Past friendship

   In the midst of times like these, words are hard to come by. The majority of people here are completely and totally submerged into an intimate relationship with Jesus. Often times when people receive salvation they become acquaintances with God. As with every process, continuation usually needs to happen in order for the process to be maintained. So as the relationship continues, the word acquaintance cannot adequately express the extent of this new found relationship. A friendship usually is next. However, the friendship part of the process is where people get stuck. Maybe its because people do not know that there is so much more to God...or maybe they do and there is a lack of commitment to proceed on past the friendship and into an intimate relationship. 

   Before leaving for California to go to Bethel I heard a lot of, "Well, God is here just as much as He is there". And, while that statement is true, there is still a MAJOR difference in the atmosphere created here at Bethel. The difference lies in the relationship level the people here and (other places Im sure) strive for. You see, a friendship is NOT good enough, nor will it satisfy the intense hunger for more of God. They are so incredibly hungry for a deeper relationship with God. They have felt His love and everyday they need more to survive. God is a survival factor. We need to become so dependent on God that if we dont spend time with Him we feel as though we are dying.

   Since I have been here I feel like my love for God has grown so intensely just by being in His presence and around people who are on fire for God. Just like a wildfire spreads without question, so should Gods love in the hearts and souls of people.

   Let us cry out for more. Let us learn and continue to grow in this process. How about busting through the friendship and into the intimate relationship where we know and feel His heart. As with any relationship, the only way to do so is to spend time with Him.

   I can honestly say I have not been so great with my relationship with God...arent we glad he offers grace?! As each day passes I realize how messed up I am. THere are so many things in my life that need changing and fixing. And, God bought me a long time ago so that He could be the one to fix me and transform me and bring me into the beautiful thing called righteousness.

Worship School in California

Just a few weeks ago I found out that I have been accepted to Bethel's Supernatural School of Worship in Redding, Cali., this summer. As excitement rushed over me, a sense of helplessness did as well. You see, worshipping is my passion. God created us for this purpose, and I long to learn more about every aspect of it. One day I hope to be a worship pastor somewhere and use what I learn this summer. Classes will be hard and a lot of effort will be required, but I know that I will be able to use everything I learn towards my passion, and even though I know my God will provide, the part of asking for help bothers me. I do not want people to think I am trying to free load. So with that statement made known, I will prove my heart is true.

     Currently, I am in nursing school, and nursing school is...well...unique, haha! It is very hard and demanding. However, I still take the time to work as much as I can. I personally do not like the idea of having to pay back student loans. Therefore, I am paying for every penny of my school with the money I earn. My car has just recently died (R.I.P.), but that is a whole issue in itself haha!

     With all of that said, the point of this note is this: help is needed. I do not dwell in this situation with helplessness any more. I believe and hope in my God to provide the means necessary to make this opportunity available for me. Romans 5:5 says, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." I am going to rest in the fact that He has this situation all under control...and what a relief that is!

     Expenses are going to be great; because, as you all know, California is not that close to Phenix City, AL. Any contribution you would like to make would be absolutely amazing and appreciated. If you need your lawn mowed, call me. If you need your car washed, I'll be there. Anything! If you find your resources are limited, prayer is always needed.

                                                    Hosea 2:14-15

 "Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt." In Hebrew, "Achor" means trouble. I feel as though that is exactly where I have been in these past few months. Family craziness going on every day, seeing a murder take place and helping to contribute the aid needed to the helpless, my car dying completely, and experiencing grief so unexpectedly and real, as I lost a man so very dear to my heart. But, I feel that God is leading me into the door of hope. He holds me in His hands, and there is no other place I would rather be. Safe.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and allowing the Lord to use you in any way that you can be used! :)