Just Dream
In God's eyes, I am a princess.
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."
Proverbs 16:9.
Find me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Nomi_1234
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“You Were Born To Fly”
It’s one of those beautiful days that I want to shout out to the whole world how I feel, but my emotions won’t fit in the limited amount of a tweet or a status.
Where I live in Texas the weather has been absolutely gorgeous the past couple weeks. Even though it’s February the birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and the smell of the outside air is incredibly refreshing.
In my English class at school, we’re reading Huckleberry Finn right now. It’s probably got to be one of my favorite school reading assignments in my years as a high school student so far. Huckcleberry Finn, the protagonist, is so content. Throughout the story, he’s dealing with moral issues and his character traits make me smile. He KNOWS how to be still. He KNOWS how to enjoy the little moments. I know he’s just a character, but Mark Twain wrote up a pretty darn good character.
Earlier today I ventured outside to a grove of trees near my suburban house and laid down in the grass and read my assigned chapters for my English homework. The moment was simply fantastic. The sun shined so brilliantly, I heard the annoying squawking birds circling above me. I saw two chipmunks running on tree branches not too far from me. And the smell of the air is indescribable; as in it was splendidly happy.
Late after I finished up my reading I ventured back outside once again for my work out. Let me tell you, there are two factors that keep me pushing through my runs. One, knowing that God is smiling down at me. And two, running keeps me healthy and fit. I finished up my stretching out on the back porch and I smelled my mom’s cookin’ through the open window. I smiled to myself thanking God for the tenth time today for the beautifulness of today.
This day seems to just keep getting better.
As I began typing this blog post up God’s faithfulness is once again proven to me as He shows me He’s answering once of my recent continual prayers with His “yes”.
I am a country fan and a couple various songs pop into my head as I think about the joyous day God has given me the opportunity to live.
“My daddy he is grounded like the oak tree
My momma she is steady as the sun
Oh, you know I love my folks
But I keep starin’ down the road
Just lookin’ for my one chance to run
Hey, cause I will soar away like a blackbird
I will blow in the wind like a seed
I will plant my heart in the garden of my dreams
And I will grow up where I wander wild and free
Oh, How do you wait for heaven?
And who has that much time?
And how do you keep your feet on the ground
When you know, that you were born?
You were born, yeah, you were born to fly” - Sara Evans
My dad is a pastor and I grew up a pastor’s girl. :)
My dad truly is the one who holds my family together. His trust in God’s faithfulness is truly beautiful.
My mom, oh my mom, she is simply awesome. She loves the Lord and she’s taught me how to be myself, and how to stand apart from the crowd.
I have four older siblings and I could go on and on about how much they mean to me. Each one of them I have a word to describe out relationships and I wouldn’t ask for any other people to be my brother and sisters.
One, two, three baby don’t think twice
Just like that you gotta brand new life
Hop in this truck and run through the red lights
Yeah where you wanna go baby, name the town
We could go up north we could head down south
Roll down the windows with the radio loud
Come on turn it up
Start livin your life
On the double leave your troubles behind
You and me we’re gonna be alright? - Keith Urban
This song is exactly what Keith Urban is talking about. This song is meant to be blasted driving down the highway on such a beautiful day, such as this.
In Christ, Christians have a new life. Keith Urban says to leave your troubles behind, and I say, GO FOR IT! God is in control of our troubles. I know we’re gonna be alright. God gives us stunning, sun-shiny days to enjoy. He wants us to live a life of indescribable joy, because He’s won the battle. This doesn’t mean we should go out and be stupid, but it means we shouldn’t forget to act during these blessed days and be free. Because, He made us free (Galatians 5:1).
I recently turned 18 years old. I’m a junior in high school and like other teenagers in my state, I sometimes wish I could be in college, living life away from my parents. And discovering independence.
Then I think about days like this. Days when I look forward to hugging my dad when he comes home late from work. I look forward to my mom’s smile in the morning and look foward to her delicious home cooked meals. I look forward to attending school close to home and seeing my friends. I look forward to the times God gives me to spend time with my great aunt at her nursing home. I look forward to going to my bedroom and reading a book. I look forward to driving down the higfhway with my older siblings, blasting that country music loud.
Laura Ingalls Wilder said it right when she said, “It is the simple things of life that make living worthwhile.”
I truly, whole heatedly believe in this. God gives us big blessings and He also gives us small blessings that sometimes we let slip by.
As a child I was scared to grow up. I would cry whenever I turned a year older. I’m 18 and it’s different. I’m going to miss the days of childhood, but at the same time, growing up I’m discovering so much more about the beauty God gives in our life. I’m discovering that He is faithful. I’m discovering that a Christian’s life is HARD. I’m discovering that God hears us and answers our prayers, even if His response is a “no”.
The purpose of this blog post was to tell others about something I’m passionate about, which couldn’t fit in the limited length of a tweet or status.
Life is mean to be lived. Love. Learn. Listen. Laugh.
“This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
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“Life can be gruesome (no, not just in a bloody way).”
“Life can be gruesome (no, not just in a bloody way).”
Those are the words I began this blog post with, then thought to myself, I have no idea where I’m even going with those thoughts.
That’s how I am in life. I have no idea what God’s going to do. I have no idea how a situation can happen and then an answer to prayer arises from it.
Recently God’s been opening up my eyes. He’s been revealing things to me I previously didn’t take much notice of.
He is once again proving to me that His timing is the ultimate best; proving that I’m consistently learning how to be patient.
He’s been blessing my life, no matter the bumps in the road, and He’s creating life.
I’ve been desiering to know Him on a deeper level. This desire for Him, and His prevailing love for me has sparked answers and concerns.
Just when He was giving me so much joy and seeing His work being done, is when the flesh grabbed a hold of me.
The flesh, frightening me, attempting to persuade me by turning my joyous, ambitious thoughts into fears only the flesh, not the soul, is terrified of.
God’s revealing to me, that I need to be aware of the ongoing spiritual battle.
I need to be “praying about anything and everything, with thanksgiving, presenting my requests to God,” (Philippians 4:6)
He then reminds me that “…the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour,” (1 Peter 5:8)
Paul tells the church of Ephesus to, “…be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6)
God’s reminding me that when I feel the flesh attempting to grasp a hold of me, that’s when I need to be pursuing God above and beyond. I need to be in the Word. I need to be in fellowship with other bond-servants. I need to talking with God about anything and everything. I need to worship God. I need to love others. I need to, “’“‘Love the Lord my (your) God with all my (your) heart and with all my (your) soul and with all my (your) mind.’” (Matthew 22:37
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-12.
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Facing the Camera Which God Calls
You know those aspirations which seem somehwat impossible in one’s mind, and yet they continually day dream about how amazing it would be if these aspirations were able to come true?
For me, I love being in front of the camera.
I adore photographer’s worlds they create through the snap of a photo.
I adore the set design, wardrobe choice, and the subject’s inner expression’s, which all make a photo complete.
It’s an aspiration of mine to be in front of the camera.
However, my biggest hope, is to serve the King. No matter how much I long grasp a hold of my earthly and impossible dreams. Notice how I said earthly and impossible?
“Jesus looked at them and said, ’With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26.
Even though everything is possible through the King’s permission. He still needs to give permission, or else one will go down a terrible and frightening path, if they disobey orders.
I long for the King to respond to all my dreams with a “yes”. I imagine the scene when Esther went uninvited and King Xerxes gave her a “yes”. I long for that beautiful, scriptural truth, to happen with me.
As long as I obey the King, it will.
However, sometimes the King responds with a “no”. A no which may be hurtful, but it’s a no that is saving His child from a mission which His child isn’t cut out for.
And then there are those missions specified for unique individuals which are extremely beautiful. And the King will answer “yes” to those. Yet, they often come with the price of sacrificing a person’s earthly and impossible dreams. So that, they may live out their mission, with head up, looking to the King for direction.
I have a dream of being in front of the camera, but maybe God will say “no” to this dream and instead put me in front of a different camera I may not love the look of at first. But, I know the King brings joy to oneself, no matter how damaged his or her camera ,they’re facing, may look on the outside.
“Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ’My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.’” Matthew 26:39.
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Living Like Katie and Living the Life God has Called
In six days I will be 18 years old.
I’m at this point in my life when I long to be somewhere.
I long to be somewhere else other than —-high school.
The dusk surrounding my three week Christmas break is coming to an end.
Tomorrow morning, dawn will arrive and the rush of school will begin once again.
Wake at 6:00. School until 2:15. Cheer practice at 5:45. Bed at a decent time.
It doesn’t seem so busy. But for a girl who longs to be somewhere else.
For a girl who longs to be out of high school living an adventure.
I’m scared. I’m afraid for what this semester will bring and how busy my life will become.
For my birthday, my aunt gave me a book called, “Kisses From Katie”, by Katie Davis.
Katie Davis is twenty-two years old and lives in JiJa, Uganda. Katie is a mother of fourteen beloved girls. She created Amazima Ministries and lives a life God called her to live.
I want to laugh at myself. I want to laugh at my pity parties.
Here I am still living in the comforts of America scared of returning back school. Afraid of how busy life will become for the next five months before summer arrives.
I think of Katie and the life she’s described in her book. She works hard. She isn’t strong, God is strong for her. She’s weak, like you or me. She rejoices in the day, and cries out to God at night.
In my eyes, Katie Davis is living the dream. She is living an adventure, doing what God has called her. The thought of being in her position terrifies me. Yet, she rejoices in her life, because God and His love prevails.
I laugh at myself and my fear for school, because if Katie can live a life she loves, being a hundred times busier than me, living in a third world country, living off of God and the encouragement of others for survival, I know God will carry me through the second semester of my junior year in high school.
God has called me. He knows I long for an adventure right now, but just as all apprentices, they have to learn, before they can begin on their own.
Of course, I will never be alone, because God will be with me.
I want to live a life like Katie.
Yes, I’m still living in Texas. Yes, I’m still within the comforts of my parent’s home, attending a small private Christian school. Yet, I want to live a life that Katie lives.
A life that gives me fulfillment.
A life filled with God.
If God cares for Katie and the work He’s doing through her, how much more will He care for a child at the beginning of her apprenticeship?
“But we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4
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Striving for Excellence in This New Year
In about two weeks I will turn 18.
My parents are hosting a special party a week earlier for close friends, family-friends, and family to join them in a prayer and worship time over me. Ever since my oldest sister turned 18 (she is now 22), I’ve been waiting in anticipation when my chance for this splendid occasion to take place.
Of course, my 18th blessing isn’t really about me.
Rather, it’s a time for me to share my personal story.
Not my story, but a story about The King, and how He is involved with my life daily.
With 2011 coming to an end, I’ve been having many moments of reflection.
I attend church on Saturday nights, and tonight our pastor spoke about God’s over reigning presence, in history, and in the future. His words began a flashback of memories to take place in mind regarding the past year.
The moments I remember most are those that I’ve cried; either rejoicing, or mourning.
I’m a very emotional person and I believe that’s why all the clear memories of this past year are usually when I’m tearing.
The King has taught me so many lessons. The lessons I’m still learning, and striving to excel in daily. Some days I strive more than others. However, the bad days are when I’m extremely grateful for a God of second chances.
The year of 2011 I’ve been challenged with the some of the following:
- Bitterness towards past and present life events
-Being judgemental, as if I’m better than my peers
-Feeling invisible, realizing that God’s acceptance is the one that matters most
-Patience, I wish to rush relationships, jobs, etc.
-Teenage “crushes”
-Realizing more each day that this world is corrupt and gross
Through these challenges God has taught me:
-To look at people in a different perspective; His perspective.
-I’m no better than any other person. I am simply saved by grace.
-God’s timing is the ultimate best.
-I can’t stay bitter, God’s ways are best, even when we may not realize it in the present.
-God will bring me a Godly man one day. Not a teenage boy. But, a man.
-God will provide, no matter how much I worry about having money.
-In hardship, God’s mighty strength endures.
-God has given me weakness, and also strengths. Strength overcomes the weak.
-I have so much learn. God is an incredible teacher.
I don’t care for the idea of a new years resolution. Instead, I prefer to look at it as a new chapter in life to struggle well.
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11 (NASB)
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A Lovesick Puppy Dog
I feel like a love sick puppy.
A love sick puppy that has been abandoned.
No more head scratches.
No more belly rubs.
No more human contact to lick in abundance.
Of course, I am not really a puppy. And in actuality I haven’t been abandoned by the people that love me for me. Really, it’s been one of those days that I didn’t really use to good purpose. I woke up late, ate breakfast. I then worked out and afterwards settled down with my yummy home made lunch and 17 Again. After staring at Zac Efron for two hours I went and changed and headed out to buy the last of my Christmas gifts for my family. I came home and had a pleasant dinner with my family.
Nonetheless, today felt empty. I felt like a love sick puppy dog, missing the love I know I once had.
However, this love that was given to this puppy dog, has always been there.
I’m simply not accepting the love this love sick puppy dog is completly in need of.
Elohim, a name given to the most amazing Kings who will ever and forever reign.
The King, who looks at me, even on my lowliest of days, and says, “She’s mine.”
The King, who looks at me, when I don’t accept His love, and says, “I love her.”
The King who looks at me, when I am comparing myself to a love sick puppy dog, and asks, “What have you been doing all day? Don’t you know that you are worth more than a precious bag of jewels?”
The King, who looks at me, when I’m going with the flow of America, and asks, “Why are you finding no purpose in today? You have so much to be rejoicing for, but instead you worry about the littlest of things. You compare how much your giving your siblings for Christmas. You compare yourself with other girls. You complain about not having enough money; when I have give you a job. You whine about people in your life that frustrate you to the highest level, but don’t you remember that I love them too? You judge others, but you don’t take enough time to love them. You worry about friendships. Don’t YOU know that as King, I give the orders around here?”
The King, who looks at me, when I memorize a verse in the morning and forget it by night, and says, “Naomi, You need to spend more time learning about Me. I know all about you. You hardly know anything about me. Nonetheless, I love you.”
Any hopeless romantic girl knows the lines Mr. Darcy says to Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Predjudice:
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
Ladies, The King feels the same way about each and every one of us.
However, Jane Austen lovers know this, but what did Elizabeth do right after Mr. Darcy spoke these words?
Elizabeth walked away.
The King ardently admires you and me every single day.
Sadly, we usually pull an Elizabeth Bennet. We walk away.
We allow life to continue, thinking we’re having a purposeful day; when really we’re acting like a love sick puppy.
Even at seventeen years old, one truth I’ve learned, is that,
Without God, there is no purpose.
Without purpose, we’re a cold, abandoned, love sick puppy dog, in dire need of a king.
“The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love…” Zephaniah 3:17 (NASB)
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I Have A Dream
A dream I hope to pursue.
A dream I need to wait for God’s yes.
A dream when I’m pacing waiting for God’s yes.
A dream, if God does say yes, will be an unbelievable moment.
Be passionate about your dreams. But make sure you’re entirely passionate for God. Or else, your dreams may become your enemy, distancing you from the King.
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You are God’s “It Girl”
A month or so ago, one of my best friend’s posted a video a cover of “It Girl” by Jason Derulo. At that time I hadn’t heard of the song, but now whenever I hear it on the radio, you know I turn up the volume every time.
All day it’s been in my head. Which kinda turns my focus from God.
Previously when a secular guy/girl songs gets stuck in my head I try to apply the song to my relationship with God. This is what I have done with “It Girl”. In this song God is trying to get through to His daughter, His creation, His girl, one whom He loves, that she is all His. She just hasn’t realized it yet.
God: “I’ve been looking under rocks and breaking locks
Just tryna find ya
I’ve been like a manic insomniac”
Girl: “5 steps behind you
Tell them other girls, they can hit the exit
Check please…”
The rest of the song is God talking to His girl.
God: “Cause I finally found the girl of…my dreams
Much more than a Grammy award
That’s how much you mean to me
You could be my it girl
Baby you’re the shhh girl
Lovin’ you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This it girl
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You’re my biggest hit girl
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like…oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like…oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud”
This next part of the song makes me think what it’s like for an unbeliever when they notice a person who pursues Christ.
“You can’t help but turn them heads Knockin’ them dead Dropping like flies around you
If I get your body close not letting go”
This part of the song reminds me that before I let a guy have my heart. I need to love God more than anything else in the whole world.
“Hoping you’re about to
Tell them other guys they can lose your number
You’re done!
They don’t get another shot cause you’re…love drunk
Like a TV show playing reruns
Every chance I get
I’mma turn you on
[Chorus]
You could be my it girl
Baby you’re the shhh girl
Lovin’ you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This it girl
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You’re my biggest hit girl
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like…oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like…oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud”
The bridge adds alot to the point I’m trying to get across. God loves YOU. He pursues YOU. He knows all about YOU. When it says, “Just keep it coming, till I make you mine,” remember that God already has You in His grasp. But when are YOU going to allow Him to be in YOUR grasp? Call it what you will, but He’s YOUR number one stalker…are we God’s biggest stalker?
“Can’t seem to stop you from…running, running
Through my, through my mind, mind
Just keep it coming, coming
Til I make you mine, mine
You’ve got that something, something
I wanna be with girl
You’re my greatest hit girl
Just say this is it girl…
Hey baby…
Don’t you know you’re my it girl
You could be my it girl
Baby you’re the shhh girl
Lovin’ you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This it girl
Give me 25 to life”
Random note: The lines, “I just wanna rock all night long” makes me think of Paul and Silas. When they were in jail, they rocked it all night. Singing praises to God.
“I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You’re my biggest hit girl”
God wants to shout to everyone to let them know that YOU are His. Is He YOURS?
“Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like…oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like…oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud”
Each time I compare a secular song with my personal relationship with Christ I’m always amazed at how much truth you can find in the lyrics when applying it with Truth.
Special thanks to Jason Derulo.
