Humbly I bow, to the one who knows me inside out.
"Open my wounds and walk in them with me Lord."
Amen.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Time in L-Town
Tonight a friend of mine from CharlotteONE came to visit me in my hometown. It doesn't much compare to the big city of Charlotte so not many people are ever much interested in seeing where I call home, not for my friend, Cathy though :). Cathy drove about an hour away to come spend the evening with me, just because. We met at a local bakery/coffee shop downtown, went for a walk and dilly-dallied through shops along the square. After all that, we headed to the famous "Bar-B-Q-King" restaurant in town. We both got the half plate of bbq which came with NC BBQ, fries, hushpuppies, and cole slaw. We made sure to also grab a nice cold sweet tea to go with our meals:) Having her come to my town, was a neat treat . I love the big cities don't get me wrong but I also love having connections with people in a small town. Investing time into people brings me happiness. Throughout our short-lived events along the night, there was someone at almost every stop I knew. I'm serious. The cashier at the bakery attended my church, the cashier at a local shop downtown was my elementary school art teacher, another couple at the restaurant I saw attended my church and on my way home my dad honked at me while he passed by, haha. Gotta love a small town. I didn't always like it and still at times don't but over the years, I've learned more how much I appreciate seeing familiar, friendly faces. Oh, and before I met up with her, the cashier at CVS asked me how my mom was.
All in all, it was nice having a friend of mine from CharlotteONE come to visit my small town roots and actually enjoy it.
She even liked swinging on my front porch swing at my house:) If only the main road weren't so close, it'd be close to perfect.
Well, just wanted to share the fun-filled night with my friend, Cathy.
Take time to count the small blessings in your life whether it's a friend who drove to see you, a familiar face or a hot meal. They're all great gifts from God :)
Be blessed.
All in all, it was nice having a friend of mine from CharlotteONE come to visit my small town roots and actually enjoy it.
She even liked swinging on my front porch swing at my house:) If only the main road weren't so close, it'd be close to perfect.
Well, just wanted to share the fun-filled night with my friend, Cathy.
Take time to count the small blessings in your life whether it's a friend who drove to see you, a familiar face or a hot meal. They're all great gifts from God :)
Be blessed.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Pslam 34
My heart is broken knowing my Savior,the Creator of the Universe, is jealous for me. He wants my attention, not just in the easy times, the convienent times or hard times, but 24/7, God wants my attention. The more I seek Him, the filthier I realize I am. I'm filthy.
My heart longs for His touch. He shows me daily how much He loves me. He does!:) Through the sunshine, through people I encounter, through food on my plate and a warm shower I get to take. He loves me so much!
I'm broken just tasting His love. (Psalm 34:) It's more than I can bare just to have a taste!
One of my favorite chapters below reminds me of my spirit's longing to know Father more.
Psalm 63:1-11~
"O God, You are my God ; I shall seek You earnestly ; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live ; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. But those who seek my life to destroy it, Will go into the depths of the earth. They will be delivered over to the power of the sword ; They will be a prey for foxes. But the king will rejoice in God ; Everyone who swears by Him will glory, For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped."
I'm blessed to get to read His word daily! I am restored by his grace and mercy.
Again as I look around me I see so much of God's outpouring of love.
Through my friend, Shanda who is doing missions overseas indefinitley!
Through my brothers and sisters in Christ who secretly pray before their almighty Father for others who so often go unnoticed.
To my brother who seeks the Lord in so many ways. I love seeing God at work molding this clay pot of His :)
Give God a chance to love you like no other.. HE already does, He's just waiting on you to TASTE HIS LOVE :)
Be filled!,
My heart longs for His touch. He shows me daily how much He loves me. He does!:) Through the sunshine, through people I encounter, through food on my plate and a warm shower I get to take. He loves me so much!
I'm broken just tasting His love. (Psalm 34:) It's more than I can bare just to have a taste!
One of my favorite chapters below reminds me of my spirit's longing to know Father more.
Psalm 63:1-11~
"O God, You are my God ; I shall seek You earnestly ; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live ; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. But those who seek my life to destroy it, Will go into the depths of the earth. They will be delivered over to the power of the sword ; They will be a prey for foxes. But the king will rejoice in God ; Everyone who swears by Him will glory, For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped."
I'm blessed to get to read His word daily! I am restored by his grace and mercy.
Again as I look around me I see so much of God's outpouring of love.
Through my friend, Shanda who is doing missions overseas indefinitley!
Through my brothers and sisters in Christ who secretly pray before their almighty Father for others who so often go unnoticed.
To my brother who seeks the Lord in so many ways. I love seeing God at work molding this clay pot of His :)
Give God a chance to love you like no other.. HE already does, He's just waiting on you to TASTE HIS LOVE :)
Be filled!,
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
*Overjoyed*
It's great to see God at work in the lives of so many people. I want to take a few moments to share with you what all the Holy Spirit has been up to in the lives of His people.
Rachel: Serving in Honduras sharing the gospel with Deaf people (and hearing people).
Her talents and passion for the Lord is defintiely with the people in Honduras. Her love for the Lord shines brighter there than I've ever seen. She's beauitful.
Check out her blog! click here
Bradley, my brother- Just returned home form East Asia. One guy he became friends with over the 6 week trip accepted Christ the day before he left.
Andrew and Simi- Called to Honduras to do missions (full-time) They will be working with an orphanage.
Anna- Teaching English at a Christian School in Argentina for two years. Leaving this week. SHe's super excited!:) (so am I) Click here to see her blog
Ryan and Mike-local missions with Prison Ministries.
Kristy- just returned from Mexico working on houses.
World Changers- Lives were changed with material possessions but even more so through the Holy Spirit shining in and through people who not only didn't get paid to work but paid to get to work ( in 100+ degrees). All for God's glory:)Pretty sweet!
And hopefully soon I will be going to different places to sell bracelets through the organization, Threads of Hope. For more information check out their website.
Threads Of Hope
Remember to Shine Christ brightly in all that you do.
If you're at work remember: Colossians 3:23.
If you're weak, remember: 2 Corinthians 12:10
..........Tired?: Matthew 11:29
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”-Matthew 9:37-38
Joyfully His,
Heather
Rachel: Serving in Honduras sharing the gospel with Deaf people (and hearing people).
Her talents and passion for the Lord is defintiely with the people in Honduras. Her love for the Lord shines brighter there than I've ever seen. She's beauitful.
Check out her blog! click here
Bradley, my brother- Just returned home form East Asia. One guy he became friends with over the 6 week trip accepted Christ the day before he left.
Andrew and Simi- Called to Honduras to do missions (full-time) They will be working with an orphanage.
Anna- Teaching English at a Christian School in Argentina for two years. Leaving this week. SHe's super excited!:) (so am I) Click here to see her blog
Ryan and Mike-local missions with Prison Ministries.
Kristy- just returned from Mexico working on houses.
World Changers- Lives were changed with material possessions but even more so through the Holy Spirit shining in and through people who not only didn't get paid to work but paid to get to work ( in 100+ degrees). All for God's glory:)Pretty sweet!
And hopefully soon I will be going to different places to sell bracelets through the organization, Threads of Hope. For more information check out their website.
Threads Of Hope
Remember to Shine Christ brightly in all that you do.
If you're at work remember: Colossians 3:23.
If you're weak, remember: 2 Corinthians 12:10
..........Tired?: Matthew 11:29
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”-Matthew 9:37-38
Joyfully His,
Heather
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
World Changers 2010
Things God showed/reminded me on this year's youth trip to Springfield, IL.
-Thank the Lord daily for things you take for granted.
examples: Family, a mattress (air mattresses do not count), schools without bullet holes in their windows, Roofs that not only do not leak but ones that do not pour in water.
I am one of the youth leaders at my church in Lincolnton. We have quite a large youth group for the size of our church. We brought 75 people with us to WC ( World Changers) and three youth accepted Christ as their Savior on this trip!
We shared lots of "God- moments" each night with one another and some of the stories were just amazing. One of which was a buddist teen accepting Christ as her Savior. Praise the Lord!:) Another testimony talked about planting several seeds to a Jehovah's Witness. We're still praying for her but the holy spirit was definitely knocking.
The people in Springfield seem so hopeless and alone. I'm not sure if I've ever seen neighborhoods quite like it.
It reminded me of my trip to the Ninth Ward in college. Broken and stripped of joy.
As a Christian, the only true joy is found in Christ Jesus and it clearly was not very bright in the city of Springfield, at least the parts we visited.
As much as I would like to think "Springfield" type areas aren't nearby, I know that's just not true.
This trip has opened my eyes even more to the areas in need locally. I'm frustrated though on how to make my convictions become action. My biggest excuse on not evangelizing and serving more is that I don't want to do it alone.
In Texas, I had friends that would go out to random places with me to talk about Jesus. In fact it was somewhat of a game (a good one ofcourse). Our goal/challenge was to see how we could incorporate Christ into an everyday conversation with someone. Often times we were challeneged with our own theology and grew from it. I miss those moments and challenges. I like not knowing all the answers but knowing the ONE who does :). It's nice to know I dont have it all together but that I can put my trust and hope in the ONE who does.
My prayer if I can be transparent for a minute is to seek Christ out in every direction to see how I can further His Kingdom. I want to be blazingly bright for Him without fear. As a pretty petite woman, I feel like that's one thing that often hinders my journey to telling others about Him. Maybe I'm too paranoid and scared of "what ifs". With news stories today of murders and such, I have a hard time thinking how smart it is to go out alone and talk to random strangers. Maybe I'm overreacting. In some cases I know I am. In those cases, I pray to be more bold. To make the time to take the time to tell others about my awesome Father in Heaven.
Well, lots on my mind.. it's late.. thanks for reading.
Prayers:
Springfield, IL
New Christians
Youth and Youth leaders to use the knowledge given to grow in Christ
My Focus- To seek Christ out with His plan in my life.
Romans 10:14
My Friend Chris- in Iraq-US Air Force
Rachel- Honduras Trip
Simi and Andrew- Honduras- Relocating
Praise/Thankfulness:
My Brother made it back into the states from East Asia (for 6 weeks)
A great job ,knowing so many who are unemployed.
Parents who aren't drunkards or drug users. Ones who care when I am home and where I am. Knowing many parents could care less where their children are.
-Thank the Lord daily for things you take for granted.
examples: Family, a mattress (air mattresses do not count), schools without bullet holes in their windows, Roofs that not only do not leak but ones that do not pour in water.
I am one of the youth leaders at my church in Lincolnton. We have quite a large youth group for the size of our church. We brought 75 people with us to WC ( World Changers) and three youth accepted Christ as their Savior on this trip!
We shared lots of "God- moments" each night with one another and some of the stories were just amazing. One of which was a buddist teen accepting Christ as her Savior. Praise the Lord!:) Another testimony talked about planting several seeds to a Jehovah's Witness. We're still praying for her but the holy spirit was definitely knocking.
The people in Springfield seem so hopeless and alone. I'm not sure if I've ever seen neighborhoods quite like it.
It reminded me of my trip to the Ninth Ward in college. Broken and stripped of joy.
As a Christian, the only true joy is found in Christ Jesus and it clearly was not very bright in the city of Springfield, at least the parts we visited.
As much as I would like to think "Springfield" type areas aren't nearby, I know that's just not true.
This trip has opened my eyes even more to the areas in need locally. I'm frustrated though on how to make my convictions become action. My biggest excuse on not evangelizing and serving more is that I don't want to do it alone.
In Texas, I had friends that would go out to random places with me to talk about Jesus. In fact it was somewhat of a game (a good one ofcourse). Our goal/challenge was to see how we could incorporate Christ into an everyday conversation with someone. Often times we were challeneged with our own theology and grew from it. I miss those moments and challenges. I like not knowing all the answers but knowing the ONE who does :). It's nice to know I dont have it all together but that I can put my trust and hope in the ONE who does.
My prayer if I can be transparent for a minute is to seek Christ out in every direction to see how I can further His Kingdom. I want to be blazingly bright for Him without fear. As a pretty petite woman, I feel like that's one thing that often hinders my journey to telling others about Him. Maybe I'm too paranoid and scared of "what ifs". With news stories today of murders and such, I have a hard time thinking how smart it is to go out alone and talk to random strangers. Maybe I'm overreacting. In some cases I know I am. In those cases, I pray to be more bold. To make the time to take the time to tell others about my awesome Father in Heaven.
Well, lots on my mind.. it's late.. thanks for reading.
Prayers:
Springfield, IL
New Christians
Youth and Youth leaders to use the knowledge given to grow in Christ
My Focus- To seek Christ out with His plan in my life.
Romans 10:14
My Friend Chris- in Iraq-US Air Force
Rachel- Honduras Trip
Simi and Andrew- Honduras- Relocating
Praise/Thankfulness:
My Brother made it back into the states from East Asia (for 6 weeks)
A great job ,knowing so many who are unemployed.
Parents who aren't drunkards or drug users. Ones who care when I am home and where I am. Knowing many parents could care less where their children are.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
To the Park...
They see fish! To be politically correct, they see brim ;)
Sandy Hands and Silly Bands!!
Ready, Set, GO!!
Just Hanging Around...
You would think by the looks of this picture that I'm torturing my cousins at the Park. haha. No worries, it's just the bright sun in their eyes:)
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Sitting, Thinking,...
I'm amazed at the thought of how great God is to think so much of me before I take my first breath into the world. I'm amazed to have a Father who pours His love out constantly without ever changing based on my actions. His ultimate sacrifice , His son,showing his love in action by dying on the cross to take my place and to pay for all of my sins. "His grace still amazes me."
My father and mother are not perfect people but one thing I know for sure is their constant love and sacrifice to ensure my brother and I always are cared for, even over things I don't recognize.. As much as they give to my brother and I, it in no way compares how great the love of my Heavenly Father's is!
This verse has really been useful for me to be reminded that in the midst of sorrow, anxiety, joy, the unknown, work, friendships, everything, that God really does work everthing out for our Good, whether we see it that way or not. I love being able to rest in this verse especially when I don't have the answers to those tough questions, one thing I can know of is that He has great plans for me!
God Bless!
(pictures are from www.bibleencyclopedia.com)
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