Emilie [diligent worker] Lauren [guarded by God]

Sunday, January 17, 2010

My love letter from God

God spoke amazingly at on-track this week. It was fresh and inviting; and unexpected gift to the heart. We read in Habbakuk about listening to God. Scottie started off with a conversation he had with God.
Roughly...
God: Scottie, do you talk when your students are taking a test?
Scottie: no! I stay quiet so they can focus and do their best!
God: hmmmmm....

During tests, God may be quiet so you can focus and do your best. Yet, if you want to do well on a test, and make it easier, regardless of the class or surprise or not, you have to prepare yourself for that test by studying...

Scottie had five points for listening to God specifically from Habakkuk 2:1-5
1. I will stand watch at my watch station.
get away, go to your sacred place, the special place to meet with the Lord.
2. Watch to see what he will say.
doesn't always talk through hearing....look for it, search it out, level of action on your part
actively engaging in the process of seeking God out
3. Listen
we know what he is talking about because we know him.
4. Write it down
5. Wait- sometimes the better things take longer

The two simple ways to check if what you heard is God:
1. Never should contradict the bible.
2. It should be encouraging, even if conviction, there should always be a way out.

Upon hearing this message I eagerly wanted to spend time listening to what God has to say to me. As I sat down in my sacred place and prayed, I felt the need to simply worship him. I sang out these lines over and over, "Deeper than my view of grace, higher than this worldly place, longer than this road I've traveled, wider than the gap you've filled. Your love is...."

After sitting silent for a few moments I began to write this. I know the inspiration was not of my own accord, and that God was fueling the pen moving on the page.

Emilie,
No matter what you think, my love is never ending. It is always pursuing you and there; whether you chose to feel it or not. My love is better than life. Grab onto it. You'll be surprised where it takes you. This is the greatest love story ever told and you get to be the main character. Won't you accept my love? Why do you doubt it? My love is pure, it is true, it is uncircumstantial, it is grace, it is glue to a broken heart. I promise my love will not break you like the faulty love of the world has; my love will heal you. You will not be able to full experience my love till you leave that sinful place, but I promise my love is unchanging. I loved you the same yesterday as I did today and as I will tomorrow. You do not earn my love, I love you as my work of art, I love you as my daughter; I love you as my home. I love you Emilie Lauren. You are my diligent worker, guarded by me. Nothing can change your identity in me; your purpose. This world has ruined your view of so many things. If only you could see them through my yes. You aren't perfect Emilie, I know that you know that. But I also know that I am the creator, and you are my master piece. Some lines and pieces don't make sense and seem broken, but you aren't finished yet. I like to take my time. :) Keep handing your heart to me, I know it isn't easy my darling, but I promise I will do good for it.
You know how exercising is good for you? But in order for you to build your muscle up, you must first tear it down? Well I created your heart as one of the strongest muscles in your body for a reason. It is the life of your body, even if your brain dead you can live. Without a heart, there is only death And sometimes to have a strong heart, I must tear you down, but only so I can build you up stronger. I want the best for you because I love you. I know you don't get it, but I love you. My love is better than life, and sometimes it takes laying down your life to feel my love. Your knowledge only goes so far and I can only take you this far.
I love you Emilie, even you screw up, my love never wavers. I desire you. Remember that I am an unchanging God but I will always be changing you because you are my delightful work in progress. Yes, I delight in you my dear. Don't think your finished yet; always be ready for work. Sometimes I can't work on you because the current coat of paint is drying. Be patient, wait. I will bring every project and every masterpiece to completion. But a work of art takes time, doesn't it?
In the mean time, enjoy my grace. Swim in a deep sea of it and cling to my hope which brings life. Search out my love because it truly is greater than life. And I promise you will find it. It is not hiding, its right under your nose. Sometimes you just have to look through my eyes and not the world's.
I love you Emilie Lauren.
Love always and forever,
Your Daddy.

new

new.
a new year.
a new beginning.
a fresh start.

The year of light, love, freedom and victory.
These are the things I am choosing to claim in the new year. A year to embrace the light of God in our dark world, and share it with others. A year to love beyond what we have loved before; and to take in the love of Jesus. A year to live in the freedom of Christ; the truth will set you free and the truth is Christ. And a year to claim the victory of Christ; to live with no fears or regrets, but knowing that in every endeavor we have already won through Christ and there is nothing the devil can do to change that.


I love this song by Charlie Hall. It is such a good example for the new year.
Marvelous Light


I once was fatherless,
a stranger with no hope;


Your kindness wakened me,
Awakened me, from my sleep


Your love it beckons deeply, 
a call to come and die.
By grace now I will come 


And take this life, take your life.


Sin has lost it's power,
death has lost it's sting.
From the grave you've risen
VICTORIOUSLY!


Into marvelous light I'm running,
Out of darkness, out of shame.
By the cross you are the truth,
You are the life, you are the way


My dead heart now is beating,
My deepest stains now clean.
Your breath fills up my lungs.
Now I'm free. now I'm free!





Lift my hands and spin around,
See the light that i have found. 
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light

Lift my hands and spin
See the light within...


2010. here I am. I am not afraid. I am ready. Excited to be exact. 
I went with some friends in Portland to Southlake Church there. I really loved it. The pastor talked about the new year, and the willingness to embrace new things. It was all a part of the series they were doing called AWAKEN. He had three points that have stuck with me, 1. New problems with require new creativity. 2. New pressures will require conviction and new dependance. 3. new possibilities will require COURAGE.