Going Whereever the Wind Blows

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine."-Proverbs 3:5-11.


I am 21 years old. I moved to Denver last summer by a miracle. Almost as much as a miracle as to how I was able to go to the Creation Festival in 2005 (read

'Story of My Life' as they say it). Denver wasn't my first intention, but for some reason God allowed things to work this way. As compared to me wanting to move to Minnesota years back because I "felt" God saying I was meant to go to this missionary school called BCOM.-In which, there is nothing wrong with "feeling" God led you somewhere or experiencing various "signs" as I did. But those things need to be affirmed by the Word, other wise people and go smoothly.  

 

I highlighted that part because it is most important. You see, as we grow we mature and maturing can bring a lot of tweaked preconceptions we once had. I admit, I had a pride issue...and still do at times. I prided myself in the fact that I always knew what I wanted to do in life, where I was going and how I was going to get there. Well, I have matured and if your maturity hasn't brought about humility then you still have some growing up to do kid! 

 

Humility as a Christ-Follower knows nothing greater then surrender. When Jesus called His disciples they dropped everything...immediately...and followed. They didn't know nor claim where or what they were doing. Do you think Peter was like: "I am going to be the Rock on which the Church is built! And I'm going to get there by walking on water!" Nope. So why do we do it...why do I do it?

 

So concerning this opening Scripture. What does that look like today and relate to things going smoothly, as well as having humility?

1. Where is your heart these days? Is it in your wealth? Your career? What does "trusting with your heart" even mean? Think of it as your core, your essence-all your thoughts and all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5)
2. "In all your ways submit to Him"....I recently read Joshua 9 and in there is a particular verse that stood out to me verse 9 "The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord". Interesting huh. The chapter concerns the Israelites encountering the Gibeonites. You see as God's chosen people were acquiring their land God told them to have, the Gibeonites became afraid and lied to the Israelites because they lived on that land. Instead of coming across as rich as they were, they disguised themselves as poor starving homeless men. Of course an individual would have sympathy on them, but this inquired of something larger then provisions-it concerned their lives. Without consulting with their Lord and letting their emotions get ahead of them, the Israelites drew up a treaty with these liars. How important is it to inquire of the Lord?
3.  Being a college student who wants to further their education I am continually "marketing" myself to different scholarships and grants. Applications constantly ask about your contribution to those around you, your character, and your legacy. I hate having to go on and on about what I have done...(mainly because I can't remember.) Truth is I'm nothing special. And I really don't know much. However, I have heard many say "you are very wise for your  age"... I once thought wisdom reflected itself in having everything figured out. As mentioned before, it seems as if I have l have found more of the answers by saying "I don't know" and have found a way by not trying to figure everything out.
4. "fearing the Lord and shunning evil" is just as highly important and still just as highly missed. Sometimes as Christians we become too comfortable with the Creator and let that of which we do, which is sin no matter how "small", slip by. God is to be feared just as much as loved. You wanna know what godly fear looks like read Deuteronomy 5:22-27 and Isaiah 6:1-5. Don't belittle disobedience. Shun evil like you shun Satan. And "evil" or sin can sometimes be that of which you want or desire. But "just because you can do all things does not mean they are beneficial."(1 Cointhians 6:12-13)
5. Also with being a college student, I am going broke. Yet, I have not forsaken in giving back to God what is His. I still continue to tithe although I have a ton other things to pay for. Why? Because God tells me to and I said I would. You don't mess with God. In having this respect towards Him I do have faith that He will provide for me. My faith is reassured through past provisions. What about you?

Trusting, submitting, leaning on and giving to God brings a peace that transcends anything in this world. Yet, note that does not mean trouble will not come our way. Jesus speaks of only inward peace not outwardly. But among the ciaos, God will carry you on...His way...and it will be good.  

Dreams, Hopes, Visions & Calling

I want start a church or work in a church, which ever one is easier-ha! That's like choosing between a rock and a hard place! But the only Rock I need to be resting on is Jesus of Nazareth and working on not setting my heart in a hard place of complacency. So I have a desire to work in ministry. I have a desire to serve, educate, and counsel; on top of that I have a desire to learn, grow and be challenged. I know as a Believer I can do this anywhere and not just in four walls. Thus, let it be so! I also know that the Church is the body of Followers and not necessarily a congregation. You would think from the hurts and hangups I have gotten from church congregations, as well as the warnings I have gotten from those in ministry about how hard it is, that I wouldn't want to pursue it as much as I am. But this is a vision I was given since I was in Junior High believe it or not. Or just perhaps I haven't been "burnt" badly enough to cause me to run as fast as I can in the opposite direction. When, not if, that day comes that I am "burned", may I be again rest upon the only Rock. So this is my desire-to be directly, openly, and unashamedly among the evangelists, pastors, administrators, and counselors of God's kingdom.

The image you see above is a makeshift of an image portrayed through a window and curtains. It is something I saw as a teen in my bedroom while doing devotions. What I saw was what looked like a big cross projecting in the center while to the left and behind the main cross was another. So the image is two crosses. The main one, being the reminder of Jesus's sacrifice & triumph while the other is our's as reminded and or calling portrayed in Luke 9: 23-24. From that symbol and seeking God after what my purpose in life was, I gathered that this would be something I would use in ministry. 

So what exactly was God calling me to do? Nothing more than what He calls all His followers to do-tell the world of His great love for them (Matthew 28:18). I have had so many reminders of this very thing...surprisingly a lot when I have a crush on them...strange how that works. Any who, in addition to this main calling God placed in me specific gifts and talents uniquely placed to glorify Him in my own personal way. Just like He has for each one of you! For me those gifts and talents were not to talk to animals like I thought when I was in Elementary, rather it is teaching His Word. He led me to scripture such as Matthew 10 and Isaiah 42 which is a key in discovering what God desires for you to use what cha got-dive into His Word!

My visions didn't begin when I finally gave my life over to Christ though, they started way back. And the same could possibly be said for you. Since I was a child I remember I adored writing stories, helping my friends learn the material in a proficient way, and leading, even if that meant leading silently or behind someone else (which can still be leading). So what do I want to do today? Funny, around the very same things! I want to be professor who teaches about world religions and philosophy but how Yahwey is the true God of gods. I want to write devotionals and self-help books that share what I have learned through my walk and education through Jesus. I want to travel to India and help rescue the woman who deserve much more.-Can't for sure pinpoint where that passion came from, but I am sure it comes from just being an awesome person (jokes). 

In concordance to those visions as a youngster, I also had this dream that my 6 year crush would ride up on a white horse and deliver me from my second story window (Tyler, I'm still waiting).

But in all seriousness, one Holiday season I started drawing what I wanted my future house to look like:

Funny, it kind of had the landscape of my Grandmother's house in a way.

This house (my dream house) was designed with 3 floors. The first floor, you walk into the living room and if continuing to go straight would walk up stairs. To the right when you first walk in is a rounded doorway (very important...not sure why) into a big kitchen. If you turned to the left in the living room you enter through two glass sliding doors to an elongated cemented area for the dogs (my husband would have the dogs because I hate them). This area will also have a small kids play area with a big laundry room The main hallway has another hallway going right after the kitchen space, this leads to the big wooden porch on the right side of the house. The porch descends down to a worship center that is attached to the home. Behind the church, in the center of the house is my office for counseling. Back inside, the main hallway has a half bathroom and a door proceeding to the basement.

Basement:
has roughly 4-5 bedrooms for the individuals and/or families whom we will help get back on their feet. When you first walk down you enter a huge living room. All the bedrooms are small room surrounding that perimeter. Walking through the living room South ward to your left you'll find a full bathroom and following, a good sized school room. If you turn east in the living room and then North you'll enter the gigantic kitchen used to serve whom ever comes our way.

Upstairs:
(this is where it looks a lot like my Grandmother's) You right away have to turn left or right-to your right is a full bathroom, to your left are the kids room (when I first drew this I made it so they had to share a room...don't think that is going to happen). When going left the hallway turns quickly back South and you'll enter our room with a fireplace (I don't even know if it's possible to have a fireplace on the second floor...) If you follow the hallway East past our bedroom you will enter my husband's office for his pastoral/professor-al duties hahahah.

Why did I have this vision as a child? And way before I even knew Jesus personally? Strange but amazing!

What about you? What are you dreams? Hopes? Visions? What is your calling?

I am praying you discover it and are constantly reassured though your seeking of God.

I can't count how many times I have been reassured and encouraged by others in the regards of these passions. Just today God added to my vision of starting a church or ministry or non-profit organization (He doesn't always give specifics!). One of my main interests is to begin educating those here in America who are either new Christians and/or have misunderstood what it means to be one. God took me to Ezekiel 22. The chapter is about how Israel, God's chosen people, are missing the mark...again. Verse 26 really jumped out at me as it reads: 
  
    "Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them."

I was taken to this reading before just a month or so ago. It got me thinking and asking:

• What is holy? What is not?
• What is clean and what is not?
• How are we dishonoring the Sabbath? Is it really that important?

Some toughies, but that's how I roll. God reminded of Matthew 13:13-17 and then gave me a mission statement I believe for whatever ministry He wants me a part of:

 We are to be:

•  distinguished= which is a verb, something you do/ to mark off as different/ to be perceived clearly/ and to make prominent
• teaching differences= God trumps all/ and we are Chosen to be His
• opening eyes=to recognize sin/ realize their brokenness/ and note restoration in Jesus

Why did I share all of this? Not quite sure...but I did WARN you I like to write. I suppose I asking for prayer as well. As we speak (or as you read & I write) I am looking for job opportunities that fit these dreams, hopes, visions and calling of mine. So if you have any leads-HIT ME UP! Ha...so yah. Love yall.

"History Maker" by Hillsong Delirious 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to remember. But to remember what? To remember everything you're thankful for, obviously. But what about God? You think, "of course I remember God! He has given me my family, my friends, and this food! Of course I  praise Him!" But do you really, truly remember Him? You see there will be a day when all that you see in front of you will be gone and everything you desired/wanted will be utterly meaningless. You think, "Well you're being quite a downer now aren't you?" Truth is, I'm not. I'm being for real. Because truth is, everything comes down to God; everything comes down to the Creator of all things-both good and bad. There is going to be an end and there is going to be goodbyes. Question is, how are you going to respond? In Ecclesiastes 12, Solomon says this very thing. The Word also mentions that it's better to mourn at a funeral then it is to celebrate at a party. What does that look like? What does that mean? I think it means we are to be humble and like I mentioned before, we are to remember: who we are, where we are going, who put us here and why. So what does it look like to remember? Remember God, your Creator? Does it mean remembering how He provides? How He is always there? What the preacher says on Sunday morning? Does it mean remembering what He does to broken hearts? How He comforts those who are alone? How He sets the prisoner free? Has He set you free? You see I know my God has set me free, but many times although it's impossible to truly forget, I forget. I go back to the same old ways, my same old habits, & my same old addictions. "Remember me" He says. Remember. Here's the conclusion of all things says Solomon: "fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of every human being. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." You will do many things in this life, but a day will come when you will stop and ponder those things. Will you be ashamed? Or will you be proud? What about those who are watching? What about the One who is always watching? Don't buggle your mind with many words and books, says Solomon. Just remember. Because what has been taught, what is being taught, and what will be taught is all the same thing. Fear God and keep His commandments. This Thanksgiving what does that look like in your household?