to make a wretch His treasure...

How deep the Father's love for us. Amazing love. So constant. And I focus on this love. On what He has done because His love and grace are constant, forever. And my love is ever changing. So simply affected by circumstances. Lord take away my doubt, my faltering faith, and I will dwell on You. Who You are. Take away the James 1:6 from my life. An abundance of faith. A renewal of truth. Reignite a passion. Falling in love with my Savior and believing all He says He is.

I read the word... the boldness of Paul as he teaches Christ. As he shares the Light of the world. Not dwelling on his past but walking in his cleansed, redeemed, grace filled life. So in love with his Savior.

And I read "One Thousand Gifts". I'm reminded. Thanksgiving. How much to be thankful for. Even if I muster only thanks for my salvation. Saved. From death, from being away from a good God. I was saved. I cannot save myself. Thankful for God's only Son. That he bled for me. But, not just that. He taught me how to live. How to trust the Lord.. And Matthew 26:39. Not my will, Lord, but Yours. All to the Father. All... love, grace, forgiveness. Thankful for things such as these. All from Him. Gifts. And I'm learning. As I read and as I live... my stubborn self is learning the meaning of thanksgiving. And grace comes. In abundance.

I read... Purpose Driven Life. Living for eternity, pleasing the Father, offering Him all in the here and now. I'm learning, still. To live in awareness of His presence. To walk in thanksgiving. To seek His face in all things. And the source of it all? Focusing on His love. Because how could I not rejoice when I remember His love? This love I still cannot fully grasp.

But when I remember my Savior, His grace and love, All is whole.

Peace fills the questions and emptiness.

And I learn to surrender.

To soak in His love and allow the Holy Spirit to mend me...

we will

I've been reading in Acts lately and have been so encouraged by Paul's boldness. This morning I read Acts 22. I began wondering how the Lord allowed him to go through so much. How did Paul continue in boldness and faith? And the Lord so sweetly showed me. The Lord will never give us more than we can handle. This is a promise: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13. Yes, he was flogged and beaten, thrown out of cities, put in chains in his own birthplace... but the Lord never left him. He was protecting him. And Paul was strong and faithful. The kind of son the Lord was looking for to stand for Him. I can imagine it. The Lord looks down, turns Saul to Paul, and believes this man will stand for him against all adversary. Will we live that way? That the Lord notices us and says, that's my child who will stand boldly and never back down for my Name's sake. Or will we be like a wave going back and forth that he will not trust to stand firm in our faith through all things? Lord let us be like Paul. Trusting you in all things. Not only believing you are good when things are for us, but when all is against us. Standing firm. Taking ground against the devil not just defending ourselves. Believing that you have created us to be great in Your Name. We will stand Lord. We will fight.

I Am

The Great I Am

We need a comforter. He says "I Am"

We need hope. He says "I Am"

We need a Savior. He says "I Am"

We need love. He says "I Am"

We need peace. He says "I Am"

We need healing. He says "I Am"

He doesn't just bring it. He is it. He is all things to all people.

We need a father. He says "I Am"

We need encouragement. He says "I Am"

We need favor. He says "I Am"

Our Lord and Savior. He is.

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’

Acts 17: 24-28

alignment

The best part of my morning. Reminded today of how much I need this everyday. I can't do it on my own. I say that so often, but it is truth in my life today. There is a new song called "Courageous" by Casting Crowns. One line really had me thinking about this truth: "The only way we'll ever stand, is on our knees with lifted hands." How opposite does this sound in our lives? We are instilled with the idea that if we want something, we must work with all our might to get it. But with the Lord, we surrender. He doesn't ask for us to strive, he asks us to let go. When we surrender, we live. When we let go, it all comes together. Jesus Calling: "Live first and foremost in My Presence. Gradually you will become more aware of Me than of people and places around you. This awareness will not detract from your relationships with others. Instead, it will increase your ability to give love and encouragement to them." How incredible that our Lord works this way. He created us to find absolute fulfillment in Him alone. Nothing else. Since He is creator, He knows that He is all we need. And when we are filled with Him, everything else in our lives aligns. 

dwell in me

As always, I have been horrible at updating. I got one of those awesome leather Barnes and Noble journals at the beginning of the semester and am absolutely obsessed with writing in it. So again, as always, I will update the blogger world with my life lately through, you guessed it.. pictures!! In the past month I've...

gone to a wedding

had our first hang out in our new house

been goofy

surprised myself on the climbing wall

spent time with my best friends

had date night with my best friend

had our first small group

actually worked out..

and went to the Alabama football games.

Busy, busy. But these are the activities I've done. More importantly, is what the Lord and I have done the past month. Sitting here now and thinking about it. I am so amazed. I just read back over this blog that I started about a year ago and I am blown away by the person the Lord is shaping me into. A year ago, I thought I understood. A year ago, I was content in where I was with the Lord. A year ago, I never expected to be where I am today. But isn't that what it's all about? Trusting that the Lord is going to take me from glory to glory. That He is never finished shaping me into who He's called me to be. Matt and I were talking in the car the other day after reading Jesus Calling about how we are so tainted by sin and the world. How we are only fully ourselves when we are living with the Lord. I am so delighted to know that it doesn't stop here. That as I continue seeking Him, the more I will grow and the more I will be fully myself. Fully who He has created me to be. 

I just started a LIFE group with Church of the Highlands. It's already changing my life. The Lord's promises, his grace, the freedom he so freely offers. He is so sweetly showing me the importance of my thoughts. How each day I have the choice to choose life or choose death. Every thought must be taken captive. My LIFE group so wisely spoke how if we are feeding on God and His word, then our minds will be filled with God and His word. Our minds will be corrupted when we let them be filled with the things of this world. And what amazing discernment we will have when we are being filled with the Lord. As I spend time with my Savior, I will easily recognize the things that are not of Him. They will not have a foothold in my life. It's the secret to purity in our lives. Today Jesus Calling reaffirmed all of this saying, "Stay alert, recognizing the battle being waged against your mind."

Tonight after all of this, I read Acts 3:1-10, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." While reading this I was reminded that all I have to offer is Christ. Nothing of myself, just Him. And as I remember to fill my mind with Him, I'll have more of Him to offer to others. 

Dwell in me, Abba.

nineteen

promises

I've been home from JH a few days now. Such a sweet homecoming. Even though I was coming home, which is usually where you feel the most comfortable.. I had no idea what to expect. After being away 3 months, I had missed out on so much going on at home, and I'm still getting the hang of being in "normal life". Let's face it. The ranch is it's own little holy bubble. But when 100 plus staff depart from the ranch and bring that thick presence of the Lord home.. we can change our cities, our colleges, our friends and family. Anyways, a sweet homecoming. Look at my friends..

I know. Best friends ever. I promise there is a point to this blog. I'm not just celebrating the fact that I'm home with some amazing people.. I want to share what the Lord showed me on the flight home. The four and a half hour flight from Sacramento to Atlanta is a long one. So I had plenty of time to spend with the Lord. And yes, I enjoyed the man next to me watching me journal as I prayed the Lord would speak to Him through my words. So here we go. My journal from August 7, 2011:

Jeremiah 31

they will be my people

I will come to give rest to Israel

We are His sons and daughters and he makes promises to His people. 

"The Lord appeared to us in the past" (v3). He's appeared in the past. He's appeared this summer and spoken so many truths: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindness" (v3). His promises. 

It goes on in verses 4 and 5 saying Again Israel will do this... Again. "Again you will take up your tambourines and go out and dance with the joyful. Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the famers will plant them and enjoy their fruit." His promises. To do it again. This summer has been full of discovering the Lord, growing. But it doesn't stop there. He'll do it again. In this next season of life, I look back and remember how good the Lord has been, and I know He'll do it again. From glory to glory. 

The Lord says, "sing with joy", "shout", "make your praises heard" (v7). So we aren't called to grow in the Lord then keep it to ourselves. We are called to go. To declare who He is. And when we go, when we declare.. He "will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble" (v9). When we do the great commission, the Lord will work through us to gather His lost sheep. 

The next couple of verses of scripture are the motivation for this lifestyle of going and sharing: "For the Lord will ransom Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord-- the grain, the new wine, and the oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more. Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty,' declares the Lord" (v11-14). The Lord gathers us.. then, he redeems us, gives us a bounty, takes away our sorrow, brings gladness, comfort and joy, and satisfies us. So many promises. 

Even with all these promises.. we stray. Like Rachel who "refused to be comforted" (v15) we back away. We don't want to seek the Lord, we want to handle it on our own. But verse 20 reminds us, we are children of God in whom He delights. He has compassion on us! But of course he doesn't want us to stray.. "Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road you take, Return, O Virgin Israel, returns to your towns. How long will you wander, O unfaithful daughter?" (v21-22). Verse 22 hits my hard heart: "How long will you wander, O unfaithful daughter?" Isn't the Lord just pleading that I stop turning from Him. He's wondering why I choose death over life. He says return! Because He knows that what He has to offer. The life He has for You, for me. Is so much better. So why do we wander?

As I return home I am reminded of the Lord's promises, His great love, and compassion. I'm reminded to look back and remember His goodness and to set up road signs to remind me of my direction: I'm living to do work for His Kingdom. I refocus my life on Christ. And I won't stray.. I have a loving, compassionate God watching over His daughter in whom He delights. And I remember His promise that again He will reveal Himself to me.

John 16:33

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

this is my prayer

This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

This is my prayer in the fire

In weakness or trial or pain

There is a faith proved

Of more worth than gold

So refine me Lord through the flame

I will bring praise

I will bring praise

No weapon formed against me shall remain

I will rejoice

I will declare

God is my victory and He is here

This is my prayer in the battle

When triumph is still on it's way

I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ

So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life

In every season

You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest

When favour and providence flow

I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow

in the light of His glory and grace

"People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without selfcontrol, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." 2 Timothy 3:2-5

"Having a form of godliness but denying its power." Our world is so like that. They believe in God and go to church but they haven't and don't want to access the power. They are content with being good people, going to church, and being kind to others, but they don't want to fully lay down their lives. Remember verse 2? They want to satisfy themselves. They want only a "form of godliness". So they become lovers of money, boastful, proud.. you get it. Not lovers of God. Loving him fully with all our heart is what keeps our eyes turned from ourselves, our desires.

But be encouraged..

"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:12-16

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace

a giant like Goliath

Sometimes there is a giant you think is too big to fight. Sometimes it looks like Goliath described in 1 Samuel 17: "He was over nine feet tall. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels; on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. His spear shaft was like a weaver's rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him." But good news, the all powerful conquerer of the world is fighting the giant. He goes before us and beside us. In reality, we can't fight the giant. But God can! So when I'm struggling with Satan, Lord I need you to step in, because I know I am so unable to fight my own battles. 1 Samuel 17:8 says, "Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me." Sometimes this enemy tries to reason with us. Tempt us. But it's a fight that is already won. We don't have to prove our strength against Satan, that was already done. Christ died to save us from this enemy in advance. When I'm fighting Satan, I don't really need to fight, I turn to Christ who already conquered the battle. But sometimes our struggles are persistant. 1 Samuel 17:16 says, "For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and every evening and took his stand." Temptation. An enemy pursuing us. But like David.. with childlike faith we take a stand and turn to Christ. And we win the battle.

David wasn't searching for position, for power. He was simply obedient and willing. Obedient and willing. Sometimes the Lord will ask us to do crazy things. Are you willing to be obedient? David was and he conquered the giant. Trust. Such a huge obstacle that seperates us from God. Let's follow David's example. 1 Samuel 17:34-35 says "But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it." He remembered that he had killed the lion and the bear. He looked back and remembered the battles he had already won. Just as we should. We must look back and remember the Lord's faithfulness, giving us strength to trust Him through another.

Thank you Lord for fighting our giants.

East to West

I love song flashbacks. Sitting in the office with AOL Radio playing, "East to West" by Casting Crowns comes on. So, I've known this song since it came out who knows how long ago. But I heard it with fresh ears this morning...

Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me

Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other

So unworthy.. and so loved. Christ died so we could live in freedom. Not soak in our sin. Be blessed today!!

And I rest..

The Lord makes everything beautiful in His time. Our lives are His masterpiece. And just as He is beautiful, He desires to make us beautiful. When we surrender and place our lives in His hands, we will watch them prosper.

Prosper. Maybe not our sense of the word. His plans are far above our own, and He knows what a prosperous life looks like for each of us. And while sometimes we don't understand..

I rest.

Because the Creator of the universe has an idea of what He's doing. A pretty perfect plan. For each of His children. We surrender. We ask for His eyes. His love. His heart. So we may love others with His love. So we may hear Him speak. Allow our desires to align with His. Walk in His will.

So my desire is to be where He is. To sit in His presence. For Him to burn in me. From the inside out. Because my soul is crying out for Him. The Lord gave me a fresh reminder that in His presence is where I belong. It's where I feel whole. Like going home. The only good thing in me is Jesus. And when I turn to Him, I am filled. I find joy in His presence.

And I rest.

I know that my future is in His hands. I know He has proven himself faithful. I was bought with the precious blood of Jesus. God calls me worthy. What amazing grace.

So I surrender. Not just once. But everday to the desires of my flesh. Because my Savior died for me and He deserves all of me. Not just part of me because He gave all of himself.

I surrender..

And I rest.

purple flowers

The past few days have been nothing short of crazy. The stomach bug is going around staff. What a blessing that Challenge, Second Wind, and TracII have all been off property the past few days while we battle this bug. Praise the Lord it hasn't hit me, but people are dropping like flies. And unfortunately an office girl who was supposed to work after my shift got sick. So here I am.. 8 hours later in the office with 2 more to go. As much as I would like to say I've looked at this as a great opportunity to serve. I haven't. As much as I would like to say I haven't complained at all. I'd be lying. Let's face it. A ten hour shift isn't ideal. And working the morning shift the following morning makes it worse. Forgive me. I know you sense my bitter spirit. But praise the Lord He is still on the throne. Praise the Lord he sent his son who sympathizes with me. Who understands what I'm going through. Who is pleading on my behalf saying, "Daddy, she's tired. She's stressed out. I know how she feels right now." Praise You Jesus that you paid the price for me. Selfish me. So when I selfishly compain, you hear me. And you understand. You died for such a sinner.

And as I sit here, bitter and all, I see beautiful purple flowers. And I'm thankful. Even if it's the only thing I'm thankful for. They are beautiful. They speak your beauty. You know I love flowers. Whether I'm recieving them or just looking at them. I appreciate their beauty. And I believe those purple flowers are there just for me. For a time like this. When I need a reminder of who you are. Of the price you paid. And how much you love me, through all my hard times. No matter how insignificant they may seem. And I'm thankful for people in my life who will call me out. And remind me of what my purpose is. Even when it's really hard to hear. And I'm thankful for encouragement. Being reminded that I'm doing a great job, that people are thankful for my hard work, and that they couldn't do it without me. Thank you for relationships. For constantly reminding me through your people that you are here with me. When I'm acting a fool, in such a wretched mood. That you love me through it all. That you are molding me into your beautiful daughter. You are creating me for my calling. You have a purpose in it all. And while I watch this purpose unfold. I'll sit here. With the purple flowers.

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet without sin. Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Hebrews 4:14-16

"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died- more than that, who was raised to life- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"

Romans 8:31-34

teach my song to rise to You

Lord, I Need You by Chris Tomlin

Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

Yes where You are Lord I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

So teach my song to rise to You

When temptation comes my way

And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You

Jesus You're my hope and stay

And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You

Jesus You're my hope and stay

surrender

June 20, 2011
Each day is a new day. Praise the Lord that our sin is remembered no more. We aren't just given a clean slate at the start of the day. But as soon as we repent. We sit at the feet of Jesus and realize how desperately we need him. We call on Him, Abba, father. We turn from ourselves. Thank you Lord for grace. Thank you that I can forget yesterday and press on today. You lead us from glory to glory. Praise you Lord for your son. For the Lamb who took my place. Because I am prone to wander. prone to hide my face from you. You're always there. I'm the one who leaves your presence. Praise you Lord that you're always here. So much grace.


June 22, 2011
Today the Lord revealed something. That HE is working in me. I don't have to work on myself. I surrender, I seek Him, and I live in his love. And He does the work. I don't strive to be like Him. I let go and let Him live through me. I'll never be enough. I can never compare to His goodness. So I relax. I breathe. And I allow him to move in my life. To let His joy overflow. His patience be active. His words pour out of my mouth. I allow Him to hold my heart. To invade my thoughts. I just surrender. I step into the rhythm of grace. I don't have to strive. I am still. I know He is God. He's on the throne. He's more than enough. And most of all, my life is in the hands of the Creator.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it

Prone to leave the God I love

Here's my heart, O take and seal it

Seal it for Thy courts above

steadfast

Where to start? The past month at the ranch has been so full of the Lord. Highs and lows. Lessons learned. Surrendering. I have been journalling every day the past four weeks. Prayers, insight, verses. Anything the Lord lays on my heart. The best way for me to describe my time at the ranch so far is to post excerpts from my journal. Here we go..

May 24, 2011
Lord you have ordained this from the beginning. I have been overwhelmed by your grace. A slight understanding of your grace. It is unchanging, your love. It is finished. And I've experienced such freedom in that! I began this summer open to recieve, I surrended all and now I am feasting. I am learning, I am hearing your voice, I am done with contentment, I have a new mind, a new understanding. The questioning is gone. I live with life and joy because I have been redeemed. I am holy because you say so.


June 4, 2011
I started off my day in the office doing my bible study on David. Today's lesson was on 1 Samuel 22:6-23. It is all about Saul finding out where Davis is by his servant, Doeg. It's a crazy scene after that, with Saul having Doeg kill the priests. Saul had no reverence for God. He acted out of jealousy and hate. We see David's reaction in Psalm 52. David vents to the Lord about his enemy but also trusts that the Lord will handle it. I love David. I want the heart that will say this in times of trouble: "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. I will praise you forever for what you have done; In your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints." Pslam 52:8-9. He wrote this psalm in reaction to Doeg telling Saul where he was. Really? In the midst of terror, he hopes in the Lord. He trusts in Him. He praises Him. I want a heart like that. I want the Lord to be the song I sing all day long. "In the face of unimaginable horror, we must cast our imaginations on Christ, our only hope. His word will be our anchor when our faith is tossed like waves." When the world is disappointing me, when tragedy seems too much to bear.. I turn to the Lord. He's the sustainer. His love, His word, His grace is sufficient. I love Lamentations 3:22-33. The Lord knows what is best for us. He knows when to break us and how much we can bear. But he won't overtake us. "His compassion never fails". He is close to the weak and brokenhearted. We won't be tempted beyond what we can bear. Stand on the promises of the Lord. Cling to them. And I will have a steadfast heart, like David's.


June 5, 2011
1 Samuel 23
David is on the run from Saul. He's afraid. So he seeks the Lord. he asks him questions. He trusts him. But along the way, as he runs, his fear grows. So the Lord sends him Jonathan, a friend, to encourage him. How desperately do we need a friend like Jonathan? Someone to step in and redirect your focus from the flesh to the Redeemer. And how much do we need to be a friend like Jonathan? Encouraging a friend in the Lord. Seeking their best. Wanting them to excel higher than you because you see where the Lord has called them. David was reminded of the Lord's faithfulness. The Lord had always been with him. Through trials and suffering, the Lord works in us. He hasn't forsaken you, He's teaching you. He's refining you to go where He has called you. So remember. Remember how faithful he has been. "Remember the height from which you have fallen!" Revelation 2:5. Remember how sufficient his grace is. Where has he brought you and where is he taking you? "For the word of the Lord is right and true, he is faithful in all he does." Psalm 33:4. Follow the example of David: Inquire of the Lord. Because He's the author. He holds the pen. He knows your triumphs and your failures. And he has them perfectly planned out for your good. Just like He knew the best for David in Saul's pursuit. The same God. Yesterday, today, forever.


June 8, 2011
"God has not forgotten. He has seen your battles. He has gathered your tears and blotted your brow. He knows those who have treated you unfairly. He knows when you're almost ready to give up or give in. Keep telling Him. Stay in His word. Keep claiming His promises"
                                       -Beth Moore

Psalm 1
I want to be like a tree planted by a tree. To constantly be filled up. Filled from the roots so I'll grow. Strong, healthy. Bearing fruit. I'll prosper when I walk in the counsel of the Lord. When I meditate on Him and His word. Stay far from evil and close to goodness. When we cling to the Lord, we are made strong. He watches over the righteous. He has made me righteous! Thank you for the blood Lord! That washed me white has snow. That doesn't cover me but cleanses me.


June 9, 2011
Last night Bigtop was so great! Woship amazes me. I sat back and watched for a song. I saw freedom. I saw people lifting their hands in desperation and out of overflow. They'd been set free. They'd experienced God's grace! They'd tasted and seen something good. They'd realized the work on the cross was finished. That they were free, made righteous. They had an Abba, daddy. They were sons and daughters of the king. They feasted at the king's table! And after the talk, you were there at the haybales, Lord. To meet the broken where they were. Your spirit is so sweet. Brokeness is so sweet.


June 15, 2011
In order to hear God or for God to move, I must call on Him. I must pray. Present my requests to God. How will I know it's Him if I don't ask Him to move? Call upon His name. We are saved once we CALL upon him. "The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him." Romans 10:12




Well, I just reread a lot of my journal. There are highs and lows. There are triumphs and failures. All to the glory of God. For He is perfecting His daughter. All in all, I desire a steadfast heart to the Lord.





"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28.

whatup JH Ranch

I've been at the ranch for 15 days now. I love it here and could probably just stay forever.. granted all my friends and family joined me. I have been beyond blessed by the body and fellowship here. I'm living in "the Bean" with 24 girls. Cold showers are the norm. But that's okay here. I'm also working at the front desk. Typically, it's five hour shifts.. full of answering phones, interacting with guests, and random tasks. I absolutely love it. It's definitely a shift from last summer working the kitchen. The hours are much better and I love that I am able to interact with all the guests... even though kitchen is and always will be the best. Shoutout Chef Bob! We have a weekly rodeo the first morning that guests arrive. From the barnyard breakfast to fun games to the rodeo skit! It's a bunch of fun and a great way to welcome the guests! I tried out for the rodeo skit this year and am lucky to be the youngest daughter! It is so fun! I won't be able to upload any pictures until the end of summer but oh well.

Well, this is a boring blog. I apologize for simply listing information. But this will just be an intro to the fact that I am able to blog at the Ranch. I'll occasionaly update it with tidbits of what is going on and what all the Lord is teaching me!

Call me.. JH Ranch, This is Francie!

summmaatime

After a lot of serving in Tuscaloosa, Matt, Madeline, Parker, and I took a little lake vacation:

I got my wisdom teeth out a week ago. Mama took the liberty of taking several videos of me after I woke up from the surgery. Needless to say they are hilarious and I acted a fool! No, I will not be posting them anywhere. Praise the Lord I hardly swelled at all! And it was a good couple of days to just chill out.

Mama and I took a little trip to Atlanta. We met up with Matt and went to the Braves game! No, I didn't pay much attention to the game. I just like the atmosphere.. And the Braves won so, Go Braves!

Now I'm busy packing for JH Ranch, the best place in the world. Located near the small town of Etna, California. This will be my 4th summer out there and the 2nd summer on staff! I'm so excited for what all the Lord has in store. Of course, being away from my friends and family for 11 weeks isn't completely ideal, but I'm so looking forward to all the new friendships to be made. Not to mention reuniting with all my best friends from last summer!! The Lord taught me so much last summer. It was one of the biggest seasons of growing I've ever been through. Such an amazing transition time from high school to college. Needless to say, I know this summer is going to change my life and I'm fully open to whatever He has to offer. Here's a snapshot of last summer:

Have a blessed summer!!

Times by Tenth Avenue North

I know I need You

I need to love You

I love to see You, but it's been so long

I long to feel You

I feel this need for You

And I need to hear You, is that so wrong?

Now you pull me near You

When we're close, I fear You

Still I'm afraid to tell You, all that I've done

Are You done forgiving?

Oh can You look past my pretending?

Lord, I'm so tired of defending, what I've become

What have I become?

I hear You say,

"My love is over. It's underneath.

It's inside. It's in between.

The times you doubt Me, when you can't feel

The times that you question, 'Is this for real?'

The times that you're broken

The times that you mend

The times you hate Me, and the times you bend

Well, My love is over, it's underneath

It's inside, it's in between

These times you're healing, and when your heart breaks

The times that you feel like you're falling from grace

The times you're hurting

The times that you heal

The times you go hungry and are tempted to steal

The times of confusion, in chaos and pain

I'm there in your sorrow, under the weight of your shame

I'm there through your heartache

I'm there in the storm

My love I will keep you, by My pow'r alone

I don't care where you fall, where you have been

I'll never forsake you, My love never ends

It never ends."

April 28, 2011

April 28, 2011 a tornado devastated Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 

Relief efforts have begun. I have been amazed by the servanthood of Church of the Highlands. We are supplying the city with necessities and sharing the love of Christ. Our very own Tuscaloosa Dream Center is forming within days of the disaster and we, as a campus, could not be more excited about what the Lord has in store for this city. You're the God of this city. For more information on how to help with the tornado relief visit this website: http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/relief

I'm home for the day to rest before returning to Tuscaloosa to continue blessing the city and all the people affected by the tornado. I ventured to the backyard to capture the beauty the Lord blesses us with. I was reminded of a song...

Look at the way the flowers bloom for You

They want to show You there beauty, Lord

Running waters dance, You and I romance

Unto You be all the glory. Unto You be all the glory

The angels dance around You

The earth it sings about You

Open up the heavens, Lord

Let Your Kingdom come to earth

My praises all surround You

My soul can't dance without You

Open up the heavens Lord

Let Your Kingdom come to earth

Jesus Culture- "My Romance"

Yes, we're experiencing lost, devastation, pain. Feeling helpless, useless, confused. Asking why's and what if's. But in the end God is God. He is above what we can see, imagine, or relate to. And His way is unbelievably perfect. It was a precious reminder to see His beauty in the flowers. In nature. So if His plan is perfect why don't we trust it? I caught myself thinking how helpless I felt once the storm hit. The wind controlled me. Pride stepped in and said, "YOU can feed people, YOU can give them clothes, YOU can love them." ha, WRONG. JESUS can do all those things through me. I really am helpless. But I'm always helpless. Jesus is the only good thing in me and the only reason I am able to do anything. And we will praise Him in this storm, because we know His beauty will be revealed as revival breaks out in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. To You be the glory, forever and ever!!

You're the God of this City

You're the King of these people

You're the Lord of this nation, You are

You're the Light in this darkness

You're the Hope to the hopeless

You're the Peace to the restless, You are

There is no one like our God

There is no one like our God

For greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done in this city

Greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done here

Chris Tomlin- "God of this City"

Continue to pray for the city. We are rebuilding the city on the foundation of Christ.