A testimony of the HEART

It's not the circumstances that you overcome but what God does in us that makes it a testimony.  The test is how we respond, move out and move on, get through to the other side.  Everyone, believer and non-believer has circumstances.  You in your self-reliance can change the world around you, but only God Himself can change, can transform the world inside you.  In Him we truly overcome.  Now you have a story to tell that gives Him ALL the honor and glory, for it's what He does, not what we do that makes our life great, makes it matter, makes in impactful and inspiring.

       Let us always sing, "Lord I need You. Oh I need You. 
                                        Every hour I need You.
                                        My One Defense, My Righteousness. 
                                        Oh God, how I need You.

                                        Where sin runs deep, Your Grace is more.
                                        Where Grace is found is where You are.
                                        And where You are, Lord, I am free.
                                        Holiness is Christ in me."
                                       

 Romans 12:1-3 "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us."

If we are not aware, acknowledging our own daily, if not moment by moment failings... sins... How can Grace step in?
Proverbs 20:9 "Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin?"

Where is the line of walking in His authority, power, faith, grace and favor yet remaining truly humble, in Love and complete reliance on the Source of All that is good and Holy?  Often times we focus more on what we do, when God clearly cares more about matters of our heart condition.

(Prov 24:12, Ex 36:26, Duet 30:6, Rom 2:29, Mark 7:21, I Chr 29:17...)

Proverbs 27:19 "As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person"

And the action that honors His is that which comes from Him.  So do we spend more time seeking God's power or experiencing His transforming power which is the testimony combined with His blood that overcomes (Rev. 12:11).

So what is hidden in our hearts? Where are we being deceived? What really comes first in our lives... our understanding or seeking Our Father in heaven?  What is your current testimony of God's transforming power in your heart and who are you helping by sharing it?  It's not always the end of the story that gives hope. Some people need to hear about God carrying you, exposing new things in your heart in the meantime.  After all, its how solid the foundation is that makes the house strong for those who need shelter, not how good it looks from the outside.  Be encouraged to know when you give God your raw materials He creates something so authentically, really beautiful and true. A true testimony of the heart.

Good Grief...

Today my dear friend Ricky went to heaven.  Why does life feel so short sometimes.  No more than 26 yo and yet in the "middle" of his life on earth with a beautiful wife, baby boy, new house, new job...  My heart cries with loss.

How do you move forward in a moment like this?  You don't.  You let pain have it's turn.  Grieve in peace.  It's ok to question. As long as you still trust The plan you don't know and understand because what you do know and hold True is God Loves You and it's His plan we trust.  

Grief is a process.  It's our process of loss in our lives.  If we don't allow ourselves to go thru it we end up dysfunctional, stuck or moving as broken people, bitter, angry or emotionless.  Don't try and figure out why or how this could be...  We feel robbed.  Now is not the time for understanding and answers to those questions. Now is the time for prayer, Love and grief.  Let God turn the mourning into dancing and trade beauty for ashes when the soul is settled.  

I feel like my brother is gone. I will miss my sweet friend.  He gave so much life, joy and happiness to friends, family and even strangers.  His smile brightened a room and had a light filled with warmth.  His nature was peaceful.  Everyone liked Ricky.  My heart hurts for his wife who's heart was solely his.  Their love was a beautiful example of how God makes a very special spouse in mind just for you.  They were perfect for each other and so in love. And his son, who won't know him the way we do.  Somehow God will restore the both of them what has been lost.  But it's hard to imagine...

My Salvation Story

My Salvation Story...

I don't think there's been only one moment I can remember when Jesus became my Savior, but more of that being changed from glory to glory thing.  For as long as I can remember hearing about Jesus, talking about Jesus, singing about Jesus and spending time in His presence has always been in my heart and filled me with a joy that I knew nothing else could.  In my toddlerhood I was introduced to Him as I was "adopted" into the family of my babysitter who had a geneology of people who loved the Lord.  That is where I believe the seeds were planted in me to desire that relationship and find fulfillment through Jesus.  As I grew and my life was filled with different directions and different influences I never waivered in what I believed.  I would go to a Christian summer camp every year until I was 13 and I can remember several times when they would ask who wanted to ask Jesus into their heart, I was ready and willing.  Maybe the first time was when I was 8. It was always moving and left me feeling peace and joy.  I remember expressing when I was 12 that I didn't understand the Bible and I believe the Message Bible had come out around that time and the visiting pastor at the camp gave me his.  I still have it today...  I felt like I was always searching for Jesus because I never really understood how to have a relationship with Him and only got glimpses of it through other people around me.  We moved a lot growing up and never went to church regularly except on holidays or the days I would ask mom to take me and she would agree.  

At 13 I had just started my first year of public school and the 7th grade. Definitely one of the worst years of my life.  Up until then I had gone to a Christian school and was cocooned with people who had some foundation of Love. I quickly learned that in order to be liked, I had to be the "top" dog and fit in with the "cool" crowd.  This of course lead me down a path away from everything I had known to be good, right and true.  From 13 to 15 y.o. I lived a life full of partying, emotions, worldly behavior and didn't really care or connect with much about God. However, I was still searching for what could fill me and make me whole.  By the end of my freshman year, I was begging my mom to send me away to a private Christian boarding school that I had learned of from friends at the camp I had gone to and my "adopted" family, the Richards.  It seemed like people were so nice there and welcoming.  I longed to feel like I belonged, and when God opened those doors we were all surprised.  During my first year there I rededicated my life to God, entered into a real relationship with Him, got baptised by water and started living my life for Him in the way I knew.  Finally I believe I had found what I was looking for.  A life of wholeness, a life of belonging, a life of Truth and meaning.

Since then I have had my back sliding and coming back to wanting to live for only God but I can look back and see how God has taught me so many lessons, never left my side and brought me to a beautiful place of surrender.  I'm still growing and learning but thats one of my favorite things about God.  He allows us to learn from our mistakes instead of condemning us and at the same time Loves us way to much to leave us as we are.  His Mercy and Love truly endure Forever.  

"For I know the plans (thoughts) I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29: 11-13