Identity Worth Fighting For

I know there's no question why God directed me back to Peter's letters today as I long for the comfort He provides and the beautiful identity we hold as his children. (1 Peter 1:1-2)

"1) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2)according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you."

For whatever reason, being called a exile felt like a relief. Today I absolutely felt like it and there was no use trying to fit in to this world's ridiculous ideas. But Peter understood and agreed... and weirdly enough there was comfort in the fact we're all strangers in this place and don't fit in. But we're here together. Then Peter continued to say all over this world and together we make this family. We're meant to fight; not only fight but called to this incredible and unbelievably challenging daily struggle. It doesn't sound appealing at first, but when I realized how disgusting I've become and how beautiful my Christ is... all I can think of is how willing I am to do whatever it takes to become more like this immaculate being.

Peter goes on to describe how God decided to use each of so long ago. Now.. I'm not going to even try and explain the Trinity and its amazing complexity, but Peter goes on to say God knew we'd become a people who'd shine with remarkable godliness. He starts by saying God already knew and chose you. I don't know about you, but I the idea of being chosen before the beginning of time to change this world for all eternity kind of blows my mind. The idea that the Maker of Universe.. the One who is making my heart beat... allowing me to breathe each breath.. and type each key... and yet He still falls in love with this sinner each and every single day simply takes my breath away. (Psalm 8)

And then by his grace, He allows us to become more like him. He gives us a way to change and renew our minds and hearts to become clean and change. This process is called sanctifying. And although it's not an easy or pretty way, it's what's necessary to change. Once we've striped ourselves of our sin and the nature of the flesh, then can we start to put on holiness and sanctify ourselves. Basically we must make the choice to get rid of the old and replace with the new, not trying to just "add on the good stuff". The Holy Spirit constantly tries to stretch and mold us into the beautiful and meek children of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Finally, Jesus is the example we need and the ultimate sacrifice. As I read about being obedient, I went back and read where He fulfilled so many prophecies. As if the blameless death on the cross for the obedient and flawless life He lived wasn't enough, He gives demonstrates the most beautiful picture of what love is. The sacrificial and unmeasurable love is for you. (Isaiah 52:13-53)

All in all, to be chosen by such a beautiful Savior, who not only loves me more than I'll ever understand, is patiently and earnestly longing to mold me into an even more beautiful picture of love than I can fathom. I think that's an identity I'm willing to fight and changing for.

Here We Go Again

These previous and simple posts expressing my desire to work with girls and seeing how they experience Christ in a new and real way has only grown in the last year. But this year has been a year of healing and learning what kind of person God is developing to serve his kingdom.

I've moved out and turned the big 21. I've come face to face with huge life decisions that are shaping the rest of my life... some much bigger than the green paper we rely so heavily upon.

He's called me back to serve at a camp for children this summer and I couldn't be more thrilled. Every day moments pass that are just brimming with the Holy Spirit. Most of us remember how God worked through us when we went to camps, but can you imagine seeing all of that first hand for an entire summer? As a daughter of the High King I can't help but constantly glow from the inside out, but I still face tremendous spiritual warfare. Satan knows Christ's name will continue to be shouted at the top of our lungs and prayed without ceasing on these camp grounds. Please begin praying for these children and the camp now as the opening date starts to approach.

I cannot wait to share with you my experiences as I truly start to prepare my heart for this summer and how his incredible presence fills the hearts of so many children that set foot on the camp grounds.

Breathe it all in

People pass by here busy and rushing to the next class or thing on their to-do list. As much as I used to love the city life, it was never because of the crazy rush. Being surrounded by people of different cultures and different perspectives... And of course.. having a friends I could ask anything of drew me to the place I called home. Not to mention God's fingerprints are all over it. That's why California stole my heart. New surprises and fond childhood memories around every corner always found me.

This week as I left again, I realized how much I love my home in Tulsa. My friends always pick me up when I fall flat on my face(and we all know how clumsy I am..) and encourage me throughout this journey. These people make up the Body of Christ - each playing different roles, yet madly in love with the Creator of all and Savior who sacrificed everything. On the other hand, had I forgotten all the fakes I met when I first moved and the heartache of watching others turn their back to the only one who would always wrap his arms around them?

All this being said, last night Norman finally felt like home. Not an apartment. Not where I go to school. But home. Molding friendships with other believers with genuine hearts for the same Beloved Savior I cling to and running into old treasured friends with more memories than I could ever count. Being able to worship last night with other college students... finally I wasn't alone. Not that classes haven't been amazing and I haven't met cool people in my classes, but last night... finally my soul could breathe deeply again.

This morning the Lord reminded me to have patience and faith even when I can't see what's next. He will be the light in this dark and sad world. For both those suffering and just for the current wickedness and mentality of this world, He provided this beautiful Psalm this morning. "Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves." Psalms 126:5-6 On my knees I will remain in absolute humbleness as I patiently wait for the seeds to take root. May you and I preserver while our hearts break for this world and we long for our King's name be known.