Lori finished off our Thursday Night to the Spiritual Emphasis Week. She did a great job. God gave her a word that was very timely for our team. She spoke of the process to Glass Blowing and applied it to our lives in Masters Commission.
What she said spoke into every single one of us in one way or another. She spoke of the process of God forming us, using us, and breaking us. He breaks us only to reform us and reuse us... We are his unique creation, gently and intrinsically made. Just like glass is made with the greatest care and purpose, so are we.
This class spoke more to me than the message. Lori and I have a great connection from working together during the youth's District Fine Arts in 2007. She has really influenced me to go beyond myself, and become the unique Chantel God has created me to be. And tonight, she reminded me of the prophet Ezekial who prophesied through skits, dramas, illustrations, and figurative discriptions. She's very expressive and so am I.
Tonight, is not only the eveing of my favorite day of the week, but it happened to be one of the most significant days of the week so far. God speaks to me in crazy ways, and I can't wait to see what else He has in store for myself and the team.
Thank you God that you have placed such great influencers in our lives to really challenge us and grow us to become who you have designed us to be.
Last night was a rough night. Sonya and I had our accountability time after shortly after everyone was getting ready for bed. Sonya has taught me alot. She is a woman with a lot of revelation..she hears God, and she's not afraid to speak into my life.
I went to her with a situation I was facing. I didn't think it would go anywhere. I planned on just a nice conversation. But something was stirring so rough in my spirit. My mind wasn't at rest. I couldn't even think clearly. It was getting late, so we said good night and went to our separate rooms.
Except, I went to pray. I sat in a big black chair for about 5 minutes just thinking, well trying to. It was rough. I was having trouble thinking through the countless thoughts that kept crossing my mind. Do you ever experience this? As the emotional girl that I am, I cried...I went to the bathroom for tissue and on my way out the mirror grabed my attention. I looked at myself. I almost seemed faceless (spiritually speaking). I couldn't help but ask myself these two questions:
Who Am I?
Where Am I Going?
I declared the word and the promises I knew were true. And in this moment- I broke free. Slowly the weight of confusion, distraction, and ignorance lifted. "Ignorance?" You may ask. Well, I had a lot of unanswered questions. I didn't know if there was anyone I could talk to, if there was a little booklet I could read that would help me out. I didn't know where to turn- I felt as if there was no possible way I would ever get my answers! Then I realized......God. He is the answer. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life." He is my everthing. PERIOD.
Let me just say- God never fails. He is true to His word. His word does not return void.
We are human. We will experience valleys. We do not have all the answers. And as Christians, we are to stand in the gap. We are to always be aware and prepared to stand in the line of battle for our Spirit Man or for some one else's.
Thank you Lord for staying true! Even in a moment of darkness your light shines like the fullness of day. I love you Lord.
And to end this on a challenge...Can you answer those questions?
I woke up yesterday morning GROGGY! I could hardly see straight. I probably even walked a little funny as I headed to the shower. And yet..there was something in me. I just wanted to express myself to the Lord. So I positioned my heart in gratitude unto the Lord.
As I was showering, my mind just began to wander. I was so consumed with this "daydream" that I didn't even realize I was still in the shower. God taught me so much through this dream. My spirit was wide awake as well as my mind. And for the last two days I can't get the dream out of my head.
The people who were involved, the activities I participated in..all of it spoke of so many things.
Last night during Prayer, God was really working in me. For the past few months God has been revealing so many things through visions and dreams. And this "day dream" was something I think God used to bring everything together.
I have a few emails to make and maybe even a meeting to arrange because of this. God is always speaking. This time I didn't hear it..but I saw it.
How is He speaking to you?
I have to be honest...I am hungry right now, but thats not the reason why I titled my blog.
This morning since Morning Prayer, MC has had 3 heavy classes back to back. It was the greatest experience I think we've had so far. Jason Smith, Patty Harriman, and Travis Jenkins all brought something straight from the Father. Hearing what God has to say is the most fulfilling meal.
This week looks a lot like YOUTH CAMP. We are going out of our way to do things differently, that we would "like" to do on a normal basis. So at the end of the week, we are pumped and ready to change the world. As we return home, at the least...half is already forgotten.
This week has been envisioned differently. We are going out of our way to do things differently...but its a starting point to begin doing things differently FROM NOW ON. We are not just scratching the surface, we are shoveling deep to receive what God has planned for us. We are stepping into the community and becoming available. We are connecting with speakers that we plan to be connected with for years to come. We are praying as if it were the last day. We are worshipping with all of our existence...
I just want to make a stand and say....this will not be forgotten. This is not a time out..It's a DO OVER. Master's is starting over this week...and the change begins from the inside on out.
So be aware.
I have discovered another strength of mine, thanks to Masters Commission. I am an Applicator. I love to apply every day activities to my life. For example: Pulling Weeds, Painting, Worship Service, Reading a Book.
We just finished a service at Revo Youth Ministries at Destiny Christian Center.
It was one of our most powerful services yet. God started off the service using Pastor Nathan to speak into certain youth: Bailey, Ryan Hanson, Sterling...huge influences on the youth group.
Tiffany did an amazing job expressing her heart. She shared a personal story about her relationship with her family. God is doing such amazing things in her life and I am so glad that she feels comfortable sharing it. These stories are changing lives.
Michael performed his Slam Poem. He always does such a great job. He has a gift for connecting with his audiences.
Angie spoke on a new point this evening, about the position of your heart. How can you ever really effectively reach people unless its genuine....unless your heart is right? She did a great job, and brought a strong word about the power of prayer.
Ashley spoke of God. His love, His willingness to use US to reach this world, and the Hope He gives us everyday. 155,000 people die each day. We may not be able to change that. BUT 352,000 people are born each day. We have the opportunity to make sure that they hear of God's Love, and maybe even prevent them from becoming apart of that 155,000. WE have the opportunity.
To end the service, the MC team performed the Human Video "Everything" I got many remarks commenting how powerful it was. And truly, God used this Human Video to effectively reach the youth that night, and even some MC students....myself included.
God has a way of getting our attention. How is He getting yours right now?
I had one of the scariest dreams last night. Isn't that weird?
Why do we dream the things we do?
Somethings in my dream don't even exist today! Like parts to a car, or types of clothing.
What are things you dream of that get you thinking?
Today, I can't stop thinking about the dream. The way I felt, the things I did...the people who were with me. Where did all this come from?
Questions unanswered...or are they? Ecclesiastes 5:3 "As a dream comes when there are many cares..."
Maybe the real question should be: What am I caring to much about right now?
What do you care about...what are you dreaming about?
You know the saying..."You are what you eat?" Have you ever tried to apply that to your life? Go ahead. Take a moment and see where your imagination takes you.
Pastor Lawerence brought a strong word this morning for Morning Prayer. "BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU LISTEN TO" What is planted in the heart, will produce fruit. What goes in, must come out.
He talked about what we listen to, what we watch, who we are taking advice from, and what we read. What goes in..must come out.
What are you putting in? Are you paying enough attention to the fruit of your life?
Are you an influencer?....trick question. You are definitely an influencer. Is it positive and up-lifting, or is it negative and destructive?
Think on this...let your imagination take you beyond your common thinking. Get outside the box...get where God is.
And afterwards, have a great day!
I woke up this morning in the oddest of ways. The moment I sat up in bed I clearly heard "Go to a new Level." The Holy Spirit was really stirring in me. I kept it in the back of my mind as I made my bed. I was incredibly tired, so I just sat on the floor "waking up" next to my bed. The phrase started getting louder and my mind started to wander.
What does this mean? Where is this coming from? Did I wake up from a dream?
I took to much time to "wake up" so I routinely rushed off and got ready.
I received a very difficult phone call as I was doing my make up and they actually used the phrase "going to a new level." Alarms started going off.
It wasn't until lunch time that it really hit me. Every day I make a decision. To follow Christ. To become more like Him. Today I realized I'm finally ready for God to take me to a new level with what He has for me.
I don't know exactly what this new level is all about, but I know that I can trust God and He'll take care of me.
What did God speak to you this morning?
Can I just be honest for a few minutes.
I don't like to drive. Actually, I'm not even very good at it. I don't comprehend directions, so don't even try to explain things to me. I can follow pictures pretty easily, but if you really want me to get somewhere....you better drive.
I am a great passenger.I won't fall asleep. I'll change the CD's. I won't tell you how to drive. I won't make fun of your mistakes. I will even wear my seat belt.
I had to drive to Dallas today to pick up the other half of the MC team. I think I did okay for the most part. I get bored, and then things get bad. The drive back was a little better. I actually had people in my car to look out for me.
I don't mind getting lost, I'll find my way....eventually. I don't mind stopping and asking for directions. I don't even mind asking multiple times! Ha Ha.
If you need to double check if I'm being for real or not..just ask my friend Sonya. She knows. She taught me a lot of little tips last year to help me drive better. I think I'm finally getting the hang of it...maybe?
Alright, sorry that you have wasted a few minutes of your time reading this. I just had to clear things up. There are people in this world that actually think I'm a good driver. They will soon find out.
Later!
