agapetheos ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ love God

2004-06-03T08:06:00.000-04:00

I have a new Blog site. I don't like this one anymore.

http://agapetheos_lovegod.blogspot.com

2004-05-27T09:19:00.000-04:00

Keep Your Eyes On The Prize

PHILIPPIANS 3:14 KJV
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of
God in Christ Jesus.

What will really matter at the end of your life on earth?

Will what you are giving attention to now still be important
then?

Or, will you be filled with regret for what you did -- or
didn't do?

Distractions abound. TV, phone calls, web sites, books, movies.

It might be a good idea to stop and evaluate how you are
investing your time.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:24 NIV
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only
one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Run to win. Win what?

The true prize is to know God intimately and be His friend.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:18 NIV
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is
unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is
eternal.

One day, possibly soon, you will stand before God. Why not
order your life now based on that "final reckoning?"

A wise person would not invest everything in something
temporary. A wise person invests in something that will last.

Invest your life wisely!

SAY THIS: Lord, help me to keep my eyes on what is important
and lasting.

2004-02-27T01:12:00.000-05:00

The Passion Of The Christ

WOW! Not a pretty, fun, entertaining movie....but WOW!
To actually look up and see the love Jesus has for us, even when we deny Him or nail Him to the cross. To see His strength and perserverance. To see just how much He truly was tortured, beaten, and mocked, so I, and YOU, and all others we know, may LIVE. To be forgiven, and to have hope and a future with Him for eternity. WOW!

I'm forgiven because you were forsaken, I'm accepted, you were condemned. I'm alive and well your spirit lives within me, because you died and rose again.
Amazing love how can it be, that you my king would die for me. Amazing love I know it's true, it's my joy to honor you, in all I do, I'll honor you.
Jesus You are my king, oh Jesus You are my king!

2004-02-26T17:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday. The beginning of the day did not bring very good news to my family. I am going through some tests to see if my ovaries are working correctly, and my grandmother found out really bad news about her bladder cancer. So needless to say, many worries and concerns were in my heart and mind that day. When I got to the church my Pastor came up to me and asked if I would give people the sign of the cross on their forehead with ashes and pray for them. At first I was not wanting to do it…I wanted prayer…I wanted comfort. Then I realized I needed to do it. So during the songs and words before the prayer I asked God to help make me right, to focus on others and not myself.
Praying with all those I did was such a blessing. To humble myself and realize there are others who need God too, and who are struggling, and that I could help. It was amazing. I was able to pray with people young and old, singles, pregnant women and families.
God proved, once again, that He is amazing, and if you submit to His will, He will give you all you need. He definitely comforted me, and showed me everything would be OK.

God Rocks!

2004-02-09T23:27:00.000-05:00

Genesis 18:16-33
www.bible.gospelcom.net

This passage was preached about last Sunday night and it was awesome. So many times I read this passage and look at it as just a story. Now I see it in a new light. Abraham...a man...pleads with God. He talks face to face with our Creator. And because he had compassion for his practically son and for the righteous who may live in Sodom, he pleaded (begged, tried to negotiate) to God to save the city. He kept going farther and farther...more daring...more bold.

Does God leave room in His will and plan for us to bargain, plead, beg for His children?
He calls us to go out into all nations to preach the word to save others. He also calls us to pray daily.
We need to pray, with boldness and pleading for God's will for others. Let's stop thinking of ourselves, and pray for God to come alive, heal, and move others...Those who know Him, or don't...those who we know, or don't...and those who we like, or don't.

Pray for God's power to work in the lives of others. Continue to pray for others, don't stop. He is a wonderful God, a God of miracles, a God of peace and love. He works all things out for good for those who love Him. Let God do good for others through your/my prayers.

I do believe we have power when we pray for others.

2004-02-02T23:30:00.000-05:00

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." Luke 6:46-49

So many times we cry out to our gracious heavenly Father. So many times we call out His name for help. So many times we whisper His name to bring us comfort. And every time he answers. And so many times we don’t listen. He always will hear our cries, He always helps us in our troubles, and He will always comfort us.
So why don’t we listen?
Why do we only listen when it is what we want to hear?
Why is it so difficult sometimes to allow God to give us comfort, hope, peace, and help?
If we don’t open our eyes, ears, and hearts to God, right now, we will collapse. God knows what is best for us, he knows what will be perfect for us, in the now and in the future…Trust him, Rely on Him, and Open up to Him. He loves us and wants to give us a wonderful life, both here on earth, and in Heaven.

2004-01-09T00:58:00.000-05:00

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

2003-12-25T23:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Jesus,
Happy Birthday to you!

Thank you Father for sending your Son to earth, to teach us, to suffer for us, and to show us the one and only way to Heaven...belief, faith, and trust in Him.

2003-12-22T01:24:00.000-05:00

So it's almost been a month...wow, does time fly.

My emotions are going crazy right now. I just got word that my best friend just got engaged...Crazy, I knew it was coming, she knew it was coming, and obviously her new fiance new it was coming. I am soooo excited for her, I know how much she has been wanting this. The timing is right. But inside I am somewhat sad, which she knew I would be. I somewhat feel as though I am losing my best friend. But I am not. I am gaining a best friend in law. I guess it just came too soon, not enough time for me to fully adjust. I am geeked about all the wedding planning, and parties, and baccalaureate party. I am excited to see her try on her wedding dresses, to help get her ready on the big day, to watch her walk so beautifully down the aisle, to hear them take their vows, to watch how they look into their each others eyes during their 1st dance, to hold her hand through their pregnancies, to babysit their children, and to see her live with the love of her life. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. I am just praying that they will always put God 1st and they will follow his every will, which I know they will. I love her so much, and her friendship has meant so much to me these past 7 years, I don't know where I would be now without her. She knows me too well. I am so proud to call her my best friend.
I love you A & N, CONGRATULATIONS!

2003-11-27T00:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

What I am thankful for:
~God for creating the world, coming to earth as a human to teach and to be killed, then coming back to life and leaving His spirit inside of me
~My wonderful Family
~My fabulous friends
~My Beautiful home
~Food
~My car
~My hair
~My Bed
~Cell phones
~Computers
~A fun, always changing job
~College
~ An awesome church w/ an awesome pastor, membership, youth group and of course the best college/career group
~Another awesome church
~Another awesome College/career group
~Make-up
~My professors
~Music
~Duct Tape
~Guitar teachers
~Fun CD recording equipment on the computer
~My ability to sing, talk, hear, see
~Being leader of a rockin Praise Band
~Books
~Art
~Nature/forests/bodies of water/trees
~Calculators
~And You!

Psalm 69:30
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving

2003-11-20T23:04:00.000-05:00

I'm Back...
Just got home from CrossRoads. We are now going through the book of Hebrews. I am really excited about it. The book was written to the 2nd generation of Christian Jews, when they were doubting their beliefs and thinking about going back to Old testament Jewish traditions. Well anyhow, we spent an hour and a half on just chapter one...14 verses. We shared about how God speaks to us today, through visions, dreams, His Word, through the Holy Spirit, and on occasion audibly. God is so amazing, and loves us so much. He will do and does anything to keep us on His straight and narrow path, because He knows what we should do and knows the consequences of our actions...Therefore, he wants us to follow Him, and he will lead us to peace, love, acceptance, and joy.
He also sends us angels to protect and help us in time of need. We will not normally recognize them, but they are a helper for God's children. They are not to be praised or worshiped, because they are creatures of God, and He sent them, and all praise and thanks goes to Him. If it weren't for His love, we wouldn't have angels to protect us. SO thank you Jesus.
GOD ROCKS!

2003-11-05T00:58:00.000-05:00

I am taking an Early Middle Ages course and in one of the articles I had to read was about Saint Boniface. As in many of the saint lives articles we have read, it quoted scripture. This one quoted 1 Thess 5:21 "test all things and hold on to what is good". I don't know why, but I had the urge to write about this. There are so many different preachers and their many so called revelations from God, its hard to tell which ones are true and which ones are false. Well the answer is to test it. The Bible is the true word of God, if someone says something and they say its from God, check it in the Word. If it doesn't coincide, then it is not from God. If it does not contradict the word, then it has a good chance of being from God. So test all things, and if it is good, hold on to it.

2003-11-02T23:23:00.000-05:00

Ooops, its been almost a month since my last entry, sorry...I keep forgetting to write.

So, CrossRoads lead the church service this morning, and P.A. preached and it rocked, a few of us did a human video to emphasize his point, and all together it rocked. The theme was getting close to Jesus, and having the courage to look only unto Jesus and lay it all down at his feet. To do whatever it is he asks, to love him more than anyone/anything, to love each other because he firsat loved us, and to humbly go to him when we finally realize that he is the only place we can go.

Luke 7: 36Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner." 40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.
41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[4] and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
50Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

This woman knew she had no other place to go, she didn't care about what anyone else thought about her actions, she knew she loved Jesus, and she knew He loved her, so she kept her eyes focused on him and layed her life at his feet.

2003-10-11T18:58:00.000-04:00

Jesus is amazing. He has saved our souls and has saved my uncles life. My uncle is out of the hospital and God has performed a miracle. According to medical terms he should be dead, and or still on life support...but he's not, he is walking around. Praise THe Lord, for he is a mighty and great Father.

2003-10-06T22:32:00.000-04:00

My 48 year old uncle is on life support right now from something like a heart attack. He needs your prayers...prayers for a miracle, if that is in God's will, and prayer for him to be at peace with God. My grandparents and his siblings also need prayer for comfort and peace to get through this and to truely give the situation up to God, and accept whatever the Lord has planned.

Psalm 77:14
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

John 14:1-3
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. TRUST in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."

2003-09-29T22:26:00.000-04:00

Love!!! It's beautiful. Especially when those who are in love know that their love comes from God.
I went to the most amazing wedding this weekend. The newly weds are 2 of the most awesome people I know and are perfect for eachother. But the most important thing about them is that they Love Jesus sooooo much, and therefore were able to truely combine as one body, spirit, and person through the love that Jesus has for them. They waited 8 years before getting married...8 years! WOW. now that's committment.
Anywho, it was an absolute beautiful ceremony, and the party after ROCKED. It was the most fun I have ever had or heard of for a reception. I need to gain like 30 new friends, that can and love to dance, before I can even think about getting married, so i can have that much fun at my own wedding...if that is God's will for my future.
Love and marriage is a wonderful, beautiful, amazing, perfect thing when done through Christ Jesus.

2003-09-16T10:22:00.000-04:00

"It's nice to be...at peace with you" Lyrics from a Ten Shakle Shirt song.
How many times are we actually at peace? Truly and totally in peace?
When we are following God's plan for our lives, studying His word, being in consistant prayer with Him, and listening and following through with what He asks us to do, That's when we are at peace. We know we are on the right track. But if we are walking down a path we know we shouldn't be, b/c everyone else is or we are too scared to go, then we are not at peace.
If you have read my past couple blogs you will notice that God has been telling me to get up, step out of my comfort zone, help the needy, and make a point to go out and bring the lost to Christ. Well I opened my eyes...and wow! God has brought me so many people in my life to do that. I go to school in Detroit so I see many hungry people, a guy who grew up to be taught that there is no God came up to me out of no where to talk...he knows I am a firm believer of my faith, and still there is more. I am realizing that I need to reach out. I need to help them, to be Jesus to them. I am getting there. But I will need all of your prayers. Prayers that I am strong and wise in Christ, and that The Holy Spirit will open the hearts of these men so they fully understand the greatness and the power of God through Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 4:2-4
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--

2003-09-08T09:42:00.000-04:00

Sacrifice w/Joy gives hope to others
"If you can't care for someone with Joy, you shouldn't care for them at all" Mother Teresa

~What Have I done for Christ?
~What am I doing for Christ?
~What will I do for Christ?
~Who in my life is Thirsty ...Spiritually?...Emothionally?...Physically?
~How is GOd calling me to quench their thirst?
~How can I do something Beautiful for God?
~Am I living a life that others will see Jesus in me?

www.wordmadeflesh.org ... is God calling me to do that?

2003-08-31T21:36:00.000-04:00

Monday 8/25/03 - Anazao - Talked about running the race to win the prize...Run no matter how hard it is, how many times I fall, no matter what obsticle is in front of me...Run...Do everything/anything Jesus asks of me, to please Him and give him back as much as I can of what he gave for me...Salvation...Peace...Hope...Love...Freedom...Happiness...Joy...
Wednesday 8/27/03 - CUMC - Question???...In what way am I going to witness this Holiday weedend?...
Wednesday 8/27/03 - The Rev - Topic was Rejection...Discussed how rejection pulls us away from everyone/everything until we are no longer able to step out into a crowd...discussed what it is like to be lonely, and not be shown compassion/love from anyone...
Sunday 8/31/03 - CUMC - God tests us...We get tempted from 3 things: the world, the flesh, and the Devil...There one thing that pulls us through this...The love of Jesus Christ...Jesus can/will fill us so our cup is full...But what does that do...nothing...We need to have an overflow of his love...which He will give...so we may pour out to all those who do not have Him and are in need of the love of Christ...
Sunday 8/31/03 - Scheibe's - 3 Baptisms...3 amazing boys...3 huge hearts for God...3 declarations of God's wonderful love...
Sunday 8/31/03 - Genisus - William Booth...Founder of Salvation Army...COMPASSION...LOVE...OUTPOURING from the love/compassion of Jesus Christ...We need to give others what Christ has given us...Once Christ saved us from the dark/dangerous sea of sin, we just sit back and get cozy...that's not why he saved us...he saved us so we could jump in with a life support to save all the others who are drowning in that same sea...

I have fear. God has spoken to me LOUD and CLEAR. On a scale of 1-10 of compassion I have...I have like 3. I care and I pray, but that's it. I don't dive in with the strength that Jesus gave me to save those who are drowning. This evenings service was a real kick in the butt :). God has been telling me to be more compassionate, to give to the poor, to listen to the lonely, to love the hurt. But I don't. I am scared. I don't know what I am scared of I just am. I KNOW God will give me the words the guidance, and the love...but I am still fearful. Tonight made me realize that the only thing that will conqueor my fear is by stepping out and doing it. Volunteer, go up and talk to a homeless person at school, anything...Just Do it. The longer I wait the harder it will be and the less compassion I will have. Jesus had so much compassion and has given so much to me... I have been sooo lost, and I have been hurt, and brused, and scared, and hurt him sooo much...But he knew I would, and he was beaten and hung, died, and rose again, so I may be healed...Nothing on earth compares to that compassion and love. His love is uneding, and unchanging for all his children and lost sheep.

Pray for me as I battle through this STUPID fear, that I may go out and bring others to the kingdom through the wonderful blood and strength of Jesus Christ.

"No, in all these things we are more than conqueors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

2003-08-29T00:33:00.000-04:00

Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining or arguing,

So today me and my mom and grnadpa went to Burger King on the way home from Adrian. We went inside to order. There were only 3 people in the whole kitchen working there butts off, and about 4 cars in the drive through and about 4 sets of customers inside the store waiting for their meal. 1st/gut instinct is to COMPLAIN! The woman behind us complained about it as a conversation starter, and the man behind us joined in and seemed to be very agitated (sorry I can't spell) by it. The whole time this verse kept popping in my head. My mom and I realized that the 3 people in the back were working really hard, and its not their fault that everyone decided to have a late dinner when no one else is there, so we tried to bring light on the conversation, but it didn't work. Isn't it weird how most conversations we have with strangers usually start up by complaining about something...it seems to be easier to talk to someone about school work, the grocery line taking too long, or the power all the sudden going out. And BAM we are forgetting about what Paul writes about in this letter. But it really did make me think.
How much do you complain? Stop and really think about it...........all the long lines... the terrible exams...the sicknesses we may have...they way we are bring treated by a friend...how we have no friends...no one likes us...how we don't have the clothes we want...we never have anyhting to eat (ha have we looked in teh fridge)...how the internet is taking too long...our cell phones cut in and out of service...and the list goes on and on.
Do we really have it that bad? Have we ever been truely persecuted? Were we like Jesus and whipped to where our flesh hangs out then hung on a cross for hours by only 3 nails? Were we like the leapors, whose bodies were severly mangled, parts falling off, not ever being touched by another human, having people run away as soon as they see us coming...? Are we like the church in non reliogously free countries who have to hide and be tortured for their faith? Are we living on the streets of Detroit with no family, no firends, no money, no roof or shelter in the middle of winter? Were we extremely physically, mentally, and sexually abused our whole lives?
I think no matter how horrible our problems seem to us, that we all have it pretty darn good. There will alway be someone who has it much worse off than we do. Instead of complaining about how we have it, try praying for those who don't have it quite as good. Taking up your cross as well as helping others carry their burdens. One more thing...Do something about your own complaints. If you don't like the way things are going, change them. Let the Holyt Spirit come inside of you and working those thing s out, and letting Jesus carry you along the way...Thats what he wants to do.

Sorry this is so long. But hey, it was on my heart, and it needed to be shared.

2003-08-26T23:10:00.000-04:00

At Anazao this week we talked about running the race. 1 Co 9:24 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." What's the race, and what's the prize? The race is life and how we live it. The prize is the crown we get when we meet Jesus in heaven for eternity. And how do we run in such a way to get the prize? For all Jesus has done for us and given us he askes us to give our all in the life we live for him. No matter how hard it is, how long it takes, and no matter how many times we have to get back up after falling. Give him our best all the time. So many times we just glide through our life, without growing, without getting closer to him, without stepping out in faith...and where does that get us? Not very far. But if we give our best and our everything to God all the time then we are so much farther ahead. He has it all worked out for us, and we can get through it much smoother if we let Jesus into our lives in every way, and let the Holy Spirit do it's work through us. Then we will be crowned by our father in heaven.

2003-08-08T12:19:00.000-04:00

Examine yourself to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourself. If you cannot tell that Jesus is among you, it means you have failed the test. 2 Corinthians 13:5-6
~We should look for a growing awareness for Christ's presence and power in our life. If we are not actively seeking to grow closer to God, we are drawing farther away from Him.

2003-08-08T00:41:00.000-04:00

This week so far has been pretty gosh darn nifty. I really like not watching TV. I get more done, and I am not worried about not getting things done. For instance, today I basically spent all day getting info, preparing,and praying for CrossRoads tonight. God jsut kept feeding me new info. The topic was Sexual Immorality, focusing on homosexuality, adultery, fornication, lusts, masturbation, passion, how far is too far, and some really cool stuff that God gave me so much more insight on than ever before. We also had great discussion about it all. But, if I would have stopped preparing, and watched GH like I normally do for an hour, I would not have gotten most of the insight and info, a lot of it came during that time block. I also would not have gotten it all b/c I just finished in time to leave. Pretty sweet.
Anywho, I love trying to live for God and being as productive as I can each day. It is so much better than being lazy.
And I can now play Amazing Grace in 2 keys, and leaving on Jet PLane on the guitar. YAY!

2003-08-05T11:19:00.000-04:00

This morning I read 2 Corinthians 5 and 6. A lot of great info in those chapters. I will just jot all the sweet things I learned.
1: In heaven God has a beautiful permanent dwelling for our spirits. On earth we have temporary bodies. We should long for heavenly dwellings, and do all we can to make them even more beautiful by giving God our lives.
2: We will all appear in the judgment seat before the Lord for what we have done with our earthly bodies.
3: Live only For the sake Christ, not for sake of other people. If God wants us to talk or do something for someone else, don't not do it b/c we think they don't want to hear it, ot won't accept it. But God tells us that we need to do it b/c he wants us to, and He knows their hearts, and if we don't get through to them, we know that God knows that and God knows we planted a seed that they would need. Trust God. WHen he says talk...talk. Let Christ's love compel us.
4: Christ died for all, so all should live not for themselves but for Christ.
5: Look at all people through Christ's eyes.
6: God gave us reconciliation, so we can misiter to others with it.
7: God gave us Jesus to cover our sins so we may live in the righteousness of God.
8: Do not be a stumbling block for others
9: Do not be intimate with unbelievers. How can light be intimate with the dark?
10: Since we have Jesus in our hearts, minds, and souls, let us pruify us from everythign that contaminates our bodies.
Luke 11:33-36 gaurd and protect what comes into our eyes, we have the light of God living in us, let's not allow darkness/evil into our eyes, b/c those images are not easily forgotten.

2003-08-03T21:45:00.000-04:00

This weekend Anazao had our college/career retreat. It was awesome. God has been constantly teaching me and tuggig at me for this past year, and especially these past few months. He has shown me that all I need is him. There is a huge difference in my days when I start them out/give them to God. I am able to deal with people, my actions, and my thoughts much more peacefully when I being the day by putting on the armor of God. When I don't, I am more edgy, not as caring, and not as much of a servant. I don't feel the joy in my heart.
This weekend God expanded on all that. The weekend's theme was a balanced life. Yesterday the discussion was about Love and relationships. The key to any lasting relationship is selflessness. But of course it has to be from both sides. And before we can have a truely complete/lasting relationship with others, we need to have a selfless relationship with Jesus. He lived his whole life selflessly for us, we need to do the same to him.
I was thinking I had given him everything: love, emotions, actions, thoughts, prayer and study. At 1st I really thought I was being selfless. But then I thought about it more closely. I was looking at this summer, and what I was doing everyday. I have been lazy. Yes I have been going out and trying to find a job, but these past 2 weeks, I didn't. I would just laze around house, and be very unproductive. I would straighten up the house, but not too much. I would study the word and pray, but not give him the time and energy that I had to give. This summer I could have been doing so much for God, my family, and myself. But I haven't done nearly as much as I should.
One of the questions we were asked was What part of me have I not wanted to give up to Him that I know I needed to. It was Laziness. I got into the word during worship, and prayed, and realized it was TIME to give it up. I will not be lazy any more. It will only casue destruction in my life. This week I vowed to God that I would start off every morning with Him. And give Hinm the time, thought and energy he deserves. I also vowed that I would fast the TV. There is so much work I need to do around my yard, cleaning, practicing the guitar, reading, getting fit, and getting a job.
I am ready to live a life that is completely surrounded by him. I am just suprised I haven't made this committment to him sooner. I have known and been half committed to this, but now is the time. And I am going for it. YAY!
I have so much more I have to say about what I learned and What God wants me to do and so on. But I thinkthis is long enough, so sorry. But what can I say, God is so good, and I love to finally be ready for what he has for me, and to teach me.

2003-07-21T09:52:00.000-04:00

Romans 8:28-39
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of
those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his
Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and
sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And he
gave them right standing with himself, and he promised them his glory.

What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us,
who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even his own Son
but gave him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us
everything else?

~We need to Trust in Him nad His plan, he is the only one who truely knows what is best for us. Let's do our part, but more importantly, allow God to do His part, and be patient with Him.
Let go and Let God, it works every time.
God Bless

2003-07-17T23:29:00.000-04:00

CrossRoads tonight was pretty cool. "Living With the Spirit" Last week we asked to receive the Holy Spirit and to have a manifestation of Him inside of us, and God did some pretty awesome things. Well, anywho, tonight we talked about how we need to live our lives now that we have accepted the Holy Spirit living in us. We cannot just live our lives with the spirit just now and then when the moment is right, we need to live with Him guiding us with every minute of our lives. We need to be in hard core prayer with God, Listen to Him, Study his word w/out limiting Him to what he can do through it, and we need to submit to Him with our actions, thought, and words. He is amazing and can do amazing things through us, if we let Him.
We then talked about how we need to produce the fruits of the spirit through His help. We need to live out and act out the character or Jesus. The fruit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. When we are walking with the Spirit as our guide completely these fruit will flow through so greatly. And the more we walk with Him as our guide, the more fruit we bear, and the more people we will lead to Christ.
God is Good.

2003-07-16T13:15:00.000-04:00

Like I said in my last entry, I just finished studying Romans! WOW!What a great book. I learned soooo much.
Romans 1: v32 it is the same thing to do wrong as it is to approve others to do wrong; v5 we are called to go out and share with all people and cultures.
Romans 2: v1-2 when we judge others we condemn ourselves, let God avenge, not us.
Romans 3: v24 we are justified by God's faith; v30 the law makes us aware of our sin.
Romans 4: v16"therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be gauranteed.
Romans 5: v3-4 rejoice in our suffering, b/c that will give us perserverance, character, and hope.
Romans 6: Why shouldn't we keep sinning??? B/c Christ died for us, and when we accept that and give ourselves to him, we die to our sinful nature, and live for Him. v15"For sin shall not be your master, b/c you are not under law, but under grace. GREAT CHAPTER
Romans 7: Struggling with sin??? We can not do it on our own, b/c what we want to do is what we hate to do. We can only overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit. Dying to ourselves and giving up to Him.
Romans 8: v5 If living in the Spirit, our desires come form the spirit. We are more than conquerors to sin. v 39 nothing is able to separate us from the Love of God.
Romans 9: God will give mercy to those who believe, and harden the hearts of those who do not.
Romans 10: v9 "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 11: It is by grace we are saved. If the root of our soul is holy, then we will be holy; if teh root of our actions is holy, then our action will be holy.
Romans 12: AWESOME, AWESOME CHAPTER! v 9 Love must be sincere; v11 Keep your spiritual fervor; v14 Bless those who persecute you; v21 overcome evil with good.
Romans 13: v17 give the authorities what you owe them; v8 do not have great debt; v9 love your neighbor
Romans 14: Do not look down on others or jusdge others. Do not judge others convictions, do not look at your own with great respect; Do not flaunt your convictions; Do not do anything that will make your "brother" fall when it comes to His convictions; Do not jusge/look down on the way God has called others to worship.
Romans 15: v1 If we are strong we need to uphold and strengthen the weak; v21 those who are not told about Jesus will see, and those who have not heard will understand.
Romans 16: "I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent, about what is evil."

Great Book, yall should read it.

2003-07-16T01:53:00.000-04:00

This evening I went to my old roomates Bridal shower. It's crazy, I can't believe she is getting married. I am so happy for her, she found a guy who truely treats her the way a woman should be treated. From what I hear they are perfect for eachother. Yea Roomy!

Ummm....I just finished studying Romans Monday, and when I am awake, I will share all the AMAZING thngs God taught me by reading it. It is an awesome book. Well I love you all and Goodnight.

2003-07-10T23:42:00.000-04:00

CrossRoads tonight was amazing. I knew God was going to come on us and fill us with His spirit like never before. And He was faithful. We started by worshiping for like 40 minutes, then had Pastor come in and discuss more on how to receive the filling of the Holy Spirit. 1st to empty of ourselves, to give up and confess any known sin that is living in us, to let go of anything holding us back away from God. Next is to ask to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and be open to what God has for us. It was amazing. Then we put on a CD and prayed silently for God to reveal any sin to us, then we each prayed aloud to God telling Him how much we lovd him and wanted him. Then we all stood up in a circle, and prayed for each other who stood in the middle to ask and receive the filling of the Spirit. It was amazing, most of us asked, then received, and I believe our lives are changed once again for the better. He filled me in a totally new, weird way. Showing me that he can beat any desire that I may have in my heart, and fill me with the ones that He has for me. It was awesome.
God is Good, ALL the Time! ALL the Time, God is Good.
Acts 2:1-6; Romans 8:5-10

Ask and Receive the best filling in the world. The filling of the Holy Spirit.

2003-07-08T22:47:00.000-04:00

Last night at Bible Study we discussed Forgiveness and Bitterness...AHHHH!!! 2 horrible words that can take over our lives. I know they have taken over mine a couple times, and I know so many people of whom the 2 words have or are now taking over. It's crazy, they are not good feelings, yet sometimes we like to have them hanging around. Within the past couple years I have really made it a PRIORITY to not let them live in my life. I do not let my head hit my pillow or my eyes shut until I have resolved my bitterness, anger, or frustration with anyone, especially my parents. And since, I have felt sooooo much better. I am allowing God to take over my life rather than Bitterness.

It says in Matthew 18:23-35 and 6:14-15 that if we do not forgive eachother, than God cannot forgive us. He says in Romans 12:19 that it is not ours to avenge, but instead let him do it. 1st and foremost we are all sinners, we have all done things wrong to one another, none of us are perfect. We are all stained. God has forgiven us sooo much, and we are so soon to forget that. We hurt Him more than anyone could ever hurt us, yet he still forgives us and loves us more than ever. We need to forgive and Forget. If we don't we let Bitterness control us, and pull us away from the only one who truely loves us and gave us life (God, Jesus, & the Holy Spirit).

But we also need to realize that we hurt others just as much, and sometimes more than they have hurt us. It is not enough for us to forgive, but we need to humble ourselves, as Jesus did and fess up to all we have done wrong and say sorry and ask for forgiveness. This is one of the most important things us Christians, and the human race need to do. We need to do this even if the other person is not willing to forgive, and still treats us like crap. Let God deal with them, we are only repsponsible for our own actions, and God knows our hearts, and if the other people don't want to accept it, that's their problem. But when/if they do, then it's time to reconcile. It takes one to forgive, two to reconcile.

"When people live at the foot of the cross, they don't carry any stones, they drop them off"
"There is no miracle like the miracle of forgiveness"

Let God's way be in control of your life, not the Devil's!

2003-07-05T23:26:00.000-04:00

Ok, I just keep forgetting to blog. These past few days have been pretty fun. One of my really good friends got married yesterday, and he asked if I would sing at the wedding. I was so honored. To see him meet the woman of his dreams was amazing and to witness their vowes to be one is even more amazing. Love is what makes the world go round. None of my friends have ever gotten married, and this year about 5 are. Its weird, I guess I am getting older :) Anyway, the wedding was beautiful, the receptions were fun. And I got to hang out with a few great friends whom I really haven't hung out with much lately, so that was great.

Hmm...something else about me...I came back from DCLA and I was pumped to get into the word and constintely be in prayer. Well, I am not the way I was hoping to be. I just haven't been giving God the time I feel I should. I am praying and reading every day, but it is still just at the time of the day that is convenient for me, not setting time and making it a daily priority and really learning, or getting/giving anything out of it. He is my creator, my best friend, and my savior, I need to treat him like it. OK, I start tonight!

Goodnight, and allow God to Bless you with his greatness.

2003-06-26T11:41:00.000-04:00

WOW, that's all I have to say. The past couple weeks God has been doing some amazing things. We have been discussing who the Holy Spirit is and what is so amazing about him, and what it is like to completely give ourselves over to him and to be filled by Him, in CrossRoads. WOW! All I can say is that is feels better than any drunk feeling or high that I have ever had in my past. He has also been working within some of the poeple in the group and getting them ready to let Him come on in. Then we took the high school youth gorup to DCLA, a Christian Youth convention for the past 5 days. The end result of that was amazing. He changed a coule lives, showed some what they needed to start changing, let people come to a realization that they were struggling with things, and He helped them figure out what it was, and one girl even gave her life to Him. The greatest miracle of all. It was amazing, the worship rocked, the speakers were good, the drama rocked, the concerts were great, the comedian was funny. funny, funny. It was a great experience, and I am so thankful God allowed me to go and be a part of it.

2003-06-13T13:43:00.000-04:00

"He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs--for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need there is. From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand which should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.
"His purpose in all of this was that the nations should seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him--though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As one of your own poets says, `We are his offspring.' And since this is true, we shouldn't think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone. God overlooked people's former ignorance about these things, but now he commands everyone everywhere to turn away from idols and turn to him.For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead."
Acts 17:24-31

That's who God is, adn what He is about.

2003-05-28T07:23:00.000-04:00

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrificed, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Ten you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing will.
For by the grace given me I sat to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so ion Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:1-8

Our lives are not our own. Though it may seem like a lot to give, it really is not. God knows exactly what we truly want and need out of life. If we follow him the desires of our hearts will come. One way to give him our life is by using the gifts/talents that he has given us. We each have been given a unique gift, and using them with fellow belivers can produce major fruit. For we all have to work together in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

2003-05-27T14:44:00.000-04:00

Love must be sincere. HATE what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another ABOVE yourselves. Never be lacking in Zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; BLESS AND DO NOT CURSE. Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. DO not be PROUD, but willing to associate with people of low position. DO not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:9-21

2003-05-10T21:30:00.000-04:00

OOPS...It's been a while. I forgot I had this thing...hehe. Anyway, today was a very good day, 4 of us from our praise team went to Simpson Park Camp and Lead praise and worship for a volunteer info thing. Well, no volunteers showed up, so we lead it for 4 people that worked w/ the camp. It was awesome though. We all needed it, and I guess God wanted it to be a small worship gathering.
I have been going through Acts lately, and it is really telling me something. I need to be bold and courageous. Peter and the apostles never backed down from teaching in the name of Jesus. I need the strength and the boldness to go out and tell others about Christ. It is hard to believe that I have something so wonderful, and I just want to keep him to myself, or just share with other believers. I need to hang out with those who don't know Him and show them who he is, and live a good example. That's what I wanna do, and I feel God is trying to get me to do it too.
Luv you all!

2003-04-30T22:21:00.000-04:00

Yea, I finally got to Sub again. It has been a couple weeks, and I am too low on the cash flow. ha, that rhymed. Anyway, My prep hour was 1st…Great….I got to get in the word before all my classes started. And boy did that help, the day went beautifully.
SO as I said before I am going through ACTS right now, and I read chapters 3-4. It is amazing the faith and courage Peter and John had. They brought literally thousands of non-believers and people that crucified Jesus to their knees in praise. And when they all did, they sold all they had and used the money to help those out who had nothing. They all shared with each other as well. WOW. Also, Peter went up and shared his faith and belief to high Priests, and b/c he had the followers they did nothing to him. One of the greatest verses from this passage sums up Christianity beautifully. 4:12 “Salvation is found in no other name under heaven given to men by which he must be saved” And that name is Jesus, the name where he healed a crippled beggar at the temple, the name that can save us all. It is such a beautiful name.

2003-04-30T00:35:00.000-04:00

Tuesday
So today was a great day. I had to wake up and be ready for the day by 8:30 this morning b/c I spent the night at a friends house. So I then went to a beautiful park, laid down the blanket and got into God's word (I'm studying ACTS rigth now) and prayer for about an hour. Then I took a 40 minute walk through the trail, singin and enjoying nature. GREAT start to my day. Then went to class, finished a final. Then I went to another park and roller bladed apx 3 miles or whatever to equal 45 minutes. Then headed to my next class. I normally do not like it, but we are into Church history and the Reformation, I am so intersted in it. (The midieval/renaissance church was messed up) Then headed to the church.
It was a beautiful day, had beautiful weather, wow we have a beautiful God.
God Bless, luv you all.

2003-04-27T21:29:00.000-04:00

So this weekend I took 8 of my kids to Grayling for our Spring Retreat. It ROCKED! We had so much fun, learned about prayer and study; all the kids got a journal to help them in their study of the word; we played some really fun/gross games. It was just awesome. Those kids are amazing. God is amazing. God's Love is amazing. And God's Son is amazing. Amen

Ephesians 6:10-20 ~ Put on the Full Armor of God

2003-04-24T00:41:00.000-04:00

Wednesday - 4/23/03
So, not a good thing happened after youth group tonight. One of the youth accidently hit another's car while backing out. I just pray that both their parents aren't too harsh. Accidents happen. But it did bring up the passage we talked about that night. Romans 8:28-39, the 1st verse says that God makes good of all things, even car accidents. Why they happen and how God will make good from it, who knows, but the one thing we do know is that He will.
Besides the accident, today was pretty good. I slept in, and then checked out a foosball table w/ a couple of youth and my uncle. So in a week or 2 we will have a foosball table in the youth room. And both youth groups went pretty well. The Jr High group rewrote Psalm 23 using imagery, they did pretty good. Instead of David's The Lord is my shepard, they did...the lord is my: hands, skateboard, glasses, running path, and volleyball. They turned out pretty good.
When I got home, I then thought I would watch a movie. Well I normally really like Adam Sandler movies. I just watched one that was incredibly stupid though. Little Nicky...The past hour and a half was just completely wasted. i would not recommend that movie to anyone. I heard it was bad, but I just thought those people didn't like Sandler kind of movies. Now I agree with them.
Ok I am going to bed now.

2003-04-21T23:58:00.000-04:00

Tonight was an awesome night at Anazao. Throughout the day, even though I started it our in God's word, I felt Blahhh. And I didn't do anything about it. And on my way to Anazao, I still felt blah, and when I 1st got there, blah. But when it was time to gte together and have our lesson, Johnny said it was going to be a worship night. We started off asking why we worship...to praise God and give Him all of ourselves. Then some shared an experience they had during worship when God told them something, The one that stuck out the most in my life was that during worship God told me that I needed to let go of someone I deeply cared about so he could give all of himself to God, it was hard, but I let him go. (I didn't share that with the group though). But after all the sharing and stuff, we sang worship to Him. It was amazing. God filled me with soo much joy, and I was so far from Blah. I was also asking Him for strength and boldness to go out and share Him with the world. The last song we sang was called 'I can't hide your love'. I prayed that I wouldn't ever be able to hide or keep to myself His love. That I will go out and shine His love to all the people I come into contact with, and that I do not shy away from opportunities that He puts infront of me. I want to give Him all that He deserves, because He is all I need and want, nothing else matters.

2003-04-18T23:57:00.000-04:00

Today we remember that Jesus was beaten, mocked and hung on a cross, with just 3 nails holding him up, in agony for 9 hours. He did this just to free us from the hold Satan has on us. Jesus loves us so much that he doesn't want us to burn for eternity, instead he wants us to live, with him, for eternity.

2003-04-16T23:01:00.000-04:00

So Today was a really great day. I woke up on my own at about 7 this morning, wow. 1st thing I did was get flyers designed for CrossRoads that I am starting up in May. When that was finished I got ready and headed to church. Since it's a Wednesday and I didn't work, I was able to go to the Revelations Bible Study. I really enjoy that, I am learning so much more than I ever could or ever have learned by reading it on my own. We read in Rev 2 in the letters to the church of Smyrna and the church of Pergamum. The Pergamum church was making many compromises in their faith and not doing what scripture taught, so Jesus told them to beware becasue He will be coming for them soon. He also told them that if they overcame and turned back to Him, great will their reward be in heaven. ~ God has given us very simple insructions for our lives, if we follow his principals and the way Jesus lived his life we will live in eternity with Him, if we don't live for Him and if He is not the center of our hearts/lives we will go to the Lake of Fire and burn for eternity. Hmmm...how to choose which way to go...I'll walk this life with Jesus.

When Bible study was over, we had early dismissal at the church. We had about 80 high schoolers come over to the church and eat pizza. The only problem is that we don't know how to use this opporunity to get these kids to come on Wednesday nights or to really get to know the Lord. I know I should have been more proactive today. I needed to just go and sit down with some random kids, see who they are, what they are intersted in, and invite them personally to come to youth group. Part of me thinks I am too late, but then the other part of me thinks this is my last chance...next month is the last ED of the year. If I can't reach to the underclassmen, hopefully I can get the one's graduating this year, so they can get to know the Lord through crossroads. I pray, that the next youth director really knows how to make the most of this great opportunity.

After this, I got busy and redid the Junior hIgh lesson for the night. I went through the Last supper through the ascension of Jesus' life and wrote a paraphrase of it. I didn't have enough time to make it perfect, so there were some typo's, but I think the point got across. We read the story together and after the crucifiction we listened to Nicole Nordeman's Why. Then we finished by reading his resurection and ascension. We then talked about different symbolisms that are in the text and discussed why it is so important to understand. I think it went really well, those kids are definitely hungry for God's Word, and life.

High school group went really well too tonight, we had to plan our Easter morning service. They did a great job, they picked out 3 really awesome songs, and a great skit, and if we can figure it out, a really moving ending thing to go with it. I am excited about it, I think they will do an amazing job, and teach some of the older people of the church something new. God has given me some great youth to work with. Definitely one the best experiences I have ever had.

God Bless and Good Night
GO WINGS!

2003-04-11T00:58:00.000-04:00

Thursday...
This morning I woke up at around 9am, because I didn't get called to work, and I needed to get in the word right then and there. I read Exodus 5-11. It was about Moses and the Plagues of Egypt. Moses was called to go the Pharaoh to tell him to let the Isrealites free to sacrifice and worship to their Lord. Moses went, Pharaoh laughed in his face, and made the Isrealites make bricks with no straw, and they had to meet their regular quota. When the Isrealites couldn't make their quota they blamed Moses, even after he explained himself. They did not have faith in him. Moses got real discouraged real fast from this and in 6:12 he tells God he can't go back to pharaoh because his people won't even listen to him, so how/why would pharaoh? God told him His plan and Moses went, again. Moses went back to pharaoh 11 times, sent plagues of all sorts to the Egyptions, Pharaoh even began to change his mind about 5 times, but still refused to let the Isrealites go. How discouraging that would be. 11 trips to see a man, send a plague or miracle, and get turned down. Crazy! But, he had faith in the Lord, and knew that the Lord had a plan. No matter what was thrown in front of him, he knew that his people would be set free.
I have been gettting discouraged with a lot of things in my life recently...and I know it is just Satan trying to push my buttons and trying to make me feel like I am not doing the work the Lord put in front of me to do right. These few chapters really helped me today. I realized that God has put me here on earth to help set his people free. Not from human slavery, but from Satan, and his captivity. As long as I keep my faith in Him, and keep in prayer and in His will, then I will have no problems. Even if I am just here on earth to plant the seeds, and not see them grow, it is worth every second. God is amazing, and He truely has everything under control. I can't leave His side for even one second, or I am letting Satan win. SATAN WILL NOT WIN ME! And I WILL NOT ALLOW HIM TO WIN ALL THOSE I LOVE! We truely have to stay next to Jesus, because He will always be next to us.
Ex 9:1 "Go back to Pharaoh," the Lord commanded Moses. " Tell him, 'this is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says. Let my people go, so they can worship me'."

2003-04-08T22:58:00.000-04:00

Well, Once again, it changed. I was discussing with my mom tonight and showing her how/why I cam eup w/ the solution to get my BA next year. While we were looking through it, I found an additional whole bunch of classes that were hiding in my info. So, I will stay and try to grad ASAP w/ education, and then go on to Bible school.

2003-04-08T10:38:00.000-04:00

So I think I may have the school thing figured out...I will probably get a BA in liberal arts w/ History and Psychology, and PRAY hard core throughout this year and figure out if God wants me to go straight to a bible school or to get my teaching certificate 1st. I am not 100% sure that this is the route that God wants me to go on, I think it is but don't know yet. To help figure it out, I will be praying and fasting over the next couple days. John 6:35 says... Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." and Luke 6:21 says..."Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied." Jesus is the only bread I need. He will satisfy me, and all my needs. Fasting and prayer together are amazing ways to connect with God. I was always a bit skeptical of it, but I tried it once and it was amazing. I may not find the answers to my school questions right away, but I am showing God that I am serious about Him and His will for my life, and that I don't want to make this decision without His approval. It also keeps me focusing on Him. When we fast, we get hungry; when we get hungry, we look to God to fill us. And He does. It is a great reminder to keep prayer #1 in our daily lives. The more we focus on Him, the closer we get to Him, and the more we understand His will. It's amazing.
Matt 5:6; Luke 6:21; John 6:33,35,38 Amen!

2003-04-07T11:42:00.000-04:00

First I have to say.....WHAT HAPPENED TO SPRING :(
So, last night I definitely needed to spend time in prayer. So I did. As I was praying, I was crying to God and telling Him that I needed Him. I needed to know what/where He wants from me. As I was doing that, I realized I needed to be patient. I so often want to know what I am going to do w/ my future, and sometimes don't wait for GOd to give me the answers. I know that He has it under control, so what do I have to worry about. He gave me peace last night. Then I opened my Bible to Ephesians 4:17 - 5:21. These verses were also talked about in Church. It is telling me that I need to die daily to myself and live in Christ. I need to put God before everything/anything I do, think, or say. It was also telling me what I need to watch, do and not do. I need to be an "imitor of Christ" 5:1. And to live in love.
This morning, I did not get called into work, and the first thing I did was opened my Bible. I have a little devo book and it had me read 1Peter 1:13-25. I think I did this same devo somewhat recently, but I forgot it. Anyways, the 1st first verse read "Prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." To me, that verse just stuck out. I got my own thing out of the devo, than what they had planned. I need to be in total action in giving my life to Christ everyday. I need to be self controlled. If I am in prayer constently, and in His word everyday, and focus on His will for my life and the service I am doing for Him, He will surely not lead me onto the wrong path. I need not worry, because He has it undersontrol. All I have to do is submitt to Him. Amen.

OK, something else. I am sooooo excited about the retreat I am taking my kids on the weekend after Easter. I know it is a bad weekend, a couple kids will be on vacation, a few kids have their first softball game, and it's one kids 16th birthday. And that stinks...I wish they could all be there. But, no matter who will be there, or how many actually come, I feel that God is going to do something great in our lives. Retreats are an awesome time to give up a weekend to focus on God and have soooo much fun. I found some really fun/great game ideas, that I can't wait to play. God has also put on my heart a topic for the retreat. PRAYER. Without prayer/communication we really have no true relationship with God. I have been praying, and will continue to pray for this retreat. I truely believe the Holy Spirit will be there sooo strongly, and that we will all be taught something new and amazing. :)

2003-04-06T01:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, so its been a few days, I have been slacking, this blog thing is more time consuming than I thought it would be. Anywho, today my mind is flying in every direction. I am so confused about what my future holds, and so confused about what I am going to do next semester, and so confused about what I am going to do this summer. I stop subbing in June, cause school lets out, and I don't have a clue as to where I am going to work, and who will hire someone with the schedule I will prolly have this summer. And next, I am so confused on what I am going to do with my life; my career, my degree...??? If I continue down the Seconday Ed road, I will be in school for 3 more years...I am already a SENIOR! I am soooo ready to graduate. I hate thinking that I will be living at home and attending WSU for 3 more years, it makes me want to cry. I don't even think I want to teach in the schools. From working as the volunteer youth director at my church all year, I have found a great love and passion for my youth and the youth of today. That is what keeps me going. My heart races when I hear about youth leader conferences and seminars. I feel like God has put this year in front of me to teach me so many new things, especially about being a youth director. I feel like I need tons more training, but if I continue on the Education road, I won't be able to spend time w/ youth or be able to go to any seminars, they're not cheap. Also, it would be at the very least 3 more years before I could become a real full time YD. But I can't just not finish school, I have put a lot of money and a lot of time into it, and my folks would shoot me. I had a thought enter my mind today which could allow me to grad in a year. But that would be to get a liberal arts degree inHistory and Psych. Yeah, like I could get a job with that. But if Idid it, it would be so I could hopefully get a YD posisition and just go to tons of the conferences to get me better in that, or I could go to Moody and get a Masters in Biblical Studies...which would give me soooo much more knowledge about the bible, and go to seminars to learn how to become a great YD. AHHHHH
As you can see, I need to put this all into prayer. I have no idea what direcetion God is throwing me in, and I change what I think he is doing all the time. So I really just need to focus and pray about where he wants me. I know Matthew tells us to let tomorrow worry about itself, but that is hard to do when you need to register for classes in advance. Also I know that God knows exactly what he is doing, and he is telling me to give everything to him, everyday, so that his will will be shown to me.

"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 a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 AMEN!!!

2003-04-02T23:11:00.000-05:00

Today has been a very LONG day. A week or so ago I was organizing/cleaning out my office, and I found some really awesome resources and materials I need for leading the youth. So this morn I woke up nice and early and watched a couple videos about youth meetings, they had some good stuff in them. I then headed to the church to go to a bible study on revelations (which I know nothing about), it was interesting, starting to understand. Then I spent the rest of the day preparing lessons and sign ups and the long, yet fun, stuff like that. Then youth group :), finally. So I am tired.
Ok now something cool I learned. I have this really cool African/Tribal sounding song, that sings LET IT RAIN a whole bunch, and starts off by sayin 'Ahab went to Elijiah and said there would be a mighty rain, and Elija prayed that it would rain'...Well, I didn't know where to find that passage, and was never really sure what it talked about, so when I sang and danced to it, I just asked for the Holy Spirit to rain down on us, our nation, and our world. But someone at my church found the passage that was in the song, and I found out the meaning. It's in 1Kings 18. I would have never really looked at this passage w/ any real depth if it wasn't for this song. Anyway, i find out that it meant that the rain showed that the god Baal had been defeated in that land, and that God had proved himself to be the true God to al the people. So, when the song sings LET IT RAIN OVER USA NATION & WORLD it means "God...please come show yourself and prove yourself, so that all will see, know, and have no excuse but to follow you." Which in turn means..."God please send your son down to earth again soon, so that there will no longer be suffering, pain, or disbelief". So that all who love Him can walk side by side w/ Him.
That is my prayer...even though it some what scares me. I am not ready to lose loved ones due to their disbelief, but I am ready to see those who love the Lord be healed, fed, sheltered, and in pure/true peace, joy, and love.
OK, I gotta sleep.

2003-04-01T23:46:00.000-05:00

I am sooooo tired. ATF wore me out, even though I slept all day Sunday. Anywho, The past few days the word LOVE has been coming up every where I go to learn about God. Unconditional love for others. The 2 main things Jesus asks of us is to Love the Lord our God and love our neighbor, and to go and make desciples of the nations. Loving others the way Crist loved us is the only way we can accomplish anything for His kingdom. We need to love everyone all the time; no if's and's or but's about it. We can't jsut love those who love us...we have to love those who hurt us, annoy us, hate us, and we need to especially love our brothers and sisters in Christ, even if they do those things to us too. God is faithful and he will help us love eachother, but we need to want to love them 1st. 1John 3 is a good chapeter about this.
I am reading through all of 1,2,3John right now. I am on 1John 3. John is a great writer about our Lord. He helps make Jesus real to us.
Well I LOVE YOU ALL !!!
I have to sleep.....goodnight

2003-03-30T22:18:00.000-05:00

WOW!
What a weekend! On Friday, I took my youth group to Lansing to go to Acquire the Fire. The 1st night was great. About a thousand students asked Jesus into their hearts or recommitted their lives to Him. The whole floor of the Breslin center was full of people kneeling, and crying in prayer. It was amazing. Before we all went to bed that night we had a little, talk/devotional time. At ATF, God spoke to me about what to talk with the kids about that night. So I asked them why they decided to come and what they wanted to get out of it. After going around, I told them why I brought them there (for God to touch them/speak to them in a new way). Then I talked to them about why we need to expect to get something out of it, and we will get out of it what we put in to it. The next morning the speaker talked about the same thing. WOW!
For the sleeping arrangements, we stayed at a local church the kids would have rather had a hotel, and me too, but the budget just couldn't afford it. They all got a bit annoyed with me that night for telling them to shhhh...but I had to, we needed to respect the other church that was there as well as a few people that fell asleep right away. But if I were them, I would have been annoyed at me too.
Saturday was even better. They had a few great speakers, I had a leadership thing and got lots of information, and the newsboys played...it was great. While the Newsboys were singing the song with the words "and all God's children singing Glory, glory is our God almighty. Glory, glory is his name on earth", I looked around the stadium, and was amazed. 13,000 people were there, most of who were praising God. What a powerful thing. Toward the end of the night, they had another alter call, and another thousand or so people filled the floor to give their lives to Jesus. WOW!
This whole weekend and week, I was praying so hard that God would reveal himself to each of my youth and all of the other youth who went, in a way they never had before, or I prayed that God would just speak to them about something in their life. Friday night, one of my 6th graders gave her heart to Jesus, and some of the other kids truly felt the power of Holy Spirit from all the people worshiping together. On Saturday night He spoke again. I looked behind me and saw one girl praying, and all of the other kids in the group laid their hands on her in prayer. It was so beautiful, to see all the love and faith they all have. After that, a couple of the guys in the group were crying and in complete prayer. It was awesome. God was talking, or revealing himself, to most, if not all, of the kids in the group. What a beautiful thing! ...WOW!

I truly love all those kids and I am so thankful to be leading them this year.

2003-03-26T23:12:00.000-05:00

Philippians 3
No Confidence in the Flesh
1Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
2Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh-- 4though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Pressing on Toward the Goal
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Verse 13: As followers of Christ we need to put all of our past behind us, both good and bad, and push forward with our lives, reaching for Jesus. v.14: we need to reach for our goals...and that goal needs to be to be closer and closer to Christ. v16: God has taught us things or informed us about himself and what he wants from us. It is our responsibility to "live up to" what he has revealed. We know it, there is no turning back.... He is the way the truth and the life. v20: We need to live for and reach for that day when we get to walk with Jesus, in heaven or on earth (which ever coems 1st).
Our life on this planet is preparation time for us. What we have and what we do is meaningless unless it is for the good of God's kingdom. Who cares if we don't get the grades, the car, the house, the clothes, or the MONEY we wanted. It is meaningless. The only thing that matters is if we are followig what God wants, and he will reward our obedience to him. Jesus say "If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15 Do we love him that much to obey his commands? I try to show him emy love everyday by doing what he asked, but I fail sometimes. He gives us commands because he knows us better than anyone, even ourselves, ever could, and he knows what will be truely best for us. It boggles my mind how I, or any of us can not follow him or his commands. They will definitely be better for us both now and in the future.
God Bless and Goodnight.

2003-03-26T00:02:00.000-05:00

Tuesday 3-25-03
"I am the alpha and the omega."
Jesus existed before time, and will exist throughout eternity.

2003-03-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

Monday 3-24-03
Ok, I didn't have time to blog yesterday, so I am doing it now.
Yesterday was a very good day. I was called to sub at NH Middle school as a social studies teacher. That was cool because I have not been able to sub in my major yet. YAY! It was fun, but it was nice because I had prep 1st hour. During my prep, after making hundreds of copies, I got out my Bible and did a little devo. I read Colossians 3-4. It was mainly talking about how I need to give up all the things of the earthly world and live my life for Jesus in Love. I will give more in depth later when I get home and can look at my notes. Later I went to Anazao. It was really good this week. WE have been doing this series called 40 days of purpose for the last 6 weeks, and it had a daily devo book (which I didn't have), and weekly small group plans. It wasa goodseries, and we went around the room and tlaked about what God was doing in each of our lives, and what he has taught us in the past 40 days, or recently. When it was my turn to share, I said that God has been working in 3 major areas and teaching me 3 things. 1: PRAYER 2: DILIGENCE(I can't spell) 3: DICIPLINE.
PRAYER: He has been telling me how powerful prayer is, and how amazing it is to be in prayer all day long. I have been trying to do that, and I have had a great peace over me.
DILIGENCE: I need to be focused on all I do, God judges His teachers on their actions more han anyone else. I am a teacher, I teach apx 35 youth about Jesus, and how amazing HIs love is for us, and what GOd wants from us. I am being judged on my actions in everyway, by everyone. And that is the life I chose...to follow God's plan...and I don't mind. IN fact I love it. I need to watch myself, and make sure I am always a good example. It's tough, bu the rewards are trmendous.
DICIPLINE: Get off my lazy booty and do something...Always do something. I have been pretty good with this. I have been getting into the word almost every day, have been in prayer, and haven't sat too much in front of the TV lately. So I have been getting more dicipline in my life.
OK, I gotta go.

2003-03-23T21:59:00.000-05:00

Today was a great day...Drove to church with my parents, (for the first time in forever) taught Sunday School, ate lunch, took a nap, got some work done, and sang at Praise Nite. God was the center of my day...Halleluja! Tonight at Praise Nite, God really moved us. As usual we start off in prayer and warm up, and when we prayed we really asked God to send down his spirit...And He DID. Throughtout the praise he brought more people in, it was amazing. He even brought a couple people who really needed prayer, and needed to give their situations to God. Mid way through we talked about the war, and PRAYER. Prayer is an amazing tool that God has given us to bless the people around us, and even ourselves. Adam shared that when we pray we need to pray for specifics, God listens. We can all be prayer warriors, we can all lift eachother up in prayer, we can all pray for the soldiers in Iraq, our leaders, as well as the people of Iraq and around the world, either for or against us. Prayer equals Power, and God has given each of us this power. That is just amazing to me. And he gave us this power because He loves us so much. All we have to do is give him our lives and he will take care of us, guide us, protect us, and hold us. He is so awesome.

Song of the Day
"Here I am waiting, Live in me I pray
Here I am longing, for you
Hide me in your arms, bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more

Come live in me, all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, and I will rise, on Eagles Wings

I want to fall in love with you
I want to fall in love with you"

~ that's the prayer of my heart and my life.
Please also pray for a couple of my Uncle's...For God's comfort and healing.

2003-03-22T09:06:00.000-05:00

Well, yesyerday I put off studying until I was too tired to do so, or that was my excuse. I still had God in my thoughts throughout the day, but I didn't do what he was asking me to do. So it was the 1st thing I did this morning. I can't put it off!

Psalm 24; 62:1-10; Matt 6:25-35;1 Tim 5:3-19

The 1st thing that popped into my head this morning was money. I was worrying about finances. I was wondering how I could pay my bills, and how my youth group was going to get the money needed to go to DCLA this summer. WHAT! Once I realized what I was thinking I wanted to smack myself. Matt 6:32 ."..and your heavenly father knows that you need the,. But seek first His kingdom and His rghteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." Duh, I was was worrying abou things that I have been telling all my kids in my youth group not to worry about. What God wants, God gets. Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lord's and everythign in it, the world and all who live in it." Psalm 62:8 "Trust in Him at all times, O people pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."
God has given me the most amazing opportunity to serve him and some awesome youth. It has taken much time, but worth every second. I love it! But in these past 6-7 months, I have had to trust in God more than ever, both spiritually and financially. I was making no income for the first couple months this year, and had a lot of money due. I did not worry though, because I knew if I was doing God's will, that he would provide...and He did. I somehow got all the money I needed to pay my bills, and still have a bit of a life. It was truley a blessing, and still is. He took care of me there, so I know he can take care of the summer trip. I turns out God brought a lot more youth to go on this trip than was planned...which means He is really going to speak to all of us this summer. With the extra people, it seems to cost a bit more money. This scared me, I told some kids not to worry, because if God wants them there, He will provide a way. I need to listen to my own advice. God will provide, it is His trip, He will bring so many people closer to Him through it, how couldn't he provide.
So yeah, I was worrying...about money of all things. Why??? who knows, I just know now, without a doubt, that it is the least thing I should worry about. God has it, and My trust and hope is in Him. 1 Tim 5:10 "...some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and peirced themselves with many griefs.

Prayer:
O Lord, please guide me and provide all you have for me. I know that you have all of my life and the life of the youth group in control. Father, there is nothing I can do that will calm my worry, but it is your hand that will take care of it. Help me to look to you and put my total faith and trust in you and your plan. I love you so much, and thank you for all you have done for me and the world, and thank you for the amazing opportunities you have put in my Life. And Lord, I ask that you be with all the soldiers and leaders of this country, and please be with all the Iraqi's that are in need and want of Freedom. Give them all peace, comfort and protection. Guide them all in your path.Thank you. In Jesus' name...Amen.

2003-03-20T22:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday at CHAOS, I talked about how important is is to give God each and every day. At the end of the meeting I challenged the group to give GOd at least 15 minutes a day in prayer and/or study. This is also a challenge for me. I cannot sleep until I pray, and ususally can't start my day off right until I do so, but studying every day is where it gets hard. I have a problem of laziness, and God is working on me. So this page is one way I can make sure I keep up my studies, everyone/anyone who reads it is allowed to keep me accountable, even myself.

Thursday
1 Peter 1:13-2:3; Proverbs 4; Psalm 1
We are all children of God, therefore we need to be self - controlled, and obey his commands. His commands are made so we can live our lives to the fullest, in peace, love, and harmony. If we fall back on our old ways, or the way of the wicked, we will perish. God has so much more planned for our lives. We need to live out each day in fear of the Lord. Not fright fear, but in complete and total respect for God and what he is capable of. God gave his son Jesus Christ to all of us to save us and give us faith, hope, and the true meaning of Love. He purified us. We have been born again into a new life for eternity. God will also give us wisdom through the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 4:7 says that getting wisdom and Judgement from God is the most important thing we can do. We need to keep away from perverse or corrupt talk, keep are eyes focused on Jesus, gaurd our heart, make clear and level paths, and not stray from that path. The only way to do that is give our lives completely to Jesus, and he will guide us into a life of love, peace, hope, joy, and wisdom. If we do this, we will prosper. Not neccisarily in material goods, but in spiritual and eternal goods.
1 Peter 2:1-3 tells us we nee dto crave all that God wants for us, and cry out for it as baby's cry out for milk. He will guise us and show us our paths. All we need to do is trust and put faith in him.

That' s just amazing to me. God has it all figures out, and all he is asking us to do is trust in him, and he will do the rest. We just need to want it. WOW! God is good.

verse of the day
1 Peter 1:13
Prepare your minds for action, be self controlled, sset your hope fult on teh grace o be given to you when Jesus CHrist is revealed.