Streets

‎"We see our churches full but we forget that the streets are fuller." Joel Houston

At my church we have been studying the book of Acts and the idea of a Revolution. I personally have been studying the book on my own and it has been amazing to see God's passion and love for his people. I have never been more excited to be a part of something bigger than myself. God is up to something. I have seen the hearts of people change before my very eyes. You can never underestimate the power of the Spirit. Mmm it is moving.

I choose to believe that often we get caught up in motions and forget about the multitudes of people who are in desperate need of something greater. More than numbers, more than money or success...they simply want to belong. Sure it's exciting to come to church and worship with one another but what about your friends and those around you who are lost and turning to anything they can for happiness?

It breaks my heart to know that I have several friends who do not know Jesus. I imagine what God would do with their lives and how the world would be impacted by them. God has uniquely designed us each in a way that impacts the kingdom and I pray that one day they would embrace it.

I am forever thankful for my Savior. Pray for the streets. They need Jesus. Go into the streets. You are the hands and feet.

Agape

The heart.

It is such an odd piece of work. It beats. It hurts. It leaps. It guides you - which can be good or bad. It's such a hard thing when someones says, "Follow your heart." How do we know that our heart is in line with the Lord's desires and not our own? And what about the moments when we face pain because of others choices that weren't our own?

I long to please our Lord. Gosh, I imagine myself sometimes sitting at his feet and him just smiling at me. Not saying a word. Just being there. With me. In perfect peace. And without a sound...I know he is pleased with me. I know he loves me. My heart tells me so. His eyes tell me all I need to know.

Life tends to happen whether we like it or not and it never seems to slow down. Often I find myself overwhelmed. For once Id like to just sit and be and allow the Lord to whisper sweet nothings in my ear but life tends to get in the way. It's funny - you think when you're truly seeking after God's own heart that your life would be together. That has never been the case for me. In fact, the Lord brings me to the season of the wilderness a lot. Especially the past few years...but I've learned to take a deep breath and hold onto him tightly. The man has captured my heart. And he is the only man I trust. After all, he did die for me.

I feel like I'm learning a lot about love and a lot about my own heart. No I don't have all the answers or any really...but I know a man that understands love perfectly. And that's all I need to know. May he continue to show me...

Agape.

K E Y S

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destreebrown destreebrown

Definitely not feeling like P Diddy this morning.

6 Jun Favorite Reply Delete

The minute I opened my eyes yesterday I should have known that I needed to be prepared for the day I had in store for me. After working a long BUT FUN day @ Northstar I decided to come home and do a little spring cleaning. Why? Well, my closet was overflowing and could not fit another item of clothing inside and so I knew something had to give. I packed up all of my fall/winter clothes...got rid of things...and ohh 5 hrs later my room was looking like a rockstar. I finally went to sleep feeling great and refreshed and reordered...little did I know those few hours of sleep would be the last of my peace for a while.

I woke up the next morning, not feeling too hot, and got ready to begin my day. Everything seemed great...I was so pumped about being in the office - it was the first day for our interns and we had such a cool meeting planned! I had everything ready and ready to go when all of a sudden I realized something....I COULDNT FIND MY KEYS. I have never lost my keys or misplaced them before so I tried not to panic. An hour later I was still looking for my keys.

I ended up using the spare and headed to work. I had a good day but the constant tracing of my steps lasted all day. I went home and looked everywhere again. Im talking unpacked things, repacked things, dumped things, lifted things, garbage dived, ANYTHING...and still no keys. Needless to say, I broke down and cried for a long time. Here I am at work once again..and still no keys. Just typing that makes my stomach churn. I know it may not be a big deal to you...but it is to me.

The crazy thing about me losing my keys is that the entire time I have not lost my temper. Im not angry or frustrated...I just feel extremely defeated. Like I myself am lost honestly. I cant help but think that maybe God is trying to teach me something...what is it that I am searching for? What is it that we are all searching for?

I realize that I have got to let go and let God. I am comforted by His word in Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Keys. You need keys in order to get somewhere. You need them to open a door. Let God show you what he wants to open for you.

Knees

JohnPiper John Piper

by destreebrown

"Whom God will use mightily he wounds deeply." (Matt Chandler)

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I saw this tweet this morning and immediately had to retweet it. This claim rings true in my life time and time again. I often find myself walking in the harvest - feeling completely blessed - in peace with the Lord and yet something always happens. Something ends up happening and here I am found on my knees again clinging to the only thing I know to be constant in my life - Jesus' love.

I'd like to think I am a good person. Sure, Lord knows I have my downfalls and Ive made decisions Im not always proud of - but I have a good heart and want nothing but to help others. I ache for those who have been crushed, wounded, let down, etc. I dont understand why people can be so selfish, so center-focused, so destructive...and yet they continue to hurt people and feel no remorse about it. I've been through my fair share of let downs. I guess that comes with the idea of my inner need to help fix people. I understand that it is not my job but yet I find myself bending over backwards for those in need. If only I could let go and let God...

Today I am choosing to praise God for my many wounds. From abuse to abandon to rejection - Ive felt it and yet I praise the Lord bc this pain is no where near the pain he experienced. Here I am on my knees at the foot of the cross and there is no place I would rather be.

I am so thankful for this reminder. Today I am filled with joy, love, compassion, excitement, peace, hope, and so much more and that I know is from the Lord. I sow these into my heart because I know that I will face many trials on my journey but I know he is with me and walking before me. Take some time to praise him even when its hard. He knows our pain. He knows our desires.

Sunday is one of my favorite days. Not because we get to dress in precious dresses or spend time with family - but bc we are reminded of the beautiful sacrifice Jesus made for us. As tears stream down my face - I am so thankful. I am so undeserving and yet he loves me still.

To be on your knees is such a selfless and humbling act. Go there today.

*Need a church home for Sunday?? Come check out Northstar! We have been praying for you. www.northstar.cc

Blast from the Past

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destreebrown destreebrown

Had a couple of blasts from the past on this beautiful Sunday..so thankful for God's constant direction in my life. #blessed

This morning at church I ran into two old friends of mine. One guy I havent seen since the 10th grade - he took me to prom and I remember wishing he would ask me to be his girlfriend but he always told me I was a lot of fun and super sweet but that he just didnt want to commit. Its funny how a good 8 years can change that. He shared with me this morning how much he wished he could go back and change things - how he wanted to get back in church, find some stability, and learn what it looks like to start living. Not 5 min later, a guy I dated in college walked up with his girlfriend. I have literally not seen this guy since the day I broke up with him 4 years ago. He said hello to me and introduced me to his girlfriend. Him and the other guy quickly started talking and they made sure to let me know that they really were seeking for something more in their life.

As they both walked away I could not help but smile and praise God. I remember wondering why in the heck could things not work with either of them - and here I was several years later being reminded of how much God knows me better than myself.

Have you ever been frustrated with the Lord - especially when you feel him leading you somewhere you cannot seem to understand? Trust him.

Molly

It's been a long time since I have blogged, I know. Honestly, Ive thought about it often but Ive been to busy to care. It wasn't until last Sunday that I decided I really should blog again. Here's why:

I had the opportunity to lead my sister's small group discussion bc both of her leaders were out of town. This is a treat because I don't get to spend much time with that small group. First, they have amazing leaders. Second, I try to give my sister her space and freedom to grow in Christ without me always being there. As we talked about what it meant to live for Christ and who they looked up to - I became so aware of what a special group of Godly women this is. A few of them shared the moment they decided to be "radical for Christ." Gosh - what a blessing it was to see how in love they are with Jesus.

One girl shared with me that over a year ago she had heard my sister talk about me. She friended me on facebook and found my blog when I posted that I had updated it. She said after reading it she decided that she wanted to be sold out to Jesus Christ. I had no idea that my simple updates and thoughts would touch someones life the way it did.

I say this because you never know who is listening to you or watching the way you live. I look back at my life when I was her age and I only wish people were encouraged to give their everything to Christ. Wow. There are so many broken people who are searching for love and acceptance and these girls have the chance to show them where they can find it. You have that same power.

We are on this earth to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. Get to work.

FAITH

Why is it that when we ask God to move in our lives and to shake things up and he does...we get upset?

Why is it that we expect God to do things for us - but never actually want to do things for him?

Sure. It's okay that you're a good person. Sure. You go to church on Sunday and try your best to stay out of trouble and you're always nice to people. But is that enough?

What about our brothers and sisters around the world who are literally sacrificing every day for those they love? Who are beaten and stripped for their faith? Who constantly give the shirt off their back so that their neighbor may come to know Christ? What about the man who gave his car away to a family in need and walks to work each day? What about the girl who gave her lunch away at school so that her friend wouldn't go hungry over the weekend?

What does it mean to live for God?

To carry your cross - and follow Him...

We serve a God who loves us and wants blessings for us. How many of you can look back at hard times in your life and know now that those were hidden blessings we were blinded from? Don't you know that God has something so much greater in mind for your life?

LET HIM MOVE

LET HIM SHAKE YOU

I promise you...you can trust the man who died for you.

Only

This past week I was in an intensive at Asbury that I would say could very well be my fav class Ive taken so far in seminary. It was "Family Development: Discipleship and the Home" - and wow...I've walked away a different person. I pray that the things I learned not only sparked an excitement of having my own family one day but that the seeds of discipleship and love will be sown in my heart and will continue to cultivate while the Lord prepares me for the amazing future he has set before me.

We talked about many things: birth order, intimacy, parents, adolescence, marriage, relationships, church, children's ministry, rules, homes, the trinity within a family - people shared real and raw things and it was such a blessing to be around such different walks of life. We ranged in age and our own experiences were different and I believe that helped me realize that not everyone experiences the same things - but we must realize that every decision made (by us or others) affects who we are. I thank God for his mercy, grace, and unconditional love. It amazes me to see how God has truly changed people's lives. Glory!

We talked about the creation story one day in class and really broke down chapters 1- 3. Something that really stirred my spirit was when we came to the passage Genesis 2:18.

"The Lord God said, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18

Did you know that the word "alone" translated in the Greek text is kratos? This word means only.

Did you know that the word "alone" translated in the Hebrew text is echad? This word also means only or one.

How interesting. "It is not good for man to be only."

Perhaps this means that Adam wasn't lonely after all and that he wasn't implying that his relationship with God wasn't enough - but that he was unable to multiply and he needed someone else in order to do so. If you go back and read the creation story you are able to paint a picture of all God created - skies, waters, seas, creatures, plants, animals, stars - everything in multitude.

When you think you have everything figured out or that you are going to conquer the world by yourself - I encourage you to rethink your strategy. We cannot and will not advance the kingdom by ourselves. We must work together - alongside one another - in order to run the race and share the gospel with more and more people. I am so thankful to have been reminded of this.

May you bring glory to the kingdom with your brothers and sisters and may His kingdom be multipled!

Family

Okay so we had an assignment in class to create our family out of tinfoil. Needless to say it was hilarious. I decided to use symbols to represent each one...enjoy:

Momma- halo. needs to explanation.
Daddy Johnny- tv. needs no explanation either.
Cori- heart. she has one of the biggest and purest hearts i have ever seen.
Taylor - money. he is such a steward of what God has given him. his passion for generosity is contagious.
Samuel- guitar. he has such a love for worship and is so talented.
Cara- basketball and drum sticks. the girl is talented. and everything she does she worships God and gives Him all the glory.
Becky- book. she loves to read and i love sharing books with her.
Daddy Mike- fishing pole. he loves the outdoors and my favorite thing to do with him is go fishing...we have had some amazing talks together on our fishing trips about family, memories, and questions about God.
* I ran out of time to create my sister Tricias symbol but if I did it would def be a rock. She is one of the strongest women I know.

Here are some things my class came up with that links one to family: biologically linked, mutual care, close proximity, strength & frustration, provision/heritage, religious affiliation, marriage, birth, adoption, idenity drawn from within structure, cohesive community...

How would you define family?

It is only day two in this class and already it has blown my mind. I have listened to people in the class speak about their families with such passion, excitement, frustration, sadness, hope, trust, service...and it has been such a blessing. As christians we believe that our family is larger than just within the biological context...it is so much bigger than that. Not only are friends family but even complete strangers..how beautiful.

I am a part of the largest family. YOU are a part of the largest family.

God's family.

How Do You Know?

I went to see "How Do You Know" tonight with some friends from Northstar and let's just say this: I'll take the company any day but as for the movie....I would

not pay to see it again. Reese was a rockstar as always. Shes so adorable. It was funny seeing her try to act like an athlete...she is such a girl. Reminds me a lot of myself. I can pretend all day long but let's get serious I love shopping, love movies, the color pink, and the good Lord. Caleb is my sports junkie...I let him teach me everything he knows and I just enjoy cuddling up next to him while he yells and screams and somehow believes that his "boys" will hear him. Oh the things you do when youre in love...

So how do you know when youre in love? I used to think it was little things like spending your entire pay check on them - wearing their favorite color - listening to the music they like most - going to bed after talking for hours and waking up just to repeat it all over again - having cute knicknames - talking about them non stop - writing them letters - butterflies in the tummy - naming all of yours kids - cancelling plans just to be with them - you know..the usual. But let me tell you something...Ive slowly learned that true love is so much more.

Ive experienced heartbreak...let downs...what ifs...could have beens and to be honest my track record makes me look hopeless for a fairytale. But I serve a God who loves me, who knows me, who designed my heart the way it is and I believe without a shadow of a doubt I will have a happily ever after. Caleb and I have been through a lot but one thing he has shown me is that God is faithful, God is true, and God is love. So how do I know that I love him? God's word has come true in my own life.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

I am so thankful to know a love like this. May you never settle until you experience the same. God's love is unlike any other. It's unconditional and true.

I believe

Waiting

This semester has been unreal. I think about when I drove back up here in August and how I thought to myself "Geez..things are so much different than they were a year ago." Not only were things different..but I had grown so much. They say seminary is hard academically but what one doesnt realize is how difficult it is emotionally. The Lord sure takes you on a journey...but for that I am thankful. I have laughed, cried, screamed, fallen, stood tall, sang, danced, stretched, worked hard, played, and made memories upon memories that I will always hold dear. I have a year left and I am well aware that this year will fly. Its hard to believe that I have already been here for a year and a half. Wow. If I could share something the Lord has really taught me about is the beauty of waiting.

What does it look like to wait? Why do we have to wait?

If you read the good book the Lord uses waiting with many of his people. Sarah and Abraham waited for years for a child. Mary and Joseph waited on God's faithfulness. Jonah waited in the belly of a fish.

AND THE WAITING BROUGHT BLESSINGS BEYOND BELIEF. So why are we so scared to wait? What happens in the unknown? What happens in the quiet?

I am so very thankful for this lesson. Gosh...to see the Lords faithfulness and promises fulfilled is such a beautiful thing. I challenge you, when the Lord is calling you to a season of waiting, to PRAISE THE LORD! Some powerful people in the Bible experienced waiting.

I am thankful that the Lord still stretches us in the same ways he did hundreds of years ago. He is faithful.

Apple Pie

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving was so amazing this year. We spent it with The Carriers in Jacksonville and man all I can say is my heart is happy. You know...I have probably the most amazing family in the world. I am so thankful to be blessed with a family of believers who understand what it means to be thankful and live to love and encourage others! I'll admit my pants are hurting me...haha but a few good runs and awesome abs and I will be back to feelin good in no time :)

Juicy and I made our annual Apple Pies Thanksgiving morning. Theyre to die for I must say. At least I can cook something :)

I cannot believe that December will be here in one day! Oh my goodness :) I am excited...I love the holidays. As Advent has begun I am reminded of the journey we are embarking when worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ! May he be glorified during this season of joy, love, and hope! Love you all!

Feels Like Home to Me

It's hard for me to believe that after Thanksgiving break I will have about 3 weeks of school left in Kentucky. After careful prayer, guidance, and obedience I have deicided to move home after this semester. With my precious Aunt Deedy being sick and everything going on..I just can't see myself being 11 hrs away from my family when I don't have to be. So...starting Spring semester I will be an online student and I will graduate next December! Crazy to think that by this time next year..I will have my Masters in Christian Education. Man...God is so good.

I have to admit this has been one of the hardest months of my life. So many decisions have been placed before me but even as I write this I have a huge smile on my face. I know without a doubt I have made the right decision for myself and God has given me a ridiculous amount of joy it is unreal. I cant even be sad because my heart is so happy. And it hasnt felt this kind of happiness in a long time.

Word on the street says that online classes for ATS are ridiculously hard...but I am excited and ready to take on the challenge. I have learned so much here and am so blessed by this community. It is so rich.

To look back on my life in the past few years has been incredible. The Lord has introduced me to so many people and I have been blessed by all of them. I look forward to the people I will come to know and love during this new season in my life.

To know God is to love God and there is no doubt that I love the Lord with all of my heart and soul. Joyful. This girl is full of joy. :)

Headed home Friday and then Jax for Thanksgiving! FAMILY TIMEEEE!

Peace

I have a lot of decisions to make in the next few weeks. To say I'm not scared out of my mind would be a lie. Not because of the places I will go..but because both paths seem to be so rich. So what do you do when you cannot go wrong either way? I'll tell you...pray. Pray that God will give you peace and patience with yourself. Pray that God will provide vision to what each road may look like. And cling to the promise of Romans 8:28 that He will work all things for good...because He is good.

Honestly I am excited. The Lord has revealed to me so much this past weekend about who I am and what He has in store for me! Although my world seems to be crashing down around me, I cannot help but smile because He has placed so much joy in my heart.

"A peace that surpasses all understanding..." The Lord has given me that. I pray that He will do the same for you...for without his peace...we are one big struggle!

Your Majesty

Things have been put into perspective for me lately. I have a lot on my plate and though my personality is to walk with complete determinacy I can claim with complete honesty today that I cannot do it alone. Oh my goodness..I feel heavy, I feel tired, I feel weak, and I feel pulled. It feels good to claim that out loud. I am always the one who holds everything together..who acts as if nothing is wrong..who picks up and carries whatever needs to be carried. I don't know why I have always been like that. I don't know why it is so hard for me to ask for help. Maybe because I am afraid. Maybe because people have failed me. I don't know.

As I sit and write this I am reminded who I have on my side. A man that has never left me. A man that is my biggest fan. He does not relent. I am reminded of the song I love to sing to the Lord. It's called "A Love Song" and it is so beautiful to me. I serve a God who:

You walk on waves
You run with clouds
You paint the sky for me to see
Your majesty
Your majesty is why I sing

Suddenly, I feel so strong. It's amazing how small he makes things seem.

LORD WHO ARE YOU?

Today in chapel we talked about our conversion stories. After working in the ministry for a while now I have come across so many people who have expressed fear that their story may not be as beautiful as someone else's. As humans we often compare ourselves to anything and anyone and I had to stop and ask myself...when did I ever decide that the Lord loves one more than the other?

I want you to stop and ask the Lord to remind you where you were when he first met you. I invite you to go to that place and allow the Lord to stir up in you the joy and cleansing you received. Mmm beautiful isn't it? And it's beautiful because it is your story. The Lord met you exactly where you needed to be met. Because he loves you - He knows you.

As we grow in Christ we mature in our journey. Whether you were 6 years old when you prayed the prayer of salvation or 20 or 67...I am willing to bet that since that time God has taken you on quite the journey. I look back on my life and cannot help but smile...the way I would handle things today is so different from years ago. God has stretched me...he has challenged me...he has pushed me. I am so thankful for who I am and know that there is more learning to be done. Guys..our God is alive. He is always working..always speaking to us in new ways..always romancing us...always there. I want to ask you the same question we were asked in chapel this morning and I pray that you will be able to answer for yourself.

"LORD WHO ARE YOU?"

Don't be afraid to ask this question. He will always answer. I pray that he will answer this in unexpected ways throughout your life. He is good. So good.

"The Lord doesn't accidentally put you in difficult places -- He asks you to follow Him there."

Kaleo

The word crazy does not even describe my life right now. Honestly, that would be toning it down. I often wonder, when will my life ever slow down? When will I be able to simply be? I have come to grips with the fact that I may never see that day...and I am okay with that. This is why:

I remember clearly the day I asked the Lord to radically change my life. I was tired of the everyday routine -- live your life and go to church on Sunday. I wanted more. I asked God to take me on the narrow path I always heard people talk about. I wanted to be challenged. I wanted to be a part of something that people often think is not worth living for. Let me tell you something, when you ask God to do something...He will.

Since that day my life has been a ridiculous roller coaster. I started working with youth and fell in love with them and the ministry - there is nothing that makes my heart beat like they do. Man...it's amazing. I've been blessed to go on several mission trips - I never thought I would ever have a heart for something like this. Mainly because I am afraid. But man do I love meeting the people of God - there is nothing more beautiful. I am in seminary - I had to laugh a little while ago because I read a girl's tat on my left that was written in greek and a dude's tat on my right that was written in hebrew. I am reading greek and hebrew...what uppp. I live a good 11 1/2 hours away from home. Me..away from home who would have ever thought that? I am single and not married - and so thankful. The Lord has been doing so much restoring in my life. My faith has grown in ways I cannot even imagine and my love for Him...oh my love for Him. I am madly in love with our Lord. No one will ever capture my heart like He does. He pursues me in new ways each day. He speaks to me in ways that are special to me. He knows me. He loves me. Beautiful.

If I had to choose a better word for my life I would choose to use the greek word kaleo which means "called." I am called. I am called. I am called. And I will never ever look back.

Faithful

Faithful

We serve a God who is faithful. How beautiful..how comforting..how amazing is that? So many things have changed in my life in the past month, one in particular. But I look around and see the place that I am in and wow..how could I not praise the Lord most high? How could I not know without a doubt that He loves me and wants the very best for me? He has been faithful when everyone else has walked away. He has held me when I have felt alone. He adores me. Man...how did I get to lucky? How did we all get so lucky?

I challenge you to praise God even for the hard times in your life. When there are those there that you cannot understand why or those that are hurting you..praise God for them. You will be amazed at how your attitude and trust in the Lord will grow.

Lord I praise you for this season in my life. With all that I am.