Power in the Written Word

When I was a kid, reading was all I did. I remember being part of programs in which you would get points for reading books, and with those points came rewards. Tell any child they will get a prize (whether it be the latest Power Ranger, stuffed animal, or a pizza party), and you can generally get them to do just about anything.

So, I always, always read. I prided myself on being able to read at a ninth grade level in the fourth grade. It was the little things in life that I had to look forward to.

However, as I got older, I found less and less time to read. In fact, reading became anything but fun due to the fact that it became a necessity to pass my classes. Reading 100 + pages on the molecular make-up of the human body never really tickled my fancy. However, once college ended, I discovered all the time in the world to dive into the untapped pages I once so frequently visited.

My friend Paige is an avid reader (as is most of her family). She began to throw book after book at me (not really, but I like the dramatic emphasis), and I discovered why I love reading so much. However, she told me about one book in particular that I HAD to read. It's called "When God Writes Your Love Story." The title alone frightened me.

It seems as though most of the world around me is either getting married or in a serious relationship. It became really hard for me to not get frustrated that I hadn't found my special someone. When Paige gave me this book, I thought to myself "wonderful, another self-help book to help me get over my impatience in not having found anyone yet...I cannot wait to see how this goes..." I know, my attitude rocked. No worries, after reading just the first few pages, my mind became opened to a whole new world.

I have not finished the book, but I will be giving it a full report once I have. It is written from a very human perspective, which I love and appreciate more than anything. The authors are Eric and Leslie Ludy, and they walk the reader through what pretty much everyone deals with in this realm. However, they so carefully reminded me that my love story is not intended to be written by me; it's intended to be written by God.

I'm almost half-way through the book, and these are some of the wonderful insights I have gleaned:

- Give God the pen to my love story and completely surrender every aspect of my
life.
- Be completely satisfied with only Him.
- Live as though my future spouse can see me.
- Ask God to guard EVERY aspect of my life and heart.

The thing that blows my mind the most is that He is genuinely interested in writing me the best love story ever. So why in the world have I been so impatient and tried to write my own pages? The book talks about viewing other Christian guys as pilgrims and not potentials. Ding ding ding, what a revelation.

Already my eyes have been opened to something I really did not ever think about; Jesus is truly interested in my love story. Why? Because He's the best author for the job.

This week I have REALLY began to relinquish control in my life and especially in that area. As I have done this, I have found myself even more satisfied with just being with my King. As I sit and dwell on all He has done for me, I feel foolish for not trusting Him with this oh so fragile part of my life. Who better to entrust my heart to than Christ?

When I finish the book, I will dedicate an entire post to it. I encourage you, read it. It's awesome. Seriously.

In a day and age where we are so consumed by technology, sometimes it's better to sit down and let ourselves be enlightened by the revelations God shares with His children.

Wow. I'm dumb-founded.

Until I finish the book, I leave with these thoughts.

Love you guys.
In Him,
Em

Endless Opportunities

These past couple of weeks have been extremely joyful.

There is something about fall that makes me really excited inside. I don't know if it's the change in colors, the wonderful air, or the fact that I don't have to write papers anymore so I can actually enjoy it! This season has become one of my favorites. I love hot cider, bonfires, and the beauty that comes with this time of year.

This fall has also brought on some new experiences for me, and they are experiences I am thoroughly enjoying. I am now a youth sponsor at my church and am loving the connection time I am getting. It's funny, for an age group I said I would never work with, they are really starting to grow on me. It's definitely a different perspective to be on this end of things. I remember sitting in the youth group and admiring those that were older than me. I remember hoping and wishing that they would come talk to me and want to make an investment in my life. Now here I am, at that very age, and so blessed to be able to get that chance.

I already know several of the girls in the youth group. A couple of them I have known for pretty much forever. However, I don't want to miss out on an opportunity to invest in that girl who feels like she has no one. I don't want to miss out on that girl who wishes someone would just come talk to her. Being the age I am, I have a rare window of time to show the love of Christ to these girls in a different way. Granted, we have some stinking awesome youth sponsors, and I love them all dearly. I just feel really excited about being able to show God to these young ladies in a different light.

I've been looking back a lot on the first person to really invest in my walk with Christ, and the impact she has had will last forever. I hope that I can show even just a fraction of what she showed me about God. God has already began to open the door of connection with some of these teenagers, and I can't wait to see how He opens it even more. I believe in a generation who does not find their worth in the eyes of a guy, of a tabloid image, or in what the world says they should be. I believe in a generation who finds their worth and value in the eyes of the King who loves and adores them more than they could ever know. My heart is for these girls and for these women who don't believe in themselves. I will never forget who first believed in me. I want these girls to know that I believe in them.

Being a youth sponsor has also given me the opportunity to be surrounded by some amazing women. I love the openness I feel in talking to them. I love being able to hear their hearts. I love how crazy and goofy they are. In essence, I just love them.

All in all, I am humbled yet again. God has given me an AMAZING opportunity in being with this youth group, and I am not going to take it for granted. I pray that in every conversation I have, every hug I give, and every amount of time I spend, these youth see that God loves and believes in them.

What an exciting time in life. :)

I'll keep you posted.

Love you guys.

In Him,
Em

A Needed Recharge

Last week was one of the craziest, exciting, tiring, and needed weeks since I graduated from college. In essence, it was almost perfect.

The week started with my first district event for the Assemblies of God in Kansas. Every year, the district puts on something called Ministers' Renewal. Many of the district pastors come to good 'ol Wheat State Camp and spend a few days being able to connect with other leaders.

It was such a great experience.

Can I just tell you that I work for the best people ever? (Andy, if you're reading this, I'm including you!) ;) They have such hearts for people and for doing Kingdom work that I can't help but be inspired every time I am around them. They love these pastors and they love people.

This event allowed me to interact with some of Kansas' finest. I got to talk to so many different people - some that I knew, some that I didn't. One of the first people to really influence my walk with the Lord was also there. She and her husband are pastors, and it was so nice to have the chance to connect with her again. She poured into my life starting at such a young age, and I am forever grateful.

I love that my line of work allows me to be so relational. I get to talk to people from all different walks of life all the time, and it is such an energy boost for me.

The event was also just tons of fun. Along with the fun, there were also lots of long hours. However, since I worked such long hours, I was given Thursday and Friday of last week off. Can you say glory hallelujah?

With that, I was able to take off to Springfield a day early. Let me just tell ya, that trip was exactly what I have needed. I got to spend time with some of my favorite people in the entire world, and it was so nice to be able to interact with them face-to-face again.

I have missed my community. At Evangel Temple's young adults group on Sunday, they really talked about the importance of community and connecting to the people around you. None of us were meant to walk through life alone. I am so thankful to have the friends I do (even if the ones who walked through Evangel with me aren't really near).

However, I was also reminded that Evangel is no longer my home. As I stood at the front desk, I expected my friend Laurisha to come bounding out of her room on the first floor. Also, walking down the side walk to the south-side of campus, I kept looking for my dear Amy. As I remembered that they are no longer there, I took a look at the Evangel that was around me. New faces. Different settings. A whole new time.

I will always treasure everything about my experience at Evangel. My friend Lisa asked me to list off what made my last semester so wonderful, and the list was just endless. I am blessed.

As I continue on my new path in life, I look back with fondness. I get to go back to Springfield in November for my friend Olivia's senior recital, and I cannot wait to once again hug the necks of these wonderful friends I have missed so dearly.

However, I am also keeping my eyes ahead. When I graduated from Evangel, my dear friend Deanna reminded me that this was a time to go out in peace because the Lord knows exactly what He is doing. Time and time again, He has proved that He does.

The Lord knew I needed this time with so many precious friends. I have made some wonderful memories with these amazing people. As I look forward to the time when I can see them again, I also look forward to where God is taking and shaping my life.

I have learned something very valuable these past few months: His plans far exceed my own.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

Love you guys.

In Him,
Em

Pleasant Reminders

I have been employed for almost a month.

My how time flies.

I love absolutely everything (well almost everything!) about my job. I could not have asked for a better work environment or better people.

In this past month, I have also been officially credentialed. It is quite humbling to be honest. I have spent the past 10 years dreaming of this day and now that it has come, I am reminded still of just how small I am and how great HE is. Reverend is such an honor and one that I hope I never take lightly.

The month has also been filled with some spots of loneliness. I have transitioned out of one of the most constant and people-filled stages of my life: college. At every wake and turn, there was someone there...always. Now as I have entered this new phase in my life, there is not always someone at every turn (at least not someone my age). Don't get me wrong, I am blessed beyond measure. I still have some of the world's greatest friends (even though they are miles and miles away from me). However, the Lord has constantly taught me to find my source in Him.

In these moments of loneliness, I have tried to make it an effort to cry out to God instead of moping in a state of self-despair (a.k.a. pity party). I have learned that God does a much better job of filling that hole than if I sit there and whine to myself. It's like He is meant to be our all sustaining source of life and joy. Weird. Who would have thought.

And it is in these moments of asking God to constantly be my source, a pleasant reminder of His love and grace comes through.

God has made me a very relational being. I derive energy from being with and around people. I always have, I believe I always will. It's called being an extreme extrovert. So in these moments of loneliness, God makes His presence even more known. After I have had one of these moments, a text message, a call, or some form of communication comes through from one of those wonderful friends I was telling you about who live miles and miles away from me. Every time this happens, I feel God gently nudge me and say, "My child, I told you that you are never alone. Let me provide the comfort you need, and I will grant you the relational need I have placed in you." And let me just tell you, He provides again and again at exactly the right moment I need it.

God is my source.

Lives get busy. Chaos ensues. But God remains the same.

It is easy to feel that ping of loneliness, but it is important to remember that we are never ever alone. So let the God of the universe be the one you need.

Thanks for letting me ramble yet again. :)

Adios until next time.

Love you guys.

In Him,
Em

Never Say Never

As much as I love me some Justin Bieber, this post is not a tribute to his wonderful film. I did indeed steal the title, but, this is in a completely different context.

I definitely did say never.

I told God (note the telling part...how silly I am) that I was NEVER EVER IN A MILLION GILLION YEARS moving back to Wichita. The Lord has a sense of humor because where am I located now?? Oh yeah, Wichita.

As many of you have read in my earlier postings, I know why I came home this summer, and it was one of the best summers I have had. It was full of growth and rest in the Lord, and I loved absolutely every minute of it.

Searching for a job (like for everyone else) has been a major challenge. Nothing seemed like it was the right job for me or like it was the right door.

In talking to one of our pastor's wives at my church (the wonderful Crystal), we were discussing my heart for inner-city ministry and working with kids and women. (Side-note, I also told the Lord I would NEVER EVER EVER be interested in working with teenagers. I bet you know what comes next!! Yeah, I'm now interested...Oh how funny God is!) She told me to talk to a guy at my church who worked in Kansas City for a long time and would maybe know of some opportunities for me. So, I contacted him.

Along with giving me information, he also told me of a need that the Assemblies of God district office here in Wichita had. They needed a receptionist. At first, I scoffed at the idea. Why in the world would I want to do that? It's not what I feel called to do. The Lord kindly reminded me that ministry is everywhere...not just behind a pulpit. On top of it, this office is full of on-fire people for Jesus who could teach me more than I could ever imagine about what it really means to serve.

God also gently reminded me that before He can be great in me, I have to let Him be great in the small.

So with that, I applied. Yesterday I interviewed and got called back with a job offer. I squealed. That office already feels like home. My interview was fantastic, and I cannot wait to work for these amazing people. I cannot wait to learn everything that God has for me being in that office.

No, it doesn't follow my plan. But, God's plan trumps all, and I cannot wait to see where He leads me from here.

I'm done telling God never (I hope). I'm in for the ride of my life.

Love you guys.

In Him,
Em

Child-Like Faith

For my birthday this year, my parents were wonderful enough to buy me a new queen-size bed. YIPPEE!!!!! I cannot even BEGIN to express how excited I am for this bed. I'm receiving said bed tomorrow, and I needed to rearrange my room and move my current bed to where the new bed is going. Well, under my current bed was a lot of junk that I've had since I was like four, and I decided it was high time to go through it all and see what I wanted to keep. Of course there were things that my mom did not want to throw away (and with my brother going to college this weekend, life does not need to be more complicated for my poor mother.) So, I began to rifle and rummage through my childhood.

At first, I just laughed at old notes from elementary school friends. A lot of them contained, "let's be bff's FOREVER!!!! <3" I find it rather amusing that I do not even remember who half of these people were...I found old bracelets, rings, random pieces of paper, and my collector barbies (do not judge, they could make me millions one day!) ;) I even found old letters that I had written to my brother when we got into fights...we were very diplomatic children and talked through our feelings when one stole the other's toy or smacked the other for no apparent reason.

But then I found what life was like when I completely and utterly trusted God and believed in miracles - I found my old journals. When I was in the 4th grade, my grandmother got into an almost fatal car accident. I found the following statements that I had written at age 9: "I think God put his angels in my grandma's car," "I know by a miracle God kept her safe," "My life has been changed and so has my family's, still I know that God kept her alive and safe. I believe in miracles." As I read the pages that I had poured so much of my heart onto, God reminded me of child-like faith. At that age, my biggest concern was having too much homework that would keep me from going outside to play. When my grandma almost passed away, I knew that God had been there and that He was the reason she is still alive to this day.

Why do I find excuses to doubt?

13 years later, I am now a college graduate waiting to see where I am going to be employed. I have caught myself so many times going into freak-out mode because I am not quite sure of where my life is going to go. As I read those pages tonight, God so gently reminded me that He is and always will be there. He is the miracle worker, and I believe that He will always take care of me.

I am glad that I found those pages of my youthful innocence once again. My challenge to us all is to find that child-like faith once again where we know to believe in miracles and to know that God has us in the palm of His hand.

In the midst of the chaos that life throws your way, remember that the same God who brought you through bruised up and bloodied knees will be there to bring you through any stress, strain, or loss that plagues you now.

I have been reminded of my child-like faith. I hope this can be a reminder for all of you.

Love you guys.

In Him,
Em

Waiting Part Two

God has taught me the meaning of patience...or I guess I might still be learning that lesson. This process of waiting just flat out stinks sometimes.

I have caught myself at several points "waiting for my life to start." God kindly reminds me that my life started 22 years ago, and it hasn't stopped. His timing is just far better than my own, and maybe one day I'll get over my stubborn resolve and actually listen to that truth the first time.

In this transition time I have experienced such great rest and joy. I have genuinely loved being home and realize time and time again why God brought me here. My life has still been going...

Since the start of senior year, I have been "waiting" to meet Mr. Right (since everyone else seems to be on that bandwagon, I didn't want to feel left out!!.....ha.), "waiting" to start doing ministry, "waiting."

As far as Mr. Right goes, I know again that God's timing far surpasses my own. To be completely honest, I could not be more excited for my friends who are getting married because I get to share in their special days (and I LOVE weddings...no seriously...love). I know that God will bring him when He's ready. Why rush the moment that God has me in? Why miss out wishing for what He's not ready to show?

Ministry. What I have felt called to do since I was 12. However, God kindly reminded me this week that ministry is not just behind a pulpit or in being a pastor (even though I love doing both). Ministry is in life, in how you live and how you love. I'm a plunge all in kinda kid, and God is showing me that this option is not always the best. He has shown me that in order for Him to be great in the big, I have to let Him show me how to be joyful in the small. I have always had big dreams, and I have also been kindly reminded to not give up on those dreams that God has so fervently placed in me. However, why would God throw me head first into something I'm not ready for? What makes me think I'm exempt from going through the steps it takes to reach those goals...to really appreciate the dreams He has given me? I am actually really genuinely excited to start in the small. He has molded my life so perfectly, and I am ready to continue discovering the puzzle one piece at a time.

No more waiting. This summer has been a chance to live, and I have loved living every minute of it. I have been reminded of some precious friendships and found joy in many already strong relationships. Though I'm not quite sure of where I'm going from here, God knows. As many of my friends prepare to go back to EU, I continue to embrace every precious moment and gift I've been given.

Life's too short. No more waiting. My life started a long time ago. God has already written some pretty awesome chapters...I'm PUMPED to watch Him show me my story.

No fear. No worry. No waiting.

Live.

Love you guys.

In Him,
Em