My Dusty Secret Weapon

If you were to suddenly come upon a "weapon" that had powers to alleviate all your fears, help solve all your problems, give you confidence in the middle of every situation in life, and put you in touch with someone who was powerful enough to change your life....would you take a chance and try out that "weapon"?
I'll let you in on a secret...I own that weapon; it's called prayer. Prayer is the "tank" of spiritual warfare, yet I often treat it like a slingshot. "Um, God, I really need help today." "Bless this food." "Lord, be with...." The Bible says that we can have "Boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus...." It also says "Let us come boldly before the throne of grace." "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
God has armed us for battle in our Christian lives with a weapon of incredible power. Through it, we may communicate with the Father, intercede on behalf of hurting brothers and sisters, weep for those who have not come to know the Lord, and worship our Holy God. Yet, what do I do? Run away from the BB guns in life, because I forget about my "tank"... my weapon...prayer.
I am making some changes.... and the first thing I'm going to do is dust off my secret weapon and "practice" with it every day, so when the intense battles come, it's already in top working order.

"Pray without ceasing."

"...because my life is not my own..."

Today was a rather momentous day in my life...After paying exactly 87 cents, I placed my heart inside a big manila envelope and mailed a stack of papers that have the potential to change my life.
Funny how life works.. Four months ago I had the next year of my life planned out. A new year of school, a new boyfriend, new tryouts for a music team, and new experiences carefully ordered by me. Everything was looking bright, promising, and predictable. Then one day, through one little word, God began shattering through my predictable plans and started awakening a different desire in me.
Arriba! The Spanish word for "upward bound" Arriba is a program sponsored by my school and Baptist Mid-Missions that sends college students to Lima, Peru as short-term missionaries for almost a year. The day I heard the Arriba program presented in chapel was the day that a passion began stirring in my heart. A passion that has been there for a while, but has not always been acknowledged. A passion for people, a passion that desires for others to come to know the Lord; a passion for the Spanish language, a passion to travel, a....
And with that realization, my entirely predictable life began to be turned upside down by a Sovereign, powerful God. So here I find myself, four months later, with no boyfriend, and no music team, but no doubt in my mind that God has been ordering every event along this journey.
I mailed my Arriba application today. With it go the memories of months of prayer, tears, and changes... Is this what God has for the next year of my life? I hope so...but I'm trying not to make plans...I'm simply trying to follow His.

Day 1: The Countdown Begins...

Well, here we are, back at school. Last night was a night of madness in the dorms as everyone returned and wanted to share everything about their break with all of their friends. It's really bad timing to be staying up so late before starting classes again:-) Oh well. Today's classes were surprisingly easy. However, it is only the first day with more to come tomorrow. Who knows what is in store?

Life: The Great Adventure

Monday begins yet another chapter of my life. My fourth semester of college; bringing with it homework, maturing, much laughter, and perhaps some tears. I will miss the good times and comfort of home and family, but it's time to go again.
I can honestly say, though, that never in my life have I been so full of joy to simply be living life! Sure, it's complicated, but I often make it that way through my own choices and mind. I've discovered that those of us with the blessing/curse of loving to analyze, learn, and discover can also take some things too seriously and forget to simply bask in the joy of the Lord. I often spend too much time trying to "figure things out" instead of spending time getting to know my God better and finding absolute joy in Him. So, in spite of my questions, I love life, and cannot wait for the next steps; even if they are as mundane as practicing and doing homework, or as exciting as traveling and developing friendships.
Rejoicing in the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

"I am come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly."