My Beautiful Imperfections

Philippians 3:7-11

2009-02-21T23:59:00.002-07:00

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

Your Love Is Strong by Jon Foreman

2008-12-17T09:01:00.003-07:00

Heavenly Father

You always amaze me

Let Your kingdom come in my world

And in my life

Give me the food I need

To live through today

Forgive me as I forgive

The people that wrong me

Lead me far from temptation

Deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window

The birds are composing

Not a note is out of tune

Or out of place

I walk to the meadow

And stare at the flowers

Better dressed than any girl

On her wedding day

So why should I worry?

Why do I freak out?

God knows what I need

You know what I need!

Your love is

Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens

Is now advancing

Invade my heart

Invade this broken town

The kingdom of the heavens

Is buried treasure

Would you sell yourself

To buy the one you've found

Two things you told me

That you are strong

And you love me

Yes, you love me

Your love is

Your love is strong

Your love is

Your love is strong

Our God in Heaven

Hallowed be Thy name

Above all names

Your kingdom come

Your will be done

On earth as it is in Heaven

Give us, today, our daily bread

Forgive us weary sinners

Keep us far from our vices

And deliver us from these prisons

A Loving Marriage

2008-10-31T12:12:00.004-06:00

Love is not a roller coaster, although many people think it is.

Love should be the stability.

Emotions may be a roller coaster, but if you choose to keep your love stable,

The two of you can succeed.

This is not the only answer though--

The key to an everlasting, loving marriage is this:

Choose everyday to make God THE foundation of your marriage,

Love to be the stability, and let your everyday emotions ride of God's love.

Then the marriage is not only promised to succeed,

But it is promised

To be blessed

The conclusion is this: Love be stability, God the foundation = blessed. :-)

Stress

2008-10-10T12:28:00.002-06:00

Stress: What do you do when it begins to consume your life? This is a question that has been running through my mind for years. Everyone is unique in their ways of handling stress and it takes a lot of time to figure out what methods work for you. Stress comes in different forms which may mean using different strategies to cope with it.

I have learned that there is a big difference between "stress" and being "stressed out". Stress can be good at times, and even if it is difficult stress, it can be handled in a way that makes it good. Being stressed out is when the stress is handled without care. The stress is held inside and one may become anxious and uneasy. When stress becomes internal, it begins to pile up and other things that do not need to be stressful become stressful. This is something that I have been learning to cope with.

I tend to let things pile up so much within me that my anxiety and "stressed out" feeling puts me in a state of panic. I forget to breath. Coping with stress is something that I have really been working on. I feel that it is interfering with my relationship with God as well as other important relationships and responsibilities. When it gets to the point that it interferes with relationships (especially between God), there needs to be a change. A change within me that decides not to let myself get so stressed out. What can I do? If you are struggling with this, what can you do? In order to find new methods to cope, I looked within the hobbies and talents that God has given me. I have found:

1. Art. Even though drawing/ painting isn't my "calling" it sure does relax me. When I feel stress coming on, I take some time for myself just to do my favorite crafts.
2. Talking about it. I am never in the mood to talk about my problems, but just letting someone know what is going through my head helps. I know that I am in danger if I keep it inside.
3. Writing about something encouraging. It gets my mind off of things, and helps me focus on something pure.
4. Talking myself through things. I have to tell myself "it's okay, don't stress- see the good". It's very helpful to talk myself through the situation because if I don't, I only see the harm in the stress.
5. Pray- "ask and you shall recieve, seek and you will find, knock and the door shall be open unto you."

God says: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Phil 4:6-7

It is so important to cast all of our cares upon Jesus. It's a learning process, but it is possible :0)

Lord,
Thank you for taking up our burdens. Please help us cope with stress in a way that is pleasing to you. I love you, Lord.
-Amen

Thoughts...

2008-09-29T19:47:00.003-06:00

These encouraging verses are speaking softly to my heart, maybe they will encourage you too :-)

"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you...... Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Psalm 139:17-18 & 23-24

Mystery

2008-07-14T22:46:00.003-06:00

The mysteries of our Father amaze me, fascinate me.

The way he moves, creates, and exists among us.

The way he teaches us and guides us.

The way he loves us, molds us, and uses us.

God is incredible, incomprehendable!

I can't wrap my mind around Him.

I'm in awe.

The Beauty in Growing Up

2008-06-13T22:19:00.001-06:00

I've been thinking about life and how the stages we go through are so strange at times. The concept of going from a child to an adult can be very difficult to grasp. The transition is somewhat of a slow but sudden slam. The biggest concern for a while is where to attend college and once college comes, a different view of the real world suddenly hits you. Now you are not only preparing for school, but for life. The decisions you make determine your entire future. (No pressure) These decisions include how you spend your money, your choice of career path, relationships and much more. Life becomes more complicated than just figuring out what the topic of your research paper will be. Although the real world is difficult, and calls for a lot of responsibility, I think that we as humans tend to make it more complicated then it should be. I know that I do at times. I spend hours worrying about situations that I cannot physically change. While working intensely to map out my life, planning how everything "should" go, I have realized that the beauty of Christ is that he steers us. Though he does not do the work for us, he guides us in the direction we need to go. He does not throw us out there and expect us to survive, but rather gives us the instincts that we need and the ability to learn how to take on the challenge. There is a lot of preparing to do in life, but I think that just living it is the best way to learn. With that said, I'm ready to take on these beautiful challenges. I have been warned that it's not easy, and from experience thus far, I very well know that it's not. I trust that it's worth it though, and I have no intention on holding back. I thank God that I have Him to walk through this life with, and for carrying me along the way. Here I go............. :0)

Still learning,
Courtney

That's Life

2008-05-18T23:30:00.000-06:00

I was reading some of my old blogs and I noticed that I write a lot about learning. It's kind of funny actually. Sometimes I write twice about the same topic, just in different words. When I was in middle school and high school I could have cared less about learning. I didn't want to know who sailed the ocean blue in 1492. I didn't think that there was much of a point to the past, I just wanted to look straight to the future. I wanted to keep moving. I didn't want to slow down, and I never looked back.
Now, on the other hand, things have changed. My heart has changed. My desire to learn is indescribable. History now fascinates me, and I could easily get lost in the beauty that surrounds me. God's beauty.
I recently went to Italy with my mom and I was overwhelmed at all there was to learn. It was information overload and I am still taking it all in. God created this world to be so complex but at the same time with enough simplicity for the human mind. It's kind of like the word "life". Such a simple four letter word but when you really dig deep, it's not so simple. To me, life is an ongoing adventure, full of surprises. A journey that opens and closes doors, that creates chances to learn and to change and to live. Life is exciting, even in moments of disbelief and heartache.
Life is a different adventure for everyone, and my prayer is that we each embrace it. Live it. Follow your calling whatever it may be. Let God guide you on this journey, let Him teach you. There is so much out there, whether it's right in your backyard, or 5000 miles away. I'm so thankful to say that I love to learn.

Learning is life, and life is learning.

(P.S. ask about the picture...I'd love to share the story behind it!)

Strength Will Rise

2008-04-16T22:06:00.000-06:00

I think that as humans one of the most difficult things to do is to wait. I, along with several others, struggle with waiting on God. I want things to happen in my time, done the way I want, and all under my control. The truth of the matter is that it's not possible for anything to be under my control. In fact, I've learned that when I try to take matters into my own hands, my life completely falls apart. I am nothing without God's control, and I need Him to steer my path.

One of my favorite books is called Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliott. I don't think that I will ever stop learning from this book. Passion and Purity is about learning to let Christ take control of your life, and wait on Him even throughout the darkest of times. Elisabeth Elliott writes that "waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one's thoughts". As much as I dislike waiting and the possibility of not knowing what is to come, I love reading the words "uncertainty" and "God" in the same sentence. I've learned that God is One of flexibility, the mysterious and unknown ways. He makes us wait in order to train us to lift our heart to Him in need of His control. He wants us to desire to wait on Him, because He knows that the waiting is worth while.

Elisabeth Elliott also writes my favorite poem in her book:

" I wait.

Dear Lord, Thy ways

Are past finding out,

Thy love too high.

O hold me still

Beneath Thy shadow.

It is enough that Thou

Lift up the light

Of Thy countenance.

I wait--

Because I am commanded

so to do. My mind

Is filled with wondering.

My soul asks "Why?"

But then the quiet word,

"Wait thou only

Upon God."

And so, not even for the light

To show a step ahead,

But for Thee, dear Lord,

I wait."

Heavenly Father,

As my mind is filled with wonderings for what is to come, I pray that you will help me be selfless. Lord, please let me not want things to happen on my time, under my control, but to place them in your hands. Guide my heart each day Father, steer me into your will and your way. I love you Father. I am so grateful to be yours, and i'm glad you're mine. Thank you for helping me wait.

Amen

Break My Chains, Dear Lord

2008-03-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Here I stand about to fall

Who is the girl that I now see?

A heart longing just to be free

She keeps on listening to the cries

That never stop telling her lies

And as the tears flow down her cheeks

It's something more that she seeks

Than the approval of humanity

Who is simply full of vanity

What an overwhelming feeling it must be

To be compared to all that you see

In a world that is so cold

This is getting somewhat old

I'm ready to be free

Dear Father, please save me

Thankfully Overwhelmed

2008-01-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

One thing that I love about this life is that we do not ever stop learning. Whether we realize it at the time or not, we truly do learn something new every day. I think that this could possibly be the root of my problem. My problem being that I have not been able to write in quite some time. There have been so many things that God has been teaching me lately, and I'm so overwhelmed with them all that I cannot seem to put them into words. This overwhelming feeling is not a bad thing by any means. It's simply a joy and a peace that passes all understanding. Although I'd love to shout to the world everything that the Lord is teaching me, He goes on to tell me that it's okay to keep these certain things just between the two of us. How great is our God that he longs to have such an intimate relationship with us, lowly human beings who do not deserve His time nor love. I'm in awe when he says to me "Daughter, throughout your life I'm going to share with you many new and exciting things! Some of them I want you to store in your heart so that you may shout it to all who is willing to hear, and some of them I want you to hold fast in your heart so that you my dwell on them and dwell in me. That we may grow together, just the two of us." How wonderful is our Father that he may desire to share some of many mysteries that He created! How great is it that He chose to teach us, test us, shake us, mold us, use us, and above all, love us!
-Most beautiful Father,
Thank you. Thank you for teaching me new things every single day. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of you and you a part of me. I am nothing without you. I love you.
In YOUR name,
Amen

Captivated

2007-12-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

Here I am wide awake in the middle of the night wondering whether to read or to write. Many thoughts are racing through my head as Christmas is only four days away and a brand new year is about to begin. Thoughts of last minute Christmas shopping, New Years Resolutions, family and friends fill my mind. I sit here a moment and the word "God" overpowers me. God. It is a name that we often throw around without a care, forgetting how powerful and meaningful it truly is. Lately I have been thinking about prayer in the same way. I tend to forget how extreme, intense, and powerful prayer is. I find myself praying to GOD telling Him the same things over and over again. "Father, you are amazing, wonderful, indescribable, full of love and you astound me", I recite to Him. Do you think that after hearing the same thing every single day that He would get tired of it? Do you think that those words would get old, worn out, and He may wonder if I truly mean it? As I begin to end my prayers, I often begin feeling guilty. I'm left in tears as I search for more words to lay before our Savior. I find nothing. HOW CAN I PRAY IN ORDER THAT I MAY GIVE GOD THE GLORY AND HONOR THAT HE DESERVES? Finally, a sweet voice softly says, "I want your love. I want your faith. I want your obedience. I want your time. I just want YOU, Courtney." I fall to my knees. Father reminds me that there is NOTHING GREATER than being in the presence of Him, holding on for dear life as He holds onto me. There is power that comes when I put away all distractions and my focus is solely on the one who created me. There is something greater than the words that come out of my mouth. There is a child who is giving her time, her love, her heart to a magnificant King who will do everything to keep it from breaking. To the Lord, there is nothing more captivating than to be with the child that He is in love with. I don't know if I will ever fully grasp the omnipotence of God, but I will do everything I can to try.

Father,
You truly do astound me. I am captivated by you. I am sorry for being selfish with my time and the way that I come before you. Help my heart to change. I can't do it, but you can. Thank you for your love and forgiveness. I love that you chose me to be your child. I wouldn't desire anything more! I love you.
Amen

Let us fall before Him putting away everything that may distract us, using our hearts to search and find Him. Let us be captivated by Him for He is the only true definition of beauty that we'll ever find.

Created In His Image

2007-11-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

I find myself at many moments taking a small step back, looking at my life and asking "How can I be more like Christ?". I often wonder what is it that I need to say or do, or how shall I present myself in a manner that others may see the love of Christ through me? I have found myself asking these questions almost too often if that is even possible. I have come to the conclusion that instead of thinking these things, I need to first begin with the relationship that I have with God. Am I giving Him my time? Is He the one that I am in tune with when I fall asleep and when I wake each morning? Do I work to reflect His image for today? That is being pure, humble, faithful, selfless, and loving. Am I diving into His word, speaking to Him, and DWELLING IN Him? I do not need to know whether or not I lived for Him yesterday, nor will I live for Him tomorrow, but am I living in and for Him TODAY. I have found the answer to my question. What can we do in order that others may see Christ through us? Let Christ consume us, captivate us, and once we dwell in Him, he will overflow from us. Now THAT's powerful.
Dive. Go. Read. Learn. Reflect. Do. Be. Live. Love. Dwell.

In Christ we live and breath,

One of many daughters of the King

Skin-on

2007-11-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

As I said in my previous blog, God is there. He is everywhere, breathing in everything, moving throughout, and living amongst everyone. He's in you and he's in me. Although feeling His presence is needed and longed for, it's almost as if sometimes we need something more. Something tangible. Something with... skin-on. I believe that is why God gave us the gift of relationships. God uses our loved ones to help us, encourage us, give us a shoulder to cry on, walk with us, conquer with us, share joy with us, and grow with us. Throughout ALL of that is God. He lives and moves in the relationships that we have and build on. I'm thankful for that. I think we all are.

Thank you Lord for the relationships that you bless us with. We would be nothing without you, O Lord, and would go nowhere without them. Father, throughout this messy life of mine, please use someone near with skin-on to help conquer, encourage, grow, share joy, and walk with me. I need that, but I need you more than ever. I love you.

In YOU I live and breath,

Courtney :0)

God is There

2007-11-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

In the midst of unworthiness- God is there

When showered in hardship- God is there

When all you know is the frustration overpowering you- God is there

Among the shattered pieces that you feel inside- God is there

When soaking in your tears- God is there

In the corner of that smile that you have- God is there

In the look in your eye- God is there

In the love that you show- God is there

In the joy that you feel- God is there

In your heart- GOD IS THERE

I'm in awe. I have no words for how astounded I am at our indescribable Lord and Savior- our Father! I'm full of wonder and amazment at how He is there with us through everything we go through whether good or bad. Through subtle, day to day experiences He shows us His love, patience, and grace. How incredible is the Lord our God who will carry us through anything! Who desires us to CHOOSE Him! He longs for us! He cries out for us! He LOVES us. He chose us! Abba Father, How I choose you in return!

Thank you Father!

Your daughter,
Courtney :0)

Hope

2007-11-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

She is trapped in a cave of darkness. Continuing to climb further and further into the cave she cries for she cannot find the light. "There's no way out!" She shouts. Her body is worn out, her knees are bleeding and her legs are weak. Bruises and scrapes cover her hands from keeping herself from falling. Dirt covers her face and begins to creep into her eyes. She trembles when she feels the loss of hope flowing through her body. All of the energy that she could possibly have has now left through her fingertips as she lies helpless against the rocky ground.
-Suddenly a voice calls out to her.. "Beloved! Beloved! Where is your hope? Where has your faith gone? Have you lost it all? I beg you, don't let it go!"

She struggles to fight the voice only becoming weaker and weaker. Finally there is nothing left inside of her and all she has left is to bring back the hope, the faith that she once had- crying out to the only one who can save her, Abba Father.

As I take a look all around me, my heart sinks. I see a loss of hope that is overpowering us. Where has it gone? My prayer, my PLEA is that we bring the hope back. Don't be afraid to cry out to God and ask our creator to help! He's listening.. He's ready to give it to you. Just ask.

Lord, I'm hopeless without you. Please give me the faith, the hope that I need to get through this day. Thank you Father :0)

-Your daughter,
Courtney

2007-11-01T15:33:00.000-06:00

Heavenly Father,

I long to be under your control. Lord if I had only one plea it would be that you may take hold of my unformed heart and do with it as you please. Savior, please help me to be faithful to you TODAY. I am learning that I have absolutely no control over myself and therefore I ask that you hold me, mold me, love me, and use me. If I turn to the things of this world, the days become difficult and my heart becomes weak. If I turn to you, O Lord, the days may become difficult, but my heart becomes strong in you! Which shall I choose? The answer is simple yet the task seems to be more challenging. I cannot do this on my own! Please, Lord, walk with me, carry me. I need you. I desire to be yours and I believe you'll have me. Thank you beautiful one! Who am I that I deserve a Father to love me like you do? I do not deserve you, yet your unfailing love overflows into my life!
My life is in Your hands
Your daughter,
Courtney

My Prayer

2007-10-29T14:12:00.000-06:00

Porcelain Heart by Barlow Girl

"Broken heart
One more time
Pick yourself up
Why even cry
Broken pieces in your hands
Wonder how you'll make it whole

CHORUS:
You know
You pray
This can't be the way
You cry
You say
Some thing's gotta change
And mend this porcelain heart of mine
Of mine....

Someone said
A broken heart
Would sting at first then make you stronger
You wonder why this pain remains
Were hearts made whole just to break

CHORUS:

Creator only you take brokenness
And create it into beauty once again

Chorus:

You know
You pray
This can't be the way
You cry
You say
Some thing's gotta change
And mend this porcelain heart
Please mend this porcelain heart
Of mine
Creator mend this heart"

~Only you, Lord, can pick up the pieces and mend them back together.
Your daughter,
Courtney

All I Ask of You

2007-10-23T15:35:00.000-06:00

If I asked you to please me..

I would have left a long time ago.

I desire to be loved & to give love

and that's

why I'm still here.

Yours truly,

Courtney Witt

My desires....

2007-10-20T10:52:00.000-06:00

I dream of Ice Skating because it's graceful.

I dance because it shows expression and emotion.

I want to play guitar because of the smooth melody.

I love to cook because it has flavor.

I sing because it brings out passion.

I think of the places i've been and I want to travel because it's adventurous and full of beauty.

I love speed-walking because I become determined.

I read because I can use my imagination.

I love to stretch because it helps me feel.

Grace, Listen, Beauty, Laugh, Feel, Determination, Smooth Melody, Cry, Imagination, Passion, Love, Flavor, Expression, Emotion, Move

LIVE

A song on my heart....

2007-10-09T18:33:00.000-06:00

Hungry

"Hungry I come to You for I know You satisfy
I am empty but I know Your love does not run dry
So I wait for You
So I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

Broken I run to You for Your arms are open wide
I am weary but I know Your touch restores my life
So I wait for You
So I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for"

Scars

2007-10-09T11:00:00.000-06:00

I sit there looking at the back of my legs only to see the scars that will forever cover them. As I brush the tips of my fingers over them, I'm reminded of a summer filled with hardship, growth, tears, love, fear, joy, and obedience. The memories and thoughts that run through my head put me in a state of stillness and I begin to daydream. Each scar, for there are many, remind me of individuals that I've met, things that I've learned, and vivid moments that occurred. Though the biggest scar of all represents the God, my Father, who carried me through every step and by His hand healed each and every wound. I'm thankful to know that through these scars God has changed a life forever. Although many would say how they hate a scar they have, I have learned that where no scar lies, the wound hasn't yet healed.

Thank you Father. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. :)

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Blue October

2007-10-08T15:12:00.000-06:00

There's a boxed up feeling deep within-
One which I cannot describe.
My soul longs to put a mark, a name on it. Though I am not fully equipped to do such a task

I cry out!

Sad. Afraid. Disappointed. Hurt. Weak. Numb. Blue. Exhausted. Mournful.

I fall to my knees--

LORD!
HERE AM I! I don't have much to offer but please take me anyway! Form my unformed body into something useful for your glory. I'm weak. Use me. Teach me. Show me. LOVE me.

-James 1:2-8
-2 Corinthians 4:8-10; 5:14-15; 17

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." -Philippians 3:20-21

Hope. Eagerness. Willing. Change. Feel. Love. Inspire. Thankful.

In Him we live and breath,
Courtney

A Tool

2007-10-02T15:52:00.000-06:00

For what it's worth, thank you. For what it's worth, I love you. For what I'm worth, take me. For what I'm worth, use me. I've read all you've done for me, now let me do for you.

"But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit--"
Romans 7:6

A gathering of other blogs

2007-10-02T15:31:00.000-06:00

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