I am loving me some Jesus today! It is really gloomy out today and the sun can't make up it's mind if it wants to come out or not, but I have the SON to brighten my day :) Ok, maybe that's cheesy but it's so true. It's so easy to get in a rut or complain about not-so-beautiful days like today but I think it's God's way of gently nudging us to look to Him for our sunshine that day. I am feeling His presence and joy today! So as you know, I am SINGLE. Yes, the dreaded "S" word. I used to hate saying that word. It would totally effect me if I didn't have a date for Friday night. I would be down and out when all my friends had boyfriends and I didn't. Well, all my friends still have boyfriends, but it's ok! I have the one TRUE love of my life pursuing my heart. I know He values me and loves me more than anyone else ever could. (That's not to say I won't rejoice when He does send me that special someone though!) I have learned to allow God to be the one to fill that void in my heart and how sweet that is!
The rest of my day will consist of studying, taking an online test, gym, practice (last one before our 1st game Saturday!) and meeting the ladies for a little girl time. Have a beautiful day! Adios!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Letter!!
Today was the best day I have had in a while! I got a letter from Willy today! For those of you who may not know, Willy is a boy I sponsor in Guatemala. He is 13 (14 next month!). When grew really close when I was there and when I was about to leave, he grabbed my hand and began to cry and begged me to stay. I believe the exact words were, "Please....2 more days. It's the weekend!" I told him he will always be my little Guatemalan brother and promised to be back to see him. As soon as I got home I asked to sponsor him. Willy is a sweet young man with an enormous heart. I absolutely ADORE that boy. I won't always share our letters but I wanted to share today's since I am still SO excited about it.
"Megan-
Hello. How are you? I hope all is well. I love you and miss you a lot. Thanks for the bracelet and the belt. I am praying a lot for you and I hope to see you again soon. And I can't wait for God to take care of you and your family. I'll be waiting. I miss you and I love you so muchhhh. Thanks for being my beautiful sister and I hope that you remain close to God. Thanks for all the gifts you sent me. I love you and say hello to your family on my behalf. I'll be waiting for you."
Is that not the sweetest thing ever? What a sweet young man of God. I am SO proud of him!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Faith Confessions
At Elevation, we are still discussing faith. We were given a list of Faith Confessions. We are to say these out loud every day to remind us of how strong we are when the Lord is on our side. I think I will be hanging mine in the bathroom. I don't think anyone will hear me saying these and assume I am talking to myself if it's done in the confines of my room! Here is the list:
I am fully forgiven and free from all shame and condemnation.
I act in audacious faith to change the world in my generation.
I have no fear or anxiety. I trust in the Lord with all my heart.
I am able to fulfill the calling God has placed on my life.
I am fully funded to do everything God has called me to do.
I have no insecurity because I see myself the way God sees me.
I am a faithful spouse and Godly parent; our family is blessed.
I am completely whole physically, mentally and emotionally.
I am increasing in influence and favor for the kingdom of God.
I am enabled to walk in the sacrificial love of Christ.
I have the wisdom of the Lord concerning every decision I make.
I am protected from all harm and evil in Jesus' name.
I am fully forgiven and free from all shame and condemnation.
I act in audacious faith to change the world in my generation.
I have no fear or anxiety. I trust in the Lord with all my heart.
I am able to fulfill the calling God has placed on my life.
I am fully funded to do everything God has called me to do.
I have no insecurity because I see myself the way God sees me.
I am a faithful spouse and Godly parent; our family is blessed.
I am completely whole physically, mentally and emotionally.
I am increasing in influence and favor for the kingdom of God.
I am enabled to walk in the sacrificial love of Christ.
I have the wisdom of the Lord concerning every decision I make.
I am protected from all harm and evil in Jesus' name.
No!
At Elevation this week, we continued the Give.Me.Faith. series. The focus of the sermon was "When God Says "No."' The sermon was by a guest speaker from a church in the Atlanta area, Andy Stanley. Here are some of the points made during his sermon....
* The story begins in 2 Corinthians 12. Paul was sent by the Lord to tell people about Jesus. God knew however, that Paul was going to become very popular and many people would admire him. God did not want Paul to become arrogant and so he gave him a physical condition in order to keep him humble. It was such a severe condition that it would always keep him from becoming proud or arrogant. Some scholars think it was epilepsy or a visibly unappealing eye affliction. Paul asks the Lord 3 times to take this illness away. For a period of time God was silent and did not answer Paul's prayers.
* God finally did respond, and when He did, He said, "My grace is sufficient for you". In other words, "NO." God promised to give Paul the grace to endure, but would not take away the illness. God will not always choose to change our circumstances, but He will give us the endurance to lean on Him and make it through. We are to accept "No", and then accept His grace and endure.
* "For my power is made perfect in your weakness (verse 9)God is going to show off our weakness so that others will look at us and wonder what makes us be able to accomplish the tasks we do despite our weakness. It is then that others will be able to see God and His power in us. We need to have an extraordinary dependence on God. When God doesn't allow us to fill in the gap with our own strength but will fill it with His. Wow. I would MUCH rather have God's strength than my own!
* Your greatest weakness is God's greatest opportunity to show Himself strong in you. If you will TRUST Him. If you don't, any you walk away, you are choosing to walk away from His empowering grace.
*The only thing worse than disappointment with God is disappointment without God.
* When God says "No" it is not a reflection of your faith. It is an opportunity to become a reflection of His greatness!
Wow this was a message I needed to hear! I continue to pray for the Lord to send me someone to love. My heart is so full of love to share with someone but God keeps telling me "No." I know I am being prepared for someone awesome, and the Lord is preparing them for me as well. It is difficult to sit back as my friends move on and are getting engaged and married and having children. There are days I feel like life is passing me by because I am more and more on my own. This sermon really reminded me that I need to lean into God, to press in, and He will receive the glory. And isn't that what we are here for? Our lives are to glorify Him! My prayer this year has been to grow stronger in my faith, and man, the Lord answers prayers!
2 Corinthians 12:9-10- "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, than I am strong."
* The story begins in 2 Corinthians 12. Paul was sent by the Lord to tell people about Jesus. God knew however, that Paul was going to become very popular and many people would admire him. God did not want Paul to become arrogant and so he gave him a physical condition in order to keep him humble. It was such a severe condition that it would always keep him from becoming proud or arrogant. Some scholars think it was epilepsy or a visibly unappealing eye affliction. Paul asks the Lord 3 times to take this illness away. For a period of time God was silent and did not answer Paul's prayers.
* God finally did respond, and when He did, He said, "My grace is sufficient for you". In other words, "NO." God promised to give Paul the grace to endure, but would not take away the illness. God will not always choose to change our circumstances, but He will give us the endurance to lean on Him and make it through. We are to accept "No", and then accept His grace and endure.
* "For my power is made perfect in your weakness (verse 9)God is going to show off our weakness so that others will look at us and wonder what makes us be able to accomplish the tasks we do despite our weakness. It is then that others will be able to see God and His power in us. We need to have an extraordinary dependence on God. When God doesn't allow us to fill in the gap with our own strength but will fill it with His. Wow. I would MUCH rather have God's strength than my own!
* Your greatest weakness is God's greatest opportunity to show Himself strong in you. If you will TRUST Him. If you don't, any you walk away, you are choosing to walk away from His empowering grace.
*The only thing worse than disappointment with God is disappointment without God.
* When God says "No" it is not a reflection of your faith. It is an opportunity to become a reflection of His greatness!
Wow this was a message I needed to hear! I continue to pray for the Lord to send me someone to love. My heart is so full of love to share with someone but God keeps telling me "No." I know I am being prepared for someone awesome, and the Lord is preparing them for me as well. It is difficult to sit back as my friends move on and are getting engaged and married and having children. There are days I feel like life is passing me by because I am more and more on my own. This sermon really reminded me that I need to lean into God, to press in, and He will receive the glory. And isn't that what we are here for? Our lives are to glorify Him! My prayer this year has been to grow stronger in my faith, and man, the Lord answers prayers!
2 Corinthians 12:9-10- "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, than I am strong."
Buffalo Chicken Dip!
I just returned home last night from a weekend in Atlanta. I went down to see Kaylen, my good friend I met up at Lees-McRae College. Spent the day Saturday watching football and making a few new friends. Everyone was asked to bring something to eat to the tailgating party. I am not sure who made it, but someone brought the best dip I have ever had in my life! No exaggeration. It was delicious. After some asking around, I got the recipe. You HAVE to try it!
2 (10 ounce) cans of chunk chicken, drained
2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened (You can use the fat free type if you want)
1 cup Ranch
3/4 cup hot sauce (or more, depending on how hot you like it!)
1 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar
1 bunch celery
chips or crackers
Heat chicken and hot sauce over medium heat. Stir in cream cheese and Ranch. Cook until warm. Mix in half of the shredded Cheddar, transfer to slow cooker or 9x12 pan. (If you are in a pinch for time, use the pan. Otherwise, the slow cooker is a better option). Sprinkle remaining cheese, cover, cook until hot and bubbly (if using over, cook on 350 for 20 minutes). Serve with celery and chips.
Enjoy!!
2 (10 ounce) cans of chunk chicken, drained
2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened (You can use the fat free type if you want)
1 cup Ranch
3/4 cup hot sauce (or more, depending on how hot you like it!)
1 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar
1 bunch celery
chips or crackers
Heat chicken and hot sauce over medium heat. Stir in cream cheese and Ranch. Cook until warm. Mix in half of the shredded Cheddar, transfer to slow cooker or 9x12 pan. (If you are in a pinch for time, use the pan. Otherwise, the slow cooker is a better option). Sprinkle remaining cheese, cover, cook until hot and bubbly (if using over, cook on 350 for 20 minutes). Serve with celery and chips.
Enjoy!!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The ABC's of the Bible
I went to a Beth Moore conference this weekend. Let me start by saying that the Spirit has truly descended upon that woman. She is so full of Christ and you can just feel it when she speaks. I highly admire her! If you haven't ever been to one of her events, you owe it to yourself to go. You can also read her blog here.
So anyways, she spent some time speaking on the importance of Scripture memorization. I won't lie-trying to memorize Bible verses is not at the top of priority list. I feel that the Lord has been speaking to me about that lately. In Oasis we talked about the Bible being your sword. You wouldn't go to battle without your sword, and you shouldn't face this world without your sword always with you. Obviously you aren't going to carry around your Bible 24/7, so this is why Scripture memorization is so important. Then Beth reinforced this concept this weekend, so I need to be obedient. But where do you start? There are so many verses to learn!
Beth gave the idea of going through the ABC's and picking a verse for each letter. Now obviously, some letters, such a X,Y,Z are going to be difficult, which is where you come in! Any ideas?
Here is this week's verse.
A-"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." ~ Psalm 18:30.
So anyways, she spent some time speaking on the importance of Scripture memorization. I won't lie-trying to memorize Bible verses is not at the top of priority list. I feel that the Lord has been speaking to me about that lately. In Oasis we talked about the Bible being your sword. You wouldn't go to battle without your sword, and you shouldn't face this world without your sword always with you. Obviously you aren't going to carry around your Bible 24/7, so this is why Scripture memorization is so important. Then Beth reinforced this concept this weekend, so I need to be obedient. But where do you start? There are so many verses to learn!
Beth gave the idea of going through the ABC's and picking a verse for each letter. Now obviously, some letters, such a X,Y,Z are going to be difficult, which is where you come in! Any ideas?
Here is this week's verse.
A-"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." ~ Psalm 18:30.
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