what makes me the happiest

Every Sunday brings a smile to my face because I do what makes me the happiest--play my piano and worship my God. I continually thank the Lord for granting me the gift of music because I am able to express my love for Him in a way that can reach many. Not a single Sunday goes by that I'm not moved to tears by the words that I sing or the prayer that I lift up before my God. He is that powerful. He is worthy. Most of all, today we had a very God-filled worship, and I know it was because I was able to lay it all down in front of God, come before Him as a vulnerable worshipper, ready to be filled with my portion. Worship isn't about coming forth with arrogance or just to sing, but to be willing to listen and to be molded by our Heavenly Father.

I was also happy because I've noticed that a lot of the high school-aged youth at our church come to me to talk and ask for advice and I am able to listen. It only confirms what God's plan is for my life and why I'm going into Teach for America. I'm happy to be able to make a difference, to impact a child's life, to serve as a role model. I only hope that the Lord continues to bless me so that I may be a leader and an example. I thank God for reminding me every day how special I am and how I am an integral part of His ministry. His love keeps me in check and I keep my focus.

I am blessed beyond measure and I know that my God is in control of my life. Since I've been more intentional in my relationship with Him, I have found that I am blessed beyond expectation and that His love surpasses all understanding. I don't know how people survive and deal with life without a Savior. Without a hope. Without TRUE love. Thank you Lord because I am Yours.

perhaps I'm ready to begin writing lyrics again...

motherly advice

i find myself increasingly being disappointed by people. and each time, i just run home into my mother's arms.

i'm so thankful to have such a godly mother and father. they are my inspiration.

she said "God will bless you and you won't even see it coming." so true.

the Lord is my Protector

Yesterday as I went to lunch with my aunt and uncle, I observed a scene that isn’t too far out of the ordinary. The place where we went to eat had a farm adjacent to it, with many hens and little chicks. Near one hen, a mean black cat was drawing near, in striking position, ready to hunt. What was incredible about all of this is how the mother hen reacted. Without needing to hear anything, without needing for the cat to get real close, she stretched out her wings and called her little babies, who ran to her. Under her wing, they were safe, and the cat retreated.

I’m sure we all have read Psalm 91 at some point in our lives, or heard someone say it or maybe we have even heard a sermon. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almight." But in this moment in time, that Psalm rang all too clearly. Imagine, if God gave animals the instinct to care for their children, why would He not do the same for us? The passage tells us that God will "cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge," just as the hen did for her babies.

We are God's children. But only as His children and if we seek his refuge will we be safe. No other person in this world can promise this.

This has never been truer in my life. Every time I trust in someone, I wind up hurt. And it sucks, but I feel as if it's God's way of telling me to wake up and realize that HE is Lord. HE is Sovereign. only HE is our refuge. I'm trying, but there's still so much to learn, so much to give up and so much to receive in return. My Lord has been faithful until now, and he will only continue to do so.