He Loves Me

Every petal...He loves me.

Gosh, do you ever have those days that it just hits you…it hits you how incredibly amazing and passionate God's love is for us? I go to a college group called Eikon on Wednesday nights at Calvary Chapel. This Wednesday, the worship leader spoke about how lately he's been feeling tired and worn out, and I could totally relate. And while he mentioned the worldly things that were weighing on him, he mainly spoke out about his realization that God is just so much bigger than we can fathom. He played this song acoustically, reminding us that we are broken people and that God can redeem our brokenness and make us whole. He can restore our strength.

God loves us. God loves me. Every word in those sentences is important.

God- the creator of the universe, the holy, set-apart, sovereign, all-powerful, all-knowing, God. Loves- not with a human love that is changing, but with a love so incomprehensible and deep that it is almost too good to be true (praise the Lord it isn't!) Me- He loves me? He loves me! Me…a sinner, a fallen human being who so often gets caught up in my own little world that I forget that my Redeemer, my First Love is calling out to the depths of my soul and will move heaven and Earth to show His great love for ME! And for you. Do we forget that? Do we forget that in the midst of our pain, our trials, our weakness, He loves us, and that's really all that matters. This song that they played on Wednesday night is absolutely amazing- He loves us. Let's embrace it and live our lives reflecting that very fact. It's the core of the Christian faith- God's perfect, unfailing, sweet, sweet love for us. I don't think I'll ever get over it-gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. My favorite version of the song is by Kim Walker and it's called "How He Loves." You will definitely want to check it out on iTunes to purchase- trust me, once you hear it, you will be addicted!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps

He is jealous for me,

Love's like a hurricane,

I am a tree, bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy.

When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,

And I realize just how beautiful You are and how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so, oh, how He loves us, how He loves us so.

He loves us, oh, how He loves us, oh, how He loves us, oh, how He loves!!!!!!!!

Yeah, He loves us, oh how He loves us, oh, how He loves us, oh, how He loves!!!!!

We are His portion and He is our prize,

Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes.

If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking.

So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss (we sing "and reminds us we're His" at Eikon),

And my heart turns violently inside my chest,

I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way….

He loves us so, oh, how He loves us, how He loves us so.

He loves us, oh, how He loves us, oh, how He loves us, oh, how He loves!!!!!!!!

Yeah, He loves us, oh how He loves us, oh, how He loves us, oh, how He loves!!!!!

P.S. Mr Keith, this would be a great song to incorporate in worship one weekend, like one weekend when I'm home...starting two or three weeks from now *hint* hint* lol...no pressure though! : )

Hollywood, Here I Come...maybe?

Last week was exciting, way too busy, and a lot of fun all wrapped into one! I auditioned for a part in a local series called "Hall Pass," a program designed to prepare middle and high schoolers for life. As they called it, "reality TV with a learning curve." ; ) My roomie, Shawn, emailed me the casting call, and I debated whether I should go. I had so much to do and, like I said all week, "not enough time to do it all." But, nonetheless, I figured- why not? If I didn't grab the opportunity, I would have always wondered what could have happened. So, I decided to see for myself. Before I went in to audition, I prayed that God would use me if this is what He wanted, and if not, I knew He had other plans for my life. On Tuesday night, I received a "call back" for Thursday afternoon. I started studying the script and practicing my lines. I got there just in time (class kept me later than expected) and was actually the last of the final six to audition. The set was so neat- like something you see on TV, complete with the "green room" for animation effects and huge cameras and lights. I was like a kid in a candy shop- acting "Hollywood" for a few minutes of fun. The audition went awesome and the producer and camera people were all so friendly and encouraging. They made me feel right at home. And now, for the results (DRUMROLL PLEASE!)...............................................................................................................I didn't get the part. Yeah, maybe not what you expected or wanted to hear, but moral of the story: "Carpe diem!" Just cause I didn't end up on top, doesn't mean I didn't learn a few things and have a good time on my short journey as a red carpet starlet (lol). So, do something today that you wouldn't normally do- life's too short to live the same day twice!

Easter "Funnies"

Just in case anyone needs a little laugh...well, I thought it was funny ; ).

Those Were the Days

I remember the bliss…of spinning in my dad's arms as we danced in the living room to blaring Jimmy Buffet music. I would get so excited when he'd dip me down- that was my favorite part. And I remember the dreams…the dreams I had as a five-year old, ready to take on the world. Nothing was too big to accomplish, and no task so small that it didn't seem significant in my eyes. I remember the play…the 24/7 all out fun and games (even at school, I considered each task a joy). I also remember the friends…my "cool girls club" (yep- that was the name) that I played with during recess. And I remember Mac n' Cheese with Lil' Smokies, my favorite dinner entrée cooked by the one and only gourmet chef I'd ever known, who was pretty as a jewel and knew the answer for every question that popped in my head. And at that time, in those moments, I didn't realize that those would be the memories I would cherish forever. Those were the days- the days I longed to "grow up" and pursue my dreams- to move on to bigger and better things. It was "fun" being a little kid, but I wanted to be a big girl in high school. Then I became that girl in high school who also made great friends and memories, but my mind was focused on heading off to college. And now, here I am, longing for something else. You see? Each time, I want…I want exactly what I don't have at the moment. And each time I get whatever it is I wanted, I want something more or something different.

Do you ever look back and wish you could somehow be whisked away in a time machine? I know I do, and today is one of those days. School has been so hectic and stressful lately, and too many things are starting to get to me. It seems like with each task I complete, 15 more are added to it. And while I'm here trying to sort everything out and get my mind refocused, I am still longing for those summer days of first grade where the biggest concern was what flavor popsicle I would get after a leisurely splash in the lake or a run through the sprinklers. Yes, those were the days. I can't help but wonder if later on, say ten years from now, I will want to be transported back to this season in my life, a season focused on finishing college and pursuing the career I've been working towards. That is the whole point, right? As I reflect on the past, I realize that I am never satisfied, and that with each accomplishment, I am only pushing on towards another goal. While I believe it's important to set goals and work towards them, I also believe that I often get too caught up in it all. Sometimes we all just need to take a big, deep breath and enjoy the moment- the here and now. If we keep looking at the grass that's greener on the other side, we'll miss the beauty of the nature around us. It's so easy to say, but so much harder to do.

Lately, I've really been questioning what God's purpose is for me here on earth. I know that I am supposed to enjoy Him and glorify Him forever, but what is my specific purpose? What does He want me to do? Because if all these dreams I'm chasing are dreams of my own, they will never satisfy- they will never be enough. But, if I am living in the perfect will of my Father, I will be whole and complete- and my soul will find rest. And, as I close this out, I have to bring it back to being a kid. Why was I so happy? Why was it so easy to not care what others thought? Some might say it's because of the lack of responsibility, others might say it's due to the lack of worldly awareness of what's going on. And while I agree with those in part, I can't help but wonder if it's because we were doing exactly what God created us to do. We weren't caring about the specific details of the future, about our status, about our body image, about our job, or our schooling. We were just being ourselves- God's little creations filled with joy and wonder at the amazement of life and His creation around us. Maybe we can be transported back to those times. Maybe those were the days that were supposed to set a pattern for the rest of our lives, where each morning was a new opportunity to discover and relish in astonishment, and where the cares of the world didn't affect us because we knew they were in someone else's hands, someone else we trusted very much. I may not be five years old anymore, with a popsicle smile and baby fat protruding out of my swimsuit, but I am still a kid. I'm a daughter of God, who shouldn't have to worry about the present or the future, because it's all in His hands…which is why I am planning a beach trip tomorrow- me, God, and the great, vast ocean. I'm just gonna breathe and remember that He's got everything under control. I won't be longing for the good ol' days, but living in the beautiful reality of the present.

Daughters of the King

In the little town of Lake Placid, there lived many beautiful princesses, who were all invited to celebrate the joy of life and the beauty of uniquness with a breakfast, storytime, dancing, and even Prince Charming! Of course, it wasn't a royal affair without proper attire- from sparkly tiaras and crowns to fancy dresses, the girls were ready for a morning to remember! Each of the lovely princesses was introduced by a trumpeting sound, with Prince Charming announcing their name, favorite royal color, and favorite activity. Looking cute as usual, they posed for a quick picture then headed to their table to mingle with other royalty. The best part of the morning was listening to Queen Norris : ) read Gigi, God's Little Princess. It reminded us all that no matter how many bad hair days or bad attitude days we have, God loves us just the way we are.

Even for a "big girl" princess, I was reminded a lot that day. Getting ready for appearances, I normally get frustrated with my hair or makeup or outfit- or all three together. It is such an incredible promise that God loves us no matter what. So next time you pick on yourself for those freckles, or that body, or your frizzy, curly hair (that one's for me), remember that you are God's masterpiece! Just like a famous artist who turns a blank canvas into something incredible, God is shaping you each day into the beautiful creation you were intended to be. And I don't know how happy an artist would be if his canvas said, "Hey- don't you think I look a little ridiculous? I mean, come on, I need more color here. And that curve is just yuk! Totally wrong. Plus, this isn't how I'm supposed to look- I need to look like all the other famous paintings." Hmm...who do you think knows more, the canvas or the artist? Let's stop stressin' over the little stuff and embrace our uniquenesses, each and every one. True beauty radiates in the face of one who is passionately in love with her Savior, for being a daughter of the King is the greatest joy of all.

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today or our worries about tomorrow- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below- indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

Photo Competition

With one of the photographers and her picture on the left.

Last week, I had the awesome opportunity to serve as a judge for a digital photography competition, held at the Admiral's Boys and Girls Club right down the street from my college. Figuring it wouldn't be too hard to do, I headed down in between classes with a good hour and a half to knock it out. Little did I know how difficult of a competition this would be to judge! After walking through the gallery several times and scoring many of the pieces, I still had many more to go and it was already 5:40...my class was at 6:00. Walking in heels across campus to make it there in time was definitely a work-out in and of itself : ) I talked with the director, Jill, and she said I could head back after class and finish up the scoring. The pictures were amazing- and the creativity of the photographers was unbelievable! It was so great to see how kids, at even five years old, learned how to capture a great picture. I wish I would have taken pictures of the pictures to show you all, but that might have been considered plagarism...so, you'll just have to trust me on this one! I always love to see how a simple object or landscape can be transformed into an artistic piece of work. Needless to say, I left truly inspired and encouraged, to really consider the beauty of the world around me instead of just passing it by at a glance.

Gone.

What if tomorrow you woke up and everything you had was gone? I don't know why this keeps crossing my mind lately, maybe because of the economic crisis. But, seriously, if you woke up and all that was there was you? Would it be enough…would you relying on Jesus be enough? All too often I think it's easy to say that we trust God with our life, but do we? I am preachin' to the choir, because I know for sure I am definitely guilty of this. I give lip service to God, telling Him that I trust Him and His grace is enough, but I feel that my life doesn't demonstrate the very thing I'm saying to God. Sure, it's easy to tell God you trust Him (and maybe you do), but do you trust Him with EVERYTHING IN YOU? For shelter, for income, for love? For better, for worse? Richer or poorer? Yes, this is starting to sound like marriage vows, because it is. The church is the Bride of Christ, the body of believers that is supposed to be faithful to the very end, persevering no matter what comes our way. The Bridegroom wants to know that we depend upon Him- he wants us to remember that if everything else falls apart and if the material things of this world shatter to pieces, that we won't crumble with them. We will stand strong, remembering that the very God who "knit us together in our mother's womb" is more than capable of providing for our every need. Automatically, the story of Job pops up in my head when I hear about losing everything. I'm sure you've heard the story of a guy totally committed to His Savior, yet God takes everything he has away from him. The beautiful thing about this story is that Job didn't give up- he didn't crumble with the rest of his material world. He wasn't concerned with knowing the why, but the who. He recognized God's power and stood strong, praising Him to the end, saying "I came naked from my mother's womb, and I will be stripped of everything when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!" (Job 1:21). WOW! Wow, wow. I don't know about you, but that is real- that's the kind of radical love that God wants from us. He is a jealous God, who has chosen us to be His special treasures among all things in creation. He wants us, all of us, no matter what (whoa- that was a line from The Notebook…good movie). Anyway, this is serious stuff and I can't tell you how hard this hit home for me. If everything was gone, would Jesus be enough? God doesn't want a bunch of lip service- He wants life service. And that's what I'm gonna try to give Him. He is enough- I just have to live like my life as if it depends upon that fact, because it does.

"Enjoy prosperity while you can. But when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. That way, you will realize that nothing is certain in this life." Ecclesiastes 7:14

"I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws. I cling to your decrees. Lord, don't let me be put to shame! If you will help me, I will run to follow your commands. Teach me, O Lord, to follow every one of your principles. Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your decrees; do not inflict me with love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word." Psalm 119:30-37