My life is not my own!!

Dear Ken,

Three days into 2011, and I am going back to my first love.  Wow. These three days have been extremely refreshing.  I've longed to be back in this position with God.  This is the most incredible feeling, ever.  I didn't realize how far I had drifted away from Him.  But I'm so glad that He didn't give up on me.  Each day has been a test, but I have made a commitment that this year will be extremely different.  Didn't realize that giving up some friendships would be difficult, but I promise - God is more important to me right now!

My life is not my own. To you I belong. I give myself to you.

 

FREEDOM!!!

Dear Ken,

This song right here echoes the sentiments of my heart!

Blogging during service

Dear Ken,

Right now, I am sitting in the middle of an unconventional worship service. A friend just text'd and asked, "What is going on in here?" It's so amazing to watch the Holy Spirit have its way - even when it is outside of our traditional methods. Folks are wrapped around the altar, weeping, tears flowing and are giving their life to Christ. #Beautiful

Dying daily!

Dear Ken,

I love having random moments.

Yesterday, a coworker and I were talking about something. Honestly, I can't even recall what the topic of conversation was about. However, in the midst of her speaking, she unintentionally gave me a wonderful reminder. In our 15-minute conversation, the only words I remember are: I die to sin daily. At that moment, I had a light bulb moment. It hit me. No matter how perfect I strive to be, I have to crucify the flesh on a continual basis.

#DearCoworker, Thank you for the reminder! #That'sAll

Stop defining me!

I really don't want to be defined by religion. Too often, we get caught up in who's right, who's wrong, how it should be done, etc and forget the purpose: serving God and having a personal, intimate connection with Christ.

Winning a philosophical or religious debate is what some preachers have resorted to. What if I like some of the principles of the Catholic faith and some of the beliefs of the Jewish? How about finding those guiding principles that best relates to me and begin living and walking them out without being handcuffed or classified as a Baptist, COGIC, Muslim, Pentecostal, or Budhist.

Religious figureheads would counter and say that a "double-minded man is unstable in all of his ways" or it is appropriate to be "cold or hot - not lukewarm". Fine with that, but I am more convinced than ever that relationship trumps religion.

Lenten season

This is one of the most exciting, yet challenging times of the year. As I prepare to receive the ashes with the traditional: "Remember you are dust and will return to dust," I will also pause for 40-46 days in a period of self-denial to strengthen my bond with the Savior. In celebration of Christ's resurrection, my pastor has asked church members to begin the Daniel's Fast. In doing so, we will read the New Testament together. I will be challenging myself to forgo three things during this Lenten season in hopes of starting a fresh and reestablishing my commitment to Christ. Everyone who are fasting or giving up something, remember when you are tempted, just ask for strength.

Happy Fat Tuesday!