It's been awhile.

So much happens so fast...but things are going wonderful. It's crazy how much you can be shown in only a couple of months. Experiences, situations, relationships, problems, and all the things in between that I never thought I would encounter are constantly becoming my life & God is using it to stretch my thinking & attitude. It is such an amazing peace & comfort also always be reminded of God's provision over all of it. Amidst my lazy, apathetic moments at times, I am loving seeking Jesus. The greatest joy of seeing Him within all of the things that make me smile and all the things that make me cry. There is so much freedom in living in obedience. I mess up constantly, I choose the good instead of the best often, and I waste time often; but it's often those things that bring me to my knees in awe of God's grace & mercy. He loves me where I am and yet won't leave me where I am because He wants me to be more like Christ, reflecting His truth & love to those around me.

It's exciting...feeling so grateful to be apart of the Story He is writing and learning more & more about the author everyday.

Just tonight we celebrated Halloween by having a Street Festival at the church for all the little kiddos...our team dressed up as those from "Alice & Wonderland". There is also my cell girls...7th graders whose small group I am leading. I posted some pics :)

Blessings as you live and ponder the realities and truth of life...that you would constantly be reminded that Real Love is the purpose and it is Christ we have to worship & be thankful for :)

Sermon that I listened to today and really loved. So cut & dry but so challenging to live out in each moment. I desire to be a sacrificial follower.
This is the life Jesus has called us to:
Essential marks of a sacrificial follower...no being super spiritual or steps to a better you. It's maturity & growth in Christ. Some Christians don't act their age.

#1. Love for the Bible...because it tells us more about Jesus :) The final authority in all things.
#2. Prayerfulness...choosing prayer over worry.
#3. Being aggressively teachable.
#4. Appropriately transparent
#5. Promotes community
#6. A lifestyle of worship...not just singing, involves EVERYTHING.
#7. Financial generosity...10% of the bible is about money. It shows us our priorities. How we give will show how we feel about God.
#8. Being a witness...loving God & LOVING OTHERS. It's not about you. Lively outwardly.

I love Riverview. Such a real church that proclaims the real truth.

I hope all of you are seeking to be a part of a place that encourages you and urges you to this kind of living.

Amen?!

Just got home yesterday from a weekend retreat with our junior high students. It was a blast to just get away for the weekend, break the schedule & find time for fellowship and growing with one another.
We played tons of silly games, competitive games, skits, dances, and ate a lot.
But really the thing I am most grateful for is how humbled I was in our times of worship. I couldn't escape realness of the presence of my Lord. He is before all things, in all things and as I would sing songs with my voice & heart, I was able to be filled with joy as I danced before Him. There are no substitutes for how much God wants to be a part of everything in our lives. And as I was reading today I came across Psalm 16:2 "You are my Lord, apart from you I have no good thing." Things are good, can be really good but if they take us away from the true joy, which is found solely in Him, then I think we miss the point.

My heart & life cry out in worship always wanting to find the truest, purest joy, good things, in my Lord Jesus. And today, that will be the mediation and prayer of my heart.

One of my great friends Rach just left after a refreshing, rest filled weekend. It was such a blessing to have her here & be encouraged in all that the Lord is doing in & through her. We did a lot of fun fun things...sushi eating, movie watching, hardcore hiking and just enjoying one another's conversation. She was also able to be here for my first teaching for SNS which was such a blessing.

Here's the link if you desire to listen....

http://www.fellowshipnwa.org/menus/downloads/teaching/SNSM/081509_EW_HolySpirit_Evidence.mp3

More updates soon!
Blessings :)

I haven't blogged about my recent trip home where my sister GOT MARRIED so I just wanted to show you all a little bit of the weekend festivities & celebration! It was so wonderful & I am so happy for them...love you both!













She was such a beautiful bride & it was such a wonderful day to be a part of. I now ask for your prayers for her & Nick because they are going to be apart for their first three months of being newlyweds...pray that they would each find contentment & strength in the Lord where they are in this moment until they are able to live together. "That you would grant each of them a heart that is steadfast as they wait..."

Worked today on my first lesson that I will be teaching on August 15. The topic is "Evidence of the Holy Spirit" in a three part series about the Holy Spirit. As I worked today, I was really challenged by a lot of the questions, that I am going to be asking the students, as I look at my own life.

Do I confess sin at the moment I realize it is there? And does that move me to change my attitude & action in repentance?
Do I serve when it is inconvenient or out of my comfort zone?
Do I give up my own way for the benefit of Christ or others?
Do I "overflow" with love for everyone?
Do I pray with confidence because the desires of my heart are those that give God glory?
Do I use what I have been given to bless others & enhance the Kingdom of God?
Do I look to recognized or grow envious of those who are?
Do I give thanks to a GOOD GOD in all circumstances?
Do I produce the fruit that is evidence of His Spirit?

As I look at this list, I am convicted, challenged & at times discouraged that I let myself get in the way of God's greater good & purpose. Yet, I take courage in knowing that, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Cor 3:18) it is a journey of allowing Christ to be the center of who I am and even as I tend to lose my footing sometimes, I am never outside of Him who is transforming me everyday. I want to be a woman of truth who loves the Lord with all her heart & soul.

I am excited to share with the students that as we see how the Spirit acts in the world through us that all will see the glory of God...not on our own strength or power but on that which we completely rely on who lives in us.

I pray you are challenged today to ask yourself the same questions.

learning & experiencing so much. I am going to put together some of the things that have really challenged and moved me over this past month...soon to come.

Blessings!!!