Finish Strong!

One of my "Sunrise Sisters" ~ Natalie Meadows, recommended this song last night

to our South Beach small group.  Very good!  Thanks Nat!

Someone encouraged me to read this psalm every day this month .. great words to live by ..

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Enjoy the last day of November!  Make December even better.

Finish strong :)

John 3:16

h

A New Day! True Worship .. and Rest

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy..

Worship ~ we’re created to worship something.  And so we will do!  Our Creator designed our hearts with this longing for a specific purpose.  To be restless until we find the purest form of it.  Him.  Sometimes we deflect this ability to praise something to ourselves, our jobs, our spouse/friends, our possessions .. we worship the gifts rather than the Giver.  And He’s a jealous God!  He says to have no idols before Him, to worship Him only.  He is the one and only true God and until we strip our lives of the things exalting themselves against Him, we’ll only be temporarily satisfied .. always on a hunt to quench the newest craving. 

Thankfully, He promises rest for us. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 30:15 .. 

In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quietness and trust is your strength.

It is not always my initial thought to run to God for my needs.  I easily reach out for the things seen/known/familiar rather than my patient Giver.  But another promise He gives us is that when we do, He'll meet all our needs (Phil 4:19).  Every one.  He knows them before we do!  He’s shown me desires of my heart – hobbies, passions, interests – and I on a daily basis have to make the deliberate choice to follow my Savior first.  Yep, every day is a new day.  Doesn’t matter as far as staying on the path with Him what I did all previous days.  It’s a new walk each morning.  So that’s also a refreshing statement when we remember He will meet us right where we are, i.e., what also doesn’t matter is all the mistakes we made prior to today.  He’s always ready to take our hand if we’re willing to extend it to Him.  Forgiveness, mercy, and grace are His to give in abundance .. and feel really great to receive!  He loves to give us fresh starts. 

And don't we all love clean slates?! Until I get this, I’m left with a feeling of 'a missing piece' .. something isn’t quite right .. 'where am I/who am I' .. simply put:  Restlessness.  When my heart returns to it’s Keeper, it’s first Love, I am restored, rejuvenated, Released once again from the cares of this world!  There is no high on earth that is comparable.  Even running your first marathon on your first trip abroad - I've gotta post That blog! (recent trip to Greece).  But this is, I believe, partially where christians are seen as being happy-go-lucky, clueless to the world’s harsh realities kind of people.  Christians aren’t oblivious to sickness, suffering, wars, broken relationships, sadness, etc.  They are no longer fighting those battles alone.  Instead the mightiest Warrior of all holds true to His word that He goes before us .. always holding us by our right hand .. another one of those "unseen" phenomenons (where faith to believe kicks in).  And there's a lot going on in this world we cannot see!  (check out 2 Kings 6:8-17 .. This story rocks my world lately!) 

Trusting Him is the only thing in this life that can bring you what you really want – Love.  He is Love.  He is the Author of it.  From the beginning to the end of His Word to us.  Starting in Genesis, continuing to the story of light coming into the world, when His Son was born .. then showing us the clearest act of His love for us in John 3:16, the ultimate sacrifice.  A Really New Day is described in detail at the end in Revelation, when He makes everything new ..

The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.  The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone.  The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire .. the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl.  The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass..

My pastor Rick Blackwood once said "Live this Day with that Day in Mind."

In the last chapter of Revelation, the one who saw these things and recorded them said:
"I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me.  But he said to me, 'Do not do it!  I am a fellow servant with you .. Worship God!'"

The bottom line is that God is Spirit.  He’s inside of you and all around you.  Yet He gives You the choice to call out to Him.  For what joy would a father experience if he MADE his children love him and want a relationship with him?  Same with God.  We are His kids.  And when we take our eyes off the things seen that beg us to worship them and focus on that greater yearning in the depth of our souls (as deep calls to deep) we find the TRUE “secret” to life – living in communion with the One Who made us.  It is what I have come to know as the best life ~ the abundant one!

Thanks for reading!  I appreciate messages I've received since starting this blog this month!  It is my motive and prayer that it inspires, encourages, and clearly offers a better grasp of what I experience of God's perfect, unconditional, infinite love.  Respectfully and truthfully.  It is too good to hold in.  If I really care for people and really carry out His commandment to love others, I have to share it!

Jeremiah 20:9

~ h

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0B2ybZpDeM



Perseverance & 'Inner Being' Strength

I have come across this verse a lot lately and have prayed it for those around me facing trials.  And then have seen it happen - it grows my faith immensely because I know that that kind of strength during that kind of circumstance can Only come from the One and only God.  Paul prayed in Ephesians 3 that ..

"out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith..."

One of my dearest friends recently lost her mother to a long battle with cancer.  She was prepared it could be any day and served her mother wholeheartedly - sacrificing social activities and time for herself - while still making strong efforts to volunteer with kids and invest in teen girls through a small group, and work and go to school.  She praised God in the storm and gave Him the glory on her hardest days.  She thanked Him when they would receive good health reports.  Her mother was a believer but some other close relatives aren't, and it was/is our prayer that through this experience of sickness and suffering ~ and her mom's endurance and actual joy through it, for eyes, ears and hearts to be opened .. to have the faith to believe.

My friend's mom saw that though she was facing sickness and death she still had hope for eternity of being released from all the pain in this temporal life on earth. 

He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away .. (Rev 21:4)

She fought the good fight, believing with faith the promise in the following verse:

"I am making everything new!"

My friend has had a hard time the last few days, yet what I felt would remain constant within her has - God's love and comfort.  Through prayers .. her inner being strength.  And her Faith.  He is the Father of compassion and mercy.
Yesterday she told me about the encouragement she felt from reading Philippians 1:12 ~

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.  

And I am amazed once again by my sister's unshakable faith and thankful for her testimony.




Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverance and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:28



Christ Fellowship Church is finishing up a series "Authentic Faith" (only 2 weeks left!) based on the book of James, which opens with:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything .. (it goes on to say) .. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

..and again, God's Word is living and active.  I have seen so much strength and focus from the brothers and sisters God has put in my life who are facing many trials .. because they are holding on to the Lord's promises, they are not giving up in the face of adversity which will always come around .. they are standing firm, pressing on and finishing strong.  

Thank you, Mayla, for your mountain-moving faith and inspirational pursuit of Christ.  You are so loved! 

May your mom's story live on and both of your testimonies continue to reach others around the world, glorifying our, as you put it, Majestic Father. 

much love, hailey

Christmas is Fun! Coffee is Good. And Charlotte is COZY.

God's love & grace from the last several days have left me quite speechless, and I'm still in awe.  Words to translate what I've experienced have developed slowly, as what my eyes have seen & ears have heard have left me awestruck!  Usually I can at least find a starting point by writing, and as I have worked on other writing projects, describing actual life events from the last week has been something for which I've had to wait for clarity and direction .. They've been life-changing days to say the least.  Praise the Lord!

Last time I left off .. about to embark on an adventure .. little did I know it would be the beginning of a 5-day SPREE of God's kindness & goodness.  I have never felt excitement like this!!!

Yleinia (YG as we call her) grew up in a home that didn't celebrate Christmas and she, after answered prayers, moved out of the home with her family, and into her first apartment!  "Free YG" ~ our chant, became reality. This called for celebration, and of course, Lauren Buck (planner), had the idea to throw probably the biggest surprise YG's ever had. 

Before I tell you about the night, I have to back up and tell you a quick childhood story that relates!  My dad came to my 4th grade Christmas play where I don't even remember what character I played, I just know it was the Christmas Carol!  He noticed a girl who was wearing really old clothes and looked poor, and asked me after the play about her.  He insisted we go buy her some things and take to her as a Christmas present.  I had so much fun walking through the aisles of Wal-Mart with my dad!  Picking out basic things and clothes for my classmate, wrapping them in a white box, topped with a bow .. then the hard part came .. he made ME go up to her door and give it to her.  I don't know why this was hard but it was .. I didn't want her to feel embarrassed I guess?  I wanted her to feel loved and appreciated as she had received much different messages during our first years of elementary school .. I clearly remember her face when I handed her the box.  She was grateful.  And I ran back to my dad's car so happy that he had encouraged me to do this for her.

This night took me back to that day .. and that joy ..

We asked YG to turn over the keys and come back in 30 minutes. During that time, the "elves" got really busy.  Heather set up the tree, Dawn prepared the cocoa, I wrapped about 14 gifts (previous holiday college job experience) and Lauren set the ambience with music, stuck encouraging notes to the walls, and hung the stuffed "G" stocking.











Ready!

When she returned, we ran out singing "Joy to the World!" and a few other songs .. the look on HER face was priceless! 



[ Nice wrap job ;) ]



she had a new smile :)





  

 Then we read some of the messages to her that girls who couldn't make it had sent .. apparently when I submitted my verses for Yleinia I didn't spellcheck and told her that the Lord's giving promise in Romans 8:32 was that He didn't spare His own Song= (rather than Son, equal sign), which they found to be quite comical ...

guess you had to be there ... I think she was encouraged nonetheless :)

Heather & I hung the New shower curtain, we all made the bed with the New comforter .. and finally .. the last project for mission move-in & first christmas: 

*the christening of the New microwave*

We learn new things every day .. this was my 1st time to hear of this custom, but I enjoyed participating in the marshmellow madness and my overdose on sugar for the day!!

 

                                                     

                   

Times like those with my dad and with my sisters here are why I love this holiday, but even moreso ... it's really a special time of year because it is the celebration of Light coming into the world (Jesus' birth) ~ God's gift of love to us .. hence, why giving brings such a feeling of Love, Peace, and Joy!  That is His Spirit.  And I love to share it!  Merry Christmas (early)!!

***

Onto the following 4 days of awesome Goodness! The next day Lauren (aka Mrs. Doe / female buck ~ she gave me the idea!) and I took off for Charlotte, North Carolina.  We didn't really know why we were going, all she knew was she felt a calling to go there after some prayer, and to invite me.  I accepted and off we went, no plans or expectations, just some curiosity and trust that we were doing the right thing.  We didn't know whether to call it an act of obedience or leap of faith, or both. Our friend Halia lives there and offered her condo which we quickly named "The Upper Room ~ Halia's Haven" (LB sometimes adding "Organic Love!" because everything was labeled organic and Halia is one of the most generous friends we've ever known).

for ex, we woke up to this daily! + an authentic Ukranian-style breakfast :)

Jump!...

heel click! lol

The first day we went for a walk .. the weather was gorgeous, reminding me much of Tennessee, home sweet home :)
When I was a little kid I read Laura Ingalls Wilder books, she was a tom boy too!  And this day I read a quote from her:

It is the simple things of life that make living worthwhile, the sweet fundamental things such as love and duty, work and rest, and living close to nature. 

This day:  a few of the 'simple things' were friendship, flowers, laughter, silliness, and rejuvenation ..


"make a wish"

Halia mentioned her birthday was coming up in a few days and Lauren immediately started planning how we could surprise her!  I asked her to describe her perfect date in Charlotte!  She said her favorite restaurant, Zink, had closed for the opening at a new location ~ but THAT would be the perfect place, followed by coffee + convo at her favorite place, Amelie's, a french bakery/coffee shop open 24/7 .. L did some research, found out Zink had just opened, made reservations for the following day, and we invited Halia's sister and a couple of friends.

She took us to her church the next day and it was phenomenal!  It was so big we had to park in another lot and take a bus to the church entrance .. and we sat in overflow!  But it was probably the best worship experience I've encountered.  We left refreshed .. and ready for coffee and more girl talk!

:)

At her other fav cafe, Caribou



the adventure starts..she was clueless!



We had an awesome time, she was extremely surprised!! and then we continued with the perfect "date" ..

This is one of the best places on Earth!!

French PRESS

Acting French



Feathers!!  I spotted from across the room..

Cheers to Halia!!  Happy 31st our beautiful Ukranian Sister!!

We actually had her describe her perfect guy as well during our investigation, and as the mystery of the guy she spotted as we were leaving continues! she was very happy about her birthday surprise and we are excited to see how more of this weekend unfolds.  We even had to meet at starbucks a few days later to discuss revelation we received during/after the trip (we're always looking for a reason to hook up for coffee!) .. and I hope I am free to share more in the near future.  All I know to say is the more I follow and trust God, the more His Word and promises like Jeremiah 29:11 and Isaiah 43:19 become more Real.

I watched a beautiful sunrise this AM and wanted to share this story .. and now it is time to go see my Christ Fellowship fam that I missed last Sunday.  I'm grateful and excited for another day to praise God and experience more blessings and gifts from the One Who loves us unconditionally.

In the words of my Starbucks friend who I run into all over South Beach...

May Christ's Love bless you today!

Ciao ~

hailey

Living in the Now

LEAVE OUTCOMES UP TO ME.  Follow Me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out.  Think of your life as an adventure, with Me as your Guide and Companion.  Live in the now, concentrating on staying in step with Me.  When our path leads to a cliff, be willing to climb with My help.  When we come to a resting place, take time to be refreshed in My Presence.  Enjoy the rhythm of life lived close to Me.

You already know the ultimate destination of your journey:  your entrance to heaven.  So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me.

I am still confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD, be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27:13-14

In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed.  In Your strength, You will guide them to Your holy dwelling.

Exodus 15:13

~ Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Happy Friday!!

love,

h

Sharper than any double-edged sword ..

Psalm 46:8-9

Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations He has brought on the earth.  He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear, He burns the shields with fire.

A Spartan's shield from around 490 B.C. I saw in Athens! 

Below is a devotional + prayer I recently wrote! Inspired by the verse above and Hebrews 4:12 ..

Even though it was years ago the Red Sea parted, the sun stood still, the woman's bleeding ceased, and Lazarus walked out of the tomb, God’s Word remains living and active.  He is the same miracle-working God that you know today.  He is your mighty warrior.

He’s the Commander of all commanders and has already won the battle of battles!  When we commit to follow Christ we can rest in every life circumstance that our King walks before us and fights for us.

Reflect upon your favorite miracles in the Bible.  Recall a few you’ve received in your life.  Rejoice and praise Him!  Remember His Word to you:  “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future” .. I will never leave you nor forsake you.

When you feel hopeless, weak, disappointed, scared, or doubtful, try to view it as an opportunity to receive more of His power than usual.  Look to Him for all that you need, and watch to see what He will do.  As your days, so shall your strength be.  Even days like this.

Prayer:

Lord, I am so thankful for Your living and active Word to me!  For by it comes life and knowledge of You!  It gives me the confidence I need to face this day before me.  I trust in Your promise that You go before me and will meet every need.  Give me this day my daily bread.  I will cast all my cares upon you, wait upon You with hope and expectation, believing, and trusting that You will raise me up in due time.  Help me to be still, and know that You are God. 

Be glorified! 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen


~ for more insight on this "living" topic, visit http://www.activeword.org/ and check out one of my favorite pastors, Bob Coy!

Blessings,

Hailey :)





It's All About JC!

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

May He enlighten the eyes

of your mind so that you can see

what hope His call holds for you.

Eph 1:18

What [does] it mean to be just like Jesus?  The world has never known a heart so pure, a character so flawless.  His spiritual hearing was so keen He never missed a heavenly whisper.  His mercy so abundant He never missed a chance to forgive.  No lie left His lips, no distraction marred His vision.  He touched when others recoiled.  He endured when others quit.  Jesus is the ultimate model for every person ... God urges you to fix your eyes upon Jesus.  Heaven invites you to set the lens of your heart on the heart of the Savior and make Him the object of your life.

Just Like Jesus

~ Max Lucado