Learning As They Did

I spent the morning with six beautiful, godly women. We came together to pray, learn, and tend to the fire within each of our personal calls to be leaders. It was a lovely time sharing our callings, venting the hard parts we are experiencing that comes with leadership.

We talked a lot about the word suffering. It's a scary, overused verb. Today, in our little group of women, I saw a positive connotation of this word being created. I realize that suffering, happens to all of us in various forms and degrees. What one feels when suffering, may not effect another.

There is always someone in our life who seems to have it all together. They appear to be perfectly joyful and content with life. I feel bad for people like this. These are the kinds of people who are right where Satan wants them: comfortable and independent. I find that the most Jesus-like people in my life have hurtles to leap over, higher than what they can leap alone.

How can we be really used in an atmosphere that is comfortable to us when we are serving a God that is so much bigger than we can grasp? Seeing sufferings as blessings because we are seen as a threat to the ultimate Liar, is an honorable thing to accomplish.

As I was with these women today, I couldn't stop imagining woman during Old Testament eras, sitting in a circle with troubles as we were -- a little different, although not a lot -- praying and praising God for letting us be used for His Kingdom.

There's nothing like it.

(photo from www.imdb.com)

2 Years Old Today (:

Two years ago today, I followed Jesus into the water. I was baptized in His name and was made new. I still remember everything as if it was yesterday. Heart racing, being in the water which felt bottomless -- wanting to cry and laugh and dance and yell. I remember coming out of the water, feeling a piece of Heaven in the presence of all of us who were surrounding the pool.

When, I opened my eyes, things were different, I was different! The world was brighter... not brighter in a holier sense -- not at all. But I could see. The battle field was emphasized. The good was easier to discern from the evil. And I was ready. I wanted to fight. I wanted the enemy to come at me, just so I could put him back in his place.

So, it's been two years. And it makes me wonder what I've done. What have I done to serve God in the last two years? I contemplated making a list. (I love lists.) But I'm afraid the list would be heartrendingly short. Therefore, I'm looking forward at what I can do, what I will do.

And I'm excited.

I believe...

...that my life is a fairy tale.

Does that mean my life is always "sunshine, lollipops and rainbows"? No. But what is a fairy tale without hard expeditions, villains, and dragons? I know every life has at least one of these in some form, otherwise you're probably not living. Do you think Belle loved her life when the Beast locked her father in a dungeon? I don't remember Cinderella singing songs when her step-mother and step-sisters tore her beautiful gown.

What makes a fairy tale, a fairy tale?

I am a feminine heart searching for myself through the happenings of everyday. I have battles to fight, hurtles to overcome, and dragons to slay. Although, like all the other princesses, like all the other humans, I can't do it alone. I don't have any dwarves or talking home decor to assist me, but I have loved ones who help me defeat the Evil One. I have forever dreamt of true love and a knight coming to save me. I have my castle, my treasures, great Love, and green open fields to run through. It is hard for me to see sometimes.. but all of it is there.

Actually, a lot of what makes our lives fairy tales is invisible.."for our struggle is not against the flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

Does that sound "normal"? What about Heaven and Hell?

Those fairy tale books have nothing on the Bible! For those of you who thought that your life is boring, I don't see how you could continue believing such a lie. Because that's what it is: a lie whispered into your heart by the Enemy. (An enemy, another element of a fairy tale.) He wants us to forget that Jesus has called us to live a life of adventure with Him.

The Bible speaks of matter of the heart, of battles, of adventures all the time! But today expressing our hearts and lovey dovey ballads are taboo. Hardships have become simply life's crap -- rather than opportunities to be the feminine Warrior or the brave-heart of a Knight. How often in everyday conversation do you hear of someone giving their son away to die and save the population of the world from their evilness so that they can someday live in a world of gold? Jesus even calls Himself a Prince, multiple times! God is a King! There is something that we have lost... And from it, God's people are overwhelmed by their troubles, or worse... they're bored.

In the deep wakes of overpowering, overwhelming life, I grow bored, I become frustrated, and my heart breaks. But it's in that time where I turn to the ultimate Book of fairy tales, to the most amazing King. I see in my life a fairy tale that becomes real. Everything I go through now is to get to my happy ending, my happily ever after. We all have adventures to live, and we're being called to live then with our Savior King, with our Prince of Peace, and with our Rescuer. We all have a happily ever after. Fighting the battle, slaying the dragons, weathering the adventure -- it's only half the fun.

"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." ~C.S. Lewis

(photos from weheartit.com)

Reckless Christian

-Romans 15:20- It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation.

I realize I have been missing in Blogland for while. I just haven't had anything to share or say. I wondered why that is. I came to the conclusion that I mostly post about my active love in Haiti or my active relationship with Christ. I haven't been to Haiti in a while.. so, does that mean that I haven't been so active in my Walk? I was determined to get to the bottom of this. I began to rummage through my old posts. I made it to last April to my Ambition post, and realized I haven't been taking my own advise. I haven't been ambitious. Therefore I have had nothing to say.

As Christians need to stand out. How will we get the message out to others? It will only be our own fault if no one discovers the Name of Jesus Christ. We need to be different – different in a noticeable way, or we will have no effect. Our generation needs to leave a mark or we are not bearing fruit so we cannot multiply as the Lord has asked of us. People need Christians – bold Christians to show them that there is hope and strength, but it only lies in the Hands of a True Savior. We need to get over ourselves, stop worrying if we will look like a fool if we say we love Jesus. Because, we are fools, but He loves us anyway. Christians need to be the hand reaching out to those in need, an imitation of Jesus’ hand. We “must go on loving and loving and giving and giving until it hurts – the way Jesus did. Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.” [Mother Teresa]

And what's worse... "the ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." Luke 3:9. In Matthew 10 Christ already gives us the ok to go and spread the word. He said GO! So, lets go and never stop.

We need to, first, die so we can live for and in Him. Second, breathe in His Word so we know what He wants us to do now that we're alive. And, three, be loud. We need to be reckless and then people will see we're different. Then people will see that there's hope in a Savior, and every one of us needs a Savior to get by in this world populated with sinners.

AMBITION...

…because the world makes way for those ready to just GO!

Matthew 10:5-20: These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. GO rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, & drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.

"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth; it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

He is speaking not only to those twelve but, to you, as well. I’m not sure of all the exact people who will read this but, this applies to every human He shall make with Him Hands.

Why did I highlight, underline and bold the word ‘go’?? Well, does Jesus say "think, pray, ponder, hesitate, and ponder some more… and then you go". No. He wants us to bear fruit and to multiply. He just says GO! Does that mean praying is bad? No, He tells us to pray countless times in the Bible. However, we shouldn't let praying slow you down. And if you trust in Him and obey what He is saying and just GO you don't have to worry, because He also says the Holy Spirit’s got ya covered. All will turn out for everyone’s benefit. He has given you a personalized gift (a secret weapon), made just for you and your future to glorify His precious name. And yes, I can say that to those who I have yet to meet and to those whom I have met, because this applies to everyone.

When i stand in crowds, I have the knowledge that people around me are hurting. I want so badly to help them. Because if we were all just hanging out and didn't have a purpose to be out in town and everyone wasn't rushing around, i would love to reach into their souls and help them, because we all have spiritual needs, some not as urgent as others. But all needs are as important to God. All you'd have to do is listen to them and then tell them of Jesus, because, think about it: everything in your life come down to Jesus.. He saved you, changed your life, He's always with you and in you. There are people out there right now needing to hear your testimony, and needing to hear of Jesus.

-Proverbs 3:27-Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.

-Isaiah 6:8- And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

-1Corinthians 14:1- Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

-Romans 15:20- It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation.

-Luke 1:38- "I am the Lord's servant... may it be done to me as you have said"

On Wednesday i gave my friend, Taylor, a Bible. It was the coolest feeling. She really wanted it, and kept on pushing me to bring it to her. Its not that i didn't want to, i just continued to forget. :) She thought it was beautiful and thanked me over and over. Even, a few hugs were thrown around. But the best part was when she wrote her name on the first page and then asked me to write my name too.

Also, I had the most amazing experience around a month ago. Cara Boone and her husband, Kevin, asked me be to be a “guest speaker” (thats an overstatement, it was much more casual than that) at a girls retreat from the youth group their family leads. It was such a moving experience! I got to give my testimony, which of course involved Haiti (my favorite subject). I loved being able to talk about God and the miracles He has done in my life. I loved expressing the need Haiti has, and giving someone new the chance to impact one more person’s life. I felt like I was making a difference. I loved the rush of stepping out of my comfort zone and the rush of being ambitious. I also loved hanging out with some pretty awesome girls at a beach house. :)

I’ll never be the same, I can never go back. It’s all forward from here. More people are out there in the world just awaiting ambitious people to lead them to Christ. And it is our job as Christians to be ambitious, to multiply our fruits. If I could tell the world I would (it’s good this is called the World Wide Web). Don't take my words lightly, you could make a huge impact on some one's life. Please, help me spread the word, just one word. Help me to tell everyone to just... GO!

"My sole purpose in life is that when i go to Heaven, I'll bring as many people as I can with me" -Terri Blackstock