Stop & Listen

As I was enjoying the view of the beautiful land that is Florida through the wonderfully big windows in my newly clean bedroom, I came to this shocking realization...

I have yet to hear God's voice.

I then began to mercilessly plague myself with questions, questions such as "What does He sound like?" "Is His voice loud, maybe frightening?" "Rather, is it a loving, nurturing sound?" The concept began to grow and grow within my mind until I felt my head about ready to burst. Of course, there is scripture discussing the Lord's voice, but I am sure you agree that it is simply not the same.

How strange, I thought. This God, this Father with whom I have grown so close to over the years has not once revealed His voice to me. I, His child, to this day could not point out His voice by ear. It was comforting, though, that I was drawn back by the absurdity that I did not know His voice, indicating (so I believe) that I am indeed close with my Maker.

So I sat there, by my big window, inhaling the sent of my Autumn candles, for quite a while pondering the mystery of how one can grow so close to another without even speaking words to each other.

It was at that instant, between feeling dumbfounded and not worthy of His speech, I realized that of course we have communicated! I hear God all the time! I am not merely talking into oxygen and gravity, I am talking to a God who hears, a God who listens, a God who indeed replies.

He answers my prayers, I do receive strength and that peace the passes understanding. I feel Him when I just open my Bible. My youth pastor put it as "discipline" to hear the Lord, and it is. You must have spiritual discipline to open a Bible, to turn off the music, isolate yourself and stop & listen. The results can be extremely clear, far clearer than any audible sound.

"In people we are looking for God to show up in big and glorious ways, and there were times when He came simply in a whisper or a breeze."

1 Peter 4:10

TLC for the Human Teenager

Those of you on facebook may have read this post already. It is one that I "tagged" all of the teenagers I know in. I wanted to post it here as well in hope that it may reach some troubled teenager on the public web...

Here is a post for those who are hurting from the growing pains of the teenage years. I would like to take the time to say that this is not a lecture. This is merely a journal entry I wrote that I wish to share with my friends, one that I hope will help them as it has helped me...
Very often lately many friends of mine (who shall all remain nameless), all teenagers, have expressed struggles or uncertainties to me. I can completely relate. I have growing pains as well. I feel urged by the Holy Spirit to share some things God has revealed to me.

Some of the growing pains my fellow teenagers have expressed are: struggling with school, beauty, confidence, friends, change, uncertainty in life, uncertainty in their relationship with God. All of these are completely understandable, reasonable, and fully respected. As much as I have tried to change it, I have found that these topics are unavoidable in being a teenager.

At this time in your life, you are trying to tangle through the life thrown at you, trying to figure things out. Things such as how you plan on spending the rest of your life, what kind of person you want to be, what your morals, beliefs and opinions are (not what other people want you to think – and hopefully not being swayed). It's hard to mold who you want to be all by yourself. But what you do and who you turn too (Jesus) can make a world of a difference. You don’t need any one who makes you feel bad about yourself in your life. Don’t feel like you need to adapt who you are to someone else to have a friend. I promise you now that you will always have Jesus and I.

Change. I'll admit right here and now that I don't like change. And unfortunately, I know dear ones who are wrestling with in currently. A friend of mine was telling me of how she was struggling with moving. She's starting high school next year, so you can say this change is hitting her hard. The only words I could find were these: "I'm sorry this is hard for you. But it will work out. When God doesn't give you a choice in life, its only because He's pushing you is a direction that is best for you, sweetheart. Just let go and let Him lead you." If God closes a door, leaving only one open (a door not looking too friendly), it's obviously the only path He wants for you. He's pushing you through it, only out of love. It can hurt, but the pain lessens once you accept His perfect Love and try to find the blessings He is so desperately trying to give you.

A LOT of teenagers I know are contelmplating what they want to do for a living when they get older. Is that what I believe a teenager's main focus should be? No. I know I'M trying to be a kid as long as possible. Although, it is a thought that burdens myself as well. But, I know exactly what you are created to do: live for God. I promise you, to worship and share His Love is the reason He puts air in your lungs. And it's something that you can begin to do RIGHT NOW. Also, in doing so, in keeping your heart fixed on Jesus' face, He will lead you through the wilderness and to where you are supposed to be in this world. Open a Bible, don't be afraid to tell someone of their inheritance to His Kindgom, and walk by faith. You will find a peace that passes understanding.

Now, onto another struggle of the human teenager: outer appearances. I know that how you see yourself is sometimes hard, and that we don’t always like what we see. However, that is how you were chosen to be made. God made you exactly how you are for a purpose. We all know that He does not make mistakes and that He wouldn’t chose to make you other than something He would find beautiful. Can there not be comfort found in that? The Lord made you, and He is prideful in His handiwork...
Maybe, just maybe it would help to stop comparing yourself to what this world (a world of sinners, mind you) has classified as “beautiful”. You are not any less beautiful because your hips and your chest aren’t the same size as Hannah Montana’s. You don’t need to wear the clothes that “everyone” is wearing to be gorgeous. Take a look at yourself, remembering that you were made by a Father who loves you irrevocably. Now, I want you to name at least 3 things that you love about yourself as a person and then 3 things that you love about your appearance. I know for some (you, God and I know who you are) it might be more difficult, but it’s a step I urge and challenge you to take.

I pray that if you are going through anything at all, this may help you through whatever you are going through. May God bless you and your teenage self!

Spiritual Gain at An Amazing Concert

Last night, I went to an amazing concert. I almost didn't go, but if I didn't go, you wouldn't have gained the spiritual growth or reminder that I did last night. Some of my favored (Christian) artists were there: Josh Wilson, Sarah Reeves, Micheal from his band Above the Golden State, Britt Nicole, and Danyew. It was amazing and heart-touching to worship with them all last night. All the artists were on stage at once. Who ever wasn't playing sat in chairs on the side of the stage or backing the artist up in instruments or vocals.

First up, Josh Wilson. Josh was amazing, I love his songs even more after hearing them live. He sang his song "Savior Please" and a few others. Britt Nicole backed him up on vocals. It was great to see him and learn more about him. He's a wonderful worship leader.

Next, was Sarah Reeves. Oh, how I already loved Sarah Reeves. Her songs are always poetic and she is a fabulous pianist. Worshipping God with her was a lovely experience. She talked about worshipping as not only going to church on Sundays or singing a song, but as a lifestyle. Then sang her first single "Sweet Sweet Sound", always been one of my favorites. I want that. I want to worship Him in the way I live my life! In the way I approach people, in the way I pray, in the heart that I have, in the way that I live the daily happenings of my life. I'm praying that the Lord will help me to do so. Sarah played her song "Come Save" to end her leading worship, and of course it was spectacular... Micheal, member of the band Above the Golden State, was up next. He is a great musician and was a great entertainer/worship leader. While he sang their song "At The Sound of Your Name" he let us be a part of his music, everyone was dancing and clapping. It was awesome worshipping God with a great crowd.Danyew, the newest artist of the group, took the mic. I was really surprised at his great talent and enjoyed hearing his story of how he left college to play music -- how he let everything go to follow the Will of God. He sang his songs "Streetlight" and "Beautiful King". His 'performance' was a great reminder of how God can be surprising, but we benefit from only thinking that He knows what He is doing, He is the God and we will end up happy to obey. Finally, was Britt Nicole. I didn't always think so much of her, thinking that her music was too 'pop'-y and aimed toward the younger youth. But. I. Love. Her. Even when she wasn't taking the stage, her love to praise Him was beautiful. She and her music were both so fun! The next moment, I was crying, so touched by her heart, music, and lyrics. I want to be her close friend, not just because she's famous. I want to be her friend because I love her evident love for God and I want to have that. I want a people like Britt Nicole in my life. I had been struggling with not feeling too close to God, wishing He was more center in my life. Seeing Britt and her faith completely renewed me. I was crying -- it was pathetic. She saw me crying and pointed to me (or so it appeared). She re-ignited the fire in my bones with her songs "Set the World on Fire", "That's How We Roll", and "The Lost Get Found".

At the end all the artists came together and sang "Heart of Worship", which was just beautiful...

After the concert we got to meet all of them!! I got a Sarah Reeves t-shirt, Harry a Danyew CD, autographs, and pictures!! It was amazing. I told Britt Nicole how the kids at TA looves her music. And told Sarah Reeves of how I adore and aspire to her piano skills. The guys were cool to talk to as well.

I'm praying that the Lord would seal the words He spoke to me at the concert in my heart, I never want to forget.

I visited that piece of me in Haiti...

I stepped off the plane, and onto the tarmac. I took in all that is Haiti. I basked in the Haitian heat that danced on my skin. I inhaled the always smoky smell that never seems to leave Haiti's air. And of course I got in an argument with a Haitian within 2 minutes of me being there (long story)... All of it is Haiti, all of it tugged a smile at my lips. Cars were honking, residents were begging, people were starring mercilessly. Suddenly, I fell in love all over again. I fell in love with the country of Haiti fast and hard, with its people, its faith, its smells and sounds. Its a love that the Lord has placed in my heart for a reason. Its a love that makes my relationship with God personal, special, and intimate. Haiti is the place where I see and feel Him the most. I praise God for putting Haiti in my life and in my heart, and for bringing me there and using me for His purposes.

My trip, of course, was amazing. I enjoyed spending time with Megan and seeing the Cundiffs again! I had the privilege of photographing the meeting of Isaiah Daniel's birthmother and his mama, Sarah. It was a beautiful and touching thing to witness. I was reminded that God is weaved into these adoptions. Through God we are connecting culture and family in a perfect bond. I'm very grateful that I was able to be there.

Seeing the kids again was such an answered prayer!! I was so happy to be with them all again and be able to love on them. We also got to go to Hotel Ibolele (I think that's how you spell it), which was a lot of fun. The pool and view of Haiti was great. The team was fantastic! They painted the wall outside and brought down some great stuff for the O.

I was also happy about going to Port au Prince Fellowship which has been a meeting place for God and I several times. It always seems to be more than a church. Love for the Lord is booming out the speakers as everyone raises their voices higher and higher for Him. While looking around at the worshipers it's hard to hold back tears. Its an amazing God thing. (:

Song: Love Is Here... Artist: Tenth Anveue North

And if there is love anywhere in this world, it certainly would be in Haiti.

Tomorrow...

... I'M GOING TO HAITI!!! And I'm aching to be there already. Also, a year ago tomorrow will be the day that I was baptized. I'll be a year old in Christ!! I feel so blessed that my Baptism Birthday will be spent in Haiti, a perfect opportunity to serve God in one of my favorite ways...

I really can't wait. I can't wait to be surrounded by all the loving, happy kids again. I can't wait to be in the place the I love so much, to be in the middle of all that is Haiti. I can't wait to be amidst the hope and faith that I have never seen anywhere but there. Can't wait to see Megan, and the kids at the school. I can't wait to clean and work under the hot Haitian sun.

I can assure all of the adoptive parents that your kids will be loved on unconditionally. I'm more than happy to send special request hugs and kisses (though they need not be requested necessarily :) Be prepared for a LOT of pictures!!

Thank you, Lord for opening the door for me to go to Haiti once again. Work through me when I'm there. You know how much I love it there and I pray that I would bring only glory to your name. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Living Melodies

I am the instrument, and God the musician
I cannot play, cannot make beautiful music alone
What sounds do I make, what notes do I portray
The melody is there, but I'm useless without Your hands

Wondering which strings my heart strum
What keys do my actions press
How do my feet dance on the drums
May my life play an angelic song

I cry out loud with a prayer fierce with longing
To make music the way You once did
Two thousand years ago, far out across the sea
Perhaps the longing enhances my voice for You

Tune me and play me
The instrument is nothing without its Musician
Lend me Your ears, let me hear my song
So I can re-write it, to make You dance


elisabethhuijskens
april 15, 2009

Inspriation: 2Timothy 2:21 ~ "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."