Day Eighty-Three.

Day Eighty-Three

such a sweet day

You know, God is just always doing a wonderful thing! He is constantly working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). I am honored to be a child of God. This morning, I was very relaxed (simply because I did not have class) and so I was able to just enjoy the morning in peace... all alone with the Lord. Midday Mary Cate woke up and we talked a little, then I headed to the school for a meeting. The meeting went well. My pastors wife came to our school to speak at the IMF/MA meeting. She spoke to us about the opportunities to serve the homeless in our community. I was very glad to be in there. As she talked, my heart was turned. To think of what it would be like to be homeless is beyond me. How could I ever know? These last few weeks, I have been "homeless" but not really. God has provided a place for me to stay, food for me to eat (plenty), and financially He is always blessing me. His blessings are more than enough for me. As we sat there in that meeting, I couldn't help but think... I have no idea what it is like to be completely without... and understood that is because my Father is the One who has EVERYTHING. All things belong to my Father. His children will never be in need. Knowing this, I am compelled to love. Compelled to share with the homeless (and everyone really) the good news that God is willing to adopt them into His family. That if they are in need of a Papa, God will be the one to take them in. All they are to do is ask. So my heart is changing & being shaped by LOVE.

The rest of the day was interestingly blessed. God made everything work out. Rested (took a nap on accident), went to cross country practice (was very thankful for my times), finished up a few assignments, and Chill with the McDowells. Mary Cate is moving to Idaho on Friday, so I have been spending much time with her! :)

There is so much happening. I want everyone to know that God is really really doing an amazing thing in and around me. He is deepening my understanding of His love & requiring my obedience in supernatural things. For instance, yesterday He laid in on my heart to pray over many people that were sick or injured. A lot of them told me immediately that their pain was gone. I was so grateful to be apart of what God was doing. It is always such a joy to serve the LORD. To know Him and be known by Him is all I ever want in this life.

God is God. He is great, wonderful, powerful, loving, patient and perfect in every way.

Find Him in all things. Look for Him & you WILL find Him... He IS everywhere :)

Thankful for: this day, other believers, frozen yogurt, the McDowell's, mission opportunities, and the book of 1st John.

Day Eighty-Two.

DAY EIGHTY-TWO


Our God is God. Just sayin.

He is worthy of all HONOR & all PRAISE! ALL. Sometimes, I cannot help but giggle... simply because He is so sweet & amazing at everything He does.

I want to reserve words for Him. In the beginning of my walk, I reserved many words for Him... and lately I have been using them for other things. Words such as amazing, perfect and excellent were just for Him. Although I have used them for other things, I REALLY desire to use them just for Him... and so I will :)

HE IS WORTHY.

My heart is in the hands of my Lord, along with my mind, and everything that I Am... for that matter. He is all in all. For that reason, I choose to give Him everything that I am. He is all that I want. All that I desire. To Him belongs ALL OF ME!

There are many great things happening here. School is going very well. Classes are encouraging and really drawing me closer to the Father's heart. Being around people that are God's children is REALLY special. Seeing friends & family has been so restoring. Today, I was able to meet many people. God allowed me to be blessed by them, that was so sweet. Just knowing new people brings me all kinds of joy. I hope and pray that the way God blesses me with them... He also blesses them with me... but not me for me, but me for Him... that some how they see Him & drawn closer to Him because of my lifestyle. For my life is nothing, unless it is used to bring God glory.

There is much to write.... as always, but I about to head out to Daphne to watch my little brother race. He has his very first cross country meet today :) & I am so proud of him :) :) It's going to be great!

If you read this before four thirty, pray for him :)

Also, today (and every day really) Australia has been on my heart. I haven't been able to think of much other than Australia and my friends & family there. Then, on top of that, a guy asked me "Are you from Australia?". That blessed me more than he will ever know. How sweet is God :) He knew what was on my heart... and He blessed me with a fun question :) I am blessed.

So hope you all are so blessed... I know you are... because as I always say "From the fullness of God's grace we have all received one blessing after another" John 1:16

Stay focused. Abide in Him.

Thankful for: Australia, America, friends, mom, brothers, school work, the Bible, professors, glasses, coffee, and smiles.

Day Seventy-Seven!

DAY SEVENTY-SEVEN
a picture (or a few) of what's been going on....










What have I been up to? What has God been up to?
-School started.
-Was able to sing (to the LORD) with a friend in the chapel the other day as he played the organ.
-Have met a lot of new students who felt a strong call to go to UM.
-Realized how in control God is.
-God opened the door for me to meet a few non believers.
-Prayer requests have come left & right.
-My faith is increasing.
-Joy is leaking off of me again.
-I was on Skype with a friend the other night. He had a headache. I prayed over him. Right then and there, God healed him.
-A lot of doors have opened for mission opportunities.
-My brother Damien is feeling a lot better.
-Asked a lot of questions in class today. Learned a bunch.

So much has been happening around here. I am so thankful for all of it. God is really showing up and showing out, to say the least. Deep within my heart, I am longing for more. To be quiet more. To really be quiet. I have learned, in the past, that being quiet is so beneficial.... but not being quiet just to be quiet... being quiet, saying less, for the sake of HEARING the living God. YHWH is always willing to reveal Himself... the question is ... are we looking? Today is the 25th... so in Proverbs this morning, the first verse I read was "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings" Proverbs 25:2. This alone reminds me of the truth that the more I search for God, the more I find Him. The greatest part is, He is not playing hide-and-seek by any means... Instead, He is being humble and gentle and waiting for those who understand His worth & their need for Him. Hehe! God is worthy of all that we are & I will spend the rest of my life sharing that truth.

If any of you think of me, at any time, pray that God would continue to humble me & quiet me. That is what I really need. I really need humility. I really need to be quiet.

God is all that I want & I am not ashamed to admit that. My heart is to know Him more and more every day. And upon knowing Him, to serve Him with every breath that I breathe. If He really is worthy (Which He is) there is no need to waste this life on useless things.

See, God is so patient with us. He is so jealous for us, yet He is patient. The time that it takes for us to finally turn and give Him everything must be so hard. Through His patience, I understand the depth of His love for all (at least, I understand as much as He has given me).

Y'all, I want more! I do. God is just so perfect and beautiful in every way. He just IS!

Hey, if you are having a hard day.... remember, our prize is in Heaven.... :) We are one day going to be face-to-face with the One and Only YHWH! :) Smile and live fully today because you have been given the grace to do so :) Remember, God really is with you.

Be blessed.

Thankful for: patience, the Lord, Mary Cate McDowell, and Chloe.

Day Seventy!

DAY SEVENTY

Wow, what a wonderfully wonderful day :) What a wonderfully wonderful life. All glory to the Father.

In the beginning of my faith, I did a lot of things with a lot of emotions and it was almost as if I was "floating"... intentionally... eventually, I stopped floating. That happened this summer actually. Instead of floating, I started soaking more. Really truly seeking truth and SOAKING in it. When you think on, speak on, and live out the Word of God... your life really changes. Everything about who you are, changes... but you stay YOU. It is not something I am able to really explain, but you know what I mean if you have been walking faithfully with the Lord.

Ten days have passed since the last time that I wrote. That was intentional. In order to breathe, learn and seek... I took some time away from writing... it has been good for me.

What has happened since the last time I wrote?
-Left Atlanta, came to Mobile
-Went to a Revival where Britton & Tiff led worship
-Started cross country
-Went to New Orleans with my granny
-Helped my brother to the hospital, he got staff in his foot
-Spent time with Mary Cate McDowell
-Got acquainted with the new team members
-Participated in the events of "Ram Rush" thus far... Dinner Royale


What has God been doing?

EVERYTHING!!! :)
He changed my life with His sweet grace
Every moment of everyday, He is really changing me
I am learning a bunch about seeking & finding
He brought many new people into my life who are in love with Him
I met a new friend who is in a wheelchair & God told me He would heal him... then, he told my friend the same thing... then he told the guy the same thing..... :) we are believing in faith that God will heal him completely. I'll stand in faith w/ them.


So much is happening, really :)

This semester, I am not living on campus. It is going to be good. Being here with all of my friends and my supposed to be roommate has not been challenging at all... which is surprising :) Thank You Lord. Instead, I am excited about the opportunities He has already given me to love the people with the love that God has given me.... and the ones that He will give me in Mobile & Thomasville this year. It seems like an advantage... I have two ministries... one in Mobile and one in Thomasville.

Thank You Lord.

There is much that I would love to say, but to keep it short... here goes:
-Thank you to all who have prayed for me.
-Please keep praying that I would have undistracted devotion for the Lord.
-Keep me posted on what God is doing.
-I will start regularly writing again.
-Stay focused on God's love.
-Ask God to identify you in Christ.

I love you all :)

Thanks for following....

Stuck in this today.... "Lord, who can dwell in your sanctuary? Who can live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart".... Psalm 15:1&2


Alright, hope you all realize how blessed you are.... Remember, John 1:16 says, "Out of the fullness of God's grace we have all received one blessing after another"


Grace & Peace to you all....

<3 Chynna Love

ps- here are some pictures to show you what I have been up to....











Thankful for: new friends, UM, and long days.

Day sixty!

DAY SIXTY!!

:) Be glad in your heart

Psalm 15

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?

2 The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
3 whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,
and casts no slur on others;
4 who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the LORD;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
5 who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
will never be shaken.

more scripture...
"For everything God created is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer" 1 Timothy 4:4&5

"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction" 2 Timothy 4:1&2

Thankful for: peace, Christin, prayer and Love Himself.

He promised me a Warrior

To completion, I have decided to stay,
Until the completed yes is said and done.
I will patiently wait on time,
As if time would ever wait on me.

Wondering, tossing, turning, and hoping
Hoping on more than the dirt underneath.
My hope is set in heavenly places,
Places not created for earthly beings.

Hope of love and peace and truth,
Where God has promised me you.
Not you in particular, but you
A warrior to fight alongside me.

He promised me a warrior,
For He remembered my name.
My name means fragile love,
Indeed I am admitting to my weakness.

I am weak in strength,
But strong in love.
Loving out all sickness, bruises and pain
Has become my death and therefore my gain.

Not just any man will do,
But it is required that the man is you.
You come in power, in the name of my Lord
You come with permission from my Father.

Where you are or where you have been,
I do not know.
The name you come in has been revealed to me,
The rest is but a mystery.

I do not claim your perfection,
But I am confident that you have seen Perfection face-to-face.
You have held Him tight and followed Him boldly,
You fight for faith and see Christ as your embrace.

Until completion finally makes a way to me,
I will fight on my knees.
Praying, seeking, fasting for your death,
That you would daily die to glorify the crucified.

Until completion finally makes a way to me,
I will wait on heavens promises,
And joyfully dream away.
I will joyfully dream of life with thee.

Leaning on Who You Are

Leaning not on what I know,
But on what you called to be long ago.
Wisdom rested gently at your side,
As you created the heavens and earth without a guide.

Leaning not on who I am now,
But trusting that you will change me somehow.
For I am young and my ways are known,
But as I grow you know that I seek you alone.

You called to be what was not,
Saying worship me with many a thought.
Your creation turned back on you,
The one who is righteous, pure and true.

Separated you were from what you made,
Desperate for truth, the truth was nothing but a fade.
A fade it was, for they knew you not.
Seeking life, so your Sons death bought.

You sent the one who would never disobey you,
To reconcile to yourself those who had turned their back on you.
What is man that you would sacrifice for them?
What is creation that He would die for them?

Who has known a god like you?
A god who makes a way for his people to come to,
One who fights hard to keep what’s his,
Even when they fail him and refuse what he says.

None have known any like you, Yahweh.
For you alone made a way for us to stay,
You alone forgive our sins and make a way,
You alone partner with us day to day.

Leaning not on what I know,
But trusting you to keep me low.
To keep me humble in your sight,
Faithful to your word, and strong in might.

Leaning not on who I am,
But on the precious blood of the lamb.
Worshiping you with every part of me,
Here, now, and forever into eternity.

Day fifty-nine!

DAY FIFTY-NINE
Taking back what is mine.

"Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near."
Isaiah 55:6


This is my friend, Tenneale. They sent us this picture today. There was more information enclosed in this email, and I have also contacted a few friends of mine in Australia and the understanding is that Tenneale committed suicide. The last thing I wanted to hear. This makes it hard for me to know what her beliefs were when she passed. All I can go off was the last time we talked when she said that she did not know God.
My friend passing away is hard. Yes, it is. Hearing how is even harder. But, I must share with you all my heart in this. God is really showing me the urgency to spread the gospel. To really love people. To show them hope. To show them truth. What we have is truth and not many people have it. Who are we to hoard it? Who are we to think it is only for ourselves? If that is our mindset, I question with confidence... are you sure you are following the way?
Jesus Christ laid down His life for us sinners. If anything, I am understanding how my life means nothing. I would rather lose my life trying to share the gospel with my friends than watch them die without the gospel. I should be the one to lose my life. My eternity is secured in Christ Jesus.
Please be encouraged by the death of my friend. Please go out and tell the dying they are dying. Be bold for Christ. Please.

Proverbs 8:30&31
"Then I was constantly[e] at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind."


How neat? Wisdom was at His side. Oh the joy. It makes me cry every time I read Proverbs 8. To be wisdom. Because she is always at His side, I do seek her.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."-Matthew 7:7-8

Thankful for: Jesus Christ, forgiveness, and communion with God.

Day fifty-eight!

DAY FIFTY-EIGHT

learning, learning, learning... you know

Last night, I was on the phone with my friend Christin and decided to check my email... I had a message from my professor, Dr. Taylor. In the beginning of the summer, I made a trip to Sydney Australia with him. Well, the email read "shocking news from australia" with an attachment that said

"Dr Taylor,

I know you all are having a busy summer but I wanted to let you all know of
some bad news we received today.

We are not sure of all the details but Tneil, the young lady who worked at
the Aris coffee shop, passed away last night.  I know some of your team
members had befriended her and had been a ministry to her.  I will be glad
to pass some details along as I get them if you would like.

Please pray for her parents and brother who are left behind.

Thanks
Andy"

This was my least favorite news ALL day, ALL summer, ALL YEAR. How come this had to happen? When I was in Australia, God really blessed me by allowing me to meet Tenneale. She was a barista at Gloria Jeans, where we spent most of our time. Seriously, I spent more time in Gloria Jeans those ten days than I spent ANYWHERE else. Tenneale was a very faithful and hard worker, she worked every single day that we were there (she might have had one day off, cannot remember). Either way, I felt extremely attracted to her... the attraction was of the Lord and one to tell her of His love for her. I remember very clearly one day, just sitting on top of the freezer while she worked and talking to her about the Lord. She probably thought "Chynna is asking way too many questions." But I asked anyways and I shared with her the importance of surrendering to God. She was glad to hear what I had to say, and I could tell because she kept smiling. The only problem was, I felt as if maybe she did not really want Him. I even want to say she said she would surrender all to Him when she got older, because that's what older people do.

Being in Australia was one of the most challenging times of my life, not because it was bad in any way... but because mentally, I was not focused on God's amazing grace the way that He calls us to. This caused me to be less bold and more selfish. Forgive me, Lord. Deep down, I know that there is more that I could have shared with my friend Tenneale and I did not.

When I received the email last night, I started to cry heaps. All I could do was cry & pray in my prayer language (and I am not ashamed to write that). It was as if God was speaking through me and to me... and although I might not have fully understood what I was praying, God comforted me. Every time that I started to cry, God would pray through me or calm me down in any way that He saw fit. I was thankful.

It is hard to think that she passed away. To remember all the time that I had to share with her the love of God. I know God placed us there for her. That could not be more obvious. My deepest desire is that some time in between my conversation with her & her death, she gave her life to Christ. I feel like the more emails we receive from Australia, the more I will know.

God has opened my eyes to the truth that life is nothing. It comes and it goes. My prayer life has changed since I received the news about Tenneale. I am not ashamed of the fact that God often prays through me. He wants me to pray always; He wants every one to pray always. For prayer is nothing less than communion with the CREATOR of the us all. Prayer is beautiful.

Every where that I go, every person that has walked by me has been lifted up to heaven. I can not help but bless all that surround me.

To think, God used the death of a sweet precious friend of mine to draw me closer to His heart. His thoughts & ways really are much higher than mine.

The night was full of tears, prayers, reading and eventually sleeping.

I was supposed to go to church with my friend Christin this morning, but it did not work out... because I woke up in so much pain. Please pray for me. My physical body has been in so much pain lately. I will randomly fall into heaps of pain. My stomach, heart, lungs... just everything starts hurting and all I can do is bend down and wait for some of the pressure to be released. If you could pray that God would completely and totally heal me, I would be grateful. Bless you for your prayers.

Well, I ended up reading in Matthew this morning. So blessed by Matthew 5:3-9.

After some extra rest, I felt led to go to IHOP atlanta. Not the pancake restaurant. IHOP stands for international house of prayer. It is a mission base in Atlanta, a half a mile away from my stepdad's house.

http://ihop-atlanta.com/en_history.html

As I was getting out of my car I heard God say "Quiet & gentle. Quiet & gentle."
Then suddenly I started praying this,

I haven't a Bible or anything to read
Is it my soul you want to feed?
By prayer and petition, I'll present my request
When I must leave my heart will be at rest
You answer all my prayers with a kiss
In Your presence there is nothing that I miss

As soon as I got into the prayer room, I knew God had called me there. I was so blessed in His presence. I was literally refreshed. Being with Him is really the only place I want to rest. Just soaking in His presence is enough for me. Always.

My time at IHOP Atlanta was beautiful. I will go back. I always want to go back there when I leave. It never fails. The place isn't what attracts people, it God's Holy Spirit... Not that His Holy Spirit only dwells there, but it is welcomed there. IHOP Atlanta, like many other sanctuarys, is a safe place for Christians to just rest in His presence without the rush of life surrounding them.

The worship leaders were most definitely lead by Holy Spirit. Every song that they sang spoke directly to my spirit & reminded me of God's love. God spoke through every word that they sang. All glory to Him.

Leaving IHOP Atlanta I realized that my prayer was answered.

I am starting to really understand what God requires of us... that is, ALL.

Thank you to all who prayed for me. God heard you.

Thankful for: God's grace and mercy, the prayers of my friends and time alone.

What is time that we would count it?

What is time that we would count it?
That every thing we do we do in it.
What power does it have over you and I?
Power to change our hello into a goodbye.

What is time that we would count it?
Counted worthy to decide if we’ll stand or sit.
We use it for every thing, big and small.
To determine how long we will stay down when we fall.

As if time were power, something we measure our lives upon.
We bow to it as it becomes what we count on.
How dare we forget that time is something we created.
It was not acknowledged when God rested with Himself, it was a little belated.

Time is a choice, a way of life.
If you count on it, count on strife.
You set the hour, plans and all.
Time leaves you thinking you are in control, which becomes your fall.

There is a way to live a timeless life.
Where the Eternal One calls us His wife.
A place of calm security,
Not rushing around in impurity.

Slow down and see that time is but a way.
Learn to live in the timeless everyday.
Let God remind you of your inward sanctuary,
Letting go of time as you see the necessary.

Day fifty-seven!!

DAY FIFTY-SEVEN

a few days have passed... but, what is time that we would count it? :)

It has been a few days... and I am so thankful to say I HAVE NOT BEEN BLOGGING. My brother, stepdad & I went to the cabin for the weekend... we spent so much time on the lake tubing & just relaxing in the sweet water. Before we left, I felt the need to say goodbye to facebook and my phone for the trip. I knew this meant my entire computer would be resting in my room, not just facebook. So, I left it behind... it was the BEST decision I have made in a long time. Thank You Lord for the grace to say no to the world and yes to resting in Your sweet arms.

Well as you can imagine... forty-eight hours without technology can really change a person... honestly, it is not the "without" that had any effect on me.. it was the "within"... the inward reflection on what really mattered instead of the constant checking up on what was happening outside of my walls. God knew that I needed a break to remind me of how much I love BREAKS!!! I am a breaker. Always enjoying a rest in God's presence, a look into His eyes, an afternoon in His arms.... it's either that I love breaks or I am a fool in love with the King of Kings.... I prefer to claim to latter.

A brief overview of what I have learned... RELEARNED and meditated on these two days.
-God is God.
-God is good.
-Listening is required.
-Loving is a result of being loved.
-Working is not required.
-Working is a result of being loved.
-Being quiet is altogether beautiful.
-God is speaking.
-God is inside of me.
-Our instructions will never need to be re-written.
-Jesus simply commanded us to love.
-If you are a Christian, stop trying so hard.
-God just straight up loves you.
-I enjoy my spiritual gifts & refuse to pretend that I do not.
-Writing is a gift God has given me.
-Friendships that are of God are legitimate friendships.
-I am loved way too much not to share the joy and peace within my heart.
-God's favor rests upon those who REST in Him.
-I am a huge no one, yet I am someone.
-I am the worst of all sinners.
-Forgiveness is freeing, simply forgive.
-God is God.

*May have purposefully repeated the most important one.

There was so much that happened this weekend and I wish to be able to write it all down and share it all with you... but, I do not feel called to do that and even if I did, you most likely would not see it for weeks, because that is how long it would take to write it all out.

Anyways, I just want to say that there is peace and joy available to all of God's children.

Do you long for God more than you long for anything else? When you first wake up do you think of God and wait patiently for His voice? All throughout the day, do you look for God? When you are asked for advice do you immediately go back to what God has taught you? Does the mention of His name bring a smile to your face?

-Just asking questions that are real-

If you have a longing for more... for intimacy with God... it is available. All you are required to do is literally REST in His love. Gaze upon Him. Look at Him. Stop being so busy & just rest in who He is. Thank Him for who He is. Let go of everything you are to follow Him. It literally takes letting go of all... and if you are not ready to do that, you not ready to serve God.

Devote yourself to God.

Thankful for: God.

Consistency.

Create in me consistency.
A constant communion with You alone.
Deep within, behind all closed doors.

Communicate to me purity.
Reveal truthful mysteries.
In the quiet of my mind, show Yourself.

Expose me in light.
Discipline me with consistency.
Let Your faithfulness speak to me.

Expand my view of You.
Withhold not, for it is You I seek.
Lord, O Lord, create in me consistency.

Day fifty-five!

DAY FIFTY-FIVE

this morning I was on skype with a friend. we discussed the way God can protect a woman's heart if she gives it to him. this was my response and I felt like this was all I needed to say to you all today.


He is the only one that is able to protect my heart, and that is for sure. My mind wonders & does all kinds of flips of it's own, but the moment I submit to God's authority and love, I feel 100% covered. Simply because I am. The verse that is always on my mind is "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" Proverbs 4:23 and I often find myself praying, GOD GUARD MY HEART, FOR I CAN NOT DO IT ALONE... or even just a pure, Yours only God. I am Yours only.

And it is so beautiful. Just recently I had to ask Him to protect me in every way.. I told him that on my own, I was going to make a mess of something & genuinely asked Him to take the thoughts from me & He did. It was so beautiful. so beautiful. His protection is literally beyond me. Nothing I can comprehend on my own.


Thankful for: my Father in heaven.

Heart, why have you?

Heart, why have you?
You concentrate steadily on this newer known.
Instead of wondering on imperfections,
you gladly remember the stories he told.

Heart, why have you?
You simply say yes to something strange.
Yes strange it is, for it is not fully known.
Questioning is erased and replaced.

Heart, why have you?
You replace the questions with a fact.
Fact is, you are heels over head.
Or is it, head over heels.

Heart, why have you?
You choose faith over reason.
No fear in this newer known.
What if you end up bruised?

Heart, why have you?
You must be guarded.
For the sake of all.
For the sake of my King.

Heart, why have you?
You fight my every reason.
I must shut the door and lock you up.
You, heart, are not ready for this newer known.

Day fifty-four!

DAY FIFTY-FOUR




just a few pickchersss from today

The entire day was awesome! Altogether, wonderful... to say the least.

My little brother had seventh grade registration, so I spent the morning with him getting his books together, helping him find his classes, and watching him figure out a locker :) Talk about enjoyable. My mom and I did the best we could being quiet and letting him figure things out on his own... it was hard & I might have failed :)

We (Alex & I) then headed out of Mobile & to Atlanta... a long drive, for sure :) But it was enjoyable in every way. My little brother is hilarious. I have come to the understanding that all people are humorous, well guys at least... I love it :) How did I not realize how funny men are MY WHOLE LIFE? Hehe.

It was super cool being with my brother. As I drove, I asked him to read aloud to me the first chapter of a book called A Testimony of Devotion. The entire chapter was about the inward acknowledgement of God's voice... the inward recognition of God's presence... about experiencing God inwardly and then sharing with the world what we have known to be true. It was beautiful.

After that, he read the book of James out loud to me. We discussed the book, the entire read. Hearing my sweet baby brother ask me questions about living a holy life and hearing all that he is learning blessed me so much.

During the trip, we listened to a podcast of the Ramp (I love podcasts)... and Damon Thompson talked about getting back the wine... it is a sermon that I have heard a bunch of times (and it always makes me laugh to listen to it, because I hear my voice in the background saying things like "come on") but every time, God uses it to bless me. There are many unusual things about the sermon, like the volume of Damon's voice and the amount of people hollering all sorts of things, but it is still a wonderful illustration. At one point, Damon said "If we are gonna go back to a glory we lost, we are gonna have to go back to a groan we lost".... he was saying how, we cannot expect to walk in God's glory without pursuing it... :) Think about it.

It was overall sweet & enjoyable.

Towards the end of the trip, I did not understand how we were going to end up at our destination (something like home). All I knew was that I was supposed to take a left off of the highway that we were on. In my mind, I could understand how we were going to turn left... since every exit was on the right. My little brother kept saying "we are not there yet" and I kept saying, "but, all of the exits are on the right" and he kept saying "chynna, we aren't there yet"... about the third time he told me that he followed it with "you will see when you get there" and I heard God speaking to me... He showed me how my entire life, relationships have gone one way... and how I expect the relationship that He is going to give me to go the same way... and how, that is not what is going to happen. He told me that I will not fully understand until I am there and it is before me. That excites me!! HEHE! -just so you guys know, THE EXIT WAS ON THE LEFT AND IT ALL WORKED OUT-

Once we got home (in Atlanta) we were glad :) Seeing Dan (my stepdad) really blessed me. He is a great dad, for sure.

The last couple of hours have been great, for sure.

"If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." James 1:26&27

Now, some rest and such.

ps- I just read my friend Matt Moore's status and it said "Be praying for my friends Chris and Bonnie Cretton in Uganda. Bonnie has tested positive for Malaria. She has had very high fever and chills. Pray for them as Bonnie will not be able to return to the States until she is clear of Malaria. Pray for Doctors and others to be able to treat her well and that she will get the meds she needs ASAP. Pray for Christ to be patient and to find Peace in the midst of this all"... please be in prayer for this couple. Bless you all.

Thankful for: Atlanta home, Alex, Dan, friends who love me, the way God keeps His children united.

Day fifty-three!

DAY FIFTY-THREE!

Today has been still. Been spending time with my mom & little man (Alex, my brother). Most of the day, I spent sleeping... just resting and catching up on what I may have missed this summer.

Throughout the day, I had a few things on my mind... mainly because they were fresh and happening currently. There is something else though that always re-enters my thoughts. It is a person. He should not be there, but to be honest... he is. So you all know, I struggle in the same way a lot of you do... but, God has given us everything we need to overcome, to be victorious! I feel victorious, regardless of how silly my mind may be.

This morning when I woke up, I read in the book of Matthew. So many beautiful things stuck out to me. For starters, when Satan came to Jesus.... Jesus was so strong and amazing. He had the Word of God written on His heart and was able to overcome the evil one. Hallelujah. I have written much about it in a letter to a friend, but find it necessary to tell you all to read Matthew 1-4 today and look at the life of Jesus. In chapter 4, I was overwhelmed... It is wonderful. Jesus calls out Peter and Andrew and they straightway left their nets and followed him (verse 20) and again, he calls for james and john. They also left their belongings (and father) to follow Jesus (verse 22). As I thought about it, those men were probably extremely glad to be CALLED by God. It is an exciting thing to be known by your Savior, to be able to follow Him. My prayer is that we, as believers, would be as excited and ready to share the good news with all that we encounter, so that God would be glorified through our ever action and so that we would be used to pull people out of the way of sin and into the wonderful light that we know as life.

There are many things on my mind.

Please pray that I would understand the grace that I have been given, that I would be a carrier of the gospel in all things.

Being with people that "know you" can be challenging. I choose to face my challenges with joy and confidence.

Thankful for: family, rest, the life of Jesus and spaghetti.

Day fifty-two!

DAY FIFTY-TWO

I really just want to be a wife of noble character. My desire is to be a woman who respects her husband and submits to him always. To bring God glory through the relationship with my husband is what I long for. Yes, I am young... Yeah, I do not have a husband yet... but I believe that those who desire to be wives and those who desire to be moms... will! So, I am standing firm in that today.

Just so y'all know... some days I think of being married often.... and that's just the truth.

It is days like these when I realize that all I can do is pray & seek God concerning my future. He is in total control and is the only one who is able to work all things together for my good.

Today, I am leaving Thomasville... heading to Mobile, then Atlanta... I will spend about a month away from Thomasville and then head back to live with the Hilbun's for a little while. There are changes being made & I am so grateful for them.

So much has happened that just reminds me of the amount of grace that I have been given. If you know me, you know that material possessions are not that important to me. Yeah, I am a girl who shops... but I am not completely consumed with the idea of having the latest things... well, this summer God had to remind me of the importance of putting no hope in things of this earth... as soon as I learned that lesson, He started blessing me with all kinds of gifts.... so undeserved.

He has used Brandi & Michael to really bless me in every way. It has been FOREVER since I have received so many gifts at once... but, through receiving ... I am beginning to see how much God wants for us. I am realizing how everything belongs to Him and if we live to please Him, He blesses us with presents... simply because He loves us.

I have been overwhelmed by His love lately... just falling on my knees praising Him.

Guys, I really would appreciate your prayers... My heart is calling out for REST & CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP. When I say Christian fellowship, I mean... getting together with other believers and communicating with God together. Our communion is not only supposed to be with each other only, but with God Himself.

Well, I need to go read now. Hope you all find yourselves drawing closer to God Himself...

Oh and one last thing... I came across this verse in James 1 yesterday that said something like this "Those who consider themselves religious, and yet do not keep a tight reign on their tongues so deceive themselves and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and holy is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world"

Think about it.

Love you all.

Thankful for: God, Brandi & Michael, Thomasville, the Hilbun's, and tears.