To Save a Life

To Save A Life is an indie movie about the real life challenges of teens and their choices, written by seasoned youth worker Jim Britts and inspired by a passion to reach teenagers with life-affirming entertainment.


CHECK IT OUT.

Great read from Driscoll

Leadership is Lonely

Fail. Big time.

Today I went to lunch with an old girlfriend that I haven't seen in probably 3 months. She was one of my running buddies back in my pre-Jesus days. It's been several years now. Occasionally we see one another, but as you can imagine the different lifestyles has taken it's toll on the relationship. A good toll in my opinion. We talk of old times occasionally, but always with the understanding and respect that they are indeed only old times. Although she completely understands my heart and the things I believe, I was a total failure today. Not once did I encourage her, not once did I speak in a way that would've made me any different from the next person. I left completely convicted and almost in tears. Especially after she insisted on paying for the meal. Someone without Jesus just offered me more than I offered her. Wow.

This is just me being real. Today, I failed God.

Not a cool feeling.

Girls' Ministry

Over the past few months God has really opened my heart and eyes up to understand the significance one life can play in another. Especially girls. I spend a lot of my time hanging out with high school girls and getting to experience what life looks like from their end. It's intense. Without even realizing it they are screaming to be led. There is an opportunity in front of each of us to be able to pour into another life. This isn't about us! It's about others. This week I've challenged my girls to go out of their way to show love for a person they wouldn't normally, and to understand the part they are playing is MUCH bigger than the status they hold or they school they attend. In turn, this challenged me as well. Ask yourself everyday how you've helped another. It wasn't a suggestion from Jesus. It was a command. The word "GO" echoes in my mind. We can learn all we want to learn and read all we want to read, but the action is what puts our faith to work. ACT.

Every week for the next few weeks a group of girls and myself will be taking trips to deliver this card to other women in ministry. We are so excited to see how God will use their experiences, heart breaks, advice and love to lead us. We've already had some excellent feedback. We come on our knees and expecting God to do great things.

To make your season beautiful, become a girl who lives for the glory of God. Become a girl who encourages others to rise up and be bold.

We will shine like stars in the universe,

Holding out Your truth in the darkest place.

We'll be living for Your glory!

-MATT REDMAN

Krochet Kids!

The Krochet Kids organization....neat deal!

Our Values
People: We desire holistic freedom for our people to grow and enrich their lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our Product: We believe in quality, handmade products that not only bring comfort and style, but serve as a vehicle for social change.
Love: We believe actions rooted in love bring lasting and powerful change. Our model for love is that of the ultimate servant: Jesus.

My fav! Cute!

Are you obsessed?

Am I obsessed?

People who are obsessed with Jesus give freely and openly, without censure. Obsessed people love those who hate them and who can never love them back.

People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress.

Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don't always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this earth.

A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the sin of pride is always a battle. Obsessed people know that you can never be "humble enough", and so they seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known.

People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God by loving His people.

People who are obsessed with God are known as givers, not takers. Obsessed people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do, and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world.

A person who is obsessed thinks about heaven frequently. Obsessed people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is here in front of them.

People who are obsessed are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their failures. Obsessed people don't put it on for God; He is their safe place, where they can be at peace.

A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances or environment; is is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God.

A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God, above and before every other thing and every other being.

Francis Chan's book Crazy Love has changed my life. Seriously. Conviction city. Makes me look at my comforts, safety and luxuries in a COMPLETELY different light. It made me understand that this relationship with the God I serve is just getting started.....

Umm...enjoy your snack...

AND YOUR CAVITY!

New Release

Francis Chan released "Forgotten God" this month. Chan’s previous book Crazy Love has sold over a quarter million copies and continues to fly off bookstore shelves. Forgotten God shares a message that is nearly as urgent and undoubtedly even more important. It is a fitting sequel that bears many resemblances to the book it follows. Check it out!

JETT!!!!!!

JETT ELIJAH THURMAN is being born today!! We are soooo excited to finally meet him! Keep Meredith and Patrick in your prayers!

Allie

It's a sad day. I'm giving my dog Allie away. She's awesome! Just needs a little friend who can give her the attention she needs.

Goodbye Allie!

Are you lukewarm?

Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It's what's expected. What they believe "good Christians" do, so they go.

Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church.....as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living.

Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict.

Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they only want to be saved from the penalty of their sin.

Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all His followers.

Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends.

Lukewarm people gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world.

Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed a part of their lives. But only a part.

Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength.

Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves.

Lukewarm people will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give.

Lukewarm people thing about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven.

Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor.

Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling guilty.

Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control.

Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America.

Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they don't have to.

Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical believer.

Ouch. Was the first word that came to mind after stumbling upon this. God, you had to go there?? The answer is YES. As uncomfortable as it may be sometimes, I love being called out by God. I love to see my flaws brought to the surface. I'm as guilty as the next person of many of the statements above. My prayer, as I hope is yours too, is to move past what can be a lukewarm faith and experience God for WHO HE REALLY IS, not for what we perceive Him to be. Notice Jesus gave us the command to go and make disciples, teaching them to obey. What he didn't add to the end of that verse was- "but hey if that's too much to ask, just tell them to become Christians--you know, the people who get to go to heaven without having to commit to anything." Sometimes I'm convinced we've mastered the art of fooling ourselves. Strive to get in tune with the GOD WHO IS.

Because of Your love

my heart, today

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Ps 25:4

Because of your love, I live.

Babies Babies EVERYWHERE!

Little Jett!

Olivia and Parker!

Emma Brooke

He's getting so big!

The Army Crawl!
So Cute!

My ♥ today

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Ps 27:13

All of my life, in every season, You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship

Create a Riot!

It's that time of year! So far planning has been great! We're looking forward to what God is gonna do! BE PRAYING.

Fun!

I'm not a huge Oprah fan, but I LOVE the Black Eyed Peas! This is neat.

Happy Birthday, Alec!

Today Alec is turning 12! Oh my goodness. He's getting so big!

Love you Buddy!

Journal

I keep a journal. Pretty often I like to go back and read the different things I've written. It's an awesome way to be able to see God work in your life. You'll write things that you would've never remembered. (And some things you don't want to remember I'm learning) Doesn't life change so much? I can't help but appreciate it. I went back exactly two months to the day today and found this:

"Jesus doesn't have a problem with us dying young, but when we grow old and have never lived."

A quote from Loper when she spoke at OVERDRIVE one Wednesday night. Evedentally it grabbed my attention and I scrambled for my journal. All throughout my journal I find things like this. Different details about people, and things I remember about them. Different stories. Different scriptures that God gives to me. Different lesson's learned. I love it! You should try it!

Crazy Love

My new read. Heard it's a great book. I've heard excellent things about Francis Chan.

I pulled this quote from Joyce Meyer this morning.
"The most progress that we make is when we choose to do what is right when everything feels wrong. You have that little bit of discomfort, but that discomfort that you feel in your flesh is what’s pushing you toward the Promise Land. It’s your flesh dying so that your flesh can no longer control and manipulate you. Real freedom is not getting your way about everything, real freedom is being able not to have your way and stay just as happy as you would if you got your way."

Somehow she has a way to put into words EXACTLY what I wish I could say. I guess that's what makes her the excellent speaker, and me the listener:) And that's ok with me!

Crazy Love.

Me, Today

Dr. Young delivered an excellent message this morning. (Much more on my level than Wallace's was last night! He's too smart for me I think) It was a message that I didn't even realize my heart needed to hear. How are you loving the people in your life? The way you know how to love them, or the way He knows how to love them? Do you show up because it's your job, or because it's your passion? Do you make that phone call because the boss tells you to, or because YOU want to? What does your heart really look like when you do what you do? Such an excellent challenge for me. 1 Cor 13: 1-3 hit me hard. Paul makes himself very clear...without love, the right kind of love, we have absolutely nothing.

I cannot say this prayer enough!

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Ps. 51: 10 & 12

KPARK!

Kingwood Park Volleyball and Football games tonight. Fun! Go Panthers!

Passion

Something that God has continuously put on my heart lately is the word passion. While there are several different meanings of the word, these best describe my opinion:
PASSION:
1. any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate.
2. strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardor.


When I think about passion two things come to mind. The first being basketball. Odd, I know. I can remember when there was a time in my life that everything I was, everything I longed to be revolved around basketball. I was devoted in every aspect. I spend countless hours practicing, memorizing plays, thinking of new plays, anticipating my next game. It consumed me. It was the passion in my life.
Fast forward a few years. While my love for the game is still somewhere in my soul, I've come to understand that basketball just wasn't in the cards for me. I'm a 5 foot nothin white girl, and let's face it....I couldn't even touch the net. Today a different word comes to mind when I hear the word passion. It's the word Christ. I don't have the time to being to describe how futile my passion for basketball compares to my new found passion. There will be a time in my life when I look back over all these years and I'll be able to say- He was everything I wanted to be, and everything I longed for- except this time, it will be in the cards for me. His love will remain. Today, He is the passion in my life.


Do whatever it is that you do, find whatever it is you're looking for, be whoever it is you're called to be....but don't do it without passion in your life! Life is too short.

Woman's Bible Study

Last week we started a woman's bible study on the North campus. Everyone woman on staff was invited to participate. We meet on Thursday's from 11:30 to 1:00. The first week was really good....we all got a chance to share a little bit about ourselves and our story. Typically a room full of ladies is way too much estrogen in one place for me, but I can already tell God has some great things in store! We're looking at the life of David. I LOVE learning new things about the Bible, the details of it, the personal life stories. The study is called Anointed. Transformed. Redeemed. Good things are to come my friend, good things are to come.

Celebrating Sarah

Sarah and I have been friends for almost 11 years now. In October she'll be married to her boyfriend of 10 years....I know, insane. They started dating when we were in the 8th grade. She has asked me to be her Maid of Honor in her wedding. This past weekend we got to celebrate the ending of her singleness :) I love you Sarah!

Paul's Words

Standing up, Paul motioned with his hands and said: "Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers, he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt, with mighty power he led them out of that country, he endured their conduct for about 40 years in the desert, he overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people as their inheritance."
"After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. Then the people asked for a king, and he have them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin who ruled forty years. After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David Son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'
"From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel."
"Brother's, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that the message of Salvation has been sent. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize him, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now witnesses to our people."
"We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus.
"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:

"Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish,

for I am going to so something in your days that you would never believe,

even if someone told you."

What I hear when I read this:

The God we serve is still the SAME God. We are still the SAME people. I'm convinced that we too would stand shouting "Hosanna!" and almost in that same breath shout "Crucify him!" We do it everyday in our own subtle ways. He is still constant. Still does not NEED us for a second, but continues to prove himself faithful. We are still unworthy in every way. Paul's words scream a promise and a warning. He couldn't be more clear.

I love it.

Underground Begins

Last night was our first Underground at the North Campus. Marshall Dallas did a great job! We're looking forward to the things that God will do. It's every Thursday night at 8pm. Come join us!