A love that surpasses knowledge

I have always heard of puppy love, young love and relationships that don't last. I have also seen for myself all three. I have heard of one night stands, hook-ups, and affairs...none of which I have witnessed for myself, thankfully. It its many different usages, I have heard the term love and I have also seen what I would consider love, but I would have never thought that I would be SO loved. Nor would I have thought I would have found someone so amazing to love, and for that, I thank the Creator because GOD IS LOVE. I was never the type of girl to go out searching for a boyfriend or obsessing over guys. I was okay with the fact that as a young girl I was not allowed to date (until the age of sixteen). While my friends had boyfriends to talk about and be all mushy with, I was single. And I was okay with the fact that while other girls had stories to tell, I hadn't had my first kiss, nonetheless first date. As I got older, I began going to church on my own and focusing on what really matters. I had no idea that after walking through those doors every Sunday and Wednesday that I would fall SO deeply in LOVE or surrender myself completely to a higher power. I got re-baptized and completely committed myself as well as my life to God. I changed my ways, letting light continuously pour into my soul as wisdom did my ears. I was on FIRE for the Lord and still to this day, He amazes me...always showing His love for me and I just can not hold back the eagerness I have for His love. At the age of seventeen, God brought a handsome young man into my life...one that has always been the best guy friend a girl could ever ask for. Honestly, as friends, I never thought we would turn into something more and yet, I am so thankful that we did because I don't think I could ever be happier with anyone. I am so BLESSED with someone who loves me so strongly and compassionately. A love that is pure and genuine. I didn't expect to look into someones eyes at this age and see myself spending eternity with them, but I do. I never imagined that I would have someone so good to me...perfect for me in every way. I am so blessed with a loving family, whether it be those in my household or those at church. I am the luckiest girl in the world. It is all because of GOD. I would have never known what TRUE LOVE was if it wasn't for Him; He sent His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins...and if that isn't true love, I don't know what is. I love to love and live to love....my family, my friends, my boyfriend...everything that He has created...but ultimately, He whose love is unfailing.

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in LOVE, may have power, together with all saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the LOVE OF CHRIST, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Whispers from the heart

"The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." 1 Corinthians 2:10-13


I could start this with something elaborate or drastic or act like it was of little importance, but in actuality it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I will begin with the simple statement...God is good. It AMAZES me how He can just do something so great out of the blue, shocking me and bringing me to my knees. I have always thought that as a believer you have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I was never aware of the fact that it was something different than the Holy Spirit or being baptized....etc. I was completely confused but so curious. I had this thirst for something more. I didn't know how to approach this, but really, all you have to do is ASK. It's as simple as that. I have never wanted anything so much in my entire life. Last Wednesday, actually on July 28th, I went to prayer group. I expected great things, but honestly, I didn't think anything miraculous was going to happen to me. Of course, God surprised me. After group Mrs. Lori was talking with a few people, including myself about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Everyone left except her and I. She began praying with me, allowing me to accept the Baptism of the Holy Spirit...inviting it into me. I have NEVER felt God's presence so strongly before. I began to silently pray, shaking crazily. I can not explain to you the feelings that I felt. Mrs. Lori began speaking in tongues and I felt the Spirit working within me; there were words I wanted to voice but it was like they were on the tip of my tongue and I couldn't vocalize them. As she was praying for me, all of a sudden I opened my mouth and words that I, myself could not interpret overflowed from my lips. At that moment, my spirit was communicating to God and although I have no idea what I said, I know every word was exactly what it needed to be. I felt SO close to God. Now every time I pray and when I use my spiritual gift, I feel so close to Him...it is so personal, so intimate. After receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, I feel so much more...I don't know...powerful. It is so beautiful just to be alone in His presence, praising Him, communicating with our Father. I have always heard of such gifts and witnessed others gifts as well, but I never thought He would bless me with such a gift of my own. All I can say is the the Lord NEVER ceases to astound me. Believe me, it is so true...when you ask, it will be given. :)

Some Scripture pertaining to this post:
Mark 16:16, Acts 8:5, 8:12, Acts 8:14-16, Luke 11:13, 1 Corin. 14:2, 1 Corin. 14:14-17, Acts 2:4

It's cute when you trip

Yesterday I got up on stage for the first time in front of others besides children since I was a kid doing acting classes. I had to recite a skit about tithing. First of all, I was a nervous wreck. I tripped going onto the stage and when I finally got up onto the stage...I seriously thought I was going to throw up everywhere. I had practiced SO much, I just knew I wouldn't mess up. Yeah...right. After the second paragraph, I stumbled on my words, forgetting everything and became speechless. Reality check! I finally collected myself/my thoughts, then finished the remaining part of the skit. So...afterwords I thought to myself..."UGH! Why did you mess up? *punches self in the stomach* You could get up there again and do that again with no problem! Man...you're sweating." But really, I think the imperfections were an extra special touch. I honestly love it when God uses me to do things that make me uncomfortable and it is so humbling to make mistakes. Good thing that the Lord was with me or I probably would have passed out...whatta spazz! ;)


Anyway, besides all of that, Brandon gave an amazing message about Tithing and if we honor God with money, he will bless it. He pointed how we overlook the blessings God has given us. As Americans, and humans in general, we are so selfish...caring about money and materialistic things and we always want MORE. If you think about it, we have more than most people in the world. There are people that have nothing yet they are filled with hope and faith...and in my eyes, that is true wealth. As Americans, why can't we want GOD like we want money and materialistic things...think about how rich we would actually be then.

"If your treasure is the Lord, your heart is with Him."

<3

A sweet reminder

Sometimes I feel like I am trying to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders, constantly trying to solve everyone's problems. When I can't, it leaves me broken down and worn out. All I feel like doing is sleeping to try to get some relief from everything that I have been going through. But the thing is, I have been doing it all to myself...having too much pride and trying to control my life as well as others when it is not my place to do so. I am trying to play the role of ones shoes that no one can fill, especially not me. For a while I felt like I was searching for others happiness for them, trying to make them love God like I do and even if that is all I really want...I can't make it happen. People have to want to open their hearts up to him on their own. I can try to talk with them, pray with them, serve them, be there for them and let God shine HIS light through me, and I have accepted this. This morning at church the message was on a missional reminder and there were four key aspects: remember who we are, remember who we were, remember who saved us, and remember what is worth fighting for. A question that I need to ask myself is when was the last time I reflected? When I think about it, it has been entirely too long since I have done so. I get so caught up with my life now that I am a believer, I forget about the worldly person I was beforehand. When I forget, I become prideful in a way. I compare myself with those who are unbelievers because I have the "curse of knowledge". I think about how it is so saddening that they are the way they are, thinking I am so good and wishing that they only knew the Truth...but really, WHO AM I to ever think such a thing? I used to be exactly like them. I too was "once foolish, disobedient and led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another." (Titus 3:3) I have led a life such as that...I am NO better. I am still a sinner. I am no where near perfect. Where is my humility? And when I think about who I was and who I am now in Christ...I am humbled. I am SAVED. God, according to his own mercy, poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ so that by HIS GRACE we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life, as said in Titus 3:4-7. Why, as humans, are we so quick to forget that? I need reminded of who I am sometimes. I think we all do. Paul says "Remind them to be submissive to rulers, and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for EVERY good work, to speak evil of NO ONE, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle and to show perfect COURTESY toward all people." (Titus 3:1-2) We are to be incarnational and missional. We are to show meekness towards one another, LOVING one another because we are the hands and feet of Jesus. I mean, it is so easy to get caught up in the ways of the world, but how could we ever forget what Christ did for us? I am who I am in Him. My life would be nothing without His purpose for me, and some days I get carried away with everything that doesn't matter...caring about worldly possessions and who the world wants me to be...when all that truly matters is God. He is the only one worthy. I wish I could just show people how much God truly LOVES them. Oh wait, I can... "...and let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful." (Titus 3:13) I am to invest in others! I am to remember who I was, who I am, what is worth fighting for, and most importantly... Jesus Christ.