I was speaking to a friend a few weeks ago about her Godstory. The thing she kept saying was, “He speaks through music to me. Not just Christian music, but all types of music.”
This got me thinking about music and what it says. This week, I am going to write about some unexpected messages I have heard in songs. Check back for more…
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Bible, God, Good day, Scripture, talk
Do you know how great it is to have a GOOD talk with a friend? You know, one of those hours long talks with an old friend that leaves you feeling like you have talked about everything in the world?
I got to have one of those this weekend WITH GOD! How cool! I mean, I had an hours long, curled up on my couch with a cup of coffee and a blanket talk with the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE. Life is amazing!
It all started on Thursday here. That night, I marked up First John like it has never been marked. I couldn’t stop (in the best possible sense!). I spent ALL day at work thinking about getting home to read it again. I don’t think I have ever DESIRED to read scripture like this. When I came home Friday night, I read more. It was great, but then…
I woke up at 8 am Saturday. I made coffee, grabbed a muffin, and began my chat. I started in First John again (I know!). Then, because I am trying to learn to be quiet for once, I began to chase rabbits throughout scripture bouncing from one verse to the next about mouths, lips, talk, words. I stopped at lunch and fixed something to eat. The whole time I carried on some rambling talk with God. I then refocused back on First John. The conversation did not end until I got ready for church after 3 pm. Really? THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH HUNG OUT WITH ME ALL DAY! How cool is that?
It isn’t done… there is NO WAY that I am going to end this conversation. If you are lucky, I just might share some of the amazing things He had to say to me!
How do you talk to God? How do you hear Him talk to you?
Filed under: life, switch | Tags: betrayal, change, changing lives, God, heartbreak, life, single
I never planned to still be unmarried at this point in my life. In fact, in my plans, my wedding would have been a few months ago. I intended to start a new part of my life with someone I had known since I was in junior high. I intended to be together, faithfully, until the day I died. Little did I know, that was not his plan. I was betrayed by someone I loved more than I thought possible. To make that worse, he was not the person who confessed that betrayal to me. In reality, my hurt was minor. I know there are people in this world who have survived worse. I thank God everyday that I was allowed to see the true side of the man I was planning to marry BEFORE I took my vows. I am grateful that I did not have to deal with the heartbreak of raising children with him. Still, I mourned the life I had planned to have. I mourned the man I thought he was, the man I wanted him to be.
I am not reliving these memories out of sadness or bitterness. See, he intended to hurt me. He intended to break my heart, but I follow a God who can create amazing things from heartbreak.
See, I am not the first person to be betrayed. In Scripture, we read of many betrayals. I was just reminded of the betrayal of Joseph by his own brothers. Now, I am in no way saying that I am anything close to Joseph. But my eyes rested on one verse in his story…
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20
No, I am not saving a country from a famine, and I have not been placed in the halls of power. I am, however, saving lives. See, if I had not been left broken, I would not have turned to God for strength. When I chose to return to where God wanted me to be, I began slowly to move into a place of saving lives. My ex intended harm, but God knew where I needed to be. I am now able to pour into students’ lives. See, I may not be feeding them (sometimes, I am!), but I am showing them the love of my God. I get to be a part of changing their lives. I honestly do not think this would be the case had I been able to have the life I thought I wanted a year ago. I will be forever grateful that God knows better than I do. I have never been happier. More importantly, I am able to be a part of God saving these kids. I’m in awe!
It is undeniable that there are people in this world who intend to hurt you or cause you pain. So, what have you gained through the pain?
