It has been almost 2 months since the last time I blogged.
However, I am inspired to write.
I am halfway through my final semester. Where did the time go? It has been an incredible semester so far to say the least. God has grown and blossomed some even more amazing friendships within good old Burgess hall that I was not even expecting. He has also placed before me an amazing amount of opportunity.
There has also been a lot of growing.
Growing is painful. In a lot of ways, it almost feels like God is physically pulling out all that crap in your life. But this is a process I am extremely grateful for. I am thankful to follow a God who cares enough about me to see growth and positive change in my life. I am not my own. My life is definitely surrendered to the hands of my King.
Growing also takes time. If I have learned nothing else about our society, it is that we are a want and want it all now kind of people. But change doesn't just happen over night. The process itself can be a great faith builder if you allow it to be. I challenge you to look back over your life and see where God has taught you some of your greatest lessons. For me, the lessons I appreciate the most are the ones that took time. It's not because I like things to move slow. (If any of you know me at all, you will know how extremely impatient I am.) It's because I love seeing the individual steps and paths that God led me down. You don't always understand life as it's happening. I guess that's one of the reasons that they say hind-sight is 20/20. Seasons of life are not always easy, nor do they always make sense. But our God is a God of love. He won't abandon us. And just as the scriptures say, He will never give us more than we can bear.
For you seniors out there, really take the time to enjoy the present. Graduation is coming soon, but we have to make the next two months count. Yes, we will all have our moments of nostalgia and the feelings that are oh so bittersweet. But let's really see what God has to offer us in these last two months. Let's be intentional in all that we do. And don't worry about time. God will walk us through this like He has walked us through everything else. Enjoy what we have.
And don't quit growing. Spring Break is a wonderful time to reflect. I will be in Romania, so I can't wait to see what God is going to do with our team! However, I do have a nice nine-hour flight, and it will be good to look back over these past few months to see how God has revealed Himself in my life.
Also, don't miss opportunity. There are so many opportunities knocking at all our doors right now. Don't be afraid to step out in faith when God opens a door. Life is meant to be lived, so go out there and live it.
Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Live.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A Piece of My Heart
Memphis, Tennessee.
Who would have known that 5 months later I would still have the same passion and burden for that city. It's amazing the rush of emotion I felt as the skyline came into view. I had had time to reflect on everything the summer had taught and now, about 70 degrees cooler, I was back.
My first thoughts were my kids. Would they remember me? Would they want to see me? Had I had nearly the impact on them as they had on me? What would it be like to walk the streets of club Guernsey once more? All these thoughts bombarded my mind as I began my drive to meet my dear friend Erica who lives in a suburb really close to Memphis.
The next day I got the opportunity to go back to the church that I had worked with all summer. It was amazing to be greeted with so many hugs and smiles on the faces of the people of the congregation. To be there felt completely like home and like it was exactly where I belonged.
That afternoon I began the trek to see my kids. Emotions were high, and I could not help but be completely anxious. It had been 5 months. 5 months since the last time I had held them in my arms and looked at their beautiful faces and heard their precious laughter. 5 months. And 5 months in which I learned a whole lot.
As I saw the first group of kids came pouring out of the house I realized that this is exactly where I belong. In this moment in time, being on those streets and at those houses could not have felt more right. I was greeted by, "you're really here! You came back! Miss Emily is here, Miss Emily is here!!" Their excitement and looks of shock were enough to make you want to cry. They thought I had made their day. They had made mine.
My babies. I got to hug and hold my babies one more time. God granted my wish to let me see them again. When I left Memphis, I told God that I would trust Him to keep and protect them. And He has. In more ways than I could ever comprehend.
The next day, we went back to see more of the kids that weren't home. One of my little ones informed me of how much he has missed me, and his sister asked if she could come with me to the church to do Bible Club. How I longed for the chance to take them all with me. However, I just feel blessed that I got the chance to see them once more.
I don't know what all the future holds for me. I know that my life is an open book, and I am ready for God to write my story page-by-page. I am ready to free-fall into the unknown because He has a plan and purpose for me. I will continue to surrender my wants and desires to be His wants and His desires. I want to be back in Memphis, TN, and if God opens the door, I will happily take it. However, wherever He leads I will follow. If I have learned nothing else it is to not take any opportunity for granted. God gives us many, and I want to take each one He gives.
I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Here are some pictures of the beautiful and precious babies that they are.
Love you guys,
Em
Who would have known that 5 months later I would still have the same passion and burden for that city. It's amazing the rush of emotion I felt as the skyline came into view. I had had time to reflect on everything the summer had taught and now, about 70 degrees cooler, I was back.
My first thoughts were my kids. Would they remember me? Would they want to see me? Had I had nearly the impact on them as they had on me? What would it be like to walk the streets of club Guernsey once more? All these thoughts bombarded my mind as I began my drive to meet my dear friend Erica who lives in a suburb really close to Memphis.
The next day I got the opportunity to go back to the church that I had worked with all summer. It was amazing to be greeted with so many hugs and smiles on the faces of the people of the congregation. To be there felt completely like home and like it was exactly where I belonged.
That afternoon I began the trek to see my kids. Emotions were high, and I could not help but be completely anxious. It had been 5 months. 5 months since the last time I had held them in my arms and looked at their beautiful faces and heard their precious laughter. 5 months. And 5 months in which I learned a whole lot.
As I saw the first group of kids came pouring out of the house I realized that this is exactly where I belong. In this moment in time, being on those streets and at those houses could not have felt more right. I was greeted by, "you're really here! You came back! Miss Emily is here, Miss Emily is here!!" Their excitement and looks of shock were enough to make you want to cry. They thought I had made their day. They had made mine.
My babies. I got to hug and hold my babies one more time. God granted my wish to let me see them again. When I left Memphis, I told God that I would trust Him to keep and protect them. And He has. In more ways than I could ever comprehend.
The next day, we went back to see more of the kids that weren't home. One of my little ones informed me of how much he has missed me, and his sister asked if she could come with me to the church to do Bible Club. How I longed for the chance to take them all with me. However, I just feel blessed that I got the chance to see them once more.
I don't know what all the future holds for me. I know that my life is an open book, and I am ready for God to write my story page-by-page. I am ready to free-fall into the unknown because He has a plan and purpose for me. I will continue to surrender my wants and desires to be His wants and His desires. I want to be back in Memphis, TN, and if God opens the door, I will happily take it. However, wherever He leads I will follow. If I have learned nothing else it is to not take any opportunity for granted. God gives us many, and I want to take each one He gives.
I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Here are some pictures of the beautiful and precious babies that they are.
Love you guys,
Em
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
A God Dream
For the past few months I have been plagued by bad dreams. Dreams of kidnapping and death and being chased by people I didn't know or care to know for that matter. My mind was in a constant state of turmoil, and I could not figure out how to get them to stop.
So I began to pray.
I prayed that the Lord would turn my dreams from anything evil into dreams of Him and His glory. I would pray it in passing before I would go to sleep, and the dreams would not stop.
So last night, I got down to business. I prayed that the Lord would allow me to see Him in any dream I dreamed that night and that no bad image or thought would take over. And for the first time, I really and truly prayed it.
As always, the Lord came through.
I've become quite the context person, so I am going to give you the background of my dream.
I was with a group of people, and we were on an adventure. We saw lions and mountain lions (I have no idea where I was that you would see both together because it sure wasn't the zoo!) and were told to not run for they would chase us. They did snap a little, but they would never touch me. There is symbolism in this that I will come back to later. (I think the big cats might have to do with the fact that my wonderful friend Deanna is in South Africa right now, and we have talked about African Safaris on a few occasions.)
And as we were walking along, my hand got caught in a tree. The guide told me to wait and look at the bird that was in the tree. He said it was a hummingbird. As I was looking at this bird, I had the sudden impulse to begin to hum. So the bird and I began to hum a simple chorus..."Sing to the Lord, a song of praise. And let us declare, the glory of His name." First, it started as notes, and I harmonized with the bird. We were in an open portion of the area, and the group I was with began to circle around and join in the song of Love to our God. The bird continued to hum the notes with me, and a voice I have not heard come out of me ever burst forth in a song of complete adoration and awe of Savior, God. With complete passion, a chorus had erupted and the entire group was in song. Within moments, a light so bright that it blinded us all came down upon me and enveloped me. It was warm, and it was comforting, and it was my God. As we sang and we sang, such peace came over my heart. The chorus began to die down until it was just the bird and I again humming the simple chorus: "Sing to the Lord, a song of praise. And let us declare, the glory of His name." Walking away, I asked a member of the group what he thought the light was. He looked at me and smiled, and we both knew God had been in that place.
And then I woke up. Smiling from ear-to-ear. Talk about a God dream. He gave me a new song to sing (which I am currently writing down all the lyrics to), and a peace I have not felt in quite some time.
The lions and mountain lions were everything I have faced in the past few months and even while being home on break. My guide was Jesus. "Emily, do not run, for they will chase. But embrace what you face for I am with you always. I will be with you, and I will guide you." And right after the struggle came one of the smallest creatures...a bird. I never saw the guide's face. I only heard his voice as he guided and directed our group. Once I found the bird, the guide slipped away. I feel as though he was watching from a distance and smiling.
I am beyond joyful. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it! I have a new song to sing, and one that definitely came from up above. The dreams that have plagued are no more for I have found hope. I will not run. I will embrace. I will sing my song of Love.
Don't doubt the small, for God works in mighty ways.
Love you all,
Em
So I began to pray.
I prayed that the Lord would turn my dreams from anything evil into dreams of Him and His glory. I would pray it in passing before I would go to sleep, and the dreams would not stop.
So last night, I got down to business. I prayed that the Lord would allow me to see Him in any dream I dreamed that night and that no bad image or thought would take over. And for the first time, I really and truly prayed it.
As always, the Lord came through.
I've become quite the context person, so I am going to give you the background of my dream.
I was with a group of people, and we were on an adventure. We saw lions and mountain lions (I have no idea where I was that you would see both together because it sure wasn't the zoo!) and were told to not run for they would chase us. They did snap a little, but they would never touch me. There is symbolism in this that I will come back to later. (I think the big cats might have to do with the fact that my wonderful friend Deanna is in South Africa right now, and we have talked about African Safaris on a few occasions.)
And as we were walking along, my hand got caught in a tree. The guide told me to wait and look at the bird that was in the tree. He said it was a hummingbird. As I was looking at this bird, I had the sudden impulse to begin to hum. So the bird and I began to hum a simple chorus..."Sing to the Lord, a song of praise. And let us declare, the glory of His name." First, it started as notes, and I harmonized with the bird. We were in an open portion of the area, and the group I was with began to circle around and join in the song of Love to our God. The bird continued to hum the notes with me, and a voice I have not heard come out of me ever burst forth in a song of complete adoration and awe of Savior, God. With complete passion, a chorus had erupted and the entire group was in song. Within moments, a light so bright that it blinded us all came down upon me and enveloped me. It was warm, and it was comforting, and it was my God. As we sang and we sang, such peace came over my heart. The chorus began to die down until it was just the bird and I again humming the simple chorus: "Sing to the Lord, a song of praise. And let us declare, the glory of His name." Walking away, I asked a member of the group what he thought the light was. He looked at me and smiled, and we both knew God had been in that place.
And then I woke up. Smiling from ear-to-ear. Talk about a God dream. He gave me a new song to sing (which I am currently writing down all the lyrics to), and a peace I have not felt in quite some time.
The lions and mountain lions were everything I have faced in the past few months and even while being home on break. My guide was Jesus. "Emily, do not run, for they will chase. But embrace what you face for I am with you always. I will be with you, and I will guide you." And right after the struggle came one of the smallest creatures...a bird. I never saw the guide's face. I only heard his voice as he guided and directed our group. Once I found the bird, the guide slipped away. I feel as though he was watching from a distance and smiling.
I am beyond joyful. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it! I have a new song to sing, and one that definitely came from up above. The dreams that have plagued are no more for I have found hope. I will not run. I will embrace. I will sing my song of Love.
Don't doubt the small, for God works in mighty ways.
Love you all,
Em
Friday, December 17, 2010
Hope
It has finally hit...the half-way mark of Senior year! (Next semester I will hopefully have a better camera because that is what I asked for...so, this can turn into a blog with more pictures!)
Where in the world is the time going? I am sitting at home with one semester left of my college career.
One.
As you have probably figured out by now, I am extremely futuristic. But instead of viewing this as only having one semester, I am going to try my absolute hardest to view this as I get one more semester. I get one more semester with the people who have become a whole other family to me...with the mentors who have invested in me and helped me to grow.
And I am blessed beyond measure to have the amazing floor I do. B4N is a wonderful place to be. I have met some of the most incredible women on this floor, and God could not have put them in my life at a better time.
Next semester is also going to be full of a lot of opportunities...(stay tuned!). There is one in particular that I am pretty excited about but will share in due time. I get one more semester to glean and learn all I can from the people and environment that is Evangel. I could not be more thankful that I do.
Next week begins work. I am working at vet clinic for 6 days to help them during the Christmas rush. God also dropped that right in my lap. Thank You for the opportunity.
After that, I get to go to Memphis. I get to see my kids. :D :D :D :D :D
I am pretty darn excited in case you couldn't tell.
It will have been 5 months since I have seen any of them, and I cannot wait for the opportunity to hold them in my arms once more. I still see their faces. Of all the people in the world, God chose little old me. Me. And in a few weeks time, I think even more of my future after school will be made clear.
Until then, I fully intend on enjoying every last minute of the present. I will have many a bonding experience in the months to come. This break has already been one full of events! My wonderful friends, Tom and Tori, paid for me to go see the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert. SWEET!!!! And, I got to see the latest Chronicles of Narnia movie yesterday.
It's the little things.
T-minus 8 days til Christmas.
T-minus 2 weeks and 1 day until Memphis.
I'm continuing to hold on for the ride of my life. :)
Love you guys,
Em
Where in the world is the time going? I am sitting at home with one semester left of my college career.
One.
As you have probably figured out by now, I am extremely futuristic. But instead of viewing this as only having one semester, I am going to try my absolute hardest to view this as I get one more semester. I get one more semester with the people who have become a whole other family to me...with the mentors who have invested in me and helped me to grow.
And I am blessed beyond measure to have the amazing floor I do. B4N is a wonderful place to be. I have met some of the most incredible women on this floor, and God could not have put them in my life at a better time.
Next semester is also going to be full of a lot of opportunities...(stay tuned!). There is one in particular that I am pretty excited about but will share in due time. I get one more semester to glean and learn all I can from the people and environment that is Evangel. I could not be more thankful that I do.
Next week begins work. I am working at vet clinic for 6 days to help them during the Christmas rush. God also dropped that right in my lap. Thank You for the opportunity.
After that, I get to go to Memphis. I get to see my kids. :D :D :D :D :D
I am pretty darn excited in case you couldn't tell.
It will have been 5 months since I have seen any of them, and I cannot wait for the opportunity to hold them in my arms once more. I still see their faces. Of all the people in the world, God chose little old me. Me. And in a few weeks time, I think even more of my future after school will be made clear.
Until then, I fully intend on enjoying every last minute of the present. I will have many a bonding experience in the months to come. This break has already been one full of events! My wonderful friends, Tom and Tori, paid for me to go see the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert. SWEET!!!! And, I got to see the latest Chronicles of Narnia movie yesterday.
It's the little things.
T-minus 8 days til Christmas.
T-minus 2 weeks and 1 day until Memphis.
I'm continuing to hold on for the ride of my life. :)
Love you guys,
Em
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Bright Lights
'Tis the season, and I absolutely love this time of year. There is so much joy and so many things to be thankful for.
Someone asked me what I enjoyed the most about Christmas, and I had to take a moment to really ponder this. I absolutely love the atmosphere of Christmas, giving gifts, seeing lights, listening to Christmas music, and being with friends and family. However, there is something else that I had never really put into words before until last night.
Christmas brings light to a very dark season.
I think this is a rather interesting concept. In one of the most dreary and freezing cold times of the year, the streets are lit for miles. There is so much joy just in the simple process of admiring Christmas lights.
Christmas could not have a more appropriate title. Christ brought his light to a dark and dying world. Like the lights that make the city shine so brightly this time of year, a light so much more powerful was brought to a dismal world and continues to shine through every season.
No wonder there is so much joy. For a society who tries to take God out of absolutely everything, they have indirectly put Him right back in through the simplicity of hanging up Christmas lights. They shine and remind people of the joy that the season brings. However, do we really stop to think about the true light that was brought to us on that Christmas day over 2,000 years ago? I do not know about you, but that makes me even more joyful just thinking about it!
One of my favorite things to do during Christmas time is go around and look at all the lights. 21 years later, I understand why. It signifies so much more to me than just the commercialized scene that Christmas has become. It is a demonstration of the beacon of hope I look to and serve every day of my life. Christmas joy does not have to be only once a year. Christmas joy is eternal for we have the light 365 days a year.
So I challenge you this year to look at the lights in a new way. Yeah, they are fun and colorful and a happy reminder of one of the most wonderful times of the year. But don't forget the light that came into this world to save us all. That is a light that shines more brightly than any bulb could do justice.
'Tis the season! I will enjoy every minute of it. :)
Love you guys,
Em
Someone asked me what I enjoyed the most about Christmas, and I had to take a moment to really ponder this. I absolutely love the atmosphere of Christmas, giving gifts, seeing lights, listening to Christmas music, and being with friends and family. However, there is something else that I had never really put into words before until last night.
Christmas brings light to a very dark season.
I think this is a rather interesting concept. In one of the most dreary and freezing cold times of the year, the streets are lit for miles. There is so much joy just in the simple process of admiring Christmas lights.
Christmas could not have a more appropriate title. Christ brought his light to a dark and dying world. Like the lights that make the city shine so brightly this time of year, a light so much more powerful was brought to a dismal world and continues to shine through every season.
No wonder there is so much joy. For a society who tries to take God out of absolutely everything, they have indirectly put Him right back in through the simplicity of hanging up Christmas lights. They shine and remind people of the joy that the season brings. However, do we really stop to think about the true light that was brought to us on that Christmas day over 2,000 years ago? I do not know about you, but that makes me even more joyful just thinking about it!
One of my favorite things to do during Christmas time is go around and look at all the lights. 21 years later, I understand why. It signifies so much more to me than just the commercialized scene that Christmas has become. It is a demonstration of the beacon of hope I look to and serve every day of my life. Christmas joy does not have to be only once a year. Christmas joy is eternal for we have the light 365 days a year.
So I challenge you this year to look at the lights in a new way. Yeah, they are fun and colorful and a happy reminder of one of the most wonderful times of the year. But don't forget the light that came into this world to save us all. That is a light that shines more brightly than any bulb could do justice.
'Tis the season! I will enjoy every minute of it. :)
Love you guys,
Em
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Whirlwind
A lot has happened in the past month, but as always, God proves very faithful.
I am now in a new dorm room and officially a resident of Burgess Hall.
Who in the world would have seen that coming????? I am blessed with a floor of wonderful girls. They all welcomed me in from the start, and God has shown me that in the midst of craziness, He is right there. I do miss a lot of the people from Lewis, but I know that change sometimes is very positive. So here I am embarking on a new journey my last year of school.
My last year...wow!! Sometimes graduation just comes up and smacks me in the face. I cannot believe how quickly it is approaching. My feelings are mixed. I have loved being here. My friends are incredible (and are stuck with me even after we graduate), and the experiences I have had are life-changing. I know that God has molded and shaped me due in large part to my time here. However, I am also really excited to start the next phase in my life. A lot of that has to do with Memphis.
Memphis. There is something else on my heart. Pictures of my kids are hanging on my wall in a heart shape. It kills me to not be there and that I haven't had any time to send them anything. However, as a dear friend reminded me, it is not my place to take care of them...it's the Lords'. My place and purpose are here for this moment in time. While I feel like going back next summer is a very strong possibility, I want to make sure that I go for the right reasons, and that I go because the Lord wants me to. I miss them, and they will always be on my heart, but they are in the Father's hands.
I don't want to just do the convenient thing. I want to be radical. I want to be pro-active and go to the places unknown. In some regards, I don't always want to be comfortable. I want to be streched, and I want to learn. Most importantly, I want to be surrendered to He who gives my life meaning.
It is so easy to forget to trust the Lord. Time and time again in the past few weeks, He has reminded me of how faithful He is. Affirmation has come left and right, and I could not be more thankful for that gift. I was given a dream the other night that is the closest thing to a prophecy I have ever dreamed. I was swimming in a river with snakes all over everywhere. However, they would not come anywhere near because the Lord was with me. They could see His presence surrounding me, and I could feel Him. The cool thing about that was in my devotionals the night before, I had asked the Lord to speak to me, and there it was.
The Lord is with me, and nothing can touch me. Yes difficulties come, but the Lord will not leave me. I took the snakes to be the devil, and it was really stinking cool to see them back off because of the anointing they felt on my life.
Talk about empowerment. Alright satan. Let the butt-kicking continue. My God is for me, and you just plain suck. (Yes, I said suck. It's because he does.)
Welp, I have rambled for long enough.
Live a life of victory, for God does not call us to live a life of fear. Live a life of power, for Christ gives strength to the weak and enables us to be proactive. Live a life that is radical, because God has called you to be extraordinary. Live a life full of trust, because we are in our Father's hands. While you are at it, just live.
Love you all,
Em
I am now in a new dorm room and officially a resident of Burgess Hall.
Who in the world would have seen that coming????? I am blessed with a floor of wonderful girls. They all welcomed me in from the start, and God has shown me that in the midst of craziness, He is right there. I do miss a lot of the people from Lewis, but I know that change sometimes is very positive. So here I am embarking on a new journey my last year of school.
My last year...wow!! Sometimes graduation just comes up and smacks me in the face. I cannot believe how quickly it is approaching. My feelings are mixed. I have loved being here. My friends are incredible (and are stuck with me even after we graduate), and the experiences I have had are life-changing. I know that God has molded and shaped me due in large part to my time here. However, I am also really excited to start the next phase in my life. A lot of that has to do with Memphis.
Memphis. There is something else on my heart. Pictures of my kids are hanging on my wall in a heart shape. It kills me to not be there and that I haven't had any time to send them anything. However, as a dear friend reminded me, it is not my place to take care of them...it's the Lords'. My place and purpose are here for this moment in time. While I feel like going back next summer is a very strong possibility, I want to make sure that I go for the right reasons, and that I go because the Lord wants me to. I miss them, and they will always be on my heart, but they are in the Father's hands.
I don't want to just do the convenient thing. I want to be radical. I want to be pro-active and go to the places unknown. In some regards, I don't always want to be comfortable. I want to be streched, and I want to learn. Most importantly, I want to be surrendered to He who gives my life meaning.
It is so easy to forget to trust the Lord. Time and time again in the past few weeks, He has reminded me of how faithful He is. Affirmation has come left and right, and I could not be more thankful for that gift. I was given a dream the other night that is the closest thing to a prophecy I have ever dreamed. I was swimming in a river with snakes all over everywhere. However, they would not come anywhere near because the Lord was with me. They could see His presence surrounding me, and I could feel Him. The cool thing about that was in my devotionals the night before, I had asked the Lord to speak to me, and there it was.
The Lord is with me, and nothing can touch me. Yes difficulties come, but the Lord will not leave me. I took the snakes to be the devil, and it was really stinking cool to see them back off because of the anointing they felt on my life.
Talk about empowerment. Alright satan. Let the butt-kicking continue. My God is for me, and you just plain suck. (Yes, I said suck. It's because he does.)
Welp, I have rambled for long enough.
Live a life of victory, for God does not call us to live a life of fear. Live a life of power, for Christ gives strength to the weak and enables us to be proactive. Live a life that is radical, because God has called you to be extraordinary. Live a life full of trust, because we are in our Father's hands. While you are at it, just live.
Love you all,
Em
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Indescribable
I have found a common location to be in for when I write my blogs, and this place just so happens to be the Crosswalk office. I guess it has become a place of refuge for when I need to think, write sermons, or write lovely New Testament Theology papers at 3 in the morning.
As promised, here is my update about the month of October so far.
Let's just say that God went above and beyond everything I ever thought He would do with regards to this lovely all girls' chapel that I put on. The response was unreal!! And the presence of the Lord was definitely felt all throughout the chapel.
The chapel was called Beauty in the Eyes of God. Now some of you may be going, what in the world does that mean and why does it sound so cliche? Well, it probably is cliche but what I talked about was anything but. In this chapel, the Lord really laid on my heart to bring into light the circumstances and struggles that are so often kept in darkness. He challenged me to bring up the hard topics such as eating disorders, depression, suicide, cutting, lust, homosexuality, drinking, drugs...pretty much all things never EVER discussed within the Christian setting. And it got me to thinking, of all the people on this campus, God chose me.
Me.
Why?
I am just one person, but I am one person with a story and a heart for women. I hate watching my generation being torn apart because of the lies we allow satan to pour into our lives. (Yes I know that satan is a proper name for you grammatical people, but I've never thought he deserved the caps.) In this chapel, I got the very opportunity to tell my story and to share my struggles with the female student body. And let me tell you, it was definitely Jesus' words coming out of my mouth...minus the comment about feeling like Britney Spears with the headset I was wearing. It was definitely one of those larger than life headsets in which you would see in the Oops I Did It Again! videos. However, no worries, I did not dance.
Me and my rambling.
Basically, this chapel rocked my world for not only did God challenge me to bring into light my own struggles, but He challenged me to bring up the ones I have never talked about in public much less than to anyone other than Alina. (Alina is my best friend and one of the coolest people ever in case that needed clarification.) :) So, being God, He stretched me in ways that I was so not ready for. However, He had me tell Laurisha and Amy first.
You better believed this freaked me out.
But you would not believe the FREEDOM! I felt after I finally just gave it up to the Lord, womaned it up, and talked about it. Not to mention the affirmation I got from the two of them. I love wonderful and supporting Godly friends.
You know, it is amazing what satan loses control over and God lifts the burdens of once you allow the Lord to do His job. I told my biggest and darkest secret. (I'm sure I've sparked some of your interests, so just let me know, and I will let you listen to the recording of my chapel.) And you know what, no one ran away screaming. No one looked at me like I was the world's biggest failure.
They looked at me like I was real. And that someone had actually been bold enough to share and now they inturn could share themselves. I had so many girls approach me afterwards saying that that was exactly what they needed to hear. Chains began to be shattered and lives began to be healed. Girls confessed things they had never told before because I actually let God use me.
Huh. Weird concept. Listening to the Lord when He tells you to do something. It's like He has a purpose or something.
That chapel had absolutely nothing to do with me. But God used one woman with one story to plant a seed in the lives of a little over one-hundred women. One of the greatest opportunites of my life so far?? You best believe it!
It is time to loosen the enemies control on what we have faced.
Our past does not define us. It is who we are in Christ.
Well, that is all I have for now. This weekend is Homecoming and my dear Laurisha and Amy are gracing the football field as homecoming queen nominees. I could not be more proud/excited!! SINK THE VIKINGS. (There is Emily's school pride. Woot Woot.)
Until my next rambling, never forget to keep your eyes focused on the author and perfector of our faith.
Love you guys,
Em
As promised, here is my update about the month of October so far.
Let's just say that God went above and beyond everything I ever thought He would do with regards to this lovely all girls' chapel that I put on. The response was unreal!! And the presence of the Lord was definitely felt all throughout the chapel.
The chapel was called Beauty in the Eyes of God. Now some of you may be going, what in the world does that mean and why does it sound so cliche? Well, it probably is cliche but what I talked about was anything but. In this chapel, the Lord really laid on my heart to bring into light the circumstances and struggles that are so often kept in darkness. He challenged me to bring up the hard topics such as eating disorders, depression, suicide, cutting, lust, homosexuality, drinking, drugs...pretty much all things never EVER discussed within the Christian setting. And it got me to thinking, of all the people on this campus, God chose me.
Me.
Why?
I am just one person, but I am one person with a story and a heart for women. I hate watching my generation being torn apart because of the lies we allow satan to pour into our lives. (Yes I know that satan is a proper name for you grammatical people, but I've never thought he deserved the caps.) In this chapel, I got the very opportunity to tell my story and to share my struggles with the female student body. And let me tell you, it was definitely Jesus' words coming out of my mouth...minus the comment about feeling like Britney Spears with the headset I was wearing. It was definitely one of those larger than life headsets in which you would see in the Oops I Did It Again! videos. However, no worries, I did not dance.
Me and my rambling.
Basically, this chapel rocked my world for not only did God challenge me to bring into light my own struggles, but He challenged me to bring up the ones I have never talked about in public much less than to anyone other than Alina. (Alina is my best friend and one of the coolest people ever in case that needed clarification.) :) So, being God, He stretched me in ways that I was so not ready for. However, He had me tell Laurisha and Amy first.
You better believed this freaked me out.
But you would not believe the FREEDOM! I felt after I finally just gave it up to the Lord, womaned it up, and talked about it. Not to mention the affirmation I got from the two of them. I love wonderful and supporting Godly friends.
You know, it is amazing what satan loses control over and God lifts the burdens of once you allow the Lord to do His job. I told my biggest and darkest secret. (I'm sure I've sparked some of your interests, so just let me know, and I will let you listen to the recording of my chapel.) And you know what, no one ran away screaming. No one looked at me like I was the world's biggest failure.
They looked at me like I was real. And that someone had actually been bold enough to share and now they inturn could share themselves. I had so many girls approach me afterwards saying that that was exactly what they needed to hear. Chains began to be shattered and lives began to be healed. Girls confessed things they had never told before because I actually let God use me.
Huh. Weird concept. Listening to the Lord when He tells you to do something. It's like He has a purpose or something.
That chapel had absolutely nothing to do with me. But God used one woman with one story to plant a seed in the lives of a little over one-hundred women. One of the greatest opportunites of my life so far?? You best believe it!
It is time to loosen the enemies control on what we have faced.
Our past does not define us. It is who we are in Christ.
Well, that is all I have for now. This weekend is Homecoming and my dear Laurisha and Amy are gracing the football field as homecoming queen nominees. I could not be more proud/excited!! SINK THE VIKINGS. (There is Emily's school pride. Woot Woot.)
Until my next rambling, never forget to keep your eyes focused on the author and perfector of our faith.
Love you guys,
Em
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