I Have A Dream

I think one of the most beautiful things about a person is seeing what they truly have a passion for. I recently had the opportunity to attend a leadership conference at my university. The keynote speaker was Kevin Snyder- to call him inspiring, is definitely an understatement. What he had to say produced such a spark inside of me.

And I want to ask all of you…what do you have a passion for? I often ask people, “So, what do you want to do with your life?” Well, now I am going to rephrase that question into, “What do you REALLY want to do with your life?” I hope people realize that there is a difference in those two questions—that would also result in two very different answers. It's important to break out of the box that people, society, etc has put you in. When we stay in the box, we limit ourselves.

Kevin Snyder said so many things that I absolutely loved that I pretty much wrote down his whole presentation—yeah, that’s the journalist in me. Please take the time to read these profound statements:

-“Set-backs can be set-ups…”

-“Vision without action is just a daydream…”

-“When other people quit, you won’t…”

-“When you don’t risk, you risk even more…”

-“We come up with more excuse of why we can’t, then why we can…”

-“Think differently…”

-“You can’t drive by looking in your rearview mirror. Learn from the past, but don’t stay there…”

-“You can’t have anything new in your life until you appreciate what you already have…”

-“No one on their death bed says that they wished they worked harder…”

-“How would not being here tomorrow affect how you would live today…”

-“Obstacles are there to see how bad you really want it…”

Would I consider myself a realistic person? Yeah, I think I would to some degree. However, I feel like everybody is considered a realistic person to an extent. But what if we dreamed? What if we really dreamed big?! I can’t even imagine what kind of an impact that could be made!

There are a lot of things inside of me that I want to share with the world. Sometimes I feel like I am going to explode with excitement from the things that I dream up and hope to do. Do I always share my dreams with people? Sometimes, it depends haha. Sometimes I can't even put my dreams into words, which maybe why it is difficult to always express. But I'm slowly getting better at it. I just think we give up on ourselves too easily! So what, our dreams might not be easy to obtain, but it will be worth it. Don’t let anyone tell you that your dream is unrealistic, crazy, not possible, etc. There are times that I have talked myself out of a dream before I even started to work on it. I think, “God this looks so impossible to do. How? When? Where?” I believe God knows the desires of our heart and the things that we are passionate about. I also believe that God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called. Sometimes taking this route causes us to do things in an nontraditional way, if you know what I mean. It’s an adventure…and nontraditional adventure. And I’m ready for it. Everything I am for His kingdom’s cause (That's easier said than done sometimes. This often requires sacrifice). Recently I have been saying that I don’t feel like I am going to have a "traditional job." Do I know exactly what that means? Well, no not really haha. However, I feel that whenever we do anything for Christ it is considered "nontraditional"- especially in the eyes of the world. Nontraditional is a good thing :) But that is what I feel for some reason. It is so humbling to think that God can take our gifts, talents, the things we have a passion for, and use it for his glory and kingdom. I say it’s humbling because it really goes to show how this life isn’t about us.

I heard a song for the first time today that really expresses what I feel inside. “I want to start a revolution//I want to live life beautifully//I want to be different than the rest…” And with Christ, I know that this is achievable.

I love the lyrics to Hosanna by Hillsong, “I see a generation rising up to take the place//With selfless faith, with selfless faith//I see a near revival stirring as we pray and seek//We're on our knees, we're on our knees…”

Dream big.

Even better, dream big for GOD.

#PutYourLoveGlassesOn

I am the type of person who likes to continually challenge herself. I am the type of person who likes to ask the hard questions. Recently, I asked myself, “Do I get what this whole Christian thing is all about? Like, do I REALLY get it?” To be honest, I was a little hesitant to answer my own question.

I few weeks ago I saw someone post a status saying something along the lines of, “Why would I listen to anything a Christian has to say. They just want me to dress up on Sundays so I can apologize for being human.” As I was about to comment with a predictable “God-like” response, I stopped myself. I don’t want to say I 100% agree with that statement, but at the same time I don’t want to disagree with it either. If people are thinking that this is what Christianity is all about, then Houston, we have a problem. If this what people think Christians are like then Houston, we have an even BIGGER problem. And you know where that problem starts?...with us. The supposed Christians. Well, are we really acting as Christ-like as we think we are.

Jefferson Bethke's YouTube video, “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” has really spoken to my heart, along with many other things over the past few weeks. If you haven’t seen the video, it is something that you definitely want to check out, despite your beliefs. I think it really helps to give a true understanding of what Christianity is about/what is should be about. I will never forget the line, “Because if grace is water, then the church should be an ocean. It’s not a museum for good people, but it’s a hospital for the broken.” Well, you know what, too often that is what we think the Christian church is for…to collect all the “good people,” line them up, and make those “non-Christians” feel insignificant. The funny thing is the church is actually created for the opposite. The church is for the broken, hurting, the druggies, the drunks, the addicted, etc! It's for those that the world casts to the side, the poor, the needy, the homeless.

I always think of the story in the Bible where the Pharisees caught a woman in the act of adultery. They bring her to Jesus and tell him that law commands that she must be stoned. Jesus, looks at the woman and tells her to go and sin no more. Wow, does that speak volumes or what! Grace, mercy, love. This is just so powerful to me.

At the same time, this is not an excuse to do whatever we please, knowing that it is wrong.

The video goes on to say, “And Jesus absorbed all of your sin, and buried it in the tomb. Which is why I’m kneeling at the cross, saying come on there’s room.” Dear goodness does that line give me chills! Now is time to really do our homework church. None of us are deserving of the love of God. We are absolutely nothing in comparison to him. We need his grace and mercy CONTINUESSLY. Who are we to judge on who is deserving of God grace and mercy?! And even the bigger question, are we pushing people away or are will telling them that there is room at the foot of the cross for them too?! We better be VERY careful of the motive of our heart, when we are not so deserving either. When we mix religion with Jesus, get ready, because destruction is waiting right around the corner. In the Bible, Jesus actually calls the religious people fools.

One of my favorite lines from a song says, “Jesus give me your heart, mine is deceitful. Then give me your eyes because I want to see people the same way that you see them…” And that is exactly what I have been praying lately… that God gives me His eyes. I have this desire to see people the way God sees them, the way he would want me to see them. God is pretty much telling us to put our love glasses on. When we do that, that's when we really can begin to change ourselves and influence those around us. We are able to boast in our weaknesses at the foot of the cross. The place where he takes the ashes of our lives and turns them into something beautiful.

I am challenging each and every one of you, along with myself to really begin to see the church the way God designed it. Get rid of our "holier-than-thou" attitude and lets begin to act real. We can only cover up the stench of our arrogance for so long before it begins to wear off.

So go.....#PutYourLoveGlassesOn.

2011 Reflection

It's hard to believe that 2011 has come and gone. It's seems like the year just flew by. In short, 2011 has definitely had its ups and downs. Writing those previous statements seems so cliché to me; nevertheless, they are all true. As I was reflecting on my own 2011, it made me realize how thankful I am for new beginnings and God’s never ending love and mercy.


The most challenging part of the year for me was definitely the last four months. There was a lot I had to think about and important decisions had to be made that, in turn, would really impact my future. During those months I lost myself, my peace, and my joy. It was noticeable to myself and those around me. Yes, I was surrounded by people, but at the same time felt very alone. I was angry and bitter. I was frustrated about factors in my life that I couldn’t really do anything about/things that were not my fault in the first place—factors that I realized sometimes controlled my life. At times, I also felt very far from God—I wanted answers, and worst of all, I wanted my own way. I was throwing myself a pity party and looking back now, that is something I am not very proud of. You could definitely say I was fighting a spiritual battle that was a reflection of natural circumstances.


God’s purpose for one’s life, I feel like is a topic that can be discussed until the cows come home. “How do I know God’s purpose for my life? How do I know if this is the right decision? Am I even supposed to be going down this path?” BLAH BLAH BLAH. It can be maddening. Going in circles was how I was feeling. Spinning my wheels but going nowhere was what I was doing. Maybe I was too controlling of my own life? The funny thing was the harder I tried to gain control of my life, the more I was losing control. The words worried and stressed are a complete understatement of the state of my inner being during that time. It wasn’t until recently where I got a godly perspective of what those words really mean. Pastor, author, and speaker Francis Chan defines them as the following: 1) Worry: Implies that we don’t quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what’s happening in our lives. 2) Stress: Says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control. In his book “Crazy Love,” Chan writes the following, “Basically these two behaviors communicate that it’s okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional. Both worry and stress reek of arrogance. They declare our tendency to forget that we’ve been forgiven, that our lives here are brief, that we are headed to a place where we won’t be lonely afraid, or hurt ever again, and that is in the context of God’s strength, our problems, are small, indeed.”

Wow, can you say convicting?!

During those months, I had trouble trusting in God’s plan for my life. I was uncomfortable not knowing exactly how he is going to use me for his kingdom. I looked around at others and it seemed as if they all were doing what they wanted to do. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that were leaving God out of their life’s equation, but they all seemed to have these big plans and goals that were all coming to pass. I felt like I was going nowhere, doing nothing. I so deeply fear that I will not make an impact with my life, I will be "ineffective." I have a passion deep in my heart to make an impact in such a nontraditional way. In a way, it kind of broke my heart to see a dream slowly slip through my hands.


Group One Crew’s song “I Have a Dream” said it best, “A young girl growing up it was hard to adapt//I felt like every other girl was given life with a map//They seemed to know where they were going//I didn't know jack, I had to play it cool never let them see where I'm at//You see I tried hard to remove all the scars//But I could never see my dreams they were always too far//I'm not afraid to write a song that exposes my pain//I lived my life backwards so when it poured it rained//But I got through the weather now I'm changing the game//And dreaming remains the source of everything we proclaim…”

As 2011 came to a close, I still didn’t have the answers I was looking for, and you know what I realized?!—that I don’t have to. Minus my lack of answers I did, however, gain a new found trust and peace. As I go into the year 2012, the word I would like to use to describe how I am feeling is “whatever.” Not “whatever” in the sense of the lackadaisical attitude that is so unappealing, but “whatever” meaning—Lord WHATEVER you want me to do, WHATEVER you want me to be, WHATEVER direction you want me to go, I am ready, willing, and waiting for an adventure. I know in due time he will reveal what he will want me to do, but in the meantime I have to keep pursuing him like never before. I feel like the past months have been a blessing in disguise. As I felt myself losing control, I felt God gaining control. And there can never be a more wonderful feeling than that.

I'm Glad My Pen Runs Out of Ink

For the past couple of weeks I have immersed myself in the book of Ecclesiastes. Why did I pick Ecclesiastes you might ask?! Honestly, I can’t tell you exactly why. All I know is that I wanted to further explore a book of the bible that I haven’t really dedicated my time to. I read this book in its entirety from The Message version of the Bible, which is my favorite version I might add! After reading the preface of the book, I learned that that Ecclesiastes focuses on “our total incapacity to find the meaning and completion of our lives on our own.”

God created man so that we can depend on him; He did not make us with the intention that we were to live our lives separate from Him! We are so often too happy making our own choices, decisions, plans, etc., THAT we forget to include God in them! The fleshly part of us is always looking for ways “to be more than or other than what we find ourselves to be.” We need to STOP trying to make something of our lives and place our focus on the one who is the ultimate author of our lives…GOD! Sometimes we have to put our pen down and let God do the writing. I’m grateful that my pen runs out of ink. We are arrogant and ignorant in thinking if we believe that living our lives on our own terms is acceptable!

I’ve already been there, done that. I tried to make myself “something” in this world. Newsflash: It doesn’t work. I tried planning my life the way I think it should go. And you know what the Bible calls that arrogance and ignorance. AND you know what?! I’m glad it doesn’t always work out the way WE want things. I’ve learned that the accolades of man come nowhere near the accolades of God. Yeah, while recognition in this world feels good, it is only feeding the fleshly part of us. The riches we store up in heaven by doing HIS will for our lives is far greater! Matthew 6:20 puts it simply: “Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.”

I hear my generation too often say that they just want to “be alive” and “live in the moment.” I do believe we should not take any day for granted and enjoy every moment we can to the fullest; however, when people say they just want to “live in the moment,” most really mean they just want to live in THEIR moment. But what about God’s moment?! Do we ever think about that?! I’m sorry, but I see a generation giving in to what feels and looks good to the flesh part of them all too often. And when people live in their own moment, they do the most messed up and/or selfish things.

It even says in the Ecclesiastes 11:9, “You who are young, make the most of your youth. Relish your youthful vigor. Follow the impulses of your heart. If something looks good to you, pursue it. But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.” Yes, the Bible tells us to make the most of our youth. God does not want us to be idle during these precious years of our life. We should be active, BUT it’s important to remember that we should be active for Jesus Christ!

Oh the things this generation could do for God if we would simply lay down our plans, hopes, and dreams at his feet! Once we throw Christ in the mix, HIS plans, hopes, and dreams for us will fill our hearts and they, in turn, will become OUR plan, hopes, and dreams! We will want to carry out his will for our lives. When the pressure starts to get to me, the arms of Christ is where I run. I’m not looking for approval from this world, but in the eyes of God’s son.

[[all.i.know.is.that.i.want.in.me.-------> whatever.god.wants.me.to.be.]]

Feel Full For Free

“Man cannot live by bread alone//He needs something stronger//To feed his hungry soul//So he’ll try everything under the sun//But nothing will end his hunger//Nothing but your love//He’ll acquire treasure//But it won’t amount to much//He’ll fall in love with pleasure//And none will fill him up//And when he has exhausted//All that this world could give to him//Still him will not grow weary//Of chasing after the wind.”

Above is one of my favorite parts of the song “Bread” sung by Christian singer/song writer Ginny Owens. The message that Owens relays in her song is something that has been weighing heavily on my heart.

I recently completed my first semester of college, and had a whole semester of watching other students completely giving themselves away to the things of this world. I would look around and see people searching for something that they could cling to-- something of substance. People in today’s world are looking for someone/something to gravitate towards when hardships come their way. Or they are looking for something to fill a void, but the thing is people are looking in all the wrong places. Humanity is hungry for something... but having a boyfriend or girlfriend, the best education, the perfect job, the coolest friends, money, latest fashions, and accolades from man does not lead to that fulfillment and satisfaction that people seem to be searching for. I am not saying that having a good education, a respectable job, or nice clothes is a bad thing, BUT when we turn to those things for fulfillment in this life, then we are on a road to destruction.

Also, drugs, alcohol, partying, and sex do not lead to that feeling of completion or acceptance either. Actually those things end up making an individual feel less full— because they are not of substance. The sad thing is, some don’t even realize that there is something out there that is soooooo much better... and that is JESUS CHRIST!

John 4:13-14 reads, “Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spring of water gushing up inside that person, giving eternal life.’” The previous scripture is from the portion of text where Jesus is speaking to the woman at the well.

John 6:35 reads, “Jesus said, 'I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever.'” That such a simple statement, but why don’t we always understand the powerful message that lies in that?!

The only way one can find true fulfillment, satisfaction, acceptance, joy, peace, happiness, etc., etc., etc., is in the Lord Jesus Christ. He can be your hope, peace, love, savior, redeemer, help in times of trouble, comforter, healer, strong tower. He can be everything we need! Once we realize that, then we won’t feel the need to rely on the things of this world, which are only temporary and therefore only provide temporary pleasure and happiness. The things of Christ are forever satisfying!

One of the closing lines of Owens’ song is “So restless and so hurried//I've spent so much time//Running after things//I'm going to have to leave behind.” We put some much effort into things of this world, but when it comes time to put in effort for the things of God and His Kingdom, we all scatter. It’s something that each and every one of us has to keep in check!

The good news is that it is never too late to come to Jesus Christ and become complete in Him! It doesn't cost you a thing! You should take comfort in knowing that you can feel full for free! Christ already paid your bill! Hunger no more.

[[is.your.life.filled.with.chirst?----> or.emptied.by.the.things.of.this.world?]]e

Don't Box Him In

I have had the scripture Proverbs 3:5-6 memorized ever since I was little. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success.” At times I find myself saying that scripture without really believing it to the fullest extent. There is so much power in that! But sometimes we box God in, limiting Him in our minds of what He can do. Maybe our arm is short, but God’s certainly isn’t. He has been doing big things since the world began!

When the waters begin to rise in our life, the human tendency is to stray from God, trying to figure it out on our own. We try to wrap our carnal minds around the circumstance/hardship that has come up against us, but doing that just makes it worse. I believe our relationship with Christ is weakened that way. The Message Bible further clarifies the above scripture. It reads, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.” [[Proverbs 3: 5-10]]

Why do we doubt the creator of the world, the one who fed thousands with seven loaves of bread and a few little fish, the one who raised people up from the dead, the one who healed people of their diseases?? We shouldn’t, but we do.

There is a situation in my life that I have been praying about for over seven years. I remember feeling like nothing was changing and my prayers were not being heard. I pretty much started to accept the way things were. “It’s okay that this situation has come up against me. That’s the way it was supposed to be, I guess.” I wasn’t putting all my trust in God. I was doubting what He could do, that he could change it. Looking back, that was foolish of me.

Maybe God’s timing isn’t the same as ours, and it usually isn’t, which is probably a good thing, but that doesn’t mean we should stop trusting in Him. We should trust Him all the more! It says in Habakkuk 2:3, “It is not time for the message to come true, but that time is coming soon; the message will come true. It may seem like a long time, but be patient and wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be delayed.” Every night I still pray for this person/situation. I have put my trust in the Lord knowing that one day He will make things come to pass, but in HIS timing. And I take comfort in that.

I personally don’t think it’s enough to say “God I give this situation to you, please help” and then just walk away. We have to do our part too. Our part is also very important. We need to keep reading the word, pray, just sit at God’s feet and LISTEN, and keep on following Him no matter what we are going through.

--->>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIkQ7YVys_A
*Listen to this song! It is truly amazing!

[[when.you.feel.like.your.world.is.falling.apart---->> run to the one who creates worlds.]]