A PURE HEART

         Over this past month God has been rocking my face off. Conviction has taken place in areas of my life  where I never thought much was wrong. Not only has conviction taken over, but also much movement. I always say that I can't sit still in a worship service, and that is 100% True. Anyone who knows me well enough can't deny the fact that God has done such a huge work in my life to which I can't help but dance,sing,smile,laugh, and praise Him for all that He has done,is doing, and will do in my life! I will admit though, a lot of times I'm more expressive and out there in worship depending on my surroundings. Who I'm worshiping next to, what songs we are singing, who's leading worship, and so on. God has really placed on my heart this past week to worship Him for Who He is. I'm realizing more and more how God calls me to worship Him anywhere and everywhere, anytime and all the time. No matter if it's in a traditional church setting, in my car driving, playing drums and practicing as a percussion major, being a leader at an event, teaching kids music, performing in front of a large crowd, speaking about what He has done in my life, or in a church with no roof in the middle of Africa.....my worship should never be contained and held back.

         As I was growing up in my youth group a good friend of mine always talked of her "secret place." A sweet escape where you can go to while worshiping Jesus. A place where you can be fully focused on Him in all His wonder and majesty. A place full of beauty and an intimate time with God. A place of no distractions. When I  thought of what that would be like for me, these images popped up in my mind instantly

Being barefoot on Lake Malawi in Africa watching the sun rise early in the morning...

             having the crystal clear water wash my feet clean while being on the other side of the world

Looking at Huge Buddhist temples and being discouraged while looking to my left and seeing God's creations in all it's Beauty

My view while on the tip top of a mountain in SouthEast Asia

Is it just me, or does that frozen water look like a tree? This is what I saw from the plane on the way to Asia. Breathtaking is an understatement.

one of the greatest times of worship I've ever experienced with God. My iPod, some David Crowder, my little pink highlighted bible, and His creation made known to me. Best Father daughter date EVER!

             At least for me, when I look through these pictures and remember such amazing times of my life...I think to myself  "How could I not worship God with Everything that I am!?" But I honestly can't tell you how many times my heart wants to grow apathetic and forget just how Great and Amazing my God truly is.......also the gazillion times I forget that worship is a daily thing. It's not just when you're standing in the church pews or attending an event where there is music played, it's also through your every day actions which are a reflection of your heart.

I'm so thankful for these breath taking experiences in my life. When I'm in a service where the music isn't what you'd typically see on my iPhone or the style is not my favorite, I have to stop, close my eyes, and allow myself to go to a place where it's just me and God. Where He comforts me and shows me His love for me.  Where I can express how I feel towards my Savior, Provider, Protector, Healer, Redeemer, Friend, and  the best Dad I could ever ask for. Oh my....How He sure does Love me unconditionally and selflessly! A lot of times I have different images in my head while closing my eyes to worship. Sometimes I see flashbacks of some major struggles in my life. I vividly see the scene played out where I'd be outside in the late hours of the night crying out and pleading to be rescued. Along with that I typically see several verses written throughout the book of Psalms which were highlighted during those times in the desert. Other times I'll picture one of the images I just shared. I remember it as if it were just yesterday and can feel God's embrace and become extremely humbled by His Sovereignty. Many times I go sit on the dock of the bayou on my college's campus, read my bible, listen to music, and talk with Jesus. This has always been a beautiful view and something you never get out of your head. Then there is one of my all time favorite places. When I can't be there physically to worship God, I can always use my photographic memory to feel as if I'm there. I see an empty stage,practice room, or even band room. These places have always been a safe Haven for me. A place where I feel invisible and confident as if nothing bad could ever harm me. I feel such a freedom and energy. These are the places where many dreams have been formed and continue to build up. These are these places I have already seen many dreams and goals come true. There's something about an empty stage that has always intrigued me. In the stillness and quiet, God's ways are made known to me and I hear Him speak through the silence. It's hard to even describe how awesome this feeling is that I get but needless to say it is one of the things that make me zealous for the things of the Lord! I love to spend time with Him in these places even if it's when I'm practicing or playing music simply for the joy it brings me.

  I'm writing all of this to say that certain songs will get you more pumped up than others. Certain styles and genres may intrigue your ears more than most. Regardless of how you feel you can worship Him, don't hold back. Find a secret place. Run to Him and allow Him to hold you with a sweet embrace. Let Him wash your feet and cleanse you.  Have Him wrap you in His Arms and not let go. Let Him consume you from the inside out. Cry out to Him and ask for a pure heart daily. He's waiting for you to draw near to Him, 

He will draw near to you.

There is a God who loves me
Who wraps me in His arms
And that is the place where I'm changed
And that's where I belong

Take me to that place, Lord
To that secret place where
I can be with You
You can make me like You
Wrap me in Your arms