Can't you hear him knocking?

It pains me that you do not see. That you cannot hear God knocking at your door.
It breaks my heart.

He loves you. He is calling you. Do you chose not to hear? You feel the nudge.
I have seen firsthand how God can 'woo' someone. I have seen him relentlessly try to get the attention he more than deserves. Looking back, I can only bow my head down and cry when I realize that GOD went to all that trouble just for me!?? It is a beautiful thing to see. It is overwhelming to ponder.

When Jesus calls you by name, it becomes hard to ignore.

By the stories you tell me.. I can see that He has always been there. Right by your side.
Hindsight.. such a beautiful beautiful thing.. How many times has God knocked on your door?
How much more is He knocking now? How much more will He have to do before you see? No coincidence has gone unnoticed. From my experience, a coincidence has always been a wink from God.
You are seeing him everywhere, he is present everyday.

If only you knew the beauty, the joy that awaits you. It is more than anything this world can offer. You may feel complete in my presence. I will never be able to complete you. You may believe that you feel true love.. beloved.. you have not felt true, pure, unconditional love until you have fallen into the arms of Christ. Nothing - absolutely nothing compares.

I believe that with God - All things are possible.
He is knocking. Follow him. He will do the rest.

God can speak through any man.

My home Westside did not have a gathering this Sunday. I took the opportunity to visit a different community. Since their Pastor was out of town, they had a visitor come in to preach. Many, including myself were shocked/uncomfortable by his manner of preaching. I believe it may have been the wording he used. Nonetheless all of that is unimportant. In the midst of his words, a message was still present..

God can speak through any man... sometimes you simply have to listen a little harder. Dig.. Seek.

Here are a few things I jotted down during the service. Some were said by the Pastor and others were brought to mind while he spoke.

~God is not far. Even when we don't feel him.

~We must all have a vision. If you are in a difficult situation, at a crossroad, silence... Wait on God.

~Lift up no other man but Jesus!

~Respect your Pastor. Respect your elders. Respect those that teach you. Guide you.

~Respect the grace given to others. See in everyone the grace given. (love this one.)

~Honor God through your behavior.

~The Church belongs to all of us, not just the Pastor. It is as much our responsibility as his.

~Believe in God. All things are possible!!

~With God, there are no mountains. Stand firm.

~What has made you go back? What has made you fall?

~Do not lose the battle because of pain. Keep your eyes on the reward.

~Respond to God's word. Respond to His voice. Even when you don't fully understand.

~Call on me and I will answer. Seek and you will find me.

~APPROACH 2008 WITH JESUS CHRIST.

Amen.

My first Christmas.

Christmas 2007. My first Christmas with meaning.

The only way I can define this Christmas is LOVE. Just as I felt after my Baptism, I am at a loss of words. I can only describe what happened but cannot truly define it.

Spending time with my community, worshipping God, spending time with family, serving the less fortunate, making connections, creating unforgettable memories, praying and learning more about Christ.

That is what Christmas is all about. Beautiful isn't it?

Christmas?

Eyes open.
Im a little disappointed.
I guess it should be expected.

Where is the meaning of Christmas? What in the world are people celebrating?

I went shopping a few days ago... since I am now aware...
I found it sad to see how hard it was to find a cross (unless on sale in the jewelry department).
I was so upset to see two 'Bible quote calendars' (on the very bottom shelf) in the Calendar store as opposed to 26 Bikini calendars. (So upset that I took them off the shelf and placed them at eye level)

I was all excited to put up my Christmas tree...
and then realized I had no clue why we even did put up a tree!!

Before becoming a Christian, I refused to celebrate Christmas.. I found no meaning, I found it commercial.

I wonder.. why do people celebrate Christmas? Do they realize what celebration they have masked in tinsel? What does it mean to them? Do they celebrate without meaning?

Let's see in 6 months from now.

6 months ago to the day my journey began. In the beginning of this walk all I heard was "Let's see 6 months from now.." But, I knew. I knew that I had been blessed with the opportunity to meet God. Blessed with the chance to get to know him. Blessed by his grace.

I am so thankful to have been placed on this walk. So grateful for the experiences. I am in awe with the unbelievable sequence of events that I truly believe were predestined.

Lord, I believe in you with all of my heart. I truly believe that with you all things are possible.. ALL THINGS.
I trust you and love you more than anything.
Thank you Jesus.

My path.

Made it back from Mexico in one piece. Saw such beautiful things. Had some wonderful conversations.

I now come back to 'reality' and am faced with another decision. Another crossroad which I place in your hands. I am too small, too naive, too ignorant to truly know what is best for me. I can't always even discern the intentions of my actions. I try...

So I call out to you and yearn to hear. If you speak.. I will follow.