Jars of Clay, one of the most epic Christian Bands of our time, have a song called "I need You" and through the years it has become one of my life's songs. Have a listen/read
Strangely out of place
There's a light filling this room
Where none would follow before
I can't deny it burns me up inside
I fan the flames to melt Away my pride
Do I want shelter from the rain
Or the rain to wash me way?
[chorus]I need you, I need you, I need you
I need you, I need you, I need you
You're all I'm living for
I might sound like a fool
But I think I felt you moving
Closer to meFace to the ground
To hide the fatal cutI fight the weight
I feel you lift me up
You are the shelter from the rain
And the rain to wash me away
I need you, I need you, I need you
I need you, I need you, I need you
(All I'm living for)I need you, I need you, I need you
You're all I'm living for
All I'm living for
You're all I'm living for[
Face to the groundTo hide the fatal cut
I fight the weight
Feel you lift me up
Can't deny it burns me up inside
I fan the flames to melt away My pride
Only had a second to spare
But all the time in the world
To know you're there
You are the shelter from the rain
And the rain to wash me away
I need you, I need you, I need you
(All I'm living for)I need you, I need you, I need you
(All I'm living for)& I need you, I need you, I need you
You're all I'm living forAll I'm living for
All I'm living forAll I'm living for
You're all I'm living for
Amen and Amen! There are so many times that I get distracted by the frustrations and mundaneness of everyday life that I forget who I'm living for - who's purpose I'm here to do. Not my will, but God's will be done within my life. Too many times life gets in the way of eternity - and taking the time to reflect on the important, eternal goals is vital to my overall faith and trust in the One and Only. Why let the busyness of everyday life take me from the desires the Lord has laid on my heart? Why is it always so much easier to say we're going to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding, than actually living it daily? What is the deal?
I need You Lord for you're all I'm living for....
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
This lot is full
Parking Spaces. Really? How is it that the Lord can speak to someone's life with something as simple as a parking spot? Seriously? It's amazing to me that Jesus is found in the small, simple things of life, just as much as he's found in the devastating tragedies of this world. Parking... Spaces... of life.
Recently, I've been struggling with my prayer life - wondering if God is even there and answering my prayers. So many times in my life it seems that He's just not listening to my requests and kind of forgets that I'm around. Then, one fine Saturday afternoon I was running errands around town and was completely exhausted and having a tough time even functioning. As I pulled into the Costco parking lot (gosh, I'm beginning to sound more and more like a mom!) I just sat in my car, Coldplay playing in the background, and said, "Lord, I'm so tired today, and I know this is a stupid request, but could you please just give me a parking space close to the door?" You know where this is going.... I pull down a row and low and behold the first parking space just so happens to be the closest to the door is open and waiting for the Tenacious mobile. All I could do is sit there and laugh/cry at the same time. He does hear my prayers!
That Saturday afternoon I was reminded of the faithfulness of the Lord, even in the little things of life. A parking space, for heaven's sake, is what it took for my simple mind to realize that God is standing beside me, hearing my calls to Him each and every hour of each and every day. That means he hears just about everything I talk about - my complaints, my needless worry, my frustration, my fears, my everything. And the funny thing is - he not only hears my requests, He answers them as well. The point is that often he says, "No" to my requests simply because they are not appropriate for my life that certain point in my life, or they are requests that He cannot answer because I'm unwilling to act...
Push me into action Jesus when you press desires and issues on my heart - that I may hear your calling. Let me accept the "no's" you send my way as blessings and times of growth, and help me to appreciate the value of the "yes'" you so freely give - that I may be a better light to You, Your Kingdom, and Your Faithfulness.
Amen!
Recently, I've been struggling with my prayer life - wondering if God is even there and answering my prayers. So many times in my life it seems that He's just not listening to my requests and kind of forgets that I'm around. Then, one fine Saturday afternoon I was running errands around town and was completely exhausted and having a tough time even functioning. As I pulled into the Costco parking lot (gosh, I'm beginning to sound more and more like a mom!) I just sat in my car, Coldplay playing in the background, and said, "Lord, I'm so tired today, and I know this is a stupid request, but could you please just give me a parking space close to the door?" You know where this is going.... I pull down a row and low and behold the first parking space just so happens to be the closest to the door is open and waiting for the Tenacious mobile. All I could do is sit there and laugh/cry at the same time. He does hear my prayers!
That Saturday afternoon I was reminded of the faithfulness of the Lord, even in the little things of life. A parking space, for heaven's sake, is what it took for my simple mind to realize that God is standing beside me, hearing my calls to Him each and every hour of each and every day. That means he hears just about everything I talk about - my complaints, my needless worry, my frustration, my fears, my everything. And the funny thing is - he not only hears my requests, He answers them as well. The point is that often he says, "No" to my requests simply because they are not appropriate for my life that certain point in my life, or they are requests that He cannot answer because I'm unwilling to act...
Push me into action Jesus when you press desires and issues on my heart - that I may hear your calling. Let me accept the "no's" you send my way as blessings and times of growth, and help me to appreciate the value of the "yes'" you so freely give - that I may be a better light to You, Your Kingdom, and Your Faithfulness.
Amen!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Nooma
Nooma is coming. Have you heard? It's the Christian worlds newest phenomenon which encapsulates a typical hour long sermon in a few short minutes. Nooma is coming, it's almost here. Have you heard of the impact it's making within our generation? This one organization is making the gospel reachable to young people throughout the United States and world. Nooma is coming... it's actually here!
Did I get your attention? I certainly hope so... today instead of hosting our typical team meeting at the local GFC, my boss brought in one of the Nooma series videos by Rob Bell. You may recognize his name.. he's the author of Velvet Elvis. A new wave or way, rather, of teaching the gospel to those around us is found in the short, concise video series called Nooma. Today's video, titled "breath" shared the depth and power of each breath our human bodies take. Within that breath there are options. Options to see others as God sees them - and our ability to be aware of those people and things around us so that we may better reach out to one another.
As the short film continues Rob reminds his watchers of the fragileness of life and how vulnerable we truly are as humans. From dust we come and to dust we go. There are no guarantees for tomorrow - just today - just this moment - just this breath. As it says in Romans 8 - breath = the Spirit. So where the Spirit of the Lord is there is breath? Interesting concept here... I would say that God's Spirit is in each and every breath he gives us. He gives us a choice with every breath we have - to serve Him, to serve the needs of others, and love on those around us - or to misuse the gifts and talents he has bestowed on each of us.
How often do we waste time worrying about what happens next? How frequently do we question our purpose? Instead, maybe we should take life as it comes - and let God lead us with each breath we take. Not worrying about what lies ahead- for God is our compass and our master planner. And not letting the past hinder us from moving forward in here and now. But using every breath that the Lord gives us to glorify Him and His purpose while we're here on earth. Easier said than done - that's for sure...
But seriously... why do we hold ourselves back so much? Why is it so hard for us to appreciate the simple gifts in life? Why do we make everything so much more complicated than it needs to be? And how do we glorify the Lord with every breath we take?
Why does anger, frustration, sadness, anxiety, confusion, and so much more plague our lives with uncertainty? Why can't we grasp a hold of the negative and throw it out of our lives.. and let our lives shine the opptimism and grace that only the Lord gives? Wow... I don't even know where to begin here... lots to work on, much to challenge my daily life by, and so much growth to do...
www.nooma.com - check it out - it's pretty gosh darn revolutionary! :-)
Did I get your attention? I certainly hope so... today instead of hosting our typical team meeting at the local GFC, my boss brought in one of the Nooma series videos by Rob Bell. You may recognize his name.. he's the author of Velvet Elvis. A new wave or way, rather, of teaching the gospel to those around us is found in the short, concise video series called Nooma. Today's video, titled "breath" shared the depth and power of each breath our human bodies take. Within that breath there are options. Options to see others as God sees them - and our ability to be aware of those people and things around us so that we may better reach out to one another.
As the short film continues Rob reminds his watchers of the fragileness of life and how vulnerable we truly are as humans. From dust we come and to dust we go. There are no guarantees for tomorrow - just today - just this moment - just this breath. As it says in Romans 8 - breath = the Spirit. So where the Spirit of the Lord is there is breath? Interesting concept here... I would say that God's Spirit is in each and every breath he gives us. He gives us a choice with every breath we have - to serve Him, to serve the needs of others, and love on those around us - or to misuse the gifts and talents he has bestowed on each of us.
How often do we waste time worrying about what happens next? How frequently do we question our purpose? Instead, maybe we should take life as it comes - and let God lead us with each breath we take. Not worrying about what lies ahead- for God is our compass and our master planner. And not letting the past hinder us from moving forward in here and now. But using every breath that the Lord gives us to glorify Him and His purpose while we're here on earth. Easier said than done - that's for sure...
But seriously... why do we hold ourselves back so much? Why is it so hard for us to appreciate the simple gifts in life? Why do we make everything so much more complicated than it needs to be? And how do we glorify the Lord with every breath we take?
Why does anger, frustration, sadness, anxiety, confusion, and so much more plague our lives with uncertainty? Why can't we grasp a hold of the negative and throw it out of our lives.. and let our lives shine the opptimism and grace that only the Lord gives? Wow... I don't even know where to begin here... lots to work on, much to challenge my daily life by, and so much growth to do...
www.nooma.com - check it out - it's pretty gosh darn revolutionary! :-)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
California Dreamin'
Disneyland is 100% correct in their slogan "the happiest place on earth". I mean, how can you go there and not be like a kid in a candy shop? Seriously though... I love that place! This week has had quite a variety of ventures for Jenny and I. Sunday started with Church in the am (love her Church - and I'm so glad that she has found a home for herself here). After Church we hopped in the CRV and headed down to Santa Monica for lunch. No joke, quite possibly the best salad I've ever had in my life was eaten at a place called Urth Cafe. We also enjoyed some desserts from there, which ended up getting all warm and icky by the time we got to our next destination - Malibu. This state is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I love just driving up and down to coast and seeing what's around. The beaches are packed on the weekends with travelers and locals just wanting to cool off on the surf. The water is the most amazing blue color you have ever seen. And the sand is pristine. I can't imagine a more beautiful drive than that of hwy 1 down the coast of Cali. Amazing!
Monday came with some seriously amazing times. Disneyland!!! We arrived at Disney to a pretty empty parking lot which made us super excited because that meant that park was not that busy. We had to wait in line for our tickets, but once we had them in hand, we literally started walking onto rides. The best part was that we would randomly get these little fast passes from Disney people at the start of the lines so we could again, just walk right on. Jesus loved us! We hit up Star Tours, The Matterhorn (Jenny's Favorite), Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mtn. Railroad, Indiana Jones, Buzz's Astro Blasters, and so much more. The funny thing was that the one line that was the longest was for the random little submarine venture of Nemo. It was like an hour plus wait. We didn't wait for that one... :-)
For lunch we went off to La Brea Bakery in downtown disney. So good! Then it was back to California Adventure where I took Jenny on Tower of Terror for the first time ever. She LOVED it! Then California Screamin' and then back to Soarin' over California. I loved it. We went back to disney that night for the fireworks show and some shopping (LOVE me some Roxy garb!). Dinner was had at Naples Italian. SO Yum-O!
Anyways.... all this rambling to say, I'm having the time of my life here. I often contemplate just up and moving down here as there is nothing holding me back from doing so at this point in my life.
Quote of the day: "Don't dwell on people from your past, there's a reason they didn't make it to your future"
AMEN!! :-)
Monday came with some seriously amazing times. Disneyland!!! We arrived at Disney to a pretty empty parking lot which made us super excited because that meant that park was not that busy. We had to wait in line for our tickets, but once we had them in hand, we literally started walking onto rides. The best part was that we would randomly get these little fast passes from Disney people at the start of the lines so we could again, just walk right on. Jesus loved us! We hit up Star Tours, The Matterhorn (Jenny's Favorite), Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mtn. Railroad, Indiana Jones, Buzz's Astro Blasters, and so much more. The funny thing was that the one line that was the longest was for the random little submarine venture of Nemo. It was like an hour plus wait. We didn't wait for that one... :-)
For lunch we went off to La Brea Bakery in downtown disney. So good! Then it was back to California Adventure where I took Jenny on Tower of Terror for the first time ever. She LOVED it! Then California Screamin' and then back to Soarin' over California. I loved it. We went back to disney that night for the fireworks show and some shopping (LOVE me some Roxy garb!). Dinner was had at Naples Italian. SO Yum-O!
Anyways.... all this rambling to say, I'm having the time of my life here. I often contemplate just up and moving down here as there is nothing holding me back from doing so at this point in my life.
Quote of the day: "Don't dwell on people from your past, there's a reason they didn't make it to your future"
AMEN!! :-)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
California Life
California is such a place of wonder and awe. I don't know why it is that each time I come down here I realize how drastically different it is from my home-state. Driving down the freeway the road sides are full of advertisements and billboards. People are in their own world and it seems to be a culture of pure selfishness. However, there is another side to Cali that is just as normal as home for me. The interesting part is the fact that there are literally pockets of people everywhere - everything is very segregated. There are the towns for the asians, towns for the hispanics, and then the white cities. Just crazy that these people can't just live together. Which makes me think, "Hm, racism is still a pretty huge thing in this world."
Okay, so day one in Cali was totally chillax - Jenny and I went off to the grocery store, and Golden Spoon (quite possibly my most favorite frozen yogurt place ever!). Then we came back to the apartment and had dinner, chatted, and went to bed. We were exhausted - poor Jenny still had Florida jet lag! It was a great start to the vacation...
Now day two is where things get interesting. We drove out to the coast and Huntington Beach (it's kind of tradition) and layed on the beach, rented beach cruisers, cruised down to Newport Beach, and then back to Huntington for shopping and dinner. Now normally, we would have been cat called like literally 30 times or more just on our bike ride- but this year no such luck. Are we getting too old? YIKES!! We did have 3 comments, and then a 5 year old hit on us. It was HILARIOUS! Fred's was the place to be for dinner that night and it was SO good after our 11 mile bike ride. After Fred's we came back to the pad, got ready for an outing, then hit the local Pasadena night life. It was so fun to spend some time with Jenny out and about. We went to this fun little lounge called Neo Meze at first, then we hit up another dance club down the street.
This is where things get interesting. So Jenny and I are on the dance floor just hanging out with us. Jenny then bets me that I can get us free drinks in the next 10 minutes. To which I say, "no problem". So we head up to the bar... and sit down looking all pretty like. And sure enough, just about 10 minutes later this older guy (prob around 40) asks us if we can have some drinks... and we're like, "sure". Turns out it was his friends bachelor party (surprise, surprise) and he asks us to take pictures with this poor guy. So we do... and then we're like "we're outie boys". So we leave... and who do we run into on the street? This guy from the club named Jordan. He's totally married... and just chatting it up with Sam and Danielle (our prospective code names). Then he invites us out again with the boys to this ultra exclusive restaurant and bar. Notice that it's about 1am at this point... and we're like ,"sorry, we have to get home". So after telling him and his friend Stewart this like 5 times - we leave. BUT - not without an invite to some pool party/out of control fest at Stewarts house the next day. SO Funny... and SO fun! I loved every minute of it! And I am so loving the California Adventure... more stories to come I'm sure! Love to all of you!
Quote for today: "You're only young once!"
Okay, so day one in Cali was totally chillax - Jenny and I went off to the grocery store, and Golden Spoon (quite possibly my most favorite frozen yogurt place ever!). Then we came back to the apartment and had dinner, chatted, and went to bed. We were exhausted - poor Jenny still had Florida jet lag! It was a great start to the vacation...
Now day two is where things get interesting. We drove out to the coast and Huntington Beach (it's kind of tradition) and layed on the beach, rented beach cruisers, cruised down to Newport Beach, and then back to Huntington for shopping and dinner. Now normally, we would have been cat called like literally 30 times or more just on our bike ride- but this year no such luck. Are we getting too old? YIKES!! We did have 3 comments, and then a 5 year old hit on us. It was HILARIOUS! Fred's was the place to be for dinner that night and it was SO good after our 11 mile bike ride. After Fred's we came back to the pad, got ready for an outing, then hit the local Pasadena night life. It was so fun to spend some time with Jenny out and about. We went to this fun little lounge called Neo Meze at first, then we hit up another dance club down the street.
This is where things get interesting. So Jenny and I are on the dance floor just hanging out with us. Jenny then bets me that I can get us free drinks in the next 10 minutes. To which I say, "no problem". So we head up to the bar... and sit down looking all pretty like. And sure enough, just about 10 minutes later this older guy (prob around 40) asks us if we can have some drinks... and we're like, "sure". Turns out it was his friends bachelor party (surprise, surprise) and he asks us to take pictures with this poor guy. So we do... and then we're like "we're outie boys". So we leave... and who do we run into on the street? This guy from the club named Jordan. He's totally married... and just chatting it up with Sam and Danielle (our prospective code names). Then he invites us out again with the boys to this ultra exclusive restaurant and bar. Notice that it's about 1am at this point... and we're like ,"sorry, we have to get home". So after telling him and his friend Stewart this like 5 times - we leave. BUT - not without an invite to some pool party/out of control fest at Stewarts house the next day. SO Funny... and SO fun! I loved every minute of it! And I am so loving the California Adventure... more stories to come I'm sure! Love to all of you!
Quote for today: "You're only young once!"
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Believe and be Satisfied
Hi Friends... so I came across this little saying I used to have posted in my dorm room long ago and thought I would share it with you. SO Good! And AMEN to it!! :-)
Believe and be Satisfied
Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,
To have a deep soulful relationship with another.
To be loved thoroughly and exclusively.
But God says to us no, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled, and content with me alone.
Giving yourself totally and unreservedly to me.
This means having a personal relationship with me alone
And being happy with just that
I won’t give you something that will take you away form me
I love you my child.
You will never be united with another until you are united with me, exclusively
Without any other longings or desires
I want you to have the best
Please allow me to bring it to you.
Just keep learning and listening to things I tell you…
You must wait.
Don’t look around at the things you think you want,
Just keep looking off and away to me,
Or you’ll miss what I have to show you.
When you are ready I will surprise you with a love,
More wonderful than you could ever imagine.
You see I am working at this very minute to have you both ready at the same time
Until you are both satisfied exclusively with me and the life I’ve prepared for you,
You are not ready.
Only when you are ready will you be able to experience
The love that exemplifies your relationship with me…
And this my child is perfect love.
And dear one I want you to have this wonderful love.
I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your everlasting union of beauty,
Perfection, and love that I offer with myself.
Know that I love you utterly.
BELIEVE AND BE SATISFIED!
Okay, so seriously... this is such an encouragement to me. The amazing thing is that the Lord does know better than any of us what we need and when we are ready to have it. He brings every blessing into our lives at just the right moment - and He is faithful to His promises to us.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this." - Ps. 37.4-5
Believe and be Satisfied
Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,
To have a deep soulful relationship with another.
To be loved thoroughly and exclusively.
But God says to us no, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled, and content with me alone.
Giving yourself totally and unreservedly to me.
This means having a personal relationship with me alone
And being happy with just that
I won’t give you something that will take you away form me
I love you my child.
You will never be united with another until you are united with me, exclusively
Without any other longings or desires
I want you to have the best
Please allow me to bring it to you.
Just keep learning and listening to things I tell you…
You must wait.
Don’t look around at the things you think you want,
Just keep looking off and away to me,
Or you’ll miss what I have to show you.
When you are ready I will surprise you with a love,
More wonderful than you could ever imagine.
You see I am working at this very minute to have you both ready at the same time
Until you are both satisfied exclusively with me and the life I’ve prepared for you,
You are not ready.
Only when you are ready will you be able to experience
The love that exemplifies your relationship with me…
And this my child is perfect love.
And dear one I want you to have this wonderful love.
I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your everlasting union of beauty,
Perfection, and love that I offer with myself.
Know that I love you utterly.
BELIEVE AND BE SATISFIED!
Okay, so seriously... this is such an encouragement to me. The amazing thing is that the Lord does know better than any of us what we need and when we are ready to have it. He brings every blessing into our lives at just the right moment - and He is faithful to His promises to us.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this." - Ps. 37.4-5
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Youth of Ages
If you had to figure out generational issues and the disconnect that happens between childhood and adulthood... where would you even begin? How do the little, innocent, children of the world turn into full grown, mature adults with so many issues and problems? For me, I believe that the influences around a person from a very early age are extremely important. However, more so than just childhood, one particular part of life is intregal to the overall happiness, success, and freedom of a child to live the adult life they so desire and deserve. This period of time is called adolescence or just plain being a teenager.
Over the years, I've begun to realize the great impact certain people have had over my life in the most important years to my spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional growth. As with many teens today, I struggled with everything from divorcing parents, abuse of a parent, depression, anorexia, the extreme desire to just run away from everything, and even suicide. What is it about being a teenager that causes one to struggle so much and how is one able to get out of the nasty cycle of self-deterioration? Hormones, changes in friendships, changes in family dynamics, just changes in general. During the teenage years it seems that everyone in one's life is taken and just thrown upside down and then things are supposed to somehow just go "back to normal". This makes absolutely no sense when someone's entire world is changing constantly. Insanity... I might add, to ever expect a teenager to be perfect and without fault or confusion at any time.
Anyways, all of this to say, it was the people within my life during my adolescence that changed my life and helped guide and shape me into the person I am today. People like my mother who would constantly have to tell me no, and then have to deal with me pouting, crying, yelling, or being plain rude - just because she was protecting me. Then there was the McNeely's who stepped in to teach me the things of life that my single mom could not - like the love and devotion of a husband and wife - or softball 101 by Daddy Dan. The Woodwards were another great part of my life because they allowed for me to have a safe haven to run to when my world was crumbling, and Mama Woodward would always have a listening ear for me to just ramble on and on for hours. I always knew that I would be prayed for and encouraged just by being there. My brother was also another great influence that was able to show me the importance of having fun and living life to the fullest - not being afraid to try new things and go on new adventures.
Then there were the teachers and leaders within my life that never allowed me to doubt my abilities and to strive for the absolute best in life. There was Miss Yeazell - my high school Math teacher who helped me achieve more out of math than just a grade - she saw the diamond in the rough, and polished it until it shined. Amazing! Then there was my softball Coach, Gregarious, who flat out knew I wasn't the best player on the team, but always made sure that I was a valueable member of my team. He challenged me to work harder, and push myself further. To this day, this is a man that I go to for advice and guidance with my own Cheer Team. Such a huge blessing! And Mrs. Bailey - who could forget her? This woman saw the talents in each and every one of her students and made sure she told each student how loved and appreciated they were.
Okay, so all of this to say that people influence each other and what kind of influence or legacy to I want to pass on to the next generation? I have the greatest opportunity in front of me with my Cheer Girls. These girls are in such a time of transition and I'm so extremely proud of each and every one of them. But what do I need to do within my life to help encourage, grow, and love on these girls that I've been blessed with? Do I lead by example, or do I lead by faith and words, or do I just live my life and hope that I do my best? No, I would say that my example and my actions are far more important than anything else. I need to encourage and support these girls, challenging them daily to take up their crosses and just loving them through the tough times in life.
I have always had a great passion for youth, and I'm amazed at the opportunities that are laid before me to love on them. I'm being constantly reminded of my ability to change lives just in my friendships right now. A couple of my friends are really involved with Young Life, and I'm seriously touched at the incredible things that happen through this organization. There are teenagers everywhere looking for love in all the wrong places, looking for acceptance in the pits of destruction, and struggling so hard just to survive each day. How can we help them? By walking with them through the darkness and bringing them into the light. My prayer is that my life, my home, and everything about me will be open to the youth of the generations - that I may be able to touch lives while here on earth. God is so good!! :-)
Sidenote - I am LOVING my Jesus loving music on my local Pandora these days. Such an encouragement to sing along to the songs of faith. So good!
Over the years, I've begun to realize the great impact certain people have had over my life in the most important years to my spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional growth. As with many teens today, I struggled with everything from divorcing parents, abuse of a parent, depression, anorexia, the extreme desire to just run away from everything, and even suicide. What is it about being a teenager that causes one to struggle so much and how is one able to get out of the nasty cycle of self-deterioration? Hormones, changes in friendships, changes in family dynamics, just changes in general. During the teenage years it seems that everyone in one's life is taken and just thrown upside down and then things are supposed to somehow just go "back to normal". This makes absolutely no sense when someone's entire world is changing constantly. Insanity... I might add, to ever expect a teenager to be perfect and without fault or confusion at any time.
Anyways, all of this to say, it was the people within my life during my adolescence that changed my life and helped guide and shape me into the person I am today. People like my mother who would constantly have to tell me no, and then have to deal with me pouting, crying, yelling, or being plain rude - just because she was protecting me. Then there was the McNeely's who stepped in to teach me the things of life that my single mom could not - like the love and devotion of a husband and wife - or softball 101 by Daddy Dan. The Woodwards were another great part of my life because they allowed for me to have a safe haven to run to when my world was crumbling, and Mama Woodward would always have a listening ear for me to just ramble on and on for hours. I always knew that I would be prayed for and encouraged just by being there. My brother was also another great influence that was able to show me the importance of having fun and living life to the fullest - not being afraid to try new things and go on new adventures.
Then there were the teachers and leaders within my life that never allowed me to doubt my abilities and to strive for the absolute best in life. There was Miss Yeazell - my high school Math teacher who helped me achieve more out of math than just a grade - she saw the diamond in the rough, and polished it until it shined. Amazing! Then there was my softball Coach, Gregarious, who flat out knew I wasn't the best player on the team, but always made sure that I was a valueable member of my team. He challenged me to work harder, and push myself further. To this day, this is a man that I go to for advice and guidance with my own Cheer Team. Such a huge blessing! And Mrs. Bailey - who could forget her? This woman saw the talents in each and every one of her students and made sure she told each student how loved and appreciated they were.
Okay, so all of this to say that people influence each other and what kind of influence or legacy to I want to pass on to the next generation? I have the greatest opportunity in front of me with my Cheer Girls. These girls are in such a time of transition and I'm so extremely proud of each and every one of them. But what do I need to do within my life to help encourage, grow, and love on these girls that I've been blessed with? Do I lead by example, or do I lead by faith and words, or do I just live my life and hope that I do my best? No, I would say that my example and my actions are far more important than anything else. I need to encourage and support these girls, challenging them daily to take up their crosses and just loving them through the tough times in life.
I have always had a great passion for youth, and I'm amazed at the opportunities that are laid before me to love on them. I'm being constantly reminded of my ability to change lives just in my friendships right now. A couple of my friends are really involved with Young Life, and I'm seriously touched at the incredible things that happen through this organization. There are teenagers everywhere looking for love in all the wrong places, looking for acceptance in the pits of destruction, and struggling so hard just to survive each day. How can we help them? By walking with them through the darkness and bringing them into the light. My prayer is that my life, my home, and everything about me will be open to the youth of the generations - that I may be able to touch lives while here on earth. God is so good!! :-)
Sidenote - I am LOVING my Jesus loving music on my local Pandora these days. Such an encouragement to sing along to the songs of faith. So good!
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