a changed heart.

I've been reflecting back on Judgement House these past couple of weeks, I saw God work in ways that I didn't ever see affecting me personally. Mainly because I was raised going to church and accepted Christ as my Savior at age 5...the typical (in my mind) story of a christian. But as I was growing up circumstances and situations that came up pushed me farther and farther from God. I was very angry at God all through highschool, putting up walls all around me not only with God but also with friends and family. I'm difficult to get to know on a personal level with most people I interact with (I'm sure you could just ask some of the people in our life group!) The past 5 years a lot has happened inside me and I've been slowly changing, no longer angry at God and understanding His will for me going through the valley in my past to get here in the present.

Judgement House was different this year in that I saw first hand God working in situations that have affected me directly. The Holy Spirit moved through me in a way that I have never experienced it. It gave me hope and a purpose that I am bringing God glory. That is something I haven't felt.

On celebration Sunday after Judgement House I was given the opportunity to minister to a man who is dying with only weeks left. This, is not my comfort zone by all means. As this man reached out for my hand with tears streaming down his face and him asking me to pray with him, I opened my mouth and the words that came out of my mouth were not my own. w o w. The power of the Holy Spirit is mighty. I have never experienced ANYTHING like that before and know that I will never forget it. Discovering the body of Christ working together and praying together for strength, endurance and wisdom is uplifting. Thank you to those that prayed for this man that day, for me, my nerves and the whole situation.

I don't know if he accepted Christ as His Savior or not. He said that he wanted to do it privately when I offered to help him. If you think of him will you pray for him?

All the above to say that I have a changed heart after JH this year, like I have never felt before...even my husband can see it!

one of a kind

God originally designed and "prescribed" you.
from Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, p. 141

I LOVE this quote. it makes me feel special. :-)

Tonight as I was carrying Julia to her room after we rocked a little bit, I tripped in the hallway. On what you might ask? a sack of potatoes. Julia has taken to hauling a sack of potatoes around the house now. God built a one of a kind mold for her when she was designed. Just when I think I can't love her anymore, I find that the love keeps growing deeper...even over a sack of potatoes.

"Thoughts positive or negative, grow stronger when fertilized with constant repetition."

Come Before Winter, p. 239

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5

I choose to be happy this week no matter what situation arises and let every thought praise God for what He has provided. Here are some things/memories that make me happy (not in any particular order).

1. I LOVE pink...it makes me sooooo happy. we had a pink wedding :-)
2. coupons!
3. the seasons changing...especially spring and fall.
4. jeans and sweatshirts
5. chocolate
6. cheesecake
7. mexican food
8. taking pictures
9. babies!!! when they're sleeping and cuddle up right under your chin in your neck.
10. Julia's giggles
11. lazy days with my family.
12. daydreaming
13. having our car paid off!!!
14. seeing the face of my heavenly Father someday... what conversations will we have? how will I feel standing in His presence? what will heaven look like? makes me wonder...

Happy the rest of the week to you!