Thursday, November 20, 2008

Looking Up

I want to start with Oswald Chambers...it is the entry from April 29th out of "My Upmost for His Highest"
"Our natural inclination is to be so precise— trying always to forecast accurately what will happen next— that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We think that we must reach some predetermined goal, but that is not the nature of the spiritual life. The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty. Consequently, we do not put down roots. Our common sense says, "Well, what if I were in that circumstance?" We cannot presume to see ourselves in any circumstance in which we have never been.
Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life— gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. This is generally expressed with a sigh of sadness, but it should be an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. As soon as we abandon ourselves to God and do the task He has placed closest to us, He begins to fill our lives with surprises. When we become simply a promoter or a defender of a particular belief, something within us dies. That is not believing God — it is only believing our belief about Him. Jesus said, ". . . unless you . . . become as little children . . ." (Matthew 18:3 ). The spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, just uncertain of what He is going to do next. If our certainty is only in our beliefs, we develop a sense of self-righteousness, become overly critical, and are limited by the view that our beliefs are complete and settled. But when we have the right relationship with God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy. Jesus said, ". . . believe also in Me" (John 14:1 ), not, "Believe certain things about Me". Leave everything to Him and it will be gloriously and graciously uncertain how He will come in— but you can be certain that He will come. Remain faithful to Him."
As you can see I have taken some random photos of Jada and I was overwhelmed at how many I have of her physically looking up. Maybe this is part of what Jesus meant when He said to come to Him like children. Physically looking up with expectation of Jesus' hand gently leading. That is what I want. Besides that, Jada is cute and I thought you would enjoy the photos :)



(butterfly headband courtesy of Uncle Jason and Aunt Shannon :))


Also, we were given a sweet visit from the Smithers. What a gift they are! Cherish and Jada helped me bake some pumpkin bread and also had an outdoor tea party. Pretty cute.


And I wanted to ask for your prayers. My mom and Mike have moved from Spring/Woodlands and are now living in Bryan in a temporary living situation. They were expecting to sell their house tomorrow and their buyer fell through....so they have totally moved out but still making payments on their house. PLEASE PRAY for someone to buy their house so that they can move forward with buying or building a house here...and pray that they would be able to have joy in the midst of their frustrations. Thanks!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Intimacy Update...

Thanks so much for praying. The visual that I had was that of me standing on a rock with weak knees...and around me were friends, mentors and fellow believers physically holding me in place, strengthening my legs, heart, and mind. So that's what happened. I stood upon the stage and was able to tell my "story" to a large group of beautiful girls that came to worship. I was humbled and blessed as many girls responded in honest and sweet ways. I am so thankful! I am truly more convinced than ever that the desire of God's heart is to draw His daughters near to His heart. I am glad to be one of them!

Thank you to all of you whose hands I physically and spiritually felt holding me up. I love you!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Intimacy...

I wanted to let you all know something kinda crazy...last spring I was asked to share my testimony at a thing called "Intimacy"- it is a night of worship for women and college girls in the community. It is an open invitation thing so all girls are invited. Anyway, it is tomorrow night, the 7th (just in case you are a girl, live in BCS and can come...it is at Grace Southwood at 8:00.)
Many prayers, tears and hope have already gone into this night and I would love your prayers for God to move in really sweet and eternal ways in all of us who are there. I am hopeful that it will be a real night of grace and healing for me as I share who God has been in my life and now how much more He has been to me with all that has gone on with our loss of Mia. I am also hopeful that the Lord wants to do some beautiful things in the lives of girls who attend. So...
Thanks! I'll update afterwards :)