https://www.youtube.com/live/WANLPa-ecF4?si=uwm7Rygp0kiaz0O9

Thoughtful Testimony

Finally! 

(5 min read)

It was MY day in 2nd grade, at 8 years of age, the day a word (specifically, an adjective) the class or teacher chose for me would be forever etched into my memory.

Note: Hey, ruling at age 8 is amazing, just ask King Josiah! He became King of Judah at age 8 and reigned for 31 years. So hey, if you are 8 and reading this, I am NOT by any means looking down on you. Keep reading, KING and QUEEN!

I had been looking forward to this day for the whole school year!

I wanted to know what other people thought about me! We'll talk about this subject more later.

When it comes to me, I seemed as though to be the last one chosen for everything.

FLASHBACK

For example, even in Kindergarten, I waited to take attendance to the office in a similar fashion: anxiously.Of course, the only reason I wanted to take attendance down to the office was so I could choose my Kindergarten crush, Adam, to go with me. I was excited to be chosen so I could choose Adam. What boldness! 

Back to 2nd grade...

The day I was chosen, again. I don't remember the EXACT details of the project, but I knew that I was going to have the best day of my life. Let's just say the project was the equivalent to an "About Me" page.

So, it went something like this: the students voted on a particular word for me and I was rendered with this word...

thoughtful.

I got this word in 2nd grade, and was so excited! My fellow peers and teacher had something actually nice to say about me. At this young age, was I already dealing with insecurites of what other people thought of me? Yes. Let's chat about this later, I said! ;)

I became thoughtful that day - even in my high school yearbook (10 years later) I was tagged under 'be thoughtful' when explaining a senior class t-shirt to Senior Class Cabinet. [see subheading: be original] But hey, check it out! Guess what God thinks of me?

See:

For I know the thoughts I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)

One day, at McLennan Community College during Anatomy class in 2012, I heard the Lord say, simply:

"You think about the ones you love"

Boy, Jesus was telling me something. That He has been thinking about me. And oh, does He love me. 

How precious are your thoughts towards me, O Lord. How vast the sum of them! If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand on the seashore. And when I awake, I am still with you. 

Psalm 139:17-18

This word from the Lord triggered another memory that I had on the bus home from elementary school:

'I wish I had something to think about'

Reversing this, now, I have someone to think about and I always thank God for the people in my life, especially His Son, Jesus. I also have these things to think about: 

Philippians 4:8 (NASB)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Finally, I want to conclude this blog post with this, my testimony. When I was 16, I got in a car with one of my best friends, Brooke. I was drunk and blacked out, and the only thing I remember is opening up the car door and crying, "I just don't know what my dad thinks about me."  My friend turned around in the car and screamed, "What the F*** are you doing, Amy? Shut the door!" So, my other friend in the backseat reaches over and slams the door, and I go back into my blackout world. 

Then, the next day, I decided to pick up this invitation my friend, Stephen, gave me in Sociology class. Little did I know the real reason the guy next to me dropped the class! 

This class was the only class that did not get switched around in my schedule because the guidance counselor, Mrs. Bowman, had to deal with a couple indicidents from the last semester to get me back on track for graduating on time. I was going through all this as a sophomore! 

So, Stephen gave me a little invitation that said: 'BIG.' I had a big ego, so I proceeded to put it on the nametag part of my backpack. 

So, I went to church that day. And it was amazing. Pastor Nathan Grubb was speaking about Kurt Cobain from Nirvana and suicide, and I realized that could have been me. I gave my life to Jesus that night all over again, and my brother got saved as well. Let me tell you it was challenging enough getting into the buidling.

I pray that as you seek his face - he becomes your One and Only. And as we grow as people who know what he thinks of us, may all other thoughts from the world, flesh, and sin disappear in the light of the cross.

He's saying right now, church, you are the ones that I love.

The Little Girl that Showed me the World

There was a little girl that I met on the Greyhound bus from Redding to Los Angeles on my mini-vacation to Redding last week.

I didn't understand her name, but I understood her laugh! Her laugh was contagious and full of joy! We were playing a game on NickJr.com and there was a character running into a bird, and everytime her character would crash into a bird, she would bust out laughing!


She made me think:'IT CANNOT BE THIS EASY TO HAVE JOY.'

But, it is. What makes us laugh, makes us laugh and what makes us cry, makes us cry. Is it wrong to feel like we're running in circles: with people, emotions, relationships, or things?

Is God always hiding from us? Where is He?

He was in that little girl's laugh. She showed me up on years of days that I have been listening to sermon after sermon, this little girl showed me up. Does Jesus need a sermon to be known? Does he need a worship playlist? Does he need a really spiritual book or devotional? I am not ragging on these things, but what is greater is that he can show up however he wants to whoever he wants whenever he wants. Who is it to us for us to determine where he decides to put his Presence?

Now, this little girl is plundering a pathway for people to just believe again: to be merciful, to be kind, to experience God in a new way.

I think my lonliness has brought me out into a corner and now I am finally beginning to realize that God is with me.

The times where I didn't feel like moving forward because I didn't get to see the priceless memories that would have been made almost 10 years down the road with my precious cousin and best friend, Lance Corporal Faris Abbassi. If only he was still here.

I don't know why the Lord took my cousin so early, as you may have heard the good die young. And in fact, they do. But what pulls me closer to God during this uncertain time of Covid-19 is believing his promise in His Son. Believing that I will see my cousin again and in that day, I will have much rejoicing as I have the reward of my faith, Jesus.

If in fact Jesus is all we need in this life, we will understand that His promises will never fail us.

I'm turning over a new page in this life, beginning to see the beauty in every deatil, even a little girl laughing so sponstaneously at her game made me think there is a brighter tomorrow, filled with rays of hope, as soon as I get my focus off myself and allow Him to make my world like His in Heaven.

She left crying. I was disappointed too! I don't think she was crying to leave me, but to leave the computer. Little does she know her life is going to be filled with more memories, more laughs, and more fun. She was the little girl that changed my world.

She was the little girl that reminded me of the times I spent with my little sister in Indiana. These times hold so much value, if only I could have showed them as much of the Jesus I knew. He is the prized possession, and our magnificent obsession. He is our all-in-all.

Provided with hope, He will encourage us, intercede for us, and give us all we need to live this life filled with godliness and holiness. He is truly above it all.

Amen.

Free As A Child (Live From Home, Worship Set) - Jon Thurlow

Titanic: "Is there anybody alive out there?"

Being in Quarantine got me like, "IS ANYBODY ALIVE OUT THERE?"

Despite our current circumstances, we have the convenience of online social platforms to make our lives a little lighter in Quarantine.

Although social distancing can be frustrating to say the least, there are people that need us to be 100% commited to this process, as their health depends on our honoring of the system.

But, when quarantne is over, people will be excited to hear more about Jesus. Jesus is asking, "Is anybody alive out there?" And we respond with our weak whistle blow, and he comes and rescues us from the waters so deep. We hear the VOICE of hope that give us HOPE and courage to HOPE and respond to his question that bears witness within our souls that we are in need of a Savior.

***

When the captain is checking the water for people in Titanic this is how it feels to be in quarantine.

To God, we are most of the time saying, "Can anybody hear me?"


HE IS.

In the above scene, there is so much hope when you hear the whistle. Rose does not give up. Even when she lost her beloved.

Where does your hope come from?

Are you waiting for COVID-19 to be over? Then, you will have hope?

As believers, our HOPE is fully set when our rescuer is coming back to this Earth to receive the reward of his sufferings, his bride, his glorious church.

Culturally Unaware

Friend of Sinners. Loving the Tax Collector?

I don't know about you, but my Jesus takes on the role of the "culturally unaware."

He has had the tendency to go beyond the boundary lines of society, and love the leper and the destitute. He transcends the lines.

A true KING goes past the lines drawn to find people.

Makes me wonder...

I want to act as if I am "culturally unaware." For example, I want my culture to influence the culture around me, not vice versa. If I walk into an environment where no one talks to the poor or "needy," I want to reach out to the person that needs someone to talk to rather than just a handout of some measly dollar bills, or some Benjamins, if you please. :)

Jesus was well aware of the culture of his day, but decided to act "culturally unaware." He was not a product of the society, even though he influenced everyone from the woman at the well (John 4) to the Pharisees and teachers of the law.

What is the way you will make your mark on today's culture?

Kobe made his mark on culture. And we are in a "cultural moment."

When I went to the LA LIVE Center, next to the Staples Center the Sunday Kobe and Gianna passed away, fans were chanting "Kobe, Kobe, Kobe!"

The excitment in the air was palpable.

Someone even stole my wallet! It was so croweded, like a concert.

But, the greatness of Kobe's legacy could be felt in the air. See this picture of the time.

I was just excited to feel the greatness of the person he was.

I want to be remembered, and I want to leave a legacy.

White Out the Storm

We've all heard the the saying "ride it out" or "ride out the storm."

Kinda saying just stick around and see what happens- good or bad.


Well,  I suggest we "White Out the Storm" instead of "Ride Out the Storm."

When you white out something, you correct a mistake, and nothing that is beneath the white out is seen.


White it out. Everything the winds, the waves, the lightening, the thunder.

Matthew 14:28-33

28 Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”

The Bible says, "seeing the wind," Peter became frightened, even though he was already walking on water.

Can you believe this?

What if Peter "whited out" the wind, and did not see the wind. He would have not sank. His focus would have been deliberately on Jesus.

If the storm is distracting us from looking to Jesus, we must WHITE OUT the storm! In verse 32, we clearly see that the wind completely stops when they are back in the boat together.

When we are taking huge steps of faith, it may be easy to doubt God because we are scared of what we see going on around us, but Jesus still saves. The wind isn't even a problem anymore once they are inside the boat together!

Let's look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith! Even Peter's faith was being protected and nourished at this moment.

This is probably one of the most action-packed stories of the Bible, Jesus being heroic: strecthing out his hand and essentially taking hold of him. Jesus is STRONG!


That's it, thoughts for the day, folks!

You don't have to if you don't want to.. (pt 1)

We've all heard this saying one time or another.

Maybe it was with a significant other.


"Take the pill, it will make you feel SO GOOD," he continued, "you don't have to if you don't want to, though."

By this time, you already were in people pleasing mode, and feel the obliged "yes" coming along in your spirit.

Why?

Why do we give in so easily to subtle demands that gurantee to sabotage or worse yet even demolish our rapport?


Basically, we already have said "yes" in our hearts and then "you don't have to if you don't want to" makes something that would have been a no pressure situation suddenly feel like the room is hotter than hell....



We as students of God's word, must indicate where we wil draw the line in our hearts where our "yes" to God is more active and alive than our "yes" to man.


"You don't have to if you don't want to" means:

Don't blame me for the consequences of (you) saying yes.


This is a quick blog for a quick reminder to anyone that needed to hear this or anyone listening!

Love y'all.

One Step Ahead

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11

***

There was this girl in front of me walking down 6th street, and I thought, 'What if I was in her place; just one step ahead.' I did not try to catch up to her, but instead I waited for the walking signal to turn green to cross. 

Do you ever feel left out or left behind?

I do.

Being in a new city is especially hard because you have to work from the inside out to make friends; and of course, depending what city you are in, people will either welcome you with open arms or despise even the thought of "penciling you in." I found it to be remarkably hard in this day and age to not feel left out. Community is at the core of what type of people Jesus is looking for his bride to become.     

When left to our own devices, a miracle is required to get us out. Whether it be sexual sin or addiction, our job is to GO OUT and LOVE. Not everyone is lovable. Not everyone is addicted or in sin, but if we are community is there to bring us back to the WORD.

Everyone seems like they're moving forward with their life, yet sometimes does it ever feel like you are running in circles. The job you just got keeps you busy, but what about the dreams you had when you first got saved or rededicated your life to Jesus?

I see it all. God says. And He still pours out his knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to those who seek Him. It's time to be that person who is "One Step Ahead."

On that note I'll end with this:

One step:

That's all it took

For me to see the beauty

that was forsook

Chains broken is what 

my heart opened to when

Teardrops of mercy 

Brought me into a 

W   I    D   E open space

of grace & yet the collateral 

damage of the past has yet to haunt me

because when I speak in these lines

It all makes sense...

why you bought me, why you took me in &

made me yours. 

Dispense, O heavens, and

Mark my grave. Because everywhere His hand

has touched me has streamlined into a beauty mark, 

Now, nothing is lost, and everything is found.

No lie in hell can pretend and no devil can shame

The way He looks at me 

When I am

1 

 s

  t 

   e

    p

     Ahead.

Addiction

Thinking about the next line. The next sip. The next drag. The next ball.

Addiction can take over your life. There is no 12-step program that can conquer these demons of addiction.

I've battled with addiction before, and I still am. My interpersonal communication teacher once asked, "What is the one human emotion more powerful even than fear, hate, or love?" All of us in class were bewildered when he said, "desire."

Desire is addiction. The word "desire" in the Greek is epithumia, which also means passionate longing or lust.

My limp is that I desire other guys, and I struggle with it everyday. I am also battling an addiction to nicotine.

It's real and it's consuming. My friend just lost her brother to addiction, and he was only 25! He had so much more life to live and give.

There is a real enemy out there, and he wants to destroy what God has helped build in you.

The confident assurance, the hope of salvation...

This one is a short blog, but if you are struggling or know someone who is struggling with addiction, don't hesitate to call for help.

Walk in Her Shoes

"Leave me the f*** alone," she said.
"It's impossible for me to do that, ma'am," he said.

She started running as fast as she could to the next light post.

'I don't even have the right shoes on to be running like this,' Candance thought.

See, Candance was a prostitute. Her situation didn't define who she really was on the inside. Her mother always told her to say she was a "princesa de Jesus" or "hija de Jesus." Candance never thought for one second life was not fair to her. She knew she made mistakes to get this far, but the only reason Candance did not fully believe in the Love of God is because she had fear: fear that someone would make her have an abortion, fear of going hungry another night if she did not work another solidarity night, or fear of her daughter being taken away from her.

Her shoes were not any ordinary shoes; Candance walked on the streets with no shoes, as everything had gotten stolen from her. All this time Candance wanted her daughter, Emily, to have a better life; a life full of passion, and not guilt and shame.

Listen to this song about a mother trying to feed her son and you will see how it feels to be in Candance's shoes:

So, now we know:

a. Candance has low self-esteem.

b. Candance has a big heart.

c. Candance does care about her daughter.

d. Candance wouldn't trade a day in her shoes with someone else.

e. All of the above

See, kids, life is not easy. It will throw you sideways, upside-down, and spit you right out. 

Candance was just happy to see her 6 year-old daughter taken care of. There were so many things Candance went through to get her daughter to school on time. 

Yes, she sucked ****. So, what?

Candance's shoes:

Dirty.

Used.

Happy.

Surprised.

Empathetic.

                                                       

 
Life is a dance. You work up a lot of sweat bearing burdens that aren't even yours.
Then, you fall over and take your last breath.

Who will be there for Candance when her dance in life is over? Who will catch her when she falls down?

There was a woman I met when I was on the BART. She looked exactly like a woman in a painting I saw.

In the painting, there was a ballet dancer with her breasts exposed and passed out and there was another lady that was holding her and catching her fall.

I found my lady at the BART station. She caught my fall and defended me on the bus, and so the story goes, I was on the bus and train all night and I had never laughed so loud in my entire life.

Candance also had sleepless nights, like me.


Then, I found out Candance was really me.

the final masquerade is when all shoes are off, and we are raw and truthful

The Pursuit of HappYness: 2018

Chris Gardener (Will Smith) reading to his son, Christopher Jr.

If everything you ever dreamed of was right in your reach, would you still work hard to reach those goals? 

Only time can tell where you are going. There are major indicators to tell a man where the direction of his life his going. Whether or not we came here for a reason, we must be willing to adjust our outlook to keep in step with the Spirit of God. Many people think the major indicators of poverty is a mindset or attitude. It's not the people of the future that will change history, it’s the people now. There is nothing in this life that is out of reach when you follow Jesus. He extends his immeasurable amount of grace to the people that follow diligently after him. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) 


#youremyconstant @brianjohnsonm
https://twitter.com/brianjohnsonm/status/947323346265317376
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There would be no point to. Dreams are supposed to be impossible. Dreams of God are supposed to change the world and change people's views of eternity. 

Will Smith’s life was let's just say, below par, when he was trying to sell state-of-the-art medical equipment. He knew his potential, and was unafraid to go for his dream of taking care of his child, and even having a little extra in the bank, but having a little extra in the bank does not necessarily mean you have found what you are looking for in this life. #jesusisalwaysenough 

If you are looking to be "squeaky clean," whether it be a squeaky clean image or have you, you must  know your identity in Christ.



Some people get rich or die trying. If we had access to all the financial resources in this world... wouldn't everything be perfect? We would have the dream house, the dream car, the dream business, even maybe the dream marriage, but if we realize that even in these things, we cannot attain what our soul is lacking.

Mark 8:36 says, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"

My uncle has told me to: "Forget Jesus." This is because of the hard calling Jesus has placed on His followers. Jesus says things like, "Let the dead bury the dead."

Everyone wants to be part of something bigger, something greater. We all have choices to make, and this life is #nonintendogame. Many of us continue to battle what decisions to make on a day-to-day basis. No decision is going to take you away from God's love, but you need to take notice of the door that is opened in the below picture. It's the colored one. We know that God will point us in the right direction in order that we choose the best option. He's not scared of us making the wrong decisions. He plans 10,000 steps ahead of us, and if we just realize that "He is Able," we will see his goodness overflow to us all.

Dreams do come true if you follow Me...but not just any dream of yours, but dreams that your life and spirit would be filled with great joy and peace as you believe in Him. 

Say you had all the money you needed to attain those dreams, but you lacked the motivation and courage to get there. In all aspects of life, we must be willing to change our direction in order to attain the dreams God has placed in our hearts.

Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." 

***

If you have ever seen the movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith becomes a huge success because he never gives up #jesusnevergivesup. He is determined to get himself and his son out of  poverty. A scene that is particularly daunting is when Will Smith is literally running late for an interview with the big boss of the company he is trying to work for. So, now we are going to go to the next scene. 

In the next scene, Will Smith changes direction he becomes what he paid himself or invested himself to be. He always was what he made himself to be, but at the end of the movie, #allthatendswell, his son will #exceedhisexpectations.

Let’s make 2018, a door of hope for a generation called to freedom from sin, sickness, disease, and poverty.

Wrap it Up

To every beginning there's an end.

But, sometimes, as humans, we like to milk the ending. Make sure the moment lasts "forever."

We see people doing this at wedding, trying to keep their memories "safe & sound" paying the photographer & videographer thousands of dollars to make sure the moment...

lasts

F  O  R  E  V  E  R

In Arabic, we have a word that means "to spoil" or "to touch and/or treat kindly or tenderly."

Delal is the word.


So, today, capture the moment, and spoil the world.

Touch someone's life and live with #noregrets.


eph432/bekind,tenderhearted,forgiving,lkjesus

#myDNA mvmnt.

Despair. Integrity. 

The last stage of life, according to Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development.

Will you despair at your life, while reflecting on it from a ripe age of 65+?

Or will you have lived a life full of integrity; wholeness!

#myDNA says I will have lived a life full of love and intention. Knowing that there is a God who loves me and is for me. Who literally changes the lifespan of society AND makes me feel the pain of others as a sign of his coming.

>>><<<<

A technique used to manipulate mass audiences is fear. A weapon against fear is simply putting up your shield of faith. [eph6] Believing the lies of the enemy is so easy, especially if we have found ourselves spending time with him.

>>><<<<

What does your DNA say? What were you born for? Will you stay true to your calling? Or will you >>>FADE AWAY<<<

Join the #myDNA mvmnt. Ask God what you were born for.

Esther was born for such a time as this. And so are you. Belong. Believe. Become. And remember, if God is with you, he is for you (thanks Pastor Judah!).

<3 p="">
#praylikejesuseveryday

Participation

In our culture, we so highly encourage participation. But, what if you are just meandering through life. For example, you are walking through the busy New York City streets after a haywire day at the JFK airport. You really do not want to talk to anyone, and if you do, it's the person you accidentally brushed shoulders with while speed walking to the nearest subway station. You never think of engaging someone in a conversation or looking up from texting to find the man of your dreams standing right at the corner bakery where you get your morning espresso.

STOP.

Do you ever feel like you are observing life instead of participating in life? 

How much of our life do we actually count? Does all of our life count? Or are there some days where we can slack off or pretend we don't care? How many days have you spent crying out to God about the same sin you have been struggling with for years, when he is more than capable to fulfill your every need and set you free?

The manna that sustained Moses and the people of Israel in the desert will also sustain you! Jesus tells us that he will take care of us. He even uses an addendum,"Oh, you of little faith!," to make himself more clear.

So, what's your excuse for not marrying that girl, not writing that book, or not starting that startup? Think LOUDER. Allow your life to speak volumes to other people not only as a testimony of God's goodness, but also the case for Christ.

This also begs the question: What is my purpose in life? What I am here for? Who on earth would put me on this planet to just eat, sleep, drink, socialize, party, skate, and then die? Oh, I forgot work.

Beauty from Ashes

Giving them a garland instead of ashes...

Isaiah 61:3

What if I told you the World Trade Center Towers were still standing today?

We (as a people) would be celebrating and rejoicing. We have seen pictures of the rubble that was left of the towers on that horrific day. But, imagine if you saw the same towers restored. For example, when you are browsing Google Chrome and you lose all your open tabs due to an unexpected crash, Google Chrome has an option where you can choose to restore the lost tabs due to the crash. Google Chrome makes me happy.


Imagine if you could go back in time and make one last memory by someone you love or once loved. It's as if time never passed. It's as if everything in the world has stopped for this moment. If I could make one more memory with my dad, it would be at my wedding, if I ever get married.

#thanksforthememories
https://youtu.be/onzL0EM1pKY

Isaiah 58.12

Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; And you will be called the repairer of the breach, The restorer of the streets in which to dwell.

Imagine a slave girl in rags, dirty, filthy, abandoned, and naked. Now, this woman was caught in adultery, having sex or something like that with another man that was not her husband. The religious leaders said matter of fact-ly to Jesus that the law commanded to stone such a woman. Jesus let her go and told her to sin no more. She now had the opportunity that she would have never had, to be pure, unadulterated, fully alive and fully free in the kingdom of God. Her value was restored. She was not a used piece of ass anymore. 

This is the Bride of Christ, fully free from sin (John 8.36). Bill Johnson mentioned in his Sunday evening message, that Jesus will come back for a bride the is equally yoked to him. He will not come back for a bride that is unequally yoked to Him. Equally yoked is a fancy term for someone that mirrors the very image of God. God is pure love. Pure love is defined in 1 Corinthians 13. Imagine a bride adorned from head to toe in magnificent wonder. Full of love for her bridegroom, as her bridegroom is filled with adoration for her.

In my transition to adulthood, I have been to 4 weddings.

At the first one, I felt overwhelming love for the bride. The second one, I felt a supernatural peace. Finally, at third one, I felt joy unspeakable. The word in Hebrew is Hephzibah, meaing my delight is in her. The 4th one, I was just happy to be there.

There is still much work to be done.

God really can change the world through His Bride.

Beauty from Ashes is a huge deal for the Lord. He loves seeing his humans made new in Christ Jesus, born again, born of His will. (John 1, 2 Corinthians 5.17)

The same word "beauty" is used for what the bridegroom adorns himself with the brides beauty.

The Jesus people are being built together into a spiritual house. (Ephesians 2.22; 1 Peter 2.5) That means we are always one with Jesus, so he can live together within our bodies. (Haggai 2.9) This verse explains no building can contain the love, joy, and peace of the Holy Spirit that is in believers today.

People on the streets and other places need to believe that we are in it to win it. #kingdomcome


Imagine a heart full of puzzle pieces, Jesus wants all his children do what he wants them to do, which is the funnest, most creative life you can choose to live. Being sold-out for Jesus is a term used to mean that nothing but Jesus can fit into your little human body. In this puzzle-piece heart, Jesus is looking for all his family. The family of God is the best family ever. We are known by our love for each other. If you ever go out and become a full-time minister, look for the the person worthy of having a family member living there and stay there until persecution or until you are ready to go out to the next city. I want to find as many missing puzzle pieces that complete the heart of God. The thing is, guys, is that God chooses us all the time, but some of us choose not to love him back. Conditional love says, I will choose you if you choose me. God will always love us, even if we do not choose him back.




Believe that God has made you in this image is the first step to seeing people the way God sees them. Follow Jesus and he will teach you how to catch humans hearts, souls, and minds, and save them from the death that is coming for all those who do not believe in the Holy Spirit (resurrection life) of Jesus. #gottacatchthemall

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

When you have a big test tomorrow, and the test counts for a huge portion of your grade, what do you do? You can: A) Be the good student and start studying 2 weeks in advance as though the test was the next day or B) Be the procrastinating student and start studying the night before the test.

Either road you choose, you pay the price. Choosing to be student A could get you better results, but you will have to make sacrifices and be self-disciplined. How desperate are you for a good grade? Choosing to be student B could result in crashing after the test day. Again, how desperate are you for a good grade?

The reward for the student's work is an A. Simple.

Another example is from Crossfit Hoka Hey...

People want to reach their fitness goals. How desperate are you? Do you want to get fit for a wedding? I am. So, I am working out. The best thing I can do is go every day. Costing me time and money. I also have to be self-disciplined. Just as a bride makes herself ready for her wedding day, so should Christians make themselves ready for eternity.

When you are facing eternity tomorrow, and your whole life will be judged by God, what do you do? You can: A) Choose to accept Jesus as Savior to cover your sins and save you from eternal death (mercy) or B) Choose to reject Jesus as Savior and face judgment from God for your sins and face the consequence of eternal death.

How desperate are you to be with Jesus forever? Some people want their rewards on this earth. Again, there is a cost to save your life on Earth. There was a cost for the Rich Young Ruler inherit eternal life: he had to sell all his possessions and give to the poor. Let's just say, he walked away from the deal Jesus put on the table.

What makes you tick? What makes you desperate?

You can choose to run from your problems, like I used to... or train yourself to fight the good fight of faith.

My reward will be in heaven.

"Welcome home, my beloved Child." is better than any A I have earned.

He loves me, he loves me not...

I'm sure we have all played the game of "He loves me, he loves me not..." at one point in our lives. I sure did when I was a kid. Little Amy Lou (as my friend's mom called me) plucking leaves from the honey locust tree in the front yard, wondering what the heck life was all about. I would grab a stem of leaves when rushing out the door for another day as a student in the Lake Central School Corporation. [#lcindians]

Today, Love has found me. Yesterday, I was still looking for love. Tomorrow, I will be sustained by His Love.

You may also remember the game of Wheel of Fortune. In this game, you spin a wheel and where the spinner lands, you get the amount on the wheel. In Jesus' game of Wheel of Fortune, all the spots are already filled with Love. The spinner will always land on LOVE because it is impossible for God not to love you.

Love is not romance, just a chance. Love is purposeful. God has purposed in His heart to love you to the END. Jesus died on the cross ON PURPOSE. It wasn't heaven's accident.
God isn't like, 'Woops, I accidentally sent my only Son into the world just to die.'  or 'Woah, I didn't know that he was going to die for the sins of the world.' God knew very well what He was getting Himself into.


In fact, John 3:16 CLEARLY states, "For God 'so loved' the world, that he GAVE his ONE AND ONLY SON JESUS...so that ANYBODY who believes in HIM will not die, but have LIFE FOREVER."

This is love. God knew very well Jesus was going to be handed over to Pilate. Jesus also knew as well. But, didn't let the cup pass from Him. (Luke 22:42) He did the will of his Father. Jesus loved God, until the end of his life on planet Earth.

Listen to: "Strong Love" by Jon Thurlow

Likewise, in Jesus' version of the game of "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not...," the Mighty King only gives us one option to choose from: He Loves Me. There is no other option except for Him to love us. This is why the church sings:

We won't stop pouring out our love to Him

'Cause He loves us every time

Yeah He loves us every time

Jesus Culture - Heaven is Here

God is the very essence of Love. God is Love.

This is the first verse that my aunt, Sofi, decided to teach her daughter, Cristina. Cristina memorized it pretty quickly at the age of two! (1 John 4:8)

God cannot NOT love. He only gives us one option in the end: to love.

#jesusislove

The last traditional game I played of "He loves me, He Loves Me Not....," was at Bellevue Square Mall. I was at the counter checking out, and I decided to prepare the daisy I bought from the store for this blog post. As I started plucking the petals to prepare the daisy for the picture, the palpable presence of God's love was felt across the counter. People noticed the SHIFT in the whole store!

'Amy Lou' shyly tugs at a flower petal, while wondering to herself, "Does this picture look good for my blog?"

CAUTION: FLOWERS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS BLOG

Glory Daisy!

As we grow in His Love for us, confidence grows in who He is and who He has made us to be. In worship, I feel confident singing to him. Ask some of the people who sit next to me in church meetings.

Even as you read Song of Solomon (signifying the bride's love for her bridegroom), the beloved grows more confident in her understanding of the lover's love for her. In marriage, your spouse will open up more and more to you, as he becomes one with you.

"But, Amy...," you ask, "...what about

Those leaves. Those petals. Those pretty little lies.

The disappointments, the hang-ups, the break-ups, the heartaches? What do they all mean? Why did I have to go through that if God 'so loved' me? What is 'so love' anyway?"

We need to find our satisfaction [or identity] in Jesus' 'so love.' To be more secure in the love of God in Christ Jesus. To really know that God has a plan for our good. To remember Him. To be employed with the King of Kings. And to dance in step with the greatest song ever composed. To believe is the answer.

In early 2012 in Waco, Texas, [#wacotown] God whispered to me, "Believe in My Love," as I desperately searched for a drop or snippet of HOPE. The greatest encouragement I have received from Jesus is just that: "Believe in my Love." And those four words will forever mean the world to me. Forever. Believe in My Love, Child. Believe in My Love, Beloved. Believe in my Love, Amy. Believe in My Love, Daughter. Believe in My Love, Princess.

Believe in My Love, ______.

God's Love is not based on the way we think he works. His Love is going to operate in its way (constant, unchanging) whether or not we believe in His Love.

Hopelessness and heartache could be the result of failed or unmet expectations. Sometimes, we put our hope in expectations we put on others. As people, God will not take his unfailing love from us. Because of His Love, we are made to be set free from all condemnation and fear. He calls us to a Higher Place in Him. Because of His Love, we can be set free of everything that hinders his love from resting on each and every one of our lives. He makes all things work together for our good. (Romans 8:28)

Remember:
You are the One He Loves. @judahsmith

I was introduced to the song below from Shaina, a friend of mine from Waco, Texas. She posted the link below on her facebook page back in January. The song so deeply moved me that I proceeded to message her asking her for prayer. She prayed for me and gave me a prophetic word:

1/10, 5:09pm (Amy to Shaina)

Shaina,
I need help from God. Do you have a word or something? I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Amy

1/11, 1:24am (Shaina to Amy)

I feel like He wants you to know that He created you for His good pleasure. That He picked you. He chose you. He wanted you. He adopted you. And He is saying, "Will you trust Me more?" I feel like He wants you to give Him your all. Soul, spirit, mind, body, heart. Yield everything you are at the feet of Jesus and look into His eyes. Spend a few days just gazing upon His beauty as He holds you. Rocks you back and forth. Saying, "I love you. I have always loved you. I will always love you. I've got you now, right here in my arms. Will you trust me? Will you give me your heart? I will give you Mine in exchange. Will you look into My eyes? You fill find peace and healing. Will you lay against my chest. I will hold you. I will embrace you. I will kiss your little rosy cheeks. Come away with Me. Come away."
Read Hosea 2 Amplified Version

1/11, 1:35am (Amy to Shaina)

Shaina, I want to be intimate and spend time with Jesus so badly. And I felt his loving arms around me while I listened to Through and Through by Will Reagan that you posted. Yes. I need this. You are so generous in giving me a word. I am so thankful. I just didn't want him to let me go when he was holding me in his arms when I was listening to that song.

&& I pray you KNOW you are HELD SAFE in the ARMS of LOVE. Welcome to the Family. (1 Peter 2:9)

HE LOVES YOU! 

It's a Waste..... really....

& wherever the gospel is preached, her story will be told...

She didn't have to do that. 

She REALLY, REALLY didn't have to do that.

She is f____ out of her mind.

They start to scorn her:

WHY are you doing that?! You're a f------ whore!
(and the voices around her get louder & louder)

Did you f___ see that, bro?!
Yeah, still a whore- doesn't change who she is.

***

based on Mark 14:3-9 

   One morning, I opened the pantry to find some sort of sugar or spice or SOMETHING else nice. As I was frantically searching, my hand hits the bottle of vanilla and you guess it...the cap was loose. I didn't notice the cap was broken/loose, until there were ounces of vanilla on the countertop. The smell of the vanilla started seeping through the whole kitchen. All my room mates could totally tell that something in kitchen was happening. Recklessness. Ugh, what a waste from a stupid accident.

     ....But this woman's perfume poured out was no accident. This woman recklessly gave all she had at the feet of Jesus. She knew what she was giving away- she was giving away everything that gave her security in her life. Did she know how Jesus would react after she gave she was to him?

But, she had faith in the Messiah.

She knew after she offered what she had from her life, she would become new in his presence. When she gave all she had, she arose from Jesus' feet clean & forgiven. She did not consider her life important apart from Jesus. (Revelation 12:11) Jesus became her new life & hope. After all she had desired, Jesus became her pure desire. (Haggai 2:7)

     Now, imagine yourself in her situation. Do you feel the fragrance of your love on his feet? Do you want to give your life fully to Jesus? Are you afraid of losing your security, a relationship, money, job, or a reputation? Are you afraid your offering to Jesus is not enough? Good, because your offering is not enough, but he will take whatever you have to give him. He offered his life in exchange for your life. He gave himself to bring another person (you) into his glorious presence, with no shame or condemnation.

Now, make your life count. He has given us another chance. If you wish you can press the "reset" button, you can look to the cross of Jesus.

 If all you have is your pain to offer him, pour out your bottled-up pain. He will turn your pain into beauty. It's the great exchange, the only exchange that matters.

God took all our sin and exchanged it for a new life in His Son (Jesus Christ). This is our story. It was her story.

Was her act of giving her perfume truly a waste? Or was it just an exchange?
It was a exchange, a glorious one at that.

HELLO, my name is:

David. David was a camper at the first annual KidzJam Spring Break Camp, Catalyst, in Waco, Texas.  Click Here to find out more about Catalyst. I definitely fell in love with his sweet heart. I remember when I got extremely stressed out for about 2 minutes, and he came up to me, took my hand, & just looked at me and loved me. It was so humbling. Beautiful mercy. Beautiful memory.
David means beloved in Hebrew.

A name. Meaning.
A name. Existence.
A name. Given.
A name. Expectation.

John 10:3 (NIV)

The watchman [or gatekeeper] open the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
concept from New Women's Devotional Bible, 2006, pg. 1300:

What are the favorite names I know for God? 

The Good Shepherd

He will never leave us or forsake us. Psalm 23.

Lover of my soul

He will teach me how to love. Psalm 37:4.

He will love us to the end. 

He will stick closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

Son of God

He will dwell with us; Immanuel. 

My Beloved/His Beloved

He will be One us.

JT, Mirrors- Song of Solomon version:

Beloved

His biggest seat is set in His heart
There's a space, but now we're home.

Lover

My biggest seat is set in my heart

There's a space, but now You're home.

& God knows my name.

He is with me.

He knows how I function.

He wears me like a robe. (comments?)

He speaks to me.

what about the NEW name in heaven (revelation 2:17):

Shekinah

 The King is Here, manifest Presence of God. 

aka---the name of my future daughter :)

HELLO my name is:

"Catch Me if you can" - JESUS.