Journey Day 65

Where I work isn't exactly the most uplifting place, sometimes tensions are high, everyone gets stressed, and we have the tendency to take it out on one another. Recently I decided that if I ever started to feel mad, or like I was going to start having a bad attitude, I would sing a worship song to myself. I know it sounds lame, but it's really kept me from starting to have a bad attitude! I'll find myself in the cooler singing away, and last night's song was "Our God", sung by Chris Tomlin. We've been singing it alot at church lately, and it's really just an AWESOME song!

Our God, by Chris Tomlin
Water You turned into wine
Opened the eyes of the blind
There's no one like you,
none like you
Into the darkness you shine
Out of the ashes you rise
There's no one like you
None like you

Chorus
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God you are higher than any other
Our God is healer, awesome and power
Our God, our God

Into the darkness you shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There's no one like you
None like you

Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God you are higher than any other
Our God is healer, awesome and power
Our God, our God
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God you are higher than any other
Our God is healer, awesome and power
Our God, our God

Bridge
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?

Journey Day 63

Today I went to a church called "One Community", which is downtown. To say that it was amazing would be an understatement, there was no way to describe how evident it was that God was in that place! The worship was moving, the preaching was convicting, and the people were friendly! At the end, the pastor did an altar call, basically just saying that if you had something you had to give to God, to bring it to the altar and leave it there. I knew that I had to go, and I sat there on my knees praying, and listening to a room full of worship, and I felt at peace. I knew that I didn't have to worry, it was all going to be fine. It isn't easy to keep it there, in the hands of Jesus where it belongs. I keep wanting to worry, I keep wanting to take it back and make it mine, but I have no control over what happens, I just have to trust that God knows best. If I stress it only hurts me, it doesn't help me. It's so easy to give my burdens to God, the hard part is letting him keep them! But why would I want them to begin with? They only make life more difficult. So here's to leaving my worries and burdens at the foot of the cross, where they belong! Easier said than done, I know, but it's mind over matter, and Jesus will take care of the rest! : )

Journey day 62

I'm beginning to realize that I was a pretty crappy person, I'm not saying that I am perfect now, but before I started this journey my priorities were just not what they should have been. Time with God was at the bottom of my to-do list, he rated second best and it was reflected in my attitude. I said some mean things about people. Things that I had no business saying, things that if the people ever heard they would be so hurt. What made me think that was ok? I have no answer for you. One of the girls that I had said cruel things about confronted me the other day, and I was so grateful! It gave me the opportunity to apologize to her, and you know what, it was really hard to hear. It was convicting, but it was just what I needed because it reminds me that I need to not be that way. My harsh words discouraged her, and brought her down, I need to encourage people, and build them up. I need to live a life that reflects Romans 13:8, "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." I'm not perfect at controlling my tongue, but I am getting better, and the closer I get to God the easier it is, and the more I desire it. My calling is to love God's creation, and when I would talk about others that was not loving them, that was me hurting them. I'm not perfect, and you know what, I never will be, I'm just doing the best I can, to follow God to the best of my ability. Every single day he gives me new reason to hold tight to his promises and to live for him. "He is my rock and my redeemer, the reason that I sing. I desire to be a blessing in your eyes."(May The Words of My Mouth)

Journey day 61

I had an incredibly encouraging evening! God shows me his grace and love through showing me the changes he has made in me. I love my God, he is so good and mighty! My desire each and every day is to grow closer to him! I decided that one of the things I am going to do to get closer to him is try fasting 3 days a month. I know that you aren't supposed to talk about fasting, it is between you and God, but I feel as though this will be a large part of my journey. I won't blog about it during the fast, but after I will blog about what God shows me! I'm so excited to fast because I feel it is such an important part of the Christian walk. To fast is to sacrifice something for your relationship with Christ, even if its something as small as food, or going on facebook. My desire is to sacrifice for Christ, to give my heart completely to him, to give my desires, needs and wants to him! I lay my burdens at his feet! I want to give everything I am to my God, and that is truly what my entire journey is all about : )

Journey Day 60

I am exhausted! Between two jobs, worrying about my brother starting college and making friends, keeping up with my own friends, keeping up with schoolwork, and my relationship with God, I feel as though I could pass out any moment. But throughout the busyness, I find rest and strength in my time with Jesus. When I am weak, he is strong! God reminded me of Isaiah 40:28-31, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired and weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and power to the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." How encouraging is that?! He gives strength to the weary (that would be me), and power to the weak. When I hope in God He will give me the energy I need to give everything in my life my all. The most important part is making time for my Jesus, and when I do that he will give me the strength for every other important thing in my life! That's one of the beautiful things about a relationship with Jesus, when you trust him with all your heart, he comes through in big ways! I've had this song in my head all day, He Loves Us, the David Crowder Band version, so I thought I'd enclose the link for the music video! Hope it makes you smile like it made me! : )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCunuL58odQ

Journey Day 59

More Like Falling in Love by Jason Gray

Give me rules

I will break them

Show me lines

I will cross them

I need more than a truth to believe

I need more than a truth that lives

Moves and breathes

To sweep me off my feet, it's gotta be

More like falling in love

Than something to believe in

More like losing my heart

Than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out

Come take a look at me now

It's like I'm falling, Oooh

It's like I'm falling in love

Give me words

I'll misuse them

Obligations

I'll misplace them

'Cause all religion

Ever made of me

Was just a sinner

With a stone tied to my feet

It never set me free, It's gotta be

More like falling in love

Than something to believe in

More like losing my heart

Than giving my alligence

Caught up, called out

Come take a look at me now

It's like I'm falling, Oh

It's like I'm falling in

Love, love, love

Deeper and deeper, it was

Love that made me a believer

In more than a name

A faith, a creed

Falling in love with Jesus brought

The change in me

More like falling in love

Than something to believe in

More like losing my heart

Than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out

Come take a look at me now

It's like I'm falling, Oh

It's like I'm falling

Journey Day 58

Revelation Song

Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to him who sits on
Heaven's mercy seat
[2X]

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be
to You the only wise King

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of your name
Jesus your name is power
Breath, and living water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah...

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come, yeah
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You
[3X]

Journey Day 56

So tonight is the last night of summer vacation, and tomorrow starts a new part of my journey, called "junior year"! I'm excited, but at the same time I'm dreading it! It's change, and all change is scary and intimidating, but I all change cause growth, so I'm looking forward to that! I think I'm scared that I'll have a hard time staying on the journey with the busyness that is college. But I'm determined to continue growing! Tonight was such a strange night, I was the only cashier at work, and we got SLAMMED, and the wait for food was extremely long, it was simply stressful, and I had a bad attitude for the first part of the night. A few of the servers were not being helpful, and I was just angry with them! Well as I'm sure you could have guessed, I wasn't the only stressed out one, and it was getting to all of us. My head knew that I should let God shine through me, but I was mad, cranky, and emotional, and I let it all get to me. It took my boss talking to me about my bad attitude to make me realize I needed an adjustment. So from that point on I made it a point to smile more, and be more helpful and kind to the other people that worked there. And when I adjusted my own attitude, I felt better about my job, the customers, and my co-workers. Once I reminded myself that everything was for God's glory, it improved my night, and I left work encouraged instead of exhausted! It's amazing how God can transform your heart and your entire night in a mature of moments : )

Journey Day 55

So I feel like everyone knows Jeremiah 29:11, " 'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.' " But not many people talk about the following verses, 12-14a. They are just as incredible as verse 11, and chock full of God's promises! It says, " 'Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.' declares the Lord, 'and will bring you back from captivity.' " Those words give me the chills every time I read them! God doesn't just say, "maybe if you do these things I'll help you out... maybe." He DECLARES that when we seek with our whole heart, we WILL find him, and he will save us from our captivity. What a fantastic promise, and so encouraging to read! Micah 7:8 says, "Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light." No matter where we are in life, God is there to free us, and be our light. I just love that line, "Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light." Let that be your encouragement, that in the darkest places, God lights your path and lifts us up when we fall. What an amazing, merciful savior we have! : )

Journey Day 54

I thought that today was going to be one of those days. One of those bad days, where I would feel sad all day, and a tad sick to my stomach. But instead it was an amazing day, and I felt God's love every single moment. I had that silly grin on my face all day, and felt overwhelmed by the opportunities that God is giving me! God has blessed me with so much, I can never doubt that ultimately he knows what's best, and he has a plan for me that is far better than my own! I have no time for sadness, no time for negativity! Sometimes I worry that I take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back, but today God showed me that I'm not who I was, and that slowly but surely he is bringing me forward, if only I will keep trusting him! I won't lie, with summer coming to a close, I worry that things will change, but I know that even if they do the change will be what's best, and God will be in it, and that is comfort enough for me!

Jeremiah 29:11

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

Journey Day 53

I am blessed beyond comprehension! Most people can't find one job, I have two! I go to a great school with so many opportunities! I have a supportive family, who loves me, and is always on my side. And I have amazing friends! They are there for me when I need them the most, with a cheesecake, a gallon of ice cream, and a shoulder to cry on! How could I possibly be so blessed? You want to know how? God extends me mercy and grace when I don't deserve it. And what does he ask in return? Simply a heart that is surrendered to him! So here I stand, surrendering my heart to Christ, so that he can mold it into a heart after his own heart!

The Stand

You stood before creation Eternity within Your hand You spoke the earth into motion My soul now to stand  You stood before my failure Carried the Cross for my shame My sin weighed upon Your shoulders My soul now to stand  So what can I say What can I do But offer this heart O God Completely to You  So I'll walk upon salvation Your Spirit alive in me This life to declare Your promise My soul now to stand  So what can I say What can I do But offer this heart O God Completely to You  So I'll stand With arms high and heart abandoned In awe of the One who gave it all  So I'll stand My soul Lord to You surrendered All I am is Yours

Journey Day 52

Your Love is a Song

I hear you breathing in

another day begins

The stars are falling out

My dreams are fading now, fading out

I've been keeping my eyes wide open

I've been keeping my eyes wide open

Your love is a symphony

All around me

Running through me

Your love is a melody

Underneath me

Running to me

Your love is a song

The dawn is fire bright

Against the city lights

The clouds are glowing now

The moon is blacking out

I've been keeping my mind wide open

I've been keeping my mind wide open

Your love is a song

With my eyes wide open

I've got my eyes wide open

I've been keeping my hopes unbroken

Lord, thank you for your love. Thank you that it surrounds me every single day.

Journey Day 51

I've been reading "The Sacred Romance" by Brett Curtis and John Eldredge. One of the key elements so far is that the heart is attacked by "arrows". They are painful things, events or caused by people in our life. Everyone has them, and sometimes they keep us from growing, connecting or loving others. One of my arrows is a breakup that caused the deepest wound in my heart. It caused self-doubt, and mistrust. I wondered was I not enough, what was wrong with me? Is there anyone that I can trust? Was I not worth fighting for? These questions caused so much pain, and created a deep wound within me. But the beauty of the wound is that it leaves room for God to heal if we will let him. He will fill our wound and heal our pain. Along with becoming a woman of character this journey has been all about healing, and allowing God to heal me completely. It's a beautiful thing when you see and feel the healing power of Jesus Christ in your life. It's absolutely incredible, and there is honestly nothing like it! The freedom I feel is indescribable and there is nothing like the love and affirmation God gives me. I never have to doubt or wonder if I'm not enough. I can always trust my savior, and there is nothing wrong with me, I am made and loved by the creator of the universe : )

Journey day 49

I officially finished "Untamed"! After reading it I feel like I know my savior in a different way! Ms harper gave me a whole new perspective on who God is, and what he wants for my life! After finishing it I've learned :

1. My Savior is wildly pro-woman!

Culture bombards us with so many lies about who we are as woman! They say men are better, the skinnier you are the more feminine you are, when you wear revealing clothing you are more beautiful, and other lies. But God is on our side! "Give all the 'boys rule' messages that have been assaulting my heart over the years, it's been a wonderfully liberating surprise to learn that Jesus is wildly pro-woman." He used women in his ministry, not just to clean and cook for his disciples, but to spread the truth of the gospel! He uses women to carry out his purpose, even if that wasn't the politically correct thing to do! Our savior frees us from the lie that women are inferior to men! We are his daughters and his desire is for us to be treated with honor, kindness, and respect, just like how he treats us!

2. My Savior is wildly confident!

"There is not a single square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry 'Mine'!"- Abraham Kuyper

Christ knew who he was, and what he was meant to do. He owned who he was called to be, and didn't doubt it or hide from it! Confidence is a compelling quality, and it draws people in! The confidence of Jesus brings us to him, because we long to know Him who is confident in who He was born to be!

3. My Savior is wildly confrontational!

"Woe to the person who smoothly, flirtatiously, commandingly, convincingly preaches some soft, sweet something which is supposed to be Christianity."-Soren Kierkengaard

God is always honest with us, sometimes brutally so! He does this, because he wants us to repent, and be reconciled with him, and sometimes that means it has to hurt. He loves us so much, and has so much compassion for "lost, lonely, and mistake-prone people", that he knows he needs to be confrontational. We need firmness to be healed, we don't need to be coddled. "He refuses to water down the truth for us. He won't shield us from the painful realities that accompany a life of faith, thereby causing us to group up weak, wobbly and easily defeated."

And last, but certainly NOT least:

4. My savior is wildly liberating!

Although this isn't the last reason in the book, I just feel like it is the most important of all of them! God frees us from our hurt, resentment, bitterness, and self-condemnation. God's love and grace liberate us from every single stronghold! He sets the captives free, and releases us from anything holding us bath! Although there are many other "wild" qualities of God I feel like this is the key! God frees us, the power of freedom is the ultimate strength!

My God is a God that I can turn to when the going gets tough, for he is strong and mighty! My refuge and strength, my ever present help in times of trouble as David said in the Psalms! I praise God every single day for the strength he has been giving me in my journey, and for the character he is developing in me! The strength to do what is right even when it's difficult, and the wisdom to know what is right, even when I'm being pulled in every other direction! The thought of all he is doing and all he has blessed me with puts a smile on my face, and a song on my heart!

"Take what's left of me, make it a melody."-Switchfoot

Journey Day 48

Beautiful, Beautiful by Francesca Battistelli

Don't know how you looked at me

And saw the person that I could be

Awakening my heart

Breaking through the dark

Suddenly Your grace

(Chorus)

Like sunlight burning at midnight

Making my life something

so beautiful, beautiful

Mercy reaching to save me

All that I need

You are so

Beautiful, beautiful

Now there's a joy inside I can't contain

But even perfect days can end in rain

And though it's pouring down

I see You through the clouds

Shining on my face

(Chorus)

Like sunlight burning at midnight

Making my life something

so beautiful, beautiful

Mercy reaching to save me

All that I need

You are so

Beautiful, beautiful

I have come undone

But I have just begun

Changing by your grace

(Chorus)

Like sunlight burning at midnight

Making my life something

So beautiful, beautiful

Mercy reaching to save me

All that I need

You are so

Beautiful, beautiful

Your mercy overwhelms me and saves me, I am in awe of your grace Lord. You make my life beautiful and you are all I need!

Journey Day 47

The best part of my journey is the contentment that I feel. If anything starts to stress me out, or make me worry, I think of how much God loves me, and suddenly I am comforted. I see a sunset, or the mountains in the distance and I get a goofy grin on my face, because it feels like those are gifts from God to me. I have never felt such peace, such contentment. When everything around me is going bonkers, I can be still and know that he is God. And it is there in the stillness where God reminds me of who he is. He is strong, he is beautiful, he is loving, and compassionate. But the very best part is that he is mine. In times of need and in times of plenty, my prayer is that contentment will remain the common theme. My desire is to be like Paul, who said in Philippians 4:12-13, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." To learn the secret of being content in everything, the good and the bad, that is my desire. To look sadness, anger, and loneliness in the face and say, "You have no power here, I have joy and contentment in my savior." After all that is what my journey is all about. Developing a love for my savior that is so deep that nothing can stop it, or hinder it's growth, and reaching a point of contentment that nothing can steal my joy, and the best part is that I feel God bringing me closer to that point each and every single day!

Journey Day 46

Do you ever feel like you know exactly what you should be doing, or what you want to do, but you have absolutely no idea how to get there? I am often in that place, I feel like I know where God wants me to be, and what he wants me to do, but I just don't know what all the steps will be that get me there. Who will be in my life, what events will help me, what events will hinder me, where will I be in a year? Where will I be in five years, in ten years? But then, out of nowhere, God gently reminds me, with his still, small voice, that I don't have to worry, he is in control, and he is going to use me for something beautiful! I've had "Something Beautiful" by Need To Breathe, in my head all day, and I just keep singing these words, "Hey now, this is my desire. Consume me like a fire, cause I just want something beautiful to touch me, I know that I'm in reach, cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful." The best place for me to be is on my knees in prayer, allowing God to consume my thoughts and my heart, because it is there he will use me, and prepare me for what he has for me to do!

Something Beautiful

In your ocean, I'm ankle deep
I feel the waves crashin' on my feet
It's like I know where I need to be
But I can't figure out, yeah I can't figure out

Just how much air I will need to breathe
When your tide rushes over me
There's only one way to figure out
Will ya let me drown, will ya let me drown

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful

And the water is risin' quick
And for years I was scared of it
We can't be sure when it will subside
So I won't leave your side, no I can't leave your side

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful

In a daydream, I couldn't live like this
I wouldn't stop until I found something beautiful
When I wake up, I know I will have
No, I still won't have what I need

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful (fade out)

Journey Day 45

I'm so proud of my friends! They are growing closer to God and encountering him! They act on his promises, and seek his will in their lives! When they talk about God I see how much they love him, and it gets me excited! They seek God's will even when it isn't what they want, because they know God knows best! One of my nearest and dearest friends has made the decision to go home, because she sees God leading her there! It's a difficult decision and it scares her, but she wants to be a woman after God's own heart so bad that she will do whatever it takes! And even though I'm going to her miss her sooo much, I respect, love, and desire her dedication to our savior. Another one of my best friends is following God in pursuit of starting a non-profit. When I talk to him about it, his excitement and love for God shines through, and it's contagious! Everytime he talks about it, I can't contain my smile, because he reminds me of how great, and powerful our God is! My friend's testimony is a beautiful picture of how God works everything together for the good of those who love him! These are just two examples of the amazing, God filled friends I am blessed with! The beauty of these friendships is that they encourage me in my faith, inspire me to be better, and help me along my journey! They are a gift from God, and I only hope that I will someday inspire them, like they inspire me!

Journey Day 44

I feel like God has given me a vision... actually I feel like he gave me this vision at the beginning of my journey and I'm just now figuring out what to do with it! I want to start a study, but not a normal bible study, I want it to be a time when a group of growing, Christian women can get together and talk about what God's doing in their life, in their heart, and in their ministry! We'll drink coffee, and enjoy snacks, and basically enjoy each other's company! I want it to be a time and a place to laugh, love and grow. And as a part of this time together, I want to expand operation love to these women. I want them to find women in their life to love on and encourage! If all of us took the time to encourage our fellow woman, I feel like this world would be a much more amazing, and livable place; if we loved our sex, and didn't see them as competition. Instead we would see them as our sisters, and our friends! That is a world I would want to live in! A simple card, email, or cup of coffee can go a long way in the life of a struggling friend! As Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." When we come at people with kindness, it eliminates the chance of argument, and builds up the people in our life's, and as God builds me up and turns me into HIS woman, I feel like it's time I help his cause, and build women up so they can become a woman after God's own heart!

Journey Day 43

Today I started "operation love". What is operation love you may ask? I am going to love on as many girls in my life as possible! I want every woman to know how amazing and fabulous they are! I started with a girl who is one of my closest friends, because I wanted her to know how important she is, and how proud of her I was. I want everyone I know to feel encouraged, loved and irreplaceable. I will start going out of my way to love on other, just like Christ would love on them! I keep praying that God will mold my heart into one that loves like he does, and I think it's finally starting to work!

Journey Day 41

I'm learning so much about God through this book! It is painting a beautiful picture of my savior! Here's what I've learned so far.

1. My Savior is wildly redemptive.

When we take a look at the genealogy of Christ we see God's mercy and redemptive nature! God chose the least likely, least deserving woman to bring his only begotten son into the world! It's a beautiful picture of grace and redemption!

2. My Savior is wildly unsettling.

God is omniscient, and His understanding is beyond my comprehension! He is all powerful and all knowing, and in control of every single little detail!

3. My Savior is wildly devoted.

C.S. Lewis said, "God loves us: not because we are lovable but because He is love, not because He needs to receive but because He delights to give." God will always be on my side, and never betray me, he will stick closer than a brother! His passion for me is unstoppable! "His devotion to broken people like us is remarkable. Some would even call it wild."

4. Our savior is wildly tough!

Christ is touch, emotionally, and physically. He withstood incredible temptation and lived without food! He is constantly battling Satan for our lives, making sure that nothing threatens our relationship with Him! The beauty is that He is as "tough as He is tender". He frees us from our fear because he protects, no matter what it may cost him! I mean he died on the cross to save us!

5. Our Savior is wildly compelling.

"His character enchants, subdues, overwhelms-- and with the irresistible impulse of its own sacred attraction it draws your spirit right up to him."- Charles Spuregeon. He compelled 12 men to leave their lives behind and follow him! I feel like that is a pretty compelling person! We can't keep ourselves from him, because he calls and beckons us to him!

This book is helping me learn more and more about my savior, and I can't wait to get even closer to him!

"I must love You. It is impossible for me to resist it- that thought that You love me has compelled my soul to love You."

- Charles Spurgeon

Journey Day 40

I love reading! A good book keeps me captivated for hours and hours, and not much can distract me! Right around when I started this journey, I decided I would journey through books, beginning with "Lady in Waiting", then "Ms Understood" which helped me explore who God created me to be as a woman. Now I'm reading "Untamed" by Lisa Harper. I'm only on the second chapter, but it seems like its the perfect book for me to read next! The first chapter basically sums up what "Ms Understood" was about, the grace of God portrayed through the women in his Son's lineage, and then goes on to talk about who God is. Now that I know who I am, and who Christ created me to be, it's time that I find out who GOD is! Often we have the picture of Jesus as a frail, pale, man. Who would feel safe, secure and protected with that image? Not I! Luckily, all these years I have had the wrong image of my Savior. He is strong, and powerful, and my strong tower. He protects me and loves me, he is WILD! He is passionate about me and jealous for me! He pursues me constantly, just as he pursues all of his children! He is devoted to me not matter what I do, no matter how many times I do it, his grace and power are sufficient to cover my sin! He is my HERO. He is devoted and passionate about you and I, a broken hurting people! My savior is tough, not some wimpy boy. He withstands temptation like no other, and comes to my rescue every single time! I do not deserve such blessings and yet God is wild about me! I am blessed beyond measure and thankful for the love and strength my savior provides!

Journey Day 39

"Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23. Those are some powerful words, and they are not easy to do! How does one guard their heart? And why do we need to? I know that for me this is extremely difficult and is definitely a working progress! It's so easy to let your guard down and let your heart get involved when really what you need is to proceed with caution and protect your heart! God doesn't give us these instructions for no reason, he wants to protect us. He knows the harm that can befall us when we let our guard down without reason or cause. We give our heart away to anyone who shows interest, without even making them work for it! This is something I am guilty of over and over again! Here's the encouraging part: we can't protect our heart by ourselves! You may be asking, how is this encouraging? It's encouraging because all we have to do is give our heart to God, and he'll do all the guarding. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." So basically we don't have to worry about anything when we give our life to Jesus because when give our cares to God, he gives us a peace that passes all understanding! This isn't to say that life won't be hard, but we don't have to worry because we know Christ is in control! And when we give our heart to Him, he will protect it, and care for it, and we can know that we are in safe keeping!

Journey Day 38

Lead Me to the Cross

Savior I come
Quiet my soul remember
Redemptions hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as lost

Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross

You were as I
Tempted and trialed
You are
Te word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now you're risen

To your heart
To your heart
Lead me to your heart
Lead me to your heart

Journey Day 37

I love talking about what God has been doing in my life! I realized it tonight when I was talking to a friend I hadn't seen in a while. God has been doing alot of the same things in his heart, that he's been doing in mine, and as we were talking about it, I felt like I was glowing! I felt like a girl does when she first starts dating someone, and she is just beaming about him! It made me realize how in love with God I really am! I mean I LOVE him! He is more than enough for me, and I am so content in him! It's such an amazingly fantastic feeling!!! No one, and nothing can take that away from me!

Something Beautiful by Need To Breathe

In your ocean, I'm ankle deep

I feel the waves crashin' on my feet
It's like I know where I need to be
But I can't figure out, yeah I can't figure out

Just how much air I will need to breathe
When your tide rushes over me
There's only one way to figure out
Will you let me drown, will you let me drown?

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees.
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful

And the water is rising quick
And for years I was scared of it
We can't be sure when it will subside
So I won't leave your side, no I can't leave your side.

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees.
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful

In a daydream, I couldn't live like this.
I wouldn't stop until I found something beautiful.
When I wake up, I know I will have
No, I still won't have what I need.
Something Beautiful

Hey now this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
Cause I am down on my knees
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful

Journey Day 36

Lately I have been feeling super convicted about the words that come out of my mouth. I've been working on talking about others, and cursing, and now it's time to work on the kinds of things I say. For example I am a fan of "that's what she said" jokes! It's like my mind automatically goes there, but now I have to get out of that habit! That is not healthy, and it is not edifying! I used to think that if someone doesn't think a dirty joke is funny, then they just take their life too seriously, but now I am realizing that I was wrong, that I haven't been taking my relationship with God seriously enough. I mean every once in a while, a that's what she said joke is funny, and not inappropriate, but when your mind is always there it becomes unhealthy! When I make those kind of jokes it puts me in a bad light, and can even ruin my testimony! Yesterday I committed so many different aspects of my life to God, but the one thing I didn't commit to him was my speech and my thoughts! Here and now, tonight, I am committing my mind and words to Christ, and I pray that they will bring him glory! I've also been feeling committed about the kind of things I fill my mind with. I watch some t.v. that is unnecessary, and dirty. Why do I need to fill my mind with that? The truth is, I don't! I've made the decision that I am going to cut those shows out of my life. I don't need them, and they aren't edifying! They are just one more thing keeping me from getting closer to God! I feel like everyday, God is bringing me closer to him, and showing me different ways to make my life a sacrifice to him! I can barely contain my excitement! God is so good, and so kind, and so merciful, I am learning to love him with my whole heart and it is the best feeling in the world!

Day 35

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

Tonight I committed to God my new job, for me to be able to bring glory to Him through it. I committed to him my future husband, that God would bless him, and love him, and draw him close to God. That he will be prepared to be a spiritual leader. I committed my fiances to Him, giving him the full control I was trying to hard to hold onto. I am committed to Him my classes, that I will have the drive to do well in them. I committed to him my desire for a mentor; a person to disciple me and keep me accountable. Tonight I committed all my desires and dreams to God, and I pray that I can leave them there at his feet.