Fact vs. Truth

        If you were to ask me what one of my major struggles in my walk with Christ was, I would most likely tell you that I struggle to make God's truth my truth; in other words, I do not easily make the fact a truth in my life. The fact that Christ loved me enough to send His one and only Son to account for my sins, and I can't even seem to live in out everyday!?
       When I say fact and truth, we automatically assume they have similiar meanings, which they do, but when you look at these two words in the grand scheme of things, they couldn't be any more different. The dictionary definition of fact is: something known to have happened or to exist. For example, whether you believe it or not, everyone has at least heard that Christ died as an atonement for our sins. After all, we celebrate Him every Christmas and again in March or April, for Easter, and it is written in the Bible. Truth, according to Dictionary.com, means conformity with fact or reality, sincerity in action, or constancy. Now are you beginning to see the difference? If we applied the written fact to our lives, perhaps the knowledge that Christ is the Ultimate Sacrifice, would our lives look any different? Maybe we'd begin to love with a fraction of the love Christ showed His sinful world. Maybe we would have reason to shower mercy and grace on the people in our lives.
        God not only sent His Son to save the lost, but He provided us with a one of a kind Survival Guide, His Word! James 1:18 says, "He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created." This verse reminds me of a sermon I heard this summer in Nashville, while on a mission trip with our church! The speaker, Pastor Sutton, talked about the importance of God shaping us in His own image. She pointed out that the world has a multitude of brands: Nike, Polo, you name it we've got it. All those brands are just waiting to make you who you are, to define you. If we don't take the intiative to brand ourselves with Christ, the world will label us. As this verse says, the word of truth has given us life; it has taught us the characteristics of God. Pastor Sutton took it further and encouraged us to see the Bible as our birth certificate. Your birth certificate tells you all about yourself, who your parents are, your date of birth, your name, and many other bits of information that define who you are. As the Bible tells us, when we are born again, "the old has gone, and the new has come." We have a new certificate of birth, the Bible, so put it into use, let it be a lamp unto your feet.
        Further down in James, however, God warns us. "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22) This is why I love James, pretty straightfoward. In fact, this verse also reminds me of a story, a lesson in history class to be exact. Our class was talking about the American Revolution. The colonies wanted separation from England. Many philosophical authors wrote lengthy pamplets on which side they were on. Philosophical writings are intriguing and get people thinking; they help you to better understand your values and beliefs, but as my teacher referred to them, "They are just words on paper." It wasn't until the Declaration was written that we went to war, and our beliefs were put into action, and it all became a reality. God has placed to same call on our lives. When we open up His word, He doesn't want it to just be "words on paper," He wants His fact to be absorbed and come alive in our lives.
       James 2:26 says, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." Just like you can't have a body without a spirit and faith with deeds, you can not merely listen to the fact of the Bible without making it a truth in your life. Neither is of greater value; they are both of equal importance. In order to make an impact, we must know that truth is a direct correlation of translating God's fact into our daily lives.

<3 Abby

my defining moment.

my defining moment. the turning point in my life. the climax of my story.

oct. 24 2010. approximately 7:30 am @ New Life Ranch.

we had just finished the sunday morning sunrise service at the outdoor chapel at fall retreat. i don't remember the exact service, i just remember the peacefulness of the morning & a single conversation. this conversation took place after the service, on the platform, with my youth pastor, mike laughlin. a simple conversation, that went something like this:
"mike, i feel like i haven't been living to my potential at church. by missing wednesday nights for dance, i think i'm missing out. is there anyway we could meet earlier, so i can catch up with the youth group?" -me
"that sounds like a great idea, let's do it." -mike.
so we did. and those meetings have continued for over a year now. this moment seemed slightly insignificant at the time, but looking back i realize that that was the moment that i stopped being a "christian" & i became a christian. no quotation marks. this was my first defining moment in my walk with christ.

i feel like have a couple of other defining moments since this initial one. the other major one took place on a wednesday night in sept. or oct. of this year @ okc first church of the nazarene. i don't know why, but a song that we sang that night hit me like a ton of bricks. banning played god of justice by tim hughes & the strangest thing happened. i got goosebumps. that's not the weird part though, the weird part is that the goosebumps didn't go away until like an hour later. that's not normal. so i payed extra close attention to the lyrics that we were singing & i felt god pushing me as i heard the words "we must go, live to feed the hungry, stand BESIDE the broken, we must go." i never thought that i would have a moment when i was sure of what god wants me to do, but thats what this was. after listening to that song on repeat for about a week straight & analyzing the lyrics to death, i thought about god's call on my life. this is a big moment and a big decision, so i've considered it almost daily. i know i still have time to figure out my life, but its cool to see that god will guide me along the way with these defining moments.
so that's my story, in a nutshell. i was 15 years old when i took the quotes off of my christianity, and i'm never looking back.

<3 Courtney (:

Possibilities, Inc. Opening Retreat

I spent last weekend with Possibilities, Inc. on their opening retreat. Honestly I was a little skeptical, and somewhat nervous about this retreat, because I didn't know what to expect. Mike Laughlin told me about this year long program that Possibilities provides, that is designed to connect you with your community. He thought it would be an excellent opportunity for some of us at the church to utilize. So I signed up. And along with Lisa and Nolan Sanders, and Stephanie Johnson I took a weekend off to spend with 30 strangers. 

I don' t consider these people strangers anymore, however. After spending the weekend with the most generationally and culturally diverse group, I am more excited for this program than I could've imagined. I learned wonderful tools and activities that are usable in all situations, including our very own church community. I even learned more about myself as an individual through some ridiculous, but challenging games. 

The aspect of this weekend and program that surprised me most, however was the presence of God. Possibilities is not a publicly faith-based program. Therefore I went into the program wondering what to expect, because I've only been on family or church trips. For all I knew, I could've been spending three days with unbelievers. However, this was not the case. The majority of the 35 of us that were on the retreat, were some of the strongest Christians I've ever met. And they weren't ashamed. Some were proclaiming the good news of Jesus every chance that they got. And that got me thinking, am I proud of my faith in God? Do I share it every chance that I get? 

This was not originally a "church trip," but it turned out to be a life-changing Church trip. Possibilities is not a simple group of community do-gooders. Possibilities is a group of people coming together to make a difference, by being the hands and feet of God.

And I can't wait to get started.

MORE MUSIC!!!!

 For many people, including myself, music is a favorite form of worship in which you can get personal with God and understand His purpose a little clearer. If music helps you connect better to God and His divine plan, check out some of the songs below!

Arms that Hold the Universe by 33Miles: The God of the universe loves and cares about you more than you will ever be able to imgaine! Be encouraged!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIG6zFVlL9M

Revelation Song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. Holy, holy is HE!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsiDukXIeVY

Revelation by Third Day: Ask God to give you a revelation! Jeremiah 29:11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOfoXDymFZA

Until the Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns: At the end, we all want to say we completed the mission! Are you proclaiming the Kingdom of God?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln0T26aTXJE

Everytime I Breathe by Big Daddy Weave: LOVE LOVE this song! "And every time I get another glimpse of heart, I realize it's true. You are SO marvelous God! And I am SO in love with you!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w70xy8sPEE4

Give Me Faith by Elevation Worship: Our is the Solid Rock on which we stand! "Your love is great!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMVvqI1-tM4&feature=related

Beautiful Things by Gungor: God looks at the inside appearance!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ4yNYY1hHM&feature=related

The Stand by Kristian Stanfill: Brings me to tears everytime! ALL I AM IS YOURS!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq-dzl98hT4

Unashamed by Starfield: Because Christ died we can live unashamed of our sins! "Your cross has placed in me my worth!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vs3vrbVMP0

To God to Alone by Aaron Shust: In all the things we do, let God receive the glory alone! THE GLORY IS YOURS ALONE, YOURS ALONE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6Cldz2w_eI

Your Great Name by Natalie Grant: Boy, is His Name great?!! At the sound of Your Great Name..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXH0MjGe10s

Song of Hope by Robbie Seay Band: Let Your Holy Spirit Rain down on us! "In the darkest night, You brighten up the skies. A song will rise!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGWQJ4heXS8

The Redeemer by Santus Real: The Lord is the one thing that is for certain! He is our Redeemer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePuYCbxa8cg

One True God by Newsong: Self explanatory! (:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSTagag3BP8&ob=av2e

Always by Kristian Stanfill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN7L3m9jIcc

The Way by Jeremy Camp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hvv3a0wblc

Strong Enough by Matthew West: "But I'm still holding on to the one things. You are God and you are strong, when I am weak!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8JsRxVczmQ

Undo by Rush of Fools
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9PKYMDvNB8

My Help Comes From the Lord by The Museum
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MecgrJvbk24

Headphones by Britt Nicole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y_zHSxEo9A

You by Britt Nicole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMBPkXFK_ck

Hanging On by Britt Nicole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9X-dFCIv6w

Walk On the Water by Britt Nicole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=125Ppy25QIw

Indescribable by Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-zJHgaoVa4

I'd Need a Savior by Among the Thirsty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnhicEmLWH8

Homesick by MercyMe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3k1rJOQPdY

Motion of Mercy by Francesca Battestelli: One of my favorites right now! Definitely worth checking out!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0N6DMUJK5o

Come Thou Fount by Jadon Lavik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wK-DcTws2o

I Lift My Hands by Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c24En0r-lXg&ob=av2e

Just a few of the good ones!
Abby <3

TL2SB

You know what blows my mind? That God is so repelled by sin, yet He sent His Son to set us free and now that He has ascended we can be in constant communication with the Creator of the Universe! Prayer is usually a challenging and sometimes daunting privilege! Yes, that's right a privilege. Prayer, however, is so much more than a quick hello before bed or an "in case of emergency". Often, people, including me, resort to God only when we feel we need Him, when the truth is, we ALWAYS need Him. Here are some insightful tips and tricks to conquering your prayer life, that have proved very helpful to me!

1. Thanksgiving:
When we hear the word thanksgiving most of our minds turn to turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. What would you say, if I told you thanksgiving could be every day?! As Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling, puts it, "I,[Christ], am like a supersaturated cloud, showering Peace into the pool of your mind. My Nature is to bless. Your nature is to receive with thanksgiving." These few lines convicted me to try praising God through my prayers more. For every request or concern I present to Him, I try to give Him back a praise. For example, my dog recently died. Before she died, I prayed that God would heal her and relieve her pain. Then, I turned it around and thanked Him for the years I got to spend with her. I know it's tough to find a positive in every situation, so even if your request and praise are totally irrelevant that's ok! The end result: a huge feast of God's ever-present blessings.

2. Legit:
As one kid from my church camp put it, "being legit with God." Adam Robinson, fantastic preacher by the way, challenged all the campers to be honest with God, during a recent week long camp in Missouri. Tell Him how you feel, whether you're sad, mad, or glad. Sometimes talking it out is the best solution, and God is all ears!! Tell Him about the basketball goal you scored, what sno-cone flavor you got, or what stress you are encountering; give Him everything. You will find that if you let it all go and submit to Him, He will take the burdens off your shoulders and carry the weight Himself. I have a friend named Preston, who has Down Syndrome, and if I ever heard a legit prayer it would be his. He prays for the soliders, his friends, his church, and he prays like he means it more than anything, and he does. So, will you take my challenge and pray legitly like Preston?

3. 2 Sided:
No, God doesn't always reveal Himself via burning bush or blinding light, but God still answers your calls, no doubt! Believing in the unseen is one of the toughest road blocks of being a Christian actively devoted to prayer. The important thing to remember is God works in His own timing and if you have faith, He will unveil Himself in the coolest ways. God knows when your down in the dumps and usually when you open up your devo or your Bible, He waiting there to brace your fall and give you the best pick me ups! I strongly encourage you to pour your heart out to God, but it's also important to listen; God's always got something to say. Can't feel God's presence when you pray? Try praying after watching a sunset or find a peaceful place outside that reminds you of God's beauty!

And lastly..

4. Believe:
Before reading further, pull out your Bible and read Joshua 10:7-15. If you haven't already heard Steven Furtick's sermon, Sun Stand Still, on Life Church's website, I would recommend doing so to learn more about Joshua's incredible trust. If you have not already seen it, buckle your seat belts because you're in for a treat. The story goes as so: Once upon a time, there were the fearless Gibeonites, who overthrew the city of Ai and made a treaty with Irsael. Now Jerusalem's king wasn't too thrilled about the Gibeonites moving next door, being the brazen warriors they were, so he gathered up four more troops and attacked the Gibeonites. When Joshua got word of the outbreak, he was terrified, but the Lord said to Him, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand." And as the battle rages on through the day, Joshua becomes more and more discouraged. The five Amorite troops are winning, and Joshua knows once the sun goes down the war is lost. Boldly and unashamed, Joshua presents himself to the Lord and asks for the sun to stand still in the sky. Wow! A rather big request! And because Joshua had faith that the Lord could do anything, he was granted his wish. Just think, the God that stopped the sun from setting answers your prayer. There's one simple rule: believe in the power of prayer!

Lord, I pray that you would give us the strength and courage to lay our doubts, insecurities, worries, and thanksgivings before Your ever deserving self. Lord, when the way seems dark, give us a light at the end of the tunnel, something to praise you for. Help us to be open and honest, sharing all our feelings with you, knowing that that is the key to getting to know someone. I pray that you would give us words to say to you, but also ears to hear and eyes to seek your Kingdom. Grant us the boldness and vitality to believe in the miracles You can perform. Thank you, Lord, for the many resources that you have given us to grow in you more. Thank you for not being a silent and isolated God, but a relatable one who not only hears, but feels our deepest prayers. Thank you for being a trustworthy person, who we can always turn to. We love you, and we thank you that we have the privilege of conversing with the King of Kings! Amen.

HAPPY PRAYING!! (:

Abby<3

Redeeming Love

I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.

Hosea 2:19-20

     For those of you who have not read Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, I would so strongly recommend it! It has helped me to shine light on the fact that no matter how far I wander, the Lord is always on my tail, luring me back in with His unconditional, uncircumstantial love and overflowing compassion. And to think that such an awe-inspiring book was derived from a true story in the Bible, one of Hosea and Gomer, one of God's prevailing love for Israel, and a story of a love that continues to withstand the ages, His redeeming love for us!

     

     Like Angel, the main character in the story, we have a defiance that is transformed only by the love of God, into a graceful humility. Often, we hesitate to fully commit to the Lord, because we know that we are broken and scarred by sin. Just like Angel doubted Michael's love for her, because of her impurity, we too are frightened to face the Sinless Savior, knowing that we are anything but perfect. However, His love and compassion go beyond all measure! Time and time again, the Lord pursues us, never giving up, but acknowledging that it is our choice in the end. Michael was deeply saddened when he lost Angel, because of his immense love for her. It broke his heart, but he only wanted what she desired, and deep down he had faith that the Lord was watching over her. The moment Angel gave over her life to the will of God, He visibly sustained her and gave her an unwavering humility. Through His gift to her, Angel was able to admit that what was left to give the Lord, all of herself, was to be given willingly. Even though the world counted her at loss, Angel learned of a love much greater than even Michael's - God's love. By discovering His redeeming love, she counted all that she was at loss and committed to the Lord. We can learn from Angel, that even though we stagger and fall, the Lord is our shield and defense; He has our best intentions in mind. If we seek, we WILL find; we WILL find a love greater than a life.

I hope this gave you some insight into how that Lord so urgently pursues us, and I hope you would be encouraged to pick up His Word, turn to Hosea, and embrace on a journey that will forever change the course and purpose of your life. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, put it on your summer reading list! Love you all!

ABBY <3



Bring Me Back to the Place of Forgiveness and Grace

   Long time, no see (or should I say: blogging)! Life has been hectic with school drawing to a close, but we can't let any amount of busyness get in the way of truly seeking God, day in and day out! As my good friend, Robin, so wisely says it, "Whenever you see a yellow car or a bug, you get in the habit of reaching over to the nearest person to you and slugging them. Slug Bug! Then, your brain is trained to see yellow cars everywhere. God is the same way. If you seek Him wholeheartedly, you will see Him everywhere, because your mind is trained to look for the things that occupy your thoughts." It is key to pick up your cross DAILY and follow the Lord, in order to see Him in all situations. Or as I like to put it, with my song obsession on this blog: "bring[ing] [yourself] back to the place of forgiveness and grace."

      Let the Lord make this our prayer, that we would not be distracted with the things of this world: the riches, the popularity, the power, and the selfishness. Let us not forget to acknowledge the extent of the suffering Your Son experienced. The cross is what separates us, Holy and blameless and unrighteous and sinful, but it also binds us even closer than ever! To know that the Lord is All Powerful and could have taken on our sins with the snap of a finger, yet He chose to come to earth in human form, to understand our troubles, to be rejected and scorned, and to shed His own blood, in the cruelest way, for His sinful sons and daughters, is UNFATHOMABLE! We get so excited and pumped up about God's magnificence, because our brains are working a mile a minute to wrap themselves around God's undeniable power. Jesus' blood was to redeem us; like a coupon gets you food for free, God redeemed us with His coupon, His blood, so that we could come to Him without cost! - Andy Rauschkolb

     I pray that everyday, we would be drawn back to the place of forgiveness and grace, the cross, so that we can plainly view and act upon the LOVE that the Lord showers down on us! Because Christ paid the ultimate price, to die for such unworthy people, we too should be willing to pick up our own crosses daily, even if it means dying to ourselves and rising up alive and renewed in Him! Thank you for your gifts of grace and mercy, which you extend to us, so that we may say, "SO LONG SELF."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9PKYMDvNB8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxMnr0pM78U

ABBY <3

God's Movie

       Francis Chan scored big with me, when he made the comparison of our brief lives to that of an extra in a movie, God's movie. The concept of forever is so infrequent to us, so it is hard to comprehend, but have you ever tried understanding the brevity of our lives? The fact that our lives are so short is both hopeful and jarring. God could call any of us home at any time, so why waste our life on selfish ambition and gain? Instead, we should look for ways to be productive and make our lives count, so that in the end we will leave a legacy.
      God pursues us, wanting us to be a part of His movie. He is the Creator, the Savior, the Redeemer, the star of the show. It is so humbling that the God of the Universe casts us for His movie, when it really is all about Him. Seeing how short my life is, I am so much more grateful for the trust I can place in God. No matter what hardships I go through, Jesus Christ is the hope I have to look forward to. It is incredibly uplifting that compared to the joy we will feel and experience in Heaven, our fears, worries, and struggles on this earth are so small and short lived. There is no need fear the judgment of man or the darkness we encounter, because it is just the flicker of a light switch, off and back on again. I honestly cannot express in words what I am trying to get out, because the Lord is unfathomably remarkable and indescribable, and His love for us far exceeds the ability of our minds to perceive such a deep devotion and compassion. Because of his crazy love for us, we too should be willing to pick up our cross daily and die for His cause. For the man who suffered immeasurably more than we know, we should mirror the oppression and rejection that He faced, being odd, because we stand firm in our belief that this life is a blink of an eye contrasted with the forever we will spend with God, if we make our live only about His movie. According to Francis Chan, “Something is wrong with our life, if it makes sense to unbelievers.”

       Don’t waste your life! Seek Jesus in all areas of your life. He is the way, the truth, and the life! After reading the book Heaven is for Real, I have a stronger passion and urgency, because I want everyone to have an involvement in God’s paradise! Mark Driscoll puts the whole teaching in perspective, when he explains the need to look straight forward, not backwards. Times will be tough; times will be delightful and rewarding. In all circumstances, we have to learn to focus only on God and our own relationship with Him. He gives us the metaphor of plow. God has assigned us each a plot of land, and it is our duty and goal to plow a straight line towards Him and His eternal kingdom. The life between receiving salvation and seeing God face to face, our discipleship or strip of ground, matters! Looking back to your old ways and your repented sins and sulking over your failures will veer you away from the straight line you want to plow. Looking towards other objects of affection or heartache will distract you from the work laid out ahead of you, and will cause you to snake your way through your life. Also, looking at others accomplishments and their progress in their discipleship will turn your gaze away from God’s hope and the New Jerusalem. In the end, you want to look at your life, your plowed soil and see where God picked you up, and not where you curved your path, focusing on less important opportunities. Don’t be one of those people that say, “Thanks for your salvation, Jesus. Now I’m going to go live my life as I please. See you in Heaven.” Instead, our reaction to His amazing grace and mercy should give us the attitude of, “Thank You for Your salvation, Jesus! Thank you for restoring me and giving me a new life! Because you love me with such a crazy love, that you were willing to die to pay the price of our sins, with Your own blood, I too will be willing to die for the cause of Your Great News. I will make this life count, and I will glorify Your name in all I do. I will plow forward and look towards my reward in Heaven, where I will sing praises to You, day and night.”

        In conclusion, remember that life, even with God, is hard. However, if we focus on Him and His promise of Heaven, we will be successful in plowing our land, in a straight line towards Jesus. Leave a lasting legacy, so that even after you have lived this short life, people will still be talking about the difference you made in such a short period of time. Inspire others to participate in a movie where God's will and His Heavenly Kindgom are the primary focal point. “It’s the scenes that you’d prefer to skip that God is using to orchestrate and ending you wouldn’t want to miss.”- Steven Furtick

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZDQzR8LK-c&feature=related

<3 Abby

Unmasked

       There should be no worries about the future, no worries at all, in the Lord. Sometimes, we find ourselves anxious about how we will approach life and how we will deal with life’s challenges. The Christian faith is sometimes hard to live up to and sometimes we worry about not being able to make it through our day to day walk with Christ. The easiest way to rid your life of these human concerns is to give your life over to Christ, realizing that it is no longer your own and placing it in His hands one day at a time, in order to praise His Mighty Name and achieve His perfect will for your life. God has amazing things in store for you each and every day. If you choose to seek Him, He will open your eyes to new discoveries of His All-powerful Presence in your life. When you take one step at a time, you are able to enjoy the undeniable company of God, in your thoughts, prayers, and actions and also in the scenery, people, and places around you. God uses it all to draw you closer to Him and desire Him even more. Once you embrace the gift of God and thank Him for giving you another day, you will begin to crave Him and His evident Majesty, always! These hints point to God and serve to remind us that in everything, God is with us! He is in the birds of the air, the looming clouds, the cool breeze, the kind deeds of fellow peers, the intricate patterning of our bodies, the light absorbant stained glass windows, and the soothing comfort of your heart; He is in everything and is everything, after all, He is the Creator of the universe, so let us lift up our voices to Him.
      This world will pass away, but the Lord will always remain. Because of this, you should want to remain constant in Him, seeking Him and His will for your life. Fix your eyes on the unseen, the glory of the Lord, which will be unmasked when your life is in His hands, so that you can enjoy the splendor of His creation. When you recognize the God, who is unseen, you clearly see Him for who He is, not always face to face, like in Bible times, but in the light of all things; He is a constant reminder of the faith that can move mountains.

"A break in the clouds, His glory coming down.."

<3 Abby 

What Are You Waiting For?

      We all know that life is so much more than just a party; we have a purpose here on earth. But what does it mean to live life to the fullest in light of God?


       When we feel the shame occupied with our sinful nature, guilt, we began to grasp how desperately we need a savior, but not just any savior. Jesus, the Son of God, the man who came down to earth to experience earthly pain, exemplifed on the cross, is our redeeming Savior!  As Mike Laughlin wisely puts it, “Look at your own brokenness, your inadequacy, and then look to the cross, where Christ’s blood was spilled in order for us to experience life, if we choose it. Once you see the two perspectives, confess the difference.” Feel the weight of all God’s mercy and grace showered on us. Take into account your own life, and by exhibiting faith in Christ, journey with Him to change your unpleasant ways. Do not doubt your worthiness, because in fact you were not worthy, until the Lord gave His Son as a ransom for many, so that in return He might possess you, and you might have life in Him. Christ did everything in His power and was willing to shed His blood for us, unrighteous beings. We too should do everything in our power to desire His warmth and security, knowing that in the shadow of His wing, we are protected.  To live fully in Him, is to fix your eyes only on God, allowing Him to guide you through today’s troubles, as well as further on down the road. Today’s struggles are training us up in Christ and toughening our armor, so that we can have Peace in knowing that we are already victorious in God, even in the climbing of the highest peak. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so why not go all out! That's right, go all out! Going all out is an infrequent practice of ours, whether it's homework or cleaning our room. However, going all out in terms of following God has its rewards and major benefits. I know it's hard to take what people say and immediately put it into action, but I PROMISE YOU, GOING ALL OUT FOR CHRIST IS WELL BEYOND WORTH THE RISK!!!


      Let's compare this to sports, shall we? A big part of training up an athlete is practice. Only a small portion of a season is actual game time. When you go all out in practice, your coaches usually recognize your effort, and it helps you to improve your playing skills. The same thing is true with God. God is our coach; he is training us up for the biggest game of the season. If we go all out: reading His scripture, developing a constant communication factor, and trusting in His Holy Presence, we will be recognized, but most importantly, we will grow in our faith, ready to conquer any team or obstacle that stands in our way. No matter how the game turns out, we can rejoice in knowing that in God, we are living life to the fullest!
     If you want to understand more on going all out for Christ, take just a few minutes of your time to listen to Walk on the Water by Britt Nicole! This song really spoke to me and reminded me to keep persevering. Join with me to live all out for Christ!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=125Ppy25QIw


<3 Abby

Can Anybody Hear Me?

Courtney and I are wrapping up our Kingdom Experiment experience, and it has been great! I strongly recommend it to everyone! One of the last challenges was to tie the kingdom living together, by listening to The Lost Get Found by Britt Nicole and journaling about the message of the song. It really helped me to interpret the song in a whole new way! Like our worship leader, Leo, at Crossings says, the lyrics of songs communicate scripture in a harmonious and beautiful way. I took another one of my favorite songs and journaled about the underlying meaning. I was extremely touched, and I wanted to share my thoughts with my fellow believers!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhuecogczYY
This is so encouraging to me, because it reminds me that God loves me in matter how we stumble!


I'm staring at these empty walls, wondering when You'll visit me again. When will You come?
Sometimes we are waiting to feel something and find ourselves wondering when we will feel God's renewing spirit. Over spring break, I found myself slipping out of my daily pursuit of God. It has been hard jumping back into the swing of things, when I let distractions get in the way of my time with God. I found that my weaknesses has driven me to fight harder for what I want and believe in. I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
If there is anything at all coming in between our love, please show me, cause I am barely hanging on.
Throughout the ups and downs, the Lord has known my heart and tested my faith (Psalm 139:23). I like to think of it as God training me up, so when the hardest trials present themselves, I will be able to withstand them with the Lord on my side.
The silence is deafening. Why do You feel so far away?
In everything allow God's love cover all your wrongs. Put your faith in the mercy and grace He has shown us!
But I just need faith to see, nothing can separate me from Your love!
ROMANS 8:38-39
Nothing can separate us from the unconditional love of our Savior!
But I am certain of a love, strong enough to hold me when I'm doubting. You'll never let go of my hand!
Can anything be more encouraging? He never lets go of our hand! His love is a promising passion, that protects! Never let go of His healing hand!
I will trust in You, even in the moments I can't find you, and I will hold on to your promises of love.
Our faith is in something unseen, but when you experience the true joy included with giving your life to Christ, you will see Him clearly. One ascept that is made visible is His omnipresence and compassion for ALL of His children. His unending devotion to us is so promising, even when we run away! The Lord is the Good Shepherd. When we are lost, He is committed to finding us and bringing us back to the flock! He knows your heart, and yet He tracks us down, hoisting us and our burdens onto His shoulders!


In the words of Driscoll, "Don't quit!" Even if you linger, God will provide a way out! Trust in Him!
This week, remember God's undying love for you and act upon it! :)
<3 Abby

You Don't Know What You're Missing

          You know that feeling when you experience something so incredible and you think to yourself, how did I ever live without this? Well I sure do. It's like you didn't know what you were missing until you had a little taste of it. That is exactly how I feel about falling in love with Jesus.
          Personally, I thought I had been a happy person (for the most part), throughout my life to this point. But honestly, I couldn't comprehend what true happiness was until several months ago. After I got serious about my faith, around November or December of 2010, I began feeling worries slip away and sheer joy filling that place. By getting into Scripture, reading my Bible more often, being more attentive in Church, listening to sermon podcasts, attending Breakfast Club, and having accountability time with Abby I have seen real joy; the only kind of joy that can be found in our relationship with Jesus. With each added activity or conversation that I have, I feel my relationship with God growing, and with that my happiness grows as well. Now I actually notice if I forget to do devotional one night, or pray to God about each decision that I make. I feel an emptiness in the pit of my stomach, and realize what's missing that day.
          The main reason that I felt compelled to write this particular blog post is because I feel as though God has put it on my heart to share with everyone that I possibly can the sheer joy that He provides when we simply pursue a personal relationship with Him. I don't know how much of an impact that this will make, but I do know that if you don't understand what I'm talking about, or if you think that you're happy enough without Jesus, think again. Because, honestly, you don't know what you're missing. God's love, compassion, protection, and personal involvement in our lives can never be summed up in words, you simply have to experience it, and you'll feel what may have been missing the whole time. Also, don't think that you're too young, or too old to experience this happiness that's only found through relationship with God; He openly and continually chases you like there is no tomorrow. So accept God's call to be in personal relationship with Him, and find out what it is that you've been missing.
~COURTNEY<3

O Glorious Day!!

He who has ears, let him hear! Luke 14:35

I can’t wait for the day Jesus comes back to earth in all His splendor and majesty. How about you? It fills me with such serenity and elation to know one day my faith shall be my eyes. How magnificent it will feel to see our God wipe away every ounce of disbelief! Everyone will know His fruitfulness and will proclaim it, no matter their motives. I can almost see it now, like God has given me a very small glimpse of the happiness that will seize my body on that day! I’m feeling a movie magic moment coming on! You know, the feeling you get when the plot of a book or movie comes together, and a community is unified to achieve or overcome some kind of hardship? Take Elf for example. We all love a good, Christmas classic.  I think the feeling I got at the end, the first time I ever saw that movie, will be present the day of Jesus’ coming! The whole world may not break out in a spontaneous rendition of Santa Claus is Coming To Town, but I do know, God's belief speedometer will reach soaring heights. It will be a great collaborative sight, to see everyone falling on their knees before the Creator. The whole world will know that Jesus saves!

The sad and honest truth, however, is that not everyone will be bowing before the Lord because He is their Savior, but because they are fearful of the inevitable judgment of Christ. God is a compassionate God; he is waiting for as many people to come to Him, before He reveals Himself. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance 2 Peter 3:8-9. God calls us, as His disciples, to pitch in too! The Bible tells us that we should be confident, consistently building a stronger foundation on Christ, so that on the day of His coming, we will have no doubts in our mind. And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unshamed before Him at His coming 1 John 2:28. This life is also an opportunity to train up others in the way of the Lord, so they will bow in humbleness and not out of the worldly kind of fear. When we truly belong to Jesus, we feel the pain He experiences, not wanting one day to pass without showing someone God's love, because we never know how it may impact them. God calls us to be "Fishers of Men" and to help water others, and in return, He will grow them up in His Holy Name. The day is coming, when we do not know, but we should take into account our actions in which we portray love, so that we can be actively pursuing confidence in Christ and witnessing to those around us.

This week my challenge is that we would search for ways to be uncomfortable, delivering the Word of God to someone in dire need of it. It could be as simple as talking to someone who may not have any friends, or as far as to invite them to church. Whatever it may be, I pray that God would use you and me to further His Kingdom, so that more and more people could bow in honest praise to the God who loves them unconditionally, on the glorious day He comes to retrieve His good and faithful servants. CAN'T WAIT!! (:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXp6xcY5IqU

GLORIOUS DAY-CASTING CROWNS



WiNTERJAM
Just a small glimpse of what Heaven will be like!
Credits to Caroline Goodin for capturing this amazing photo!



<3 Abby

So If You Say Move It's Time For Me To Follow Through

        I REFUSE BY JOSH WILSON
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbH0IWZL05s
        This song basically inspired all I am going to write about below. Thank You Josh Wilson!
        Don't stray from God. Stand firm in Him. But move to act in His love.


        This week, Courtney and I are focusing on Blessed are the peacemakers! This song and this chapter in the Kingdom Experiment really touch home with the fact that we should not just be peacelovers. We all wish for world peace and so forth, but are we refusing to not move?
        One aspect that I found got in the way of my refusing was my own blindness (Luke 6:42). I find myself doubting my worthiness, causing me to be self absorbed in my struggles, and not recognizing the needs around me. Instead of degrading yourself and trying to change your behavior, fix your eyes on God, because that is where you will see the most change. Like a student mimics a teacher, so we should imitate the works of our Mighty Teacher, Jesus Christ. If we focus on God, He will point out our strengths and weaknesses, not so we will dwell on them, but so we can know our spiritual gifts and react according to them, to share God's Word. I have found it particularly hard to find a balance between self doubt which leads to self righteousness and being a disciple of Christ. It is important for us to share God's message, but to clear out our own blindness first. I am still working on this concept myself, but I know that God uses these times of slavery to increase the joy and bond we feel with Him.
        I REFUSE TO STAY UNCHANGED, TO WAIT ANOTHER DAY, TO DIE TO MYSELF. I REFUSE TO MAKE ONE MORE EXCUSE:
        As it was suggested in breakfast club, I made a list of affections that consume my time, rather than fellowship with God and His people. God really put on my heart to build a makeshift altar for Him in my room, in order to give over the things that consume my time, so I did. (:  I would encourage you to do it too. It's really simple, just a few pillows and objects that you find drawing your attention from God, are all you need. I printed of words such as: greed, envy, doubt, and blindness, and placed them by me as I prayed. As I felt the relief of God lifting my burdens off me, I would pray for God's wisdom to change me, and tore the scraps of paper up, and threw them into a candle (I would suggest using a fireplace instead, but I did this at 1o'clock, so I felt a candle more appropriate.) I know I mention envy a whole bunch, but it is something I really struggle with. Anyway, for example with envy, I prayed that I would find contentment in the Lord and that instead of feeling sorry for myself, I would be happy for what others have. I'm not really talking materialistic greed, when I say envy, but more of a feeling of being loved and recognized. God revealed to me that His recognition is all I need. He has acknowledged me, by choosing to make Himself known to me, and He has made me fearfully and wonderfully (Psalm 139:14)! Mark Driscoll's wise words came back to me, as everytime I threw another affection into the fire, it became increasingly bigger. Mark Driscoll once compared the fire in our hearts to the passions we have. I learned that as I burned these things, my fire or my passion for Christ grew. I burn brighter for Jesus when I want nothing but Him, and I let nothing stand in the way of that!
       I pray that God will help us, as Christians, to refuse not to help the world that so desperately needs Him!
     
       I REFUSE TO SIT AROUND AND WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO DO WHAT GOD HAS CALLED ME TO DO MYSELF. I COULD CHOOSE NOT TO MOVE, BUT I REFUSE!!


      <3Abby
      
     

From a nightmare, to a dream come true: the reassurance of God

          We all know what it feels like the minute we wake up from a dream or a nightmare. We open our eyes, see what reality is, and remind ourselves that what just happened was just a dream. During that specific dream or nightmare, everything is vivid, and feels completely real. However when we wake up it seems hard to recall the details. I would like to share my experience from a couple of nights ago with you. It started out as a nightmare, but transformed into a wonderful reassuring dream by God.
          Although I can't recall many details, I do remember that in my nightmare I was in grave danger. There was some kind of intruder in my house and I was terrified. Then, I stopped and for some reason I was no longer scared. I asked myself why I should be afraid, for "My God is with me, He will protect me." I experienced the feeling of overwhelming reassurance, as my troubles slipped away. As I woke from my dream I sat up in bed, feeling a wave of relief rush over me.
           Whoa. If God has ever shouted a message to me, that was it. It's crazy to think that God spoke to me, me, that directly and that clearly, to let me know that He was by my side and would always protect me. I never thought that I would clearly hear the voice of God reassuring me of His unconditional love and loyalty towards me, like stories in the Bible speak of, but it happened. Just as I was doubting my faith, God stepped in. Not only did He speak to me through this nightmare turned dream-come-true, but also through Pastor Jon Middendorf's sermon on Sunday.
            No matter what trouble we're in. No matter how dark the place we are is. No matter how depressing it may seem. God will always be that flickering candle, the small light that illuminates the entire room, and He will always be there to guide the way for us. Whether God comes to you in a dream, or talks to you through the people and resources around you, trust that He is always there. That He will be that tiny bit of light in an otherwise dark world, and that someway He will call you to live for Him. Strive this week to listen, really listen, to what God has to say and to live it out.
-COURTNEY(:

Seek Him Forever!

      My brain is running a mile a minute, so here are just a  few of my thoughts on today's Jesus Calling excerpt. Stay tuned. Another post may be headed your way soon. (:


      The most important thing in this life is to seek God, and He will use you to empower others to seek Him too. God is WAY BEYOND the greatest gifts of the earth. Take money, for example, you could have all the money in the world, but without God, you will never be purely content. God goes farther than all expectations. We, as humans, cannot begin to fathom such impeccable compassion and understanding, that one would give up His perfect life for the reward of ALL sinners. I don’t know about you, but there are some people I am not totally sure I would be willing to die for, but Jesus never even hesitated; He always listened and obeyed God’s commands. We should follow His example. Because God is so glorious, we must zone in on His blessings in our lives and live in continually thanks. Your goal in life should not be to be successful, rich, or happy, but to grow in a deeper understanding of the Lord. You may not always be successful, rich, or happy, but You will know the secret to unlocking everlasting contentment in God, not worldly things. Do not let little things absorb your greed; Instead, let God take center stage. After all, His kingdom is the only one that will stand the test of time. Do not be discouraged when you stumble. You will encounter heartache, but by fixing your eyes on God, you will not be alone and will be able to endure anything. Nothing could ever separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Let this lead your every day, to shine for Him and let nothing stand in the way of the ultimate prize.

      INDESCRIBABLE

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FlIchSJoOA
 
      <3 Abby

UPROOTED(:

      First off, can I just say how much I love Mark Driscoll? For those of you who don't know who he is, he is a pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington. His podcasts are completely free on iTunes, which I thoroughly enjoy! Anyway, his sermons have really touched me and reminded me what this life is for.
      In Driscoll's second podcast highlighting the Beautitudes, he talked about the inevitable change that we will experience through knowing God. He made a great analogy of true change in God, that clicked with me. An apple tree that bares bad fruit is still a bad apple tree, even if you duct tape oranges to it.(: The only way for it to transform into a fruitful tree is for it to be uprooted, replanted, and cultivated diligently. Our life in Christ is much the same. Our earthly desires and sinful nature cause us to turn from God, but if we allow Him to uproot us, we can be renewed. By God replanting us, our worldly wishes and unconscious sin are "uprooted", and we begin to hurt for what hurts God and rejoice in His rewards. Also, we become keenly aware of our sin, and through God, we repent for our sins and purify our hearts. Like an new apple tree has to be watered and fertilized daily, we too need to indulge ourselves in the Word of God and in open communication with Him. 
        But what does it mean to truly repent? Mark Driscoll, as always, has the answer. All thanks to the scripture, and God working through him, of course. According to Driscoll, repentance has three major steps that are lifetime goals.
                                    1) Confession
                                    2) Contrition
                                    3) Change
       I don't want to make this a rule book or instruction manual. Instead, I hope that it helps you to understand the true meaning of these powerful words, that are often overlooked.
       Confession is plainly recognizing your sin. It's proclaiming to God that you can't live without His presence and that you can't endure this world without His hand to guide you. Confession is hard, because so many of us want to play by our own rules and receive praise for all we have done, when in truth, God created this whole world, including you, and everything you do should be to honor Him. Confession is a part of submitting your life to Christ, but it shouldn't stop there. When you sin, know that Jesus paid the ultimate price and forgave you of ALL of your transgressions, and do not be ashamed to admit your faults and lean on God for support.
       Contrition is the act and feeling of repentance. Repentance is so much more than a one time deal. Mark Driscoll tells the story of a man in his Jesus and Repentance podcast, that was unfaithful to his wife, yet coldly and quickly dismissed it after apologizing. He went on to explain the same scenario, only flipped. This time the women, who had committed adultery, instead hyperventilated and made herself sick, when professing her infidelity to her husband. Yes, women are more emotional than men, but this women went as far as to make herself sick with guilt for what she had done. Mark said that even a deaf man would have known that she was truly sorry. This is not to say that adultery is good if you show true repentance, but to set an example of how we should mirror the women's genuine reaction to sin. We can apply this to our daily lives, by not just confessing, but transforming our ways.
         And last, but certainly not least, change. Change is a frequently used word in the english language, but in terms of repentance it is so much more powerful. Change comes about through your will and works. Will and works go hand and hand. Through God's grace, your will and desires are changed. You want to know Him more. You want to share His word. You want to go to church. You want Jesus to change you. In this world, you can't just sit on the couch all day and become the next Bill Gates. You have to work at it. It's the same with Christianity and a relationship with Christ. You have to work to read your Bible and pray everyday. You have to work to show God's love through your actions. You have to work in time for church and God's message. You have to work to be changed. And you will want to!
        Hope Mark Driscoll's perspective had as much impact on you as it did me. If you would like to see the full sermons, check the iTunes podcasts for the The Beautitudes Parts 1 & 2 and Jesus and Repentance. Comment below or on my facebook wall, if you find any other good podcasts! Courtney and I are always on the lookout for new ones! 

          ...And my song of the day...(:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5-Q1zAhqpA
         VOICE OF AN ANGEL

         <3 Abby

What is Hindering You From Loving Others?

       This week, yet again, God has used breakfast club to help me thoroughly examine my life. The scripture we focused on this week was derived from 1 John 4, where God calls us to genuinely love one another. When I took the time to reflect on whether I shared GOD'S love, I realized I was lacking. People see love so differently in this world. How can I gain recognition? How can I be #1? However, in 1 John 4, God tells us that true love is His act of grace and mercy, which He bared on the cross. Christ should be the ultimate example of how to love others. In previous verses, He tells us how we know we love and should love one another: "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." The world's perspective is backwards; we should desire to share God's love with others, and help them seek Him. We are placed on this earth for one reason, and that reason being that we may honor God through serving others, not ourselves. 
         1 Peter 4:10 tells us, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully adminstering God's grace in its various forms." Passages like this are extremely encouraging for me, because my love for others is hindered through jealousy. I am competitive by nature, and too often compare myself to others. 1 Cornithians 13 is basically a guide to love, and lo and behold, envy is not an act of love. By comparing myself to others standards, I am thinking solely of myself, and I am not allowing myself to be happy for what others have received, but what I have not received. When I catch myself becoming jealous I remember one statement in The Kingdom Experiment, which brings me back to terms of how I need to love. In everything we endure, it should not be about the results or the recognition, because often things do not go as planned, but instead, life should be about honoring and glorifying God in ALL you do. Whether I am top of my class or not, whether I am the star basketball player or the benchwarmer, my goal in life should be to concentrate on the true meaning behind everything I do, serving God and others before myself.
       I challenge you, as well as myself, to study 1 Cornithians 13, and choose one way in which we can improve our love for others, consequently sharing the Word of God. Find honest contentment and joy in what he has to say to you, and remember God calls us to be uncomfortable sometimes. Pray to God about your concerns, and also, thank Him for what He will do in your life.

      Let us resemble salt, preserving for His Kingdom and enchancing life for others. -Mark Driscoll

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnGQ4ePZcj0
            
            <3 Abby

 

God's Calling? PICK UP THE PHONE.

          Many of us are quite familiar with the "decline" button on our phones. If someone's calling that you don't want to talk to, you just decline it. No big deal. This mentality, however, should never come to mind when God's the one calling your name. Sometimes God comes along and asks us to do things that we simply don't want to do. Things that make us uncomfortable.
          Recently, I ignored one of God's calls and have felt the regret ever since. I'm not the best with public speaking, so when God nudges me to speak up I usually pretend to not hear Him. This week at breakfast club, God was urging me to speak up, to share my thoughts, get out of my comfort zone. I denied that one simple request that God asked of me, and now I feel the regret. It's like going to an amusement park, getting psyched up for the rides, and then chickening out at the last second. Last week I told myself, and God, that I would speak up this time in breakfast club, but I found myself chickening out once again. I am determined to fulfill God's call, knowing that He has the ultimate and best plans for me. Sometimes you need a strong Christian friend to hold you accountable in situations like these; so I told my oh so sweet friends of mine that if I don't respond to God's call next time, they have full permission to punch me in the face (not really). But I do strongly believe that friends that hold you accountable in your faith are extremely important.
          Another example I have experienced of God's strong call to follow His instructions comes from my dad. Lately he's been contemplating whether or not he would be going back to Zambia, Africa this summer on a mission trip. Last year we went together with my church and had a life-changing experience. This year would be my dad's third year, and it's quite a costly trip. My dad was thinking about waiting a year to go back, because of the expense and time off of work that he would have to deal with. But he made his decision this week to be a part of the team that goes in July. He told me "God wouldn't quick stabbing His thumb in my back about it." I think it's so awesome to be able to see how clearly God spoke to my dad. Even though traveling to Africa is a difficult expense to cover, we can trust that God will provide the way.
          These are just a few examples of ways in which God calls us to do simple tasks each and everyday. We should remember that our lives here on earth will be harder, yet much more worth while, if we follow all of God's instructions. I challenge you this week to really listen to what God is commanding you to do, and follow through, as I should have. One decision could make all of the difference, and trust me, if you listen to God and obey, it will be worth any discomfort, because you will know that you are walking on the path that Jesus has made for us. Feel free to comment, adding any stories about how God has called you to do something for Him, and how you responded(:
-COURTNEY<3