Worship in all ways.

I know people are going to think that I am a little strange but oh well, hopefully you will understand where I am coming from. Last night when I got home from work I decided that I would mow the yard or at least part of it since it is fairly large. So, I got out the lawn mower and then put the head phones on. At first I really wasnt listening to the music because I was really wanting to get most of it done before it got dark. As I moved to the center part of the yard I really started to listen to the words of the song. Many times I listen to music and sing along (sorry for those who can hear me I know it sounds horrible) but never really HEAR the words to the song. Last night I heard the words. I was really worshiping out on the lawn mower. Strange I know but it was good. I started praying that the worship that I experienced at Passion would over flow into my everyday life. I dont want to be caught up with the concern of who is around me or what they think of me. I want to know that I can experience worship with raised hands if I am moved to do so and not be concerned that people are going to look at me strange or think that I am wierd. Can you worship without worry about what people think? If not let me share this with you. God should be our only concern and audience. I sing for an audience of one which is God, I dont need to worry about what other people think of me. True worship is an awesome experience that we should have every day. I Chornicles 16:29. " Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array.

The Pope is visiting.

So, this morning as I am getting dressed I turn on the news to see what the weather is going to be like since it is so different every day almost. The news reporter started talking about the visit of the Pope and how it is his first ever trip to the U.S., then it switched over to another reporter and she called him holy father. The only Holy Father that I know is God himself not some Pope Benedict (I think is his name). I know that there are people in this world that do not believe the same as I do and probably dont even believe; I fear for them one day. There is a Holy Father and he is in Heaven waiting and preparing a place for his children. There are so many people in the united stated that are so excited about the pope being here for a visit, I pose this question to myself; " Am I as excited about the return of Jesus". I pray that I am more excited because the return of Christ means so much more than just a simple visit from the pope. This really encourages me to witness more to people that I come in contact with. There is a lost world out there and if I (we) dont share the gospel with them then hell will become a very real place to them one day. If you are reading this and you are not sure of your salvation and who your Holy Father is, please post a comment and ask me some questions I would love to share how much God loves you. Have a great day.

Notes of the weekend.

I know I have already posted about this past weekend but I really want those that read this to understand how awesome this was.

Friday night: Discussion on theology - what we believe in. What do you believe in? If someone was to ask you to explain your faith could you do with it? We need to know what we believe not what we have been taught. So many people talk about what they were taught when they grew up, this is what my pastor says. People get off the couch and research for yourself and make a stand for what you believe in. I believe God the father created this universe and everything in it, there is no other god but God himself. He himself becam man so that I one day may live in eterniy with him. He bore the sins of the world so that I can be His princess.
There was also talk about being a match for God and that our match needs to be joined to His flame. Let our match burn longer than 5 seconds.

Saturday session 1: Statement - " I can have the biggest and best churc without God" Francis Chan was talking about how he has done tihngs in his church and how it was good and all but it wasnt the way God really wanted it done. Do you get the glory fow what you are doing or for what you do does it glorify God? Think about it for a second, yes we can do good things but who is being glorified you or God. I know that I can do nothing apart from God. I hope and pray that anything and everything I do glorifies God and that people will see Jesus in me. Access the Holy Spirit. It is there but do w always allow it to work.

Two statements that were made that stuck out to me: The spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives inside me. I am a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Saturday session 2: Big time trouble. Suffering and hardship can not snuff out God's mission. This goes back to the story about the college girl and her friend she calls fruit cake. She had some problems in her life but then ended up with a room mate that was a christian. By the end of the story the girl had gotten saved but then a few months later was killed in a car accident. Her dad is an anthiest and has now being asking questions about God. Bad situation when your child is killed at the age of 22, absolutely. Can God use that for good, of course. God can use the worse situation and use it for good.

Saturday session 3: Silience is golden was my thought. I wish I had the words to write out for you but I dont. Just think of it like this. You and 9,500 people sitting in an arena reading words of God's love in complete silence. I have never prepared myself for worship or a message like that before. I think I will start doing this from now on. Wait and listen for the still small voice and getting rid of the noise.

I hope you all enjoy.

Passion

Friday a groupd of us headed to Atlanta for Passion. I have experienced this before but a lot smaller group, so I really was excited to see what was going to happen and how God was going to move. Friday evening was the first session. Chris Tomlin lead worship and Louie Giglio was the speaker. He told a story about a young girl that went to UF and lived with the girl she called a fruit cake because she was a Christain. The story went on to talk about her relationships and lack of relationship with God. Fruit cake was a person that did not hold the things she did against her. She was showing God's love to her, how amazing it is to see this being done. At the end of the message I realized that I needed to be out there with people that are lost. Not meaning going to clubs, or anything like that. Just mean that I need to make myself more available to my friends that are lost and show them how much God loves them by not being judgemental, or condemning. I walked away from this night saying how awesome God was and how greatful I was that he spoke to me this way.

Saturday morning service: Franis Chan spoke about the Holy spirit and how it is available to us but do we actually grab hold. I again realize that I have not fully allowed the Holy spirit to work. I had a vision of a few things that I think God is trying to show me about ministry and service and it is blowing my mind. If this is God, wow he is really doing and changing a lot of things about me and what I am use to. Removing my comfort zone and steping out in faith. Later I will share details as to what God is speaking to me about.

Saturday evening we were asked to enter in silence. It was amazing. I tried to reflect back on the past few messages and focus on what God was going to do in that service. At the start of the session there were words that rolled through telling us how much God loves us, how much he cares about us and what he did for us. It was absolutely amazing. 9,500 people sitting in silence and worshipping together. I was blown away. Yes, it brought me to tears. I have a lot to take away from this weekend and I look forward to seeing what God is going to continue to do with what he showed me over the weekend.

God is AWESOME!

Passion

I am so excited. Louie Giglio is one of my favorite speakers and I actually get to go listen to him this weekend in Atlanta. The only bad thing is I lost my voice on monday and it has prgressively gotten worse. I have never had a voice for singing but I really dont have a voice now. I hope that God will allow me to worship without a voice. LOL I know he will. I am really looking forward to what God is going to show me this weekend. I have had several good moments with God these past few weeks, I know he will continue that. I cant wait to post about it either while I am gone or when I get back but you will have all the details. Passion Here I Come!

Host Home

I was a little nervous being a host home for our missionaries that we coming into town. I wasnt sure how well we would get along and exactly what I needed to do for them. Thursday a week ago is when they came into town. I met them at the church and then Robbie, Kyle, Ben and Ching (I think is how you spell his name) went back to my house for dinner, nothing special just pizza. The night ended fairly early because they were tired. As the time progressed with them being in town I realized on Sunday that I really hadnt spent that much time with them or taken the time to get to know them. I told Saralee on Sunday evening how awesome God is that he one allowed me to open my home for them to stay in and two that he brought people from half way around the world that ministered to me, arent I the one that should be going to ministering to them was my thought. So, after church I really got to see alot of their individual personalities. Filipino rednecks is what I called it. It was so funny, I am still laughing about it. It was an experience I will never forget and friends I will never loose contact with. God works in awesome ways. I was sad to see them leave on Tuesday but I look forward to talking with them and hearing what God is doing in and through them. Adoration is you read this God bless you. may he keep you safe in all you do forhim. It was an honor to meet you. Mel and Shen thanks for being my roommates for a few days, I miss you already. Saralee, never thought I would be praying about missions but I am starting to pray about where and what God wants me to do.