Bear with 'em

Scooped from: Digging the Word

"And I truly believe that community is an essential part of this Christian faith we practice.  We are called to open ourselves up to one another, for both the good times and the bad.  We cannot live our lives of faith inside a safe bubble where we only show off the perfection of our lives; no, we have to draw others in even to the bad and the unknown and the messy and the ugly."

-Carmen, Life Blessons

To read the rest of Carmen's post, click here

I have definitely experienced this type of community with a group of ladies I have known for the last four years.  I praise God for them and their willingness to bear with me in the good and bad times, and in the ugliness of sin as I strive to please the Lord.  They hold me accountable; they pray for me; they love me.  Colossians 3:13

Even from a coffee shop

scooped from lifehacker.com

I'm wanting to become one of those people who "work from a coffee shop."  It seems so cool (lol) and would give me a chance to get out of the office during the day.  The problem is that I'm often distracted when I go to coffee shops and other places by myself. I would want to become "a regular" somewhere so that I could use those relationships to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with people. In college, I would have dinner at one of the buffets once a week by myself just so I could strike up conversations with other people sitting at the bar alone and share my faith with them during our conversations.  God really worked in those times with a guy named Jim.

Oh prayer...

Scooped from: thegospelcoalition.org

Man, my walk with the Lord had been SLACKING for real up until last week when I actively chose to do something about it.  The Lord reminded me of this website I used to refer to called Discipleship Tools.  Now, I'm going through a study on prayer and also reading through James again.  I've really had to crucify my flesh and make spending time with the Lord a priority again!  With this job, I easily let it become more important than spending time with God...not anymore!! I've decided to MAKE WAR!

Has your walk with the Lord been slackin'?  Check out Discipleship Tools for helpful studies as a way to get back on track and don't neglect going to church on Sundays and even Bible Studies, small groups, and other ways to spur you on!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!

For my grandfather

Scooped from: sodahead.com

In memory of a man I respected and loved.

I was nominated for 2 awards!

WOW! Thanks so much to Brittany at The Jovial Mom AND Comfy Kassi at Journey to a Comfortable Me for nominating me for this award!  I'll post later about the second award!

As a part of this, I have to answer the following:

What do you feel your purpose is in life?

to be a blessing to others in any way possible and to point people to Christ

What is your favorite book?

A Yellow Raft in Blue Water.  The story of a Native American grandmother, her daughter, and her daughter's daughter...surprisingly written by a man

Who or what inspires you most in life?

the God-given opportunities that arise with each day. 

Would you rather donate time or money?

money.  I gladly give time but wish I had more $$$ to give

What are your best qualities?

my sense of humor and kindness

If you were an organ in the body which would you be and why?

the tongue (does that count? lol) because I love talking (!!!) and eating!

Why do you blog?

i like to share my experiences and journey with Christ

What is your greatest accomplishment?

pouring into the life of Lakiya Bottle. I discipled her and she is really making an impact for Christ wherever she lives!  I praise God for working through me to draw her to Him!

Who is your role model/hero and why?

this may sound cliche but Jesus.  He was talked about, lied on, abused, and basically murdered for doing what was right...and that NEVER stopped Him!  His great love for us and obedience to His Father...wow!  I wanna bring glory to God through my life as well.

If you could be anything or anyone in the world, what would it be and why?

a full-time missionary that traveled to many places sharing the Gospel, helping the local church, feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, and so much more.  I just have a desire to help people and to make sure they get the opportunity to hear about Jesus

Love this song

Agnus Dei...or Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty. lol.

Everytime I hear the music for it at a service, my hands usually just shoot straight up in the air! 'Cause HE IS SOOOO WORTHY!!!!!!!!! And I am so thankful for ALLLL that He has done!!! Most thankful that I.ain'.gotta.go.to.hell.  'Cause He rescued me!!!!!

This particular video-version of it gives me chills, too!  The Lord gave that boy a VOICE!!!

The struggle is REAL

thebeautifulstruggle.tumblr.com

So my walk with the Lord has been a bit...hmm...how should I describe it...well, rough.  This past month, I have been on an emotional roller coaster struggling with a new job and all sorts of crazy newness.  When life picked up, I didn't work hard to make sure I spent daily time with the Lord...I just worked hard at my job...and complained a lot to Tina (my old housemate...praise God for her!).  She endured my groaning (as did other people when they asked about my job...thanks guys...) but also helped me to see that this job is everything I want(ed).  Funny how sometimes we can't see the sun for the clouds, right?

Diary's one year anniversary!!!

Scooped from: shrink4men.wordpress.com

Two weeks ago marked the one year anniversary of Diary of a Church Girl!!! WHOOOO-HOOO!!!

Technically, the one year anniversary was July 24, and I am belated in celebrating my own blog's birthday...gosh.  I have been pretty busy though.  I hope to get back to posting regularly again!

Having this blog as a creative space for me to share things that I've learned and to share pieces of my life and journey with the Lord has been great!...cuz OH YES...it is indeed a journey to walk with Him.  A journey that will lead me...HOME. :)

Thanks for reading!!!