gives us emotions and feelings to produce a change or a movement- today my wah wah wahs allowed me to have this thought provoking conversation with Him). As I moved away from my wah wah wah's of the desert I was reminded of 2 interesting thoughts along the lines of being in the desert.



The first thing was I thought about the Israelites journey through the wilderness- for 40 years they wondered going no where but in a circle (granted there was reason for this) but what I was reminded of was the Lord's faithfulness. He always provided everyday the manna from heaven. EVERYday- it never failed (read the Old Testament- its pretty incredible).



The second thing I thought of was this.. I asked myself what lives in a desert? I thought of 2 things a cactus and a camel. Then I thought how do they survive in the desert? Duh, they store up water! Then it dawned on me, the past year of my life I had the privilege of not only being taught about the Word of God, but taught how to teach the Word, how to study the Word... if that's not storing up water (the LIVING water) I don't know what is.



To close up I will tell you the conclusion of my run was this... 1) be disciplined in all areas of life for the glory of the Lord (for me this means the simple things I listed above). What's it mean for you? 2)The Lord is always faithful, He provides. He has allowed me to have lots of fun conversations lately, He's allowed me to teach cheerleading and tumbling, all desires I have, WHILE also allowing me to have a job (a good job at that) that pays my bills. If you feel as if you are in the desert, open you're eyes to the way the Lord is fulfilling your desires right NOW. (and also keep in mind its probably not the way you intended) 3) I have a never ending source of water, even if I'm in the desert. While I choose to let Him fill me up, even when I feel like I'm in the driest of times? I may be in the desert...but like a catus and a camel, I will survive!



John 7:37 "...If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink"

Are you running in a way that others can follow?

I got to be in Chickasha a couple days this week, and on one of those mornings I decided to get up and work out with my Mom. As mentioned in an earlier post she is a type 3 runner, she goes practically EVERYDAY, and not only EVERYDAY but most the time she rolls out of bed at 4:30 to go to the gym. I prepared myself for this morning by going to bed at 8:45 :) (I wanted to make sure the attempt was a success!) I set my alarm for 4:30 and suprisingly woke up bright eyed (I know you should if you go to bed at 8:45 right?) and headed out the door. The mom had not had the best night of sleep.. she'd been awake since 1:20, yikes, she is dedicated however and didn't think twice about not hitting the treadmill - even with the lack of sleep.

As I hopped on the treadmill next to her (I turned on my Jesus music, nothing better than a little praise and worship while getting a workout in) I decided today I was going to do exactly what she did. She didn't know I was following her but none-the-less I followed the pattern she used while she ran/walked on inclines etc. By the end I was pooped... she's been running for a year and a half now. I however am out of shape, haha, its gonna take time for me to get where she is...I wanted soo bad to finish with a mileage even to hers, and in the end I came up short by like a lap. But as I was kinda frustrated (apparently I'm a little competitive.. who knew?) the Lord showed me the coolest picture.



We as believers are told in Matthew 28:19 that we are to make disciples. The verse says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Here is the picture I saw as I finished working out with my Mom...I had been her disciple that day- she was teaching me how to become a runner, and she finished ahead of me. Let's say I had the opportunity to go run with her everyday. If she didn't continue to push herself daily, do you think I would continue to follow her? Or would I probably get bored with running and kinda fall off the path of motivation and quit trying? As a believer we must stay a step ahead in our walk- knowing and growing in the Lord so people will want to follow our steps and fall more in love with Jesus too. I followed my mom on the run, but my satisfaction wasn't based on her it was based on what I accomplished. The same too will be when we lead people to know and grow in the Lord- sure they might follow what we do, but it's not about us. Its about them falling more in love with Jesus so much so that they can turn and teach someone else in the same way the Lord has allowed us to be in their life.



The picture was broadened (is that a word?) yesterday as I returned to work out. This workout was on my own (the Mom had to make some cheer signs), she took me & she dropped me off and I was left on my own to work out. I wanted to go run, and I did - yet about 1/2 way through I was tired, and ready to be done. I remembered however how my mom told me she went through times like this as well, she wouldn't want to run, she'd be tired, worn out etc but she pushed through paced herself and finished strong. So I followed in her footsteps, and not only did I finish well but I had finished a mile & 3/4th more than what I'd done the morning before. Woot!



We have to teach people about the disciple needed in following Christ, & in return they learn who the Lord is so in ALL situations they know He still reigns. Part of this is talking about life, and what the Lord has taught you through life so that they too can learn with you through lives situations.



I love the verses in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 which says, " Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." What vivid explanation of what our lives are supposed to look like as we follow Christ. LOVE, IMPRESS, TALK , TIE, BIND, WRITE



So I think I'll remember it this way...



LIT2BDub Deut. = my new coined phrase of how to live.



Since most my thoughts happen while running I thought it was only appropriate to show how the Word also ties together life, and running a race....



Hebrews 12: 1-3 says, "...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."



Its a true statement to say that the Lord 1) has already experienced everything we could possibly experience on Earth, 2) when we fix our eyes on Him, we begin to see things like He does (a hurting world looking for a Savior / a way to love people & help meet their needs) and 3) because He has experienced it all, & conquered all we don't have to lose heart- WE CAN STAND STRONG!

Standing strong to teach others who Jesus is, then how to grow in Him. Yes we want them to come to know Him, but that's not all we want, we also want them to GROW in Him- so they too can help lead and teach others about Jesus. Will you live a disciplined life like the LIT2Bdub Deut so that others will understand what life with the Lord is to look like? Will you continue to grow in Him so people will better know who the Lord is and want to experience Him in that way as well? Be the pace setter, but don't get comfortable at that pace- we must keep running focused on the Lord, running in a way that allows others to follow! Be blessed :)

We were made for relationships, but we can't forget for which these relationships were made...

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.




Raise your hand if you've head this verse before. It's a great verse, guard your heart for its the wellspring of life. We all know the importance of the heart in a physical sense, without it blood doesn't pump, we don't live. But what on Earth does it mean to guard your heart in a spiritual sense?

In many youth groups across this nation we are daily telling our youth to guard their hearts as they begin dating. (& lets be honest...I'm keeping away from sharing my thoughts on high school dating at this point). Actually, I had a friend tell me this on Friday as I talked about how I was gonna hang out with a guy. I thought to myself...I've heard that ALOT in my 26 years growing up in Church but what in the heck does that mean? I've read a ton of Christian dating books, good ones.. but still walked away not having a clear answer of what that means. So the Lord has given you a clear answer now and you're sharing?!? Not quite...



As I was driving down the road today praisin' Jesus with Shawn McDonald I started thinking about this guard your heart concept. What started out as a dating relationship based thought, I ventured out into relationships of all types. We as people were made for relationships (once again not just speaking of the dating and marrying type). Relationships help us to understand our relationship with the Lord as well as our relationship in the midst of the Church. I had the awesome opportunity last Spring to write a paper that looked at our different relationships and how they all play a part in teaching us a little more about who the Lord is in our life. Pretty stinking cool.



We were made for relationships, but we can't forget for which these relationships were made- To better understand our Lord. I think a lot of times we are so selfish in our relationships that we forget our role in our relationships. We begin to think about ourselves, our needs, what we want out of the friendship- without even considering the other person. Maybe its as simple as promising to take a friend to the store yet at the last minute changing plans to go hang out with others, maybe its joining a team yet not understanding that without you the team doesn't function the way it needs to- yet you decide you don't want to participate anymore. You have a powerful impact on people through relationships, and situations.



As do people have a huge impact on you through you're relationships with them. I myself seem to be the type who gets myself into situations easily where I can become easily disappointed by people. Does my disappointment lay in the face of expecting too much from people ( I mean we are human) or does my disappointment come from me wanting to be affirmed and accepted from the people I am around (selfish motives). See I've found as I am more embedded in the Lord and His word I don't get as disappointed in people. My strength, my worth, etc comes from the Lord- and when I filled with Him, I can more freely love people, beacause He is a neve-ending source of love. Let me give you a few facts about who the Lord is...



HE KNEW YOU BEFORE YOU WERE BORN...

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."



HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU...

Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."



HE IS THE SAME YESTERDAY...

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."



HE KNOWS THE PLANS HE HAS FOR YOU...

Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."



I could go on and on listing who the Father is and what love He has for us- and yet even with these verses at our fingertips we choose to look for affirmation somewhere else. What are you going to do to keep your eyes on the Lord today? How will you prepare yourself for the times when you feel as if you have been hurt by someone? As you tap into the Lord today be prepared to love someone in the midst of an "easy to not love" situation. Sometimes its those situations, when we allow the Lord to love through us, that people see and understand the love of the Lord in a more clear manner. We were made for relationships, but we can't forget what the relationships were meant for... to know Jesus more! Be blessed.



(side note: Sometimes we do run into situations were people use us, or maybe we use others. Either way the relationship is all take and no give. THIS IS NOT HEALTHY, and this is not a picture of the relationships the Lord had invisioned for us to have. It's tough times like this that you must a)step back and share what these people are doing to you, or maybe what you need in the relationship for it to be balanced or b) you need to step away. Stepping away is hard, but worth it. See as you step away, & you step towards Jesus He will begin to restore you once again. So much so that eventually He might bring that person back into your life to love on them so that they can come to know Jesus in a better way as well. If you are approached by someone who feels as if you are taking more than you are giving, take a deep breath and listen- this can be a good chance for you to grow. Then pray, ask the Lord for direction in the friendship and relationship so that is will be what relationships are for - to grow in Him.)

Is it a 12 ouncer or a 16 ounce day?

I have some dear friends from Kanakuk who've worked with me for the past couple of summers. One of them is the Head Cook, while the other is the Bean Queen. I know you all know what the Head Cook does but what on Earth is the Bean Queen, right? The Kamp I worked at was a family kamp, therefore we had a coffee shop...the Bean Queen is in charge of the coffee shope- she makes wonderful coffee drinks that make your day magnificent.




The Bean Queen, myself, and a wonderful woman named Donna would meet in the morning in the Bean at 7:15 Donna would have her goldfish, I would drink diet coke (and the occasional latte) and the Bean Queen would have some tasty treat as well. We'd sit at the table and solve all the worlds problems...Our friend the Head Cook, could never join us (she of course was already preparing meals) but occasionally she'd drop over and announce, "Bean Queen.. its a 12 ounce ounce day" or even on some days she'd say, "Okay... its a 16 ouncer today." You knew by the ounce-age of the cup what the stress level in the kitchen was.



Today as I walked out of my house heading to the car I was refreshed. It's a beautiful day, sunny, slightly chilly- very refreshing. It's mornings like this that I am reminded that the Lord's mercies are new to us EVERYDAY.



Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23



Did you wake up today thinking it was going to take a 16 ouncer to get you going? Do you feel like you messed up so bad yesterday- you couldn't make things right today? I don't know about you, but this verse is something that gives me great joy! Talk about refreshment. If those words don't help you relax & get ready for a new day I don't know what will. Take time in the Word & in prayer to let the Lord rejuvinate you! What I think you will find is that not only is He going to fill your cup, but when you fix your eyes on Him, He'll also let it overflow...



Psalm 23:5 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."



Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."



2 Corinthians 1:5 "For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."



2 Corinthians 4:15 "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God."



1 Thessalonians 3:12 "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you."



Praying you take time with the Lord today to be rejuvinated, refreshed, ready for a new day. Let the Lord work through you to show those you come in contact with that there is POWER in His name, He brings COMFORT (that you can offer them in believing in Jesus), He gives GRACE- and we give Him THANKS for that, and He fills us with LOVE that overflows onto to those who've never experienced His LOVE before. Show people who Jesus is today... its you're choice - I think we all need to experience Jesus today- don't cut yourself short or someone short from experiencing a full cup...
Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."  Be blessed!

Simple words, yes...but oh so true!

Yesterday as I drove to the walking track I heard a news update (I haven't had a tv in 3 ish weeks, so I'm out of the loop on life information). They talked about some Presidental topics (him meeting with Israel and Palestine officials), and some hightened safety concern issues. As I got out of my car and began to run the Lord convicted me, "Andrea, when was the last time you prayed for the President, or even our country?" "Uh, Lord, that's a good question." Ya needless to say as I begin to run, I began to pray.

My absence of praying for our country, started another thought of prayer in general and how key it is in our walk with the Lord. This summer I worked at a family kamp were I got to spend some quality time with some pretty cool 5 & 6 year olds. The theme was WIPEOUT, and the goal was to teach these young guys what they needed in their life to keep them (the I and the U) from experiencing a WIPEOUT. One of the topics was prayer, and this is part of the story we used to teach this concept. In this story you will see a Cheif Surfer (A guy who is the best surfer of all, people came from miles around to watch him surf, and to learn how to surf just like him. You see he also wrote a book that explained surfing, that was passed from generation to generation). The other little guy in the story is Sammy, he was 5 and he wanted to grow up and be the best surfer around. His parents had bought him the surfing book by the Cheif Surfer and read it to him daily, but honestly he didn't understand everything they read to him until...

One day Sammy met the Chief Surfer on the beach. He saw first hand how well the Chief Surfer surfed and he wanted to surf just like Him. His parents bought him the book the Chief Surfer had written to teach young and old to ride all kinds of waves and they read it to him daily. Sammy would then go to the beach to put into practice what his parents read the night before; yet surfing didn’t happen as easily as he thought it would. Until one day he got the chance to talk with the Chief Surfer himself, and ask Him to help teach him the things he’d been reading in the book.  What great knowledge Sammy earned from spending time with the Chief Surfer. After this first encounter with the Chief Surfer Sammy knew he must daily find a way to meet with Him and talk about his struggles with surfing. The Chief Surfer listened with great ease and gave such wisdom to the answers given to the young boy; He was also there to celebrate the days and times Sammy successfully conquered the big waves. Every day the young boy would go to the beach to not only put into practice what the Chief Surfers book said, but also to spend time with the Chief Surfer so he would better understand who the Chief Surfer was and how He surfed as well as He did. Spending time with the Chief Surfer in conversation showed Sammy a new way of surfing. This way of surfing didn’t free him from experiencing wipeouts, yet he could tell when following the lead of the Chief Surfer the wipeouts were never as bad! Because of the time spent together on the beach, Sammy knew when he did experience a wipeout the Cheif Surfer would be there to pick him back up and put him on his feet!


Just like Sammy daily spent time with the Chief Surfer we get to daily spend time with Jesus. This time spent talking with Jesus is called prayer. Praying is a time where we get to talk with Jesus and tell Him how we are feeling (happy, mad, glad, sad), if we need help doing something, or asking Him to forgive us if we’ve done something wrong. Sammy spent time with the Chief Surfer and learned a lot about surfing and that is exactly what we will experience when we daily spend time talking with Jesus about life and how He wants us to live. We will begin to better understand who Jesus is and how we can grow to be more like Him every day. What a blessing it is that the Lord has provided us His word the Bible as well as a tool such a prayer where we can communicate with Him. The Lord knows us so well from the inside out and He wants us to take time to know Him as well, and we do that by living what the Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians which is to pray always.
How often as big people do we get into the place of praying only on occasions? We are called to pray continually- I challenge you (and myself) what has the Lord put on your heart lately that deserves some attention through prayer? Open the lines of communication today and let the Lord be the filter by which you do everything by first seeking Him in prayer.

2 Chronicle 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

                                           Simple words? yes...But oh so true.. be blessed!

Running in freedom...

"In my opinion, there is 3 types of runners: 1) those who don't understand why people run, 2) those who are committing daily to running (yet still not so sure why they are doing it) and 3) those who look forward to running daily and the way they feel after it is done. I myself am some where between and 1 and 2 yet at one time was completely engulfed with being a type 3... I LOVED RUNNING! Man, I want to back back there ago... so what right? Why are you writing a note about it....

Well today, I woke up and went to work out with my Mom (who is a total complete type 3 runner- go her!) I climbed on the treadmill, thinking through... would I run today, or would I just walk?? The thought went through my mind, I want to climb on the treadmill daily, letting myself freely run! I remember when I first started running in high school, and I enjoyed running I was in shape then- so it was fun, it was easy. Then I went to college, didn't run for a while and decided to start it up again... it wasn't so easy. Often when I'd head out for a run I'd go drudgingly... thinking this is going to be hard...not really wanting to go. But- I soon found when I committed to running daily, and went with a cheerful attitude the run was absolutely freeing! As I began running daily, committed, with a good attitude, I quickly became a type 3 runner! IT WAS UNBELIEVEABLE... so what's my point, right?

As I thought about what it felt like to run freely, I was reminded of something my cousin-in-law said to me when I was at that point in my life. I was expressing to him how excited I was to go for a run, I stated, 'I LOVE RUNNING!' He said, 'There is no way you love running, its not possible!' Actually it is possible, he just doesn't know because he hasn't experience running in the way I had."

Just like in our walk with the Lord I feel like there are 3 places where one could be. 1) would be the one who doesn't understand why we believe or follow someone names Jesus. 2) would be those who have committed to following the Lord, but do it drudgingly as if it is something they HAVE to do (or maybe they ran freely once & completely wiped out over a speed bump). 3) would be those who wake up excited daily to follow the Lord because they have found the freedom in which He brings!

In your life, if you are a type one person who is wondering why on Earth people would choose to follow or commit to the Lord I'd love to continue this chat with you, feel free to message me! I would love to share with you why I believe, and what the Bible says about who the Jesus is.

If you fall into the category of following Jesus, because it's what you HAVE to do....WAKE UP! You are missing out on some serious blessings of knowing the Lord! You've seen and experienced the Lord, you've had little tastes. (In running terms, you've ran enough to know that at the end of a run you feel great!) Buckle down, choose daily to let this be your life! See as you commit to the Lord, as you read His word, He transforms your life- that is where the freedom comes! Just like when I ran drudgingly, you are making living life for the Lord a chore. To think you might be missing out on something the world has to offer, is a joke- it's a lie! (We are told in John 10:10, "The theif comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come to give life and give it to the full.") If you are wondering what a life completely sold out to the Lord looks like, find a friend in the next category- ask them to walk alongside you to experience Jesus in a new way. Trust me, it will be life altering!

This group could also be some of us who once ran freely. We know what its like to hunger for the Word, to desire to live a life which is worthy of His calling, & to be filled with joy in all circumstances. BUT we wiped out on a speed bump... you didn't see it coming, and you didn't know how to prepare for it. The Bible has wonderful news for you! Acts 3:19 says, "Repent then, and turn to God, so that your sins might be wiped out, that times of refreshing might come from the Lord." Turn away from where you are, ask forgiveness from the Lord, and let Him refresh your life so you can once again RUN IN FREEDOM! It's right at your fingertips... you can taste the sweet grace right now! Just ask, and let Him renew you....

The group of running freely followers of Christ... daily seeking the Lord, growing in Him, and letting Him lead your every move isn't the easiest path to follow. It's narrow, sometimes you feel alone. (Galatians 6:9 "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"). PRESS ON! Continue to grow, and find someone to help you along the journey. We might not have all the answers, but we have a book that does. LOVE PEOPLE, the world today is looking for that ONE true love that never changes (Hebrews 13:8). YOU HAVE IT...share it. I love the idea of saying, "preach the gospel at all times- if necessary use words"...LIVE IT. Daily ask the Lord what should be apart of your life...what conversations need to take place, who need encouragement. When the Bible talks about the Holy Spirit coming in John 15 it says, "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you must also testify, for you have been with me from the beginning." As you believed, you were blessed with the Holy Spirit, LET HIM LEAD YOU. SPEAK about what the Lord is teaching you, LISTEN to the proding of the Holy Spirit, and FOLLOW.

To close up I'll say, one sure way of people knowing, understanding, or beginning to see how we believe is to share, we MUST share how or why we RUN IN FREEDOM... the FREEDOM that only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

As I thought about running in freedom, I thought about these verses:

Galatians 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery."

Psalm 119:45 "I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts."

Dig into the Lord's rich word...you'll be amazed at the FREEDOM you'll find when you apply it to your life. PICK up your feet and walk (after all we are the ones that have to get out of the boat)... FOLLOW freely in the direction the Lord has called you... You will simply be AMAZED... be blessed!

Worldly wisdom, Godly wisdom...which will you choose??

"If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won't limp or stumble as you run. Carry out my instructions; don't forsake them. Guard them for they will lead you to a fulfilled life. Proverbs 4:11-12

Proverbs is a book about wisdom, the Lord's wisdom and how it can be ours. Because we are the Lord's children we can be certain that we also can have the Lord's wisdom & knowledge along with discernment. CAN is the key word here, more often than not we choose to over look the process by which we gain wisdom. How does one gain wisdom? And not just wisdom, but Godly wisdom?

2 Peter 1:3-4 says: 'His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.'

The promises that verse 4 speaks of are found in the Bible, promises like the one found in Proverbs promising that if we carry out the Lord's instructions you will have a fulfilled life. Once again the key word here, is IF...

The truth is that as you read the Word (and hide it in your heart Psalm 119:11) and let it be THE light that guides your path (Psalms 119:105) you are promised, He will make your paths straight (proverbs 3:5-6). You are also promised in Pslam 37:4 that 'if you delight in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart.' See because as you begin to know the Lord, and His word your desires will become His desires. You will be transformed and will start living out His characteristics (like the fruits of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-25)" You will be fulfilled as you live out the plan and path He has for you! I love the verse in Proverbs that says, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Once again showing, seeking the Lord, and being diligent in His word is the first step to following and growing in Him.

Here's what you need to know...there are two types of wisdom: Godly wisdom, and worldly wisdom. Worldly wisdom is taking matters into my own hands & thinking if I have control I can make everything come out right. Godly wisdom reminds me the Lord is in control & when He is leading me to do something I need to trust & obey taking steps to follow Him. We serve an irrational God in the eyes of the world, but in all truth He is the rational choice. He knows what is best for you (Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.") Don't let what the world would choose stand in the way of what the Lord has for you. Throw out the IF's and CAN's and let the Lord take control leading you in His wisdom. Worldly wisdom, and Godly wisdom... which will you choose??

So I found a pair of shoes to run in today...

They are not new to me, nope not at all. Actually they are really old. When I picked them up out of my mom's closet this morning, she told me they were completely worn out, and had no support. I just needed a pair of shoes to wear (I couldn't find mine at the time) so I put them on. The longer I wore them, the more I realized how much I liked them...

What most people don't know is that I have REALLY flat feet. It's kinda a joke in my family. They aren't the most fun things in the world (my feet that is) because finding shoes that actually don't hurt my feet are a rarity. So lately I've been really frustrated. I've been trying to run, YET have been VERY unsuccessful because I go to run (the heart and the desire is definately there) but my feet will hurt SO stinking bad that I never run as far as I want to.

Well today after realizing how much I enjoyed wearing the new to me but VERY worn out pair of shoes, I thought I might as well try to run in them. So I begin my run, and as I continue I realize with what freedom I can run when my feet are not aching. As I thought about how nice this was I began to think back on the number of times I've broken in a pair of shoes for the sake of finally being of a mold that fits well to my feet. Sometimes the process is short, other times (like the last pair of shoes) it can take a reall reall long time. The pain is not good, its not easy, but I know it had to happen if I wanted to reach the point of experiencing a good fit to run in.

This thought of pain, and the process of molding my shoes to the shape of my feet reminded me of different I've experienced in life. Times when I struggled with self image, confidence, finding a purpose, being lonely, etc. Very painful times, which while going through them I kept asking the Lord why?? I desired to follow the Lord, I did follow the Lord. I was faithful. Lord, then why all this pain? Even in the midst of the pain, I knew and trusted the Lord had a purpose.

See, looking back had I not gone through those times, I would have never realized the importance of knowing scripture to fight off lies, I wouldn't know the importance of community and accountability. I wouldn't know how to relate to the girl who is going through an eating disorder, or someone who feels like they could up and leave and no one would ever know. But my experiences, and what the Lord has taught me and brought me through gives me an old truth in my life to present to someone as a new truth in theirs. Without them (the experiences) I wouldn't be molded into more of the person the Lord created me to be.

Kinda like the shoes I ran in today. New to me, but old to my mom. She wore them, she broke them in, but I reaped the blessings of a good run. We as believers are called to run the race. And for some along the way as we break in our shoes (as we enter in and out of different situations) we might encounter some pairs that might take a little longer to break in. The pain might last a little longer as we are molded and shaped for the journey we are to go on. As a community of believers we need not be afraid to give up our old running shoes so people can more easily run th race the Lord has called them to run. Through living life with the Lord we are given countless opportunities to share life with people. Don't be afraid to speak out, let the Lord use those old shoes (that may have been a painful time for you - but now it allows you to run in freedom) to bless others because you've already walked that path.

On this note as well...if you are struggling in life, don't be afraid to let people know. If you don't share, they will never know how to help carry the burden for you. And I can almost promise someone has been there before, or they know someone who has. And friends, don't wait for someone to come tell you what's going on in their life. Take time to ask, that's what friends are for, right?

Be blessed!