He knows.

So, I saw this on twitter and then it was re-tweeted and re-tweeted and re-tweeted...and it is definately causing some intense thoughts in this mind of mine.

"It is always a mistake to decide what you want to do before you have decided on who you want to be." -Andy Stanley

Now, I love Andy Stanley and I think he is a solid man of God. BUT...not sure about this statement. Not knowing the context in which he said it does indeed make a difference, but here is just a tid bit of what is going on in this brain:)

First of all, I think we all have a lot to figure out along the way. I know that I had no idea who I would be and what I would be doing sixth months ago. We change, we morph, we become who He wants us to be. Because He is the One who defines us. We are found in Him. We rest in Him. We discover ourselves in Him.

I do believe as followers of the Way, we have an obligation to be holy as He is holy (I Peter 1:16). We are also suppose to pursue righteousness, love our brother and enemy just as we love ourselves, treat others with respect, be kind to the needy, etc. Here is the thing though, none of us are perfect. Our Heavenly Daddy realizes this. Why else would He send someone to SAVE us? He knows we are going to mess up. And through the mistakes...we learn. we change. we become the person we want to be.

Tonight, Johnny said something that completely just clicked. I think the exact quote was something like this, "We take the wrong steps and we just have to deal with it." This sounds harsh, but it is so true. When we decide to chase the dreams God has placed on our hearts there is no doubt that it is a leap of faith; and when we get scared and take the wrong step...we do have to deal with it but the coolest thing about that is that He uses that mistake to make us who we are! Let's be real, we know we mess up...alot. But we still have things we want to do for the Kingdom, things we are pursuing to see the story of God echoed across the world. When we mess up, the stride might become longer and tougher...the result we want might be months away or longer...and in the end we discover who we are.

He has prepared so many things for us to do and laid dreams (bigger than ourselves) on our hearts for a reason...for His glory to be shown. And He knows we will slip up and mess up. But we are still to pursue Him, still to trust Him, and still to discover who we are in Him and in Him alone.

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"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:10

"For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

I am thankful for the inconvenience.

This time of year I am always reminded of the day that my life changed, my heart changed, and my eyes were opened. It was the week that my Heavenly Daddy opened my eyes to true worship. It was December 22, 2005. On a plane from Lima, Peru coming across the pond back to the states. i sat there with the stinch of the market still on my clothes and the impressions of the people still on my heart. Thinking of how exciting Christmas was going to be with family when I got home. That year it became more than just getting the scarf I wanted for Christmas or spending time with family but from that moment on...it became about worship. My heart stopped. My eyes filled with tears. And I will never be the same. I'm not okay with the white-picket fence dream anymore. I'm not okay with not considering His children on the other side of the world anymore. This moment made this past few years quite epic and beautiful.

But the reason for this post is to remember what He had up His sleeve this past year. The things He has done, the things He has taught me, the people He has brought into my life, and the doors He has opened.

.God has brought people into my life this year to prove Himself faithful. People that have the same passions and dreams of echoing His story. People that I would have never met if it had not been for my Father looking out for me.

..my heart was broken in the most beautiful way. He held me close. Spoke so very tenderly. and made me promises only a Father who knows your heart can make.

...walls have been built and torn down. He has completely turned somethings around and shut down other things. He has thrown new things in my lap that I never thought would happen. My Daddy loves doing the impossible:)

....He gave me a time of rest that I didn't ask for and didn't really want BUT i like it when He does that. Because He is about to move some mountains and open doors. and when He does, I am going to have to be ready to go when He says.

.....on a lighter note, Twitter has become a very dear friend. its true.

......this year I have met some of my best friends. we are community. we do life together. some of them are called to stir up revolutions around the world and some are called to see a city changed. But these people, they will indeed change the world. no doubt about it.

.......I have learned about organizations and ministries that are quite amazing. all linked. and completely dropped in my lap. God-things? oh, yes.

........September 18 and 19, 2009. Orlando. Deeper Still. My life will never be the same for a number of different reasons. I'm glad I went. I am glad I listened. I am glad He works when we don't expect it.

..........I have learned to take Him at His word. when we ask, He listens. He speaks in so many different ways and when I don't want to hear Him...He will say the same thing through someone else:)

............He has shown me to truly understand the ministry He has called me to...it may mean sacrifice and not having the things I need when I "think" I need them. And in 2010, I am so ready to see His hand in everything.

2010, bring it on. I am looking forward to open doors. God-things. more connections made. and Him using this season for His glory and story.

why He chose to use a girl from the South...I will never know.

My heart aches for people. My mind is constantly thinking of ways to see a world changed/figuring out how to open shelter(s)/how to travel the world. My view on a life of worship is continuously challenged. And I am so thankful for the inconvenience.

Oh, in 2010...I get to see this beautiful face once again:))

One of my best friends, Travis, is starting a new life on new year's. Today he moved about 3 states away to follow the dream God has given him. It's an amazing thing to see my friends fearlessly follow our God.