Music and Memories

GOD not only amazes me everyday that I meet HIM, but HE amazes me in the way HE can use a song to speak directly to your heart. Today, as I was driving, I got to thinking about all the Christian and Country songs I was hearing. I think I could write a whole chapter of my life just by using the words to a number of songs. It just amazes me at how so many speak exactly about my own life, yet, I bet they speak to many others as well. That is just the beauty of life, isn't it? Seriously, I think every song I listened to today on the radio had something to say that related to my life.

As I have been reflecting, I got to thinking about other years of my life at this time and what was it I was doing. For instance, 5 years ago this week I was in my third session of Teen Impact at Camp Id Ra Ha Je. I was getting ready for my last backpacking trip (August 5-8, 2002), which was a pretty cool one because it was all girls and one was a very special student of mine. I even have the scripture we used for that trip marked in my Bible. I came across it last night. We had memorized Psalm 40: 1-5. That was a summer filled with many GOD Moments.

Then, I recalled 4 years ago and remembered an update that I wrote on August 6, 2003. The funny thing is that I still have a copy of it. Here is some of what I wrote and what was happening then:

And I think the most important thing I need to share with you all is that I AM IN LOVE. Yes, can you believe it my love life feels complete at the moment. I never thought I could ever feel this way in my whole life. Oh, I guess I should mention who I am in love with right? I am in LOVE with God like I have never been before. I know there is a song out that says "99.9% sure I have never been here before". That is me. I have loved Him since the day I opened my heart to Him. But Sunday, it just hit me so hard. How much love there is. I am so full of love and Joy right now I feel as though I am ready to burst wide open. I don't know what really brought it on. It may have been the past two months, drawing closer to Him every day, trying to allow Him to have complete control of my life, the book I was reading that day, or maybe looking back and remembering where I have been. I thought of all of the people who have been a part of my journey. All the words of encouragement from each one. I just really don't know other than I am in love in a way I have never been before. I know with out a doubt that God has a hold of the pen. He is writing my story, not me. He is the only One who knows what the next chapter holds, I only have to worry about living the page I am on right now. I don't ever want this feeling to end. I feel as though I am floating on air. I really wish I could share this love and joy with each and everyone of you in a personal way. I guess I am by sending this to you. Some of you may not understand, or think I'm weird. That is ok, I just know I don't need anything else but Him. His love has always stayed the same. I just feel so different. This is amazing I want you all to feel this.

I just knew something big was coming on a page soon, I just never imagined it would be this GREAT!!! Thank you all for being a part of my story. May God bless you in an amazing way this very moment.

You all are loved by a wonderful God in Heaven, open your hearts to Him. It will change your life.

Wow, how awesome is GOD........HE still does all that and HE is still ALL that I need. HE is my everything and I am still in love with HIM like I feel I have never been before. And words from others over the past few years, actually the past few weeks and days, are still playing a part in drawing me closer to HIS Heart and the Love HE has for me. HE just keeps revealing HIMSELF and who HE has made me to be.

As I decided to write about this I started to think about the other years since those too. Hmmmm....what was it I was doing 3 years ago at this time in 2004? Oh yes, I was tired of hearing many of my friends say that I was too picky and that was why I was still single, so that was the summer that I said "ok, I will show them and put myself out there". Though it starts around my Birthday in May that year, when I bought my own place and how GOD brought eHarmony back into the picture. Anyways, I decided to give love a try, so to speak. By this week then, I felt like that wasn't enough and was just really praying to GOD about the whole thing when HE brought a local dating service, Great Expectations, across my path. So 3 years ago, I put myself out there. And, just for the record, I AM STILL SINGLE, but know it ALL has to do with GOD's Plan and Perfect Timing (Jeremiah 29:11 and Habakkuk 2:3)!

How about 2 years ago in 2005..........I don't want to write about that, but some of you know what that was the start of. A year of really growing up for me and really seeing GOD work in my life. Yet, I can only see and say that after ALL the other things GOD has done in the past two years and with a lot of reflection on the situation.

Then a year ago..........I said it yesterday, A wonderful surprise and gift that was totally unexpected.

I just think it has been awesome to look back and reflect on the past 5 years. So, which one was the best? Hmmmm...............I don't think there could be a question about that one! Of course, it would have been falling in love with JESUS all over again. Though the one in second, is pretty close. I would actually have to say the one that is unfolding right now is the best because it is the present moment of which I want to seize for all that it has to offer, and yet, all the ones to come in the future I can guess are only gonna get even better with JESUS!!

There is NOTHING more awesome than to know GOD. HIS presences with us is one of HIS greatest presents to us (ODB). I pray that you can unwrap HIS Love as you seize the divine moments HE places you in!!