In Love With Jesus!

Ok, so I have tried to blog but I have had problems with my computer. I think I have fixed the problem. So here is what I have wanted to blog about.

This past Sunday in conversation with someone about ministry there was a statement that was made that really made me think about my love for Jesus. Here is the conversation as best I can remember it; "There is a street ministry that is getting ready to start, let me know what I can do, you are dedicated, I wouldnt say that, well you are in love with Jesus right?" Ok so I left out some of what was said but hopefully you get the idea of where I am going with this. So Monday I didn't do anything but think about this statement. Am I in love with Jesus? Do I love him the way he loves me? Jesus is so in love with me that he gave his life for me.( What an example of true love) So my thoughts were how can I love him the way he loves me, I dont think I can other than surrender everything I have and am to Jesus. Even the little things. The past two days I have been reading about being lukewarm and some of the characteristics that describe this kind of person. This made me really think about the love I have for Jesus. I felt ashamed but yet revived to know that I serve a God who loves me and shows me mercy, grace, peace, forgiveness and love which he is not limited to just these. Every day is a new day and I am so blessed to serve a God who is alive and living today. I want to fall in love with Jesus every day with a sincere surrendered heart.

If you want to read a book that will make you think about your relationship with God then check out this link. http://crazylovebook.com/ or go to Francis Chan and listen to some of his blogs. He has challenged me in ways I cant explain completely.

Power In Prayer

Don't believe prayer works, here is proof that it does. About three weeks ago Kaylee Daniels (16 year old youth student at PLBC) left for 59 days in the Philippines. This is the first example that God hears and answers prayers. We had been praying that Kaylee would get accepted into the program and she did, then we prayed that God would provide the moneys for the trip and he did. This past Sunday we heard that Kaylee and her teammates were very sick and seemed to be getting worse. Monday night a group of us met and prayed together that they would get better. There was about 13 or so of us there and it was so sweet to hear everyone pray. Even Mom and Dad Daniels were there with us. It was sweet. Today I got a text saying that Kaylee was no longer sick and doing much better and had written a blog. God listens and answers prayers. Praise God Kaylee and most of the team members are better. Please pray for the remaining team member that is still not feeling well. Also, if you are reading this please pray for Kaylee as she will be teaching a True Love Waits lessons this weekend.

God you are awesome, thank you for listening to the cries or your children and helping Kaylees and the other team members get better. Help the other girl to feel better as well. Give them the words to share your love, grace and mercy with others. In Christ name, Amen.

Kaylee if you get to read this I am praying for you. We all miss you but I know God has big things in store for you. I pray that at the end of the trip you will know if God is truly calling you to be a missionary, which personally I think he is. I know you are ready for it. God bless you and keep you safe. Love you.

Old Friends

Yesterday I wrote about a child hood friend passing away. Last night I went to the viewing and it was harder than I thought. I tried to fight back the tears but as I was standing there speaking to a lady that worked at the funeral home she began to explain things that I really didnt care to know about and it brought tears to my eyes. Then as I was leaving one of the girls (lady) I see almost every day was coming in and she was having hard time which made it worse for me. I just wanted to go home and sit by myself. I didnt want to talk to any one or even answer the phone. I dont know what else to say other than I am sad for her children, parents, sibling, other family members and friends. The one thing that Jennifer's mother said last night was that she wasnt in any more pain and she was at peace. Those were very comforting words. I knew she was saved but it just made things better to hear that.

Today Oswald's verse was The Never-forsaking God
He Himself has said, ’I will never leave you nor forsake you’ —Hebrews 13:5 I truely find comfort in ths verse because even in times like this I know that God is with me and with those who are mourning the loss of a mother, daughter, sister and friend. I am so grateful that I have a Heavenly Father that is beside me holding my hands during every situation that comes my way.

The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly.
In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you.
You did not go alone,
for part of us went with you
the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories.
Your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one,
the Chain will link again.

Child Hood Friends

This morning as I am getting dressed (6am) the phone rings and at first I wasnt going to answer it but I thought it must be important for some one to call me that earlier in the morning. So, I answered and it was my Mom, but I didnt think anything of it. Here is what she said; "I have some news for you (pause) Jennifer Ricks passed away" The breathe was removed from my lungs at that point and I didnt know what to do or say. I dont know what happened or any details about this situation. I tried not to cry on the pnone with my mom but as soon as I hung up the phone it was like a river. All I could think about were the things we did as young girls. I played softball with Jennifer and spent a lot of time over at her house. Even though I went to church with my grandmother from time to time Jennifer was the only person (friend) I remember ever inviting me to church. In fact the morning I got saved Jennifer was right beside me. She was a good friend. There was this game that we played on her tramopline call break the egg. We were playing one day and I was holding onto my feet so tight that I was bounced off the trampoline and onto the ground. That hurt but I got right back up. I remember her laughing at me but I acted like it didnt even bother me. We always swam in her pool, and just had a blast together. Good memories of things we did when we were kids. After the memories rushed my thoughts I started to cry more and ask God I dont understand why there is so much death around me. God are you trying to get me to see some thing, do I need to grab hold of you even more, trust you a little more, what is it? I am not upset with God because He has a reason for everything that takes place and is in control of every situation. I find comfort in that. How do I comfort that family, what do I say? Tonight is the viewing and tomorrow is the funeral. I plan on attending both at this point but not 100% sure about going to the funeral. I dont do well at funerals but then again who does. Please pray for the family as this I am sure is a hard time for them.

Waiting at Chic-Fil-A

So, the students leave at 11:30 due to finals and I decided that I would go grab lunch from my favorite fast food place Chic-fil-a. As I pull into the parking lot it was pretty busy and the drive through is usually fast so I figured I would just wait in the drive through. So, I am waiting and can't pull up any further than where I was or I would block the people coming out from the drive through line. So I am waiting and while I am waiting I am texting and I see this big black truck pull up beside me and this lady start yelling profanity at me where the **** do you think you are going. Now let me remind you that I can't pull up any further. My first reaction was to yell back, but I didn't. At the time I didn't have any music playing in the car and so I thought I am going to pray for this lady, and so I did. Here is what I prayed, "God let this lady slow down before she ends up in an accident and hurts someone or herself. If she is not saved let her experience who you are." I have never done that before and only God knows why I did that today. I only hope and pray that God would remind me of this more often, especially when I am driving. I know I can be very impatient when in comes to driving, I dont want to be like that any more.

I challenge you with this; someone cuts you off, flips you off, yells at you while driving (in the car with you or not) lift that person up in prayer. It maybe the only time they have been prayed for. Thank you God for allowing me that experience.