A gathering of other blogs

Monday, October 01, 2007
Becoming Uncovered

My desire... is to be seen from the inside out. It's for others to truly understand what's inside this heart of mine. The thoughts, the fears, and certain experiences as well as the joy that is gained from seeking to know the Lord. I do not long for this in order to benefit myself, but simply so that they will see the reason for this hope that I have in God. I long to share this beauty with them but words are not enough. Come along on this journey with me! See the life that God has prepared for you, and share your experience with me. Let's go together and serve in His name. Let's pick our brothers and sisters up along the way that they may glorify Christ in their steps. May we die to ourselves, live for Christ, and view each other from the inside out in order to further the beatiful kingdom of the Lord our God.
It's in Him we live and breath :)
Courtney




Sunday, September 30, 2007

In Better Hands
After years of brokeness I come to you. Through tears of numbness I've become alive in you. O Lord, the pieces of my heart are together because of your love, your grace and forgiveness. In moments of loneliness you've given me comfort. Your arms they wrap around me. Like a mother holds her baby through a storm, you hold me Lord. When failing because of the trust I put in everyone but you, I came to realize that you, my Savior, are all I need. I search deep within to find an everlasting joy and I see your name written on my heart! What an astounding gift :) I long for guidance and as I look at the path ahead I hear the simple words "Take my hand" and I fall into you. You carry me through today, tomorrow, and my hopes and dreams. You shower me with true love. You continue to pursue me. You are a beautiful groom, my Savior, my God, and my FATHER. I am at peace for I am in better hands now.
In You I live and breath,
Courtney, Your daughter

In Better Hands by Natalie Grant
"It's hard to stand on shifting sand It's hard to shine in the shadows of the night You can't be free if you don't reach for help You cant love if you dont love yourself There is hope when my faith runs out Cause I'm in better hands now

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground So take this heart of mine there's no doubt I'm in better hands now I am strong all because of you I stand in awe of every mountain that you move Oh I am changed, yesterday is gone I am safe from this moment on There's no fear when the night comes 'round I'm in better hands now It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground So take this heart of mine there's no doubt I'm in better hands now It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground Its like the world is silent though I know it isnt true Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room So take this heart of mine there's no doubt I'm in better hands now I'm in better hands now"

June 2007
Obedience
"And this is love: That we walk in obedience to his commands." 2 John :6
I have learned that in order to hang with God, you must be flexible! You must not settle in your ways and you should always be on your toes! Even through the confusion and at times frustration of following Christ, there truly is a peace that passes all understanding. Although I would like to know at times where I will be in 5, 10, or 30 years, I believe that taking a look at God's map of life may give me a huge head ache! Sometimes I look back on the roads I've used to take to get to where I'm at right now. I laugh at some choices I've made, cry at others, and agree at some knowing that God not only has a sense of humor but a sincerity as to why he takes us where he does. His plan is perfect though it may not seem so. I have also learned that being obedient not only takes flexibility, it may take humility, understanding, patience, and more. These are all good qualities to gain while walking with the Lord. I am filled with joy to know that life isn't perfect, and it's a mystery why things change! Love the curves in life, be obedient to the flow, and hold fast to our savior!
In His glory,
Courtney


July 2007
To be put in motion by God.....
To be put in motion by God is to..... *be tossed into a swarm of the unexpected.. *be fearful of Him yet full of peace IN HIM *overcome frustration through being satisfied with Christ as our stronghold *STARVE for Him *through trials, learn the importance of obedience *gain understanding by patiently waiting *humble yourself, and be open & available *be ready when he calls you to go- day or night *love even when it hurts *be JOYFUL knowing that whatever comes your way will not just be turned upside down but made into something beautiful Lord, please continue to keep putting my life in motion! It may be difficult, but there is no greater blessing :) Are you ready?


Dec 2006
Trusting God
On a recent Sunday morning my preacher made a point that "believing is trusting." This phrase has been on my mind for quite some time now. If this is true, then why is it that we who believe have such a hard time trusting God? I must say that this has been one of my difficulties lately. Since it has been such a struggle for me to put my full trust in God, do I truly believe? I have come to the conclusion that the statement is true. If you think about it, lack of trust in someone is also doubting them. Therefore if we have little trust in God, we are doubting Him. I think that the reason we as humans have such difficulty trusting Him is because we are constantly let down from day to day. We forget that God is not just another everyday human. He is God. We have to remember that he will never leave us, and He will definitely never let us down. He has our lives mapped out for us and at times it may seem as if He leads us down the wrong road. Although if we didn't ever go astray we wouldn't ever grow stronger. I want to challenge us all to every morning to wake up realizing that only God can fill our broken pieces. Continually ask him for the trust that we need to give everything up to Him. Don't forget that he will take care of our needs and we need not worry about a thing! God is amazing and we are his precious children! WOW what a concept huh? :)
Psalm 143:8"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."


Aug 26th, 2006
Giving it up to God is easier said than done
Ever feel like you're carrying baggage that you just can't get rid of? Or maybe like you're not good enough... possibly even lonely. "Just give it up to God" is what they all say. Well, I've got some news.. Giving it up to God is a whole lot easier said, then done. It's basically like saying "Here God, have my problems, my worries, and my thoughts.." then moving on as if the problem, worrie or thought didn't ever occur. It's actually even a difficult concept to grasp. Think about it. Giving it up to God. How exactly do you do that? Say you're having a problem with a friend.. It's not like you can throw your friend up to God and just say "Thanks for takin her God, now she's off my hands" haha. Infact, it's a lot different. Giving your worries and cares up to God is a way of living each day. You may think "wait, but I don't have problems every moment of my life." Here's the twist. Worship. I know, it's a change of subject.. but just bare with me. Worship is a way of living. It's adoration, it's thanking God, and it's GIVING OUR LIVES to him. If we give our life to Christ, then "giving IT up to God" becomes easier. When we live our life in such a way that we are worshiping him in all we do, then we are able to recognize that our stumbling blocks and worries are only the next step to drawing closer to Him. So how do we live each day in worship? Pray. When you wake up in the morning, pray. When you're eating breakfast or leaving for school or work, pray. Pray, and pray some more. Pray that God will SHOW you how to live in worship. Because I can guarentee that if you're willing to listen, then he's willing to guide. :)


Friday, September 08, 2006
Guide Me On My Way

"There's a path ahead I do not know
I spend hours searching high and low
One thing I ask, O Lord, I pray
That you guide me on my way

You continue to say, 'My child, do not worry'
But God, people are always in a hurry
I feel the need to know your plan for the next day
Please guide me on my way

One more thing that I now ask
My hope is that it's not a large task
That you put the trust in my heart that I need TODAY
To let YOU, Lord, guide me on my way."

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34






May 18th, 2006
Hold me, Father, human love just isn't enough!
Take me, Daddy- I can't do this on my own!
You've warned that things will get tough...
But God, I can't see clearly through everything you've shown..
BLIND
I plead to you now "Please help me through this mess!!"
I'm constantly tossed into a swarm of confusion
I'll admit there's so much I need to confess...
Give me the FAITH that this is not an illusion..
REVEAL
Show me your love, my KING
Finally, I'm beginning to see
I want you to be my everything!!
I'm ready Lord, Won't you take all of me??



"For I once was lost, but now I'm found.. was blind, but now I see" ;)





Sunday, May 14, 2006
God. Savior, Prince of Peace, FATHER, Healer, Mighty, Majestic, Jesus, Annointed one, LOVER OF MY SOUL!
How DO you really describe our Heavenly Father, and how AMAZING his works are?? CAN you even describe? I can't..
"Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name. You are amazing God All powerful, untameable, Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim You are amazing God Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name. You are amazing God Incomparable, unchangeable You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same You are amazing God You are amazing God "
Even those words don't do God's justice. You know, just as we don't have ENOUGH words to describe our creator, he doesn't even need to describe us with many words.
"You see the DEPTHS of my heart and you LOVE me the same"
Because God.. He SEE'S us. He knows our heart. He knows where our treasure lies. He knows who we seek, and why. God tells us he loves us but who would ever believe it if he didn't truly show us. And boy does he show us all right!!
Why do we even try to use words to describe a feeling that only a touch, a look, a feel can do it's justice?
All I know is that old saying that will never be forgotten...
"Actions speak louder than words"


In His INDESCRIBABLE love,
-Courtney