"God loves you no matter what."

Romans 8:38-39 says this: "For I am persuaded that neither life nor death, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor heighth nor death, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus Christ our Lord."

I know, I know, you're right. I'm a little behind on my blogging. The past two days haven't been that exciting, but today, something beautiful happened. Something special. Something worth remembering.


This morning I woke up with one thing on my mind. I had to e-mail my Bible paper to my Mom so she could edit it for me. After doing so, I hopped in the shower because I had my speech to finish before speech class at 9. While in the shower, I realized that I hadn't gotten down on my knees and prayed like I had been doing for the past week and a half since I started my Facebook Fasting. I quickly asked God to forgive my mistake and started to pray in the shower. You can pray anytime, anywhere right? Of course you can. So, I was saying my prayer like usual and during my prayer I asked God to show me something special today as a reminder that He loves me and is there for me.


God works in mysterious ways. It was Life and Teachings time and I was sitting outside on the promenade with my group working on a worksheet for class and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, a huge group of kids came running towards us shouting things like "Jesus loves you!" and handing out bags of cookies and brownies. A little boy came up to me and said, "Want some cookies?" I smiled brightly at him and took the cookies out of his little hand and said, "Why thank you little man." He smiled and ran on.


A note was attached to these cookies in the shape of an envelope. On the front of the little envelope was scribbled "Open. SAU person." On the inside the note read: "God loves you no matter what." When I read this, my heart was instantly warmed. A HUGE smile spread across my face and I said a silent prayer of thanks to God. He answered my prayer. He used a child to share the love of Jesus with me.


I think that is just so incredible. That just goes to prove that God can use ANYONE, no matter who you are or how old you may be. This little boy was probably no older than 6 or 7 and God used Him. It was sucha blessing to be reminded that God loves me no matter what. Just because I forgot to get down on my knees and resubmit my life to Him, He still loves me. He will never stop loving me and He will never stop loving you.

Facebook Fast Day 7

"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait on the Lord." Psalm 31:24.

Today completes day 7 of my facebook fasting. I have to say that God has definitely worked in my life this week in many incredible ways. Through many experiences, I have seen hearts touched by God, minds changed and the power of God through the little things. It has been sucha AWESOME week. I know I said that I was going to re-activate my facebook after one week of fasting, but truthfully, I don't see the need. I'm so happy now that facebook has been eliminated from my life. I don't want to go back to way things were. God is really working on my heart and I'm changing in sucha positive way.

I wanna give God more. I wanna share my life with Him. More than money can pay for, I wanna GIVE HIM MORE! I submit my life to Him totally and completely. I want God to change my heart and I pray that He will change yours too.

Facebook Fast Day 6

"Jesus said, 'let the little children come to
me, and do not hinder them for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19:14.

Day 6 was one of the most incredible days of my life. Please, let me explain. So, yesterday morning One Praise left around 9:30 and went to New Life SDA church in chattanooga and sang for the church service. It was a really incredible service! So much PRAISE! Amen, right? After we ate a lovely meal prepared by the New Life staff, we left and traveled about 10 minutes to the projects. I had never been to a place like that and I was a little anxious and definitely became aware of my surroundings really quickly.

As soon as I stepped off the bus I knew that "I wasn't in Kansas anymore" so to speak. I could hear loud gospel music playing as we reached the scene. There were rows of brick apartment buildings around the main area with clothes lines hanging outside. There was a playground in the middle and apartment buildings on either side. I recognized a lot of Southern students and staff that were part of "Westside for Jesus" who were already there and working to make sure everything was running smoothly.

I walked over to the playground and not two minutes later a little girl around the age of 7 or 8 ran up to me and said, "Can I get on your back?" I smiled brightly and said, "Of course you can." She climbed on my back we played piggy-back tag with the other Southern students who had kids on their backs too. These kids were absolutely precious. I can't explain to you how much joy I felt playing with them. As the music was playing, and I was spinning this little girl around, I felt like I was her protector; like I was gonna fight for this little girl and let nothing bad happen to her. She clung to me so tightly. Her brown eyes sparkled despite the atmosphere she was in. Tears came to my eyes multiple times as I looked around me.

A group of Southern kids organized a game of duck duck goose and I watched as a huge circle was formed and kids came from all over and joined in. I stood back and watched the big smiles and giggles that formed on their little faces and illuminated the atmosphere. These kids absolutely touched my heart. A little girl walked towards me. She probably wasn't even 5 years old. She looked about 2 or 3. I stretched out my arms and she reached up for me. I asked her what her name was, but she didn't speak. She was really shy, but sucha cutie pie. I held her and we watched the duck duck goose game together.

Soon, it was time for One Praise to meet up before our concert. I took her with me because I didn't know where her parents were. I didn't just wanna leave her there. OP formed a huge circle and E stood in the middle. We started singing the song More than Anything, and once again, tears formed in my eyes. Then, we got in groups of 2 or 3 and prayed for the Holy Spirit. After prayer, we huddled together and E gave us a little pep talk to get us ready and then there was an announcement that the food was ready to eat and then the concert.

I thought it was really cool that Southern had brought food to feed everyone. I feel like most of them probably had not had a decent meal in a really long time. It was so awesome to see them lining up to get some good food in their bellies. For some of these kids, they probably had never had good vegetarian food before.

After everyone was fed and watered, we lined up and walked on stage. There was an announcement and then we started singing our choir songs. We sang a set of about 6 songs or so. When we came to the song "Friend of a Wounded Heart", the words got to me and the tears started flowing down my cheeks. I tried to wipe them away so that it wouldn't look like I was sad to be up there praising God because I totally wasn't at all. But the words. They are so powerful. It's talking about how God meets us where we are. It definitely touched my heart.

The last song we sang was "Total Praise" and we sang it during the appeal. One of the Pastors from Oakwood was there and let me tell you, he was PREACHING. He really got down on their level and connected with them. He told them that there is hope no matter what they are going through and Jesus can be their best friend if they let Him into their hearts. It was sucha beautiful thing. I looked out around me and people had started crying and then I started balling. I couldn't hold it in any longer. I was just full of tears. I had never felt Jesus like I did right then and there.

Those people have NOTHING, and I have EVERYTHING. I made a vow that I wouldn't complain ever again about anything. I had never seen anything quite like I saw that day. My parents had always told me, "Sweetie, you need to be more thankful for what you have because others have it so much worse than you." It never really clicked until I saw it face to face yesterday.

Yesterday was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. God really blessed and I felt Him working in the most beautiful way possible. I'm tearing up as I write this because God is SO GOOD!!!!! ALL THE TIME. And we don't always stop and thank Him for all He has done in our lives. He loves us so so much and through His love, our lives are changed.

Westside For Jesus is SO amazing. It's one of the most incredible ministries that you can be apart of. I thank God for allowing me to go and experience what I did. It truly opened my eyes to realize how good I have it and how I need to be more thankful.

What a great weekend!! I was able to sing for Jesus on 4 different occasions. God really really blessed! What a great God we serve!! :)

Day 7 was today. There will be a new post soon. :)

Facebook Fast Day 5

"You will seek Me and find Me when you seek for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord." Jeremiah 29:13, 14.

Friday. Yes, Friday had finally arrived and I was so thrilled. Not only is Friday my FAVORITE day of the whole entire week, but it's the most special. It has been exactly 5 days since the disabling of my facebook. And you know what? It has been easier than I expected. I really don't miss it much at all. I thought I'd probably have facebook withdrawals, but really, it's not even that big of a deal to me. Yes, I may be cut off from the world around me, but I'm SO much more connected with my Creator that it doesn't matter anymore to me. My life can be "official" WITHOUT being "official" on facebook. I'm sure some of you understand me and can even relate.

So, what has God showed me or revealed to me today? Well, today has been really long and many events have occured. I had a huge anatomy and physiology test today that really took a lot of strength out of me. I think one of the biggest blessings I received today besides singing for Jesus tonight, was in Life and Teachings class. We talked about the signs of the times and the Second Coming. Discussing these things can either make a person scared, anxious, worried, happy, or all of the above. For me, I have hope when I think of Jesus and His soon return.

People, let me tell you. You HAVE to start now establishing a relationship with Jesus Christ. It's so so so important. I cannot stress it enough. We as humans are not even guaranteed tomorrow or the next 2 hours or the next 10 minutes. That's why we HAVE to be ready for Jesus to come. Do you see this world? It's an awful place to be! Wars and rumors of wars, nation rising up against nation, people against people! These signs are happening! Jesus is soon to return!! We HAVE to be ready!! We can't wait until its "convenient" for us to start getting to know Him. Start today, start now!! I realized a couple weeks ago, that I was not walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. I was walking on the path that I wanted...not what God wanted for me. Don't you see? You HAVE to make time for God. I was putting everything in front of Him and my life was miserable. My cure and my hope is found is Jesus Christ. Your hope and your cure for your heart ache can be found in Him if you so allow.

Sabbath is such a great time to rest. And by resting, you can now take even MORE time to get to know Him. But don't just take time on Sabbath. You must make a daily effort to dig into His Word and get to know Him better. Surrender to Him my friends, Surrender, as my friend E says. Give it ALL to Him. Not a part, not almost all, but ALL. 100%. Give Him your whole heart and your whole life and your everything and He will direct your paths.

When you search for God, you will find Him if you seek for Him with ALL your heart. God says that He will be found by you. If that is what you want for your life, DO NOT HESITATE. Give Him your heart. He will make it new.

Happy Sabbath and goodnight world. I must get rest for another day of Praising my Jesus!

Facebook Fast Day 4

"I will lift mine eyes to the hills. From where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth. Psalm 121:1

"Rain rain, go away, come again another day." Today...it poured the rain. I knew it would and when I woke up I wasn't surprised when I saw bright umbrellas moving back and forth all across campus and happy polka-dotted rainbow colored rainboots stomping in the puddles. I like rain sometimes, but it's the thunder along with the rain that doesn't really excite me as much. This morning I woke up to a thunder storm.

A couple weeks back, I experienced a horrible thunder storm in my life. At that time, I was definitely splashing in my own puddles so to speak, instead of hopping over them with God's help. It took me some soul searching and a lot of thunder storms to really realize my need of God. And now that I have found that God is really the only cure to the "big thunder-boomers" in my life, I can praise Him during the rough times. Casting Crowns wrote a beautiful song called Praise You in this Storm and here is the chorus:

"And I'll praise You in this storm,
and I will lift my hands.
You are who You are no matter where I am.
And every tear I've cried,
You hold in your hand.
You've never left my side
Though my heart is torn,
I will praise You in this storm."

Whatever trials or tribulations you may be facing, You can praise God through your rainy days and your stormy nights. God has got your back and He's waiting for you to come to Him with everything your facing. If you let Him, He will calm the high winds and send the thunder rolling in the opposite direction.

The rain was a blessing. It showed me not only that God makes everything new in His time, but that I can still praise Him through my storms.

Day 5 begins sooner than you think. :)

Facebook Fast Day 3

Proverbs 17:22 says, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

Have you ever smiled SO big or laughed so long that your face and stomach hurt afterwards? I'm experiencing that feeling right now as I write this.. It's such a "good" kind of hurt though. I just got back from attending Southern's improv show. The room was packed with people ready for a good laugh and let me tell you, laughter filled the room. The team of about 6 people are incredibly talented and very humorous. My heart was filled with glee as I watched them use their talents to put smiles on others faces. I almost feel like God was looking down from heaven and laughing with us.

It's always good to laugh. Not only is laughing very contagious, but it also has some really good effects on the body. Laughter scares away the stress that we have built up in our lives and turns it into something positive. Some people like to say that maybe Jesus was humorous when He lived on this earth.

Tonight, I was able to kick back and enjoy some good 'ol laughter and a great show. Each and every one of us has talents. Whether we decide to use our talents for the glory of God is up to us. He's the one who instilled those talents in us. Whether your talent is making people laugh or just being there to listen when others have problems, it is very important to make sure that God is in the center of those talents. When God is in the center of anything you do, you will find joy.

Today nothing too exciting happened besides attending the improv show. But God still blessed. Sometimes, it's not in the big things, but in the little things that we see God working. I saw God working through laughter and communion with those around me. Laughter brings people closer together.

For all those who have decided to follow my newfound journey, thank you and I look forward to the events of Day 4.

Facebook Fast Day 2

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'" 1 Samuel 16:7

Today was a pretty good day! I woke up late, but was so thankful that God woke me up and I made it on time for class. Gotta love those 8 o'clock classes, right?

The biggest and most memorable event today was the photography project that I got to be apart of. My friend Stephen Majors needed a model and I offered to help him out. The requirements of this project were to pick one word out of 4 different words and take a picture that described that desired word. The four words were: hot, wet, loud, and fragile. We chose the words wet and loud to play around with. I had been given the opportunity to do a couple different photoshoots in the past 6 months or so and I was excited for yet another one. But this time, after it was completed, some interesting thoughts came into my mind.

I think all of us have been told that we need to love ourselves and be comfortable in our own skin. This is something that I've struggled with for a long time. Loving myself and thinking I'm beautiful? It just doesn't come easy for me. As Majors was shooting these pictures, I realized that it doesn't matter how others see me. It only matters how GOD sees me. Psalm 45:11 tells me that the King is enthralled by my beauty. He created me and thinks I am beautiful. In Angela Thomas's book "Do you Think I'm Beautiful?", she says this:

"The God who slung the stars across the heavens...the same One who shaped the mountains and valleys with the palm of His hand...the God whose breath gives life...that God, the King, has always been taken with you. You have been noticed, He thinks you are beautiful, the glass slipper fits, the music is playing, and He is asking you to dance."

I think that is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. God thinks I'm beautiful JUST the way I am. Man looks at the outward appearance, like those pictures that were taken. But My God looks at my heart and thinks I am beautiful inside and out. I'm learning to love myself just the way God made me. I am thanking God for showing me that illustration today and helping me to realize that I can only learn to love another after I have learned to love myself.

Day 3 is right around the corner. Stay tuned :)

Facebook Fast Day 1

"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

It was time for a change. That's what I tell people when I'm asked why I deactivated my facebook and why certain things in my life are different than they were before. Last week, I hit rock bottom. That is an understatement. I realized how much in need of God I was. I decided to start making changes in my life. For the past year and a half, I have been totally and utterly addicted to the so called "life-sucking, world-altering" site called facebook. Not until recently, did I really discover how much time I was spending on fb. It was totally consuming my life. I had talked about deleting or deactivating my facebook for awhile and just never went through with it. On April 4, 2010, I made up my mind that it was time for a change. I came to the conclusion that facebook did not control me and it definitely was not going to get me to heaven. Although it took me a little bit to actually work up the guts to do it, I followed through and am now on a one week facebook fast. During this week, I plan to blog and show how God is working in my life.

So today, my friend Cassia and I bought some really yummy ice cream from the Village Market and she drove us to the Imagination Station (Park) right off the Greenway. It felt so good to get away from all the bustle and business of college life and enjoy the beautiful weather. I felt so free. There was a light breeze blowing and as the sun was setting, we both just took in the glory of the atmosphere. I could hear the swings making their familiar creaking sound and the memories of childhood flooded back through my mind. The sounds of the children giggling took me back to the time when I was young and free and so full of innocence. I had no worries back then. And now, I have so many responsibilities as a young adult that sometimes I wish I could go back to my younger years when everything was easy and I had no stress except for the occasional boo boo that happened to come along when I fell on the pavement and skinned my knee. Oh, those were the days.

Overall, it was a pretty good Day 1. I wonder what Day 2 has in store.