Bring me the sacrifice of your time.....

Bring me the sacrifice of your time; a most precious commodity. In this action-addicted world, few of my children take time to sit quietly in My Presence. But for those who do, blessings flow like streams of living water. I, the one whom all blessings flow, am blessed by our time together. This is a deep mystery; do not try and fathom it. Instead, glorify Me by delighting in Me now and forever.

-Jesus Calling

I am going to be very transparent and honest in this post. And before I begin I want to clarify that I am not writing it to be given the ok that my actions are normal, or receive sympathy. I am writing it because the subject has been on my heart and believe God has a purpose for me sharing it. Even if I'm not sure what that purpose is yet. 

I have a hard time stopping my day, either at the beginning or end, and spending time reading the bible and spending quiet time with God. When I make the sacrifice I never regret it. God always meets me right where I am at, even if some days he is silent--I still feel that my time was worth it. I pray constantly, read the bible regularly (never at a specific time) but I have felt for awhile that God wants me to set aside a specific time and give that to him daily. Not haphazardly give my time when I get the time. His presence is very clear in my life, but I really struggle with carving out time and really getting into the book/praying and doing nothing else. I usually pray on my way to work, pray in class, pray with my Mom, pray on the way home, but rarely sit and just focus on praying. My mind is preoccupied with other things while praying. God has been talking to me for awhile about setting that time aside.

This year, one of my resolutions was to read through the bible. Well, it is August and I am almost through II Samuel. If I don't get going soon, I am going to fail! (And I hate not completing a resolution!)

A few "excuses" that I have (and I put excuses in quotes because no excuse is a good one in this case) are, I can't remember every story. As a historian, I feel like I need to memorize and it is just overwhelming. Another "excuse" is that I want to memorize all the important scriptures I come across....have you read the bible?! Almost every chapter has an amazing scripture! 

And I guess what I am coming to is that within the bible reading  time I desire to spend time alone with God. I cannot even fathom why the Creator of the Universe would desire to spend time with me, or that he waits on me and for me to come to Him. I can't even comprehend it. What I do know is that when I stop my day and read the bible and just sit quietly he always shows up. Regardless of the time of day, or how I am feeling, He is there. How, after I stop and spend time with Him and in His word the blessings spring forth. His gentle nudge each time to stop is sometimes ignored, and on those days I always regret it, for when I do stop and spend time with our King my joy is always overflowing, my peace is restored, my ability to love is deepened, my energy is renewed. I wonder in those moments why it took me so long to stop, and I realize that the devil who waits like a roaring lion is the one who tries to steal that joy away.

On Monday a new school year will begin and I have decided to wake up each day 30 minutes early. I am vowing to set my alarm, turn on my light, sit up in bed, and spend time with my savior each morning before my feet even touch the ground. I will not allow satan to have any part in deciding if I spend time with my God or not and I WILL get through that bible this year! I want satan to be scared when I awake.

I know it is going to be tough at first, but oh the reward. For just one moment in the presence of my Lord is worth more to me than anything.

 

If you have a prayer request, please let me know. I'd love to pray for you each morning. Also, consider joining me in my challenge. Actually is more than a challenge, it is destiny! Oh how I long to do everything I was called to do while here on this earth, oh how I long to hear, "good job faithful servant."

If you want to join me, let me know, we can keep each other accountable.

****Update--Day two and I'm going strong! I serve a mighty God!

Detroit WOW Jam-Everything by Lifehouse

I know it is shaky, and a bit distorted, but it is the drama that I did in Detroit on Saturday.

Detroit Day 6--Last Day :(

Waking up this morning was such sweet sorrow. The magnificent, heavenly day we had yesterday drained the life from my body. I was exhausted and yet so full, full in the spirit. If you are a Christian and have never been on a mission trip I encourage you to take the step of faith and DO IT! My life is forever changed, my heart is forever different, my destiny is forever changed. The explanations on my blog the past 6 days DO NOT do my trip justice. If you are at all moved by my writing this week just understand it is a fraction of what I have experienced. No amount of writing could explain the spiritual miracles I've seen this week. The way in which God moved in the 63 people out here is beyond anything that can be put in words. The way in which I have seen, heard, and felt God changing not only the 250 people who received Christ yesterday, but the change in the people who came on the trip is just as much of a miracle. I've seen growth, I've seen healing, I've seen love. Love to the fullest measure, love like no other. Our greatest commandment was to love one another and I've seen that this week.

After breakfast this morning we went back to the community center to be a part of the inaugural church service with Pastor Michael and this wife Minister Margaret AND to see some baptisms. The following pictures are from the morning.

Getting the pool ready!

The fire department came out and filled that sucker up in less than five minutes!

Yup, the water was that color! Also, the weather was cold! The people who got in that water were serious, it was freezing and windy today!

Linda/Peaches of Peaches and Herb. (She sings Reunited!) She is SO kind and a true woman of God. Her vision for the nation and her love for people is beyond what most can even comprehend. She prayed over our performance when we got off the stage yesterday and it was such a sweet blessing.

Steven. I am thankful for his vision and the fact that he followed God's plan for his life. His ministry changed my life. I will go to every WOW Jam I possibly can!

Coco, Steven and Linda's daughter. She wants to be a history teacher. I love her! She is as much of a servant as her lovely parents.

Christine, fellow history teacher (not the same school)...we both teach US History. Love her!

Ricky-he played Jesus and taught us the drama. I am thankful for his insight and patience for us as we were learning. If not for him and his love for Christ we wouldn't have had the direction we did. He is an amazing dancer and fellow CrossFitter(so he had my respect right away!) Thank you Ricky.

The church service was fantastic and seeing a new pastor be prayed over and released into the community was blessed. I will pray for Pastor Mike as he begins his new journey. 

The new church banner hanging in front of the WOW truck.

The attendees this morning.

This little boy got saved yesterday and came alone to church today. He even brought his new bible (you can see it on the seat next to him). I wanted to take him home.

Baptisms. Amazing celebration!

This precious baby was about four years old and was riding a bike (fixed yesterday) that was 3x his size. He still had his face paint on from yesterday. He was holding onto a can of soda that he dropped about 100 times. I switched him out for a pink Gatorade (the color he wanted). I wanted to take him home too. Precious child, I pray for your sweet baby.

After lunch and cleaning everything up we headed to downtown for a short drive through of Detroit. 

Comerica Park! 

Tall GM building.

The left side of the river is Canada and the right side is Michigan.

Praising God for an amazing week!

Gotta bust out the CrossFit skills (ignore the swollen bloated-from-too-much-salt belly!).

Pastor Willie and Anna at the park. If not for the love of these two I don't know that I'd be on this trip. I am thankful for them and their amazing gift of leadership. I am blessed to serve under them. 

I can't wait to go on another trip. I can't wait to see how I can use all that I have learned on this trip at home. I can't wait to serve God some more. I will never serve the same ever again.

Side note--I wrote yesterday about how I felt after doing the drama. I want to add something about that. When I was headed to bed that night I reflected on the day and I was slightly sad that I didn't make a strong connection with anyone. See, before I went on this trip I prayed and fasted that the power of God would be used through me. I prayed this prayer over and over and I begged God to use me in a powerful way. I have seen with my eyes the power of the Holy Spirit and I wanted to be used in a mighty way not just witness his power. At the end of the day yesterday I called out to God and asked him, "why didn't I get to pray with someone to accept Christ" then he showed me, He reminded me that I was used up on that stage to touch so many. He reminded me that he spoke directly to me and had me speak into two different people's lives, he reminded me that HE took over and performed that role. How easily I was going to take the glory from God  and allow satan to tell me I didn't do enough. I was shocked at my own feebleness and stopped and asked for forgiveness. For God answered my prayer, he used me, and his power was flowing through me. For there is power in the name of Jesus! Praise God that he chose to use me, and use me in a mighty way. 

I serve a mighty God. I serve the King of the Universe! He loves me so much and you know what? He loves you too. If you are sitting reading this and have never accepted Jesus into your life and have never felt the amazing love that is given by serving our Lord, I want to invite you to know him. I want to invite you to ask him into your heart. He died for my sins and yours and because of his sacrifice we can have eternal life in heaven. What an amazing gift to be given for FREE. If you don't know Jesus personally, ask him to be your savior, admit you have sinned, and and ask for forgiveness. It is as easy as that. The peace that comes with knowing him is nothing you've ever experienced. I pray in the name of Jesus you accept him, like I have. I can't imagine living even one day without the protection and provision and favor that my Father gives me. 

I am not done writing about Detroit. Currently I am on an airplane heading home and tomorrow I begin working on the new school year, but once a few days have passed I want to write one or two more reflections of the trip. Once I have digested it all and let it sink into my spirit, by then I hope the video is ready to link.

For I can to all things through Christ who strengthens me! I can, and I will! For he has a plan for my life and I can't wait to see where I go from here.

Detroit Day 5-WOW Jam Day

Wow Jam--Winning our World. Jesus and Me.

The day began like any other. Waking up slightly tired from the day before, getting ready, eating breakfast...but the day would unfold like a pre-prepared dance that only The Lord could ordain.

Prayer warrior Dolly who prayed for my nerves right before this picture.

We were on those buses almost as soon as we had finished breakfast. Prayer, prayer and more prayer were a part of the morning, once we were off those busses at the Woodbridge Community center pauses and calamity were not on the agenda until the evening time. God had prepared my heart all week for this event and walking off that bus I felt calm, energetic and ready for whatever God wanted to do for the day. Ready or not, it was game time! (Remember earlier in the week when I compared today to a football game? Well it was time to fight, fight the enemy and WIN! In Christ we are already victorious!)

Once off the busses it was time to WORK, and work we did. We had to set up 22 tents (not EZ-ups) and they weren't that easy to put up. But with the dance that God had prepared we worked together and the work seemed light. Every time someone needed something someone would step in without asking and fill in. Not one person stood around and everyone just worked. It was amazing to watch. Transforming a huge field into a huge party in just a few short hours.

Pictures of the transformation

Tent making class

Stage being assembled and tents going up.

The bike line at noon (two hours before the event started).

Being a beast and carrying a case of water on my shoulder!

After the event was set up we had lunch and some short meetings. Then it was GO time. The booth that I worked in was such fun. I got to ask kids what they wanted to be when they grew up and then dress them up like their career. Once they were dressed up we took a picture of them in their costume and printed it out then placed them in frames. Tell God's children that he had a purpose for their life and they were loved by God was fun. The smiles on the faces were priceless. Giving that love and happiness to someone is nothing that I can even describe. Children that wanted to be nurses and football players and princesses. The joy in their faces as I told them they are beautiful and smart and worthy. I was sad when the time has passed and we had to close down our booth. I want to photograph every kid (and adult) there! 

One of our future nurses:)

Once the booths closed the people were directed to the stage and Pastor Steve had tons of fun games, prizes and performances to entertain the crowd. The people were having fun. One of the most innovative things I saw was water balloons shot into the crowd with money inside them. Other things included, chubby bunny, singing contest and tug-o-war. It was such fun watching these people act like kids and having fun. Some looked so hardened by life but the joy as they were in the hula hoop contest or responding to a group yell(I am special because God made me) was something that I've never seen before. As the booths closed and we worked hard and fast to get everything (all 22 tents/booth supplies) taken down I began praying over the people there, praying for Steve and praying for our drama (which at this point was getting closer and closer).

Peaches (of Peaches and Herb-AKA Linda AKA Pastor Steve's wife) sang a couple of songs-including Reunited. Then they sang Lean on Me. At this point the drama group were together and praying and back stage.

I was preoccupied by all the happenings of the afternoon but when Ricky(played Jesus and taught us the skit, he was amazing) called me over and told me it was time to climb the stairs to go on stage, my heart was beating 1,000 miles a minute. I was directed to go on and took my place. Steven ended up taking a few minutes longer (or what felt like a few minutes with my nerves!! It was probably 30 seconds) so I was on stage for a bit. I began calling out to God to take over and take away all my feelings. I felt a peace come upon me and I put my head down, which was my starting position. When my cue came up it was as if I didn't see anyone in the audience and only was dancing and performing for an audience of one. Nothing else mattered except to please Him. All my anxiety melted away and I just did it. Sitting here typing I still can't believe I did it. That the audience was cheering when I went running for Jesus and people were crying (as I was told after). I can't believe that Linda (AKA Peaches) said that it was one of the most anointed performances of the drama she has seen. I can't believe that Steve said that he didn't even need to preach because the people were ready right then and there to accept Jesus(he did preach because he is a pastor! Lol). I can't believe that God used me in this way. It seems surreal. I don't believe that it would have happened in the way it did(at least on my end) if I wouldn't have submitted myself to God two days earlier when God asked me to submit to him and just obey. When two days earlier I was on my knees asking God for forgiveness for disqualifying myself from his work because I don't think I am good enough. I needed to let that go before God could work in me the way he did today. The confidence to step out was beyond anything I could do alone. It can only point to the power of God (FYI- someone filmed it and I'm working on them getting it onto YouTube so I can post it here for those who'd like to see it)

The end portion of the drama. You can see my hand behind Jesus (see previous post for the YouTube video)

Once the drama was over we were prayed over by Linda, which was much appreciated because of the emotion it took to  do the skit. Then we headed out into the audience to get ready for the alter call, what we had prepared for all week. Truly the main reason why the Wow Jam was held. When Steven talked to the people he connected, he called out people, he was real with them. He didn't paint a pretty, fake picture of being a Christian. He told them that it wasn't easy picking the path of Jesus, but still 250 people decided to give their lives to Jesus. We got into circles and prayed with people. It was surreal, wonderful, life affirming. Heaven was rejoicing! I saw this one child after and God told me to tell him some stuff. His spirit was upon that place like nothing I've ever experience. God told me something about someone else, and I talked to him. It was crazy. Following Christ is such a crazy life, but nothing like a thing else. He is good, all the time!

So many people!

Once the alter call was over they gave out the rest of the prizes and we am celebrated. Then a whole bunch of us went over to the groceries and got ready to pass them out. Right as we were ready the sky opened up and rain came down! Big, huge drops that flooded the parking lot in a matter of minutes. I was in charge of giving out watermelon, and it got crazy!!!! People love them some watermelon and it was hard to make sure that people didn't take more than one because our supply was smaller than the demand!!! I think it rain was such a wonderful way to end the day. Praise God that he held that storm off until the end of our time! He was looking out!

Tired and WET Pastor Willie and me after passing out 800 bags of groceries in the pouring rain.

Happy about the sprinkles...the storm hadn't fallen just yet.

Once the groceries were done we began picking up trash and cleaning the last bits of mess. The bike ministry was still working on all those bikes and I went over to help. Ingrid another WOL worker saw a man picking up his bike and asked him if he wanted prayer and I happened to be in the area. We gathered around him and Ingrid asked if I'd help pray for him (about 5 people were in the circle), she began and God did it again. He talked to me and told me exactly what to pray. I couldn't believe it. After she was done I took over and said the prayer. It was such an anointing time. When I was done the man turned to me with tears in his eyes and gave me a huge hug. He seemed so happy. He hugged us all and we told him about the church service. He had accepted Jesus already but didn't give him a bible. Ingrid looked over and one was on the table right next to us (divine appointment--yes!). He said he would come to service the next morning and get baptized. I pray he shows up (I don't want to say what we prayed over for confidentiality). He got onto his newly fixed bike and turned over and said, "I feel so much lighter, thank you, thank you" God is good.

He prepared us all week for today and boy were we prepared! He is good, all the time!

The rainbow were were blessed with when the Jam was over! Reminds me of His promises.

Dinner and testimonies followed this evening. I am so full of God and his love.

Today was spectacular. 

This is Montel Jr. God gave me a word for him. He will forever be in my prayers. He is a special boy and I hope and pray I get to see what God is going to do in his life.

Detroit Day 4

The days are so long that by the time I get to the end of them I tend to forget how they began.

This morning started early, well not that early, but after the late night we had it felt early! Breakfast was business as usual and I had some fruit and cereal. (Like you care about what I ate...)

After breakfast we worshiped The Lord and Micah Tucker was to share a message. The words that he shared powerful. He spoke of forgiveness and the supernatural forgiveness that Christian can give because we have been forgiven by Jesus and his sacrifice. I am sure it was probably the most difficult thing that he has ever preached on as he was discussing the murder of his sister, which just happened to be exactly one month from today. I don't know Micah that well personally, but I can only imagine the depths of sadness and pain he experienced when he got the call that his sister had been murdered by her abusive boyfriend. Yet God asked him to forgiver her killer the same day she was killed. He released that man and forgave him. I can't give the full message, but it touched everyone. By the end of the message the Holy Spirit was in the room and moving in people. We were asked to come forward if we needed to give something up. It was amazing to see the way everyone began to minister to each other. God asked me to step forward and I asked him, "why?" He told me that I needed to declare that I will never allow my past disqualify me from serving God because my past is exactly what qualifies me for service. That I wasn't going to allow the devil to tell me 'I can't' because Jesus filled in the gap for me and that I can and I will. I declared that I will always be obedient to God and his timing. I got prayed over and it was a blessed time of release. Simply, it was a moving morning. He also gave Pastor Steven a verse that spoke right to me. It is Acts 1:7-8 and basically it says, timing is the Father's business what we get not is the Holy Spirit. (Spoke right to me, I will wait Lord, and if you have me act, I will act!)--Sometimes I question God, why can't I have kids, why can't I have a husband, why can't I do this, why, why, why???? I'm done asking why, his purpose is perfect and timing is up to God, and the exchange for that worry I get the Holy Spirit. I'd rather have that! Thank-you-very-much!

After that moving morning we had a delicious lunch and the best tomato basil soup I've had in a long time. Then we headed back to the Woodbridge Community Center to do service projects(location of the church that is opening/WOW Jam). Groups were formed and the different projects included painting bathrooms, yard work, gardening, painting the baseball back stock, and preparing the area for the WOW Jam. I wasn't assigned to a group because we had to practice for the drama that we are performing tomorrow. It was a crazy, emotion filled afternoon as we ran the drama over and over. I had to stay in character and each time was so draining. It was also awesome to see how to came together. Please pray for my nerves! We performed in front of a few people but no where near the amount we will be in front of tomorrow. Pray that the Holy Spirit takes over. All for his glory. Everything. 

Pictures from the center

Jannel turned 30 today! (The one on the left)...she has been such a blessing to me! I love her and her heart, we were destined to meet....Milan on the right is also someone I love! She prayed for me last night and her heart for Jesus is just gigantic! (God has done a great work in binding my heart to so many people this week. I've never experienced anything like it before)

Enid (also love her!) Dolly-the momma prayer warrior. And Juanita-another momma prayer warrior! 

This picture stood out to me because I think it represents Detroit. It was beautiful and is such a great place but the destruction it has gone through is unimaginable. We see burnt houses all over the place, today we found out why. Apparently if a house has been vacant for any amount of time the neighborhood will burn down the house to prevent squatters (AKA drug addicts/dealers) from moving into the neighborhood. This is their prevention system, destroy the house to detour their children from being taken down by the sins of the world.

After the service projects/dance practice...we all headed back to the hotel for dinner. It was hard work running, being thrown on the ground and giving it all my emotions. We were hungry!!!

Paint stained hands from hard work!

Dinner was chicken, green beans, and potatoes. Yum! Then we had some worship and people shared testimonies.

After dinner, before worship.

More people!

All the groceries we packed to give out(produce to come tomorrow)--I know this pic doesn't follow the story line. Forgive me. I needed to document it:)

Playing the airplane game....Trust in The Lord with all your heart, lean NOT on your own understanding! (Was the lesson)

Micah! He trusted...although he kept trying to kick the engines. Lol! 

Please pray for NO rain. Right now T-storms are in the forecast. We know that the gates of hell are mad that the Kingdom of God is going to enter the city of Detroit tomorrow. We need as many prayers as we can get! Lord fall down! Keep the rain away! We go if it is raining or not, but it would be nice to have a rain free day. (Steven says, the drug dealers don't stop for the rain and neither do we!)

My nightly Uno game! Loving the community.

Ok, here is the last thing. The skit has a lot of falls and pushes and rough moments. My knees were hurting this evening, but I didn't really think much of it. I just went into my room and changed into my pj's and saw my knees and was shocked.

Good times. Lol. They are covered in bruises!!! Oh well, all for the glory of God!

Today was fruitful. Feeling SO blessed that I was chosen for this. Being in the will of God is the only place I ever want to be.