Like a Father.

Like a Father to His child, 

HE holds my hand. 

He holds me between His shoulders, 

He holds me in His heart. ♥

Madison Grace.

twenty vs. twenty-nine: thoughts from a girl who once thought she had it all figured out

This is the reason why I can't wait to turn TWENTY NINE. 

---

Turning twenty-nine earlier this year was hard for me.

There's something about having a nine at the end of your age that seems so final. It's like there's extra pressure to wrap up the last year of the decade well. I started my twenties with gusto and a whirlwind of excitement — a book contract, college graduation, marriage, and even, buying a house.

But twenty-eight, and now twenty-nine, seem to be more aboutbecoming and less about accomplishing, making the results harder to measure on paper. This, in turn, produced more apprehension and less joy when I began the final lap of my twenties. Suddenly I felt pressure to cross off all of the remaining items on my "Things I Want to Accomplish in My Twenties" list.

Internally I began to experience a tug of war.

Did I really want to exhaust myself in an attempt to achieve everything I set out to do when I was 20... or did I want to reexamine who I've become in the nine years since and see if different dreams and plans might be worth pursuing?

In a move that was somewhat surprising — even to me — I chose to let my list go. I mentally walked myself back in time and reacquainted myself with 20-year-old Shannon. She dreamed big. With a promising decade spread before her she cast her net wide. In nine years she was able to do almost everything she set out to do — and plenty of things she never imagined in her wildest dreams.

But the thing that struck me about the 20-year old Shannon was how different she is from who I am now. I've lived a lot of life in that time and I've experienced devastating heartbreaks and thrilling victories that couldn't have been foreseen at the threshold of my twenties. I'm still dreaming big and casting my net wide, but the things I want have changed. It's caused me to realize...

Letting go of the initial blueprint I set for myself at the age of 20 isn't failing. It's growing.

I'm releasing old dreams so I can embrace new ones. My focus is now on being and not so much on doing. I'm more concerned with receiving God's dreams for me than I am with telling Him about my dreams. For the first time in almost a decade I feel free.

Before I left for college I remember my dad telling me, "College isn't all about what you learn in the classroom. That's only half of it. The other half comes from what you learn about life while you're there."

That was good advice and I think it applies to more than college. Your twenties are, by default, a transient decade. It's the decade where you will likely do the most growing and changing. If you think about it, there's a big difference between someone who is nineteen and someone who is thirty. All of that difference transpires during a person's twenties.

As you navigate this decade: enjoy yourself. Use God and His Word as a standard for how you should live your life — not some list you wrote on the back of a napkin, or in the pages of your journal, one night when you were brainstorming a list of what a perfect life would look like.

Micah 6:8 says, "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?"

Do justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly with your God. Those three things won't look exactly the same in every season of life.

Many things in life aren't just about the good we're doing in the moment. They're about how they're shaping us and preparing us for whatever lies up ahead.

Do not be afraid of change. Lean into growth every chance you get. You can still keep a running list of everything you want to accomplish in your twenties. But hold it loosely.

And always write your plans in pencil.

http://www.sheseeks.org/2011/twenty-vs-twenty-nine/

Empty Hands (Treasures)

One by one He took them from me,
All the things I valued most;
Until I was empty-handed,
Every glittering toy was lost.

And I walked earth's highway, grieving,
In my rage and poverty,
Till I heard His voice inviting,
''Lift your empty hands to Me.''

So I held my hands toward heaven
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches
Until they could hold no more.

And at last I comprehended,
With my stupid mind and dull,
That God could not pour His riches
Into hands already full!

 - Martha Snell Nicholson

Source: http://beeyondsight.xanga.com/167418635/item/

Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting.

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.

Jesus, I am resting, resting,

In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

O, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Belovèd,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,

I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings:
Thine is love indeed!

Ever lift Thy face upon me
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
Sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.

In The Potters Hands by Steve Hill

And I find myself here on my knees again...

Fight Your Battles on Your Knees

Charles F. Stanley

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-40

" Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

*

I. Introduction: Some struggles are external—such as your finances or job. Others take place within you. Internal enemies like anger, unforgiveness, or insecurity can hinder your walk with God. How can you find victory? Fight your battles on your knees, and you will win every time.

II. What does it mean to fight our battles on our knees? Simply this—that you and I lay our petitions before the Lord. We must spend time in His presence, listening for His answer. I first learned this lesson as an associate minister at First Baptist. The church was considering me for head pastor, but many people were opposed to the idea. Only by giving the problem to God in prayer was I able to experience victory in that difficult situation.

III. Why should we fight our battles on our knees?

A. It is the biblical pattern. Throughout Scripture, we see God’s servants falling on their faces before the Lord.

B. When we turn to the Lord, we are no longer battling on our own. No one can help you more than the Sovereign of the universe (Ps. 103:19). He acts on behalf of those who trust in Him (Isa. 40:31).

C. Prayer connects us with the Holy Spirit and His power. If you have trusted Christ as your personal Savior, the Holy Spirit dwells within you. We can accomplish nothing for God apart from the Spirit’s power.

IV. What can you expect if you fight your battles on your knees?

A. Comfort and assurance

B. Encouragement

C. A new focus: The Enemy wants us to dwell on our problems—how we can defend ourselves or get revenge. Victory, however, is found in turning our eyes to God. He operates on behalf of those who are willing to trust and obey Him (Isa. 40:31).

D. Supernatural peace: Believers who turn their struggles over to the Lord have peace even when circumstances don’t change (Phil. 4:6-7).

V. How can you fight your battles on your knees?

A. Set aside time to be alone with God. Find a quiet place and devote yourself to the One most capable of helping you.

B. Listen quietly. The Lord desires to have an intimate relationship with each one of His children. But you will never know Him better unless you take the time to listen for His voice.

C. Expect Him to bring up other issues in your life. He may want you to deal with rebellion, unforgiveness, or bitterness in your heart. Until you repent and surrender to the Lord, sin will keep you from experiencing God’s best and enjoying a close relationship with Him.

D. Remember that in a battle, there can only be one general. Freely express your desires, but don’t expect God to take orders from you. As you surrender to His guidance, He will engage His supernatural power on your behalf.

E. Know that battles are God’s tools. Some put their trust in themselves and pursue relationships, accomplishments, or possessions instead of a relationship with the Father.

1. The Lord has taught me to see all adversity as allowed by Him. This truth will protect you from bitterness towards those who wrong you. Romans 8:28 says, “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (emphasis added).

2. In a battle, you and I may lose money, pride, or control over a situation. But if the struggle brings us to the point of total surrender to the Lord, we will always win spiritually.

VI. Conclusion: What are you battling today? Does it seem as if God doesn’t see your pain or understand your heartache? Let me assure you He knows exactly what you are going through. Sit in the Lord’s presence today, and offer this prayer: “Lord, I don’t want anything in my life that displeases You. Take my bitterness, resentment, and anger. I give You this battle, and trust that You will turn it for my good in Your way and in Your timing.” Release your problems to almighty God, and you will find victory.

Source: http://www.biblestudyspace.com/profiles/blogs/fight-your-battles-on-your

Abraham%E2%80%99s+Life+of+Faith

Abraham%E2%80%99s+Life+of+Faith

Christy Nockels - Waiting Here For You (Live)

Verse 1
If faith can move the mountains
Let the mountains move
We come with expectation
Waiting here for You, waiting here for You

Verse 2
You're the Lord of all creation
And still You know my heart
The Author of Salvation
You've loved us from the start

Chorus
Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore
Singing Alleluia

Verse 3
You are everything You've promised
Your faithfulness is true
And we're desperate for Your presence
All we need is You

Bridge
Singing Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Grace.Peace.Joy

You're always closer than we know; always more involved and in control.

We were in the darkest night,
And wondered if our eyes would ever see the light,
You were there, Lord,
We were in the storm again,
And wondered if we’d ever live in peace again,
You were there, Lord,
You were there is the struggle,
You were there in the fire,
You were there all the time.

Praise you, the God of our yesterdays,
Praise you, the God who is here today,
Praise you, our God, as tomorrow comes.

So whatever lies ahead,
Whatever roads our grateful hearts will come to tread,
You’ll be there, Lord,
And we will fix our eyes on you,
And know that there is grace enough to see us through,
You’ll be there, Lord,
You’ll be there is the struggle,
You’ll be there in the fight,
You’ll be there all the time.

Praise you, the God of our yesterdays,
Praise you, the God who is here today,
Praise you, our God, as tomorrow comes.
We thank you for GRACE in our yesterdays,
We thank you for Peace in our hearts today,
And thank you, our Joy, as tomorrow comes,
We will trust you, God.

You’re always closer than we know,
Always more involved and in control,
We will trust our lives to you,
The One who was, and is, and is to come!

Praise you, the God of our yesterdays,
Praise you, the God who is here today,
Praise you, our God, as tomorrow comes.
We thank you for grace in our yesterdays,
We thank you for peace in our hearts today,
And thank you, our Joy, as tomorrow comes,
We will trust you, God.

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:17 (NASB)

Hillsong It Is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, You have taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,

The sky, not the grave, is our goal;

Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!

Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

You are the Rock on which I stand

By Your grace, it is well.

My hope is sure.

In Christ, the Saviour

It is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Recall+What+God+Remembers

Recall+What+God+Remembers

Desert Song

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 

who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

I Peter 1:3-7

Psalm 121

Ironically, this is a truth that the Lord has been confronting and comforting me with.

Yes, it is ironic. For what reason, that's something for me to keep. 

Be awesome, be inspired, be blessed!

Lead Me To The Rock by Paul Baloche

When my heart is overwhelmed

And my eyes are blind to You

And the pain of life is just too heavy to bear

And then the mountains seems so high

And my faith's too weak to climb

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I

Lead me to the rock, lead me to the rock

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I

Lead me to the rock, lead me to the rock

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I

When my life is hit with fear

And I fight to hide the tears

And I wrestle in my heart to know what to do

Lord, I'm welling up inside

But I know You hear my cry

Jesus, lead me to the rock that is higher than I

Lead me to the rock, lead me to the rock

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I

Lead me to the rock, lead me to the rock

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I

You are the rock and there is no other

A tower of strength, You are my shelter

Lord, You are my hope eternal

You are the rock that is higher than I

You are the rock and there is no other, oh

A tower of strength, You are my shelter

Lord, You are my hope eternal

You are the rock that is higher than I

Lead me to the rock, lead me to the rock

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, oh

Lead me to the rock, lead me to the rock

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, oh

Lead me to the rock, lead me to the rock

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, oh

Lead me to the rock, lead me to the rock

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, oh

Point Of Grace - All I'll Ever Need

Written by Julie Adkison, Gayla Borders, Jeff Borders

Some days I'm fragile
Some days I'm stronger
Sometimes I just want to run
But Your tender mercies gently pursue me
When all is said and done

Where else would I go
Who else could there be
No one but You, Lord, can see
Can see all of me, oh
You opened my eyes
Oh, how I believe
In everything You are 'cause You are
All I'll ever need

My heart's full of questions
The future's uncertain
But I'm gonna stand on what's true
'Cause I have discovered
A love like no other
The love I've found in You