I'm on fire tonight. Call me restless. I don't know exactly how to explain it, but I will say this: I am not satisfied with the thought of living an 8-5 life stuck in a pattern of paying bills...and doing it all over again the next day, and the next day...
Do I hate my job? Not at all!! It's one of the best corporations I've ever worked for in my life, and I truly enjoy the office and my role each day. And actually, God told me to go work there last year because there might be someone I needed to meet. This has most certainly proven true; He has blessed me with many friends at this particular job!
But I still continue to experience a stirring in my soul. It's as if I know I was created for something else, and I can feel myself getting closer to it, although I don't know exactly what it is, where it is, or when it will come to fruition. The Lord has given me hints, but there are still pieces of the puzzle He's keeping in the box up on a shelf that I cannot ever reach without His permission and assistance.
A few nights ago, I listened to Pastor Adrian Rogers speak on the Wilderness, the Jordan River, and the Promised Land (from Joshua 3). I also found a great explanation of this at http://interruptingthesilence.com/tag/jordan-river/ if you want to check it out for yourself. What I got out of both Pastor Rogers and this website was this: once we get out of the wilderness, we have to cross the river in order to get to the promised land. As I said earlier, it's like I can see the promised land ahead - the pieces of the vision God has given me. I believe I'm out of the wilderness, but now I have to cross the river first, which may be calm and shallow at times or it may be deep, turbulent and seemingly impossible. Such are life's circumstances as we flow through them.
Additionally, God continues to bring the story of Abraham to my spirit. God called him away from his comfort zones in order that He could begin to reveal His Will to Abraham for his life. Abraham took matters into his own hands to a point, but God didn't stop loving him and He still stayed faithful to make Abraham a father of many nations as He had originally promised!
I have always been a dreamer. Today, the Holy Spirit said to me: 'He knows you have big dreams - not mediocre desires - in your spirit. He put them there and He will bring them to pass, in His timing.'
So, I'm going to keep dreaming big, every day. I can't wait to look back in five or ten years (sooner would be nice!) and be able to see that God did exactly what He said He would do! The best part will be an opportunity to witness to others about it!
Keep the faith, my friend! He has big plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11) if you stay faithful to His leading! Jesus rocks!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Forgiveness
Over the past few days, I have been dwelling in a part of my past where I truly don't need to go. But I went there, anyway.
Not only did I choose to revisit it, but I also decided to take it into my own hands and attempt to handle it independently.
The result? I ended up making decisions about it that went against what God would have me do. Not just once, but three times. Yes, three times.
I immediately began discussing it with the Lord while feeling guilty for my choices. I started wondering what was wrong with me when I know better than that.
Yesterday evening, I took my normal walk in my neighborhood. The sun was setting along South Boulevard, as usual. I was admiring the majesty of it and suddenly, I saw a large flock of birds - perhaps 75 or 100 - flying over me toward the sunset. I thought, wow, that was cool.
I walked in the same direction for another five minutes or so, and I then saw another flock of birds. Same type of birds, approximately the same amount, also flying toward the peaceful sunset. I thought, wow, that was cool, Lord...thanks for letting me see those.
I continued for another five minutes, and I looked up to see yet another flock just like the other two, making their way into the beautiful sunset. Suddenly, it hit me. "Okay, Lord...this is cool but why did I just see that same thing three times? Why did You do that?"
Immediately, I felt Him speak to my spirit. "Angi, remember when Peter denied me three times?"
I could feel the tears begin to form in my eyes. He continued.
"And remember when I asked Him if he loved me three times, in order that I should forgive his three denials of me?"
"Yes, Lord!" I replied.
"Well, there you go." And without hesitation, I knew that I was pardoned for the three wrong choices I had made...right then, and right there. The peace that came over me as the evening progressed was indescribable. It was like I could feel Him saying, "You're forgiven. Now don't let that happen again!"
This morning, while writing this, the Holy Spirit reminded me of a perfect Scripture to illustrate this story. "If we freely admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and (continuously) cleanse us from all unrighteousness (everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action.)" - 1 John 1:9
Bring it all to Him, and He'll wipe your slate clean if you are honest with Him about what you have done. He understands you completely in a way that no one else ever can or will! Jesus rocks!
Not only did I choose to revisit it, but I also decided to take it into my own hands and attempt to handle it independently.
The result? I ended up making decisions about it that went against what God would have me do. Not just once, but three times. Yes, three times.
I immediately began discussing it with the Lord while feeling guilty for my choices. I started wondering what was wrong with me when I know better than that.
Yesterday evening, I took my normal walk in my neighborhood. The sun was setting along South Boulevard, as usual. I was admiring the majesty of it and suddenly, I saw a large flock of birds - perhaps 75 or 100 - flying over me toward the sunset. I thought, wow, that was cool.
I walked in the same direction for another five minutes or so, and I then saw another flock of birds. Same type of birds, approximately the same amount, also flying toward the peaceful sunset. I thought, wow, that was cool, Lord...thanks for letting me see those.
I continued for another five minutes, and I looked up to see yet another flock just like the other two, making their way into the beautiful sunset. Suddenly, it hit me. "Okay, Lord...this is cool but why did I just see that same thing three times? Why did You do that?"
Immediately, I felt Him speak to my spirit. "Angi, remember when Peter denied me three times?"
I could feel the tears begin to form in my eyes. He continued.
"And remember when I asked Him if he loved me three times, in order that I should forgive his three denials of me?"
"Yes, Lord!" I replied.
"Well, there you go." And without hesitation, I knew that I was pardoned for the three wrong choices I had made...right then, and right there. The peace that came over me as the evening progressed was indescribable. It was like I could feel Him saying, "You're forgiven. Now don't let that happen again!"
This morning, while writing this, the Holy Spirit reminded me of a perfect Scripture to illustrate this story. "If we freely admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and (continuously) cleanse us from all unrighteousness (everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action.)" - 1 John 1:9
Bring it all to Him, and He'll wipe your slate clean if you are honest with Him about what you have done. He understands you completely in a way that no one else ever can or will! Jesus rocks!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Giving Thanks to the Creator
Jesus is not a bandaid; He's a healer.
He's not a panic button; He's the problem solver.
He's not a slogan on a bumper sticker; His Word is a lamp unto our feet (Psalm 119:105).
He's not a distant force in the universe; He's a person who knitted you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13).
He’s not limited to a season, a holiday, or a Sunday morning; He is a 24/7/365 relationship.
John 15:5 says it well. "I am the Vine, you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from me (cut off from vital union with Me), you can do nothing."
I remember when I treated Jesus like nothing more than a bandaid, a panic button, and a bumper sticker, and I recall how my life was when I viewed Him as nothing more than a distant force in the universe who could only be reached on "special" days. I was lost on the the route of my own choices, no matter how often I sat in church. I was a withering branch "cut off" from the Vine.
It's not that He didn't bless many places in the roads I chose for myself. It's not that He didn't use them for His good (Romans 8:28). But I was always missing something. I was always slightly off-course from His destiny for me, and I often found myself hiding away from the gifts He is now using to bear much fruit in my life.
Not just on Thanksgiving, but every single day of my life, I am most grateful for my intimate, personal relationship with Him. His love is unconditional at all times, I can talk with Him about everything, and He has all the answers. Nothing more amazing than that.
I'm so thankful that He moved me past "church pew" mentality and I pray that if you are still stuck there, He will also free you and walk you into an incredible closeness with Him that will transform your heart and life forever.
He's not a panic button; He's the problem solver.
He's not a slogan on a bumper sticker; His Word is a lamp unto our feet (Psalm 119:105).
He's not a distant force in the universe; He's a person who knitted you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13).
He’s not limited to a season, a holiday, or a Sunday morning; He is a 24/7/365 relationship.
John 15:5 says it well. "I am the Vine, you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from me (cut off from vital union with Me), you can do nothing."
I remember when I treated Jesus like nothing more than a bandaid, a panic button, and a bumper sticker, and I recall how my life was when I viewed Him as nothing more than a distant force in the universe who could only be reached on "special" days. I was lost on the the route of my own choices, no matter how often I sat in church. I was a withering branch "cut off" from the Vine.
It's not that He didn't bless many places in the roads I chose for myself. It's not that He didn't use them for His good (Romans 8:28). But I was always missing something. I was always slightly off-course from His destiny for me, and I often found myself hiding away from the gifts He is now using to bear much fruit in my life.
Not just on Thanksgiving, but every single day of my life, I am most grateful for my intimate, personal relationship with Him. His love is unconditional at all times, I can talk with Him about everything, and He has all the answers. Nothing more amazing than that.
I'm so thankful that He moved me past "church pew" mentality and I pray that if you are still stuck there, He will also free you and walk you into an incredible closeness with Him that will transform your heart and life forever.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Let Go of What Lies Behind
Yesterday evening, while I was working diligently on the book, I experienced a minor meltdown.
I am still struggling with a situation from my past that has deeply affected my soul. A part of me remains broken-hearted. I remember two years ago when I asked the Lord to remove the friend from my life because I couldn't bear it anymore. He said, "No, I want you to pray for him in a way that you never have before." And so I have been interceding for him on a very deep level ever since.
But last night, I just needed to stop and cry. My heart still aches, and I continue to have so many questions. I have yet to understand so many of the "whys" of it all.
I managed to get past the meltdown and re-engage (is that a word?) in some incredibly intense, fruitful writing. However, I just felt low the rest of the night. I am tired of going around the same mountain (Deuteronomy 2:3) and yet I don't know where the exit is, or if it is even time.
This morning, on the serene, 40-minute journey that I take to church every week, I felt God speak to my spirit: "Let go of what lies behind."
Immediately, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the Scripture to which He was referring. I knew I must share it with my church family before it was time for me to sing, and now I must also share it with you. "I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own (yet); but one thing I do (it is my one aspiration): forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward." (Phillipians 4:13-14)
And just a few moments ago, as I have been writing, He brought Romans 8:28 to my remembrance. "We are assured and know that (God being a partner in their labor) all things work together and are (fitting into a plan) for good to and for those who love God and are called according to (His) design and purpose."
Why do we hang on to the past when there is nothing we can do to erase or alter it? Is it because we feel some obligation to linger in guilt? Is it because we get stuck and fear going forward? Is it because it's somehow safe and comfortable, even if it was wrong? I don't know; it could be any number of things.
I believe God wants to use our pasts in amazing ways and I believe He desires for us to see how far He has brought us in the process. And yet, we have to let the past stay in its proper context behind us so that we can continue to walk into God's destiny for our lives. He can and will take ALL things (not just "some" things) and work them together for His purposes when we love and trust Him.
Don't let the past hold you back, family and friends. Keep moving. Keep reaching. God has a mind-blowing plan for your life out in front of you if you will keep your eyes focused on Him rather than looking backwards at what you have done against Him. If He has removed our sins "as far as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12), then we have no reason to hold onto them!!!
If that's not Good News, I don't know what is! Jesus rocks!
I am still struggling with a situation from my past that has deeply affected my soul. A part of me remains broken-hearted. I remember two years ago when I asked the Lord to remove the friend from my life because I couldn't bear it anymore. He said, "No, I want you to pray for him in a way that you never have before." And so I have been interceding for him on a very deep level ever since.
But last night, I just needed to stop and cry. My heart still aches, and I continue to have so many questions. I have yet to understand so many of the "whys" of it all.
I managed to get past the meltdown and re-engage (is that a word?) in some incredibly intense, fruitful writing. However, I just felt low the rest of the night. I am tired of going around the same mountain (Deuteronomy 2:3) and yet I don't know where the exit is, or if it is even time.
This morning, on the serene, 40-minute journey that I take to church every week, I felt God speak to my spirit: "Let go of what lies behind."
Immediately, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the Scripture to which He was referring. I knew I must share it with my church family before it was time for me to sing, and now I must also share it with you. "I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own (yet); but one thing I do (it is my one aspiration): forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward." (Phillipians 4:13-14)
And just a few moments ago, as I have been writing, He brought Romans 8:28 to my remembrance. "We are assured and know that (God being a partner in their labor) all things work together and are (fitting into a plan) for good to and for those who love God and are called according to (His) design and purpose."
Why do we hang on to the past when there is nothing we can do to erase or alter it? Is it because we feel some obligation to linger in guilt? Is it because we get stuck and fear going forward? Is it because it's somehow safe and comfortable, even if it was wrong? I don't know; it could be any number of things.
I believe God wants to use our pasts in amazing ways and I believe He desires for us to see how far He has brought us in the process. And yet, we have to let the past stay in its proper context behind us so that we can continue to walk into God's destiny for our lives. He can and will take ALL things (not just "some" things) and work them together for His purposes when we love and trust Him.
Don't let the past hold you back, family and friends. Keep moving. Keep reaching. God has a mind-blowing plan for your life out in front of you if you will keep your eyes focused on Him rather than looking backwards at what you have done against Him. If He has removed our sins "as far as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12), then we have no reason to hold onto them!!!
If that's not Good News, I don't know what is! Jesus rocks!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Soundcheck
God knows I have a heart's desire to share what's going on behind the scenes as I write my book, article, or serious blog - whatever He wants it to be.
I was even going to create a section in the book called "Soundcheck". I still might. As a musician, I love soundchecks. They are raw and edgy and you sometimes get to see the performers in their street clothes eating cheeseburgers, so to speak. Errors are made, kinks are worked out, and people are genuine. They are the real deal, before the curtain goes up and the "masks" go on.
So, I am considering this blog my "soundcheck". You get to see what happens in the making of a book...what really goes on. Most of the time, all we see is the finished product and the polished author sitting at Barnes & Noble for a book-signing engagement.
But I desire for you to see not only the breakthroughs and victories but also the struggles. The bumps in the road. The frequent desire to quit. I pray that all of it will show you that you, too, can follow the dreams God has placed in your heart - even when you hit brick walls as you go. All things are possible in Christ Jesus (Matthew 19:26).
I was scared, at first, to break away from my comfort zone - the place where I could continue to admire and celebrate everyone else's magnificent creative works. For me, that was a safe place involving no vulnerability on my part. It is not risky to pat someone else on the back, but it is highly intimidating to put your own artwork up for display.
But I'm stepping out, no matter how much resistance I face on a daily basis from the adversary.
At the grocery store today, I thought about how amazing this leg of the journey is. How mind-blowing it is to uncover the creative gifts Jesus has given me and to begin to allow them to truly blossom as He intends for them to do. No matter what frustrations I face as I create, I am excited for where He will take it.
I remember, a few months ago, when the Lord said to me, "Angi, a picture does not just appear on a canvas. The artist spends months, sometimes even years, creating. So go create."
And I am. And I will. The crazy thing is, as much as I love my music and always will, writing is so easy for me that I sometimes can hardly believe it. I can write a piece like this in 10 minutes without much editing. Imagine what He will do if I continue to allow Him to truly use this gift...? The possibilities are endless.
I was even going to create a section in the book called "Soundcheck". I still might. As a musician, I love soundchecks. They are raw and edgy and you sometimes get to see the performers in their street clothes eating cheeseburgers, so to speak. Errors are made, kinks are worked out, and people are genuine. They are the real deal, before the curtain goes up and the "masks" go on.
So, I am considering this blog my "soundcheck". You get to see what happens in the making of a book...what really goes on. Most of the time, all we see is the finished product and the polished author sitting at Barnes & Noble for a book-signing engagement.
But I desire for you to see not only the breakthroughs and victories but also the struggles. The bumps in the road. The frequent desire to quit. I pray that all of it will show you that you, too, can follow the dreams God has placed in your heart - even when you hit brick walls as you go. All things are possible in Christ Jesus (Matthew 19:26).
I was scared, at first, to break away from my comfort zone - the place where I could continue to admire and celebrate everyone else's magnificent creative works. For me, that was a safe place involving no vulnerability on my part. It is not risky to pat someone else on the back, but it is highly intimidating to put your own artwork up for display.
But I'm stepping out, no matter how much resistance I face on a daily basis from the adversary.
At the grocery store today, I thought about how amazing this leg of the journey is. How mind-blowing it is to uncover the creative gifts Jesus has given me and to begin to allow them to truly blossom as He intends for them to do. No matter what frustrations I face as I create, I am excited for where He will take it.
I remember, a few months ago, when the Lord said to me, "Angi, a picture does not just appear on a canvas. The artist spends months, sometimes even years, creating. So go create."
And I am. And I will. The crazy thing is, as much as I love my music and always will, writing is so easy for me that I sometimes can hardly believe it. I can write a piece like this in 10 minutes without much editing. Imagine what He will do if I continue to allow Him to truly use this gift...? The possibilities are endless.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Breakthrough
Life is a series of breakthroughs, especially since I started walking beside Jesus.
One minute, I doubt what I think He says to do. Then, before I know it, I've broken through and I'm so excited to do whatever it is that I can hardly sleep at night.
Over this past weekend, I attended an "open mic" night at a church in Gastonia. On Saturday morning, I was feeling a little lazy and questioned if I should even go. The Holy Spirit encouraged me to show up, so I did.
I stepped out and sang my first original song. It would be my normal, skiddish habit to simply sing songs everyone knows, but I felt a boldness come over me that afternoon about singing "Run To You".
You see, I believe God has laid a somewhat unusual (perhaps, unpopular?) genre on my heart: Christian Blues. Everyone knows Christian music is light and Blues is heavy - two opposite ends of the spectrum. But I recently saw a young man on television (Antonio Pontarelli) who took his years of classic violin training and molded them into his love for rock music. So...why not Christian Blues?
I felt very natural singing "Run To You" in that church on Saturday night, and I was extremely encouraged by how well-received it was and how it ministered to many. I am grateful to God for nudging me to go, and to step out of the boat in the process. I believe He's pushing me to continue diving deeper into the abyss of the creativity He's given me.
Too many of us stay safe in our comfort zones. I am notorious for doing so my entire life, but God is changing me and I pray that the way He works through me will encourage you and many others to do something different. To be bold and follow a new path. To trust Him to take you places you never dreamed of.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." Sure sounds to me like Jesus wants to show us the kind of life that stretches way beyond the ordinary things we face every day.
Have you put your faith in Him yet? Will you step out of the boat and grab His hand?
One minute, I doubt what I think He says to do. Then, before I know it, I've broken through and I'm so excited to do whatever it is that I can hardly sleep at night.
Over this past weekend, I attended an "open mic" night at a church in Gastonia. On Saturday morning, I was feeling a little lazy and questioned if I should even go. The Holy Spirit encouraged me to show up, so I did.
I stepped out and sang my first original song. It would be my normal, skiddish habit to simply sing songs everyone knows, but I felt a boldness come over me that afternoon about singing "Run To You".
You see, I believe God has laid a somewhat unusual (perhaps, unpopular?) genre on my heart: Christian Blues. Everyone knows Christian music is light and Blues is heavy - two opposite ends of the spectrum. But I recently saw a young man on television (Antonio Pontarelli) who took his years of classic violin training and molded them into his love for rock music. So...why not Christian Blues?
I felt very natural singing "Run To You" in that church on Saturday night, and I was extremely encouraged by how well-received it was and how it ministered to many. I am grateful to God for nudging me to go, and to step out of the boat in the process. I believe He's pushing me to continue diving deeper into the abyss of the creativity He's given me.
Too many of us stay safe in our comfort zones. I am notorious for doing so my entire life, but God is changing me and I pray that the way He works through me will encourage you and many others to do something different. To be bold and follow a new path. To trust Him to take you places you never dreamed of.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." Sure sounds to me like Jesus wants to show us the kind of life that stretches way beyond the ordinary things we face every day.
Have you put your faith in Him yet? Will you step out of the boat and grab His hand?
Saturday, November 12, 2011
The Wilderness
After a tearful conversation with Jesus this morning while laying in bed, I believe I am in yet another "wilderness" stage.
So, I got up and read Mark 1:9-13. There, Jesus is baptized by John and He is then immediately lead into the wilderness to be challenged by the devil for 40 days.
It should be no surprise to any of us that, directly following an absolutely life-changing moment with the Father, Jesus is lead away to be tested. When we make serious commitments to God, it is the devil's job to interrogate us and attempt to distract our hearts from the mission.
I imagine that if we could translate Jesus' wilderness experience into contemporary language, it would probably be safe to say that the devil used hundreds of different tactics to say, "Man, are You really sure about all of this?" while simultaneously putting his own offers on the table to derail Jesus.
Although it was tough, Jesus stood His ground. Thank God (is an understatement)! The world was radically transformed forever.
I've been singing for a long time. There are so many gifted artists in this world, and it's a blessing to have their music at my disposal. I've also been a part of many groups, and it's always refreshing to work with established people and projects.
I've been writing for a long time. It is a very fruitful activity for me, and I have notebooks and journals full of some remarkable compositions.
But I've been hiding for a long time. Behind other people's music. By leaving my writings on the shelf, and only celebrating everyone else's best-sellers. While there is joy in supporting the creativity of others, I have recently found myself still carrying around an unexplainable emptiness.
Earlier this Fall, I prayerfully decided to step away from those comfort zones - out of the boat, so to speak (see Matthew 14). I believe that God has called me into the abyss of my own creative side. And now? Every day, I can hear that awful voice of the adversary: "Woman, are you really sure about all of this?" as he cleverly fills me with doubt and insecurity, attempting to get me to stop and go back to where I was safe before.
It is intense.
It often seems bleak.
It is lonely, and the weather (of my emotions) is often inclement.
And yet, something in my spirit compels me to continue going forward. Even when it seems sensible to go back to where I was comfortable and didn't face such spiritual and mental challenges.
What I do know for sure is, despite the struggles I am having in this phase, I don't want to die before God is able to use my life for His glory. I have always dreamed of doing something that will impact the globe. Maybe this is it. Maybe this is just the beginning.
Jesus rocks!
So, I got up and read Mark 1:9-13. There, Jesus is baptized by John and He is then immediately lead into the wilderness to be challenged by the devil for 40 days.
It should be no surprise to any of us that, directly following an absolutely life-changing moment with the Father, Jesus is lead away to be tested. When we make serious commitments to God, it is the devil's job to interrogate us and attempt to distract our hearts from the mission.
I imagine that if we could translate Jesus' wilderness experience into contemporary language, it would probably be safe to say that the devil used hundreds of different tactics to say, "Man, are You really sure about all of this?" while simultaneously putting his own offers on the table to derail Jesus.
Although it was tough, Jesus stood His ground. Thank God (is an understatement)! The world was radically transformed forever.
I've been singing for a long time. There are so many gifted artists in this world, and it's a blessing to have their music at my disposal. I've also been a part of many groups, and it's always refreshing to work with established people and projects.
I've been writing for a long time. It is a very fruitful activity for me, and I have notebooks and journals full of some remarkable compositions.
But I've been hiding for a long time. Behind other people's music. By leaving my writings on the shelf, and only celebrating everyone else's best-sellers. While there is joy in supporting the creativity of others, I have recently found myself still carrying around an unexplainable emptiness.
Earlier this Fall, I prayerfully decided to step away from those comfort zones - out of the boat, so to speak (see Matthew 14). I believe that God has called me into the abyss of my own creative side. And now? Every day, I can hear that awful voice of the adversary: "Woman, are you really sure about all of this?" as he cleverly fills me with doubt and insecurity, attempting to get me to stop and go back to where I was safe before.
It is intense.
It often seems bleak.
It is lonely, and the weather (of my emotions) is often inclement.
And yet, something in my spirit compels me to continue going forward. Even when it seems sensible to go back to where I was comfortable and didn't face such spiritual and mental challenges.
What I do know for sure is, despite the struggles I am having in this phase, I don't want to die before God is able to use my life for His glory. I have always dreamed of doing something that will impact the globe. Maybe this is it. Maybe this is just the beginning.
Jesus rocks!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
He said, "Write."
May 2010.
My kitchen. Washing dishes.
The still, small voice I'd been learning to know so well spoke to my heart.
“Write.”
I'd been writing casually all my life, but I knew He was referring to a new level of some sort. I questioned Him immediately. “Lord? I don’t have any ideas. No best-seller titles. Nothing. What do You mean…write?”
He responded quickly. “Angi, the people in the Bible were no different from you. But they somehow knew they must record what was happening to them back then. I want you to begin to write about everything that happens to you from here forward.”
He gave me no structure, no time frame, no title. Nothing but a simple command to “write” with a supportive statement attached because I asked what He meant.
I believe that the people in the Bible must have heard His whisper much like I did. So, I have been writing ever since. The results? Four messy notebooks containing over 18 months worth of revelations from and conversations with the King of the Universe, Jesus Christ.
Facebook has been an excellent outlet, but it can no longer contain the rivers of living water (John 7:38) overflowing from me at this point. And those journals are not meant to hide on a shelf away from the world.
So, here I am on Blogger. com, ready to share experiences with Jesus Christ that I pray will enlighten you about how personal He is and how deeply He loves you.
Enjoy, be blessed, and please share this site with others as you feel lead.
My kitchen. Washing dishes.
The still, small voice I'd been learning to know so well spoke to my heart.
“Write.”
I'd been writing casually all my life, but I knew He was referring to a new level of some sort. I questioned Him immediately. “Lord? I don’t have any ideas. No best-seller titles. Nothing. What do You mean…write?”
He responded quickly. “Angi, the people in the Bible were no different from you. But they somehow knew they must record what was happening to them back then. I want you to begin to write about everything that happens to you from here forward.”
He gave me no structure, no time frame, no title. Nothing but a simple command to “write” with a supportive statement attached because I asked what He meant.
I believe that the people in the Bible must have heard His whisper much like I did. So, I have been writing ever since. The results? Four messy notebooks containing over 18 months worth of revelations from and conversations with the King of the Universe, Jesus Christ.
Facebook has been an excellent outlet, but it can no longer contain the rivers of living water (John 7:38) overflowing from me at this point. And those journals are not meant to hide on a shelf away from the world.
So, here I am on Blogger. com, ready to share experiences with Jesus Christ that I pray will enlighten you about how personal He is and how deeply He loves you.
Enjoy, be blessed, and please share this site with others as you feel lead.
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