Cultivating a Heart for the Lord

Posted on 23 April, 2013 by Laura

2 Corinthians 4:8-10(NLT)

8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

Looking back at my christian journey it can be compared to a buoy tossed and turned at sea.

The enemy of my soul makes plans to pull me under but it’s through Christ that I stay afloat.

I love how God continues to move in my heart year after year, day-to-day, and moment by moment. It’s an incredible testament of His love over my life, even when I am no good.

I wish every season of life were easy to kindle this praise but there are times my light is dim. Normally those are the times i’ve taken away time with God.
Then as I draw back in to the presence of God I am full and I always wonder why I didn’t come to Him right away, everyday?

There is no other thing on this planet to compare with the presence of God. I am learning so much right now through studying scripture and being a student is blessing me.

I sometimes wonder how to explain what I do in my free-time. Drink coffee, ponder life, reach for my bible, listen to sermons from pastors and speakers around the world, dig into the writings of others, and solve the world’s problems.
I enjoy learning about God because it’s in Him that I find purpose to each day. He is my joy and strength.<3

As believers we’re called to love God and it’s not enough to settle for a few ideas of God. Let us be eager to know more about Him. We don’t read our bibles because it’s what a christian should do, we pick up His word because we are passionate to learn. How can we be like Jesus when we do not know him?

We can’t boast in ourselves but as we discover who we are in Christ we will discover a life free from the opinions of others, and one that is wrapped in grace, mercy, and joy. Oh we will suffer for our ‘heartless’ views, and ridiculous morals, but that suffering will grow a character that honors God.

How are you cultivating a heart for the Lord today?

with all my love,

Laura

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Sitting Still (In the midst of a dark world)

Posted on 16 April, 2013 by Laura

“When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.”
― Corrie ten Boom

Sometimes after tragic events I sit still, very afraid.
I may cry, shake my head, but the world darkens a shade.

Isn’t there a lot we can be scared of in this world?

While I stand with an understanding that God is good and he created everything good, I struggle with the way our choice of sin and disobedience to God has such drastic consequences.

Sometimes the very best thing is to sit still and trust God. Even though as I grow older I see more evil and darkness when I choose to draw close to God my eyes are also opened to the light found in Him. (Psalm 4:6)
I’m so thankful for that!

A man tore of his shirt in a video clip I saw yesterday and I knew he was wrapping it around a bad injury. He wasn’t trained to do that but I thought how amazing it is that God gives us the ability to help others. He had no idea if another bomb would go off but countless people stayed near danger and some even ran towards it to help someone in need. I’m brought to tears because that is God’s goodness.

Until next time,

Laura

Dear young person {So, you’re attracted to the same-sex}

Posted on 27 March, 2013 by Laura

Maybe you’ve known since you were young or in the last few years an affection for the same-sex formed in your heart unexpectedly. Maybe your parents wouldn’t mind but maybe they would?
It won’t go away though, the longing to be accepted and loved.

The culture around you lifts signs retaliating against any other viewpoints besides their own. Both groups in this particular fight are demanding to be heard, accepted, and understood. You’ll notice the deep line drawn becomes more permanent each day and that you are told to pick one or the other.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Maybe people are beginning to *know* about your secret. There are whispers around you and looks of disapproval. Unfortunately bullies come from all walks of life and they don’t get better with age. They only learn to throw around more sophisticated words the older they become. It’s through Christ that things get better.
If you were sitting in front of me i’d take your hand now and with tears in my eyes tell you how incredible you are.
How you’re fearfully and wonderfully made in the very image of God and there is no one else like you. I’d tell you i’m really sorry for the pain and loneliness.
Even though God’s word instructs us on what sin is, we each continue to disobey God’s word. It’s tough not to because we are born sinners and are sinners by choice. I hope you know Jesus Christ. He was an incredible man who lived a perfect life and died for you and I making a way back to God.
I would tell you how for the last two decades this relationship with God has radically changed me as I grow in knowledge of Him. That because of Jesus I could never look at anyone else in disgust when I’ve committed sinful acts myself. I won’t ever sugar coat my sin for you and without Jesus I’m a sick and lost person.
But don’t misunderstand, our sin offends God. In the same way I have to give my sick heart to him, you can too.
See, at some point we are going to breathe out for the last time and our bodies will return to dust. That’s it for us and in this small time here on earth we have to ask ourselves if we were a people who chose to lay down our rights for the sake of greater things?

We don’t need to pull out the bible and point to scripture that mention homosexuality. I’d hate for someone to do that to me in the areas of my life that aren’t right with God. In the secret our God will convict us and make us more like Him. I trust He is sovereign to do that for both of us. < 3
This culture will force you to choose to love me or hate me. They will demand you understand I am intolerant, unfair, disgusting for the views I have, am hateful, but this doesn’t change my heart dear one. I will always be here for you, ready to love on you by baking something yummy, and excited to share in conversation over a cup of coffee.

You are welcome into my heart, home, and church. You are fiercely loved by the king. Please don’t ever forget that or trade it in for man’s idea of love.

You are more than a person attracted to the same-sex. You are an artist, writer, architect, sailor, dreamer, runner, high-five giver, designer, and full to the brim with gifts and talents. You are God’s handiwork and I praise him for a fine job done.

Don’t buy into this false idea that freedom is at the finish line of the approval of man. Their opinions shift like the wind and their emotions change with the seasons. Freedom is found at the foot of the cross, bowed low before the King.

I am deeply saddened that this culture forces you and I to be on one side or the other but please know deep in your heart that I love you and am praying hard for you today.

Love,

Laura