Splinter

How do you feel about me, Lord? I closed my eyes as I silently asked my Abba this question while cruising at an altitude of 36,000 feet. For a while He was silent, waiting, I believe, for me to still my thoughts, prepare my heart and quiet my soul. After what seemed like forever, but in reality was probably about 30 seconds, He began to flash visions through my mind. He allowed me to relive some of my favorite recent memories with Him--brilliant starry nights; breathtaking shooting stars; standing on majestic mountaintops taking in the beauty of His creation--and as I was reveling in these memories He whispered truth of His love and adoration towards me. He was reminding me that I am more precious in His sight than all of these things. Tears were streaming down my cheeks faster than I could brush them away.

And then, He brought my earthly father, my daddy, to my mind, and a memory that I haven't thought of in a very long time. When I was about 4 year old I went on a trip with my mom and her family to visit some relatives in Michigan. My dad didn't go with us. I was playing on the outside deck with some of my cousins and got a splinter in my right heal. Uncle Brucie will take that out for you. No way! I wanted my daddy. He was the only one who knew how to take my splinters out. Uncle Brucie is a daddy, too. You won't feel a thing. It didn't matter who he was, he wasn't my daddy. He didn't know how to do it like my daddy. And, no matter how much they reasoned with me about needing to take that splinter out, I refused. He's wasn't my daddy.

I'm still like this today. My daddy does things better than anyone else can. I call him up even though he lives 500 miles away and simply cannot help me in most situations. I love you more than even your daddy, my love! I care about you more purely and deeply than he can. I want to be your #1. Allow me to work on those splinters in your soul. Those lies that you have believed, those curses you have received, those harsh words you have harbored. Receive My love like you receive his. Call on Me first. 

In those last precious moments with my loving Abba this morning he reminded me that He has given me my dreams and desires, atually imprinted them upon my heart. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" ~Ps. 37:4. I mustn't forget the first part of that verse: delight yourself in the Lord. John 15:7 promises that if I remain in Him and His words remain in me that I can ask anything and it will be given to me. Pretty big promise, but I must do my part...remain in Him...delight in Him...

My prayer is that I will truly abide in my Abba, take delight in Him and trust Him with my most intimate dreams, wishes and desires, especially those that seem silly or impossible...

slow and easy

I live in the #1 / #2 place to live in America.
No really, it was actually ranked one of those last year in money magazine.
It's a great place, with a great view of the mountains.

I love jammin' to my tunes, mainly Hillsong United, as I run or ride with the windows down.
(Sorry, Need,  I still love you guys...)
People drive, on average, about 3 mi/hr under the speed limit.
I love it!
There's no rush to race through life.
In fact, I'd really describe this community as carefree, go with the flow.

It dawned on me the other day that while I enjoy this life, it should in no way reflect my attitude towards serving my Father.
I need to serve and love with an urgency.
People are dying who have never heard about Jesus.
People are still worshiping idols, hopeless, lost.
I know where I'm going, but that's not enough.
That can't be enough.
God desires that people from every tongue, tribe and nation will worship Him, will know Him intimately.

I know that I'm in this beautiful city for a reason.
These are the people that I am to minister to at this time, to love.
I tend to be so selfish, focusing on my own plans, desires and wants.
I am often overcome by my hurts and disappointments without even considering the hurts and disappointments of others.

My prayer is that as I fall more in love with my Maker I will become a better reflection of Him.
That I will love others and notice their needs before my own.
That I will worship in Spirit and Truth.
And, ultimately, that I will practice what I preach.

Breath in me Your life
Til Your love overtakes me.
Open up my eyes
Let me see You more clearly.
Falling on my knees
Til I love like You love
Like You love me
I love You.
~Bones by Hillsong United

Blessings,

kosmo

The purpose of the Church is worship. Secondary only to worship is missions. Why do we have missions? In order that peoples from every tongue, nation and tribe will worship the name of the Lord.

This video moves me to tears every time I watch it.

I love how God has uniquely crafted each culture.

Language.

Dance.

Celebrations.

How beautiful the day will be when we all come together before the throne, completing the true worship that God so desires.

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb...

-Revelation 7:9

Does your heart beat for the nations?

stay within the lines

Parameters. I'm tired of them!

I've spent most of my life trying to please everyone around me.

Right down to the very way I make my bed!

I'm the one who has boxed myself into this, well...boxed thinking.

I look around at all of these adventurous men and women,

doing mighty work.

Making mistakes...yes, but making impact all the while.

I've really noticed a complacent attitude in my prayer life lately.

Wow! That's hard to admit.

God's tired of my "perfect" prayers.

He wants the raw me, offering meaningful prayers without all the fluff and spiritualization.

He's been teaching me to push the envelope, if you will.

Quitting my job.

Selling my house.

Moving across the country.

And now, He's asking me to trust him with my heart's desires and dreams.

Let go of the control that I think I have, that I don't really have anyway.

Some years ago the Lord impressed extraordinary upon my heart.

You know what? I've had a lot of trouble believing that He has this in store for me.

He's been reminding me that these words were indeed from Him.

And it's now time to step up and believe and receive.

That's right.

He's telling me it's okay for me to receive.
Thank you, sweet Jesus.

Isn't it amazing how the Father uses people, music, nature, art, etc. for His purposes.

I love the heart, vision, mission of this group.

I'm completely blown away with their "realness," honesty and compassion for serving the Lord!

I can't think of anything more attractive than reckless pursuit of the Lord!

aftermath

God Bless!

Muddy

Last night my socks were pretty much rocked right off!

I went to church with one of my sweet friends and a master potter spoke.

As you can probably imagine he spoke about how God is our Master Potter, molding us into a vessel fit for Kingdom service. He was actually working with a brick of clay as he spoke. It was so powerful to watch him manipulate and transform the clay into the vase he had envisioned. Needless to say, tears were pouring; I love how God stirs and moves in our lives.

As he was molding this new vessel, he pointed to a vase that he'd created earlier that day. He compared the older vase to believers watching the Lord work in the lives of others. Sure it's exciting, but there is often a longing to be touched again by our Marker, wondering if He has somehow forgotten about us. "I haven't forgotten about you my little vase over there. I see that you're getting a little dry on the top and that's exactly what I wanted to happen. You see, if I'd put the handle on when you were still wet you would've collapsed under the pressure."

Although I knew exactly where he was going with his message it sure enough pierced me right to my soul. Yes, Lord. I realize that you have not forgotten about those dreams and desires that you've put inside of me. Thank you.

He also spoke about the refinement of fire and how the Father can use us even when we are broken, forming us into a new vessel in Him. Oh how I wish you all could have been there! I love the imagery of the Lord being the Potter and us the clay to be molded.

But now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand. -Isaiah 64:8

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!

I stole this from a friend's blog. She found it here.

Hearts and Hugs,

Come and knock on my door

Let people know the real you. This was the promise that I unwrapped when I ate my Dove camel chocolate square this afternoon. I'm not so sure that this is a promise as much as a suggestion, good advice maybe. Irregardless, it struck me. How often do I hide behind the face of who I think I should be, of who others think I should be? How often do I stay silent when I'm hurt or upset, afraid that I'll offend someone? How often to I cry in the dark when I should let my feelings be known? Hmmm...the real me.

What does she look like? The real me is passionate, loves and cares more deeply than words can express with a desire for a deeper, purer, more intimate relationship with my Abba. Although I'm easily wounded and bruised, I am fierce with the very things that stir my soul. I am a daughter of the King of Kings. I have been created for something far greater than I can even imagine; "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

As I think about the woman I am and the areas that the Lord continues to refine, I cannot help but think about the man that He is preparing for me. I can only imagine how strong, passionate and adventurous he is. How willing he is to live a dangerous life for the sake of the Kingdom. How selfless he is in his service, yet unwavering in his beliefs and convictions. A man worthy of my respect, love and affection. Thank you, Lord that I have not settled for someone who is simply good, you've got stellar in store for me. :)

Ladies, don't settle! Wait patiently, pray fervently, for your spiritual leader who will love you as Jesus loves you. Who will stand by your side and fight for you. Who loves the Lord with all of His heart and is even willing to leave his comforts to follow hard after Him.

Amen and amen!

Anyway

Today is a just because kind of bloggity day. One of my dear friends left for Vietnam this morning. I'm going to miss her and definitely planning a visit.

You know who I'm absolutely loving?! Hillsong United!

And not just because of this guy...

although how cool is it when a [good-looking] guy is passionately in love with the Lord?!

With an Australian accent!

Although, let's face it...me meeting famous people = awkward display of disaster.

All of these photos are from here. You should go check it out!

G'day, Mate!