Glory to God Forever!

It's official. September 17th, 2011, I will be baptized. My life will forever be changed. I've waited for this day for a very long time and I'm very happy and excited about this decision. It's been a long time coming... I've embraced churches, run away from them...but I've finally found my church home and I'm committed now more than ever to Christ.

I've struggled in the past with my appearance, my weight, my eczema, my broad shoulders, my "softball arms and thighs" but I'm coming into my own and have really realized that God created me as I am and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Let's face it... pitchers HAVE to have strong legs and thighs...and that's the way the cookie crumbles. ;) No shame here.

I've accepted God as my first love. Which was pointed out to me by my good friend Carey. As I vented to her about wanting to have a stable job and life, a husband and children.... she pointed this out to me (that God should be our first love) and it was so painfully obvious.... I can't believe I never realized it sooner. God sent his only son to die for my sins. For me. For you. The veil has been removed, (no pun intended) and I was quick to diminish my desire for the moment (for having the perfect job or boyfriend,etc...) I have fallen in love with God, it's a love I know will last forever.

Of course, some days are struggles and some are not, but I know I will always get through. The power of prayer is quite tremendous and astonishing. I've learned to be completely honest with the Lord and thanking him and letting him know what I need and asking for guidance. After all, he already knows what I'm about to say, no sense in not saying it!

I cannot wait for September 17th!

The perfect song for the moment is this: Glory to God Forever

Before the world was made
Before you spoke it to be
You were the King of Kings
Yeah you were, yeah you were
And now you're reigning still

Enthroned above all things
Angels and saints cry out
We join them as we sing

Glory to God
Glory to God
Glory to God forever

Creator God you gave
Me breath so I could praise
Your great and matchless name
All my days all my days
So let my whole life be
A blazing offering
A life that shouts and sings
The greatness of our King

Take my life and let it be
All for You and for Your glory
Take my life and let it be Yours

AMEN!

Praying for the Indiana State Fair

"I guess it's been awhile, since I've seen the sunshine, since I have smiled. And me, whose so well versed, feelin' so damn empty, is at a loss for words, prayin' for the day when there is no more rain. I don't wanna do anything but cry. "

Somehow those words felt right to say at the moment. Of course, they are not my own, they're song lyrics. Depending on my mood, that's usually the song I'll listening to while I'm writing. Right now my heart is aching for the tragic incident that happened this past weekend at the Indiana State Fair. Lives lost, over forty people seriously injured, a destroyed venue and thousands of heart broken people.

The other day while driving I was thinking to myself, "what can I do about this situation?" There's really nothing I can do but pray. I said aloud "if all I can do is pray, then please help me find the words.." something along those lines and in an instant, my mind was calm, I was able to take a long, deep breath and I prayed. My mom called it a God Breath, which I kinda like. I was able to clear my mind and put my heartfelt prayers out there for all those people and thanking God for those who stepped up and assisted during this disaster, which the Red Cross tagged 'level 1.' "All hands on deck."

I do not personally know anyone involved, but I know people that know people who were injured. The incident is just something that's on my mind and I'm really feeling those lyrics from one of my favorite songs, Hosanna, "break my heart for what breaks yours."I'm distraught about what happened, but this incident has actually helped me grow even deeper into my faith. I've found some scriptures that relate.

1 Peter 3:18, For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

And some really great quotes:

"God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way."

When lives are bogged down with defeat and despair, only the hope that comes through a relationship with our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ can bring about true happiness. God's Word testifies to His ability to carry us through the difficult times.

Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid of them! For the Lord your God will be with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31: 6

All who are oppressed may come to Him. He is a refuge for them in their times of trouble. All those who know your mercy, Lord, will count on you for help. For you have never yet forsaken those who trust in you. Psalm 9: 9-10

If anyone out there is reading this, please take a few moments and pray for this incident. Thank you.