I See a Generation Rising

During the last week of June and the beginning of July I served as both a bible study teacher and a family group leader for two weeks of Cross Camp. This week was extremely encouraging and uplifting to say the least. So many kids nailed down their faith after having doubts and uncertainty for so long. Due to the bravery of kids that were leaders in their youth groups examining their hearts before God,  a spark was ignited within other students which was amazing to see such a ripple affect occur. During this particular week God chose to use me to encourage and minister to both students and leaders which was very humbling. Leading 8th grade girls Bible study and Family group 12 was incredible in which some of those kids taught me more than I taught them during week one. I had the huge privilege to see students encouraging and ministering to other students at camp which was a beautiful thing to observe. They genuinely cared for each other and worked hard at getting along with everyone in family groups and so on. I saw students come together and rejoice greatly clapping and cheering each time a new salvation, call to ministry, and commitment was announced. This gives me HOPE in this generation. There are youth out there that Love the Lord and have a burning desire to please and serve Him. I was blessed to see that first hand during week one of camp. It was so good for my heart and soul. 

Not only do I feel that God has placed within me such a heavy burden for the youth of today, I also feel like He is choosing to speak through me in order to be a voice for them as well. Though there were many things that I saw from today's youth that were very encouraging...there were also things that discouraged my heart. Many of these kids felt all Alone. They felt as if there was no one they could confide in in their areas...even in their own youth groups and churches. Many kids, like me, had parents who did not go to church. They came with broken hearts that needed mended, wounds that needed healing, and baggage that needed to be dealt with. God did some Amazing things. He changed lives and brought Joy to these youth in ways that only He could. The thing that burdened me however was what are these kids going back to? Many of them truly desired to follow God with everything that they are. It breaks my heart knowing that many of them had to go back home to a place where no one was there to listen to them, disciple them, and show them love.

The youth of today need encouragement as much as, if not more than, generations of the past. They need to be fed spiritually and poured into so that they may pour out. I feel strongly that God has placed it on my heart to ask each of you to get on your knees for this generation. They need it. I've seen so much potential in today's youth to which it completely blows my mind when imagining what God can do in and through them. It breaks my heart to see many of them go home and not receive the Love, encouragement, and affirmation that they so desperately need. LOVE on these youth. PRAY for them. UPLIFT them and let them know that not only should they let anyone look down on them for their youth, but they should also be confident in the things God has called them to. I see God raising up strong warriors to build up and edify His kingdom. Because of this I feel such a strong urge, more than ever, to show love to these kids. It's exciting to see such an incredible young generation rising that is bold, brilliant, passionate, hungry, thirsty, and on fire for God! Please join with me in praying for them and so much more. 

"I see a generation Rising up to take their place with self-less faith. Self-less faith....I see a near revival stirring as we pray and seek. We're on our knees. We're on our knees...Heal my heart and make it clean. Open up my eyes to the things unseen. Show me how to Love like You have loved me. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause."

Free Flying

Have you ever closed your eyes and seen things that are indescribable? Have you seen something so vivid and clear as if you were literally in a whole other place? I certainly have. Heck, all my life I've been able to close my eyes and go to anywhere I'd like when allowing my mind to do so. My Creator, God, has created me to be a very creative individual. While some view A.D.D. to be a curse, I a lot of times see it as a blessing. The way He reveals things to me is hard to put into words sometimes. Luckily, He has not only created me to be a musician but also a writer. Though it may be hard for me to express how I feel vocally, on paper I could write for days.

You see, there is both good and bad that comes with being a very visual person. My photographic memory  is very strong which allows me to memorize music very quickly as well as other subjects. Of course with strengths there are also weaknesses. I feel that because I have this particular strength, it has become the very thing that Satan has used against me for years. Satan chooses to use my past to haunt me both in my sleep and when I awake. Due to being so visual, flashbacks attack my mind and try to take over. It's rare that a day goes by that I don't have to fight hard against this war with the Devil as he attempts to play with my mind.

Not too long ago I watched the movie Batman Begins and recalled one of the main points I've gotten from the movie. Batman's fear crippled him. It was his weakness. Evil used it against him to try and bring him down. It wasn't until he chose to become fear that he was able to conquer this great height. Suddenly, his immense fear of bats became his biggest strength. This fueled him to move beyond the past and terrors that would wake him in the night.

Satan used my fear of being hurt to cripple me for far too long. During the daytime I could find ways to distract myself from some of his tactics but each night, as soon as I would close my eyes, the nightmares would appear and the flashbacks would entice my fear.

During the last weekend of May I attended the LIFT conference for worship leaders held at Passion City Church. So many great things happened to which I am still trying to grasp my mind around. One of the main things was my FREEDOM. Yes, freedom (read this as if you're watching Braveheart). During night one of worship I began to weep. I was in the middle of trying to worship God and just couldn't go to the places I normally could go to when I closed my eyes. It broke my heart. Usually when I'd close my eyes I could see this:

 

LAKE MALAWI

 

The sunrise on Lake Malawi in Africa

 

Looking out the window on the way to China

 

The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

 But this particular night I couldn't see anything while trying to worship. Not only could I not see anything, I couldn't sing the words and truly mean what I was saying. I knew if I continued to sing it'd just be making noise. I felt as if then and there God was moving me to just sit down and allow Him to do a work within me. So, I sat down and oh did He work. I began to close my eyes and just listen to the music that was surrounding me in the room. Immediately a flash of images raced through my mind. Now, all of the things I am fixing to share will sound very crazy most likely....that's because it is crazy. It's like nothing I've ever experienced while worshiping. I began to visualize the first picture above of lake Malawi. It's like I was there all over again hearing the waves crashing and feeling the wind blowing strong. All seemed peaceful. Then it began to storm. The sea was raging and the fear became crippling. As I sat there and saw these images run through my mind I began wishing for it to be dry. I then saw the clouds roll away, the sea disappear, the sun come out, and everything beginning to die around me. Nothing was green, the dust was overwhelming, and everything looked so lifeless and tired. Then I found myself wishing to see water again. I then found my self in the midst of the ocean drowning. The fear returned and everything seemed so hopeless. Then out of the blue was a victorious right hand reaching into the dark and deep ocean with a light around it. I saw myself grabbing the hand and being pulled up. Now, above water, I gasped for air. The very next thing I saw as my eyes were closed during this song that was being played was the shore line with a single chair placed on the sand. All was peaceful and well. I then saw myself sitting down in the chair and another chair appeared by my side. 

I know... I know....Weird right? Crazy. I was as thrown off by it as all who reads this. Like I said, I never had an experience like this before during worship. It was so vivid and clear as if I was truly there. I honestly feel God placed these images in my head for a reason. As I stayed up that night trying to make sense of everything God had placed on my heart and mind....things began to click a little. Five years ago I was delivered from a very destructive upbringing. Since then it has been a rollercoaster of life events for me. From learning what it's like to be bold and share my story with others to dealing with death, heartache, burn out, wandering, and let downs....it's been a heck of a journey with God. I've experienced times where all was well and wonderful. However, I'd take it for granted and forget to praise God in the midst of the good times. Then the storms would come into my life again. I've grown used to the storms these days. They've always seemed to come and go for me. It's almost easier for me to Praise God in the midst of those storms. Often times I would beg God for the storms to die. Then I'd get in over my head. I had to learn the hard way to let my "yes be a yes" and my "no be a no".... I did too much in order to make myself feel that I was worthy enough of being used by God. Then came the big burn out. I spent almost a full year chasing shadows that wouldn't satisfy. I was living in a desert land where all was dry and my heart was apathetic. I then ran back to God and things seemed good again. However, I forgot what it was like to be in the water and trust Him. I became overwhelmed with church and the things of God that I began to drown in it. I'd serve Him and do everything I felt I should do without ever going to God Himself to pour into me so that I could pour out. Then....oh boy...then....God reached His hand to me and pulled me up. He rescued me yet again and brought me to the shore. SO, this is where I am now in my life. I am at the shore. Sitting in that chair that has been empty for too long. And I am Not alone. There is a chair beside me and though I may not always see it, I feel it. I feel the power of the Holy Spirit within me. It is stirring up my passion and compassion for others and eternal things. I'm so relieved to be at this place in my life again. A place where I know that I am where I need to be and I am doing what I am called to do. Ultimately I am called to make much of Christ...Not much of myself or others....but much of Christ.

This all occurred during night one of worship at the LIFT conference. By the last night of this conference I began worshiping all out when I realized the song I was worshiping to was the same song I sat down for on night one. I closed my eyes and every single image raced through my mind once again. Then came the overwhelming feeling of FREEDOM. I've never felt so free to worship my King. With no holding back and no distractions, I danced for joy lifting praise to my Father in Heaven! Louie Giglio then said that God had laid something on his heart that he felt led to share. He said "I feel that some of you have been burnt out and holding back for far too long. I know you, because I am you. I've been there and done that. Many of you are like a dove trapped in a cage just waiting to be free. It's time that you stop letting your life situations, the people who have hurt you, and your fears cripple you from breaking free! Let God open that cage door. It's time you start soaring for God again. Lift out yours hands and fly!" Uh......say what!?!? At first I was like "Wow, that is so ironic...." then I was like"Dang....my God is so good and truly works all things together."

Needless to say that night I broke free and soared. I made the decision to stop letting that fear cripple me any longer. Though this in itself scares the mess out of me most times. I let God open that door to the cage I stayed trapped in for too long. Now I've become fear. Fear to Satan that is. I've caused him to fear that I could be a world changer for God and be unstoppable when chasing after Jesus with everything that I am. Is Satan still fighting back now that he see's me more of a threat? Oh yes, more than ever. However, in the midst of this huge battle...God is still doing what He does best. He is still shinning provision and protection over my life. So now instead of allowing my fears to cripple me, I'm allowing it to fuel my passion and push me even further into the waters.

With all this being share, this is what God has laid on my heart to tell to each of you who have chosen to read this blog entry:

"Stop living trapped in the cage. Let God open the door. You won't regret it. Be the dove that has been released and fly like never before! He's equipped you with armor. He is by your side. BE FREE and always remember to run into His arms."

"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated...Because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down. He won't leave you." ~Deuteronomy 31:6

My Best Friend

Words can't describe just how much Love I had for my Mammaw and how deep her love was for me. She took care of me and was there through the most difficult and challenging times of my life and in return, I was fortunate to do the same as she aged over the years . To lose the only blood family I feel that I have is a pain that few must experience. Christmas and the holidays have always been hard times and now, they will be even harder.  I surely miss my best friend that always made me laugh and is the reason that I am the woman I am today. If you were to ask any of Kathleen Moore's nine grandchildren or ten great grandchildren was their Mammaw Moore the best in the world, the answer would always be yes. Her heart was so big and her 88 years of life was nothing but genuinely loving and caring for anyone and everyone she'd come in contact with. Out of the many roles I've been called to play in life, being her granddaughter, primary care giver, and close friend is by far something I've held of the utmost importance.  It is such a blessing to have grown up under the love and care of my best friend for 21 years. I really miss that sweet lil ole woman dearly, but beyond humbled and thankful for the amazing relationship we had and above all the relationship Kathleen Moore had with the Lord.

                                                                       GROWING UP

Still living in what used to be my Mammaw's house is very hard, yet rewarding. All of the sweet memories I have are very vivid and strong when here at home. My Mammaw was the biggest sweet tooth you'd ever meet. She always had a bountiful stash of sweets and treats here. This woman practically raised me and taught me everything I know. I stayed at her house more than my own all of my life. Here in the Lakeshore neighborhood, Kathleen Moore was a very popular lady. I remember spending time each day putting together goody bags with my Mammaw to pass out to everyone down the block. We'd hop in her blue oldsmobile car and go house to house visiting all the other home bound senior citizens in the area. My Mammaw knew Everyone. I learned so much history from hearing story after story from my Mammaw and her friends. This house was known for being the best house to come to during Halloween. All the trick or treaters would come by the dozen to see what awesome candy Kathleen Moore had to offer each year. She always loved kids. She would always take in neighborhood kids in as her own. 

When school was out during the holidays or summer break, my Mammaw and I would have a blast. Each morning I'd wake up she would fix me a grilled cheese sandwich , with the crust cut off, and sometimes bacon. Then we'd be lazy and stay in our pajamas till around lunch time watching re-runs of the Golden Girls and any other old classic show you could imagine. It always cracked me up when she'd make us watch Who Wants to Be a Millionaire because she secretly had a crush on Regis Philbin, haha. Around eleven o'clock or so we'd finally change and clean up to seize the day of activities! She refused to leave the house without her make-up on, though all she ever put on was lipstick and face lotion. She was always so pretty and beautiful even as she aged. I've looked at so many pictures of her from her youth and her skin was always so soft with a clear complexion. After we'd get dressed we'd pick a place to eat, if we didn't end up eating at home. We'd either eat at the original Ray's PeGe, Dainken Trail, or McDonald's. While out and about we'd stop by the bank and she always said she had a few "extra" dollars left over that she didn't know what to do with so she'd take me to the dollar store to pick out something fun. I usually found a new coloring book that she would help choose. My Mammaw not only let me buy coloring books and color at her house, she'd color with me and enjoyed it equally as much if not more. She literally saved Every single coloring book page her grandchildren colored while at her house. She always had us put our name and the date on it and told us we did a great job. She also saved a lot of her own coloring book pages with her signature on it, haha. After eating lunch back at the house we'd occasionally go to the beauty shop for a hair appointment. Of course, she was popular their too. My Mammaw was always a talker, she loved to socialize with others and catch up. She also was the best listener. She was always there if you needed someone to talk to just for the sake of talking. When we'd return home we'd watch her soap operas like Bold and the Beautiful or As the World Turns. Then I'd help her clean house and grocery shop. Every time I'd spend the night we would lay down in her bed and put the t.v. on to help us fall asleep. We'd talk for the next hour or so about anything and everything. We shared many giggles and sweet moments in the midst of our deliriousness. She'd tell me her dreams that she had for herself and for me.   

I've always struggled in academics. Having both ADD and dyslexia makes school work and reading very challenging. I've always loved to write, however. She always told me how that made us alike, our love for writing things down and expressing how we felt. When I started to really get into the whole writing thing, she began to let me use her old type writer at the house and told me to write however much I liked and to always let her read. I'd spend hours on that type writer and would write several poems and short stories to give to her to read. She always told me to never stop chasing my dreams. She Loved music as well. Though she never played any instruments, she constantly listened to music. I grew up always hearing Big Band music on the record player at her house. Any genre you could think of, she listened to. She'd bob her head and tap her foot when she heard a melody and would hum it everywhere she went. She is probably the only little old woman I knew that actually enjoyed hearing a loud drum set being played. Though she was never able to make it to any of my concerts since I began playing, she always encouraged me and cheered me on. Sometimes I'd give her a shaker or tambourine so she could play along with me while I played drums. We always had fun jam sessions and she never seized to amaze me with her taste in music and the support she constantly bestowed. 

Every weekday during the year I'd be dropped off at her house early in the morning before school. She'd fix me breakfast and watch Saved By the Bell with me. She'd make sure I had all my books and would encourage me to do my very best. I'd walk down the street to Lakeshore Elementary and walk back once school let out. Eveyday I'd walk back to see her waiting in the carport for me. Her face would light up when she saw me walking towards her and she'd tell me how excited she was that I was back home. Little did she know that I was bullied throughout elementary school and was acting out due to the things that surrounded me growing up. The way she'd look me in the eyes and tell me how she knew the good things I was capable of...man, it was life changing to say the least.  We'd sit on the carport a little while watching the squirrels and eating a snack that she always had ready for me. She'd make sure I did my homework then we'd watch some television. She would study the guide channel to see when my favorite nickelodeon or cartoon network shows would come on so she could have it set on the t.v. when I'd get home from school.  I'd be at her house till 5 or 6pm if not later. I'd stay there till my Dad would get off work and then we'd drive all the way home, which I never wanted to do. Here at her house, I found a safe Haven. I felt as if when here, nothing could harm me or make me sad. This is the only house I've felt comfortable in and feel that I could call home. Later on when I got to Junior High and High school, I would still come there every morning and afternoon. She'd let me practice my music and wanted to know all about the things I was interested in. She began to buy me journals that I could write in wherever I went. She told me that I can do whatever I put my mind to as long as I continue to work hard and have a good attitude. 




                                         The Big Move

 My Junior year of high school, my Mammaw got in a terrible wreck. She was hit nearly head on by a large truck when she was on her way to visit her sister. The car was totaled and I was convinced she didn't survive. I remember praying so very hard for her to be healed. I prayed for more time that I could spend with her. That year was a very rough year for me in many ways. I'm so thankful that she survived the wreck and that I was able to spend another five years with her. Her head was hit pretty bad and she was never quite the same after her wreck. She's always been a tad forgetful as I grew up. After the wreck, her dementia increased and her mind began to loose a lot of memory. Words can't describe how much it hurt to look into her eyes when she realized she couldn't remember basic things. She truly hated forgetting and always wished she could recall things. From then on I made it a point to always try my best to help her. 

I decided to move in with her at her house towards the end of my senior year of high school. I felt as if she needed someone to help take care of her. She could no longer drive nor remember how to cook. All the special memories I had of growing up with her was then to be acted out again in return. I would then study the guide channel and record her favorite shows as they came on. I'd prepare our meals and take her to the beauty shop and let her stay as long as she wanted in order to see and talk to everyone. I'd take her to Cracker Barrel or Grandy's after big doctor visits to cheer her up. Sometimes I'd bring her to the mall to see where I worked and I could fix her ice cream. I'd bring her treats and sweets for her to enjoy throughout the day. We'd still color in coloring books. I'd write things for her to read. On occasions I'd still crawl into her bed, watch t.v. and talk with her till we both fell asleep. Nothing brought me greater joy than to see her face light up when I'd come home. She would stay up at night till I'd come home just so she could tell me good night and that she loved me. During my freshman year of college I became more busy which made the balancing of both school and being a primary caregiver difficult. It definitely stretched me in many ways all of which I know God was able to use me. The summer before I moved out I traveled to Malawi, Africa. I let her help me pack and prepare to leave. When I returned, she wanted to see every picture and hear every story from my trip. The fall of that same year I had to make the tough decision to move. I chose to live on campus the next two years in order to focus more on school and work towards my music degree. It was getting to where she would need 24 hour care that I was not able to provide while being a full time college student. She told me she wanted me to get that degree so I could then go out and do great things. I moved out but continued to visit weekly if not daily. When I went to spend Christmas in South East Asia that following December, she wanted to know everything about the trip. She helped me pack all the scarves, gloves, hats, and socks that I would pass out to all the children I'd come in contact with while overseas. She loved seeing the pictures I took and hearing the stories I had to tell. She said she always knew I'd be a traveler and would get to see the world one day. 

                                                              
                                                         The End of the Journey

February of 2012 my Mammaw was put into the nursing home. I continued to visit her as much as possible. Though it wasn't the same as her house, we were able to share some sweet times together there watching t.v. shows, coloring, and eating treats I'd bring. I'd decorate her room as much as I could just to see her face light up. You can't help but be happy when you see that woman smile. Though this past year was very rough tough each visit, I don't regret a single minute of it. We knew each other so well, we talked the same, ate the same, and even sometimes looked same. We could finish each other's sentences and know exactly what the other was thinking. We had the same type of humor and always picked on each other. She was always a big flirt and had the men at the tip of her fingertips. Guys at the nursing home would flirt with her and she'd always play hard to get. She was always very protective of me and gave guys that wanted to take me out on dates a hard time. She was very defensive towards every guy except one. The first time my Mammaw met Westley Wallace, she immediately fell in love with him, who could blame her. She began smiling real big and and flirting with him which was hilarious. I always told her that she couldn't steal my man though. She loved it when Westley an I both came to visit her so much that it was all she talked about when we were away. She bragged about me like no other. No one could ever make me feel so confident and brave like she could. She always had words of encouragement and affirmation. She has saved every card I have given her along with ones she has received from others. She also saved every newspaper clipping of my performances and awards. I've also saved everything she has given me which I'm so thankful for now. Living here in this house has been interesting. I moved back in this past May with it now being my very own house. Having your very own house at the age of 21 is a pretty big deal in my eyes. Aside from some decorations and a few modifications, this house is still the same, all the beautiful furniture is still here and being preserved. I will always have a love for this house and neighborhood that means so much to me. Keeping this house up for the time being is the least I could do in the honor of my Mammaw. She raised her three sons in this house. She loved this house and living here and so do I. Loosing her was very hard, yet at the same time I have been preparing for this for a long time. God has gradually helped me over these past few years to let go in a sense when it was needed. I know she is no longer hurting physically. Also her mind is no longer forgetful which brings me great joy to realize. It's weird not getting to take care of her anymore. It's weird driving by the nursing home and not being able to stop by to visit. It's weird being bored out of my mind during the break and not going to the store to get goodies and decorations for her room. I miss the little things. I am beyond thankful for the years of memories I got to share with her. I've never cared for someone so much in my life. In James 1:27 God calls us to take care of the orphans and the widows. I can't think of any better way I could have done this than to have taken care of my Mammaw. There's something about washing an old lady's feet and painting her nails that's very humbling. It was so cool to show love to orphans in other countries in similar ways that I was able to show love to my Mammaw. I certainly plan to continue traveling and serving in places overseas. For a while now I've felt God calling me to possibly go into music therapy as a future career. After the passing of my Mammaw I feel that calling to be even stronger. Sometime after I graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education, I plan to become a certified music therapist. Then I can take care of more old people and orphans and show love to many others who need it all through the art of music. 

Though I miss my Mammaw so very much, I couldn't think of any better time for her passing. God truly works everything out for the good of those who love Him, Romans 8:28. She is no longer hurting and unresponsive in a hospital bed. She is no longer forgetting who she is. She is no longer suffering but rejoicing in heaven where there are probably more sweets than she could ever imagine. This woman was so so so sooooo precious and sweet. Her smile was beautiful and her features were gorgeous. Though there has been some mourning following her death, there is even more of a celebration for the amazing life she lived out loving both God and people. 

"I Love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck." 

Forgive and Don't Forget

I used to cringe when I'd hear the word Forgiveness. It used to seem so impossible. So many times I'd think once you forgive those who've wronged you, the war is over and nothing else would ever go wrong much less you'd be wronged again. The first seventeen years of my life were truly a living Hell. A life of constant doubt, fear, physical pain, emotional pain, and depression. All due to people who have let me down over and over and over and over again...talk about some anger issues, oh boy did I have some. That's when I began playing drums. What better way to get out frustration than to hit stuff all the time and make music in the midst of it all? Needless to say music has always been how I can cope with the chaos and confusion in my life. God Delivered me from much hopelessness, heartache, anger, sadness, hurting, and the list could seriously go on for days and days. Never pray "God may Your will be done, whatever the cost." if you don't truly mean it with EVERYTHING that you are. It wasn't until I gave God my Everything that He became my Everything. My God answers prayers. He has called me to do some of the craziest things imagined and continues. I was called to forgive those who've wronged me. Not just those who've wronged me, but those who wished I were dead and spit in my face. As crazy and ridiculous as this thought process was to me in the beginning....I came across many verses that assured me I was not alone. Never have been and Never will be. Above all Jesus knows exactly how I feel. He not only has seen the hurt I've experienced in my life, but He has walked through it and endured far worse than I could ever fathom. If that were'nt crazy enough, He FORGAVE Everyone who denied,abused,disowned,misused, mocked,accused, and hurt Him. WOW. Talk about something to humble you when you think your situation is the worst ever. Not to belittle what I've grown up in, believe me...it freakin sucked, but when compared to what God promises to do with a life of pain...this trial is to be faced with joy. That doesn't mean I always have a smile on my face 24/7 or never shed a tear late in the night...it means that above all God is Always a God of Provision and Protection. The least I could do is forgive others as He has forgiven me.

I've found that forgiveness is just the first step of the healing process. I first had to truly forgive people who've hurt me four years ago. Just that moment within itself is something I'll never forget. From then on God has healed my heart tremendously and has called me to serve in ministry as well. Oh the things He will do with a fully surrendered heart/life. I've been to other parts of the world and now addicted to serving Him anywhere and everywhere. I've been blessed to lead multiple disciple now weekends, lead worship in many different bands and churches, lead family groups at Cross Camp, and the list goes on. He has called me to Love. I never thought four years ago that He'd call me not just to love...but to "Love until it hurts,then Love More." This used to always keep me up at night thinking and telling God how I felt. "Love more? But wait I did my part....I loved by forgiving. That was a huge deal and took everything within me to do...I don't understand. What more could I possibly do?" The people I wanted nothing to do with anymore, the ones whom I wanted to move as far away from as possible, and those who've caused so many tears and stress....God has called me to continue to minister to them. I'm learning more and more how it's a daily process and something I can never do on my own. Only God in and through me can help me do what used to seem impossible.
I would love to say that when you forgive someone that everything will immediately be sunshine a roses...but at least for me, not so much. There will however be some clouds removed and more beams of light shining through the darkness. The roses will begin to bud and show their potential. In order for those buds to grow, they need rain to water them. I personally hate rain. I'm short and have naturally curly hair, therefore rain and I have never been bff's. As much as I strongly dislike the rain, I know it's needed for my growth. My life has been flooded by rain but because of it God has molded me into something that can be used by Him in some crazy ways. I've come a Long....way these past four years, but there are still some scars being healed and wounds being sewn up. I still have to forgive. Bitterness is always a temptation. Trust issues want to get the best of me. God is Bigger than All of that and more. So as I continue to Love until it hurts, then Love More...there's a supernatural type of peace and comfort from God. He's there by my side when I'm up till 2am burdened and praying for those I've forgiven and that they will hopefully one day know Christ. He wipes away my tears. He gives me the strength to face all of my fears. He continues to bless me with such Godly friends, mother figures, and an amazing boyfriend. He Loves me and knows what's best for me. Though I don't fully understand why, He stills chooses to use me here and now in a very rough and tough situation. It's hard, but not impossible. He brings Beauty from Pain. So let it all out. Let Go. Give it to Him. Let Him carry that burden. Continue to allow Him to break your heart for what breaks His. 

As crazy as my life seems at times...I wouldn't have it any other way. I must forgive and NEVER forget what God has done, is doing, and will do.

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

The Small Things

Lately I've been working on growing closer to God and bringing glory to Him in the small things. It's easy a lot of times to acknowledge the presence of God when you're at church but what about when you're back at home? What about when you're in line at the grocery store or caught in a traffic jam when late for school or work? What about when you're sitting at the doctors office for several hours waiting long past the scheduled appointment time? What about when you're having to stand behind the old lady at Walmart who takes her sweet little time checking out two buggies full of merchandise in the "20 items or less" lane? Gets a little hard then doesn't it? Then come to think of it...aren't those the situations Jesus saw as huge opportunities to show love to the unloved and compassion to the Ebeneezer Scrooges? Just think about John 4 and the Woman at the Well. I mean yeah He probably wasn't having to wait in line behind the annoying soccer mom who has a bunch of ankle bitters running around the store or had to deal with telemarketers calling His phone all the time...but never the less He still had to deal with rude people and everyday temptations. People spit on Him, beat Him, mocked Him, and in the end crucified Him. He still ministered to the scoffers and the thieves. He invited them to the table and provided for them. He cleaned the unclean and chose to hang out with tax collectors.

"So if there's any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, and affection and sympathy, complete my job by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his or her own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form as a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
                                                                                                                                   -Philippians 2:1-11

Jesus did all of that and calls me to be more like Him each day. WOW. This is both a huge privilege and responsibility! Why not bring glory to God in the small things? Many times it's the small things that become Big. Have you ever had one of those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days? We're talking where everything goes wrong...you woke up late and didn't have time to fix your monstrosity of a hairdo. You can't decide on what to wear and in a hurry so you accidentally wear a pair of shoes and sweater that totally break the infamous brown and black rule. You throw your books in your backpack and rush to beat the morning traffic. You show up late to class and find out that there's a pop quiz that started five minutes ago. You forgot to fix coffee and become drowsy and loose focus. You need a writing utensil then realize you have nothing on you but must take the test. Then out of no where a random classmate that you are barely acquainted with hands you their pencil....life saver huh? When you think of the things that changes lives; sitting by the nerd with a comb over, suspenders, braces, and fancy calculator at the lunch table isn't usually what first comes to mind does it? Much less asking the waitress working late at night in a restaurant how she is doing and really meaning it....Or telling a seven year old that she is loved. Or telling a student they make you proud. But it's those "small" things that God uses to change the world for His Kingdom. I was the nerd at the lunch table. I was the girl that was always working job after job and having the worst days imagined. I was the insecure band kid/drummer that was told she made her instructor proud. I was the seven year old that was told I was loved and not only that but by God Himself. Though I did not begin living my life for Christ till I was around age 11; being told that I was loved changed my life Forever.  Heck it's one of the reasons I'm still alive right now. Telling a kid that they are loved when the last thing they've ever seen or heard is love growing up is like being told you just won one million dollars...but even better. Suddenly waiting in line behind old Gertrude with her 50 items that takes for ever to checkout doesn't  seem like such a big deal. Then those everyday mishaps can turn into every day blessings. God has really been showing me a lot on how I can use my time and social skills for His glory and not my own. It's so easy to think you're too busy for ministry and even for God at times... but you aren't. It's the small things that are huge to God, the every day things you do. Those situations and circumstances were placed there in your life for a reason. See the door God has opened and walk through it without the blindfold on. He wants to use you to edify the Kingdom. He wants to use you at work, school, home, walmart, target, chevron, and even the doctor's offices. You never know what awesome things Jesus has up His sleeves for you to do.
 So "Go hard or go home."

Seeking Jesus, walking humbly, and learning daily. 

Shake It Out

I've been listening to one of my favorite artists Florence + The Machine lately and have fallen in love with the song "Shake it Out" off of the Ceremonials album.

Here's some of the lyrics:

Regrets collect like old friends

Here to relive your darkest moments I can see no way

I can see no way And all of the ghouls come out to play 

And every demon wants his pound of flesh

But I like to keep some things to myself 

I like to keep my issues strong

It's always darkest before the dawn

And I've been a fool and I've been blind

I can never leave the past behind 

I can see no way,I can see no way 

I'm always dragging that horse around

And our love is passed, it's such a mournful sound

Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground 

So I like to keep my issues strong

But it's always darkest before the dawn 

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out 

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out 

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back 

So shake him off 

I am done with my graceless heart 

So tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart 

Cause I like to keep my issues strong

It's always darkest before the dawn 

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out 

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out 

 And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back 

So shake him off 

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

 And given half the chance would I take any of it back

 It's a final mess but it's left me so undone

 It's always darkest before the dawn

I feel like this song is my anthem for the year of 2011. This year has been both Beautiful and Ugly. It has been a year of many adventures and many life lessons. During January of 2011 I was in South East Asia eating noodles everyday, speaking in a different foreign language, sharing the gospel, serving alongside some of the strongest men and women of God I've ever met, playing drums with street kids, falling in love with street kids, flying on a lot of planes, riding a lot of buses, and drinking a lot of hot tea. I also led worship and small groups for youth disciple nows and girls retreats almost every weekend during spring semester. I was playing drums in the ULM BCM Haven band which I loved oh so much. Ministry in my church Hope Alive thrived, grew, and increased my passion for both God and people. In April I decided to pursue one of my dreams and drove 24 hours to New York where I would wait in line several hours along with 600 others, be signed for a time slot, and audition for STOMP on Broadway. This was a dream come true itself. Though I didn't make it I still choose to Dream Big and live up to the saying "Go Hard or Go Home." This summer I was a leader for Cross Camp again and saw how God allowed me to go through such trials when growing up in order to minister to youth of all ages here and now. I got to spend time in Nashville, TN with my best friend Alyssa and began to fall in love with Music City and this pretty amazing music school named Belmont University. I was fortunate to be a bridesmaid in my friend MaeLee's wedding in Alabama on December 17,2011 exactly a year after spending some memorable days in serving in Asia together. I have learned to push myself even harder as a musician and student this year. I don't think I've ever practiced so long and hard until this past semester and it's finally starting to show which is incredibly

awesome. I began to become burnt out on ministry. I found myself doing so many different things constantly to which I never felt I was all there. I was so half way committed to everything that I think I was missing the real reason of why I was doing certain events in the first place. When I think of the year of 2011 I think of it being a Burn Out. A burn out on ministry. A burn out on school. A burn out on working. A burn out on socialization. A burn out on music. A burn out on everything pretty much. All my life I've seemed to always be on the go. I love it yet at the same time grow weary. For a while I've found myself neglecting God over all else. I'm still involved with the things of God and love God. But, somewhere along the way I lost sight of writing the word upon my heart and seeking God daily. I long for consistency and focus. I desire to grown more in my faith. I allowed myself to get caught in some sort of spiritual inertia and apathy which isn't cool. It's funny how sin can have such an effect on you. It doesn't matter if it was several years, months, weeks, days, or even minutes ago...Satan still uses your mistakes to taunt you and make you feel trashy and worthless.

"Regrets collect like old friends, here to relive your darkest moments.

All of the ghouls come out to play,every demon wants his pound of flesh.It's always darkest before the dawn."

This year I let the things I was once ashamed of consume me and beat me down. I let the devil convince me that I could not overcome. At the same time Jesus reminded me that I can do all things not on my own but with Him as my strength.

"And I've been a fool and I've been blind. I can never leave the past behind. I'm always dragging that horse around. Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground."

I love God. I love people. I love music. I love life. I love this New Year. A new year of more adventure and more excitement. A year of less constant activity and less burn out. A year of new beginnings and growth in faith. A year of ministering more to others and showing the love of Christ everywhere I Go. A new year to embrace and enjoy...to take what life gives me whether good or bad. A new year to cherish dreams that come true and to learn from the beautiful letdowns. 

Goodbye 2011 and hello 2012.