READ THIS! so beautiful.

http://nonelikejesus.tumblr.com/post/8830266472

Heartbeat

by Britney Prince


Perhaps the word surreal is fitting. It was definitely a surreal day when we broke through the guarding gates of the ribs, drew back the curtains of the pleural sack, and exposed it: the human heart, incredible even in its stillness. Even after my anatomy classmates and I thoroughly explored the atria and ventricles, teased out the intricate cardiac vessels, and were dumbfounded by the parachute-like valves and the strength of its walls, it is still amazing.
And then I consider the heart of God.
When I think of exploring the heart of God, I shrink myself down and wander inside an image of the human heart I cradled in my hands. But this is God’s heart and so it is an image of tiny, insignificant me, wandering in a cavernous, majestic space filled with a thunderous, crashing, driving heartbeat.
It is the heartbeat that captures my attention and becomes my prayer: Lord, I want to know your heartbeat. May my heart beat for the same.
That prayer slides clearly into focus with the words of Henri Nouwen in his book, In the Name of Jesus: Perspectives on Christian Leadership, emphasis added:
In our world of loneliness and despair, there is an enormous need for men and women who know the heart of God, a heart that forgives, cares, reaches out and wants to heal. In that heart there is no suspicion, no vindictiveness, no resentment, and not a tinge of hatred. It is a heart that wants only to give love and receive love in response. It is a heart that suffers immensely because it sees the magnitude of human pain and the great resistance to trusting the heart of God who wants to offer consolation and hope.
May my heart beat for the same.
The apostle John was called the one who Jesus loved. Perhaps it was because he found his way to Jesus’ side, and there rested his head on Jesus’ chest, and truly heard the heartbeat of Christ. It radically changed his life.
Peter was asked three times by Jesus if he loved Him. Peter said yes, and Jesus told him to feed His sheep. Peter realized that to love Jesus was to love what He loved – to have a heart that beat for the same thing. And his life became devoted to Jesus Christ, the One he loved and the One who loves unconditionally.
Paul was caught on the road by that heart that reached out and forgave without a tinge of hatred. It transformed his life.
My life is still in need of transforming. My heart still skips beats, or runs far away from the rhythm of His. And therein lies a great example of the love and graciousness of Jesus’ heart. He reaches down with his unrelenting and ever merciful love to rescue a life and then gently commands that life to love in the same way it has been loved. And when we fail to do so, He reminds us again and gives us another chance.
Forgiving, caring, reaching, longing to heal, without suspicion, without vindictiveness, lacking resentment, not a tinge of hatred, giving love, receiving love, suffering immensely, offering consolation and hope. What an amazing gift that we possess and must give away. What an opportunity, what a great responsibility!
May my heart beat for the same.

A wise man once told me that your true character is revealed when a storm arises - you can choose to praise Him, or you can choose to wither away into the storm. No matter what the circumstance, we are called to PRAISE God. In Mark 4:37-41, a storm comes upon the disciples, and they fear the storm. Jesus asks them "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?". As individuals alone, what are we without faith? We are nothing. If we have faith, we can do immeasurable things through Christ. Even when a storm arises, it is conquerable. Verse 41 says that "The wind and the waves obey Him!". He is the Master of all...The Omega. I recently experienced a season filled with many storms, but nothing that God could not overcome. Each storm surpassed. I have learned from each hardship and experiencing them has made me stronger.

This season of my life is a season of growth. It is also a season of waiting. Society says that we do not need to wait. There is so much VALUE in waiting. In Psalm 27:14, it says to "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.". I'm currently in a situation of waiting upon God to reveal His specific calling in my life...I'm unsure of my major and what I am supposed to do with the rest of my life, especially as far as my occupation is concerned. I have opened my heart, allowing God to lead me. I am letting His perfect will guide me. I remind myself that His timing is perfect. I am dwelling within HIS authority because God knows and He will not lead me astray. I trust in Him. He is preparing my way for what is next. While I am waiting, I cannot forget to look at what God is teaching me throughout this season. He is preparing me, but He also has something for me here and now. Show me your goodness God, show me your love...reveal to me more of You. I desire to learn from You so that I may be an obedient daughter of Your kindgom. I desire to IMPACT Your Kindgom Father. I am called to action. I allow Your Spirit to work through me so that others may see Your glory and PRAISE YOU.

Lamentations 3:25 ~ "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him."

"When the waves rise against me and the wind tries to draw me away
I will stand on the mountain, safe in Your arms I will sing I will sing

Be still my soul, be still
Be still my soul, be still
Wait patiently upon the Lord
Be still my soul, be still"

Kari Jobe - You Are For Me

So faithful
So constant
So loving and so true
So powerful in all You do

You fill me
You see me
You know my every move
You love for me to sing to You

I know that You are for me
I know that You are for me
I know that You will never
Forsake me in my weakness

And I know that You have come down
Even if to ride upon my heart
To remind me who You are

So patient
So gracious
So merciful and true
So wonderful in all You do

You fill me
You see me
You know my every move
And You love for me to sing to You

And Lord, I know that You are for me
I know that You are for me
I know that You will never
Forsake me in my weakness

And I know that You have come down
Even if to ride upon my heart
To remind me

I know that You are for me
I know that You are for me
I know that You will never
Forsake me in my weakness

And I know that You have come down
Even if to ride upon my heart
To remind me who You are

You remind me

I know that You are for me
I know that You are for me
I know that You will never
Forsake me in my weakness

And I know that You have come down
Even if to ride upon my heart
To remind me who You are

Psalm 51:7-15
The Message (MSG)


Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean,
scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don't look too close for blemishes,
give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don't throw me out with the trash,
or fail to breathe holiness in me.
Bring me back from gray exile,
put a fresh wind in my sails!
Give me a job teaching rebels your ways
so the lost can find their way home.
Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God,
and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.
Unbutton my lips, dear God;
I'll let loose with your praise.

9/29

I just cannot even explain how thankful I am for a Love great than comprehension that never ceases to fail...to think about it just amazes me every single time. I have had to depend on God the past couple of months moreso than I ever have before. It has made me so much stronger in my faith and in my relationship with God. Being surrounded by the world sometimes makes you forget that He is ultimately in control. People get caught up in schedules, plans, and the busyness of life. We forget to silence our hearts. We forget to be still and know that He is God...to soak in His presence. I am immensely thankful for being God placing me where I am. I have to let go of my expectations, and look to God for HIS, because I would have never expected that I would end up where I am. I know this is where I am meant to be though. I am indescribably grateful for the relationships beginning to form. I have already made some incredible friends with such great hearts. This is just such a beautiful season filled with growth. I pray that I humble myself, listen to His voice, and allow the Spirit to work through me...not missing an opportunity for divine appointment. I'm just so in love with Him & very thankful for all He is doing.

Arms Wide Open - Misty Edwards

And life goes on...

This year I have learned so much. And as I sit here and reflect on everything that has happened and how I have delevoped over this past year, I couldn't be happier. It's crazy to think about how times flies. Eight years ago I was exploring through the woods and climbing trees, and now I'm exploring parts of myself, who I am, and my heart. It seems like only yesterday I was in my mother's arms, allowing her to comfort me...to guard me of my fears and failures...now I am going off into the world by myself, facing my fears. I know there will be many times I will fall short and face failure, but to learn from and accept, bringing about many successes in the future. I have learned about God, time, love, and relationships, and just a lot about life in general. I have learned that time does not stop for anyone, no matter what. Every situation and circumstance happens for a reason. I have learned so much about myself. I have opened my heart willingly to others, and whole-heartedly loved. Not only a guy, but those surrounding me...the people that I will always call my friends. Whether it be a relationship that had to be cut off because of timing and distance, or friendships that will be seperated by miles, yet remain so close in my heart, I have loved so much. Love isn't a game. It isn't about being physical. It isn't about having the upper-hand. I have learned that to truly love another, you must love selflessly. To love is to Love like He has loved me. I still cannot wrap my mind around that, but I'm trying, and I don't think that I will ever reach the point to full comprehension. It's so beautiful to think about, and to live out though. Or at least try to do so, anyway. I have learned that to gain, you must sacrifice. To grow as an individual, you have to sacrifice your pride...you have to humble yourself. You have to sacrifice your time. You have to sacrifice your comfort. Being outside of your comfort zone allows you to grow in ways that you would never expect. You have to be weak to be strong, if that makes any sense. I used to (and at times, still do, but not as badly) struggle with pride. I have never found such solace as I have when I humble myself, especially before God. God cares about your heart, not your stylish outfit or your sexy new doo. He will renew you, and give you His Spirit to be all that you need to be. You don't need fancy diamonds to shine for Him. I often struggle with being like the world. At times, I give into many temptations, but I am forgiven. I always find peace again, and am brought back home when I humble myself. I have gained so much from giving up my agenda. I have gained so much from serving...there is no better way for me to spend my time than to selflessly serve, and give my time willingly to others, especially when there is nothing to gain from it than the gift of helping others in itself. The past couple of months I lost sight of what is most important, but I am thankful for the One who has led me back to the right path. I have learned to really be free, you must let go. I had to let go of the place I once called "home", where I was surrounded by relationships & people I have grown to love so much, to move to Alabama, where I am not fond of many faces. I have learned to have courage and to be strong (always reflecting on 1 Corinthians 16:13-14). I had to let go of myself, and let God lead me, because when He is in control everything will work out for me. I had to let go of the past to let God show me His genuine, everlasting love for me. I had to let go of my worries and cares of the world to be truly free. Because of all of this and the different seasons I have been through this past year, I have gained more than I can explain. I have seen so much beauty and I have just learned what is important. I have fallen and risen back up, I have been beaten down and revived, I have cried and laughed...I have struggled, only to gain. Every ending is a new beginning. Every door closed is another door opened. And to every "Good-bye", right around the corner is another "Hello". A few people have been in and out of my life this past year, but each person has taught me a lesson. Each experience is something to learn from. As I am entering college, I feel...prepared. I have no idea what the world will bring, or my place in the world, but I am ready. I'm ready for this new season, for challenges, growth, for a chance to learn more about myself and explore who I am/what I want even more, and to become more knowledgable. I'm ready to love and live every day as if it were my last, to impact His kingdom, and to just let others know about Christ's love for us all....not as much through my words, but my actions. Everything will fall into place as it should be, and wherever He leads, I will follow.