Thank you

God has truly blessed me. This is the season to be thankful, but shouldn't we constantly give thanks to God? This hit me hard on Sunday during the sermon @ NewSpring. The message was on thanksgiving and at the end of the service we were asked to write a thank you note to God. I couldn't stop the tears from rolling down my cheeks because the day before I had just returned from New Orleans on a mission trip to gut houses that were destroyed because of hurricane Katrina. That trip taught me to be grateful for EVERYTHING I have. Some families lost everything. A year and a half later, there are still parts of New Orleans that do not have power. We take simple things for granted every day. Take a moment, if you will, to think about the things in your life that you take for granted each day.
This is what I wrote in my thank you note:
God, thank you for letting your son die on the cross for my sins. Thank you for the fact that I will never be the same. Thank you for the opportunity and the gift you've given me for working with middle school students. I love them so much. Thank you for my family who loves me so much. Thank you for a SAFE home, my car, my clothes, food and supplying every need I've ever had. Thank you for my friends that spur and encourage me every day. Thank you for Will. I'm blown away by you. Thank you for your perfect plan for me. Thank you for the change in me. Thank you for New Orleans. It is an experience that has marked my life in such a way that I will never forget it. Thank you for your beauty and your excellence. I LOVE YOU. Thanks again, Megan
If you are reading this, feel free to share some of the things you are thankful for. Don't forget the little things this season. Merry Christmas! With that, I'm out like bread and milk at the grocery store when the forcast calls for snow.

What would you do?

Yesterday in my Education 206 (Nature of the Exceptional Child) class Dr. McCuen gave us a handout and asked us to read it and react to it.

"As Christian individuals and future teachers, we are often faced with moral and ethical questions. Are there any circumstances in which it would be justified to kill a disabled newborn infant? Consider this situation. Anencephahics are infants born without cortexes (higher brains) and sometimes with damaged brain stems (lower brains). Without a brain, the backs of their skills are empty. They will never gain consciousness, will never develop preferences or desires, will never recognize pain, and will never think or form emotions. In other words, they will never develop personhood. Unless attached to life support, most will die within three hours of birth. Whether doctors kill these infants by removing their organs, or they die naturally in their parent's arms, the result is the same: the infant dies. Organs are most viable when removed before the body's natural death. If parents desire to save the lives of other babies by allowing doctors to remove organs from their brain-dead children, should the law stop them? This is currently illegal form of infanticide."

What do you think?

Top 10's

Top 10 things I'm thankful for today
10. Books to read
9. Clothes to wear
8. A bed to sleep in
7. Food to eat
6. Education
5. AMAZING friends
4. NewSpring-the most PHENOMENAL church ever
3. Ignite Middle School Ministry
2. My (off-the-chain) family
1. God, who is bigger than I could ever imagine!

and random Top 10...for no obvious reason, whatsoever! (wink, wink)

Top 10 things that make a first date unforgettable
10. Good food
9. Bun warmers in car seats
8. Random questions
7. Old School
6. References to Talladega Nights
5. Laying/Spinning in the street
4. A search for coffee that ends up at a gas station
3. Watching some metal object get SMACKED by a train
2. Waiting on the train
1. A gentleman

Have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!

Deliriously

So, I started this blog once already...and then completely deleted everything because I was rambling. I'm in a such a delirious state, in awe of God and in need of sleep. In awe of God because I love when He takes control of even the minute details in life and conducts a symphony that is so sweet, I can't help but dance. He orchestrates everything perfectly, in His time. It's simply beautiful. Also, I'm deliriously in need of sleep because I stayed up late studying for my big religion test. With that being said, it's time I hit the hay. I'm out like the lights...it's bedtime for Bonzo.

The Screwtape Letters

In what little spare time I have, I am reading THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS by C.S. Lewis. The book is brilliantly written as a collection of letters from one demon to another. The "affectionate Uncle SCREWTAPE" is writing to his nephew Wormword about tempting a man who has recently been saved. The letters are woven with tips on how the nephew can tempt this man from his new found faith. There are so many profound ideas that I would never have conceived of had this book not been written from this specific perspective. Through the first few letters, I was made fully aware of areas in my life where I am suseptable to the enemy. Screwtape even advises ways to distract the man from prayer. Maybe I'm just naive, but I had no idea that I could be under attack while I was praying. I had experienced this before, not knowing that it was an attack, merely assuming that I was easily distracted. The more I read, the more I am being made aware of my weaknesses. Praise God! I don't want to stay the same and be content in my walk. I want grow daily, and growing daily is going to take God constantly refining me like silver-putting me to the heat and watching the impurities rise to the top as he scrapes them away. It's really amazing to see how God is changing my life constantly, not only in the big picture, but in the little parts that really make a difference. I'm truly glad that He is a stickler for details!

I ♥ Denny's

So, October came and went in the blink of an eye. I've been so brilliantly busy this semester that I've hardly had the time to write. As I sit here at 1 AM on the first day of November, I'm in a reflective state of mind. I say this semester has been brilliantly busy. Not to say that I haven't been frustrated, anxious, and even a little bit overwhelmed in some moments, but overall my God has been SO faithful. Even in the midst of the grind of every day, I am utterly blessed with amazing friends and surrounded by people never cease to support me. Not only do I have amazing friends, but I also have a God who loves me and has chosen me to serve Him in SO many spectacular ways. I am just in awe of God. When I feel as if my stomach has turned inside out and my brain is spinning in a million different directions, God has a plan. I rest on this.
Tonight I had a talk with my dear friend Cida over cappucinno at Denny's. We were convinced that we were going to study, but that didn't happen. Lately, I've been slightly confused on a certain subject, but WOW does our Lord prevail. After a God-filled conversation with Miss Cida I feel a renewed hope and trust in my God and His plan for me. It's really breathtaking to know that no matter how many times you may hear a message, no matter how much you think you know...God can blow you away with one simple coversation. Praise God for Denny's and french vanilla cappuccino. Praise God for PHENOMENAL (hehe) friends. **SIGH** With that, I'm out light the lights...it's time for bed, YO!

Am I ready?

And yet again...it's been a while. Life has been crazy-hectic. I think I somehow hit the switch and changed things into overdrive. My fifth semester @ AU is halfway over, ALREADY! I feel as if I just came back to school and I find myself studying for midterm exams. What on earth did I miss?! I seriously feel like I don't sit down for a minute, ok I'm sitting down right now, but that's not the point. I'm at work, one of my two jobs here on campus. This one just so happens to be student library assistant. (No nerd comments, please) I'm constantly on the move. I'm on a pair of roller blades on a down hill slope, with no brakes and no where soft to plant my tush. So, I just have to suck it up an roll with it; drinking in the moments as best I can as the flash before me. Wow, I just wish things would slow down a bit. I only have a year and a half left in college. A year and a half before the...GULP...real world. Am I ready?
That seems to be the question of the year for me! Am I ready to take this test? Am I ready to go to work? Am I ready to teach at campus groups? Am I ready to date? So many decisions. What's a girl to do? Thank God I can pray...if not I think I would I would have already been shipped to the luney bin. My Lord, my God is my strength and my song. I would be lost without him and his consistancy! With that, I'm out like my free time.

Guard Your Heart

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" Proverbs 4:23

It is the wellspring of life? Wellspring-origin, fountainhead, source...of life; the origin of your existence, the source of who you are. Your heart defines your character, it is the core of your beliefs, your values and your motives. God sees your heart. Seems pretty important doesn't it? It's not something you should wear on your sleeve for all the world to see, to mock, to steal. A heart should be hidden in Christ. Your source of life should be found in Christ, not on notebook paper surrounding the name of someone who may or may not reciprocate your feelings. God sent His son to die on a cross for you, it would seem a no brainer that your heart should belong to Him. Yet daily we devote our passions to things of this world that will not matter in the long run; to things that will not last.
Sadly, it's really easy for me to get on a soap box and speak about matters of the heart, but it's hard for me to apply this to my own life. My heart has lived on my sleeve for so long now. It's difficult for me to guard myself from the attention and "cloud 9" experiences of romantic feelings, but God has a more consistent love for me. God has a love that will not disappoint me on days when another girl looks better than I do; a love that will not play with my emotions; a love that will surpass any type of love that I have ever known (or not known). God is my rock, so you can call my heart Excalibur. Until my rock releases my heart, I will guard my heart in Him. With that, I'm out like the New Kids on the Block.

At a Low

So, I've been massively busy. In this chaos that I call life lately, I've sacraficed time with God for various forms of busy-ness. I can feel it. To my core, I feel it. I feel the chains of sinful nature attempting to wrap themselves around my arms and legs and drag me back to the bondage of resisting my faith. Right here in this moment I feel helpless, yet I know that the only ONE I can fall back on is the very ONE I have been denying daily. There's only one solution. Get back to the basics. I need to spend more time in prayer and more time in God's word. He is the only rock that I can stand on. Life brings many disappointments and heartaches, yet God will stand through the rockiest storms of life. Like the song says, "Oh no, you never let go, through the calm and through the storm Oh no you never let go, every high and every low, oh no you never let go, Lord you never let go of me!" God doesn't let me go. He's seen me through it and now "I can see the light that is coming, for the heart that holds on." Knowing that I have hope in Christ is all that I need knowledge of. So with that, I'm out like me...I was the fat kid in dodge ball!

Blah de blah blah blah

It's been a while. I've been SUPER busy. Sunday I moved in at AU and I've been going ever since. Wow...it feels good to sit down and chill for a while. Not really much to write, not in a writing mood--just wanted to let you know I was still here and hadn't fallen off the face of the earth. With that, I'm out.

Thankful

The lunch buzzer just sounded here at Hendricks Fabrication, Inc. and after twenty minutes of listening testosterone driven, Godless conversation I'm thankful. I'm so thankful that God has placed some amazing Christian men in my life that encourage me and set a standard for my dating relationships. Knowing the guys that I know has truly saved me from distructive relationships that could have been detrimental to my walk with God. I know that there are men out there who strive to serve God daily. There are guys who respect a woman for her relationship with God and see her as more than a possession or something they seek to conquer. There are men who treat women as sisters in Christ rather than arm candy to make them look good. Praise God for the Christian men in my life; they are the true men. With that, I'm out like Sammy Sosa on a bat-breaker.

Baby Steps

i ♥ this poem.

I'm Just Me

Have you ever felt God's calling in such a strong and unexplainable way that it brought tears to your eyes? You see something and you just feel it, at the center of who you are--you feel a tug on your heart. I know that God has called me to teach English. There is no doubt about that. A lot of my friends have other callings; some of them being foreign missions. So, this morning (in my state of boredom) I started investigating different mission opportunities that several of my friends have mentioned, only to accidentally come upon one that grabbed my heart in such a way that I seriously had tears in my eyes. I've never done that before, so undoubtedly when that first tear rolled down my cheek, I was like "WHAT in the WORLD?!" Just in case you are wondering, this is what grabbed me--the chance to teach overseas or in South America.
This is the point when I started talking back to God. It went a little something like this, "Lord, I'm just a country girl from Pickens with plans graduate from college and teach at a small high school or middle school in South Carolina. I have to teach in South Carolina for four years to pay back my Teaching Fellows scholarship. I'm just me. How could I ever relate to people from a foreign country?" Then I shut up because the more I read the more I realized how much bigger God is than my plans for me. I found another set of pearls that I don't want to let go of--my future. I have plans for myself, but God has bigger and more amazing plans than I could ever dream of. This shouldn't be scary to me.
This is where I share a little bit more that shows how God's plans are so much bigger than mine. As of right now, if I were to take two summer classes next summer I could graduate a semester early. However, with the extra hours I would have if I were to stay for that final semester, I could possibly earn a minor. I actually considered a Spanish minor...and now God is calling me to use my teaching in places I never imagined. WOW. This excites me! It excites me so much that I just want to start planning everything...then I realize that it's not up to me. This is God's vision. He'll clarify more if I patiently wait on Him. Seriously, look at how He used my boredom this morning. He's using the desires of my heart to fulfill His plan for me in ways I never thought possible. CRAZY!!! After all that, I'm extremely speechless. So, with that, I'm out.

Praxis

After three hours in the testing center today, I passed the writing and reading part of the PRAXIS I! WOOHOO In three weeks I'll get the results back for the writing portion. Just thought I would share that little tidbit...thanks for the prayers! With that I'm out like the sun, cuz it is BLAZIN today!

What Are Your Pearls?

Jenny's Pearl Necklace

The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.
"Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!" Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.
"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma." As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her piggy bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores. She went to the neighbor, Mrs. McJames, and asked if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere--Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother had told her that if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"
"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then may I have your pearls?"
"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess--the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite."
"That's okay, honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"
"Daddy, you know I love you."
"Then will you give me your pearls?"
"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."
"That's okay, Honey. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss. A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"
Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. When she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you." With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the prized necklace. With the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case. He handed the handsome velvet case to Jenny and told her, "Thank you for giving me your most prized possesion that you even saved for all by yourself. Here Honey, I have this for you also. I wanted to trade you, but I was going to give these to you tonight either way."
As Jenny pryed open the blue velvet box, so nice a thing itself she'd never known, the glistening white sheen of the rich genuine pearls struck her teary eyes.

All of that said to say this; imagine yourself as Jenny and God as Jenny's dad. To show we love God, sometimes we have to open up our hand and let something go--only for God to place His best in our possession. Tonight after spending time with some Godsent friends of mine I realized that God is calling me to let something go. To be honest, God is calling me to let go of a crush (Yes, I am still a silly little girl with a crush). It dawned on me on the ride home tonight. Earlier today I read part of Captivating by John and Stasi Eldridge that showed me more about the role of woman. In Genesis, Eve is referred to in Hebew as the ezer kenegdo which has been translated to mean "helper" or "companion" or "help meet"-whatever that's supposed to mean. But what John and Stasi emphasize is that further studies of the word ezer have shown that it is only used twenty other times in the Bible, each time referring to the lifesaving power of God that we are desperate for. While ezer means desperately needed help, kenegdo is translated as alongside, opposite, or counterpart. So, what I got from this is that woman's role is to encourage and give the man in her life the help that he desperately needs to grow in Christ. Tonight it struck me that I could not be this for my said crush (not because I'm not a woman of God or that I'm not good enough, but because we are at two different places in our lives and in our walks with Christ). He deserves an ezer kenegdo, a woman who is uniquely capable of helping him grow daily in his walk with Christ. So my prayer tonight is that God continues to reveal His divine vision for me daily and that my ex-crush will be blessed with an amazing woman who can serve him and help him be the amazing man of God that I know he is capable of being. It's definitely going to be a challenge to give that up, but sometimes you just have to let go of the pearls. With that, I'm out like the lights, b/c I'm up way too late.

BLAH

I cannot wait until tonight. Do you ever just have a lousy day? Today is one of those days. I woke up only to turn off my alarm and fall back asleep...to wake up again to a different alarm--severe pain in my lower stomach. Mom discovered me curled up in a ball about ten minutes after I woke and made an appointment w/ Doctor Debbie who sent me to my favorite place in the world--and I mean that with the sincerist sarcasm, Easley Baptist Medical Center, for a procedure that called for my bladder to be full for an entire hour while a lady pressed on my stomach. NOT FUN! Only to wait for the results tomorrow that I already know what the outcome is going to be because I've been through this whole process before. FRUSTRATION! (Side note-don't worry it's nothing life threatening, or life changing...just a little minor thing that can be cleared up with some meds...but it is painful, so pray for me) Luckily, my friend Brittney called just in the nick of time to volunteer to join me in a voyage to downtown G-vegas; the get-away much needed after today. So when Brit gets off work @ 5, my day will be on its way to melting away in a nice steamy cup of java and classic conversation. Thank God for coffee and friends. With that...I'm out like my patience BEFORE my cup of coffee.

Rareness

Just thought I would share that for a good laugh! This is the first, last, and only picture of me as a cheerleader at the chubby cheeked age of 7. This is a rare find, so enjoy.

Speaking of rare finds, I must say that I am SO blessed with the most amazing friends. Last night I began to realize how God has strategically placed amazing people in my life at the exact moment that He intended. I have guy friends who are absolutely amazing--guys who pay me compliments and protect me as a sister in Christ. I have amazing girl friends who are always there for me with an ear to listen and arms wide open. I am truly blessed with some absolutely amazing friends. I know I always have someone to lean on. On that, I'm out like Neil Diamond.

The Dance

I've recently discovered that my walk with God isn't exactly a walk, it's more of a dance. God wants to take the lead and move me to the rhythm of His grace. However, there are times when it is hard for me to allow Him to lead because I want to go a different direction than He wants to take me, or He wants to dip me into His will and I'm just not ready or willing. When I try to take the lead I mess up the dance and make my life look like a one legged ostrich on crack doing the hokey pokey to the musical stylings of Neil Diamond. Even though I do mess up the dance, God wants to make my life as beautiful as it possibly can be. Isn't it awesome to think that God loves me so much that He wants to dance with me everyday for the rest of my life. I love to dance, so this is a beautiful thought for me. With that...I'm out like that one legged ostrich in a dance competition.

Random Babblings

Note the pug in this picture...this will be me next Thursday just before I take the Praxis I. This very expensive test partially determines my acceptance into the College of Education @ Anderson U. Pray that God will grant me peace about this and that I will pass this stinking thing the first time so that I don't have to pay to take it again. Preesh!
Anywho...I was just reading my friend Brittney's blog and of all things, she had a list. If you read my previous blog The List, then you know I am obsessed with lists. It's my lunch break, I am bored...and so I am stealing Brit's idea and making a list much like the one on her blog. Her list consisted of her favorite lyrics from various songs. So...this is my list. Feel free to comment if you like the lyrics and would like to know the song or artist.

Painted skies, I've seen so many that cannot compare to your ocean eyes.

I see heaven in your eyes And feel God movin in this room Ain't love the greatest gift of all Ain't it amazing what desire can do

Spread wide in the arms of Christ is the love that covers sin No greater love have I ever known You considered me a friend Capture my heart again

As I look off into the distance Watching the sun roll on by Beautiful colors all around me, oh Painted all over the sky The same hands that created all of this They created you and I What a beautiful God

Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea Would call out through the rain And calm the storm in me

I thought I could resist you I thought that I was strong Somehow you were different from what I've known I didn't see you coming You took me by surprise and You stole my heart before I could say no

Do you like midnight dancing, soaked in fireflies, laced with moonlight, hidden in the night?

She's the kind of girl who let's music do the talking, she dances while she's walking next to me

Filling pages with the same old secrets I still want just you Blackbird on a lonely wire do you think about me too

As the ruby in the setting As the fruit upon the tree As the wind blows over the plains So are you to me

You changed it all You broke down the wall When I spoke and confessed In You I'm blessed Now I walk in the light In victorious sight of You

On the edge of the world She'd rather jump than just look down

Look in my eyes, what do you see? Not just the color Look inside of me

I bet you never had a clue But I'd do anything to be with you I'd leave this place in a heartbeat I'd move away from my sweet home Just to be your faithful tag-along I'd follow you forever

Hope you enjoyed my sparatic ramblings today. I'm a bit ADD at the moment, but what's new, right? With that, I'm out like my adderall. ( I don't really take adderall, but if I did, the way I'm acting right now would be how I would act when it is out...just in case you were wondering.)

Pressure Washing Prayer

Lately, I've been asking God to change my attitude about dating and to show me what I was doing wrong because I know that the way I look at dating and my whole approach to the issue is totally out of whack. So, this morning, while I was pressure washing @ work--yes, I was pressure washing--I was praying that God would show me how to glorify Him in all that I do when God revealed to me that this is where I was going wrong--I've been dating to satisfy myself. I should take each date as an opporunity to show someone the love of God and to point them towards Jesus rather than myself. So that was definitely a breath of fresh air. This also helped me to realize why God is still waiting to allow someone special to cross my path. He is still teaching me so many things about Himself and how I can better serve Him. Wow...maybe I should pressure wash more often. With that, I'm out like bell bottom jeans.

The List

Yes, this is my second blog of the day, but I feel it necessary to make up for lost time when I skipped a week of writing. Besides, I am a blog writing fiend. While being a blog writing fiend, I am a list writing queen. I make lists when I'm bored. One such list started at the beginning of last semester. I took the list with me to class each day and when I got bored I would day dream and add more to the list. "What is this list?" You may be asking yourself right now. This list, it is THE LIST of all lists. This is the list of things that make me smile. Things I love. More could probably be added, but this is the sum total of things I placed on my list throughout this semester. With no further adieu, I give you THE LIST (in no particular order, except for the first one):

I ♥ JESUS, Gieco commercials, French Vanilla capuccino, volleyball, reading, wild flowers, hiking, mountains, beaches, Matthew McCaughnehey, 4-wheeling, flip-flops, picnics, Brewsters ice cream, kids, golf, Clemson, fleece blankets, YOUTH MINISTRY, Reeces, Will Hoge, giraffes, Burt's Beeswax, Goodwill, cobalt blue, big trucks, Applebees, hands, beta fish, flat pillows, antiques, Mork & Mindy, small towns, drawing, downtown G-Vegas, beagles, acoustic guitars, unique picture frames, concerts, bottle caps, coffee houses, MY Atlanta Braves, sunglasses, camouflage, painting, frisbee golf, gaudy earrings, summer thunderstorms, football, t-shirts, breakfast, Texas Hold 'Em, random greeting cards, the lake, Chick-fil-a biscuits, The Price is Right, individuality, swings, peanut butter cookies, handkerchiefs, TJ Maxx, lap tops, bargains, Aquafina, Scrabble, learning, purses, shoes, Redbull, seahorses, Carhartts, laughing, baseball caps, Alf, battle scars, accents, onomatopoeia, ultimate frisbee, rollercoasters, English, Shakespeare, Granny Smith apples, Shel Silverstein, TEACHING, poetry, worship, new car smell, Old Spice deodorant, memories, decorating, Dirty Dancing, a clear night sky, my friends, inside jokes, writing, smiling, White Cherry Blossom by Bath & Body Works, ZZ Top, and LOVE!

If you read through that, I applaud you! I hope you enjoyed my random boredom inspired list for Spring Semester '06 @ good ol' Anderson U. Maybe there will be another boredom inspired list for Fall Semester '06. We shall see. Until next time, stay classy San Diego...I mean I'm out like the feeling in my rear end from sitting here long enough to type that list.

Blog Stalker

I am officially a blog stalker. It started off innocent enough--I would simply read the blogs of the people I knew. Then, it spread to the people's blog's listed on my friends pages. And now I have become addicted. Anyway...while I was giving in to this new found addiction today I came across the blog of a guy named Ben. I don't even know him or how I ended up at his blog, it just happened through my course of "blog jumping". After reading a few of his entries I realized how God was speaking to me through his blog. Something he had written just struck a chord with me. It went a little something like this:
"I've said it before, but I don't think God wants us to worry about relationships, or finding a wife/husband, girlfriend/boyfriend. I just don't. To me, walking alone means freeing oursleves to focus on God's vision for our lives, instead of focusing on making a relationship work. And if God wants us to be with the other person, then He will make our paths cross at the right time and place. Pretty simple..."
I pray that God will bless me with this attitude. I want to be completely satisfied with God and consumed with Him; rather than straying off the path to attempt to enjoy someone or something that might be a detour, I want to stay on the beautiful road God has chosen for me so that I can glorify Him in all that I do.
While I have struggles here and there, I have to say that God is doing some amazing things in my life right now:
1. I used to struggle with my confidence, but now I have friends that are constantly encouraging me. They are such a blessing, I love you guys!
2. I prayed that God would surround my sister with Jesus-loving friends and after two visits to Ignite, God has done that.
3. My mom and I used to argue, a lot--but God is teaching me daily how to serve and love my mom rather than argue with her.
4. My home group is one of the most amazing groups of women I have ever met. God has blessed me with accountability and people who can help me grow in my walk.
5. God is constantly speaking to me, even in the most random ways and random moments. He rocks my face off!
The list could pretty much go on forever. I serve an awesome God. There is nothing like the joy He gives me! On that, I'm out--like me when 4:30 rolls around!

I DISLIKE JUNIPER

This is juniper. It is the plant world equivalent of satan, I'm thoroughly convinced. Let me explain. To make some money this summer my dad so graciously decided to give me a job. My understanding was that I would be answering phones and doing busy work entering bills, etc.-your typical secretary. Little did I know that I would soon become the go-fer, the landscaper, the cleaning lady, AND the secretary. Who knew I could be so versatile?
Today was landscaping day. So, I've been outside all morning cleaning out the flower bed beside their 18-wheeler dock-aka weed city. Upon removing all of the weeds I realized that the flower bed had been overtaken by the juniper and it's running roots. Thus, I began to attempt to pull it up. Impossible. Next I took the shovel and jammed it underneath attempting to pull it up by that method-no good either. Lastly, I took the shears and cut the problem off at the root. During all this I began to think about how life is a lot like that flower bed. When left alone without the touch of a gardener, things get out of hand and overrun by weeds and roots. When our life isn't touched my the One who tends our garden, we get overrun by sin and everything that has the potential to be beautiful becomes an ugly mess. Thank God for shears! And thank God for lunch...I'm out like the weeds I got rid of this morning!

20-Something

Thus far in my life I have come to the conclusion that the age of 20 is the most confusing, pivotal, crazy, & amazing year of your life. Confusing-there are so many decisions to make in this year of life-college major, relationships, lifestyle choices, moral decisions...you name, you're probably deciding it at this age. Pivotal-due to the confusing choices and decisions aforementioned, I think that this one is already explained. Crazy- this is the age when you begin to realize you are growing up all of a sudden, therefore there are times when you revert back to your childish ways and attempt to have as much fun as possible before you have to become a real adult. Amazing-friendships are born, new paths are chosen, adventure is at your fingertips...being 20 isn't all that bad; sometimes scary, but not all that bad. Looking back over the last 3 years I realize what a difference a year makes. I spend time with people who are a few years ahead of me and sometimes I feel as if I can relate and others, I feel like I am totally lost; all part of growing up, I guess. I'm just so thankful that I am a 20 year old who knows Jesus. If it weren't for God's guidance and hand in my life...I would be one messed up individual. On that, I'm out like the Diet Green Tea with Citrus because I'm about to drink the last one (mwuahahahahaha).

Poetic Musings

Here's a rough copy of my thoughts today poured into the mold of a slightly impromptu poem.

As I sit here today
Surrounded by walls

That are papered so gray
I wonder

Much bigger than mine
God has a plan
He holds my future
In the palm of His hand
And I trust Him
Still I wonder

Is the desire of my heart
One divinely planted
Or is this temptation?
I can’t take for granted
But I trust Him
Yet I wonder

Who can love
Someone ragged as me
Even though I am
A daughter of the King
I trust this
And still wonder

Is there a prince
Who can see past the sin
That covers my crown
And pulls me down again
I wonder

And while I wonder
This I know
Grace covers me
Makes me white as snow
His majesty is seen
He shines through it all
And gives me wings
So I don’t have to fall
So I trust Him
While I wonder

It's still a rough copy-many things to edit about it. Yet, it still provides a since of the scrambled thoughts I have today. So scrambled. Anywho...I'm out like Lee McD @ the Carpentar's Cellar tonight (don't miss it, even thought I'm going to).

Song of the Day

Check out Save Yourself here.

Gotta Have Faith

Will I believe you when you say
Your hand will guide my every way
Will I receive the words You say
Every moment of every day
Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me
--"Walk by Faith" Jeremy Camp

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

It's such a comfort to know that my Father has a plan for me. A plan that is greater than I could ever ask or imagine. Yet, daily I try to go on with my own plan for my life. I'm constantly trying to take control and, being the stubborn being that I am, constantly falling flat on my face for trying to go at things alone. It's amazing how different a relationship or a decision can be when God's hand is in it. He has truly shown me this week that I am weak without Him and I cannot do this on my own. This is my struggle. Faith. Pray for me, that I will have faith in God's plan for me rather than taking matters into my own hands. I don't want to settle for mediocrity. I want to glorify God in all that I do. 'Preciate the prayers in advance! On that, I'm out like the weakest link...GOODBYE!

A little jolt never hurt anybody

Do you ever just feel like that little kid that knows not to stick a paper clip in the light socket b/c mom said it was wrong. Not until you get that jolt that shows you just how right mom was do you realize that you knew it was going to hurt all along. Well, right now, I sort of feel like that little kid. Only this isn't the first time I've gone and gotten myself shocked.
I'm horrible at relationships. ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE. I've tried so much to defend myself from the enemy, but it's no use. I haven't allowed God to be my spiritual fortress, so my defenses are down. Rather than hiding my heart in God, I've left the poor thing dangling on my sleeve. Just when I thought that I was growing so strong in my walk with God, speeding down the spiritual highway...I allow myself to get caught up and throw the thing reverse without lifting my foot off the gas. That spells disaster. That's why I'm still up at almost midnight. Rather than whispering in my ear telling me to stop what I'm doing, God is all up in my grill tonight. Thanks God, I definitely needed that jolt! On that note...I'm out like MC Hammer's money.

Hello Stranger!

It's definitely been 10 days since my last blog. I went on vacay last week to Chucktown so I've been out of comission for about a week. Sorry to those who missed me....and sorry to disappoint, however, I just finished cutting the grass around my dad's shop so, I'm not in a very creative/writing/blogging mood. Just wanted to let my readers know I didn't fall off of the face of the earth. When I get into the blogging mood I will be sure to leave you faithful blog stalkers some juicy tidbits about my adventures over the past week. Until then, I'm out like my energy after driving the Kabota tractor all morning.

Finally, Into Marvelous Light

WOW...what a night!! I just got back from the benefit concert that our praise band put on at the William A. Floyd amphitheater at the Civic Center. Let me tell you, God rocked my socks off! Worshipping is incredible, but when you get to do so with so many amazing friends, it becomes just that much more of a blessing. While I was basking in His glory along with some wonderful people, God really just reached down and touched my heart tonight. During the song, "Fire Fall Down" there is a part that says "'Cause I know that you're alive, you came to fix my broken life, I'll sing to glorify your holy name, Jesus Christ!" and then another part that says "I'll never be the same." And God just kept speaking to me and showing me how much He has changed me in the past year of my life. Those reading this blog that knew me a year ago know that I am a totally different person. I owe all the thanks and glory to my one and only Savior. I recently started reading through some of Paul's letters starting with Galatians and throughout I could absolutely connect with Paul. I was wrapped up in a sinful life, one that I knew was wrong because I had a relationship with God since I was very young.
In this verse, which has been the title of my blog before, Paul just spills his heart. "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life" 1 Timothy 1:15-16. That verse blows me away and gives me so much hope at the same time. To think that a year ago I was drenched in a crimson stain but because He brought me to fall on my face at FCA on October 24, 2005 and give my life back to Him instead of running, He wants to use my messed up life to glorify him. Now that is true power! So now, instead of running towards sin and away from God…INTO MARVELOUS LIGHT I’M RUNNING, OUT OF DARKNESS OUT OF SHAME! BY THE CROSS YOU ARE THE TRUTH! YOU ARE THE LIFE! YOU ARE THE WAY!-sorry I just had to burst into song! What?! Jesus has that effect on me! So, I just really felt God lay it on my heart to spill how great His glory, how vast His mercy, and how unending His power is. But don’t take my word for it. Check out these verses, too—Ephesians 2:1-10. It’s beautiful! With that, I’m out like all of my clothes in the middle of my floor—give me a break, I’m packing for the beach!

P.S. Marissa (probably spelling your name wrong) thanks for the verbal props to my blog tonight! It's nice to know that even though they may not leave comments, people are reading and maybe even getting something from my blog. Thanks chick! YOU SERIOSLY ROCK! :-)

Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's...Jesus

Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's...Jesus. You were expecting me to say Maybelline, weren't you? For all you guys out there that don't know what I am talking about, this is a popular catch phrase for the makeup company Maybelline, New York. While I was getting ready this morning, putting on my own makeup actually, I overhead the television downstairs which was tuned in to an infomercial on Sheer Cover makeup (not associate with Maybelline ,New York). Some of the ear-catching phrases included "It will change your day, it will change your week, it will change the way people perceive you." "We have a GREAT GREAT GREAT product here." "It changed my life." More women went on to say that it was such a life changing, pivotal aspect of their life that they had to tell all of their friends about it. Women, when you find a new type of makeup that just gives you this GLOW that you've never had before-do you feel the need to tell your friends about it? More than likely, the answer is yes. Think about it. You're sitting around having coffee, or whatever it is you drink, with your best girlfriends and someone compliments your skin and then you go on this twenty minute schpeel about your new makeup and how they just MUST try it. Here's the twist. How awesome would it be if the next time someone complimented you on your glow, or your appearance if you gave God the glory. Don't you agree that he is a "GREAT GREAT GREAT product." He's also able to "change your day...change your week...change the way people perceive you." Wouldn't you say God is more worthy than the makeup company that produces your favorite cover up? This hit me really hard because I was really caught up in this infomercial and thinking "man I have got to try this stuff" when God spoke to me. It went a little something like this:
Me (thinking): Man, this stuff is awesome! It can cover up anything.
God: Hey...Megan. You know, my son can cover up more than that makeup. He covers the sin of the world.
Me: Wow, you're right. I've got to write this down!
And here I am now, writing this blog about how Jesus is better than makeup. Here's the challenge. Ladies-when you start to give a makeup company or a clothes manufacturer the glory for your appearance, give God the glory for the beautiful creation of yourself. You are beautiful inside and it shows through. With that, I'm out like the sunshine on the B-E-A-Utiful day!

Upward Influence

Lately I've really felt God speaking to me in BIG ways and satan has been fighting it tooth and nail. He's throwing everything he's got at me...too bad God always wins. If I were to try to do things on my own I would fail miserably, but through God's grace and power I am safe from these attacks. Anywho...the BIG plans satan is trying to bash are the plans that my friend Brittney and I have to create a Christian magazine for girls--one with a Christian approach to the issues addressed in Cosmo, etc; an approach that is creative and relevant, just like our church (NewSpring). Check out Brit's blog, also under my link list, for more info about our magazine concept. By now you are probably wondering, "So what does 'Vertical' have to do with this blog? Well, that is Brit's design for the cover of our mag. Vertical, an Upward Influence. For more on the creative aspects, seriously check out Brit's blog. She's brilliant. On that, I'm out like me--I was the fat kid in dodge ball!

Beck's B-day

My little sister is 14 today...14!! It seems like just yesterday she was just learning how to knock on my door, then picking my lock, and now she's all grown up and stealing my clothes when I'm not looking. Even though the six year difference has proven a huge gap at times, I love her so much and I know that God has some big plans for her. She is so amazing! I know, I am biased, but I think that she is the prettiest girl in the world and that I am going to have to beat the boys off with a stick when she goes to high school next year. Ahhh geez! She'll be driving soon! That scares me! I feel like such a mother now. Anywho...that's all I've got for now. I'm out like J-Lo in a...you get the picture.

Styrofoam Cups and Puzzles

Have you ever felt like a styrofoam cup--a styrofoam cup full of Jesus? I have. Bare with me here as I attempt to explain my wild comparison. There are situations and people in life that can sometimes poke holes in your spiritual life (aka your cup), causing Jesus to be drained out of you. There are also people and situations which make you feel as if the holes have been repaired and you are filling back up again. While the getting filled part sounds a whole lot better than the being drained part, think of it this way--while you are being drained, Jesus is pouring out of you onto others (I think that there is a parable about this in the Bible except talking about water jugs and cracks and my Bible is in my car because I'm about to leave to go to Ignite; anywho, if someone reading this knows what I am talking about, feel free to comment). At the time, these draining sessions can seem like they are not from God--but trust is an absolute must when you feel spiritually drained. Trust that Jesus will fill you back up. To be filled back up though, you have to be willing to pour yourself into His Word and commit yourself to Jesus loving fellowship. Today at lunch was one such example.
After church I had the blessed opportunity to go to lunch with several wonderful people that share my passion for youth ministry. We had an absolute blast joking around and getting serious about our relationships with God. It was so encouraging and amazing to experience exactly what Perry talked about today in his sermon about running the Christian marathon. Companionship is essential to repairing and refilling your spiritual styrofoam cup. Funny how this ties into a conversation I was having with my friend Jeremy last night about relationships. At the time I thought that the conversation only related to romantic relationships, but it can apply to platonic relationships as well. People in relationships are like pieces of a puzzle. You see some pieces stuck together that don't quite fit like they should but they belong to the same puzzle creating a picture somewhat like that of Picasso with the picture distorted and out of whack; or you see two pieces that fit together, but are meant to make up two different puzzles with a big picture that is totally different like putting the Little Mermaid in the Star Wars special addition puzzle. Lastly, there are people that fit together perfectly with their big picture being that of the glory of Christ. How awesome would it be if we chose to glorify God with all our relationships? Sure, the pieces may start off looking like mismatches, but imagine if we poured out our cups so that Jesus may change those puzzle pieces and through us change the big picture of that relationship to His glory. That being said, in dating relationships I don't agree with Christians pairing with non-Christians (it's not biased, it's Biblical-2 Corinthians 6:14) but I do believe that we are called to meet people where they are and create relationships that will glorify God and show the love of Jesus so that we can make His name famous. Whew...I will get off my soap box now! I'm out like Ferris Bueller on his day off.

Poetry Night

Pull out your coffee mugs, your snapping fingers, and your bean bag chair...it's poetry night! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is poetry night! I read Lee McD's blog earlier and his words just inspired me to write. I figured while I was at it I would share a few other's I've written--before my writer's block occurred. Enjoy, comment, & hopefully be inspired.

Untitled, until I know your name (6/23/06)

Everything happens for a reason
I guess that's why we've yet to meet
There are greater hands and greater plans
Over our heads , under His feet
I've messed up a time or two
But now I'll wait with patient eyes
Save my love and save my future
With my heart set towards the skies

Only peace from God can win me
His perfect love protects my soul
My heart is hidden in His hands
For my love to Him you'll go
So seek His word and seek His purpoose
While you wait to see my face
I pray that you will love me
But next to God, I'm second place

We'll begin with a seed of friendship
And we'll watch it grow with time
With God's Light and loving care
One faithful day I'll call you mine
But until we see that coming day
When God allows our love to bloom
I pray that God will bless your life
And hope He brings you to me soon


The Beauty of the Moon (12/21/2005)


The moon waxes and wanes with the fading of the days
Dancing in and out of sight with every changing phase
Depending on the sun for her inconsistent light
She cannot find the source within so she may shine as bright
Why must the moon seek light from an outward source,
Why is her beauty hidden with such a great remorse?

When the moon is full, with her borrowed light
She can make one stop and stare as she shines all through the night
Her beauty isn=t hidden when the sun gives all
But when the sun is absent, darkness soon will fall
The moon is new with the absence of her sun
But she continues looking for the light from her only one

The moon cannot appreciate the phase when she is new
A time to search for light within, instead of being blue
She only looks for brighter nights when her sun gives light at last
Even if the light is duller than the past
She takes what she can get, holds dear her crescent phase
Even when the sun gives her these lesser rays

So sad, the beauty of the moon cannot be independent
The concept of her own light seems utterly transcendent
I wish that she could see the inner beauty that she hides
Can she not see her reflection in the waters of the tides?
Until the day she sees the beauty on her own
The moon will shine with borrowed light as she has always shone.

I wrote this next one the day after we lost Miss Laura Leigh Tye 11/18/2005.


Two pinkies and an "A-urrr"

I'd give it all up just to see you again
You were not just a teammate, even more than a friend
You were a blessing, an angel on earth
Your smile and your laugh, we miss and it hurts
You’re loved and you’re missed, so incredibly much
If only you could see how many lives that you touched

Beth shanked you good at the truck stop that day
You were so mad, but you laughed anyway
You hated fruit, but I put that peel on your head
You tried to say Albuquerque, but said something else instead
"A-urrrr" you said, like all giraffes do
We can't help but miss you Lou!

We all know that you’re playing on God's volleyball team now
Get a kill for us Lou, we know you know how
Give God two high fives, even though you want one
And He'll hold up two pinkies when the game is won
Thanks for the laughs and the stories you told
We'll meet you soon on the streets of gold.

Thanks for checking out my poetry. There will be more in days to come as I am randomly inspired. With that...I'm out like my writer's block!

Everything Happens for a Reason...

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." Ecc. 3:1-8

Ecc. 3:1 is my favorite verse in the Bible, it has been for a while now--since back in the day when I was reading from a New King James version and it sounded a little something like this, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." While this verse is dear to my heart, over the past two days I've encountered these verses three times in very different situations. The first time was yesterday while, of all things, I was watching the movie Footloose and Kevin Bacon quoted those verses. The second was last night while I was reading I Gave Dating a Chance. The third was earlier when I checked my comments on Myspace, someone had left a comment that was an icon which read, "Everything happens for a reason." So, it is possible that God is trying to tell me that EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON? I think so! While, I'm not quite sure yet why He is showing me this, I have a feeling that I'm going to find out really soon. Whatever it is, I'm just saying "yes" to God because He "is able to do IMMEASURABLY more than ALL we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," (Eph. 3:20). On that note, I'm out like the Tigers in College World Series. :-(

It's a God Thing...

Reading Perry Noble's blog this morning I came upong this quote at the end: "What has God called you to do? Is it to invite someone to church…change your major…reconcile a relationship…get out of debt…make a career change? It’s time–get off of your 'blessed assurance' and GO FOR IT! YEAH!" In an earlier blog I had mentioned that I felt God calling me to start a Christian magazine for girls. I hadn't mentioned that I had felt God calling me to lead a Bible study for the 8th grade girls from Ignite that are moving up to high school. Since I felt God's calling about the Bible study I had let go of the magazine idea--until this morning. It's funny how God catches you at the most random moments-I guess he does it in the moments that we can't make noise, when we must be still and allow him to speak. Well, I was in the shower thinking about this Bible study and then God spoke to me and brought my two callings together. It went a little something like this.

Me: God, I know that you want me to lead this Bible study, but I don't have any idea how to present your truth in a relevant way to them.
God: Well, don't they read those magazines you saw in the store the other day?
Me: OH WOW! You're calling wasn't necessarily to start a Christian magazine, but to show these girls a Jesus twist on articles that they read in their favorite magazines!

Guys, I'm not even joking. This idea was a Godsent because I know that I could never have put those two things together on my own. It's kinda cool how God showed me two things that he wanted to do with me that I thought had nothing to do with one another only to wait and listen to him and discover his intentions from the beginning. Isn't God awesome? He is so much bigger than my own thoughts and plans for my life. Gotta ♥ Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." That's some powerful stuff. Chew on that one for a while! With that, I'm out like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest on July 7!

I Want to be a Princess

"Once upon a time, a young princess wandered through the woods. A nasty barbarous man spotted the lovely young princess and approached her. He offered her the "pleasure"of becoming his bride and living with him in the shack he called home.
After a quick look at this barbarian and his residence, the princess flatly refused. She told him she would never marry a man who couldn't respect himself or his home. She wanted someone honorable like her father, the king. Then off she went to the beautiful castle.
The barbarian was crushed.
In the following days, he couldn't get the pure and noble princess out of his mind. Finally he vowed to win her, no matter what. He decieded that the only way to do this was to become a noble man himself.
He observed the king from afar, watching his actions and listening to his speech. He noticed and admired the king's integrity and dignity. The kings character captivated the barbarian. He wanted to be just like him. He still longed to marry the princess, but now his desire to become as noble as the king exceeded even his love for the princess.
Slowly but surely, as the barbarian modeled his behavior after the king, his appearance and manner were refined. He also worked long and hard to transform his home into a beautiful estate surrounded by well-tended gardens.
Finally he felt ready to approach the princess once more. This time the princess was so impressed that she promised to consider his request to become his bride. Eventually the two were wed, and (you guessed it) lived happily ever after." Jeramy Clark I Gave Dating a Chance

I recently started reading I Gave Dating A Chance after talking with a friend about Joshua Harris' I Kissed Dating Goodbye. Last night while reading I came across this story and it really intrigued me. Since reading it I've really been chewing on its meaning and just how I can apply this story to my life. In the past, I haven't said no to the barbarians. I've accepted them as they were instead of caring enough to point them toward my King. My selfish desires to have someone love me had overtaken my desire to make my Lord's name famous. This also shows me where my faith is weak. I haven't trusted God enough with my ENTIRE life. Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I struggle with allowing God to take control of my relationships. This is why I have really and honestly tried not to date over the past nine months. I knew that I wasn't ready to allow God to have that part of my life--I still struggle with allowing him to have it. I want God to completely consume me and control my character before I enter into a relationship with anyone. I want to be so in love with Jesus that whoever the young man is that God places in my life falls more in love with Jesus the more time he spends with me. That's another reason why I know that I am not ready to date. I still have that selfish desire to be the center of a guy's attention. This leads to another reason why I know that the young man God places in my life will have to be strong enough in his walk with Christ to lead us both. I'm barely strong enough to lead myself, I need someone to lead me. So, what this story pointed out to me in a nutshell is this: 1) I need to have faith in God's plan for me in relationships 2) Just say no to barbarians 3) I want to fall more in love with Jesus so that I can help my future boyfriend fall more in love with Jesus rather than falling in love with me. This time I'm spending growing in my walk with God is priceless and I would not change it for love or money. Jesus rocks my socks off! One that note, I'm out like lighters during the ballad at a rock concert.

P.S. My aunt just came over and took me back to my childhood days by bringing me Chewy Spree and a Dr Pepper-a snack she used to bring me at every visit! :-) I am 20 years old and this still makes me smile. Like my g-pa Chastain always used to say, "It's the little things in life." Then he would call me May-gweel...and that made me smile, too!

Power of the Word

As I sit in this grungy office of my dad's metal fabrication shop answering phones while reading blogs of some of the coolest people on the face of the planet, I truly feel empowered by the awesomeness of God. After last week at the Gauntlet, I'm still on a spiritual high from witnessing the salvation and baptism of so many young people. I pray that I never come down. In this moment of passion and amazement I cannot help but cry out to Jesus and thank him for his glory and splendor; even though I'm here at work surrounded by fervent non-believers who bash my beliefs and my passion for Christ every chance they get. Sadly the large percentage of these individuals are men in my family. However, because of this fire God has stoked in my heart I am prepared to let go and let God fight this battle today. My prayer is that any words that come from my mouth today would be straight from God alone, straight from his word. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 So, as I put on the full armor of God, pray that this battle would be God's alone and that I would be humble enough to set myself aside and allow God to work through me. It's all for his glory. With that, I'm out like the toilet paper in the women's bathroom...which I'm going to fix-right now!

Big props to God for being random!

Due to recent discovery of soreness in muscles I didn't know I had and bruises from my pitiful attempts at wakeboarding I was forced to recall the incident that occurred yesterday. During this recollection period I began to understand just how random God is. It's awesome that he is so random, much like me-that's how we roll! Anywho, I began to stew over the reasons why I did not succeed at wakeboarding. Doc was trying to tell me just to slide my butt to the board and the power of the boat would do the rest, but I couldn't follow those simple instructions because I had to feel like I was in control. So, much to my dismay I would get up and then "gracefully" face plant-if there is such a thing. Much like Doc, God's word gives me simple instructions and tells me to let the power of God do the rest. When I try to take control of my life- much like when wakboarding, I fall flat on my face! Isn't it awesome how God can speak to us even through the most random things? Big props to God for being random! WOOHOO On that note, I'm out like earplugs at the giftshop in the opera house.

2 face plants & 10 gallons of lake water

Ok, so I'm usually pretty natural at most sports...not being egotistical, just the truth! I have no room to be over confident after bouncing a particularly large check the my hiney couldn't cash-I found my "waterloo". For Dad's Day my fam headed out to the lake to chill with mom's clan and the friendly neighborhood Doc was going to take us girls out to wake board. Well, I've never tried before, and being the athlete that I thought I was-I was determined to try it and be good at it on the first try. After watching my cousin get up easily and make wake boarding look like a joke, I was prepared to get up on the first try and start jumping waves. I found out pretty quick that God has a great since of humor when it comes to pride. Two face plants, an all natural enema and the consumption of 10 gallons of lake water later I could no longer feel my ankles, so I decided that I had learned enough for the day and that I would wait until the lake was a little less choppy before I tried again. So, God taught me a little lesson in pride today. I was humbled greatly, especially in the several moments when I thought I might drown. Other than that I would have to say this was a fantastic Father's Day b/c my family came to church with me this morning. That's been my prayer for SO long now and it really made my century for my parents to be able to see just why I am so on fire for God. This fire isn't going out either! Look out Anderson, the youth group is back in town and we are fired up and ready to serve our Lord! On that note, I'm out like Baal after God lit Elijah's sacrifice! (1 Kings 18-19)

I'm glad God's random like me!

Ok, so saying yes to God obviously opens the door for him to speak, in the most random moments. I was standing in line at CVS with my dad when I glanced over at my old favorite magazines, you know the ones-Marie Claire, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, etc. when I felt God call me. What if there was a magazine for young women that presented a Christian approach to these very same issues, I'm an English major...I could do this. I have friends who are majoring in graphic design. It all just kinda rushed over me at once. I went to Google a few minutes ago to check out magazines geared toward Christian woman and the woman on the most recent cover looked to be mid to late-forties and dressed like a grandma-no offense whatsoever meant to the Christian creators of this magazine, but Jesus met people where they were...to reach the world, we are going to have to meet them where they are. The world sees supermodels that are flawless, why not show strong Christian woman with powerful images of them serving the Lord and still looking beautiful. God's calling and I hope that I can do everything in my power to answer. If you are reading this blog and you are looking for a way to serve God with your talents and this sounds like something you would be interested in, give me a holler! My email is Mizpiknz@aol.com! I'm praying over this because this calling is SO strong. I know that God will speak to those who are meant to get involved. If you don't feel called to get involved just pray that God prospers this and he is in this step by step. On that, I'm out like the newest addition of my future magazine.

Fire Fall Down

WOW! I just got home from Panama City Beach a few hours ago after spending 5 amazing days at NewSpring's youth camp The Gauntlet. I have to say that I saw God work in amazing ways and I am totally blown away by the work he did through each individual who volunteered this week. I saw 46!!! kids get baptized Thursday morning in the ocean. I saw about 10 kids committ their lives to Christ each night this week. I must say that this has been the most amazing week of my life and God has truly confirmed this week that he is calling me into the ministry. Please keep me in your prayers and I just take a leap allowing God to move me to where he wants me in the ministry. Perry ended the week with a message on spiritual warfare. After pledging myself to the ministry I called home to tell my parents about the amazing things that had happened during the day to receive some horrible news-my own spiritual battle. My dad told me that my cousin, Korey had passed away. I fell to my knees with such a burden but I rose with it lifted knowing that this was an attack from the enemy in a lame attempt to detour me from the ministry. Little did satan know that this would just bring me closer to God and stoke my fire for the ministry that much more. Korey's graveside service will take place tomorrow at 2:00. Please keep me in your prayers at that time. I wish that I had the energy to write all about this week in every detail, but I just don't. Photos will be posted tomorrow and if you want to hear more about it feel free to comment with questions, etc.! For now, I need sleep! I'm out like the tide...I'll be back soon!

DATE?!?! Who me?!

Last night was my first official date in a little over eight months. It was fun because I truly felt appreciated, the conversation didn't drift toward awkward or inappropriate subjects, and I laughed and had serious and not serious conversations (not to mention, the couple that made this date a double date-they are AWESOME!! Mandy and Chris ROCK!) Ok, back to my date, I know that this person is a part of my life right now for a reason. I'm not quite sure where this is going to go, but my prayer is that it is not my path that is chosen into more than friends or just that-but that it is God's choice. If I were to go about this alone I would make a mess of things, as I have in the past. Now it's in God's hands. Where things go from here is all up to the BIG GUY! So, more news to come about this mystery date.
Anywho...35 HOURS TO GO UNTIL GAUNTLET!!!! Look out Panama City Beach, here's comes NewSpring's youth group! With that, I'm out like depends at the grocery store down the street from the overactive bladder support group.

Shawn McDonald

I recently discovered an AMAZING Christian artist on MySpace named Shawn McDonald. His music just grabbed me with his honesty and vulnerability laced with authentic praise. Here's a little snippit I found about him @ http://www.chrisitanmusictoday.com.

On occasion we are fortunate to hear a voice that rings true. One that is hard to forget. A vocal delivery filled with cracks and crevices that belie a difficult past. Simultaneously hopeful and haunting, it is impossible to get out of your head…let alone your heart. A cry from deep in the valley where the spirit of a song lives and the necessity of its telling is born. This is the case with 28-year-old Seattle singer-songwriter, Shawn McDonald. On McDonald's second studio offering, Ripen, the humble songwriter carves out 15 stories with the urgency and earnest of a town crier.
McDonald's tender is his honest lyrics. Neither inexplicit generalities nor simple saccharine praise are found on the album. Rather, Ripen exhibits poetic pop ("Free," "Pour Out"), soulful howling ("Perfectly Done," "Salvation"), and vulnerability (the autobiographical "Lovely"), à la Damien Rice, Cat Stevens and Ben Harper. The artist's gravelly voice, wrapped in atmospheres of cello, violin, acoustic guitar and sophisticated noise, provides several snapshots of a journey in progress.

You can also check out McDonald here http://www.myspace.com/shawnmcdonald at MySpace.com! Let me know what you think! For now, I'm out like Christians @ the rapture.

Amazing Grace

So, just as I finished studying the small group questions for the Youth Trip to the Gauntlet next weekI realized that I do things so differently now that I have rededicated my life. I just can't say it enough...God's grace is AMAZING, PHENOMENAL, better than french vanilla capucinno on a 65 degree afternoon on the beach in Charleston with a good book and a cushy lounge chair. Yes, even better than that! Just thought I would share that. I'm out like the neon sign down at the honky tonk.

Relationships and ministry...to be or not to be?

SO I just got home from my very first, first Wednesday service @ NewSpring. I must say it was pretty amazing. Afterwards I went out with some friends, reason being for my late arrival back @ the hizzy here in E-town. Anyway...a lot has been on my mind lately; a lot concerning God's will and plan for my life. I feel like I'm constantly tugging backward, remitting to places where I am comfortable in my life. God calls us to step out and be radical. Two major things on my mind lately: RELATIONSHIPS & MINISTRY! The relationship stuff is not so major, but this feeling I have that God is calling me to ministry is. I've actually felt God guiding me towards missions since I was at Red Hill. In my life, when I've been my closest to God, I've felt this call to ministry, missions...whatever it is. I just know I want to serve my Lord however he sees fit. Tonight @ first Wednesday Perry preached to the several men who were to be ordained and the more Perry spoke about ministry the more I knew God was calling me towards it. While speaking to these chosen men, Perry mentioned that he wants to one day hear God call him his good and faithful servant and he wants each of the men who were ordained to be there. Well, this made me realize that when I get to heaven I want the young people who I have met through Ignite to be there, not because of what I've done but b/c of what God did with a broken water jug like me; I want to hear him call them his good and faithful servants. Ministry is incredible, it's not easy-but I want to sell the best product in the world. A product that died on the cross so that WE may have eternal life. Jesus is off the chain.
Now, all this being said-it makes me wonder if now is the time for me to even be thinking about relationships. Even though opportunity is knocking-it may not be God's opportunity. Even though I know that one young man in particular is an amazing man of God, it may not be the right time. But I definetly do enjoy spending time with him. I think I just need to get away from everything for a little while and spend some time with God...which is what I'm doing next week! I cannot wait-I get the blessed opportunity to spend next week in Panama City with the Ignite and Fuse kids!! WOOHOO I can't wait to see how God is going to work with these young people. So...from Sunday, June 11th- (I think) Saturday, June 17th I will be in Panama city, but expect to hear all about it when I return. But, I'm exhausted, bedtime for Bonzo. I'm out like sleeping pills at an insomniac convention!

All I Need

Some lyrics to live by...I recently discovered Shawn McDonald, I don't remember quite how, I think it was on MySpace. Anywho, his music is amazing! His voice is incredible and the lyrics of his songs are just such a blessing to my soul. Here's just one example, a song by him entitled "All I Need" Enjoy, then I'm out like ice bags @ the rodeo.

As I sit here and think
About all that You've done
About how You gave me Your one and only Son
And I'm trying to fathom
All that You are, but so far, Lord
You're so beyond me
I fall down in reverence
And I fall down in fear
And I'm asking You, Lord, won't You please draw near
Won't You open my eyes
So that I can see
The way that You are working in me
All I need is Your love
To come and fill this heart of mine
My heart is a desert that has gone dry
And I need Your love to carry me bye, bye, bye, bye, bye
To carry me bye, bye, bye, bye, bye
To carry me bye
And I lay down my life
And I put it before You
All that I am is in Your hands
And I'm not going to question, why
You're so faithful
Why that You give me the blessing that You have
Let the glory be known, let the glory be shown
Lift You up unto the throne
You are my God, You are my King
To You I give, I give You everything
All that I need is Your love, my God

HIS GRACE IS ENOUGH

Today was an absolutely amazing day. Church this morning-my 4th grade girls listened to everything I had to say about Jesus and why we should obey and then the 11:15 service, Clayton King spoke and he always blows me away when he speaks. It seems like God always uses Clayton to speak something so powerful that it changes my perspective on things. Wait, my day gets better, if you can believe that. After church I went to Clemson and played outdoor volleyball and chilled at the lake with some awesome people and had an absolute blast. Then I went to youth group. Funny how I seem to get more out of it than I feel like I put in. Alden always makes the message so relavent, not only to the middle schoolers, but also so that I can apply it to my own life. Tonight the message was about just being still and listening to God. It's amazing how when you acutally just sit still and let Him speak to you, He will BLOW you away. I have such a peace right now b/c God is just leading me and I can honestly say I am tee-totally in LOVE with Jesus! The only way this day could have been any better is if my little sister wasn't sick and she would have got to come to youth group tonight. Other than that, this day was pretty AMAZING! On that note, I'm out like the luck of a sore tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs!

Broken Road Taking a Turn

I think this broken road is actually starting to lead somewhere. Lately, God has given me so much direction for my life...sadly enough, it took me falling on my butt today to realize this. So, I was at work, minding my own business, working my tail off when I slip in the water in the kitchen and land on the tail that I was so hardily working off. At first I kinda laughed it off and just kept going, but soon I was dizzy and feeling the repercussions of landing on my hip. So I got cut early and got left work around 2:30 with only $26 in my pocket-NOT GOOD. I came home and laid in bed for a while thinking about life in general. When I woke up around 5:00 I really began to realize just how much God is working in my life. He only takes things out of our hands so He can fill them with something better. God rocks my socks off! Everything happens for a reason and it all goes according to His will. Patience is the key to seeing God's blessings. Wow, I have really been tested in that area for the past few months and now God is slowly allowing things to fall into place in His time. I'm so glad that He is my God and that He provides for me constantly. Ok, my back is starting to hurt again. Chill time. I'm out like the bottle of Ibuprofen in my medicine cabinet!

I think they call it perma-smile

I think I have a permanent smile on my face. #1) God is awesome and blesses me like crazy every day, #2) God blesses me with surprise nights like tonight, #3) did I mention that God is awesome? So, I've been incredibly patient and faithful in a certain aspect of my life-not on my own, with God's help mind you- and I'm starting to see God's reward for this. Nothing is sweeter than God's rewards! I'm really really excited. On that note, I'm out like the ATM @ the "get rich quick" convention.

I answered...

The pool was calling my name, I pulled a few strings at work-so I'm out...by the pool.

CRAZY

So, it's Tuesday morning and I have to leave to go to work in about 20 minutes. The sun is shining and the pool is CALLING MY NAME! It whispers..."Megan, come and swim all day long" as I blow dry my hair. By the time I'm putting on my makeup, it's SCREAMING at the top of it's aqualungs. Geez, I hope I'm on standby today. Summer has a hold on me and I have "workitis," self-diagnosed of course.
Anyway...on to more important things. Lately God has really been speaking to me about faith and patience. I've been reading the book of James and the messages over the past few nights have been to have faith and show it in your deeds, Godly wisdom, and submitting myself to God. This pertains to all aspects of my life right now. It's just amazing how God's word is so relevant even after so many years. WOW! God blows me away. So does laughing. And so does being crazy and having fun...and I heard this song yesterday @ work that reminded me of a friend of mine, it's definitely my song of the moment!

Same Kind Of Crazy: Delbert McClinton

Did you ever meet somebody who likes all the same things you do?
Somebody who can make you or break you any time they want to?
I met her at a red-light, love at first sight, can this be true?
Well, she's good for me an' she told me I was good for her too.
Now I don't wanna jump into anything,I been tryin' to use some self-restraint.
But, man, it's amazin': she's the same kinda crazy as me.
It's gettin' hard to use a ladder 'cause I keep climbin' down just to kiss her.
An' if she's out of my sight for a minute or two, I start to miss her.
We stay all tangled up in each other's arms an' it's so nice.
She talks in her sleep but she always gets my name right.
If there's anything at all that's wrong with her,It's somethin' I just can't see.
Ain't no doubt about it: she's the same kinda crazy as me.
Wild, wild nights,Chasin' each other through the moonlight.
My, my, my, I finally got somethin' right.
'Cause every little offbeat move she makes, just suits me to a tee.
There ain't no doubt about it: she's the same kinda crazy as me.
Instrumental break.
Wild, wild nights,We're chasin' each other through the moonlight.
My, my, my, I finally got somethin' right.
'Cause every little offbeat move she makes, just suits me to a tee.
There ain't no doubt about it: she's the same kinda crazy as me.
You know what I'm sayin? She's the same kinda crazy as me.Oh, yeah.

So on that note...I'm out like straight jackets @ an insane asyulum.

Over the edge

I'm so glad that I am a new person in Christ. In the past I would put my emotions in the hands of boys who I thought cared about me and leave it up to them to make me happy. Now I have joy rather than happiness. A joy that can only come from God. Happiness is based on a situation...and right now I don't got any (isn't that a beautiful sentence coming from an English major?). Anywho, the point is that guys have always let me down. I'm over the edge now and it is going to take A LOT to let anybody get anywhere remotely close to my heart. In fact, my heart is SO hidden in Christ now that a guy is going to have to go through God to get to it! I like this. :-) On that note, I'm out like my heart used to be on my sleeve!

1 Timothy 1:15-16

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:15-16

Wow...those verses are SO powerful. To think that God took a sinner like me and turned my life around so that others would see His patience. As messed up as I am, He is using me. WOW! That's all I can say. I think those verses say enough. I'm out like a porch light in the ghetto.

What's love got to do with it?

Most have come to the conclusion that when you are looking for love, you are not going to find it. This has been my recent mantra, "Do not try to find love, love will find you." I'm still struggling with trusting God with this aspect of my life. But I continue to pray that God will take this from me and let His will be done and not mine. I still think about what it will be like though, that one true love. I think I've loved before, but I haven't found that ONE love. The one where you just KNOW it's the right thing. Lately this has been on my mind a lot because it seems I'm the only single girl in the world. Many of my friends and family are getting engaged and are in serious relationships where engagement is on the horizon. Yes, this is scary to me. But, I'm not in any rush to be where they are. When it happens it will happen. And he is going to be AMAZING! I was thinking about this earlier this morning and I just started writing...and this is what came out. Just a flow of thoughts to that ONE love that I am going to have one day.

One day we will finally meet face to face
Maybe we’ll smile
Maybe we’ll pass by and not even notice one another at first glance
Or maybe we have already met
And simply not taken the chance to know each other
For anything other than friends
But in that moment
In that first time we kiss or that first long glance
Something is going to overwhelm us
A feeling like we’ve never known before
A smile that we can’t wipe off our faces
A churning in our guts that makes us want to explode
And we will know
Simply, just know
That we were meant to be together
That God’s hand was in this
And that He placed us together for a reason
Until then, I will try to wait patiently
I will try not to waste my kisses and hugs
I will do my best to be the best woman I can be
Because I know you are going to be amazing
A man so astounding that it takes my breath away to know you
So astounding that I want to serve you
And give you a love like you have never known
I can’t wait until that day when our eyes meet in love for the first time
When we go on that first date
And we can hardly sit still for the butterflies and excitement
It’s going to be nothing like we’ve ever felt or known
I hope you are ready
I am

So, I am ready to meet him...and just let things happen. That's the beauty I've missed all along. I've rushed things and missed the beauty of the growth of love. How cliche is is that love is like a flower, but it's so true! You cannot take a flower from its seed and expect it to be the lovely flower that is going to take time to grow. Just like love that is expected to be beautiful from the start...it's not going to happen. A seed of friendship, a sprout of a relationship, and a bloom of love all come with time and the hand of God providing the vitalities that are needed in a healthy relationship. Without time and without God, the relationship will die just like a flower without water and sunshine. So, the key ingredient is time...even though I'm ready, I am willing to wait for a love sent from God. I like this quote from Oscar Wilde, "If you're not too long, I will wait here for you all my life." On that note, I'm out like Elton John. I'm sorry, that was so wrong!

Where is the love?

Wow...I think I'm at that age. You know, the one where all of your friends are falling in love and gettin married, and some are even having kids. I could probably name at least 10 of my friends who have gotten married, engaged, or are planning engagement in the past 6 months. Looks like love is in the air, for some people. I'm not one of them. In the past, this would have irked me to no end. I would be ripped at the seems, feeling like I was alone b/c it seemed like I was the only person I know who was not in love. But not now. I've recently reached a record time of being single, and it's not a bad thing. I'm not in a hurry to "find" love. Actually, I'm not even looking for it. That is the mistake I made in the past...I was looking for it. Now it's time to enjoy life, enjoy friends. The serious stuff can happen later. For now, I'm not "looking for love in all the wrong places." I'm not looking at all. A friend tried to explain this too me at one time, I didn't really get it then. I guess sometimes it takes a little bit of self realization to "get" something. So, now that I've learned that lesson, I'm going to enjoy the blessings that God has blessed me with now and be patiently waiting for the Mr. Blessing God has in store for me one day. On that note, I'm out like a sumo wrestler in a leotard!

Lessons learned

To say the least it's been a while...and life has been interesting in the past month and a half. I really don't need to go into detail because it will only lead to the relaying of drama that is now water under the bridge. From this water, I've learned many valuable lessons. The most important being that it is not wise to try to do a back bend without warning to the person who is spotting you when you haven't done one in like 10 years. JUST KIDDING, but seriously, that really happened. Anyway...the most important lesson I've learned in the past month and a half is one God has been trying to get through to me for a while. When I lean on my own understanding and just willy-nilly do whatever I want to do, I get myself into trouble...hot water, sticky situations, what have you. When I just let go and let God do His thing and obey His will for my life...WOWzers. He defintely shows me that he can do more than I can ask or imagine [Eph. 3:20]. So, even though the past month has been a little bumpy, it's been fun and it's drawn me even closer to my AWESOME Lord! On that note...I'm out like a nudist!

Patience is a virtue

Traffic sucks. Especially when there is a huge wreck in front of you and you know your going to be stuck there for a while. Well, sometimes life is like that. God lets you sit in traffic for a while because He knows that there is a huge wreck ahead. I feel like right now God is teaching me patience. He knows that if He lets me speed forward into something I'm not ready for, I'm going to make a mess. But now I realize that He has me waiting for something amazing. I don't know what it is, but I'm willing to wait if it is from the King of Kings! He will do more than I could ever ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20). How cool is that. Well, I'm out like leather @ bike week!

The Dazed Drive

Well, let me just start this off by saying that this day has been BEAUTIFUL! I am on spring break and I am loving the gorgeous weather. Amid this beautiful weather I've really been thinking about how awesome God is. Yeah, I had one of those dazed drives where you get home and you've been thinking so much you don't even remember leaving the place you started. Anywho...even when you think you know what God's got in store for you, He blows you away with something you never expected. For example, lately I've asked God to show me ways that I can serve Him. Well, until today I didn't realize that there has been a service God has placed in front of my face for a long time. I had been working so hard to serve those around me at school and at church that I forgot about the family in Pickens that loves and supports me. After a pretty rough day with la familia I realized that God has been trying to show me for quite some time that I need to be willing to serve my family, too...not just those that I spend the majority of my time with. So, for the rest of spring break, I going to try my best to serve my family and allow God's love to shine through me. On that note...I'm out like hairy legs @ Woodstock!

Not so broken after all

It is amazing how God places people in your life for a reason--for a time-- and then allows them to stay in your life, or sees fit for your life to go on without them. God really brought this to my attention today. There was one MAJOR occurence today that just hit when God was truly trying to show me this. I had just met up with someone, my special friend, (I won't name names to protect the innocent) and he and I were going to meet my friend Tex--who dates my ex-boyfriend, Kevin. Wait, this is where I realize that a little background information needs to be recorded, just to make sure the story is clear. **Flashback, first semester of this school year** I had been dating Kevin for about 11 months around the end of September, I was really struggling to rekindle my walk with God and I was beginning to see that our relationship was keeping me from that. Then I met X...yes, if earlier blogs have been read, X is a familiar character who was not revealed as a person until now. X made me realize that there were Godly guys out there who would actually give me the time of day. This lead to that infamous day when I broke things off with Kevin. Two months down the road I was still spending time with X and Kevin was dating Tex. END OF FLASHBACK. Things really didn't go the way I had wanted them to with X, and today was the first time that I realized what that reason was. After I met up with my special friend, we walked over towards the guys dorms to meet Tex, who was walking Kevin to the gym before he left for baseball for the weekend. Well I was walking beside my friend when I looked up I saw Tex and Kevin talking and walking hand in hand, I then looked over Tex's shoulder I saw X walking. At the time I didn't realize the symbolism of this scene (as an English major, I'm really into all that symbolism jazz), but now I realize what God was trying to show me with just that little scene. God placed X in my life so that I would be able to let go of Kevin, and nothing more would ever become of the two of us. Tex and Kevin are together now and they are great together. AND now my friend is in my life for a reason also, which God really revealed to me as I was talking to my friend earlier this afternoon. I'm just astounded to see how God is working in my life. Even in the smallest ways that I may not recognize or be grateful for at the time. I asked Him to blow me away with His perfect plan for my life and I would have to say He is going that. Now I see that God has been paving the road ahead of me for quite sometimes...things are starting to look not so broken after all!

Wow

Wow...isn't it amazing how God will just blow you away with his will for your life?! Last night I was writing to God in my journal and I just called out to God to use me, it went a little something like this:
"Bless me with opportunities to minister, Lord. I want to be SOLD OUT for you, God. I want to be totally yours. I'm not holding back anything any more. I'm all about you God."
Then, tonight's FCA was absolutely incredible...God spoke volumns to my heart through Dustin Willis. I was praying for God to show me how He could use me and tonight, Dustin spoke about how Jesus met the people who didn't know Him where they were-in the community, in the places where most wouldn't go. God is calling me to meet the people where they are. There is a need on this campus, there is a need in the school where I am doing my field placement, there is a need with awesome kids I work with @ Ignite. God's calling me to "bring the cheese" is how Perry Noble, the pastor at NewSpring, put it yesterday at church. God called David to just take the bread and cheese to the battle front, but when he got there...he slew a giant. It starts out with small steps, but I can't wait to see how God is going to use me! Wow...I think that is all I can say tonight, just how GREAT is our God? On that, I'm out like pout w/o the "p"!