In Love

This past week was pretty amazing. Not only did I get to go South for a week but I also had the opportunity to get to know three super great ladies really well and experience the mighty work God is doing through Mercy Ministries in Monroe, LA.

Not to mention that we left on October 22. My one year anniversary of singleness. I told you that I would share a bit of what happened this week, so I'm going to! I am going to write down exactly how I did in my journal so you can get a bit of insight on my week.

__________________________________________

10/22/14

Hallelujah, the Victory.

"Walls Fall Down" Bible App Plan.
'The Perfect Number'
....God told the Israelites to walk around the walls of Jericho for seven days led by seven priests. On the seventh day, they were to march around the walls seven times. God promised that at the end of their seventh circuit around Jericho on the seventh day, the walls would collapse. The Israelites believed in the Lord's greatness and His plan for victory...Seven was the number God gave to Israel, but He may have a different number or timeframe for you...rest assured that the Lord knows your number. In His sovereignty, He knows the precise time your victory is coming.

[Psalm 139:16] -   

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

....your job is to have faith. Don't compare your journey to anyone else's, but know the Lord is preparing you for victory by shaping you in difficult times...

[Hebrews 12:1-3] -
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

...Christ is our supreme example that there is hope even during our trials and great reward awaiting us.
During your walk around the walls of your personal Jericho, you may experience pain and uncertainty. But if you are faithful and follow God's plan, you will see the walls fall down in God's perfect timing. And just as the Israelites shouted and sounded the trumpets at the end of their journey, you too will celebrate your victory. That very moment is worth all the pain and strife that preceded it.
God's power and His love for you are greater than any obstacle you may be facing today. Trust in the unfailing character of the Lord. Follow His plan, and see the walls fall down.

Christ is enough for me!
I never knew what real love was
until I finally let You in.
You have cleansed my heart
You have washed my soul.
Your unending love overwhelms me.
All the years I ran from You,
the other lovers I allowed in.
O, Lord You've forgiven me.
You have make me clean.
You have made me new.
Your love for me was all I ever needed.
The things this world offers are all so empty.
You Alone satisfy.
You have make me new.
You brought me out of darkness
Into Your marvelous Light.
My God, my God You are Almighty.
My Abba, my Prince.
You Alone satisfy.
I never knew, I never knew.
Now I have seen that You are good.
You are faithful, over and over.
You have proven You are trustworthy.
Never looking back, never going back.
In Your Arms, the only place I belong.
Your Love is enough, all I need.
My Prince, my Jesus, my King.
_________________________________________

I am so joyfully in love with the Prince of my heart. He has swept me off my feet and shown me real love.

So as the 22 came to a close, I realized that even though the commitment of one year has ended, the commitment of following Jesus and being set apart for Him remains. I won't be ready for my future husband until Jesus tells me I'm ready.

"Christ is my reward, and all of my devotion now there's nothing in this world that could ever satisfy...Christ is enough for me..Everything I need is in You."


-Brit

Set Apart for my King

Jesus Christ is enough.

It's not Jesus plus a husband.
It's not Jesus plus kids.
It's not Jesus plus friends.

Jesus Christ Himself is enough. Just Him.

Listening to a message by Leslie Ludy - It's amazing how on target her life and what she is saying about womanhood and following Christ parallels my own life. As I'm sure it does many other women.

But as October 22 approaches I am excited about what the next step of my life will be.

I haven't always done things during this time as I planned to, but I know that God is using this time to teach me many things.

I've stumbled, I've fallen flat on my face, I've cried, I've yelled at God, I've doubted His plans, I've wanted to give up, I've wanted to run away completely and hide. But ya know what, God has been with me the entire time. He never left me and His grace abounds even more in my life. He has walked me through times when I cried my eyes out and sat empty in my room alone wondering if this commitment was completely worthless.

It hasn't been at all easy and as God gently pulled out many deep roots of brokenness in my heart I flinched but knew that it was exactly what I needed.

There's a long road ahead, this I know, but I know that God is with me and has been not only for this year but also for my whole life.

I will be away on the 22 but I will surely write in my journal and bring it back to you here online.

Much more to come in this great adventure as a Christ follower.

Psalm 73:25 -

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And earth has nothing I desire besides You.

Jesus is my desire and my treasure. The greatest treasure in existence.

"You know much better than I
and if destruction is what I need
then I'll receive it Lord from Thee..
..I'm only Yours now....
It's Your eye in the storm watching over me,
It's Your eye in the storm wanting only good for me."

-Brit

Stepping in Trust, Embracing Community

September 22 has come and gone. I had intention of posting on that day but alas, it did not happen. You should all know by now that the 22 is a significant day for me and September 22 was 11 months of my promise to God that I would be single for a whole year. I can't believe that it's been 11 months! It has flown by so fast! And yet when you're in the middle of it all it feels like the process will never be over!

I have learned so many wonderful and very hard lessons this year. Most of which had to do with relationships and love. God has been gracious to me to show me the right way to do things but it hasn't been easy to recognize the right way all the time.
When Jesus came to earth He challenged us to think differently, not to just do things differently on the outside but to renew our minds on the inside! Do you know how hard that is?! Every day, if I begin to have an attitude that I shouldn't, or think something that I shouldn't I have to bring it to the Cross and ask God to help keep that thought captive!

2 Corinthians 10:5 -
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Through this process I have heard advice and received counsel from many trusted people in my life and yet I will still make my own decisions about things and I have to be listening to God first and foremost.

There have been some tough decisions that needed to be made recently but I know who God is, I know He is faithful, I know He loves me, forgives me, and has my best interest in mind. Therefore, I know I can release it all to Him and trust that He's got it under control.

It's not always easy to just let it all go but when you know without a doubt in your mind that God is faithful and loves you it's a bit easier to trust Him with everything....He will never let you down! Of course it's hard to wait, the process is rarely easy, but God is doing something great, even if we don't know what that looks like. He leads us with a lamp unto our feet, not stadium lights or a spot light.

Psalm 119:105 -
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Many times all that can be seen is a enough light to take the next step. We may not know the end result, God often keeps that to Himself because we need to learn to trust Him more fully through the process. We need to learn to trust Him to show us the next step even if we don't know what the outcome will be.

It's certainly not easy but I'm experiencing His grace and love in the process. He has been using a huge community of wonderful sisters and brothers in Christ to help me keep marching on.

A year ago I didn't know any of these people but I can't say enough about them.

I've had some friends in the past and one that I was very close with but it wasn't like this. Of course I'm in a different place than I used to be (only by the grace of God). Every time I see these folks it's like a reunion of your closest family members. Having faith in Jesus Christ is what connects us and what a wonderful blessing that is.
It's hard to explain the love I feel towards them and the love I receive back. All I know is that I finally, truly believe that if I'm not able to make it to a get together, I'm genuinely missed. I suppose it all goes back to being a part of the body of Christ. I'm not sure what part I am but I know that as a part of this body, when I'm not there, the body misses me. I say this with confidence and maybe it sounds prideful, like I'm something special to my family of friends....but frankly, I know that I am! Not because of what I, myself, bring to the table, but because of what God does through me. It is not I, but Christ in me.

Romans 12:4-5 -
 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,  so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Galatians 2:20 -

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

I just never knew what a loving community was like. With Christ as the center of all of us we can help each other grow and love each other in the process.
Seeing what God has done in my life so far this year, brings so much peace to my soul. And though it's not always easy, I know I have a Mighty King who is fighting for me and a community of sisters and brothers who are there for me and love me through it all.

Praise Jesus Christ, our God and King forever!

"Once my light was fading, but You gave me Yours...I can breathe for the first time, I can see for the first time....And I've never run so far I've never felt so strong, when I am where You are, I found where I belong. For the first time."


-Brit

Celebration

Greetings.

If you are following along with me during this thing called life, you may remember that the 22nd of each month is significant for me.
The 22nd of October represents the day that I committed myself to one year of singleness with the Lord. On August 22, I celebrated 10 months of singleness.

I had planned on writing a post on that day but never got a chance to which, as it turns out, I needed to have a conversation about what was going on in my heart instead.

However, I would like to write out a little bit about what I was reflecting upon that day and the process I went through in a 24 hour period. Perhaps I want to write about it just in order to remember that day and to have this post to look back on in a few years.

First of all, it has come to my attention that most people in my life have been single most, if not all of their lives. Which is great because they've been protected from so many painful things that I know comes with being in unhealthy relationships. So to most people the whole year of singleness thing....well they don't truly understand how huge it is for me. For many others, being single is something that has not only been easy for them but they don't want to be single. Because of that there have been few people that I can talk to that truly understand the significance of this. Don't get me wrong, they celebrate with me, and encourage me, but many still don't really understand the depth of the commitment and why it's such a big deal.

I admit, if any of you know me, I have been getting to know someone on a friendship level but I know there were questions about whether or not there was something more going on. So I'd like to briefly address that situation and just say that nothing more than getting to know someone as a friend with the potential for more has been going on. To a lot of people that means that you still spend time alone with one another and may or may not be involved physically. But that isn't at all the case in my life. This person and I have discussed things, invited others in for counsel, and kept strict boundaries on every area of life.
I bring this up partially to protect the vow of singleness between God and I, and also so no more questions or assumptions are made concerning my life. Not only that, I also want to encourage anyone that has been questioning me, etc. to talk to me directly. I tend to be a very open and honest person and am not trying to hide anything from anyone. Believe me, I've tried that kind of life and it's way too much work. If anyone wants to know anything, ask.

Moving on, so on August 22, I started the day with joy and excitement about what God is doing currently and what else He is going to do in the future.
Then, as I started to reflect on the person I used to be and what He has done in my life, I got very emotional and cried. I can't stress enough how different it is for me to be single, and contently single at that. If you've been reading any of these posts or if you know me at all, you'll know that my life was always one relationship after another. When I was broken up with, I just found someone else, whether it was via the internet or some other way. I see this pattern SO often in our world now which breaks my heart, but I won't get into that right now.

Anyway, as I started to remember what I used to be and what God has done in me in 10 months....I couldn't help but cry and thank Him. There are so many things in my heart that can't even be put into words. Realizations of His protection and His faithfulness. The knowledge that He was with me during every broken time in my life and when I was deliberately sinning against Him. When I pushed Him in the corner and went my own way....and all the while He was waiting for me to reach out to Him and call Him back into my life. That's the thing about God, He doesn't force His way into our lives, He gives us a choice. We can either push Him away and live our own way which ends in loneliness, misery, shame, and destruction. Or we can surrender to Him and allow His love to fill our souls with joy, peace, fulfillment and life. He waits for us to invite Him in. I was always afraid to, afraid He couldn't love me after all that I had done. I was afraid that He wouldn't be enough, that if I wasn't in an earthly relationship, I would feel lonely and unloved.

What an incredibly huge lie I believed.

These last 10 months haven't been easy but they have been the most alive that I have ever felt.
The healing God has brought me is almost indescribable. He has teaching me what real love is. He is showing me that real love is sacrifice and when both people are willing to sacrifice, to lay down one's life and be willing to choose to stay even when times are hard, that's when true love shines through.
You see, love isn't a fuzzy feeling, it's not when your heart jumps when you think of someone. Love, true love, proves itself when you are broken and shattered, when times are hard, you have nothing to give, and you feel like running away but you don't, and they don't. And you walk through the storm together, leaning on the Lord together.

I never really understood what love meant, I thought that when someone told me that they loved me then that was love. But in reality those words meant, "I'll keep you around if you're exactly how I want you to be and if you give me what I want. Otherwise I'm moving on to someone else." And I had the same attitude. I grew so used to that type of view on love that I assumed that that's what human love was. I want to believe that I thought about God differently but I know this thinking had an effect on my view of God as well.

Now, though, since all the awesome things that God has done, I can celebrate with such joy knowing I never have to go back to that. The old me is dead. Christ has made me new.

I only have 2 months left in this vow and I know God can and will do mighty things and I am so excited!
In the future, I am sure that I will go into a lot more detail about this whole process and I hope and pray that God will use it to touch the lives of others and help someone through a difficult season of life.

I praise my Father in Heaven for all the wonderful things He has done!

"I am learning to run freely understanding just how He sees me and it makes me love Him more and more."


Brit

Radio Voice

So many exciting things have been going on. All because of God, there's no doubt about that!

He has brought an opportunity for me to talk a lot. On the radio. For anyone to hear.

WHAT? I seriously don't know how this happened. Of course the only explanation is God alone. I was approached in April by Heidi Hanes, I believe one of the founders of this local radio station, and she did a short interview with me. I shared a little bit about my testimony and she put that on the air! For some reason, she thought that I would be an asset to the station and well, long story short, I now have a radio show called "Growing Together." Last night I was live on the air for the first time. It was so exciting even though I really don't know what we talked about!

It is, of course just a small radio station with not a ton of power but God can absolutely use it for His glory and to bring people closer to Him. That is my prayer for the show He brought my way, that whatever we talk about and whatever He puts on my heart to share, that it will bring Him glory and touch the lives of those listening. I also get to choose different music to play so that's pretty exciting too. Last night we played some Phil Wickham, of course!

Anyway, I just wanted to write a short post about that just in case anyone wants to tune in. Locally you can hear it by turning your radio dial to 106.1 FM WGLU-LP. You are also able to stream it online. Click here to check out the website and listen!

The show I will be hosting, again, called "Growing Together" will be Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30-9:30 PM and Saturday 1:00-2:00 PM.

I hope you tune in and also get connected to the station on facebook!

"Everyone will shout, Jesus Christ is King!"

-Brit

Doubt and Trust

Sometimes we encounter really difficult situations in life and we have to make choices about how to respond to them.

First I'd like to mention that today is my 9 months 'monthiversary' of being single. It's been an interesting ride these past few weeks. Some doubts about God's plan for me has crept in and yet He is always trustworthy and I know He has His best plan in mind.

Before I finally bowed my knee to Christ and truly surrendered everything to Him, I was stuck in the same pattern of bad relationship after bad relationship. The series of unhealthy, heart breaking relationships lasted for at least 10 years. Maybe a decade doesn't seem long to you but to me it felt like a lifetime. Within that decade of time everything I was got torn apart. My heart became so numb to any sort of feeling that I grew to believe that the pattern of broken relationships was all my life would ever be, and I convinced myself I was okay with that. I convinced myself that it was normal and there could be no other way.

If you've been reading any of my post from this past year you will know that God has changed all that in me. He has shown me a better way and proved that a person can, indeed, change. The change He made in me is so drastically different from the person I used to be it's hard to even imagine myself ever living in the way that I did. Which is what I have come to recognize is the proof that only Christ can change a person so drastically (try all you want on your own strength, it won't work, we're created to be completely dependent on God). What a relief that is because I'm pretty weak and in no way shape or form would I have or anyone else for that matter been able to change my heart's desires and lifestyle the way God has.

Okay, getting to the real purpose of this post:
Doubt and trust.

Did you know that it's OK and even normal to have moments of doubts in your Christian walk?
We as humans struggle with wondering what God's plan is for us - where are we supposed to work? Who are we supposed to marry? Where should I live? - The list goes on.
In recent history I've been doubting a few things. Not doubts of whether or not God loves me or even has a plan, but specifically doubts about which path to take and if it's been God's voice that I've been hearing or if somehow I've been doing things on my own, or worse yet, am I listening to the voice of the enemy? Is that possible? Do I not know the sound of my Master's voice? Am I a, um, not so smart sheep who doesn't know the sound of my Shepherd's voice?

I've been thinking and talking with some people close to me and I wonder if perhaps my old way of thinking is creeping in. I say that because the main thoughts in my head are ones of earthly matters, not eternal. I'm being selfish and prideful and expecting God to bend to my wishes because I'm convinced that I know better than Him.
It's kind of sad really because deep down I know that I don't know better than Him. He has what's best in mind for me because He loves me so much and wants to give me good things.
I know these things, and yet I still struggle with wondering what He is doing and if I will ever know! Or how long will it take to know? Why must I wait? What are you doing in me that needs so much time to figure out?

Then I'm brought back to reality.....(my dear Mother pointed this out)..."there are 10 years worth of brokenness in your heart and it's been 9 months since you made your promise." OHHH right, that makes sense to me...there's a lot of junk that needs to be dealt with. Ten years worth. Can God restore me overnight or in a few months? Yes, He can. But He's not and that's OK.
Truthfully, if He brought to the surface all the deep hurts in my heart from all those years my frail human frame would probably burst at the seams and I'd be constantly dehydrated from all the tears cried.
Throughout these months God has been gently bringing hurts to my mind and healing me slowly. Sure, the process is kind of frustrating and at times I think I could handle more but then I breakdown and don't want any more! Oh, how frail we are. However, I'd rather be frail and fall into my Savior's arms knowing I am safe and that He has my entire life in His hands. I've lived the life of pretending to have it all together and not inviting Christ to help me, it's a miserable, desperate, sad, and tiresome one.

Doubt still creeps in though, and I find myself crying out to God and asking Him what He's doing and where I'm being lead to. Wondering if I've missed a step in the process or gone backwards and have to start all over again.
Is one year enough time for God to heal every layer from every year that I walked away from Him? I want to believe the answer to be 'yes' but I can't be sure.
He has done an incredible amount in me in the last 9 months but with only 3 left can He really restore me fully? There is still a fear of commitment in my heart. Then the thoughts that my life will always be an endless pattern of failed relationships creeps its head in. After all it was like that for 10 years. I know, I know, those negative thoughts are lies. They are lies that the enemy is attempting to use in order to toss me into a pit of worthlessness and yet another broken heart.

My doubts may not go away today or tomorrow but I am comforted to know that even in those doubts God is faithful and I know I can trust Him.

2 Corinthians 4:16 says - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

The commentary in my NIV study Bible says:

It is easy to lose heart and quit. (Truth!) We all have faced problems in our relationships or in our work that have caused us to want to think about laying down the tools and walking away. Rather than giving up when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength from the Holy Spirit. Don't let fatigue, pain, or criticism force you off the job. Renew your commitment to serving Christ. Don't forsake your eternal reward because of the intensity of today's pain. Your very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Well, that's a relief, this current struggle won't last forever AND it has eternal value. Praise God!

So, I know that even in moments or seasons of doubt (1) God is still good, (2) God is still faithful, (3) He hasn't forgotten me, and (4) He still has a plan. The BEST plan in mind for me.

"We must realize and embrace the truth that God genuinely wants what is best for us, and doubt attempts to lead us away from God's best."

This I know: I can trust my King. Always and forever. Just let God, be God. He's got this.

"Be still my soul and rest
Humbly I confess
In my weakness
Your strength is perfect

For You alone are God
There will be no other
And You have won my heart
More than any other
So I will give it all
'Cause You gave it all for me"

-Brit

Finding Meaning

God has been showing me so many things these last few months.
He has been moving so much in my life and in the lives of many people I care a lot about.

My heart is burdened, however, for so many of those that have yet to come to the knowledge of how good our God is.

If I were to choose one thing to write about right now I think it would be the issue of all of the new age ideas of what life is all about.

Every other idea/religion/philosophy except for that of the truth of Jesus Christ and Him crucified for our sins says that if you work harder, be nicer, do good deeds, be a better person, etc. you will have a better life now and in the next life. If the belief of a next life exists.

The beauty of Biblical Christianity is that once you repent of (turn away from) your sins and put your trust in Jesus by allowing Him to take over your life, you no longer have to try to be a better person or do good things. Once you allow God to work in your heart, your desires will change and because of that you will want to do nice things and love people better, but you aren't "trying" to do it on your own strength. When you give your life to Christ, the Holy Spirit empowers you to love differently by His strength through you. There's much about this that is hard to explain, there is a wisdom that God gives you once you come to know Him.

Without Christ, life is a pattern of searching and seeking happiness and belonging. You may have nice things and you may even have many moments of happiness in your life, but at the end of the day can you honestly look into your heart and say that you are experiencing true joy in your life. A joy that surpasses all understanding, that no matter what happens, you have hope that things will work out?
It's easy to say yes, trying to convince yourself that this is true for yourself but the truth is, no matter if you accept it or not, if you don't have Christ and are not walking with Him and allowing Him to work in your life, you ultimately will be wandering through life searching for belonging yet never finding it. You have no power to stop doing things that you know you shouldn't do. You don't have to ability to "try harder next time" or "do things differently." You will easily fall back into the same mistakes you've always made.

I don't say this as someone who doesn't know what she's talking about because "I don't know your situation." While, you're right, there are aspects of your life I may not understand but this much I do know, because I've experienced it. If God is not in your life nothing makes sense and life is a constant struggle to be loved and a constant search for belonging. I always thought I could do things differently and not make the same mistake twice but my sinful nature always took over my thinking. I gave in because I didn't know how to get out of it. I gave in because I assumed nothing could ever change and that I would have to hide behind so many lies and pretend to be happy. I thought my life would always be a pattern of unhealthy relationships that didn't last any more than 6, maybe 8 months. I never thought a good man, first of all, existed, much less one that would be interested in me. But that was only the beginning of the brokenness deep inside my heart.

Having a relationship with a human doesn't give life meaning. NO. It doesn't.

It can help bring you happiness, sure, but a true happiness...true JOY doesn't come from being married.
True JOY that surpasses understanding, true joy that continues through hard times and good times, only comes from one place. It comes from Heaven and His Name is Jesus Christ.

I rejoice because I have learned the secret to abundant life. I have been adopted into the family of God. I am His child and what a privilege it is.

I want you to know that you need to stop trying. You need to stop running, stop searching, stop seeking the empty things that this world gives you. The world's "wisdom" says that you can be all you want to be, never give up on your dreams, do whatever it takes to reach your goal to make money and see everything there is to see in this world. And while those things are not bad in themselves, the motivation behind them is to build yourself up and get what YOU want out of life. But I am telling you, that is NOT what life is all about. Those things, the striving to get what you want and do what you want will only leave you empty in the end.
It may seem like your life is fine without Christ but I assure you, if you turn from Him and go your own way, you will end up broken and empty eventually. It may take longer than others but it will happen. So please don't ignore God. He is there, watching and waiting. Always.

All you have to do is ask Him to forgive you for running away, ask Him to forgive you for trying to live life your way and that you want Him to take over your heart, to make you new, and to give you a new life with new desires. He is faithful and will forgive you and give you eternal life with Him.

There is nothing else in this life that will bring you true joy and nothing else that can promise eternal life.
There is ONE way, not multiple ways. One path, not multiple paths. ONE truth, not multiple truths. Don't believe the lie that says "if it's true for you then it's true for you and will lead you to a good afterlife."
How can there be many truths? If I looked at the car you drive and said that it's not a car, it's a truck would I not be telling a lie? It's clearly a car. (Unless, of course you do drive a truck then it would be true, but hopefully you get the point.) If I looked at a white person and told you that they were black because my truth says they are black not white, that wouldn't make any sense, would it? It's the same with a belief system. Not everything can be true.

There is only one truth and that truth is Jesus Christ. There is only one place to find true meaning and that is in His arms of love, grace, and kindness.

From the depths of the love in my heart,

Brit

"I thought that I was able, but my lamp's under the table

With my face against the corner I've forgotten

All the steps You laid before me, how You brought me from

A dead sea, now amidst my hesitation I've forgotten

I can run far from You but my thirst would never die....

Finally I've found my peace I have nothing left to prove

Cause trusting You in everything is all that I can do.

I am nothing, without You inside of me, Jesus I'm nothing

Without You I'm incomplete so I need You now, need You always."

Keep your promises.

What a long Winter it has been, don't you think?

Though this is true I've found in amazing that for the most part my attitude toward is has been positive. I'm extremely thankful that God showed me a new Winter sport that I didn't know I loved! It's been so peaceful to Nordic ski nearly everyday and see the beauty God has created even during the Winter season.
In the past I hated Winter! I just wanted to hibernate for the whole dreaded season. However, while this Winter has been cold, snowy, and long, I've actually enjoyed it a lot.
I will admit though, I look forward to the warm sun and the smell of fresh cut grass.

Anyway,

God has been showing me many things lately and one big thing in particular is how important it is that if you've made a promise to Him you must keep it.

The Bible says it is better not to make a promise to Him if you don't think you can keep it than to make one and go back on it. 

Deuteronomy 23:21-23 -

If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth.

Five months ago today, I made a promise (vow) to God that I am His and only His for an entire year. This is a pretty big deal for someone who always found it hard to be single.

I know God has a lot of work to do in me to prepare me for marriage, if marriage is His will for me.
Sometimes it can be difficult to wait for His work to be done in me.
I find myself wanting to know exactly what He needs to do in my heart to prepare me. What hidden things need to be healed or what hidden sins do I need to repent of? In my mind, if I know these things I can just "fix" it and then I'll be ready.
That's not how God works.

There are things that ONLY He can fix and I know that. I look forward to the work He will do as I can see what work He has already done in my heart.

Yesterday morning, after a lot of prayer the night before, God reminded me of how important it is to keep the promise I made to Him. I had started wondering if that promise was really something He wanted for me or not. Then the very next morning during my time with Him, He showed me the answer.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7- 

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.

What I realized when He showed me this, was that whether the year of singleness was something He lead me to do or if it was just a hasty decision on my part, it doesn't matter. He is still holding me to that promise. It's extremely important that I keep that vow to Him.

And that's alright with me. I know there is a lot in my heart that needs healing so as I said before, I look forward to the work He is doing in me.

So if you have ever made a promise to God, small or big, be sure to fulfill it. Not because I'm telling you to but because God tells you to!

We need to remember that He is Almighty God and while yes, He is our Friend, He is also our Sovereign King and deserves the utmost respect and reverence.

Hebrews 12:27-29 -
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.”

So, I realized how important it is to keep this vow of singleness to my King and I intend to do so. Again, I encourage you to keep your promises and remember to have reverence for Him, our Holy God.

"Invited by redeeming Love, before the Throne of God Above....Oh praise the One Who fights for me and shields my soul eternally....I'm face to Face with Love Himself, His Perfect, Spotless, Righteousness."

Brit

Whose Favor do you Seek?

Who do you seek favor from? Who do you wish would look at you and be totally captivated by who you are? More often than not we seek to find a sense of worth in the opposite sex. We seek to impress them and desire that they find us favorable to their eyes. We hope they find us beautiful and special. We work our bodies, wear certain clothing, put makeup on our faces, all in hopes that someone will look at us and think, "She is special, she is worthy of my love." Or depending on who is reading this, "He is special, he is worthy of my love."

Have you ever thought about what goes into your minds throughout the day? The TV is plastered with advertisements, shows, and movies, all filled with what the world deems beautiful and successful. This most often includes skinny, muscular girls with jobs in which they make six digits or men that look like models in GQ and drive expensive cars. (By the way, I typed GQ into google and the tagline that came up was: GQ Magazine Online: Look Sharp, Live Smart) Because life is all about what you look like, and if you look good you must be smart....riiight. I don't buy it and you shouldn't either.

As we watch the shows, read the magazines, drive down the road and see billboards plastered with such images, we start thinking....that is who I want to be. I want to have a perfectly toned body, have a model husband (or wife) and make a lot of money, then I'll be happy.

Think about the people this world favors. We watch the red carpet events and praise those who make millions of dollars, dress in expensive clothing, and make movies that are filled with sex and violence. Movies that tell us to cheat on our spouses, or just never get married, climb the corporate ladder by cheating and stealing, scoff at the poor and homeless, and do whatever it takes to make yourself feel good about yourself. The majority of movies, shows, magazines, and advertisements are all about seeking the best for yours truly.

So I ask again, whose favor are you seeking? Why do you push your body to the extreme to "get the best body you can" or pamper yourself by spending hundreds on spas and clothing? Are you trying to impress yourself or the world around you? Are you trying to evoke lust or envy from those around you? Are you listening to what the world is telling you about what is beautiful and what you should strive to look like or be like?

I'll tell you a short story about my old self. I used to dress mostly immodestly. I used to wear dresses with plunging necklines and short skirts, all in hopes of getting attention. I wanted men to desire me and women to want to be me. (lust and envy) I must say though, in my defense, I didn't always know that what I was wearing would evoke such thoughts from others. But, most of the time I hoped that it would. It was only until God changed my heart so drastically did I realize the error of my ways.

I listened to what the world said was beautiful and whom they said I should seek favor from.

It is all a lie. The world is infecting us with ideas that are false and will not bring glory to God.
The favor in whom we seek will all die away, if we do not seek favor from God. What the world favors is all fleeting and only focuses on the temporal, not the eternal.

What is more important to you? How your temporal body looks on the outside? Or how your soul looks on the inside?

Proverbs 31:30-

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

James 1:11-

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

1 Peter 3:3-4 -

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. (Emphasis added)

"Of great worth in God's sight"....again I quote, "in God's sight."

What is of great worth in our Creator's sight?:
"your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit."
"A woman that fears the Lord is to be praised."

By the way, a gentle and quiet spirit does not mean we sit in the corner and twiddle our thumbs and don't speak until spoken to. It means we are staying tuned to what God says about how to live life as a woman.
(Sorry men if you're reading this but remember these things if you are looking for a wife! Seek one that focuses on what God thinks of her)

As women, we should not be harsh or act angrily towards others. We should be nurturing and loving.
We should not be seeking favor from anyone but God. Our Creator. The One Whom knows you, and loves you more than anyone else ever could. If you are in Christ, God is always pleased with you, He always looks at you as though you are the only one on the planet. He is captivated by you, not by your outward appearance but by your heart.
Do not seek favor from men or envy from women. Do not focus fully on your outward appearance as if your life depends on it. It certainly doesn't. Your life depends on Jesus Christ and what He did for you. Seek to please Him and Him alone.

I emphasis again, if you are in Christ, He is already pleased with you, you have already found His favor.
If you do not yet know the freedom that comes from knowing Christ as your Savior, there is no better time than now to ask Him to change your life. You don't need a new workout program, spa treatment, or bigger house, all you need is Jesus Christ. Seek His favor, and His favor alone.

Now, also, just to let you know, I'm not saying that going to the gym and eating better is useless, of course we also need to take care of our bodies. I am only saying that we should not be doing those things just to get favor from the world or because that is what the world deems as beautiful. Our inner beauty is what matters to God and therefore, that is much more important than what our bodies look like on the outside.

Get to know God's heart by reading His Word. If you are in Christ, it is necessary that we live and look different than the world, therefore, reading His Word gives us insight as to how to do that. As I said before, if you are in Christ, He is already pleased with you, but in reading what the Bible says about Christian living, you will find that it is a lot more freeing to live like He tells us to live rather than to attempt to please the world by doing what the world says and living like they live.

Romans 6:16-

Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Romans 8:15 -

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

"Yours will be, the only Name that matters to me, the only One whose favor I seek. The only Name that matters to me....Your love is all I ever needed."

-Brit

Emptiness No More

So much has happened in these last couple months it's hard to write it all down.

To sum it all up, God knows what I need more than I know myself. His timing is exactly right and that's never been more clear.
I am so thankful that I am a child of God. Looking back at my life and how I tried to live my life without Him, it's hard to imagine why I tried so hard. I am not a strong person at all and so, in my weakness God's strength and His strength Alone rescued me. He has shown me so much more love and mercy than anyone else has ever even tried to show me. He is so wonderful and makes me exceedingly joyful!

Because of all that He has done for me, I want to encourage you to continue seeking Him. I know it can be hard and sometimes it seems like He's forgotten you. I assure you, if you feel far from Him, He's not the one that walked away. He never leaves you. He is with you always, remember that. When you are down in the dumps thinking He has left you to fend for yourself that is the enemy lying to you. God's promises are true. Satan is the father of lies. Do not listen to his lies. Read your Bible and you will learn that God never lies. He is Perfect and tells the truth, always. He is worthy of your trust when no one else is.

It's not too late to make a choice to turn your back on the world and all the lies the devil tells you and follow Christ. Stop trying to "find your own path" or trying to do things by your own strength because we are humans, we are weak and we fail. Why not let God take the lead? Be patient and trust God because He keeps His promises and He is in control. Life will be far better than what you are living now.

Take it from someone who tried for years to fill the empty places in my heart with nearly anything I could hold on to. From fitness to alcohol to marijuana, to unhealthy relationships with men, to money, to clothing, ah the list goes on. My mindset was what our culture tells us. I read the magazines about how to be "beautiful" or how to get the "hottest" guy, etc. etc. (The majority of models in magazines are so photo shopped that they don't even look like their true selves anyway so how can we EVER look like that....we can't). I wanted so badly to look like those women, I would go on crash diets, try to stick to ridiculous exercise routines, put all kinds of odd substances on my face to rid of blemishes, etc. The truth is that we can't look like those women and we shouldn't strive to do so. God made us just as we are for a purpose and when we become jealous of the physical appearance of another person...well frankly, it's a sin. It's unhealthy for us to envy someone, that's why God says it is a sin to do so. It's not healthy for us and we just end up miserable, especially in this scenario because we will never look like the women in magazines.

OK sorry for the rant, my point is that I have been that woman and I was left empty, lonely, depressed, and broken.

God rescued me and wants to do the same for you. Let it go. Whatever you're holding on to. Whatever you are trusting more than Him. Whether it's health, wealth, relationship, power, sex...whatever it is.

Let. it. go.
Give it to God and He will, in turn, give you peace, joy, love, and so much more.
I heard a pastor recently explain the way God shows us mercy and I really liked his method.

He said something like this: "We say to God, 'God, I'll give you anxiety, anger, hate, confusion, etc.'
"In return God says, "OK, I will give you, peace, joy, love, hope." 
Meaning, we have nothing "good" to offer God but He's not looking for perfection, He's looking for the broken people and He wants to give them peace and joy.

^{Luke 5:30-32 -}

 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

I don't know about you but life is a whole lot more peaceful and joyful knowing that there is nothing I can or cannot do that makes God turn away from me. There is also nothing I can do that makes Him more pleased with me. I can simply give Him all the hurt and brokenness in my life and He in exchange gives me love, joy, peace, oh and also, eternal life.

God is good. God is always good.

"I will love you for you, I will give you the love, the love that you never knew."

-Brit

All for Love.

Don't you ever think that you're not loved. Jesus gave His life to show you how much He Loves you!

"What would I have done
If it wasn't for Your love
The love that tore the veil inside my heart
What would I have become
If it wasn't for Your blood
The blood You gave for all on the cross"

Reflect on the deep love that the Savior of the universe, the King of the World, the One that created you, the One that made the world and holds your heart in His hands...reflect on that deep deep love that He has for you today and always.

Happy Loved by Jesus Day.
(PS. He loves you everyday)

-Brit

Forever mine.

There is so much on my heart....
It sometimes seems that the closer we get to God, the harder satan tries to destroy everything.
While talking to God earlier today He made me realize the importance of something. I really want to write about it now but it's not time yet. SO until the timing is right here are lyrics to a wonderful and lovely song by Brandon Heath.
_______________________________________________

No not one

No better word than from Your lips
No perfect life than what You lived
No greater gift, no not one

No brighter star has ever shined
No better hope for all mankind
No higher mind, no not one

No one has ever known
This kind of love You've shown

There has never been a greater love
Than Your Son
No not one
And there will never be a greater love
No not one
With His life You have forgiven us
Hope has come
Hope has come
And there will never be a greater love
No not one

No image true or sweeter frame
No simple word can match Your name
No greater fame
No not one

No one has ever seen
The depth of Your majesty

No greater call
You gave us all a reason to live
No greater love
You gave us all a reason to give
No greater life
You gave us all a reason to shine
No greater love
Forever mine.
-Brandon Heath

I find this song so beautiful. When I sit and reflect on the love my Heavenly Father has for me I just can't help but smile and feel nothing but peace. It is so fulfilling to just sit and let Him love me. I hope and pray you have that same peace. If not, you can and God wants you to have such peace. He loves you so much. So, so much.

-Brit

The best Valentine's Day gift, ever.

Ohhh love is in the air!

As if we all didn't already know, Valentine's Day is coming up swiftly.
First of all, where did January go and now we're nearly half way through February. But you know what that means?? Spring is coming! Weee!
God has been so amazing, like usual, but really, He's been so great!
I know I haven't been posting quite as much but it's mostly just because God has expanded my social life by approximately, hmm...99%.
Since the Washington DC trip I have been spending a lot of time doing various things with my new, wonderful friends! It's incredible to me how God works. He truly is so mysterious and life with Him is so great!

But down to the deeper purpose of this post.
I know this time of year can be super difficult for many people. Most people without someone special to spend the ole V-day with call it singles awareness day. Which is funny to me because most single people are well aware they are single nearly every day anyway.
I wish I knew what to say to make you not feel so negative about Valentine's Day but I understand that it's really hard. Stores are covered with red and pink hearts and those creepy looking cupids, roses and candy are being purchased, or maybe even an engagement ring for that special lady. Yes, indeed, it can be difficult to be single this time of year.

Did you know the best love story ever written is the one about how God sent His only Son to die for us because He loved us so much? Now really, think about this, there is no love like the Love of our Heavenly Father.

These earthly romances can be lovely, beautiful, wonderful, and full of joy but they don't compare to the love that Jesus has for us. They don't even come close. Can you begin to fathom that? I can't.
I know plenty of super happy couples in amazing relationships or marriages but even they don't compare to how much love the Father has for us.
When I sit and ponder this...well it's nearly impossible for me to put into words how much joy fills my being. I just feel like I'm floating on air, a huge smile across my face and tears of joy well in my eyes.
I am complete, completely loved in a way I've never experienced before.

God loves us. He chose to prove that love by sending Jesus Christ, His Son, to walk the earth in order to die so that we may accept His love and...just let Him love us. He loves you, He wants so much for you to just accept His love. He is the best 'Valentine' you will ever have. He is reaching out His hand to you and waits for you to accept His love which is so freely given. It is a gift. The best Valentine's Day gift you'll ever receive. Incomprehensibly better than flowers and chocolates or even an engagement ring. 

Won't you give Him your heart, won't you be His 'valentine'?

                                   


   "We were freed and made alive the day that True Love died."



-Brit

BE the church!

How often has someone been talking to you and though it looks like you're listening and you're trying to listen and comprehend what they are saying, you forget everything he/she told you a few minutes later?
It happens to me pretty often. Usually I'm distracted by something or I'm just tired. Either way, I know it can be frustrating to the person who was trying to communicate with you, especially if they were telling you something really important.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that we do this with God pretty often. We may attend church every Sunday morning, but are we actually applying what the Bible teaches to our lives?

On Thursday evening I was at a small group with dear sisters in Christ and we watched a sermon from Andy Stanley. He was teaching about the importance of actually applying what Jesus taught to our daily lives. For instance, in Matthew chapters 5-7 Jesus is teaching on a mountainside. The famous Sermon on the Mount.


I encourage you to read all of Matthew chapters 5-7 and you can do so, here. (opens in new window) You can easily choose whatever translation you would like but it opens up to the New International Version.

Everything He taught is very applicable and essential if we are true Christ followers.
I am just going to discuss Matthew 5:13-16 a little bit.

Matthew 5:13-16-
Salt and Light
 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Emphasis added)

If we are followers of Christ, we are to be a light in this dark world. We are called to shine the Light of Christ so that people who do not know the Lord will be drawn to Him because they can't find their way in this life otherwise.
When we are living in sin, darkness covers us and we become blind. We cannot find our way in this dark world. We cannot find our way without Christ.
Again I say, we are called to shine His light and draw people to Him by living in a different way. In a way opposite of the world. Shining so brightly that the darkness has to flee!

The same goes for being the salt of the earth.

I think of this in two different ways -

The right amount of salt enhances the flavor of any particular dish. Therefore, as followers of Christ we are to add just the right amount of 'salt' of Jesus to our every conversation as well as in all of our actions. Everything we do should reflect who Christ is. If we aren't applying Jesus' teachings to our lives, how can we look like Him or live like He did?

Adding a lot of salt does a couple different things depending on the situation. It could either turn someone away, say, if we are being too forceful or trying too hard to get someone to repent and desire Jesus. (Only God can soften harden hearts)
OR it could evoke thirst.
Think, most movie theater popcorn. It is so doused with salt that if you don't also buy a drink to quench that thirst your lips will crack and burn and your mouth will dry up! (surely a tactic to make more money I wouldn't doubt!)
Anyway, if we douse certain conversations or certain actions with a lot of salt and God has prepared someone's heart, they will thirst for more. They will want to hear more and learn more about our Heavenly Father.

I believe we need to be prayerful in every situation and be careful about what we say to whom. However, as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, we are to live as He did. If we don't put it in to practice we may as well never attend church.

As my pastor, Pastor Woodly at Redeeming Love Fellowship quoted - "Being inside a garage doesn't make you a car and being inside a church building doesn't make you a Christ follower."
Meaning, if you only attend a church service once a week and check "God time" off your list of 'to-dos' but then the rest of the week live as though God doesn't exist, there is no benefit to you or anyone else including God. God wants your whole heart surrendered to Him. He doesn't want just your attendance to a church service. He wants your heart!

 Matthew 7:24-27-
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Emphasis added)

Be sure that you are making a true effort to listen, truly hear, and put into practice what the Bible teaches. Don't just show up and fall asleep, it does you no good.
Pray for the desire to know God and live like He wants you to. To live in the way Jesus taught us.
When we finally surrender to Him and truly live like He did you will see amazing things happen!

"Don't just go to church, BE the church!"

"Walking through the halls of a desperate place, I see it on the faces. All the mothers all the fathers searching for some faith......The more it hurts the more I need of You. The more I search the more I see of You. I don’t have to know how, or see You turn this around to believe in You, to believe in You now."

-Brit

Protected

One of my favorite times to worship the Creator is when I'm driving alone. Whether it is a quick trip downtown or a longer distance. I turn music up loud and sing my heart out. I would imagine people think I'm pretty odd if they can't hear the music and they see me moving my mouth and bouncing around. That doesn't matter to me though, I have an audience of One.

Today I ran some errands and as I was singing to God I was reminded of how protected I am from so many evil things because of Him.
Knowing that He is always with me, watching over me, and keeping me safe.

I felt so comforted in knowing that. Though living in this evil world can be difficult I know He is never far from me, I can always run to Him and trust Him to protect me. Such peace and joy overcomes me when I remember this truth.

Psalm 91:4-
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 


It is a wonderful joy to be found in Him. Knowing that nothing can take Him away from me. No matter the circumstances, no matter the suffering, pain, or joy. He is always with me, keeping His eye on me and making my way straight.
Of course I go off track but that's my choice, my mistake, my sin. It's not Him pushing me into darkness, it's my own sinful flesh, the evils of this world and the enemy dragging me down.
But what a great joy to know He never changes and never leaves.

Romans 8:35-39-

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

What a sweet, sweet joy.

In this life we will face hard times. We will face adversaries. We will face those who hate us because we are in Christ. God knows this and is prepared to be the strength we need to fight against such evils. He is preparing us for these battles daily. It is so important to turn first to Him and ask Him to help us through the day. Ask Him to prepare you for the struggles and protect you from the evils all around us. We face opponents of Christ daily no matter where you are or what you're doing, there is always a rejection to Jesus.

Ephesians 6:12-
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

It can be intimidating and scary to face such situations but with Christ, you can overcome it. He has overcome it already, we need to trust Him and know that God is in control and will keep us safe.

Psalm 121:3-

He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;

Ephesians 6:13-15-
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

When we devote our lives to God and seek Him daily we will be kept safe. We can trust Him to watch over us.

This doesn't always mean that physical harm won't come to us, we live in a fallen world bound to sin so there will be times of sickness or accidents, etc. But the ultimate hope that we have in Christ is that nothing happens without Him knowing it. I will say it again, He is always watching us.
With that truth, we can trust that He has a plan for us in mind.

We should never fear, our Father is near! 

"I will stay should the world by me fold. Lift up Your name as the darkness falls. I will wait and hold fast to Your word, heart on Your heart and my eyes on You.
Who lifts the poor and heals the blind. Who trampled death for all mankind, who stands for all with arms stretched wide? My King forever Jesus Christ!"


-Brit

Merciful

Thanks be to God for His unending mercy.

My cat, Kitty is 16 years old. She has had a long and wonderful life and has brought my family and I many laughs and a lot of joy. Through her years as a member of the Rose family there have been many memories made that I will hold tight to after she's gone.

The last couple months her health has been failing. She's gone completely blind and can no longer get around the way she used to. She has stopped eating and drinking and if she's not set in one place or on my lap she walks in circles, very lost and confused about her surroundings. It's so, so sad to see her like this. I know she's not in pain. When I hold her close she purrs and falls asleep. Last night I slept with her cuddled on my lap. Though I often awoke just to look at her and make sure she was comfortable I also spent time thanking God for the joy she has brought me. I trust that He is keeping her comfortable and in no pain.
After learning about the way God made our human bodies to naturally shut down I am comforted to know that Kitty is in the same place now.
It is sad to watch her, hard to hold her frail body, and it hurts to think of life without her around. Hissing at Zoe or punching Nerman when he gets too close. She's given us a lot of laughs there is no doubt about that.

Some of you may think I'm crazy for caring this much about an animal but I am fully convinced that God has placed a special compassion in my heart for animals. Yet another way I know He is a personal God.

As I watch her now, walking in circles and bumping into things, tears well in my eyes. She has been a part of my life for 16 years. I can still remember when I first adopted her from a local farm. I had my heart set on calling the cat I adopted Oliver, but after finding out she was a female....well I guess I ran out of ideas and just called her Kitty. Not at all original but that's how I've known her for 16 years. That's how we've all known her.
I recall when she was younger she would wander outside all day but at night I wouldn't go to bed until she came back inside. She rarely, if ever, wanted to be held. In fact, the truth is, she hated to be held. She would growl and sometimes even hiss if too much time went by while she was in my arms. That was all apart of her character, what made her special and funny. She is unlike any other cat I've known and sometimes I would get frustrated at her lack of cuddle-ability. But, oh, the laughs and smiles she has brought me and my family.

I chuckle at the fact that the only time she would really want attention is when she wanted someone to fill her food bowl. Otherwise, a short pat on the head is all she allowed. Pet her too much and she would growl and run away. Back up to "Helm's Deep" as my dad labeled my bedroom where Kitty would often reside for hours.

I also have to remember briefly the time we brought her camping with us. I don't remember exactly how old I was but I do remember that after we parked our camping trailer in it's proper place, we realized two rottweiler dogs were camping right beside us. Kitty was far from happy, though to this day we joke about how much she loved that camping trip. She spent the whole weekend on my bed staring out the window at the huge dogs next door.

God has blessed me with wonderful memories to hold on to, and though some may not understand it, I will always love Kitty as a member of my family. She's not just a pet, an animal to be thrown out in the cold, she has been family to me. Again I say, God knows me so well and knows how much I love animals so I know He gave Kitty to me to enjoy the companionship she has given me. Even through the hissing and growling.

She has not passed on yet, but I am preparing for it soon. I know God is merciful, even to animals. Even to Kitty. He knows my heart and the love I have for Kitty and knows it would hurt even more for me to see her suffering. I trust that He will keep her comfortable until her life is no more.
There is a big part of me that hopes animals will be in Heaven, but I'm not so sure as I realize they do not have souls like human beings. Either way, however, I have enjoyed Kitty in this life and will always be thankful to God for His love for me and for the animals. After all, He created them and He loves His creation.

Genesis 8:1-

But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.

Jonah 4:11-

And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

I am well aware that we as humans are more valuable than animals to God but He does indeed still care for the animals and all of His creation. Therefore, we need to do the same.
Also, since He does care for us, He knows what breaks our hearts. He has made me to have a different kind of compassion on animals than that of many other people I know. Though I've struggled with that in the past, I've even been told "You are a sinner because you don't eat meat." I know this to be false, I am a sinner because of many other reasons but God has made me this way and I give Him praise for making me the unique way He wanted me to be.

Romans 14:3-

 

The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.

Colossians 2:16-

 

[ Freedom From Human Rules ] Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.

Romans 14:20-

Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.

Anyway, my point in all of this is not to defend my feelings toward animals. I know what God has shown me and I trust and believe that He has given me the appropriate perspective concerning animals.

My point in this post is to thank Him for His wonderful mercy and love for me and for Kitty.

He is a good God, always, He is always good. I am more than joyful for what He has done for me and excited about what He will do. He is a wonderful King.

He is merciful in every situation. He sees you and loves you. You can trust Him, He has a plan for you and wants to show you how merciful He is. He will bring you so much joy, so much unending, unspeakable joy.

Thank You King Jesus.

"To the broken and weary, Heaven is reaching. He's there, He's there. Though you can't see it. Take heart, believe it. He's there, He's there."

We are never alone.


-Brit

Whatever it takes.

Walking this life with Christ isn't a life without trials and suffering. In fact, being a follower of Christ guarantees that we will face hardships.

Some of the hardest hardships we may face is that of losing loved ones. This has happened to me and I'm sure it has happened to you at some point as well.
There have been people in my life that have played a significant role in the past, but as God draws me closer to Him, some people no longer play the role they used to. This doesn't mean that love for those people doesn't exist, but that's the hardest thing to explain to someone without them taking it personally. It hurts me that this has happened in my life, however, I realize that there is a much bigger picture, an eternal picture in fact.

If I am to be completely obedient to God and His will, there had to be changes. In this particular case it included the loss of friends from my past life. I can try until I lose the air in my lungs to explain the purpose for the loss but it's not going to be understood. It is now up to the work of God in those lives. It is in His hands and that is the best place for it to be.

My desire is to be the woman God wants me to be, no matter the cost. Losing loved ones or not. Whatever He needs to do, whoever He wants in my life or whoever He no longer wants in my life, that is what I want as well. It is a small sacrifice when I reflect on the sacrifice He has given for me.

I am at a point in my life's journey where I understand that many people will shun me and say horrible things about me because of Jesus. I hope I don't sound boastful about this, I just know the truth of God's Word. He has told us to expect to suffer for His name.

2 Timothy 1:12-

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

1 Peter 3:14-

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

1 Peter 4:16-

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

 

In the past I lived a hypocritical life, I claimed Christ but looked and lived like the world. God has made me new, changed my heart, gave me new desires and a new hope. I no longer wish to look and live like the world. I have found a deep joy in living a life with Christ. He is my life and my hope. Nothing in this world will ever satisfy like Him. 

For some, this is hard to understand and grasp, and for even more they will never know the joy of knowing and living a life completely submitted to the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:4-

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

There are many things that are impossible for my human flesh to explain and therefore I give it to God to take care of. He can handle the burden immeasurably more than I can. I thank Him SO much for that! I trust Him completely to take care of all things so that takes a lot pressure off me. I am weak and cannot bear such burdens. The best thing I can do, the best thing all of us can do is to pray, pray, pray. Pray for those that persecute you, pray for your enemies, pray for those that hate you. God loves them and wants them with Him in glory too. 

1 John 4:10-
 

 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Matthew 5:44 -

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

I am at peace right now, knowing that 1) God has a plan and He knows better than I. 2) He can soften hardened hearts and change lives of those who are lost. 3) He is in control and I can trust Him completely.

Thank You Father, my King.

"One thing I ask and I would seek, to see You there in front of me. With nothing standing in the way, just me before You unashamed"

Whatever it takes for Him to make me into the person He wants me to be. Whatever it takes for Him to see me blameless.

Ephesians 5:25-27-

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,  and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." (Emphasis added)

-Brit