There's something about taking a shower right before bed.
It's peaceful.
I usually don't, but tonight I did. Any time I jazzercise in the evening, I must shower. I'm too gross not to. I love the feeling of being fully clean and crashing into my awesome bed. There's some sort of metaphor to correlate about washing away the day.
I wanted to wash off some of today.
I started off tired because I stayed up way past my bed time. Six-and-a-half hours of sleep just doesn't cut it for this reverend. I don't think as clearly. I don't remember basic things. Actually, the fact that I'm writing this on such little sleep is probably a bad idea.
Oh well, you're still reading.
There was nothing remotely bad in my day, just distractions. Stupid things that I shouldn't have to think on or worry about. Chaos, perhaps, is the best word I can think of. Chaos was my mind most of today. Even in Jazzercise... I was trying ot focus on jabs and step-jumps, and I was contemplating a deep theological question posted by my missionary friend to Madagascar. My brain just wanted peace.
No, my brain had to have peace.
You know what? I just wanted to offer peace to people. The kind of peace that comes when step out of our own way and let Jesus talk control. The kind of peace that lets me take a deep breath. The kind of peace that I desire so badly right now.
"May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust him so that you may be filled with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
That is my mantra right now: the verse that sums up my heart so deeply. I want to be effective. I want to change lives. I want to speak into those around me...the mentees, the small group girls, the strangers, the man checking me out at Wal-Mart. I want to show those people the hope the Lord has.
And, I'm hoping on a few things of my own. I like that the verse mentions not just peace, but joy. Because, just because you're looking for peace (calm, quiet, non-stress peace), it doesn't mean you're sad or melancholy. It just means that you should be filled with joy.
Today and always.
Choose it, will you? Get over whatever it is that's stealing your joy and causing you to lose hope and just choose to live in His joy. It will make life so much easier.
Alright, I have to go take that shower now. Sorry it's been MONTHS since I've posted. Things...well...things happened.
Peace Out, Home Fries.
Missy
P.S. - I no longer eat wheat. My body is shrinking before my very eyes. Seriously.
P.S.S. - I have a boyfriend...of about seven months now. God is good, isn't He?
P.S.S.S. - There's always hope.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Hanger-In-Mouth Syndrome
Have you ever heard that turn of phrase? "You look like you slept with a hanger in your mouth!"
Rachel said that to Monica on Friends once, and I always loved it. This week, in their own way, several different people implied that I had slept with a hanger in my mouth. I've just been so stinkin' happy!
No. Joyful...I've been so joyful! And, I think it's spilling onto other people. I love it!
I've lost nine pounds since January, so that's pretty epic. I'm about to turn 25, which is also epic. And, God has just been blessing me. It's so beautiful to see Him provide for me in so many different ways! Obedience pays off, folks! I promise.
He's working up something big, I can feel it. I can't share it quite yet, but I'm pretty sure I'm on the cusp of something huge...something miraculous. I kind of feel like I'm living in that Ellie Goulding song Anything Could Happen. I am so excited to see that "anything" happen!
I almost feel guilty being this joyous when I know other people are going through some pretty difficult times. But the truth is, God has brought me through a lot. He has transformed me into a pretty stellar version of Missy Boyer, so I'm gonna' rejoice in it!
What about you? Have you felt this joy? Are you over-the-moon excited for something? If there isn't joy, take a minute to look at your life, and ask yourself this question, "What's stealing your joy?"
Rachel said that to Monica on Friends once, and I always loved it. This week, in their own way, several different people implied that I had slept with a hanger in my mouth. I've just been so stinkin' happy!
No. Joyful...I've been so joyful! And, I think it's spilling onto other people. I love it!
I've lost nine pounds since January, so that's pretty epic. I'm about to turn 25, which is also epic. And, God has just been blessing me. It's so beautiful to see Him provide for me in so many different ways! Obedience pays off, folks! I promise.
He's working up something big, I can feel it. I can't share it quite yet, but I'm pretty sure I'm on the cusp of something huge...something miraculous. I kind of feel like I'm living in that Ellie Goulding song Anything Could Happen. I am so excited to see that "anything" happen!
I almost feel guilty being this joyous when I know other people are going through some pretty difficult times. But the truth is, God has brought me through a lot. He has transformed me into a pretty stellar version of Missy Boyer, so I'm gonna' rejoice in it!
What about you? Have you felt this joy? Are you over-the-moon excited for something? If there isn't joy, take a minute to look at your life, and ask yourself this question, "What's stealing your joy?"
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Just Call Me Rev
This Christmas, my sister-in-law decided to label all my
presents “The Rev.” I think once she realized that I am actually Reverend
Melissa Boyer, she went nuts! I think it’s totally cute.
I’m excited for 2013 and my duties as a reverend. In April,
I will be credentialed into the second level in the Assemblies of God, so I
will be a licensed minister. In July, I get to do my first wedding! I’m so
excited to be a part of someone’s special day when I don’t have to purchase a
dress I’ll only wear once!
Then again, it’s me. You know I’m gonna’ buy a new dress.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be
called a minister. I’ve been meditating on that “sovereign” word reverend. It’s
such an unbelievable thing in my life, even now. I never imagine I would be a missionary, let alone an actual
Assemblies of God minister. It’s so exciting to look back and see where God has
quite literally numbered my steps.
I was filling out paper work for this next level of
credentialing, and they gave me this prompt A minister must be able to show
that he or she can “Implement effective personal health, growth, and time
management plans.” As strange as I thought the question was at first, I think I
came up with a very good answer.
"I would say the
past 12 months have been the best of my life as far as personal health. I
realized that I kept saying, “Lord, anytime, anywhere,” but my physical body
would not have been able to do that. Since January of 2012, I’ve lost 45 pounds
and begun to work out regularly. Part of it was the idea of fitting into
smaller clothes (I am a woman, as well as a minister), but the majority of it
was being able to accomplish what God’s will for my life is.
Personal growth
has also been an area of increase the past year. I begin my mornings with
constant prayer. I like to have an ongoing conversation with the Lord
throughout my day. I spend my time before bed in the Word and
praying/meditating on what I read. I frequently journal as a way of connecting
to God. If I write down my prayers, I can look back and see when He answers
them.
As for time management
plans, I am very organized. My planner is my right hand. Since the atmosphere
of Chi Alpha is a go-go-go situation, I have to be on top of things. I’ve
learned that sometimes you have to say no to a situation so you make sure God
and time with Him is priority. I’ve also learned that it’s incredibly important
as a minister to have leisure/personal time. As a single minister, my parents
and close friends are very important to me, so I make sure to manage my time
with them as well. My mentor, Missi Trask, frequently looks at my schedule to
make sure I’m not overloaded, and leaving adequate room for my growth in
Christ."
Now, I have since received an e-mail that says my District
Superintendent approved my form and I will receive credit for this particular
part, which is incredibly exciting.
See, all of those things (health, time management, growth)
are something ALL of us should do, not just ministers. So, I want to encourage you.
Make a plan to improve your life. Not because I’m telling you or because Oprah
is telling you, but because God deserves the best version of you that can
exist. And, for those of you who think you can’t be a minister or make a
difference in the world, think again. If someone as silly and random as me can
become a licensed (I hope!)* minister in the Assemblies of God, who’s to say
you can’t grow to a deeper place in Christ?
Peace Out, Home Fries.
Reverend Missy :o)
*I say “hope” because I still have to finish two classes,
take a fairly difficult test and pass an interview with four or five ordained,
AG, male ministers. Prayers are appreciated! Thanks!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Minds, Weapons and The Ultimate Question
I use to say, "Guns don't kill people. People kill people."
Now, I'm not 100% sure I even agree with my own statement. I've read several columns, editorials, and blogs the last three days about the horrific events on Friday. I find myself agreeing with all of them even though most contradict each other.
Am I wishy-washy? Am I a pushover? Do I have any real opinion of my own?
The answer to the latter is obviously 'yes,' otherwise this blog wouldn't exist. Truth is, in a situation like this, I think there is only one thing to agree on.
Horrific events like this must end.
I don't care if that means better mental healthcare, gun control laws, less gun control laws, etc. I don't know what "it" is that's going to fix this, but something must be done.
In the meantime, I'm going to continue to pray. Pray for the victims. Pray for the mentally disturbed. Pray for our nation.
I'm just gonna' pray.
May peace be with us all.
Missy :o)
Here are some links to the opinions I've been reading.
On the mental health issue...
On the painful truths of guns...
On asking, "Why God?"...
Now, I'm not 100% sure I even agree with my own statement. I've read several columns, editorials, and blogs the last three days about the horrific events on Friday. I find myself agreeing with all of them even though most contradict each other.
Am I wishy-washy? Am I a pushover? Do I have any real opinion of my own?
The answer to the latter is obviously 'yes,' otherwise this blog wouldn't exist. Truth is, in a situation like this, I think there is only one thing to agree on.
Horrific events like this must end.
I don't care if that means better mental healthcare, gun control laws, less gun control laws, etc. I don't know what "it" is that's going to fix this, but something must be done.
In the meantime, I'm going to continue to pray. Pray for the victims. Pray for the mentally disturbed. Pray for our nation.
I'm just gonna' pray.
May peace be with us all.
Missy :o)
Here are some links to the opinions I've been reading.
On the mental health issue...
On the painful truths of guns...
On asking, "Why God?"...
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Dear Steve...
I am so glad I ran into you to day at Get Lost Book Shop. It's nice seeing faces from my J-School past. Good to know you have another book coming out soon.
On to the point of this particular post. As I wrote down the Web site for my blog, it dawned on me that you were once my professional writing instructor. You know me as the girl who stalked an Entomologist for six months just to get a story; a really good one, though. You knew me as someone with a future in writing, and you even pushed me to pursue it. I always appreciated you for that. Because, let's be honest, everything I know about telling someone else's story, I learned from you. (Everything I learned about telling my own stories, I learned from Mary Kay...who just happens to be your best friend). They don't call it the best Journalism school in the world for nothing.
I must admit...you will probably not recognize that fresh-faced student in the rest of these blog posts. You will probably see/feel/hear the voice of a mid-twenties, single reverend who is a little obsessed with losing weight. (Yes, my official title is Rev. Melissa Boyer, now. I can even perform weddings, funerals, and baptisms - preferably not in that order.) As a matter of fact, that voice is exactly what I desire for you to see/feel/hear. I enjoy writing about my life. And, since it is in fact my life, it's in my voice.
I promise I always re-read to check for grammatical errors. Hopefully, you will notice that I usually follow AP Style (that will never leave my brain). I'm just not as serious as I once was...I'm actually a little goofy.
Having said all that, please enjoy the crazy rantings on Jazzercise, spirituality, friendship and love of a former J-School student. Who knows? Maybe someone will find it so interesting that I will need your advice on the publishing world.
Keep writing well.
Missy :o)
P.S. - The posts in early June have some flair. I was going for more of a "syndicated column" feel. As it moved on, it just became random thoughts. Professor Bentley taught me that random thoughts are often the best beginnings to stories.
On to the point of this particular post. As I wrote down the Web site for my blog, it dawned on me that you were once my professional writing instructor. You know me as the girl who stalked an Entomologist for six months just to get a story; a really good one, though. You knew me as someone with a future in writing, and you even pushed me to pursue it. I always appreciated you for that. Because, let's be honest, everything I know about telling someone else's story, I learned from you. (Everything I learned about telling my own stories, I learned from Mary Kay...who just happens to be your best friend). They don't call it the best Journalism school in the world for nothing.
I must admit...you will probably not recognize that fresh-faced student in the rest of these blog posts. You will probably see/feel/hear the voice of a mid-twenties, single reverend who is a little obsessed with losing weight. (Yes, my official title is Rev. Melissa Boyer, now. I can even perform weddings, funerals, and baptisms - preferably not in that order.) As a matter of fact, that voice is exactly what I desire for you to see/feel/hear. I enjoy writing about my life. And, since it is in fact my life, it's in my voice.
I promise I always re-read to check for grammatical errors. Hopefully, you will notice that I usually follow AP Style (that will never leave my brain). I'm just not as serious as I once was...I'm actually a little goofy.
Having said all that, please enjoy the crazy rantings on Jazzercise, spirituality, friendship and love of a former J-School student. Who knows? Maybe someone will find it so interesting that I will need your advice on the publishing world.
Keep writing well.
Missy :o)
P.S. - The posts in early June have some flair. I was going for more of a "syndicated column" feel. As it moved on, it just became random thoughts. Professor Bentley taught me that random thoughts are often the best beginnings to stories.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Hey, Ho! Ho Hey?
I'll warn you, I'm tired right now.
Every time my BFF (yep, I’m in 3rd grade) calls me I answer the phone, “Hey, ho!”
Every time my BFF (yep, I’m in 3rd grade) calls me I answer the phone, “Hey, ho!”
I have no idea why.
It’s something she started a long time ago. She actually
usually says, “hoochie ho” or “ho bag” or something seemingly derogatory, lol.
Some of you probably think this is awful. I happen to find it hilarious. I
think it’s because neither of us are any of those things.
The song “Ho Hey” by the Lumineers came out this summer, and
I can’t help but think about Em every time I hear it. It’s like “Stuck Like Glue” all over again, haha. I'll tell you that story later.
I don’t really know the point of this particular post other than to say that
she’s been on my mind lately because I miss the crap out of her. (Come see me,
soon,! K?) And, I really love the
song, too. I mean, hope is kind of the anthem of my life. Hope of the future.
Hope of who is in that future.
Yeah, that ‘who.’
Whoever “who” is, I want him to say these words to me….
“I don’t think you’re right for him. Look at what might have
been…I belong with you. You belong with me. You’re my sweet heart. I belong
with you. You belong with me in my sweet heart.”
"Love. We need it now."
"Let’s hope for some."
Word, Lumineers.
Word.
That’s all for now... maybe I shouldn’t blog past midnight,
haha.
Peace Out Hoochie Fries.
Missy :o)
Monday, November 26, 2012
God just did that.
I must warn you...the NyQuil is just about fully set in. This cold thing is getting worse, and I swear the heat is radiating off my body from a fever.
However, I HAD to tell you what happened yesterday because God just continues to BLOW my mind away...far, far away.
So, remember my previous post about losing $200/month in support in one fail swoop? Well, I was just getting past the whole "personal/not personal" side of it and really moving on. That's when God walked in.
I came home yesterday to a slew of packages. (I should have known not to order off Amazon before Thanksgiving Break.) There was one little one NOT from a store that had a very familiar return address and name. It was from a dear friend I met my first year of college. She had just gotten married and was finishing up her last year of school. I don't know why we connected so well...ok, it was God, but it was still very odd at the time. There was just this kindred spirit between us that I knew would last a lifetime.
Anyway, I open the package to find two worship CDs and a little note. I begin to read the note and barely make it to the second sentence before literally bursting into tears.
"Missy, I am so grateful that God brought us together! You have been on my heart so much. Know that I am praying for you and will continue to! I knew God had been leading us to support you. I approached (insert husband's name here) and he was immediately on board. I asked him how much he felt led to give (not having told him what you emailed to me) and he gave me a number that matched supporting you the $200 a month you lost for the next year. We believe in the work and ministry you are providing with Tim and Missi and want to see you continue to grow and reach others. I believe he has big things in store for you in 2013 and I cannot wait to hear about them!"
WHAT?
I mean, WHAT?!?!?!?
About two weeks after the whole thing went down, she e-mailed me out of the blue and said that I'd been on her heart lately. She asked how she could pray. I told her the whole story about how hurt I was and how I was just feeling so attacked. (I was actually so brutally honest, that I almost regretted the word vomit-ing, haha. But, I also felt God was guiding me at the moment.) Anyway, yes, she knew about the $200 missing, but her husband knew nothing of the story.
HOW COOL IS GOD?
I am so pumped right now! Do you know what this means? It means there's once again a slight safety net...my savings account can grow! It means if something comes up, I don't have to call a church (or Mom and Dad, lol) to help out. I'm back up to $1450 a month! WOO HOO!
God is so good. I thank Him daily for the people He had put in my life. I thank Him for speaking to them. I thank THEM for listening.
My friend was right...2013 is going to be a HUGE year for me! I CANNOT WAIT to see what happens!
Love you all!
Peace Out, Home Fries!
Missy :o)
Like I would NOT post this now. Maybe God is pushing you to help the cause!
However, I HAD to tell you what happened yesterday because God just continues to BLOW my mind away...far, far away.
So, remember my previous post about losing $200/month in support in one fail swoop? Well, I was just getting past the whole "personal/not personal" side of it and really moving on. That's when God walked in.
I came home yesterday to a slew of packages. (I should have known not to order off Amazon before Thanksgiving Break.) There was one little one NOT from a store that had a very familiar return address and name. It was from a dear friend I met my first year of college. She had just gotten married and was finishing up her last year of school. I don't know why we connected so well...ok, it was God, but it was still very odd at the time. There was just this kindred spirit between us that I knew would last a lifetime.
Anyway, I open the package to find two worship CDs and a little note. I begin to read the note and barely make it to the second sentence before literally bursting into tears.
"Missy, I am so grateful that God brought us together! You have been on my heart so much. Know that I am praying for you and will continue to! I knew God had been leading us to support you. I approached (insert husband's name here) and he was immediately on board. I asked him how much he felt led to give (not having told him what you emailed to me) and he gave me a number that matched supporting you the $200 a month you lost for the next year. We believe in the work and ministry you are providing with Tim and Missi and want to see you continue to grow and reach others. I believe he has big things in store for you in 2013 and I cannot wait to hear about them!"
WHAT?
I mean, WHAT?!?!?!?
About two weeks after the whole thing went down, she e-mailed me out of the blue and said that I'd been on her heart lately. She asked how she could pray. I told her the whole story about how hurt I was and how I was just feeling so attacked. (I was actually so brutally honest, that I almost regretted the word vomit-ing, haha. But, I also felt God was guiding me at the moment.) Anyway, yes, she knew about the $200 missing, but her husband knew nothing of the story.
HOW COOL IS GOD?
I am so pumped right now! Do you know what this means? It means there's once again a slight safety net...my savings account can grow! It means if something comes up, I don't have to call a church (or Mom and Dad, lol) to help out. I'm back up to $1450 a month! WOO HOO!
God is so good. I thank Him daily for the people He had put in my life. I thank Him for speaking to them. I thank THEM for listening.
My friend was right...2013 is going to be a HUGE year for me! I CANNOT WAIT to see what happens!
Love you all!
Peace Out, Home Fries!
Missy :o)
Like I would NOT post this now. Maybe God is pushing you to help the cause!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Trust In The Lord - Bible Study Lesson
A few weeks ago, I mentioned a small group lesson I was working on, but I never posted it. Here it is. It's written from a leader's perspective to be delivered to others, but you could still probably work through the whole thing yourself.
Opening Questions
·
Would you consider yourself a daredevil? Would
you jump from an airplane? Bungee jump?
o What
if you were told beforehand that the cord was going to break? What if the dude
running the thing said, “This is faulty, and it won’t work. You will plummet to
your death.” Would you still do it?
·
In that situation, you would be desperate for
the worker to tell you, right? You would want
to know that it wasn’t gonna’ work.
What’s the point?
The point, ladies, is that our plans fail. Planning our
lives the way we want is like saying, “Yes, I know the bungee cord is gonna’
break, but I’ll do it anyway.” That might be a little extreme, but do you get the point I’m trying to make? God’s
plan for us will always, always, always come through.
Last week, when I asked, “Do you think God wants to help
you, most of you said, “Yes, but…” or “Yes, however…” All of you say you
believe God is for you, but you always have a rebuttal. Is it because He isn’t “for you” in your timing or in the way you want
Him to be?
Truth is, God is for us. Period. No ifs ands or buts. God
wants good for us.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who
love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
·
Do you believe this? Like, do you actually
believer this?
Crazy Biblical example of how God will provide
·
Back Story – This is after Moses led the Israelites
lead then out of Egypt and parted the Red Sea. They are now in the dessert
waiting for God to send them to the Promised Land. Remember, when they were in
Egypt they were slaves. Yes, they had food, but they were slaves.
o Are we
desperate for the right thing? Is our perspective on track?
§
If I were just freed from years of slavery, I
think food would be the last thing on my mind.
·
Clearly, Moses was desperate here. He needed the Lord to help in in this
situation. He was at his wits end with these crazy people.
o Side note
on why God was so angry – these people keep turning from Him.
·
So, not only did God hear Moses, but also He
promised Him even more than He needed.
·
Please note that Moses then rebutted God and basically asked How?
o Did you ever think that God is answering your
prayer, but because it’s not exactly how
you wanted it, you aren’t seeing that He answered it?
·
Then, notice that Moses accepted it, then told
his people.
o Think about
this…God just promised to send the people meat…in the middle of a desert. And,
not just meat for one meal, but meat for a month. How the heck is he gonna’ do
that?
§
Don’t you think that this was the hardest
message/sermon/whatever that Moses had to give to these people? They would
totally think he’s crazy.
o He’s crazy.
How would God do this?
Don’t get where I’m going with this? Hold on. Go with this flow, and let
me show you how awesome God can be.
·
The area the Israelites were in was about 50
miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea – 50 miles southwest of the Dead Sea. Significance?
Quail tend to live by water and they don’t fly long distances. They would not
have made it to the Israelites if it weren’t for a supernatural wind.
o It’s
literally as if the clouds burst open and began to rain quail.
·
When quail get tired, they dive-bomb. No,
seriously, look it up. And, quail aren’t graceful like pretty geese. I picture
the quail as dive-bombing from the sky like hail.
·
The verse says that in some places, quail was
about three feet deep. So, listen to this
o “Based on the Hebrew system of measurement, ‘a
day’s walk’ was approximately fifteen miles in any direction. So if you square
the radius and multiply by pi, we’re talking about an area that was almost 700
square miles. To put that into perspective, Washington, DC, is 68.3 square
miles. Not only was this an area ten times larger than the nation’s capital,
but the quail were piled three feet deep.” Circle
Maker, pg. 53
o It says
that once it stopped falling, the Israelites started gathering and each of the
600,000 gathered no less than 10 homers. The math on that is 6 million homers
at a minimum. With a homer equaling roughly 200 liters that’s somewhere in the
neighborhood of 105 million quail.
o God doesn’t
provide in a dramatic fashion, he provides in dramatic proportion.
·
Do you
think Moses felt foolish now? Do you think he could have anticipated the answer
to this prayer?
Something to Think About
This
miracle has nothing to do with the Israelites – God was answering Moses’
prayer. The Israelites were complaining and going against God all the time.
This miracle proves that God answers prayer. Not only did He free the
Israelites from Egypt, but He then blessed them with things they didn’t even
need, let alone ask for.
“Do you think
that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I
want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. However, if
righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful
things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of
course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for
their sins.”
Ezekiel 18:23-24
Sometimes, we need to quit doing the arithmetic of the situation and
just start believing that He’s going to do it.
When we pray, there are two things I think we face when we pray.
1.
We don’t really know what to pray for. We ask
God for direction, we ask God for peace, we ask God for a soul mate.
a.
God doesn’t answer vague prayers. WHAT? Listen,
sometimes we pray things so generically that we won’t even know it when He
answers it!
b.
Could we be a little more specific? God, show me
whether I should go to Grad school or not. God, give me options in the soul
mate area?
c.
Start asking God as if you truly believe He’s
gonna’ do it. Then, pray as if it’s in
God’s control and work as if it’s in His. Get that? Pray so hard like God
is gonna’ do it, but keep working as if you aren’t gonna’ get a thing.
2.
We stop praying right before He answers.
a.
We think it’s gonna’ happen one way, then we
change our thinking. We get frustrated because it’s not in our timing.
b.
“I’ll put it in God’s hands, then I’m done.”
Well, yes, that means you shouldn’t stress or have anxiety about it, but it
doesn’t mean you can quit praying.
The bottom line I want you girls to see through this lesson is that
you CAN and you SHOULD trust God. He is for you. He wants good things for you.
He’s not gonna’ leave you wanting more…well, more of Him and His presence, but
He’s not gonna’ leave you lacking.
Extra Encouragement
“Trust in the Lord and
do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the
Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Psalm 37:3-4
·
trust – batach
(verb) 1. to trust; to have confidence, be confident; to be bold; to be
secure 2. To feel safe, be careless.
·
delight – ‘anag
(verb) 1. To be soft, be delicate, be dainty. 2. To be of dainty habit, be
pampered; to be happy about, take exquisite delight; to make merry over, make
sport of.
·
desire – mish’alah
(feminine noun) 1. Request, petition, desire
“I waited patiently
for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1
·
wait – qavah
(verb) 1. to wait, look for, hope, expect; to wait or look eagerly for; to lie
in wait for; to wait for; linger for 2. to collect, bind together.
·
cry – shav’ah
(feminine noun) 1. cry for help
“But those who trust
in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah
40:31
·
but those who trust – same word as qavah used above
·
will find new strength – chalaph (verb) 1. To pass on or away, pass by, go through, grow up,
change, to go on from; to pass on quickly, to vanish, to come anew, to sprout
again; to change, to substitute, alter, change for better, renew; to show newness
Challenge for Week/Conclusion of Lesson
·
What do you need from God? Share it with the
group.
·
Memorize one or all of these verses so you
remember that you can trust in God.
·
Daily pray for what it is you are asking God
for.
It's not personal...
I hate that phrase. I feel like every time someone uses that phrase they use it because they know that "it's" (whatever 'it' is) is personal.
Reminds me of You've Got Mail. There's an excellent scene where Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are talking. Hanks' character just put Ryan's character out of business.
I love that. "What's so wrong with being personal?"
A few weeks ago a situation came up that I took very, very personally. Without going into details, a very large, very close supporter decided to drop me from monthly giving. I get it. Things happen, new bills come in, you "go a direction," whatever. It wasn't about the money. It was the fact that I was informed of this change in a note - a two sentence note that didn't even end in goodbye or God Bless.
I was hurt. I immediately called the parties involved to make sure I hadn't done something wrong. I wanted to make sure there wasn't something they disagreed with. It's been about three weeks, and no phone call back. I received a short text message that included the phrase "nothing personal." I also received a FB message that included the phrase "it wasn't personal."
That stung a little.
See, any time I use the phrase "nothing personal," I say it knowing that the other party is going to take it personal. It's usually something silly like, "That belt doesn't match those shoes." Or, "your 'famous' spaghetti was not good," haha. As well as I can remember, I've never used it in a way that would actually cause hurt feelings.
Now that I've been on the other side of it, now, that I've had to go through this "pain" of sorts, I will be very careful how I use that phrase. People may say I wear my heart on my sleeve (although, I usually don't), but this made me feel personally attacked. Like, someone had something against me. And, the fact that I still don't have 'real' answers, makes me feel that way even more. What did I do?
Missy, why are you sharing this?
Well, one, you guys (whoever you are) like to read about my life. Secondly, I think we need to learn to be more personal. Think of others. And, not just in giving, but in our actions. How will this make (insert other party's name here) feel?
I've been teaching a lot about selfless love this semester. I have the girls ask two questions. Does this spread love? No? Is this just mean? Yes? Then do I need to say it?
Sometimes we talk for the sake of talking - not caring who or what feelings are in our war path. I still struggle with this at times. There are a few people in my life who say what they want to say when they want to say it - even if it's hurtful or, well, rude. I struggle being around that. I struggle turning back into "The lesser version of the Missy I want to be" every time I hear how "hip-y" J-Lo is. Or, how "annoying" so and so is. I just feel like there is already so much negative crap in this world. Why should I contribute to it?
So, what do you think? I think the world needs a little less cynicism that drives us to being rude and down right mean We need a lot more love. What about you, personally? Are you spreading love? Are you taking the feelings of others into consideration? Or, are you throwing around the "nothing personals"?
Just something to think about, friends.
Peace Out, Home Fries
Missy :o)
In case you're interested. You can help fill that $200/month void here.
Reminds me of You've Got Mail. There's an excellent scene where Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are talking. Hanks' character just put Ryan's character out of business.
I love that. "What's so wrong with being personal?"
A few weeks ago a situation came up that I took very, very personally. Without going into details, a very large, very close supporter decided to drop me from monthly giving. I get it. Things happen, new bills come in, you "go a direction," whatever. It wasn't about the money. It was the fact that I was informed of this change in a note - a two sentence note that didn't even end in goodbye or God Bless.
I was hurt. I immediately called the parties involved to make sure I hadn't done something wrong. I wanted to make sure there wasn't something they disagreed with. It's been about three weeks, and no phone call back. I received a short text message that included the phrase "nothing personal." I also received a FB message that included the phrase "it wasn't personal."
That stung a little.
See, any time I use the phrase "nothing personal," I say it knowing that the other party is going to take it personal. It's usually something silly like, "That belt doesn't match those shoes." Or, "your 'famous' spaghetti was not good," haha. As well as I can remember, I've never used it in a way that would actually cause hurt feelings.
Now that I've been on the other side of it, now, that I've had to go through this "pain" of sorts, I will be very careful how I use that phrase. People may say I wear my heart on my sleeve (although, I usually don't), but this made me feel personally attacked. Like, someone had something against me. And, the fact that I still don't have 'real' answers, makes me feel that way even more. What did I do?
Missy, why are you sharing this?
Well, one, you guys (whoever you are) like to read about my life. Secondly, I think we need to learn to be more personal. Think of others. And, not just in giving, but in our actions. How will this make (insert other party's name here) feel?
I've been teaching a lot about selfless love this semester. I have the girls ask two questions. Does this spread love? No? Is this just mean? Yes? Then do I need to say it?
Sometimes we talk for the sake of talking - not caring who or what feelings are in our war path. I still struggle with this at times. There are a few people in my life who say what they want to say when they want to say it - even if it's hurtful or, well, rude. I struggle being around that. I struggle turning back into "The lesser version of the Missy I want to be" every time I hear how "hip-y" J-Lo is. Or, how "annoying" so and so is. I just feel like there is already so much negative crap in this world. Why should I contribute to it?
So, what do you think? I think the world needs a little less cynicism that drives us to being rude and down right mean We need a lot more love. What about you, personally? Are you spreading love? Are you taking the feelings of others into consideration? Or, are you throwing around the "nothing personals"?
Just something to think about, friends.
Peace Out, Home Fries
Missy :o)
In case you're interested. You can help fill that $200/month void here.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Small gains. Crazy thoughts.
I haven't lost a single pound in six weeks. As a matter of fact, I've gained two pounds.
Weird.
My body is still shrinking. The 18s I've been buying are suffering from SBS - Saggy Butt Syndrome. I should have known better than to buy Old Navy jeans. If I put them in the dryer, they get too short. However, if I don't ever dry them, they never shrink in the buttox area. The price we pay for beauty.
My mind hasn't even really been on weight loss lately, though. The past week specifically, it's been on certain things I have since deemed "Missy, you've gone crazy." First up, the Cardinals flipping beat The Nationals after being behind six-nothing. IT'S INSANE! And, it had never been done before.
The second thing, is praying for BIG miracles. God moves, right? God loves us, right? Well, why aren't my prayers proving that? I'm re-reading through a book for the second time in a month called The Circle Maker (Mark Batterson). Do yourself a favor right now and buy it. Read it. Live it. It will not only change the way you think about prayer, it will change the way you pray.
The point is that you remember that GOD IS FOR YOU. Quit feeling like He's against you and your happiness because it's actually quite the opposite. Perhaps I'll share my small group lesson for the week with you all after I present it. It's about trusting and depending on God...being desperate enough for Him to do something in your life.
That's about all I have today, folks. Any reason why I would be losing inches and not weight? If you happen to know, please tell me. Also, if you've got something crazy to pray about, let me know, and I'll join you!
Love you all!
Peace Out, Home Fries.
Missy ;o)
Weird.
My body is still shrinking. The 18s I've been buying are suffering from SBS - Saggy Butt Syndrome. I should have known better than to buy Old Navy jeans. If I put them in the dryer, they get too short. However, if I don't ever dry them, they never shrink in the buttox area. The price we pay for beauty.
My mind hasn't even really been on weight loss lately, though. The past week specifically, it's been on certain things I have since deemed "Missy, you've gone crazy." First up, the Cardinals flipping beat The Nationals after being behind six-nothing. IT'S INSANE! And, it had never been done before.
The second thing, is praying for BIG miracles. God moves, right? God loves us, right? Well, why aren't my prayers proving that? I'm re-reading through a book for the second time in a month called The Circle Maker (Mark Batterson). Do yourself a favor right now and buy it. Read it. Live it. It will not only change the way you think about prayer, it will change the way you pray.
The point is that you remember that GOD IS FOR YOU. Quit feeling like He's against you and your happiness because it's actually quite the opposite. Perhaps I'll share my small group lesson for the week with you all after I present it. It's about trusting and depending on God...being desperate enough for Him to do something in your life.
That's about all I have today, folks. Any reason why I would be losing inches and not weight? If you happen to know, please tell me. Also, if you've got something crazy to pray about, let me know, and I'll join you!
Love you all!
Peace Out, Home Fries.
Missy ;o)
Sunday, October 7, 2012
{əˈlōn}
a-lone (adj.) 1. having no one else present; on one's own; without others' help or participation; single-handed.
I have always. I mean always wanted to go to the movies by myself. I love movies. I love movie theaters. I've just always been a little too self-conscious.
I mean, what will people think of the 20 something girl alone in a movie theater? Probably that she's sad, alone, and single. When, in reality, I just really want to see Trouble With the Curve and no one will go with me.
People often ask me if it's lonely being single.
No really, they do.
Those people clearly don't know me well. My idea of a perfect evening tends to lean toward me at home with no one else, haha. Or me alone in a movie theater, lol. Some think I need more "me time" than most humans.
I'd agree.
Recently, I've tried to figure out why. Because, when I say more "me time," I mean that if I don't have at least 15 minutes of quiet to myself every day, I tend to get sad. Like, literally sad. It's the exact opposite of how social people must be around people to feel happy.
Since I can remember, I've been somewhat of a loner. We lived in the middle of nowhere growing up, so Matt and I only had each other to play with. A lot of times that meant I was in my room and he in his. I have an active imagination, and I've always loved telling stories. I was perfectly happy playing with Barbie's all afternoon while they went to college, got married, worked excellent jobs and had kids, haha.
That still rings true today. Sometimes, I just need quiet...peace...even a little darkness (as weird as that sounds). I don't even like turning lights on in the morning. I may turn my overhead light for a couple minutes to put on my make-up, but it immediately goes back off. My roommate probably thinks I'm crazy because I never voluntarily turn on lights. Lamps are so much more peaceful. And, do I really need to have full-lighting to eat my low-fat waffles in the morning?
I say all this to say that I'm alone a lot. And, I usually choose it that way. Jules can tell when I'm having a difficult week because I head straight to my room when I get home and only come out for sustenance. When there's thoughts flowing or trouble brewing, I like to be alone with my thoughts as I talk them out to God. Alone I just think more. Alone I just tend to feel better.
There's a difference between being alone and being lonely.
I'm definitely not lonely. I don't have enough time to be lonely, lol. I'm always around people, and I have excellent friendships.
However, there was a moment over the summer when I just had this deep longing for companionship. And, I'm not talking about a night out with the girls. I mean the kind of companionship that's between a husband and a wife. And, it came out of nowhere. But, I specifically remember the night at Summer Chi Alpha. I came home and just prayed that God would fill that void. That He would be my companion, and walk alongside me.
Well, He's right next to me, but that void is still there. I think that was step one in realizing that my thoughts/feelings about getting married changed.
I've always said I'm content being single for however long God wants...even if that means a lifetime. Those who know my heart, know that this is completely true. I'm really happy with me and God.
What I've realized, though, is that just because you're content being single, it doesn't mean you can't want to be married.
Do you get that?
Saying I really want to be married doesn't nullify the fact that I'm happy being single forever.
Maybe you are thinking, "Well, duh, Miss!" But, it was like a revelation to me. For so long, I think I actually closed off my heart to wanting to be married because I thought people would think I was lonely and desperate.
That's totally not the case.
I can't explain the feeling that I have. But, I know something is missing from my life. Someone missing from my life. Now, more than ever, I'm convinced that God has a husband for me somewhere out in the cosmos of life. Somewhere, right now he is sitting around doing who knows what. Maybe he's even thinking about his future wife...thinking of me, wondering who I am. It's crazy to think about.
Call me crazy. Call me desperate. Call me lonely. I don't really care. I just know that just like my appearance has changed and just like my attitude has changed, my heart has changed. My heart is finally open to being shared with someone else.
I think it's because I finally feel like I have something to offer the incredibly man of God that I want my husband to be. (You can read more about that in a previous post here.) And, not just something to offer, but a lot of somethings. I want to be that companion to that pastor or preacher... that minister's wife who ministers right alongside of him.
I have no idea when this may happen. God could be setting something crazy up for the next year of my life. He may be planning an amazing 30th birthday present for me; I just don't know.
All I know is that I'm happy, no, I'm elated to be alone until then. I know it will be worth the wait. I know that in the mean time I will just keep getting more prepared for marriage. I mean, obviously the spiritual growth is gonna' be a selling point for me. But, the skinnier I get, the better my chances of a hunky hunk, right?
:o) JK. I know the man I marry will love me for me. But, let's face it. I look better now.
So, next time you see a 20 something girl alone in a theater or as the third wheel with her married friends at a restaurant, please don't pity her. If it's me, I'm just killing time doing God's work until that hunky hunk shows up.
Peace Out, Home Fries.
Missy :o)
I have always. I mean always wanted to go to the movies by myself. I love movies. I love movie theaters. I've just always been a little too self-conscious.
I mean, what will people think of the 20 something girl alone in a movie theater? Probably that she's sad, alone, and single. When, in reality, I just really want to see Trouble With the Curve and no one will go with me.
People often ask me if it's lonely being single.
No really, they do.
Those people clearly don't know me well. My idea of a perfect evening tends to lean toward me at home with no one else, haha. Or me alone in a movie theater, lol. Some think I need more "me time" than most humans.
I'd agree.
Recently, I've tried to figure out why. Because, when I say more "me time," I mean that if I don't have at least 15 minutes of quiet to myself every day, I tend to get sad. Like, literally sad. It's the exact opposite of how social people must be around people to feel happy.
Since I can remember, I've been somewhat of a loner. We lived in the middle of nowhere growing up, so Matt and I only had each other to play with. A lot of times that meant I was in my room and he in his. I have an active imagination, and I've always loved telling stories. I was perfectly happy playing with Barbie's all afternoon while they went to college, got married, worked excellent jobs and had kids, haha.
That still rings true today. Sometimes, I just need quiet...peace...even a little darkness (as weird as that sounds). I don't even like turning lights on in the morning. I may turn my overhead light for a couple minutes to put on my make-up, but it immediately goes back off. My roommate probably thinks I'm crazy because I never voluntarily turn on lights. Lamps are so much more peaceful. And, do I really need to have full-lighting to eat my low-fat waffles in the morning?
I say all this to say that I'm alone a lot. And, I usually choose it that way. Jules can tell when I'm having a difficult week because I head straight to my room when I get home and only come out for sustenance. When there's thoughts flowing or trouble brewing, I like to be alone with my thoughts as I talk them out to God. Alone I just think more. Alone I just tend to feel better.
There's a difference between being alone and being lonely.
I'm definitely not lonely. I don't have enough time to be lonely, lol. I'm always around people, and I have excellent friendships.
However, there was a moment over the summer when I just had this deep longing for companionship. And, I'm not talking about a night out with the girls. I mean the kind of companionship that's between a husband and a wife. And, it came out of nowhere. But, I specifically remember the night at Summer Chi Alpha. I came home and just prayed that God would fill that void. That He would be my companion, and walk alongside me.
Well, He's right next to me, but that void is still there. I think that was step one in realizing that my thoughts/feelings about getting married changed.
I've always said I'm content being single for however long God wants...even if that means a lifetime. Those who know my heart, know that this is completely true. I'm really happy with me and God.
What I've realized, though, is that just because you're content being single, it doesn't mean you can't want to be married.
Do you get that?
Saying I really want to be married doesn't nullify the fact that I'm happy being single forever.
Maybe you are thinking, "Well, duh, Miss!" But, it was like a revelation to me. For so long, I think I actually closed off my heart to wanting to be married because I thought people would think I was lonely and desperate.
That's totally not the case.
I can't explain the feeling that I have. But, I know something is missing from my life. Someone missing from my life. Now, more than ever, I'm convinced that God has a husband for me somewhere out in the cosmos of life. Somewhere, right now he is sitting around doing who knows what. Maybe he's even thinking about his future wife...thinking of me, wondering who I am. It's crazy to think about.
Call me crazy. Call me desperate. Call me lonely. I don't really care. I just know that just like my appearance has changed and just like my attitude has changed, my heart has changed. My heart is finally open to being shared with someone else.
I think it's because I finally feel like I have something to offer the incredibly man of God that I want my husband to be. (You can read more about that in a previous post here.) And, not just something to offer, but a lot of somethings. I want to be that companion to that pastor or preacher... that minister's wife who ministers right alongside of him.
I have no idea when this may happen. God could be setting something crazy up for the next year of my life. He may be planning an amazing 30th birthday present for me; I just don't know.
All I know is that I'm happy, no, I'm elated to be alone until then. I know it will be worth the wait. I know that in the mean time I will just keep getting more prepared for marriage. I mean, obviously the spiritual growth is gonna' be a selling point for me. But, the skinnier I get, the better my chances of a hunky hunk, right?
:o) JK. I know the man I marry will love me for me. But, let's face it. I look better now.
So, next time you see a 20 something girl alone in a theater or as the third wheel with her married friends at a restaurant, please don't pity her. If it's me, I'm just killing time doing God's work until that hunky hunk shows up.
Peace Out, Home Fries.
Missy :o)
Monday, September 24, 2012
I. Just. Did. That.
I realized today that I never told you beautiful readers that I "ran" a 5k. I use quotations because I technically didn't run the whole thing because that would have caused my heart to explode...haha.
I ran about half and finished in my best time ever. It was quite literally one of the most surreal experiences of my life. As I came around the corner of the field (yeah, it ended on Faurot Field :o)), I saw about 30 cheerleaders and Truman the Tiger cheering me on. All I could think of was, "I just did that."
This time last year, I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without breathing very, very hard. The idea of walking even a mile exhausted me. Grant it, when I crossed that finish line after hustling 3.1 miles, I was exhausted, but I was also astonished.
It's truly amazing what hard work and persistence does. I mean, think about it. Last fall I had the depressing moment of buying a size 24 pants. I'm now in a loose-needs-to-be-belted size 18. I've lost 43 pounds. Who does that?
Apparently, I do.
It was like a penacle moment as my Momma cheered me on. I've felt so weird lately, like exposed to the world because I feel so different. Like, it's almost as if I'm walking around naked, like everyone can see me in such a raw way. I know that's very odd, but I just don't feel comfortable in my own skin...in a really, really good way.
It's not just spiritually, like I mentioned in my last post. It's totally physically, too. My face has thinned dramatically. I have muscles...like, leg muscles that look really good. My feet, too. My stupid feet are smaller and none of my flats fit the way they used to. I have this stuff under my arms that's not flab - it's skin. Ok, yes, they are still a little wing-like, but at the bottom of that there's skin!
Craziness, I tell you. Craziness.
So, I don't know what my true goal is as far as weight goes. It's hard to measure because I went from the size 20 to the size 18 by losing a whopping three pounds. Which, my physical activity haters, is proof that exercise and diet together is the best way to get in shape.
So, what is next? I feel like the whole "5k by 'almost' Labor Day" thing is over, so I need to set a new goal, right? I mean, once you achieve your goals, shouldn't you set more? #complacencymuch?
Yes. The answer is Yes.
Obviously, being able to run the entire 5k is next. I'm looking at races in March or April to participate in. But, I think I want something closer. I'm hesitant to set a weight loss goal because of how weird my body is right now. So, I think a good, comfy, nice looking size 16 by Christmas is the new goal.
Yep. Just said/typed it. "Sweet 16 by Christmastime" is the new goal.
Doable.
I think that's all for now. I'm working on a longer more "inspiring" piece about the whole "naked" thing, haha. I'm actually doing a word study in the Bible on the word naked. It's used a lot in a lot of different ways, but it all boils down to being exposed - whether good or bad.
But that's another blog, my friends.
Peace Out, Home Fries.
Missy ;o)
P.S. Please enjoy the pics from the 5k race day!
I ran about half and finished in my best time ever. It was quite literally one of the most surreal experiences of my life. As I came around the corner of the field (yeah, it ended on Faurot Field :o)), I saw about 30 cheerleaders and Truman the Tiger cheering me on. All I could think of was, "I just did that."
This time last year, I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without breathing very, very hard. The idea of walking even a mile exhausted me. Grant it, when I crossed that finish line after hustling 3.1 miles, I was exhausted, but I was also astonished.
It's truly amazing what hard work and persistence does. I mean, think about it. Last fall I had the depressing moment of buying a size 24 pants. I'm now in a loose-needs-to-be-belted size 18. I've lost 43 pounds. Who does that?
Apparently, I do.
It was like a penacle moment as my Momma cheered me on. I've felt so weird lately, like exposed to the world because I feel so different. Like, it's almost as if I'm walking around naked, like everyone can see me in such a raw way. I know that's very odd, but I just don't feel comfortable in my own skin...in a really, really good way.
It's not just spiritually, like I mentioned in my last post. It's totally physically, too. My face has thinned dramatically. I have muscles...like, leg muscles that look really good. My feet, too. My stupid feet are smaller and none of my flats fit the way they used to. I have this stuff under my arms that's not flab - it's skin. Ok, yes, they are still a little wing-like, but at the bottom of that there's skin!
Craziness, I tell you. Craziness.
So, I don't know what my true goal is as far as weight goes. It's hard to measure because I went from the size 20 to the size 18 by losing a whopping three pounds. Which, my physical activity haters, is proof that exercise and diet together is the best way to get in shape.
So, what is next? I feel like the whole "5k by 'almost' Labor Day" thing is over, so I need to set a new goal, right? I mean, once you achieve your goals, shouldn't you set more? #complacencymuch?
Yes. The answer is Yes.
Obviously, being able to run the entire 5k is next. I'm looking at races in March or April to participate in. But, I think I want something closer. I'm hesitant to set a weight loss goal because of how weird my body is right now. So, I think a good, comfy, nice looking size 16 by Christmas is the new goal.
Yep. Just said/typed it. "Sweet 16 by Christmastime" is the new goal.
Doable.
I think that's all for now. I'm working on a longer more "inspiring" piece about the whole "naked" thing, haha. I'm actually doing a word study in the Bible on the word naked. It's used a lot in a lot of different ways, but it all boils down to being exposed - whether good or bad.
But that's another blog, my friends.
Peace Out, Home Fries.
Missy ;o)
P.S. Please enjoy the pics from the 5k race day!
 |
| Warming up with Jazzercise before the race. This one was to LMFAO's I'm Sexy and I Know It, lol. |
Home stretch...AKA "Praise the Lord, Hallelujah I survived!"
 |
| Me, Kim and Truman at the finish line! |
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Comfort Zone
"I think it's like a right of passage," she said, hitting the nail right on the head. "At some point in every woman's walk with Jesus, He asks them to go farther. It's more than just loving and serving Him, it's about literally giving all of yourself to Him."
My friend Missi shared that with me the other night over an excellent Burrito Bowl from Chipotle. We were talking about the change I wrote of in my last post. I was updating her on all the fun things that have really transformed me this Summer. I walk by a mirror and I don't recognize myself...both physically and figuratively.
When I felt God really pulling on my heart in March to start letting things come to the surface, I had no idea what to expect. Like Missi said, I loved God and I was serving Him, but there was something missing. There was a next step that my heart was being pulled toward, and I knew I had a choice to make. Without hesitation I made the step.
The following months were a whirlwind of deep study of scripture, filling countless pages in my journal, and reading everything about God I could. I wanted to know the Creator who made me on an intimate level. I wanted to take breathes of His Spirit. I wanted to walk in His presence. I wanted to feel Him molding me.
And, that I did. And, still feel now.
I keep telling people that Belize was an "excellent trip." That it was fun, and I had an amazing time. Truth is, I haven't told many people the full story of what happened to me there. I feel like the change God was walking me through had a "crystalized moment." (Mr, Finley's advanced English II class, anyone?)
For the longest time, I truly felt like I was supposed to go on that trip. I just knew there was something God wanted to teach/show/reveal to me. But, here it was almost the last day, and I really hadn't felt much. I was a little disappointed because I wanted to hear His voice. I was actually a little desperate to hear His voice.
As I asked for some direction, I felt Him say, "Just be patient. We've got time."
So, the next morning, I was standing in Central Assembly of God - a huge church in downtown Belize City. I was surrounded by a melting pot of cultures: Belizeans, Mexicans, Jamaicans, Americans, and so many more. We were singing worship songs I knew, but they all had a Caribbean flair. I was really listening for God because of my prayer time the night before.
"God, I just don't get it. We have very few hours left here in Belize, and other than You showing me I can shovel really well, I don't think I've learned anything." (Insert deep, long sigh here)
Then, as clear and gentle as I hear the leaves falling from the tree outside my window, He asked, "Missy, are You comfortable?"
Whaaaa??????? I kind of felt like that was a trick question. See, if you are "comfortable" in your walk with God, chances are you've grown complacent. And, chances are, that's code for "I don't wanna' grown."
(That'll preach.)
"Missy, are You comfortable?"
"Umm, well, yes, Lord, I really am. I mean physically speaking, there's a nice breeze, I feel rested, the worship is beautiful, and this week has been truly amazing. You're growing me daily, and I'm really beginning not to recognize myself."
"So, You're comfortable?"
"Yes, God. But, a little help?"
And then it all clicked. I'm thousands of miles from home. I'm in a country where "my skinned" people are vastly out numbered. I've been eating strange food and sleeping in a random hotel. I've been pouring into women on the trip twice my age, and literally seeing men transform as they shovel dirt.
And, I'm comfortable with it all.
Even though I was out of my comfort zone of talking to Mom every day, putting make up on, wearing cute shoes, facebooking friends, texting acquaintances, and sleeping in my own precious bed, I was comfortable.
It took leaving my comfort zone of life in Columbia, MO to realize just how comfortable I could really be.
God calls every person (although, I'm really speaking to young women right now) to choose Him. There's gonna' be a moment or a service or something that you can look back to and see "old self" and "new self." Mine is literally July 29, 2012. From that service in Central Assembly, I am a completely different woman. I will never be that Missy again. I may go through rough places where I pick up her old habits or have trouble dying to the old flesh, but I will never be the same.
I have no idea what's in store for me. I feel transformed every morning just by waking up to a new day. I'm prepared for awesomeness and expecting lots of people to come to know Jesus along the way. I'm ready for Africa, or SEMO, or 10 more years at Mizzou, or pastoring, or mentoring, or (wow, I'm a little shocked to say this) I think I'm even ready for marriage. I feel like if a man is looking for that Proverbs 31 woman, I'm getting close to the Missy version of her.* I don't know where or when or how my future looks, but I'm ready for it.
So, ladies (and gentlemen if you exist on this blog), do you hear Him calling? Are you ready to go from just serving Him to really living in Him? Every spiritual woman in my life that I talk to about this says there was a specific time in their mid-twenties to early-thirties that God asked them to go all in. Do you hear Him calling?
Just listen if you don't.
Until next time, home fries.
Love ya.
Missy :o)
(Or, the girl formally known as Missy)
*Please note, I know I'm not the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman. But, the fact that I feel "comfortable" enough to say that I have something to offer a true man of God is huge. It may be 10 more years before I get to offer it to him, but I feel more prepared than ever before. It's fun, really.
My friend Missi shared that with me the other night over an excellent Burrito Bowl from Chipotle. We were talking about the change I wrote of in my last post. I was updating her on all the fun things that have really transformed me this Summer. I walk by a mirror and I don't recognize myself...both physically and figuratively.
When I felt God really pulling on my heart in March to start letting things come to the surface, I had no idea what to expect. Like Missi said, I loved God and I was serving Him, but there was something missing. There was a next step that my heart was being pulled toward, and I knew I had a choice to make. Without hesitation I made the step.
The following months were a whirlwind of deep study of scripture, filling countless pages in my journal, and reading everything about God I could. I wanted to know the Creator who made me on an intimate level. I wanted to take breathes of His Spirit. I wanted to walk in His presence. I wanted to feel Him molding me.
And, that I did. And, still feel now.
I keep telling people that Belize was an "excellent trip." That it was fun, and I had an amazing time. Truth is, I haven't told many people the full story of what happened to me there. I feel like the change God was walking me through had a "crystalized moment." (Mr, Finley's advanced English II class, anyone?)
For the longest time, I truly felt like I was supposed to go on that trip. I just knew there was something God wanted to teach/show/reveal to me. But, here it was almost the last day, and I really hadn't felt much. I was a little disappointed because I wanted to hear His voice. I was actually a little desperate to hear His voice.
As I asked for some direction, I felt Him say, "Just be patient. We've got time."
So, the next morning, I was standing in Central Assembly of God - a huge church in downtown Belize City. I was surrounded by a melting pot of cultures: Belizeans, Mexicans, Jamaicans, Americans, and so many more. We were singing worship songs I knew, but they all had a Caribbean flair. I was really listening for God because of my prayer time the night before.
"God, I just don't get it. We have very few hours left here in Belize, and other than You showing me I can shovel really well, I don't think I've learned anything." (Insert deep, long sigh here)
Then, as clear and gentle as I hear the leaves falling from the tree outside my window, He asked, "Missy, are You comfortable?"
Whaaaa??????? I kind of felt like that was a trick question. See, if you are "comfortable" in your walk with God, chances are you've grown complacent. And, chances are, that's code for "I don't wanna' grown."
(That'll preach.)
"Missy, are You comfortable?"
"Umm, well, yes, Lord, I really am. I mean physically speaking, there's a nice breeze, I feel rested, the worship is beautiful, and this week has been truly amazing. You're growing me daily, and I'm really beginning not to recognize myself."
"So, You're comfortable?"
"Yes, God. But, a little help?"
And then it all clicked. I'm thousands of miles from home. I'm in a country where "my skinned" people are vastly out numbered. I've been eating strange food and sleeping in a random hotel. I've been pouring into women on the trip twice my age, and literally seeing men transform as they shovel dirt.
And, I'm comfortable with it all.
Even though I was out of my comfort zone of talking to Mom every day, putting make up on, wearing cute shoes, facebooking friends, texting acquaintances, and sleeping in my own precious bed, I was comfortable.
It took leaving my comfort zone of life in Columbia, MO to realize just how comfortable I could really be.
God calls every person (although, I'm really speaking to young women right now) to choose Him. There's gonna' be a moment or a service or something that you can look back to and see "old self" and "new self." Mine is literally July 29, 2012. From that service in Central Assembly, I am a completely different woman. I will never be that Missy again. I may go through rough places where I pick up her old habits or have trouble dying to the old flesh, but I will never be the same.
I have no idea what's in store for me. I feel transformed every morning just by waking up to a new day. I'm prepared for awesomeness and expecting lots of people to come to know Jesus along the way. I'm ready for Africa, or SEMO, or 10 more years at Mizzou, or pastoring, or mentoring, or (wow, I'm a little shocked to say this) I think I'm even ready for marriage. I feel like if a man is looking for that Proverbs 31 woman, I'm getting close to the Missy version of her.* I don't know where or when or how my future looks, but I'm ready for it.
So, ladies (and gentlemen if you exist on this blog), do you hear Him calling? Are you ready to go from just serving Him to really living in Him? Every spiritual woman in my life that I talk to about this says there was a specific time in their mid-twenties to early-thirties that God asked them to go all in. Do you hear Him calling?
Just listen if you don't.
Until next time, home fries.
Love ya.
Missy :o)
(Or, the girl formally known as Missy)
*Please note, I know I'm not the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman. But, the fact that I feel "comfortable" enough to say that I have something to offer a true man of God is huge. It may be 10 more years before I get to offer it to him, but I feel more prepared than ever before. It's fun, really.
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