In that moment of glorious surrender

In that moment of glorious surrender... 

          I have these days of control. I do everything my way and say everything that I want to rather than taking a moment to let God influence my choices.

          In reality, I should always think of God as I act. He is the One who died for me. He is the One here to light the way for each and every one of us. 

          Why should I do anything for myself? Why be selfish? Every action, every word of mine, should glorify Him. 

          So, on these days that I act controlling of my life, that should really be His, I don't always realize what I'm doing.

          Other times, I have these moments when I spend my nightly time with Jesus that I'm not living for Him in everything I do. His grace redeemed me. These nights when I see that, I have a moment with God. Just like Jesus' moment of glorious surrender when He died by His Father's will, I surrender to God. 

          As a Christian, I find myself surrendering to Him a lot. I realize that He is with me. I realize that He is here to love me. I realize that everything I do is insignificant in comparison to Him and His unfailing love. 

          Right now, I am listening to "Aftermath" by Hillsong United, and I'm fighting back tears. God is here. He is with me. I just... I am in awe. 

          I'm here because of Him. So, I am here for Him to love through me. When I see someone having a bad day and I smile and say hey, I'm loving that person for Him. 

          Why don't I do that all the time? Why do I pass someone in the hallway or on the street without even smiling or praying for them or showing any sign of love? 

          When I realize what my actions could do for each person I influence throughout the day, I long to show them His love. I experience His love in blessings throughout my day, but what if they need that extra act of service? That extra smile? I want to provide them with the love they need. 

          So, as I listen to "Aftermath," I am letting Him lift me out of the wreckage of my life so I may love God and love people in His name always. 

          If you're able, take a moment to listen to this song. His love is here to light the way. 

"I know You're with me,

I know You're with me here,

and I know Your love will light the way."

Inspiration from "Aftermath" by Hillsong United

Feeling Blessed

God is good.

He has blessed me beyond comprehension.

I have been feeling pretty thankful and decided to make a list of blessings.

(It won't be complete because He is never finished and because there are too many blessings for my human mind to fathom.)

• Life
• The ability to love
• His love
• The love of others
• Family - my mommy, daddy, brudder, and seester(aka my fiffie or baby fra)
• My second family - Becky, Jesús, Amy, Tony, Val, Zach, Hayden, Seth, and Lacey - You guys... I don't even have words to explain how much I love you guys. You all are so wonderful and accepting of me and my eccentricities and I appreciate that so much :)
• My church families - Lakepoint, Countryside, and Emmanuel - (Even though I do not attend Countryside Christian or Emmanuel Bible Church regularly, I would like to thank each and every person I have met for accepting me wholeheartedly when I do come.)
• My friends - I would list you all, but that would be a bit time-consuming ;)
• My choir family - I love you guys, you're the best. Thank you for your help and respect.
• Shelter, Food, and Water

Image found on google images. No copyright intended.

Breathe

Hi, my name is Jennifer Lewis, and I have issues with motivation, time management, and simply being kind and respectful after a long day.

Sometimes, I feel like the world is crumbling beneath me and the sky is falling on top of me until I am crushed and pummeled. This is a completely unrealistic image, though, because I have a pretty darn good life.

When I have those days (or weeks or months) of stress that builds and packs in and takes over my life, what I really need to do is take a step back and breathe.

Over the past six weeks, I have dropped my boyfriend off in Washington at Pacific Lutheran University with his mom and sister (two of the most amazing ladies in my life whom I adore), began my senior year in high school, quit my job of a year and a half, and gotten behind in all aspects of my life.

When I started to feel the stress building from the essays and reading and math homework that was actually due on top of coordinating choir events as one of the choir co-presidents and working at the golf course, I forgot one major thing: God is there to take my burdens away, not to add to them.

When my entire being wanted to forfeit all of my previous or set engagements for the entire year and just drive up to Washington (which would never happen because, knowing me, I wouldn't be able to get to Portland without having an anxiety attack), someone asked me a simple question that altered the way I look at my life, "Have you done your Jesus time today?"

Rather than seeing my life as a bedraggled mess full of stressful requirements for colleges, school, choir, work, and home, I began to untangle everything. Each night since that simple question, I have taken a few minutes to at least read a passage from the Bible, reflect, and pray on what I read (or simply on my feelings about the day or moment).

At first, it took significant motivation- I am not saying that I don't continue to struggle with motivating myself to have daily Jesus time, just that it has gotten easier- Jesús, my boyfriend, would ask each night if I had had my Jesus time and I would sigh or "harumph" and pull out my Bible. Now, even if he hasn't asked yet, I will start to open up my Bible and dive into His Word out of routine.

Why complain, argue, and cry after a long day rather than opening up your Bible to seek His advice? <- That is a question I have asked myself over and over again.

When I find myself struggling with motivation to do assignments for school or work related to other aspects of my life, what helps the most is to take a step back and breathe. 

Oh, and smile.

Images found on google images. No copyright intended.

Savior, Please

"I try to be so tough

But I'm just not strong enough

I can't do this alone, 
God I need You to hold on to me

I try to be good enough

But I'm nothing without Your love

Savior, please keep saving me"

Driving along, this song came on the radio. How many times have you tried to live your life all for yourself without any help? I know that I struggle with control over pretty much anything I do.

But, no matter how much we try to console ourselves and defend our actions, we are still attempting the impossible. 

God is here for us, yet we still try to live for ourselves.

After the first time I heard it, I had been listening to this song non-stop. Okay, maybe a little less frequently, but still. Please take the time to listen to it "Savior, Please" by Josh Wilson, it may open your heart to something God wants to say.

Cleaning My Heart

     I went on a little journey today. I realized a sin in my life, getting caught up in worldly living, and I was confronted about it. I went through a lot of emotional turmoil in the aftermath.

     In this realization, I went to the Bible and came across the passage 1 John 1:8-10 which reads, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word has no place in us."

     Even in my brokenness, He is faithful and forgiving. I don't deserve His love.

     I took the time to sit outside in my backyard for some quiet time of reflection. I sat next to a flowerbed, if it can even be called that, full of weeds and without even realizing it, I began to pull the weeds, one by one, from the soil. This was a significant moment for me because I realized the analogy with my own life. At that moment, I was figuratively plucking the weeds from my heart. But, I wasn't alone. He was there, helping me, cleaning my heart alongside me.

     I was listening to (and belting out) Hillsong United's "Search My Heart", "Bones", and "Forever Reign". He truly was searching my heart and cleaning out the bad. Sections of lyrics really stuck out to me and hit me right in the heart...

"You took the cross, You took my shame

Restored my life, Lord, I will follow You..."

"Without you I am nothing"

"...You are true even in my wandering"

"Take me as I am,

Awaken my heart to beat again"

     After those moments singing and pulling weeds, I turned to my left to see a manifestation of God providing for us. There stood a blueberry bush. I proceeded to pick blueberries and pop them into my mouth, savoring the glorious blue fruit. 

     In a way, the flowerbed was my heart and the blueberries were the visual representation that God forgives me and loves me. After that powerful moment, I couldn't not share it. 

     Take my life as an example... When you realize a sin in your life, you may not need to pull weeds in your backyard to clean your heart, but whatever you do, know He is there for you to forgive you and comfort you. He will wipe those blemishes from your heart. Bring anything and everything to Him and the experience you have may surprise you. 

Are you comfortable?

Yesterday, Seth King, youth pastor at Countryside Christian Church led a very moving discussion about living as a Christian. The big questions were, "Are you living like you need God? Like you need the Bible?" and, "What are you doing for Christ that makes you uncomfortable?".

Well, these questions got me thinking. Have I been living the cushy life? I have food on the table multiple times a day, I have a home, I have a job and transportation... what am I missing? If I went on with life right now but didn't acknowledge God, would I be able to survive? I think I might. That isn't a good sign.

As a Christian, it is my responsibility to the world to live like Christ and to live like I need Him. If I am not following that, then what am I doing that is for Christ?

That's where things need to change. I'm guessing that many of us like to have life planned out to an extent. We have a plan for the future and we have an ideal lifestyle. Well, what if all of those things that we deem as within our "comfort zone" and within our plan for life began to change?

I suppose talking to people about Christ isn't something all of us find easy and like an everyday sort of occurence. If that's you, like it is me, then maybe we need to start branching out a bit. Sharing the Good News isn't always such a daunting task. Pray about it, ask God to give you the strength you need to bring about change in your circle of influence. Maybe you will end up planting the seed in someone's heart that turns into that tree. That tree could end up sharing God's message with more and more people, planting seeds here and there in the hearts of others.

Imagine one tiny apple seed - that's all it takes to plant a tree. So, if we take the time to plant seeds in people's hearts throughout our lives - maybe just one every month or just as it comes - then the people around us will see our likeness in Christ and that we love people. And that love will spread into more figurative trees.

If you are having trouble with this concept, take a moment to picture someone planting a seed... if you feel like you lack the proper tools to plant seeds in people's hearts, take a moment to ask God for the strength, wisdom, words, or anything you may need to work on to be able to be that disciple of the Lord. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and him to who knocks, the door will be opened." Matt. 7:7

Then, like the disciples of the Lord from the Bible, maybe a seed that you plant will grow into a beautiful tree, one that has branches to plant seeds in more hearts than you yourself could reach. That is the goal here. If we all step just a bit out of our comfort zones to talk to one or two people every once in a while or just act like Christ, we may be able to plant seeds to grow into trees to spread to more and more people. And just like that, God's Good News can spread beyond our wildest dreams.

Now, what do you think of that? If we all live like we need Christ and step a bit out of our comfort zones, we could reach numerous people with His Word! And even if we only reach one heart, then everything, all of the uncomfortable situations, are worth it.

So, what do you say? Are you with me? Let's go out into the world and live like Christ. Let's show the world what love is and plant some seeds! Maybe it will help one person. Maybe it will help thousands. Either way, making a difference in the Lord is worth everything.

*Pictures found via google images

*Matthew 7:7

To Him be the glory...

"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." ~ 1 Peter 4:11

Rather than saying whatever we want, Peter reminds us that our words and actions are reflective of God. 

People see us Christians as people of God, which we all are, and that should be motivation enough to have our words and actions glorify Him. 

Someone may see our actions or hear our words and turn away from God or maybe turn towards Him depending on what we portray Christianity as. 

So, keep this in mind the next time you are about to act or speak foolishly. Changing your ways may change a life.

Surrender

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, 

for I have put my trust in You.

Show me the way I should go, 

for to You I lift up my soul.

Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, 

for I hide myself in You.

Teach me to do Your will,

for You are my God;

may Your good Spirit

lead me on level ground.

For Your name's sake, O Lord, preserve my life;

in Your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.

In Your unfailing love, silence my enemies;

destroy all my foes,

for I am Your servant." 

~Psalm 143:8-12

When I feel like I am drowning in a sea of homework, chores, work, choir, friendships, church, life... I need to let it all go. 

I NEED to give it all to Him. 

He looks down upon me as I lay awake thinking, pondering my life and what I should do next. 

It saddens Him when I try to do everything on my own. 

He is there for me. He is there for YOU! Why just sit here struggling to even start the next task when you can drop everything and run to His arms? 

Exactly. There is no real reason why other than the fact that you need to feel that control, you want to know what comes next, His power scares you. No, it terrifies you. 

Why would you want to let go when you're doing so well? Think for a minute. 

I'm in that spot, too. I know what you're feeling. God is there for us. We don't have everything under control. It ISN'T going well. Life has pulled the rug out from under us as we try to keep out balance with everything in life. 

When I read this passage today, I felt guilt. I have been keeping all of my troubles from God. No, I haven't hid anything from Him, I just haven't surrendered it all. I may have given a piece here or a bit there, but I haven't given Him everything. And that is my problem. I need to be like David. I need to tell God that I am His servant, that I need his unfailing love, that I cannot do this without Him. 

God is there for me and He is there for you. Why wait and try to hold on for another moment when He has His hand outstretched to you? 

Just give it to Him. 

Surrender. 

His Dandelion

Looking through the lens, I captured the moment. As the wind lifted the seeds of the wishing flower into the air, the familiar click of the camera shutter sounded. There, in a split second, in less time than it takes to blink, a masterpiece.

The process:

When I think back to the beginning, when there was nothing, I cannot fathom God and all that He is and has done.

The earth, moon, stars, wind, animals, light… He created it all - in seven days, nonetheless.

Have you ever wondered how?

Well, what if, in a miniscule moment for Him, years, billions of our years pass?

Just like a photographer capturing the life of an animal or flower, God packs so much awe-inspiring beauty into such a minute span of time, seven days.

And yet, that’s not all.

Every human life, every tear, each smile, and all thought is known to Him. All that we are and can be is and has been known to Him since before there was ANYthing.

It is just incomprehensible.

The dandelion:

Do you ever think of yourself as an object? Maybe a plant?

Sometimes, I think of myself as a dandelion. I am a human, a sinful human. Like the dandelion weed that takes up space in lawns and parks, I take up space on this planet.

But, that isn’t all the dandelion and I are good for. When the Wind comes along, it sends our seeds out to take root and become a beautiful flower. God is the Wind for me. He teaches me through His Word how to spread my seeds to reach other people and so that, maybe, they might take root in someone else’s heart to create something beautiful.

I challenge you to be like the dandelion.

Maybe you aren’t perfect and the most admired flower, but you have the ability to plant a seed in people’s hearts.

Picture from:

http://simple-article10.blogspot.com/2010/10/that-amazing-weedthe-dandelion.html

Hiding

Closing the book, he glanced around anxiously. He slid it into its hiding place and grabbed his backpack for school.


“Hey, man. Do you wanna chill tonight?”
“Umm... yeah, sure.”
“Wait... you aren't gonna hang out at church tonight, are ya?”
“No way, man. I don't believe any of that Jesus crap anyway.”

Gazing down upon the earth, He wept. Another son fallen, another child led astray.

Two days passed.

Cautiously, he opened the book to a random page. It read, “‘Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.’”

A tear hit the page, and another.

I can’t live like this anymore. This isn’t me.

“What’s up?”

The invitational greeting was turned down as he walked past the so-called friend.

Despite the calls made by the teen once known, he kept walking.

…with his Bible in his hands.

Sometimes we think that because we read the Bible, we are saved, that because we take in the Word of God, we have no sin. That isn’t true. Reading may make us feel like better people, but unless we live the way we want to and He wants us to, we aren’t doing anyone any good.

“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 4:23)

Think about it.

Who around us can hear and see what the Lord does in our lives? How many lives could one person touch, just living for the Lord? The staggering amount leaves me breathless. I, one teenage girl, could live as He commands and share the unconditional love of God.

Instead of reading the Bible and sliding it under our beds or running from it and acting otherwise, we can display His love for all to see!

Actions speak louder than words. So, let them hear the deafening cries of praise to our God!

Some may love to live, but let’s try Living to Love.

Just like the young man in this short story, why don’t we walk around showing off the Bible? We don’t have to literally have our Bibles in our hands as we walk down the hallways of our respective schools or workplaces, our peers, coworkers, and friends can see the difference in the way we live if we Love God and Love People with everything we do. Love them until they question you, that way you can tell them why you live like you do!

There is nothing stopping you except your own fears.

Go on, see what He does through you.

It will be good. 

Story written by Jennifer Lewis

Scripture quoted -  Mark 4:21-23

His Light Awaits

Today, I decided to bring the camera on a walk with my dad and sister. God was there, too. I cannot express the awe I feel having captured this photo that stirs my heart and mind.


I love to take pictures of nature, but this one in particular speaks something to me. 


Look closely and you will see that there are a bunch of flowers, some in the shade, some showered by sunlight. But, all of which are beautiful in their own ways. 


These minuscule flowers are us. As humans, we are all unique and different, but all beautiful. 


When Jesus died on the cross for us, he cleansed our souls so we may have a personal relationship with Him. We are purified. He made our hearts white as snow. 


But, that isn't the end. We decide who to stand by, or maybe to stand alone. See the flowers that are all alone in the darkness? That is you and I when we are trying to hide from the Lord, when we want to go our own way, or when we just don't want Him to see the terrible sin in our lives. That is us.  


See the flowers that are growing together into the sunlight? That is us when we spend time diving into His word and learning how to be the best we can be. When we seek companionship from other believers and grow together as a family, we are reaching out to the Lord and to the light that He offers us. 


Do you want to be the flower that stays close to the ground because it is comfortable? Staying away from what could be just to have "control" over your own path in life? When you join hands with those around you and learn about Him, He will shine His light on you. You will be forgiven, you will be cleansed, you will be saved. All you have to do is ask. 


Take the leap, stretch your beautiful self towards the sky, towards Him. You won't regret it.


You are beautiful. You are unique. You have the choice. 


Go for it.

Out of Control

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." ~ 1 Peter 5:6-7


When I read this, there were no words to describe how much it resembled my life. I am constantly in a state of anxiety and fear. I never feel like I have everything under control. 


Wanna know why? It's because I don't.


No single person has everything under control, nor do any of us have anything under control. No matter how much work we put into plans, no matter how confident of a face we paste on, and no matter how much we try to convince ourselves of our management skills, it is all a lie. 


Do you really think that you do everything on your own? Who created you? Who heals you when you're sick? Who carries you through the stressful days? 


God. 


Logic does not answer these queries. God, the Lord, the Creator, our Saviour - He is the answer to everything.


God is the One, the only One, who has anything and everything under control. From when a plant is a tiny seed, to when it is too enormous of a tree for any human to fit his arms around, God is in control. God is constantly molding us and making us who we are today. There is never a time when He does not know the worries of your heart, the reason why you put on that fake smile to get through the day, or the pain you feel. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, the Alpha and the Omega.


We are called to humble ourselves before the Lord, because He has all of us in His palm. In one hand. We are all there, and He is the One who lifts us up when we need it. When you feel like the world is falling apart, HE is the one who comforts you and gives you the peace you need to carry on. 


When I am sitting here, thinking of the list of tasks that lay before me, He lifts me up in His hand and tells me that I don't have to worry anymore. I don't have to think about any of it because He has taken care of all I am and all I will be. 


Does that not amaze you? 


The next time you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach because you forgot to study for the math test, give it to the Lord, submit to Him everything that brings you pain and stress, even the things that bring you joy. He promises each and every one of us peace that surpasses all understanding. If you truly desire that, the surrender needs to start sometime. 


Why not today?